Committee on Government Operations, Veterans Affairs, and Consumer Protection

The Committee on Government Operations, Veterans Affairs, and Consumer Protection has scheduled a meeting for 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, May 31, 2023, in the Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall in St. Thomas. The purpose of this meeting is to receive testimony on the operations of the Virgin Islands Taxicab Commission and to receive and consider the following legislative measures:

Bill No. 35-0036 – An Act amending title 3 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 16, section 274, subsection (f), paragraph (11) to clarify the duties and responsibilities of the Executive Director of the Taxicab Commission

Bill No. 35-0008 – An Act amending title 3 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 1, section 8a relating to the Office of Veterans Affairs to establish the Veterans Council under the Office of Veterans Affairs to serve as advisor to the Office of Veterans Affairs and as a liaison between the Office of Veterans Affairs and all private entities serving veterans in the Territory.

Bill No. 35-0033 – An Act honoring and commending Mr. Benburin “Benny” Stephens posthumously for his heroism in saving the lives of a mother and her children and to rename the Bovoni Road (Route No. 30), specifically from the entrance of the Abattoir to the entrance of the Bertha C. Boschulte Middle School, “The Benburin “Benny” Stephens Drive

Bill No. 35-0075- An Act to designate the third Monday in February as Virgin Islands Governors Day

BLOCK I 9:30 A.M. – 11:00 A.M.

The Committee will receive testimony on the operations of the Virgin Islands Taxicab Commission including but not limited to enabling law and jurisdiction, current department challenges, and plan of action to resolve challenges.

Invited Testifiers:
Ms. Vernice Gumbs, Executive Director, Virgin Islands Taxicab Commission
Ms. Loretta Lloyd, Chairwoman, Virgin Islands Taxicab Commission Board

BLOCK II 11:00 A.M. – 12:30 P.M.

The Committee will receive testimony concerning Bill No. 35-0036 – An Act amending title 3 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 16, section 274, subsection (f), paragraph (11) to clarify the duties and responsibilities of the Executive Director of the Taxicab Commission.

Invited Testifiers:
Ms. Vernice Gumbs, Executive Director, Virgin Islands Taxicab Commission
Ms. Loretta Lloyd, Chairwoman, Virgin Islands Taxicab Commission Board
Honorable Richard T. Evangelista, Esq., Commissioner, Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs
The Honorable Janelle K. Sarauw, Former Senator

BLOCK III 12:30 P.M. –2:00 P.M.

The Committee will receive testimony concerning Bill No. 35-0008 – An Act amending title 3 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 1, section 8a relating to the Office of Veterans Affairs to establish the Veterans Council under the Office of Veterans Affairs to serve as advisor to the Office of Veterans Affairs and as a liaison between the Office of Veterans Affairs and all private entities serving veterans in the Territory.

Invited Testifiers:
Mr. Patrick Farrell, Director, Office of Veterans Affairs
Ms. Erma Chase, Executive Director, Meeting the Needs of Our Community
Mrs. Andrea Shillingford, Executive Director, Catholic Charities of the Virgin Islands
Ms. Hillis Benjamin, Commander, American Legion, Post 90
Mr. Secumdo Romano-Cruz, Commander American Legion Post #102,
Ms. Erma Chase, Executive Director, Meeting the Needs of Our Community
Major General Kodjo S. Knox-Limebacker, Adjutant General Virgin Islands National Guard

BLOCK IV 2:00 P.M. – 3:30 P.M.

The Committee will receive testimony concerning Bill No. 35-0033 – An Act honoring and commending Mr. Benburin “Benny” Stephens posthumously for his heroism in saving the lives of a mother and her children and to rename the Bovoni Road (Route No. 30), specifically from the entrance of the Abattoir to the entrance of the Bertha C. Boschulte Middle School, “The Benburin “Benny” Stephens Drive”.

Invited Testifiers:
Mrs. Beverly Stephens-Samuel, Resident
Ms. Monife G. Stout, Resident
Mr. Ariel Brathwaite, Resident
Mr. Robert Chalwell, Resident

BLOCK V 3:30 P.M. –5:00 P.M.

The Committee will receive testimony concerning Bill No. 35-0075 – An Act to designate the third Monday in February as Virgin Islands Governors Day.

Invited Testifiers:
The Honorable Shawn M. Malone, Former Senator
The Honorable Myron Jackson, Former Senator
The Honorable Vargrave Richards, Former Lt. Governor
The Honorable Stedmann Hodge, Former Senator, State Chair of the Democratic Party of the Virgin Islands