ST. CROIX – Members of the Committee on Rules and Judiciary, led by Senator Diane T. Capehart convened in a meeting at the Frits E. Lawaetz Legislative Conference Room. All approved nominees and bills will be forwarded to the full body at the next Legislative Session.

In Block 1, lawmakers considered the nomination of Mr. Luther F. Renee to the Virgin Islands Casino Control Commission. The nomination was voted upon favorably.

In Block 2, lawmakers considered the following bills, all of which were approved unanimously:

Bill No. 35-0006, an act honoring and commending former Senator George E. Goodwin for his many years of expansive contributions to the Virgin Islands community as a whole, through his roles in various areas of service to the territory as well as advocation for social justice for underserved people in the Virgin Islands; to rename the Cricket Field located on Parcel H of Tract 1, Estate Nazareth, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands in his honor; and to award former  George E. Goodwin the Virgin Islands Medal of Honor; and for other related purposes. The measure was proposed by Senators Carla Joseph, Donna Frett-Gregory, Milton Potter, Alma Francis Heyliger, Ray Fonseca, and Marvin A. Blyden, and cosponsored by Senators Angel L. Bolques, Jr., Diane T. Capehart and Kenneth L. Gittens

Bill No. 35-0011, an act honoring and commending former Senator Horace A. Callwood, Sr. posthumously for his dedication, service, and commitment to the people of the Virgin Islands and naming the north-south street immediately east of Windward Passage in his memory. The proposed measure was sponsored by Marvin A. Blyden, Angel L. Bolques, Jr., Carla J. Joseph, Donna A. Frett-Gregory, Alma Francis Heyliger, Milton E. Potter and Ray Fonseca and cosponsored by Senators Diane T. Capehart and Kenneth L. Gittens.

Bill No. 35-0007, a resolution honoring and commending Mr. Boyd “Boyzie” Orlanzo Todman for his many contributions to the people and the youth of the Virgin Islands. The proposed measure was sponsored by Senators Dwayne M. Degraff, Angel L Bolques, Jr., Donna A. Frett-Gregory, Milton E. Potter, Ray Fonseca, and Marvin A. Blyden, and co-sponsored by Senator Carla J. Joseph.

Bill No. 35-0009, an act amending Title 1, Virgin Islands Code, Chapter 11, Section 171(a) relating to the observance of national holidays and enacting The Juneteenth National Independence Day Act to declare June 19 a legal holiday in the Virgin Islands. The measure was sponsored by Senators Marvin A. Blyden, Alma Francis Heyliger, and Milton E. Potter and cosponsored by Senators Angel L. Bolques, Jr., Ray Fonseca, Novelle E. Francis, Jr., and Kenneth L. Gittens.

Senator Capehart stated, “Overall, it was a productive day. I am proud of the work we accomplished in Committee today. My colleagues remained focused on the work at hand, and we were able to complete the vetting process to produce good work.”

Senators present at today’s committee hearing included Diane T. Capehart, Milton E. Potter, Angel L. Bolques, Jr., Marvin A. Blyden, Dwayne M. Degraff, Ray Fonseca, Novelle E. Francis Jr., Kenneth L. Gittens, Marise C. James, Franklin D. Johnson, and Carla J. Joseph.

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