USVI Public Records

(a) The laws embraced in the titles herein contained, as amended from time to time, constitute the "Virgin Islands Code." (b) This Code may be cited by the abbreviation "V.I.C." preceded by the number of the title and followed by the number of the section, chapter, or part in the title.

This Code applies throughout the territory of the Virgin Islands, except as otherwise expressly provided.

This Code shall take effect and be in force in the Virgin Islands on and after September 1, 1957, except as otherwise expressly provided.

The rules of the common law, as expressed in the restatements of the law approved by the American Law Institute, and to the extent not so expressed, as generally understood and applied in the United States, shall be the rules of decision in the courts of the Virgin Islands in cases to which they apply, in the absence of local laws to the contrary.

The following laws, ordinances, resolutions, regulations, and executive orders are hereby repealed- (1) all local laws, ordinances, resolutions, regulations, and executive orders, or parts thereof, heretofore having application in any part of the Virgin Islands, the provisions or substance of which have been brought into, and reenacted in, this Code; (2) all of the Code of Laws for the Municipality of St. Croix, as enacted by Ordinance of the Colonial Council of St. Croix which was sanctioned and approved by the Governor of the Virgin Islands of the United States on May 25, 1920, and June 15, 1920, and published in 1921; and all of the Code of Laws for the Municipality of St. Thomas and St. John, as enacted by Ordinance of the Colonial Council of St. Thomas and St. John which was sanctioned and approved by the Governor of the Virgin Islands of the United States on March 17, 1921, and published in 1921; and all amendments to these Codes of Laws; (3) Act No. 129 of the Legislature (Bill No. 307), approved June 7, 1956, which provisionally enacted into law Titles One, Two, Four, Six, Seven, Eight, Nine, Ten, Eleven, Twelve and Fourteen of the Virgin Islands Code; and (4) all other local laws, ordinances, resolutions and executive orders, or parts, thereof, inconsistent or in conflict with any provision of this Code.

(a) Unless expressly continued by provisions of this Code, and except as otherwise provided herein, no general, local, or colonial law, ordinance, decree, order, placard, or regulation which prior to the effective date of this Code was applicable in the Virgin Islands or any part thereof, and which, prior to the acquisition of the Virgin Islands by the United States of America, was issued, promulgated, proclaimed, or enacted by the King or State of Denmark, or by any local or other legislative or administrative body, or officer acting under the authority of the King or laws of Denmark, has any force or effect in the Virgin Islands. However, this section does not affect any right acquired, or liability incurred, under any such law, ordinance, decree, order, placard, or regulation prior to the effective date of this Code, and existing on that date. (b) Subsection (a) of this section shall not be construed as affecting the "Law concerning Custom House and Ship Dues in St. Thomas and St. Jan" (No. 64-1914), passed by the Diet and sanctioned by the King of Denmark on April 1, 1914, as amended, or the "Ordinance concerning Custom House and Ship Dues in St. Thomas and St. Jan", passed by the Colonial Council and sanctioned by the King of Denmark on August 6, 1914, as amended, insofar as the provisions of such Law and Ordinances may still be in effect under section 36 of the Act of Congress of June 22, 1936 (48 U.S.C. §1406i).

(a) The repeal of the codes, laws, ordinances, resolutions and executive orders provided for in section 5 of this title does not affect any act done, or any cause of action accruing or accrued, or established, or any suit or proceeding had or commenced in any civil action, or any plea, defense, bar, or matter subsisting before the time when such repeal takes effect; but the proceeding in every such case shall conform with the procedure currently existing. (b) No offense committed or no penalty or forfeiture incurred, under any of the laws, resolutions and orders repealed by section 5 of this title, and before the time when the repeal takes effect, is affected by the repeal. (c) No action or prosecution, pending on the effective date of the repeal provided for in section 5 of this title, for any offense committed, or for the recovery of any penalty or forfeiture incurred, under any of the laws, resolutions and orders repealed by that section, shall be affected by the repeal, except that proceedings in the action or prosecution shall conform with the procedure currently existing.

No private or special Act, ordinance, or resolution, in effect on the effective date of this Code, and not revised and brought into this Code, is affected by any provision of this Code.

No law, resolution, or executive order which heretofore has been repealed is revived by the repeal provided for in section 5 of this title.

The repeal by section 5 of this title of any Act or ordinance validating any previous Act, ordinance, contract or transaction does not affect the validity of the previous Act, ordinance, contract or transaction, but the same remains as valid as if there had been no such repeal.

The laws contained in any current pocket supplements or substitute or replacement volumes to this Code, printed and published under contract or otherwise as authorized by law, constitute, prima facie, a part of this Code if the laws, as so contained, purport to represent reproductions of statutory amendments or additions to this Code, as stated in accompanying notes thereto, and are so certified by the Lieutenant Governor. If pocket supplements or substitute or replacement volumes are published on a cumulative basis, then only the laws in the latest publication thereof constitute, prima facie, a part of this Code. History: Amended Feb. 3, 1966, No. 1560, Sess. L. 1966, p. 13.

History: Repealed. Dec. 29, 2006, No. 6902, § 2, Sess. L. 2006, p. 323.

History: Repealed. Dec. 29, 2006, No. 6902, § 2, Sess. L. 2006, p. 323.

(a) In preparing the laws to be published in any current pocket supplement or substitute or replacement volumes to this Code, prepared under contract or otherwise as authorized by law, the publisher may not alter the sense, meaning or effect of any act of the Legislature but it may: (1) Renumber and rearrange sections or parts of sections; (2) Transfer sections or divide sections so as to give to distinct subject matter a separate section number, but without changing the meaning; (3) Insert or change the wording of headnotes; (4) Change reference numbers to agree with renumbered chapters or sections; (5) Substitute the proper section or chapter number for the terms "this act", "the preceding section" and the like; (6) Strike out figures where they are merely a repetition of written words and vice versa; (7) Change capitalization for the purpose of conformity; (8) Correct manifest typographical and grammatical errors; and (9) Make any purely formal or clerical changes. (b) Any correction provided for in this section shall become effective, as a matter of law, if the publishers have notified every member of the Legislature of the Virgin Islands[,] the Governor of the Virgin Islands and the Code Revisor and no objection to such correction is made by any such member, by the Governor or the Code Revisor within thirty (30) days following the air mailing date of the notification. History: Added Mar. 6, 1968, No. 2112, § 1, Sess. L. 1968, Pt. I, p. 34; amended Feb. 7, 1969, No. 2385; Apr. 16, 2007, No. 6917, § 1, Sess. L. 2007, p. 14.

The Lieutenant Governor shall send, immediately after enactment of any session law of the Legislature of the Virgin Islands, a copy thereof to each of the following libraries: (1) the Enid M. Baa Library, St. Thomas, (2) the St. Thomas Campus Library of the College of the Virgin Islands, (3) the Law Library of the District Court, St. Thomas, (4) the Law Library of the Legislature, St. Thomas, (5) the Law Library of the Attorney General's Office, St. Thomas, (6) the Florence Williams Public Library, St. Croix, (7) the St. Croix Campus Library of the College of the Virgin Islands, (8) the Law Library of the District Court, St. Croix, (9) the Law Library of the Attorney General's Office, St. Croix, (10) the Cruz Bay Public Library, St. John, (11) the Frederiksted Public Library, St. Croix, (12) the Law Library of the Superior Court, St. Thomas, (13) the Law Library of the Superior Court, St. Croix, (14) the Legislation Activities Center in the Office of the Governor, and (15) any additional libraries designated as depository libraries under section 883 of Title 3, Virgin Islands Code. History: Added Feb. 4, 1982, No. 4680, § 1, Sess. L. 1982, p. 34.

(a) [Deleted.] (b) Before the final printing and publication of any slip laws, session laws volumes pursuant to the provisions of this chapter, the publishers are authorized to correct any errors in the official text that are strictly typographical or errors in format, such as the correction of misspelled words, the selection of the proper type where type of improper size or font has been used, the rearrangement of lines or paragraphs which may have been improperly placed, the correction of references to other provisions of law, and the correction or insertion, if necessary, of chapter and section analyses and catchlines. Any such correction shall become effective, as a matter of law, if the publishers have notified every member of the Legislature of the Virgin Islands and the Governor of the Virgin Islands and no objection to such correction is made by any such member or by the Governor within thirty (30) days following the mailing date of notification. History: Added June 2, 1959, No. 423, § 1, Sess. L. 1959, p. 27; amended Mar. 6, 1968, No. 2112, § 2, Sess. L. 1968, Pt. I, p. 35; July 15, 1988, No. 5354, § 8(c), Sess. L. 1988, p. 188; Dec. 29, 2006, No. 6902, § 3(a), Sess. L. 2006, p. 323.

(a) The slip laws and volumes provided for in this chapter shall, within the limits of appropriations therefor, be printed and published in such quantities as the Office of the Code Revisor determines. (b) The Governor of the Virgin Islands shall prescribe the manner in which the slip laws and volumes provided for in this chapter shall be distributed free of charge to the Legislature, Executive, and Judicial Branches of the Government, and the Office of the Code Revisor shall fix the prices at which they may be sold to the general public. The proceeds from such sales shall be remitted to the Commissioner of Finance and covered by him into the General Fund of the Treasury. History: Added June 2, 1959, No. 423, § 1, Sess. L. 1959, p. 27; amended July 15, 1988, No. 5354, § 8(c), (d), Sess. L. 1988, p. 188; Dec. 29, 2006, No. 6902, § 3(b), Sess. L. 2006, p. 323.

The laws contained in each volume provided for in this chapter shall, upon certification by the Lieutenant Governor as to their being correct transcripts of the texts of the originals of such Acts, be accepted as legal evidence thereof in all courts of the Virgin Islands and by all officials and branches of the Virgin Islands Government, and in all proceedings before any board, commission, body, or officer of this territory. History: Added June 2, 1959, No. 423, § 1, Sess. L. 1959, p. 27.

(a) The Office of the Code Revisor is authorized to negotiate for and purchase, from time to time, loose-leaf binders in such form and quantities as it directs, to be used for the purpose of containing the slip laws provided for in sections 21 and 22 of this title. (b) The Governor of the Virgin Islands shall prescribe the manner in which the loose-leaf binders provided for in this section shall be distributed free of charge to the Legislature and to the Executive and Judicial Branches of the Government, and the Office of the Code Revisor shall fix the prices at which they may be sold to the general public. The proceeds from such sales shall be remitted to the Commissioner of Finance and covered by him into the General Fund of the Treasury. History: Added Jan. 25, 1963, No. 922, § 2, Sess. L. 1963, p. 4; amended July 25, 1988, No. 5354, § 8(8), (d), Sess. L. 1988, p. 188; Dec. 29, 2006, No. 6902, § 3(c), Sess. L. 2006, p. 323.

There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this chapter. History: Added June 2, 1959, No. 423, § 1, Sess. L. 1959, p. 27; amended Jan. 25, 1963, No. 922, § 2, Sess. L. 1963, p. 4.

As used in this Code or in any Act of the Legislature, unless it is otherwise provided or the context requires a different construction, application, or meaning- words importing the singular include and apply to several persons, parties, or things; words importing the plural include the singular; words importing the masculine gender include the feminine; words used in the present tense include the future; "bribe" signifies anything of value or advantage, present or prospective, or any promise or understanding to give any, asked, given, or accepted, with a corrupt intent to influence, unlawfully, the person to whom it is given, in his action, vote or opinion, in any public or official capacity; "company" or "association", when used in reference to a corporation, embraces the words "successors and assigns of such company or association", in like manner as if these last-named words, or words of similar import, were expressed; "corruptly" imports a wrongful design to acquire or cause some pecuniary or other advantage to the person guilty of the act or omission referred to, or to some other person; "crime involving moral turpitude" means any violation of law that is contrary to honesty, justice or good morals, such as a violation of law involving dishonesty, fraud, willful failure to file income taxes returns, perjury, forgery, murder, sexual offenses, intentionally causing serious injury to another, child abuse, spousal abuse, and the sale of illegal drugs; "depose" embraces every mode of written statement under oath or affirmation; "grantee" includes every person to whom a freehold estate or interest is conveyed; "grantor" includes every person by whom a freehold estate or interest is conveyed; "inhabitant" means a resident in any place; "insane", "insane person", and "lunatic" respectively include every idiot, lunatic, insane person, and person non compos mentis; "kin" and "kindred", as applied to the descent of estates, signify kin or kindred by blood, and the degrees of consanguinity shall be computed by the civil law method; but collateral kindred claiming through a nearer common ancestor shall be preferred to those claiming through a more remote common ancestor; "knowingly" imports a personal knowledge; but it does not require any knowledge of the unlawfulness of an act or omission; "malice" or "maliciously" imports the doing of a wrongful act, intentionally, without just cause or excuse; a conscious violation of the law to the prejudice of another; "month" means a calendar month, unless otherwise expressed; "neglect", "negligence", "negligent" or "negligently" imports a want of such attention to the nature of probable consequences of the act or omission as a prudent man ordinarily bestows in acting in his own concerns; "newspaper" means a publication issued regularly that provides information of public interest, whether printed, electronic internet-based or otherwise; "nighttime" includes the time from sunset to sunrise; "oath" includes affirmation or declaration; "officer" includes any person authorized by law to perform the duties of the office; "person" and "whoever" respectively include corporations, companies, associations, joint stock companies, firms, partnerships, and societies, as well as individuals; "personal property" includes money, goods, chattels, things in action, and evidence of debt; "pledge", "mortgage", "conditional sale", "lien", "assignment", "collateral" and like terms when used in referring to a security interest in personal property shall include and apply to a corresponding security interest under Title 11A; "population", when used in relation to the Virgin Islands or any part thereof, means population as shown by the latest census or enumeration, taken by the Governor as required by Federal law, preceding the time as of which such population is to be determined; "process" signifies a writ or summons issued in the course of judicial proceedings; "property" includes both real and personal property; "real property" includes real estate, lands, tenements and here-ditaments, corporeal or incorporeal; "St. Croix" in a geographical sense and for governmental administrative purposes means the Island or District of St. Croix and adjacent islets and cays and the same territory comprising the legislative and election Districts of St. Croix and the judicial division of St. Croix. "St. John" in a geographical sense and for governmental administrative purposes means the Island or District of St. John, Flanagan Islands, Grass, Mingo, Lovango, and Congo Cays, and adjacent islets and cays. "St. Thomas" in a geographical sense and for governmental administrative purposes means the Island or District of St. Thomas, Hassel, Water, Savanna, Inner Brass, Outer Brass, Hans Lollick, Little Hans Lollick, Great St. James, Little St. James, Capella Islands, and Thatch Cay, and adjacent islets and cays. "St. Thomas-St. John" embraces the legislative and election District of St. Thomas-St. John and the judicial divisions of St. Thomas and St. John; and in a geographical sense the combined territories of St. Thomas and St. John as defined in this section. "seal", when the seal of a court or public officer is required by law to be affixed to any paper, includes an impression of that seal upon the paper alone, or upon any substance attached to the paper capable of receiving a visible impression; and the seal of a private person may be made in like manner, or by the scroll of a pen, or by writing the word "seal" against his name; "signature" or "subscription" includes a mark when the person making the same intended it as such; "State", when applied to different parts of the United States, includes the District of Columbia, the several Territories and Possessions of the United States, and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico; "sworn" includes "affirmed"; "territory" or "territory of the Virgin Islands" means the unincorporated territory of the Virgin Islands; "testify" embraces every mode of oral statement under oath or affirmation; "United States" includes its Territories and Possessions, the District of Columbia, and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico; "vehicle" includes every description of carriage, or other artificial contrivance used, or capable of being used, as a means of transportation on land; "vessel" includes every description of watercraft or other artificial contrivance used, or capable of being used, as a means of transportation on water; "Virgin Islands," in a geographical sense, embraces the same territorial domain, islands, cays and waters that are designated as such in section 2(a) of the Revised Organic Act of the Virgin Islands, approved July 22, 1954; "will" means "last will and testament" and includes "codicil"; "willful" or "willfully", when applied to the intent with which an act is done or omitted, implies simply a purpose or willingness to commit the act, or make the omission referred to; "writ" signifies an order or precept in writing, issued in the name of the people or government of the Virgin Islands, or of a court or judicial officer; "writing" includes printing and typewriting and reproductions of visual symbols by any process; and "year" means a calendar year, and is equivalent to the words "year of our Lord". History: Amended Feb. 19, 1965, No. 1299, § 3, Sess. L. 1965, Pt. II, p. 218; July 27, 1972, No. 3279, § 1, Sess. L. 1972, p. 246; Mar. 5, 2005, No. 6727, § 3, Sess. L. 2005, p. 5; amended Jan. 20, 2017, No. 7972, § 3, Sess. L. 2016, p. 400.

Words and phrases shall be read with their context and shall be construed according to the common and approved usage of the English language. Technical words and phrases, and such others as may have acquired a peculiar and appropriate meaning in the law, shall be construed and understood according to their peculiar and appropriate meaning.

Words giving a joint authority to three or more public officers, or other persons, shall be construed as giving the authority to a majority of them, unless it be otherwise expressed in the provisions of law giving the authority.

The classification and organization of the titles, parts, chapters, subchapters, and sections of this Code, and the headings thereto, are made for the purpose of convenient reference and orderly arrangement, and no implication, inference, or presumption of a legislative construction shall be drawn therefrom.

(a) The following matter does not constitute part of the law - (1) the various analyses set out in this Code, constituting enumerations or lists of the titles, parts, chapters, subchapters and sections of this Code; (2) the descriptive headings or catchlines, other than the section numbers contained therein, immediately preceding the texts of the individual sections of this Code; and (3) any descriptive headings or catchlines immediately preceding the texts of any subsections or paragraphs of sections of this Code. (b) Revision notes and other notes set out in this Code are included for the purpose of convenient reference, and do not constitute part of the law.

(a) Any Act that amends another Act or provision of this Code which previously had been amended by any other Act, shall be construed as amending, also, the amendatory provisions of the other Act, though it make no reference thereto. (b) Any Act that amends the provisions of any other Act, which constituted, themselves, an amendment to a prior Act or provision of this Code, shall be construed as an additional amendment to the prior Act or provision of this Code, though it make no reference thereto.

The repeal of any Act or part thereof, or provision of this Code, includes all amendments to that Act, part, or provision, though the repealing Act makes no reference to the amendments.

The repeal of any provision of an Act, which amends a provision of a prior Act or of this Code, leaves the prior provision in force unless the amendatory provision is a substantial reenactment of the prior provision.

The repeal of the provision of any Act, which repeals a prior Act, or part of a prior Act, or provision of this Code, does not revive the prior Act, part, or provision, unless it is expressly so provided.

(a) The repeal of any Act, part of any Act, or provision of this Code does not release or extinguish any right acquired, or penalty, forfeiture, or liability incurred, under the Act, part, or provision, and existing at the time of the repeal, unless the repealing Act expressly so provides, and the Act, part, or provision shall be treated as still remaining in force for the purpose of sustaining any proper action or proceeding for the enforcement of the right, penalty, forfeiture, or liability. (b) The expiration of a temporary Act, part of an Act, or provision of this Code does not release or extinguish any right acquired, or penalty, forfeiture, or liability incurred, under that Act, part, or provision, and existing at the time of such expiration, unless the Act, part, or provision expressly so provides, and the Act, part, or provision shall be treated as still remaining in force for the purpose of sustaining any proper action or proceeding for the enforcement of the right, penalty, forfeiture, or liability.

Except as otherwise specifically provided, if any provision of this Code, of any amendment hereto, or of any Act or statute of the Virgin Islands, or the application of any such provision to any person, thing, or circumstance, is determined by any court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, such determination of invalidity shall not affect, impair, or invalidate the other provisions, or the application of the other provisions, of this Code, of any amendments hereto, or of any Act or statute of the Virgin Islands which can be given effect without the invalid provision or application, and to effect this purpose the provisions of this Code, of any amendments hereto, or of any Act or statute of the Virgin Islands are severable. History: Amended Feb. 10, 1967, No. 1849, § 1, Sess. L. 1967, p. 15.

Unless otherwise specifically provided therein, the effective date of bills enacted by the Legislature shall be the date of approval of same by the Governor, or the date such bill becomes law without his approval as provided in section 9, subsection (d) of the Revised Organic Act of 1954. History: Added Dec. 6, 1972, No. 3348, Sess. L. 1972, p. 524.

This chapter may be cited as the Uniform Electronic Legal Material Act. History: Added Nov. 14, 2021, No. 8462, § 1, Sess. L. 2021, p. 40.

In this chapter: (1) "Electronic" means relating to technology having electrical, digital, magnetic, wireless, optical, electromagnetic, or similar capabilities. (2) "Legal material" means, whether or not in effect: (A) the Revised Organic Act of the Virgin Islands; (B) theRevised Organic Actf the Virgin Islands; (C) the Virgin Islands Code Annotated; (D) Virgin Islands Code Annotatedtes Virgin Islands Rules; (E) tVirgin Islands Rulesttorney General of the Virgin Islands; (F) Reported decisions of the following courts: the Superior Court of the Virgin Islands and the Supreme Court of the Virgin Islands; (G) Virgin Islands State CouState Court Rules (H) Virgin Islands Government Register. (3) "Official publisher" means: (A) for the Revised Organic Act of the Virgin Islands, the Office of the Code Revisor; (B) for Session Laws of the Virgin Islands, the Office of the Code Revisor; (C) for the Virgin Islands Code Annotated, the Office of the Code Revisor; (D) for a rule published in the Code of the United States Virgin Islands Rules, the LieutenantVirgin Islands Rules Virgin Islands; (E) for the opinions of the Attorney General of the Virgin Islands, the Virgin Islands Department of Justice, Office of the Attorney General; (F) for court decisions included under paragraph (2)(F), paragraph (2)(F)e Administrator of Courts; (G) for Virgin Islands State CouState Court Rules Office of the Administrator of Courts; and (H) for the Virgin Islands Government Register, the Office of Lieutenant Governor. (4) "Publish" means to display, present, or release to the public, or cause to be displayed, presented, or released to the public, by the official publisher. (5) "Record" means information that is inscribed on a tangible medium or that is stored in an electronic or other medium and is retrievable in perceivable form. (6) "State" means a state of the United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, or any territory or insular possession subject to the jurisdiction of the United States. History: Added Nov. 14, 2021, No. 8462, § 1, Sess. L. 2021, p. 40, 41.

This chapter applies to all legal material in an electronic record that is designated as official under § 60d and first published electronically on or after the effective date of this chapter. History: Added Nov. 14, 2021, No. 8462, § 1, Sess. L. 2021, p. 42.

(a) If an official publisher publishes legal material only in an electronic record, the publisher shall: (1) designate the electronic record as official; and (2) comply with §§ 60e, 60g, and 60h. (b) An official publisher that publishes legal material in an electronic record and also publishes the material in a record other than an electronic record may designate the electronic record as official if the publisher complies with §§ 60e, 60g, and 60h. History: Added Nov. 14, 2021, No. 8462, § 1, Sess. L. 2021, p. 42.

An official publisher of legal material in an electronic record that is designated as official under § 60d shall authenticate the record. To authenticate an electronic record, the publisher shall provide a method for a user to determine that the record received by the user from the publisher is unaltered from the official record published by the publisher. History: Added Nov. 14, 2021, No. 8462, § 1, Sess. L. 2021, p. 42.

(a) Legal material in an electronic record that is authenticated under § 60e is presumed to be an accurate copy of the legal material. (b) If another state has adopted a law substantially similar to this chapter, legal material in an electronic record that is designated as official and authenticated by the official publisher in that state is presumed to be an accurate copy of the legal material. (c) A party contesting the authentication of legal material in an electronic record authenticated under § 60e has the burden of proving by a preponderance of the evidence that the record is not authentic. History: Added Nov. 14, 2021, No. 8462, § 1, Sess. L. 2021, p. 42.

Record (a) An official publisher of legal material in an electronic record that is or was designated as official under § 60d shall provide for the preservation and security of the record in an electronic form or a form that is not electronic. (b) If legal material is preserved under subsection (a) in an electronic record, the official publisher shall: (1) ensure the integrity of the record; (2) provide for backup and disaster recovery of the record; and (3) ensure the continuing usability of the material. History: Added Nov. 14, 2021, No. 8462, § 1, Sess. L. 2021, p. 42, 43.

An official publisher of legal material in an electronic record that is required to be preserved under § 60g shall ensure that the material is reasonably available for use by the public on a permanent basis. History: Added Nov. 14, 2021, No. 8462, § 1, Sess. L. 2021, p. 43.

In implementing this chapter, an official publisher of legal material in an electronic record shall consider: (1) standards and practices of other jurisdictions; (2) the most recent standards regarding authentication of, preservation and security of, and public access to, legal material in an electronic record and other electronic records, as promulgated by national standard-setting bodies; (3) the needs of users of legal material in an electronic record; (4) the views of governmental officials and entities and other interested persons; and (5) to the extent practicable, methods and technologies for the authentication of, preservation and security of, and public access to, legal material which are compatible with the methods and technologies used by other official publishers in the Virgin Islands and in other states that have adopted a law substantially similar to this chapter. History: Added Nov. 14, 2021, No. 8462, § 1, Sess. L. 2021, p. 43.

In applying and construing this chapter, as a uniform law, consideration must be given to the need to promote uniformity of the law with respect to its subject matter among states that enact it. History: Added Nov. 14, 2021, No. 8462, § 1, Sess. L. 2021, p. 43.

Act This chapter modifies, limits, and supersedes the Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act, 15 U.S.C. Section7001 et seq., but does not modify, limit, or supersede Section 101(c) of that act, 15 U.S.C. Section7001(c), or authorize electronic delivery of any of the notices described in Section 103(b) of that act, 15 U.S.C. Section7003(b). History: Added Nov. 14, 2021, No. 8462, § 1, Sess. L. 2021, p. 43.

History: Repealed. Dec. 29, 2006, No. 6902, § 4, Sess. L. 2006, p. 323.

(a) The territorial limits of the town of Charlotte Amalie, Island of St. Thomas, are as follows: Starting at a point on the shore line at Crown Bay (see Harbor Chart U.S.C. & G.S. No. 933) due south of the Point on the main road from town to Nisky where the concrete culvert carrying the runoff water from John Dunkoe crosses this road, the line runs: due North for a distance of 2700 feet, thence turns east and runs in a straight line to the center of the first "hairpin" bend from town on the Solberg Road, thence in a straight line to first "hairpin" bend from town on the Louisenhoj Road, thence due East until it meets the eastern boundary line of Hospital Ground, thence in a southerly direction along this boundary line until the southeast boundary corner of Hospital Ground is reached, thence in a straight line to the point on the northern side of the road where the western boundary of Estate Thomas (Sugar Estate) crosses the Sugar Estate Road, thence in a Southeasterly direction along the northern side of said Sugar Estate Road to the intersection of the Sugar Estate Road and the Raphune Road, thence in a southwesterly direction along the eastern side of said Sugar Estate Road (Marionette Road) to the intersection of said road and the southern end of Long Bay Road (near corner of West Indian Company's Power Plant), thence in a Southwesterly direction along the entrance road to the West Indian Company's Dock to a point at the Northeasterly end of the Steel Sheet Pile Bulkhead, thence along the shoreline to the point of beginning. (b) All that part of the town of Charlotte Amalie lying east of the center line of Kommandent's Gut constitutes the King's quarter. (c) All that part of the town of Charlotte Amalie lying between the center line of Kommandent's Gut and the center line of Lange's Gut constitutes the Queen's quarter. (d) All that part of the town of Charlotte Amalie lying west of the center line of Lange's Gut constitutes the Crown Prince's quarter.

The territorial limits of the town of Christiansted, Island of St. Croix, as shown on Public Works Department Map, designated as the Map of Christiansted Town, dated May 19, 1952, are as follows: Beginning at the North Eastern corner of No. 2 Garden Street, the Line runs: South along the West boundary of Mount Welcome to the South East corner of Old Hospital Grounds; thence West along the South boundary of Old Hospital Ground, to South West corner of Old Hospital Ground; thence in a Northerly direction along the West boundary of Old Hospital Ground to the South East corner of No. 14 Little Hospital Street; thence in a Westerly direction along the old town limits situated on the North boundary of Recovery Hill and Peter's Farm to the North West Corner of Peter's Farm and the South West corner of the Public Cemetery; thence along the North boundary of St. Catherines and Contentment, and the South boundary of Friedensthal to the South East corner of Parcel No. 1 Matr. No. 1-ab of Contentment; thence along the South boundary of Parcel No. 1 of Contentment to the center line of Public Road; thence in a Northerly direction along the Center Line Road to the intersection of said Road, Sobotkers Lane and the North side Road; thence Westerly along the North side Road to the existing hard surfaced road leading to Central Factory and Richmond Jail (at the Liquor Cistern); thence Northeasterly along the road leading to Central Factory at Richmond Jail; thence Southeasterly along the South Wall of Richmond Jail to the South East corner of the Jail; thence in a Northerly direction along the road designating the West boundary of the Holger Dansk Play Ground to the Water front, thence in an Easterly direction along the water front (mean low water) to the North East corner of No. 2 Garden Street, the point of beginning. These limits are shown on Map of Christiansted Town and suburbs, dated May 19, 1952.

The territorial limits of the town of Frederiksted, Island of St. Croix, as more clearly defined on the map of Frederiksted as compiled from the protocol of Frederiksted town, dated 1887, are as follows: Beginning at the South-West corner of Frederiksted where Fisher Street adjoins the sea, the line runs: approximately East along the South side of Fisher Street to the South-West corner of Plot No. 40E of La Grange where New Street intersects Fisher Street; thence along the East side of New Street to the intersection of Queen Cross Street; thence East along the so-called "Wheel of Fortune" Public road to the South-East corner of No. 2B King Cross Street; thence along the West Line of Estate La Grange (Plot No. 69 of La Grange) to the common corner of No. 41B New Street, No. 40C of La Grange land and No. 4B of Lagoon Street, where the East Side of New Street intersects the North side of Custom House Street; thence North along the East boundary of No. 4B & 4A Lagoon Street to the North-East corner of No. 4A Lagoon Street; thence West along the common boundary of No. 4A Lagoon Street and Estate La Grange to a point where this line intersects the East side of Prince Street; thence along the East side of Prince Street to the watercourse called "Harden Gut"; thence along this watercourse, which is the East boundary of No. 2 Lagoon Street, to the Harden Gut bridge; thence along the South boundary of Plot No. 40 GC of La Grange to the sea; thence South along the shoreline to the point of beginning, at South side of Fisher Street.

That portion of the island of St. Croix outside the limits of the towns of Christiansted and Frederiksted is divided into the Company's, East End A, East End B, King's, North Side A, North Side B, Prince's, Queen's and West End quarters, with limits as now established.

That portion of the island of St. Thomas outside the limits of the town of Charlotte Amalie is divided into the East End, Frenchman's Bay, Great Northside, Little Northside, New, Red Hook, Southside, and West End quarters, with limits as now established.

The island of St. John is divided into the Coral Bay, Cruz Bay, East End, Maho Bay and Reef Bay quarters, with limits as now established.

The Island of St. Thomas is divided into the Charlotte Amalie, South Side, East End, Tutu, Northside, West End, and Water Island Census Subdistricts with limits as follows: (a) The limits of the Charlotte Amalie Census Subdistrict are as follows: Beginning at a point on the shoreline of John Brewers Bay where the culvert meets the water, the line runs: along the culvert to Black Point Road; thence westerly along Black Point Road to the first major electrical power line; thence northerly along this line to the point where it meets an imaginary straight line extending southerly from and along the western boundary line of lot #61A Lindberg; thence northerly along this imaginary line to the southwest boundary corner of said lot; thence continuing northerly along the western boundary line of lots #61AA, 61AB, 61AC and 35B Lindberg to the northwest boundary corner of lot #35B; thence easterly in a straight line to the northernmost point in New Contant Road (at the second bend in the road); thence easterly along New Contant Road to the intersection of Crown Mountain Road; thence along Crown Mountain Road to the intersection of Scott Free Road; thence easterly along Scott Free Road and John Dunkoe Road to the first bend from town on Theodore Boschulte Drive (Solberg Road) (at the electrical power line); thence easterly along the electrical power line to the point where it crosses Louisenhoj Road; thence northwesterly along Louisenhoj Road to the first intersection (with a road that runs northeasterly near the northern boundary of Hospital Ground); thence northeasterly and easterly along this road to the point where it meets the northern boundary line of lot #324 Hospital Ground; thence easterly along the northern boundary line of lots #324 and 323 Hospital Ground to the eastern boundary line of Hospital Ground; thence southerly along this boundary line to the southeastern boundary corner of Hospital Ground; thence easterly in a straight line to the northwestern boundary corner of the Charlotte Amalie High School property; thence southerly along the western boundary line of the Charlotte Amalie High School property to the point where it meets Sugar Estate Road; thence southeasterly along Sugar Estate Road to the intersection of Sugar Estate Road and Raphune Road; thence along Raphune Road to the eastern boundary line of lot #14L Estate Thomas; thence southerly along this boundary line to the southeastern boundary corner of lot #14L; thence westerly along the southern boundary of lot #14L to the southwestern boundary corner of lot #14L; thence southerly along the eastern boundaries of lot #14K and #14J to the southeastern boundary corner of lot #14J; thence northwesterly along the southwestern boundary of lot #14J to the northwestern boundary corner of lot #14J; thence continuing northwesterly in a straight line (along the southwestern boundaries of several small lots) to Sugar Estate Road; thence southwesterly along Sugar Estate Road to the intersection of Sugar Estate Road and Long Bay Road; thence southwesterly along the entrance road to the West Indian Company's dock to the point where it meets the water; thence westerly along the shoreline to the point of beginning. (b) The limits of the Southside Census Subdistrict are as follows: Beginning at a point along the West Indian Company's dock where the entrance road to the dock meets the water, the line runs: northeasterly along the dock road to the intersection of Long Bay Road and Sugar Estate Road; thence northeasterly along Sugar Estate Road to the point where it meets a straight line extending northwesterly from and along the northwestern boundary line of lot #14J Estate Thomas; then southeasterly along this straight line (which is the southwestern boundary of several small lots to the northwest of lot #14J) to the northwestern boundary corner of lot #14J; thence southeasterly along the southwestern boundary line of lot #14J to the southeastern boundary corner; thence northerly along the eastern boundaries of lots #14J and 14K to the southwestern boundary corner of lot #14L; thence easterly along the southern boundary of lot #14L to the southeastern boundary corner of lot #14L; thence northerly along the eastern boundary of lot #14L to the point where it meets Raphune Road; thence easterly along Raphune Road and the Weymouth Rhymer Highway to Mariendahl Road; thence along Mariendahl Road to the intersection of Nadir- Bovoni Road; thence south along the Bovoni Road to the point where the western boundary of the Government property meets the road; thence along the western boundary of the Government property to the shoreline; thence westerly along the shoreline to the point of beginning. (c) The limits of the East End Census Subdistrict are as follows: Beginning at a point along the shoreline of Tutu Bay where the eastern boundary line of lot #29 Estate Tabor & Harmony meets the water, the line runs: southerly along this boundary and the eastern boundary of lots #11D2 and 11D3 Estate Tabor and Harmony to Mandahl Road; thence easterly along Mandahl Road to Cassi-Hill Road; thence along Cassi-Hill Road to the top of the ridge that separates Tutu Valley from Estate Smith Bay; thence southeasterly along this ridge line to the point where it meets the ridge line between Tutu Valley and Estate Longmath; thence westerly along this latter ridge line to the point where it meets Mariendahl Road; thence easterly along Mariendahl Road to the intersection of the Nadir-Bovoni Road; thence south along the Bovoni Road to the point where the western boundary of the Government property meets the road; thence along the western boundary of the Government property to the shoreline; thence easterly along the shoreline to the point of beginning. (d) The limits of the Tutu Census Subdistrict are as follows: Beginning at the intersection of Donoe Road and the Weymouth Rhymer Highway, the line runs: northerly along Donoe Road to the intersection of Donoe-By-Pass Road; thence easterly along Donoe- By-Pass Road to the intersection of Mandahl Road; thence along Mandahl Road to the intersection of Cassi-Hill Road; thence along Cassi-Hill Road to the top of the ridge that separates Tutu Valley from Estate Smith Bay; thence southeasterly along this ridge line to the point where it meets the ridge line between Tutu Valley and Estate Longmath; thence westerly along this latter ridge line to the point where it meets Mariendahl Road; thence westerly along this road and the Weymouth Rhymer Highway to the point of beginning. (e) The limits of the Northside Census Subdistrict are as follows: Beginning at a point along the shoreline of Mail Bay the line runs: due south in a straight line to the northernmost point of an unnamed road that runs southerly to the Estate Pearl Road; thence along the unnamed road to the intersection of Estate Pearl Road; thence westerly along Estate Pearl Road to the intersection of Saugus Road; thence westerly along Saugus Road to the intersection of Black Point Road; thence easterly along Black Point Road to a point (west of the culvert that runs under the road and into John Brewers Bay) where the major electrical power line that parallels the road turns off the road in a northerly direction; thence northerly and easterly along this line to the point where it meets an imaginary straight line extending southerly from and along the western boundary line of lot #61A Lindberg; thence northerly along this imaginary line to the southwest boundary corner of said lot; thence continuing northerly along the western boundary line of lots #61A, 61AA, 61AB, 61AC and 35B Lindberg to the northwest boundary corner of lot #35B; thence easterly in a straight line to the northernmost point in New Contant Road (at the second bend in the road); thence easterly along New Contant Road to the intersection of Crown Mountain Road; thence along Crown Mountain Road to the intersection of Scott Free Road; thence easterly along Scott Free Road and John Dunkoe Road to the first bend from town on Theodore Boschulte Drive (Solberg Road) (at the electrical power line); thence easterly along the electrical power line to the point where it crosses Louisenhoj Road; thence northwesterly along Louisenhoj Road to the first intersection (with a road that runs northeasterly near the northern boundary of Hospital Ground); thence northeasterly and easterly along this road to the point where it meets the northern boundary line of lot #324 Hospital Ground; thence easterly along the northern boundary line of lots #324 and 323 Hospital Ground to the eastern boundary line of Hospital Ground; thence southerly along this boundary line to the southeastern boundary corner of Hospital Ground; thence easterly in a straight line to the northwestern boundary corner of the Charlotte Amalie High School property; thence southerly along the western boundary line of the Charlotte Amalie High School property to the point where it meets Sugar Estate Road; thence southeasterly along Sugar Estate Road and Raphune Road; thence easterly along Raphune Road and the Weymouth Rhymer Highway to the intersection of Donoe Road; thence northerly along Donoe Road to the intersection of Donoe By-Pass Road; thence easterly along Donoe By-Pass Road to the intersection of Mandahl Road; thence across the road to the point where the road meets the eastern boundary line of lots #11 D3, 11 D2 and 29 Estate Tabor and Harmony; thence northerly along this boundary to the shoreline; thence westerly along the shoreline to the point of beginning. (f) The limits of the West End Census Subdistrict are as follows: Beginning at a point on the shoreline of John Brewers Bay where the culvert meets the water, the line runs: along the culvert to Black Point Road; thence westerly along Black Point Road to the intersection of Saugus Road; thence easterly along Saugus Road to the intersection of Estate Pearl Road; thence easterly along Estate Pearl Road to the intersection of an unnamed road that runs northerly to Mail Bay; thence northerly along the unnamed road to its northernmost point; thence due north in a straight line to the shoreline; thence westerly along the shoreline to the point of beginning. (g) The Water Island Census Subdistrict consists of Water Island and Hassel Island. History: Added Oct. 1, 1979, No. 4349, § 2, Sess. L. 1979, p. 125.

The Island of St. John is divided into the Cruz Bay, Central, Coral Bay and East End Census Subdistricts with limits as follows: (a) The limits of the Cruz Bay Census Subdistrict are as follows: Beginning at a point along the Fish Bay shoreline where the National Park boundary meets the water, the line runs inland along the National Park boundary to the Cruz Bay shoreline; thence southerly along the shoreline to the point of beginning. (b) The limits of the Central Census Subdistrict are as follows: Beginning at a point along the Fish Bay shoreline where the National Park boundary meets the water, the line runs: inland along the National along the shoreline to the National Park boundary at Menneback Bay; thence southerly along the National Park boundary to the Elk Bay shoreline; thence westerly along the shoreline to the National Park boundary at Coral Harbor; thence inland along the National Park boundary to the Drunk Bay shoreline; thence westerly along the shoreline to the point of beginning. (c) The limits of the Coral Bay Census Subdistrict are as follows: Beginning at a point along the Drunk Bay shoreline where the National Park boundary meets the water, the line runs inland along the National Park boundary to the Coral Harbor shoreline; thence southerly along the shoreline to the point of beginning. (d) The limits of the East End Census Subdistrict are as follows: Beginning at a point along the Menneback Bay shoreline where the National Park boundary meets the water, the line runs southerly along the National Park boundary to the Elk Bay shoreline; thence easterly along the shoreline to the point of beginning. History: Added Oct. 1, 1979, No. 4349, § 2, Sess. L. 1979, p. 125.

The Island of St. Croix is divided into the Christiansted, Sion Farm, Northcentral, Northwest, Frederiksted, Southwest, Southcentral, Anna's Hope Village, and East End Census Subdistricts with limits as follows: (a) The limits of Christiansted Census Subdistrict are as follows: Beginning at the Altona Lagoon Bridge on the northeast shoreline of Fort Augusta, the line runs: southerly to Mount Welcome Road; thence southerly along Mount Welcome Road to the intersection of East End Road; thence westerly along East End Road to the intersection of Recovery Hill Road; thence southerly along Recovery Hill Road to the point where Recovery Hill Road divides into east and west branches; thence continuing southerly along the west branch of Recovery Hill Road to the point where it intersects an imaginary line extending due east from the old concrete water tank (situated near the corner of Queen Cross Street and Little Hospital Street); thence due west along the imaginary line to the concrete water tank; thence southwesterly in a straight line to the steel water tank (situated at the end of the southeasterly extension of Prince Street); thence northwesterly in a straight line to the point on the southwesterly extension of Fisher Street where it meets an imaginary straight line extending southeasterly from and along Market Street (near the point on the extension of Fisher Street where the hill up from Prince Street levels off); thence westerly along the extension of Fisher Street; thence continuing westerly on the road that runs behind the Peter's Farm Apartments; thence continuing on this road around the west end of said apartments to the point (near the water tank at Peter's Farm Apartments) where it intersects the road that runs easterly from the southwest corner of the public cemetery; thence westerly along said road to the southwest corner of the public cemetery; thence westerly in a straight line to the point on Contentment Road (at the intersection of the access road to the ice and textile factories) where Contentment Road makes its first turn to the right as it comes south from its intersection with Northside and Western Suburbs Roads (the latter being a westerly extension of King Street); thence westerly along Contentment and Old Centerline Roads to the intersection of Orange Grove Road; thence northerly along Orange Grove Road to the intersection of Northside Road (at traffic light near Pueblo); thence northeasterly along Northside Road to the intersection of a road that runs between Elena L. Christian Jr. High on the left and Charles Harwood Hospital on the right; thence northeasterly along this road to its farthest point; thence along an imaginary straight line extending northeasterly from and along this road to the shoreline (near Ralph deChabert Project); thence easterly along the shoreline to the point of beginning. (b) The limits of the Sion Farm Census Subdistrict are as follows: Beginning at a point at the southernmost tip of the mouth of Sugar Bay, the line runs: due west to Salt River Road; thence southwesterly along Salt River Road to the intersection of Northside Road; thence southwesterly along Northside Road to the intersection of Old Centerline Road; thence easterly along Old Centerline Road to the intersection of Orange Grove Road; thence northeasterly along Orange Grove Road to the intersection of Northside Road (traffic light near Pueblo); thence northeasterly along Northside Road to the intersection of a road that runs between Elena L. Christian Jr. High on the left and Charles Harwood Hospital on the right; thence northeasterly along this road to the shoreline (near Ralph deChabert Project); thence westerly along the shoreline to the point of beginning. (c) The limits of the Northcentral Census Subdistrict are as follows: Beginning at a point at the southernmost tip of the mouth of Sugar Bay, the line runs: due west to Salt River Road; thence southwesterly along Salt River Road to the intersection of Northside Road; thence southwesterly along Northside Road to the intersection of Centerline Road; thence westerly along Centerline Road to the intersection of Adventure Road; thence northerly along an unnamed road to the intersection of Midland Road and River Road; thence northerly along River Road; thence continuing northerly along Fountain Valley Road to its farthest point at Parasol Cliff; thence along an imaginary straight line extending northerly from and along this road to the shoreline; thence easterly along the shoreline to the point of beginning. (d) The limits of the Northwest Census Subdistrict are as follows: Beginning at a point on the shoreline below Parasol Cliff where an imaginary straight line extending northerly from and along an unnamed road meets the water, the line runs: southerly along the imaginary line to the unnamed road; thence southerly along the unnamed road to the intersection of Scenic Road and Fountain Valley Road; thence continuing southerly along Fountain Valley Road to River Road; thence continuing southerly along River Road to the intersection of Midland Road and an unnamed road that runs southerly to the intersection of Adventure Road and Centerline Road; thence southerly along this unnamed road to the intersection of Centerline Road and Adventure Road; thence westerly along Centerline Road to the intersection of Concordia Road; thence northwesterly along Concordia Road and LaGrange Road to the farthest point of LaGrange Road (at the intersection of the road that parallels the shoreline north of Frederiksted); thence along an imaginary straight line extending westerly from and along LaGrange Road to the shoreline (near St. Croix Country Club); thence northerly along the shoreline to the point of beginning. (e) The limits of the Frederiksted Census Subdistrict are as follows: Beginning at a point on the shoreline (near St. Croix Country Club) where an imaginary straight line extending westerly from and along LaGrange Road meets the water, the line runs: easterly along the imaginary line to the farthest point of LaGrange Road (at its intersection with a road that parallels the shoreline north of Frederiksted); thence southeasterly along LaGrange Road and Concordia Road to the intersection of Centerline Road; thence westerly along Centerline Road to the dead ending of its extension into Estate Hesselberg; thence continuing along an imaginary straight line extending westerly from and along the extension of Centerline Road to a point where it meets the proposed highway; thence northerly along the proposed highway to the top of the Great Salt Pond; thence due west to the shoreline; thence northerly along the shoreline to the point of beginning. (f) The limits of the Southwest Census Subdistrict are as follows: Beginning at a point along the southern shoreline where an imaginary straight line extending southerly from and along the extension of Western Airport Road through Enfield Green meets the water, the line runs: northerly along the imaginary line to the southernmost point of the extension of Western Airport Road; thence continuing northerly along the extension of Western Airport Road and along Western Airport Road to the intersection of Centerline Road; thence westerly along Centerline Road to the dead ending of its extension into Estate Hesselberg; thence continuing along an imaginary straight line extending westerly from and along the extension of Centerline Road to a point where it meets the proposed highway; thence northerly along the proposed highway to the top of the Great Salt Pond; thence due west to the shoreline; thence southerly along the shoreline to the point of beginning. (g) The limits of the Southcentral Census Subdistrict are as follows: Beginning at a point on the southeast shoreline of Cane Garden Bay where an imaginary straight line extending southerly from and along the extension of Humbug Road meets the water, the line runs: northerly to the extension of Humbug Road; thence continuing northerly along the extension of Humbug Road and along Humbug Road to the intersection of Old Centerline Road; thence along Old Centerline Road and Centerline Road to the intersection of Western Airport Road; thence southerly along Western Airport Road and its extension through Enfield Green to its southernmost point; thence along an imaginary straight line extending southerly from and along the extension of Western Airport Road to the shoreline; thence easterly along the shoreline to the point of beginning. (h) The limits of the Anna's Hope Village Census Subdistrict are as follows: Beginning at a point on the southeast shoreline of Milord Point where an imaginary straight line extending southerly from and along the north-south portion of Petronella Road meets the water, the line runs: northerly along the imaginary line to the southeasternmost point of Petronella Road (its common corner); thence continuing northerly along Petronella Road to the intersection of East End Road; thence westerly along East End Road to the intersection of Recovery Hill Road; thence southerly along Recovery Hill Road to the point where Recovery Hill Road divides into east and west branches; then continuing southerly along the West branch of Recovery Hill Road to the point where it intersects an imaginary line extending due east from the old concrete water tank (situated near the corner of Queen Cross Street and Little Hospital Street); thence due west along the imaginary line to the concrete water tank; thence southwesterly in a straight line to the steel water tank (situated at the end of the southeasterly extension of Prince Street); thence northwesterly in a straight line to the point on the southwesterly extension of Fisher Street where it meets an imaginary straight line extending southeasterly from and along Market Street (near the point on the extension of Fisher Street where the hill up from Prince Street levels off); thence westerly along the extension of Fisher Street; thence continuing westerly on the road that runs behind the Peter's Farm Apartments; thence continuing on this road around the west end of said apartments to the point (near the water tank at Peter's Farm Apartments) where it intersects the road that runs easterly from the southwest corner of the public cemetery; thence westerly along said road to the southwest corner of the public cemetery; thence westerly in a straight line to the point on Contentment Road (at the intersection of the access road to the ice and textile factories) where Contentment Road makes its first turn to the right as it comes south from its intersection with Northside and Western Suburbs Roads (the latter being a westerly extension of King Street); thence westerly along Contentment and Old Centerline Roads to the intersection of Humbug Road; thence southerly along Humbug Road and its extension to its farthest point; thence continuing along an imaginary straight line extending southerly from and along the extension of Humbug Road to the shoreline of Cane Garden Bay; thence easterly along the shoreline to the point of beginning. (i) The limits of the East End Census Subdistrict are as follows: Beginning at the Altona Lagoon Bridge on the northeast shoreline of Fort Augusta, the line runs: southerly to Mount Welcome Road; thence southeasterly along Mount Welcome Road to the intersection of East End Road; thence easterly along East End Road to the intersection of Petronella Road; thence southerly along Petronella Road to its southeastern-most point (the common corner); thence continuing along an imaginary straight line extending southerly from and along the north-south portion of Petronella Road to the shoreline at Milord Point; thence easterly along the shoreline to the point of beginning. History: Added Oct. 1, 1979, No. 4349, § 2, Sess. L. 1979, p. 125.

(a) Savana, Cockroach, and Saba Islands, Salt, Dutchcap, and West Cays, Cricket and Dry Rocks, and adjacent islets and cays shall be a part of the West End Census Subdistrict of St. Thomas. (b) Inner Brass, Outer Brass, Hans Lollick, and Little Hans Lollick, and adjacent islets and cays shall be a part of the Northside Census Subdistrict of St. Thomas. (c) Great St. James, Little St. James, Thatch Cay, and Dog Island, and adjacent islets and cays shall be a part of the East End Census Subdistrict of St. Thomas. (d) Buck Island (St. Thomas) and Capella Island and adjacent islets and cays shall be a part of the Southside Census Subdistrict of St. Thomas. (e) Grass, Mingo, Congo and Lovango Cays, the Durloe Cays, and Whistling Cay and adjacent islets and cays shall be a part of the Central Census Subdistrict of St. John. (f) Leduck Island and adjacent islets and cays shall be a part of the Coral Bay Census Subdistrict of St. John. (g) Flanagan Island and adjacent islets and cays shall be a part of the East End Census Subdistrict of St. John. (h) Buck Island (St. Croix) and adjacent islets and cays shall be a part of the East End Census Subdistrict of St. Croix. (i) Any other islet, rock or cay not heretofore specifically referred to in sections 87 through 90 of this chapter shall be a part of that Census Subdistrict which is geographically nearest to it. History: Added Oct. 1, 1979, No. 4349, § 2, Sess. L. 1979, p. 125.

(a) As used in this section Geographical Information System or "GIS" means an entire formula, pattern, compilation, program, device, method, technique, process, digital data base or system that electronically records, stores, reproduces and manipulates by computer, geographic information system data. (b) The Lieutenant Governor, in consultation with the Commissioner of the Department Public Works for purposes of coordination with the Commissioner's responsibilities under 20 V.I.C., § 1(e) shall develop, update and maintain a street and address directory that consists of a computerized geographic information system that includes an electronic file listing street names and addresses, road and thoroughfare addresses, geographic sectors and reference points, including base data regarding residences, businesses, bridges, utilities, easements, servitudes, rights-of-way, topography, subdivisions and other necessary information for incorporation into mobile Global Positioning Systems for assisting emergency service providers in locating addresses and geographic areas throughout the Territory. The creation of the street and address directory must be supported by the development of street names, and the implementation of a logical and standardized street addressing system that permits numbering that is sequential for mapping purposes. (c) The Lieutenant Governor shall determine the method of creation, maintenance, use and distribution of the geographical information system and may enter into licensing agreements for the use of data from the Geographical Information System. The Lieutenant Government shall promulgate regulations for the use of geographical data collected and maintained throughout the Territory. (d) The Lieutenant Governor shall submit to the Legislature at commencement of each regular legislative session any recommendations for the naming of streets and other geographic areas. History: Added Oct. 15, 2010, No. 7231, § 1, Sess. L. 2010, pp. 251, 252.

The following design constitutes the Flag of the Virgin Islands of the United States: Upon a field argent (white) between the block letters V and I azure (blue) an American Eagle (yellow) displayed and bearing upon his breast the shield of the United States of America and having in his dexter talon a sprig of laurel vert (green) and in his sinister talon a bundle of three arrows azure (blue). The blue of the letters V.I. and the three arrows shall be azure blue. The blue of the chief of the shield is the blue of the arms and flag of the United States of America.

(a) The Legislature finds and declares: (1) The movement to develop an official Madras Pattern for the Virgin Islands began with informal conversations between tradition and culture bearers from the Territory, to include Delta Dorsch, Dorothy Elskoe, Eulalie Rivera, Bradley Christian, Ruth Moolenaar, Gene Emanuel, Lois Habtes, and Myron D. Jackson and who participated in the Smithsonian Institution Folklife Festival in 1990 at the National Mall in Washington, D.C. (2) Madras Fabric has been used for feminine adornment, masquerading traditions, cultural events, and ceremonies for more than one hundred seventy-two years. In observance of the 150th Emancipation in 1998 the Madras fabric was selected as the official cloth for the celebration. (3) For over a century various fabric stores in the former Danish West Indies and the Virgin Islands of the United States have sold Madras cloth as a commodity of trade and demand. (4) It is recognized that adopting a National Fabric has been used across the world as a galvanizing symbol of unity among people throughout time. (5) In 2015 while participating in the Limpricht Park Vintage & Collectibles Fair, a conversation between the St. Croix Heritage Dancers and Christiansted Community Alliance and textile artist, Debbie Sun, inspired the St. Croix Heritage Dancers, the oldest quadrille group in the Territory, to apply for a grant from the Virgin Islands Council on the Arts to develop an official madras pattern for the Territory and out of several concepts developed, one was chosen by the organization as the best prototype for an official design. (6) The St. Croix Heritage Dancers, Inc. is a not-for profit organization and the oldest traditional cultural and heritage dance group in existence, for more than 50 years, with a focus on preserving history and culture in the Virgin Islands of the United States hereafter referred to as the "U.S. Virgin Islands". (7) Mr. Bradley A. Christian Culture Bearer and Founder/Director of the St. Croix Heritage Dancers, Inc. has long identified that most Caribbean islands have a specific Madras Plaid print/design representing their island, typically using the colors of their island flags. (8) It has been historically identified that there is no specific Madras Plaid print/design representing the "U.S. Virgin Islands". (9) The conversation was initiated by Mr. Bradley A. Christian Founder/Director of the St. Croix Heritage Dancers, Inc. with Mrs. Mary Dema, President of Christiansted Community Alliance at the Limpricht Park Vintage and Collectible Fair about designing and facilitating the authentication/legislation of an official Madras Plaid print/design for the "U.S. Virgin Islands" hereafter referred to as "V.I. Madras". (10) The St. Croix Heritage Dancers, Inc. successfully obtained funding for its project "Madras Plaid for the V.I." through a grant from the Virgin Islands Council on the Arts for "creating the V.I. Madras; and design; Researching the Madras Plaid of other Caribbean islands; Manufacturer sourcing, Digital sample printing; Design presentation; and Community interaction". The St. Croix Heritage Dancers, Inc. commissioned Ms. Debbie Sun, textile designer of Debbie Sun Textile Design Studio, to participate in the "V.I. Madras" development, design, collection, and community interaction process, the utilization of Madras Plaid is an important component of "U.S. Virgin Islands" culture that has been embraced in our cultural attire and at functions in the past and present. (11) The declaration/legislation of an official "V.I. Madras" Plaid print/design will foster territorial togetherness and pride, serving as a common thread that unifies us with other Caribbean islands, while celebrating, honoring and preserving the culture and identity of the "U.S. Virgin Islands". (12) The official "V.I. Madras" Plaid print/design presents colors representing iconic symbols of our "U.S. Virgin Islands" history, culture, richness and beauty. (13) The official "V.I. Madras" Plaid print/design will be showcased on the cultural attire of dancers, performers, Moko Jumbies and various ceremonial attire within and outside of the "U.S. Virgin Islands". (14) The fabric originated in Madras, now known as Chennai, India, as a lightweight handwoven cotton material made primarily by working class Indians as part of the region's textile industry and as a commodity of trade by British merchants. (15) Usage of Madras on the African continent can be traced back to the 14th century as an item of trade, commerce, and adornment which is still found today worn amongst the Khalabari, who call it Injeri, and amongst the Igbo people of West Africa in the Delta Region of Nigeria, who call it George, for ceremonial purposes in weddings and where it is made into wrappers worn by women and men. During the Transatlantic Slave Trade, it was also a prized heirloom amongst African kings and chiefs. (16) The fabric's popularity through the Transatlantic Trade made it not only popular amongst African and Caribbean people, but Europeans as well, with the cloth going through a process of cultural authentication by Africans and people of the Caribbean to mean something more, and is now worn differently from how Europeans originally intended Madras to be traded, worn and used. (17) Although the fabric is a colonial product by trade, it has grown to become a cultural artifact for the African diaspora and has been reimagined throughout the Caribbean and the African Diaspora. (18) Madras found its way into the former Danish West Indies and has been linked in instances to resistance movements, to include the Bamboula dance, the Fireburn, and coal carrier strikes in the history of the Territory. (19) Noted St. Croix poet Richard Schrader's inaugural poem for former Governor Charles Wesley Turnbull entitled, "The Madras that Binds All Ahwe," expresses the symbolism of unity the cloth evokes in bringing the Virgin Islands together as a people and as a community with a blended story similar to the patterns of Madras. (20) The fabric became a cloth used by the free-colored and enslaved population in headdresses as an expression of status, such as single, married, divorced, and available and also by creole women who were sometimes asked to cover their hair because of the potential to arouse attention. (21) Madras is the fabric of choice used in cultural wear, costumes, masquerade traditions, and worn during special events such as in Quadrille dances, and is highlighted during observances such as Carnival, Festivals, Celebrations, and Independence events on all three islands. (22) In 2013, Quadrille was established as the official dance of the Virgin Islands and Quelbe as the official music of the Virgin Islands, and both cultural expressions are intertwined with dance, performance and the wearing of Madras clothing. (23) In recent times a modern Madras movement developed on St. Croix by millennials reclaiming and repurposing the fabric in current fashion, with several to include Simply Sophisticated Fun Troupe, Designs by Regal, Sanctuary Festival Troupe, Don't Pay Me No Mind (DPMNM) and modern Madras and countless photographers on all three islands, capturing Madras worn by local Virgin Islanders in initiatives promoting Carnival and Festival costumes, fashion, clothing designs, gallery exhibitions, including an array of themes and styles and artist discussions promoting the usage of Madras. (24) A collective of fashion designers under the auspices of Joseph Bess created the Madras Reimagined Fashion Show and Symposium in 2019, on the island of St. Croix, discussing madras culturally and historically, and showcasing the modern ways Madras can be worn, while giving entrepreneurial advantages to designers interested in their culture and fashion. (25) Establishing an Official Madras for the Territory will place the U.S. Virgin Islands among its peers, to include other Caribbean Island Nations such as St. Lucia, Dominica, Martinique, St. Kitts, Nevis, Guadeloupe, Antiqua, and Jamaica, to name a few, who have adopted unique patterns to distinguish their islands. (26) An official pattern for the Territory will serve as a branding tool for the unification of the Territory, cultural heritage, cultural heritage tourism product, and be uplifted as a symbol of pride for hundreds of thousands of Virgin Islanders at home and abroad who will all help in authenticating the pattern as the official cultural fabric of the Virgin Islands; and (27) Yellow represents the official flower of the Virgin Islands. Red represents strength and love; and green represents natural resources and production. Pink represents the conch shell and the call to freedom. Royal blue represents the deep sea and transport and discovery. Turquoise represents the natural beauty of the waters of the Territory, and white represents the original and traditional dress made of flour sacks. (b) The following design constitutes the official Madras of the Virgin Islands: A woven fabric in pattern of green, turquoise, royal blue, red, pink, yellow, and white. The design is a pattern that repeats every 7 inches in both the horizontal and vertical direction. Both the wrap (horizontal direction) and the weft (vertical direction) consist of the same color configuration. The colors are in the following order with a band of white in between each other: green, turquoise, royal blue, red, pink with four red stripes, and yellow. Each Madras may have the letters "V" and "I" embroidered into the fabric for ceremonial uses. (c) The Virgin Islands Madras design is the intellectual property of the Government of the Virgin Islands. The Office of the Governor shall apply for the copyrights of the design and the Madras fabric. Usage of the design of the fabric and distribution and sale of the fabric is regulated through licenses obtained through Virgin Islands Council on the Arts. Unlicensed usage is prohibited. History: Added Jan. 21, 2021, No. 8424, § 1, Sess. L. 2020, p. 310-313.

The Tecoma Stans (Yellow Elder or Yellow Cedar) constitutes the official Flower of the Virgin Islands.

The Queen Conch Shell (Strombus Gigas) is the official sea shell of the Virgin Islands. History: Added Oct. 15, 2013, No. 7527, § 1, Sess. L. 2013, p. 133.

(a) The Virgin Islands Medal of Honor, authorized, created, adopted, and prepared under the Resolution passed by the Eighteenth Legislative Assembly on August 20, 1954, and approved by the Governor on August 27, 1954, is continued. (b) The Medal of Honor shall be awarded only upon the adoption of a Resolution by the Legislature of the Virgin Islands recognizing a person who has rendered outstanding public service to the People of the Virgin Islands. (c) The Medal of Honor shall be presented at appropriate ceremonies to be arranged by the Legislature. (d) Whenever the supply of Medals becomes exhausted, the President of the Legislature may expend from appropriations then available the funds necessary for the preparation of an additional and reasonable number of Medals. The Medals shall continue to be cast in gold, and with the same design as that used in preparing previous Medals, unless a change in design is approved by the President of the Legislature.

(a) There is established the ceremonial Key to the Territory known as "The Official Key to the Virgin Islands." The key to the Virgin Islands must be engraved with a replica of the Official Seal of the Virgin Islands, as described in section 108. The Governor is responsible for having the ceremonial keys prepared and maintained in sufficient supply. (b) The Governor of the Virgin Islands shall maintain custody of the Official key to the Virgin Islands. Recipients of the Official Key to the Virgin Islands may be designated by the Governor or by the adoption of a resolution by the Legislature. (c) The Official Key to the Virgin Islands may be presented to: (1) persons who have performed significant civic service; (2) persons who have made outstanding achievements in or contributions to their fields of endeavor; (3) esteemed or distinguished guests of or visitors to the Territory; (4) other persons whom the Governor or the Legislature considers deserving of the honor. History: Added Jan. 21, 2016, No. 7824, § 3, Sess. L. 2015, p. 227.

(a) The Centennial Living Treasures Award Program is established to recognize and honor senior citizens who reside in the Virgin Islands upon attaining their 100th birthday and to provide special recognition to those centenarians who are preserving Virgin Islands culture as defined in 3 V.I.C. § 408(b)(1) [now repealed]. (b) The Department of Human Services, Division of Senior Citizens Affairs, shall administer the awards program established in subsection (a) and shall: (1) develop and maintain a genealogy database of all centennials, past and present, who are candidates or recipients of the award; (2) identify all persons residing in the Virgin Islands who have attained their 100th birthday; (3) quarterly submit the names, biographical information, and accomplishments of the award recipients to the Legislature of the Virgin Islands for passage of a resolution honoring the named recipient; and (4) promulgate such regulations as necessary to carry out the purpose of this section. (c) Upon a person's 100th birthday, the Commissioner of the Department of Human Services shall award the centenarian a grant of $5,000. (d) Recipients of the living trust award must have resided in the Virgin Islands for not less than 30 years and must be residing in the Virgin Islands when they attain the age of 100 years. (e) Recipients of the award may reside at a private home private senior care facility or at a government facility. (f) The Centennial Living Treasures Award Program Fund is established in the Treasury of the Virgin Islands as a separate and distinct fund administered by the Commissioner of Finance. The Fund consists of an annual appropriation by the Legislature of $25,000. The Commissioner of Finance shall disburse money from the Fund upon the warrant of the Commissioner of Human Services solely for grants to centenarians as provided in subsection (c). History: Added Dec. 20, 2016, No. 7956, § 2, Sess. L. 2016, p. 239, 240; amended Apr. 25, 2023, No. 8722, § 1(a), (b), Sess. L. 2023, p. 44.

(a) The composition consisting of words and music known as the "Virgin Islands March", the music for which was composed by Alton A. Adams, Sr., is designated as the Virgin Islands anthem. (b) When the Virgin Islands anthem is played, all present should stand and face toward the music when no flag is displayed. When the Flag is displayed, all present should stand and face the flag. History: Mar. 26, 1963, No. 1002, Sess. L. 1963, p. 248; amended June 11, 1982, No. 4715, § 1, Sess. L. 1982, p. 91.

(a) The composition consisting of lyrics and music known as "Valiant Virgin Isles", written and composed, by Gylchris Sprauve, is designated the Centennial Anthem of the Virgin Islands in commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the Transfer of the Danish West Indies, now the Virgin Islands, from Denmark to the United States of America. (b) "Valiant Virgin Isles" encourages Virgin Islands national pride and recognition of our history, culture and the courageous acts by our ancestors in our fight and struggles for self-determination. History: Added Jan. 14, 2021, No. 8417, § 2, Sess. L. 2020, p. 297.

The Yellow Breast (Coereba flaveola) is the official bird of the Virgin Islands. History: Added May 22, 1970, No. 2725, Sess. L. 1970, p. 128.

Quadrille, the visual and instrumental style of Virgin Islands' folk dance, which traces its ancestry to Africa and Europe, is the official traditional dance of the Virgin Islands. History: Added Nov. 23, 2004, No. 6718, § 1, Sess. L. 2004, p. 264.

(a) The President of the Legislature is hereby authorized to cause to be prepared a symbol of office for the Governor of the Virgin Islands. The symbol shall be a chain of ribbon and metal designed to be worn over the shoulder. There shall be seven gold circular shields and each shield shall be embossed with the flag or standard of each nation that has held sovereignty over the people of the Virgin Islands. These shields shall culminate in a large "V.I." on a golden plate, having at its base three pearls symbolizing the three major islands of the Virgin Islands and the date of the inauguration of the first elected Governor of the Virgin Islands. This symbol of office shall be presented to the Governor at the time of his inauguration. (b) During his term of office, the Governor of the Virgin Islands shall be the custodian of the Governor's Symbol of Office and he may wear the symbol on such ceremonial occasions, both within and without the Virgin Islands, as he deems appropriate. At least 48 hours prior to the inauguration of each new governor of the Virgin Islands, the incumbent governor shall return the Symbol of Office to the President of the Legislature. Upon retirement from office each Governor shall be given by the President of the Legislature a memento of the Governor's tenure in office. The memento shall be a gold shield with a blue shoulder piece with the Governor's name and the dates of his service as Governor. Upon presentation the memento shall become the personal property of the Governor. History: Dec. 30, 1970, No. 2908, Sess. L. 1970, p. 394; Feb. 3, 1971, No. 2927, Sess. L. 1970, p. 413.

Display; Hoisting and Lowering (a) The United States and Virgin Islands flags shall be displayed on or near the premises of every government building, and on or near the premises of every private and public school. (b) The flags shall be hoisted briskly at sunrise and lowered ceremoniously at sunset. (c) The flags are not required to be displayed on Saturdays, Sundays, or national or territorial holidays; except on Virgin Islands Flag Day. (d) This section shall be deemed to be the official policy of the Virgin Islands, but shall not be enforceable through any penalty sanctions. History: Added July 21, 1981, No. 4597, Sess. L. 1981, p. 94; amended Jan. 18, 2020, No. 8257, § 2, Sess. L. 2019, p. 159.

(a) There is hereby confirmed, as the official seal of the Virgin Islands of the United States, the Great Seal of the Virgin Islands of the United States as described in subsection (b) of this section. (b) The Great Seal of the Government of the Virgin Islands of the United States shall consist of the following design: In the foreground, a yellow breast (Coereba Flaveola), the official bird of the Virgin Islands, perched on a branch of the yellow cedar (Tecoma Stans), the official flower of the Virgin Islands, on the left end of which are three flowers, three seed pods and, on the right, three leaves of the plant; in the background, surrounding the bird and plant, are three islands representing the three major islands of the United States Virgin Islands, one with a sugarmill located on it, representing St. Croix, another with the Annaberg ruins, representing St. John, and the third with the Capitol Building, behind which are the flags of the United States of America and the Danneborg, representing St. Thomas; a scroll bearing the words, "United in Pride and Hope", is located on the lower edge of the design directly below the island representing St. Croix. Encircling the above-described design the words "Government of" are inscribed in the upper portion of the circle, and the words "The United States Virgin Islands" are inscribed in the lower portion of the circle. (c) The Great Seal of the Virgin Islands of the United States shall be used as the official seal of the departments and agencies of the Government of the Virgin Islands of the United States. However, nothing in this section shall be construed so as to limit use of other official seals by such departments and agencies or other branches of government. (d) Any person who maliciously or for commercial purposes uses or allows to be used any reproduction or facsimile of the Great Seal of the Government of the Virgin Islands of the United States in any manner whatsoever is guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be fined not more than $1,000 and imprisoned for not more than (6) months. (e) No person may use official government stationery for private or other nonofficial use. Any person violating the provisions of this subsection shall be fined not more than $500. History: Added Oct. 16, 1987, No. 5286, § 1, Sess. L. 1987, p. 142; amended June 8, 1990, No. 5577, § 1, Sess. L. 1990, p. 228.

Quelbe, the vocal and instrumental style of Virgin Islands' folk music which traces its ancestry to Africa and Europe, and which is a fusion of bamboula rhythms and chants, canso songs and melodies, is the official traditional Music of the Virgin Islands. History: Added Jan. 30, 2004, No. 6642, § 1, Sess. L. 2003, p. 262.

Park The Franklin Delano Roosevelt Virgin Islands Veterans' Memorial Park located in Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands is designated as one of the official parks of fallen veterans. History: Added Nov. 12, 2007, No. 6972, § 2, Sess. L. 2007, p. 181.

(a) The Legislature of the Virgin Islands finds and declares that: (1) The Virgin Islands boasts a rich culinary and cultural heritage that deserves recognition and celebration. "Fish and Fungi" stands as an iconic representation of our local cuisine, embodying the flavors, traditions, and history of our region. (2) "Fish" refers to a diverse array of aquatic species found in the Caribbean waters. These species include a wide variety of finfish and shellfish commonly used in Caribbean cuisine. Fish can be prepared through various cooking methods, including baking, boiling, stewing, and frying. The culinary preparation of fish is an integral part of the Virgin Islands' cultural heritage, and it showcases the unique flavors and traditions associated with the Virgin Islands' seafood offerings. Fish is a significant component of the local diet. It is celebrated for its versatility in dishes, predominantly "Fish and Fungi," that captures the essence of the Virgin Islands' culinary excellence. (3) "Fungi" (pronounced foon-JEE) is a traditional dish consisting of a cooked yellow cornmeal mixture that is often dotted with tender okra and thinned with chunks of butter. The dish has deep cultural roots, with its origins traced back to Africans from Kongo-Angola, who called their version of this dish "infundi." Over time, it evolved into "funji" in Barbados, Antigua, Barbuda, as well as in the Virgin Islands. It is also known by its Senegambian name, "cou-cou," in these same places. Fungi represents a significant culinary tradition that showcases the fusion of African and Caribbean influences, reflecting the diverse and rich cultural heritage of the Virgin Islands. (4) A "Tart" (pronounced taart) is a traditional Caribbean baked delicacy that bears a resemblance to an American pie. A tart has a unique, dense, and savory homemade crust, crafted with care and expertise. The crust of a tart is known for its exceptional flavor and texture, and it serves as the foundation for a delectable filling that features a variety of sweet tropical fruits. Tarts are celebrated for their rich, mouthwatering flavor and are a beloved baked good throughout the entire Caribbean region. Tarts have a deep cultural connection to the Caribbean, having been introduced to the region by our West African ancestors, and continue to be a cherished culinary tradition that reflects the vibrant and diverse heritage of the Virgin Islands. (b) "Fish and Fungi" is the official dish of the Virgin Islands and "Tart" is the official dessert of the Virgin Islands. History: Added July 10, 2024, No. 8841, § 1, Sess. L. 2024, p. -.

(a) A standing committee of the Legislature is created, to be officially known as the Legislature's Committee on Interstate Cooperation. The Committee shall consist of five members, including its chairman. The members shall be elected by the Legislature, which shall designate the member to serve as chairman. In addition to the regular members, the President of the Legislature shall be ex officio an honorary nonvoting member of this committee. (b) The standing committee referred to in subsection (a) of this section shall function during the regular sessions of the Legislature and also during the interim periods between such sessions. Its members shall serve until their successors are qualified, and such committee shall constitute for the Virgin Islands the Legislature Council of the American Legislators' Association.

A committee of administrative officials and employees of the Virgin Islands is created, to be officially known as the Governor's Committee on Interstate Cooperation, and to consist of five members. Its members shall be: The Commissioner of Finance, ex officio; the United States attorney, ex officio; the Chairman of the Virgin Islands Planning Board, ex officio; and two other administrative officials or employees to be designated by the Governor, each of whom shall serve for a term of one year. If there is uncertainty as to the identity of any of the ex officio members of this committee, the Governor shall determine the question, and his determination and designation shall be conclusive. The Governor shall appoint one of the five members of this committee as its chairman. In addition to the regular members, the Governor shall be ex officio an honorary nonvoting member of this committee.

Members (a) The Virgin Islands Commission on Interstate Cooperation, hereafter in this chapter referred to as the "Commission," is created. The Commission shall be composed of ten regular members, as follows- (1) the five members of the Legislature's Committee on Interstate Cooperation, and (2) the five members of the Governor's Committee on Interstate Cooperation. (b) The Governor and the President of the Legislature shall be ex officio honorary nonvoting members of the Commission. The Chairman of the Governor's Committee on Interstate Cooperation shall be ex officio Chairman of the Commission and the Chairman of the Legislature's Committee on Interstate Cooperation shall be ex officio first Vice-Chairman of the Commission. (c) Members of the Commission shall serve without compensation for such service, but they shall be paid their necessary expenses in carrying out their obligations under this chapter.

The Commission may employ a secretary and a stenographer, it may incur such other expenses as may be necessary for the proper performance of its duties, and it may, by contributions to the Council of State Governments, participate with States of the United States in maintaining such Council's district and central secretariats and other governmental services.

The Commission shall- (1) carry forward the participation of the Virgin Islands as a member of the Council of State Governments; (2) encourage and assist the legislative, executive, administrative and judicial officials and employees of the Virgin Islands to develop and maintain friendly contact by correspondence, by conference, and otherwise, with officials and employees of States of the United States, of the Federal Government, and of local units of government; (3) endeavor to advance cooperation between the Virgin Islands and other units of government whenever it seems advisable to do so by formulating proposals for, and by facilitating- (A) the adoption of compacts; (B) the enactment of uniform or reciprocal statutes; (C) the adoption of uniform or reciprocal administrative rules and regulations; (D) the informal cooperation of governmental offices with one another; (E) the personal cooperation of governmental officials and employees with one another, individually; (F) the interchange and clearance of research and information; and (G) any other suitable process; and (4) do all such acts as will, in the opinion of the Commission, enable the Virgin Islands to do its part-or more than its part-in forming a more nearly perfect union among the various governments in the United States and in developing the Council of State Governments for that purpose.

Compensation; Advisory Boards (a) The Commission shall establish such delegations and committees as it deems advisable, in order that they may confer and formulate proposals concerning effective means to secure intergovernmental harmony, and may perform other functions for the Commission in obedience to its decisions. Subject to the approval of the Commission, members of each delegation or committee shall be appointed by the Chairman of the Commission. Officials or employees of the Virgin Islands who are not members of the Commission may be appointed as members of a delegation or committee, but private citizens holding no governmental position in the Virgin Islands shall not be eligible. The Commission may provide such other rules as it considers appropriate concerning the membership and the functioning of a delegation or committee. Members of the delegations and committees established by the Commission shall serve without compensation, but they shall be paid their necessary expenses in carrying out their obligations under this chapter. (b) The Commission may provide for advisory boards for itself and for its various delegations and committees, and may authorize private citizens to serve on the boards.

The Commission shall report to the Governor and to the Legislature within fifteen days after the convening of each regular legislative session, and at such other times as it deems appropriate.

The Committees and the Commission created by this chapter shall be informally known, respectively, as the Legislature's Cooperation Committee, the Governor's Cooperation Committee and the Virgin Islands Cooperation Commission.

The Council of State Governments is declared to be a joint governmental agency of the Virgin Islands and of the States of the United States which cooperate through it.

Acts Under Law Or Contract (a) The following days are legal holidays in the Virgin Islands: Every Sunday January 1 (New Year's Day) January 6 (Three King's Day) Third Monday in January (Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Birthday) Third Monday in February (Presidents Day) March 31 (Transfer Day) Holy Thursday Good Friday Easter Monday Last Monday in May (Memorial Day) June 19 (Juneteenth National Independence Day) July 3 (V.I. Emancipation Day) -Danish West Indies Emancipation Day July 4 (Independence Day) First Monday in September (Labor Day) Second Monday in October (Columbus Day and Puerto Rico Friendship Day) November 1 (D. Hamilton Jackson Day) November 11 (Veterans Day) Fourth Thursday in November (Thanksgiving Day) December 25 (Christmas Day) December 26 (Christmas Second Day) and such other days as the President or the Governor may by proclamation declare to be holidays. Any national holidays listed in this subsection must be observed on the specific date unless observed on another date by the federal government. Whenever any local holiday (other than Sunday) falls upon a Sunday, the Governor by Proclamation may, in his discretion, grant administrative leave on the following Monday, except that Organic Act Day (Third Monday in June), Supplication Day (Fourth Monday in July) and Local Thanksgiving Day (Third Monday in October) shall be observed on the preceding Sunday. (b) Distilled liquor and drinks prepared therewith shall not be served in public places of refreshments between the hours of 9:00 o'clock in the morning and 4:00 o'clock in the afternoon on Good Friday. Whoever violates this subsection shall be fined not more than $200 or imprisoned not more than one year, or both. (c) Whenever any act is appointed by law or contract to be performed upon a particular day, which day falls upon a holiday, that act may be performed upon the next business day with the same effect as if it had been performed upon the day appointed. History: Amended Feb. 16, 1970, No. 2632, § 1, Sess. L. 1970, p. 20; Jan. 19, 1971, No. 2924, Sess. L. 1970, p. 410, 411; Feb. 19, 1971, No. 2943, Sess. L. 1971, p. 6; Dec. 6, 1972, No. 3349, Sess. L. 1972, p. 524; July 8, 1974, No. 3596, § 1, Sess. L. 1974, p. 192; July 7, 1981, No. 4579, Sess. L. 1981, p. 75; May 16, 1984, No. 4936, § 1, Sess. L. 1984, p. 135; Oct. 4, 1985, No. 5098, § 2, Sess. L. 1985, p. 139; Dec. 2, 1999, No. 6333, § 13, Sess. L. 1999, p. 187; amended Apr. 25, 2023, No. 8704, § 2(a)-(c), Sess. L. 2023, p. 13.

History: Repealed. Mar. 5, 2005, No. 6727, § 17, Sess. L. 2005, p. 59.

History: Repealed. Mar. 5, 2005, No. 6727, § 17, Sess. L. 2005, p. 59.

The first Monday in September shall be observed as West Indies Solidarity Day throughout the Virgin Islands. History: Added Feb. 20, 1964, No. 1076, § 1, Sess. L. 1964, p. 20.

Recognition shall be given to contributions made by the people of the West Indies to the economic and social life of the Virgin Islands on West Indies Solidarity Day. History: Added Feb. 20, 1964, No. 1076, § 2, Sess. L. 1964, p. 20.

At least 15 days prior to West Indies Solidarity Day the Governor shall issue a proclamation throughout the Virgin Islands calling attention to contributions of workers from all over the West Indies to the economic and social life of the people of the Virgin Islands. History: Added Feb. 20, 1964, No. 1076, § 3, Sess. L. 1964, p. 20.

The Governor is authorized to appoint a committee for the celebration of West Indies Solidarity Day in the Virgin Islands. The committee shall consist of seven members who shall be in charge of organizing a program for the celebration of West Indies Solidarity Day. History: Added Feb. 20, 1964, No. 1076, § 4, Sess. L. 1964, p. 20.

The first Friday of the month of May of each year shall be observed as Teachers' Day throughout the Virgin Islands. On that day, preferential attention shall be given in the schools to the holding of the public acts and demonstrations which, as homage to school teachers, may be announced as provided in sections 173 - 175 of this title.

Teachers' Day The Governor of the Virgin Islands, on occasion of Teachers' Day and at least fifteen days in advance, shall promulgate through a proclamation that shall be announced in the press and by radio, the date on which shall be rendered a tribute of admiration for the work of school teachers, and he shall recommend such public or private acts and demonstrations as may be carried out in celebration of Teachers' Day in the Virgin Islands.

As soon as the proclamation of the Governor to which section 173 of this title refers is published, a committee to be known as "Committee for the Celebration of Teachers' Day", shall be organized and shall be in charge of managing and directing the acts, demonstrations, and other public activities to be observed on Teachers' Day. The Commissioner of Education and the Assistant Commissioner of Education shall serve as Chairman ex officio, and Vice-Chairman ex officio, respectively, of the Committee for the Celebration of Teachers' Day. There shall be six additional members of this committee, who shall be appointed by the Governor for each annual celebration of Teachers' Day, of whom at least two shall reside in St. Thomas, two shall reside in St. Croix, and one shall reside in St. John. The additional members shall be persons representing public opinion, who may also represent local institutions of an educational, cultural, and civic nature.

(a) Annually, and as part of the observance of Teachers' Day, the Virgin Islands Board of Education shall cause to be selected on an objective basis, one teacher in St. Croix and one teacher in St. Thomas and St. John, whose all-around proficiency, devotion to duty and conduct qualify them for special recognition. (b) The teachers selected for the recognition referred to in subsection (a) of this section shall be referred to as "Teacher of the Year, St. Croix" and "Teacher of the Year, St. Thomas -St. John", and shall be presented with a suitable award which may include cash, medals, or a grant for study during the summer period in the United States or elsewhere. History: Added Feb. 26, 1965, No. 1308, Sess. L. 1965, Pt. I, p. 27.

The festivals and all other acts which, under sections 172 - 174 of this title, may be held in the Virgin Islands on Teachers' Day, shall be understood as homage and tribute of appreciation to- (1) all persons who, having licenses from the Department of Education to act as teachers in the public and private schools of the Virgin Islands, are practicing as such on the date of the celebration of Teachers' Day, or who, being entitled to practice, are on leave; (2) all teachers who have been retired in accordance with the laws of the Virgin Islands or who are enjoying a pension for physical disability contracted while they were teaching; (3) all officials and employees of the Department of Education, and former Commissioners and Superintendents of Education who have practiced as teachers; (4) the deceased teachers who distinguished themselves during their apostleship by reason of their faculties as educators and mentors of youth; and (5) the professors of American or foreign universities or colleges recognized in the Virgin Islands, who are in this territory on a cultural mission or are guests of honor of any of our educational institutions.

A day in August or September in each year designated by the President of the Legislature shall be declared "Virgin Islands Citizenship Day" to be celebrated by appropriate festivities in New York City each year by all Virgin Islanders resident and visiting in the continental United States and by all friends of the Virgin Islands. History: Added Apr. 18, 1967, No. 1938, § 1, Sess. L. 1967, p. 132; amended July 11, 1967, No. 2026, § 1, Sess. L. 1967, p. 402.

History: Repealed. June 24, 1987, No. 5265, § 1304(b), Sess. L. 1987, p. 103.

(a) Annually on the anniversary of the birthdate of Florence Nightingale the Virgin Islands Nurses' Association shall cause to be selected on an objective basis, one nurse from St. Croix and one nurse from St. Thomas or St. John, whose all around professional proficiency, devotion to duty and conduct qualify them for special recognition. (b) The nurses selected for the recognition referred to in subsection (a) of this section shall be referred to as "Nurse of the Year-St. Croix" and "Nurse of the Year-St. Thomas-St. John". The two nurses selected each year shall each be presented with cash award of $500 and a suitable plaque. The Virgin Islands Nurses' Association shall select the name for each of the two awards in honor of a deceased outstanding Virgin Islands' nurse, one from St. Croix and one from St. Thomas or St. John. History: Added Oct. 1, 1970, No. 2836, Sess. L. 1970, p. 329.

(a) The second week in December shall be observed as "Human Relations Day" throughout the Virgin Islands. (b) At least 15 days prior to Human Relations Week, the Governor shall issue a proclamation calling on residents of the Virgin Islands, schools, churches, civic organizations, labor unions and political parties to join together in appropriate ceremonies to reflect upon the common dignity of all men without regard to race, creed, ethnic or cultural backgrounds and to reaffirm that all men are created equal in the sight of their Creator. (c) The Governor is authorized to appoint a committee each year to develop appropriate plans, programs and ceremonies for the celebration of Human Relations Week in the Virgin Islands. History: Added Apr. 15, 1971, No. 2994, Sess. L. 1971, p. 113, 114.

Each year Monday of Fire Prevention Week shall be known and designated as George Scott Day in the Virgin Islands. Appropriate ceremonies may be held in all public, private and parochial schools in the Virgin Islands on George Scott Day. Such ceremonies may include assemblies, dramatizations, skits, plays and/or guest speakers with the theme "Fire Prevention, Fire Hazard, Fire Fighting", centered around George Scott and his unselfish service and supreme sacrifice in the protection of his community's safety. The Commissioner of Education shall be responsible for reproducing and disseminating photographs and biographical data about George Scott to all private, public and parochial schools. History: Added Feb. 8, 1972, No. 3162, Sess. L. 1972, p. 3.

(a) The fourth Friday in August and the following ten (10) days thereafter shall be observed, each year, as the Caribbean Friendship Week Festival throughout the Virgin Islands. Such festival shall emphasize the bonds of friendship between all peoples of the Caribbean. (b) There are hereby created two Caribbean Friendship Week committees, one for St. Thomas-St. John and one for St. Croix. Each committee shall be composed of five members to be appointed by the President of the Legislature. One member of each committee shall be a member of the Legislature representing the districts of St. Thomas-St. John and St. Croix, respectively. The remainder of such members shall be chosen from among citizens and non-citizens interested in furthering friendly relations between the Virgin Islands and its Caribbean neighbors. The members of each committee shall serve for two years. History: Added Mar. 11, 1972, No. 3179, Sess. L. 1972, p. 32; amended Mar. 26, 1973, No. 3408, § 1, Sess. L. 1973, p. 32; May 28, 1981, No. 4553, Sess. L. 1981, p. 49; Oct. 19, 1995, No. 6085, § 7, Sess. L. 1995, p. 217.

The last week in April shall be observed as "Secretaries Week" throughout the Virgin Islands. At least fifteen (15) days prior to the beginning of Secretaries Week the Governor shall issue a proclamation calling upon all citizens of the Virgin Islands and in particular the employers of secretaries in Government and private enterprise to join together to give special recognition to the secretaries of the Virgin Islands. The Governor is authorized to appoint a committee each year to develop appropriate plans, programs and special events to mark the celebration of Secretaries Week. History: Added Mar. 9, 1972, No. 3180, Sess. L. 1972, p. 33; amended Apr. 26, 1972, No. 3218, Sess. L. 1972, p. 81; May 1, 1974, No. 3563, Sess. L. 1974, p. 91.

The 4th day in August of each year shall be observed as "Nicole Robin Day" throughout the Virgin Islands, in commemoration of the safe return of the Nicole Robin and her crew on August 4, 1973, after a harrowing twenty-three day experience, most of which was spent in the hands of Communist Cuban Authorities. Nicole Robin Day shall be celebrated by appropriate ceremonies and festivities throughout the Virgin Islands giving thanks for the deliverance of the Nicole Robin and her crew. History: Added Jan. 13, 1975, No. 3659, Sess. L. 1974, p. 290.

(a) May 15 of each year shall be observed as "Peace Officers Memorial Day" and the calendar week during which such May 15 occurs shall be observed as "Virgin Islands Police Week". (b) At least 15 days prior to Virgin Islands Police Week, the Governor shall issue a proclamation calling upon residents of the Virgin Islands, schools, civic organizations and other organizations to plan appropriate observances of the occasion. (c) The Police Commissioner is authorized to plan programs, exhibits, and other presentations which are designed to acquaint the public with various aspects of crime control and prevention and to further understanding of the structure, methods and capabilities of the police force. (d) There are hereby created two Virgin Islands Police Awards Committees, one for the District of St. Thomas-St. John and one for the District of St. Croix. Each committee shall consist of five members, three of whom shall not be members of the Police Division or employees of the U.S. Virgin Islands Police Department (V.I.P.D.), to be appointed by the Governor. The members of each committee shall serve for one year and may be reappointed for additional terms. Each committee shall choose annually from among the members of the police force in its district those police personnel whom it deems deserving of special recognition because of an outstanding act of heroism, all-round professional proficiency, devotion to duty or other outstanding conduct. Each committee shall, in addition, select one member of the police force in each District to be recognized as "Policeman of the Year". The first committee in each District appointed pursuant to this act is authorized to determine an appropriate award in the form of a medal, ribbon or special plaque to be presented to those who are selected for recognition. History: Added May 9, 1978, No. 4124, § 1, Sess. L. 1978, p. 66; amended May 28, 1981, No. 4549, Sess. L. 1981, p. 45; June 15, 1984, No. 4964, § 1(b), Sess. L. 1984, p. 177.

The Governor of the Virgin Islands is hereby authorized and directed in each year to proclaim the calendar week in July ending with Bastille Day, the 14th day of the month as French Heritage Week. History: Added May 28, 1981, No. 4557, § 1, Sess. L. 1981, p. 51; amended June 17, 1993, No. 5864, § 8(3), Sess. L. 1993, p. 98.

(a) On August 7 of each year, the birthday of Melvin H. Evans shall be observed as "Melvin H. Evans Day" in the Virgin Islands. Appropriate ceremonies shall be held in all public schools in the Virgin Islands. Such ceremonies may include programs, assemblies and/or guest speakers. (b) The Commissioner of Education shall be responsible for the reproduction and dissemination of photographs and biographical data about Melvin H. Evans to all private, public and parochial schools. History: Added Nov. 20, 1985, No. 5111, § 1, Sess. L. 1985, p. 164.

(a) On October 5th of each year, the birthday of Rothschild Francis shall be observed as "Rothschild Francis Day" in the Virgin Islands. Appropriate ceremonies shall be held in all public schools in the Virgin Islands. Such ceremonies may include programs, assemblies, and guest speakers. (b) The Commissioner of Education shall be responsible for the reproduction and dissemination of information about Rothschild Francis to all private, public and parochial schools. History: Added Oct. 4, 1985, No. 5098, § 1, Sess. L. 1985, p. 139.

(a) April 7 of each year, the birthday of Cyril Emmanuel King, shall be observed as "Cyril Emmanuel King Day" in the Virgin Islands. Appropriate ceremonies shall be held in all public schools in the Virgin Islands. Such ceremonies may include programs, assemblies and/or guest speakers. (b) The Commissioner of Education shall be responsible for the reproduction and dissemination of photographs and biographical data about Cyril Emmanuel King to all private, public and parochial schools. History: Added Mar. 7, 1986, No. 5147, § 1, Sess. L. 1986, p. 28.

(a) The last week in October of each year shall be observed as "Virgin Islands Taxi Week" throughout the Virgin Islands. (b) At least 15 days prior to the beginning of Virgin Islands Taxi Week, the Governor shall issue a proclamation calling upon the residents of the Virgin Islands and commercial enterprises to join together to give special recognition to the taxi industry. History: Added Aug. 13, 1986, No. 5183, § 1, Sess. L. 1986, p. 196.

The second week in February shall be observed as "Midwives Week" throughout the Virgin Islands. History: Added Feb. 17, 1988, No. 5328, § 1, Sess. L. 1988, p. 103.

(a) The month of September of each year shall be observed as "Support our Public Schools Month" in the Virgin Islands. Appropriate ceremonies may be held in all public schools in the Virgin Islands. (b) The Commissioner of Education shall be responsible for the reproduction and dissemination of information on the public school system and photographs and biographical data about principals and educators, to all the public schools in the Territory. History: Added Sept. 1, 1989, No. 5451, Sess. L. 1989, p. 79.

(a) The third week in May shall be observed as "Virgin Islands African Heritage Week" and the 25th day of May shall be observed as "African Liberation Day". (b) At least fifteen (15) days prior to Virgin Islands African Heritage Week, the Governor shall issue a proclamation calling on all residents to join together in appropriate ceremonies to reflect upon our African heritage. (c) The Governor shall appoint a committee each year to coordinate with the Afrikaan Appraisal Workshop and other interested community groups and develop appropriate plans, programs and ceremonies for the celebration of African Heritage Week in the Virgin Islands. (d) The Legislature on African Liberation Day shall hold appropriate ceremonies on the grounds of the Capitol Building, Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas. Such ceremonies shall include the raising of the African liberation flag. History: Added Nov. 3, 1989, No. 5473, Sess. L. 1989, p. 136; amended June 4, 1991, No. 5708, Sess. L. 1991, p. 37.

(a) April 22nd of each year shall be observed as "Earth Day" throughout the Virgin Islands. (b) At least 15 days prior to Earth Day, the Governor of the Virgin Islands shall issue a proclamation calling upon the residents of the Virgin Islands to give special recognition for the concern of the environment on Earth Day. (c) The Commissioner of the Department of Planning and Natural Resources shall be responsible for publicizing Earth Day events throughout the Territory. History: Added June 5, 1990, No. 5564, Sess. L. 1990, p. 199.

The 2nd day in July of each year shall be observed as "Ferry Boat Transportation Day" throughout the Virgin Islands, in commemoration of ferry boat activities within the Territory. History: Added Sept. 5, 1990, No. 5598, Sess. L. 1990, p. 275.

(a) Three Kings Day shall be celebrated on January 6 each year, on the island of St. Croix. The celebration shall emphasize and maintain the Hispanic heritage and culture existing in the Virgin Islands, especially on the island of St. Croix. (b) There is hereby created a Three Kings Day Celebration Committee, composed of five members to be appointed by the Governor for the first year. The members of the committee shall be selected from recommendations submitted to the governor by Hispanic organizations on the island of St. Croix. The members of the committee shall serve for one year; shall annually elect a chairman, and are authorized to plan for, publicize and direct appropriate festivities and celebrations of Three Kings Day. (c) (1) There shall be an annual election for the members of the committee to be held no later than May 30th of each year. The committee shall solicit nominations from the community by March 30th of each year and shall publish the names of individuals so nominated in a newspaper of general circulation by April 30th of each year. The Committee shall be responsible for the conduct of the election. (2) The first such election shall be held by May 30, 1999. (d) The Police Commissioner, the Commissioner of Public Works, the Commissioner of Licensing and Consumer Affairs, and all relevant government agencies and departments shall facilitate the Committee in its planning by providing all necessary permits for parades and ancillary activities. History: Added Dec. 29, 1997, No. 6189, § 1, Sess. L. 1997, p. 107.

(a) April 25th of each year shall be observed as "Timothy Theodore Duncan Day". (b) The Commissioners of the Department of Sports, Parks and Recreation and the Department of Tourism shall be responsible for organizing and publicizing events throughout the Territory for the celebration of "Timothy Theodore Duncan Day". History: Added May 5, 1998, No. 6230, § 2, Sess. L. 1998, p. 326; amended Oct. 5, 2012, No. 7442, § 1, Sess. L. 2012, p. 340.

(a) November 23rd of each year shall be observed as "Virgin Islands Freedom Fighters Day" throughout the Virgin Islands. (b) At least fifteen days prior to Virgin Islands Freedom Fighters Day, the Governor of the Virgin Islands shall issue a proclamation calling upon the residents of the Virgin Islands to join together in appropriate ceremonies to reflect on this most important day in the history of the Virgin Islands. (c) The Commissioner of the Department of Education shall be responsible for the reproduction and dissemination of information on the 1733 African Slave Revolt to all public, private and parochial schools. (d) The Commissioner of Education shall also be responsible for organizing and publicizing events throughout public schools and the Territory for the celebration of "Virgin Islands Freedom Fighters Day". (e) In addition to any event organized on Virgin Islands Freedom Fighters Day pursuant to subsection (d) herein, the Legislature shall hold appropriate ceremonies on St. John. History: Added Aug. 17, 1999, No. 6285, § 2, Sess. L. 1999, p. 33.

The dates of June 26th through July 3rd of each year shall be observed as "Freedom Week" in the Virgin Islands to commemorate the emancipation of the enslaved persons in the Danish West Indies, now the Virgin Islands of the United States, and any other freedom struggles of oppressed people that are ideologically consistent therewith. Public ceremonies and programs recognizing and honoring Virgin Islands heroes shall be held throughout the Territory and on WTJX channel 12, the Public Television Station in the Virgin Islands. (a) At least fifteen (15) days prior to "Freedom Week", the Governor shall issue a proclamation calling upon all residents to join in appropriate ceremonies to reflect upon our ancestors' struggles. (b) The Governor shall appoint a committee each year to coordinate with Virgin Islands-based organizations and other interested community groups and develop appropriate plans, programs, marketing initiatives and ceremonies for the commemoration, memorialization and celebration of Virgin Islands Freedom Week throughout the Virgin Islands and our Caribbean sister/brother islands. (c) The Legislature on Emancipation Day in alliance with Virgin Islands-based governmental/nongovernmental organizations shall hold appropriate and official ceremonies on St. Croix, St. John and St. Thomas highlighting the historical narratives of freedom, liberation, self-determination and emancipation of the people, history, and culture of the Virgin Islands. (d) The Commissioner of Education shall be responsible for organizing and publicizing events throughout public schools to celebrate, acknowledge and commemorate history, culture, heroes, heroines, and more for Virgin Islands Freedom Week. (e) The Commissioner of Tourism shall be responsible for organizing and publicizing events throughout the Virgin Islands and abroad to commemorate, celebrate, acknowledge and promote Virgin Islands Freedom Week. History: Added June 26, 2017, No. 8002, § 1, Sess. L. 2017, p. 31-32.

(a) The first Friday in August of each year shall be observed as "Godparents' Day" throughout the Virgin Islands, in commemoration and appreciation of godparents' many contributions to the quality of family life in the Virgin Islands. (b) The color white shall constitute the official color in commemoration of Godparents' Day. History: Added Dec. 29, 2001, No. 6489, § 2, Sess. L. 2001, p. 373.

(a) The first week in June shall be observed as "Virgin Islands Child's Week" throughout the Virgin Islands. (b) The Governor shall appoint a committee each year to develop appropriate plans, programs and ceremonies for celebration of "Virgin Islands Child's Week" in the Virgin Islands. History: Added Aug. 2, 2002, No. 6535, § 1, Sess. L. 2002, p. 444.

The last week in June of each year shall be observed as "Fishers' Appreciation Week". The Commissioner of the Department of Agriculture shall be responsible for developing appropriate programs and ceremonies for the celebration of Fishers' Appreciation Week in the Virgin Islands. History: Added Dec. 23, 2003, No. 6634, § 31, Sess. L. 2003, p. 142.

(a) May 5 of each year shall be observed as "Paws for a Cause Day". In any year in which May 5 falls on a Saturday or Sunday, "Paws for a Cause Day" shall be observed on the following Monday. (b) The Commissioner of the Department of Agriculture is responsible for organizing and publicizing events throughout the Territory to commemorate "Paws for a Cause Day". History: Added Mar. 24, 2006, No. 6824, § 2, Sess. L. 2006, p. 12.

(a) The Virgin Islands shall observe the month of June of each year as "Cancer Awareness Month". (b) The Commissioner of the Department of Health shall disseminate information, sponsor and promote activities throughout the territory to heighten cancer awareness. History: Added July 19, 2006, No. 6851, § 1, Sess. L. 2006, p. 137.

(a) The Virgin Islands shall observe the month of May each year as "Virgin Islands Mental Health Awareness Month". (b) The Commissioner of the Virgin Islands Department of Health shall be responsible for disseminating information by sponsoring and promoting publicly held activities throughout the territory to heighten mental health awareness. (c) The Commissioner of the Virgin Islands Department of Education, with the assistance of the Virgin Islands Department of Health, shall host mental health seminars or other such activities for the Virgins Islands student populace in order to raise mental health awareness among the students of the Virgin Islands. History: Added May 19, 2020, No. 8305, § 1, Sess. L. 2020, p. 49, 50.

(a) The month of March each year is designated as "Virgin Islands History Month" in the Virgin Islands to highlight specifically the history, culture and achievements of the people of the Virgin Islands, including the artifacts, goods, ideas, beliefs, customs, traditions values, music, art, folklore, dance, cuisine and technical processes. (b) The Commissioner of Education, the Virgin Islands Cultural Heritage Institute, the Virgin Islands Council on the Arts, the Virgin Islands State Historic Preservation Office and the Division of Libraries, Archives and Museums shall develop appropriate programs and ceremonies within their respective areas of statutory jurisdiction for the celebration of Virgin Islands History Month in the Territory. History: Added Dec. 2, 2005, No. 6802, § 1, Sess. L. 2005, p. 458.

May 24 of each year is designated as Aviation Maintenance Technician Day in honor of the late Charles Edward Taylor. History: Added July 19, 2006, No. 6848, § 2, Sess. L. 2006, p. 134.

Ownership Day (a) Beginning with September 26, 2009, the last Saturday of September of each year is declared "Virgin Islands and American Kennel Club Responsible Dog Ownership Day" in the Territory of the Virgin Islands. (b) Persons who comply with the standards established in subsection (b) are declared "Responsible Dog Owners". (c) To qualify as a Responsible Dog Owner, the dog owner must demonstrate: (1) Responsibility for the dog's health needs, including: (A) Routine veterinary care; (B) Provision of healthful food and plenty of clean, fresh water; and (C) Daily exercise, regular bathing and protection against flees, ticks and other insects and parasites; (2) Responsibility for the dog's safety, including compliance with 19 V.I.C. chapter 66, Subchapter II, "Dogs", including compliance with licensing requirements; license tags; preventing the dog from running at large or injuring domestic animals; using a leash; and providing a safe, enclosed shelter free from the hazards of the road and other dangerous obstacles; (3) Responsibility for ensuring sanitary conditions, including properly disposing of the dog's wastes and maintaining the dog's living area free of wastes and other debris; (4) Responsibility for providing the dog with a high quality of life, including attention, learning activities, play activities, and pleasant and comfortable living accommodations; and (5) Responsibility for the dog's socialization, the dog's behavior towards others, including preventing nuisances in the neighborhood caused by excessive barking or the dog's running at large and encroaching on neighbors' enjoyment of their property. (d) The Governor may appoint a committee to organize or coordinate events throughout the Territory for the commemoration of Virgin Islands and American Kennel Club Responsible Dog Ownership Day. History: Added Oct. 26, 2010, No. 7233, § 1(b), Sess. L. 2010, pp. 254, 255.

(a) July 10 of each year, the birthday of Juan Francisco Luis, shall be observed as "Juan Francisco Luis Day" in the Virgin Islands in honor of the late Governor Juan Francisco Luis. Appropriate ceremonies shall be held in all public schools in the Virgin Islands. Such ceremonies may include programs, assemblies and/or guest speakers. (b) The Commissioner of Education shall be responsible for the reproduction and dissemination of photographs and biographical data about Juan Francisco Luis to all private, public and parochial schools. History: Added May 14, 2012, No. 7357, § 1, Sess. L. 2012, p. 72.

(a) August 7th of each year is designated Purple Heart Day. (b) The Governor shall annually, issue a proclamation designating August 7th as Purple Heart Day. Public officials, schools, private organizations, and all residents of the Virgin Islands are encouraged to commemorate Purple Heart Day and honor those wounded or killed while serving in any branch of the United States Armed Services. History: Added May 14, 2012, No. 7358, § 1, Sess. L. 2012, p. 73.

(a) This section may be cited as "The Disability History and Awareness Month Act". (b) The month of October is designated "Disability History and Awareness Month". Annually during the month of October, each public school shall conduct and promote educational activities that provide instruction, awareness and understanding of disability history and people with disabilities. The activities must include various events, such, as school assemblies and guest-speaker presentations. History: Added July 11, 2014, No. 7621, § 1, Sess. L. 2014, p. 145, 146.

(a) The last Sunday of September of each year is designated as "Gold Star Mother's and Family's Day" in recognition of and appreciation for the Gold Star Mothers and Families who have suffered the supreme sacrifice of losing family members in the service of the United States of America Armed Forces. (b) The Governor shall issue a proclamation annually and call upon public officials, private organizations, and all citizens of the Territory to observe this day with appropriate activities and events. History: Added Jan. 26, 2016, No. 7830, § 1, Sess. L. 2015, p. 262.

(a) The month of November of each year is designated as "David Hamilton Jackson Month" to highlight Mr. Jackson's achievements and his contributions to the people of the Virgin Islands. (b) The Commissioner of Education, the Virgin Islands Cultural Heritage Institute, the Virgin Islands Historic Preservation Office and the Division of Libraries, Archives and Museums shall develop appropriate programs and ceremonies within their respective areas of statutory jurisdiction for the celebration of "David Hamilton Jackson Month." History: Added Oct. 7, 2015, No. 7771, § 1, Sess. L. 2015, p. 98.

The month of May each year is designated as Virgin Islands Water Safety Month. History: Added Jan. 20, 2017, No. 7972, § 12(b), Sess. L. 2016, p. 402.

(a) The month of September each year is designated as Virgin Islands Prostate and Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month; and (b) The Governor shall issue an annual proclamation calling upon public officials, private organizations, and all citizens of the Territory to observe this month with appropriate activities and events. History: Added July 20, 2017, No. 8006, § 1, Sess. L. 2017, p. 74.

(a) The month of May is designated as Virgin Islands Stroke Awareness Month. (b) The Governor shall issue a proclamation annually and call upon the Department of Health, the Roy Lester Schneider Hospital and Community Health Center, the Governor Juan F. Luis Hospital and Medical Center, the Myrah Keating Smith Health Center, other health-care facilities in the Virgin Islands, and all citizens of the Virgin Islands to observe the month of May as Virgin Islands Stroke Awareness Month with appropriate activities and events. History: Added July 9, 2018, No. 8061, § 1, Sess. L. 2018, p. 118.

(a) May 17th of each year shall be observed as "Virgin Islands Flag Day" throughout the Territory. (b) At least fifteen (15) days prior to Virgin Islands Flag Day, the Governor may issue a proclamation to be announced in the press and by radio, calling upon all Virgin Islands residents to observe Virgin Islands Flag Day by flying the Virgin Islands flag at their homes and other suitable places, and by participating in ceremonies and activities. (c) The Virgin Islands Flag shall be displayed on all buildings of the Government of the Virgin Islands and semi-autonomous government agencies in accordance with Section 107 of this title. (d) The Commissioner of Education, the Director of the Office of Veterans Affairs, and the Commissioner of the Department of Tourism shall develop appropriate ceremonies and activities for the celebration of Virgin Islands Flag Day. (e) On Virgin Islands Flag Day, the Legislature of the Virgin Islands shall hold appropriate ceremonies on the grounds of the Capitol Building, Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas. The ceremonies shall include the raising of the Virgin Islands Flag. History: Added Jan. 18, 2020, No. 8257, § 1, Sess. L. 2019, p. 158, 159.

(a) The Commissioner of the Department of Education shall reproduce and disseminate information on the significance of the Juneteenth National Independence Day to all public, private and parochial schools. (b) The Commissioner of Education shall also organize and publicize events throughout public schools for the celebration of the Juneteenth National Independence Day. History: Added Apr. 25, 2023, No. 8704, § 3, Sess. L. 2023, p. 13.

(a) The week beginning the Monday before the first Friday in June is designated as "Virgin Islands Gun Violence Awareness Week" in alignment with annual National Gun Violence Awareness Day. Virgin Islands Gun Violence Awareness Week is an observance and not a holiday. (b) Virgin Islands Gun Violence Awareness Week shall be observed as a week to raise awareness about gun violence, to honor and to remember victims and survivors of gun violence, and to promote efforts to reduce gun violence in our communities. History: Added July 9, 2025, No. 9006, § 1, Sess. L. 2025, p. -.

(a) The Virgin Islands shall observe the month of March each year as "Girl Scouts Month." (b) At least 15 days prior to March 1st each year, the Governor shall issue a proclamation to be announced in the press and by radio, encouraging all Government agencies in the Virgin Islands to support the Girl Scouts of the United States of America in its efforts to continue to develop their members as future leaders. History: Added Apr. 11, 2024, No. 8834, § 1, Sess. L. 2024, p. -.

Any person who is an elected or appointed official, officer, or employee of the Government of the Virgin Islands or of the Federal Government and who is required thereby to be absent from the Virgin Islands may retain his legal residence in the Virgin Islands and in the island of domicil for at least the duration of the term of office or employment if such person - (1) was a resident of the Virgin Islands immediately prior to the required absence, and (2) intends to retain his residence in the Virgin Islands, and during his absence does not manifest a contrary intention by exercising the right of citizens of the jurisdiction in which he is living by voting in such other jurisdiction, or by any other act of legal significance. Such continuing legal residence in the Virgin Islands shall have every incidence accorded by law. History: Added July 3, 1968, No. 2270, Sess. L. 1968, Pt. II, p. 190.

The Governor is authorized to correct nonsubstantive errors in the text of a bill presented to him for signature pursuant to the provisions of section 9(d) of the Revised Organic Act of 1954, as amended, provided that said bill is one to which the Governor subsequently affixes his signature; and further that said errors are strictly typographical or the correction of misspelled words or the correction or insertion of chapter and section headings; and further, that the Governor shall notify the Legislature, at the time of notification of approval of said bill, that such correction has been made and specifically identifying and describing said correction. History: Added July 31, 1975, No. 3722, § 1, Sess. L. 1975, p. 111.

This chapter may be cited as the "Government in the Sunshine Act." History: Added Dec. 22, 1976, No. 3913, § 1, Sess. L. 1976, p. 234.

It is hereby declared to be the policy of the Government of the Virgin Islands that the public is entitled to the fullest practicable information regarding the decision making processes of this government. It is the purpose of this chapter to provide the public with such information, while protecting the rights of individuals and the ability of the Government to carry out its responsibilities. History: Added Dec. 22, 1976, No. 3913, § 1, Sess. L. 1976, p. 234.

For purposes of this chapter- (a) "Person" means an individual, partnership, corporation, association or public or private organization other than a governmental agency. (b) "Governmental agency" or "agency" means all of the following: (1) [Deleted.] (2) All governing and/or administrative boards and commissions, including but not limited to, the Board of Medical Examiners, the Board of Dental Examiners, the Board of Nurses Examiners, the Board of Nurse-Midwife Examiners, the Board of Pharmacy, the Board of Physical Therapy, the Board of Examiners for the Practice of Veterinary Medicine, the Board of Public Accountancy, the Virgin Islands Electricians Licensing Board, the Virgin Islands Plumbers' Licensing Board, the Virgin Islands Board of Architects, Engineers and Land Surveyors, the Virgin Islands Board of Bar Examiners, the Virgin Islands Board for the Licensing of Barbers, Beauticians and Manicurists, the Advisory Planning Board, the Banking Board of the Virgin Islands, the Board of Control of Alcoholic Beverages, the Board of Directors of the Virgin Islands Public Works Acceleration Authority, the Board of Education, the Board of Vocational Education, the Board of Elections for the District of St. Thomas-St. John, the Board of Elections for the District of St. Croix, the Joint Boards of Parole, the Board of Social Welfare, the Board of Supervisors of the Virgin Islands Conservation District, the Board of Tax Review, the Board of Trustees of the University of the Virgin Islands, the Board of Zoning, Subdivision and Building Appeals, the Board of Trustees of the Employees Retirement System, the Board of Governors of the Virgin Islands Housing Authority, the Virgin Islands Planning Board, the Urban Renewal Board, the Community Action Policy Board, the Board of Directors of the Virgin Islands Public Broadcasting System, the Loan Policy Board of the Small Business Development Agency, the Virgin Islands Wage Board, Board of Directors of the Public Works Acceleration Authority, the Government Hospital Facilities Boards, the Board of Psychology, the Board of Licensed Counselors and Examiners; (3) The American Revolution Bicentennial Commission, the Commission on Alcoholism and Narcotics, the Virgin Islands Commission on Aging, the Citizens Commission on the Blind, the Virgin Islands Criminal Victims Compensation Commission, the Commission on Youth, the Government Employees Service Commission, the Industrial Development Commission, the Law Enforcement Planning Commission, the Virgin Islands Lottery Commission, the Virgin Islands Police and Fire Commission, the Public Service Commission, the Virgin Islands Taxicab Commission, the Tax Study Commission; (4) The Virgin Islands Council on the Arts, the Virgin Islands Tourism Development Council, the Council of Economic Advisors, the Judicial Council of the Virgin Islands; (5) The Board of Directors of the Virgin Islands Port Authority, the Board of Directors of the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority, the Board of Directors of the Magens Bay Authority, the Board of Commissioners of the Virgin Islands Housing Authority, the Virgin Islands Public Finance Authority, Board of Directors of the Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority and any independent or semi- autonomous agency or instrumentality of the Virgin Islands receiving monies from the Government of the Virgin Islands. Said term does not include the courts of the Virgin Islands or the Legislature of the Virgin Islands or any of its Standing or Special Committees. (c) "Meeting" means the deliberations of at least the number of individual agency members required to take action on behalf of the agency where such deliberations concern the conduct or disposition of official agency business. History: Added Dec. 22, 1976, No. 3913, § 1, Sess. L. 1976, p. 234; amended June 20, 1986, No. 5174, § 9, Sess. L. 1986, p. 169; Sept. 30, 1986, No. 5199, § 2, Sess. L. 1986, p. 224; Sept. 28, 1990, No. 5627, § 2, Sess. L. 1990, p. 340; Dec. 30, 1994, No. 6042, § 1, Sess. L. 1994, p. 275; Sept. 14, 1999, No. 6293, § 1(a), Sess. L. 1999, p. 87; amended Oct. 13, 2014, No. 7656, § 3, Sess. L. 2014, p. 49, 50; amended Jan. 26, 2016, No. 7827, § 1, Sess. L. 2015, p. 235; amended Dec. 16, 2015, No. 7832, § 10(a), Sess. L. 2015, p. 265; amended Oct. 6, 2016, No. 7930, § 7(a), (b), Sess. L. 2016, p. 184, 185.

(a) All meetings of a governmental agency or of a subdivision thereof authorized to take action on behalf of the agency shall be open to the public. (b) Except where the agency finds that the public interest requires otherwise, subsection (a) hereof shall not apply to any agency meetings, or any portion of an agency meeting, or to any meeting, or portion thereof, of a subdivision of said agency authorized to take action on its behalf, where the agency or subdivision thereof conducting the meeting properly determines that the meeting or a portion or portions thereof can reasonably be expected to (1) disclose information of a personal nature where disclosure would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy; (2) involve accusing any person of a crime or formally censuring any person; (3) disclose information contained in investigatory records compiled for law enforcement purposes, but only to the extent that the disclosure would- (A) interfere with enforcement proceedings; (B) deprive a person of a right to a fair trial or an impartial adjudication; (C) constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy, (D) disclose the identity of a confidential source, (E) in the case of a record compiled by a criminal law enforcement authority in the course of a criminal investigation, disclose confidential information furnished only by the confidential source. (F) disclose investigation techniques and procedures, or (G) endanger the life or physical safety of law enforcement personnel; (4) disclose trade secrets or financial or commercial information obtained from any person, where such trade secrets or other information could not be obtained by the agency without a pledge of confidentiality, or where such information must be withheld from the public in order to prevent substantial injury to the competitive position of the person to whom such information relates; (5) disclose information which must be withheld from the public in order to avoid premature disclosure of an action or a proposed action by- (A) an agency which relates to securities, commodities or financial institutions where such disclosure would- (i) lead to serious financial speculations in securities or commodities, or (ii) seriously endanger the stability of any financial institution; (B) any agency where such disclosure would seriously frustrate implementation of the proposed agency action, or private action contingent thereon; or (C) any agency relating to the purchase by such agency of real property. This paragraph (5) shall not appparagraph (5)tance where the agency has already disclosed to the public the content or nature of its proposed action, or where the agency is required by law to make such disclosure on its own initiative prior to taking final agency action on such proposal; (6) disclose information contained in or related to examination, operating or condition reports prepared by, on behalf of, or for the use of an agency responsible for the regulation or supervision of financial institutions; (7) specifically concern the agency's participation in a civil action in a federal or local court, or the initiation, conduct or disposition by the agency of a particular case of formal agency adjudication, or otherwise involving a determination on the record after opportunity for a hearing; or (8) disclose information required to be withheld from the public by any other statute establishing particular types of information. This subsection shall not apply to meetings to conduct public hearings. (c) (1) Action under subsection (b) shall be taken only when a majority of the entire membership of the agency, or of the subdivision thereof authorized to conduct the meeting on behalf of the agency, votes to take such action. A separate vote of the agency members, or the members of a subdivision thereof, shall be taken with respect to each agency meeting a portion or portions of which are proposed to be closed to the public pursuant to subsection (b), or with respect to any information which is proposed to be withheld under subsection (b). A single vote may be taken with respect to a series of meetings, a portion or portions of which are proposed to be closed to the public, or with respect to any information concerning such series of meetings, so long as each meeting in such series involves the same particular matters and is scheduled to be held no more than thirty days after the initial meeting i such series. The vote of each agency member participating in such vote shall be recorded and no proxies shall be allowed. Whenever any person whose interests may be directly affected by a meeting requests that the agency close a portion or portions of the meeting to the public for any of the reasons referred to in paragraphs (2), (3paragraphs (2), (3)tion (b), the agency shall vote whether to close such meeting, upon request of any one of its members. Within one day of any vote taken pursuant to this paragraph, the agency shall make publicly available a written copy of such vote. (2) Any agency, a majority of whose meetings will properly be closed to the public, in whole or in part, pursuant to paragraphparagraphs (4), (5)(A), (6)of subsection (b), or any combinations thereof, may provide by regulation for the closing of such meetings, or portion of such meetings, so long as a majority of the members of the agency, or of the subdivision thereof conducting the meeting, votes at the beginning of such meeting, or portion thereof, to close the meeting, and a copy of such vote is made available to the public. The provisions of this subsection shall not apply to any meeting to which such regulations apply: Provided, That the agency shall, except to the extent that the provisions of subsection (b) may apply, provide the public with public announcement of the date, place, and subject matter of the meeting at the earliest practicable opportunity. (3) A copy of the vote on any action taken by an agency in a meeting closed to the public pursuant to subsection (b) must be made available to the public, excluding any information exempted from public disclosure under subsection (b). The documentation of the vote must include: (A) the names of all agency members present at the time of the vote; (B) a description of the matter on which the vote was taken; and (C) a record of each member's vote. (d) Each agency shall maintain an up-to-date schedule of the meetings which are to be held by it or any subdivision thereof, which schedule shall indicate whether the meeting, or portion thereof, will be open or closed to the public and if closed the reason therefor. The schedule shall be available for public inspection during all the regular working hours of said agency. (e) The secretary or clerk of each agency, or a person designated by the head of the agency, shall maintain a list of persons who request notification of all meetings open to the public, or of meetings when certain specified formal action will be taken, and shall provide such persons reasonable advance notification of such meetings. (f) No resolution, rule, regulation, ordinance, or formal action of any agency including the vote of an agency pursuant to subsection (c)(2) of this section shall be valid unless taken or made at a meeting that meets the requirements of this section. (g) (1) Subject to the provisions in subsection (b) of this section, all meetings of Standing and Special Committees of the Legislature of the Virgin Islands, established pursuant to the Rules of the Legislature, shall be open to the public. (2) Nothing in this chapter shall be construed as extending the provisions hereof to deliberations of political conferences and caucuses so long as the political conferences and caucuses are not called for the purpose of circumventing the requirements of this subsection. (3) For purposes of this section, the deliberations of political conferences and caucuses means a private meeting of the members of the Legislature, without regard to: (A) the subject matter under discussion, including discussions of public business; (B) the majority or minority status of such political conference or caucus; or (C) whether such political conferences and caucuses invite staff or guests to participate in their deliberations. (h) The minutes of a meeting, or portion thereof, required to be open to the public by this section shall be recorded, within thirty days of said meeting and such records shall be public records and open to public inspection. (i) The courts of this territory shall have jurisdiction to issue injunctions to enforce the purposes of this chapter, including declaring the invalidity of agency actions taken contrary hereto, upon application by any resident of this territory. (j) Any person who knowingly violates the provisions of this chapter is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not to exceed $500.00. History: Added Dec. 22, 1976, No. 3913, § 1, Sess. L. 1976, p. 236; amended Sept. 14, 1999, No. 6293, § 1(b), Sess. L. 1999, p. 87; May 17, 2006, No. 6832, §§ 1, 2, Sess. L. 2006, p. 31.

Whenever disorder arises during a committee or agency meeting which is open to the public, the agency or committee may enforce order when necessary by clearing the room, and may act in closed session for so long as there is doubt as to the assurance of order. History: Added Dec. 22, 1976, No. 3913, § 1, Sess. L. 1976, p. 239.

The Department of Justice may promulgate such rules and regulations as are from time to time deemed necessary to aid in the interpretation and uniform application of the provisions of this chapter by affected governmental agencies. History: Added Dec. 22, 1976, No. 3913, § 1, Sess. L. 1976, p. 239.

History: Repealed. Dec. 29, 2006, No. 6902, § 5, Sess. L. 2006, p. 323.

History: Repealed. Dec. 29, 2006, No. 6902, § 5, Sess. L. 2006, p. 323.

History: Repealed. Dec. 29, 2006, No. 6902, § 5, Sess. L. 2006, p. 323.

History: Repealed. Dec. 29, 2006, No. 6902, § 5, Sess. L. 2006, p. 323.

History: Repealed. Dec. 29, 2006, No. 6902, § 5, Sess. L. 2006, p. 323.

(a) There is established the United States Virgin Islands Commission on Uniform State Laws which shall consist of three recognized members of the Virgin Islands Bar Association who shall be appointed as follows: (1) one Commissioner shall be appointed by the Governor; (2) one Commissioner shall be appointed by the President of the Legislature; and (3) one Commissioner shall be appointed by the President of the Virgin Islands Bar Association. Each Commissioner shall serve a term coterminous with that of the appointer and until their successor is appointed. Any member presently serving in a lifetime capacity shall serve only until a new president of the Virgin Islands Bar Association is sworn in and thereafter there shall be no person appointed except for those above appointed. (b) Upon the death, resignation, failure or refusal to serve of any appointed Commissioner, his office becomes vacant; in that event, the respective appointer shall make an appointment to fill the vacancy, such term to be for the unexpired term of the former appointee. History: Added July 8, 1988, No. 5349, § 1, Sess. L. 1988, p. 179; amended Nov. 19, 2012, No. 7252, § 5, Sess. L. 2011, p. 33.

The Commissioners shall meet at least once in two years and shall organize by the election of one of their number as Chairman, one as Vice-Chairman and another as Secretary, who shall hold their respective offices for a term of two years and until their successors are elected. History: Added July 8, 1988, No. 5349, § 1, Sess. L. 1988, p. 179.

(a) Each Commissioner shall attend the meeting of the National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws, and both in and out of such National Conference shall promote uniformity in state and territorial laws, upon all subjects where uniformity may be deemed desirable and practicable by: (1) participating in drafting model legislation to provide uniformity in state laws; and (2) promoting consideration of the uniform legislation in the United States Virgin Islands. (b) The Commission shall report to the Legislature of the Virgin Islands within 30 days of its biennial convening and from time to time thereafter as the Commission may deem proper, an account of its transactions, and its advice and recommendations for legislation. History: Added July 8, 1988, No. 5349, § 1, Sess. L. 1988, p. 179.

(a) There is hereby created the "Office of Status Education" (hereinafter "Office") which is an agency under the Legislature of the Virgin Islands for budgetary purposes. (b) The Office shall have three (3) members selected as follows: (1) A director, selected by the Governor, with the advice and consent of the Legislature; and (2) Two (2) assistant directors appointed by the Governor; one (1) from the district of St. Croix and one (1) from the district of St. Thomas and St. John. (c) The members who are appointed shall serve for a term of two (2) years and may be reappointed for successive terms. In the event a new member is appointed, the original member shall serve until the new member is qualified. History: Added Mar. 29, 1996, No. 6102, § 1, Sess. L. 1996, p. 38.

The Office of Status Education shall: (a) educate the public on the issue of status in both English and Spanish; (b) organize and conduct meetings within the territory for the discussion of status and related issues; (c) conduct research or surveys of the issue of status and how it impacts the Virgin Islands; (d) apply to the United States Department of Interior for the funds necessary to educate the public on the issue of status; (e) complete and summarize the work started by previous Status Commissions; and (f) do all things necessary to fulfill the purposes of this chapter. History: Added Mar. 29, 1996, No. 6102, § 1, Sess. L. 1996, p. 38.

The Legislature shall annually appropriate not less than $150,000 to the Office of Status Commission. The Director is authorized to use the funds appropriated for office expenses, including salaries of staff, travel expenditures and other expenses necessary to fulfill the purposes of this chapter. Funds appropriated for the purpose of this chapter or transferred to the Office by any other entity, agency, department, or instrumentality shall remain available until expended. History: Added Mar. 29, 1996, No. 6102, § 1, Sess. L. 1996, p. 38.

The Office shall submit a report outlining the activities of the office, the sums received and expended during the fiscal year, and a budget for the subsequent fiscal year to the Legislature and the Governor one hundred twenty (120) days prior to the end of each fiscal year. History: Added Mar. 29, 1996, No. 6102, § 1, Sess. L. 1996, p. 38.