Legislature Corner: Governor Nominations and Two Bills Approved by Rules Committee

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Legislature Corner: Governor Nominations and Two Bills Approved by Rules Committee
Sen. Diane Capehart chairs Thursday’s Committee on Rules and Judiciary meeting. (Photo courtesy V.I. Legislature)

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.

Head Start Invites Parents/Guardians of Current Students to Join Its Policy Council

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Head Start Invites Parents/Guardians of Current Students to Join Its Policy Council
Head Start is the Right Step (logo)
The Virgin Islands Department of Human Services Head Start Program is inviting parents and guardians of currently enrolled Head Start students to join the Head Start Policy Council. As a Policy Council member, a parent will collaborate with fellow parents, community representatives, program management and the Head Start Governing Board to lead and make crucial decisions about their Head Start Program. Become a leader in your Head Start Program and provide input in all areas, from hiring to budget utilization. Local and national training opportunities will be provided. If the person is interested, please notify his/her center staff or contact the Head Start Program at 774-0930 ext. 4200 or 244-4360 – (STT/STJ; 773-1972 or 772-1981 – (STX). The Department of Human Services (VIDHS) exists to provide social services to members in its community with diverse needs. In times of national uncertainty and hardship, we act as a safety net and exist to inspire hope and empower change through non-judgmental, quality delivery of needed services and resources. Visit the Department of Human Services website at www.dhs.gov.vi or on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/usvidhs).

Rufus Rendell Thomas Dies at 87

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Rufus Rendell Thomas Dies at 87
Rufus Rendell Thomas
Rufus Rendell Thomas, better known as “Rendell” or “Bus’ Dem,” died at home on Jan. 2. He was 87 years old. He was preceded in death by his parents: Frances and Nathaniel Thomas; daughter, Catherine Queeley; siblings: Wellington Thomas, Winford Charles Thomas and Neuvie Gumbs. He leaves to mourn: his former wife, Marion Thomas; children/stepchildren and their spouses:  Doretta Dunrod, Althea Queeley, Teega Queeley, Barba Queeley, Eustace Queeley, Marva Willette, Anthony Willette, Shona. Rendell “Dion” Thomas (Nikki), Daryl Thomas (Stella), Roy Marius, Michael Marius and Velda Vanterpool (Leo); and adopted daughter, Carolie Blake. He is also survived by grandchildren/step-grandchildren and their spouses: Aaron, Aiden, Amaya, Jaeden, Ravyn, Fitzroy (Nichole), Kanika, Wayne, Demari, Malicia, Shemar, Djaaden, Roy, Joyante, Xavier, Darel, Kadeem and Rochelle; adopted grandchildren: Cristianne, Shantel and Sherel; brothers: Dr. Bentley Thomas, Paul (Joker) Thomas and Jefferson Thomas; and sisters: Mamrie Thomas and Emily Lake. Other survivors include nephews: Alston Thomas, Evan Thomas, Johnny Thomas, Bentley Thomas Jr., Michael Thomas, Malvern Gumbs, Alexander Thomas, Eldon Thomas, Tashan Thomas, Avernell Thomas, Vernon Benjamin, Gregory Coward Sr., Jamil Hackett, Darren Thomas, Barrington Thomas Sr. and Marthford Thomas; nieces: Amifa Thomas- Connors, Angela Thomas, Ashtoreth Thomas-Wood, Ferdella Thomas-King, Danielle King, Karen Jarvis, Lisa Thomas, Abigail Thomas, Mirida Gumbs, Minova Gumbs-Cherival, Shahema Thomas, Sharesa Thomas, Shahedy Thomas, Khisha Thomas, Tiffany Thomas, Janice Benjamin and Jane Benjamin; sisters-in-law: Alphonsine Thomas, Joycelyn Thomas and Juanita Thomas; brother-in-law, Davis Gumbs; and several other family members too numerous to mention. The viewing will be held from 9 a.m. until 10 a.m.  followed by funeral services celebrating his life at 10 a.m., Thursday, Feb. 1, in Bethel Missionary Baptist Church (The purple church on the hill), Smith Bay, St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. Interment will follow at Eastern Cemetery, Smith Bay. Expressions of sympathy to the family may be made online at www.turnbullsfuneralhomevi.com.  Professional services have been entrusted to Turnbull’s Funeral Home and Crematory Services., 3815 Crown Bay, Ste 10, Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands 00802.

St. Croix Men Indicted in Castaways Hobbs Act Robbery and Homicide Case

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St. Croix Men Indicted in Castaways Hobbs Act Robbery and Homicide Case

Enock Cole, 25, and Jiovoni Smith, 24, both of St. Croix, were indicted for the 2018 robbery and homicide that occurred at the Castaways Bar and Restaurant in St. Croix, United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced.

According to court documents, Cole and Smith are charged with Hobbs Act Robbery, discharge of a firearm during a crime of violence, use of a firearm during a crime of violence resulting in death, use of a minor in a crime of violence, and first-degree murder. Their Initial Appearance is set for Feb. 1 before U.S. Magistrate Judge Emile A. Henderson III. If convicted, Cole and Smith face a maximum penalty of death or up to life imprisonment. A federal District Court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

James O. Smith Dies

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James O. Smith Dies
James O. Smith
Renowned musician and boat captain James “JamesZ” Obna Smith has died.  He was born on St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, on Sept. 24, 1968. He died Dec. 11. James was preceded in death by his parents: Zephaniah Obna Smith and Lucille Mercer Smith; sister, Janet Smith; and special cousin, Lynelle Niles. James is survived by his wife, Myka Callender-Smith; daughters: Jharese and Jamyka Smith; sons: Jhared and Jhamane Smith; brothers: Vincent Callwood and Joseph Smith; sisters: Juliette Smith and Januet Smith-George; sisters-in-law: Baerbel Smith, Mary Callwood, Monique Callender-Wiggins and Dr. Malori Callender; and brothers-in-law: Clyde George, Marco Callender and Lt. Col. Morgan Callender. He is also survived by aunts: Doris Callwood, Niomi Donovan and Shinika Mercer; uncle,  Akile Mercer; nieces: Lenette Callwood, Shalema Smith, Julisa Gyra Thomas, Kaela, Karlisa and Khaliya George, and Trisha Smith; nephews: Fran Callwood, Andrew McEachern, Anthony Smith, and Dwayne Smith; cousins: Laraine and Cedelle Niles, Denelle Brown, Ulalie Smith, Jeanette Rhymer, Jeffrey Smith, Rosalie Randolph, Jenneley Smith. Other cousins include Desserie Harrigan, Lauralie Webbe, Dave Smith, Sekou Richardson, Maurice Donovan Jr. and Jeffrey Mercer, the Smith, Dawson, Mercer and Donovan families; special friends: Cordell Rhymer, Wayne Collis, Calvin Thomas, Janet Crooke Meyers, Navarro Niles, Paulette Rabsatt Simmonds, Ian Smith, Jerry “Azik” Meyers,  Burnett “Wio” Smith, Wystan Benjamin, Pamela Benjamin, Urdley Smith, the Peterkins and the Stouts; and many relatives and friends too numerous to mention. The memorial service celebrating his life will be held Wednesday, Jan. 31, at Blyden Memorial Chapel with pre-tributes at 9 a.m. followed by the service at 10 a.m.

St. Thomas Man Pleads Guilty to Fentanyl Possession

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St. Thomas Man Pleads Guilty to Fentanyl Possession

Tahir Donadelle, of St. Thomas, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Ruth Miller to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced.

According to court documents, on September 8, 2022, Donadelle arrived at the Cyril E. King Airport in St. Thomas from Atlanta, GA. During a random screening of incoming flights, Customs and Border Protection officers inspected Donadelle’s suitcase and later observed as he retrieved his suitcase from the luggage carousel. Donadelle admitted that the suitcase was his property. Officers searched Donadelle’s luggage and found three packages containing 964 light blue pills. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration laboratory later confirmed that the pills contained 109 grams of fentanyl. At sentencing, Donadelle faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine of $1,000,000. A federal District Court Judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Elfrida Louison Dies at 93

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Elfrida Louison Dies at 93
Elfrida Louison
Elfrida Louison died on Jan. 8. She was 93 years old. She is survived by her daughter, Jacqueline A. Louison; sons: Derrick L. Brereton and Keith J. Louison; and grandchildren: Derrick Leslie Brereton (Fla.), Darwin Brereton (Fla.), Ayana Brereton (Texas), Jamal Brereton (Navy), Nneka Louison (Texas), Malik Louison (Texas), Jonathan Louison (N.J.) and Jason Louison (N.J.). She is also survived by great-grandchildren: Abigail Brereton (Texas), Alyssa Brereton (Texas), Tajma Brereton (Fla.), Maya Brereton (Fla.), Jaleah Brereton (FL); daughter-in-law, Cheryl Louison (Texas); several nieces, nephews, cousins and special friends too numerous to name. The viewing will begin at 9 a.m. followed by a funeral service at 10 a.m., Friday, Jan. 26, at First Assembly of God, Christiansted. Interment will be at Kingshill Cemetery.

Telecommunications Testifiers Get An Earful from Lawmakers at Senate Committee Hearing

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Telecommunications Testifiers Get An Earful from Lawmakers at Senate Committee Hearing
Sen. Marvin Blyden chairs Wednesday’s Committee on Housing, Transportation and Telecommunications meeting. (Photo by Barry Leerdam, Legislature of the Virgin Islands)

Lawmakers converged on the scheduled Wednesday hearing of the 35th Legislature’s Committee on Housing, Transportation and Telecommunications. They came to hear what telecommunications service providers had to say after receiving a barrage of customer complaints to their offices.

Most of the ire was directed towards the team from Liberty Mobile USVI, but its competitor — Viya — caught a share of public discontent brought to senators’ attention.

The Jan. 24 calendar announcement for the committee hearing described the session as a “Telecommunications update in light of an upsurge in consumer complaints, unresolved issues between providers and regulatory agencies, and the ongoing crisis of affordability.”

Committee chairman Marvin Blyden led the five-hour session with Vice Chair Marise James and members Angel Bolques Jr., Dwayne DeGraff, Ray Fonseca, Samuel Carrion and Carla Joseph on hand to listen and question testifiers. But Senate President Novelle Francis and Sens. Franklin Johnson, Donna Frett-Gregory, Alma Francis-Heyliger, and other lawmakers came to listen and pose questions of their own.

“It is important to note that there are 14 senators here, so we have a serious challenge,” Blyden said.

In prepared remarks delivered in committee, Liberty VI Country Manager Ravindra Maywahlall said his company was “committed to providing great service and coverage to all Virgin Islanders.”

The words rang hollow in the ears of Johnson, who said he skipped a healthcare appointment to confront Liberty executives. “From the inception of cell phone service till today, this is the worst service experienced in this territory,” he said.

Several lawmakers said they sought answers to the numerous complaints from their constituents. Blyden shared his own story of service interruptions, dropped calls and long waits for customer service. The chairman said he went to the company’s business office on St. Thomas to find out about his own service interruptions, waited to see a representative, then left.

Frett-Gregory asked about the appearance of an “SOS” message on her personal cell phone screen. It was a message that appeared almost every morning for several months.

“What is creating this SOS issue?” Frett-Gregory said. Francis asked the executives if neighboring Puerto Rico was experiencing the same problem. One Liberty official said yes.

Blyden, Francis and committee member Carrion all called on Liberty to issue credits to customer accounts. “I believe credit is due to the customers who have been experiencing issues,” Carrion said. He asked company spokesperson Catherine Kling about customer service wait times.

About an hour, Kling said. She said the company had already paid out many refunds to customers who show up at the business office with complaints.

“I have heard from customers saying their wait times have been up to four hours,” Carrion said.

Liberty Mobile Construction Director Jose Arias said the company is in the midst of migrating customers from the AT&T provider platform onto their own.

“Forty-seven thousand is the number of customers we have migrated to date,” Maywahlall said.

Sen. DeGraff said that as frustrating as the situation is, he wanted to promote constructive conversations that lead to problem-solving on behalf of Liberty customers. He added he was not looking forward to another session lasting 10 hours, made up of complaints and criticism, producing nothing in the end.

“We have had a tremendous amount of complaints about Liberty … What is going to be solved?” DeGraff said.

Viya Chief Executive Officer Geraldine Pitt was pressed about reports of the company recently laying off top managers. Pitt said her company was facing harsh financial pressure and had to change its business model in order to survive.

Francis asked for the number of Viya employees recently removed. Eight took voluntary severance, the chief executive said. Eight more were removed because of redundancy.

“What is Viya doing with respect to funding and money leaving the territory?” Blyden asked.

“We will now have our call center operating in Guyana. We will do our best to employ as many people as we can in the territory,” Pitt said.

Liberty VI Customers Experience Technical Issues Across Territory; Company Provides Troubleshooting Tips

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Liberty VI Customers Experience Technical Issues Across Territory; Company Provides Troubleshooting Tips
Liberty VI reports they are conducting network upgrades in phases. (Shutterstock image)
Wireless customers of Liberty VI have reportedly experienced connectivity problems across the USVI. The issues relate to network upgrades that the company is conducting in the territory. The Source was provided with a statement from Liberty VI that addressed the issues affecting customers and shared advice about what people can do to utilize their mobile devices successfully. “We are currently in the process of completing the final stage of our mobile business integration, which entails updating customers to a new state-of-the-art information technology infrastructure and mobile network core,” said Ravindra Maywahall, Liberty VI country manager. “We started this process in phases and will continue for a couple of months.” Maywahall also testified on Wednesday before the 35th Legislature’s Committee on Housing, Transportation, and Telecommunications regarding the work that Liberty VI is completing in the USVI. Maywahall acknowledged that customers have experienced technical issues as a result of the ongoing system upgrades. “[The network updates are] a temporary process that will lead to permanent progress related to better customer management/service and custom-made offers,” Maywahall explained. “For most customers, the update occurs seamlessly, with little action required on their part. Some of the cases that have reported difficulties in the transition are mostly due to pending telephone operating system software updates or the need to upgrade their devices. Customers who will be updated are informed previously via e-mail and SMS text. They should ensure that their devices’ operating systems are upgraded with the latest software update,” he added. Maywahall offered advice for customers who experience connectivity issues. “As with any new system, certain functionalities and services take some time to reach optimal performance. Some customers may experience temporary service interruption, and we are supporting them through the process. In most cases, the situation is easily resolved by updating the device’s operating system or by completing a power cycling of the device (turning off and back on),” Maywahall stated. “If these steps do not solve the problem, customers can call us at 1 (833) 641-3035 from any phone. We can assist customers remotely and during the call. In very few cases, a customer may experience service interruption for more than a few hours, but these are the rare exceptions,” he continued. Maywahall expressed the company’s enthusiasm about its new projects in the USVI and its commitment to providing quality service to customers. “We are very excited about the future,” Maywahall said. “We have built something completely new that, from the outset, always started with our customers’ best interests in mind. The USVI now has a world-class telecom company that is focused on USVI market consumers,” he concluded. Liberty VI users can find more information on the company’s website.  

Senate Advances Two Bills; Public Service Commission Shares Update

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Senate Advances Two Bills; Public Service Commission Shares Update
Sen. Carla Joseph chairs Tuesday’s Committee on Government Operations meeting. (Photo by Jamal Potter, Legislature of the Virgin Islands)

Members of the Committee on Government Operations, chaired by Sen. Carla Joseph, convened in a meeting at the Capitol Building Tuesday where lawmakers voted and approved several measures, the V.I. Legislature announced.

Lawmakers voted and approved two bills, one honoring Viggo E. Sewer and a second commending Bernice Alma Turnbull for her outstanding contributions to the Virgin Islands. Separately, the Virgin Islands Public Service Commission (PSC) shared an update on operations and challenges. All approved items on the agenda will be forwarded to the Committee on Rules and Judiciary for further consideration, according to the press release.

Lawmakers voted in favor of Bill No. 35-0184, An Act to honor and commend Viggo E. Sewer posthumously for his ultimate contribution to the Virgin Islands and to rename East End Road on Route 10 on St. John in his honor, the press release stated.

The bill sponsor, Sen. Dwayne M. DeGraff, noted that, as a proud veteran, it is truly an honor to acknowledge the outstanding contributions of fellow veterans in the Virgin Islands. Joseph stated that Viggo served the country and made the ultimate sacrifice by fighting for the freedom of all Virgin Islanders, the release stated.

In support of the measure, the Virgin Islands Office of Veterans Affairs Director Patrick Farrell mentioned that Viggo, the first member of the Virgin Islands community to perish in the Korean War in 1953, exemplified the highest ideals of patriotism and selflessness. Renaming a road in his honor is absolutely a fitting tribute, a tangible reminder of his ultimate contribution to both our community and the nation he served with unwavering dedication, he said.

Senators voted in the affirmative for Bill No. 35-0208, A Resolution honoring and commending Bernice Alma Turnbull for her lifetime of service and dedication to the people of the Virgin Islands. Sen. Milton E. Potter proposed the bill, according to the release.

Extended family Ronald Belfon described her colorful and helpful personality. Belfon stated that Turnbull spent her free time driving around, delivering necessities and niceties to many in the community. Meanwhile, from a professional perspective, Ira Mills shared Turnbull’s leadership skills when she was commissioner of Finance. Mills indicated that one of her accomplishments was transitioning the government of the Virgin Islands payroll system from printing paper checks to implementing direct deposit for all government employees. Sen. Ray Fonseca stated that Turnbull was truly a boss lady, it said.

Lastly, Virgin Islands Public Service Commission Executive Director Sandra Setorie shared the status of PSC. Currently, PSC has commenced mandated rate investigations of regulated utilities for the franchised ferries and the WAPA water and electric systems. Although an investigation was not launched for the Waste Management Authority, PSC began gathering pertinent information suitable for a full review, the release stated.

Regarding standard policies and procedures, PSC is in the process of creating new standard operating procedures and policies, such as internal operating procedures for accounting, budget, and travel policies, that are being reviewed and approved by PSC employees. Additional procedures include updating the customer service processes for cellular service, antiquated published regulations, and the selection and appointment of hearing examiners, it said.

Senators present during the Legislative Session were Carla J. Joseph, Novelle E. Francis, Jr., Kenneth L. Gittens, Samuel Carrión and Dwayne M. DeGraff, Ray Fonseca, Alma Francis Heyliger, Milton E. Potter, and Marise C. James.

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