Law Enforcement, Police Academy
The Honorable Senate President Donna Frett-Gregory and the entire legislative family congratulates Khalisha Clarke on her graduation from the Virgin Islands Police Academy.
Khalisha, as you gear up to Protect and Serve, we wish you safety and success during your career with us at the Virgin Islands Legislature as an Enforcement Officer!
Congratulations on this awesome achievement!
BOE, CTEB, Finance, Fiscal Year, VIDOE
ST. THOMAS- Members of the Committee on Finance chaired by Senator Kurt A. Vialet, convened in a meeting at the Capitol Building and received testimony on the proposed Fiscal Year 2022 Executive Budget for the Government of the Virgin Islands of the United States. Invited testifiers are officials from the Virgin Islands Department of Education (VIDE), the Virgin Islands Board of Education (BOE), and the Career and Technical Education Board (CTEB).
The governor’s recommendation for the Virgin Islands Department of Education General Fund appropriation totals $184,438,881. In comparison to the FY 2021 budget of $164,570,211, the FY 2022 budget represents a 12% or $19,868,670 increase, according to VIDE Deputy Commissioner of Fiscal and Administrative Services Ava Penn. The FY 2022 budget breakdown is as follows: $105,856,941 or 58% for personnel services, $55,277,961 or 30% for fringe benefits, $12,868,795 or 7% for other services, $5,679,464 or 3% for utilities, $2,443,220 or 1% for supplies, and $2,312,500 or 1% for miscellaneous. Defending the budget, VIDE Commissioner Raquel Berry-Benjamin stated that the major goals for VIDE are to re-imagine the school system which entails planning and providing training for school personnel throughout the year and to fill all vacancies. To date, there are 153 funded vacancies. Out of that, 21 vacancies are for teachers, specifically 14 in the St. Thomas-St. John District and seven in the St. Croix District. Berry-Benjamin indicated that overall, VIDE has 2,188 employees, of which 185 are exempt positions and 2,003 are classified positions.
Regarding Federal Funds, an estimated $32,909,539 is anticipated for FY 2022. VIDE Director of Federal Grants Kemo Smith noted that the breakdown is as follows: $27,404,520 received from the United States Department of Education (USED) and $5,350,607.92 from the United States of Agriculture (USDA). Presently, VIDE oversees funding from USED totaling $300,330,233 for sixteen federal grants and $8,124,640.92 for thirteen USDA federal grants. Moreover, Berry-Benjamin added that VIDE received $19,992,337 from the Cares I Education Stabilization Fund and $53,234,881 from the Cares II Education Stabilization Fund.
The Career and Technical Education Board Chairman Dr. Michael Francois stated that the governor’s proposed General Fund lumpsum for the FY 2022 budget totals $635,616. The budget represents a 14% or $78,086 increase compared to the FY 2021 budget totaling $557,530. CTEB is not slated to receive Federal Funds. Francois mentioned that some of the goals for FY 2022 are to increase instructor certification by 30%, increase student graduation CTE certifications or licenses by 20%, and improve communications/marketing. Similarly, the Virgin Islands Board of Education Chairman Kyza Callwood indicated that the FY 2022 recommended General Fund lump sum totals $1,937,038. In comparison to FY 2021 budget totaling $1,636,400, this is an increase of 18.37% or $300,638. Thus far, BOE has collected a total of $505,125.13 in student loan repayments as of June 30th.
Senators attending the meeting: Chairman Kurt A. Vialet, Donna A. Frett-Gregory, Janelle K. Sarauw, Franklin D. Johnson, Genevieve R. Whitaker, Samuel Carrión, Dwayne M. DeGraff, Kenneth L. Gittens, Carla J. Joseph, Javan E. James, Milton E. Potter, and Marvin A. Blyden.
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ST. CROIX–The Committee on Education and Workforce Development, chaired by Senator Genevieve Whitaker, continued to meet Monday afternoon with it’s agenda in the Frits E. Lawaetz Legislative Conference Room.
The Committee received testimony from the Virgin Islands Board of Education and the Virgin Islands Department of Education concerning the School Accountability Report and the plans for the 2021-2022 reopening of schools. Additionally, the Committee received upates from the VI Department of Labor (VIDOL), VI Workforce Development Board (VIWDB), VI Housing Finance Authority (VIHFA), and the Department of Property & Procurement (DPP) relating to information on the implementation of the Government of the Virgin Islands’ Professional Services contract and the Skills for Today Workforce Development Award.
Gary Molloy, Commissioner of the Virgin Islands Department of Labor (VIDOL), said In September of 2017, the Virgin Islands was devasted by two Category 5 storms, which caused significant destruction to houses, infrastructure, and the economy. In the aftermath, he added, it became clear the Territory had a critical need to create a skilled workforce in many areas, especially in areas related to disaster recovery.
Molloy pointed out that in July 2018, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) awarded the Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) funds to the Territory to address unmet needs caused by the hurricanes and to foster mitigation activities.
According to Molloy, The CDBG-DR funds allotted from HUD are assigned after the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funds, insurance, and other federal or private sources are accounted for. He added that VIHFA manages these funds, and spending is prioritized in programs designed through the CDBG-DR.
Molly said by July 2019, VIDOL had submitted several applications to develop and refine the scope, eligibility, and budget for the overall project. On October 31, 2019, Governor Bryan Jr. approved the VIDOL to become a Subrecipient of CDBG-DR funds from VIHFA to administer workforce training programs.
On October 8, 2020, said Molloy, VIDOL received from VIHFA a notice to proceed, allowing VIDOL to offer a solicitation for the project. It was made clear that VIDOL had to submit the procurement, upload the advertisement, and state that the project could not exceed $10,000,000. The project cost would be inclusive of the VIHFA activity fee.
Daryl Griffith, Executive Director, VIHFA said, his agency is the custodian of CDBG-DR funds. He added that HUD awarded the Territory approximately $1.8 billion in CDBG-DR funding. Those who receive grant money include state and local agencies, non-profit organizations, economic development agencies, residents, and businesses.
According to Griffith, DOL’s proposed project will provide varied training opportunities, including, but not limited to, the construction field for low to moderate-income residents in the
Territory, by offering entry-level training in high-growth construction occupations based on current labor market information.
He added that the goal is to train an estimated six hundred and twenty (625) individuals throughout twenty-four (24) months, a portion of which includes employment for those participating in work-based learning. He said the selected project management individual or firm would be responsible for all areas of the project, including the procurement of Training Providers, who will teach all areas of study for the certification.
According to Griffith, in February 2021, DPP favorably recommended that DOL enter into contract negotiation with ICF Incorporated, LLC. ICF was selected among nine (9) RFP’s received. The Cost of the contract stipulates that ICF Incorporated LLC will train 640 individuals in occupations involved in skill training include construction, leisure, and hospitality.
Griffith also noted that in June 2021, DOL and ICF Incorporated, LLC’s contract was approved by the Government. The Cost of the contract is $9,010,085.76.
Other testifiers present regarding the contract were: Commissioner Anthony Thomas, DPP, and Adele Soto, ICF Project Director for ICF Incorporated, LLC.
Senators at Monday’s hearing were: Chairwoman Genevieve R. Whitaker, Janelle K. Sarauw, Donna Frett-Gregory, Kurt A. Vialet, Kenneth L. Gittens, Milton E. Potter, and Carla J. Joseph
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St. Thomas, USVI – Senate President Donna A. Frett-Gregory announced today the closure of the Legislature on Friday, July 2, 2021.
Emancipation Day is an important day in the history of the Virgin Islands and its importance must be revered. The Legislature will be closed in observance of Emancipation Day, which falls on Saturday this year. Emancipation Day commemorates the activities of 1848, wherein enslaved Africans organized to end the oppressive system of slavery.
“It is my privilege to extend administrative leave to the employees of the Legislature of the Virgin Islands on Friday, July 2, 2021,” stated Senate President Donna Frett-Gregory. “Our history shows that while July 3, 1848, the slaves under Danish rule were set free, the events started on July 2, 1848, when a call went out for enslaved Africans to go to Fort Frederick, in the town of Frederiksted.” Virgin Islands Freedom Week runs from June 26th to July 3rd of each year.
July 3rd epitomizes what can occur if like minds organize and work together for the better of all. With limited means, but a strong spirit, will, and conviction, our ancestors succeeded in freeing all unfree persons in the Danish West Indies from the bonds of slavery. Frett-Gregory urges all Virgin Islanders to reflect on emancipation and what it means to us today as we move towards improving the quality of life for all Virgin Islanders.
The Legislature of the Virgin Islands will resume normal operations on Tuesday, July 6, 2021.
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St. Thomas, USVI – Members of the 34th Legislature met with the Limetree Bay’s Executive Team to discuss the recent incidents that have occurred and the course of action that Limetree Bay will be pursuing to correct and mitigate against future incidents. Jeffrey Rinker, Chief Executive Officer of Limetree Bay provided information to the Senators on incidents that occurred in February 2021, that impacted the Estate Clifton Hill community; the incident in April 2021, that resulted in a noxious odor that permeated the western part of St. Croix; and the May 2021 flare incident that occurred almost two weeks ago. Limetree advised the Senators that an Incident Command Center has been established and can be reached at (340) 692-3199. There are surveyors out in the community assessing impact to homes in communities as far west as Estate Hannah’s Rest. Further a protocol has been established to have roofs, cisterns and cars cleaned that were impacted.
It was clear from the meeting that the dissemination of timely and accurate information to the public warrant attention. There is not a clear protocol established on who within the Government of the Virgin Islands is the point of contact for notification when there is an incident. Further based on the meeting, while information on what has transpired is shared with the various departments, the flow of information between Limetree and the Government of the Virgin Islands is not as smooth as it should be. All Senators present urged Limetree’s Executive Team to meet with members of the press and not just issue press releases, so that the public can hear directly what is occurring in the facility.
The Legislature of the Virgin Islands since approval of the refining agreement with Limetree, has appropriated approximately $2 million dollars during the last three (3) fiscal years to the Department of Planning and Natural Resources to fund the equipment and personnel needed to have the Government of the Virgin Islands monitor the air quality on St. Croix. This was done because during the vetting process, it was stated on the legislative record that under the EPA permit Limetree obtained, the monitors would not be required. The members of the 32nd Legislature thought it prudent to have the air quality monitored and provided the funding to ensure that DPNR could do so.
After discussion, Limetree Bay agreed that in the spirit of being responsible corporate citizens and partner to the Government of the Virgin Islands, that they would reinstall the monitors although it is their belief that it is not required pursuant to their permit. Limetree advised the members that once a timeline on the purchase and installation has been established that the Legislature will be notified simultaneously as Limetree notifies the EPA on the matter.
The members of the Legislature advised Limetree that the number one priority to the institution is the well-being of Virgin Islanders. Further the members indicated that during the shutdown, Limetree and the Government of the Virgin Islands work on establishing a notification and communication protocol that affords the residents of St. Croix to receive information on a timely basis on the potential hazards to their well-being. It is the consensus of the members of the Legislature to allow the federal and local EPA the opportunity to investigate the issues surrounding the emissions and odor that St. Croix residents have been experiencing. Not only is it prudent, but it allows the Legislature to have data, test results, and a corrective action plan to discuss.
The final report from the EPA will allow Senators to bring before them all involved in the emissions and odors experienced. Additionally, should the government need to obtain additional resources to address this matter, the legislature is prepared to appropriate the necessary funding.
Senate President Donna A. Frett-Gregory advised Limetree’s Executive Team that the Legislature will be convening a committee of the whole hearing prior to the restart of refining operations so that the public can be made aware of the guardrails that have been established by the Environmental Protection Agency and the various departments of the government of the Virgin Islands. “True collaboration must occur in order for the public to have a sense of security. It is important that our residents are aware of the parameters established to keep them safe and the protocols established should there be a future incident at the facility,” stated Frett-Gregory.
Senators met on Friday, May 14, 2021 with Jean-Pierre Oriol – Commissioner of the Department of Planning and Natural Resources, Justa Encarnacion – Commissioner of the Department of Health, and Daryl Jaschen – Director of the Virgin Islands Territorial Management Agency to discuss the incidents at the Limetree Bay facility on St. Croix. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the protocols for timely notification, challenges the government entities were experiencing with working with Limetree and providing timely information to the community. The Government’s team acknowledged that there were communication challenges, and they are working towards ensuring that communication flows better so that those impacted are notified immediately. Commissioner Oriol of the Department of Planning and Natural Resources indicated that the government is working with a vendor to get air monitors and had not yet used the funding appropriated to the agency to purchase the equipment to monitor the air quality. Commissioner Oriol advised the Senators that the federal EPA had placed temporary monitors to check the air quality at strategic locations on St. Croix. Senators urged the government’s team to ensure that a protocol is properly established and communicated to the public. Senators stated that it is important that the Government of the Virgin Islands ensure that Limetree complies with all environmental regulations and that the only way to do so is to make sure the government is also monitoring the activities.
Members of the Legislature present were Senators Donna A. Frett-Gregory, Novelle E. Francis, Jr., Genevieve Whitaker, Marvin Blyden, Samuel Carrión, Dwayne Degraff, Kenneth L. Gittens, Franklin D. Johnson, Steven Payne, Milton Potter, Janelle K. Sarauw, and Kurt A. Vialet. Limetree’s Executive Team included Jeffrey Rinker, Jeff Charles, Neil Morgan, Franklin Quow and Tarah Graham-Hodge. Also present were members of the media.
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ST. THOMAS – Themes such as passion, gratitude and commitment to working on the people’s business echoed from the inner chambers of the Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall as fifteen lawmakers took the Oath of Office of the 34th Legislature of the Virgin Islands on Monday, officially starting their first day amidst a global pandemic with a pledge to serve the best interest of the territory.
“Colleagues, let’s remember why we’re here,” said Senate President Donna Frett-Gregory. “Let’s remain focused on the people of the Virgin Islands.”
She takes her place in history as only the third woman in the institution’s 65-year-old past to serve as the Senate’stop leader, following in the footsteps of legendary forerunners such as Lorraine Berry and Ruby M. Rouss. Praise for women’s achievements in politics blended with recognition of their roles in the success of the family, with several senators expressing gratitude to the single mothers and grandmothers who raised them among their other supporters, alive and departed.
By the end of the organization of the 34th Legislature, she encouraged her colleagues to collaborate in spite of recent shakeups among the majority which saw changes in officers and committee chairmanships. With the passage of Bill No. 34-0001, President Frett-Gregory will serve alongside Vice President Novelle E. Francis, Jr., Legislative Secretary Genevieve Whitaker, and Majority Leader Marvin A. Blyden as part of an eleven-member majority to include Senators Samuel Carrion, Kenneth L. Gittens, Sr., Kurt A. Vialet, and Genevieve Whitaker of the St. Croix district; and Senators Carla Joseph, Milton E. Potter, Janelle K. Sarauw; and at-large Senator Steven D. Payne of the St. Thomas-St. John district.
The ceremony, distinguished by masks, celebratory elbow bumps, and beautiful vocal and instrumental renditions of the anthems, was also significant in the context of national events, underscored by some of the new senators, as well as in remarks by Dr. Haldane Davies, Vice President for Business Development and Innovation at the University of the Virgin Islands, who chaired proceedings earlier in the day at the Emanicipation Garden.
Dr. Davies called on the leaders to have the heart of a public servant at a time when Virgin Islanders seek to clarify their political status and identity while reeling from the many challenges of the covid-19 pandemic, and “a time when we see the foundation of our democracy shaken and the adhesive of the Union loosen by the extreme views of some of our fellow citizens.”
As the only jurisdiction under the American flag with a majority black leadership, the impact of the violent storming of the nation’s Capitol by unruly protestors, some brandishing racist paraphernalia, in an effort to overturn democracy, resonated sharply.
“It’s saddening to say the least,” President Frett-Gregory said during her remarks in the chambers. “As leaders we must not undermine the very institution we aim to protect.”
Sen. Francis Heyliger warned her colleagues against “power-hungry grabbing” while other senators spoke about their willingness to work together despite party affiliation. She joins Senator Dwayne M. DeGraff also of the St. Thomas-St. John district, and Senators Javan James, Sr. and Franklin Johnson of the St. Croix district in the four-member minority.
Issues such as GERS, the economy, education, crime and violence, revitalization of our towns, the environment, energy, water, workforce development, and partnership with private and non-profit sectors as well as the wider Caribbean region are among those the 34th Legislature will seek to address over the course of their two–year term.
The ceremony included the reading of the election certification and presentation of senators by Supervisor of Elections Caroline F. Fawkes; administering of the oath of office by Chief Justice Rhys S. Hodge of the Supreme Court of the Virgin Islands; and musical performances by the Virgin Islands National Guard Band, Lorna Freeman-Woodley, Malvern Gumbs, Gylchris Sprauve, and Sherwin Williams. The Rt. Rev. Ambrose Gumbs, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of the Virgin Islands, offered prayers of inspiration and the Civil Air Patrol posted the colors.Dignitaries to include Gov. Albert Bryan, Lt. Gov. Tregenza Roach, and Delegate-to-Congress Stacey Plaskett were among those in attendance.
At a glance, the following reflects the organizational establishment of the 34th Legislature of the Virgin Islands, according to Bill No. 34-0001:
Majority Caucus:
Officers:
Secretary for Intergovernmental and Territorial Affairs
Liaison to the United States Department of Interior and Office of Insular Affairs
Standing Committees:
Chair:Sen. Milton Potter
Chair:Sen. Kurt A. Vialet
Chair:Sen. Novelle E. Francis, Jr.
Chair:Sen. Genevieve Whitaker
Chair:Sen. Janelle K. Sarauw
Chair:Sen. Kenneth L. Gittens
Chair:Sen. Steven D. Payne, Sr.
Chair:Sen. Carla Joseph
Chair:Sen. Marvin A. Blyden
Chair:Sen. Samuel Carrion
Chair:Sen. Donna A. Frett-Gregory
Vice Chair:Sen. Novelle E. Francis, Jr.
Members:Sen. Genevieve Whitaker, Legislative Secretary
Sen. Marvin A. Blyden, Majority Leader
Sen. Samuel Carrion
Sen. Dwayne M. DeGraff
Sen. Alma Francis Heyliger
Sen. Kenneth L. Gittens
Sen. Javan E. James, Sr.
Sen. Franklin D. Johnson
Sen. Carla Joseph
Sen. Steven D. Payne, Sr.
Sen. Milton E. Potter
Sen. Janelle K. Sarauw
Sen. Kurt A. Vialet
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Press Release for January 11, 2021210111STT
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.
# # #
For More Information Contact:
Shawna K. Richards, Chief of Staff
Ph: (340) 712.2324
srichards@legvi.org
AT&T, Fiber Optic, Telecom, viNGN, Viya
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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Culture, Hector, Resolutions, Wallace
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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Health, Hospital, Human Service
ST. CROIX–The Committee on Health, Hospitals, and Human Services, chaired by Senator Oakland Benta, Sr., met Monday in the Virgin Islands Cardiac Center, St. Croix where testimonies were given on the status and an overview of operations and initiatives from the Virgin Islands Sickle Cell Parent Support Group and also considered Bill No. 33-0077.
Nicole Craigwell-Syms, Assistant Commissioner of the Department of Health, explained how Sickle Cell Disease is passed on and some of its commonly noted symptoms. She said Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is an inherited blood disorder of the human red blood cells, which detected by a positive laboratory blood test called hemoglobin electrophoresis.
The Virgin Islands Department of Health, stated the Assistant Commissioner, does not have a local sickle cell disease registry. She added that, a Sickle Cell Disease Registry will allow for a more accurate count of the individuals affected by the disease in the territory. The Department, she said, currently relies on data from their key healthcare partners that serve individuals with Sickle Cell Disease.
Regarding Sickle Cell Disease occurrence in the Virgin Islands, Craigwell-Syms stated that a total of 568 live births were recorded for the year 2018 in the St. Thomas/St. John district while a total of 408 infants were born in the district of St. Croix. She pointed out that 103 babies tested positive for various abnormalities on St. Thomas/St. John with 61-percent of them tested positive for the sickle cell trait.
In addition, according to her, 87 infants tested positive for abnormalities on St. Croix with 46-percent tested positive for the trait. She added that there were two confirmed cases of the disease in St. Thomas/St. John District and one confirmed case of the disease in the St. Croix district.
Funding in the amount of $240,000, said the Assistant Commissioner, was allocated in FY 2019 for sickle cell and $132,000 in FY 2020. She added that FY 2019 funds were utilized to support awareness, education, and community outreach activities. FY 2020 funds will support initiatives to increase awareness and identify individual sickle cell cases. Additionally, funding will support their efforts to develop the Sickle Cell Disease registry in the territory as they enter a memorandum of understanding with John Hopkins University.
Dr. Erole Mclean-Hobdy, VI Oncology & Hematology, PC, stated that some of the gaps that she has seen in terms of providing optimal sickle cell include: (1) Lack of a sickle cell registry which is vital in obtaining a better understanding of who is affected, how many are affected, the type of sickle cell diseases that are prevalent, and also outcomes and life expectancy. (2) Lack of coordinated care for patients especially children. There is universal testing for sickle cell disease for every newborn child in the territory. However, if the test does show that the baby has sickle cell disease, there is no uniform or consistent system in place.
(3) Lack of necessary resources for sickle patients who are currently ill. The many complications of sickle cell disease, acute chest syndrome and acute stroke are some of the most critical and life-threatening emergencies.
(4) Lack of a “home” for sickle cell patients. Sickle cell patients require a lot of supportive care and as such would benefit from having a place that can provide centralized care dedicated to sticklers. An outpatient day center staffed with a physician would be ideal. Patient would be able to get pain management, blood transfusions, exchange transfusion, and counseling.
Other testifiers were Charmaine Mayers, Director, Maternal and Child Health and Children with Special Health Care Needs Program; and Germaine Powell, President, VI Sickle Parent Support Group who stated that the mission of the Corporation is to impower the people of the Virgin Islands to become active participants in the organization to create awareness of the impact of the sickle cell conditions on the individual and family.
Bill No. 33-0077-An Act amending the Virgin Islands Code and adding a new chapter relating to the financial exploitation of the elderly persons of dependent adults, proposed by Senators Allison DeGazon and Javon James, Sr.
Speaking on the Bill, Sen. DeGazon, stated that elderly financial exploitation affects all of us. She added that this abuse is now a significant problem and is expected to be increased, this abuse is also recognized as financial, psychological and other forms of exploitation.
Kimberly Causey-Gomez, Commissioner of the Department of Human Services (DHS) stated that there is a need to heighten the awareness and effective response to financial exploitation of the elderly and dependent adult. According to her, DHS came before the Committee to recommend that the Bill include language that would strengthen their ability to effectively investigate suspected and known cases of financial exploitation of elders and dependent adults.
Denise George, Attorney General of the Virgin Islands, said the financial exploitation of the elder and dependent adults has become a growing problem over the years and has been labeled by some as the “Crime of the 21st Century”. She added that given just the small sampling of the numerous and complex issues that relate to elder and dependent financial exploitation, she stands in support of the measure with recommendations for amendments.
Trevor Velinor, Commissioner, VI Police Department (VIPD) said in his testimony that his agency stands in support of the Bill and understands the importance of having measures in place to deter those who prey on our elderly and dependent citizens. He pointed out that financial crimes and exploitation can involve the illegal or improper use of a senior citizen’s funds, property or assets, as well as fraud or identity theft perpetrated against older adults.
Gwendolyn Hall Brady, Director, Division of Banking, Insurance and Financial Regulations stated that the Division finds there is an unquestionable a need for laws to protect elderly persons and dependent adults in the Virgin Islands from the crippling effects of financial exploitation, but the laws must be unambiguous, defined plainly, and enforceable.
Another testifier in support of the Bill was Corinne Plaskett, representing Troy de Chabert Schuster, State Director, AARP Virgin Islands.
The Bill was voted out of the Committee with a favorable recommendation and forwarded to the Committee on Rules and Judiciary for further consideration and further amendments.
Committee members at Monday’s hearing were Chairman Senator Oakland Benta, Sr., Athneil “Bobby” Thomas, Kurt Vialet, Donna Frett-Gregory, Marvin Blyden, and Kenneth Gittens, Stedmann Hodge, Jr. Non-Committee member present: Senator Allison DeGazon.
