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Oct. 12, 2006 – Senator Celestino A. White, Sr. was happy to learn from the President of the University of the Virgin Islands (UVI), Dr. LaVerne E. Ragster, that his long awaited initiative to integrate Water Island as part of the Virgin Islands will be completed by December 31, 2006.
In a letter to Governor Charles Turnbull dated August 31, 2006, President Ragster indicated that UVI is currently engaged in a number of activities that relate directly to the study pursuant to Act No. 6751, which I introduced, stated Senator White.
While I am generally pleased with the progress of the study, after a recent conversation with the Executive Director of the Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority, Mr. Clifford Graham, I was somewhat troubled to learn that he has not been involved or participated in any of the many meetings held relevant to the study. This is of particular concern to me as it would likely be his agency (VIHFA) that will move the home ownership program forward, according to Senator White.
To this end, I have requested in a letter to President Ragster, dated September 28, 2006, that the Executive Director of VIHFA be an active participant and that further my office be apprise of future development regarding this study as it is my hope to move whatever legislation is necessary to expedite the integration process of Water Island as part of the St. Thomas/St. John District, concluded Senator White.
