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June 29, 2026 Greetings Honorable Senator Avery Lewis, Chairman of the Committee on Government Operations, Veterans Affairs, and Consumer Protection, all Senators, and legislative staff, as well as the present, viewing and listening audience. I am Elizabeth Hansen Watley, Assistant Commissioner of the Department of Tourism, Chairwoman of the Taxicab Commission Board and the daughter of the Honorable Alicia “Chucky” Hansen. Thank you for extending an invitation to me so that I may add my contribution to the discussion on Bill No. 36-0213. A Bill renaming Belvedere Road on the island of St. Croix as “Alicia “Chucky” Hansen Road” and appropriating $10,000 from the St. Croix Capital Improvement Fund to the Virgin Islands Department of Public Works to erect the proper signage Proposed by Senator Hubert L. Frederick and Co-sponsored by Senator Carla J. Joseph. It took me a while to write this testimony, as it meant me having to reflect on the fact the my mother took her last breath almost 3 years ago, and while she is not physically here, the people that she served above all else, constantly remind me that she continues to live on in the hearts and minds of all of us. Whether you loved “Chucky” Hansen or not, you respected her. And yes, she earned that respect. Whether you heard of her because of her many battles on behalf of her people, or the life-changing legislations that continue to contribute to the quality of life we share that keep our government afloat. Alicia “Chucky” Hansen deserves to be acknowledged and remembered. The longest serving senator in St. Croix’s history, the highest votes for senator territorially, the most number one wins in US Virgin Islands history for senator and all of this serving as a no party independent candidate who would always say, “I answer to the people”. As I stand here in support of senator Hansen being acknowledged for her service and dedication, I not only appear as a representative of her immediate family, my dad Esdel E. Hansen Sr., my brothers Esdel Jr. and Erskin, and our little brother Ericksen who is no longer with us, but I stand her for our entire family, the people of the Virgin Islands, US and British, Puerto Rico and the wider world, as she was truly loved throughout many nations. I am a proud daughter not just today, but every day. And it is my hope that the gesture of renaming the Contentment Road, “Alicia “Chucky” Hansen Lane” will evoke questions and conversations about who she was and her legacy, long after we are all gone. The location holds a special place in my heart as I grew up at the old legislature building that is located right off of this road, ate the sweet tamarind off of the large tree in the front parking lot, spending many late nights there as those who would become historic figures in VI history would walk in and out of her office. Even as a child, I understood that the people came first, her work was important and necessary, and that the expectation of all of us was to do our part to make our islands great for all, no matter where our story began. I still hold those ideals to be true, and I hope to demonstrate that in short order. I want to sincerely thank the author of this bill, senator Hubert Frederick, and its co-sponsor, senator Carla Joseph, for seeing it fit to bestow this honor on the Legendary “Voice of the People” the Honorable Alicia “Chucky” Hansen. To the people who continue to support me and my family as we continue to navigate this new normal with you of not having the legend, the “Voice”. Remember to stand, though it is hard, speak even when you feel weak, and remember that a little bit of Alicia Chucky” Hansen is in all of us. You just have to trust yourself. Things will get better. God is always in control “COME HELL OR HIGH WATER”. Elizabeth Hansen Watley Assistant Commissioner, USVI Department of Tourism Chairwoman, Taxicab Commission Daughter of the Honorable Alicia “Chucky” Hansen