ST. THOMAS – The 35^th Legislature of the Virgin Islands, led by Senate President Novelle E. Francis, Jr. convened in regular legislative session at the Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall.  Lawmakers approved two nominees, four leases and fourteen bills.

The body first dissolved from Legislative Session and convened into the Committee of the Whole to receive testimony on Bill No. 35-0415, An Act amending Act No. 7754 to authorize the issuance of up to $250,000,000 in bonds, notes, or other evidences of indebtedness by the Government of the Virgin Islands and the Virgin Islands Public Finance Authority, either directly or through a wholly-owned subsidiary or affiliated corporation serving as a public corporation, including amounts necessary for reserves and issuance costs; to finance projects under 23 U.S.C. §122, including the payment or refunding of the 2015 Bonds, the current phase of the Veterans Drive Project, the Ferry Project, road projects on St. Croix approved by the Department of Public Works and the Federal Highway Administration, and other federally approved road projects; authorizing the Government of the Virgin Islands and the Public Finance Authority to execute agreements, pledge Federal Highway Grant Revenues and other revenues as collateral, issue limited special obligation loan notes, and take necessary action to effectuate the provisions of this Act. The measure was proposed by Senator Novelle E. Francis, Jr., by Request of the Governor.

Derek Gabriel, Commissioner of the Virgin Islands Department of Public Works delivered testimony supporting the proposed measure, saying that it would approve GARVEE bond issuance in the territory. Gabriel stated that the package will probably be the decade’s most significant economic initiative undertaken by the US Virgin Islands. The bonds are expected to impact projects such as Veterans Drive, Phase 2A and the proposed St. Croix-St. Thomas ferry. These projects are highlighted in the Department of Public Works’ 2040 USVI Transportation Master Plan and the Territorial Transportation Improvement Plan.  A Grant Anticipation Revenue Vehicle (GARVEE) bond is a financial tool that allows governments to secure upfront funding for federally qualified transportation projects. This is backed by anticipated Federal Aid Grants received annually, specifically fund transportation infrastructure. The Virgin Islands was issued $91 Million in GARVEE issuance, which funded several projects in the territory, including $40 Million for Veterans Drive on St. Thomas, $8.5 million for Sion Valley Road, $16 Million for the Melvin Evans Highway on St. Croix, $12.5 Million for Ethel McIntosh Drive (Mahogany Road), $3 Million for Christiansted Roads, $6 Million For Frederiksted Roads, and $5 Million for Spring Gut Road.  

The proposed $156 Million GARVEE issuance proposal would cover critical infrastructure and public transportation projects. These include $54 Million to refinance existing GARVEE bonds to realize present value savings, $20 Million to establish a St. Croix – St. Thomas Ferry, creating a crucial link between the islands and addressing interisland connectivity needs, $48 Million for the Veterans Drive Project, Phase 2A to continue improvement and to expand the current roadway and pedestrian infrastructure, $28 Million towards additionally federal aid eligible road improvements on St. Croix, and $6 Million as a deposit to Debt Service Reserve Funds and issuance costs.  Currently, a ferry vessel is being conceptually developed as a high speed 202 passenger ferry that would also be able to carry 12-16 passenger vehicles. It would be able to complete the trip in 90 minutes or less per federal regulations to be considered public transportation. A third larger ferry that will serve the St. Thomas-St. John route, named the Spirit of 1733 is currently being constructed and is expected to be in service in the first quarter of 2025.   Additionally, the Veterans Drive Improvement Project, Phase 2A is expected to increase automobile, pedestrian and cyclist capacity, reduce congestion, and enhance the pedestrian experience.

Additionally, lawmakers also considered Bill No. 35-0412, An Act amending title 31 Virgin Islands Code, chapters 21 and 23, sections 205, 231a, 232, 236, 236a, and 239 pertaining to the management of public property and procurement and sale of goods and services.  Lisa Alejandro, Commissioner of the Department of Property and Procurement testified in support of the measure. Alejandro stated that the proposed changes would modernize practices in the Department, improve operational efficiencies, and address economic development. Updates to the code include adjusting subleasing fees, increasing legislative approval threshold for leases, reducing required appraisals and streamlining property acquisition processes.  Furthermore, reforms include raising acquisition threshold, reducing document requirements during bidding, and introducing exemptions for emergency responses.  The proposed updates would align with current economic demands, promote efficiency through the GVIBUY platform, and help to promote improvement in serving the public and boosting the territorial economy.

The body then dissolved from the Committee of the Whole into Legislative Session. Senators approved the following nominations:

• Kyza A. Callwood, PhD to serve on the UVI Research and Technology Park Board of Directors.

• Julio A. Rhymer, Sr. to serve as the Director of the Office of Management and Budget.

The body then approved the following leases:

• Bill No. 35-0382, An Act approving the lease agreement between the Government of the Virgin Islands, acting through the Commissioner of the Department of Property and Procurement, and HKT Energy Consulting Group, LLC for Reconfigured Parcel No. 114 Submarine Base, No. 4 Southside Quarter, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands for the purpose of operating an office and warehouse and for no other purposes.

• Bill No. 35-0385, An Act approving a multi-year lease agreement between the Government of the Virgin Islands, acting through its Commissioner of the Department of Property and Procurement, and U.S.V.I. Soccer Federation, Inc., for Parcel N-1-Remainder of Tract 1 Estate Nazareth, No. 1 Red Hook Quarter, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, for a soccer field stadium with concessions, and soccer-related activities.

• Bill No. 35-0386, An Act approving the lease agreement between the Government of the Virgin Islands and Star Time Firearms, LLC d/b/a Precision Shooting Range for a portion of Parcel No. 1A Estate Bovoni, Nos. 1 and 2 Frenchman’s Bay Quarter, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands to operate a firearm training facility and shooting range, and for other related purposes.

• Bill No. 35-0387, An Act approving the multi-year lease agreement between the United States of America by and through the Department of Transportation Federal Aviation Administration and the Government of the Virgin Islands, acting through its Commissioner of the Department of Property and Procurement for Plot No. 10 Estate White Lady, West End Quarter, St. Croix, Virgin Islands to be used for the continued operation of a Locator Outer Marker and Federal Aviation Administration activities in support of the National Airspace System, and for other related purposes.

All leases were proposed by Senators Novelle E. Francis, Jr. and Dwayne M. Degraff by request of the Governor.

Lawmakers approved the following bills:

• Bill No. 35-0027, An Act honoring and commending Mr. Myron Corbett posthumously for his many contributions to the youth of the Territory; renaming the basketball court located in Anna’s Retreat, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands as “The Myron Corbett Basketball Court”; making an appropriation to erect signage at the basketball court; and for other related purposes. The measure was proposed by Senators Donna A. Frett-Gregory, Marvin A. Blyden, Ray Fonseca, Carla J. Joseph and Angel L. Bolques, Jr.

• Bill No. 35-0253, An Act honoring and commending police officers for the service they provide to the community and to recognize fallen law enforcement officers posthumously. The measure was proposed by Senators Diane T. Capehart, Kenneth L. Gittens, Dwayne M. Degraff, and Alma Francis Heyliger.

• Bill No. 35-0271, An Act amending title 20 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 43, subchapter I by adding a section 494b establishing school speed zones, signage, and enforcement measures to promote student and pedestrian safety near schools. The measure was proposed by Senators Angel L. Bolques, Jr., and Milton E. Potter.

• Bill No. 35-0273, An Act honoring and commending Ronald Alphonso “Slimo” Blyden posthumously for his years of service and contributions to the Virgin Islands community; renaming Flamboyant Avenue in Estate Anna’s Retreat, the “Ronald Alphonso “Slimo” Blyden Drive” and naming the cul de sac containing house addresses 129-27 through 129-34 Estate Anna’s Retreat, “Slimo Circle” in his honor; and making a $10,000 appropriation from the District Public Road Fund to the Department of Public Works to erect the proper signage. The measure was proposed by Senator Donna A. Frett-Gregory.

• Bill No. 35-0298, An Act honoring and commending Daryl A. George Sr., colloquially known as “Mousy”, posthumously, for his contributions to the people of the Virgin Islands as a firefighter, first responder, mentor and as Director of the Virgin Islands Fire and Emergency Medical Services; renaming the Tango Company Fire Station the “Daryl A. “Mousy” George, Sr., Fire Station” in his honor; and appropriating $10,000 from the Business and Commercial Properties Revolving Fund to the Department of Public Works to erect the proper signage. The measure was proposed by Senators Donna A. Frett-Gregory, Angel L. Bolques, Jr., Milton E. Potter, and Novelle E. Francis, Jr.

• Bill No. 35-0316, An Act honoring and commending Mrs. Juel Turnbull Rhymer-Molloy for years of dedicated service and numerous contributions to the people of the Virgin Islands. The measure was proposed by Senators Ray Fonseca, Carla J. Joseph, Milton E. Potter, Angel L. Bolques, Jr., Kenneth L. Gittens, Donna A. Frett-Gregory, Alma Francis Heyliger, Marvin A. Blyden, Samuel Carriόn and Dwayne M. DeGraff, and cosponsored by Senator Diane T. Capehart.

• Bill No, 35-0394, An Act honoring and commending Arthur Solomon for his work as Head Coach for the multiple champion winning Charlotte Amalie High School’s Girls’ Basketball Team and his contribution as a member of the Virgin Islands Men’s National Basketball Team by naming the existing and any subsequent gymnasium at the Charlotte Amalie High School, “The Myron “MC” Corbett and Arthur “Gutu” Solomon Gymnasium”. The measure was proposed by Senator Donna A. Frett-Gregory.

• Bill No. 35-0402, An Act amending title 5 Virgin Islands Code, subtitle I, chapter 3, sections 31 and 36 extending the statute of limitations to bring a civil action involving childhood sexual abuse. The measure was proposed by Senator Marise C. James.

• Bill No. 35-0403, An Act amending title 20 Virgin Islands Code, part II by repealing and re-enacting with amendments chapter 49 relating to abandoned and derelict motor vehicles. The measure was proposed by Senator Donna A. Frett-Gregory.

• Bill No. 35-0416, An Act honoring and commending the Honorable Senator Alicia “Chucky” Hansen posthumously for her unmatched and immeasurable service and dedication to the people of the Virgin Islands, the Caribbean, and the United States as the longest serving senator from the District of St. Croix and the highest vote-getter in the territory’s history by designating December 6^th as “Alicia ‘Chucky’ Hansen Day”. The measure was proposed by Senator Javan E. James, Sr.

• Bill No. 35-0205, An Act appropriating $900,000 to the Virgin Islands Department of Sports, Parks and Recreation to build an equestrian training facility in Estate Body Slob, St. Croix, Virgin Islands. The measure was proposed by Senator Javan E. James, Sr.

• Bill No. 35-0367, An Act providing an appropriation from the General Fund of the Treasury of the Virgin Islands to the St. Croix Capital Improvement Fund and the St. Thomas Capital Improvement Fund for fiscal year October 1, 2024 through September 30, 2025. The measure was proposed by Senators Novelle E. Francis Jr., Donna A. Frett-Gregory and Angel L. Bolques, Jr.

• Bill No. 35-0415, An Act amending Act No. 7754 to authorize the issuance of up to $250,000,000 in bonds, notes, or other evidences of indebtedness by the Government of the Virgin Islands and the Virgin Islands Public Finance Authority, either directly or through a wholly-owned subsidiary or affiliated corporation serving as a public corporation, including amounts necessary for reserves and issuance costs; to finance projects under 23 U.S.C. §122, including the payment or refunding of the 2015 Bonds, the current phase of the Veterans Drive Project, the Ferry Project, road projects on St. Croix approved by the Department of Public Works and the Federal Highway Administration, and other federally approved road projects; authorizing the Government of the Virgin Islands and the Public Finance Authority to execute agreements, pledge Federal Highway Grant Revenues and other revenues as collateral, issue limited special obligation loan notes, and take necessary action to effectuate the provisions of this Act. The measure was proposed by Senator Novelle E. Francis, Jr. by request of the Governor.

• Bill No. 35-0412, An Act amending title 31 Virgin Islands Code, chapters 21 and 23, sections 205, 231a, 232, 236, 236a, and 239 pertaining to the management of public property and procurement and sale of goods and services. This bill allows non-germane amendments. The measure was proposed by Senator Novelle E. Francis, Jr. by request of the Governor.  

Senators present at today’s Committee of the Whole and Legislative Session included Novelle E. Francis, Jr., Marvin A. Blyden, Angel L. Bolques, Jr., Samuel Carrión, Diane T. Capehart, Dwayne M. DeGraff, Ray Fonseca, Alma Francis Heyliger, Donna A. Frett-Gregory, Kenneth L. Gittens, Marise C. James, Javan E. James, Sr., Franklin D. Johnson, Carla J. Joseph, and Milton E. Potter.

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