ST. THOMAS, U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS — Members of the Committee on Government Operations, Veterans Affairs, and Consumer Protection, chaired by Senator Avery L. Lewis, convened at the Capitol Building to examine critical issues impacting government services and community wellbeing. Lawmakers received testimony on the operations of the Office of Veterans Affairs (OVA) and the Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority (VIWMA), with agency leaders outlining current challenges, progress toward solutions, and overall operational status. Separately, lawmakers voted favorably on one bill while the other was held in committee. All approved items will be forwarded to the Committee on Rules and Judiciary for further consideration.
Senator Avery L. Lewis expressed appreciation for the update from the Office of Veterans Affairs and acknowledged the agency’s continued progress in strengthening communication, expanding healthcare access, and advancing key infrastructure projects for Virgin Islands Veterans. He reaffirmed the Committee’s commitment to strong oversight and support to ensure these initiatives are fully implemented and that Veterans across the Territory receive dignified, reliable services.
Providing agency testimony, Director Patrick D. Farrell of the Virgin Islands Office of Veterans Affairs reported steady progress over the past year, noting strengthened communication through expanded media outreach, a weekly radio program, and enhanced online platforms. OVA carried out major recognition events, increased engagement of women Veterans, and introduced new community activities such as the territorial domino tournament. Significant improvements in healthcare access were implemented, including airfare coverage for medical travel in Puerto Rico and the mainland. Federal representation continues the VA Advisory Committee, and infrastructure priorities are advancing, including the planned Veterans Multi-Purpose Center, efforts to name VA clinics after fallen servicemembers, and preparations for establishing the territory’s first VA National Cemetery on St. Croix.
Transitioning to solid waste and wastewater operations, Executive Director Hannibal Ware of the Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority reported that the Territory’s waste management system remains in crisis due to decades of underinvestment, aging infrastructure, and persistent funding shortfalls. Both the Anguilla and Bovoni Landfills are nearing capacity and remain under federal consent decrees, with closure, expansion, and transfer station upgrades advancing through CDBG-DR funding. VIWMA is expanding door-to-door collection, developing an Integrated Sustainable Materials Management Plan, and evaluating new technologies to reduce debris and conserve landfill space. The Authority is also confronting urgent wastewater issues, including collapsing sewer lines, deteriorated pump stations, and treatment facilities requiring major upgrades, with early action repairs and FEMA-supported infrastructure projects underway. Ware noted improvements in public engagement through the new “Preserve Paradise Now” customer care portal and emphasized that long-term stabilization will require legislative support for waste fees, updated tipping fees, stronger enforcement tools, and reliable funding transfers.
Lawmakers advanced one measure aimed at strengthening the Territory’s economic footing and held in committee a bill improving government accessibility for all residents. The first recognizes a key federal partner whose advocacy helped secure historic gains for the Virgin Islands, while the second enhances inclusivity in public communications by ensuring that sign language interpretation is available at all government broadcasts and official functions. These initiatives reflect the Legislature’s continued commitment to supporting critical revenue priorities and promoting equal access to information across the Territory.
Senators present at today’s committee hearing included Avery L. Lewis, Angel L. Bolques, Jr., Ray Fonseca, Alma Francis-Heyliger, Clifford A. Joseph, Kenneth L. Gittens, Franklin D. Johnson, and Carla J. Joseph.
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Press Contact: Africah N.T. Harrigan
Email: aharrigan@legvi.org
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