USVI Public Records

Document text

VI UPDATE U.S. Virgin Islands Public Records TRANSCRIPT OF PUBLIC PROCEEDINGS | Committee on Government Operations, Veterans Affairs, and Consumer Protection Legislature USVI November 21, 2023 · 3.7 hours · gov Source recording https://youtu.be/4VU2saUwOBY Status This is a working transcript produced by machine from a recording of a public proceeding. It is a finding aid, not an official record of the Legislature. Transcribed by VI Update, using OpenAI Whisper large-v3-turbo, run locally. Not reviewed by a person. Reliability Automatic transcription, UNVERIFIED. Verify every quotation against the recording before relying on it. Speech recognition splits spoken digits and wraps figures mid-number, so a dollar amount, a vote count or a bill number can be wrong in a way that reads as correct. Speakers are not identified: automatic speaker labelling was measured unusable and removed. Public record The underlying proceeding is a public record of the Legislature of the Virgin Islands. 3 V.I.C. § 881(a) defines public records to include all records and documents of or belonging to this Territory or any branch of government, or any "department, board, council or committee of any branch of government" · which names legislative committees by category. § 881(b) gives every citizen the right to examine and copy such records, and the news media the right to publish them. (The open-meetings chapter, 1 V.I.C. § 254, does NOT reach the Legislature: § 253(b) expressly excludes it and its Standing and Special Committees. § 881 does, and it is § 881 that confers the right to copy and publish.) The Legislature broadcast this proceeding publicly itself. The source recording is not ours, is not hosted here, and remains with its publisher at the link above. Rights To what we added · the transcription, its arrangement and its description · we assert nothing. A verbatim transcript is mechanical rather than authored, so there is likely nothing in it to own; to the extent any copyright is nonetheless found to subsist, it is dedicated to the public domain under CC0 1.0. Please copy it, quote it, index it, train on it, republish it, mirror it, sell it. Redistribution is the point: a public record with one copy is one fire from gone. No permission is needed, and none is ours to grant or withhold. Let's get started. We'll be right back. Let's get started. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. We'll be right back. We'll be right back. Thank you. Thank you. I'll see you next time Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. We'll be right back. Thank you. Thank you. We'll be right back. We'll be right back. Thank you. We'll be right back. Oh Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. For more information, visit www.fema.org Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Let's get started. Thank you. Thank you. We'll be right back. Thank you. Thank you. I love you, I love you We'll be right back. We'll be right back. Thank you. We'll be right back. We'll be right back. We'll be right back. We'll be right back. We'll be right back. We'll be right back. We'll be right back. 0:00:00 I don't know. Thank you. 0:26:00 Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Senatorial and central staff testifiers and our listening and viewing audience. the Committee on Government Operations, Veteran Affairs, and Consumer Protection Meeting for Tuesday, November 21st, 2023, is hereby called to order. As we gather for today's meeting and before we proceed to roll call, it is amazing how swiftly this year has gone by. 0:27:00 Here we are in the month of November and about to enter the final month of the year into next year. During this month of November, we have had several observances. One observance there to my heart is National Caregiver's Appreciation Month. Caregivers give attention and provide help to relatives. This can be both young and older person in both cases. Caregivers give their time and support to ensure their loved ones are comfortable and their daily needs are met. Those who are cared for are often in vulnerable situations that require physical, emotional, spiritual, and financial support. If you know someone who is a caregiver, be a helping hand with a meal preparation, sitting with the person they are caring for to give them time for themselves or ask them how you may help them, whether on a weekend, weekday or evening. I 0:32:01 Machine transcript · UNVERIFIED. Verify every quotation against the recording. Speakers are not identified. VI Update · usvipublicrecords.com · public record, no rights asserted (CC0 1.0) 1 of 19 Legislature USVI · | Committee on Government Operations, Veterans Affairs, and Consumer also encourage our caregivers to get connected with the Department of Health and Human Services for support and assistance as needed, to give our caregivers across the territory a big thank you for the invaluable service you provide. In most cases, the care is for elders in our community. November is also Veterans and Military Family Month. We salute our veterans and the family of our military servicemen and women. When our military personnel serve their families are in service too. A tour of duty can include deployment and training and can include weekends away or long hours away from home. During Veterans and Military Family Month and throughout the year, be sure to support organizations, focus on contributing to the health and well-being of our military personnel and their families. We say thank you to all who have dutifully served to protect our nation's borders and freedom wherever and whenever they are called to do so. Also this Saturday, November 25th, is Suriname Independence Day. Happy Independence Day to our Surinamese people. Also happy Independence Day in advance to our Bajan and Dominican Republic nationals on November 30th. Both Barbados and the Dominican Republic will celebrate their Independence Day on November 30th. Finally, on November 23rd, we will observe Thanksgiving. 0:34:46 Thanksgiving is a time of reflection and most importantly, a time to express gratitude for every good thing in our lives. While we may have challenges and different situations, we deal within our lives, we all have something to be grateful for. The breath of life, food, clothes, shelter, sunshine, the rain, a job, and the beauty that surrounds us here in the Virgin Islands every day. The important people in our lives, our family and our friends. So give thanks. 0:35:23 Share a kind word with persons you encounter as it can bring warmth to a hurting heart or someone who may be downtrodden. A kind word goes a long way and have a positive impact for someone in need of a positive or encouraging word. I want to take this opportunity to really say thank you to everyone, especially who celebrated birthdays this month. We have two persons in our body who are celebrating birthday this month. First is the Honourable Milton E. Potter. He celebrates his birthday today. And tomorrow is our good senator from the Island District of St. Croix, Senator Maurice James. She will be celebrating her birthday tomorrow. Madam Clerk, kindly proceed to roll call. Senator Samuel Carrione, present. Senator Carrione, present. Senator Ray Fonseca, I'm here. Senator Fonseca, present. Senator Alma Francis Hyliger? Present. Senator Francis Hyliger? Present. Senator Kenneth L. Gittins? 0:36:14 Senator Gittins? Absent. Senator Javon E. James Sr.? Senator James Sr. Absent. Senator Carla J. Joseph? Present. Senator Joseph? Present. Senator Milton E. Potter. Senator Potter absent. Madam Chair you have four present three absent. Thank you Madam Clerk. Madam Clerk we do have a quorum. Madam Clerk do we have any correspondences to be read into the record? We do. Kindly proceed with reading that correspondent into the record a letter dated November 21st 2023 to the Honorable Carla J Joseph chairwoman of the committee on government operations veterans affairs and consumer protection 35th legislature of the Virgin Islands Capitol building shelter Molly Virgin Islands 00802 their chairwoman Joseph due to a previously scheduled commitment I will be unable to attend today's committee meeting of the Committee on Government Operations, Veterans Affairs and Consumer Protection. Please excuse my absence. I thank you in advance for your understanding in this matter and sincerely apologize for any inconvenience my absence may cause. Sincerely, Milton E. Potter. Madam Chair, this ends the reading of the correspondences. Thank you so much, Madam Clerk. 0:37:54 Madam Clerk, please proceed to read Block 1 of today's committee agenda into the record. The Committee on Government Operations, Veterans Affairs, and Consumer Protection has scheduled a meeting for 10 a.m. on Tuesday, November 21, 2023, in the Earl B. Otley Legislative Hall on St. Thomas. thomas the purpose of the meeting is to receive testimony and consider the following legislative measures in block one the committee will receive testimony concerning bill number 35-0084 and act amending title 11 virgin islands code chapter 21 section 1213 to allow businesses operating under a trade name to have a the option of renewing the trade name every two six or ten year intervals this bill is sponsored by senator alma francis heiliger the invited testifiers are miss monica williams carbon esq chief of staff office of the lieutenant governor mr john woods president of st thomas st john chambers of comrades and miss denise johannes director of corporations and trademarks of the office of the lieutenant governor madam chair this ends the reading of block one of today's agenda thank you so much madam clerk at this time I would like to acknowledge the presence of minority leader and noncommittee member the Honorable Duane M de Graff welcome Welcome Senator DeGraff to our committee meeting for today. 0:39:33 Before we proceed with calling up the first bill on the agenda, you would know that we only have one block. Initially we had two blocks on the agenda. However, we originally had three blocks on the agenda. Thank you, Madam Clerk. Now we have two blocks. We had in block three, bill number 35-0186. What occurred is that the primary bill sponsor, Senator Donna A. Fred Gregory, and this bill, let me just let you know, was really to dismantle the taxicab commission and establish the division of Transportation and Taxicab Services within the Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs. So last evening, Senator Fred Gregory, Senator Alma Francis Heiliger, Senator Marvin Blyden, Senator Fonseca, we 0:41:23 Machine transcript · UNVERIFIED. Verify every quotation against the recording. Speakers are not identified. VI Update · usvipublicrecords.com · public record, no rights asserted (CC0 1.0) 2 of 19 Legislature USVI · | Committee on Government Operations, Veterans Affairs, and Consumer were here in the Legislative Chambers and in the St. Croix Conference Room Senator Maurice James and also we had individuals who were stakeholders in this industry including our taxicab men and women as well as representatives from the Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs and we had the distinct honour of to also have in attendance the Commissioner nominee for the Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs, Ms. Natalie Hodge, as well as the Executive Director for the Virgin Islands Taxicab Commission, Ms. Vernice Gumbs, were all present with all the taxicab men and women. So we had a very robust discussion. And based on that discussion, it was decided by the bill's sponsor to pull this bill off the agenda so that we could have some further discussion and amendments to the bill. I really want to thank everyone who came out last night and stayed. We heard your comments, that's what we do as servants. We listen and we are guided by you the people. And so I really want to congratulate and thank everyone who was in attendance and more importantly Thank you for your contribution. Now, who speaks on behalf of the first bill on our agenda? Bill number 35-0084. I do, Senator Alma Francis Heiliger. Senator Francis Heiliger, kindly proceed. And you're recognized. Thank you. Good morning to my colleagues. good morning to the people of the territory good morning to the testifiers bill number 35.0084 offers an option as you know here in our territory as business owners when it is time to secure the name of your business or what you would like to be represented as you have to register a trade name which you could secure for up to two years where you would have to go every two years and renew it um in having open and candid conversations with our lieutenant governor's office i do applaud them for transitioning over to an electronic system which i do use and i actually love it it has made my life a lot easier and i saw this as a way of also giving more additional options to business owners who might want to secure that trade name for longer than a two-year period instead of having to go every two years to renew they could choose the options between two years six years up to ten years maximum i did not want to go beyond that because you never know how whether a business is going to close and to potentially hold on to a name for extended period of time so in my research i did see that some states did up to five some did up to ten so it was a fluctuation and i know with us here locally we have an interesting way of when things get on the books they stay there for 100 years so i made necessary adjustments to go give the business owner the option one of the things in having our conversation with the lieutenant governor's office they did share with me several weeks ago about a potential cost to upgrade the system that they currently use and they did share that amount which i submitted an amendment to include that dollar amount um so we're going to i'm waiting on the amendment from legal counsel which we submitted a few weeks ago but that aspect is going to definitely be included based on our discussions with the lieutenant governor's office as well as a time certain to give them the opportunity to make these necessary changes so i want to request and ask my colleagues to please support this 0:44:14 piece of legislation because it does give business owners the option to secure the name of their business for an extended period of time if they choose to just do two years six years or say you know what i'd like to do this every 10 years it's their choice so i look forward to the open discussion and hopefully i will get support for this piece of legislation thank you madam chair thank you so much senator francis heidegger just to address a little bit of housekeeping madam clerk kindly note on the roll call that senator milton a potter is excused. Milton E. Potter is excused from today's meeting. And so that brings our tally to... Four present, two absent and two excused. Thank you so much. One excuse, sorry. 0:47:00 Thank you so much for that correction. So we have four present, one excused and two absent. thank you so much at this time we have some testifiers who are in the chambers prepared to testify on this bill first I would like to recognize miss Denise Johannes the director of the division of cooperation and trademarks with the office of the lieutenant governor good day miss Johannes and welcome and I see that you have miss another person next to you and I'm trusting that person is also from the office of the lieutenant governor kindly indicate your name for the record good morning senator my name is Nadia Harrigan I'm legal counsel office of the lieutenant governor okay so welcome is Harrigan to the committee on government operations veteran affairs and consumer protection who will be we have one testimony that is being read into the record from the office of the governor I'm sorry office of the lieutenant governor okay so miss Johannes yes kindly proceed with reading your testimony into the record certainly Senator. Good morning committee chairperson the Honorable Carla J. Joseph and the Honorable members of the 35th legislature of the Virgin Islands Committee on Government Operations, Veterans Affairs and Consumer Protection and other senators present today as well as the viewing and listening audiences. 0:48:01 I am Denise Johannis, the Director of the Division of Corporations and Trademarks of the Office of the Lieutenant Governor, under the leadership of the Honorable Churgenza A. Roach, Esquire. I appear before you today to present testimony on Bill No. 35-0084, an act amending Title 11 of the Virgin Islands Code, Chapter 21, Section 1213, to allow businesses operating under a trade name to have the option of renewing a trade name every two, six, or ten-year intervals. That is sponsored by Senator Alma Francis Heiliger. Today, I am accompanied in the legislative chambers by Nadia Harrigan Esquire, Legal Counsel to the Lieutenant Governor, and the Office of the Lieutenant Governor, and Laura Bedminster, Assistant Director of the Division of Corporations and Trademarks. The Lieutenant Governor and the Office 0:49:58 Machine transcript · UNVERIFIED. Verify every quotation against the recording. Speakers are not identified. VI Update · usvipublicrecords.com · public record, no rights asserted (CC0 1.0) 3 of 19 Legislature USVI · | Committee on Government Operations, Veterans Affairs, and Consumer of the Lieutenant Governor are neither for or against Bill number 35-0084 for trade name owners having the option of renewing their trade name every two, six, or ten years intervals. However, we are concerned that there will be a cost to implement this change if the bill is passed. In accordance with the requirements contained in the existing statute, the division's online catalyst system currently coded to allow trade name owners to renew their registration every two years. Our system contractor estimates that it will take 200 hours to implement the proposed change in renewal intervals at a cost of $50,000. dollars. Therefore, we kindly request that funding be appropriated to cover the cost of the changes necessary for the catalyst system to accommodate the proposed changes should the bill become law. We further request a delayed effective date for the implementation of the changes to allow for the system contractor to update the catalyst coding and the staff of the Division of Corporations and Trademarks to perform user acceptance testing for the changes. 0:52:01 The proposed change will affect over 6,807 trade name registrations that are on file with the office of the lieutenant governor. Trade name owners and filers receive and will continue to receive electronic email reminders of their upcoming renewal dates which aids the office of the lieutenant governor with the collection of the renewal fees that generate revenue for the government of of the Virgin Islands. Madam Chairperson, I conclude my testimony relative to bill number 35-0084, an act amending title 11, Virgin Islands Code, chapter 21, section 12-13 to allow businesses operating under a trade name to have the option of renewing the trade name every two, six, or ten years intervals. We are prepared to receive any questions. Thank you for the opportunity to come before this body to submit my presentation okay thank you so much mr. Hannes I just want to note that we had invited mr. John Woods the president of the st. Thomas st. John Chamber of Commerce to also testify on this measure we did not get any written response from them and we were hoping since that is part of the business community and they will be affected by this piece of legislation that we would have been able to have something written or for them to testify whether they were in support or not of the measure but they were given an opportunity to do so So, colleagues, we have heard the testimony from the Office of the Lieutenant Governor who has jurisdiction over this piece of legislation and to implement. We will now move forward with one round of three minutes. First, I'll recognize Senator Ray Fonseca. 0:52:56 Fonseca you're recognized for your three minutes yes thank you and pleasant good morning to the testifiers we we are definitely in support of bill number 35 dash zero zero eight four to allow the tree name owners to do the two six and 10-year renewals but you know madam chair I have to discuss one important matter that was actually on the agenda today but we had a meeting yesterday where as you mentioned we met with the taxi industry the stakeholders to discuss many important issues concerning the taxi industry and the taxicab Commission you know and I listened attentively to the input from the drivers and it was a full house I think madam chair you and I counted it I think I count up you and I counted it I think I count about 81 I don't know if it was it was true more or less yes and you know we had representatives from Eastern Taxi, we had Best Taxi, we had Kelly Taxi, we heard from St. Thomas Taxi Association, VI Taxi, Ambassadors Taxi, Virgin Taxi, Champion Taxi, and others. You know, it was so encouraging that it was a full house. I mean, we had to even put chairs in the hallway to accommodate some of the folks, you know. And after listening to all the testimony madam chair you know i am convinced the current taxicab commission is not executing its duties with the due diligence that would solve the many issues of the commission as a matter of fact i would even go and say that it is my opinion the commission does not effectively serve the needs of the transportation, taxicab, and automobile for higher industry. 0:55:42 But there was a very good ending to the meeting because the director actually spoke. She sat right in the back there by media and she spoke. I recorded it because this was the first time that in this legislative body I heard her voice. and she's been here about three or four times so madam chair i am very encouraged and now at least we have a director that we can communicate with with the language so i wanted to go quickly to the testimony here um miss johannes you said that it would have a fee and there would be some user accept us acceptance training um can you give me the details and you mentioned it was six thousand eight hundred and seven trade name um registrations in the vi wow that's incredible can you give me that explanation on the user acceptors training and the cost okay thank you senator uh first and foremost with any system that is implemented our contractor codes the system with the new changes then the division the staff will be going through testing so we are going to test to see whether or not the coding is correct and so that if a user has to select um the proper the choice of either two six or ten they're able to get that certificate and the renewal certificate and it says on there that the certificate the trade name is renewed for two years six years ten years we also have to look at the reminders that the reminders that 0:58:08 will happen as well because they do happen six months three months and one month from the anniversary date so that's a type of intricacies that we are checking for functionality with the user acceptance testing thank you very much madam chair you can answer the other question with the costs on the chairs time if I may be permitted you may proceed with 1:00:04 Machine transcript · UNVERIFIED. Verify every quotation against the recording. Speakers are not identified. VI Update · usvipublicrecords.com · public record, no rights asserted (CC0 1.0) 4 of 19 Legislature USVI · | Committee on Government Operations, Veterans Affairs, and Consumer answering the senator's question director thank you senator in reference to the cost with everything and being that we already have a functioning system there is going to take some time in order for our contractor to develop the coding so that they can implement it in a test environment before they load it into product and there is a specific amount of hours that are going to be needed because they're not only going to be touching the implementation of the radio buttons for a person to select two, six, or ten years, but then once it's selected, the system has to be able to generate the proper correspondence. So one of the things that happened with the trade labor renewals, that doesn't come into our work queue for processing. Once the payment is received, the customer or the filer immediately gets the certificate. So this is why it can take up to 200 hours of coding. One of the things that we have experienced when we're dealing with coding as well is that once you're adding something to a system that doesn't exist, it may create a glitch in another area. So we want to make certain that the functionality is correct and that's why it's estimated at the $50,000. Blessings. Thank you, Madam Chair. Thank you so much. That was a very good question to lead into the question that I had. Would this new system and this new type of coding to actually implement this legislation affect the ability for other persons to continue, for your customers to continue to put in whatever their selection would be or you would have to put a pause on this entire portion of your operation, your electronic online operation, which I may add is very efficient. 1:01:40 Actually, we will not have to put a pause on it. This is why it's important for us to build a code in a test environment and make certain that it's working in the test environment first before it is deployed into product usually we would pick a day where it's the least going to affect filers so this is also why we're asking for a delayed effective date as well for the implementation of it to give our contractor the ability to set on what is the best time to put it in usually we would put it in like on a Friday late in the night so that the lease that's that's why we have the least users on the system so customers would not see a major interruption they might have a message that would come up and say that the catalyst system is not available momentarily but as soon as it's loaded into product it becomes available and is functional and all customers are able to review. Okay thank you so much for giving that detailed explanation so that we not only we here in the chambers but the listening audience and the business community can clearly understand that there wouldn't be any pause and there wouldn't be any major interruption in persons available ability actually to renew their or even access the online portal this time I'd like to recognize Senator DeGraff you're recognized for your three minutes thank you madam chair 1:02:38 good morning colleagues morning testifiers of you and listen and present good morning 200 hours 200 hours estimated about 30 days a month I don't understand your question Senator. You say it would take about 200 hours of putting the whole system together to have it operational. That would be the coding effect of it and basically they have a timeline our contractor has a timeline by which they they have a copy of the legislation and then they start to build a code. There are also some internal things like this would be considered like a change order and that's something materially that the lieutenant governor's office would have to approve before it goes into production into the test environment and then finally into the production the live system right so so we give you the fifty thousand dollars you give your contractor the mandate two hundred hours we should have a product yes basically okay okay good so uh right now on on a yearly basis what do we collect in terms of revenues as it stands right now if every trade name is renewed we have six thousand we have more than six thousand eight hundred no but we can't do it that way i'm just saying based on if if six 6,800 people renew every year, we make X amount of money off of that. I get that. But I'm just saying on an annual basis, what are you seeing right now in terms of the revenue generated as it stands? 1:04:35 That information I do not have with me right now because we have trade names that are renewed uneven and odd years. And at the same time, we do have entities that are coming online as well. Correct. So that number fluctuates. Right. And not every trade name holder renews. There may be a delay where they may renew it in an odd year. So, for example, any trade name that is due in 2004, 2024, they have a six-month email reminder that they have received. 1:06:27 So, some of them have already paid right now in 2023 versus 2024. Good. And that's what I say, I get that because now in terms of, okay, we are going to invest 50,000. Now what would you see as to what this bill is trying to do in six years and the 300 and five years at what, 500? What do you see in terms of revenue generation? Would we be able to get back our return on our investment if we go this route after paying owed the fifty thousand dollars to get the system going would it be a plus in that aspect yes sir from the time that the system has been launched the division of corporations and trademarks of the office of the lieutenant governor has consistently seen an increase in the revenue collections and every budget cycle we are actually projecting higher and we are also meeting and sometimes exceeding those targets okay so in closing so because you don't you're not for or against on if the bill passes the revenue goes up it will go up in a fiscal year fiscal year correct okay so I could see the positives in it and what What would be the downfall to passing the bill, as you see it? 1:07:10 Machine transcript · UNVERIFIED. Verify every quotation against the recording. Speakers are not identified. VI Update · usvipublicrecords.com · public record, no rights asserted (CC0 1.0) 5 of 19 Legislature USVI · | Committee on Government Operations, Veterans Affairs, and Consumer Time. If, you know, wait, that's my last question, but I don't want to put you on the spot as to your personal feeling, in terms of for the people of the Vernon, the government as a whole, what do you see as the downfall from that position as director, not your personal of you to put you in a spot well senator I really don't see a downside filers are required to comply with the law and they have the opportunity to choose when they would like to pay when it comes to the renewals so if you're looking at it it will just determine whether you will get let's say if a person chooses six years versus every two years you would be getting the three hundred dollars in the first fiscal year versus a hundred dollars every two years over three consecutive fiscal years so the government will get what is required by law it's just giving the filer the option to select how they would like to manage the payment to the government thank you thank you madam chair for the time thank you so much senator de graaf because that was leading me into a question that I think was very critical to this consideration and our discussion today relative to this bill have you done a full analysis of the fiscal impact and based on your response to Senator de Graff it seems that fiscally because the amount is going to be the same there's no not going to be a shift we're going to have maybe a year when we have an increase because they have paid in advance rather than paying in that same year that their trademark 1:08:42 will be renewed is that basically what you're gonna see exactly you would just see a shifting of when the payment will come in depending on the fiscal year okay so that doesn't that doesn't touch necessarily individuals who are just for first time I'm going to submit an application for a trademark a trademark is different to a trade name the trade name is business name and once a filer submits the application to the lieutenant governor's office it will automatically come up for the first two-year renewal period it is at that point the filer will have the opportunity to select two six or ten years so it's not off the at inception that they're selecting the renewal period so it's after the first two years they will be able to select okay so that clarifies it now senator de graft also asked a question relative to the amount of funding that was received for the renewal of the trade names for let's say one fiscal year fiscal year 2023 would you be able to supply the committee with that information or you should have it at your fingertips I know how very thorough you are miss johannes and i know before the end of this i'm very confident before the end of this meeting you will be able to send us at least an email indicating how much money that your this division regarding the trade name this this portion um and division have been 1:11:01 able to generate in revenues for fiscal year 2023 because... Because I'm certain that is what Senator DeGraff was going at, but he didn't ask it directly, so I'm asking it directly. Okay? Yes, Senator. When I get back to my office, I'll provide the information. And I will be sure... To the Chair. I will be sure to circulate it. At this time, I'd like to recognize Senator Samuel Carrion for his three minutes. Senator Carrion, you may proceed. 1:13:06 Thank you. Thank you, Madam Chair. Good morning to you and my colleagues, and good morning to the testifiers. Good morning. Great. And thank you, Ms. Johannes, Director, for your testimony in this regard. this is one of those situations where the testifier doesn't speak in favor or against you know so you're you're neutral in this position but let me ask you do you foresee any issues um you know what what would you say would be the pros of implementing this legislation and if there are any cons any things that you're concerned about from the perspective of the office we are into the collection of fees we do have a mechanism by providing email reminders to filers when items are coming due or past due we do have a very effective online catalyst system that is available 24 hours 7 days a week and I don't see any pros or cons for the legislation the option that is provided the person is not an increase of the trademark I should say the trade name renewal fee if a person selects two years they're paying a hundred dollars if they select six years there's paying 300 they would pay 300 over a 60 year interval likewise with the 10 with them paying 500 so there's not a cost 1:13:44 different to the filer. It's just the ability to collect the fees as implemented by law. So what would you say is the benefit of this legislation? It's not a benefit to the office of the Lieutenant Governor and that is something I cannot speak for the filers. It's just providing them with an option. We do have some filers that have in the past asked, why can't we give you all of the renewals at one time? 1:15:45 But that is something that would be a benefit to the filers, not necessarily the office of the lieutenant governor. And we at the Division of Trademarks and Corporations of Trademarks do not advocate one way or the other on behalf of the filers. our function is to uphold the laws of the Virgin Islands and that's what we seek to do very well I think you presented that very well are there any penalties for individuals that don't renew yes senator there is a $25 late fee that we are currently charging. So let's take a cycle of a trade name. So it comes into our office, let's say in 2021 and is scheduled for renewal in 2023. 1:16:21 So six months out, the filer will get an email reminder that your trade name renewal is coming do. If no action is taken, another reminder is sent three months out from the anniversary date of the second year. If no action, one month out. Once the anniversary date of the second year has lapsed, the filer would get a notice letting them know that their trade name as renewal is past due, the status of it changes from current to registered. And we give filers a six-month period by which 1:17:28 Machine transcript · UNVERIFIED. Verify every quotation against the recording. Speakers are not identified. VI Update · usvipublicrecords.com · public record, no rights asserted (CC0 1.0) 6 of 19 Legislature USVI · | Committee on Government Operations, Veterans Affairs, and Consumer for them to submit the trade name renewal for a late fee of $25. So they pay $125. After the six-month period and the name is not renewed, it becomes available to the next filer that submits an application and pays the registration fee. Can you, through the Chair, submit to this committee the amount for 2022 in penalties, maybe for the last three years? 1:18:28 I don't know if you have that number at hand, at least for the last fiscal year, to have an idea of what the government is receiving in regards to penalties. And lastly, I think my time has been called. From time to time, does the office waive penalties? Senator, we do not have the ability by statute to waive no type of penalties and interest. Very well. Thank you, Madam Chair. 1:19:02 Thank you, Senator Carrion. Madam Clerk, please, three minutes on the clock for me. I want to ask you, because you're stating in your testimony, Ms. Johannes, it's going to cost us $50,000 to code electronically this so we can implement this legislation. What is the contract, does it say, for the catalyst? The catalyst system, the vendor isn't required to do updates? this will be more so an update they are not required under their current contract with the lieutenant governor's office with the government to do updates to the system actually senator they are however this legislation would be considered out of scope we have a contract that we were in project bold and we also have maintenance maintenance and support we are right now with our catalyst system getting ready to launch the trademark module to our system and we are also beginning the talks about implementing the notary services because we have a fixed cost contract with a five-year maintenance and support what is what is the amount of your contract and what's the name of the vendor who provides the coding for this for your catalyst system the name of the vendor Second, our first contract was about 6.7 when we launched this system back. 6.7 million? That is correct. Okay. The actual project part of it, and I'm doing this from off the top of my memory, so I could probably give you the better figures. 1:19:41 It was $5 million. It was $5 million. Um, it was five point something, um, as far as the project, and then the remainder was the maintenance. And that was executed on March 17th of 2016. We launched the system in August 31st of 2018. Since then, we have done an amendment for 1.3 million that we are currently implementing as we speak. And that one is to provide the exempt LLCs which we launched in December of 2022, trademarks which we're getting ready to launch and then notary services okay so that would take care of those three added different types of services and the notary services for electronic filing i'm guessing that's what it is our legislative body passed uh some law in a 34th legislation so that is all part of what you're going to be implementing i will have attorney harrigan speak to the notary component um good morning nadia harrigan legal counsel office of the governor yes yes senator we will be on launching an electronic notary application and that's also based on the legislation by this honorable body yes and i actually sponsored one of the sponsors of that piece of legislation so i'm always looking forward to see when our legislations are implemented by the executive branch and i'm glad to hear that it's going to be rolling out very soon 1:21:48 well we just met actually last week they were here in person just discuss the details of how the module will work so we're in the process of working on it thank you so much at this time the the chair would recognize the bill spot. Point of information, Senator Fonseca. Yes. Thank you so kindly, Madam Chair. Ms. Johannes, real quickly, how many vacant positions do you have? And do you have any positions that you do not intend to fill in your budget? Senator, I can tell you my vacant positions, But as far as if I intend to field, that is a question I would reserve for my chief of staff. But the two vacancies that I currently have are the franchise tax auditor position. And we are looking for a district manager, a district supervisor for the St. Croix Island District. Okay. Have you received recently any notice of a person that intends to retire? And if you have, are you intending to fill that position? I cannot speak to that, Senator. That function is handled in our division of administration and I do not, I could only tell you as it pertains to the division of corporations and trademarks, that I do not have any employees that are of retirement age or consideration. Thank you so much, Senator Fonseca, and thank you, Ms. Johannes, for your responses. At this time, we'll recognize the bill's sponsor, Senator Frances Heiliger. You're recognized. Good afternoon. Well, is it still morning? Good morning once again to the people of the territory and the testifiers. My quick question has to do with the time needed. As I stated earlier, I did submit several weeks ago an amendment for the $50,000, specifically the number to be included in the bill. But when it came to adding in a specific time frame, I did a lot for time for coding, time for testing, time for negotiating. I did all of that and I said it based on the amendment that I requested for it to be done within 180 days, roughly six months. Do you think that is more than adequate time to get this 1:23:55 completed? Yes, Senator. Okay. That was my major question because I wanted to make sure with my amendments that we accommodated what was necessary to make this accomplished. For me, again, this is to assist with helping business owners in dealing with their options out here. So I hope that my colleagues do support this piece of legislation once it is my hope to try to get it amended right here today after the second block when we go to voting. And those updates should be included if it's passed upon here by my fellow colleagues. So thank everyone for sharing their thoughts and asking 1:26:37 Machine transcript · UNVERIFIED. Verify every quotation against the recording. Speakers are not identified. VI Update · usvipublicrecords.com · public record, no rights asserted (CC0 1.0) 7 of 19 Legislature USVI · | Committee on Government Operations, Veterans Affairs, and Consumer their questions and for your testimony today and at the appropriate time we will cast a vote. Thank you so much. Thank you so much, Senator Frances Heiliger. This time I will allow our testifiers to place on the record their 30 seconds closing remarks. We are, colleagues, we are going to delay voting on this measure until the end of Block 2, which will be coming up shortly. So just be prepared. We have a very thin quorum today, so I'm hoping that all who are present will remain present so we could marshal these two pieces of legislation either out of committee or they remain in committee but that we act on them on a whole director johannes you are recognized for your 30-second closing remark thank you madam chair thank you so much for the opportunity to share our thoughts professionally about the amendment to afford trade name holders another option or options to consider for the renewal period. And also thank you to the staff of the Division of Corporations and Trademarks of the Office of the Lieutenant Governor. The ladies of that division work hard to serve you and we want to wish everyone a very blessed Thanksgiving season Christmas and a prosperous 2024 since I'm not expecting that I would have to come back before blessings for the new year thank Thank you. And thank you, Ms. Johannes, and every blessings to you, your staff, and the family at the Division of Corporations and Trademarks, and the Lieutenant Governor's Office as a whole. 1:27:35 Attorney Harrigan, you're recognized for your 30 seconds closing remarks. Thank you Senator and this body for having us. We really do appreciate that Senator Heiliger reached out to us prior to us coming here and submitting the legislation so that we can provide our input. I think it's very helpful and we were able to discuss that there would be a cost associated with adding these changes to our system. So we really appreciate having those discussions beforehand as opposed to having it in front of this honourable body and we wish everybody a happy Thanksgiving thank you so much attorney Harrigan and we convey the same to you colleagues we're going to take a 10 minutes recess and I want to really three minutes 30 minutes recess and I want to thank the testifiers for being here today and you are released from your testimony before the committee on government operations veteran affairs and consumer protection the committee stands in recess for 30 minutes Thank you. Let's get started. We'll be right back. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. 1:29:44 I love you. Whoa! Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. We'll be right back. 1:34:16 I'll be right back. We'll be right back. Let's go. Let's go Let's go. I love you Thank you. 1:37:46 Persistence Thank you. Let's get started. We'll be right back. Thank you. Thank you. 1:41:16 We'll be right back. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. We'll be right back. 1:44:16 We'll be right back. Let's go. 1:46:46 Thank you. Let's go. Thank you. Let's go. We'll be right back. Reading Biz Studios 1:47:46 Let's go. Let's get started. Let's get started. We'll be right back. Let's get started. We'll be right back. We'll be right back. Let's get started. We'll be right back. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Let's go. We'll be right back. Thank you. We'll be right back. Thank you. We'll be right back. Thank you. I'll be honest with you Thank you. We'll be right back. We'll be right back. Let's get started. We'll be right back. Let's do it Let's get started. We'll be right back. We'll be right back. Thank you. Thank you. We'll be right back. Thank you. We'll see you next time. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. We'll be right back. Thank you. And we are back on the record. Madam Clerk, I understand that you have received some additional correspondences. 1:50:46 Yes. Kindly read those correspondences into the record at this time. A letter dated November 20th, 2023, to the Honorable Carla J. Joseph, Senator of the Legislature of the Virgin Islands, Capitol Building, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, 00802. Dear Senator Joseph, please excuse my absence from the November 21st, 2023 meeting of the Committee on Government Operations, Veterans Affairs, and Consumer Protection. 2:11:05 I trust your office will forward me any additional information provided during this meeting. And I thank you in advance for your understanding. Sincerely, Kenneth L. Gittins, Senator. Madam Chair, this ends the reading of the correspondences. Thank you so much, Madam Clerk. I will kindly note for the record that Senator Kenneth Gittins is excused from today's meeting. Madam Clerk, please proceed with reading into the record block two of today's agenda. 2:11:38 The committee will receive testimony concerning bill number 35-0109, an act honoring and commending the late Corporal Kendall Emmanuel George posthumously for his service as a corporal in the United States Marine Corps in the in the Vietnam War and for making the ultimate sacrifice to preserve democracy and to keep America and his Virgin Islands homeland safe. Naming Routes 107 from Coral Bay to Lameshire Bay, St. John, Kendall-Emmanuel-George Drive, South. 2:12:28 Machine transcript · UNVERIFIED. Verify every quotation against the recording. Speakers are not identified. VI Update · usvipublicrecords.com · public record, no rights asserted (CC0 1.0) 8 of 19 Legislature USVI · | Committee on Government Operations, Veterans Affairs, and Consumer And appropriating $10,000 to the Department of Public Works for signage at Kendall-Emmanuel-George Drive and for other related purposes. This bill is sponsored by Senator Duane M. DeGraff. The invited testifiers are Mr. Patrick Farrell, Director of the Virgin Islands Veterans Affairs, Mr. Harry Daniel, Commander of the American Legion Post 131, the Honorable Derrick Gabriel, Commissioner, Department of Public Works, Mr. Henry A. Powell, sibling, Ms. Geneva Paris, sibling, Mrs. Barbara Dalmida Thompson, cousin, and Mr. Alvis Christian Sr., cousin. 2:13:33 Madam Chair, this ends the reading of today's agenda. Thank you so much, Madam Clerk. Who speaks on behalf of Bill 35.0109? I do, Madam Chair. Senator Duane M. DeGraff, you are recognized. Thank you, Madam Chair. Good morning, colleagues. Good morning, testifiers, all viewing, listening, and present. Bill number 35-0109, an act honoring and commending the late Corporal Kendall Emmanuel George posthumously for his service as a corporal in the United States Marine Corps in the Vietnam War and for making the ultimate sacrifice to preserve democracy and to keep America and his Virgin Islands homeland safe. Naming Route 107 from Coral Bay to Lamishaw Bay, St. John, Kendall Emanuel George Drive South and appropriating $10,000 to the Department of Public Works for signage at Kendall Emanuel George Drive and for other related purposes. is. Today, I am as excited and honored as the family. It is an honor for me to be, first of all, I'd like to start up, Madam Chair, when you opened up with your kind words in regards to veterans, thank you on behalf of my family and the veterans in the Virgin islands and around the world period um you know mr george served you know we may ask what has he done you know in the short title says the ultimate sacrifice he lost his life to preserve democracy to keep america and the virgin 2:14:24 General's Homeland Safe. You need to state no more. You know, it's funny that his birthday, not funny, it is so fitting that his birthday is November 11th, Veterans Day, and he joined the illustrious Marine Corps, which the birthday of the Marine Corps is actually November 10th. So it is a great honor to name the road and being on St. John, you know, to make sure that we didn't forget, and I won't forget, any veterans from St. John or from any one of the Virgin Islands. So I'm honored to present this Bill 35.0109, and I'm not a member of the Committee on Acts or colleagues to support this bill, and we move it forward until it becomes law. Thank you for the time, Madam Chair. 2:16:15 Thank you so much, Senator DeGraff. This morning we have joining us several testifiers, and I will like you to recognize each of you and ask you to state your names for the record. We will begin on my far left, which will be your right, with the gentleman right here, Director Farrell. Pleasant good morning. 2:17:12 Good morning, Director Farrell, Director of the Wurznan's Office of Veterans Affairs. And the lady? Jennifer Paris, sibling of Kennedy Manuel George. Good morning and welcome. gentlemen good morning to everyone my name is henry a powell i am the younger brother of kennedy george thank you and good morning and welcome good morning alvis christian cousin to kendall good morning and welcome good morning center harry daniel commander of religion american Allegiant Post 131 on St. John. 2:17:43 Good morning and welcome. It is our distinct pleasure to welcome all of you, especially the veterans in the house, to this August body and these proceedings, really to honour one of our very owns. I would like to now ask Director Patrick Farrell to kindly proceed with reading your testimony into the record honorable carla j joseph chairman of the committee on government operations veterans affairs and consumer protection other senators of the 35th legislature of the virgin islands of the united states all that are present listening via radio or viewing via the legislatures legit tv pleasant good day to you additional greetings to my comrades in and out of uniform known to you as the veterans of this beloved territory thank you once again for your service to country last but never least to the staff of the virginance office of veterans affairs to whom to i refer to as the pillars of this agency miss daniel miss frederick miss gordon and miss hewitt thank you for your service to our territories veterans i am patrick d farrell your director of the virgin islands office of veterans affairs today it is my pleasure to provide testimony on bill number three five dash zero one zero nine and act honoring and commending the late corporal kendall emmanuel george posthumously for his service as a corporal in the united states marine corps in the vietnam war and for making the ultimate sacrifice to preserve democracy and to keep america and his virgin island's homeland safe naming route 107 from 2:18:29 coral bay to lamshaw bay st john kendall emmanuel george drive south and appropriating ten thousand dollars to the department of public works for signage at kendall emmanuel george drive and for other related purposes i am present today to lend my unwavering support to the proposed legislation honoring the late corporal kendall emmanuel george this esteem marine who made the ultimate sacrifice during the vietnam war exemplified courage dedication and a profound commitment to preserving the ideals of democracy as we contemplate this legislation let's let us not only recognize kennel emmanuel george's military service but also celebrate his enduring legacy as a symbol of courage and commitment by approving this proposal we affirm our collective gratitude for those who have given their all in service to our nation corporal george george's selfless service in the united states marine corps is a testament to his love for both america and his homeland the virgin islands of the united states as we consider naming route number 107 from coral bay 2:20:21 Machine transcript · UNVERIFIED. Verify every quotation against the recording. Speakers are not identified. VI Update · usvipublicrecords.com · public record, no rights asserted (CC0 1.0) 9 of 19 Legislature USVI · | Committee on Government Operations, Veterans Affairs, and Consumer to lamshaw bay st john the kennedy manual george drive south we will be embarking on a significant tribute to a hero whose bravery echoes through the archives of history it is fitting and a lasting tribute to a man who in the face of adversity stood firm in the defense of our democracy we will not only be paying homage to a fallen soldier but we will also be reinforcing the values of sacrifice, patriotism, and unity that form the core of our society. I extend my deepest gratitude to the family members of Corporal Kendall Emanuel George. Their unwavering support, resilience, and enduring love have been the foundation of Corporal George's legacy. As we honor him through this legislation, I find it fitting that we also acknowledge the sacrifices made by his family, who have borne the weight of his absence with grace and strength. The appropriation of $10,000 to the Department of Public Works for signage at the Kendall Emanuel George Drive is a small yet impactful investment in preserving the memory of a true Virgin Islands hero. These signs will serve as a daily reminder to all who traverse this route, prompting reflection on the sacrifices made to ensure the freedoms we hold there. I humbly ask that each member of this institution lend their support to this legislation, ensuring that Corporal Kendall E. George's name is forever etched into the landscape of our Virgin Islands. Chairman Joseph, distinguished members of the Committee on Government Operations, Veterans Affairs and Consumer Protection, other senators of the 35th Legislature of the Virgin Islands of the United States, the Virgin Islands Office of Veterans Affairs respect the important work that you have done and continue to do to enhance the quality of life and well-being of our territory's veterans and their families. 2:22:29 With your help and continued support, we can ensure our veterans and their needs continue to be adequately resourced and remain a priority. I will remain available for any questions relating to this matter. Thank you for allowing me to have my testimony read into the record today. And thank you so much, Director Farrell, for presenting your testimony here in the chambers in person. Now I will recognize Ms. Geneva Paris and give you the opportunity to read into the record your testimony on this bill. 2:23:46 Good morning all. It's a pleasure to be here this morning on behalf of my brother's honouring. I will read, Dear Honorable Senator Carla J. Joseph, greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Thank you, Senator Carla Joseph and the entire Committee on Government Operations, Veterans Affairs and Consumer Protection for this opportunity to testify about renaming Route 107 to Kendall E. George Drive. Although many years have passed, the memory of my beloved brother's untimely passing remains etched in my heart. 2:24:30 My brother, affectionately known as Ken, was the kindest, most respectful, most jovial person I have known, not in my entire life, but known at that point. Oh, I'm writing something that's not in here, I'm sorry. Especially to the elders and the authorities. My family grew up on the island of St. John at a state hard labor located on the south side of the island. My two brothers, Kendall now deceased and Henry, and myself attended the Harrison School and then on to Benjamin Franklin School, now currently known as Guy Benjamin. High School, Guy Benjamin School, then on to Charlotte Amalie High School, St. Thomas. As time and life progressed, my brother Kendall enlisted in the Marines and achieved the rank of corporal and fought in the Vietnam War for our country and for our countrymen here in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Every year, as the United States commemorates our veterans, and we thank and honor them for their service in protecting our country, I am reminded of my personal loss. 2:25:17 Veterans Day in itself is huge, but it was also Ken's birthday, the day he was born. In closing, once again, thank you, Senator Carla Joseph and the Committee of Government Operations, Veteran Affairs, and Consumer Protection for this opportunity to express my memories and to testify that I approve and encourage renaming of Route 107 to Kendall E George drive in my brother's honor and memory for his ultimate sacrifice for our country. 2:26:43 Thank you. And thank you so much, Ms. Paris, for that very supportive testimony. the chair would like to recognize another sibling of Miss of Corporal Kendall George Mr. Henry a Powell you are recognized to read your testimony into the record kindly proceed thank you senator thank you sir good day to all the honorable members of the 35th legislature and to the committee on on Government Operations, Veterans Affairs, and Consumer Protection, chaired by the Honorable Senator Carla Joseph, and to the general public. Today has been a long time hoped for. I am most grateful to my family for encouraging me to keep on trying until we saw this day. To my comrades of the American Legion Post 131, headed by our commander, Harry Daniel, for helping in the initiation process. And most of all, to Senator Duane M. DeGraff and his staff for their guidance in the drafting and submittal of what is now bill number 35-0109. If I missed anyone that we spoke to along the way that had any input, my gratitude is extended to them, to you as well. As I have spoken to a few people over the years about this matter. 2:27:29 My brother was a small frame man, 5'7", about 155 pounds, but big at heart and gutsy. He was a leader and had a calm demeanor when giving instructions. it was easy to work with him he was also not too judgmental he would give you the benefit of the doubt that you could do better if you came up short of your goal so most of his friends didn't mind having hanging around with him he was a helpful man always willing to lend a hand he was a brave man eager to try anything a 2:29:31 Machine transcript · UNVERIFIED. Verify every quotation against the recording. Speakers are not identified. VI Update · usvipublicrecords.com · public record, no rights asserted (CC0 1.0) 10 of 19 Legislature USVI · | Committee on Government Operations, Veterans Affairs, and Consumer man dedicated to duty to his duty and his mission whatever it was he was a man of honor his word could be trusted he was also a man of integrity He will not give you a six for a nine. An honest man. He was also a loyal man. I think that's why he joined the Marine Corps, because he thought that the brotherhood of the Marines was that close-knit, and that they were there for each other. finally he was a man of persistence he would not quit until the job was done he did have an area of concern to me as his brother and that was his hearing was not a hundred percent but he did not let that deter him from being a marine he He loved what he was doing and gave his all, his life, for the love of country and his homeland, these U.S. Virgin Islands. 2:31:09 This is who he was. All else is cited in the bill. Thank you for allowing me to testify on his behalf today. And I hope that this bill will go through. Thank you. And thank you so much, Mr. Powell, for painting such a very vivid picture of your late brother's character. It's really clear of the person he was. And I'm sure you and your family have a strong legacy of that level of character. 2:31:53 Now I'd like to recognize Mr. Alvis Christian Senior, cousin, for his testimony on this bill. Mr. Christian, you're recognized. Good morning, honorable Carla Joseph, other members of the Committee on Government Operations, Veterans Affairs, and Consumer Protection, all senators and staff, everyone present, viewing and listening to this committee hearing. My name is Alvis Christian Senior, and I'm here to offer testimony in support of my cousin, Kendall E. George, who is being considered for renaming Route 107 from Coral Bay to Lamishaw, St. John, the Kendall Emanuel George Drive. 2:32:39 Ken, as he was affectionately called, was a community person who deeply cared for and always spoke up in defense of his beloved community of St. John. He was also the person that kept the family together. He cooked, he hunted, he fished, and was sports-oriented. He also had a great sense of business as he operated his mother on Ms. Ina George's shop in St. John. He was kind, considerate, but firm. He stood his ground when it mattered. However, he was always respected by both the young and the old. 2:33:34 I am grateful that while he was in the service, he defended the United States and this territory to the best of his ability. Thanks to the Director and the persons of Post 131 for seeing this bill through to the end. I am grateful that the bill's sponsor, Sensitograph, and this committee saw fit to honor Ken in this way. Ken is truly missed by his family and friends, and this is a great way of keeping his memory alive. Thank you for the opportunity, and I look forward to a favorable vote as this bill makes its way to the full body. Thank you so much, Mr. Christian. Again, you painted a very, we had a testimony from Mr. Powell and now you painting a very clear picture of the character of the man who is labelled on this bill to be honoured and for the route to be placed and named in his honour. At this time, I would like to recognize Mr. Harry Daniel, Commander, American Legion Post 131, to present and read your testimony into the record. Mr. Daniel. 2:34:30 Good morning, Senator. Good morning, Honourable Senator Carla J. Joseph, Chair, Committee on Government Operations, Veterans Affairs, and Consumer Protection, members of the committee, and the viewing and listening audience. I am Harry Daniel, commander of the American Legion Vigo Esau Post 131 of St. John. Our post is the voice of our veterans on the island seeking to pass on information to all of us. Our post has been in existence for more than 30 years, working with the other posts in the Virgin Islands, along with the support of the Office of Veterans Affairs. 2:36:16 I am here in support of Bill No. 35-0109, an act honoring and commending the late Corporal Kendall Emanuel George posthumously for his service as a Corporal in the United States Marine Corps in Vietnam, and to remain Route 107 from Coral Bay to La Mijue Bay, St. John as the Kendall Emanuel George Drive. Corporal George was one of the two St. John natives who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect and preserve the democracy to keep America and the Virgin Islands free and safe. The other veteran was the late Viggo Esau, to whom our post is named after. We were hoping that we could have gotten them both honored at the same time, but we will continue to work toward this becoming a reality. We are ever grateful to Senator Dwayne Degraaff and his staff for working with us with this bill. We also visited the site and spoke with some of the members of the Coral of the community about our plans. 2:36:53 We also spoke about getting the Veterans Circle project completed in Cruz Bay as soon as possible. We hope that with the continued support of the Office of St. DeGrasse and your committee, we can get other projects for veterans on St. John and the Virgin Islands change with better benefits for all. Thank you. And thank you, Commander Daniel, I just want to make sure I give you your proper handle, Commander Daniel, for your testimony and for all that you do for the St. John veterans, especially on Veterans Day and Memorial Day. I really want to commend you publicly in this forum and I always say that I do and really I'm thankful for the work you and all of the veterans have done and continue to do for on behalf of our people. We have two testimonies that will be read into the record. Madam Clerk kindly proceed with reading the testimony submitted by Honourable Derek Gabriel, Commissioner of Department of Public Works and then And also the testimony submitted by Mrs. Barbara DiMida Thompson, cousin of Corporal Kenneth George. 2:37:54 Machine transcript · UNVERIFIED. Verify every quotation against the recording. Speakers are not identified. VI Update · usvipublicrecords.com · public record, no rights asserted (CC0 1.0) 11 of 19 Legislature USVI · | Committee on Government Operations, Veterans Affairs, and Consumer A letter dated November 17, 2023, to the Honorable Carla J. Joseph, Chairwoman of the Committee on Government Operations, Veterans Affairs and Consumer Protection, 35th Legislature of the Virgin Islands, Capitol Building, St. Thomas Virgin Islands 00802. Dear Senator Joseph, thank you for the opportunity to receive and comment on the proposed legislation to posthumously name Route 107 from Coral Bay to La Meshire Bay, St. John, the Kendall-Emmanuel Drive, and to appropriate $10,000 to the department for the signage, for the appropriate signage. Unfortunately I'm unavailable to attend the hearing due to previously scheduled arrangements. The department has no objections to the naming of the above mentioned read in the name of Corporal Kendall Emanuel George, I believe naming roads after prominent Virgin Islanders serve to teach current and future generations of their significant contribution both locally and abroad and to potentially honour him will, while I cannot speak to the funding source, the amount appropriated for the signage should be sufficient. Thank you again for the opportunity to review and comments on the proposed legislation. As always, please feel free to reach out to me directly if you have any questions or concern. Sincerely, Derek Gabriel, Commissioner. The Honorable Carla J. Joseph, Capitol Building, PO Box 1690. 2:39:29 St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands 00804. Greetings Honorable Senator Carla J. Joseph of the 35th legislature. My name is Barbara Dalmita Thompson, a born native and resident of the island of St. John. As an indigenous native, I humbly come before you and your prestigious colleagues with my approval of renaming route 107 to Kendall E. George Highway. Kendall E. George, as a patriot of the United States of America, as such, enlisted into the military to serve in whatever capacity his country needed him. It was a sad moment in time for our family when we were served the nudes of his death. Although myself was only six years old at the time, it was one of my few childhood memories I still hold dear to me. 2:41:24 I have never seen my Aunt Enie cry before, so I wanted to know what made her so sad. She explained that my cousin won't ever walk through these doors again before his life was taken prematurely from him. She went on to say that he was happy to know that I shared the same birthday with him. My Aunt Ena George, affectionately known as Aunt Enie, was never the same person because she was wounded in her soul by his death. I've never shared this story because my cousin Kendall, God rest his soul had aspirations as he served his country to return home and serve the people of the Virgin Islands. This reality, sadly, will never achieve. By this simply, by the simple fact, his countryman can give back to him by renaming route number 107 to Kendall E. George Highway. That way, his sacrifice will never be forgotten by his beloved St. Jonians. Thank you for following, for allowing me, Barbara Dalmita Thompson, this time to come before the 35th Legislature to bear my heart and to inform you that we, the people of South St. John, approve of renaming route number 107 in our dear beloved brother, uncle, and cousin, and friend, Kendall E. George Highway. 2:42:28 Respectfully, Barbara Dalmira Thompson, St. John native and resident. Madam Chair, thus ends the reading for the testimonies. Thank you so much, Madam Clerk. At this time, we will begin our line of questioning of the testifiers and speak on behalf of this bill and we will recognize Senator Ray Fonseca for your first three minutes we are only doing one round of three minutes thank you so kindly madam chair and a pleasant good afternoon to all the testifiers I bring warm greetings to all those listening to the sound of my voice. Madam Chair, this is an easy one. I support Bill 35-109 to honor Kendall Emanuel George by renaming Route 107 Coral Bay. I read the whole bill but after just the first page i know that this here is very very important very important i commend the bill sponsor my fellow savonero in fact i'm asking to sign on as a co-sponsor thank you thank you thank you you see kendall was born november 11 1942 He's a born St. Tomion, but the family moved to St. John. 2:44:07 They grew up there. He would have been 81 years old now. Madam Chair, we have what they call in the military a gold star family. Here before us today, the sister Geneva and the brother Henry. You know, gold star members are to be celebrated and commended and honored. You know, he was laid to rest in 1966 in the Moravian Church Cemetery in Coral Basin, John. He was only 24 years old at that time. 2:45:48 He was a young man, 24 years old. Kendall gave the ultimate sacrifice. You see, all veterans give service, and they give a lot, but some give all. Kendall is one of them, give all. He is just like Emil White. They have a statue, a big blue bit stone thing in waterfront. Emil White, Kendall George is in that class, a rare, rare class of Virgin Islanders that gave the ultimate sacrifice so i don't know bill sponsor but in addition to the ten thousand dollars i think we should upkeep and maintain the grave and paint it up so i know um you know soldier you know the chairman of the veterans affairs sorry for that nickname you know but if the grave site needs to be maintained then we can do a supplement i will um do an amendment or whatever to upkeep the grave site make sure the grave site is kept well because it is not very often that we get to honor and commend the veteran that gave our ultimate sacrifice you know he was laid to rest 57 years ago this took 57 years so Henry his sister Jennifer, 57 years it took for your brother to finally get this recognition, you know, and he deserved it, you know, so rest in peace, proud warrior Kendall George, may the good Lord continue to bless his soul abundantly, and may he rest in peace. I wanted to ask Jennifer, the sister so um he was like five foot seven um you know normal high guy um what do you miss most about your dear brother tell me time you may proceed miss paris go ahead 2:46:27 Machine transcript · UNVERIFIED. Verify every quotation against the recording. Speakers are not identified. VI Update · usvipublicrecords.com · public record, no rights asserted (CC0 1.0) 12 of 19 Legislature USVI · | Committee on Government Operations, Veterans Affairs, and Consumer okay what i miss like when i was going to high school school, they were home, I had to come down here to go to high school, therefore when I go home on the weekends, he would gladly iron my uniforms and think for me to come back to school on Monday, I miss him for that. Other thing is, he always liked to cook and bake and things and that was up my alley too because I was the one in the house who had to do those things but since I was away at school now I had a little leeway and he used to do it so I missed that and I miss him being around because there was so much thing that we had in mind to do as we grow and as we became adults and when he came back from the service and it never happened so I miss that thank you thank you so proud and congratulations to the bill sponsor madam chair um thank you for the time thank you so kindly senator fonseca i do see senator javon e james vice chair of this committee in the chambers in st croix senator james a pleasant good day to you And so, Madam Clerk, kindly mark Senator James, Senator James? Kindly mark Senator James present. 2:48:47 Senator Alma Francis Heiliger, you're recognized for your three minutes. Good afternoon once again to my colleagues. Good afternoon to the people of this territory. Good afternoon to the testifiers. This is one of those moments when I'm very, very happy that I'm a member of this committee, that we get to see pieces of legislation like this before us. When it comes to Mr. George and just reading and listening to the testifiers and his family and even looking through the piece of legislation that this individual ultimately gave his life to make sure that we live in a society that I could do stuff like this. I could be who I am. And it was done by a Virgin Islander. And that is a blessed, blessed thing. And I want to talk a little bit to his siblings. When you just spoke a little bit about, you know, getting that little ease when your brother would, you know, iron and do little chores and stuff for that. I said, hmm, being the oldest, I wish I had those luxuries, but I did not. Okay. So you, you are very fortunate. But what I want to ask both of you, is there something about your brother that was so impactful that it left such a mark on you that today it's a part of who you are and even how you might share it with others? Is there's something you could share with us well as I as I noted in my testimony all the things that I noted here his honesty his integrity all these things 2:50:30 these were real there's nothing made up here it's as solid as a rock and in terms of dedication like I said once once he decided on something he will definitely see it through all the way and that's why the like my my stepdad which is his dad was in the Navy and I thought that initially that he would go Navy but in But he decided he wanted to be a leatherneck, as they call it in the Marine Corps, okay? And so he decided that that was the Corps for him. That was the place that he felt. And like I said about him feeling that the Marines, they were that close-knit, really stuck together. 2:52:16 the kind of person that you know that's the kind of attitude he had yes so everything I mentioned here solid is a rock excellent okay well Jason um I have a question for you if do you believe how do you think he would feel receiving this honor if he were here today I think he would be very pleased because it speaks to who he was and what he he always tried to give tell us and share with us when it comes to family he was very family oriented you know he it was like a knit where the young and the old had respect and that was something that I don't want the younger generation to ever forget. The young and the old respected him and that is something that if anything actually were off on me me, was that, you know, his love for family and having respect for young and old. 2:53:24 Excellent. I... You know, just even talking about that, sometimes even in this modern day and age, I question if sometimes we've lost that in dealing especially with some of the young people. Time. Madam Chair, could I just wrap up my statement quickly? You may proceed to wrap up, Senator. When I was listening to how all of this was being presented in respect and honesty, you know, I said, you know, I grew up in a time where certain things were just how they were appropriate and that's what was expected of us. 2:54:52 And I sometimes long for those days. And I hope that unfortunately, hopefully we have a better chance in trying to re-instill some of these things you guys clearly talked about, your brother, your family member, your friend so that this future generation could see that there were people like that this is this was normal this is normal and and and we expect that type of behavior and when we like make these things into law that they could now look back and say and be proud of virgin islanders wait this is a really cool guy you know once we create these things it's a way for them to look back and maybe it'll help them as they move along in their future as well so madam chair thank you for the additional time and I will vote at the appropriate time thank you so much senator Francis Heiliger I wanted to just follow up on a question surrounding being a gold star family and that void that was left in a family by Corporal Kendall George's untimely passing while he served to protect our freedom and protect our nation's freedom so all of us could be here because you know 1966 is a long time ago and I wasn't even born I don't think my mother was even looking to conceive me but and some of us who are here some of us who are here so I know when a sibling has passed right untimely they are aspect of your structure in your family that is so diminished and you're so challenged with that loss and you know that if this person and a picture you painted what is painted here based on the testimony of you miss Paris you mr. Powell and mr. Christian and also commander Daniel of the very character of this young man what is a void there because sometimes 2:55:25 Machine transcript · UNVERIFIED. Verify every quotation against the recording. Speakers are not identified. VI Update · usvipublicrecords.com · public record, no rights asserted (CC0 1.0) 13 of 19 Legislature USVI · | Committee on Government Operations, Veterans Affairs, and Consumer you would say to yourself you know if this person was still was still here this and this would not be like this or this and this would be like this. Can you elaborate on that? Ms. Paris, can you comment on it? Well, I think the young people that's in the village right now, we live in a little village, like, right? they would have, I think he would have had them more intact in the sense that, oh, in the sense that he would have, um, you know, like, like he liked his, well, he liked to help people and I'm sure that he would have been more involved in their lives. It seemed to lack, you know, that kind of a manly structure nowadays and so I feel that he would have been very instrumental in those young fellows around where i live now was he a disciplinarian now some people may have a picture about a disciplinarian as a person who really is about the corporal the beating but was was he one of those persons if he saw you going astray he would definitely pull you aside and say, this is the road and the path that you need to take. 2:57:55 Yes, he will. And so that element, that's what I'm getting at, that element may be something that is missing. Mr. Powell, would you like to elaborate on that? Well, yes, I would say that because of the way he was, like today, we see a lot of the young people, and we see a lot of killing, for instance, here with these young people, killing each other and things of that nature. No, no, he would definitely, if he saw a young man going in the wrong direction, he'd pull him up, you know, hey, we got to get this squared away. you cannot go this route you cannot go this route and he would give them some guidance in that in that area so I can see I can see where he would definitely make an impact in giving that kind of structure to the young people yes and so you know it is our it is should be our call and our charge to definitely do what we can to try to live on that legacy no matter what i know some people are a bit leery and a bit fearful because the young people these days are not like my age group we're kind of we are respectful but some of the young people um in the the latter generations are not and nor are their parents so I suspect your brother would have been fearless and even he would have not minded if they are a bit combative because he's a soldier at his core he would have delved in and jump right in to address some of the disciplinary issues and provide discipline to some of the bad behaviors and bad characters 2:59:28 that we're seeing manifesting, being manifested in our smaller community. At this time I would like to recognize Senator Samuel Carrion. Senator Carrion you are recognized for your three minutes. Thank you Chair, good morning good afternoon now to you and and good afternoon to the testifiers that are here with us this day and it's really a good day I think every day that we can't recognize and honor our own it's a good day and especially those that have served and giving the maximum sacrifice of their lives for our freedom freedom, for our liberty, for our democracy, I think it's well deserved. So I want to thank the sponsor of the bill for having the foresight and listening to members of the community in making this recognition and naming the road in honor of Mr. Kendall Emmanuel George, Corporal Kendall Emmanuel George. Mr. Farrell, in reading your testimony and listening, I realized that we had approximately about 17 fallen soldiers that went to the Vietnam War from the Virgin Islands. Is that correct? 3:01:32 I don't know the exact number right off the top of my head, but we do have quite a few that was in this situation, yes. Quite a few. And what would you say that would make this case in honoring Corporal Kendall Emanuel George different from others, if any, and also would like the family to kind of mention that too. If there's any distinction that you would like to highlight and mention to us um there's for me there's no difference because they all gave or made that ultimate sacrifice and i definitely welcome the opportunity at any time to honor any person any veteran whatever branch of service is to honor them at some particular point in time we have reached out and we have honored some of them thus far Thank you for sharing that and I want to make a correction, wasn't your testimony was part of the whereas clause within the resolution bill itself that mentions that over 1,600 Virgin Islands served in the Vietnam War and documented 16 servicemen gave the ultimate sacrifice. So we pay honor and respect to them for their sacrifice and their families also for it. 3:03:12 To the family of Corporal Kendall Emmanuel George, can you tell me something about him in regards to that you remember, that you cherish a story in his youth, or as a children that really highlights and speaks about the type of character and person that he was? okay I'm his brother and I think it's well I think it's pretty clear in my testimony what I feel about my brother and I don't know if you have do you have a copy of that senator senator yes yes we do have a copy of your testimony but it's um customary for us to ask individuals okay well it's just just his just his total character the person that he was is just the person that he was he was a person that uh would give his all and that's exactly what he did he gave his life for his country and for these virgin islands And as Director Patrick Farrell said, that in itself is honorable, okay? 3:04:47 Giving your life for your country and for your island is something worthwhile. That's what I have to say about it. Well, thank you for sharing that and there's no doubt in that that giving your life is the ultimate sacrifice and we thank the family and every serviceman that has served, that are serving for their service. Thank you very much Madam Chair, no further questions. Thank you so much Senator Carrion. 3:06:22 Machine transcript · UNVERIFIED. Verify every quotation against the recording. Speakers are not identified. VI Update · usvipublicrecords.com · public record, no rights asserted (CC0 1.0) 14 of 19 Legislature USVI · | Committee on Government Operations, Veterans Affairs, and Consumer Vice Chair, the Honorable Javon James Sr., you're recognized for your three minutes. Greetings to the people of the U.S. Virgin Islands. Thank you, Madam Chair, for the time. Thank you, testifiers, for being here. I vote yes. I was reading page two of the resolution and line 17 through 18 really touched me, where it says, Kendall was killed by enemy fire in the vicinity of, I guess, Chulai, Vietnam on December 2nd, 1966. So I just want to say to the family and friends of Corporal Kendall Emanuel George, thank you for sharing him with the military and for giving him that time and space to be able to solve his country. Most of the times when we honor individuals in the legislature, most of them died of natural cause, old age, or whatever the case may be. But he died while solving his country, which is honorable, very honorable. And to the sponsor of this measure, I want to say thank you as well for bringing forward this resolution. It is definitely a no-brainer, like I said, to support this 3:07:03 measure. I don't really have any questions because this resolution is straightforward. And it is timely as we just celebrated Veterans Day. I understand that he died so that would be Memorial Day. But to all those individuals who solve this country. Thank you for your service and once again thank you to the family and friends of Corporal Kendall Emanuel George. Madam Chair I stand ready to vote yes for this resolution when the time comes. Thank you testifiers for being here. Thank you so much Mr. Vice-Chair. Madam Clerk kindly put two minutes. I don't need the whole three because I am going to vote in the affirmative, but I do have one burning question I wanted to ask the testifiers outside of the other questions I had asked. 3:08:50 Now, this is geared at Commander Daniel. Commander Daniel and also Mr. Christian because they are both Moravians so I you know I know them very well and I know also you know we had a discussion here about the upkeep of the cemetery where Corporal George is laid to rest but I know as Moravians we take great pride in upkeeping our own cemetery and I'm hoping that that is something that is being done over there at MUS and maybe both of you could elaborate on that because we we take pride in ensuring that the legacy the strong legacy of our members who are laid to rest is looking well manicured and our respective respectable so can either of you talk about that yeah mr. Christian let me yes thank you madam share the cemetery needs work the graves are taken care of because every time before Easter or whatever we'll go and clean the graves and make sure they're looking pretty but there's a section of the cemetery where the wall 3:09:51 The wall has come down, and we need to put some strength and some money in the cemetery to make it looking pretty and looking well. That's what I will say. We need some manpower and some money, because the part of the wall that's come down, it's really fixed. Understood. 3:11:37 Understood. I mean, that is a condition with some of our cemeteries, even the public cemetery, but that's a privately held cemetery. And finally, I wanted to ask when, at least to just have a broader discussion, because I too am a family member of a veteran, and my brother is still alive, thank God. But I remember there was a pause, a long pause in his service when we didn't hear from him. And I cannot imagine how you as a family fail. But I can empathize because when my brother was missing and we weren't able to make contact, my mother marched down to USO for them to be able to find him and make contact. That's how distressed she was. But I want to close my comments in saying that I'm going to be in support of this measure. I'm very much in support of veterans, not because of my brother being a veteran and I have a number of family members who have served and upheld our borders and our freedom valiantly, but because also Vietnam veterans hold a special place in my heart. I am happy to see that your brother was one of those veterans, Vietnam veterans, who was volunteered to be enlisted. Some of them at that time, I understand, were drafted. And so that tells me about the mettle of his character, that he saw that he needed to be able to serve his country in a greater way. And I'm not surprised based on what I heard read and read myself of his character that he was one of those super humans who really wanted to do 3:12:12 what he can to serve his country and his community, even coming from Little St. John. So I really salute all of you and the family, especially for your brother and really empathize with you on his loss but we give thanks thanksgiving is on Thursday for his life and a long legacy senator James you had a point of information yes I have a point of information is to director Farrell director Farrell arm in the 33rd legislature of the Virgin Islands, while I served with former Senator Athneel Bobby Thomas, if I'm not mistaken, a measure was brought forward to erect some monument in St. John for those individuals who served in the military or died while serving or something along that line. Do you know what I'm talking about? I do. It was not actually a monument, but it was to name the circle in St. John Veterans Circle. 3:14:24 How is that coming along? It's right now I think in the hands of Public Works and the Council on the Arts for next steps. The reason why I'm asking that, right, I was having a conversation with my good colleague how should I describe you, in the minority, I say in Christ, Senator, in the minority, the Spanish one, we had a conversation, and I remembered when Atheniel Bobby Thomas brought that forward, and to the family of the other 15 individuals who died while serving in Vietnam, I was wondering if we can incorporate those 15 other individuals into that veteran circle, or something of that 3:15:40 Machine transcript · UNVERIFIED. Verify every quotation against the recording. Speakers are not identified. VI Update · usvipublicrecords.com · public record, no rights asserted (CC0 1.0) 15 of 19 Legislature USVI · | Committee on Government Operations, Veterans Affairs, and Consumer nature, because much respect to the individual who we are recognizing here today, but what about the other 15 lives who solved while in Vietnam? So just something for you to think about, okay? Thank you, Madam Chair, for the time. And thank you so much, Senator. James, that's why I like having you as my Vice Chair, but I was hoping that you would have been over here in St. Thomas, but you brought forward a very important point regarding the Veterans Circle and for us to try to make it happen. I'm hoping that if anything, Director Farrell, it could happen for the 2024 Memorial Day celebration, where we give thanks and appreciation to our soldiers who have fallen and held the wall for our freedom. Senator Ray Fonseca, you have a point of information? 3:16:43 Kindly proceed. Thank you so kindly, Madam Chair. I just wanted to follow up with the older sister, Jennifer, because you mentioned something that I want for the community to realize. You said that you were living in St. John and you used to come down to St. Thomas to go to school and you used to spend a whole week down in St. Thomas. So he was ironing your clothes. what kind of iron was it a regular electric can you give us can you give us the details of that please well coal goose is an iron and then you put the coal in there and you light it up and you iron and he ironed my clothes nicely he was a good housekeeper he was thank you thank you Thank you. A cool goose eye on popa. 3:17:29 Thank you, Madam Chair. And Senator Fonseca, you opened up a question because I am so glad you pointed it out that Ms. Paris was actually travelling from St. John. At that time, Ivana Eudorquin was inbuilt on the east end of St. Thomas. And so you had to go a long way. know, we have this whole issue with getting a school built in St. John. I mean, I went to classmate. I said it already many a times. I witnessed it firsthand how our young people from St. John, many of my classmates will be sleeping in class until, you know, they're drooling. And you know, if you're drooling in class and you're sleeping, I mean, you're Really, you're really tired. That's a tiredness. So how, so did he, did he have to also travel? I saw that he went, he didn't travel from St. John to go to school in St. Thomas, as Charlotte Amali had said so in the resolution, and then he transferred after some time to the manhattan vocational technical high school so what caused that that that you know transfer from attending charlotte amali high school and then your family relocated him to and he relocated uh to new york yeah well miss um oh miss paris you gotta say your name oh i'm sorry i'm sorry that's okay go ahead my name is Geneva Paris my brother he came to New York because when I finished in high school I went to New York too and he was he was one of the sophomore in Charlotte Armory but he wanted to come to New York so that's That's why he came. 3:18:26 He left and come. He wanted to go into this vocational tech thing, making... I think it was... Machine. Yeah, machine things you made, spouting and all kinds of things like that, and he wanted to do that. Yeah, that was me. And so... You were... That was me. All right. He was a machine... He was in machine technology. Mr. Howell, you wanted to add to what your sister was saying. 3:20:36 Yes, my brother was in machine technology, which they made machinery, you know, machine technology, little instruments and things. Yeah. So he was into machine technology. I was the one into what she's talking about. I'm sorry I got it mixed up. But it's very good that you both are here and he's here present to make sure the record is clear, and our memories are clear. As Senator Dwayne M. DeGraff, the sponsor of this legislation, you're recognized for your three minutes. Thank you, Madam Chair. You know, I look at the family and I could see the pride beaming, but I'm also tempted to power my shades. It's so bright over there, you know. But I think after waiting 57 years, the historical value of each of these legs going forward to making this a reality in law um i think director farrell gave a a brilliant testimony i i think that's something you should get a copy from him and leave him sign it and date it no because i'm saying as as a veteran as as the director speaking on behalf of you know veterans and your brother you know i think it was very eloquent to me so i i think you should get that and thanksgiving is right around the corner and and i think when i had the chance to go to war and come back home and it changed my life and it make me only look at the positive in life and give thanks for life and and i think your brother helped provide and all veterans who paid that ultimate sacrifice provided that for me and for the people of the world um you know so to to give thanks i give thanks to the family that stuck it out 57 years in this here to try get this done are we gonna make it a reality to you fine but but you know to to to the family to hold our grief and then to come here and be able to to are we taking you back 3:21:05 all these years to your brother and you know that's priceless so so for me to be a part of it i give thanks to the family i i give thanks to you know your brother and you know harry director, no, Mr. Harry Daniel, veteran police, I knew you had a mishap, and to be here now, thank you, because you don't ease up, and that's what we appreciate, and I'd like to say thank you, and we're going to make it happen, but incidentally, I've had a meeting from last year Veterans Day where I met Mr. Daniel and members of Post 131 where we spoke about the Veterans Circle we had a town hall meeting to address it and we basically need to separate where there was mention about putting a monument I think where government house where the battery is for honoring of veterans that the St. Junior veterans can have their name put on that and then Veterans Circle will just be to identify the circle as to where it is so it doesn't cause people to be in the 3:23:23 Machine transcript · UNVERIFIED. Verify every quotation against the recording. Speakers are not identified. VI Update · usvipublicrecords.com · public record, no rights asserted (CC0 1.0) 16 of 19 Legislature USVI · | Committee on Government Operations, Veterans Affairs, and Consumer middle of the road trying to take pictures and suffer any injury. So we did have that meeting and it's some things that we're moving forward on and we're going to make that happen. So Madam Chair, thank you for putting this bill on. I'm asking, since I'm not a member, I'm asking for my colleagues for support on Bill No. 35.0109. Thank you for the time, Madam Chair. And thank you so much. Senator DeGraff, at this time, I will allow all the testifiers to place on the record 30-second closing remarks. We will begin with you, Director Patrick Farrell. 3:24:49 Thank you, Senator. If I may, I'd just like to quickly speak to the point of inquiry made by Senator Javon James, the St. Croix. Senator. As it relates to the Circle on St. John, Senator Graf just mentioned one of the initiatives that's coming out of my office for doing a Veterans Park on St. John, which will allow for all the names of those veterans to be placed there. So we don't necessarily need to do it at the Circle itself. So I just wanted to put that on the record. We'll be seeing some more conversation about that as you get closer to our next year's budget but again thanks for the opportunity to weigh in and provide my support for a very very important initiative in my estimation and I look forward to seeing this as the the good gentleman said I look forward to seeing is going to the full body and getting full approval thank you so much and thank you kindly Director Farrell for those closing remarks will now recognize Ms. Geneva. Paris, you'll recognize for your 30 seconds closing remarks. 3:25:19 Thank you, Senator. I am feeling good about what is happening today because it's been a long time coming. My brother here has always been nudging me about coming to help him do whatever. But he's a guy. Let him do the work, eh? So. Well, I'm happy that it's going to happen. And I pray that, you know, all will go well and that it will happen. Thank you. 3:26:29 And thank you so much, Ms. Paris. Mr. Henry Powell, you're recognized for your 30 seconds closing remarks. Yeah, thank you, Senator. and I really appreciate you uh chairing this committee and uh giving us this opportunity and uh senator graph I'm thanking you also for you know thrusting this forward for me uh it's something I've been working on for a long time I've spoken to many people on the way and I was really pleased when senator graph took they took it took the bull by the horn and went ahead with it thanks to my my colleagues my my comrades and my family also and in I'm just hoping that all will go well and it would be passed thank you very much for this thank you so much mr. Paris Powell rather for painting a a great picture of your brother and his character. 3:27:06 I mean, we wouldn't have been able to visualize it without you being here to paint that picture. Mr. Alvis Christian Senior, you're recognized for your 30 seconds closing remarks. Thank you, Madam Chair. I want to thank Director Farrell for continuing to press on and making this happen. and my commander for being there every time to make this a reality. And also to the comrades in the 131 group that they hung in there. And finally it's coming to fruition, thanking Senator McGrath for his persistence to make sure it happens, and now to you, Madam Chair, and members of the committee, you know, to making sure and giving a favorable commitment that you all would do your best to make sure that it passed this bill passed the um the entire body so thank you thank you thank you and thank you so much mr christian for your words also because that really helped us to understand the medal of the man who we are posthumously honouring. Last, but definitely not least, is Commander Harry Daniel. You are recognised for your 30 seconds closing remarks. 3:28:17 I thought you were going to say 30 minutes. 30 seconds closing remarks, Commander. All right. You know, each island has its own distinct concerns pertaining to our veterans. On St. John, our job is we're trying to, with the American Legion and the support of the Office of Veterans Affairs, is to find things on the island of St. John that we can relate to somebody, some veteran on the island in particular, that has done something good for us. Again, this is our beginning with this bill. And then, of course, through Senator DeGraff's office, we have some other bills that we want to really push through to get done working on. But again, on behalf of the American Legion Post 131, we say thanks to the committee for supporting this bill. Thanks to Senator DeGraff for really working with us to get it done. Thanks to my colleagues, my Legionnaires, and we hope that we can see some, on or before Memorial Day next year, we can be dedicating all three, all two of these proposals that are before this party. Thank you. 3:30:14 And thank you so much, Commander Daniel, for always being there, vigilantly serving. the members and veterans and their families in St. John. I commend you highly for that. Do I hear a motion? Motion. Senator Alma Francis Heiliger, you're recognized for your motion. Thank you. I move to offer Bill 35.0109, an act honoring and commending the late Corporal Kendall Emanuel George posthumously for his service as a corporal of the United States Marine Corps in the Vietnam War and for making the ultimate sacrifice to reserve democracy and to keep America and the Virgin Islands homeland safe, naming route 107 from Coral Bay to Limsure Bay, St. John, Kendall Emanuel George Drive south and appropriating $10,000 to the Department of Public Works for signage at the Kendall Emanuel George Drive and for other related purposes to be voted on favorably from this committee and forwarded to the Committee on Rules and the Judiciary for further consideration I so move Bill No. 35-0109 has been properly moved by Senator Alma Francis Heiliger and seconded by Senator Ray Fonseca. 3:31:36 Machine transcript · UNVERIFIED. Verify every quotation against the recording. Speakers are not identified. VI Update · usvipublicrecords.com · public record, no rights asserted (CC0 1.0) 17 of 19 Legislature USVI · | Committee on Government Operations, Veterans Affairs, and Consumer Roll call on Bill No. 35-0109. Senator Samuel Carrion. Yes. Senator Carrion, yay. Senator Ray Fonseca, yay. Senator Fonseca, yay. Senator Alma Francis Heiliger, yes. Senator Francis Heiliger, yay. Senator Kenneth L. Gittins, Senator Gittins, absent. Senator Javon E. James, senior. Senior, yes. 3:33:22 Senator Javon E. James, senior. Senior, yes. Senator James Senior, yay Senator Carla J. Joseph Yes, yes Senator Joseph, yay Senator Milton E. Potter Senator Potter, absent Madam Chair, you have five yays and two absent Thank you, Madam Clerk Bill number 35-0109 an act honoring and commending the late Corporal Kendall Emmanuel George posthumously for his service as a corporal in the United States Marine Corps in the Vietnam War and for making the ultimate sacrifice to preserve democracy and to keep America and his Virgin Islands homeland safe renaming Route 107 from Coral Bay to Lamashore Bay, St. John, Kendall-Emmanuel-George Drive South, and appropriating $10,000 to the Department of Public Works for signage at Kendall-Emmanuel-George drive and for other related purposes has been properly has been properly voted upon in the committee on government operations veteran affairs and consumer protection and will be forwarded to the committee on rules and judiciary for further action and consideration at this time we would like to release all of the testifiers on bill number 35.0109 from the chambers if you choose to 3:33:58 we do have one other measure to be considered do i hear an amendment Amendment. Senator Francis Heiliger, you're recognized for your amendment. Thank you. I offer amendment number 35-524 to amend bill number 35-0084 offered by Senator Alma Francis Heiliger. Bill number 35-0084 is amended by designating the existing language as subsection a and adding subsection b and c to read as follows b the sum of fifty thousand dollars is appropriated from the fiscal year ending september 30 of 2024 from the general fund of the treasury of the virgin of the government of the virgin islands to the office of the lieutenant governor to implement subsection a and c subsection a for this act takes effect 180 days after enactment I still move. 3:35:58 Second. Amendment has been properly moved and seconded by Senator Ray Fonseca. Any objections? Hearing none, so ordered. Motion. Senator Frances Heiliger, you are recognized for your motion. Thank you. I move to offer Bill number 35-0084, an act amending Title 11, Virgin Islands Code, Chapter 21, Section 1213, to allow businesses operating under a trade name to have the option of renewing the trade name every two, six, or ten-year intervals, to be voted on favorably in this committee and forwarded to the Committee on Rules and Judiciary for further consideration, I shall move. As amended, I shall move. Bill number 35-0084 has been properly moved by Senator Alma Francis Heiliger and seconded by Senator Ray Fonseca. Bill, let me just restate, that Bill number 35.0084, as amended, has been properly moved by Senator Francis Heiliger and seconded by Senator Ray Fonseca. Roll call on Bill number 35.0084. 3:36:58 Senator Samuel Carrion. Yes. Senator Carrion, yay. Senator Ray Fonseca, yay. Senator Fonseca, yay. Senator Alma Francis Heiliger, yes. Senator Francis Heiliger, yay. Senator Kenneth L. Gittins, Senator Gittins, absent. Senator Javon E. James, senior. Yes. 3:38:36 Senator James, senior, yay. Senator Carla J. Joseph, yes. Senator Joseph, yay. Senator Milton E. Potter. Senator Potter, absent. Madam Chair, you have five yeas and two absent. Thank you, Madam Clerk. Bill number 35-0084, an act amending Title 11, Virgin Islands Code, Chapter 21, Section 1213, to allow businesses operating under a trade name to have the option of renewing the trade name every two, six, or ten years interval, as amended, has been favorably approved in the Committee on Veterans Affairs, Committee on Government Operation, Veteran Affairs, and Consumer Protection, and will be forwarded to the Committee on Rules and Judiciary for further consideration and action colleagues we have exhausted all items on today's agenda and I really want to thank every one of you for being here I also want to thank the testifiers for being present and testifying on the two measures that we considered and had discussion on I also want to thank our media staff and the central staff for all that they do behind and around the scenes who make this transition and the transmission of our legislative proceedings flawless and I also want to thank my staff as well and to wish everyone a wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving the Committee on and Government Operations, Veteran Affairs, and Consumer Protection Meeting for Tuesday, November 21st, 2023 is hereby adjourned. 3:39:05 We'll be right back. 3:41:28 Machine transcript · UNVERIFIED. Verify every quotation against the recording. Speakers are not identified. VI Update · usvipublicrecords.com · public record, no rights asserted (CC0 1.0) 18 of 19 Legislature USVI · | Committee on Government Operations, Veterans Affairs, and Consumer People named in this transcript SUSPECTED, and a finding aid only. Names were matched by machine against the spellings used across all 426 of our transcripts, and the title is the one used in the room. Being named here is NOT evidence that a person attended or spoke · only that the name was said. Speech recognition mishears names, so a spelling may be wrong even where no alternative is offered. 22x Senator Alma Francis-Heyliger the surname alone also matches: Alma Francis Heiliger heard in this transcript as: Alma Francis Heiliger, Alma Francis Hyliger, Frances Heiliger, Francis Heiliger, Francis Hyliger, Heiliger 18x Senator Ray Fonseca heard in this transcript as: Fonseca 14x Senator Carla Joseph the surname alone also matches: Clifford Joseph; Karla J. Joseph heard in this transcript as: Carla J. Joseph, Joseph 14x Senator Dwayne DeGraff heard in this transcript as: DeGraff, DeGraff's, Duane M. DeGraff, Dwayne Degraaff, Dwayne M. DeGraff, Graf 13x Senator Samuel Carrion heard in this transcript as: Carrion, Carrione, Samuel Carrione 10x Director Patrick Farrell heard in this transcript as: Farrell 8x Senator Kenneth L. Gittens heard in this transcript as: Gittins, Kenneth Gittins, Kenneth L. Gittins 8x Senator Marise C. James the surname alone also matches: Javan James; Giovanni James Sr heard in this transcript as: James, James Sr, Maurice James 7x Senator Milton E. Potter heard in this transcript as: Potter 6x Senator Javan James heard in this transcript as: Javon E. James, Javon E. James Sr, Javon James 2x Senator Fred Gregory the surname alone also matches: Donna A. Frett-Gregory; Donna Frett-Gregory 2x Senator James Senior 2x Senator Marvin Blyden 1x Senator Athneil 'Bobby' Thomas heard in this transcript as: Athneel Bobby Thomas 1x Senator Clifford Joseph 1x Senator Donna A. Frett-Gregory heard in this transcript as: Donna A. Fred Gregory 1x Senator Donna Frett-Gregory heard in this transcript as: Donna A. Frett-Gregory 1x Chairman Karla Joseph the surname alone also matches: Clifford Joseph; Carla Joseph heard in this transcript as: Joseph Bills and acts referred to Matched by number against our own acts corpus. The number is what the recognition heard, so it may be wrong; where it resolved, the title is the one the Legislature gave the act. Referred to but not found in our acts corpus: Bill 35-0084, Bill 35-0186, Bill 35-0109 Machine transcript · UNVERIFIED. Verify every quotation against the recording. Speakers are not identified. VI Update · usvipublicrecords.com · public record, no rights asserted (CC0 1.0) 19 of 19