Judicial Branch Administrative Office
Judicial Branch Administrative Office Rhys S. Hodge Debra S. Watlington Chief Justice Presiding Judge Regina Petersen Tel: (340) 774-2237 Administrator of Courts Fax: (340) 693-4109 July 17, 2025 The Honorable Carla A. Joseph Chairperson Committee on Rules and the Judiciary Thirty-Sixth Legislature of the Virgin Islands Old Barracks Yard Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas VI 00802 RE: Request for Testimony on Bill 36-0077 Thank you for the invitation to testify on behalf of the Judicial Branch on the proposed Bill No. 36-0077, which would amend title 3, chapter 37 of the Virgin Islands Code relating to enact the Virgin Islands Commission on Ethics and Conflicts of interest. As I indicated in previous correspondence, I will not be available to testify on the 22nd due to previously scheduled business travel. The Judicial Branch acknowledges that a robust and efficient scheme regulating conflicts of interest and the enforcement of the relevant laws within the Branches of the Government is an important and integral part of maintaining public trust and efficient public services. …
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Judicial Branch Administrative Office Rhys S. Hodge Debra S. Watlington Chief Justice Presiding Judge Regina Petersen Tel: (340) 774-2237 Administrator of Courts Fax: (340) 693-4109 July 17, 2025 The Honorable Carla A. Joseph Chairperson Committee on Rules and the Judiciary Thirty-Sixth Legislature of the Virgin Islands Old Barracks Yard Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas VI 00802 RE: Request for Testimony on Bill 36-0077 Thank you for the invitation to testify on behalf of the Judicial Branch on the proposed Bill No. 36-0077, which would amend title 3, chapter 37 of the Virgin Islands Code relating to enact the Virgin Islands Commission on Ethics and Conflicts of interest. As I indicated in previous correspondence, I will not be available to testify on the 22nd due to previously scheduled business travel. The Judicial Branch acknowledges that a robust and efficient scheme regulating conflicts of interest and the enforcement of the relevant laws within the Branches of the Government is an important and integral part of maintaining public trust and efficient public services. While this Bill which seeks to establish a commission may appear benign on its face in that it only requires an appointment to the membership by the Chief Justice, and two joint appointments of private citizens to be made with the Governor, we acknowledge that nothing in this bill speaks to the jurisdiction and duties of this Commission, which could have far reaching implications for all three branches of Government, including concerns over the separation of powers. Accordingly, the Judicial Branch offers no substantive comment on the establishment of the Commission or any subsequent legislation enumerating the duties and functions of the Commission. Sincerely, Regina Petersen, Administrator of Courts CC: The Honorable Kenneth L. Gittens, Majority Leader and Bill Sponsor