Members of the Committee on Rules and Judiciary, chaired by Sen. Diane T. Capehart,
convened in a meeting at the Frits E. Lawaetz Conference Room Thursday, where they voted and approved the governor’s nominations and two bills, the V.I. Legislature reported.
The measures were thoroughly vetted by the committees of jurisdiction. All approved items on the agenda were forwarded to the full body for further consideration, according to the press release.
Lawmakers voted in the affirmative for nominees appointed by the Honorable Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. to serve in various positions. Bryan forwarded the nominations to the Legislature in accordance with Title 3, Section 65a, of the Virgin Islands Code and Section 16 of the Revised Organic Act of 1954, the press release stated.
The nominations are as follows:
• Maurice K. Muia, the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority Board of Directors
• May A. Cornwall, the Virgin Islands Coastal Zone Management in the District of St. Croix
The nomination of Rodney Francis Querrard to serve on the Opioid Abatement Committee in the district of St. Thomas was removed from the agenda. Title … subchapter… does not require the advice and consent of the legislative body, the release stated.
Capehart thanked all the nominees for their willingness to serve the community. Regarding nominee Maurice K. Muia, Capehart noted that she looks forward to transparency, more conversations with the legislative body, updated policy and procedures, rules and regulations, and an overall improvement of WAPA’s operations in the territory, it said.
Separately, policymakers voted and approved the following:
• 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 the people of the Virgin Islands. Sponsored by Sen. Novelle E. Francis, Jr.
• Bill No. 35-0178: An Act amending Title 5 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 314, to add a section 3732a to allow for the automatic expungement of arrest records upon a finding that the arrest lacked probable cause and amending Title 3 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 33, section 881(g), item 9 relating to public records to designate expunged criminal records as confidential records. Sponsored by Sens. Javan E. James, Sr. Franklin D. Johnson, and Angel L. Bolques, Jr.
Committee members Diane T. Capehart, Franklin D. Johnson, Carla J. Joseph, Angel Bolques, Jr., Marise C. James, Milton E. Potter, and Kenneth L. Gittens attended Thursday’s meeting. Non-committee member Novelle E. Francis Jr. was also present to participate in the vetting process.
