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. ###