VI UPDATE
U.S. Virgin Islands Public Records
TRANSCRIPT OF PUBLIC PROCEEDINGS
| Committee on Rules and Judiciary
Legislature USVI
March 27, 2025 · 3.1 hours · gov
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Let's get started. Thank you. We'll see you next time. [3 such phrases repeated 17 times · standby audio before the
proceeding, transcribed by the recogniser as speech]
0:00:00
We'll be right back. We'll be right back. Thank you. Thank you. We'll be right back. We'll be right back. We'll be right
back. We'll see you next time. We'll be right back. Let's go. We'll be right back. I'm going to go ahead and put it in the
middle of the bag. I'm going to go ahead and put it in the bag. I'm going to go ahead and put it in the bag. We'll be right
back. We'll see you next time.
0:08:30
This video is brought to you by the National Anthem of the National Anthem. Thank you. We'll be right back. [3 such
phrases repeated 8 times · standby audio before the proceeding, transcribed by the recogniser as speech]
0:15:22
Good morning, colleagues, Senate and central staff, testifiers, and our listening and viewing audience. The 36th
legislature of the Virgin Islands Committee on Rules and Judiciary hearing for Thursday, March 27, 2025 is hereby
called to order. March is Virgin Islands History Month, Social Work Month and Women's History Month. As we
celebrate Virgin Islands History Month, let's take pride in our rich heritage of Virgin Islanders who have made
remarkable contributions to our community and beyond. Two such remarkable Virgin Islanders are Edward Wilmoth
Blyden and Alton Augustus Adams. Edward Wilmoth Blyden, known as the father of Pan-Africanism, an educator,
writer, diplomat, and ambassador, as well as politician, was born in St. Thomas. Alton Augustus Adams, Sr., the first
bandmaster in the United States Navy, was born in St. Thomas. He was one of the composers and writers of the Virgin
Islands anthem the virgin islands march and also known for his composition of the governor's own plaid with the
appearance of our governors during official ceremonies march is also national social workers month social workers
support the social or human fabric of our society they help serve and advocate for the vulnerable and those in need of
assistance within our community.
0:19:22
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They work to ensure the rights and needs of our citizens are met from the young to our senior populations. Social workers
provide support for individuals and families facing challenges. Some of their work includes counseling, case
management, policy advocacy, education, and promotion of social justice. As we celebrate National Social Workers
Month, I extend heartfelt gratitude to all the social workers in our community. Your selfless service and unwavering
commitment to those in need are truly invaluable. You touch the lives with compassion and provide care and support
where it is most needed.
0:21:41
Thank you for your dedication and the positive impact you make every day. And, as I mentioned earlier, March is also
Women's History Month. Moving forward together is the theme for Women's History Month in 2025. Women teaching
and inspiring future generations. This theme honors the strength and impact of women who have spent their whole lives
teaching, mentoring, and leading. Such women include Virgin Islanders like Ulla Mulla, the Honorable Lucinda Millen,
the Honorable Lorraine L. Berry, the Honorable Cleone Cricky, the Honorable Alicia Chuckie Hanson, the Honorable
Donna Christensen, Ivana Eudorkin, Janie Tewitt, Juanita Gardein, Eulalie Rivera, Elena Christian, the Honorable Bertha
C. Boshelta, Edith Williams, Enid Barr, Ruth Thomas, Dr. Laverne Raxter, Caroline Fox, and our very up-and-coming
sports superstar, Aaliyah Boston. All but a few of outstanding Virgin Islands women who lead our islands in the area of
education, teaching, mentoring, sports, and politics. We remember, recognize, and honor their outstanding contributions
and legacies. What we do as elected officials and nominees to boards to serve on our government boards and
Commission in other offices of appointment through our judicial, legislative, and executive branches of government
impacts the lives of our young people and future generations. As we live our lives and be about our work
0:22:39
in whatever we do, remember, as Mary Jane McLeod Bethune said, we have a a responsibility to our young people.
Madam Clerk, kindly proceed to roll call. Senator Carla J. Joseph. Present. Senator Joseph, present.
0:24:50
Senator Kenneth L. Gittins. Senator L. Gittins, absent. Senator Alma-Francis Heiliger, Senator Francis Heiliger, absent.
Senator Anghel L. Borges, Jr., present. Senator Borges, present. Senator Clifford A. Joseph, present. Senator Joseph,
present. Senator Avery A. Lewis.
0:25:21
Avery L. Lewis, present. Senator Averya Lewis, present. Senator Milton E. Potter. Senator Potter, absent. Madam Chair,
you have four present, three absent. Thank you so kindly, Madam Clerk. Madam Clerk, do we have any
correspondences? yes we do madam chair kindly read those correspondences into the record march 27 2025 honorable
senator carla j joseph 36 legislature chairman on committee on rules and judiciary greetings senator joseph please note
for the record i will be tardy to the committee on Rules and Judiciary schedule for 10 a.m. on Monday, March 27, 2025,
in the Fritz E. Lowitz Legislative Conference Room, St. Thomas, St. Croix.
0:25:53
Due to a previous scheduled appointment, I will arrive as soon as possible. Thank you for your understanding. Regards,
Senator Alma Francis Heiliger, 36th Legislature, Member of Committee on Economic Development and Agriculture.
Thank you so much. Madam Clerk, you have another correspondence. Yes, I do. Can we proceed? March 27, 2025,
Honorable Carla Joseph, Chairwoman, Committee on Rules and Judiciary, 36th Legislature of the Virgin Islands, 3022
Golden Rock Christianstead, St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, 00820. Dear Chairwoman Joseph, I hope this correspondence
reaches you in the best of health and spirits. Please be advised that I will be delayed to today's Committee on Rules and
Judiciary Hearing. I know the importance of the agenda items and I look forward to weighing in on the discussion upon
my arrival. Sincerely, Kenneth Elgitin, Senator. This ends the reading of the correspondences, Madam Chair. Thank you
so kindly, Madam Clerk. Madam Clerk, kindly proceed with reading the first block of today's agenda into the record.
0:27:06
Block 1, Ms. Elizabeth Guadalupe Perez, 10 a.m. to 11.30 a.m. Ms. Elizabeth Guadalupe Perez, Governor's Nominee,
Virgin Islands Real Estate Appraisers. This ends the reading of Block 1, Madam Chair. Thank you so much, Madam
Clerk. At this time, I'd like to recognize the present of Senate President, Milton Potter, Senate President. Welcome. I want
to thank all of the committee members for their attendance. We have today two nominees on the agenda. We just read
into the record the first nominee, which is Ms. Elizabeth Guadalupe Perez, and And then we'll be followed with Ms.
Trinity Granger-Ostry, and she's the governor's nominee for the University of the Board of Trustees. Ms. Perez is a
nominee for the Virgin Islands Real Estate Appraisal Board. And later this afternoon, we will be considering three bills
on the agenda. I really want to thank all the members who are present.
0:28:48
Madam Clerk, kindly give the tally of the membership for today's meeting madam chair you have five present two absent
thank you so much madam clerk and we indeed have a quorum miss Guadalupe Perez welcome and good morning okay
so we're gonna need you to come a little closer to the mic so we can hear you and media she speaks a little softly so if you
could make sure sure that her mic is a bit amplified so we could hear her. Well part of the process here for our nominees
is that we swear you in. So I'm going to ask you to kindly stand. Kindly stand and raise your right hand. Do you solemnly
affirm under penalty of perjury that the testimony you will give to this committee will be the truth the whole truth and
nothing but the truth to the best of your knowledge and belief thank you so kindly have a seat miss Guadalupe Perez at
0:30:05
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this time you are invited to read into the record your prepared and submitted testimony good morning thank you
honorable Carla Joseph. My name is Elizabeth Guadalupe Perez. I was born in Frederickstead, St. Croix, U.S. Virgin
Islands. I went to public school and graduated from St. Croix Central High School. While in high school, I was a member
of the Future Business Leaders of America and held the
position of chaplain. Also, I was a member of the St. Croix Central High School Honor Society. Since my young age, I
have been very active in being involved with the community. Currently, I am a minister, assistant pastor of La Iglesia de
Dios and a state prophet. After graduating from high school, I attended the University of the Virgin Islands while taking
classes at UVI, I began working with Augustin Doward, General Real Estate Appraiser.
0:32:01
I started learning every aspect for appraising while working with him. I worked with Mr. Doward until he passed, and
then I continued working with Dunn Appraisal Services. While working with Ms. Noreen Dunn, I continued training and
took the required classes to get licensed and certified as a residential real estate appraiser. I have served the Virgin Islands
in some capacity as an appraiser since 2006.
0:32:38
I have worked for local banks, attorneys, private clients, several government agencies as well as appraisal management
companies and stateside banking entities. I have worked together with other appraisers in many assignments. I have done
work in St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix. I have dealt with some of the complex assignment projects together with Ms.
Elisa Ryan, general appraiser. I would like to continue serving the Virgin Islands.
0:33:11
In this position, I would like to mentor and share my knowledge with others, especially the younger generation. This is a
profession with few appraisers, and we need to start preparing and training new ones. We need to implement a system of
training to help others enter this profession. currently i myself working on getting certified as a general appraiser thank
you thank you so much miss guadalupe perez um we appreciate your testimony colleagues we will begin a line of
questioning with three minutes and the order of questioning we will begin with Senator Bocas then we'll have Senator
Avery Lewis then after Senator Lewis we'll have Senator Clifford Joseph and we'll round it up with the Senate President
Milton Potter and finally myself Senator Angel Boquez Jr., you are recognized for your three minutes of questioning.
Thank you, Madam Chair. Good morning, Madam Chair. Good morning, colleagues. Good morning to the listening and
viewing audience. And, of course, good morning to our nominee for the position on the Virgin Islands Real Estate
Appraisal Board. Good morning, Ms. Guadalupe Perez. I wanted to know, could you begin by sharing with us what
motivated you to accept this nomination to serve on the Virgin Islands Real Estate Appraisers Board? Thank you. What
motivated me? First of all, I'm very grateful for this opportunity. And right now, currently, I am fighting a condition of
cancer, and if it was for me, probably I wouldn't want to be involved in anything but just concentrate on my health. But
knowing and accepting this opportunity is like for some reason I was nominated, and I know that I still have a lot to do
and give to this community.
0:33:50
So what better position than this to be able to prepare, especially and dedicate some of my knowledge and what I have to
give to this younger generation, and that would be my contribution. Thank you for your response, and of course you do
have that experience. Your resume indicates that you're also both a certified and licensed residential real estate appraiser,
and I wanted to know if you could elaborate and tell me how this dual licensure helps you or equips you with the
oversight responsibilities that are required through the board. Well, having this certification and license prepares you. It
was really hard and difficult, number one, to be able to get certified and licensed.
0:36:27
It took me about probably 11 years trying to get the education and the experience and experience and working throughout
with all the clients and being exposed. You prepare yourself, you get exposed, and you are able to equip yourself with
what you need to be able to provide and mentor. Okay, and as you reference equipping yourself, you also have familiarity
with the uniform standards of professional appraisal packs, as I saw.
0:37:21
But let me ask you, because my time is expiring very soon, let me ask you, what do you believe is the most pressing
concern or challenge for the real estate appraisers profession here today in the Virgin Islands? The main challenge that
we are having here in the U.S. Virgin Islands is that we need more appraisers in this field. It's very few of us. There's a lot
of work, and we need to prepare people to join this profession. Okay. Madam Chair, may I just have one quick wrap-up
question? You may proceed, Senator Bulquez. Thank you very much Madam Chair. I wanted to ask what specific
initiatives or policies, policy changes would you advocate for if you're confirmed to this board, the appraisers board.
Thank you Madam Chair.
0:38:02
Yes, I would recommend to implement a training system and an exposure of this profession to our people, especially the
younger generation through school, and a system where we can expose them to this profession. And I think that's the
number one importance right at this moment here in the U.S. Virgin Islands. and I think we should concentrate on that
thank you miss Guadalupe Perez I wanted to ask you just to follow up on what my colleague in st. Thomas Chambers
0:39:04
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asked in and your response are you right now or have you in the past mentored some other younger people to be a part of
the whole appraisal industry is you You know that it's very much a definitely needed industry here in the Virgin Islands,
and we don't have enough appraisers. Have you mentored anyone? Yes.
While I was working with Dunn Appraisal Services and I was being certified and licensed, I worked together with
Noreen to prepare a mentor, Margarita Acevedo, and Tiffany Dunn, they are the two younger appraisers here on the
island, younger than me. So, yes, those are the two younger ones that I contributed in mentoring and prepping into this
field. And up to now, we work together in this field. Wonderful. Thank you so much for that. because I do know if you're
talking about building young people and building this industry, definitely you must have mentored someone. Senator
Avery Lewis, Mr. Secretary, you are recognized for your three minutes. Thank you. Thank you, Madam Chairwoman.
Good morning, colleagues. Good morning, Virgin Islands. Good morning, Ms. Guadalupe Perez. Good morning. Ms.
Perez, how are you doing today? Good. Doing very well. You look a little tense, man. You're in good standings today,
man. You're in good standings today.
0:40:14
It's just the condition of the cuff I'm trying to control. Yes, yes. We won't get the jitters out of you now. I only have two
questions for you anyhow. Thank you. Ms. Perez, in your opinion, What are the biggest ethical dilemmas or conflicts that
real estate appraisers in the Virgin Islands face? And how would you ensure that the board effectively handles these
issues while maintaining public trust? What are some of the challenges you see?
0:41:37
Well, we are very few appraisers here in the U.S. Virgin Islands. And because of that, sometimes we are really swamped
with so many, so much work, stress of deadlines. And sometimes I feel that we appraisers are not appreciated for what
we do. And we have clients that demand and do not recognize the work or respect what we do. So I think that in the
board, we should, you know, consider and appreciate what appraisers do out there and be able to provide what is needed
in whatever aspect for our profession to continue performing the best of us. All right. Thank you for your response there.
Given your background and experience, how do you plan to ensure that the standards and practices of real estate,
appraisal and virginals remain transparent, ethical and consistent with the national best practices?
0:42:11
But definitely, I would make sure that we continue following our standards, the USPAD standards and all standards that
we have to follow that's the number one one minutes and every year we have to continue our ongoing education and we
just make sure that we commit to that and and when we work in our profession we we put it in practice and follow and
make sure it's being done.
0:43:22
All right, Ms. Perez, I'd like to say thank you. You're very welcome. Thank you for stepping up and taking a charge and
coming before us today to be a part of this wonderful board. I look forward to working with you in any way I could and
good luck today. Thank you. thank you so much mr secretary for those line of questioning at this time the chair will
recognize senator clifford a joseph for your three minutes good morning good morning good morning to my colleagues
and good morning to the listening and viewing audience as we close out the month of As we close out the Women's
History Month and Virginia History Month, I am pleased to see two women nominated to serve on the Real Estate
Appraisal Board and the VA Board of Trustees.
0:43:59
So good morning, Ms. Perez. Good morning, sir. And I really am happy to see you here. I myself don't have much
questions for you but being that you were trained by Mr. Dawood and also I would say you was trained by number one
and number two on St. Croix in the business so I will simply ask to yourself what changes would you bring to improve
the product that we have presently improve our appraising? Yes. What changes? Well, definitely, like I said from the
beginning, we need to implement. We need to implement education and exposure of this profession. When I started
working for Gus Doward, I started as a secretary, a temporary secretary, to help with the Glenn flood project that they
had back then I didn't have a clue of appraising. I didn't have a clue.
0:44:57
So if when I finished high school if I knew about this profession probably I would have tried it from the beginning. I
started as an accountant, accounting major and I would I would definitely try to expose this to the high school as a as a.
Okay good because that that was my next question like what are you doing to encourage the next generation to get into
appraisal? Definitely exposure we need we need to let them know about this profession and give them the opportunity to
give it a try and from there definitely we should get some professional appraisers. Okay so at some point are you
planning to create maybe a program with young people UVI definitely that will be my main number one goal okay good
well at this point madam president I'll say thank you madam cheer sorry madam cheer well I don't have a problem with
that but it's woman month so I send it at her in a right month thank you for accepting the nominee and even barring your
health condition really thank you and god bless and thank you madam chair thank you so kindly senator joseph we do
have one individual who is before us to be considered for the real estate Appraisal Board. The Governor did send out two,
you are one of the two, and the other is being vetted by my committee, my staff really to get a lot of the background
checks completed, and it's just taking a little longer than we anticipated. So what I'm going
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to do also is ask you just one question I think for now is that okay you spoke about your your struggle being a cancer
survivor and you're still battling and in my eyes you're a great overcomer I wanted to ask you even though that you are
doing all of that as struggle and the like Like, do you see in yourself the ability to be able to do this work and have this
time to put in to be a member of the Real Estate Appraisers Board? Yes, I do, because you have to prioritize. And if I'm
accepting this opportunity, I have to give it first place and dedication. So definitely, besides working and dealing with my
health, this will be my priority in dedicating myself to the board and for what I'm being called to serve.
0:47:56
Excellent answer. Senate President Potter, you are recognized for your three minutes. minutes. Thank you very much
Madam Chair, good morning colleagues and a special good morning to you Ms. Guadalupe Perez as well as to the people
of the U.S. Virgin Islands. Ms. Perez, let me just start by thanking you sincerely for agreeing to accept the challenge to
serve on this very important board, the Board of Residential Real Estate Appraisals. I wanted to ask you, I know you've
been in this field since 2006, I wanted to ask you what specific changes have you observed in the Virgin Islands real
estate market since you began your appraisal career? In the Virgin Islands real estate market changes? Yes. Well, the The
market normally changes, it goes up, goes down, stays stable.
0:49:00
Throughout the years I've been appraising, I've seen changes as, for example, when we had the closure of the Hovensa, I
noticed how the market slowed down. And I can say that our real estate market values not necessarily have a drastic
decline. We always maintain a stable market and increasing in a way throughout the years.
0:50:12
We are in the Virgin Islands and the Caribbean. And when we also had the COVID and the situation where people had
the opportunity to work remotely, that opened doors to our market here in the Virgin Islands because I noticed a lot of
influx of people purchasing properties here in the Virgin Islands because they were able to work remotely.
0:50:49
at the same time enjoy our Virgin Islands. Thank you. What particular skills or knowledge areas do you believe are most
crucial for new appraisers entering the market? We need the number one skills. What we need the most is the experience
And that's where we are lacking with preparing people to get into this profession because we need hours, hours of
experience.
0:51:21
And we have very few appraisers who can offer a program or a system where we can provide the experience hours
required for you to become a good appraiser. I'm going to ask you my final question. And it's regarding your role as an
assistant pastor. I wanted to know how, if any, how has your role as an assistant pastor influenced your approach as an
appraiser here in the U.S. Virgin Islands? Well, as an assistant pastor, minister, my role, well, I've worked with people
and continue working with younger generation. And I think my experience exposed to knowing how to work with people
will help me take that experience to this position and be an offer and implement it and use it the same way.
0:51:57
And the same way I'm able to reach out there, the young generation I know I'll be able to reach with this profession. It's
just a matter of different subject. Thank you very much, Ms. Guadalupe-Perez, for your responses. Thank you very much,
Madam Chair. Thank you so kindly, Senate President. Madam Clerk, kindly place three minutes on the clock for me.
Thank you. Ms. Guadalupe-Perez, know that, yes, it is Women's Month, and in our discussion when I did my preliminary
interview with you, with you, I was totally in awe of your level of courage, your level of dedication, and commitment to
this industry. We don't have a lot of appraisers. And you went through a very rigorous educational process to be even a
certified appraiser. Tell us about that process that you had to go through.
0:53:00
Because we need to be able to educate our populace about a possible employment and using this as a career pathway. Tell
us about what all you had to go through to actually become a certified real estate appraiser. Yes. As I said earlier, it took
me about 11 years. I started in this field in 1995 with Augustine Doward as a secretary. And then when he passed, I
moved on with Noreen Dunn. Back then, I was able to go out in the field, do inspections, and Noreen was able to
supervise. And then the Appraisal Institute, Puerto Rico, through Appraisal Institute, brought the classes over.
0:54:11
And I was able in 2002 to fly over and take the classes in order for me to be certified. After that, it took me four years to
log the hours for the 2,500 hours full time. So that is the one-minute situation that we have. If you don't do this full-time,
it takes a little bit longer to accumulate your hours, and that's where we are lacking, to provide a person, someone, the
amount of hours for them to be able. Now, you just mentioned something that is critical, and I'm hoping that you already
are prepared to work to overcome that. You indicated that there's a challenge in logging and clocking the amount of
hours. How do you see you can do that as a board member for this critical board?
0:55:06
Okay, I'm not sure how far in the U.S. Virgin Islands board is into implementing the training program because there is a
program that we have to implement. I would get started there. If we have a trainer program that gives an opportunity to
appraisers picking a trainee and we would be able, you know, following guidelines to help support and give those the
opportunity for the hours required for you to qualify. Do you believe that you can be a part of a board to put that in place?
Definitely, that would be my number one, to make sure that we get that training program in place and get started.
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Now, I don't want to get into your personal business, but we want to make sure that the audience know how lucrative this
career path is. How lucrative would you say being an appraiser is? Well, we are very, very, but very busy, and sometimes
we don't even have time to breathe. So, yes, definitely the workload is there, and it's good. It's a good-paying job? Yes,
definitely. You earn more than I do? I wouldn't know that, but I know that, you know, the work is there, and whatever
you aim that you need to make, you can, if you focus and you do it, it's there.
0:56:57
The opportunity is there. It's in your hands. Good. good I'm glad to hear that and what what I think it's very critical is that
this is a demand driven industry there's a big huge need for other real estate appraisers and I think that we should be able
to support it in the schools and see how we could get some young people to be interested in this very lucrative vocation as
well as career colleagues we have exhausted all of our time with questioning on this nominee do i hear motion motion
senator clifford a joseph you're recognized for your motion Madam Chair, I move that the governor's nominee for the VI
Real Estate Appraisal Board for the District of St. Croix, Ms. Elizabeth Guadalupe Perez, be favorably voted upon in this
committee and forward to the full body for future consideration.
0:57:46
Second. For further. future consideration and action I so do move do do I hear second the motion made by senator
Clifford a Joseph was probably moved and seconded by Senators Avery L Lewis and Senator Angel Bocas and Senate
President Milton Potter roll on the nomination of Mrs. Elizabeth Guadalupe Perez to the Virgin Islands Real Estate
Appraisers Board. Senator Carla J. Joseph? Yes. Senator Joseph, yay. Senator Kenneth L. Gittins? Senator L. Gittins?
Absent. Senator Alma Francis Heiliger? Senator Alma Francis Heiliger?
0:59:03
absent. Senator Anghel L. Borquez, yea. Senator Clifford A. Joseph, yea. Senator Clifford A. Joseph, yea. Senator Avery
L. Lewis, yea. Senator Lewis, yea. Senator milton e potter yes senator potter yay madam chair you have five years two
absences the governor's nomination of mrs elizabeth guadalupe perez for the virgin islands real estate appraisers board
has been favorably approved in the committee on rules and judiciary and will be forwarded to the full body for further
consideration and action. Congratulations Ms. Perez on your nomination and as mentioned in the motion it then goes on
to the full body where all 15 senators will have an opportunity to vote on your nomination. I just want to say that the
governor has sent down a true soldier for this position who is able to overcome and who is qualified for this position and
definitely pray and wish you all the best in this position should you be further approved by the full body colleagues we
before we do so Also, we're going to ask you, Ms. Guadalupe Perez, to provide 30 seconds, 30 or 60 seconds closing
remarks. Thank you very much. I greatly appreciate this opportunity given to me at this time.
1:00:03
I have been going through a challenge right at this moment with my health. But I do believe that there is a reason and a
purpose for this time, for this season to be presented in my life. And I will accept the challenge and I will do my very best
because I'm very grateful. And as I say, one minute at a time. Thank you so much, Ms. Guadalupe Perez, for those
powerful closing remarks. Colleagues, we are going to take a five-minute break, and then we will resume. The
Committee on Rules and Judiciary stands in recess for five minutes.
1:02:04
We'll be right back. Thank you. We'll be right back. Thank you. We'll be right back. Thank you. Thank you. We'll be
right back. We'll be right back. We'll be right back. We'll be right back. We'll be right back. We'll be right back. We'll be
right back. We'll be right back. We'll be right back. And we are back on the record. Madam Clerk, kindly read into the
record block two,
1:03:07
of today's agenda. Block 2, 1130 a.m. to 1 p.m. Ms. Trinity Granger Astry, EIT, Governor's Nominee, University of the
Virgin Islands, Board of Trustees. This ends the reading of Block 2, Madam Chair. Thank you so kindly, Madam Clerk.
Ms. Astry, welcome to the Fritz E. Lowe's conference room here on the Big Island I really want to thank you for saying
yes to the governor to be a nominee to the University of the Virgin Islands Board of Trustees as we did with the previous
nominee we're gonna swear you in we're gonna ask you to kindly stand and raise your right hand do you solemnly affirm
under penalty of perjury that the testimony you will give to this committee will be the truth the whole truth and nothing
but the truth to the best of your knowledge and belief thank you so kindly be seated at this time we're going to invite you
to read into the record your testimony that you have submitted timely to the Committee on Rules and Judiciary.
1:11:37
Good morning, Honorable Senator Carla Joseph, Chair of the Committee of Rules and Judiciary, members of the
Committee, and fellow Virgin Islanders. As a UVI book and lifelong Virgin Islander, I carry with me a deep appreciation
for the role UVI plays in shaping the future of our people and our territory. The opportunity to contribute to its
governance is both humbling and inspiring. Allow me to share a brief overview of my background and qualifications. I
graduated from St. Croix Country Day School in 2005. Like many high school seniors in the territory, I couldn't wait to
leave St. Croix and move to the states. I applied to six colleges and I was accepted to all of them. I had already become
envisioning my life, my day-to-day life away from my mom away when my mom hit me with what I perceived as a harsh
reality at the time. They couldn't afford it and they weren't going to co-sign any loans. I was devastated. I had worked to
earn and maintain a merit scholarship that allowed me to attend Country Day. I took the hardest classes and I could, and I
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did everything right. Life felt incredibly unfair, but little did I know that decision made for me would turn out to be one
of my greatest blessings.
I went on to attend the University of the Virgin Islands, initially intending to participate in the university's partnership
program with Boston University's medical school. But when I realized that memorizing chemical bond structures wasn't
my strength, I pivoted to engineering. I enrolled in UVI's 3-2 engineering program, which allowed me to study applied
math and applied physics for three years at UVI, and then transferred to one of its partner institutions to complete my
engineering degree over the next two years. My three years at UVI were incredibly impactful and, frankly, some of the
best years of my life. I was selected as a Thurgood Marshall Scholar for two years in a row and elected Student
Government Association Vice President. As a member of UVI's Emerging Caribbean Sciences Program, I participated in
a Department of Energy Fellowship conducting research with UVI chemistry professor Stanley Litesky at Pacific
Northwest National Laboratory in Washington State and I also interned at Hovensa Refinery as part of the Department of
Labor's LIFT program for university students and graduates. In 2008 I transferred to the University of Florida as part of
UF's inaugural UVI partner class. There I worked as a department engineering research technician focusing on water
quality while earning my Bachelor's of Science in Environmental Engineering. As you can see, UVI quite literally laid
the foundation for my future.
1:14:32
After graduating, I spent eight years working with Diageo USVI at its Captain Morgan Distillery on St. Croix. I
pioneered and sustained the environmental management program in support of the new distillery's successful launch and
operations. I began as the site Environmental Specialist, later serving as the Environmental Health and Safety Team
Lead, and was eventually promoted to manage the entire Environmental Health and Safety and Security Department.
During my time at Diageo, I led strategies and maintained projects that significantly improved water use efficiency,
reduced water consumption, and enhanced energy efficiency at the distillery.
1:16:15
As a result, the site achieved the region's best environmental performance numbers for two years in a row. Because of all
the opportunities UVI afforded me, giving back to the university became a priority. I did so by serving as the adjunct
professor of the Process Engineering Program on St. Croix campus. From 2012 to 2018, I taught several undergraduate
courses, including Environmental Health and Safety and Process Equipment. The devastating impact of the Virgin
Islands 2017 hurricanes compelled me to take a leap of faith.
1:17:01
I left the security of my position at Diageo to co-found Tysum Tech LLC, a USVI-based environmental engineering firm.
We founded Tysum Tech with the goal of delivering engineering and environmental management services tailored to the
unique needs of the Caribbean-based industries, governments, and institutions. Today, Tysum Tech is the largest Virgin
Islands-based environmental engineering firm, employing 25 full-time, locally-based professionals, including engineers,
scientists, technicians, business strategists, and subject matter experts engaged in STEM projects across the territory.
Tysum Tech actively serves more than 50 public and private sector clients in the Virgin Islands. We focus on
customer-centered performance, uphold engineering ethics and prioritize hiring and partnering with local USVI STEM
talent. Through this work, I have been able to help counteract brain drain by creating opportunities for Virgin Islands
professionals in the technical fields. And I intend to continue doing so both professionally and through the community
involvement. I believe my professional background, education, experience and unwavering commitment to advancing
STEM at the Virgin Islands uniquely qualifies me to serve on the UVI board. I hope to enhance UVI's STEM program by
strengthening alignment with industry and academic partners and expanding alumni engagement in ways that directly
benefit students and our territory.
1:17:38
Thank you for your time and consideration. And thank you, of course, Miss Trinity Granger-Ostry for your very powerful
testimony today because you showed us really how overcome and accomplished you are and as you said in your
testimony UVI the University of the Virgin Islands was an integral and critical part of laying that foundation for you to be
able to be the entrepreneur today and so it is fitting that you want to be able to give back to where you received your
education and your ability to stand where you are and that's applaudable I really want to also commend you for saying
yes to the governor and more importantly for him to send down your testimony after you had said yes colleagues we will
proceed with three minutes of questioning senator Angel Boquez jr you are recognized for your three minutes thank you
madam chair and of course good morning again colleagues and madam chair and listening of the audience and good
morning to miss Granger Ostry who is our nominee for the UVI Board of Trustees good morning Miss Granger Ostry all
right in your testimony you highlighted how UVI laid the foundation for you in your professional journey and I was
wondering how do you plan to leverage your experience as a UVI alumna to advocate for policy changes or initiatives
that directly benefit
1:19:18
the current student population thank you for that I think that UVI already has a lot of policies and programs that benefit
the student population but I think that not everyone is fully aware of them I make it my purpose my life's purpose to make
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sure that I talk to students so that they're aware of the path that they can take through UVI to get to whatever they want to
accomplish so So if you want to be a lawyer, if you want to be a doctor, an engineer, whatever it is, then I can really, I
find joy in providing, allowing people, helping them navigate that path to get there, and really taking advantage of the
policies that already do exist.
Okay, thank you for that, and I think that you have a multi-dimensional approach in a sense of how you look at things
because you are alumna, and in addition to that you are adjunct professor at UVI as well so it gives you a
multi-dimensional look at all things from the student side and the professor side so what did you observe when you were
a adjunct professor at UVI that were some of the issues if any or any key challenges or for the faculty during that time
and how would you intend to address those as a board member if they still exist problem um you know i the issues that i
observed really weren't tied to uvi there were it's just issues that you would see at any university is the students not being
engaged in what their paradigm should be for them to be able to take the right the classes at the right time to graduate in a
fashion that would not frustrate them and cause them to quit. So as a professor, I always talk to my students, engage with
them, make sure that they're checking on their paradigm, using the tools that they can to get to the finish line without
frustration that naturally comes by taking too long or feeling like, you know, things are dragging. And that's why I make
sure that when UVI calls and asks me to support a class, I will teach it because I think it's important to not cause people
to delay on getting their degree because there wasn't a class available.
1:21:58
That's a horrible feeling. 30 seconds. thank you for that the UVI Board of Trustees recently approved a 2025 to 2030
strategic plan which is entitled momentum charting a course to a grand destination grounded in excellence and I think
part of that was during the investiture of our new president dr. Sophia George we heard a lot about that And of course,
being that that has been approved, how do you envision contributing to the implementation of this plan, particularly in
areas aligning with your expertise in environmental engineering and STEAM education?
1:23:27
I think that the biggest thing that I think I can contribute to is just encouraging people to consider UVI as an option when
they're looking at all of their options for schools so that it really would drive the enrollment at UVI. I think that you can
get just as good of an education through UVI as you could going somewhere else with a lot less of the burden of loans.
And having a smaller structure allows for people that care about you to make sure they push you to get to the finish line.
So I think my biggest push is just to educate the students and encourage the graduating seniors to apply to UVI and let
them know that the big name schools that they want to graduate from, UVI has partnerships with those schools and they
can still get those degrees, but they can do it in a fashion that is a win for both them and UVI. Okay, excellent. I like the
energy. My time has expired, and I look forward to voting at the appropriate time. Thank you, Madam Chair. Thank you
so kindly, Senator Bulquez. We will now ask Mr. Secretary Avery Lewis. You are recognized for your three minutes.
1:24:16
Thank you. Good morning again, colleagues. Good morning, Virgin Islands. Good morning, Ms. Ashtray. How are you
doing today? I'm good, how are you? No, great, great, great, great. First, let me say thank you for taking the opportunity
and accepting the challenge of being a nominee to be a part of the UVA Board of Trustees. I, myself, is a UVA alumni.
So, thank you. Go Bucs. Go Bucs.
1:25:35
uh that's right so given your extensive background in environmental engineering and business leadership how do you
envision applying your experience to help the university of the virgin islands expand its stem programs especially in the
fields of environmental sustainability and renewable energy i think that it's important to work with the partnering schools
that have programs with the UVI to see what programs that they can bring down to UVI from their research programs
that are going to all kinds of foreign places to make sure that they promote sustainability and energy programs and really
consider, look back and consider the Virgin Islands and how they can support that as well. There's a number of countries
that Engineering Without Borders and directly the universities partner with different countries for. And so I think that
UVI can really drive conversations with those schools to make sure that they're not forgotten in the studies and in the
support from their subject matter experts to make sure they can take advantage of what is being done in other places.
1:26:08
Thank you for your response there. Within your experience, what do you think are some of the biggest challenges
currently facing the University of the Virgin Islands, and how would you address those challenges as a member of the
Board of Trustees? I think that the issues that they are having, a lot of it is tied to enrollment. It's unfortunate because,
especially now, given there's such an opportunity to go to UVI without financial burden, even more than there was when
I enrolled there. You would think that enrollment would increase, but I think that people just perceive it as their backyard
university and want to get away and just don't think that their degree will hold weight.
1:27:28
So I think that in this environment that we live in, in the Virgin Islands, we, one, need to respect UVI degrees so people
would be motivated to get them, as well as providing education to the high school seniors, letting them understand that
the paths that they want to get to, they can get there through UVI. So I think it's really just educating them more on those
options. Time. Thank you for your response. I had another question. Madam Chair, if I may. I just want to.
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You can proceed, Mr. Secretary. You can proceed. A lot of time, you know, when we talk to our parents or even the
people in the community, you would say do you plan to go to UVA and they would give you this kind of answer that
make UVA sound like a negative please and you know I put UVA up against the best of them around the world I went to
UVA I know UVA have a great educators program a great nursing program a great biology program I mean everything
you know I think that that misnomer out there needs to be broken And I hope you could assist people like me and
ourselves to educate the community that UVI has it and is delivering it to our people on the Virgin Islands.
1:28:46
Especially not like you indicated that if free, you can't beat that with a state. So we have to expound on that and
encourage people. Take advantage of this free education. Take advantage. I mean, it's an experience down there. like
none other. I love UVI, so when it comes to the appropriate time, you have my support. Thank you so much. And thank
you so much, Mr. Secretary, for those words. I wanted, before we recognize the next senator, which is Senator Clifford
Joseph, I wanted to ask you, and I saw on your resume, You were part of UVI, a dual program, dual degree program. I
remember when I attended UVI many decades ago, they always were talking about it, but I really had few, if any,
interaction with someone who actually had graduated with the University of the Virgin Islands dual program. program.
Could you enlight us about the dual degree program that University of the Virgin Islands offers?
1:29:36
Yeah, no problem. So the dual degree program is a program that you go into and you, you know, declare it as an applied
math major when you start. And you work throughout your three years aligning with the curriculum, the paradigm, to
make sure that by the third that you can go to a partnering school. There's more partnering schools now than when I left,
but the biggest ones are University of Washington and St. Louis, Columbia University, University of Florida, I think
University of South Carolina, and I think University of South Florida. And so those are some of the universities that they
partner with. And coming out of the program, The intent is for you to leave UVI with enough credits to have your applied
math degree and you can also have an associate's in physics and then go on to get your degree at whatever university that
you chose. You would probably apply to a number of them and decide what the best package is. If you are born and
raised in the Virgin Islands, then you can get in-state tuition at the University Florida which tends to be beneficial for
Virgin Islanders but Columbia offers great packages as well if I think if your family makes less than $100,000 then they
cover tuition so it it's really and University at Washington University in St. Louis is a renowned school as well so all of
these schools are great schools and you come out of it with your UVI degree in theory and your UF degree but ultimately
you get your UVI education and you can get two degrees from that and then you get your UF or wherever you go to
degree from there and so a number of I would say I had a really big class so maybe four of us went to University of
Florida and six people went to Columbia and so like nine people finished the program that year so yeah there's a number
of people that finished the program and it's really great great great that's wonderful and I'm glad that you were able to
really educate us about that because that is something that is very unique with the University of the Virgin Islands to offer
that dual degree program Senator Clifford Joseph you are recognized for
1:30:53
your three minutes thank you madam chair good morning again to the to my colleagues and the viewing and listening
audience madam chair before I begin this round I would like to take this time to thank the people that came out on
Tuesday and Wednesday to the town hall meeting on crime both events were successful our community shared ideas and
concerns with the VIP D the Attorney General and the Senators' presence, thank you to all my colleagues who came out
in support.
1:33:19
I saw Mr. Senator Johnson, Senator Bolquez, Senator Fredericks, and Senator Francis. And thanks to the WG, Channel
12, for convening and doing the heavy lifting on this. And today, good morning again to you, Ms. Granger, and I don't
have many questions for you, but Ms. Granger, Ms. Granger Astry, because I don't want your husband meeting me on the
road and telling me, complete my wife's name when you're speaking to her. I am completing your name, Ms. Granger
Astry. What do you think your nomination brings to the UVI Board of Trustees? I think it shows that, you know, the fruit
that UVI bears is good enough to come back and support them to make, you know, future UVI better.
1:33:55
It shows that they are confident in the education that they provide, and it shows that as Virgin Islanders and Bucks and
people who were educated through UVI, we can do it too, just as good as many other people. I agree with you. And what
do you think that we could do to encourage more of our young people, not just because they have free tuition, but just a
mere fact to become a buck like yourself? I think we just need to really talk to them one-on-one and ask them what they
want to do and show them the path that they can do it from. And then also just push them to apply.
1:34:53
A lot of times people graduate and they have no idea what they're going to do, but if you've already applied and you have
your acceptance you're going to go on to uvi as you did to high school and so i think if you just make it inherent and just
a part of the process for them then they are going to go on and time will fly and then you have educated virgin islanders
that you know just are used to that being just a standard of excellence for people that come from the vi well i have a next
question but i can you i think you already just answered it on your own but your resume is outstanding and when the time
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come you got my support thank you thank you madam chair thank you so kindly senator joseph i wanted to ask you you
are a young professional i don't believe you are at the age of 40 as yet and you are an owner of your own business you're
boasting that you have the largest environmental business in the Virgin Islands environmental engineering yes
environmental engineering business in the Virgin Islands what was the driving force for you to even look at you know
you said it was a leap of faith to go into this business because I know another person who is also in the environmental
engineering business what was that impetus what was that catalyst that fire that made you say I am no longer going to be
working for Diageo I'm going to do this on my own I think that as Virgin Islanders we tend to have to be creative to stay
in the Virgin Islands and I felt like I had reached my ceiling at Diageo and I was ready to move on to bigger and a lot of
times
people get to that point and you feel like there's nothing else and you have to leave the Virgin Islands to do that and I
wasn't I didn't want to leave the Virgin Islands I felt that that wasn't fair that I couldn't achieve more without staying in
the Virgin Islands and so I just decided that I had to create my own possibilities and so I you know tapped into my
network and you've got my first contract and I was doing well and that was great but then I start feeling the same way for
other people who had STEM backgrounds and engineering backgrounds and had nowhere to work and so I've expanded
the business to really have a place for people to look and be able to work if they want to stay in the Virgin Islands and
still do well and still be engineers um versus having to move away to achieve those things well said well said at this time
i will recognize the senate president milton potter for your three minutes thank you very much uh madam chair a good
afternoon good good morning to you uh miss astry it's not afternoon as yet and i i definitely want to thank you for
accepting this challenge to serve on the uvi board of trustees just based on my observation your background and your
experience um it looks as though it was a wise choice by governor um brian is it governor brian governor brian i was
wondering if it was governor brian who would nominate you or the uvi president with governor brian so i wanted to just
engage you in a little discussion regarding a conversation that I had with the president of the university, Dr. George,
when she was here before us. And it was regarding the UVI's plan, long-time plan, to establish a medical school here in
the Virgin Islands. And we've been on a rollercoaster ride with that endeavor over the last, I don't know, maybe a decade
or so. My suggestion, my recommendation to her, I don't know if it was a firm
1:37:35
recommendation, but just something for discussion, was whether or not it was time for us to pivot from this move to
establish this medical school, which was just very costly, we're not sure if it is sustainable, to pivot to the establishment
of an a school of allied health where we could produce medical technologists and cardiology technologists radiology
techs occupational techs those fields that really are lacking in our territory and I think that it is something that would be
achievable and UVI can be known as that space in this region where if you're looking for you know someone in this
particular area, UVI is producing them. Do you have any thoughts on that? I don't want to get in trouble before you're
even sitting on the board.
1:39:52
Yeah, no, I don't think I'll get in trouble. I'll just be honest. My thoughts are that I think that the space to produce
technicians is important and we have forums for that. There's other technical programs as similar to what they have in the
states. And so I do think that's important, but I don't know what the stumbling blocks or issues that they're having with
establishing the program. But I am one not to back down from a challenge because I do believe as Virgin Islanders we are
just as capable of producing hard things as other places are, and I know our population makes it a challenge but I do think
that you know there are other islands that have med schools and so I think that if UVI's vision is to have a respected med
school and be able to produce doctors versus technicians which both are both are great things then they should keep
pushing on that path because I'm sure they're more than capable I know I agree with you I know that the big thing is
really money and my question is how long do you continue to go down that road um you know at a just seemingly a very
endless process how long do we continue to pursue that before we decide okay this is a time for us to pivot to do
something that is really meaningful really tangible for the people of the Virgin Islands that you know I understand the the
never give up mindset but at some point when we've been pursuing this for a decade and the cost is just exponentially
increasing I think that at some point and it's no failure on our part I think it's just us understanding the specific needs of
community right now and what we might be able to achieve right now and maybe futuristically we may be able to reshift
down the line but I have some concerns about us continuing regardless of anything regardless of cost continuing to move
full speed ahead with an initiative that I question whether or not we have the resources today to complete but thank you
very much for your responses I really appreciate it at the appropriate time I plan to vote in the affirmative for your
nomination to this post thank you thank you so kindly mr.
1:40:54
president for your line of questioning and of course miss Granger Astry as well for your responses madam clerk kindly
place three minutes on the clock for me Ms. Granger Astry, I have to tell you, you are very impressive on paper and in
person. In fact, I'm a little intimidated because you have achieved so much at your age, not even at the age of 40 yet.
You're already a business owner, you're making great waves, you're an alumna of the University of the Virgin islands as
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myself um but tell us uh before before i ask my question um i just saw that senator alma francis heiliger a committee
member is present good day senator francis heiliger i will ask my one question and then we'll come to you to ask your
questions. So I wanted to ask you what was how how do you think being a businesswoman and a family woman also you
are going to be able to find a time to work and do what you have outlined here some of your short-term and long-term
goals which include short-term goals, enhance the STEM programs, strengthen industry connections, boost student
support, promotes sustainability which is critical to the university and your long-term goals expand research initiatives,
enhance alumni engagement, support workforce development, critical area again, and grow institutional resources.
Do you see that you will have sufficient time with everything you have on your plate? The great thing about being in the
Virgin Islands is having the support of the Virgin Islands. So I have the support, a lot of support in the Virgin Islands.
One minute. I have a great staff at my company we've built, and UVI is a priority. So when I taught at UBI in theory, it
could be that I didn't have time, but I felt like it was important, and so I prioritized that. And so I intend to do the same
thing with my role on the board. Thank you.
1:45:40
Senator Francis Heiliger, you're recognized for your three minutes. Good day to my colleagues, to the people of the
territory, good day to the testifiers. I personally don't have much to say because I sat here and I also was listening prior to
me coming into the chambers to the testimony as well as listening to some of my colleagues. And I have to say I'm
thoroughly impressed by this young lady and all that she has been able to accomplish over the years. The only thing I
really wanted to ask, it really had to do with your ability to run and and manage a business with over 25 employees here
in the territory, especially in a field so specialized as environmental engineering. How do you see that having a business
such as this in the territory, is it really being supported as well as do you see for long-term growth because it's such a
specialized niche? Could you please share a little bit about that? But in all honesty, from what you have presented here
today what you have shared with us I am in full support of you and congratulations and I'm very very proud to have
Virgin Islanders such as yourself being placed in positions to help the Virgin Islands to progress thank you thank you no
problem so it's not easy to entrepreneurship is not easy I think it's like building a house if you knew what you were
getting into you would just never start But then there's a passion, at least for me, in providing opportunities for other
people. There are other ways to make a living that would be a lot easier. But I think having boots on the ground, having
the ability to show up to clients, to support them on a second notice is really valuable. St. Croix has a lot of industry,
considering how small it is, and so in the past, a lot of those industries relied on stateside support, and as we have
developed our clientele, they
1:46:15
see that, you know, we're just as capable, and we have engineers in the Virgin Islands that can support them, and with all
the government projects, every agency that we have worked with have become recurring clients because we pour our all
into it because it's our backyard. And so we want to make sure that we do it right, so we do the right thing and we show
up as needed. Also, we're able to keep the cost lower because we're right here. 30 seconds.
1:48:34
That's really how we've been working and succeeding and very excited when we're referred to other clients just because,
you know, they can see our passion to exist the virgin islands and make sure that you know we provide a sustainable
living to pass tax-paying citizens uh time is senator francis heiliger were you trying to make another comment well my
my mic was off so but i noticed it i noticed it that's why i asked Okay I appreciate it. No I just wanted to tell her again
thank you for that response because it gives you some insight as to what has to be done here in the territory especially for
individuals in your particular area of work. So thank you for your hard work. Thank you Madam Chair.
1:49:03
Thank you. I have a very burning question. Recently in 2024 we passed the comprehensive land and water use plan I'm
sure you're aware of that and I wanted to ask because this is going to have some impact once they begin to implement I
just want to ask a quick question and it's not very detailed oriented how do you see the University of the Virgin Islands
partnering with the our local government, our other stakeholders, to actually implement the comprehensive land and
water use plan. I think that UVI's, I'm aware of their environmental science program that's really growing.
1:49:59
We've had a number of hires from that program that they've been great for us. And I think tapping into that department,
you know, they really, we've experienced with UVI, them going after projects and support and RFPs that are tied to that.
So I think that anything that comes from that plan that, you know, requires environmental science focus, because that's
their main department that would be focused in that area, I'm sure they would jump on. But we've partnered and had calls
with them so that we can talk through partnerships or seeing how we can pull them into supporting projects like that. And
so I just think that it's just utilizing the departments that exist at UVI to be able to support that. Great answer because I
know UVI typically partners on that aspect. Colleagues, we have exhausted all of the time in questioning this nominee.
1:50:52
Do I hear a motion? Motion. Senator Clifford A. Joseph, you're recognized for your motion. Madam Chair, I move that
the Governor's nominee, Mrs. Trinity Granger Astri, to the University of the Virgin Islands Board of Trustees, be
favorable, voted on in this committee, and forward to the full body for further consideration and action. I so move.
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Second.
Second. The nomination of Mrs. Trinity Granger-Ostry to the University of the Virgin Islands Board of Trustees has been
properly moved by Senator Clifford Joseph, seconded by Mr. Secretary Avery Lewis, Alma Francis Heiliger, Angel
Boquez, And just coming in, I also heard Senator Kenneth Gittins.
1:52:20
Roll call on the governor's nominee of Trinity Granger-Austry to the University of the Virgin Islands Board of Trustees.
Senator Carla J. Joseph? Yes. Senator Joseph, yay. Senator Kenneth O. Gittins? Yes. Senator Gittins, yay. Senator Alma
Francis Heiliger? Yes. Senator Francis Heiliger, yay. Senator Angel L. Borges, Jr.
1:52:55
Yay. Senator Borges, Jr., yay. Senator Clifford L. Joseph? Clifford A. Joseph? Senator Joseph, yay. Senator Avery L.
Lewis? Yay. Senator Lewis, yay. Senator Milton E. Potter? Yes, Senator Prater, yay. Madam Chair, you have seven
years. Thank you so much, Madam Clerk.
1:53:27
The nomination of Mrs. Trinity Granger-Ostry to the University of the Virgin Islands Board of Trustees has been
favorably voted upon in the Committee on Rules and Judiciary and and will be forwarded to the full body for further
consideration and action. At this time, Ms. Granger-Ostry, we would like to afford you an opportunity to place on the
record 60 seconds closing remarks.
1:53:56
Kindly proceed. Thank you for your consideration. UVI in support of everyone who is considering UVI is really my
passion because I can relate to all the 12th grade students or whomever else in the territory is considering getting a further
education there. And so it really would be an honor to push that cause. It also would be an honor to support them in
helping educate everyone and knowing the great possibilities that come from there, so I look forward to it. Thank you.
1:54:30
And thank you so much, Ms. Ostry. Your presence before the Committee on Rules and Judiciary is over. And so we will
release you from your testimony before the committee. The Committee on Rules and Judiciary stands in recess for five
minutes. We'll be right back. We'll be right back. We'll be right back. We'll be right back. We'll be right back. We'll be
right back. We'll be right back. We'll be right back. We'll be right back. We'll be right back. Thank you. Thank you.
Thank you. Thank you.
1:55:03
And we are back on the record, Madam Clerk. Kindly read into the record, the last block on today's agenda. Block 3, 2
p.m. to 3.30 p.m. Bill No. 36-0028, an act approving the lease agreement between the government of the Virgin Islands
and Tropical Marine Inc. for parcel number 37-1, Estate Narder. Number two, Red Hook Quarter, St. Thomas, Virgin
Islands, and a portion of unsurveyed, Estate Narder. Number two, Red Hook Quarter, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, Board
of Career and Technical Education, St. Croix. Sponsored by Senator Milton E. Potter by request of the Governor.
2:02:40
This is the reading of... Oh, Bill number 36-0038, an act amending Title 29, Virgin Islands Code, Chapter 10, Subchapter
3, Section 551, Subsection A, by increasing the limit for outstanding bonds for the Virgin Islands Port Authority from $1
million to $500 million, sponsored by Senator Milton E. Potter. Bill number 36-0040, an act approving the lease
agreement between the government of the Virgin Islands and Charles M. Kim, VI Foundation, Inc., DBA, Virgin Islands
Museum of Art, for a portion of lot number 48B, Noragade, King's Quarter, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, sponsored by
Senator Milton E. Potter, by request of the Governor. This ends the reading of Block 3, Madam Chair.
2:04:04
Thank you so much, Madam Clerk. Who speaks on behalf of Bill number 360028? I do, Madam Chair. kindly proceed
senate president milton potter thank you madam chair i offer bill number 36-0028 on behalf of the governor the bill
reflects the lease agreement between the government of the virgin islands and tropical marine inc this locally owned
marina has served our community for the past 45 years weathering numerous challenges including the hurricanes of 2017
and the kovat 19 pandemic the proposed proposed lease agreement will enable and necessary upgrades and expansion of
the marina which will create new jobs and help the family business keep pace with our growing marine industry as a
third-generation business with deep roots and st. Thomas tropical marine represents the kind of resilient local enterprise
that strengthens our economy and preserves our marine heritage. I urge the committee to approve this lease agreement to
support sustainable economic development in our territory.
2:05:11
Thank you very much, Madam Chair. Thank you so much, Mr. President. We are going to be discussing all three. So,
who speaks on behalf of Bill No. 36-0038? I do, Madam Chair. Kindly proceed, Mr. President. Thank you.
2:06:30
Madam Chair, I offer Bill No. 36-0038 by request of the Governor. Bill number 36-0038 amends Title 29 of the Virgin
Islands Code to increase the Virgin Islands Port Authority's bonding limit from $100 million to $500 million. This
amendment is crucial for the continued development and maintenance of the territory's vital port infrastructure. The
Virgin Islands Port Authority serves as the backbone of our territory's transportation system, managing both airports and
seaports that are essential to our economy, tourist industry, and daily life. The cruise industry in the U.S. Virgin Islands
has experienced tremendous growth, with cruise ship visits projected to reach 595 in fiscal year 2025 and passenger
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numbers in St. Croix alone expected to grow from less than 40,000 three years ago to 275,000 in FY 2025. The current
bonding cap of 100 million dollars was established in 1988 and has remained unchanged for 37 years despite significant
economic growth and infrastructure needs. This outdated limitation severely restricts VIPER's ability to fund critical
projects such as capital maintenance projects for existing seaport facilities across all
three islands, pre-development projects in the Crown Bay District. Madam Chair, at the appropriate time I am urging all
of my colleagues to vote in the affirmative it is important for us to note that this increase in bonding capacity doesn't
mean that Viper will immediately issue bonds to the maximum limit the authority only issues debt it can afford to repay
while maintaining strong financial standing and must meet specific criteria before issuing future debt. And I urge the
legislature to approve Bill number 36-0038 to provide the Virgin Islands Port Authority with the financial flexibility
needed to address critical infrastructure needs that will benefit the entire U.S. Virgin Islands community for generations
to come.
2:08:46
Thank you very much, Madam Chair. Thank you so much, Mr. Senate President, for introducing those bills. Colleagues,
these three bills were properly heard and vetted in the Committee on Budget Appropriations and Finance last week
Tuesday. We had a plethora of testimonies that were sent, and we had a very robust discussion on this matter. And in
fact, these items were sent down from the governor. The first tropical shipping was sent to this body on January 13th.
Then we had, that's the lease agreement. And then we had, of course, the lease agreement for Tropical Marine Inc. And
the lease agreement for Charles Kim Foundation Inc. doing business as Virgin Islands Museum of Art was sent down to
this body on February 13th of this year. so we all had an opportunity to have a discussion. Mr. Senate Secretary, Avery
Lewis, I see that you have a point of information. Point of order. Point of order. What rule is being broken? There's three
bills, we only discussed two. Point of information, your point of information is taken and so we are going to ask the
senate president
2:09:54
just give us a moment to introduce bill 360040 which is the last bill on today's agenda thank you so much for that point of
information mr secretary you got me thank you madam chair Madam Chair, I offer Bill 36-0040 by request of the
Governor. The bill would approve the lease of the Hamburg America Line Building to the Charles M. Kim VI
Foundation for the establishment of the Virgin Islands Museum of Art. This proposal represents an extraordinary
opportunity for the Virgin Islands.
2:11:52
The Hamburg America Building, once a vital part of our territory's commercial history, stands as a deteriorating safety
hazard the Kim family's commitment to invest approximately 18 million dollars of private funding to transform this
liability into a cultural asset serves deserves deserves the support of this body the museum will serve multiple vital
functions for our community preservation of cultural heritage creating a dedicated space to celebrate and showcase
Virgin Islands art, culinary traditions, and cultural history. Economic development, generating approximately 140 jobs
during demolition and construction, followed by 10 to 20 permanent positions, all without taxpayer expense. Tourism
enhancement, providing a significant new cultural attraction in downtown Charlotte Amalia that will diversify our
tourism offerings and public safety addressing an imminent structural hazard that currently threatens surrounding
businesses and pedestrians the Kim family's proven track record of philanthropic commitment to this territory over 17
years including millions in donations to local nonprofits provides confidence that their sincere dedication in their sincere
dedication to this project's success. I urge the Committee on Rules and Judiciary to approve this lease agreement,
recognizing that it represents a rare win-win proposition where private investment will create a lasting public benefit,
preserving our cultural heritage while simultaneously addressing a significant infrastructure liability. Thank you Thank
you very much, Madam Chair.
2:12:33
And thank you so much, Mr. President. This time I would also like to take the opportunity to recognize non-committee
member, Senator Maurice James, Chairperson of the Committee on Disaster Recovery and Infrastructure. Thank you.
And planning. Thank you so much, Senator James, non-committee member, for being present today. Colleagues, we are
going to have a discussion on this measure and we will allow four minutes of debate time. We will begin with Senator
Angel Bocas Jr. Senator Bocas, you are recognized for your four minutes. you madam chair and I believe the secretary
was trying to get your attention to let you know that the rule was five zero eight D I can read it if you'd like but that is the
rule that he was citing at the time would you like me to proceed with my question with my statements yes you can
proceed with your statement yes I'm sorry statement okay thank you madam chair madam chair the bills in this block I'm
going to begin with bill number 36 dash zero zero two eight a lease agreement with tropical marine ink for a state notice
in Thomas which approves a lease between the government of the Virgin Islands and tropical marine ink and this lease
supports the growth of small businesses in the marine industry which is our blue economy which is a vital part of our
economy and the sectors that will in this island district of St. Thomas will benefit our economy here and the planned use
of this property is for retail marine engine repair and import export purposes which aligns with the goals of diversifying
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commerce and creating jobs and strengthening our marine economy so I'm definitely supporting that bill on on bill
number three six dash zero zero three eight uh concerning the virgin islands port authority um which increases the
bonding capacity of the port authority from 1 million to 500 million which is uh sort of a maybe four fold four full five
fold somewhere around there which is a huge increase um what i assume with um all of the the activity that's going on in
the marine sector and the aviation sectors with tourism numbers increasing throughout the years as we went to the
economic summit recently, the revenue, what was it called for the lack of, Mr. President, the revenue estimating
conference. We heard about all of the increases in the aviation sector,
so I'm assuming that the port authority is positioning themselves to be able to be ready and prepared in a strategic way so
that they can foster tourism and growth and ensure the territory remains competitive and connected. As for bill number
36-0040, the lease agreement with the Charles M. Kim VI Foundation for the Virgin Islands Museum of Art. We know
our culture and our history is a very important aspect to who we are. I was a bit thrown off a little bit, I do support it, but I
did get some additional information on the back end because I unfortunately did not have an opportunity to attend the
finance hearing to ask some questions that I had, but they were answered here today. And I will say that this project will
preserve our cultural heritage and promote our community engagement, arts, education, and tourism, and the
revitalization of the historic district will contribute meaningfully to create the economy that we deserve here in the Virgin
Islands. So our identity and history and culture will be preserved in this project. So I rise in support of all the measures
and look forward to voting in the affirmative at the appropriate time. Thank you, Madam Chair. 30 seconds. Thank you
so much, Senator Borges. As Senate Secretary, Mr. Secretary Avery L. Lewis, you are recognized for your four minutes.
2:17:32
Thank you, Madam Chairwoman. Good afternoon, colleagues. Good afternoon, Virgin Islands, once again. But, Madam
Chairwoman, as it pertains to Bill No. 36-0028, an act approving the lease agreement between the Government of the
Virgin Islands and Tropical Marine, Inc., for Parcel No. 37-1, Estate Nada, No. 2, Red Hook Quarter. As I traverse and I
look around this territory, and I have had the opportunity to look at even our marine side. I see an uptick in charters. I see
an uptick in our marine product. So I do support this act, 36.0028. I see where there's a need for a retail store. It's a local
family. I see what they do out there in the east end of St. Thomas. So I do support it at the appropriate time. When it
comes to Bill 36-0038, an act amending Title 29, Virgin Islands Code, Chapter 10, Sub Chapter 3, Section 551, Sub
Section A, by increasing the limit for outstanding bonds for the Virgin Islands Port Authority from $100 million to $500
million. I really think it should have been in an increment, but it would have been little more palatable for me it was at
least 250 to 300 but i do see the different initiative the port authority is undertaking and i do see in our sub-based area the
plan for development i see the airport um all the things that we've been asking for for years in this territory so um at the
appropriate time i'll vote appropriately as it pertains to act 36 as 0040 an active approving
2:19:14
the lease agreement between the government of the virgin islands and charles m kim very foundation inc doing business
as virgin islands museum of the art proportion of lot number 48 b noragada king squatter the hamburg property i am i'm
familiar with the kim foundation i am familiar with some of the another business that the kim uh charles came himself
run which is the edc corporation here And when I was administrator previously, you know, some of the initiatives I took
upon was the revitalizing of the Vendors Plaza, the revitalizing of the Emancipation Garden. We partnered with another
EDC company, I had them revitalize the Educators Park. All of this is to upgrade the fabric of our product downtown.
We even included the new welcome center, they included restrooms, a much needed thing.
2:21:10
Speaking with property and procurement, we saw the need where we needed to wrap this building from deteriorating and
falling concrete and so forth. Moving forward into this bill, I see where the Virgin Islands, if marketed properly, this
could be another revenue generator for the Virgin Islands. And this property is always going to be the government of the
Virgin Islands' own. You know, a museum downtown, we travel around the world, we see the Smithsonian Institution,
different museums, and those are great revenue generators. And this company have not just talked it, but they have really
delivered in the Virgin Islands. So at the appropriate time, I will be voting in affirmative for this project. A museum in
the Virgin Islands is a great asset in preserving our culture and displaying our culture.
2:22:13
At the appropriate time, I will be voting in affirmative. Thank you. Thank you so kindly, Mr. Secretary, for your four
minutes of discussion on this bill. We'll now recognize Senator Clifford A. Joseph for your four minutes. Thank you,
Madam Chair. Good afternoon to my colleagues and to the listening and viewing audience. Colleagues, I had the
opportunity to attend the Committee on Budget, Appropriations, and Finance, where Bill No. 36028 and 36038 and
36040 were heard. I will start with bill number 36028. I have no issues with this lease agreement. It is for a small female
owned business that has been in operation for a long time.
2:23:07
So for that, she could continue. Bill number 360040 gives me some pause. like you know like when you own something
if you own I think a lot of us need to start to look from if it's your personal because that's our opportunity to solve it's our
personal the term of this lease which is in a two in total spans several generations we understand a generation is 25 years
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roughly so at 200 we talk in eight generations so i just want the community to understand where we at but again when i
pause in i could pause a little bit and could see a derelict building we take our time this company can put up the monies to
make sure they pay for the safety of demolition of this particular building but i still feel from the the government
standpoint because again we don't negotiate contracts in the in in the legislature that's on property and procurement but
the time is long but over time i guess it'll still be the government's i looked at But the next issue there as well is you will
have work for individuals who, while they reconstruct this particular venture, and I really like to see a greater consistency
with lease terms that property and procurement negotiates. to me it's like you you you see them come in and one makes
sense and then the other one is way outside of some kind of the consistency is way off during the construction and during
the construction for this project anyway you know you don't have you gonna retain the the government will retain the
ownership and the next good thing with it is the government could call for the tom to cancel at any time that's in there as
well so i will rest on that and when i'm going out to bill number 36 038 giving viper a whole 400 increase that one i don't
know if i pass or fall
asleep on that one but it's i mean again going back to your own if a person is even using the capacity of the 100 million
you're at right now they're down to 22 because they're good they are good paying on their bonds but again at 400 over at
the right time i mean at the opportune time if this does pass to go to the full body i will be bringing an amendment to take
the four the five to three I feel three is still a lot, but five is out. I really ain't seen it. I feel at a time when we're talking
about privatizing the airport and we only limited now to the port, I made this, I had this argument while I was there in the
Finance Committee and I still hold that I feel from a hundred to five hundred million really doesn't make sense for us
when we are to defend this institution because this institution is who can get a licks because later on if this falls through
for some reason just like WAPA although they're doing good now it's here to this body they'll be coming for some kind of
assistance so I I mean, things are rosy right now, numbers are up in the tourism market, and it's good. But I'm just saying,
we could be cautious and allow him an increment, and they could return for another increment.
2:26:50
Thank you, Madam Chair. Thank you so kindly, Ms. Senator Joseph. At this time, the chair will recognize Senator
Kenneth L. Gittins for his four minutes, and of course, Madam Clerk, I know you've already done so, but kindly be sure
to state and record Senator Gittins as present to today's meeting.
2:28:31
Canada Gittins, you're recognized for your four minutes. Thank you, Madam Chair, and good afternoon to all. Going
right into this, I have no issues with the lease for Tropical Marine, and I support the continued operation of small
businesses here. the territory nor do I see any issue with raising the VA Port Authority's bonding authority the Port
Authority actually plays a vital role in shipping tourism and transportation and we need to ensure that it has the full
capacity or ability to fully function and further to date the Port Authority we have to admit has demonstrated a
responsible stewardship of its resources so I have no reservations in increasing that bonding ability from 100 million to
500 million I just asked that the port director and the port board members remember to continue to work steadfast and
hard on the projects also in the district of St. Croix and namely the Gallows Bay port however I'm still a bit uneasy with
this 99 year lease for what is arguably one of the most valuable pieces of real estate in downtown Charlotte Amalia St
Thomas we have no
2:29:09
idea what social or economic conditions we can expect in the years ahead and to bind our grandchildren and
great-grandchildren to this lease is wholly unacceptable in my thoughts. I think maybe a 30 to 50 year lease with an
option to renew should be more than adequate to complete this project that we're talking about. There are a lot of merits
to this initiative. don't get me wrong, and I will be happy to support it if we are able to make changes to the terms that's
actually before us. But again, holding our grandchildren and great-grandchildren to this one 99-year lease at $100 a
month, I think is a little far-reaching. So I'm hopeful as we go forward uh during the last hearing uh when it was in the
hearing when it was in the committee of jurisdiction rather uh there were talks of having these discussions and possibly
making uh the amendments i'm looking through my file here and i don't see any amendments uh to this matter so I will
vote accordingly as we proceed but again I do support and like the merits of the initiative however I just think that the 99
year lease is a bit far-reaching thank you madam chair
2:31:11
Thank you, Senator Kenneth Gittins. The chair will now recognize committee member Alma Francis, Senator Alma
Francis Heiliger. Senator Francis Heiliger, you're recognized for your four minutes. Thank you so much, Madam Chair.
As it relates to bill number 360028, I am in support of this particular lease agreement. I do support any opportunities we
have to allow for our business owners to continue and continue to participate when it comes to our economic growth. As
it relates to bill number 360038, this one has to do with increasing from 100 million to 500 million dollars. this current
moment I do not support it. I did hear one of my colleagues speak to an amendment that could possibly reduce this
amount from 500 million downward. I will have to wait until if this passes this committee today because I will be voting
no in its current state. If it does reach to the senate floor I will have to wait to hear what that amendment is to see what
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that reduced amount will be to decide whether I will allow my vote to be in the affirmative or not uh my concern with um
voting from going from 100 to 500 million what is the real justification for it I mean what are their projects coming
online are there just to give them an additional blank check for an additional 400 million to potentially put our territory in
more debt I am not supporting that we have to make real responsible decisions in understanding and knowing what things
are for instead of just saying hey let's give it to them and we'll figure it out after i don't support that as it relates to bill
number 36 0040 i 100 support this piece of legislation
We have a building that is not repaired, not fixed, dilapidated, concrete fallen on the ground. We as a government isn't
even taking care of this property. The problem I have is this is a very historical, vital piece to Virgin Islands history, this
building. And if we have an opportunity for individuals to step in, it's not going to cost the government a dime. they're
going to make sure not only rebuild this entire building fix this entire building to a point that it's a museum employ
people for the next hundred years guarantee its survival under a foundation whether the individuals are here or not and
we're still complaining as to why we should do it maybe if we were not wasting money as a government we would have
had money to fix it ourselves instead of having to give it to outside people to lease it now people are concerned about the
99 year lease which personally i am not i told somebody the other day hong kong was leased to the british for a whole
hundred years and after the lease was up they still had to turn it back over to china at least at least the owner is still the
owner and that's just the fact minute and if somebody right now madam chair could i wrap up you may If somebody right
now is willing to invest into this territory to guarantee that a piece of our history is preserved, it allows for individuals
from St. Thomas, St. John, St. Croix to be able to be showcased in our museum, to be showcased with their projects, I
support that 100%. Anything that will promote our territory and preserve our people, I support it.
2:35:09
So thank you very much, Madam Chair, for the additional time. Thank you so much, Senator Frances Heiliger. You did
have some more time if you wanted to. Yes, your time didn't run out. You're not hearing it. She said 30 seconds. But you
didn't have any additional time. I'm just letting you know you were within your time frame. Thank you so much. Okay so
and and I like when you're staying in your time frame all of us I've been trying my very best everyone knows that's my
goal and so when someone makes it within their time frame I want to highlight them. At this time I will recognize
Senator Maurice C. James, non-committee member. Senator Maurice James you're recognized for your four minutes
thank you madam chair good afternoon Virgin Islands good afternoon colleagues good afternoon everyone inside and
outside the room I came here today because unlike my colleagues six minutes is never enough time for me to vet a lease
and ask the questions of the people who are in front of us so I want to make that clear it's never enough time for me but
that's because of who I I am as Maurice quite frankly so I had the opportunity to speak to both assistant commissioner
Vincent Richards and mr. Jason Charles yesterday anticipating that I may not have that opportunity today again and so I
want to thank both of them for answering my questions as a member of the committee on budget appropriations and
finance I voted for all three of these bills but I do want to express concerns that I had that I that I said to mr. Richards and
I I must thank him for his graciousness and his open-mindedness that you don't see too often with elected and appointed
officials so I'm going to start by saying that one of the the things that came up that jumped out for me and and really this
has nothing to do with the generosity of the Kim family it doesn't have to do with the fact that our government shame on
us have not maintained what we know today is are all acknowledging as a historic and public asset because if you don't
take care of it then you're telling people you don't value it so I want to thank the Kim family for valuing what we did not
value over these 30 years but I want to say at the also to the public that we own the land the building itself is going to be
destroyed demolished it's not going to exist they're going to build something that looks like it or similar to it so what we
own as the Virgin Islands government is the land we do not own the lease whole improvements until the lease is up
which would be 99 years plus 50
2:36:54
plus 50 my concern and I am sure the attorneys for the Kim family they did an excellent job of negotiating this lease I
must say that but there is no way I keep hearing people saying that we can cancel this lease at any time I did not see
anywhere in this lease agreement where the Virgin Islands government can terminate for convenience there is no clause
that says that I need to make that clear it does in fact have the lessees right to terminate and whether or not you've read it
they may terminate it by providing one year written notice they can terminate it at any time they can terminate it every
tenth year one man at least I want to there is so much more that I want to point out because we don't we should have at
least had a review clause where every maybe 10 years we could review and adjust the terms of of this lease agreement I
do want to say ask the before my time run out there is another provision in this lease agreement that speaks to the fact
that the the the lessee will be responsible for real estate taxes and this is a question through the chair for the legal counsel
that's sitting here with us today the lease agreement says they will pay real estate taxes but if you look at the Virgin
Islands code non-profit organizations are exempt from paying real estate taxes and when I asked both gentlemen
yesterday they said I needed to do more research and of course as a lawyer i said i would so the question through the
chair um madam chair may i finish yes you can wrap up um clearly there will be a lot of tax benefits in the construction
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the demolition and all of that
but the real estate taxes through the chair to to legal counsel will this non-profit organization under this lease agreement
have to pay taxes when in fact as a non-profit they're exempt under the virgin islands code thank you madam chair legal
counsel cynthia moore thank you so much senator maurice james can you legal counsel can you proceed with responding
to senator maurice's james question good afternoon attorney cynthia moore legal counsel Pursuant to Title 33, Virgin
Islands Code, Section 2304, real property is exempt from tax. The building in question will fall under Section 1B,
educational, literary, scientific, or charitable purposes and every tract of land not exceeding five acres upon which
buildings are situated.
2:42:07
If such buildings and grounds are not used or leased with a view to the pecuniary profit of either the owner or let's see,
that is exempt from taxation. That property is exempt from taxation. So in layman terms, what does that say, attorney,
regarding so that our listening public and all of us here can understand what that piece of the law speaks to. Okay. The
lease states that the building will be taxed, but under the code, the section 2304, that real property will be exempt from
taxes. Okay. Does this also apply to the businesses operating there that are projected to operate within this property?
2:43:15
Yes, because the real property itself is exempt from taxes. It will also pertain to the buildings that would be part of the... I
said the businesses, the businesses, if you're operating a coffee shop, would that also be exempted? Or aren't they going
to be taxed as well and paying gross receipt taxes? That was my question. Yeah, this, Madam Chair, those are two
different taxes. I understand. So the property, the taxes for the businesses, the gross receipt taxes, they can be paid. Okay.
Thank you so kindly just for that added clarification. Point of information. Senator Francis Heiliger, you're recognized for
your point of information. Thank you so much. Point of information through the Charitable Legal Counsel. Currently,
this property is owned by the government of the Virgin Islands.
2:44:17
As a government, do we collect taxes from ourselves on the same property? No, Senator Frances Holligan. Thank you. So
either way, this is really about investing into the property. Thank you so much. Point of information. Senator Maurice
James, you are recognized for your point of information. Thank you Madam Chair. It was to point out to us, and really
for Mr. Richards at Department of Property and Procurement, that that provision in the lease is voided because of the law.
that was the only reason. In addition to that, I just wanted to say this, I support this particular initiative and project, but
we need to make sure, and Madam Chair, I'm going to just read something. Yes, kindly proceed with this. Yeah, because
this is just to educate, you know. Sorry, I'm so sorry, Senator James. I just want you to just kindly proceed to wrap up on
this. Okay, thank you kindly. Yeah, I support this, but I do want everybody to know it's not about us right now. It's about
the eight generations down the road. And I'm going to read this.
2:45:21
Private people have created museums. The Morgan Library, the Guggenheim Museum, the Whitney Museum of
American Art, the Museum of Modern Art, have similar origin stories to this. Rich individuals who started them set aside
funding. But now these museums are a century old and much of the money has dried up. So they have crossed the
threshold and become public charities that must cede power. I just want us to understand that while I agree with this, We,
as a government, don't have the proper mechanisms in the least to protect the public interest. And interestingly, I am sure,
pretty sure, because of the generosity of the Kim family, that they would not have an issue with what I'm saying today in
terms of protecting the public interest. That's the interesting thing about what I'm saying, because anybody knows about
negotiating.
2:46:46
Thank you, Madam Chair. Thank you so much, Senator Maurice James. I want to start with my four minutes, Madam
Clerk. First, I want to really commend Tropical Marine, Ms. Carmen Rowan. She's a small business owner operating her
marina since 1980, and this is for Bill No. 36028, a lease agreement between the Government of the Virgin Islands and
Tropical Marine Inc for the parcel of land that really sits adjacent to the parcel that she owns for a retail for a retail store
and the like so I really want to commend her this lady is moving along with her family so we're creating generational
wealth and I commend her and I have no objection with this lease agreement and no objection to bill number 36.028.
Then bill number 36.0038 which in fact will give the Port Authority the ability to have the flexibility from moving from
allowing a hundred million bond to five hundred million bond uh i when i sat in i listened to the port authorities uh
executive director mr carlton dow talk he said typically we don't even go that high but we want the flexibility i
understand governance and i understand that he's not going to be able to go to 500 million dollars unless his board
approves it and they are going to be thorough in doing their research and their due diligence before that and they cannot
approve a bond to 500 million without any type of method or revenue to pay it back and the bondholders wouldn't allow
it so if he needed that flexibility to perhaps be able to achieve the bond and to help our marine port this bond is not for the
airport we already have the p3 in the airport and he was clearing the record saying this is for our marine ports our marine
ports are expanding that's revenue generating that we need to bring into the virgin islands additional money to pay for our
schools to pay to pave our roads to also pay to help our hospitals a critical need so I am very much in support of that bill
2:47:45
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then we have bill number 3536-0040 now I don't know about anyone else but I know that there's another lease in the
Virgin Islands that had a 90-year lease and I'm talking about Banco Popula in Altona and they didn't have to demolish
one minute a whole building and go through all of the environmental they didn't have to now look at building something
that is derelict and is a safety issue to the people of the virgin islands if a block fall off of this building and it's right there
in downtown Charlotte and Mali
and injure someone because the temporary protection that they have placed on the building, this government is going to
be held liable. I remember reading, I wasn't really aware then, there was an opportunity for the Virgin Islands to get its
gasoline excise tax. Boy, we were so greedy, Lord have mercy. We said, no, let's go for the whole thing instead of go for
some. And what did we get? Nothing. So we want to not stop economic growth in the Virgin Islands. We have had leases
that the government has. Thank you, Madam Clark, and I'm going to just wrap up. We have had leases that this
government had went into, and it didn't turn out well. You know what the government did? The government took them to
court.
2:51:24
And they didn't even object. We just had, I'm sorry to say, but we just had a classic case with a Lisa franchise agreement
with VIGL. And what has happened? The government does its work. We look out for the best interests of our people, not
just for yesteryear or today, but for the future. And so I am going to vote in the affirmative for all three bills on this
agenda. They have been properly vetted. They have been properly voted upon. They were sent down from the governor
timely, and we, before they were called, before the committee of jurisdiction, and we as legislators had sufficient time to
do our research and our background checks. So thank you. I really appreciate. All that has been said, but I am in support
of all three measures today, and I will be voting in the affirmative. At this time, the chair would like to recognize. We
have a point of information.
2:52:16
No, motion. Oh, we haven't closed out. You're jumping the gun. We have to get the pass. Let's allow the proponent of the
measure, if you would, to close out. Thank you very much. Madam Chair, are you giving me my time right now? Yes,
you are recognized for your four minutes, Mr. Senate President. Thank you very much, Madam Chair. Madam Chair,
colleagues. I am inclined to vote in the affirmative for all of the measures in this final block this morning beginning with
bill number 36-0028 the marina project here in the island of st. Thomas all of the bills were thoroughly vetted in the in
the Committee of Jurisdiction, Bill number 36-0028, the Rouen family marina, tropical marina. It represents third
generation business here on St. Thomas. It is the kind of resilient local enterprise that strengthens our economy and
preserves our maritime heritage. This family has been in business for quite a while. They are very diligent, they are very
dedicated. At the appropriate time, I'll vote yes for that bill. Bill number 36-0040, the Kim Family Museum Initiative.
Right now, it is clear that the building now stands as a deteriorating relic that's sadly, and I think Madam Chair, you
mentioned it earlier, it is literally falling down before our very eyes.
2:53:29
It is a hazard for the people of the territory. It is an eyesore. This initiative will create a permanent museum to really
jumpstart, you know, I guess put a jolt of positivity in downtown Charlotte Amalia when it comes to a tourism product.
An art museum is something that every jurisdiction that is worth itself has a state-of-the-art blue-chip museum. This is an
opportunity for us to have the same right now. The building has been sitting in a state of disrepair literally for decades.
nothing has been done with it I suspect if nothing is done right now it will stand again just right where it's been standing
deteriorating for another God knows how many years I think having a museum here in our territory focusing on the
preservation of our cultural heritage is a plus so at the appropriate time I plan to vote positively for that initiative and
finally the bill number thirty six dash zero zero three six the bill that allows the Port Authority to expand its by capacity
from 100 million to 500 million I'm supportive of it the Port Authority, unlike many other semi-autonomous
instrumentalities here in the territory, has a history of doing well by the people of the Virgin Islands when it comes to our
resources. The Port Authority is really the backbone of our economy, and it gives them the flexibility to do the major
2:55:40
developments territory-wide that it needs to do for the economy of our territory. And at the appropriate time Madam
Chair I plan to vote yes for all three bills. Thank you very much. Thank you so kindly, Mr. President. All the time has
expired on the debate of all three measures.
2:57:39
Do I hear a motion? Senator Angel Borges, Jr., you are recognized for your motion. Thank you, Madam Chair. Madam
Chair, I move that Bill No. 36-0028, an act approving the lease agreement between the Government of the Virgin Islands
and Tropical Marine, Inc. for Parcel No. 37-1, Estate Nada No. 2, Red Hook Quarter, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, and a
portion of Unsurveyed Estate Nada No. 2, Red Hook Quarter, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, Board of Career and Technical
Education, St. Croix, be favorably voted upon in this committee and reported out to the Full body for further action and
consideration, I so move.
2:58:15
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Bill number 36-0028 has been properly moved by Senator Angel Bocquez Jr. and seconded by Senator Alma Francis
Heiliger. Roll call on Bill number 36-0028. Senator Carla J. Joseph. yes senator joseph yay senator kenneth l gittins
senator gittings yay senator alma francis heiliger yes senator francis heiliger yay senator anghel l borkes jr yay senator
borkes jr yay senator clifford a joseph Yeah.
2:59:05
Senator Joseph, yeah. Senator Avery L. Lewis? Yeah. Senator Lewis, yeah. Senator Milton E. Potter? Yes. Senator
Potter, yeah. Madam Chair, you have seven years. Thank you, Madam Clerk. Bill number 36-0028, an act approving the
lease agreement between the Government of the Virgin Islands and Tropical Marine Inc. for Parcel Number 37-1, Estate
NADA Number 2, Red Hook Quarter, St. Thomas Virgin Islands, and a portion of unsurveyed Estate NADA Number 2,
Red Hook Quarter, St. Thomas Virgin Islands, has been favorably approved in the Committee on Rules and judiciary and
will be forwarded to the full body for further consideration and action motion motion senate mr senate president you are
recognized for your motion thank you very much madam chair madam chair i move that bill number 36-0038 an act
amending title 29 virgin islands Code, Chapter 10, Subchapter 3, Section 551, Subsection A, by increasing the limit for
outstanding bonds for the Virgin Islands Port Authority from $100 million to $500 million, be voted upon favorably in
the Committee on Rules and Judiciary, and forwarded to the full body for final consideration and action.
2:59:53
I so move. Second. Second. Bill number 36-00038 has been properly moved by Senate President Milton Potter and
seconded by Senator Angel Bocas Jr. and Secretary Avery L. Lewis. Roll call on Bill number 36-0038. Senator Carla J.
Joseph? Yes. Senator Joseph, yay. Senator Kenneth O. Gittins?
3:01:39
Yes. Senator Gittins, yay. Senator Alma Francis Heileger? No. Senator Francis Heileger, no. Senator Angel O. Bocas,
Jr.? Yay. Senator Bocas, Jr., yay. Senator Clifford A. Joseph? No. Senator Joseph, no. Senator Avery L. Lewis? Yes.
Senator Lewis? Yes. Senator Milton E. Potter? Yes.
3:02:17
Senator Potter? Yes. Madam Chair, you have five yes, two no's. Thank you, Madam Clerk. Bill number 36-0038, an act
amending Title 29, Virgin Islands Code, Chapter 10, Subchapter 3, Section 551, Subsection A, by increasing the limit for
outstanding bonds for the Virgin Islands Port Authority from $100 million to $500 million has been approved in this
committee and will be forwarded to the full body for final consideration and action.
3:02:49
Do I hear a motion? Motion. Mr. Secretary Avery Lewis, you are recognized for your motion. Thank you. Madam Chair,
I move that Bill No. 36.0040, an act approving the lease agreement between the government of the Virgin Islands and the
Charles M. Kim VI Foundation, Inc., doing business as Virgin Islands Museum of Art for a portion of Lot No. 48B,
Narragada, King's Squad of St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, be voted upon in the Committee of Rules and Judiciary and move
to the full body for further consideration and action. I so move.
3:03:39
Second. Bill number 30, sale number 0040 has been moved properly by Senate Secretary Avery L. Lewis and seconded
by Senator Milton E. Potter, Senate President, Alma Francis Heiliger and Senator Angel Bocquez, Jr. Roll call on Bill
No. 36-0040.
3:04:23
Senator Carla J. Joseph? Yes. Senator Joseph? Yes. Senator Kenneth L. Gittins? Senator Gittins, no. Senator Alma
Francis-Heiliger, yes. Senator Francis-Heiliger, yay. Senator Angel O. Bocas, Jr. Yay. Yay or nay? Yes or no. We're not
hearing you clearly on this end, Senator Bocas.
3:05:01
Yay. Senator Bocas, Jr., yay. Senator Clifford A. Joseph, yay. Senator Joseph, yay. Senator Avery L. Lewis, yay. Senator
Lewis, yay. Senator Milton E. Potter, yes. Senator Potter, yay. Madam Chair, you have six years, one no. Thank you,
Madam Clerk. Bill number 36-0040, an act approving the lease agreement between the Government of the Virgin Islands
and Charles M. Kim, VI Foundation, Inc., doing business as Virgin Islands Museum of Art for a portion of lot number
48B, Noragada, King's Quarter, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands has been voted upon favorably in the Committee on Rules
and Judiciary and will be forwarded to the full body for further action and consideration.
3:05:34
Thank you so much, colleagues. If there is no other further business for us to conduct today, today i want to thank all of
my colleagues for being here i had a full house a full quorum so i thank each one of my colleagues for being here would
like to also thank our non-committee member for being here as well and also we couldn't have done this without our
dedicated hard working central staff members I thank you kudos to you as well and also to my young and diverse and
energized staff I really want to thank you so much for the hard work you do behind the scene to make us look good and to
make me look good I really appreciate you and I also want to of course thank all of the governor's nominees who came
before us today for consideration, Ms. Guadalupe Perez as well as Ms. Granger Ostry. I really want to thank you. The
Committee on Rules and Judiciary meeting and hearing for today, Thursday, March 27, 2025, is hereby adjourned.
3:06:46
You
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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.
20x
Senator Carla Joseph
the surname alone also matches: Clifford Joseph; Karla J. Joseph
heard in this transcript as: Carla J. Joseph, Joseph
18x
Senator Alma Francis-Heyliger
heard in this transcript as: Alma Francis Heileger, Alma Francis Heiliger, Alma Francis-Heiliger, Alma-Francis Heiliger, Frances Heiliger, Francis
Heileger
16x
Senator Avery Lewis
heard in this transcript as: Avery A. Lewis, Avery L. Lewis, Averya Lewis, Lewis
15x
Senator Kenneth L. Gittens
heard in this transcript as: Gittins, Kenneth Gittins, Kenneth L. Gittins, Kenneth O. Gittins, L. Gittins
14x
Senator Milton E. Potter
heard in this transcript as: Potter
13x
Senator Clifford Joseph
heard in this transcript as: Clifford A. Joseph, Clifford L. Joseph
11x
Senator Angel L. Bocas Jr
heard in this transcript as: Angel Bocas, Angel Bocas Jr, Angel O. Bocas Jr., Bocas, Bocas Jr.
8x
Senator Angel L. Bolques, Jr.
heard in this transcript as: Angel Bocquez Jr, Angel Bocquez Jr., Angel Boquez Jr, Angel L. Bolques Jr., Anghel L. Borquez, Bolquez
8x
Senator Marise C. James
the surname alone also matches: Javan James; Giovanni James Sr
heard in this transcript as: James, Maurice C. James, Maurice James
7x
Senator Angel L. Borges Jr
heard in this transcript as: Angel Borges Jr., Angel L. Borges Jr., Anghel L. Borges Jr., Borges, Borges Jr.
2x
Senator Franklin D. Johnson
heard in this transcript as: Johnson
2x
Senator Hubert Frederick
heard in this transcript as: Fredericks
2x
Senator Novelle Francis
heard in this transcript as: Francis
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 36-0028, Bill 36-0038, Bill 36-0040
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