Category: News

Legislative Session is scheduled to begin at 12:00 PM on Friday in the Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall,
St. Thomas. Below is an outline of the day’s agenda:

Call to Order: Honorable Donna A. Frett-Gregory
Senate President
Invocation: Apostle Oral Hazell
Pastor, Global Life Church
Anthem: National Anthem and Virgin Islands March
Roll Call: Honorable Genevieve Whitaker
Legislative Secretary
Messages and/or Correspondence
Reports: Chairpersons of Standing Committees
Special Orders and Overrides:
CONSIDERATION OF FLOOR AGENDA:
Block I
Bill No. 34-0134 – An Act ratifying the Third Renewal Agreement for Group Medical Health
Insurance and the Third Renewal of Agreement for Group Dental Insurance between the
Government of the Virgin Islands and Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company; the Second
Renewal of Agreement for Vision Insurance and the First Renewal of Agreement for Group
Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance between the Government of the
Virgin Islands Standard Insurance Company
Bill No. 34-0106 – An Act amending Act No. 8365, as amended by Act No. 8411; and Act No.
8451; amending Act No. 8451, section 2(a); amending Act No. 8347, section 1, relating to the
fiscal year 2021 operating budget for the Government of the Virgin Islands, to appropriate
$24,423,321 to several departments and agencies to pay outstanding obligations; and providing
for other related purposes (Closed Rule)

Bill No. 34-0109 – An Act providing an appropriation from the General Fund of the
Government of the Virgin Islands for the operation of the Government of the Virgin Islands
during the fiscal year October 1, 2021 through September 30, 2022 (Closed Rule)
Bill No. 34-0110 – An Act providing an appropriation for the operation of the U. S. Virgin
Islands Judiciary and Court System during the fiscal year October 1, 2021 to September 30,
2022 (Closed Rule)
Bill No. 34-0111 – An Act providing an appropriation for the operation of the Legislature of
the Virgin Islands during the fiscal year October 1, 2021 to September 30, 2022 (Closed Rule)
Bill No. 34-0112 – An Act providing an appropriation for salaries and expenses of the Board
of Elections and the Office of the Supervisor of Elections during the fiscal year October 1,
2021 to September 30, 2022 (Closed Rule)
Bill No. 34-0113 – An Act providing an appropriation from the Anti-Litter and Beautification
Fund to the Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority and the Department of Public Works
for operating expenses during the fiscal Year October 1, 2021 to September 30, 2022 (Closed
Rule)
Bill No. 34-0114 – An Act providing an appropriation for the salaries and expenses of The
University of the Virgin Islands for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2022 and for other
purposes (Closed Rule)
Bill No. 34-0115 – An Act providing an appropriation for the operating expenses of the Virgin
Islands Board of Education from the General Fund during the fiscal year October 1, 2021 to
September 30, 2022 (Closed Rule)
Block II
Bill No. 34-0116 – An Act providing an appropriation from the Business and Commercial
Properties Revolving Fund of the Government of the Virgin Islands to the Department of
Property and Procurement for operating expenses during the fiscal year October 1, 2021 to
September 30, 2022 (Closed Rule)
Bill No. 34-0117 – An Act providing an appropriation for the operating expenses of the Virgin
Islands Board of Career and Technical Education from the General Fund of the Government of
the Virgin Islands during the fiscal year October 1, 2021 to September 30, 2022 (Closed Rule)
Bill No. 34-0118 – An Act providing an appropriation from the Caribbean Basin Initiative Fund
as a contribution to the General Fund for the fiscal year October 1, 2021 through September
30, 2022 (Closed Rule)
Bill No. 34-0119 – An Act providing an appropriation from the Government Insurance Fund of
the Government of the Virgin Islands to the Department of Labor and the Department of
Finance for personnel, operating expenses and other purposes during the fiscal year October 1,
2021 to September 30, 2022 (Closed Rule)

Bill No. 34-0120 – An Act providing for the lump sum appropriation from the Health Revolving
Fund to the Department of Health for fiscal year October 1, 2021 through September 30, 2022
(Closed Rule)
Bill No. 34-0121 – An Act providing an appropriation for the operating expenses of the Virgin
Islands Hospitals and Health Facilities Corporation from the General Fund of the Government
of the Virgin Islands during the fiscal year October 1, 2021 to September 30, 2022 (Closed
Rule)
Bill No. 34-0122 – An Act providing for a lump sum appropriation from the Indirect Cost Fund
for salaries, operating expenses and for other purposes of the Office of Management and
Budget, the Division of Personnel, the Department of Property and Procurement and the
Department of Finance for the fiscal year October 1, 2021 through September 30, 2022 (Closed
Rule)
Bill No. 34-0123 – An Act providing an appropriation for operating expenses of the Virgin
Islands Office of the Inspector General from the General Fund of the Government of the Virgin
Islands during the fiscal year October 1, 2021 through September 30, 2022 (Closed Rule)
Bill No. 34-0124 – An Act providing an appropriation from the Internal Revenue Matching
Fund for the fiscal year October 1, 2021 through September 30, 2022 (Closed Rule)
Bill No 34-0125 – An Act providing an appropriation in the sum of $900,000 from the Virgin
Islands Lottery as a contribution to the General Fund for the fiscal year October 1, 2021 to
September 30, 2022 (Closed Rule)
Block III
Bill No. 34-0126 – An Act providing an appropriation for the operating expenses of the Public
Employees Relations Board and the Labor Management Committee for the fiscal year October
1, 2021 to September 30, 2022 (Closed Rule)
Bill No. 34-0127 – An Act providing an appropriation for operating expenses of the Waste
Management Authority from the Sewer Wastewater Fund of the Government of the Virgin
Islands for the fiscal year October 1, 2021 through September 30, 2022 (Closed Rule)
Bill No. 34-0128 – An Act providing an appropriation to the Virgin Islands Taxicab
Commission for the fiscal year October 1, 2021 to September 30, 2022 (Closed Rule)
Bill No. 34-0129 – An Act providing an appropriation from the Tourism Advertising Revolving
Fund to the Office of the Governor, Department of Education, Virgin Islands Police
Department, the Department of Public Works, the Virgin Islands Waste Management
Authority, the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Sports, Parks and Recreation and
the Department of Tourism during the fiscal year October 1, 2021 through September 30, 2022
(Closed Rule)
Bill No. 34-0130 – An Act providing an appropriation of $1,000,000 to the Bureau of Motor
Vehicles and a $10,000,000 appropriation as contribution to the General Fund from the
Transportation Trust Fund for the fiscal year October 1, 2021 to September 30, 2022 (Closed
Rule)

Bill No. 34-0131 – An Act providing an appropriation for the operating expenses of the Virgin
Islands Waste Management Authority from the General Fund of the Government of the Virgin
Islands during the fiscal year October 1, 2021 to September 30, 2022 (Closed Rule)
Bill No. 34-0132 – An Act providing an appropriation to the Department of Licensing and
Consumer Affairs from the Public Services Commission Revolving Fund for the fiscal year
October 1, 2021 through September 30, 2022, for operating expenses (Closed Rule)
Bill No. 34-0133 – An Act providing an appropriation for the operating expenses of the Virgin
Islands Board of Nurse Licensure from the General Fund during the fiscal year October 1, 2021
to September 30, 2022 (Closed Rule)
Bill No. 34-0136 – An Act providing an appropriation for the sum of $16,300,000 from the
Virgin Islands Insurance Guaranty Fund as a contribution to the General Fund for the fiscal
year October 1, 2021 to September 30, 2022 (Closed Rule)
Bill No. 34-0137 – An Act amending Virgin Islands Code, title 22, chapter 10, section 237(a)(3)
(A) and title 33, chapter 111, section 3061 relating to the balance in the Insurance Guaranty
Fund to amend the currently required $30,000,000 amount which is set to increase to
$50,000,000 on September 30, 2022, to $40,000,000 (Closed Rule

ST. THOMAS – Members of the Committee on Rules and Judiciary, chaired by Senator Milton E. Potter convened in a meeting at the Capitol Building and voted in the affirmative for all the measures regarding the Fiscal Year 2022 Executive Budget for the Government of the Virgin Islands of the United States. All approved items will be forwarded to the Full Body for further consideration.

“The bills were previously vetted and voted on in the Committee on Finance. Presently in this committee hearing, we will further consider and vote on these measures which will then be forwarded to the Full Body,” Sen. Potter said.  “The goal is to pass a balanced FY 2022 budget that commences on October 1, 2021, and concludes on September 30, 2022.”

Lawmakers voted favorably for the following bills under the closed rule:

• Bill 34-0110: An Act providing an appropriation for the operation of the Judicial Branch of the Government of the Virgin Islands during the fiscal year October 1, 2021, to September 30, 2022 (Sponsored by Senators Donna A. Frett-Gregory and Kurt Vialet by request of the Governor)
• Bill 34-0111: An Act providing an appropriation for the operation of the Legislature of the Virgin Islands during fiscal year October 1, 2021, to September 30, 2022 (Sponsored by Senators Donna A. Frett-Gregory and Kurt Vialet by request of the Governor)
• Bill 34-0112: An Act providing an appropriation for salaries and expenses of the Board of Elections and the Office of the Supervisor of Elections during the fiscal year October 1, 2021, to September 30, 2022 (Sponsored by Senators Donna A. Frett-Gregory and Kurt Vialet by request of the Governor)
• Bill 34-0113: An Act providing an appropriation from the Anti-Litter and Beautification Fund to the Waste Management Authority and the Department of Public Works for operating expenses during the fiscal year October 1, 2021, to September 30, 2022 (Sponsored by Senators Donna A. Frett-Gregory and Kurt Vialet by request of the Governor)
• Bill 34-0114: An Act providing an appropriation for the salaries and expenses of the University of the Virgin Islands during the fiscal year ending September 30, 2022, and for other purposes (Sponsored by Senators Donna A. Frett-Gregory and Kurt Vialet by request of the Governor)
• Bill 34-0115: An Act providing an appropriation for the operating expenses of the Virgin Islands Board of Education from the General Fund during the fiscal year October 1, 2021, to September 30, 2022 (Sponsored by Senators Donna A. Frett-Gregory and Kurt Vialet by request of the Governor)
• Bill 34-0116: An Act providing an appropriation from the Business and Commercial Properties Revolving Fund of the Government of the Virgin Islands to the Department of Property and Procurement for operating expenses during the fiscal year October 1, 2021, to September 30, 2022 (Sponsored by Senators Donna A. Frett-Gregory and Kurt Vialet by request of the Governor)
• Bill 34-0117: An Act providing an appropriation for the operating expenses of the Virgin Islands Career and Technical Education Board from the General Fund of the Government of the Virgin Islands during the fiscal year October 1, 2021, to September 30, 2022 (Sponsored by Senators Donna A. Frett-Gregory and Kurt Vialet by request of the Governor)
• Bill 34-0118: An Act providing an appropriation from the Caribbean Basin Initiative Fund for the year October 1, 2021, through September 30, 2022 (Sponsored by Senators Donna A. Frett-Gregory and Kurt Vialet by request of the Governor)
• Bill 34-0119: An Act providing an appropriation from the government Insurance Fund of the Government of the Virgin Islands to the Department of Labor and the Department of Finance for operating expenses during fiscal year October 1, 2021, to September 30, 2022 (Sponsored by Senators Donna A. Frett-Gregory and Kurt Vialet by request of the Governor)
• Bill 34-0120: An Act providing an appropriation from the Health Revolving Fund for fiscal year October 1, 2021, through September 30, 2022 (Sponsored by Senators Donna A. Frett-Gregory and Kurt Vialet by request of the Governor)
• Bill 34-0121: An Act providing an appropriation for the operating expenses of the Virgin Islands Hospital and Health Facilities Corporation from the General Fund of the Government of the Virgin Islands during the fiscal year October 1, 221 to September 30, 2022 (Sponsored by Senators Donna A. Frett-Gregory and Kurt Vialet by request of the Governor)
• Bill 34-0122: An Act providing for the lump sum appropriation from the Indirect Cost Fund for salaries, operating expenses, and other purposes of the Office of Management and Budget, the Division of Personnel, the Department of Property and Procurement, and the Department of Finance for the fiscal year October 1, 2021, through September 30, 2022 (Sponsored by Senators Donna A. Frett-Gregory and Kurt Vialet by request of the Governor)
• Bill 34-0123: An Act providing an appropriation for the operating expenses of the Virgin Islands Office of the Inspector General from the General Fund of the Government of the Virgin Islands during the fiscal year October 1, 2021, through September 30, 2022 (Sponsored by Senators Donna A. Frett-Gregory and Kurt Vialet by request of the Governor)
• Bill 34-0124: An Act providing an appropriation from the Internal Revenue Matching Fund for the fiscal year October 1, 2021, through September 30, 2022 (Sponsored by Senators Donna A. Frett-Gregory and Kurt Vialet by request of the Governor)
• Bill 34-0125: An act providing an appropriation in the sum of $900,000 from the Virgin Islands Lottery as a contribution to the General Fund for the fiscal year October 1, 2021, to September 30, 2022 (Sponsored by Senators Donna A. Frett-Gregory and Kurt Vialet by request of the Governor)
• Bill 34-0126: An Act providing an appropriation for the operating expenses of the Public Employees Relations Board and the Labor Management Committee for the fiscal year October 1, 2021, to September 30, 2022 (Sponsored by Senators Donna A. Frett-Gregory and Kurt Vialet by request of the Governor)
• Bill 34-0127: An Act providing an appropriation for operating expenses of the Waste Management Authority from the Sewer System Fund of the Government of the Virgin Islands for the fiscal year October 1, 2021, through September 30, 2022 (Sponsored by Senators Donna A. Frett-Gregory and Kurt Vialet by request of the Governor)
• Bill 34-0128: An Act providing an appropriation to the Virgin Islands Taxicab Commission for the fiscal year October 1, 2021, to September 30, 2022 (Sponsored by Senators Donna A. Frett-Gregory and Kurt Vialet by request of the Governor)
• Bill 34-0129: An act providing an appropriation from the Tourism Advertising Revolving Fund to the Office of Management and Budget, the Virgin Islands Police Department, the Department of Public Works, the Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority, and the Department of Tourism during the fiscal year October 1, 2021, through September 30, 2022 (Sponsored by Senators Donna A. Frett-Gregory and Kurt Vialet by request of the Governor)
• Bill 34-0130: An Act providing an appropriation for the sum of $11,000,000 from the Transportation Trust Fund as a contribution to the General Fund for the fiscal year October 1, 2021, to September 30, 2022 (Sponsored by Senators Donna A. Frett-Gregory and Kurt Vialet by request of the Governor)
• Bill 34-0131: An Act providing an appropriation for the operating expenses of the Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority from the General Fund of the Government of the Virgin Islands during the fiscal year October 1, 2021, to September 30, 2022 (Sponsored by Senators Donna A. Frett-Gregory and Kurt Vialet by request of the Governor)
• Bill 34-0132: An Act providing an appropriation to the Public Services Commission for the fiscal year October 1, 2021, through September 30, 2022, for operating expenses, as amended (Sponsored by Senators Donna A. Frett-Gregory and Kurt Vialet by request of the Governor)
• Bill 34-0133: An Act providing an appropriation for the operating expenses of the Virgin Islands Board of Nurse Licensure from the General Fund during the fiscal year October 1, 2021, to September 30, 2022 (Sponsored by Senators Donna A. Frett-Gregory and Kurt Vialet by request of the Governor)
• Bill 34-0136: An Act providing an appropriation for the sum of $16,300,000 from the Virgin Islands Insurance Guaranty Fund as a contribution to the General Fund for the fiscal year October 1, 2021, to September 30, 2022 (Sponsored by Senators Donna A. Frett-Gregory and Kurt Vialet by request of the Governor)
• Bill 34-0137: An Act amending Virgin Islands Code, Title 22, Chapter 10, Section 237(A)(3)(A) and Title 33, Chapter 111, Section 3061 relating to the balance in the Insurance Guaranty Fund to amend the currently required $30,000,000 amount which is set to increase to $50,000,000 on September 30, 2022, to $40,000,000 (Sponsored by Senators Donna A. Frett-Gregory and Kurt Vialet by request of the Governor)
• Bill 34-0132: An Act providing an appropriation to the Public Services Commission for the fiscal year October 1, 2021, through September 30, 2022, for operating expenses (Sponsored by Senators Donna A. Frett-Gregory and Kurt Vialet by request of the Governor)
• Bill 34-0106: FY21 SUPPLEMENTAL BUDGET- An Act amending Act No. 8365, as amended by Act No. 8411; and Act No. 8451; amending Act No. 8451, Section 2(A); amending Act No. 8347, Section 1, relating to the fiscal year 2021 operating budget for the Government of the Virgin Islands, to appropriate $24,423,321 to several departments and agencies to pay outstanding obligations; and providing for other related purposes, as amended (Sponsored by: Senator Donna A. Frett-Gregory by request of the Governor)
• Bill 34-0109: An act providing an appropriation from the General Fund of the Government of the Virgin Islands for the operation of the Government of the Virgin Islands during the fiscal year October 1, 2021 through September 30, 2022, as amended (Sponsored by Senators Donna A. Frett-Gregory and Kurt Vialet by request of the Governor)

However, the following measure was removed from the agenda:

• Bill 34-0135: An Act providing an appropriation for the operating expenses of the Bureau of Motor Vehicles of the Government of the Virgin Islands during the fiscal year October 1, 2021, to September 30, 2022 (Sponsored by Senators Donna A. Frett-Gregory and Kurt Vialet by request of the Governor)

Senators attending the meeting: Milton E. Potter, Novelle E. Francis, Jr., Genevieve R. Whitaker, Kurt A. Vialet, Franklin D. Johnson, Samuel Carrión, Steven D. Payne, Sr., Kenneth L. Gittens, Carla J. Joseph.

###

ST. THOMAS- Members of the Committee on Finance chaired by Senator Kurt A. Vialet, convened in a meeting at the Capitol Building and voted on the proposed Fiscal Year 2022 Enabling Budget Legislation for the Government of the Virgin Islands of the United States.

“The Committee on Finance thoroughly reviewed the entire budget to ensure the numbers are accurate. The Governor of the U.S. Virgin Islands, Albert Bryan, Jr. initially sent down a budget totaling $945 million,” Sen. Vialet said. “However, lawmakers were able to reduce the FY 2022 budget to $919,900,508. As a result, this now gives us some flexibility. There are discussions slated to be held in a meeting on September 20th regarding monies earmarked for the 8% but may be utilized for the Government Employees Retirement System (GERS). We won’t be able to immediately solve the problem of GERS in one scoop, but we will be able to at least start the process.”

Lawmakers voted in the affirmative for the following measures:
• Bill No. 34-0109- an act providing an appropriation from the General Fund of the Government of the Virgin Islands for the operation of the Government of the Virgin Islands during the fiscal year October 1, 2021 through September 30, 2022
• Bill No. 34-0110- an act providing an appropriation for the operation of the Judicial Branch of the Government of the Virgin Islands during the fiscal year October 1, 2021 to September 30, 2022
• Bill No. 34-0111- an act providing an appropriation for the operation of the Legislature of the Virgin Islands during the fiscal year October 1, 2021 to September 30, 2022
• Bill No. 34-0112- an act providing an appropriation for salaries and expenses of the Board of Elections and the Office of the Supervisor of Elections during the fiscal year October 1, 2021 to September 30, 2022
• Bill No. 34-0113- an act providing an appropriation from the anti-litter and beautification fund to the waste management authority and the department of public works for operating expenses during the fiscal year October 1, 2021 to September 30, 2022
• Bill No. 34-0114- an act providing an appropriation for the salaries and expenses of the University of the Virgin Islands during the fiscal year ending September 30, 2022, and for other purposes
• Bill No. 34-0115- an act providing an appropriation for the operating expenses of the Virgin Islands Board of Education from the General Fund during the fiscal year October 1, 2021 to September 30, 2022
• Bill No. 34-0116- an act providing an appropriation from the Business and Commercial Properties Revolving Fund of the Government of the Virgin Islands to the Department of Property and Procurement for operating expenses during the fiscal year October 1, 2021 to September 30, 2022
• Bill No. 34-0117- an act providing an appropriation for the operating expenses of the Virgin Islands Career and Technical Education Board from the General Fund of the Government of the Virgin Islands during the fiscal year October 1, 2021 to September 30, 2022
• Bill No. 34-0118- an act providing an appropriation from the Caribbean Basin Initiative fund for the fiscal year October 1, 2021 through September 30, 2022
• Bill No. 34-0119- an act providing an appropriation from the Government Insurance Fund of the Government of the Virgin Islands to the Department of Labor and the Department of Finance for operating expenses during the fiscal year October 1, 2021 to September 30, 2022
• Bill No. 34-0120- an act providing for the lump sum appropriation from the Health Revolving Fund for fiscal year October 1, 2021 through September 30, 2022
• Bill No. 34-0121- an act providing an appropriation for the operating expenses of the Virgin Islands Hospital and Health Facilities Corporation from the General Fund of the Government of the Virgin Islands during the fiscal year October 1, 2021 to September 30, 2022
• Bill No. 34-0122- an act providing a for the lump sum appropriation from the Indirect Cost Fund for salaries, operating expenses, and other purposes of the Office of Management and Budget, the Division of Personnel, the Department of Property and Procurement, and the Department of Finance for the fiscal year October 1, 2021 through September 30, 2022
• Bill No. 34-0123- an act providing an appropriation for operating expenses of the Virgin Islands office of the Inspector General from the General Fund of the Government of the Virgin Islands during the fiscal year October 1, 2021 through September 30, 2022
• Bill No. 34-0124- an act providing an appropriation from the Internal Revenue Matching Fund for the fiscal year October 1, 2021 through September 30, 2022
• Bill No. 34-0125- an act providing an appropriation for $900,000 from the Virgin Islands Lottery as a contribution to the General Fund for the fiscal year October 1, 2021 to September 30, 2022
• Bill No. 34-0126- an act providing an appropriation for the operating expenses of the Public Employees Relations Board and the labor management committee for the fiscal year October 1, 2021 to September 30, 2022
• Bill No. 34-0127- an act providing an appropriation for operating expenses of the Waste Management Authority from the sewer system fund of the Government of the Virgin Islands for the fiscal year October 1, 2021 through September 30, 2022 general fund
• Bill No. 34-0128- an act providing an appropriation to the Virgin Islands Taxicab Commission for the fiscal year October 1, 2021 to September 30, 2022
• Bill No. 34-0129- an act providing an appropriation from the Tourism Advertising Revolving Fund to the Office of Management and Budget, the Virgin Islands Police Department, the Department of Public Works, the Virgin Islands Waste Management Agency, and the Department of Tourism during the fiscal year October 1, 2020 through September 30, 2021
• Bill No. 34-0130- an act providing an appropriation for the sum of $10,000,000 from the Transportation Trust Fund as a contribution to the General Fund for the fiscal year October 1, 2021 to September 30, 2022
• Bill No. 34-0131- an act providing an appropriation for the operating expenses of the Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority from the General Fund of the Government of the Virgin Islands during the fiscal year October 1, 2021 to September 30, 2022
• Bill No. 34-0132- an act providing an appropriation to the Public Services Commission for the fiscal year October 1, 2021 through September 30, 2022 for operating expenses
• Bill No. 34-0133- an act providing an appropriation for the operating expenses of the Virgin Islands board of nurse licensure from the General Fund during the fiscal year October 1, 2021 to September 30, 2022
• Bill No. 34-0135- an act providing an appropriation for the operating expenses of the Bureau of Motor Vehicles of the Government of the Virgin Islands during the fiscal year October 1, 2021 to September 30, 2022
• Bill No. 34-0136- an act providing an appropriation for the sum of $16,300,000 from the Virgin Islands Insurance Guaranty fund as a contribution to the General Fund for the fiscal year October 1, 2021 to September 30, 2022
• Bill No. 34-0137- an act amending Virgin Islands code, title 22, chapter 10, section 237(a)(3) (a) and title 33, chapter 111, section 3061 relating to the balance in the Insurance Guaranty Fund to amend the currently required $30,000,000 amount which is set to increase to $50,000,000 on September 30, 2022 to $40,000,000
• Bill No. 34-0106- FY 21 supplemental budget an act amending act No. 8365, as amended by act No. 8411; and act No. 8451; amending act No. 8451, section 2(a); amending act No. 8347, section 1, relating to the Fiscal Year 2021 operating budget for the Government of the Virgin Islands, to appropriate $24,423,321 to several departments and agencies to pay outstanding obligations; and providing for other related purposes

However, the following measures were removed from the agenda:
• Bill No. 34-0134- (Donna A. Frett-Gregory by request)- an act ratifying the third renewal agreement for group medical health insurance and the third renewal of agreement for group dental insurance between the Government of the Virgin Islands, and Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company; the second renewal of agreement for vision insurance and the first renewal of agreement for group life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance between the Government of the Virgin Islands standard insurance company
• Bill No. 34-0138- an act providing an appropriation for the sum of $2,000,000 from the Internal Revenue Matching Fund as a contribution to the St. Croix Capital Improvement Fund for the fiscal year October 1, 2021 through September 30, 2022

All other outlined Bills were approved and forwarded to the Committee on Rules and Judiciary for further consideration

Senators attending the meeting: Chairman Kurt A. Vialet, Donna A. Frett-Gregory, Janelle K. Sarauw, Dwayne M. DeGraff, Carla J. Joseph, Javan E. James Sr., Alma Francis-Heyliger, Novelle E. Francis Jr., and Marvin A. Blyden.
###

St. Thomas, USVI – The members of the 34th Legislature of the Virgin Islands joins in mourning the loss
of former Senator Holland Redfield. Mr. Redfield served six terms in the Legislature, with five being
served consecutively.
A licensed commercial pilot, Holland Redfield moved to St. Croix in 1969. His foray into Virgin Islands
politics came through Governor Cyril E. King, where he worked as a campaign aide, before being
appointed to the Public Services Commission by Governor King. Mr. Redfield ran multiple times before
being elected in 1984 as a Republican to the V.I. Legislature.
After serving the people of the Virgin Islands as an elected representative, Mr. Redfield turned to radio
broadcasting and was host of “Straight Talk with Holland Redfield”. “The Virgin Islands community will
long remember former Senator Holland Redfield for his contribution to the people of the Virgin Islands
and for his voice, especially during hurricane events,” stated Senate President Donna Frett-Gregory. It is
for his service to the Virgin Islands community, that in May 2018, the University of the Virgin Islands
conferred an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters unto Holland Redfield.
The members of the 34th Legislature offers condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Holland
Redfield. During his time in office and countless times on the radio, Redfield would say “The difference
between a statesman and a politician is that a politician works for the next election and a statesman works
for the next generation.” Holland Redfield worked for generations of Virgin Islanders to come. He will
be greatly missed. May His Soul Rest in Peace.

St. Croix–The Committee on Economic Development and Agriculture, chaired by Senator Kenneth L. Gittens, met Wednesday at the Fritz E. Lawaetz Legislative Conference Room, St. Croix to hear from members of the fishing and farming industry regarding the overall administrations and operation of the industries.
The committee also considered Bill No.34-0047- sponsored by Senator Samuel Carrión – An Act requiring the Agriculture Department and the University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) to create a plan to develop a seed banking program to store and preserve seeds for preservation against climate change, natural disasters, and other situations that could lead to the destruction of crops, plants, and other fauna and flora.
Dr. Usman Adamu, Director of UVI School of Agriculture, said the Bill Summary denotes a seed bank similar to what is in existence in large, well-maintained by the USDA and worldwide. He added that the Bill should instead establish a Community Seed Bank with local government oversight in conjunction with the University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) for support. He pointed out that the community seed bank should focus on the crops which are grown in the Virgin Islands.
Assistant Agriculture Commissioner Diana Collingwood said the department supported the bill and commended Senator Carrión and his staff for proposing this Bill that addresses a critical community food security need relative to preserving crop diversity through collecting and storing many of our local seeds.
She added that community partnerships with the government through the Department of Agriculture and UVI along with other stakeholders would be an integral component of the proposed making the seed bank project work. Collingwood noted that collaborative partnerships would offer support on the appropriate venues, sources of funding, organizational systems for tracking seeds, and people involved helping publicize the project and provide linkages to networks of contacts and clientele.
All members present at the hearing – Senators Gittens, Donna A. Frett-Gregory, Javan E. James Sr., Dwayne M. DeGraff, and Novelle E. Francis Jr., – voted in support of Bill 34-0047 and forwarded it to the Committee on Rules and Judiciary for further consideration.
Senators heard testimonies from Gene Brin, a local commercial fisherman and Dale Browne, local farmer who pointed out some of the concerns they have experienced that have made making a living difficult for them. Both described ways that process could be streamlined, how more assistance could be offered and expressed interest in being more intricately involved in the decision making for the industries.
Department of Planning and Natural Resources Commissioner Jean-Pierre Oriol, provided an update on his department’s efforts regarding hurricane and COVID-19 relief funds, reporting that beginning with their Fisheries Disaster Hurricane Relief Program, as of September 2, 2021, a total of $5,210,500 has been paid out since the program’s start in June 2020. He added that currently, 12 applications which were received in August requesting a total of just under 230,000 are being processed at DPNR.
According to Commissioner Oriol, DPNR had allocated approximately $9.7 million towards direct assistance to fishers. They have not received that level of funding in requests, so DPNR will be implementing a second payment of $5,000 to all fishers who previously applied to the program. Concerning the CARES ACT, Oriol mentioned that the federal Office of Management and Budget announced in September 2020 that it was making $939,000 available in stimulus funds to the Virgin Islands for fisheries-related losses.
Gary Halyard, Acting Director of the Department of Labor’s Unemployment Insurance Division said the Department of Labor has implemented a number of federal assistance programs to help through the difficult financial time for fishers and farmers. According to Halyard, all State and territories have been given until June 2022 to continue processing eligible claims filed before the program’s sunset which was on September 4, 2021
Senators at Wednesday meeting also included non-committee members Genevieve R. Whitaker and Samuel Carrión.

ST. THOMAS- Members of the Committee on Rules and Judiciary chaired by Sen. Milton E. Potter, convened in a meeting at the Capitol Building and voted favorably for the nominations of Dr. Denese Marshal, Psy. D., MSCP, MS to serve on the Virgin Islands Board of Psychology, Semaj Johnson, Esq. for the Virgin Islands Board of Medical Examiners, William Newbold to serve on the Virgin Islands Historic Preservation Commission, and Laurence Richards, P.E. MSc, MBA for the Virgin Islands Board of General Construction Contractors. The nominations were sent to the Legislature 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. Separately, policymakers voted on several measures. All items approved will be forwarded to the Full Body for further consideration.

Marshall mentioned that her years of clinical experience and academic achievements qualify her to become a board member to safeguard the people of the Virgin Islands from the dangers of unqualified and improper practice of psychology. In addition to investigating complaints, Marshall’s goals are to review applications for licensing psychologists, renew licenses, and
enforce regulations. Meanwhile, Johnson indicated that his primary objectives are inclusive of advancing telemedicine, providing solutions that are applicable for handling violations, and reviewing complaints promptly. Moreover, Richards vowed to utilize work experience to protect the public from financial loss, sub-par construction, and to diligently review the qualifications of general construction contractors. Lastly, Newbold stated that he is looking forward to contributing to the ongoing projects of the Historic Preservation Commission. Sen. Potter noted that the nominees are qualified academically and professionally to serve on the perspective boards. More importantly, they are committed to the Virgin Islands. Regarding the resolutions, Potter stated that the honorees are examples of community icons who have risen to the top of their fields. Their outstanding contributions have improved the lives of Virgin Islanders.

Separately, Lawmakers voted and approved the following resolutions and bills:
• Bill No. 34-0061- A Resolution honoring and commending Mr. Hillary “Baga” Rezende for his many contributions to steel pan music and his dedicated service to the people of the Virgin Islands.
• Bill No. 34-0065- An Act honoring and commending Elridge Blake for his outstanding accomplishments in sports and contributions to the people of the Virgin Islands; naming the University of the Virgin Islands Sports and Fitness Center in his honor and appropriates $10,000 to cover the cost and upkeep of the signage.
• Bill No. 34-0063- A Resolution honoring and commending St. Clair Alphonso “Whadablee” DeSilvia for his invaluable contribution to the continued development of Calypso music in the Virgin Islands.
• Bill No. 34-0064- An Act honoring and commending Athniel C. “Addie” Ottley for his tireless years of informing and educating the public on current and past community issues and by keeping the radio waves open in times of imminent danger to the community and for naming a roadway in his honor.
• Bill No. 34-0065- An Act honoring and commending Elridge Blake for his outstanding accomplishments in sports and contributions to the people of the Virgin Islands; naming the University of the Virgin Islands Sports and Fitness Center in his honor and appropriates $10,000 to cover the cost and upkeep of the signage.
• Bill No. 34-0078- An Act to transfer certain real property from the Government of the Virgin Islands to the Virgin Islands Port Authority; to require the Virgin Islands Port Authority to pay certain sums to the Education Maintenance Fund.
• Bill No. 34-0083- An Act making an appropriation of $100,000 from the St. Thomas Capital Improvement Fund to the Department of Agriculture for the Humane Society of St. Thomas to be used as matching funds for the construction of an animal clinic.
• Bill No. 34-0040- An Act amending Title 27, chapter 1 of the Virgin Islands Code by adding a new subchapter Va. establishing the Nurse Licensure Compact to create a multistate nursing license.
• Bill No. 34-0053- An Act amending Virgin Islands Code, Title 17 chapter 5 by adding section 41i to establish the Emergency Medical Services Program; amending title 33, chapter 111 by adding section 3099a to establish 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.
• Bill No. 34-0051- An Act amending Virgin Islands Code, Title 19 chapter 75, section 4201 relating to fluoridation of water to lower the required minimum amount of fluoride in freshwater distributed for public consumption or consumption in any schools in the Virgin Islands; amending title 17, chapter 10, section 111 relating to the school health program to include a dental program; including dental preventive services and a school-based fluoride rinse program; amending Title 27, chapter 1, subchapter II, section 57 relating to exemption from licensure by the Board of Dental Examiners to exempt dentists licensed in other states and students or residents in schools or colleges of dentistry engaged in dental assessment and preventive treatments under the auspices of the school dental program; amending Title 33, chapter 111 relating to government funds to add section 3100cc to establish the School-Based Dental Prevention and Treatment Fund.
• Bill No. 34-0085- An Act amending the Virgin Islands Code, Title l4, section 192, relating to the importation of snakes and invasive species, to increase the fine for the unauthorized importation of snakes and to make technical amendments; amending Title 12, section §81d, relating to the Fish and Wildlife Restoration Trust Fund, to extend the use of the fund to the regulation of the importation and control of non-indigenous evasive species; and amending Title 19 section 2709, relating to the prevention of the introduction of contagious or infectious animals, to provide that the quarantine of animals is at the owner’s expense.

Senators in attendance: Chairman Milton E. Potter, Dwayne M. DeGraff, Genevieve R. Whitaker, Novelle E. Francis, Jr., Steven D. Payne, Sr. Donna A. Frett-Gregory, Franklin D. Johnson, Kenneth L. Gittens, Janelle K. Sarauw, and Carla J. Joseph. ###

ST. THOMAS- Members of the Committee on Finance chaired by Senator Kurt A. Vialet, convened in a Budget Wrap Up meeting at the Capitol Building and met with the Governor’s Financial Team to receive an update on the proposed Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 Executive Budget for the Government of the Virgin Islands of the United States (GVI). The Governor’s Financial Team comprises of officials from the Office of Management Budget (OMB), the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), the Virgin Islands Division of Personnel, the Virgin Islands Public Finance Authority, the Virgin Islands Department of Finance, the Virgin Islands Bureau of Economic Research, the Office of the Lieutenant Governor, and the Office of Collective Bargaining.

“There is a lot of work that goes into marking up and preparing the FY 2022 Budget. We want to be as close as possible to projecting the revenues for GVI,” Senator Vialet said. “As lawmakers, we must vet and review all the categories to determine how much money to give to each department.”

Due to the adverse economic impacts credited to the recent closure of the Limetree Bay Oil Refinery operations and decreased business operations because of the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2017 Hurricanes Irma and Maria, OMB Director Jenifer O’Neal noted that there is a reduction in the updated proposed FY 2022 budget compared to the original budget presented at the Budget Overview hearing held by the Committee on Finance on June 2021. During that meeting, the Governor’s Financial Team shared that the FY 2022 budget totaled $1,485,472,985. Presently, the updated FY 2022 budget for the General Fund totals $945,022,947 representing a difference of $17,997,524. O’Neal mentioned that inclusive of the budget are $119,896,918 for other Appropriated Funds, $58,338,035 for other Non-Appropriated Funds, and $1,377,220,971 for Federal Funds. In response to Senator Vialet’s inquiry regarding the custodian of COVID-19 Funds, O’Neal noted that OMB provides oversight for federal funding such as COVID-19, the CARES ACT, and the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).

Defending the FY 2022 updated budget, O’Neal stated that adjustments were made to decrease government expenditures. Some of the adjustments are inclusive of the reduction of vacancies by 50% in which employees will be hired at the start or end of the fiscal year as needed per department. Furthermore, a total of $4,549,860 covers the increase of health insurance costs, $1,000,000 for Crime Stoppers, $220,000 for training and equipment for BIR, and $560,900 to purchase new vehicles and an excavator for the Department of Sports, Parks, and Recreation. Moreover, O’Neal indicated that the revenue projections are reduced by 2% or $18,000,000 bringing the updated total to $945,022,952 inclusive of $30,000,000 from ARPA to offset the loss of revenues. As a result of the Limetree Bay Oil Refinery closure resulting in a mass termination of employees and the lack of refinery operation payments to the Government of the Virgin Islands, O’Neal noted that there is an 11% decline in the monthly collection of Income Taxes and a 17% reduction for other revenue projections.

Separately, lawmakers received testimony regarding the Fiscal Year 2021 Supplemental Budget Request. Bill No. 34-0106 as substituted to amend Act Nos. 8347 and 8365 as amended by Act Nos. 8411 and 8451 as it relates to the operating budget of the Schneider Regional Medical Center and the Governor Juan F. Luis Hospital. Additionally, Act No. 8384 as amended by Act No. 8469 regarding the Legislature of the Virgin Islands. O’Neal indicated that OMB is requesting $13,857,170, a reduction compared to the initial request of $24,423,321 to be allocated to the Legislature of the Virgin Islands, the hospitals, and fourteen agencies, and departments. This is in addition to appropriation transfers for line items within BIR, the Department of Justice, the Department of Human Services, the Department of Public Works, and the Department of Planning and Natural Resources. The supplemental budget request provides funding for recipients to pay outstanding government debts and obligations. O’Neal stated that the funds will remain accessible until utilized or through March 2022.

Senators attending the meeting: Chairman Kurt A. Vialet, Donna A. Frett-Gregory, Janelle K. Sarauw, Novelle E. Francis, Jr., Samuel Carrión, Dwayne M. DeGraff, and Marvin A. Blyden. However, Senator Javan E. James, Sr. was excused.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         ###

St. Croix–The Committee on Finance, Chaired by Senator Kurt A. Vialet, received testimony on the FY 2022 Executive Budget from the Department of Property and Procurement (DPP), University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) and, Research and Technology Park (RTP) on Monday in the Frits E. Lawaetz Legislative Conference Room, St. Croix.

Anthony Thomas, Commissioner, DPP, said the Fiscal Year 2022 operating budget in the General Fund is $12,307,625. In addition, DPP is requesting funding from other appropriated funds such as the Business and Commercial Properties Revolving fund for $9,830,071. He also asked for funding from the indirect Cost Fund for $185,000 and a total of $2,760,00 for non-appropriated funds. This non-appropriated fund is the Central Motor Pools, Central Stores and Warehouse, Gasoline, Coupon Fund, and printing and production funds. The total he added of all these funds amounted to $25,082,696.

According to Thomas, the insurance brokerage firm of Marshall & Sterling, St. Croix Inc., provides the Government with insurance brokerage services for all risks of direct physical loss or damage, including earthquakes, windstorms, and volcanic action flood, sea wave, and storm surge.

He pointed out that the 2021-2022 policy was renewed on June 10, 2021 and runs until June 2022. Insured assets totaled $1,134,353,775; however, he added, during this cycle, the Government will conduct the long-awaited risk assessment to make the required adjustments to the existing insurance schedule.

According to Thomas, the Department receives funding from the VI Cares Act Grant for $2,196,202 for the Department’s e-Procurement Solution. To date, the Department has drawn down the sum of $581,028 for payments to Periscope Holding, Inc., to acquire this enterprise-wide solution, he concluded.

Dr. David Hall, President, UVI, said the sum of $25,405,458 is for general operations for the Fiscal Year 2021-2022. This includes salaries and benefits for the regular and temporary employees and operating expenditures under the Virgin Islands Code.

He pointed out that, aside from debt service and Free Tuition funding, their Fiscal Year 2021-2022 appropriations request includes approximately $6.8 million in funding for other programs and initiatives critical to the University’s mission and Territory’s transformation. SBDC matching funds, Senior Citizen’s tuition assistance, Val and Sal scholarships, CELL, Green Technology, Hospitality & Tourism Management, University Bound, John Brewers Beach maintenance and security, Bachelor of Science in Nursing on the St. Croix Campus, Agriculture Science, and Aquaculture program, Master’s Program in Social Work on the St. Croix Campus, and VI-EPSCoR Matching Fund.

According to Dr. Hall, some of the Fiscal Year 2021 accomplishments includes:
(1.) Through various legislation to address the pandemic, UVI received during this period over $19 million to support students, address revenue shortfalls, and remediate the presence and consequences of Covid-19
(2.) The 2020 Census for the US Virgin Islands was completed during this fiscal year with an assigned budget of $21.2 million. Over 650 individuals were employed to work in the offices and field.
(3.) The University received $250,00 from Diageo North America to create a permanent endowment fund and provide financial aid grants to talented students across different disciplines and majors.
(4.) UVI was awarded a $1.2 million grant from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (Minority Research and Education Program and MUREP Institutional Research Opportunity) for two years to support their development of an Engineering concentration in the Bachelor of Science in Physics program.

Peter Chapman, Executive Director, and CEO, RTPark, said they are a self-funded, fully autonomous quasi-public entity and will not be requesting any General Fund operating support from the Virgin Islands government this year.

According to Chapman, this year, based on projections through the end of the fiscal year, they will generate approximately 7.5 million through fees and philanthropic commitments received from companies that are attracted to the Territory, representing an increase of $481,100 over last year. He added that roughly half of these revenues support their $4.2 million annual program and personnel expenses. Another $1 million goes towards their legacy debt obligations, and just over $2.3 million supports UVI.

This unprecedented support for the University by the RTPark pointed out the CEO is something they are incredibly proud of because UVI is a significant source of the talent they hope will fuel the growth of their tech sector.

Senators at Monday’s budget hearing were Chairman Kurt A. Vialet, Donna A. Frett-Gregory, Dwayne M. DeGraff, Marvin A. Blyden, Javan E. James, Sr., Carla J. Joseph, Samuel Carrion, Novelle E. Francis, Jr. and Genevieve R. Whitaker.

St. Croix–The Committee on Finance, Chaired by Senator Kurt A. Vialet, received testimony on the FY 2022 Executive Budget from the Office of the Territorial Public Defender (OTPD), Legal Services of the Virgin Islands (LSVI), the Public Employees Relations Board (PERB), the Virgin Islands Labor Management Committee (LMC), and the Virgin Islands Lottery (VIL) on Friday in the Frits E. Lawaetz Legislative Conference Room, St. Croix.
Samuel Joseph, Chief Public Defender, OTPD said, their Fiscal Year 2022 budget request is $5,230,554. The OTPD is not in line to receive funds from the Miscellaneous Section or Federal Funds for Fiscal Year 2022. AS of July 31, 2020, the actual expenses are $3,474,274.23. As of June 11, 2021, OTPD received $3,666,137 in allotments and has an unallotted amount of $1,222,231.
According to Joseph, the OTPD owns its St. Croix building. The office is currently in the closing stage of the purchase of the building. He pointed out that OTPD was established in 1973 to represent appointed indigent criminal defendants that appear before the Superior Court of the Virgin Islands and the Virgin Islands Supreme Court.
Shelby King Gaddy, Executive Director and CEO, LSVI, said that for Fiscal Year 2021, the Governor’s budget included $1,432,700.00 for Legal Services, and the Fiscal Year 2022 request is the same $1,432,700.
According to Gaddy, the sum of $1,432,700 will only allow them to maintain the status quo at their present level of service delivery. She added that they still need to fill the managing attorney position in the St. Croix office. Presently the total number of LSVI attorneys is six (6), with three (3) in St. Croix and three (3) in St. Thomas.
Zandra Petersen, Executive Director, Certified Hearing Officer, and Mediator, PERB, said the Fiscal Year 2022 recommended budget is $1,496,909.00, which includes Personnel Services-$781,520.00, Fringe Benefits-$353,014, Office and Operating Supplies-$35,900.00, Other Services and Charges-$309,875, and Utilities-$16,600.00.
The Governor has recommended from the General Fund $185,000 for Fiscal Year 2022 operating budget for the Virgin Islands Labor-Management Committee (VILMC). This recommendation is an increase of $10,000 over Fiscal Year 2021 of $175,000. According to the Post Audit Division of the Legislature, it has not received any information from VILMC. All information contained in this analysis is historical data.
Raymond Williams, Executive Director, VIL said, the VIL Commission approved budget for Fiscal Year 2022 projects totaled operating revenue at $21,858,069 and comprised of the following: Traditional Game-$9,160,000, Compensation from Contractors-$12,676,569 (Southern Gaming-$11,265,204 and Caribbean Lottery Services-$1,411,365), and Other Income-$21,500.00.
According to Williams, a 14-percent increase is projected for the Traditional Game based on revenue trends and other planned marketing initiatives and a 3.32-percent increase in Compensation from Contractors. He added that as of June 30, 2021, $8,562,161 was generated from the Traditional Game Sales, $8,628,301 received from Southern Gaming, and $1,151,841 from Caribbean Lottery Services.
He pointed out that based on actuals as of June 30, 2021, they project a 32.65-percent increase in Traditional Game revenue, which is 34.02-percent more than the Fiscal Year 2020. Also projected is a 3.51-percent increase in payments received from Southern Gaming and a 15.11-percent increase in revenues from Caribbean Lottery.
Total Direct Costs said Williams, projected at $8,177,080. This includes prize expense, printing, drawing operations, Powerball/Mega Million drawing cost, dealers’ bonuses and expenses, and bonus prizes for their Extra-Ordinary Drawings. He added that as a result of in-house printing, the total savings on printing and transportation as of June 30, 2021, is $55,078.18.
According to Williams, total Operating Expenses are projected at $15,285,827 with an operating income of $6,572,242. He added that Mandatory transfers for the Fiscal Year 2022 are projected as follows: Educational Initiative Fund-$1,901,484, Pharmaceutical Assistance Program-$1,901,484, GERS Retirees Bonus Fund-$1,267,656, and Horse Racing Improvement Fund-$337,956.
Although not mandated, according to Williams, $100,000 is budgeted for the Office of Veterans Affairs to provide administrative costs. A total of $3,953,298.75 was paid in mandated transfers to date for Fiscal Year 2021.
After accounting for interest income, the VIL Executive Director concluded the project a total expense of $20,943,459, resulting in a Net Income before Contribution to the General Fund of $1,143,262. The contribution to the General Fund is calculated per the Virgin Islands Code as 20-percent of net income, which amounts to $228,652. According to him, the net project income to the Virgin Islands of $914,610.
Senators at Friday’s budget hearing were Chairman Kurt A. Vialet, Donna A. Frett-Gregory, Dwayne M. DeGraff, Marvin A. Blyden, Javan E. James, Sr., Carla J. Joseph, Samuel Carrión, and Novelle E. Francis, Jr.