Gov. Albert Bryan vetoes three bills Thursday passed by Senate last month. (Submitted photo)
Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. on Thursday vetoed a trio of bills passed by the Senate last month that were meant to put the V.I. Water and Power Authority on firmer financial footing for the rest of the fiscal year and, among other things, restructure language about how and when a state of emergency can be declared.
Bryan’s vetoes came on the heels of two days’ worth of power outages in the St. Thomas-St. John district caused, according to WAPA officials, by a lightning strike, for which utility crews are still assessing the damage and impact.
In a call with the Source Thursday, Government House Communications Director Richard Motto said the state of emergency the governor declared last month to tap into the territory’s Budget Stabilization Fund and get $11 million worth of outstanding utility bills paid had no correlation to the outages, and that the payments initiated by the government have either been made or are processing.
After the state of emergency, the Senate convened in session for two days and added their own proposals, while also trying to tamp down on some of the executive branch’s decision-making power.
In his transmittal letter to Senate President Novelle Francis on Thursday explaining the vetoes, Bryan said, “When considering whether or not to approve a measure, I always contemplate how a proposal will affect the future of the territory, not just considering our current challenges, but also recognizing that future leaders will face a variety of unknown challenges. The health and safety of the residents of this territory should always be the governor’s, as well as the Legislature’s greatest priority, and we must be careful that the laws we set in place today are considerate of the future, and whatever obstacles may come. These knee-jerk statutes may come back to haunt you or one of your colleagues should you ever be blessed with the opportunity to serve our people as governor of these great Virgin Islands.”
Bill 35-0266: An act reappropriating funds to pay current year obligations of the Roy L. Schneider Hospital and Medical Center, the Governor Juan F. Luis Hospital and Medical Center, and the Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority to the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority and to authorize the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority to issue a credit to the Roy L. Schneider Hospital and Medical Center, the Governor Juan F. Luis Hospital and Medical Center, and the Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority in lieu of payment to the Government of the Virgin Islands.
In particular, this proposal authorizes credits to be applied to outstanding water and power bills held by the territory’s two hospitals, and the Waste Management Authority. Explaining the math at the April 25 session, Sen. Ray Fonseca said the bill would result in a cost savings of a little over $2 million for St. Croix’s Gov. Juan F. Luis Hospital on utilities, while the Schneider Regional Medical Center would be able to cut about $3.6 million.
In his transmittal letter to Francis on Thursday, Bryan described the bill as an “unhelpful and unnecessary measure at this time.”
“The proposal to forgive an outstanding loan the government made to WAPA by eliminating certain debts owed by the hospitals and Waste Management does not help solve the immediate cash-flow issues crippling WAPA’s ability to operate,” the governor said. “WAPA needs cash in hand to fulfill its obligations and this recommendation does not alleviate that critical need. I have already directed payment of the outstanding utility bills for JFL, SRMC, and VIWMA to rectify these debts owed to WAPA, which will provide WAPA with cash to pay its critical vendors.”
Bryan added that he asked the Senate to address the shortfall payments to these agencies in December 2023, and in the days leading up to the state of emergency declaration.
“The Legislature failed to facilitate a solution in a timely manner,” Bryan said. “WAPA’s critical vendors began to withhold services and without critical vendors, WAPA was forced to curtail power generation, leading to rotating power outages.”
Bill 35-0267: An act authorizing the Government of the Virgin Islands to use the Budget Stabilization Fund to pay obligations of the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority incurred in Fiscal Year 2024.
At April’s Senate session, Francis said the Budget Stabilization Fund – also known as the “Rainy Day” Fund – had hit $21 million, and that the bill as proposed would tap into it to take care of WAPA’s outstanding debts. Though senators said they were averse to another WAPA “bailout” and cautioned what would happen if the fund was used and not replenished, they also said they needed to act so WAPA didn’t collapse.
Which is what Bryan said he’s already done.
“The Legislature proposes to grant authority to pay certain bills out of the Budget Stabilization Fund, which by law is already explicitly available for use during a State of Emergency. This is a reactive measure that proposes an action that I have already taken. I would also remind the Legislature that the Budget Stabilization Fund was entirely unfunded for many years until our administration began allocating $5 million to this fund each year in every recommended Executive Budget we created beginning with FY 2020 and submitted to the Legislature for approval. Maintaining this fund has always been a priority for my administration, and we will continue to prioritize replenishment of this fund,” he wrote in his letter to Francis Thursday.
Bill 35-0268: An act amending title 23 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 10, subchapter I relating to a declaration of a state of emergency by the Governor and other related issues.
While lengthy, senators said the crux of this proposal is to define how and when a state of emergency can be declared, particularly, they shared in a press conference last month after Bryan’s, when the Senate isn’t in the know about the extent of certain situations, such as WAPA’s financial crisis.
Bryan disagreed Thursday, saying additional limitations outside of what is already defined by law could hamper the territory’s ability to respond in real disasters.
“I could not in good conscience sign this bill into law, as there are several proposals, which if enacted, are dangerous and would significantly impair any governor’s ability to timely respond to disasters in the territory,” he wrote. “The governor declares a state of emergency when he/she believes a disaster has occurred or may be imminent that is severe enough to require the territory aid to supplement existing resources in preventing or alleviating damages, loss, hardship, or suffering. This is an executive power that is established in the Revised Organic Act of 1954 and it would take an act of the U.S. Congress to change or amend this statute,” he said.
Logan Cruz’s legacy lives on as “Logan Cruz the Superhero Day” approaches on May 13, his birthday.
Logan Cruz, who would’ve been five on Monday, grabbed the hearts of many Virgin Islanders after his two-year battle with Leukemia.
Logan Cruz began to battle Leukimia at the tender age of seven months. (Photo courtesy Anais Cruz)
His mother, Anais Cruz, said that the proclamation was originally made in May 2022. When she made the proclamation, she was told that she would have to update it each year, but thanks to Executive Coordinator Karlene Angol, the day was achieved. This means that “Logan Cruz the Superhero Day” will forever be in V.I. History.
“I made a post about Logan having his own day, and she helped to make it happen,” Cruz said, referring to Angol’s help in ensuring Logan’s day was placed in history.
In honor of “Logan Cruz the Superhero Day,” Cruz is asking that the community wear orange. In his honor, community members can also pick up small pins that can be worn on their shirts. The pins are available at Sonya LTD, La Reine Chicken Shack, V.I. Coffee Roasters and Ride into Fitness Studio and will be at those locations starting on Monday and throughout the week.
Today, Cruz continues her work with the nonprofit Logan Miracle Foundation, which has been in existence for five years, by committing to uphold the courageous legacy of Logan and all the children who have bravely fought the battle of Leukemia.
“This is more than just Logan, there are other children that are worldwide fighting this right now. I want them to know that they are also superheroes. That their fight is important to us,” said Cruz.
Logan’s mother works with the Logan Miracle Foundation in Logan’s honor. (Photo courtesy Anais Cruz)
During Logan’s battle with cancer, Cruz said that she quickly realized the topic of childhood cancer was not spoken of because we are not educated on it. “Being the one nonprofit that brings awareness to childhood cancer here, I feel that it’s important to shed light on how these kids are so small but so resilient” she said.
“I want to be there for that next mom that is going to be in my position. I want to be there for that next kid that ends up in Logan’s position. I know what it’s like, I fought for three years. I want the Logan Miracle Foundation to be a support to any child that comes across any forms of cancer,” said Cruz.
Cruz credits the Virgin Islands communities for their support during Logan’s battle. “I want people to know that Logan’s fight didn’t go in vain. He had purpose and now I feel like it’s my duty to fulfill that purpose,” said Cruz.
Cruz wants people to remember how resilient Logan was. “He was a symbol of pure love, joy, happiness and symbolizes peace for me. He’s gone, but every single day I still do something that pertains to Logan.” In his honor, she continues to maintain his beautiful grave site.
Logan’s grave continues to be maintained by his mother Anais Cruz. (Photo courtesy Anais Cruz)
Cruz said the more people she encounters, the more inspired she becomes, but her mission doesn’t change; it just gets bigger.
“I have met so many amazing people during this journey. This journey is literally a day at a time. Overall, the objective is to raise awareness of childhood cancer and to keep Logan’s memory alive. We strive to provide support, resources to these families through education, fundraising and community outreach. We aim to make a lasting impact. Ensure that parents who are currently fighting, and those who have been there and lost know we are still here for you,” she said.
Cruz’s goal is for the Logan Miracle Foundation to go global.
Last year, for Leukemia Month, the foundation gave back to a school, spoke to children about the vicious cancer, and provided giveaways, including Logan’s favorite cookie, Oreos. Cruz has other exciting ideas on the way to honor Logan.
“People think that okay Logan passed and that’s the end of the story. What people fail to realize is that it may have been the end of the story for Logan being here, but it was the beginning of a journey of grief, a journey of struggling to stay alive, a journey of finding purpose, a journey of healing. Because how do you find purpose in that pain when everything was taken from you?” A question Cruz is still searching for as a grieving parent.
Logan and his mother Anais Cruz. (Photo courtesy Anais Cruz)
“The Logan Miracle Foundation keeps me grounded, it keeps me here, it keeps me together, it keeps me feeling like he’s proud of me,” she said.
Tarik McMillan, certified clinical trauma specialist, licensed professional counselor, and co-own of Greater Changes, joined the Disability Rights forum on youth trauma. (Screenshot from Zoom meeting)
After presentations about adolescent mental health issues, hosted by the Disability Rights Center Thursday, mental health experts discussed prevention and coping and identified a few local resources.
Trauma is the response people have to what has happened to them and the response can be passed down through generations, according to Tarik McMillan, certified clinical trauma specialist, licensed professional counselor and co-own of Greater Changes in Frederiksted. Responses to trauma can be fight, flight or freeze, to which he added “fawning” – when the victim works to appease the one who inflicted the wound.
McMillan pointed out that Caribbean people have dealt with trauma since the precolonial period and have carried the stigma of mental health since.
He said statistics from 2017 indicate that 22 percent of middle schoolers have thought about suicide, and eight percent have tried to kill themselves. Seventeen percent of high school students have thought about taking their own lives and eight percent attempted, he said.
“Coping with life after trauma really is terrible,” he said.
Brandy Brooks, prevention coordinator at Westcare’s The Village, presented information Thursday about youth mental health. (Screenshot from Zoom meeting)
Brandy Brookes, prevention coordinator at Westcare’s The Village said the response to a “terrible event” may be different for each individual – traumatic for some and less so for others.
There are programs at The Village for 13-24-year-olds who are dealing with substance abuse, which is a multi-layered problem. First, the patients must deal with their mental health crisis and the stigma, she said.
Brooks said the first treatment includes cutting down and cutting back on the substance. School programs that teach life skills, as well as family and community programs, can help at-risk youth. Other ways to combat drug use include peer-led programs, media campaigns and brief interventions, said Brookes. Meditation, music and exercise can also distract youth with healthy alternatives.
The bottom line to success is “empowerment” and “uplifting the spirit,” Brookes and McMillan agreed.
The Village’s programs include residential treatment for adults and outpatient treatment for adults and youth. There are also occasional community outreach programs.
McMillan said treatment is available at the Frederiksted office and through telehealth. Project Horizon offers 10 one-hour sessions a week for 15 teens at a time. A family program and teen intervention are also available. Greater Changes is planning to offer teens group therapy on St. Croix.
The mental health professionals said people can be referred to their programs through the Departments of Health and Human Services and the Housing Authority. And they can contact either provider directly.
“There are not enough mental health providers,” McMillan said. “We are way behind when it comes to mental health.”
Project Director for the Virgin Islands Breast Cancer Project, Diane Hampton, will be working on her cancer advocacy with back-to-back events all weekend at the Feather Leaf Inn on the north side of Frederiksted.
Project Director Diane Hampton at NBCC, 2024 (Photo courtesy Diane Hampton)Hampton and Bernhard Bierlich co-founded the VI Breast Cancer Project in 2015. Their goal was to write a grant, which they did, to research breast cancer in the USVI with a focus on St. Croix.In their work with the Yvonne A. Galiber Foundation, they found the numbers were high on St. Croix. Their initial mission was to interview and collect data on survivors to see if there was a commonality, if they shared anything different, or if the environmental conditions were impacting their health with reference to the Hovensa Oil Refinery.“I found out about the Little Pink House of Hope in North Carolina. It’s a program funded by a woman who is a breast cancer survivor. She started having retreats for breast cancer survivors and their families,” Hampton said. That is how the original idea came to Hampton. She felt St.Croix had the same kind of solace and place for healing, so she began to work on retreats for cancer survivors with the first one at Villa Mill Point in Frederiksted.Bierlich and Hampton wanted a safe place for cancer survivors to retreat. The evening always starts with a sunset dinner.Hampton will kick off Friday evening with her own paper hat-making workshop. The traditional retreat sunset dinner will be served on the patio at 6:30 p.m.Following dinner, A Memorial Tribute by activist ChenziRa Davis Kahina with a Bamboula gathering will take place under the Baobab Tree at 8:30 p.m.Bush bath at Feather Leaf Inn 2023 facilitated by ChenziRa Davis Kahina. (Photo courtesy Diane Hampton)Kahina will guide the special Memorial Tribute to the enslaved and free African persons who worked and transitioned on the [Feather Leaf] Butler Bay Plantation. Family and friends who have transitioned from cancer will be honored, as well. Attendees are asked to wear white blouses and skirts for the Bamboula Memorial Tribute. Family and friends are invited to this free event.Kerri Swain will open with yoga Saturday morning from 6:00 to 7:00 a.m. A mindful meditation session from 7:00 to 8:00 a.m. will slow the pace for participants before breakfast.Yoga class at the Pink House 2015 led by JoAnn Jones Moorhead. (Photo courtesy Diane Hampton)A plant-based breakfast will be served and the day will advance with a Wire Sculpture Class by Waldemar Brodhurst, a Fabric Art Spray Paint Class with Yemaya Jones, and an Oil Pastel Drawing Class led by John Obafemi Jones. Classes will be followed with meditation, lunch, and a relaxation period.A Buffet Dinner and Fundraiser Silent Auction will open Saturday evening at 6:30 p.m. for a cost of $80.00 per person. Special Guest Speaker, Executive Director of the Whim Museum Sonia Jacobs Dow will share the historic beginnings of 1764 to the present Estate Butler Bay Plantation.Swain will open Sunday’s schedule with 7:00 – 8:00 a.m. yoga and breakfast afterward. Charlene Springer’s Bush Bath, with its local herbal bush at the seaside, is an inviting respite for all who partake. The Feather Leaf Inn Mother’s Day Brunch is open to the public for a fee of $45 and will begin serving at 11:30 a.m. All of the meals at Feather Leaf Inn are plant-based. This is their signature for a healthy diet.At the end of the day, local videographer Kevin Moolenaar will interview attendees to share their retreat experience for a brief one to two minutes.The goal is to document and submit to the National Institute of Health and the Department of Defense for funding. “The St. Croix Foundation is the fiduciary agency for the VI Breast Cancer Project. The National Endowment for the Arts has changed their grant guidelines. They no longer fund organizations under the umbrella of a non-profit organization, so the funding the project was previously eligible for is no longer available,” Hampton shared. With Hampton’s tireless advocacy work throughout the years, she concentrated on working with breast cancer survivors. Within the last few years, she was diagnosed with cancer and has now broadened her vision to open the door to all cancer survivors, and the project has become inclusive.From left, Diane Hampton, DIna Cruz, Vera Baquet, Fran Visco, Julie Evert, Yemaya Jones at NBCC in 2023 (Photo courtesy Diane Hampton)In May 2023, Hampton and three St. Croix breast cancer survivors lobbied at the National Breast Cancer Coalition and visited Delegate to Congress Stacey Plaskett’s office in Washington, DC. This year, Hampton went alone and represented the territory. While in DC, Hampton met Deputy Assistant to the President for the Moonshot for Health Outcomes Office of Science and Technology Policy Danielle Carnival. Hampton has the idea that a Cancer Moonshot can happen here on St. Croix in a facility at Bohlke Airways when President Biden makes his usual visit during the Christmas Holidays. Hampton does not quit. She is the “Can” in Cancer, she says.“This fundraiser will bring more awareness to what we’re doing. We want to continue an art therapy program at the Caribbean Museum Center for the Arts in Frederiksted and at the Cane Roots Art Gallery in Christiansted. We want to host art therapy classes every month for all cancer survivors,” she said. This project is funded in part by the V.I. Council on the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Sky Real Estate, Sandcastle on the Beach, St. Thomas Cancer Specialist. For more information:
Project Director Diane Hampton, 340-227-3879
vibreastcancerproject@gmail.comwww.featherleafinn.comwww.gotostcroix.com/advertise.https
International Media and Buyers at IPW 2024 (Submitted photo)
The U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) made an impact at IPW 2024 (premier international marketplace), which was held at the Los Angeles Convention Center from May 3-7, as it unveiled an array of new developments and sought-after experiences to a global audience.
With over 6,000 enthusiastic attendees engaging with more than 1,000 exhibitors, the USVI team seized the opportunity to showcase the destination’s unparalleled beauty and unique offerings. Connecting with buyers, airline representatives, and international press at the newly redesigned booth, the team left no stone unturned in promoting the USVI as a premier travel destination.
Joseph Boschulte, commissioner of the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism, said, “Our participation at IPW 2024 is instrumental in highlighting the USVI’s diverse attractions and exciting developments to a global audience. We are thrilled by the overwhelming interest shown by attendees and media outlets alike.”
Media interest was particularly robust, with over 40 outlets eager to cover the destination’s latest developments and unique stories. Notably, there was a strong demand from Mexican and Canadian media outlets, indicating a growing interest in the USVI among international travelers. Additionally, the USVI team engaged with over 50 buyers keen on exploring the diverse range of products and experiences the destination has to offer, including hotels, activities and points of interest.
Destination highlights shared with the media, buyers, and travel specialists included:
Trunk Bay, located on St. John, ranked number 1 on the prestigious list of The World’s 50 Best Beaches™ 2024.
The Westin Beach Resort & Spa at Frenchman’s Reef and Morningstar Buoy Haus Resort at Frenchman’s Reef, Autograph Collection, offering unparalleled luxury and panoramic ocean views, redefining island elegance.
Pink Palm Hotel (St. Thomas) is a new boutique hotel providing a unique blend of modern luxury and historic charm.
Hideaway at Hull Bay (St. Thomas) is offering an exclusive “barefoot luxury experience” after undergoing updates and renovations.
King Christian Hotel (St. Croix) is completely reimagined into a luxurious getaway in the heart of downtown.
For more information on the U.S. Virgin Islands, visit https://www.visitusvi.com/.
Regional Championship Track and Field 2024 (Submitted photo)
Virgin Islands Sports Ambassador Michelle Smith, high school senior at Montverde Academy and University of Georgia commit, took part in the Florida High School FHSAA 2A Regional Championships in Mount Dora, Fla., on May 7.
The day was off to a great start for Smith as she broke her school’s record in the long jump event by securing the second position with a leap of 5.76 meters. Subsequently, she outperformed in the 100m hurdles, finishing first and setting another school record time of 13.90 seconds.
Not stopping there, she bagged a gold medal in the 400m hurdles, clocking in at an impressive 57.07 seconds. She also played a significant role in her victorious 4x400m relay team, which completed its race in just 3:40.38.
Michelle Smith (Submitted photo)
Smith and her team were the undisputed winners of the Regional Championship, amassing a hefty sum of 161 points and leading the runner-up team by nearly 100 points.
Following this remarkable performance, Smith has secured her spot for the FHSAA 2A State Championships in four categories: the 100m hurdles, 400m hurdles, long jump and 4x400m relay. These championships are set to occur on May 16, in Jacksonville, Fla.
Ambrose Daniel, 44, of St. Croix, made his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Emile A. Henderson III after a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Daniel with felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition and unlawful possession of a machinegun, United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced Thursday.
According to court documents, on May 10, 2019, a federal search warrant was executed at
Daniel’s residence in All for the Better, St. Croix. Federal agents recovered a Glock Model 21, a .45 caliber pistol, 48 rounds of .45 caliber cartridges, and a machine gun device capable of converting a Glock pistol into a fully automatic firearm from Daniel’s residence. In 1997, Daniel was convicted of assault in the third degree in the Superior Court of the Virgin Islands. Said felony conviction prohibits Daniel from legally possessing a firearm. If convicted, Daniel faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison.
A second St. Thomas man has been arrested on grand larceny charges for walking out of Home Depot with unpaid merchandise, admitting to knowing the cashier purposefully discounted the price of his items, the V.I. Police Department reported Thursday.
On Jan. 26, the Economic Crime Unit initiated an investigation into embezzlement, based on a complaint filed by Home Depot. The complainant, on behalf of Home Depot, stated that a former employee allowed people to walk out of the store with unpaid merchandise. Investigation revealed that Stevie Brown was identified as one of the individuals who benefited by receiving unpaid merchandise, according to the police report.
On Jan. 29, Brown was interviewed, and he admitted that he paid $40 for merchandise valued at over $1000, the police report stated.
On Wednesday, Brown surrendered himself to authorities and he was placed under arrest for grand larceny (aiding and abetting), buying, receiving or possessing stolen property and obtaining property by false pretenses, the report stated.
Based on the incident, Brown’s bail was set in the amount of $20,000. Unable to post bail, Brown was processed and remanded to the Bureau of Corrections pending advice of rights hearing scheduled for Thursday at the Superior Court, police said.
WAPA’s power plant on St. Thomas (Source file photo)
V.I. Water and Power Authority (WAPA) crews working to address the ongoing power outage on St. Thomas-St. John encountered another disruption mid-Thursday and were evacuated after officials said the activation of a safety device in the Randolph Harley plant caused a “loud bang” that sounded like an explosion.
WAPA Chief Executive Officer Andy Smith added that the safety device – specifically, a draft shaft disk – is designed to fail to protect its generator, and once that happens, a safety protocol is triggered.
There was no explosion or fire, he said, which V.I. Police Department officials also confirmed. The Source is still waiting for confirmation from V.I. Fire and Emergency Medical Services, which was still on scene at around 1:30 p.m. Thursday to assess the plant.
“We want to reassure the public there were no injuries and the loud noise was simply the activation of a safety device called a rupture disk,” WAPA added in its release. “This device is designed to protect the system and equipment in such situations.”
Following established emergency evacuation procedures, personnel safely left the area as a precaution. “Repair crews also remain on site assessing the situation and taking all necessary steps to ensure the plant’s safety and security,” according to the statement.
Caroline Fawkes, supervisor of the Elections System of the Virgin Islands, Board of Elections (Submitted photo)
On behalf of the board members and staff of the Elections System of the Virgin Islands, Board of Elections Chairwoman Alecia M. Wells congratulates Theron Thomas and Timothy Thomas, recording industry celebrities known professionally as ‘Rock City,’ and Virgin Islands Elections System Supervisor Caroline F. Fawkes, an aviation trailblazer. These pioneering, native Virgin Islanders are receiving honorary degrees during the University of the Virgin Islands’ 60th Commencement Ceremonies on May 9 and 10, at its St. Thomas and St. Croix campuses, respectively.
Caroline F. Fawkes was selected as the second female Supervisor of Elections of the Elections System of the Virgin Islands in August 2013 and renewed for another eight-year term on Oct. 15, 2021. Fawkes will receive an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree, honoring her trailblazing accomplishments as an aviator and the role she plays as a mentor and inspiration to the territory’s youth.
Fawkes made history as the first female to pilot the U.S. Army’s C23 Sherpa airplane and the first female state aviation officer in the Army National Guard. Col. Fawkes retired after more than three decades of military service, 4,400 hours of accident-free flight time and 24 consecutive months of deployment to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
Her highest military awards are the Legion of Merit and the Defense Meritorious Service Medal signed by President Barack Obama. Her achievements were lauded by the 19th Legislature of the Virgin Islands through a bill introduced by Senator Adelbert M. Bryan in 1993, establishing a scholarship in her name for individuals interested in pursuing an aviation degree.
Chairwoman Wells said, “Supervisor Fawkes continues to uphold the standards of the Elections System of the Virgin Islands and demonstrates that the board of elections selected the right person to lead the Elections System of the Virgin Islands. I share the sentiments of the board members and staff of the Elections System of the Virgin Islands on this well-deserved recognition for our supervisor of elections. I thank the members and staff of the ESVI for ensuring that every eligible voter has every opportunity to register to vote and cast their ballot in a fair, accessible, secure and transparent manner.”
