VI UPDATE
U.S. Virgin Islands Public Records
TRANSCRIPT OF PUBLIC PROCEEDINGS
Oath of Office Ceremony
Legislature USVI
recording published January 14, 2025 · 3.8 hours · gov
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https://youtu.be/A7PFAYz19BI
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. Thank you. [2 such phrases repeated 33 times · standby audio before the proceeding, transcribed by the recogniser as
speech]
0:00:00
Thank you. Thank you.
0:11:22
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
0:12:22
Thank you. Thank you.
0:15:22
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
0:16:22
Thank you. You got it? No.
0:17:52
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
0:18:24
Thank you. Thank you. I don't need it. Thank you.
0:19:54
To, to, to, to, to. What are you doing? To, to, to, to, to. Thank you. Thank you.
0:21:25
welcome welcome to legit tv i'm africa harrigan and i'm hosting the real i'm jamal powder i'll just keep talking um
welcome to legit tv's official coverage welcome to the live coverage of the oath of the office ceremony held at the david
monsanto bandstand at emancipation garden in st thomas united states virgin islands but leading up to the author office
ceremony we were at the chemical service yesterday what a what a beautiful service you know all the parties coming
together yeah so we were having a very good time yesterday very very inspirational actually you can you can say
something like it was it was a very spiritual it was very uplifting um senators and there were a lot of prayers and praise
dancing and intercessions okay yes it was actually was a very good day very very good day yesterday i think i think we
were in library so let's go welcome to legit tv i'm africa harrigan and i'm hosting with the oath of the ceremony of the
author oh let's go the oath of office ceremony we are here in downtown charlotte tamale at the emancipation garden
0:22:55
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where are you yes the ceremony is being held at the david monsanto bandstand and of course leading up to the oath office
ceremony there was the ecumenical service yesterday what a what a beautiful service yesterday beautiful beautiful
service yesterday yeah it was a very beautiful ceremony it was really inspiring i love the prayers i love the praise dancing
i love the messages that the outgoing uh president of of the 35th Legislation of L.E. Francis shared with everyone
yesterday about coming together,
about unity. And I also really enjoyed the Senator-elect, Senate President Milton E. Potter's statement when he said, let us
come together and work together to further improve the quality of the lives of the people of the Virgin Islands. That
seems to be the team for 2025, right about now. Unity and coming together, I love it. Yes, yes, yes. So we're here, we're
getting ready there's everybody there's a setup the bands look ready um we see the the is that the uvi band on the stage the
podium is set everybody's looking beautiful the emancipation garden is filled it has a lot of people here who came out
from the public just to view this event live good show jamuah will you tell us some of the places where else we could
find legit tv in 2025 i know we've got got some new places as well. On our social media sites. Yes, if you go on
Facebook.com slash Legislature USVI, YouTube.com slash Legislature USVI, also on Instagram at Legislature USVI, on
X at Legislature USVI, Vimeo at Legit TV, that's L-E-G-I-T TV, and LinkedIn at Legislature, USVI. And if you're
interested in watching as the public the OTA office ceremony at one of our remote locations, you can definitely go to the
Legislature of the Virgin Islands on St. Croix at the Fritzi-Louette Conference Room to view this ceremony remotely.
And you can also, if you're in St. John and you haven't had an opportunity to make your way over to the Emancipation
Garden, you can view it at the Legislative Annex at the Cleone H Cricket conference room on st john of course you can
always tune into our radio stations our social media pages so everyone as a part of the united states virgin islands whether
you're here or far can tune in but definitely stay locked into legit tv that's right you can find us all over you have
0:24:48
no excuse to be informed of what's going on with the dick tv and all the senators and all what's happening in the virgin
islands so yes so we have uh the red carpet was definitely rolled out We see everyone just patiently waiting for the 36th
Legislative Center elects to enter into the Emancipation Garden. We have the local bands playing wonderful renditions.
And everyone is just eagerly awaiting to participate and to witness this historic event. Lovely day. Lovely day to be in the
Virgin Islands. Lovely, lovely, lovely day.
0:26:41
So, Jamal, why don't you share with us some of what we have to look forward to today? All right. Today we have... So,
we have the prelude that's coming up. We have the prelude that's coming up. We have our Mistress of Ceremonies, Miss
Shayla Solomon, who will introduce us today. Yes. There will be a processional march, the Pro Sing of Colors, the
Invocation, the National Anthem, the Virgin Islands March, the Black National Anthem, a welcome and
acknowledgement by the Mistress of Ceremonies, musical selection, reading and certification and presentation of
senators, and a poem reading. And some of these performers today and the speakers of today, they're nothing new to us.
We are very familiar with them.
0:27:17
The 73rd Army Band Brass Music Performance Team, they have been performing almost every of course let's not forget
the junior reserves officers training corps and the color guard yes were you a color guard growing up uh no i wasn't i
wasn't i was i've been a musician okay so i'm not trying all the things right about now were you a color guard jamal no i
was i was never that coordinated of course you're going to be looking forward to a music program from the students of
the united states i'm sorry the university of the virgin islands and partner for strings virgin islands youth orchestra i think
this is their first time appearing to this i'm not seeing him i'm looking forward i see everybody's shop everybody's dressed
up okay i see some uh i see urban uh my full friend from from the jam band i see he's there so i know it's going to be a
good performance definitely know that i'm definitely looking forward to it What about you, Jamal?
0:28:02
I'm looking forward to that. I always love to see the swearing in. I always love to see it. And just to be a part of this
historical event, of course we can expect choirs from the Charlotte Amali High School and also Durrican High School
students as well. And the reading of certification and presentation of senators this year is going to be Caroline Fox. Oh,
really? Wow, I didn't even know that. And she's been around for a while as well. She's been in this legislature process for
a good while as well. A very good friend of mine. And she's also featured in our murals at the Earl Bialy Legislative Hall
as the first female pilot of the Virgin Islands.
0:29:04
Dr. Caroline Fox. Dr. Caroline Fox. Yes, yes. We're going to have a poem reading by Lydia Potter. Yes. Are you related?
That's my aunt, actually. Oh, awesome. Okay, so Lydia Potter is going to be doing that, and I'm sure you're proud of her
today. Yes, very proud. Of course, the administration of the OFA office is going to be by Honorable Reese Hodge. judge
i mean he's been doing this for years experience experience and then the med addiction will be by pastor dr gerald
mcdonald of course in the recessional march it would to go back to the 73rd army band brass music performance team so
i'm really wonderful day wonderful anything are you looking forward to in a in a 36 legislation as we get into it i think
that i'm I'm going to go ahead and support the outgoing Senate President, Novell E. Francis' claim, and the incoming
0:29:37
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Senate President, Senator-elect Milton Potter's statement, and unity coming together, improving the lives of the people of
the Virgin Islands, and resolving some of these ongoing community issues that's been happening, like WAPA, high bills,
and WAPA.
A lot to be discussed, a lot to be targeted in this 30s for real. That's right, payment of vendors. that was another big thing
in the news these past couple of weeks so we got topics we got stuff that we have to get doing hitting everyone going
right what about you jamal anything that you're looking forward to um i'm i'm pretty much going off of the same thing of
what you all are saying um wapa has been an issue of contention um another issue that has been popping up is crime that
has been rampant in the territory um i'm hoping for a lot more discussion on education i think education has been a has
probably been a big issue particularly when it comes to i want to say just our high school and everything else but hey i
think they're about to line up here we go i think they're about to begin to kindly ask everyone on the bandstand to please
take your seats and ensure that your phones are silenced okay we're looking good we're looking we are ready to go we
look ready to go we are just minutes away from beginning today's program thank you that was the voice of mistress of
ceremonies shayla solomon and i i do think that the senators are lining up i think they're going to be lining up pretty soon
um it's everyone's just really excited about today's event yes we have a very large coat is really i'm looking at a lot of
beautiful people around very nice day to be in the virgin island very very nice day absolutely the david monsanto
bandstand is filling up as well with a lot of notable people here in the virgin islands i think that um this event is definitely
a very historic one yes it is yes it is yes it is yes it is yes it is well do you want to share the overview of the 36th
legislation i appreciate that as well you know there's a bunch of different cultures and different backgrounds so i said we
should we should be good we should be good i think that that should be good as well but there's definitely a lot of work to
be in the 36 legislature shortly after the office ceremony is completed senators uh will be heading over
0:30:53
to the legislature at the capitol building so there will be not the legislative chambers where they will begin the
organization of the 36 legislation so definitely continue to stay to legit tv for this live coverage of this historic event so
jamal you want to go ahead and share some of the highlights of the english rules and share some of the highlights of some
of the senators who are serving in the 36th legislature and i think we have marise james we have incumbents like novelle
francis we also have um incumbents like marvin a blyden yes and then we have some new one from um senator joseph
from simpore yes yes um senator viale is back as well you know and we still have our senator frankie johnson he's still
there this should be his third term as well so we have a balance of newcomers a balance of newcomers and seasons and of
course senator alma francis is back as well that's right that's right that's right Ray Fonseca.
0:33:10
Yes, and then we have a new Senate President. An new Senate President, Moutini Potter. But what do you think we have
to look forward to in terms of his leadership style? Having been here, we've realized that everything, it can be a bit
unpredictable. We've seen this from before. We've seen that so many different issues do pop up. But I think it's going to
be interesting. yeah i agree with that yes i do agree i do agree i do agree well we can just go ahead and talk about some of
the strengths of the senators who are coming in uh marie c james she's an attorney and an educator yes she is commitment
to justice and housing she's also known for spending the bullies the life and other transformative legislation and she's
focused on equity affordable housing and workforce development so alvin why don't you share some of the strengths of
marvin a blythens the veteran housing housing manager and committee leader advocate for affording housing working
rights and senior citizen support and known for impact legislation on housing and eventual conversation and jamal why
don't you tell us about milton e potter what are some of his strengths all right incoming senate president milton e potter
has a strong hr and education background has been focused on workforce development governance and community
empowerment and an advocate for collaboration and sustainable growth.
0:34:18
Ray Fonseca, Senator Ray Fonseca, he's experienced in housing management and construction, as well as focused on
infrastructure development, healthcare reforms, and community service, known for his dedication to accountability and
transparency. And you can go ahead and tell us about Senator Collar J. Joseph. What are her strengths? Grassroot
organizer and environmental advocate. focus on veteran affairs, youth programs, and balancing environmental
conservation, notable for her work in securing funding for youth and veterans.
0:35:46
Please take your seats. We are now moments, just a few moments away from beginning today's program. So please, if
you are seated on the bandstand, we immediately ask you to take your seats. We are just moments away from beginning
today's program. And just a reminder to check with the person next to you and make sure that their phone is silenced or
on vibrate. A little message from our mistress of ceremony of the oath of office ceremony today, Shaila Solomon. So let's
go ahead and continue on with the strengths of the 36th legislature, those senators who will make up this profound body.
So we have Senator Clifford, Senator-elect Clifford, Adrian Joseph, former firefighter and small business owner, brings a
practical and perspective of labor rights and public safety, as well as a dedicated community volunteer and mentor for
youth. Jamal, why don't you tell us about Franklin Frankie Johnson.
0:36:20
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All right, Franklin Franklin Johnson, a veteran law enforcement officer and community advocate known for his passion
for addressing public safety and political transparency and an active participant in youth sports and community building.
And, of course, Alvin, why don't you tell us about Senator Frederick? Senator Frederick, financial expert with experience
in banking, auditing, and health care administration, focused on economic empowerment, food security, and health care
improvements, advocate for sustainable development, and elder care.
0:37:17
Of course, Senator-elect Kenneth L. Gittins, a long-serving legislator with expertise in law enforcement and emergency
management, focused on public safety, accountability, and agricultural revitalization, known for his collaborative
approach and strong leadership. Why don't you share a little bit about Senator Elykirk, A. Viala? So, Senator K. Viala,
you can go ahead. Yes, Senator Viala, a former principal and education innovator, advocates for educational reform,
youth empowerment, and community development, and known for his transformative programs like the Science, Math,
and Math Magnet Initiative.
0:37:50
I think that a lot of people in the community thought that he would be chairing the committee on finance, but instead I
think that he's heading up the Education and Workforce Committee this year. Yes, I was so surprised about that, but like I
said, they know what's the strengths and what they plan to approach for the next two years. He was probably up for a new
challenge. Yes, yes, yes, that as well. He's been here for a while as well. Yes, he's a veteran senator. Ladies and
gentlemen, can we ask that you please stand for the processional march and the governor's owned by the 73rd Army Band
Brass Music Performance Team, led by 1st Sergeant Colwood, and remain standing for the posting of the colors by the
Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps Color Guard of the Ivana Udurakan High School. Senators are now entering the
stage on the red carpet and entering the day once to bedside. Right now it's his feet.
0:38:32
Thank you. Thank you.
0:39:55
And now, ladies and gentlemen, Governor Albert Bryan Jr. Thank you.
0:40:55
Thank you. Thank you.
0:41:55
I did my job. Ladies and gentlemen, we welcome Lieutenant Governor Roche, the Honorable Shregenza A. Roche,
Esquire, and the Honorable Albert Bryan Jr. Governor. Thank you. Please remain standing for the posting of the colors
by the Junior Reserve Officers Training Color Guard Corps of the Ivana-Udurakan High School.
0:42:55
Oh, my God. Thank you.
0:44:53
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, We are truly public school proud, thank you so much.
0:45:53
And now we're going to ask for you to please remain standing for the invocation and that That will be rendered by Dr.
Gerald McDonnell, pastor of Impacting Your World Christian Ministries. And please remain standing for the National
Anthem, Virgin Islands March, and Black National Anthem. eternal god in heaven as we gather here today for the
swearing in of the 36th legislature of the virgin islands of the united states we come before you with hearts full of
gratitude and hope we thank you for the gift of leadership and for those who have stepped forward to serve our
community. We ask for your guidance and wisdom to be upon each legislature as they take this important oath. May they
be inspired by a spirit of integrity, compassion, and commitment to the well-being of all our residents. Give them the
strength to make decisions that promote justice, equity, and the common good. Lord, instill in them a deep sense of
responsibility towards the people they represent. May they work tirelessly to address the challenges we face and to see
the opportunities that lie ahead. Help them to build bridges of understanding and collaboration, fostering a spirit of unity
within our community. As they begin this journey, surround them with support and encouragement. Let their hearts be
open to the voices of those they serve, and may they always strive to be advocates for those in need. We pray for our
islands that they may continue to thrive in peace and prosperity. May your light guide us all As we move forward
together, in Jesus' name we pray, amen.
0:46:40
Thank you so much, Pastor McDonnell. And now we'll have the National Anthem in Virgin Islands March, and that will
be rendered by the University of the Virgin Islands Music Program students. Immediately following, we'll have the Black
National Anthem by Partners for Strings, Virgin Islands Youth Orchestra. Please remain standing. Thank you. Oh Thank
you.
0:49:03
I love you, I love you, I love you Oh, I'll never give my life, I will not sing. My peace is not the plural thing, the truth is
that it's been the king of mine. Oh, I'll never give my life, I will not give my life, I will not give my life, I will not give
my life. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
0:50:56
We can certainly give all groups another round of applause. We absolutely love when our students can be involved in any
program that we have. And now you may be seated. Good morning, distinguished guests, elected officials, and cherished
members of our Virgin Islands community.
0:54:23
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It is a profound honor and privilege to welcome you to this historic occasion, the Oath of Office Swearing-In Ceremony
for the 36th Legislature of the Virgin Islands. Today we stand together in the heart of Emancipation Garden at the David
Monsanto Bandstand, a site that symbolizes the unyielding spirit and enduring resilience of our people. This sacred space
serves as the perfect backdrop for celebrating the strength of our democracy and honoring the dedicated individuals who
will lead our beloved territory into the future.
0:55:17
Before we proceed, allow me to acknowledge the esteemed dignitaries who grace us with their presence today. The
Honorable Albert Bryan Jr., Governor, Virgin Islands of the United States, and I will ask that you hold your applause as
we have a long list of dignitaries to recognize. The Honorable Tregenza A. Roach Esquire, Lieutenant Governor, Virgin
Islands of the United States, representing Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett, Dr. Nellie Verlach. From our distinguished
judicial branch, the Honorable Reese S. Hodge, Chief Justice, the Honorable Deborah Watlington, President Judge,
Superior Court, the Honorable Kathleen Mackay, Judge, Superior Court, the Honorable Denise Francois, Judge, Superior
Court. We are also joined by members of the Governor's Cabinet, commissioners, directors, senior staff, leaders of our
semi-autonomous agencies, and esteemed former senators, and allow me to introduce them.
0:56:03
The Honorable Britton Bryant, the Honorable Ruby Simmons Esanason, the Honorable Carol M. Burke, the Honorable
Roosevelt David, the Honorable Usi Richards, the Honorable Positive T.A. Nelson, the Honorable Carmen Wesselhoff,
the Honorable Jeanette Millen-Young, the Honorable Myron D. Jackson, the Honorable Stedman Hodge Jr., the
Honorable Samuel Carriong, the Honorable Donna Fred Gregory. And we are also pleased to have with us here tonight,
representing the late Senator Alicia Chucky Hansen, Ms. Elizabeth Hansen-Watley, her daughter. Let's give them all a
round of applause at this time.
0:57:19
To the family, friends, and supporters of the members of the 36th Legislature, Your unwavering support exemplifies the
collective strength needed to guide our leaders as they take on this monumental responsibility. A heartfelt welcome as
well to those joining us via public broadcast on Legit TV, via Channel 26, and HDTV Channel 526, as well as through
our online streaming platforms on YouTube and Facebook. Warm regards also are extended to those who are viewing
and gathered at the Cleone Creek Legislative Hall on St. John and the Fritz Louettes Legislative Hall on St. Croix.
0:58:17
And for all of you joining us here at the Emancipation Garden. Today we bear witness to a significant moment in the
history of our territory, As these distinguished senators take their oaths of office, they renew their commitment to uphold
the Constitution, serve with integrity, and advance the aspirations of the Virgin Islands. This ceremony is not only a
testament to the resilience of our democratic process, but also a call to action for collective progress, accountability, and
service to our community. Let us reflect on the profound responsibility entrusted to these leaders and embrace the
promise of collaboration and unity that lies ahead. Together as One Virgin Islands, we will continue to strive for
excellence, overcome challenges, and create a brighter future for generations to come. Thank you for joining us for this
momentous occasion. And now we will have a musical selection by the ever so talented choirs of the Charlotte Amalia
and Ivana Udurakan High Schools. And again, we are public school proud. Ladies and gentlemen, thank you once again
for joining us for today's Oath of Office Ceremony. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank
you. Thank you. Thank you. We'll be right back.
0:59:09
I am, I am, I am last person makes their way to their seat. We're gonna give them a very big round of applause. Again we
are always so proud of our public school students representing the Ivana Eudorican High School and the Charlotte
Amalia High School and we thank their directors for all of their efforts and hard work and I do thank Senator, former
Senator Myron Jackson for bringing to my attention the accidental omission of recognizing a former senator and
lieutenant governor Osbert Potter and former senator Michael Thurlin so please accept our apologies so thank you so
much students and now a very important part a very important part of today's program one of two important parts of
today's program we are going to welcome the Supervisor of Elections, Caroline Fox, for the reading of certification and
presentation of Senators of the 36th Legislature.
1:05:13
A good morning, Virgin Islands, Governor Bryan, Lieutenant Governor Roach, Distinguished platform guests ladies and
gentlemen pursuant to title 18 chapter 3 section 47 all duties relative to the certification of the results of the general
election of november 5th 2024 have been completed and it has been determined that the following candidates have been
elected members of the 36th Legislature of the Virgin Islands. As your name is alphabetically called, please stand to be
recognized and then please take your seat. At large, Senator Angel L. Balkes, Jr.
1:06:50
Senators, District of St. Thomas, St. John. Marvin A. Blyden. Dwayne M. DeGraff, Ray Fonseca, Alma Frances Heiliger,
Carla J. Joseph, Avery L. Lewis, Milton E. Potter, Senators District of St. Croix, Novel E. Francis, Jr.
1:07:57
Hubert L. Frederick. Kenneth L. Gittins. Maurice C. James. Franklin D. Johnson, Clifford A. Joseph, Kurt A. VLA. Will
all the members of the 36th Legislature please rise.
1:09:06
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I present to you the members of the 36th Legislature of the Virgin Islands. Thank you. Thank you so much, Supervisor
Fox, and let's give them another round of applause. I am absolutely loving the ties of our male senators. female senators
always always look beautiful but I just love that purple I hope we can see a lot more of that color and in speaking of color
we have a special poem reading under the turquoise skies and this is going to be by Miss Lydia Potter do enjoy Ah, first
off, let's give, let's start by giving thanks to the Most High.
1:09:56
On the turquoise skies, all are we nestled in the Caribbean Sea surrounded by pristine white sands and blue waters.
Oscillations to common rhythms, a beauty that's captivating, yet a microcosm of a divided nation. Finding ourselves at
crossroads that we must navigate, knowing that each challenge is a lesson. Exhausted at times with the pushing and the
pulling, the left and right views a bit confusing and yes the many opportunities to soar like the eagle showing freedom
and strength spreading our wings as we climb to mountaintop swim on megan's bay or snorkel at buck island reef or bask
in the sunshine of trunk bay with a cold glass of marvie yeah that kind of easy that keeps us laid back and driven A
determination that keeps us thriving. We can easily be distracted by the beauty of VI living. No legacies for our sons and
daughters if we forget the mission. Tick-tocking, Facebooking, cancel culturing, interjecting opinions when there are so
many cracks in us.
1:11:05
By real talk, it's the water and the power. the Irma's and the Maria's shifting landscape and rearranging our furniture as
and and yes another man down caught up in a pandemic that touches us all everything happens for a reason one of the
many platitudes that leave our heads spinning seems that no society is immune in a world inured by violence. We give up
our freedom by becoming slaves to the masters called trauma and hatred and greed. Pivoting from chaos and echoing
change is how we grow. We live in societies where we have recycled histories, so many left with holes where hearts used
to be. With so much bewilderment, we still remember love and empathy and equanimity and forgiveness and kindness
and respect and compassion and hope and dreams not deferred. All a part of the nuances that we collectively share, a shift
in perspective when peace finds its way. What will define us is our resiliency, our willingness to be in community and in
committee, strengthening together, healing together, solutioning together. Our compromises will birth our victories,
making smooth the winding roads that lead through Charlotte Amelie and christian stead and cruise bay sitting on the one
umbrella called the virgin islands eating fried fish and johnny cake and fungi sipping with sipping some ginger beer and
1:12:36
knocking back a shot of cruisin a little food therapy while dancing to calypso and quill bay that ravishes our soul we are
witnesses to change as our history speaks through the echoes of our ancestors with every storm through the swaying
leaves and the bending branches of the flamboyant trees there is an energy that touches us all our differences and our
unique flavors colliding like a bowl of We are all a melting pot with families extended and neighborhoods blended, a
healthy sharing of ideas and opinions, multiple hues creating a complexion that's stunning, an ebbing and a flowing of
energies and frequencies, a cacophony of expressions and the capacity to lean on each other with one rhythm that echoes
unity. that steady base pan on juve morning muka jumbi and a multicultural display of poetic artistry working as hard as
we play enjoying the nightlife as we wind down the day we are one family living in a tiny place called paradise one
energy one breath, one voice, on a continuous journey, celebrating us, comforted underneath the turquoise skies. Thank
you. So, you know, normally we ask for an encore when there's a vocal selection. I I almost feel like we need an encore
of that. Please, let's give Ms. Potter another round of applause. Absolutely beautiful. You know, Ms. Potter, you had me
at Mabi. You really had me at Mabi. I was waiting for the guava tart to be thrown in there. As we know, it is the superior
tart of the Virgin Islands. But beautiful poem. I will ask if you can let us know where it is published, where we can find
that so that we can put it in every classroom at our schools beautiful point so now the moment the biggest moment when
it comes to the swearing in this is where officially our senators elect take the oath of office and i am always so pleased
and whenever I get to emcee an event and I see the Honorable Reese S. Hodge because such a great, great man. Now,
we're going to make sure we do this correctly.
1:14:31
So, Senators-elect, we're going to need you to listen carefully. When he says, I, you're going to say your name one by
one. We're going to start from my left to right, okay? But he'll further explain. So, I would like to call up the Honorable
Reese S. Hodge, Chief Justice of the Virgin Islands. Okay, that's good. Okay, will you all stand? And as the emcee said, I
will say I, and then I want individually you repeat your name starting with Senator Johnson. So raise your right hand and
repeat after me, I- Do solemnly swear that I will support, obey, and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States,
applicable to the Virgin Islands, and the laws of the Virgin Islands, that I take this obligation freely, without any mental
reservation, or purpose of evasion, and that
1:17:24
And I will faithfully and impartially discharge the duties of Senator of the 36th Legislature of the United States Virgin
Islands with fidelity. help me God. Congratulations Senators. Thank you.
1:19:40
Thank you. Congratulations Senators, let's give them another round of applause. Today is truly a joyous occasion and we
certainly love to see that each Senator can embrace one another. Again, collaboration and unity from this point on until
1:21:04
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the end of the term and beyond. So this is just the beginning. The work begins now.
So ladies and gentlemen, as we continue in our special program, we are going to be able to enjoy another musical
selection from the University of the Virgin Islands Music Program students. Do enjoy. Don't worry about a thing Cause
every little thing is gonna be alright Don't worry about a thing Cause every little thing is gonna be alright Woke up this
morning, danced with the rising sun Three little birds on my doorstep Singing sweet songs, melodies pure and true
Saying, this is my message to you I said, don't worry about a thing Cause every little thing is gonna be alright I said don't
worry about a thing I think every little thing is gonna be all right
1:22:10
Rise up this morning Smile with the rising sun Three little birds on my doorstep Just singing sweet songs Melody's pure
and true This is my message to you Oh, I said don't worry About a thing Cause every little thing Is gonna be alright Don't
worry About a thing Cause every little thing is gonna be alright Oh yeah, don't worry about a thing, about a thing Every
little thing is gonna be alright Yeah, don't worry about a thing Cause every little thing is gonna be alright Thank you
Thank you so much for that rendition I'm not gonna say that you had some backup singers on my side So indeed, the 36th
Legislature's talent show We will start to get that underway I think that was such a fitting song We look left, we look
right There are challenges in the Virgin Islands, but with God, all things are possible.
1:23:58
So no need to worry, no need to fret. We have our elected officials in place. They have a duty and responsibility. And as I
stated, the work begins now. There is, in fact, hope for the Virgin Islands. As we continue, ladies and gentlemen, we are
going to retire the colors. and I will call the Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps Collar Guard from the
Ivana-Eudorican High School to do so. Please stand.
1:25:43
Oh, oh, oh, oh. Retire, column, right, fast, mark time, move, column right, move.
1:26:35
Thank you so much. And before the benediction, of course, today's program was short and sweet. But I certainly
encourage you, if you have a booklet, to please take a look at the last page for the thank yous. There are so many people
who worked tirelessly to make today's event possible. The entire weekend of events and gratitude is always a must. So
we certainly thank each and every one of you who had a role to play in today's program, yesterday's church service, and
as we proceed in the activities that will take place at the Capitol Building. We are now going to call on Dr. Gerald
McDonald, pastor of Impacting Your World Christian Ministries, for the benediction.
1:27:35
Things he has done. Congratulations, senators. Let us pray. Father, as we conclude this ceremony, we turn our hearts to
you in gratitude for the time we have spent together and the renewed commitments our senators have made to serve our
community. And, Lord, as our legislatures leave this place, we ask, O God, for you to continue to guide them with
wisdom, with encouragement, and with your strength. May they carry the spirit of unity and collaboration in their work,
always seeking the well-being of those they represent. And, Lord, as we part, may your blessings be upon each member,
their families and this community we ask for your protection and guidance in the days ahead trusting that you will lead us
towards a brighter future in christ's name we pray amen thank you pastor mcdonald and now we have come to the end of
our program so we will have the recessional march by the 73rd Army Band Brass Music Performance Team.
1:28:46
The End Thank you.
1:30:20
Thank you. that was a historic and wonderful oath of the office ceremony yes it was yes it was Thank you so much ladies
and gentlemen for attending today's program and we will ask all guests on the bandstand to just give us a moment so we
can get the official photo and then you may be free to leave the bandstand.
1:31:20
Just give us one moment as we capture this official photo for today. But this concludes today's official swearing in
ceremony for the 36th legislature of the Virgin Islands. Continue to stay tuned to Legit TV, Channel 26. Stay tuned on
our social media pages as well. And for those of you who are viewing this Oath of the Ceremony remotely, continue to
stay where you are at the St. John Annex, Legislative Annex, at the Cleone Creek Legislative Hall, as well as the Fritzy
Louettes Conference Room, if you're on St. Croix, at the Legislature of the Virgin Islands. After the Oath of the
Ceremony, now that we are completed, lawmakers are on their way to the Capitol building where they would have the
organization of the 36th legislature. Their temporary presiding officer over this will be Senator, the Honorable Senator
Novell E. Francis Jr. Upon the conclusion of that, lawmakers will recess and then go into, on January 27th, they will go
into the state of the territory address that will be delivered by Governor Albert Bryan Jr. Thank you so much for tuning
in.
1:32:31
Continue to stay locked into Legit TV. I'm Africa Harrigan. I'm Alvin Baptiste. I'm Jamal Potter. Stay tuned to Legit TV.
Don't turn that dial. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
Thank you. Thank you. ¶¶ Thank you. ¶¶ Li-lo-la-la-le-lo-le-lo-la Li-lo-la-la-le-lo-le-lo-la
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Thank you. Thank you. Oh, yeah, man.
1:46:05
Thank you. Oh, my God. Thank you. ¶¶ so Thank you.
1:47:35
Thank you. Thank you.
1:50:35
¶¶ Oh, my God. Thank you. All right. [3 such phrases repeated 12 times · standby audio before the proceeding, transcribed
by the recogniser as speech]
1:51:35
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
1:58:05
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Let's go.
2:00:35
Thank you. We'll be right back.
2:03:05
Thank you. Thank you. ¶¶ Oh, yeah, man.
2:04:05
Thank you. Thank you.
2:06:05
This, this, but slow, slow. like half time or whatever.
2:07:05
How much you don't need this I'm shining our way to you again Alright, let's go back 1, 2, 1 3 Yes, sir.
2:08:05
Want to take his info? Take his info. All right, are you ready? He's cello, cello bass.
2:08:42
Can we do this after? Yeah, yeah, yeah, sure. All right, are you ready? I'm trying to go over. Half time. Half time. Two.
Right on. Yeah. Make a flower through the darkness of the night Light the lights of the beautiful day The angels watching
over me This will be a shining color Until I'm with you again Thank you. guitar solo Sad is to live. The saddest to live in
solitude
2:09:10
Far from your tranquil altitude The saddest to know that no one ever can live on a tree Never can be We'll never be
Dreamers awake Wake up and see Your beauty Is an Outlook So high my heart Can bear the strength Oh A heart that
stops when you Passed by young, new, new, new, saddest to live, solitude.
2:12:06
Chi Chi Chi Chi Chi Chi Spirit Chi Chi Chi Chi Chi Chi Tic-tic. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
2:13:20
I'm saddest to live in solitude Far from your tranquil altitude Sad is to know that no one ever can live on a dream
Whoever can be, will never be The rumors awake, we can see Your beauty is an arrow play So I, my heart, can't bear the
strain A heart that stops when you pass by Only cause you fail Saddest to live in sovereignty Saddest to live in solitude
Yeah, yeah, yeah, you got it.
2:16:06
I don't know. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
2:18:27
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
2:21:27
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
2:22:57
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
2:24:27
Thank you. ¶¶ Thank you.
2:25:57
Thank you. Thank you.
2:27:27
Thank you. Thank you.
2:28:27
Thank you. Thank you. ¶¶ Thank you. Thank you.
2:29:27
Li lo la la de lo te lo dai, li lo la la de lo te lo dai Thank you. Thank you.
2:31:57
¶¶ Thank you. ¶¶ so ¶¶
2:33:27
Thank you. so Thank you. Thank you.
2:35:57
Oh, my God. Thank you. For more information, visit www.fema.org Pleasant good afternoon to everyone on the
Legislative Session of the 36th Legislature of the Virgin Islands is here by call to order.
2:37:57
At this time, I will have the posting of the colors. Please stand. Mm-mm. Right, left, reset, off. Right, left, reset, off.
2:39:38
Order, off. Post! Forward! Post! Forward! Post! Post! Post! uh...
2:40:39
uh... uh... uh... uh... Thank you very much to the Ivana Uderakin High School Junior Reserve Officers, Training Corps,
Color Guard for the Postal of the Colors, please remain standing for the invocation and the national anthem and of course
we'll have the invocation by dr gerald mcdonald passed up impacting your world christian ministry and then we'll have
the national anthem and versions march by the university of virginia music program students let us pray eternal god in
heaven as we gather here today for the official organizing of the 36th legislature we come before you with humble hearts
2:41:18
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seeking your guidance and blessings and recognizing the weight of the responsibility that rests upon the shoulders of our
senators. Lord we ask for your blessings on the decisions made in this chamber. May they reflect the needs and
aspirations of all our residents promoting peace, prosperity, and the common good. Inspire our leaders to be champions of
truth and advocates for those who cannot advocate for themselves. As they embark on this journey together, fill them
with courage and strength. May their hearts be open to your will and may they seek your counsel in times of uncertainty.
Let them be instruments of your peace in our community. We entrust this session of the legislature into your hands,
trusting, O God, that you will guide and protect each member as they fulfill their duties. May this body be a beacon of
hope and source of positive
change in our community. In Christ's name we pray. Amen. The early light Once so proudly we hailed At the twilight's
last gleaming Whose broad stripes and bright stars Through the perilous fight O'er the ramparts we watched were so
gallantly streaming? And the rocket's red glare, the bombs bursting in air, made true to the night that our flag was still
there. Oh, say does that star-spangled banner yet wave O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave All hail the
Virgin Islands Emerald of the sea Where beaches bright with coral scent
2:43:36
And trade winds bless our native land All hail the Virgin Islands Beautiful and tall We give our love Built up high, hold
up Come for one and all Bless our Virgin Islands Humbly now we pray For all mankind can join today In friendly
warmth of work and play God bless our virgin island Beautiful and tall Beneath the sunny sky Built up high, hold out
well to your money Thank you very much. You may be seated.
2:45:59
Good afternoon to the members of the Legislature, my colleagues, friends, family, and honored guests. Thank you all for
being here today as we convene and organize the 36th Legislature of the Virgin Islands. I'm Senator Novell E. Francis,
Jr., and I'm honored to serve as the temporary presiding officer for this portion of the proceedings. At this time, Madam
Clerk, please call the roll. Senator Marvin A. Blyden. Senator Blyden, present. Senator Angel L. Bocas, Jr., Senator
Bocas, Jr., present. Senator Dwayne M. DeGraff. Senator DeGraff, present. Senator Ray Fonseca, Senator Fonseca,
present. Senator Novell E. Francis Jr. Senator Francis Jr., present. Senator Alma Francis Heiliger, Senator Francis
Heiliger, present.
2:47:07
Senator Hubert L. Frederick, Senator Frederick, present. Senator Kenneth L. Gittins, Senator Gittins, present. I am here.
Senator James, present. Senator Franklin D. Johnson. Here. Senator Johnson, present. Senator Carla J. Joseph. Present.
Senator Joseph, present. Senator Clifford A. Joseph Sr. Present. Senator Joseph Sr., present. Senator Avery L. Lewis.
Present.
2:48:06
Senator Lewis, present. Senator Milton E. Potter. Here. Senator Potter, present. Senator Kurt A, VLA. Senator VLA,
present. Mr. President, 15 members present. Thank you very much, Madam Clerk. We do have a quorum and now ready
to proceed with the business before the body today. At this time, Madam Clerk, is there any other correspondence to be
read into the record? No, Mr. President. Very well, thank you. Do I hear a motion? Motion. Senator VLA, you're
recognized for your motion.
2:48:38
Thank you, Mr. President and Officer. I move that BR No. 25-0001, a resolution organizing and establishing the majority
caucus, electing the officers, and appointing the chairpersons, vice chairpersons, and members of the standing committees
of the 36th legislature of the Virgin Islands, be given a bill number, placed on the agenda for consideration. I so move.
Second. Motion properly made by Senator Kurt A. VLA, seconded by Senator Lewis and Senator Gittens. Objected to by
Senator DeGraff. Roll call. Senator Marvin A. Blyton. Senator Blyton. Senator Angel L. Bocas Jr. Senator Bocas Jr.
2:49:13
Yay. Senator Dwayne M. DeGraff. No. Senator DeGraff, nay. Senator Ray Fonseca. Yay. Senator Fonseca, yay. Senator
Novelli Francis Jr. Yay. Senator Francis Jr., yay. Senator Alma Francis Heiliger. No. Senator Francis Heiliger, nay.
Senator Hubert L. Frederick. Yes. Senator Frederick, yay. Senator Kenneth L. Gittins. Yes. Senator Gittins, yay. Senator
Maurice C. James? Yes. Senator James, yay. Senator Franklin D. Johnson? No.
2:50:02
Senator Johnson, nay. Senator Carla J. Joseph? Yes. Senator Joseph, yay. Senator Clifford A. Joseph Senior? Yes.
Senator Joseph Senior, yay. Senator Avery L. Lewis? Yes. Senator Lewis, yay. Senator Milton E. Potter? Yes. Senator
Potter, yay. Senator Kurt A. Viale? Yes. Senator VLA, yeah. Mr. President, 12 yeas, three nays. Very well, the motion
carries. At this time, legal counsel, can you please give BR 25-0001 a bill number?
2:50:39
Mr. President, this matter carries bill number 36-0001. Thank you very much. Legal counsel, any other motion? Motion.
Motion. Senator Viala, you recognize for your motion. Thank you, Mr. President. I move that bill number 35-0001. I got
back to the 35th. Let me withdraw the motion. I move that bill number 36- Motion, motion withdrawn.
2:51:16
Thank you. You recognize. Motion, Mr. President and Officer. Senator Viala, you recognize for your motion. I move that
bill number 36-0001 be considered by this body for approval. I so move. Motion properly made by Senator VLA,
seconded by Senator Lewis, Senator Gittins, objected to by Senator DeGraff, roll call. Senator Marvin A. Blyden. Senator
2:51:52
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Blyden, yay.
Senator Angel L. Bocas, Jr. Senator Bocas, Jr., yay. Senator Dwayne M. DeGraff? No. Senator DeGraff? Nay. Senator
Ray Fonseca? Yay. Senator Fonseca? Yay. Senator Novell E. Francis Junior? Yay. Senator Francis Junior? Yay. Senator
Alma Francis Heiliger? No. Senator Francis Heiliger? Nay. Senator Hubert L. Frederick? Yay. Senator Frederick? Yay.
Senator Kenneth L. Gittins? Yes. Senator Gittins? Yay. Senator Maurice C. James? Yes. Senator James, yay. Senator
Franklin D. Johnson, no.
2:52:23
Senator Johnson, nay. Senator Carla J. Joseph, yes. Senator Joseph, yay. Senator Clifford A. Joseph Senior, yay. Senator
Joseph Senior, yay. Senator Avery L. Lewis, yay. Senator Lewis, yay. Senator Milton E. Potter, yes. Senator Potter, yay.
Senator Kurt A. Viala, Senator Viala, yay. Mr. President, 12 yays, three nays. Thank you very much, Madam Clerk. Bill
number 36-0001 has been approved by the members of the 36th Legislature of the Virgin Islands, will be sent to the
Governor for further consideration and action. Congratulations. Senator Vieira, we recognize for, again, just to go over
and present the contents of Bill number 36-0001.
2:53:01
Thank you, Mr. President and Officer. Bill number 36-0001, a bill organizing and establishing the majority caucus for the
36th legislature, and I will literally summarize the bill. Section one, the 36th Legislature of the Virgin Islands is
organized as provided in sections two through four. Section two, the majority caucus is established and is composed of
Senator Marvin Blyden, Senator Angel Boulquez, Senator Ray Fonseca, Senator Nova Lee Francis, Jr., Senator Hubert L.
Frederick, Senator Kenneth L. Gittins, Senator Mary C. James, Senator Carla C. Joseph, Senator Clifford A. Joseph, Sr.,
Senator Avery A. Lewis, Senator Milton E. Potter, and Senator Kurt A.
2:53:50
Verley. Section 3, the following senators are elected to the offices of the 36th legislature. President, Senator Milton E.
Potter. Vice President, Senator Kenneth L. Gittins. Secretary, Senator Avery L. Lewis, Majority Leader, Senator Kurt A.
Verley, Secretary for Intergovernmental Relations and Territorial Affairs, Senator Mary C. James, liaison to the United
States Congress, Senator Ray Fonseca, liaison to the United States Department of Interior and the Office of Insular
Affairs, Senator Ray Fonseca.
2:54:47
Excuse me, Senator Carla Joseph. Last, and to the White House, Senator Kenneth Gittins. Section four, the following
standing committees of the 36th legislature are established and the chairs, white chairs, and members of the committees
are appointed as follows. Committee on Rules and Judiciary, Chair, Senator Carla Joseph. And I'll summarize. Chair of
Rules and Judiciary, Senator Carla Joseph. Chair of Budget and Appropriation, Senator Novel Francis. Chair of the
Committee on Health, Hospital and Human Services, Senator Ray Fonseca. Chair of the Committee on Education and
Workforce Development, Senator Kurt Ria-Ling. Chair of the Committee on Disaster Recovery, Infrastructure and
Planning, Senator Maurice James.
2:55:28
Chair of the Committee on Economic Development and Agriculture, Senator Hubert Frederick. Chair of the Committee
on Homeland Security, Justice and Public Safety, Senator Clifford A. Joseph Senior. Chair of the Committee on
Government Operations, Veterans Affairs and Consumer Protection, Senator Avery Lewis. Chair of the Committee on
Housing, Transportation and Telecommunication, Senator Marvin Blyden. Chair of the Committee on Culture, Youth,
Aging, Sports and Parks, Senator Ankel Bulquez. Chair of the Committee of the Whole, Senator Potter. And that
summarizes Bill No. 36.0001.
2:56:19
Thank you very much, Senator of VLA. Bill No. 36.0001 has been adopted. I'm honored to call the Honorable Milton E.
Potter, Senate President of the 36th Legislature of the Virgin Islands. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Good afternoon
ladies and gentlemen.
2:56:59
Senator Francis, give up this gavel so fast, yeah, there's a level of anxiousness to get it out of his hands, but I'm grateful,
Senator Francis. Good afternoon to our hardworking central staff, employees, who do incredible work behind the scenes
all the time to make us look good, to make us shine. Good afternoon to all the guests who are here today. who are
listening via the electronic medium those who made it a priority to be here I want to say thank you very much it is really
humbling to have been given the vote of confidence by my colleagues to serve as the leader of this institution I do not
take your confidence for granted I'm very grateful to you i'm grateful to the people of the virgin islands who have given
me the opportunity to serve as a senator as their elected official uh three consecutive times and you know once might be a
fluke second time okay but the third time they're saying you're doing something right we appreciate what you're doing i'm
grateful to the people of the virgin islands for this It is a privilege that I will not take for granted. I was going to thank, I
have some notes here. I was going to thank the officials from the BVI who are always here, but we just got word that they
have some significant issue that they're dealing with in session right now, so they were unable to make it here. I know the
bonds between the BVI and the USVI are extremely strong, and this is probably the first time since I've been here that
they've been absent, but we know that they are here in spirit. I see some elected officials here that I can just recognize. I
2:59:19
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see former Senator Myron Jackson here. I think I saw him as. Senator Jackson. Senator Jackson right in front of me.
Senator Donald Cole on the left. Senator.
Welcome, Senator. Senator Britt Bryan. Thank you very much for being here, sir. Senator Carmen Wesselhoff. I say it's a
real good thing. This is the second time in two days that I've seen Senator Wesselhoff, so that's a good omen for me.
Thank you very much, Senator. Representing the late Senator Alicia Chucky Hansen is Elizabeth Watley. Thank you
very much for being here on behalf of your mom. I see former Senate President in the back hiding, Senator Usi Richards.
Thank you very much, Senator Richards, for being here.
3:01:35
And, of course, I'm looking at Senator Janet Milling-Young directly in her eyes. Welcome, Senator Janet Milling-Young.
Thank you for being here. i'd like to take a moment before we go we go further and of course the former lieutenant
governor of the virgin islands a guy who looks somewhat familiar to me asbert e potter thank you very much as well for
being here see senator Senator Carriong, he's a part of my freshman class in the 34th Legislature, Senator Sam Carriong.
3:02:18
In the back, thank you very much for being here, Senator Carriong. That's it, right? I think so. I think I got everybody
covered. Ladies and gentlemen, colleagues, we stand on the threshold of a new chapter in the vibrant history of the
United States Virgin Islands. As president of the 36th legislature, it is with great joy and profound responsibility that I
extend my warmest welcome and steadfast congratulations to each of my colleagues who are here today. The election
results reflect not only the trust placed in us by the people of the Virgin the people we serve, but also the hope that they
hold for a brighter future for our beloved territory.
3:03:04
Your voices at the ballot box echo through, affirming the values of democracy, resilience, and unity that define our
community. elected senator here in this house today brings a unique perspective a passion and dedication together we
form as my sister said today a Callaloo of leadership a leadership Callaloo different perspective but each perspective is
critical for the ingredients for the pot to really taste good it's both diverse a perspective is dynamic as we embark on this
journey let us remember that our primary duty is to listen to our constituents to listen to each other to advocate for the
needs of the people of the territory their aspirations and their well-being. The challenges ahead for this territory may be
formidable, but they are not insurmountable. With a strength and shared commitment, innovative ideas and collaborative
spirit, we can work towards finding solutions that uplift every resident of the United States Virgin Islands. Together, we
will strive to address the pressing challenges that face our territory and seize the opportunities that lie ahead. As we
convene in the halls of the legislature, let us carry with us the hopes and dreams of the U.S. Virgin Islands. Let us move
forward
3:04:01
with the audacity of Rothschild Francis. The courage of Queen Mary, the wisdom of General Buddle, the intellect of
Ambassador Terence Tadman, the determination of Senator Ruby M. Rouse, and the commitment of Governor Cyril E.
King, knowing that the work we do will shape the future of our islands, and the lives of the people we serve. Ladies and
gentlemen, our agenda today is fairly straightforward. We will act on the governor's request to reschedule the state of the
territory. We will also adopt the rules of the 36th legislature of the Virgin Islands. We'll also give each senator in the
chambers today an opportunity to speak to the people of the Virgin Islands, share whatever is on their mind.
3:05:50
With further ado, are there any motions? Senator Villareal, you're recognized for your motion. Senator Villareal- Thank
you, Mr. President. Mr. President, I move that BR No. 25-0002, a resolution adopting the rules of the 36th legislature of
the Virgin Islands, be given a bill number, and placed on the agenda for further consideration. I so move. Second.
3:07:06
Properly moved by Senator Kurt Ville, seconded by Senator Ray Fonseca, Senator Kenny Gittens, Senator Carla Joseph,
Senator Avery Lewis, objected to by Senator Dwayne DeGraff. Roll call. Senator Marvin A. Blyton. Senator Blyton, yay.
Senator Angel L. Bocas, Jr. Senator Bocas, Jr., yay. Senator Dwayne M. DeGraff.
3:07:34
Senator DeGraff, nay. Senator Ray Fonseca. Senator Fonseca, yay. Senator Novelli Francis Jr. Yes. Senator Francis Jr.,
yay. Senator Alma Francis Heilegger. No. Senator Francis Heilegger, nay. Senator Hubert L. Frederick. Yes. Senator
Frederick, yay. Senator Kenneth L. Gittins. Yes. Senator Gittins, yay. Senator Maurice C. James. Yes. Senator James,
yay. Senator Franklin D. Johnson.
3:08:05
No. Senator Johnson, nay. Senator Carla J. Joseph. Yes. Senator Joseph, yay. Senator Clifford A. Joseph Sr. Yes. Senator
Joseph Sr., yay. Senator Avery L. Lewis. Yes. Senator Lewis, yay. Senator Milton E. Potter. Yes. Senator Potter, yay.
Senator Kurt A. Viale. Yes. Senator Viale, yay. Mr. President, 12 yays, 3 nays. Thank you very much, Madam Clerk. The
motion passes.
3:08:34
Legal Council, can we have an official bill number assigned? Mr. President, this matter carries bill number 36-0002.
36-0002. Okay. BR No. 25-0002 has been assigned Bill No. 36-0002. Can we have a roll call?
3:09:11
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Pong, Pong, Pong. Yeah, can we have a motion? Sorry. No, here, okay. The motion passes. That's it. Motion. Senator
Villain, you recognize your motion. Thank you so much. Mr. President, I move that Bill Number 36-0002, a resolution
adopting the rules of the 36th legislature of the Virgin Islands, be considered for a positive approval and sent to the
Office of the Governor for further consideration. I'd like to move.
3:10:06
Second. Properly moved by Senator Kurt Veillet, seconded by Senator Kenny Gittins, Senator Marvin Blyden, Senator
Carla Joseph, objected to by Senator Dwayne DeGraff, roll call. Senator Marvin A. Blyden. Senator Blyden, yay. Senator
Angel L. Bocas, Jr. Senator Bocas, Jr., yay. Senator Dwayne M. DeGraff. Senator DeGraff, nay.
3:10:38
Senator Ray Fonseca. Senator Fonseca, yay. Senator Novelli Francis, Jr. Senator Francis, Jr., yay. Senator Alma Francis
Heiliger. Senator Francis Heiliger, nay. Senator Hubert L. Frederick? Senator Frederick? Senator Kenneth L. Gittins?
Senator Gittins? Senator Maurice C. James? Senator James? Senator Franklin D. Johnson? Senator Johnson? Senator
Karla J. Joseph?
3:11:19
Senator Joseph? Senator Clifford A. Joseph Senior? Senator Joseph Senior? Senator Avery L. Lewis? Senator Lewis?
Senator Lewis, yay. Senator Milton E. Potter, yes. Senator Potter, yay. Senator Kurt A., VLA, yes. Senator VLA, yay.
Mr. President, 12 yays, 3 nay. Thank you very much, Madam Clerk. Colleagues, bin number 36-0002 to establish the
rules of the 36th Legislature of the Virgin Islands has been favorably considered by this body and will be forwarded to
the Governor for final consideration and action.
3:11:50
Motion. Senator Vialli, you're recognized for your motion. Thank you, Mr. President. Mr. President, I move for three
minutes to be allotted to each senator for a point of personal privilege. I so move. Properly moved by Senator Vialli,
seconded by Senator Gittins and Senator Blyden, And Senator Lewis, have you no objections? So ordered. Colleagues,
we will move to a three-minute round of personal privilege. We're gonna start with Senator Alma Francis Heiliger.
Senator Francis Heiliger, you're recognized for your three minutes.
3:12:36
Thank you. Good day to everyone here in the chambers. Good day to my colleagues. Good day to the people of this
territory. would like to say it has been truly a blessing to have an opportunity to sit in these chambers for the third term.
One of the things that I have learned in the four years being a member of this institution is that everything is not always
what it seems but it's very important that as a body and I'm going to say this again, as a body, our goal has to be we put
the priorities of the people of this territory first and foremost. Period. That is the only thing I'm asking of my colleagues.
That when we make decisions in this institution, it doesn't matter what side of the aisle we're on, that the people of this
territory is our number one priority. That is all I'm going to ask. Now I'm asking the president, our word of the year
should be impartial and I want to make sure that we are fair across the board. I would like to be a member of this
institution where we all have an opportunity for our voices to be heard because we all have unique perspectives as you
said before. The people went to the polls and made a decision that each one of us bring something unique to the table and
each one of our voices represent them.
3:13:17
And that is all I hope that we can do and make sure that the people's lives are better. I want to take the time out to thank
several individuals here. My staff is here. These are the individuals that helped me get the people's work done on
day-to-day basis my husband is in the audience he doesn't like to be on tv so he always chooses to stay in the audience
but understand what i have always said to people that when i chose this journey to become a politician years ago my
husband wanted no part of it but at the end of the day he said to me if this is what my wife wants i will back you up a
hundred percent and he's been here every step of the way a lot of times when i have to deal with things in these chambers
i have him to go home to and have a conversation 30 seconds and reset because we always need that the pastor spoke the
other yesterday about nathans i have my nathan okay and i appreciate him very much for making sure that i try to stay as
balanced as i can be so i could be the best representative for the people we need to unify as a territory i woke up last week
and i felt like i was getting hit blow by blow by blow as every day passed on time can i just quickly wrap up yes you may
senator thank you and i recognize in our community a lot of things are happening the public seems a little
disenfranchised, they're concerned about their livelihood, their well-being, but I could speak for me. Senator Alma Alicia
Francis de Freitas Heiliger will do everything in her power to fight on your behalf and seek prosperity for each and every
one of you. So I thank everyone for instilling the opportunity here so I could continue this representation within the 36th
legislature. I offer Olive branch to all 14 of my colleagues so we could unify and work collectively because at the end of
the day, it is always people before politics. Thank you very much.
3:14:56
Thank you very much Senator Alma Francis Heiliger. Your request Senator Francis Heidegger is for impartiality and
fairness. You can count on me to be fair and impartial. Thank you very much. Senator Alma Francis Heidegger was part
of our freshman class in the 34th legislature. I sincerely appreciate your passion and I look forward to working with you
closely in the 36th legislature.
3:17:20
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definitely all right senator frankie johnson you're franklin johnson you're recognized for your three minutes good
afternoon thank you very much mr chair i want to congratulate you on your position i want to be very brief and fast
because i really want to do more than just the message of my time here in the legislature but i'd like to present my mother
with a rose thing of flowers mommy stand up please oh wow um without her this none of this is possible I also want to
present a rose to my, flowers to my significant other, Natanya. I know I catch you good.
3:17:54
And Mr. President, with your indulgence, my message today is a little more deeper than just the legislature. People at the
territory know who I am, what I stand for, and they give me a third shot at this. So with your indulgence, I would like to
show a video to at least touch the people at this territory, especially the men of this territory. With your indulgence, Mr.
President. Understanding what it is you're about to do, I will offer you that flexibility, Senator Johnson. The media has
the video, Mr. President. Thank you very much. God bless these beautiful Virgin Islands.
3:18:33
Thank you. Thank you. Media is prepared. Media, are you prepared to show the video at this time? Okay. someone is told
you have cancer on May 21st I was diagnosed with prostate cancer prior to me being diagnosed I've been doing all of my
PSA tests and I've seen the numbers increasing steadily I decided that I have to take this a stepfather based on my doctors
come to state with me letting me know that this num these numbers are rising I urge that all men go ahead do this
screening a PSA is a very simple blood test that can diagnose the process or the progress of your prostate if it's a swollen
prostate and based on the numbers they will determine if you need to do a biopsy I did that biopsy and like I said on the
21st, I was diagnosed with cancer. On May 31st, I did a MIR, a CT scan, to check to see if the cancer had left my
prostate. On June 7th, I had to go and do a CAT scan and with the nuclear medicine to make sure it wasn't in my bone.
On July 11th, I met with some doctors in Moffitt because my original doctor wanted to completely cut my prostate out,
which I didn't think was something needed to be done, from speaking to many friends that I knew had prostate cancer.
And whilst talking to my doctor in Muffet, Dr. Fernandez, a very, very good doctor, he says to me that I was not eligible
for a particular type of procedure that I wanted, which is known
3:19:01
as a brachytherapy. If I had went to Muffet Cancer Center very early when my numbers was rising, I could have done the
brachytherapy, which is pretty much a seed implant, a radiated seed that would have been implanted into my prostate that
would have done the radiation without any further damage to my prostate so on July 25th I did a PET scan this PET scan
is to determine if any of the cancer left the prostate sack and that turned out to be negative which was good news on
November 13th again I went back up to Muffet and I sat my doctor where they implanted two rice grain gold plated onto
my prostate in the area where the cancer was they also in place a gel between my prostate and my bowl to make sure that
when I'm being treated that the radiation doesn't destroy no other of my organs that process was a very simple process
once that process was done within two weeks now I had to go back up again to Moffitt to start the procedure, which is a
very steady radiation. The picture that you see there is with me and my doctor, Dr. Fernandez, when he was getting ready
to put that rice grain in me so that I could make sure that they do this process and done it right. The machine that I did
that they used to do the treatment is called IRIS. Very simple machine. I'll show you a video of the machine and the
process. It's very simple. You go and you lay on this machine, the nurses will come, they'll identify the two tattoos on
your side, they put two little X's on the left, one on the left hip, one on the right hip, and one on the center. They line you
up with a cross, which is a green light, strobe light, that goes straight across. After they complete that, the machine will
start to do a diagnostic test on you to make sure that you have an empty bowel and a full bladder in order to get radiated.
3:20:52
If you don't have an empty bowel and a full bladder, the machine will shut down. You have to start the process all over
again. Once your bladder is full and your bowel is empty, the machine now starts to adjust itself to identify exactly where
those rice grains are on your prostate. It now starts circulating around your body from one side to the next. comes back
again a second go wrong and the treatment is completed I was given 20 treatment some from December 1st to this from
December 2nd from December 2nd to December 30th I was given this treatment there was no kind of reaction to my
body everything was done very well again I thank the doctors in Moffitt the folks that are doing the treatment and my
family and friends. Without Natanya being there with me would have been a very difficult time being in a hotel for a
month doing this radiation.
3:22:56
We played a lot of card games to let time go by and that made the days, the nights, very, very easy. and on the 31st the
last day I was successfully given all the treatment came outside to a big surprise where my family was on a video seeing
everything that actually was going on I gave a speech to the folks I was there and it was a touching speech for them as I
spoke about men and doing the tests getting this thing done early I want to say thank you to the entire staff the work that
they have done with me thank you to Tracy from the international side on the day I got here I mean all the assistance that
I got I never had no doubt that this process was gonna be complete one day and today I'm so happy that it's all over and
heading back home to be with my family for the New Year's your journey and i ask that the men especially speak more
about this thing here we don't talk enough about prostate cancer we don't share the information with others and it's a
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process so it's a cancer that we should be able to win yeah if we just do our tests in a timely manner this is not a cancer
we should die from and i plan to be a voice when i get back home in the bulge now I love you guys. It's been a journey. I
have this amazing family, my significant other Natania who bid with me from day one and make sure she got my shirt
off. It's been a beautiful journey and I'm I'm so glad that I caught this in time, and I'm looking for a long life.
Amen. Bring that bend. We should not be dying from prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is one of the cancers that we should
be winning from. But only detection is the most important thing. all it takes is a blood test a very simple PSA to find out
if you have an enlarged prostate to find out if your prostate have been swollen and after that then you can go forward and
doing a biopsy if that is needed but I'm urging all men from the time you hit 40 start doing your PSA do them every year
prostate cancer is one of the slowest cancer so when you hear someone that die from cancer or prostate cancer I should
say is because they never did a check they never find out what their status is you start from a grid to a stage I was never at
a stage because I caught it on time and as I said to you earlier if I didn't even go earlier I would have been eligible for the
brachytherapy which is just inserting two radiated beads in my prostate I went a little farther because I continue looking
at the numbers but again I caught it early and the treatment was successful in six months I'll go and definitely see my
numbers see them going down and continue to do my testing as I go along but from the first day that I announced that I
had prostate cancer the amount of people that I found out had prostate cancer was quite alarming from From working
with Governor Map, every time I go St. Thomas, I meet with six very close friends. Out of six of us, three of us was
diagnosed with prostate cancer and we got it taken care
3:26:01
of. I'm pleading to the men in this community and throughout the world, please go and do your prostate PSA tests
because you can live a very long and productive life. I intend to live a long, good life. The Lord have a lot of work for me
to do, and I intend to do that, and I will continue checking my prostate. I'm urging you men, do your PSC. Get diagnosed
early, and win this battle with prostate cancer. God bless the entire Virgin Islands. God bless the people of the Virgin
Islands. God bless.
3:28:00
Thank you so very much, Senator Franklin Johnson, and thanks for your candor, thanks for sharing your personal journey
with cancer, with the people of the Virgin Islands. It may have saved some lives today just by you coming forward with
it. I know a lot of us people may be suffering from these critical illnesses. We sort of operate in the shadows, operate in a
silo. So it is great when you, somebody who's recognized, somebody who's known, can move forward with a sense of
candor and straightforwardness just to take the whole stigma of cancer away. So thank you very much. We wish you
good health for 2025 and beyond, for sure.
3:28:37
Thank you very much, Senator Johnson. Next, we're going to ask the mayor of Savan, Mr. Dwayne, Senator Dwayne de
Graff. Senator de Graff, you're recognized for your three minutes. Thank you, Mr. President. That sounds good, you
know, saying to me, Mr. President, for a little while. It sounds good to me. Thank you to my colleague. Best blessings.
We got your back. The minority ends right here. And then my colleagues and the majority are going to take over.
Talking, that is. And I say it like that because I've been a minority senator for this is my fifth term from the 32nd
legislature. People tell me, hey, you ain't in the majority. You ain't got no power. You ain't got no committees. The power
of the people can't be. That's what I got. So that's what helped me to get five terms. And I say it like that because as a
minority senator for all these terms, I've never been in opposition to the majority.
3:29:32
Because what I'm in opposition to is what I believe the first branch of government gives up to the executive branch in
terms of power. We are the first branch of government. The power starts with us. That's all I want to see. Let's, let's, so if
we go and step up in the 36, let's step up to take back the power as a body that holds one head. We're willing to hold a
head with you, but we ain't gonna go along to get along.
3:30:41
Ain't gonna happen, you know, so, and I don't have a problem voting different to everybody because I've done it for a
long time. But the message is to me about thanks. To the outgoing president, Senator Novel Francis, thank you. You did a
yeoman's job, as usual, appreciate it. To the incoming president, we stand in support of you. Like my colleagues say, be
fair to us. We have a voice. I have a campaign committee, very small, very small, close-knit that got me here into five
terms. I have a small staff, Mr. Jose Letson Mosh and Ms. Kalima King. I am a creature of habit, a little boy from Savan.
3:31:17
I'm going to tell everybody I'm from Savan. I've been doing it for eight years now, till I dropped dead, I'm from Savan. 30
seconds. And why I always mention it, because I believe that the community that raised me, the town that raised me, was
the Virgin Islands. Started in Savant, everywhere in the Virgin Islands. People look out for you. You know, my parents
taught me good morning, good afternoon, sir, ma'am, please, thank you. You don't call no adult by the first name. You
either missed or miss, sir or ma'am. So again, I have given up leadership by, lead by example. I've become the example in
your lead. how you talk, how you treat people. That's what they remember about you.
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So most of all, I'd like to thank my family. I'll just wrap up, Mr. President. My queen, Julie, keeping me in line. Thank
you. Love you. Appreciate that. My oldest daughter, Rashida. Stand up. I want to see my turn. Can't be the chair black in
hell. Stand up. My daughter, Rashida, and my daughter, Brittany, her first time. Thank you. That's the backbone. Keep
your family and God in your life, and we will get through this. So like I said, so don't look at us as we the enemy, because
we're not. We want this branch of government to take back over, be the number one branch of government.
3:32:52
Period. Thank you for the time, Mr. President. Congratulations. Thank you very much, Senator de Graaf. And Senator
DeGraff is correct. I don't think there's been a day that I've been in either a committee meeting or a session that Senator
DeGraff doesn't emphasize the fact that he was born in Savant. That's about every single day. I call him the mayor of
Savant. But in all candor, Senator DeGraff has always brought a willingness to offer sage advice, particularly to new
freshman senators, whether you are in the minority or the majority.
3:33:37
He always offers up himself to give solid advice. Thank you very much, Senator DeGraff. I look forward to working with
you closely in the 36th legislature. Senator Volquez, you're recognized for your three minutes. Senator Volquez, Thank
you, Mr. President. And first and foremost, I want to give thanks for life, the greatest gift of all, and I want to thank God
for everything that he has done for me in my life, whether it was challenging or not, because those challenging
experiences are learning experiences for each and every one of us. And it's a wonderful time to be alive. And I say that
because life years and decades ago was a lot more difficult than it is today, even though we have our share of problems
today. We have a lot of assistance that we're getting. We have technology.
3:34:19
We have a lot of things in our favor, but we have problems to solve. And I thank the people of the Virgin Islands for
giving me another opportunity to work on their behalf to try to solve those problems. And I want to thank my colleagues
in the 35th legislature of the Virgin Islands, some that are here now moving on to the 36th legislature of the Virgin
Islands. for all of the very challenging and important discussions that we have during those backdoor meetings, where we
can deliberate and speak our minds freely about the issues. And I think that a lot of the things that people see on TV
doesn't necessarily define the work that legislators have to do.
3:35:15
It is a very strenuous job. you never take a day off you can go well it was again Senator Viale you go plaza for one hour
when you're just going to pick up a bag of bread two hours but we have a passion we are public servants we are here for
you to do this job and we appreciate you giving us the opportunity to do so and one thing that you're going to get from me
is availability and I'm always going to be there to listen because that's my superpower I listen and I will be there to listen
to the issues of the people and work with my colleagues to find the solutions.
3:36:00
And solutions may not always come as quickly and as easily as we would like them because you have to take time, you
have to have data, and you have to be responsible in your actions and decisions. And I have learned a lot from my
colleagues. I want to thank them for all of those great episodes. And before my time runs out, want to thank my family
my wife that is here with me my mother is somewhere in the crowd mom love you and um also to mr edward eduardo
acornero one of my mentors mr marceli marcelino ventura and of course my aunt who is great who is probably listening
right now uh cleone creaky and i want to thank her for all of those tough love moments that she's always given to me
because i truly appreciate them and of course all the people of the virgin islands thank you mr president thank you thank
you very much senator bolquez senator bolquez will be chairing the committee on culture youth aging sports and parks i
must say senator bolquez was a is has proven to be a quick study and a a hard worker. Actually, he joined the 34th
legislature in midstream, and he more than held his own. So I want to congratulate you, Senator Bulquez, on your
re-election, and I look forward to working closely with you in the 36th legislature. Thank you. Senator Hubert Frederick.
Senator Frederick, you are entitled to your five minutes. Three minutes.
3:36:41
That's my FAMU, that's my FAMU alumni, so I don't want to be partial. You've got to take three minutes, Lorenzo.
Thank you, Mr. President. Good afternoon, everyone. I am just elated to be here with my family. Let me introduce them
real quick. My father, Hubert Frederick. My mom, Ruth Lynn Frederick. my sister Claudia Frederick my brother Luisito
Frederick and I've got aunts and cousins out there too love you guys right auntie wave okay and they're from st. Thomas
just to let you know right so I have a blended family both on st. Crow and St. Thomas.
3:38:30
For those of you who don't know me on this side very much, I ran for public office 10 years ago. So this was a long
journey, not quite aiming for the Senate. But Melito Smith and I journeyed on this back in 2014. And we didn't make it,
and we tried again in 2018. And the same result transpired. So I was done with it. You know, it was fun. I met a lot of
people, especially when you run for that branch. You know, you get to travel throughout the entire territory.
3:39:28
So I was like, OK, I see what it's like, and I think I'm done with it. But for some reason, I think I caught a flu or
something, because I said, you know what? No, let me try it again. Let me try it this time where I'm from. And I was
surprised that the results was very encouraging. I missed it by six votes. And I said, you know what? Okay, I think this is
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for me. And I tried again and it was overwhelming. So thank the people for seeing Croy, for your confidence in me and
giving me an opportunity to serve. One minute. I'm excited because as a banker of 25 years and an insurance broker, I
currently own my own insurance company. I want to add a lot of elements that in the past, we probably didn't have an
opportunity to see people of a skill set like mine add in this political process we know what the typical stuff is like well
now let's see what more of a corporate trained person what their philosophy and approach is let's see if that gives us a
little bit more push 30 seconds so um i'm excited to work with my colleagues i think they're all brilliant bright people um
i always ask for advice even from the people from I think that's the approach being collaborative and deliberative and just
bringing pieces together that's going to help our community because we all are in this together and I'm exceptionally
hopeful and optimistic so I want to thank you guys again for the opportunity and I look forward to working with these
beautiful people and serving you and getting your needs done ready to report to work. Thank you. Thank you very much,
Senator Frederick. Senator Frederick and I attended Florida A&M University with Rattlers, family Rattlers, a long, long
time ago, many, many moons ago. I hate to even say it. He's my, I was with my friend, a fraternity brother. He was a
banker. He's always been a go-getter and an entrepreneur, even in college. I think he is going to really add value to the
Virgin Islands legislature. Thank you very much. I'm looking forward to working closely with you in the 36th, Senator
Frederick. Senator Carter Joseph, you were recognized for your three minutes. Thank you kindly, Mr. President. a
pleasant good afternoon to my colleagues, distinguished and honored guests joining us today for this auspicious occasion.
People help people and God helps us all is my motto. So this is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be
glad in it. It speaks to my life and about my work I've done, first and foremost of course I gotta give the most high all
powerful God thanks for all that he has done for me and for us and for our families and this territory. I am a proud
product of public housing. Bovoni housing community Oswald Harris Court housing community. I came up from very
humble roots. I'm a product of an immigrant parents hailing from the island nation of Antigua and Barbuda. I'm their only
child born here in the U.S. Virgin Islands. I'm a proud product of public school. Joseph Gomez, Bertha C.
3:41:59
shelter and the school in the East dynamic race Ivana Eudora Ken high school where I was where I was on the
government student body and we marched in the 1988 to get our gymnasium built and you see it erected and standing tall
even today. I want to thank my family who is here with me. Yesterday I neglected to do so. I want to start off from the
Big Island, my aunt, who worked over 36 years at the Wong F. Louis Hospital as a registered nurse. Kindly stand auntie.
3:43:55
Estalyn Walwyn, my auntie. I also want to thank my cousin in the back again from big island of st croix barbara willox
stand barbara i have my one of my daughters with me she's the youngest of the trio and she doesn't go too far from me
delica callwood i gotta add that last name now danielle she's married stand up and with me i have some really strong
women also who played and young man who played a critical role in my campaign i wouldn't be here without this lady
miss lydia molinar griffith kindly stand and also my my dead i'm telling you these ladies are powerful they walk humbly
like i do and this other lovely lady miss danice charleswell campaign committee i i hope this young man was able to stay
because i love young people everybody know that okay so i had a young man he's a moravian as well okay his name is
mr davante xavier he's part of my campaign committee i also i also have a dynamic youthful staff i give god the thanks
for them i'm training them so they can carry on the baton because i wouldn't be here if i didn't have some exceptional
mentors that came from a party that came out of bovoni long path and even in st croix it's time island so i would
3:44:43
also like to say thank you to my staff, Kanisha, Ajabi and Miss Hodge for all their hard work. Today I stand as a product
of a single parent household fighting for women. I'm giving God the thanks especially knowing that we have a large
amount of women, single women who are in poverty and I continue to fight for them and our families time and today mr
chairman mr president i'll wrap up quickly today i stand ready recharged energized and committed to continue working
for the people of the virgin islands don't doubt it with my colleagues i love all of you i always say it and i try to
demonstrate it and i also stand committed to support and help our people and And I want to thank the people of the
Virgin Islands for electing me three times.
3:46:34
This child from Bovoni. Praise God. And I continue to fight for you respectfully and in love. Thank you so kindly, Mr.
President. I appreciate it. And thank you for all you do. I'm here to support. Thank you. Thank you very much, Senator
Carla J. Joseph. Senator Joseph and I came to the legislature as part of the 34th legislature. Senator Joseph is a stickler for
details. She is a stickler for details. And she is also the unofficial Senate pastor. Some media, she does not receive an
extra stipend or anything for those services.
3:47:33
Those services are totally free pro bono. Thank you. Thank you, Senator Joseph, for all that you do. and we look forward
to working closely with you in the 36th legislature. Next up, Senator Novell Francis. Senator Francis, you are entitled to
your three minutes. Thank you very much, Mr. President, and congratulations to you. Good afternoon to everyone. Let
me first of all give thanks to the almighty. Okay
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People named in this transcript
SUSPECTED, and a finding aid only. Names were matched by machine against the spellings used across all 426 of our transcripts, and the
title is the one used in the room. Being named here is NOT evidence that a person attended or spoke · only that the name was said. Speech
recognition mishears names, so a spelling may be wrong even where no alternative is offered.
22x
Senator Carla Joseph
the surname alone also matches: Clifford Joseph; Karla J. Joseph
heard in this transcript as: Carla C. Joseph, Carla J. Joseph, Joseph, Joseph Sr
20x
Senator Dwayne DeGraff
heard in this transcript as: DeGraff, Dwayne M. DeGraff, Dwayne de Graff
20x
Senator Hubert Frederick
heard in this transcript as: Frederick, Hubert L. Frederick
19x
Senator Avery Lewis
heard in this transcript as: Avery A. Lewis, Avery L. Lewis, Lewis
19x
Senator Kenneth L. Gittens
heard in this transcript as: Gittens, Gittins, Kenneth Gittins, Kenneth L. Gittins, Kenny Gittens, Kenny Gittins
18x
Senator Novelle Francis
heard in this transcript as: Francis, Francis Jr, Francis Jr., Nova Lee Francis Jr., Novel Francis, Novell E. Francis Jr
17x
Senator Ray Fonseca
heard in this transcript as: Fonseca
15x
Senator Franklin D. Johnson
heard in this transcript as: Franklin Johnson, Johnson
15x
Senator Marvin Blyden
heard in this transcript as: Blyden, Blyton, Marvin A. Blyden, Marvin A. Blyton
14x
Senator Milton E. Potter
heard in this transcript as: Potter
13x
Senator Marise C. James
the surname alone also matches: Javan James; Giovanni James Sr
heard in this transcript as: James, Mary C. James, Maurice C. James, Maurice James
12x
Senator Alma Francis-Heyliger
heard in this transcript as: Alma Francis Heiliger, Francis Heiliger
12x
Senator Kurt Vialet
heard in this transcript as: K. Viala, Kurt A. Viala, Kurt A. Viale, Kurt Ville, Viala, Viale
11x
Senator Angel L. Bocas Jr
heard in this transcript as: Angel L. Bocas Jr., Bocas Jr, Bocas Jr.
7x
Senator Kurt VLA
heard in this transcript as: Kurt A. VLA, VLA
6x
Senator Angel L. Bolques, Jr.
heard in this transcript as: Angel Boulquez, Angel L. Bolques Jr., Ankel Bulquez, Bulquez, Volquez
5x
Senator Clifford A. Joseph Senior
5x
Senator Myron Jackson
heard in this transcript as: Jackson
4x
Governor Albert Bryan Jr
heard in this transcript as: Bryan
4x
Senator Clifford Joseph
heard in this transcript as: Clifford A. Joseph Sr, Clifford A. Joseph Sr.
4x
Senator Joseph Senior
4x
Senator Samuel Carrion
heard in this transcript as: Carriong, Sam Carriong
3x
Senator Alicia Chucky Hansen
3x
Senator Alma Francis Heidegger
Machine transcript · UNVERIFIED. Verify every quotation against the recording. Speakers are not identified.
VI Update · usvipublicrecords.com · public record, no rights asserted (CC0 1.0)
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Legislature USVI · Oath of Office Ceremony
heard in this transcript as: Alma Francis Heilegger
3x
Dr. Caroline Fox
3x
Senator Francis Heidegger
heard in this transcript as: Francis Heilegger
3x
Senator Kurt A.
2x
Senator Angel L. Bulkes Jr
heard in this transcript as: Angel L. Balkes Jr.
2x
Senator Carter J. Joseph
the surname alone also matches: Carla Joseph; Clifford Joseph
heard in this transcript as: Carter Joseph
2x
Senator Collar J. Joseph
the surname alone also matches: Carla Joseph; Clifford Joseph
2x
Senator Francis Junior
2x
Senator Karla J. Joseph
the surname alone also matches: Carla Joseph; Clifford Joseph
2x
Governor Kenneth Mapp
heard in this transcript as: Map
2x
Senator Kurt A. Verley
2x
Senator Kurt Veilley
heard in this transcript as: Kurt Veillet
2x
Lieutenant Governor Tregenza Roach
heard in this transcript as: Roach
Bills and acts referred to
Matched by number against our own acts corpus. The number is what the recognition heard, so it may be wrong; where it resolved, the title is the one
the Legislature gave the act.
Referred to but not found in our acts corpus: Bill 36-0001, Bill 35-0001, Bill 36-0002
Machine transcript · UNVERIFIED. Verify every quotation against the recording. Speakers are not identified.
VI Update · usvipublicrecords.com · public record, no rights asserted (CC0 1.0)
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