THE HONORABLE SENATOR AVERY L. LEWIS Legislative Secretary 36 th LEGISLAtURE OF thE VIRGIN ISLANDS Chair: Committee on Government Operations, Veterans Affairs, Consumer Protection Vice Chair: Committee on Education and Workforce Development Member: Committee on Rules and Judiciary Committee on Culture, Youth, Aging, and Parks Committee on Homeland Security, Justice and Public Safety Committee of the Whole Post Office Box 1690, Capitol Building, Charlotte Amalie, VI 00801 Phone: (340) 774-0880 Email: senatorlewis@legvi.org Location: Cleone H. Creque Legislative Conference Room, St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands On March 10, 2026, the Committee on Government Operations, Veterans Affairs, and Consumer Protection convened at the Cleone H. Creque Legislative Conference Room on St. John to receive testimony on the following. During this meeting, the Committee received testimony on legislation addressing environmental waste management and the operations of the Virgin Islands Lottery. The Committee considered Bill No. 36-0232, which amends Act No. 8018 to authorize the disposal of green waste using controlled incineration technologies, including air curtain incinerators. The Committee also considered Bill No. 36-0233, which amends Title 32, Virgin Islands Code, Chapter 13 relating to the establishment and operation of the Virgin Islands Lottery. Testimony was provided by representatives from the Virgin Islands Fire and Emergency Medical Services, the Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority, the Caribbean Green Technology Center, VITEMA, and the Virgin Islands Lottery, providing insight into environmental management strategies and the fiscal and operational considerations associated with the Territory’s lottery system. In Block I: Bill No. 36-0232: An Act amending Act No. 8018 to authorize the disposal of green waste using controlled incineration technologies, including air curtain incinerators, and for other purposes. Proposed by: Senator Clifford A. Joseph, Sr. Sponsored by: Senator Avery L. Lewis Invited Testifiers: • Mr. Antonio Stevens, Director, Virgin Islands Fire and Emergency Medical Services • Mr. Hannibal “Mike” Ware, Executive Director, Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority • Dr. Gregory Guannel, Director, Caribbean Green Technology Center 2 | P a g e C G O V A C P – C o m m i t t e e R e p o r t • Mr. Daryl D. Jaschen, Director, Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency (VITEMA) Highlights of Testimonies Officials from the Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority and emergency management agencies highlighted that green waste accumulation poses logistical and environmental challenges, particularly following storms when debris collection and disposal systems are strained. The proposed technology was presented as a tool that could assist with reducing waste volume, improving operational efficiency, and supporting disaster response efforts. Fire and emergency services representatives also addressed safety considerations, emphasizing the importance of strict operational guidelines, environmental compliance, and proper oversight to ensure that the use of controlled incineration technologies does not pose risks to surrounding communities or natural resources. Committee members engaged in discussion regarding environmental safeguards, cost implications, and implementation strategies to ensure the responsible use of such technologies within the Territory. In Block II: Bill No. 36-0233: An Act amending Title 32 Virgin Islands Code Chapter 13 relating to the establishment and operation of the Virgin Islands Lottery. Proposed by: Senator Avery L. Lewis Invited Testifiers: • Mr. Raymond J. Williams, Executive Director, Virgin Islands Lottery • Mr. Julio Rhymer, Sr., Director, Office of Management and Budget • Mr. Kevin G. McCurdy, Commissioner, Department of Finance Highlights of Testimonies: Testimony on Bill No. 36-0233 focused on proposed amendments designed to modernize and strengthen the statutory framework governing the Virgin Islands Lottery. Testifiers discussed operational considerations related to revenue generation, administrative oversight, and financial management. Representatives from the Virgin Islands Lottery highlighted the importance of ensuring that the enabling legislation reflects current operational needs while maintaining transparency and accountability in the management of lottery revenues. Committee members posed questions regarding regulatory oversight, fiscal accountability, and opportunities to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the Lottery’s operations while safeguarding public trust. COMMITTEE ACTION: THE VOTE THE HONORABLE SENATOR AVERY L. LEWIS Legislative Secretary 36 th LEGISLAtURE OF thE VIRGIN ISLANDS Chair: Committee on Government Operations, Veterans Affairs, Consumer Protection Vice Chair: Committee on Education and Workforce Development Member: Committee on Rules and Judiciary Committee on Culture, Youth, Aging, and Parks Committee on Homeland Security, Justice and Public Safety Committee of the Whole Post Office Box 1690, Capitol Building, Charlotte Amalie, VI 00801 Phone: (340) 774-0880 Email: senatorlewis@legvi.org • Bill No. 36-0232: Held in Committee until the call of the Chair • Bill No. 36-0233: Held in Committee until the call of the Chair ATTENDANCE: Committee Members: Senator Ray Fonseca, Senator Alma Francis Heyliger, Senator Kenneth L. Gittens, Senator Carla J. Joseph, Senator Novelle E. Francis Jr., Senator Avery L. Lewis Non-Committee Members: Senator Clifford Joseph, Sr.