Month: June 2021

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LEGISLATURE ANNOUNCES TEMPORARY PHONE SYSTEM INTERRUPTIONS

ST. THOMAS- The Virgin Islands Legislature announces temporary interruptions to our direct dialing capabilities while we transition to a new phone system. Until July 5, 2021, direct dialing will be affected on all three islands. We ask all members of the public to utilize the main lines for each location to be connected with their respective party.

 

 

Building Main Phone Line
Capitol Building, St. Thomas 340-774-0880
Legislative Annex, Norre Gade, St. Thomas 340-774-2478
St. Croix Legislature 340-773-2424
St. John Legislature 340-776-6285

 

 

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

 

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THE VIRGIN ISLANDS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS AND THE VIRGIN ISLANDS DIVISION OF PERSONNEL SHARE FY 2022 BUDGET

ST. THOMAS- Members of the Committee on Finance chaired by Senator Kurt A. Vialet, convened in a meeting at the Capitol Building on Tuesday, and received testimony on the proposed Fiscal Year 2022 Executive Budget for the Government of the Virgin Islands of the United States (GVI). Invited testifiers are the officials from the Virgin Islands Department of Public Works (DPW) and the Virgin Islands Division of Personnel (DOP).

The proposed FY 2022 budget for the Virgin Islands Department of Public Works totals $26,497,194, according to DPW Commissioner Derek Gabriel. The FY 2022 budget breakdown is as follows: $9,479,165 for personnel services, $4,889.29 for fringe benefits, $651,500 for supplies, $10,477,500 for other services and charges, $500,000 for capital outlay, and $500,000 for utilities. Furthermore, Gabriel indicated that the anticipated Federal Funds totals $29,101,515. The breakdown is as follows: $7,575,500 for FHWA Garvee Debt Service Payment, $7,833,728 for FHWA projects, $2,744,072 for FTA Urbanized Area Formula Grant FY 2021, $2,749,898 for FTA Urbanized Area Formula Grant FY 2020, $5,164,000 for the FTA Resiliency Grant, $697,889 for the FTA ER Grant Part 2, $232,642 for the FTA CARES ACT Part 2, and $2,103,786 for the FTA American Rescue Plan. Gabriel noted that to date, DPW achieved the completion of both federal and local road projects inclusive of Sion Valley Road, the Mafolie Retaining Wall Project, Eastern Cemetery Road, Mannessah Hill Road, Sunny Isle Intersection, and Scenic Road.

To date, there are a total of 120 active projects Territory-wide totaling $461 million. This includes projects scheduled to begin soon. Some of the major projects slated to begin are repairing buildings, public cemeteries, bridges, parking lots, and the stormwater drainage system, according to Gabriel. Moreover, DPW implemented cost-saving measures such as the LED light installation throughout the building, providing Wi-Fi accessibility, and upgrading the voice-over IP phones. The deadline for completion is December 2021. Gabriel further mentioned that some of the highlights for FY 2021 were filling 20 full-time vacancies, promoting ten employees, and offering ongoing training to staffers.

Separately, DOP Director Dayna Clendinen stated that the recommended FY 2022 budget totals $44.9 million. This is in addition to anticipated revenues of an estimated $23,000 for the Training Revolving Fund and $530,867 from the Indirect Cost Fund. The FY 2022 budget breakdown is as follows: $3,222,487 for personnel services, $1,580,861 for fringe benefits, $110,000 for supplies, $190,500 for public utilities, $40,000 for miscellaneous, and $39,865,719 for other services and charges. Defending the budget, Clendinen noted that the budget outlines future needs, plans for goals and initiatives, and builds a resilient government. Presently, some of the accomplishments of DOP are the execution of the final NOPAs in 30 days with an ongoing effort to reduce the time to two weeks, collaborating with the Bureau of Information Technology to launch virtual Microsoft 365 training courses, and updating the General Schedule Pay Plan for GVI. Clendinen added that DOP also became a member of the National Association of African Americans in Human Resources which enables networking with goal-oriented professionals.

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NOMINATIONS AND BILLS ADVANCE TO FULL BODY

St. THOMAS- Members of the Committee on Rules and Judiciary chaired by Sen. Milton Potter, convened in a meeting at the Capitol Building on Friday, and received testimony on the nominations to serve on the Virgin Islands Historic Commission, the Virgin Islands Board of Nurse Licensure, and the Virgin Islands Board of Dental Examiners. Additionally, lawmakers voted and approved several measures. All items approved will be forwarded to the Full Body for further consideration.

Committee members voted favorably for Nominee Akil Petersen to serve as a member for the Virgin Islands Historic Commission, Nominee Elizabeth Dumas, and Nominee Brittany Dawson APRN, CNM to serve on the Virgin Islands Board of Nurse Licensure, Nominee Dr. Chase Greep, DDS to serve on the Virgin Islands Board of Dental Examiners, and Nominee Bosede Bruce to serve as a Commissioner of the Virgin Islands Department of Finance. The nominations were sent to the Legislature of the Virgin Islands by Governor Albert Bryan; set forth from Section (16) of the Revised Organic Act of 1954, and Title 3, Section 65a of the Virgin Islands Code.

Peterson pledges to continue to preserve the history of the Virgin Islands and expand library services Territory-wide. In response to Sen. Potter’s inquiry regarding best methods to make historic preservation a priority for young people, Peterson noted that the first step is to incorporate the history of the Virgin Islands into the education system, summer programs, and to conduct tours of Downtown Charlotte Amalie for the students. Meanwhile, achieving health equity and narrowing the gap of racial disparity of minority women in childbirth is one of the major goals of Dawson. Furthermore, Dawson mentioned that she is willing to improve patient care and ultimately influence policy work in the Medical Industry. Concurringly, throughout employment at the Governor Juan F. Luis Hospital, Dumas indicated that her primary goal to serving on the Virgin Islands Board of Nurse Licensure is to assist in the advancement of the nursing profession in the Virgin Islands. Dr. Greep stated that he provided dental care in numerous capacities throughout natural disasters, economic hardships, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Greep hopes to use his wealth of experience to contribute to the growth of the Dental Industry in the Territory. Lastly, Bruce stated that some of her long-term goals for the Department of Finance are inclusive of transitioning from manual to electronic fund disbursements, developing an online portal for government cash receipts, and offering services throughout the Virgin Islands. Sen. Potter stated that all the nominees are qualified to serve in their perspective positions because of their extensive educational achievements along with their years of experience.

Separately, policymakers approved the following measures:

  • Bill No. 34-0037- An Act amending Title 15 V.I.C., chapter 3, section 89, subsections (b) and (c) relating to decedents estate and payment of certain debts without administration to increase the aggregate amount that a surviving spouse may receive from debtors upon the death of the creditor and to increase the amount of debt a debtor must pay the survivors of a decedent creditor not less than thirty days after the creditor’s death from not more than $5,000 to not more than $10,000. Sponsor: Senator Alma Francis Heyliger
  • Bill No. 34-0034- An Act amending Title 1 V.I.C. by adding chapter 3A enacting the Uniform Electronic Legal Material Act, to provide for the management of electronic legal information in a manner that guarantees the trustworthiness of and continuing access to important government legal material. Sponsors: Senators Carla Joseph and Genevieve Whitaker
  • Bill No. 34-0004- An Act amending Title 33 V.I.C, subtitle 1, part 1, chapter 5, section 91 relating to the payment of fuel taxes to change the time for remittance of the tax to the Bureau of Internal Revenue; and for other related purposes. Sponsor: Senator Donna A. Frett-Gregory & Co-sponsored: Senators Genevieve Whitaker, Samuel Carriόn, and Steven Payne, Sr.

However, the following was held in committee:

  • Bill No. 34-0035- An Act amending Title 16, V.I.C, chapter 1, subchapter III, section 61 relating to a wife’s name to give either party to a marriage the right to use the mother’s surname. Sponsor: Senator Alma Francis Heyliger

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LEGISLATURE TO RESUME IN-PERSON TESTIMONY

St. Thomas—Senate President Donna A. Frett-Gregory announced Wednesday that the Virgin Islands Legislature is continuing to transition back to in-person testimony, as the first in-person testifiers were able to be present to Members of the Body, the Governor’s FY 2022 Budget Proposal last week during the budget overview process.  “As we continue to manage the COVID-19 pandemic, our transition back to in-person testimony will continue in the Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall, Capitol Building, St. Thomas,” said Senate President Frett-Gregory.

“We have been working vigorously as a Body since this pandemic has impacted life as we know it. The Legislature continued to do the work of the people and has conducted many meetings utilizing various virtual platforms. This effort has proven to work, but it has had its challenges; however, the Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall is now outfitted with plexiglass dividers for Senators and testifiers to ensure CDC compliance,” said the Senate President.

The Senate President further indicated that ongoing preparations are being made in the St. Croix district, and will be ready for in-person testimony by June 10, 2021.

As the doors are opened, efforts will continue in monitoring the fluid nature of the COVID-19 pandemic and modify the requirements as needed. However, specific guidelines will be required of all in-person testifiers:

  • Testifiers must remain in the outside waiting area or their vehicles until their block for testimony is required.
  • Only four testifiers will be admitted into the well; other testifiers must remain in the gallery during their block of testimony.
  • Testifiers will not be permitted to remain in the Chambers after their block of testimony.
  • Testifiers are asked to arrive 30 minutes before their scheduled appearance time to complete an electronic check-in process.
  • Check-in using a guest QR code from their smartphone. This includes entering identifying information and answering COVID-19 exposure questions.
  • Upon entry, in-person testifiers will be required to provide their vaccination record or COVID-19 negative test.
  • Vaccination records will only be accepted two or more weeks following the second vaccine.
  • COVID-19 negative test results must be taken no more than 72 hours before the testimony.
  • Wearing of masks unless seated in the well.
  • Sanitization of hands and complete temperature screening.
  • Complete a full security check, including all bags.

 

Legislative custodians will sanitize the testifier bench and outside waiting area after each measure/block. These steps are being taken to adhere to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines and to ensure the safety of everyone in attendance. However, the Legislative buildings remain closed to the public in general, and we are asking for the continued cooperation as we move towards the new normal. “We must be mindful that vaccinations, as advised by the CDC, are strongly encouraged for employees, vendors, and the public to stop the spread of COVID-19,” concluded Senate President Donna A. Frett-Gregory.

 

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34th Legislature in Receipt of Executive Budget, Hears Budget Overview

St. Thomas, USVI – Senate President Donna A. Frett-Gregory announced that the 34th Legislature heard the Executive Branch’s Budget Overview during a Committee on Finance hearing held today in the Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall. The Governor’s financial team was present to justify the proposed biennial budget submitted on May 28, 2021. “The idea of a biennial budget is one that should have been discussed colloboratively due to its impact on Legislative authority,” stated Senate President Frett-Gregory, “Those conversations would have highlighted concerns regarding Section 9 of the Revised Organic Act and the implementation of a biennial budget.”

While we are all for progress and moving the Virgin Islands forward, we have to be responsible leaders. These are unprecedented times, and as made clear by the Governor’s financial team in today’s testimony the uptick in revenue collections are a direct result of these times. “Disaster recovery and coronavirus relief funding are the basis for the rise in the revenue collections, stated Senate President Frett-Gregory, “We have to ensure that proposed expenditures are sustainable beyond the one year period.” Executive budgets, like all budgets, are based on projections and evaluating expenses and revenue collections.

A biennial budget is untimely at this juncture, when there are so many changing variables. We have to examine what will occur as the Caribbean reopens to visitors, how the cruise industry will fare in the upcoming months, and the uncertainty surrounding Limetree Bay’s ability to refine must also be considered. “With so many unknowns, it calls into question revenue projections. Even if the law permitted, it is not timely or responsible for the Legislature to consider a two year budget.” said Frett-Gregory.

“As the Legislature continues to work on solutions for GERS, it was the expectation that the Governor’s proposed budget would be more inclusive of support for the system. The members of the 34th Legislature will continue to vet the proposed FY 2022 Budget and enact a balanced budget that comprehensively addresses government services, income tax refunds, government employees’ salary increases and will work towards ensuring an enacted budget by October .” ended Senate President Donna A. Frett-Gregory.

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