ST. CROIX – Members of the 35th Legislature of the Virgin Islands, led by Senate President Novelle E. Francis Jr. hosted a Perma Plaque and road naming ceremony at the Frits E. Lawaetz Legislative Conference Room.
In his opening remarks, Senate President Novelle E. Francis, Jr. stated that the diverse group of honorees represented who we are as a people and are examples of service, leadership, and what can be accomplished by hard work.
Ten honorees received perma plaques, in accordance with the following legislation:
Resolution No. 1913 (Bill No. 35-0242), A Resolution honoring and commending Miguel Santos, Jr., aka “DJ Poppy Pops” for his contributions in the field of music and in radio broadcasting of musical events and local social musical events and specifically contributing to the art of deejaying. The resolution was sponsored by Senators Angel L. Bolques, Jr., Ray Fonseca, Samuel Carriόn, Franklin D. Johnson, Marise C. James, and Donna A. Frett-Gregory.
Resolution No. 1910 (Bill No. 35-0116), A Resolution honoring and commending Lieutenant Colonel Leayle Gerard Galiber for his leadership in the Virgin Islands National Guard and his dedication to his country and to the people of the Virgin Islands. The resolution was sponsored by Senators Novelle E. Francis, Jr. and Dwayne M. Degraff.
Resolution No. 1904 (Bill No. 35-0016), A Resolution honoring and commending the Board of Elections; the Supervisor of Elections, Caroline Fawkes, and the entire Virgin Islands Election System team for their tireless service and contributions to the Virgin Islands community and on the occasion of the 60th Anniversary of the establishment of the Election System of the Virgin Islands. The resolution was sponsored by Senators Angel L. Bolques Jr, Carla J. Joseph and Marvin Blyden and Co-Sponsored by Senators Ray Fonseca, Novelle E. Francis Jr, Marise C. James, and Samuel Carrión.
Act No. 8737 (Bill No. 35-0101), A Resolution honoring and commending Dr. Olaf “Bronco” Hendricks for his tireless years of remarkable and invaluable contributions to the people of the Virgin Islands in the field of psychiatry, his advocacy for social justice for individuals with behavioral health and substance use issues, and for his music. The resolution was sponsored by Senators Franklin D. Johnson, Donna A. Frett-Gregory, Milton E. Potter and Diane T. Capehart, and co-sponsored by Carla J. Joseph, Samuel Carrión, Ray Fonseca and Novelle E. Francis, Jr.
Act. No. 8810 (Bill No. 35-0102), An Act honoring and commending Ralph A. deChabert, M.D. for outstanding contributions in the medical field to the people of the Virgin Islands and his many civic contributions to the community. especially to the island of St. Croix and to name the Labor and Delivery/Post Partum Unit “Maternity Services” at the Juan F. Luis Hospital and Medical Center North in his honor. The act was sponsored by Senators Marise C. James, Carla J. Joseph, and Kenneth L. Gittens and co-sponsored by Senator Diane T. Capehart.
Resolution No. 1909 (Bill No. 35-0217), An Act honoring and commending the late Lieutenant Melbourne Clarke posthumously for his dedication, service, and contributions to the Virgin Islands community in law enforcement by adding the name, “Police Lieutenant Melbourne Clarke Drive”, at Route 669 on the island of St. Croix. The resolution was sponsored by Senator Kenneth L. Gittens and Co-sponsored by Senators Novelle E. Francis, Jr., Marise C. James, and Diane T. Capehart.
Act No. 8657 (Bill No. 34-0292), An Act posthumously honoring and commending Dr. Rafael Garcia, M.D. for his outstanding years of service to the Virgin Islands community as a medical doctor and a public servant and naming a portion of the Carlton roadway from the Queen Mary Highway heading north in his memory. The measure was sponsored by Senators Samuel Carrion, Franklin D. Johnson, and Novelle E. Francis, Jr. and co-sponsored by Genevieve R. Whitaker.
Act No. 8319 (Bill No. 33-0245), An Act honoring and commending Pastor Hector González for his 56-plus years of ministry and his outstanding service and dedication to the people of St. Croix and naming a road in his honor. The act was sponsored by Senators Alicia Barnes, Oakland Benta and Javan E. James Sr., and co-sponsored by Senator Alison DeGazon.
Act No. 8300 (Bill No. 33-0097), An Act posthumously honoring and commending Euclyn “Pede” Prentice, Jr., for his accomplishments in the horse racing industry and his contributions to the Virgin Islands and naming a road in his honor. The act was sponsored by Senators Javan E. James, Sr., Oakland Benta, and Athneil “Bobby” Thomas.
Act No. 8671 (Bill No. 34-0376), An Act posthumously honoring and commending Valmy Thomas for his contributions to the Virgin Islands community and for renaming Soboetker Ln and West Ln in his memory; making an $15,000 appropriation; and for other related purposes. The act was sponsored by Senators Kurt A. Vialet, Franklin D. Johnson and Genevieve R. Whitaker, and co-sponsored by Senators Novelle E. Francis Jr, and Samuel Carrión.
Senators present at today’s Perma Plaque ceremony were Novelle E. Francis, Jr., Angel L. Bolques, Jr. Samuel Carrión, Diane T. Capehart, Donna A. Frett-Gregory, Ray Fonseca, Marise C. James, Franklin D. Johnson, and Milton E. Potter.
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