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VI UPDATE U.S. Virgin Islands Public Records TRANSCRIPT OF PUBLIC PROCEEDINGS | Older American's Month Mock Session Legislature USVI May 23, 2023 · 2.9 hours · gov Source recording https://youtu.be/O6VFQPW8QHk 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 go! We'll be right back. We'll be right back. Thank you. Let's get started. Thank you. Thank you. I don't know. Thank you. ¶¶ ¶¶ 0:00:00 Thank you. ¶¶ Thank you. Thank you. 0:05:30 Lilo la la, lilo te lo da, lilo la la, lilo te lo da, ¡Oye, amigo! Thank you. ¶¶ so Thank you. 0:07:30 Thank you. Thank you. 0:10:00 Thank you. Thank you. 0:11:00 Pleasant good morning to the people of the Virgin Islands, good morning to our seniors. The session or the mock session of May 23rd, 2023 is hereby called to order. I'm Senate President Novell E. Francis Jr. and I want to take this opportunity to welcome all of our seniors here to the Earl B. Atlee Legislative Conference Room, Legislative Chambers. We're so honored to have each and every one of you here today and we're hoping to have a wonderful day with a lot a lot of fun. Before we proceed I'd like to first of all we're going to do the invocation and then we'll have the national anthem followed by the Virgin Islands March and then I'll turn the mic over to our Senate President of the day which is Ms. 0:12:00 Natividad Osorio. Invocation and the invocation will be given by Debbie Our Lord and our God, how excellent is your name in all the earth. This is the day that the Lord has made, and we will rejoice and be glad in it. 0:12:59 Father God, we thank you for this opportunity that you have afforded our senior Americans of the U.S. Virgin Islands to come before this auspicious body, the 35th legislature, to present their petition, Lord God, that they hope will bring a better quality of life for themselves, for their family, and for the people of the u.s virgin islands father god as they would speak to the matter we pray lord god that the senators would have receptive ears and that together lord god we can work as a body to bring the petition to fruition we thank you for all that will go on today lord god and we just pray that each and every family member represented here tonight today sorry will be blessed by the occasion and that your will will be 0:13:36 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) 1 of 15 Legislature USVI · | Older American's Month Mock Session done amen and amen We'll be right back. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. We'll be right back. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. 0:18:00 Thank you. Please be seated. Again, I want to thank the representative of the Reverend Charles L. Brown, Jr., the captain of the 35th Legislature of the Virgin Islands, Miss Debbie Henningman-Smith for her invocation this morning and there's always an opportunity to do civics right so I just want to say that obviously a based on the revised organic act of the Verzones the session is always held in the Capitol here at the Earl B. Adley legislative conference room or the district of St. Thomas. Hence this morning you know we're holding this mock session and try to make it as realistic as possible so you know we have everyone here at the Earl B. Attlee conference room. Additionally we brought over individuals from the St. Croix district to be a part of this so we have several senators representative seniors that actually traveled over from St. this morning to be here as well for this session you know sitting up here I represent I'm the Senate president and Novel E Francis jr. and today representing me is Miss Natividad Osario as well as the Vice President the Honorable Marvin A Blyden is represented by Diana Peters Matthews and the secretary for today is the Honorable Gladys Juergen who is representing the Honorable Carla J. Joseph. So let me take this opportunity once again to say good morning to all present, listening and viewing. I'm 0:19:00 honored today to lead my colleagues in recognized older Americans month and welcoming our esteemed guests to the Virgin Islands Legislature for a mock session. This year's theme for Older American Month is Aging Unbound. Getting older requires flexibility for diverse aging experiences. As a community and as legislators we are all charged to do all that we can to support our older adults and also people who support them. Our seniors are the pillars of the versions and it's so important that they remain engaged, independent and be able to live and participate in our community with dignity. All of us in this room, we listening and viewing have benefited from our seniors, their hard work and certainly their initiative and experiences. We stand on the shoulders of our seniors. So today we want to express our appreciation and we intend to have fun with this mock session as well as have a wonderful lunch at the appropriate time later on today. At this time I'd like to ask the Senate President's representative, Ms. Senate President Osorio, to take over the podium. 0:21:02 Good morning everyone, today the legislature will host 25 of our older Virgin Islanders. Our guests will shadow senators as well as work in other staffing roles and present in Mockville. I look forward to learning today from all of them and invite those viewing and listening to do the same. At this time, I'd like to remind everyone to put their phone on silent to avoid any interruptions during the meeting. 0:22:31 We are now ready to proceed, Madam Clerk, can you please call the roll? Senator Blyden Marvin A. Senator Bulgwess, Senator Biden is present. Senator Bulgwess, Senator Bulgwess is present. Senator Kiphart, Senator Kiphart is present. Senator Carrion, Senator Carrion is present. Senator DeGraff. Senator DeGraff is present. Senator Francesco, Fonseca. Senator Fonseca is present. Senator Francis Junior. Senator Francis Junior is present. is present. Senator Frances Heiliger. 0:23:21 Present. Senator Frances Heiliger is present. Senator Fred Gregory. Present. Senator Fred Gregory is present. Senator Gittens. Here. Senator Gittens is present. Senator James Maurice. Present. Senator James Maurice is present. Senator James Senior. Senator James is absent. Senator Johnson Franklin. 0:24:54 Present. Senator Johnson Franklin is present. Senator Joseph Carla. Present. Senator Joseph Carla is present. Senator Porter-Milton is present. Madam President, we have 14 senators present and one absent. 0:25:34 Okay, we have 14 present, one absent. We have a quorum and can proceed. Madam Clerk, is there any correspondence? Yes, Madam President. Okay, you may proceed with the correspondence. 0:26:17 Okay, you may proceed with the correspondence. May 22, 2023, Honorable Novel E. Francis Jr., Senate President, Capitol Building St. Thomas VI. Dear President Francis, it is with much regret that I inform you that I am unable to attend the Senior Citizenship Day mock session scheduled for Tuesday, May 23, 2023 on St. Thomas. Because as much as I was looking forward to this special event, unfortunately it conflicts with my daughter's graduation from elementary school, which is a milestone in her life that I cannot miss. I apologize for the inconvenience that this may cause, however, I would like to take this opportunity to wish all the seniors an extra ordinarily successful day, respectfully. Javan E. James Senior, Senator 35th Legislature of the Virgin Islands. Thank you, Madam Clerk. This concludes the reading. Thank you, Madam Clerk. Record Senator Javan James Senior as excused and congratulations to his daughter's graduation. 0:26:57 Clerk, please read the agenda. Consideration of floor agenda, the 35th legislature will convene in an older Americans month mock session to consider the following bill. Bill number 35-000AM, an act amending the title 19 Virgin Islands, code relating to nursing homes and assisted living facilities, adding chapter 76 to establish the services that nursing homes and assisted living facilities are required to provide. limitations on financial charges requirements for visitation and the rights of a resident this concludes the reading of the agenda madam president thank you madam clerk and we'll 0:28:25 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) 2 of 15 Legislature USVI · | Older American's Month Mock Session take two minutes recess one one gobble one Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. 0:30:41 Thank you. Thank you. 0:31:41 I love you Thank you. 0:32:41 Thank you. Thank you. 0:33:41 Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Session is out of recess. Yes. Legal counsel. 0:34:41 Point of inquiry, Madam President. Senator Gittens, you recognize your point of inquiry. Senator Gittens. You recognize your point of inquiry. Recognize your point of inquiry. Thank you, Madam President. Madam President, according to the rules of this 35th legislature, rule 506 order of business after the roll call there's a call for messages from the governor and so my inquiry is did we receive a message from the governor to the seniors today I think it would have been appropriate this is That's not a session called by the governor, a special session called by the governor. I ruled your order out of order. I ruled your... Motion out of order. 0:36:38 Motion out of order. Oh, you want me to hit it? Madam President, I'm asking that you check the rules you check the the rules because i am not speaking in terms of a session called by the governor i'm speaking in terms of a legislative session order of business thank you Ask legal counsel to opine on your question. 0:37:37 Ask legal counsel. Ask legal counsel to opine on your question. Legal counsel? Opine on your question. Madam President, being a mock session in the essence of time, I withdraw the inquiry. we may proceed we recognize your withdrawal recognize your withdrawal you work you have to speak into them okay legal counsel please assign a bill number 35 dash good morning my name is Millicent Smith assistant legal counsel Madam Chair, Madam President, the next bill number is 35000 AM. Thank you, Legal Counsel. Colleagues note the bill number. Colleagues note the bill number. 35-000AM. 0:38:11 At this time, we recognize Senator Alma Francis Heiliger for two minutes. At this time, we recognize Senator Alma Francis Heiliger for two minutes. Take a one-minute recess. Take a one-minute recess. 0:39:50 Take a one-minute recess. Here. I'm going to go. I'm going to go. I'm going to say recess one. Amen. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. 0:40:25 session session out of recess session back in re out of recess madam clerk please read the short madam clerk please read the short title of bill number 35-00 am yes madam president an act amending title 19 Virgin Islands Code relating to nursing homes and assisted living facilities, adding chapter 76 to establish the services that nursing homes and assisted living facilities are required to provide limitations on financial charges requirements for visitation and the rights of a resident this concludes the reading Madam President. 0:43:20 Madam Clerk, please reread. Madam Clerk, please reread. Madam Clerk, please reread. Please reread the short title. The short title? For the current bill being considered. For the current bill in consideration. So, go ahead and read again. So, wait, wait, wait, what's the bill? Okay. Madam President, I will reread the bill. 0:44:53 Bill No. 35-000OAM, an act granting a zoning use variance for Plot No. 171-C, Estate Wim, Prince Quarter, St. Croix, Virgin Islands, and Plot No. 25, Bon Esperance, Western Quarter, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, to allow for nursing home and assisted living facilities. Thank you, thank you, Madam Clerk. 0:45:36 This concludes the reading of the bill, Madam President. Thank you, thank you. Thank you, Madam Clerk. Senator Frances Heidegger. Senator Frances Heidegger, you recognize for two minutes. Senator Alma Frances Heidegger. You are recognized for two minutes. You are recognized for two minutes. Good morning, Honorable Senators and good morning to my senior brothers and sisters. My name is Julia Boynes-Colwood and I'm representing Senator Alma Francis Heiliger today. Today, in support of the Senior Housing Act, I support the Senior Housing Act, but after reading it, I realized that we already have four senior center homes, and I decided, well, my opinion is that we should have a senior home independent living complex affordable low-income facility and the requirements are based on age 60 plus medicare medicaid health insurance social security benefits retirement benefits own own assets include three one bedroom one bath one kitchen electricity bills to be paid by the seniors the complexion also include a recreation facility doctor's offices small emergency room area with trained nurses and doctors also an ambulance service bus services social worker groundkeeper office with receptionist and security and also handicap access accessible services Also include a pharmacy, grocery store, barbershop, hair saloon, clothes, clothing store, and dining area. And this, why I came to this is because, let me explain to you. 0:46:11 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 15 Legislature USVI · | Older American's Month Mock Session When I first retired, I was going to a senior home in Miami, and these are for independent living. And these are some of the things they were offering. because even though I was a senior, I was still able to take care of myself. Thank you for your time. Sometime you can say, Mr. Chair, can I get some additional time? Mr. Chair, can I get some additional time? Okay, I'm sorry. Mr. Chair, can I have additional time to wrap up? 0:48:24 Madam President, can I get some additional time to wrap up? You may wrap up. okay why I said this because the bill is good and to me a home for seniors who have to be helped and sometimes not being able to help themselves that is good but for seniors who are still able to move around on themselves they need to me we need a home for independent senior citizens thank you sir thank you Madam for additional time thank you next we will recognize Senator Franklin Johnson for two minutes okay my name is my name is Ivor Brandy and I'm representing Senator Franklin Johnson and i'm here to talk about the bill what number is it 35-00 am well my concern we do have facilities but to me we don't have enough activities some of us need activities so we don't be so bored home and listening to talk shows Talk shows cause a lot of stress, and if we have activities to do, we will be out there doing it. 0:48:57 We will be able to help the youths, show them who we are, not by stressing, but by showing them what we stand for. my generation is whatever generation they put me in we need to help the youths and that's where i stand the facilities are good but we do need activities another thing that i want to stress is it's hard to get into the senior homes because of the income level that need to be addressed the income if there is a certain income you cannot get in and that need to be Lord I'll raise my salary because the cost of living it's so high and they think you go today you get something for $10 tomorrow you go for $20 so we We need all of that as seniors. Some of us have some good age and we want to continue to reach, to be a centurion. 0:50:34 Thank you. Speaker 1 Johnston, next Senator Dwayne DeGraff, you're recognized for two minority leader, for two minutes protocol already established I am Ina Maria Christian but I am here to represent the honorable senator doing the graph all right I will say that I concur with this bill because I'm so glad that at least the seniors are being considered now I'm some of you probably do recognize my voice some on the radio sometimes and I choose not to listen anymore because there's much nonsense that I'll be out there so I choose not to listen anymore because I'm a very passionate person that speak my mind and you know people who speak their mind are not well liked okay so and I'm partly Christian so you know Christian speak their mind okay and I appreciate that now I concur as I said with this bill but I would like to add that consider that there's the eastern western you know all the areas the symptoms so that you don't just put these facilities all the way down photo area you know and same thing one minute one area okay so i would like for you to consider the east the west the north the south and when you're building these facilities please put them in that area right now i have a nephew that's sick and he needs some of this okay thank you so much for allowing me to come here today thank you thank you senator samuel carrion you're recognized for two minutes good morning to everyone my name is marjorie peter representing senator samuel carron i raise it i raise in support of this senior housing bill 3500 a m with the nursing and additional i would like to add that the transportation we need for these seniors a lot of seniors like to go shopping and there are no transportation for them to go shopping with so if you can include that with the bill i would appreciate it very much and in closing i would 0:51:50 I would like to be asked my colleague to support this bill. Thank you very much. I conclude. Thank you. Thank you, Senator Carrion. Next, next, we'll go to Senator. Senator Jabin James Sr., you're recognized for two minutes. Good morning, everybody. Good morning. 0:54:24 I am Pastor Joseph Gilbert from St. Croix, Virgin Islands, representing Mr. Javan James, Senator. And I appreciate the moment of doing this wonderful sacrifice for seniors, because it is very needful. And I do have with me an honorary address that I would like to also present to this 35th Legislature, if possible, if possible. So again, thank you. I appreciate you. Let me spare my time and I will get back to you. 0:55:12 Could you please? Is it possible? I will yield the best of my time now to get back to you. Is it possible? Thank you very much. It's possible. I reserve. Thank you. Thank you very much, Senator Jovan James. Thank you very much, Senator Jovan James. Next, we'll recognize Senator Angel Bolquez, Jr. Next, we'll recognize Senator Angel Bolquez, Jr. for two minutes. 0:56:02 Good morning. My name is Jocelyn Jacobs. I am representing the Honorable Senator-at-Large, Angel Bolquez. I am in agreement with this bill, number 35-00-0-A-M. However, this bill does not speak to the island of St. John. In case you haven't visited St. John in a while, we have seniors there, you know. Just want to let you know that we have seniors in St. John, so keep us mine appreciate it and i'll yield my other minute to something else i want to present thank you thank you senator angel volkis jr next senator donna fred gregory you're recognized for two minutes good morning colleagues my name is marjorie gerard grab the mic good morning colleagues my name is marjorie gerard and i'm representing senator donna frett gregory i rise in support of this bill the time has come the virgin islands need to get with it we are fast 0:56:40 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) 4 of 15 Legislature USVI · | Older American's Month Mock Session becoming an aging community and how we treat our senior citizens is a reflection of us there are several issues in this bill that yes will have to be reworked and revised but it is it is extremely necessary and important we really have to look out for the people that's going to become that we are going to become later on so we actually have to look out for them because our young people are leaving these shows and not to come back and so therefore we have to take care of who we have left behind so these islands can truly remain the paradise that it is thank you very much thank you senator Donna Fred Gregory senator Milton Potter you recognize for two minutes good morning colleagues I'm Dr. Lawrence Benjamin and I'm representing the Honorable Senator Milton Potter and I'm standing in support of of the bill, 35-00-0-A-M. There are a number of facilities that provide housing and shelter for seniors, and my understanding is that they're doing their best, but many of them are stressed and cannot handle the load, and there is a waiting list for most of them. So I'm going to make this presentation in support of what i hope we all think about as for the future the 2020 census in thomas the population was 42 000 261 and 20 percent of that population was 65 years and older okay 20 years ago there was an 8.4 percent increase in the senior population By 2010, there was a 13.5 increase in our senior population. And the 2020 demographic profile shows a 21.3 increase in the population of those who are 65 years and older. That was over 2000. 0:58:36 Now, globally, the projections are that between 2015 and 2050, the senior population globally is expected to quadruple. Now, seniors are relocating, especially from the mainland. And the research shows that seniors are relocating to... Time. May I have an extension of time, please? You may wrap up. You may wrap up. 1:00:41 Thank you. They were relocating to areas in Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean. The Virgin Islands population as of May 22nd, which is yesterday, was 103,982. and the medium age was 42.6 years with a life expectancy of 81.7 years. We need to be prepared not only for local island populations but also for those relocating and making the islands their home. Our closing saying that, as a quote, if reverence is due to us old ones, we need to respect ourselves by grave, prudent, and holy actions. Put a crown of glory on our own heads by supporting the Senior Housing Act. Thank you. Thank you Senator Potter. Next, Senator Maryse James, you're recognized for two minutes. 1:01:17 Good morning everyone. My name is Violet Williams. I'm here to represent St. Croix. I'm here to represent Maurice James, the proud daughter of the late Dr. Randall James. I'm so happy to be here today to look at all of us, our seniors. I'm proud to be a senior. Sometimes people said, you behave like a youngster, and I do, because I love children. One of my main concern here, I am a senior, I help at the Cloud Market School in Frederickstead. I've been there for about 10 years, 10, 12 years, and I enjoy working with the children very much. 1:02:31 and since i'm there one of the thing i'm concerned about is about the um maintaining one minute the maintenance is very poor because we realize that the schools have so many problems and if you are not there you would not know but since i've been there for all these years I know that they're the main problem, and I would like for someone, whoever in charge, to do something about maintaining our schools, because our youths are important, they're the ones going to take our place. So I would like somebody, someone, to look about the maintaining of the school. And then I, one thing I have to say again, I live at the Lagoon Project, also known as the Fitz Lovett's Home in Frederickstead. And from the hurricane, we are still bored up. 1:03:30 Nothing is happening there. They started the work, and then they quit. The money has run out. I'm concerned about that. the living is very poor i'm still bored up in two time let me wrap up one minute okay so i would like some attention to that those of you who are in charge please address that the vitran buses we don't have any vitran bus sometimes we wait on the road very very long sometimes we have one the one breakdown we have none people's on the road can't get you on board someone please address that thank you you're welcome senator ray fonseca you recognize for two minutes good morning fellow colleagues as well as the listening origin audience my name is cecilia central harrigan and i'm proud to represent fellow savonario senator ray ponseca i rise in support of bill number 35-000 am and i am asking for the support of all of my colleagues on this bill as chairperson of the health hospitals and human service committee i am so proud and so grateful that this bill is before us today it's about time there are many many seniors who are living in deplorable conditions they're also living in dangerous neighborhoods where they can't even get a police call for the police they don't come because of the neighborhood that they are living in we need to be able to provide safe environment for them where they can be assisted many are lonely they're alone one minute their 1:04:30 parents i mean their family members are away so having a safe facility will be beneficial to them so that they can get the assistance that they need we you know we stand on they are the ones who provided for us they made so many contributions for us and we have not been doing anything for them so I do support this bill thank you thank you very much Senator Ray Fonseca thanks next we'll recognize Senator Diane Capehart for two minutes Ah, I need a minute, right? 1:06:29 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 15 Legislature USVI · | Older American's Month Mock Session You got it, you got it. I think that's it. Oh, boy, okay, good morning, good morning. My name is Elaine Jackman, and I am representing Senator Diane Capehart. I am in support of this bill, number 3500. Can you please bring the mic a little closer? Number 3-5-0-0. That's easier for you. Okay, what, okay. 3-5-0-0-0-A-M. 1:07:23 I'm concerned about, I'm in support of the bill, but I'm concerned about the maintenance. Some of us, you know, we live in these facilities and the maintenance isn't kept up. some of us need medical assistance every day some of us need our meals brought to us every day some of us even need our spaces cleaned you know every day blood pressure things like that one minute okay and um you know these buildings these facilities are put together but they're not really maintained so i think it would be that would be something to look into uh you know as far as these facilities are concerned um also okay um that's basically where i'm at about that um i called myself consider myself a a senior saint, a seasoned saint, and I'm going to pass that wave maybe sometime soon or maybe not. And I would like, these things are the things that concern me, maintenance and, you know, how you're going to really look after us, you know, once we reach into the facilities. Thank you. 1:08:05 Thank you. Thank you. Thank you, Senator Capehart. Thank you, Senator Diane Capehart. Next, Senator Kenneth Gittins, you're recognized for two. Majority Leader, you're recognized for two minutes. Thank you, Madam President. My name is Joyce Thomas Heiliger, the proud adopted mother of Senator Kenneth Gittins. This was a wonderful surprise. I did not know that I would be assigned to represent him and whoever did it, thank you very much. Thank you very much. 1:09:32 I rise in support of Bill number 35000 AM. Particularly on behalf of my fellow nurses at the Roy Lester Schneider and the Wong F. Louie hospitals who every day have to battle whether or not they can give a needy person a bed, because the beds that they would use are being taken up by quote unquote boarders. I know that they would be very pleased if the senators can take on a mantle of looking out for their persons, their seniors, to ensure that when we all pass that way, as my sister says, there'll be a place for us. so I implore that this be passed when it comes to you in the truthful the true session. The only place... 40 seconds. Thank you. The only place that I would have a small issue with is with section 4123 on page five that speaks to requirements for visitation. I believe that that needs to be left to the experts who are going to house and run these nursing homes on a day-to-day basis and i hope as we go down the road on saint croix there is the wim gardens home now that was at that was before the pedro home and i thought my fellow senator would have spoken to that. Madam Chair, Madam President, may I wrap up please? May I wrap up please? Yes. And I'm hoping that as we move into establishing these 1:10:17 homes, that we do not have the problem that we have on St. Croix where this Wim Gardens now houses everybody to include seniors. Thank you so much. Thank you. Thank you, Senator Kenan-Chitens. Majority Leader. Mr. Post Auditor. Mr. Post Auditor. Have you conducted a cost analysis on the implementation of the decision? 1:12:13 Have you conducted a cost analysis on the implementation of this bill? Say yes. Yes. Yes, my name is Wilma A. Philip, and yes, there is funding for this bill. We gave WAPA money so we can do this bill. 1:12:43 Come on, folks. Thank you, everybody! Before we ask her, next we'll go to Madam Secretary, Carla Joseph. Yeah, okay. Madam Secretary. Madam Secretary, Senator Carla Joseph, You'll recognize for two minutes. 1:13:15 My name is Gladys Juergen, and I represent the Senate Secretary, Carla Joseph. Thank you, Madam President, a pleasant good morning to everyone. Madam President, and colleagues, I rise in support of this bill number 35-000-AM. I think that this bill is needed in our communities as we are a fast-growing senior population. It would eliminate, maybe not entirely, us having to leave our homes to go away and seek better medical care. 1:14:04 of us come back some of them don't i feel that this bill should be taken as an urgent matter and all concerned take it seriously so it can be put into fruitation we find money for so many other things i think we can find money to do this quite you know very soon finally at one minute Finally at the appropriate time I will be offering an amendment to expand the definition of assistant living facility. Thank you so much for your time. Okay, we are now at a two-minute recess. 1:14:44 Thank you. Thank you. 1:15:52 Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. 1:16:52 Thank you. ¶¶ Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. 1:18:22 Thank you. We are back in session, out of recess, Senator Jayvon James for the remainder of his time. 1:21:52 Do you recognize the remainder of your time? Thank you. May I just address some concerns concerning what the Senator said about Williams Garden, Wilfred Pedro facilities. The reason why it is like that is because I do ministry there, so there's a lot of people that have been taking housing there because the government has closed down Princess Project, Kennedy's going down, Shabbat is gone, so they had to find a place to put these people. So that's why the place is 1:22:52 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 15 Legislature USVI · | Older American's Month Mock Session crowded with younger people than seniors. Okay, that's part of the concerns. Now I'd like to introduce a bill. My amendment to the bill. I support the bill. It is very appropriate. I appreciate that. But I do have, praise God. I would like to introduce Praise God An amendment To Bill Number 35 Dash Zero Time AM Alright So it's not long Okay Can I just wrap it up please Time has been called But we'll allow you to discuss Can I just wrap it up please But we'll allow you to discuss Your proposed Your proposed amendment thank you very much you're welcome appreciate it i would like to request that all senior facilities have a reconciliation chapel and that all seniors be allowed the right to worship at the chapel without any discrimination seniors should also be allowed religious visitations from their religious leaders and have the right to hold religious service and practice their religious sacraments. 1:23:34 I ask my colleagues for their support. Thank you very much. You're welcome. Was that a major discuss for legal counsel? Senator James. Jevan James. Jevan James? Was that matter discussed with legal counsel? They have no records of your amendments. Okay. Even though that there's no rights to the amendment, it's just an order of reconciliation to God. Because we are doing things on the physical, this is spiritual. 1:24:49 So God bless you, thank you. It may not be introduced. It may not be introduced, but thank you for recognizing the Almighty in all that we are doing. For without Him, we can do nothing. We are dead. You are welcome, Senator James. Vice President. Vice President. Vice President, Senator Marion Blyden. 1:25:32 You are recognized for two minutes. Oh Marvin I'm sorry. Good morning my name is Diana Peters Machu I'm here representing Vice Senate President Marvin Blyden. I rise in support of bill number 3500 AM. Also welcome to our listening and viewing audience. It is very important to realize that eventually all of us are going to get old and become seniors if we live that long. Therefore it is important now to start planning for our futures while we can. It is a great need for more nursing home and assisted living facilities here in the Virgin islands right now they are waiting lines to get into these that we presently have when one leaves the celestino white complex or other living facilities they have no longer they they are actually don't have no place else to go if they can't take care of themselves so they end up right now in the Royal Esther Snyder Hospital where the beds and the services are limited and the nurses are limited so they you know and because they actually are needed for other for the other units within the hospital we also need loving and caring individual at these facilities it is absolutely essential therefore it is very important that you seriously consider the approval of bill number 35-000 am and make these facilities a reality so that they can be available for our seniors and maybe me here in the virgin islands thank you 1:26:04 Thank you, Vice President Biden, Senator Ángel Volquez, for the remainder of his time. You will recognize the remainder of your time. Thank you, Madam President. I would like to mention those modules in St. John, Julius Eastproul School, St. John Fire Department, and Myra Keaton. I want you to keep that in mind. 1:28:14 And also, in my senior years, I've decided to give up to St. John Community. I am St. John Community Autry Specialist for Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Council. Our mission is to coordinate education, prevention, and response efforts in order to reduce the incidents of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, teen dating violence and to make these crimes socially and culturally unacceptable in the United States Virgin Islands. If you see something, say something. Thank you. 1:28:54 Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you, Senator. Volkis. Thank you, Senator. I'm here. Volkis. No. Timekeeper. Two minutes and o'clock for you. Timekeeper. Two minutes and o'clock for me. Proverbs 16.31 says gray hair is a crown of splendor. It is attained in the way of righteousness. This is an important bill. 1:29:24 Seniors need nursing homes and assisted living facilities that meet a standard of care and recognize the rights of the residents. Apart from this, we have to take firm initiative two. One, address accessibility our community as aging. Compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act so that our sidewalks can be easily navigated by people with walkers or wheelchairs will make a difference. Walkability, getting older does not mean that you have to stay cooped up in your house. 1:30:05 Our neighborhoods should be walkable. One minute. With sidewalks that allow persons of all ages to safely traverse their community. Green space, we need parks and green space where we can safely meet and apologize, and socialize, I'm sorry. Provide support for our caregivers. With your support of this bill, you will be paying forward, so when you get to our age, it will be in place. 1:30:49 Please support this measure. Please support this measure. Thank you. you at this time we asked our colleagues do you have any alibi at this time any alibi anything to Do you want to add anyone, someone? The situation granted Senator Ray Fonseca. 1:31:24 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 15 Legislature USVI · | Older American's Month Mock Session The situation as was mentioned by Senator Gettens about the border issue, it's a long-standing situation. The Committee on Health and Hospitals received testimony the chairman of the hospital board regarding the border issue which is directly related to the long-term care beds we have currently at a Robert Gregg home for the age we have currently just 25 beds in use although there used to be 40 queen louise home for the age 70 17 beds when it used to be 30. Seaview nursing home was 25 beds of course we know it's zero now because that facility is closed which also can be used um as a place for the seniors once it um perhaps the vi government should be able to purchase that home so that um that can provide additional room for maybe the borders or others who are in a situation where they need long-term care the problem as I said is long-standing right now the reports are that there over 18,000 persons over 65 in a community so that means that we have to be able to have facilities available for for these for persons who are over the age of 65. In our next hearing, hopefully this item will be discussed. 1:32:01 Thank you. Thank you, Senator Fonseca. Senator DeGraff. Senator DeGraff? We recognize your point of information. We recognize your point of information. Yes, two minutes is not enough for me to speak. and there's so much that i have to say i'm not going to do that here i'm not going to tell you all all this stuff but i'm going to say that senator the graph your time is running i can't give me five more minutes all right so anyway i am very passionate and i love my island i was born and raised here and i haven't gone anywhere i send material away but they come back to visit and one of them is right here working as hard as she can because she learned from me you got to be passionate at what you do and you have to don't don't let your degree get to your head okay you got to do for the people so all three of my children I have to say I'm very proud of them because that's exactly what they do they love what they do and they help out wherever they go nobody wants them to leave because they work okay my concern though is I'm very sad a lot because when I leave my neighborhood there's a trash all about now these are people that have big house you know but then they have they don't take their garbage to the to the bin they put them all over the place in front of people properties so I'm concerned when are you all going to start working and giving these people fine. Go to the trash and find out who they are or something. But we need to do something with it. The island is messy. And I get sad every time. I just sometimes stay home because I don't like to see it. The patholes, I was jumping all over patholes the other day. My car is a mess now. That's another thing I'm worried about, the patholes. I recall years ago, after parades and stuff, you see the people coming up, cleaning up the place and Police pick and span. Now look at our home. I'm so sad. I'm an old lady now and I can't enjoy clean home. 1:33:43 You know, I would like for you all to really address these things. Okay, police, I would like for you all to do your jobs. Okay? Because I see people with cell phone all over the place. And I say, how can I see this? The police can't see this. They're running red lights. You know, the place is just lawless now. And I'm sad for that too Very sad Because I grew up at a time when we get along as one We fight, we do whatever But we look out for each other And I'm not senior now I'm seeing a lot of selfishness in St Thomas And I don't see anybody doing anything about it And there's so much more that I'm concerned about And I can say that I'm a 70 year old senior And I'm sad a lot Because I don't like what's going on I look out for the people Not for me I want to see my students, children, and whatever else are wrongdoing well enjoying St Thomas. But how could you enjoy St Thomas? All you're hearing is going shut. 1:35:57 And they don't like each other. And that's our fault. It's our fault. In fact, I retired as I taught 16 years behavior as other children. Nobody else wanted to teach them when I left. So they're all crazy now. as far as they're concerned, because they're shooting each other, okay? But I am very proud of the boys that came to me, and the girls. You see, I was an unanswered person. I told them, you maybe have a behavior problem, but I have one myself, okay? And I'm in charge, so you ain't going to run my life, okay? 1:36:54 And those boys, believe me, they love me, because I treat them like human beings. Teachers don't want to teach them, so they have to end up in my class. Okay, ladies and gentlemen, I'm not going to bore you anymore. But listen, I have a lot, a lot on my mind. And senators, I would like the permission to at some time, either in writing, give you some information, or come in to you and speak to you. Okay? Thank you. This is my home, and I want to see better. Thank you. 1:37:33 Senator DeGraff, your point of information is noted. noted. Senator Bocas. Thank you Madam President. The fifth commandment says honor your father and your mother that your days belong in the land of the Lord your God is given to you. Those who have come before us paved the way for the communities we now have inhabit to exist. Their struggle, perseverance, dedication, trials and tribulations are the foundation that our family unit are built on. They are the trailblazers, pioneers, rebels, advocates and human to which we owe our gratitude. It is incumbent upon us to ensure that the quality of life does not diminish. Our seniors' mental, emotional, physical and spiritual wellness is no less important than our own, especially concerning what they have endured in their lifetime. Let us continue to take all the necessary steps and explore every single option to provide them with what is well-deserved. Thank you. Senator Joseph, point of 1:38:05 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 15 Legislature USVI · | Older American's Month Mock Session information. Senator Joseph, point of information. Yes. an amendment to bill number three five zero zero am bill number three five zero zero am none of this time we have an amendment shortly oh okay sorry okay let me say this i am uh just relocated from New York to the Virgin Islands after 48 living away for 48 years it was not it was not an easy decision but I you know I did it and I'm going to kind of reflect on what Miss Ina Senator just said and I am also you know disappointed in a way in the way that some of the homes are kept they are beautiful homes but going to you know to your to my home they are these cars broken cars cars that need you know three four cars in one you know one residential area one home and it takes away from your property or your place of living and I'm you know hopefully there's something that can be done about that in you know some of the areas that I you know pass and go to anyway thank you so much for your you can contact the administrator's office you can contact department of motor vehicle the administrator's office in regards to 1:39:26 in regards to the removal of the vehicles and they will assist you in any which way that they can they are moving those abandoned vehicles already you're welcome Senator Carrillo recognize my point of information and concern is I notice that when we are doing Pledge of Legion and the American Legion a lot of people is not doing the respect of putting the hand here I noticed that in many meetings I go to or in the schools they're not teaching these children how to respect the legion and the flags if they are they're not practicing it or they're not enforcing Another one, again, is, especially in St. Croix, I don't know if it does happen, but a lot of people throw the garbage in the street, on the road, as much as we have people are cleaning it up, they think what they're saying, oh, well, that's what government paying them for. we need to stop that kind of attitude we all love our country you go to different places and you see how clean this place are but when you hear in the 14 islands it look like it's pig hogs are living here and we are human beings and if we could get the police or whoever is in charge of going around and make sure people are not dirty in the place and if you see it charge them a fine and it's If it's time enough, we keep our place clean. We love our place and love and respect each other. 1:41:22 Thank you very much. Yes, Senator Carrion, that's what we call lack of national pride. Information, Senator Fred Gregory. Senator Fred Gregory. Senator Fred Gregory. Over here. Point of information. like to concur with my colleagues but there's currently a bill that's being proposed called Virgin Islands Pride Act concerning how we maintain the beautiful island that we live on and hopefully when it comes to the floor that everyone will be in support of that bill. Senator Gattins, you are recognized? 1:43:13 Thank you, Madam President, not Chair. I rise to speak on behalf of what we seem to or no longer have us community health services. I'm an old, and not old in age, but I'm an old public health nurse, community health nurse. And in those days, our work was such that we kept mothers, babies, and many other persons out of the ER, emergency room, because we were able to get into their homes early and teach them a lot of things that kept them taking, as I said before, newborns and so forth to the ER. It does not appear as though now that we have a community or public health nursing service any longer. I hear of grants, there are lots of grants. And so I'm appealing to the senators to look long and hard into your budget to see if you can find some funds to deal with the wellbeing of the people of the Virgin Islands outside and away from grants. The local community public health issues and concerns. 1:44:05 One of them being obesity. We really need to look at that internally and have funds towards those ends because unfortunately community health as I knew it and as I left it, no longer exist. And if you go to the ER, you can see the long lines of persons there who shouldn't be there. But there is not a nurse available to go into that home to prevent that person going to the ER. And I would really ask us to look at that as a concern. Thank you. 1:45:28 Thank you. Thank you, well noted. Senator Francis Heiliger, point of information. Point of information. Point of information, Senator Heiliger. You're recognized. My concern is the trash in the community, especially over by Brookman Road. Over there, it's filthy. This island used to be so beautiful. You never walked and see trash all over the place. There's a place in Brookman Road that is a lot of old vehicles and fridge days I mean it's terrible and then for the abandoned cars it's a disaster sometimes you find people sleeping in them you know why have the abandoned cars that went on the administrator administrator office isn't they are responsible for cleaning taking the abandoned cars putting sticker on them and then removing them, or charging whomever they belongs to, making them pay for the abandoned cars. This place needs to be, come back to be the way it used to be, a beautiful Virgin Islands. And that's all I have to say. Thank you. 1:46:04 Thank you. Take all of us. Take all of us in our community to work with this. Keep all It takes an entire community for everybody to get together to try and solve some of these issues. That's right. That's right. Okay. At this time, I ask the clerk to... If there's any amendments, I ask that I call up the bill, I ask that I call up the bill for a vote on the NLC amendment. Oh, okay. Madam Clerk, can you please? Point of information? Senator Johnson, point of information. 1:47:22 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) 9 of 15 Legislature USVI · | Older American's Month Mock Session Senator Johnson, point of information? Yeah. Okay, my point of information is not with this bill, it with the hurricane season. When I came to the Virgin Islands, had two holidays one to pray the hurricane don't come and one to pray that the hurricane did not affect us and from since those two holidays has left the senate we are having hurricanes back and forth my thing is we no longer pre seriously the way we used to and that's what i feel why we are getting hurricane so my hope is we may not get the holiday but as june 1st is coming up we don't even have to wait for june 1st we should start now saying lord no hurricanes thank you Thank you, Senator Johnson, information noted. 1:48:06 Yeah, prayer is very important. Madam Clerk, please call the bill for vote. Madam Clerk, please call the bill for vote. Yes, Madam President, bill number 35-00OAM, an act granting a zoning use variance for plot number 171-C, Estate Wim, Prince Quarter, St. Croix, Virgin Islands, and plot number 25, Bon Esperance, West End Quarter, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, to allow for nursing home and assisted living facilities. 1:49:19 We'll take a five minute recess. Thank you. Thank you. 1:50:01 Thank you. so Thank you. 1:51:11 Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Oh, my God. 1:52:41 Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. 1:56:11 Thank you. Thank you. ¶¶ Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. 1:57:41 Thank you. We'll be right back. [2 such phrases repeated 18 times · standby audio before the proceeding, transcribed by the recogniser as speech] 2:01:11 It's the nature of man, the earth man, Rastaman, and the celestial world. The Rastamans not skip a beat, the Rastamans unique, we now go take defeat, the mission I'm gonna be complete through the humble and the meek My lyrics is my gun, no boy can't tell me no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no Anywhere he goes Anywhere he goes What is her impress? She rise above the race of the rest. 2:10:11 Thank you. We're out of research. 2:12:25 back in session? Before we went to recess, Madam Clerk read the bill, call up the bill. Before we went into recess, Madam Clerk read the bill. Okay. Amendments anyone? Amendments anyone? This is Senator. Senator Carla Joseph, you recognize for your amendment. Senator Carla joseph will recognize for your amendment madam president I rise to offer amendment number three five zero zero one to to bill number three five no amendment to bill number three five zero zero zero a.m. offered by senator color joseph bill number three five zero zero is amended by striking a facility providing residential accommodations and inserting any building or buildings, section or distinct part of a building, private home, boarding home, home for the aged or other residential facility. regardless of whether operated for profit, which through its ownership or management provide housing, meals, and one or more personal services for a period exceeding 24 hours. 2:13:25 Amendment. I so move. I so move. I so moved. Amendment, amendment properly moved. Amendment properly moved. By Senator Carla Joseph. By Senator Carla Joseph. Second is by Senator Vice President. Senator Vice President Blyden. Senator Vice President Blyden. Senator Fonseca. Senator Fonseca. 2:15:07 Hearing no objections, so ordered. I hear no objections. Hearing no objections, so ordered. I hear no objections. So ordered. So ordered. You're going to be forceful. You're in charge. All right, any other amendments? Any other amendments? Amendment. Amendment, Senator Frances Heidegger, you recognize for your amendment. Senator Frances Heidegger, you recognize for your amendment. Senator Frances Heidegger, recognize for your amendments. 2:15:34 I offer amendment number 35003 to Bill 3500 OAM, to Bill 3500-OAM, offered by Senator Alma Francis Heiliger. The bill is amended in section three by adding subsection E that reads, senior admitted to any of the facilities shall be 60 years or more of age. They shall be required to have health assistance, not limited to Medicare, Medicaid, and or health insurance. 2:16:04 I so move. Amendment properly offered by Senator Frances Heiliger. Amendment properly ordered by? Offered by? Offered by? Senator. Senator Heiliger. And seconded by Senator Vice President Biden. And seconded by Vice President Blyden. Senator Carrion. 2:16:53 Senator Carrion. There is no objection? There is no objection? So ordered. So ordered. Gov. Any other amendments? Any other amendments? Yes. Senator James, you recognize your amendment. Senator James, you recognize for two minutes? For the amendment. For the amendment, I'm sorry. I rise to offer amendment number 35-002A to bill number 35-00OAM. section four is amending in the following instances by adding section i after h on page eight to be to read to be read as follows all senior facilities will have a chapel and all seniors shall have the right to worship at their will at the 2:17:20 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 15 Legislature USVI · | Older American's Month Mock Session chapel without discrimination Seniors at any of the senior living facilities will be allowed religious visitation from their religious leaders or its representatives, and have the right to hold religious services at the chapel and practice their religious sacraments to the Lord God. I so moved. motion properly made by senator motion properly made by senator java james seconded by second by senator johnson blyden senator blyden carillon senator carry on hearing no objections so ordered i hear no objections so ordered so ordered oh so ordered Amendment Senator Bulkers. Amendment Senator Bulkers. 2:18:52 Madam Chair, I offer amendment 35001B to amend bill number 3500 OAM section one, Section 1, Item No. 24, by striking the period after elderly and inserting or disabled. I so move. Second. Motion properly made by... Motion properly made by Senator... Motion properly made by Senator Bolquez. Seconded by Senator Fonseca. 2:19:33 Seconded by Senator Fonseca. Seconded by... Senator Kairon. Senator James. Senator Kairon. Senator Kairon. Hearing no objections? Hearing no objections? So ordered. So ordered. Amendment for Senator Giddens? It is now being circulated. Madam President, I rise to offer amendment number 35003-004 to bill number 35000AM. The amendment is to strike all of the language in section four, one, two, three. 2:20:02 I so move. The visitation section that I referred to. Okay, motion properly made by Senator Gittins. Motion properly made by Senator Gittins. Seconded by Senator Biden. Second by Senator Blyden. Objected to by? Objected to by Senator Fred Gregory. Two-minute debate time. 2:21:02 Two-minute debate. The objection is withdrawn. Objection is withdrawn. Hearing no objection, so audit. There is no objection, so ordered. Madam Clerk. Madam Clerk. Madam Clerk. Roll call on the bill. Roll call on the bill. As heavily amended. As heavily amended. Decorum, Decorum. Ask for them to be quiet. 2:21:44 Decorum. Hello, Senator Gatins. Senator Blydon, Senator Blydon, Senator Blydon, Senator Bull Quest, Senator Bull Quest? Nay. Senator Bulgues, nay. Senator Capehart. Yes. Senator Capehart, nay. Yes. Yay. 2:22:14 Senator Carrion, nay. Senator Carrion, nay. Senator DeGraff, nay. Senator DeGraff, nay. Senator Fonseca, nay. No, no, don't hear, two hands. Senator Frances Junior? Senator Frances Junior? Yes. Senator Frances Junior? Yes. 2:23:04 Senator Frances Junior, yes. Senator Frances Junior, yes. Yes, go ahead. Senator Frances Heiliger? Yes. Senator Francis Heiliger, yay? Senator Fred Gregory? Nay. Senator Fred Gregory, nay? Senator Gittins, Kenneth? Yay. 2:23:33 Senator Gittins, Kenneth, yay? Senator James Maurice? Yay. Senator James Maurice, yay? Senator James Senior, Senator James Senior, Senator James Senior Yeh, Senator Johnson Franklin? Senator Johnson Franklin, aye. Senator Joseph Caller, aye. Senator Porter Senator Milton. 2:24:01 Senator Porter. Not voting. Not voting, so you put one. Senator Porter Milton. Not voting. Not voting. And I put one. That's your vote or his vote? You have 11. Years, three years. My vote. Oh, okay. That's what we want to mention. 11 years, three nays, and one not four. Madam President. 2:24:50 Wait, one second. President, I would like to change my vote from Nathaniel. Okay. Oh, Senator Fonseca. Change Senator Fonseca's vote from... Senator Fonseca has changed his... Hold on. You don't have to say it. Hold on. Hold on. Hold on. Hold on. President, your directorship. Change Senator Fonseca's vote... Change Senator Fonseca's vote... To Ye. To Ye. Okay, so you're gonna vote. And Senator Volker's vote to Ye. And Senator Volkis? 2:25:18 Yeah. A tally, please. Madam Clerk? And Senator Volkis? So Senator Volkis changed his voting. We're in a vote. We're in a vote. We're in a vote. We're in a vote. We're in a vote. One knee. One knee. Madam Clerk? Madam Clerk? Atali? Yes. Madam President, we now have 13 yeas, one nay, and one not voting. 2:25:45 Very well, the measure carries. Very well, the measure carries. An act. Hold on, hold on. An act. An act granting a zoning use variance for plot number 171-C, a state whim, Prince Quarter Street, St. Croix, Virgin Islands, and plot number 25, Bon Esperance, West End Quarter, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, to allow for nursing home and assisted living facility. Has been approved by the 35th legislature. 2:26:24 for the consideration and action. It will be forward to the governor for further consideration and action. Bangladesh. All right. So you all stop. Now, I have a question. With that. Okay. it was an honor to host our seniors for all the americans month and to be a part of recognizing that age is nothing but a number i'd like to thank commissioner kimberly crossy gomez and her team at the department of human services for putting together an exciting week of activities for our seniors and for our constant efforts to serve this community. Of course we can always do more to support our older adults and the legislature will continue to be your partner in advancing those initiatives that serve and benefit our senior citizens. Thank you to Executive Director Coral Sheridan and every division from legal to transportation and all involved who made this mock session a reality. 2:27:03 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 15 Legislature USVI · | Older American's Month Mock Session At this time we would like to point information as one second point of information we'll recognize you in a moment we'll recognize you in a moment Good afternoon to everyone. My name is Cherise Juergen, Director of Therapeutic Recreation for the Department of Human Services, St. Thomas St. John, and it is such an honor to be here today. Seniors, senators, you all did well, and our practices did not go in vain. And most importantly, I just wanted to thank everyone for participating today. 2:28:39 i know it was not easy i wanted it to be a fun experience for everyone so that it could be something that we could actually walk away from senators at least one i hope that you all were paying attention to us today and even if one bring forward that bill we would be forever grateful and happy we have an ever aging population in the virgin islands and as we know the resources are are very limited to Queen Louise home, Ebenezer, Lucinda Millenholme, the time has come. And the time has come for us to change, for us to have no facilities in the Virgin Islands, state of the art. We need to get some Medicare and Medicaid funds so that we could get those funds going to help us to facilitate the facilities. I thank you all for today for such a successful day. It was great. Thank you for having us, Senate President, everyone. And we could not do today without the assistance of legal services. And I have Attorney Parker here with me, who was right hand. Attorney Parker, could you please stand and be recognized? And we could not have done this today, and I myself could not have done it today. 2:29:22 I also want to thank the Department of Human Services team, Senior Citizen Affairs, Ms. Fleming, and all the other hardworking ladies in the department. And as we conclude today, I just wanted to say that these activities might seem simple as a mark, but it's a lot that goes behind of it. And it gives life to the seniors in the community who have paved the way for us. And if we could just take a moment to recognize what they have done for us, and for us to stand on the shoulders of them, it is due respect for everyone in the community to embrace our seniors. we see seniors it's an honor and a privilege and for young people today that's coming up some of them so bad evil and wicked they're not gonna make it to see the age of some of the seniors here today so let's continue to embrace each other show love in the community continue to do our duty as charged and I will continue to provide service and my job in whatever capacity to make this community a better place. Thank you all. Senator Gettin's point of information. 2:30:32 Madam President, I would be remiss if I left this hall without, in addition to recognizing myself as one of the older Americans, it is also the month of nurses. This is Nurses Month. The theme being we make a difference, and so I would like to, on behalf of all of the nurses who are hearing this now or will hear it later, say thanks for all the hard, hard work that you do to maintain the care of the persons of the Virgin Islands. It is also EMS week, and it is also hospital, I believe. Hospital week was last week. So, police week was last week. Very well, thank you. Thank you so much, Madam President. 2:31:48 Thank you. We join you in. Thank you. Point of personal preference, Senator Fonseca. Point of personal privilege, Senator Fonseca. I'm sorry, I'm sorry. Point of personal privilege, Senator Fonseca. Do you want to speak? 2:32:46 Point of personal privilege, may I have? Yes, you recognize. Thank you. This month also is Mental Health Month and May is Mental Health Awareness Month and this year's team look around, look within, challenges us to take a second look at factors that may be affecting our mental health in our immediate living situation or genetics. During Natural Mental Health Awareness Month, we honor the absolute courage of the tens of millions of Americans living with mental health conditions. And we celebrate the loved ones of mental health professionals who are there for them every day. Treatment works, and there is no shame in seeking it. Together, we will keep fighting to get everyone access to the care they need to live full and productive and happy lives. Many factors come into play when it comes to mental health. Take some time to look around and make note of your surroundings and look within to see how this might be affecting you. Increasing awareness and understanding of mental health, the steps our citizens can take to protect their mental health and the need for appropriate and accessible services for all people with mental health conditions. If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. You can call mental health or text 988. Thank you, Madam Chair, Madam President. 2:33:14 We also want to thank Mr. Allen. Thank you very much. We also want to. I am not privileged. I am here. One second. One second. You recognize Senator James for your point of person. We recognize Senator James. we recognize senator james for the point this month is also the month of mothers or women and you all know mothers and women are the most important persons we know that men came from all right so to congratulate all women and to let the men know that what they are doing we could do it better and if you fail i have any fail if you fail to do what you are supposed to do We seniors, as you see today, as you observe, how we operate, especially in my own business. And if you fail, remember that we are here to take your place. Age is just ours. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. We'd like to ask Mr. Alvin Milligan to make some brief remarks. We also would like to ask Mr. Alvin Milligan to make a brief announcement, brief remarks. 2:34:55 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 15 Legislature USVI · | Older American's Month Mock Session Good day. I won't be long because I know about that special time, lunch time, right? So I don't stand before lunch. But I have to really thank Ms. Cherise Jorgen. Cherise, stand up. Because year after year, Ms. Jorgen is my go-to person at St. Thomas. In the absence of an administrator, she's at the helm there. So, Cherise, I want to personally thank you for your tenacity in making sure that today came off. And in the late part of making today's special, we had to get somebody on St. Croix. and Ms. Maxine Bass from one of our CSEP program volunteers. She actually coordinated the St. Croix portion. Also, our Assistant Commissioner, Danelle Baptiste, she's here, but I think she stepped out for a few minutes, but she's here too. But let me tell you, I enjoyed today. I enjoyed today because you are our future in terms of us ascribing to get to where you are. And I know we always see the kids are our future, the young people are our future, but you are. Most of you have left your three scores and ten and counting. And for me, the quality of life can go a very long way as long as you have the things in place. And today your voices were heard, and I'm pretty sure that this body would listen to you and make the changes that are necessary to make sure that your quality of life. And the lady that moved home from New York, where are you? Right here. I am so happy about that because much people don't move back home. Once they go, they go for medical reasons and forever else. So I'm hoping that you would live long enough to see this come to fruition, Ms. Jorgen, right? And that's Charisse's aunt, right? Good. Just celebrated her 88 border. We're going to tell them that too. See how code 80 could look? 2:36:34 So we are very thankful. So, wait a second, she had a party already. But to Senate President Noel Francis and your colleague there. You are hilarious. I just love, and this is one of my CSEP employees, but to each and every one of you, you're represented well, and that is what we want. You have represented well, and I'm hoping that they could, they have some jobs for youngsters. We need some jobs for our seniors as well, because they brought a wealth of information here today all right and we have some retired um the all the dhs staff that is here i just stand um from socio rec wherever you work in dhs whether you're a csep employee even on st croix um stand up so we could see who you are just stand up where you are most of our colleagues here that even the colleagues to ms jackman ms jackman you're csep employee in in yeah yeah please we want to show that, and FASTA Grandparent, all the different programs, Ms. Heiligayu from the centre, RSVP, and these are the people that go into our communities and volunteer the time and make certain that, you know, we bring a sense of quality, sure, set up FASTA Gail, but you in there and FASTA Grandparent, so all our programs are represented here for our senior programs some DHS. So we're very happy and I won't be any longer. Thank each and every one of you. For those of us who are traveling back today, we ask for traveling mercies. Thank you so much. Thank you so much. 2:38:42 You read that already? Yeah, I'm doing this already. Alright, so mock session. The mock session of May 23rd, 23rd is here by our turn. Do I hear that guy? Mock session of Okay, Max Session of 2023, Legislative Session. Hold on, hold on. Yes, go ahead quickly, please. You recognize Senator Karriam? Recognize Senator Karriam? 2:40:25 Personal privilege. Privilege. One thing I notice they recognize or they have special days for everybody. I never noticed that they have special privilege on day four, the clerks there, that behind the nurses and the doctors who get these records, get appointment for these clients to come in, make sure they come in and do everything that they're supposed to do, get the paperwork, make sure they got the pressure, everything. And I would like to take this moment to thank everybody in the government that our clerks are working behind these personnels and everything to recognize them too, because we do work hard, and we do make sure that the work goes on. 2:40:54 We don't drop anything, make sure everything is correct, and if they needed something to be corrected, we make sure we get it corrected and forward it on to who are responsible for it on. So that's what I would like to appreciate. Thank you. There is recognition for a new circuit. There is recognition for Senator Carrion. So thank you very much for the session, next session. Thank you very much for the mock session for May 23rd, 2023 is here by June. 2:41:45 ¶¶ Thank you. Let's go. 2:42:30 so Thank you. Oh, my God. Thank you. [3 such phrases repeated 10 times · standby audio before the proceeding, transcribed by the recogniser as speech] 2:44:00 ... ... ... ... ... ... Thank you. 2:49:30 Thank you. We'll be right back. I'll see you next time. [3 such phrases repeated 11 times · standby audio before the proceeding, transcribed by the recogniser as speech] 2:50:28 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) 13 of 15 Legislature USVI · | Older American's Month Mock Session 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. 18x Senator Ray Fonseca heard in this transcript as: Fonseca, Fonseca's 14x Senator Kenneth L. Gittens heard in this transcript as: Gattins, Gettens, Giddens, Gittens, Gittins, Kenneth Gittins 13x Senator Alma Francis-Heyliger the surname alone also matches: Alma Francis Heiliger heard in this transcript as: Alma Francis Heiliger, Frances Heiliger, Francis Heiliger, Heiliger 10x Senator Marise C. James the surname alone also matches: Javan James; Giovanni James Sr heard in this transcript as: James, Maryse James 10x Senator Samuel Carrion heard in this transcript as: Carrion 9x Senator Dwayne DeGraff heard in this transcript as: DeGraff 9x Senator Fred Gregory the surname alone also matches: Donna A. Frett-Gregory; Donna Frett-Gregory 8x Senator Francis Junior heard in this transcript as: Frances Junior 7x Senator Carla Joseph the surname alone also matches: Clifford Joseph; Karla J. Joseph heard in this transcript as: Joseph 7x Senator Diane T. Capeheart heard in this transcript as: Capehart, Diane Capehart 6x Senator Francis Heidegger heard in this transcript as: Frances Heidegger 6x Senator Franklin D. Johnson heard in this transcript as: Franklin Johnson, Johnson 6x Senator Marvin Blyden heard in this transcript as: Blyden, Blydon, Marion Blyden 5x Senator Javan James heard in this transcript as: Jabin James Sr, Jayvon James, Jovan James 5x Senator Milton E. Potter heard in this transcript as: Milton Potter, Porter, Potter 4x Senator Angel L. Bolkis Jr heard in this transcript as: Volkis 4x Senator Angel L. Bolques, Jr. heard in this transcript as: Angel Bolquez Jr., Angel L. Bolques Jr., Bolquez 4x Senator James Senior 3x Senator Angel L. Bulkes Jr heard in this transcript as: Bulkers 2x Senator Alma Francis Heidegger heard in this transcript as: Alma Frances Heidegger 2x Senator Angel L. Bocas Jr heard in this transcript as: Bocas 2x Senator Javon E. James Senior heard in this transcript as: Javan James Senior 2x Dr. Randall James 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 15 Legislature USVI · | Older American's Month Mock Session the surname alone also matches: Javan James; Marise C. James; Neville James 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 35-0000 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 15