Legislature Corner

Senate Calendar April 21-May 2

The Virgin Islands will not be left behind in the future of tourism. The U.S. Virgin Islands is on the move—and the world is watching. 

During today’s session of the 36th Legislature, Senator Hubert L. Frederick joined his colleagues in supporting several important legislative measures and nominee confirmations—reaffirming his commitment to fiscal responsibility, community-centered policy, and transparent governance as the Virgin Islands continues to navigate financial uncertainty.

Senator Clifford A. Joseph, Sr. announced the successful passage of legislation to secure funding for retroactive wages owed to retirees and government employees along with critical funding for the territory’s hospitals and the adoption of an amendment that would reduce the cap for bond financing for the Virgin Islands Port Authority.

Senator Ray Fonseca issued the following statement after the 36th Legislature of the Virgin Islands unanimously voted to allocate emergency funding to the Territory’s hospitals.

“These actions will cause increased shipping costs, shipping delays and, in some cases, the wholesale termination of service by cargo carriers to impacted locations throughout the coast of the United States and especially places like the Virgin Islands."

I look forward to working with our Port Authority, Department of Tourism, and other community business stakeholders to implement the mechanisms and support needed to keep the U.S. Virgin Islands a leading competitor in the Caribbean Tourism Market.'

The Senate will meet three times.

Let me be clear: I remain unwavering in my commitment to fixing our healthcare system and making it a true pillar of strength for our community. Last month, I formally called on Governor Albert Bryan Jr. to declare a Hospital State of Emergency in the Virgin Islands. The concerns raised in these letters further underscore the critical need for immediate, focused, and comprehensive action.

The 36th Legislature’s Committee on Homeland Security, Justice and Public Safety will meet on Thursday, April 3, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. in the Frits E. Lawaetz Conference Room on St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. 

Senate Vice President Kenneth L. Gittens has expressed his concern over the recent cyberattacks reported at the Virgin Islands Lottery, its negative economic impact, and the overall security of the Virgin Islands Government’s computer systems.

Sen. Angel L. Bolques Jr. urges all residents of St. John to participate in the upcoming public hearing hosted by the Department of Planning and Natural Resources (DPNR) for the St. John Committee of the Virgin Islands Coastal Zone Management (CZM) Commission. The virtual hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, April 15, at 4 p.m. via Zoom.

The federal mandate is scheduled to take effect nationwide on May 7, 2025, and has prompted a growing number of inquiries from concerned constituents.

The VI Sixth Constitutional Convention announces the first meeting for the Standing Committee on Government Structure to conduct an in-depth review and propose revisions to key articles of the proposed Fifth Constitutional Convention draft. These meetings are open to the public and media, and community members are encouraged to attend and engage in the discussions that will shape the future governance of the Virgin Islands.

Senator Ray Fonseca expresses concern over the misrepresentation of his proposed legislation, Bill No. 36-0023, “An Act amending title 33 Virgin Islands Code, Chapter 4, section 72 relating to the highway user tax”, and seeks to clarify the intent and impact of the bill. Contrary to recent reports, the legislation does not impose an annual tax. 

Senate Calendar March 17– March 28

The revised calendar for the 36th Legislature March 10 - 21.

Committee on Economic Development and Agriculture Meets Monday.

“I am pleased to reintroduce legislation known as the DiasporaLink Act."

Senator Carla Joseph has announced the Committee on Rules and Judiciary will meet on Thursday, Feb. 27, at 10 a.m. in the Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall on St. Thomas.