Testimony on Bill No. 36-0220 
Committee on Government Operations, Veterans Affairs, Consumer Protection 
36th Legislature of the Virgin Islands 
Presented by: Crystal L Bryan 
 
Good day Honorable Senator Avery L. Lewis, chairman of the Committee on Government 
Operations, Veteran’s Affairs, and Consumer Protection, distinguished members of the 
Committee, other members of the 36th Legislature present, fellow testifiers, ladies and 
gentlemen in the chambers, and the listening and viewing audience. My name is Crystal 
Bryan, niece of the late Senator Lorraine L. Berry.  On behalf of Senator Berry’s entire family 
circle, I appreciate the opportunity to appear before you today and am privileged to provide 
testimony in support of Bill No. 36-0220, which seeks to honor and commend former Senator 
Lorraine L. Berry posthumously for her decades of outstanding public service by renaming 
Hull Bay Road in North Side, St. Thomas, as “Lorraine L Berry Drive.” 
Senator Berry was a distinguished public servant whose courageous leadership and 
unwavering dedication profoundly shaped the political, social, and economic landscape of 
our territory. Throughout her career in government and elected office, Senator Berry 
exemplified integrity, purpose, and an extraordinary commitment to the people she served. 
She was elected to the Legislature for 12 consecutive terms, demonstrating ongoing public 
trust. Over her 24 years of service, Senator Berry held significant leadership positions, 
including majority leader, vice president, and twice as Senate president—a distinction 
achieved by only two women in the history of the Virgin Islands. 
I will not go into details, or we will be here through next week, but as a legislator, Senator 
Berry championed landmark initiatives that strengthened families, advanced economic 
development, broadened business and employment opportunities, enhanced public safety, 
and promoted access to quality healthcare across the Virgin Islands. Her efforts extended 
beyond legislative chambers; she organized impactful symposiums and forums, advocated 
passionately for women’s and health issues, and elevated the need to focus on education 
and the children of our territory. She was our “Voice of Reason,” always ready to talk politics, 
offer a listening ear, or respectfully debate a topic all while being impeccably put together – 
she was always sharp! 
Her eloquence, intelligence, fairness, and mastery of legislative matters earned her deep 
respect from colleagues, organizations, and the broader community. Her high standards, 
political acumen, and tireless service set a distinguished example of public leadership. 
Senator Berry was a public servant for all and gave her life to the people of the Virgin Islands.  
As a descendent of the French community, I acknowledge with appreciation the important 
actions Senator Berry undertook to secure the formal recognition of the French descendants 
and their contribution to the Virgin Islands through the creation of French Heritage Week. 
She collaborated effectively with local civic groups, including the Northside Sport Fishing 
Club and the Frenchtown Civic Organization, to observe Bastille Day and honor French Virgin 
Islander heritage. The initiative included official Government House ceremonies, a 
scholarship essay contest, the French Cultural Fair at Sib’s Parking Lot, and the Ms. French 
Heritage pageant. Many of these efforts persist today, and there is hope to revitalize those 
that have diminished over time. 
Senator Berry’s legacy is distinguished by her integrity, courage, and steadfast commitment 
to the people of the Virgin Islands. Her contributions have left a lasting impact on the 
territory, influencing its development for future generations. The dedication of Hull Bay Road 
in her name aims to further honor her work and serve as a continual reminder of what can be 
achieved through passion, determination, and love for the people of the Virgin Islands. As a 
lifelong resident of the Northside community, it is fitting to recognize Senator Berry’s service 
by renaming Hull Bay Road as “Lorraine L. Berry Drive” in acknowledgment of her significant 
contributions.   
On behalf of my entire family, thank you for allowing me to offer this testimony in full support 
of Bill 36-0220.