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 
 
 
 
 
The Committee on Government Operations, Veterans Affairs, and Consumer Protection 
reconvened at the Capitol Building to advance measures recognizing cultural and 
community contributions in the Virgin Islands. Bill #36-0007: A Resolution honoring and 
commending James Sasso for distinguished service in the mortuary and funeral service 
industry. Proposed by: Senator Angel L. Bolques, Jr.   
After 17 years as a funeral director and nearly 40 years as an electrician, James Sasso 
was honored by the Senate for his service to the USVI, his advocacy for dignified burial 
practices, and his call for youth mentorship and trade education programs. 
Invited Testifiers were as follows:  
• Mr. Glen Kwabena Davis, Resident  
• Mr. Patrick Farrell, Executive Director, Office of Veterans Affairs  
• Ms. Ty-Shel Sasso Carr, Relative  
• Bernice Turnbull, Resident  
• Jelani Sasso, Nephew of Mr. James Sasso  
• Kyza Callwood, Resident  
THE VOTE 
Motion to move Bill #36-0007 to be voted upon favorably by The Committee on 
Government Operations, Veterans Affairs, and Consumer Protection and forwarded to 
the Committee on Rules and Judiciary for further review and action. Moved by Senator 
Ray Fonseca. Seconded by Senators Alma Francis Heyliger and Kenneth L. Gittens. 
Bill #36-0029: A Resolution honoring and commending Sonya Hough, the creator of the 
St. Croix “Crucian” Hook Bracelet and proprietor of one of the first hand-wrought jewelry 
stores in St. Croix. Proposed by Senator Kenneth L. Gittens  
 
2 | P a g e  
 
 
M e m o  t o   
 Invited Testifier was:  
• Pam Hough, Daughter of Sonya Hough  
THE VOTE 
Motion to move Bill #36-0029 to be voted upon favorably by The Committee on 
Government Operations, Veterans Affairs, and Consumer Protection and forwarded to 
the Committee on Rules and Judiciary for further consideration. Motioned by Senator 
Kenneth L. Gittens. Seconded by Senators Carla J. Joseph and Alma Francis Heyliger. 
 In the second block, Committee members voted to hold in committee, Bill No. 36-0026- 
An Act amending Title 23 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 10 by adding a subchapter VI to 
establish the “Virgin Islands Meteorological Office” within the Virgin Islands Territorial 
Emergency Management Agency. Proposed by Senator Ray Fonseca   
Invited Testifiers were:  
• Mr. Daryl D. Jaschen, Director, Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency  
• Ms. Sanaa A. Burke, Meteorology & Climate Science Major, University of Delaware  
THE VOTE 
Motion to hold Bill #36-0026 in The Committee on Government Operations, Veterans 
Affairs, and Consumer Protection for review and consideration. Moved by Senator Ray 
Fonseca. Seconded by Senator Franklin D. Johnson. 
Impactful concerns included funding for the maintenance and development of this new 
infrastructure. Rather, Committee members recommended the employment of a 
candidate who can read Doppler system radars.  
There are no “Through the Chair” requests pending from this meeting. 
Senators in attendance included Avery L. Lewis, Ray Fonseca, Jr., Carla J. Joseph, Novelle 
E. Francis, Jr., Franklin D. Johnson, Kenneth L. Gittens, and Alma Francis Heyliger. Non-
committee member Angel L. Bolques, Jr. was also present. 
  
###