Judicial Branch Administrative Office 
      Rhys S. Hodge 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Debra S. Watlington  
       Chief Justice      
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Presiding Judge 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
      Regina Petersen 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Tel: (340) 774-2237  
Administrator of Courts 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fax: (340) 693-4109  
July 17, 2025 
The Honorable Carla A. Joseph 
Chairperson 
Committee on Rules and the Judiciary 
Thirty-Sixth Legislature of the Virgin Islands 
Old Barracks Yard 
Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas VI 00802 
 
RE: 
Request for Testimony on Bill 36-0077 
 
 
Thank you for the invitation to testify on behalf of the Judicial Branch on the proposed Bill No. 36-0077, 
which would amend title 3, chapter 37 of the Virgin Islands Code relating to enact the Virgin Islands Commission 
on Ethics and Conflicts of interest. As I indicated in previous correspondence, I will not be available to testify on 
the 22nd due to previously scheduled business travel. 
 
The Judicial Branch acknowledges that a robust and efficient scheme regulating conflicts of interest and 
the enforcement of the relevant laws within the Branches of the Government is an important and integral part of 
maintaining public trust and efficient public services. While this Bill which seeks to establish a commission may 
appear benign on its face in that it only requires an appointment to the membership by the Chief Justice, and two 
joint appointments of private citizens to be made with the Governor, we acknowledge that nothing in this bill 
speaks to the jurisdiction and duties of this Commission, which could have far reaching implications for all three 
branches of Government, including concerns over the separation of powers.   
 
Accordingly, the Judicial Branch offers no substantive comment on the establishment of the Commission 
or any subsequent legislation enumerating the duties and functions of the Commission.  
 
 
 
 
 
Sincerely, 
 
 
 
Regina Petersen, 
  
 
Administrator of Courts 
 
 
 
CC:  The Honorable Kenneth L. Gittens, Majority Leader and Bill Sponsor