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THE HONORABLE SENATOR AVERY L. LEWIS Legislative Secretary 36 th LEGISLAtURE OF thE VIRGIN ISLANDS Chair: Committee on Government Operations, Veterans Affairs, Consumer Protection Vice Chair: Committee on Education and Workforce Development Member: Committee on Rules and Judiciary Committee on Youth, Aging, Sports, and Parks Committee on Homeland Security, Justice and Public Safety Committee of the Whole Post Office Box 1690, Capitol Building, Charlotte Amalie, VI 00801 Phone: (340) 774-0880 Email: senatorlewis@legvi.org REVISED AGENDA I TO: All Members, Committee on Government Operations, Veterans Affairs, and Consumer Protection MEMBERS: Senator Ray Fonseca Senator Alma Francis Heyliger Senator Novelle E. Francis, Jr. Senator Kenneth L. Gittens Senator Franklin D. Johnson Senator Carla J. Joseph FROM: The Honorable Senator Avery L. Lewis 36th Legislature of the Virgin Islands DATE: February 5, 2026 The Committee on Government Operations, Veterans Affairs, and Consumer Protection has scheduled a meeting for Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at 9:00 AM in the Frits E. Lawaetz Legislative Conference Room on St. Croix., U.S. Virgin Islands to provide updates on the following agencies and consideration of the following bills: BLOCK I: 9:00 A.M. – 11:00 A.M. The Committee will receive a comprehensive overview from charters being impacted by the BVI’s newly implemented charter vessel licensing fees and all other information pertinent to the discussion, including but not limited to, the following: • How these new charter fees are impacting their operations • What challenges they are currently facing or anticipate in the near future • What practical solutions, policy adjustments, or forms of support the Legislature can pursue to help stabilize and strengthen the marine economy across the Territory 2 | P a g e G O V A C P R e v i s e d A g e n d a I INVITED TESTIFIER(S): • Mr. Kennon Jones, Executive Director, Virgin Islands Professional Charter Association • Mr. Steve Schlosser, Paradise Yacht Management • Mr. Kelvin Bailey Jr., Virgin Islands Gamefish • Jay Pennington, Waypoints Yacht Charters BLOCK II: 11:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M. The Committee will receive testimony on the operations of the Department of Tourism including but not limited to enabling laws, current department challenges, a plan of action to resolve challenges and the following: • Plans for the upcoming carnival season • What to expect from the Division of Festivals • Update on the outcome of the 2025-2026 Crucian Festival INVITED TESTIFIER(S): • Mrs. Jennifer Matarangas-King, Commissioner, Department of Tourism BLOCK III: 1:00 P.M. – 2:00 P.M. Bill No. 36-0150: An act honoring and commending Thelma Leona Petersen-Springer, posthumously, for her outstanding community service to the children and the people of the Virgin Islands Proposed by Senator Kenneth L. Gittens INVITED TESTIFIER(S): • Mr. Charles Nibbs, Community Activist • Ms. Sheniqua Robinson, Frederiksted Majorette Former Twirler BLOCK IV: 2:00 P.M. – 5:00 P.M. Bill No. 36-0225: A resolution honoring and commending Sharon Maria Williams for her outstanding achievements and significant contributions to the fields of education and culinary arts Proposed by Senator Kenneth L. Gittens INVITED TESTIFIER(S): • Ms. Edna Thomas, Retired Educator • Mr. John Abramson, Retired Civil Servant • Mrs. Jennifer Matarangas-King, Commissioner, Department of Tourism • Hon. Louis E. Petersen, Jr., PhD, Commissioner, Department of Agriculture THE HONORABLE SENATOR AVERY L. LEWIS Legislative Secretary 36 th LEGISLAtURE OF thE VIRGIN ISLANDS Chair: Committee on Government Operations, Veterans Affairs, Consumer Protection Vice Chair: Committee on Education and Workforce Development Member: Committee on Rules and Judiciary Committee on Youth, Aging, Sports, and Parks Committee on Homeland Security, Justice and Public Safety Committee of the Whole Post Office Box 1690, Capitol Building, Charlotte Amalie, VI 00801 Phone: (340) 774-0880 Email: senatorlewis@legvi.org Bill No. 36-0226: A resolution honoring and commending Mrs. Janet Brow Phillips for her outstanding achievements and significant contributions to the fields of education and culinary arts to the Virgin Islands community Proposed by Senator Kenneth L. Gittens INVITED TESTIFIER(S): • Ms. Mona Barnes, Apostle • Mr. Dennis Brow, Brother • Mr. Victor Somme, III, Assistant Commissioner of Virgin Islands Department of Education • Mrs. Jennifer Matarangas-King, Commissioner, Department of Tourism • Hon. Louis E. Petersen, Jr., PhD, Commissioner, Department of Agriculture Bill No. 36-0227: A resolution honoring and commending the Armstrong Family, long-time owners of Armstrong Ice Cream for their exceptional contributions to the economic growth, cultural heritage, and development of the Virgin Islands Proposed by Senator Kenneth L. Gittens INVITED TESTIFIER(S): • Ms. Claire Roker, Retired Civil Servant • Reverend Florence Petersen, Pastor • Mrs. Jennifer Matarangas-King, Commissioner, Department of Tourism • Hon. Louis E. Petersen, Jr., PhD, Commissioner, Department of Agriculture cc: All Senators All Chiefs of Staff All Divisions Public Affairs