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THE HONORABLE SENATOR AVERY L. LEWIS Legislative Secretary 36 th LEGISLAtURE OF thE VIRGIN ISLANDS Chair: Committee on Government Operations, Veterans Affairs, Consumer Protection Vice Chair: Committee on Education and Workforce Development Member: Committee on Rules and Judiciary Committee on Culture, Youth, Aging, and Parks Committee on Homeland Security, Justice and Public Safety Committee of the Whole Post Office Box 1690, Capitol Building, Charlotte Amalie, VI 00801 Phone: (340) 774-0880 Email: senatorlewis@legvi.org The Committee on Government Operations, Veterans Affairs, and Consumer Protection reconvened at the Capitol Building to advance measures recognizing cultural and community contributions in the Virgin Islands. Bill #36-0007: A Resolution honoring and commending James Sasso for distinguished service in the mortuary and funeral service industry. Proposed by: Senator Angel L. Bolques, Jr. After 17 years as a funeral director and nearly 40 years as an electrician, James Sasso was honored by the Senate for his service to the USVI, his advocacy for dignified burial practices, and his call for youth mentorship and trade education programs. Invited Testifiers were as follows: • Mr. Glen Kwabena Davis, Resident • Mr. Patrick Farrell, Executive Director, Office of Veterans Affairs • Ms. Ty-Shel Sasso Carr, Relative • Bernice Turnbull, Resident • Jelani Sasso, Nephew of Mr. James Sasso • Kyza Callwood, Resident THE VOTE Motion to move Bill #36-0007 to be voted upon favorably by The Committee on Government Operations, Veterans Affairs, and Consumer Protection and forwarded to the Committee on Rules and Judiciary for further review and action. Moved by Senator Ray Fonseca. Seconded by Senators Alma Francis Heyliger and Kenneth L. Gittens. Bill #36-0029: A Resolution honoring and commending Sonya Hough, the creator of the St. Croix “Crucian” Hook Bracelet and proprietor of one of the first hand-wrought jewelry stores in St. Croix. Proposed by Senator Kenneth L. Gittens 2 | P a g e M e m o t o Invited Testifier was: • Pam Hough, Daughter of Sonya Hough THE VOTE Motion to move Bill #36-0029 to be voted upon favorably by The Committee on Government Operations, Veterans Affairs, and Consumer Protection and forwarded to the Committee on Rules and Judiciary for further consideration. Motioned by Senator Kenneth L. Gittens. Seconded by Senators Carla J. Joseph and Alma Francis Heyliger. In the second block, Committee members voted to hold in committee, Bill No. 36-0026- An Act amending Title 23 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 10 by adding a subchapter VI to establish the “Virgin Islands Meteorological Office” within the Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency. Proposed by Senator Ray Fonseca Invited Testifiers were: • Mr. Daryl D. Jaschen, Director, Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency • Ms. Sanaa A. Burke, Meteorology & Climate Science Major, University of Delaware THE VOTE Motion to hold Bill #36-0026 in The Committee on Government Operations, Veterans Affairs, and Consumer Protection for review and consideration. Moved by Senator Ray Fonseca. Seconded by Senator Franklin D. Johnson. Impactful concerns included funding for the maintenance and development of this new infrastructure. Rather, Committee members recommended the employment of a candidate who can read Doppler system radars. There are no “Through the Chair” requests pending from this meeting. Senators in attendance included Avery L. Lewis, Ray Fonseca, Jr., Carla J. Joseph, Novelle E. Francis, Jr., Franklin D. Johnson, Kenneth L. Gittens, and Alma Francis Heyliger. Non- committee member Angel L. Bolques, Jr. was also present. ###