USVI Public Records

Document text

THE 175TH EMANCIPATION COMMEMORATION COMMITTEE AND THE VIRGIN ISLANDS AND THE VIRGIN ISLANDS PUERTO RICO COMMITTEE SHARES UPDATES - Legislature of the United States Virgin Islands Close About Us History Functions and Structure FY 2026 Budget Honor Roll Rules of the 36th Legislative Youth Advisory Council Application Careers Archives Legislative Archives Tours × St. Thomas Senators  St. John Senators  St.Croix Senators  Districts All Senators St. Croix St. Thomas - St. John Senator at Large × Committees Committee of the Whole Budget, Appropriation and Finance Culture, Youth, Aging, Sports, and Parks Disaster Recovery, Infrastructure and Planning Economic Development and Agriculture Education and Workforce Development Government Operations, Veteran Affairs and Consumer Protection Health, Hospitals and Human Services Homeland Security, Justice and Public Safety Housing, Transportation and Telecommunications Rules and Judiciary Session Folder × No event found! Calendars Bi-Weekly Senate Calendar Session Agenda × Dialog window Dialog window General Senators Committees Media Calendars Contact CULTURE, YOUTH, AGING, SPORTS, and PARKS | Press Releases | Senator Angel L. Bolques Jr. THE 175TH EMANCIPATION COMMEMORATION COMMITTEE AND THE VIRGIN ISLANDS AND THE VIRGIN ISLANDS PUERTO RICO COMMITTEE SHARES UPDATES Published: Oct 5, 2023 Search for: ST. CROIX – The 35 th Legislature’s Committee on Culture, Youth, Aging, Sports, and Parks, chaired by Senator Angel Bolques, L. Bolques, Jr., convened a meeting at the Frits E. Lawaetz Room. The 175 th Emancipation Commemoration Committee, the Virgin Islands Puerto Rico Friendship Committee, the St. Croix Administrator, and the Mayor of Vieques, Puerto Rico, shared an update on the status of activities, achievements, and challenges. Carol Burke, chairwoman of the 175th Emancipation Commemoration Committee, provided a comprehensive testimony detailing the committee's latest developments. The restoration of Buddhoe Park, a historically significant sacred site, is among the successes. The committee cleaned, renovated, and restored Buddhoe Park on St. Croix due to its dilapidated condition. Moreover, significant progress was made through archival and digitization initiatives, which included the vi175.com website, a repository of historically significant information. In addition, the Committee worked with an unidentified public relations firm to secure media coverage in approximately 30 publications, including Essence Magazine and prominent travel and tourism-focused publications, in addition to over 700 syndicated stories. Senator Alma Heyliger Francis questioned the rationale behind the committee's decision to incur media costs rather than collaborate with the Virgin Islands Department of Tourism. Carol Burke responded that although the committee did not wish to use funds for this purpose, it was necessary to do so. In accordance with Executive Order 531-2023, Senator Bolques cautioned the committee to collaborate with the Virgin Islands Department of Tourism in the future due to their substantial marketing budget. Among the pending capital projects are the beautification of Emancipation Drive, the installation of Emancipation Drive columns, and the packaging of greeting signs and historical landmarks throughout the territory. Luis Torres, president of the Virgin Islands Puerto Rico Committee, stated that funding is the greatest obstacle. Additional funding is required to host events effectively. Despite an increase in expenses, there has been a decline in contributions from the private sector. There are three honorees for the 59th anniversary celebrations: Domitilia Vargas, Daniel Rodriquez, and Soe Diaz. St. Croix Administrator Sammy Sanes stated that Governor Paiewonsky instituted Friendship Day in 1964 to honor Puerto Ricans who reside in or have made significant contributions to the Virgin Islands. Nevertheless, our history with Puerto Rico dates back at least 200 years. Senators present at the committee meeting are Angel L. Bolques, Jr., Samuel Carrion, Ray Fonseca, Alma Francis Heyliger, Franklin D. Johnson, and Milton E. Potter. The Division of Public Affairs is committed to providing accurate information about legislative proceedings and other events at the Virgin Islands Legislature.                                                   ### Find More Search for: Categories News Observances Press Releases Special Events Related Content COMMITTEE REVIEWS FY 2027 EXECUTIVE BUDGET REQUESTS FOR GOVERNOR’S OFFICE, LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR’S OFFICE, AND BUREAU OF MOTOR VEHICLES July 23, 2026 ST. CROIX, U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS – Members of the Committee on Budget, Appropriations, and Finance, chaired by Senator Novelle E. Francis Jr., met in the Frits E. Lawaetz Conference Room to receive testimony on the proposed Fiscal Year 2027 budgets for... Read More COMMITTEE RECEIVES UPDATES FROM WASTE MANAGEMENT CONCERNING SEWAGE HEALTH RISKS, CANCER CARE IN THE TERRITORY                                   July 22, 2026 ST. THOMAS, VI – The 36th Legislature of the Virgin Islands’ Committee on Health, Hospitals, and Human Services, led by Senator Ray Fonseca, met at the Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall.  Lawmakers received testimony concerning the potential and observed public... Read More SENATORS CONSIDER PROPOSED HORSE RACE LEGISLATION IN SPECIAL SESSION  July 22, 2026 Members of the 36th Legislature, led by Senate President Milton E. Potter, convened at the Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall. Lawmakers met in special session by request of the governor to consider Bill No. 36-0313, an act approving lease and franchise agreements for the development and operation of the Randall “Doc”... Read More Quick Links Home Senators Committees Media News Contact Important Links Revised Organic Act of 1954 (PDF) 36th Oath of Office Booklet 100 Day Report Rules of the 36th Public Information or Archives Request Search for: Follow Follow Follow Follow