Sen. Dwayne M. DeGraff expressed his disappointment with Governor Albert Bryan Jr. for his failure to include the Senate Minority in his discussions on future plans for the territory. In a press release issued by Government House Thursday, June 15, Governor Bryan indicated he had recently met with members of the 35th Legislature’s Majority Caucus to provide them with details on his recent initiatives.
“I find it very disrespectful to the institution as a whole, and the people of the Virgin Islands, for the governor to invite a select section of the V.I. Legislature to discuss issues that will affect the entire territory,” Sen. DeGraff said. “If his intent was to garner support from the entire body for his initiatives, it is only fair that he allows members of the 35th Legislature’s Minority Caucus to sit in on these discussions.”
DeGraff stated that while he agrees with and commends the governor for some of his initiatives, he would have liked the opportunity for him and his colleagues in the minority to participate in the discussions also. The senator added specifically relating to Governor Bryan’s initiatives for the use of funds gained by the territory from the Jeffrey Epstein Settlement.
“I currently have legislation to appropriate $20 million from the Epstein Settlement to fund two nursing homes, one in each district, in the territory,” DeGraff said. “I would have liked the opportunity to participate in these discussions to ensure that this is taken into consideration. As we know, we have an aging population in the territory, I am urging my colleagues and the governor to support this legislation as it moves forward to help in addressing the health and housing needs of our elderly population.”
Senator Dwayne M. DeGraff
