Author: Eustace Browne

St. Croix—The Committee on Health, Hospitals, and Human Services chaired by Senator Novelle E. Francis, Jr., met Tuesday in the Frits E. Lawaetz Legislative Conference Room, St. Croix, to receive testimony on Bill Nos. 34-0051 and 34-0040.
Bill No.34-0051, which is proposed by Senators Marvin A. Blyden and Novelle E. Francis, Jr., lowers the required minimum amount of fluoride in freshwater distributed for public consumption or consumption in any school in the Virgin Islands.
According to Senator Blyden, the Virgin Islands Code requires the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority and other entities to fluoridate drinking water provided to the public. Current standards need to be updated to reflect updated guidelines of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Sen. Blyden also discussed a proposed amendment which would create a dental prevention program for both public and private schools, recognizing that community water fluoridation doesn’t provide sufficient protection against tooth decay.
Noel Hodge, WAPA’s Interim Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer, said under the current operating guidelines mandated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and DPNR, the Authority is not directed or required to inject fluoride in the potable water system. He added that as such, the Authority does not utilize fluoride in their day-to-day water distribution operation.
Justa E. Encarnacion, Commissioner, Department of Health, said the Department of Planning and Natural Resources (DPNR) holds the responsibility for Drinking Water Programs. She said that the Department of Health should be responsible for the surveillance and enforcement of safe drinking water coming from establishments that supply from the non-municipal source as cisterns and man-made wells. Encarnacion recommended the bill be amended to make DPNR responsible for administering, enforcing, and conducting periodic water production and distribution facilities inspections to comply with the provisions.
Racquel Berry-Benjamin, Department of Education Commissioner, said VIDE supports a school-based protocol and agrees with ensuring the water supply systems should supply communities with optimal fluoridation as a safe and effective public health measure to prevent tooth decay.
Local dentists and representatives of the American Dental Association spoke to the benefits of school-based fluoride rinse program, citing that only an estimated 30 percent of the Virgin Islands population drinks tap water because of current infrastructure issues.
Dr. Dale Manuel, Chief Dental Officer of Frederiksted Health Care, Inc., said they applaud the amendment to Bill No.34-0051, which includes the addition of a school-based fluoride rinse program for grade school-aged children beginning in the 2022-2023 academic year.
Dr. Lucien Moolenaar, Dental Director of the St. Thomas East End Medical Center (STEEMCC), said that STEEMCC welcomed the intent to institute a tooth-decay prevention fluoridation into the school system of the Virgin Islands and stands ready to assist in any way programmatically possible.
Bill No.34-0051 was amended and voted out of Committee with a favorable recommendation to the Committee on Rules and Judiciary for further consideration
Bill No.34-0040, which is sponsored by Senator Kurt Vialet, would establish the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) to create a multistate nursing license. Representatives of the territory’s hospitals, the Department of Health and the Nurse Licensure Board testified on the proposal.
Dyma B. Williams, Interim Chief Executive Officer of Juan F. Luis Hospital and Medical Center (JFL) said JFL supports the Bill and considered the NLC the first step in conquering the nationwide nursing shortage.
Dr. Luis O. Amaro, Interim Chief Executive Officer, Schneider Regional Medical Center (SRMC), said SRMC supports the advancement of the Bill with the recommended safeguards that ensure compliance with local licensure mandates and background checks.
DOH Commissioner Justa E. Encarnacion, said the Nurse Licensure Compact aim is to increase access to care while maintaining public protection. She added that under NLC, nurses could practice in other Nurse Licensure Compact states and or territories without obtaining additional licenses.
Bill No.34-0040 received a favorable recommendation to the Committee on Rules and Judiciary for further consider5ation.
Senators at Tuesday’s hearing were Marvin A. Blyden, Kenneth L. Gittens, Kurt A. Vialet, Samuel Carrión, Alma Francis Heyliger, Janelle K. Sarauw, Franklin D. Johnson, and Donna A. Frett-Gregory.

St. Croix—On Monday, August 16, 2021, the Committee on Finance, Chaired by Senator Kurt A. Vialet, received testimony on the FY 2022 Executive Budget from the Office of the Governor (OOG), Government Employees’ Retirement System (GERS), and the Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority (VIHFA).
Karl Knight, Chief of Staff, Office of the Governor, said the financial resources requested are required to fund the mandatory costs for core operations and planned initiatives of the Office of the Governor, the Bureau of Economic Research, and the Office of Gun Violence Prevention.
The requested General Fund budget for the OOG for FY 2022 is $12,758,577. This includes $11,435,381 for OOG, $784,009 for the Bureau of Economic Research, and $539,187 for the Office of Gun Violence Prevention. He added that the total General Fund request is $3,505,716 above the current FY 2021 General Fund appropriation of $9,252,861. He pointed out that $300,000 is requested from the Tourism Revolving Fund for a full budget year 2022 funding request of $13,058,577.
According to Knight, like all other central government agencies, the OOG went through a two (2) year planning process with the Office of Management and Budget to develop this budget request. He added that through that process, they projected operating expenditures in Fiscal Year 2023 to be $13,609,879. That would be an approximately 4-percent increase above the requested funding level of $13,058,577 for Fiscal Year 2022.
The OOG’s Fiscal Year 2022 General Fund request includes:
1. Personnel Services FY 2022-$6,054,410
2. Fringe Benefits-$2,796,967
3. Supplies-$423,900
4. Other Services/Expenses-$2,777,800
5. Utilities-$489,000
6. Capital Projects-$216,500
Total-$12,758,577.
Austin Nibbs, Administrator, GERS, said as of July 30, 2021, payroll, the GERS paid benefits to 8,685 retirees and beneficiaries. The number of retirees added to the payroll from October 1,2020-July 30,21 was 264. The number of retirees removed from the payroll for the same period was 278. The average monthly amount paid in benefits to the retirees and beneficiaries as of July 30, 2021, was $21.6 million. The total amount paid in benefits from October 1,2020-July 30, 2010, was $214,988,961.68.
According to Nibbs, as of July 30, 2021, the active membership was approximately 8,847 (central government 6,234 and semi-autonomous agencies 2,613). He pointed out that there is a 1.02 ratio between active and retirees.
Regarding the unfunded liability, Nibbs said the results of the GERS Actual Valuation as of October 1, 2023 was a Total Actuarial Accrued Liability of $5.11 billion. Plan Assets totaled $580 million, and the Unfunded Liability was $4.53 billion. He added that this resulted in a funded ratio of 11.4-percent on an ongoing actuarial basis. The GERS is projected to fully deplete its assets by October 2023, or sooner, depending on the market.
Employer contributions due from Central Government to the GERS is $30,982,152 said Nibbs. He pointed out the Third Circuit Court award of $13,860,879 for 1991-2009; interest and penalties for 2010-2018 of $6,121,273; and direct contribution payments for fiscal years 2020 2021 in the amount of $11,000,000.
According to Nibbs, the GERS Fiscal Year 2022 budget has not yet been completed by the Board.
Daryl Griffith, Executive Director, VIHFA, said its Fiscal Year 2022 Proposed Operating Budget has total cumulative revenues and expenditures of $39,364,766.00. Projected Personnel Services is $12,394,147, an increase of $1,417,888—39-percent versus the prior year and includes the increase in GERS employer contribution from 20.5-percent to 23.5-percent on January 1, 2020.
According to Griffith, the Authority has filled approximately 14 positions. It will be recruiting about 100 more employees that will be important and instrumental to the disaster relief requirement and mandate of the Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) and the Community Development Block Grant-Mitigation (CDBG-MIT) Program.
According to Griffith, VIHFA is the lead agency for administering the HUD’s CDBG-DR grant funds. The total CDBG-DR and Mitigation award for the Virgin Islands is approximately $1,917,977,884.00, made available in five (5) separate allocations.
He said the first allocation is $242,684,000.00 and the second allocation of $779,217,000, which are identified for addressing unmet needs activities. The third allocation of $53,588,884.00 will address unmet needs in the infrastructure program. The fourth allocation of $744,1888,000.00 or CDBD-MT will fund hazard mitigation activities within the Territory.
He added that the fifth allocation of $67,653,000.00, which will support electrical grid improvements, was received and that the Territory has $1,021,901,000.00 available to allocate to projects. He added that VIHFA completed its 2019 audit and is currently working on the Fiscal Year 2020 audit, which will be completed by November 2021.
Senators at Monday’s budget hearing were Chairman Kurt A. Vialet, Donna A. Frett-Gregory, Carla J. Joseph, Marvin A. Blyden, Dwayne M. DeGraff, Javan E. James, Sr., Samuel Carrión, Janelle K. Sarauw and Novelle E. Francis, Jr.

St. Croix–Chaired by Senator Kurt A. Vialet, the Committee on Finance received testimony on several proposed legislation on Thursday in the Frits E. Lawaetz Legislative Conference Room, St. Croix.
Bill No.34-0078 An Act transferring specific real property from the Virgin Islands Port Authority and requires the Port Authority to pay a certain sum to the Education Maintenance Fund. Senator Dinna A. Frett-Gregory proposed the measure which was co-sponsored by Senator Milton E. Potter.
In her proposal, Senator Frett-Gregory stated that the Bill intends to transfer the former Addelita Cancryn Junior High School to the Virgin Islands Port Authority (VIPA). According to the Senator, since the property is no longer deemed appropriate for use as a junior high school, it will be utilized as a marine transshipment and storage facility controlled and operated by the Port Authority.
She added that VIPA would construct a warehouse facility of 25,000 square feet for the school lunch program and a parking area for the Department of Education upon receiving the property. She pointed out that VIPA will pay 50-percent of the net income into the Education Maintenance Fund to fund the maintenance of the schools of the Virgin Islands. She further indicated that the Act would be a vast economic boost for the Virgin Islands for a transshipment hub.
Racquel Berry-Benjamin, Commissioner of Education (VIDE), said that for decades, VIDE had requested a separate funding source for the maintenance and upkeep of their old schools; this Bill is a step in the right direction. It is a start towards securing such funding.
Vincent Richards, Deputy Commissioner of Property and Printing at the Department of Property and Procurement (DPP) said DPP believes that the property in question is strategically located and the most valuable underdeveloped property currently in the Government’s property portfolio. He added that its location provides another advantageous opportunity for the Government to generate needed additional revenues for the Executive Branch
Carlton Dowe, Executive Director, Virgin Islands Port Authority (VIPA), said since the school site was deemed inappropriate for use, the Bill presents the opportunity to re-purpose the property and use it for its highest and best use. He added that the property will support the cargo activities of the Crown Bay Marine Cargo Terminal.
According to Dowe, there is a tremendous need to expand the Marine cargo terminal and extraordinary potential to establish St. Thomas and St. Croix as a significant transshipment for the Caribbean. He added the cruise lines depend on shipping companies operating in St. Thomas to move their supplies forward.
The Bill was amended and favorably voted out of the Finance Committee and sent to the Rules and Judiciary Committee for further consideration.
Bill No.34-0083 An Act making an appropriation of $1000,000 from the St. Thomas Capital Improvement Fund to the Department of Agriculture (DOA) for the Humane Society of St. Thomas to be used as matching funds for constructing an animal clinic. Senator Janelle Sarauw proposed the measure.
Hannah Carty, Deputy Commissioner, DOA, said they would first need to understand the extent of the facility and the role it will be playing in the community before they can describe the economic benefit it will provide. She added that to understand the role of VIDA clearly, the Bill needs definitive constructs to transfer funding and monitor any associated activity appropriately.
According to Carty, they cannot come before the Legislature and speak about funding without recognizing VIDA’s challenges in getting support in prior years when it came to payments to their Animal Services partners.
She pointed out that to date, VIDA owes a total of $518,324.66 to their three partners. Of this, $80 824.06 goes to the St. John Animal Care Center, $87,500.00 goes to Humane Society of St. Thomas, and $350,000.00 goes to the St. Croix Animal Welfare Center. She added that language must be added to the existing legislation to include “until expended” to ensure they pay their partners for the significant work and services they provide to the community.
Dellia Holodenschi, President of the Board of Directors of Humane Society, St. Thomas (HSSTT), said for a financial reference point, in 2020, HSSTT expanded $169,407 for outside veterinary services. Although it may be necessary to utilize limited external services in the future, from now on a Wellness Clinic will allow for most services to be performed in-house.
According to Holodenschi, the $100,000 Wellness Clinic appropriation should be granted annually.
Jenifer O’Neal, Director, Office of Management and Budget (OMB), said, they believe that this proposal does not meet the established criteria of using this source of funds. Additionally, this proposal would set a precedent that is not sustainable as the Humane Society is not part of the Government. There is no mechanism for the VIDA to administer funds or oversee the requirement this Bill proposes.
The Bill was favorably voted out of the Finance Committee and sent to the Rules and Judiciary Committee for further consideration.
Bill No.34-0084 An Act amending the Virgin Islands Code relating to the allocation of the Environmental/Infrastructure Impact Fee to allocate 85-percent of that fee to the Government Retirement System to pay annuities. Senator Dwayne DeGraff proposed the measure.
Jenifer O’Neal said while the intent of the Bill is understood, OMB is unable to support the measure.
Joel Lee, Director, Virgin Islands Internal Revenue (VIBIR), said that if the Bill becomes law, VIBIR and the Department of Finance will work collaboratively to ensure that the correct fund accounts are established so that the VIBIR’s cashiers will be able to deposit the funds appropriately.
Austin Nibbs, Administrator, GERS, said they supported the legislation which will generate dedicated revenues for the Fund. Another testifier who supported the Bill was Nellon Bowry, Chairman of GERS.
The Committee voted to hold the measure in committee pending further consideration. Chairman Vialet said “the Committee will be meeting in the month of September and will bring to the table all relevant matters pertaining to the GERS so a sound decision can be made,” concluded the chairman.
Senators in attendance for Thursday’s Finance meeting were Kurt A. Vialet, Donna A. Frett-Gregory, Dwayne M. DeGraff, Javan E. James, Samuel Carrion, Dwayne M. DeGraff, Janelle K. Sarauw, Marvin A. Blyden, and Kenneth L. Gittens.

St. Croix−The Committee on Finance, Chaired by Senator Kurt A. Vialet, received testimony on the FY 2022 Executive Budget from the Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority (VIWMA) on Wednesday in the Frits E. Lawaetz Legislative Conference Room, St. Croix.
The Governor has recommended a General Fund Lump Sum for VIWMA of $35,000,000 for FY 22 which is $10,000,000 above FY 2021 of $25,000,000.
The appropriated funds for FY 2022:
(1) General Fund-$35,000,000
(2) St. John Capital Improvement Fund-$1,000,000
(3) Tourism Advertising Revolving Fund-$300,000
(4) Antilitter Beautification Fund-$5,000,000
(5) Sewer Funds-$1,000,000
Total Funds-$42,300,000.
According to Roger Merritt, Jr., Executive Director of VIWMA, the Authority has worked with local and federal agencies to review damages and formulate projects, resulting in the obligation of 16 FEMA category A and B solid waste projects to date.
He said these projects total $16,095,847.05. Ten (10) projects were reimbursed, five (5) fully refunded, and five(5) partially reimbursed. Executive Director Merritt further indicated that the total reimbursement to the Authority thus far is $11,053,939.17. He said that project worksheets currently amounting to $5,041,097.88 are being reviewed or processed for payment to the Authority by VITEMA.
Merritt, Jr., pointed out that the Department of Planning and Natural Resources has been awarded a solid Waste Supplemental Grant for $6,000,000. He said the funding was provided from the USEPA under the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018, enacted on February 9, 2018, intended for states affected by the two category five (5) Hurricanes in September 2017. He said the grant would further support developing a solid waste management program in the Territory, develop and implement a sustainable waste materials management program.
Merritt, Jr., said They have successfully obliged 38 wastewater projects to date totaling $14,177,966.96. The 23 reimbursed projects are:
(1) 17 fully reimbursed
(2) Six (6) projects partially reimbursed
(3) Five (5) projects are currently being reviewed and verified by VITEMA/FEMA for reimbursement totaling-$3,157,255.29
(4) The total reimbursements to the Authority thus far, including both fully and partially reimbursement is-$4,325,542.96
(5) Four (4) projects were reduced by $713,378.80 due to insurance proceeds received.

Regarding the Department of Interior (DOI)-Capital Improvement Program (CIP), the Executive Director said the DOI had awarded VIWMA $402,739.00 under the 2020 CIP and $705,977.00 under the 2021 CIP. He added that the 2020 grant would support the standardization and upgrade of the Humbug Pump Station on St. Croix and the Cancryn Pump Station Force Main sewer line repairs on St. Thomas.
The 2021 grant would support the procurement and installation of equipment to upgrade and maintain the Harold G. Thompson Wastewater Treatment Plant on St. Croix. He pointed out that currently, VIWMA Engineers are reviewing the approved scope and cost estimate before soliciting an invitation to bid.
According to Merritt, Jr., VIWMA is awaiting project approval from DPNR for Krause Lagoon Wastewater Treatment Plant/Interceptor on St. Croix. Once project approval is issued, VIWMA will advertise the invitation for bid. He said this project funding covers the years 2013,2014,2016 and 2017 and has an estimated budget of $4,962,862.00.
VIWMA manages the Territory’s solid waste collection, transportation, and disposal network.
At Wednesday’s budget hearing, senators were Chairman Kurt A. Vialet, Donna A. Frett-Gregory, Dwayne M. DeGraff, Marvin A. Blyden, Javan E. James, Carla J. Joseph, Milton E. Potter, and Genevieve R. Whitaker.

ST. THOMAS- The Legislature of the Virgin Islands has re-opened and will be operating during regular business hours today.

As a reminder, due to COVID-19 pre-cautions, the Legislature continues to be closed to the public. All legislative meetings and hearings can be viewed at LEGIT TV Channel 26 and on facebook.com/U.S. Virgin Islands Legislature and can also be heard on WVSE 91.9 FM.

St. Thomas—In anticipation of inclement weather, due to Potential Tropical Cyclone #6 (PTC6), the Legislature will be closing at 11:00 a.m. today, August 10, 2021, territory wide. The Legislature will announce reopening as more information becomes available regarding the passage of this storm. We ask all Virgin Islanders to make appropriate preparations, remain vigilant and closely monitor this system as it moves across the Territory.

St. Croix–The Committee on Education and Workforce Development, chaired by Senator Genevieve R. Whitaker, met Wednesday in the Frits E. Lawaetz Legislative Conference Room, on St. Croix.
The first item on the day’s agenda was Bill No. 34-0091, which is an Act seeking to amend the Virgin Islands Code relating to the courses of study in public schools and to address gaps in the education curriculum and workforce development and by adding home economics, equine studies, information technology and creating a reporting mechanism for the development and implementation of the curriculum. Senator Whitaker sponsored the measures
Carol Callwood, President, St. Thomas/St. John Federation of Teachers said the Bill is a good concept as they attempt to increase the courses offered to the students on their educational path.
She added that some of the recommended courses in the Bill are already offered. Presently, some legislative mandates for education have not been implemented due to a lack of resources.
On Bill No.34-0092, An Act seeking to amend the Virgin Islands Code relating to courses of study in public schools and to establish a marine and environmental education course. According to Callwood on both Bill No.340091 and 34-0092, “we must also understand that increasing curriculum offering requires increasing staffing for these classes.”
Jennifer Valiulis, Executive Director, St. Croix Environmental Association, said Bill No. 34-0092 provides environmental education to develop confidence for students to investigate and solve local problems. She added that the workforce development aspect of environmental education is a strong need for diversification of the economy for long-term stability.
Dr. Stephanie Berry, Executive Director VI Board of Education, said on behalf of Kyza Callwood, Chairman, VI Board of Education, the Board supports the idea of an opportunity for students in kindergarten through 12th grades. She added that this allows them to explore environmental issues within their communities, discuss possible ways to address them, and engage in appropriate activities for their grade level that supports improving challenges.
Pamela New, the Eco-School Coordinator, said that environmental education remains largely a patchwork of independently implemented programs and activities despite many positive efforts. She added that these efforts could not provide the territory-wide momentum and feasibility needed to promote sustained ocean education for all students.
Both Bill No.34-0091 and Bill No.34-0092 were voted by the Committee to be tabled.
Bill No.34-0050, which Senator Steven Payne, Sr, sponsors, seeks to amend the Virgin Islands Code by adding a section codifying the requirements for high school students to perform community service as a prerequisite for graduation and appealing Act N0.6233
The Bill was removed from the Agenda by the sponsor due to the Commissioner of Education stating that she could not attend the hearing.
Bill No.34-0094 An Act amending the Virgin Islands Code to establish and mandate stakeholder engagement and participation in the development of a report for the annual assessment and evaluation of all public-schools’ facilities and adding a subsection to require stakeholders to hold town hall meetings on St. Croix, St. Thomas, and St. John.
Bill No.34-0053 An Act amending the Virgin Code to establish the Emergency Medical Services Program and adding a section to install the Emergency Medical Services High School Program Fund and making a $160,000 appropriation from the Centennial Special Fund to the Department of Education to fund the Emergency Medical Services basic EMS education program.
Senator Kenneth Gittens sponsored the measure. The Bill was voted out of the Committee and sent to the Committee of Rules and Judiciary for further consideration.
Bill No.34-0093-An Act amending the Virgin Islands code relating to the courses of study in public schools to establish a Spanish language course. Senator Genevieve Whitaker sponsored the measure.
Committee members opted to table the Bill, pending further scrutiny.
Senators at Wednesday’s meeting were Chairwoman Genevieve R. Whitaker, Kurt A. Vialet, Carla J. Joseph, Kenneth L. Gittens, and Donna A. Frett-Gregory.

St. Croix-The Committee on Finance, Chaired by Senator Kurt A. Vialet, received testimony on the FY 2022 Executive Budget from the Department of Finance (DOF) and the Casino Control Commission (CCC) in the Frits E. Lawaetz Legislative Conference Room, St. Croix.
Bosede Bruce, Commissioner Nominee, Department of Finance, said the FY 2022 budget recommendation shows General Fund-$20,968,213; Government Insurance Fund-$1,054,896; and Indirect Cost Fund-$108,500. She added that Non-appropriated Funds include: Data processing-$80,793 with a Grand Total of $22,212,402.

According to Bruce, the Fiscal Year 2022 total budget is $3,669,286 to fund 42 positions on St. Thomas and 11 on St. Croix, and ten (10) vacancies. She added that Personnel and fringe costs are allocated against several funds:

(1) General Fund-$3,136,001 and Fringe-$1,496,982
(2) Government Insurance Fund-$483,330 and Fringe-$233,566
(3) Data Processing Revolving Fund-$49,955 and Fringe-$30,837

The supplies total $208,500 includes office, operating, and repair, and maintenance supplies.
Fund breakdown:

(1) General Fund-$191,500
(2) Government insurance funds $17,000

Other Services and Charges total $15,343,230-expenditures include Professional Services, security guard services, training initiatives, travel communication, repair, and maintenance services. Miscellaneous projects managed by the department for central services are included in the following amounts:

(1) General Fund-$530,500
(2) Miscellaneous Funds-$14,463,230
(3) Government Insurance Fund-$241,000
(4) Indirect Cost Fund-$108,500

According to the Commissioner, Utilities in prior years were lumped under the single payor fund. She added that the current budget philosophy is to spread the cost across agency budgets, and there is $380,000.

She pointed out that anticipated expenditures for Capital Outlays are $850,000. They continue their paperless services by upgrading their aging technological resources and building infrastructure in both districts. Their intention, she added, is to create Emergency Operation Centers in both locations, and they need matching funds for FEMA projects.

After several rounds of questions, pertaining to the overall finances, the committee then moved on with its day’s agenda and heard from the Casino Control Commission as they presented their FY 2022 proposed Budget.

Marvin Pickering, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Casino Control Commission (CCC), said the General Fund for the CCC Personnel is $833,700, representing 13 employees, including one (1) vacancy.

According to Pickering, CCC Revolving Fund is a particular checking account that serves as a depository of monies collected from all licenses, registrations, permits and other fees, fines, and penalties.

He added that from October 1, 2020, through May 31, 2021, the Commission collected $221,950, of which $177,560 was allocated to the Commission, and $44,390 was assigned to the Department of Justice, Division of Gaming Enforcement Operating Account for operating expenses.

Regarding the Casino Revenue Fund, in Fiscal Year 2020, the ten percent disbursed to the Commission from the Department of Finance was $156,376.92, compared to $195,908.51 for the Fiscal year 2019, a decrease of 20-percent. The first two quarters of FY 2021 yielded $109,641.18 compared to $101,469.26 for the same period of FY 2020, a slight increase of eight percent.
Pickering also noted that the Commission does not have a full complement of commissioners since former Commissioner Stacy Bourne resigned from the Commission.

At Thursday’s budget hearing were Senators: Chairman Kurt A. Vialet, Donna A. Frett-Gregory, Dwayne M. DeGraff, Marvin A. Blyden, Javan E. James, Carla J. Joseph, and Samuel Carrión.

St. Thomas, USVI – Senate President Donna A. Frett-Gregory thanks her colleagues today for a successful
session and for their continued cooperation to ensuring the safety of members and staff of the institution.
Frett-Gregory explained that the start of session was delayed as the institution was awaiting COVID-19
test results from the V.I. Department of Health, which was not received when session was called to order.
The Legislature, however, had covid-19 rapid test kits, and members and staff were able to have the rapid
test administered to allow for entrance into the Earle B. Ottley Legislative Chambers.
During today’s session a number of legislations were considered and adopted. Of note, Bill No. 34-0004,
known as the fuel tax bill, which ensures that taxes due and owing to the Government of the Virgin Islands
are paid immediately upon entry was successfully adopted and will be forwarded to the Governor for
further consideration and action. “It is necessary that every single penny that belongs to the people of the
Virgin Islands is collected,” stated Frett-Gregory. “I would like to thank my colleagues for recognizing
the magnitude of this legislation and for their immediate support, and I anticipate seeing an increase in the
fuel tax collected annually.”
Frett-Gregory also thanked her colleagues for supporting Bill No. 34-0077 to repay the 8% salary
reduction that was taken from the employees of the Government of the Virgin Islands, while the nation
and the territory were in recession. “The courts have spoken on this matter; it is the right thing to do and
now is the right time” said Frett-Gregory. “Amendments were also offered to repay the employees of the
semi-autonomous agencies.”
Bill No. 34-0060, the First Time Homebuyers Program Act, is a measure that I also was active in the
drafting of, will allow middle income Virgin Islanders to be able to purchase a home in our territory. “We
have numerous programs for low-income families and veterans. However, programs for working men
and women to be able to purchase a home are not readily available,” said Frett-Gregory. “This measure
is timely as we continue to encourage professionals to return home.”
Senate President Donna Frett-Gregory also noted that two overrides were successfully passed during
today’s session. These overrides address long-standing issues with the Water and Power Authority and
will bring redress to the people of the territory. Bill No. 34-0021 includes the amendment offered by
Frett-Gregory that mandates the Water and Power Authority hire a turnaround management company.
Senators also adopted Bill No. 34-0058 which creates the Virgin Islands Catalyst Fund to provide loans
to eligible entities to promote economic resiliency, and to support the retention and creation of jobs.
Senator Frett-Gregory noted that this measure which promotes economic growth and stability, is aligned
with additional measures working their way through the committee process, notably Bill No. 34-0078,
which transfers the former Cancryn property to the Virgin Islands Port Authority to expand its
transshipment and maritime activities. “We need to continue to work collectively to promote economic
growth territorywide,” concluded Frett-Gregory.

St. Thomas, Virgin Islands – On July 21, 2021, the Virgin Islands Department of Health confirmed
the presence of the Delta variant in the territory and reported a 15% increase in positive cases.
Additionally, the Department of Health reported that hospitalizations due to COVID-19 is now at
the highest since the onset of the global pandemic.

Senate President Donna Frett-Gregory announced today that the Legislature has updated its
COVID-19 protocols. Effective Monday, August 2, 2021, all in-person testimony is suspended
until further notice. “Due to the serious health hazard and high transmissibility of Delta variant,
this suspension is warranted,” said Frett-Gregory. Additionally, visitors to all legislative buildings
and facilities must present their vaccination card or negative COVID test taken no more than 72-
hours in advance of their visit.

There have been several positive cases in the St. Croix Legislature Building, hence out of an
abundance of caution, the St. Croix Legislature Building will be closed on Monday, August 2,
2021, to permit for the testing of all employees and the sanitizing of the building. The St. Thomas
and St. John Legislative Buildings will be open as usual for business on Monday, August 2, 2021.
“To ensure the safety of Senators and staff, the Legislature is currently working on additional
protocols which are scheduled to be completed by week’s end,” stated Frett-Gregory. “I continue
to encourage all unvaccinated persons to consider getting vaccinated and to adhere to the safety
protocols issued by the Virgin Islands Department of Health.”