USVI Public Records

Document text

BOARD NOMINEES, LEASE AGREEMENTS, AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT BILLS ADVANCE - 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 Carla J. Joseph BOARD NOMINEES, LEASE AGREEMENTS, AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT BILLS ADVANCE Published: Mar 28, 2025 Search for: For Immediate Release                                              Press Contact: Africah N.T. Harrigan March 27, 2025                                                           Email: aharrigan@legvi.org BOARD NOMINEES, LEASE AGREEMENTS, AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT BILLS ADVANCE ST. CROIX, VI —  The Committee on Rules and Judiciary, chaired by Senator Carla J. Joseph, convened at the Frits E. Lawaetz Legislative Conference Room to deliberate on key legislations. Lawmakers voted favorably on the governor’s nominations of Elizabeth Guadalupe-Perez to the Virgin Islands Real Estate Appraisers Board and Trinity Granger-Austrie, EIT, to the University of the Virgin Islands Board of Trustees. Additionally, senators considered lease agreements, and a legislative proposal aimed at bolstering economic development and enhancing the operational capacity of the Virgin Islands Port Authority.  During the hearing, Senator Joseph expressed her admiration for nominee Elizabeth Guadalupe-Perez, stating, “During our preliminary interview, I was truly impressed by your level of commitment and dedication to this role. You have undergone a rigorous educational journey to become a certified real estate appraiser. The Governor has sent forward a true professional—someone resilient, capable, and well-qualified for this position.” Guadalupe-Perez provided an overview of her extensive professional experience, noting that she has served as an appraiser since 2006. Her work spans collaborations with attorneys, local banks, private clients, appraisal management companies, government agencies, and stateside financial institutions. She also highlighted her involvement in complex appraisal projects across the Territory, including her work with General Appraiser Elissa Runyon. Equally inspiring was the testimony of Trinity Granger-Austrie, who reflected on her educational journey and deep-rooted connection to the University of the Virgin Islands. Senator Joseph remarked that Austrie’s story is a powerful testament to how perseverance can overcome adversity and lead to success. Austrie expressed heartfelt gratitude to Governor Albert Bryan Jr. for the nomination and shared how an early financial hardship led her to attend UVI—a decision she now views as transformative. A proud alumna and lifelong Virgin Islander, she recounted her academic and leadership accomplishments, including being named a Thurgood Marshall Scholar, serving as SGA Vice President, and participating in prestigious research opportunities. Her testimony underscored UVI’s role in shaping her path and her commitment to giving back through service on its Board of Trustees. Policymakers voted in the affirmative for the following measures:  Bill No. 36-0028 –  An Act approving the lease agreement between the Government of the Virgin Island and Tropical Marine, Inc., for Parcel No. 37-1 Estate Nadir, No. 2 Red Hook Quarter, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands and a portion of unsurvey Estate Nadir, No. 2. Red Hook Quarter, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands Board of Career and Technical Education-St. Croix.  Sponsored by: Sen. Milton E. Potter by Request of the Governor. Bill No. 36-0038  – An Act amending Title 29 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 10, subchapter III, section 551, subsection (a) by increasing the limit for outstanding bonds for the Virgin Islands Port Authority from $100 million to $500 million. Sponsored by: Sen. Milton E. Potter.  Bill No. 36-0040  – An Act approving the lease agreement between the Government of the Virgin Islands and Charles M. Kim V.I. Foundation, Inc. d/b/a Virgin Islands Museum of Art, for a portion of Lot No. 48b Norre Gade, Kings Quarter, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands. Sponsored by:   Sen. Milton E. Potter by Request of the Governor. All of the above measures were approved and forwarded to the Full Body for further consideration and action. Senators present at today’s Committee meeting included Carla J. Joseph, Milton E. Potter, Kenneth L. Gittens, Angel L. Bolques, Jr, Alma Francis Heyliger, Marise C. James, Clifford A. Joseph, Sr., Avery L. Lewis. 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 www.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. 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