USVI Public Records

Document text

BILL TO EXPAND HOUSING ON ST. CROIX ADVANCES, SENATE APPROVES KEY GUBERNATORIAL APPOINTEES - Legislature of the United States Virgin Islands Close About Us History Functions and Structure FY 2026 Budget Honor Roll Rules of the 36th Legislative Youth Advisory Council Application Careers Archives Legislative Archives Tours × St. Thomas Senators  St. John Senators  St.Croix Senators  Districts All Senators St. Croix St. Thomas - St. John Senator at Large × Committees Committee of the Whole Budget, Appropriation and Finance Culture, Youth, Aging, Sports, and Parks Disaster Recovery, Infrastructure and Planning Economic Development and Agriculture Education and Workforce Development Government Operations, Veteran Affairs and Consumer Protection Health, Hospitals and Human Services Homeland Security, Justice and Public Safety Housing, Transportation and Telecommunications Rules and Judiciary Session Folder × No event found! Calendars Bi-Weekly Senate Calendar Session Agenda × Dialog window Dialog window General Senators Committees Media Calendars Contact News | Press Releases | RULES AND JUDICIARY | Senator Diane T. Capehart BILL TO EXPAND HOUSING ON ST. CROIX ADVANCES, SENATE APPROVES KEY GUBERNATORIAL APPOINTEES Published: Sep 13, 2024 Search for: BILL TO EXPAND HOUSING ON ST. CROIX ADVANCES, SENATE APPROVES KEY GUBERNATORIAL APPOINTEES ST. CROIX- Members of the Committee on Rules and Judiciary, chaired by Senator Diane T. Capehart, convened in a hearing at the Frits E. Lawaetz Legislative Conference Room. Lawmakers voted in favor of a bill to expand housing in the Virgin Islands. The committee also approved the governor’s nominations to serve in key positions. The agenda items were sent to the full body for further consideration. Senators unanimously voted in favor of Bill No. 35-0303- An Act approving the Government of the Virgin Islands conveyance of Plot No. 25B Hill Street, Company Quarter, Christiansted, St. Croix, Virgin Islands to the Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority. The measure aims to ensure that the Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority (VIHFA) expands housing opportunities for Virgin Islands residents. Senator Novelle E. Francis, Jr. spearheaded the measure at the governor's request. He emphasized VIHFA's potential to meet national standards for quality homes. Lawmakers voted in the affirmative for nominees appointed by the Governor to serve in various positions. Governor Albert Bryan forwarded the following nominations to the Legislature by Title 3, Section 65a, of the Virgin Islands Code and Section 16 of the Revised Organic Act of 1954: · Vance E. Pinney, nominee for the Virgin Islands Coastal Zone Management Commission—District of St. Thomas; · Gordon C. Rhea, Esq., Attorney General Nominee, Virgin Islands Department of Justice Nominee Pinney plans to use his extensive experience to protect the environment's resources during his tenure on the Coastal Zone Management Commission, aiming to discuss and achieve existing goals. Senator Capehart inquired about a plan for CZM to address sargassum along the coastal waters where hotels are located. Pinney acknowledged his lack of expertise in managing sargassum yet emphasized the urgency of addressing this challenge. Nominee Rhea stated that one of his immediate goals was to bring unity and cohesiveness between both the local and federal law enforcement agencies and justice to ensure seamless collaboration in fighting crime. This will allow stakeholders to assess cases early and provide relevant information to ensure that defense attorneys have the necessary discovery to promptly negotiate pleas, diversion programs, or other dispositions. Senator Capehart thanks the nominees for their willingness to serve and expresses an Open Door Policy for collaborations with her Office. The following senators attended the meeting: Diane T. Capehart, Franklin D. Johnson, Angel Bolques, Jr., Novelle E. Francis, Jr., Carla J. Joseph, Marise C. James, and Milton E. Potter. For Immediate Release Press Contact: Africah N.T. Harrigan September 12, 2024 Email: aharrigan@legvi.org Find More Search for: Categories News Observances Press Releases Special Events Related Content COMMITTEE REVIEWS FY 2027 EXECUTIVE BUDGET REQUESTS FOR GOVERNOR’S OFFICE, LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR’S OFFICE, AND BUREAU OF MOTOR VEHICLES July 23, 2026 ST. CROIX, U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS – Members of the Committee on Budget, Appropriations, and Finance, chaired by Senator Novelle E. Francis Jr., met in the Frits E. Lawaetz Conference Room to receive testimony on the proposed Fiscal Year 2027 budgets for... Read More COMMITTEE RECEIVES UPDATES FROM WASTE MANAGEMENT CONCERNING SEWAGE HEALTH RISKS, CANCER CARE IN THE TERRITORY                                   July 22, 2026 ST. THOMAS, VI – The 36th Legislature of the Virgin Islands’ Committee on Health, Hospitals, and Human Services, led by Senator Ray Fonseca, met at the Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall.  Lawmakers received testimony concerning the potential and observed public... Read More SENATORS CONSIDER PROPOSED HORSE RACE LEGISLATION IN SPECIAL SESSION  July 22, 2026 Members of the 36th Legislature, led by Senate President Milton E. Potter, convened at the Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall. Lawmakers met in special session by request of the governor to consider Bill No. 36-0313, an act approving lease and franchise agreements for the development and operation of the Randall “Doc”... Read More Quick Links Home Senators Committees Media News Contact Important Links Revised Organic Act of 1954 (PDF) 36th Oath of Office Booklet 100 Day Report Rules of the 36th Public Information or Archives Request Search for: Follow Follow Follow Follow