Month: March 2020

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Legislature Takes Action on Critical Measures

ST. THOMAS- Members of the 33rd Legislature led by Senate President Novelle E. Francis, Jr. convened in an Emergency Legislative Session at the Capitol Building on Friday and voted favorably for several measures related to or affected by the COVID-19, or coronavirus pandemic. Items will be forwarded to Governor Albert Bryan, Jr. for further consideration.

Senate President Francis commended his colleagues for their efforts to fulfill their obligations as election officials in the midst of a global pandemic. “I take full responsibility for this institution and I take it seriously. I am not careless but cautious I appreciate that all members of the Body came together to do the work necessary to support the Executive Branch and the Delegate to Congress in wake of the COVID-19 Pandemic,” Sen. Francis said. Similarly, Sen. Janelle K. Sarauw noted that the Body worked diligently to ensure the functionality of the Government of the Virgin Islands amid the global health crisis. “The ultimate measure of a man is not when he is in comfort but when times are challenging. We have been called to lead despite the challenges and the controversy. Today is a result of days spent in teleconference calls. Every day this Body hit the pavement until we came to a consensus.”

Lawmakers voted and approved the following:

  • Bill No. 33-0288- A Resolution to Congress to include the Virgin Islands in COVID-19 stimulus packages.
  • Bill No. 33-0287- An Act authorizing the Governor to borrow monies from public funds of the Virgin Islands to offset cash flow problems caused by shortfalls resulting from the COVID-19 Virus Pandemic in the collection of revenues, and to create working capital, avoid layoffs of Government employees, pay essential obligations and meet the operating expenses of the Government for Fiscal Year 2020.
  • Bill No. 33-0278- An Act amending Act No. 8178 clarifying and adding additional provisions to enable the closing on the disaster recovery funding-based line of credit.
  • Bill No. 33-0290- An Act amending Title 30, Virgin Islands Code, chapter 5, subchapter V, section 127 by reducing the amount of time that the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority can back-bill customers, and by defining the “billing cycle.”
  • Bill No. 33-0289- An Act amending Title 27, chapter 1 of the Virgin Islands Code relating to the Board of Medical Examiners by including Doctors of Podiatric Medicine as physicians allowed to supervise physician assistants in their respective practice.

Separately, senators voted favorably for the nominees recommended by the governor to serve on various Boards. The nominations were sent by the Governor of the Virgin Islands by the Revised Organic Act of 1954, and Title 3, Section 65a of the Virgin Islands Code.

  • Denise M. Francois Judge, Superior Court of the Virgin Islands
  • Celestino A. White, Sr. V.I. Port Authority Governing Board District of St. Thomas/St. John
  • Willard John Virgin Islands Port Authority Governing Board District of St. Croix
  • Dr. Jerry Smith, PT V.I. Government Hospitals and Health Facilities Corporation Virgin Islands Board of Physical Therapy District of St. Thomas/St. John

Policymakers voted to remove from the agenda: Bill No. 33-0291- An Act requiring the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority to suspend electric and water service disconnections for non-payment until June 01, 2020, or until the State of Emergency declared by the Governor on March 13, 2020, is lifted, whichever date comes first.

Senators present are Novelle E. Francis, Jr., Donna Frett-Gregory, Athneil “Bobby” Thomas, Oakland Benta, Marvin A. Blyden, Janelle K. Sarauw, Dwayne DeGraff, Kenneth L. Gittens, Stedmann Hodge, Jr., Kurt Vialet and Javan E. James, Sr.                                                                                                                                           ###

 

Legislature Takes Precautions Against COVID-19 – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

No. 33-20-002
March 14, 2020

Senate President Novelle E. Francis, Jr., has implemented precautionary measures for the Virgin Islands Legislature to help minimize exposure to COVID-19, or coronavirus. Francis finds these measures are necessary after learning that several persons either affiliated with the Legislature or who have recently visited the Legislature have been identified as persons of interest.

Francis has postponed all committee meetings, including a scheduled legislative session, planned for the week of March 16-20. The Legislature will also be closed to all visitors, as an added precaution to minimize exposure. In addition, the Legislature will be closed on Monday, March 16, 2020, to allow for a protocol for COVID-19 to be finalized and implemented.

Francis said it is in the best interests of the Legislature to take all necessary precautions. “The developing circumstances of COVID-19 demand that the Legislature take all appropriate actions to prevent the spread of the virus. We remain hopeful that these measures, in collaboration with ongoing public health efforts, will minimize the risks to our community.”

Francis encourages anyone who is concerned that they may have been exposed to coronavirus to contact the Department of Health’s hotline at (340) 712-6299 or 776-1519.

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For More Information Contact:
Shawna K. Richards, Chief of Staff
Ph: (340) 712.2324
srichards@legvi.org

 

SENATE UPDATED ON THE ONE-STOP PROGRAM AND RELATED MATTERS

ST. THOMAS- Members of the Committee on Education and Workforce Development chaired by Sen. Donna Frett-Gregory, met Thursday at the Capitol Building, to receive testimony on the status of the OneStop Operator Program, Federal Employment Services Program and the impact on the employees at the Department of Labor. Lawmakers also voted on a bill regarding the Youth Transitional Employment Program. The item will be forwarded to the Committee on Rules and Judiciary for further consideration.

Upon the completion of the United States Department of Labor (USDOL) Comprehensive Compliance Review, it was determined that the V.I. State Workforce Development Board (SWDB) is in an “Inadequate Procurement of One-Stop Operator Program,” and was issued a negative Finding, according to Gary Molloy, Commissioner of the Virgin Islands Department of Labor. The One-Stop Operator oversees and manages the American Job Center for Adult Dislocated Workers. A One-Stop Center is a central hub for those seeking employment to access services and apply to job vacancies. Federal guidelines mandate that the One-Stop Operator is selected through a competitive bidding process that is up for consideration every four years and the performance of the One-Stop Operator must be evaluated periodically. However, Commissioner Molloy stated that V.I. State Workforce Development Board did not follow Federal guidelines. “We need to be better. As respective leaders for various agencies, accountability is a must,” said Sen. Frett Gregory.

Ultimately, to be up to par with federal compliance, SWDB solicited another One-Stop Operator and the Local Workforce Development Boards issued RFP’s in which an evaluation team will select a qualified bidder; according to Commissioner Molloy. Michael Carty, Chairman of SWDB added that the RFP was published locally and nationwide resulting in several bidders. SWDB and the Property and Procurement began the process to select the highest bidder. “This discussion has been ongoing for a while and now is the time to finally get things right. Growing the workforce in the Virgin Islands will set the course for young people to have an opportunity to work in the Territory for years to come,” Senate President Novelle E. Francis, Jr said.

Moreover, lawmakers received testimony on the Federal Employment Services and Program and the impact on employees at VIDOL. Commissioner Molloy stated that the Employment and Training Administration adopted the Wagner-Peyser Act Staffing Flexibility final rule which allows for traditional labor exchange and employment services to support the Foreign Labor Certification Program. Separately, the Division of Personnel (DOP) Director Dayna Clendinen mentioned that she is collaborating with VIDOL and the Office of Collective Bargaining (OCB) to address forthcoming layoffs. Thus far, resumes were submitted to DOP for job placements within GVI and DOP will conduct onsite job interviews with assistance from VIDOL. Sen. Frett Gregory inquired whether VIDOL discussed the pending layoffs with employees. In response, Commissioner Malloy stated that OCB, unions, and employees were informed as of early January. Approximately, nineteen VIDOL employees are slated to be laid off.

Lastly, lawmakers voted favorably for Bill No. 33-0223- An Act amending Title 24, chapter 19, section 616(a)(2) of the Virgin Islands Code by requiring the Commissioner of the Virgin Islands Department of Labor to approve any proposed Youth Transitional Employment Program within three months after receipt of the application. “This measure is a viable option for young people to gain valuable skills that prepares them for the workforce,” said Sen. Steven Payne, Bill Sponsor. OMB Director Jenifer O’Neal stated that the Youth Transitional Employment Fund is funded by the “initial and renewal license fees for firearms.” Currently, there is $1,321,628.75 in the account. ###

SENATORS UPDATED ON “CALL BEFORE YOU DIG” AND OTHER MATTERS

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ST. THOMAS- Members of the Committee on Housing, Transportation, Infrastructure, and Telecommunications chaired by Sen. Marvin Blyden, convened in a meeting at the Capitol Building on Wednesday, to receive testimony on the telecommunications providers on the implementation of the “Call Before You Dig” laws in the Territory. Additionally, the Department of Public Works shared an update on capital projects. Senators were also informed of the status of affordable housing and disaster relief issues in the Virgin Islands.

“I am pleased that representatives from AT&T Mobility USVI, Inc., Viya, and vINGN are present because it is obvious that based on the testimonies provided that we must communicate, meet, and find solutions to longstanding challenges regarding the “Call Before You Dig” laws. Legislation has come forth as a result of this meeting pursuant of the Virgin Islands Code,” said Sen. Blyden.

Previously, AT&T was in the process of deploying additional fiber on specific routes in support of its FirstNet Network, according to the Virgin Islands Telephone Corporation Chief Technology Officer Morris Reid. As a result, Reid noted that AT&T violated the “Call Before You Dig” laws which established that all stakeholders and operators who control an underground facility, public or private facility that is buried underground must be notified before digging underground to install fiber optic cables. Furthermore, Federal laws mandate that AT&T utilize existing infrastructure to execute the FirstNet contract. On the contrary, Reid stated that representatives of AT&T did not notify utility providers in the Virgin Islands before digging the streets resulting in service interruption of thousands of Viya customers on St. Croix.

Similarly, vINGN President and CEO Stephan Adams indicated that AT&T disrupted internet service to customers on St. John because AT&T unintentionally cut vINGN’s main fiber optics cables located on St. Thomas. Adams mentioned that AT&T should not overlap the infrastructure of vINGN’s existing routes but utilize them. AT&T Mobility USVI, Inc., Legal Counsel Tom Bolt stated that the “Call Before You Dig” laws in the Territory are flawed. Stakeholders and Operators lack communication and collaboration, a third-party Notification Center should be contracted instead of the Government of the Virgin Islands (GVI), and a unified map of existing underground facilities are non-existent; according to Bolt. Ultimately, GVI issued a temporary Work Stop Order to AT&T to cease digging the ground.

Separately, the V.I. Department of Public Works Commissioner Nelson Petty, Jr. noted that to date DPW was issued $68 million out of $80 million from the Federal Highway Emergency Relief program for capital projects. Overall, DPW was granted a total of $664,667,875.70 for 195 federal projects or hurricane damaged roadways and facilities Territory-wide. Petty noted that Federal monies are project-specific and cannot be used to maintain roadways, install guardrails or fix potholes. That continues to be the fiscal responsibility of GVI. Regarding transportation, the construction for the Operations and Maintenance Facility (OMF) on St. Thomas VITRAN is completed, upgrades will occur to OMF for St. John VITRAN and a new OMF will be built for the St. Croix VITRAN. Lastly, V.I. Housing and Finance Authority (VIHFA) Executive Director Daryl Griffith shared an update. VIHFA has tax credits totaling $4,846,341 in tax credits. Out of that $3,424,248 is for Donoe Re-development project and $532,900 in tax credits for Concordia Manor. The Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery for the Territory is available in five tranches. The first allocation totals $242,684,000 and the second totals $779,217,000 for unmet activities. To date, the Emergency Housing repaired and replaced roofs, conducted interior home repairs, and there is the construction of housing communities inclusive of Whispering Hills, Queen Louise Townhomes, Estate Solitude, Ross Taarneberg, and Mount Pleasant.

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WILLIAMS AND GONZALEZ RESOLUTIONS SENT TO RULES AND JUDICIARY

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ST. CROIX –The Committee on Culture, Historic Preservation, and Aging, chaired by Senator Javan E. James, Sr.,met on Tuesday in the Bennie and Martha Benjamin Conference Center at the Virgin Islands Cardiac Center on St. Croix.
The Committee considered two Resolutions honoring and commending Wallace D. Williams and Pastor Hector Gonzalez for their services and contributions to the community of St. Croix.
Bill No.33-0247, a Resolution honoring and commending Wallace D. Williams for his years of extensive work and service as a Librarian and an Olympic athlete representing the U.S. Virgin Islands in multiple competitions. The measure was sponsored by Senator Javan E. James, Sr.
In her testimony, Mary Mingus said that many people have made significant contributions of their time,expertise and resources to improve the quality of life for all Virgin Islanders. She added that Wallace Williams is, indeed, a standout and so deserving of this recognition and honor.
She further indicated that in 1984,Wallace co-founded one of the Women’s Coalitions’ largest fundraisers,the annual“Women’s Race.”It was the largest running event for many years in the Virgin Islands. She concluded by saying, “Wallace has positively impacted the lives of so many people through his kindness, compassion, expertise, and his spirit of giving.”
Willard John of Jumbie Productions Inc. said he has known Williams for more than 40 years. He added that Wallace resigned as branch librarian at the Frederick Douglass Branch of Chicago Public Library for an Outreach Librarian position at Florence Williams Public Library on St. Croix in 1977,and in doing so took a significant pay cut.
According to John, some of Williams’ accomplishments working with the Libraries are: (1) Reestablishing outreach service to Senior Citizens, Blind and Physically Handicapped, correctional facilities, Spanish-speaking communities and remote locations; (2) Established the St. Croix Literacy Center at the Williams Public Library Center which provided reading resources to new adult readers; and (3) Served as Chapter Council Member of the American Library Association and Delegate to the White House Conference on Library Information Services.
Four-time Virgin Islands Olympian and Team Physician, Dr. Marlon S. Williams said Wallace founded VI Pace Runners, a running group that has championed the causes for distance runners of all ages. He added that for several decades he has guided hundreds of athletes during preparation for national and international competition, often using his personal resources.
Dr. Williams further stated, “I cannot think of anyone more deserving of recognition by the people of the Virgin Islands.Ronald Russell, President of the Virgin Islands Track and Field Federation (VITFF),said Wallace has served is his capacity as general secretary for the Federation since 1981. He transitioned from being a national athlete and competing in the Olympics to an executive position that has been invaluable to the territories’ track and field existence.

The Bill was favorably approved to the Committee on Rules and Judiciary, as amended for further consideration.

Bill No.33-0245, an Act honoring and commending Pastor Héctor González for over 56years of ministry, outstanding service and dedication to the people of St. Croix and the renaming of Route 681 (Hess Road) to “Route 681 Héctor González Road.” The Department of Public Works shall erect appropriate signage bearing the “Route 681 Héctor González Road,” in his honor. This Bill was sponsored by Senator Alicia V. Barnes.

In reading the resolution, Senator Barnes said, “it is fitting for the Legislature to honor Pastor González, whose many years of devoted service and outstanding leadership as pastor and citizen of his community has contributed greatly to the island of St. Croix.

During her testimony, Maricela Santo sstated that Pastor Héctor Luis González opened the doors of Zion Christian Academy in 1989 to provide faith-based curriculum to the children of St. Croix. She added that his devotion and contributions have left a positive impacton many families and the youths of St. Croix

.Carmen Corcino, a member of the church said Pastor González is a legend in his ministry, “the man everyone goes to, the Pastor for everyone”. She added that everyone knows what he has done for St. Croix by providing a permanent place for worship, praise and education.Dina Scott, minister and secretary of the Council of Iglesias Hermanos Unidos en Cristoin the Virgin Islands,said his integrity, honesty, confidence and compassion have always been in the front line of his service. She added that, there are many more lives that have been touched, whose lives have been given meaning and purpose by this man through his ministry.

The Bill was voted out of the Committee with a favorable recommendation and forwarded to the Rules and Judiciary Committee for further consideration.Senators present at Tuesday’s meeting were Vice-Chairman Javan James, Sr., Senators Dwayne DeGraff, Athneil “Bobby” Thomas, Thomas, Steven Payne, Alicia Barnes, and Oakland Benta.

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