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LAWMAKERS EXAMINE CRITICAL GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS, ADVANCED BILL SUPPORTING REVENUE GROWTH, BILL AIMED AT GOVERNMENT ACCESSIBILITY WAS HELD IN COMMITTEE - 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 GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS, VETERAN AFFAIRS AND CONSUMER PROTECTION | News | Press Releases | Senator Avery L Lewis LAWMAKERS EXAMINE CRITICAL GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS, ADVANCED BILL SUPPORTING REVENUE GROWTH, BILL AIMED AT GOVERNMENT ACCESSIBILITY WAS HELD IN COMMITTEE Published: Dec 2, 2025 Search for: ST. THOMAS, U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS —  Members of the Committee on Government Operations, Veterans Affairs, and Consumer Protection, chaired by Senator Avery L. Lewis, convened at the Capitol Building to examine critical issues impacting government services and community wellbeing. Lawmakers received testimony on the operations of the Office of Veterans Affairs (OVA) and the Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority (VIWMA), with agency leaders outlining current challenges, progress toward solutions, and overall operational status. Separately, lawmakers voted favorably on one bill while the other was held in committee. All approved items will be forwarded to the Committee on Rules and Judiciary for further consideration. Senator Avery L. Lewis expressed appreciation for the update from the Office of Veterans Affairs and acknowledged the agency’s continued progress in strengthening communication, expanding healthcare access, and advancing key infrastructure projects for Virgin Islands Veterans. He reaffirmed the Committee’s commitment to strong oversight and support to ensure these initiatives are fully implemented and that Veterans across the Territory receive dignified, reliable services. Providing agency testimony, Director Patrick D. Farrell of the Virgin Islands Office of Veterans Affairs reported steady progress over the past year, noting strengthened communication through expanded media outreach, a weekly radio program, and enhanced online platforms. OVA carried out major recognition events, increased engagement of women Veterans, and introduced new community activities such as the territorial domino tournament. Significant improvements in healthcare access were implemented, including airfare coverage for medical travel in Puerto Rico and the mainland. Federal representation continues the VA Advisory Committee, and infrastructure priorities are advancing, including the planned Veterans Multi-Purpose Center, efforts to name VA clinics after fallen servicemembers, and preparations for establishing the territory’s first VA National Cemetery on St. Croix. Transitioning to solid waste and wastewater operations, Executive Director Hannibal Ware of the Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority reported that the Territory’s waste management system remains in crisis due to decades of underinvestment, aging infrastructure, and persistent funding shortfalls. Both the Anguilla and Bovoni Landfills are nearing capacity and remain under federal consent decrees, with closure, expansion, and transfer station upgrades advancing through CDBG-DR funding. VIWMA is expanding door-to-door collection, developing an Integrated Sustainable Materials Management Plan, and evaluating new technologies to reduce debris and conserve landfill space. The Authority is also confronting urgent wastewater issues, including collapsing sewer lines, deteriorated pump stations, and treatment facilities requiring major upgrades, with early action repairs and FEMA-supported infrastructure projects underway. Ware noted improvements in public engagement through the new “Preserve Paradise Now” customer care portal and emphasized that long-term stabilization will require legislative support for waste fees, updated tipping fees, stronger enforcement tools, and reliable funding transfers. Lawmakers advanced one measure aimed at strengthening the Territory’s economic footing and held in committee a bill improving government accessibility for all residents. The first recognizes a key federal partner whose advocacy helped secure historic gains for the Virgin Islands, while the second enhances inclusivity in public communications by ensuring that sign language interpretation is available at all government broadcasts and official functions. These initiatives reflect the Legislature’s continued commitment to supporting critical revenue priorities and promoting equal access to information across the Territory. Bill No. 36-0208- A Resolution recognizing United States Senator Mike Crapo for his instrumental role in securing the historic increase in the rum cover over tax reimbursement for the Virgin Islands. Proposed by Senator Avery L. Lewis  Bill No. 36-0190- An Act amending Title 1 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 15 section 254 providing for sign language interpreters at all Government of the Virgin Islands broadcasts and official functions. Proposed by Senator Angel L. Bolques Senators present at today’s committee hearing included Avery L. Lewis, Angel L. Bolques, Jr., Ray Fonseca, Alma Francis-Heyliger, Clifford A. Joseph, Kenneth L. Gittens, Franklin D. Johnson, and Carla J. Joseph. The Division of Public Affairs is committed to providing the community with accurate information on legislative proceedings and other events at the Legislature of the Virgin Islands. Visit legvi.org. ### Press Contact: Africah N.T. Harrigan 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. 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