>>> GOOD EVENING AND WELCOME TO WTJX LIVE COVERAGE OF THE STATE OF THE TERRITORY ADDRESS.

TO OUR ONLINE VIEWERS THAT WTJX.ORG AND ON FACEBOOK, IT IS GREAT TO HAVE YOU WITH US.

VIEWERS CAN ALSO STREAM THIS COVERAGE LIVE ON THE´S FREE STRAND THREE MAYBE FOUR THE PBS STAY WITH US THIS EVENING AS A GOVERNOR IS EXPECTED TO UPDATE US ON THE TERRITORIES ONGOING RECOVERY, REBUILDING, EXPANSION INITIATIVE AND PLANS FOR THE TERRITORIES ENERGY FUTURE AND KEEP IT HERE AFTER THE GOVERNOR´S SPEECH FOR RE- OPTIONS FROM MEMBERS OF THE 23rd LEGISLATURE AND FROM YOU, OUR VIEWING AUDIENCE.

JOINING ME IN THE STUDIO TO ANALYZE AND BREAK IT ALL DOWN IS A DIVERSE PANEL OF COMMUNITY LEADERS.

FROM ST. JOHN´S, FORMER TWO TIME SENATE PRESIDENT , ARMANDO ROCKY LIBURD.

FROM ST. CROIX, LUCY RICHARDS AND ALSO FROM STATE TRIED TO, THE 2022 PRIMARY CYCLE, DENNIS LYNCH II AND ROUNDING OUT THE PANEL FROM ST. THOMAS, FORMER SENATOR ROSEVELT DAVIS .

HE IS ON THE PANEL REPRESENTING THE BRYAN ROACH ADMINISTRATION.

WELCOME EVERYONE, IT IS GREAT TO HAVE YOU HERE STARTING WITH YOU, FORMER SENATE PRESIDENTS ARMANDO ROCKY LIBURD.

>> THANK YOU FOR THIS OPPORTUNITY TO BE HERE.

I AM VERY MUCH INTERESTED IN TONIGHT.

WE HAVE A LOT OF ISSUES OVER THERE THAT NEED TO BE ADDRESSED , THE GAMBIT .

THE QUESTION IS HOW ARE WE GOING TO GO FORWARD AND WHAT ARE WE GOING TO DO AND I´M WORRIED ABOUT THE ECONOMIC VIABILITY OF ALL PEOPLE.

>> EVENING, FORMER SENATE PRESIDENT LUCY RICHARDS.

GREAT TO WORK WITH YOU AGAIN.

>> GOOD EVENING.

IT IS A PLEASURE FOR ME TO BE HERE AGAIN.

I EXPECT THAT AMONGST THE PANEL AND GUESTS WE HAVE HERE TONIGHT WE WILL HAVE A THOROUGH DISCUSSION ON THE SUBJECT MATTER OF THE STATE OF THE TERRITORY.

THANK YOU AGAIN .

A PLEASURE FOR ME TO BE HERE WITH THESE GENTLEMEN AT THIS FORM.

>> MR. LYNCH, THIS IS OUR FIRST TIME MEETING BUT I AM EXCITED, BASED ON OUR REHEARSALS.

WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO THIS EVENING?

>> LIKE THE PANEL SAID, WE HAVE A LOT OF ISSUES WE WANT TO TOUCH ON IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS.

I HOPE THIS IS THE START OF SOMETHING LOOKING FORWARD SO BEFORE I EVEN GO ANY FURTHER, LIKE I SAID, THANK YOU FOR HAVING ME HERE AND IT IS A PLEASURE TO BE HERE AMONGST 30 YEARS OF LEGISLATIVE EXPERIENCE.

>> THANK YOU.

FINALLY ROUNDING OUT THE PANEL, >> IT´S MY PLEASURE TO BE HERE AND I´M PLEASED TO BE WITH TWO OF MY FORMER COLLEAGUES THAT ARE SO GOOD IN THE YOUNG GENTLEMAN OVER THERE WHO IS ON THE UPSWING OF THE POLITICAL AGENDA, I SHOULD SAY.

I EXPECT A LOT THIS EVENING.

WE HAVE SEEN A LOT OF ACCOMPLISHMENTS OVER THE PAST FOUR YEARS.

A LOT OF ACCOMPLISHMENTS, AND A LOT NEEDS TO BE DONE AND A LOT NEEDS TO BE DONE SO I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO A VERY SHARP SPEECH FILLED WITH CONTENT AND I THINK TO POINT TO THE DIRECTION WHERE WE ARE GOING TO BE GOING FOR THE NEXT DECADE, ALSO.

>> EARLIER I SAID THE 25th LEGISLATURE.

I WANT TO CLARIFY.

IT IS THE 35th LEGISLATURE BUT WE DO HAVE AN INTERESTING MONTAGE OF GOVERNOR BRYAN´S IN COUNSELING THE STATE OF THE TERRITORY FROM YEARS PREVIOUS AND WE ARE GOING TO TAKE A LOOK AT THAT IN JUST A FEW MOMENTS AND THEN IN A LITTLE WHILE WE ARE GOING TO TALK ABOUT OUR EXPECTATIONS, AND WHAT WE EXPECT TO HEAR IN THE GOVERNOR´S SPEECH THIS YEAR.

>> TONIGHT, FOR THE FIRST TIME, I APPEAR BEFORE YOU AS GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS OF THE UNITED STATES.

TO REPORT ON THE STATE OF THE TERRITORY AS MANDATED IN THE REVISED ACT OF 1954, TWO MONTHS AGO, THE PEOPLE OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS ELECTED TO CHANGE COURSE ON WHICH THE TERRITORY WAS HEADING.

THEY RECOGNIZE THAT WHILE OUR VIRGIN ISLANDS HAD MADE PROGRESS IN THE POST HURRICANE RECOVERY AND REBUILDING EFFORTS, THERE REMAINED MUCH WORK LEFT TO DO TO REALIZE THE QUALITY OF LIFE TO WHICH WE ALL ASPIRE.

I APPEAR BEFORE YOU FOR THE SECOND TIME AS GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS OF THE UNITED STATES TO REPORT ON THE STATE AS MANDATED IN THE REVISED ORGANIC ACT OF 1954, INFORMED BY THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE TRUE STATE OF GOVERNMENT AFTER HAVING SERVED A FULL YEAR IN OFFICE, WE HAVE LAID THE FOUNDATION FOR MOVING FORWARD, BASED ON OUR ASSESSMENT.

THIS PAST YEAR HAS BEEN ONE OF TRIAL AND CERTAINLY, OF TRIUMPH.

LAST JANUARY, THE LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR AND I TOOK THE HELM OF GOVERNMENT THAT WAS IN A STATE OF DISTRESS.

I AM PLEASED TO APPEAR BEFORE YOU FOR THE THIRD TIME AS GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS OF THE UNITED STATES TO REPORT ON THE STATE OF THE TERRITORY IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE REVISED ORGANIC ACT OF 1954.

THE LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR AND I WANT YOU TO KNOW THAT WE ARE BRINGING PROGRESS TO OUR PEOPLE.

I AM HONORED TO STAND BEFORE OF THE UNITED STATES TO REPORT ON THE STATE OF THE TERRITORY AS MANDATED IN THE REVISED ORGANIC ACT OF 1954.

I THINK THIS BODY FOR GRACIOUSLY ACCEPTING MY REQUEST TO RESCHEDULE THE DELIVERY OF THIS ADDRESS FROM ITS ORIGINAL DATE OF JANUARY 10th.

AS WE MADE THE NECESSARY ADJUSTMENTS TO SAFEGUARD THE PUBLIC´S HEALTH .

WHEN I APPEARED BEFORE THE SENATE TO PRESENT OUR VERY FIRST STATE OF THE TERRITORY ON JANUARY 28th, 2019, WE WERE STILL REELING FROM THE IMPACT OF HURRICANES IRMA AND MARIA.

OUR FOCUS WAS THE RECOVERY FROM THESE TWIN DISASTERS, AND STABILIZING THE FINANCES OF THE GOVERNMENT .

SINCE THEN, WE HAVE EXPERIENCED THE ADDITIONAL TRAUMA OF THE DEADLY GLOBAL PANDEMIC AND THE LARGEST PRIVATE EMPLOYER IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS SECOND TIME IN LESS THAN A DECADE.

MOST RECENTLY WE HAVE BEEN CHALLENGED BY THE RAPID INFLATION AND LOCAL PRICES BROUGHT ABOUT BY THE PANDEMIC.

SUPPLY CHAIN DISRUPTIONS, LACK OF HOUSING , AND MANY OTHER FACTORS.

HOWEVER, SENATORS, I TRUST YOU HAVE BEEN REMINDED, AS I HAVE, THAT OUR PEOPLE ARE REMARKABLY RESILIENT, AND AS A COMMUNITY, WE HAVE PUSHED OURSELVES TO DO BETTER, TO ACHIEVE MORE, AND TO OVERCOME OUR LIMITATIONS, AND THE RESULTS ARE BECOMING EVIDENT.

WE ARE NOT ONLY SURVIVING, WE ARE THRIVING.

>> SO GENTLEMEN, BASED ON WHAT YOU JUST SAW, THE GOVERNOR STATED THAT IN HIS FIRST ADDRESS, THE STATE OF THE TERRITORY WAS DISTRESSED, THEN ON THE MEND, THEN THEY WERE BRINGING PROGRESS TO THE PEOPLE AND FINALLY, WE ARE NOT ONLY SURVIVING, WE ARE THRIVING.

I WILL START WITH YOU, SENATOR LIBURD.

BASED ON WHAT YOU JUST SAW, WHAT ARE YOU EXPECTING FOR THIS EVENING?

>> BASED ON WHAT I JUST SAW, I THINK THE MOST DOMINANT ISSUE IS WAPA AND I AM HOPING THE GOVERNMENT COMES WITH SOME IDEA OR PROGRAM TO ADDRESS IT FOR THE COMMUNITY.

THAT IS NUMBER ONE.

NUMBER TWO, THIS ISSUE WITH THE GRS IS LOOMING.

HE HAD A SPECIAL PURPOSE VEHICLE AND I REMEMBER DOING A CAMPAIGN .

THE FORMER SENATOR HAD BROUGHT IT UP AND SAID OH, YOU KNOW, WE DON´T HAVE THAT EXTRA.

WE DID NOT GET 1325.

THAT IS AN ISSUE BECAUSE IT DID NOT PASS, AND SO WE HAVE TO THE HOSPITALS, OF COURSE, ARE ALWAYS AN ISSUE.

BUT FOR ME, WHAT TYPE OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT WE BRING IN HERE , AND IN PARTICULAR, ST. JOHN, BECAUSE ST. JOHN IS, YOU KNOW, WE ARE WHAT WE CALL THE HAVES AND THE HAVE-NOTS.

THERE ARE SOME PEOPLE THERE WHO, BECAUSE THEY HAVE MONEY AND ALL THAT, DON´T HELP ANYBODY ELSE IN THE GOVERNOR NEEDS TO PAY ATTENTION TO THAT.

YEAH.

>> OKAY, FORMER SENATE PRESIDENT LUCY RICHARDS.

WHAT ARE YOU EXPECTING TO HEAR AND WHAT YOU THINK THE GOVERNOR SHOULD DEFINITELY NOT LEAVE OUT OF HIS SPEECH THIS EVENING?

>> AGAIN, I WANT TO CONTINUE WHERE SENATOR LIBURD LEFT OFF.

THE FIRST ITEM HE SHOULD NOT LEAVE OUT OF HIS SPEECH ARE THE CONDITIONS ON THE ISLAND OF ST. CROIX.

I KNOW HE EXPRESSES DISAPPOINTMENT WITH ONLY ONE POLE IN PLACE LAST GENERAL ELECTION.

DESPITE THAT, HE MADE SOME PROGRESS IN COMPARISON TO THE PREVIOUS ELECTION ON THE PERCENTAGE OF VOTES RECEIVED .

THE CHRISTIAN PEOPLE AT THIS PARTICULAR POINT ARE NOT JUST DISGRUNTLED.

WE ARE FACING SOME HARD TIMES IN REGARD TO THE INFRASTRUCTURE AND THE ABILITY OF OUR GOVERNMENT TO PROVIDE ESSENTIAL SERVICES.

WHERE DO WE GO FROM CENTRAL HEALTHCARE, AND WHERE DO WE GO FOR EDUCATION.

WE HAVE THE ALEXANDER HENDERSON SCHOOL THAT APPARENTLY NOW SEEMS TO BE TURNED INTO A STORE ROOM FOR THE POPULATION OF SAINT CRY FEELING OF BEING NEGLECTED SO IN MY MIND AND I HAVE HEARD THE GOVERNMENT THAT THIS HIMSELF , THAT HE INTENDS TO DO BETTER AND MEET SOME OF THE EXPECTATIONS OF THE PEOPLE OF ST. CROIX AND I THINK THAT IS VERY REALISTIC ITEM .

WHY IS IT TAKING SO LONG TO ACHIEVE SOME OF THE THINGS.

WHEN I WAS A SENATOR WITH BOTH OF THESE GENTLEMEN IF YOU INTRODUCED A PIECE OF LEGISLATION TO PAVE THE ROAD AND YOU HAD HUNDRED DOLLARS IN YOUR FROM SAINT CRY YOU HAVE PEOPLE SAYING THAT 50 SHOULD GO TO SAINT THOMAS DESPITE THE FACT THAT WE ARE 280 SQUARE MILES.

THESE ARE SOME REALLY -- ISSUES THAT --I AM NOT SPEAKING ON EXPECTATIONS.

THESE ARE ISSUES ON MY MIND THAT NEED TO BE DISCUSSED AND EXPECTATIONS OR SOMETHING OUTSIDE OF MY ROUND.

I DON´T KNOW WHAT TO EXPECT FOR ANY GOVERNMENT BUT I KNOW WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE BASED ON WHAT I EXPERIENCED AND WHAT I AM HEARING AND SEEING IN REGARD TO PEOPLE ON THE ISLAND.

>> ESTHER LYNCH, HOW ABOUT WHAT YOU PLAN ON HEARING THIS EVENING AND WHAT YOU THINK SHOULD BE ABSOLUTE TOPICS THE GOVERNOR COVERS?

>> FOR ME PERSONALLY, I WOULD LIKE TO SEE SOME DEFINITIVE LANGUAGE, NOT EXPECTATIONS.

WE HAVE A BODY OF WORK IN TERMS OF FOUR YEARS WE EXPECTED.

NOW WE NEED TO SEE WHAT´S GOING TO BE DONE.

FOR ME, I WOULD LIKE TO SEE SOME DEFINITIVE SCENARIO IN TERMS OF OUR EDUCATION SYSTEM .

HEALTHCARE, LOOKING FORWARD TO HOUSING , PLANS FOR THE AIRBNB SITUATION GOING FORWARD.

THESE ARE THINGS THAT THE COMMUNITY IS ALL CRYING ABOUT RIGHT NOW AND GIVEN THAT YOU WERE RENEWED FOR THE ADDITION OF FOUR YEARS, WE WOULD LIKE TO SEE NOT ONLY YOUR PROMISES BE DELIVERED BUT COME TRUE IN TERMS OF WHAT YOU´RE GOING TO DO FOR THE TERRITORY BECAUSE IN AN EIGHT YEAR ELECTION IT DEFINITELY APPLIES TO US MOVING FORWARD FOR THE NEXT 10 TO 20 YEARS, SO NOT JUST FOR THE NEXT FOUR YEARS BUT MOVING FORWARD AS A NATION.

>> SENATOR DAVIS, THESE SPEECHES TEND TO BE CRITIQUED AS TO WHAT WAS NOT COVERED.

OFTEN TIMES IT IS IMPOSSIBLE FOR THE GOVERNOR TO INCLUDE EVERYTHING IN HIS SPEECH BUT AGAIN, WHAT ARE THE ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS YOU THINK PEOPLE OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS EXPECT TO HEAR THIS EVENING?

>> MOST OF ALL I BELIEVE THE GOVERNOR WILL BE BUILDING ON THE SOLID FOUNDATION THIS PAST ADMINISTRATION HAS CREATED.

I THINK HE´S GOING TO BE TALKING ABOUT THE ECONOMY, WITH MONEY CIRCULATING ALL THE TIME AND PARTICULARLY FROM THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY.

AND, CRUISE SHIPS, THE NUMBER OF PASSENGERS THERE GOING TO BE BRINGING.

JUST TODAY AND ST. CROIX, THERE WAS AN ADDITIONAL CRUISE SHIP WE DID NOT EXPECT.

WE HAD IN 2019, 50,000 PASSENGERS.

NOW THIS YEAR , BECAUSE OF AN AGREEMENT THAT WAS SIGNED BY THE PORT AUTHORITY, THEY´RE BRINGING HUNDRED AND 40,000 PASSENGERS.

IN ADDITION TO THAT, CARNIVAL IS HERE, WAS HERE TODAY, AND THEY ARE BRINGING IN ADDITION TO OTHER LINES, ANOTHER 70,000, SO WE´RE TALKING ABOUT 210,000 PASSENGERS COMING TO ST. CROIX THAT WE HAVE NEVER EXPECTED OR SEEN IN A LONG TIME.

THAT CAUSES MONEY TO CIRCULATE IN A BIG WAY.

I DON´T THINK THAT THE GOVERNOR IS GOING TO BE ADDRESSING [INDISCERNIBLE].

THERE IS NO NEED FOR THAT.

EXTENDERS HAVE BEEN OVER, NOT BEEN APPROVED AT A SPECIFIC TIME BUT AFTER RECONCILE MEANT, RETROACTIVELY, MONIES HAVE BEEN PAID AND SO WE HAVE SEEN THAT FOR FIVE YEARS -- >> WE ACTUALLY HAVE SOME ACTION GOING ON AT THE LEGISLATURE.

I BELIEVE WE ARE GOING TO HEAR COMMENTARY RIGHT NOW AND REMARKS FROM THE SENATE PRESIDENT FRANCIS.

>> WELCOME MEMBERS OF THE JUDICIARY TO INCLUDE THE CHIEF JUSTICE AND ALL OF THE JUDGES AND MAGISTRATES THAT MAY BE HERE TODAY AS WELL AS THE HONORABLE DEBORAH WASHINGTON, PRESIDING JUDGE OF THE SPIRIT COURT, THE HONORABLE ROBERT MALLOY, CHIEF JUSTICE OF THE DISTRICT COURT, MEMBERS OF THE GOVERNOR´S CABINET, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, WELCOME.

AT THIS TIME , WE WILL GO INTO A QUORUM CALL AND MADAM SECRETARY, YOU ARE RECOGNIZED FOR A QUORUM CALL.

WE WILL BEGIN WITH SENATOR MARVIN A BLYTON.

PRESENT.

SENATOR BORQUEZ JUNIOR.

PRESENT.

>> SENATOR DIANNE CAPEHART.

PRESENT.

SENATOR SAMUEL TERRIEN .

ABSENT.

SENATOR DUANE DEGRASSE.

SENATOR DEGRASSE PRESENT.

SENATOR RAY FONSECA.

SENATOR FONSECA ABSENT.

SENATOR NOVELL FRANCIS JUNIOR.

SENATOR FRANCIS PRESENT.

SENATOR ALMA FRANCIS HEILIGER SENATOR DONNA FRED GREGORY .

PRESENT.

SENATOR KENNETH DEFENDS .

SENATOR GIFFEN´S PRESENT.

SENATOR JAMES.

PRESENT.

SENATOR JAMES SENIOR.

SENATOR JAMES SENIOR PRESENT.

SENATOR FRANKLIN JOHNSON.

SENATOR JOHNSON PRESENT.

SENATOR CARL AND JOSEPH.

PRESENT.

SENATOR MILTON POTTER.

SENATOR POTTER PRESENT.

MR. PRESIDENT, WE HAVE 13 MEMBERS PRESENT AND TWO MEMBERS ABSENT.

>> THANK YOU VERY MUCH, MADAM SECRETARY.

WE DO HAVE A QUORUM.

I AM PREPARED TO PROCEED.

AT THIS TIME WE WOULD LIKE TO RECOGNIZE THE PRESENCE OF THE GOVERNOR´S CHIEF OF STAFF.

WELCOME, SIR.

WE WILL GO TO INVOCATION BY THE REVEREND ANTONY ABRAHAM BY THE LADY OF MOUNT CARMEL CATHOLIC CHURCH AND THAT WILL BE FOLLOWED BY THE COLOR GUARD AND WE WILL HAVE THE NATIONAL ANTHEM AND THE VIRGIN ISLANDS MARCH.

INVOCATION.

>> PSALM 139 :7-10.

WHERE CAN I GO FROM YOUR SPIRIT.

WHERE CAN I FLEE FROM YOUR PRESENCE?

IF I GO TO THE HEAVENS, YOU ARE THERE.

AND IF MY BED IN THE DEPTHS, YOU ARE THERE.

IF I ARISE ON THE WINGS OF THE DAWN, IF I SETTLE SIDE OF THE SEA, EVEN THERE YOUR HAND WILL GUIDE ME, YOUR RIGHT HAND WILL HOLD ME FAST.

LET US PRAY.

GOD OF OUR JOURNEY, WE OFFER TO YOU THIS YEAR, THAT HAS PASSED, THE TIMES OF JOY IN THE TIMES OF SORROW FOR THE WAY IN WHICH WE HAVE EXPERIENCED YOUR LOVE FOR ALL OF CREATION AND YOUR CARE FOR EACH OF YOUR CHILDREN.

AS WE LOOK BACK, HELP US ALSO TO BE FILLED WITH EXPECTANT FAITH AT THE NEW THINGS YOU ARE DOING AND TO TRUST THAT WHATEVER LIES AHEAD , YOU WILL TRAVEL WITH US.

MAY YOUR BLESSINGS COME DOWN UPON OUR GOVERNOR THIS EVENING AND ALL OF US , FATHER, SON, AND HOLY SPIRIT.

AMEN.

>> REMAIN STANDING FOR THE POSTING OF THE COLORS.

>> IN THE WELL OF THE LEGISLATURE CURRENTLY, YOU WILL SEE ON YOUR SCREEN AND FOR THOSE OF YOU LISTENING, THERE ARE MEMBERS OF THE GOVERNOR´S CABINET.

WE SEE MEMBERS FROM BOTH THE FEDERAL AND LOCAL JUDICIARY ARE ALSO PRESENT.

THERE ARE SUPPORTERS OF THE GOVERNOR AND INDIVIDUALS WHO WORKED ON THE CAMPAIGN THAT ARE IN THE WELL OF THE LEGISLATURE CURRENTLY.

WE ARE AWAITING THE POSTING OF THE COLORS BY ONE OF OUR LOCAL HIGH SCHOOLS´ JROTC.

WE SEE ALSO SEATED IN THE WELL OF THE LEGISLATURE, SENIOR ARE PRESENT.

WE SEE HIS TERRITORIAL CAMPAIGN MANAGER THAT IS THERE, AS WELL, AND OF COURSE, THE VIRGIN ISLANDS SONGSTRESS, MISS LORNA FREEMAN .

WE ARE LOOKING FORWARD WITH MUCH ANTICIPATION OF A QUALITY PERFORMANCE THAT SHE PUTS ON.

JUST SO YOU KNOW, THIS EVENING, THERE IS A DESIGNATED SURVIVOR THAT IS APPOINTED TO NOT BE PRESENT AT THIS SPEECH THIS EVENING, JUST IN THE CASE THAT THERE IS SOME TYPE OF EVENT THAT UNFORTUNATELY WOULD HARM OR DISMEMBER INDIVIDUALS IN THE CABINET.

THAT INDIVIDUAL THIS EVENING IS THE ACTING ATTORNEY GENERAL, CAROL THOMAS JACOBS.

SHE HAS BEEN DESIGNATED TO NOT ATTEND THIS EVENING IN AN EFFORT TO HAVE THE CONTINUITY OF GOVERNMENT IN THE EVENT OF AN UNFORTUNATE INCIDENT TAKING PLACE.

AND THE UNITED STATES FLAG BEING POSTED CURRENTLY, AND IMMEDIATELY AFTER THIS, WE CAN ANTICIPATE THAT THE GOVERNOR WILL BE ENTERING THE WELL OF THE LEGISLATURE AND ANNOUNCED BY THE SERGEANT AT ARMS.

THE COLORS HAVE BEEN POSTED.

WE SEE SENATE PRESIDENT FRANCIS FRONT AND CENTER ASSUMING DUTIES WITHIN THE LAST TWO WEEKS.

WE SEE SENATE SENATOR KARL JOSEPH LOOKING LOVELY AND A WONDERFUL GREEN OUTFIT THIS EVENING.

THIS IS HER SECOND TERM AND SHE IS SERVING THIS YEAR AS THE SECRETARY OF THE LEGISLATURE.

AS THEY SALUTE THE FLAGS, AND THE JROTC GROUP WILL NOW WAIT FOR THE RENDERING OF THE NATIONAL ANTHEM AND THE VIRGIN ISLANDS MARCH.

>> O SAY, CAN YOU SEE BY THE DAWN´S EARLY LIGHT WHAT SO PROUDLY WE HAILED AT THE TWILIGHT´S LAST GLEAMING?

WHOSE BROAD STRIPES AND BRIGHT STARS THROUGH THE PERILOUS FIGHT O´ER THE RAMPARTS WE WATCHED WERE SO GALLANTLY STREAMING?

AND THE ROCKETS´ RED GLARE THE BOMBS BURSTING IN AIR GAVE PROOF THROUGH THE NIGHT THAT OUR FLAG WAS STILL THERE OH, SAY, DOES THAT STAR-SPANGLED BANNER YET WAVE O´ER THE LAND OF THE FREE AND THE HOME OF THE BRAVE?

>> [ MUSIC ] >> PLEASE TAKE YOUR SEAT.

IONA ROACH.

MOTHER OF LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR ROACH.

AND HIS SISTER , AS WELL.

>> ENTERING THE WELL OF THE LEGISLATURE NOW, YOU SEE ON SCREEN THE LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR´S MOTHER AND SISTER AND THEY ARE BEING ESCORTED TO THEIR SEATS AT THE FRONT OF THE WELL AND WE CAN ANTICIPATE VERY SHORTLY THAT RIGHT BEHIND THEM WILL BE THE FIRST LADY, YOLANDA BRYAN.

INDIVIDUALS ARE ASSIGNED THIS ROLE OF BEING ESCORTS.

LET´S LISTEN IN.

THE FIRST LADY IS ABOUT TO MAKE HER WAY AND COME ON SCREEN VERY SHORTLY.

SHE IS WEARING A LOVELY RED DRESS THIS EVENING.

I CAN ASSURE YOU, WE DID NOT COORDINATE, BUT SHE IS LOOKING FANTASTIC ON THE SCREEN AS SHE MAKES HER WAY TO THE FRONT OF THE WELL THIS EVENING.

IT SEEMS LIKE THERE IS A BOUQUET OF FLOWERS THAT IS THERE AS WELL, AND SHE IS BEING PRESENTED WITH THOSE.

FOR THOSE OF YOU ON RAINY RADIO TUNING IN, WE WANT TO PAY TO THE PICTURE FOR YOU AS POSSIBLE.

SENATOR KENNETH GIBBONS IS SHORTLY ABOUT TO [INDISCERNIBLE] THIS YEAR IS GOING TO BE AN INTERESTING YEAR FOR THE DELEGATE, AS NOW THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY HAS ASSUMED THE MINORITY LEADERSHIP IN THE U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, BUT DEMOCRATS HAVE MANAGED TO HOLD ONTO POWER IN THE SENATE AND THERE IS A VERY SMALL MARGIN BETWEEN THE AMOUNT OF DEMOCRATS AND REPUBLICANS, SO WE JUST EXPECT OUR DELEGATE, DESPITE BEING IN THE MINORITY THIS YEAR, TO STILL BE AN EFFECTIVE DELEGATE FOR THE CONNECTIONS SHE HAS MADE ON THE NATIONAL RECOGNITION SHE HAS GAINED, AND QUITE FRANKLY, THE RESPECT OF HER COLLEAGUES.

I THINK OUR DELEGATE REMAINS IN A GOOD PLACE WITH THE U.S. SENATE AND HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

SHE IS TAKING THE ROUNDS AND SHAKING HANDS AS SHE IS MAKING HER WAY AND SHE WILL BE TO HER SEAT SHORTLY.

>> PLEASE WELCOME MIA IN WELCOMING THE LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS, TREGENZA ROACH .

WHEN HE WILL BE ESCORTED BY SENATOR JOSEPH.

THEY ARE MAKING THEIR WAY UP.

>> THEY WILL BE ENTERING THE WELL SHORTLY.

WE SEE AN OUTSIDE SHOT BEEN COVERED BY OUR STAFF OVER IN ST. THOMAS.

>> NOW IS A GOOD TIME TO REMIND INDIVIDUALS, PLEASE STYLING YOUR DEVICES.

WE WOULD TRULY APPRECIATE THAT.

WE DON´T WANT THAT WHEN THE GOVERNOR IS SPEAKING, FOR SURE.

LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR ROACH.

>> ON SCREEN, THE LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR IS BEING LED BY OUR SENATE SECRETARY.

HE IS SHAKING HANDS WITH MEMBERS OF THE BODY AS HE MAKES HIS WAY TO HIS SEAT.

WE SEE SENATOR MILTON POTTER, A NEW SENATOR FROM ST. CROIX, MAURICE JAYNES, SENATOR FONSECA SITTING ADJACENT TO HER.

WE SEE THEM SHAKING HANDS AS THEY CONTINUE AROUND THE ROOM.

WE SEE FORMER SENATE PRESIDENT DONNA FRETT-GREGORY SITTING IN A NEW CHAIR NOT IN THE WELL WITH OTHERS BUT IN A NEW POSITION OF LEADERSHIP AND IT IS GOOD TO SEE HER THIS EVENING AS LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR IS MAKING HIS ROUNDS AND MAKING HIS WAY TO HIS SEAT IN JUST A FEW MOMENTS.

HE DOES HIS FINAL HANDSHAKE WITH THE SENATE PRESIDENT AND ASSUMES HIS SEAT .

>> PLEASE STAND.

>> INDIVIDUALS ARE NOW ON THEIR FEET, ANTICIPATING THE ENTRANCE OF THE GOVERNOR.

SERGEANT AT ARMS OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS LEGISLATURE HAS JUST ANNOUNCED THE ARRIVAL OF THE GOVERNOR.

HE IS BEING ESCORTED BY SENATOR WE HEAR IN THE BACKGROUND A TUNE THAT DOESN´T GET PLAYED VERY OFTEN, THE GOVERNOR´S OWN WRITTEN BY OUR VERY OWN FRIDGE AND ISLANDER .

AS A MUSICIAN, I HAVE A GREAT APPRECIATION FOR MR. ADAMS´ MARCHES AND THIS HAPPENS TO BE ONE OF MY FAVORITE AND I HAVE HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO PLAY THIS MARCH A FEW TIMES.

WE SEE HIM SHAKING HANDS WITH THE SENATOR FROM SAINT JOY FRANKIE JOHNSON.

AS HE CONTINUES HIS ROUNDS HE IS GREETING SENATOR CARLA JOSEPH.

WE EXPECT HE WILL SHAKE HANDS WITH SAMUEL CARRION AND FINALLY , THE SENATE PRESIDENT , NOVELLE FRANCIS.

>> GOVERNOR BRYAN, WELCOME TO TERRITORY ADDRESS , THE 35th LEGISLATURE IS HONORED TO HAVE YOU HERE THIS EVENING AND WE AWAIT YOUR STATE OF THE TERRITORY.

>> WOW.

I AM TRULY EXCITED TO BE HERE THIS EVENING AMONGST THIS GATHERING OF LEADERS.

AS WE USHER IN A NEW ERA OF PROSPERITY IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS, REVEREND FATHER ANTHONY ABRAHAM, LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR TREGENZA ROACH , SENATE PRESIDENT NOVELLE FRANCIS AND THE MEMBERS OF THE 36 LEGISLATOR , CHIEF JUSTICE AND JUSTICES OF THE SUPREME COURT OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS, PRESIDING JUDGE DEBORAH WATLINGTON AND THE JUDGES OF THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS, DELEGATE TO CONGRESS STACEY PLASKETT , CHIEF JUDGE ROBERT MALLOY AND MY CABINET ANOTHER AGENCY HEADS, EMBERS OF MY STAFF, MY WIFE, FIRST LADY YOLANDA RYAN, OTHER INVITED GUEST IN MY FELLOW VIRGIN ISLANDS.

GOOD EVENING.

I HAVE THE HONOR OF APPEARING BEFORE YOU AGAIN FOR THE FIFTH TIME IS THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS OF THE UNITED STATES TO REPORT ON THE STATE OF THE TERRITORY AS MANDATED IN THE REVISED ORGANIC ACT OF 1954.

I AM TRULY THANKFUL TO THE PEOPLE OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS, FOR THE VERY STRONG MANDATE GIVEN TO LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR ROACH AND ME TO CONTINUE LEADERSHIP OF THIS TERRITORY.

I´M THANKFUL FOR MY EXTREMELY TALENTED CAMPAIGN TEAM, THE MANY DEDICATED CAMPAIGN VOLUNTEERS, THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS AND ITS LEADERSHIP, OUR DONORS, WELL- WISHERS AND PRAYER WARRIORS THAT SUPPORTED OUR CAMPAIGN EFFORTS.

THANK YOU.

AS A CAMPAIGN FOR RE-ELECTION, WE WERE INTIMATELY EXPOSED TO THE CHALLENGES ENCOUNTERED DAILY BY OUR PEOPLE.

WE ALSO BORE WITNESS TO THE TREMENDOUS PROGRESS WE HAVE MADE IN CONFRONTING THESE CHALLENGES.

WE ARE EXCITED BY THE OPPORTUNITY TO CONTINUE THE WORK OF IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF LIFE FOR ALL VIRGIN ISLANDERS WHO CALL HERE HOME.

I WOULD LIKE TO CONGRATULATE THE HONORABLE RAY FONSECA AND MAURICE JAMES ON YOUR ASCENSION TO SERVE IN THIS AUGUST BODY.

I ALSO WELCOME THE RETURN OF DIANA CAPEHART TO THIS AUGUST ORGANIZATION AND ALL OF THE MEMBERS OF THE 35th LEGISLATURE.

I LOOK FORWARD TO DOING MEANINGFUL WORK WITH ALL OF YOU.

THIS PAST YEAR, WE LOST TWO GREAT MEN.

BOTH HELD THIS OFFICE PRIOR TO ME, THE HONORABLE DR. ROY LESTER SNYDER AND THE HONORABLE DR. CHARLES WESLEY TURNBULL.

THE FORMER WAS A REMARKABLE PHYSICIAN IN THE LETTER, PASSIONATE EDUCATOR AND HISTORIAN.

PLEASE JOIN ME IN A MOMENT OF SILENCE AS WE HONOR THEIR CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF THESE ISLANDS.

I THANK THEM , THEIR FAMILIES, AND THOSE WHO WORKED IN THEIR EMPLOYEE FOR THE INVALUABLE SERVICE TO THE PEOPLE OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS.

TONIGHT, WE ALSO HONOR THE SERVICE OF OUR MEN AND WOMEN OF NATIONAL GUARD, AS THEY HAVE VOLUNTEERED TO SUPPORT THE NATION´S MILITARY FORCES IN DEFENDING AMERICA FROM THREATS OF BOTH FOREIGN AND DOMESTIC.

AS WE SPEAK, VIRGIN ISLANDS NATIONAL ARMY GUARD SOLDIERS ARE DEPLOYED ALONG THE SOUTHERN BORDER OF THE UNITED STATES, SUPPORTING THE DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY.

WE ALSO HAVE SEVERAL MEMBERS SERVING ON ACTIVE DUTY TOURS OF THE NATIONAL GUARD BUREAU IN ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA, WEST POINT MILITARY ACADEMY, AND FORT BENNING, GEORGIA.

BEYOND THESE LOCATIONS, SERVICE MEMBERS ARE IN THE PIPELINE AT MILITARY TRAINING INSTALLATIONS ACROSS THE NATION.

OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH THEM AS THEY PERFORMED THEIR DUTY AND FULFILL THEIR MISSIONS.

AFTER FOUR YEARS OF STEADY PROGRESS, IN THE FACE OF UNPRECEDENTED CRISIS, I REMAIN INFINITELY OPTIMISTIC ABOUT THE THAT OPTIMISM IS NOT ANECDOTAL.

IT IS BOLSTERED BY THE TREMENDOUS GROWTH IN OUR BUSINESS, SOCIAL WELFARE, AND PRIVATE SECTORS, AND THE STEADY PACE TOWARD THE DIVISION 2040 PLAN THAT WAS DEVELOPED BY THIS COMMUNITY.

THE REALITY IS THAT AFTER YEARS OF PLANNING AND HOPING TO FIND THE RESOURCES TO ADDRESS THE NEEDS OF OUR TERRITORY, WE HAVE FINALLY BEGUN THE JOURNEY TOWARD A NEW ERA OF PROSPERITY.

PROGRESS IS INCREMENTAL.

WITH EACH STEP COMES NEW CHALLENGES, BUT WE HAVE FACED AND CONQUERED FORMIDABLE HURDLES IN THE LAST FOUR YEARS AND HAVE MANAGED TO OVERCOME THEM WITH GREAT SKILL AND IRREFUTABLE SUCCESS AS WE CHARGE ON AMID A $12 BILLION RECOVERY FROM THE RAVAGES OF HURRICANE ARMA AND MARIA.

I HAVE COME TO REALIZE THAT RECOVERY IS A MISNOMER.

THIS IS NOT A QUEST TO RETURN TO WHERE WE HAVE BEEN, BUT A TRANSFORMATIONAL JOURNEY TO A PLACE WE COULD NOT HAVE PREVIOUSLY IMAGINED.

OUR TROUBLES HAVE CHANGED.

OUR TROUBLES HAVE CHANGED FROM DIRE SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC CHALLENGES TO ONES THAT ARE MIRED IN FINDING ENOUGH PEOPLE COMMITTED TO BRINGING FORTH THIS NEW, EXPANDED VISION OF OUR COLLECTIVE FUTURE.

THE ELECTION IS OVER, AND I HOPE WE CAN JOIN TOGETHER AS VIRGIN ISLANDERS TO REALIZE THE PROSPERITY THAT IS ABUNDANT ENOUGH FOR ALL OF US, NOT JUST FOR SOME.

TIMING IS EVERYTHING.

AMIDST ALL THE UNCERTAINTIES WE SEE IN THE WORLD AROUND US, THERE HAS NEVER BEEN A MOMENT OF GREATER OPPORTUNITY FOR US COLLECTIVELY AS A COMMUNITY, AND AS INDIVIDUAL VIRGIN AND DREAMS.

I WOULD NEVER LEAD YOU TO BELIEVE THAT THIS JOURNEY WILL BE EASY, NOR THAT WE WILL NOT HAVE OUR SETBACKS THAT ARE BEYOND OUR CONTROL.

BUT TODAY, I CAN PROBABLY BE CLEAR THAT THE STATE OF THE TERRITORY IS FULL OF PROMISE.

I SPENT THE LAST EIGHT MONTHS TELLING YOU ABOUT ALL THE ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF THE ADMINISTRATION , BUT OF THE ADMINISTRATIONS MANY ACCOMPLISHMENTS, OUR GREATEST THUS FAR IS THE IMPROVED PHYSICAL HEALTH OF OUR GOVERNMENT.

FOUR YEARS AGO, WE PROMISED TO STABILIZE GOVERNMENT FINANCES AND WE OUTDID OURSELVES.

WE MANAGED NOT ONLY TO STABILIZE THE FAILING PENSION SYSTEM BUT ALSO REALIZED ECONOMIC GROWTH DURING THE GLOBAL PANDEMIC , WHILE MANY OTHER ECONOMIES SHOWED A DECLINE.

IN THIS MARCH FORWARD, REVENUES CONTINUE TO BE A HIGHLIGHT FOR THE TERRITORY.

THE GENERAL FUND OPERATING REVENUES HAVE INCREASED EVERY SINGLE TIME FOR THE LAST THREE YEARS I HAVE BEEN UP HERE, THANKS TO THE LEADERSHIP FROM OUR FINANCIAL TEAM.

OUR REVENUES INCREASED 12.6% BETWEEN FISCAL YEAR 21 AND FISCAL YEAR 22.

CORPORATE INCOME TAXES SHOW A RELATIVELY ROBUST GROWTH DURING THAT PERMIT .

INCREASING BY 54% .

PART OF THE REASON FOR THIS INCREASE IS THE MODERNIZATION OF OUR PROPERTY TAX SYSTEM.

NO LONGER DO YOU HAVE TO DRIVE TO YOUR LOCAL PROPERTY TAX OFFICE TO PAY YOUR BILLS.

EXCESS INFORMATION YOU NEED FROM THE COMFORT OF YOUR HOME OR YOUR OFFICE.

LAST YEAR, THE OFFICE OF LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR LAUNCHED FOR THE FIRST TIME IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS, THE CITIZENS ONLINE PORTAL.

FOR PROPERTY OWNERS UNABLE TO PAY THEIR PROPERTY TAXES ALL AT ONCE, THEY CAN NOW ESTABLISH PAYMENT PLANS THROUGH THE SAME PORTAL.

THIS UPDATE TO OUR PROPERTY TAX COLLECTION MANAGEMENT HAS STREAMLINED PAYMENTS FOR OUR HOMEOWNERS AND WE LOOK FORWARD TO FURTHER IMPROVEMENTS FROM THE SYSTEM .

IN MY PROMISE TO MODERNIZE GOVERNMENT, WE HAVE MADE IT EASIER OVERALL TO ACCESS INFORMATION, AND ACTUALLY PAY FOR THOSE SERVICES.

IN THE YEARS AHEAD, WE CAN LOOK FORWARD TO A BURGEONING CONSTRUCTION SECTION AS WE STRIVE TO INFUSE AT LEAST 800 MILLION INTO OUR ECONOMY EACH YEAR.

GROWTH IN OVERALL GROSS TERRITORIAL PRODUCT OF 2% IS CONSIDERED MASSIVE AND ROBUST.

THIS IS AN ALMOST 20% INCREASE IN SPENDING EVERY YEAR FOR THE NEXT FOUR YEARS.

FURTHER, WE EXPECT THIS INFLUX OF DOLLARS WILL CONTINUE ANNUALLY FOR AT LEAST THE NEXT 10 YEARS.

THIS MONEY DOES NOT FULLY SAFEGUARD US AGAINST RECESSIONS AND OTHER ECONOMIC DISRUPTIONS, BUT IT DOES INSURE US WE WILL HAVE A STEADY STREAM OF CAPITAL SPENDING FOR THE FORESEEABLE FUTURE.

WE HAVE BEEN FURTHER BLESSED BY THE HARD WORK OF OUR DELEGATE AND OUR TEAM IN WASHINGTON.

AS A RESULT OF THEIR EFFORTS, WE HAVE BEEN ABLE TO OFFSET SOME OF THE FINANCIAL PAIN OF INFLATION, SOME OF IT DIRECTLY THROUGH FINANCIAL SUBSIDIES OF A RESIDENCE AND SOME OF IT DIRECTLY BY A LAYING THE RISING WE HAVE THE BENEFIT OF THESE FUNDS FROM THE AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN FOR THE NEXT FOUR YEARS, AND WILL UNDERTAKE PROJECTS TO ADDRESS MENTAL HEALTH, SOCIAL WELL-BEING, AND TO SECURE THE ECONOMIC GROWTH OF OUR TERRITORY.

HOPES AND DREAMS, THE PLANS AND STRATEGIES TO ASSURE THE GOVERNMENT OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS IS AND REMAINS ON SOLID FINANCIAL FOOTING.

THE GROWTH IN OUR GENERAL FUND REVENUES HAS ENABLED US TO RAISE SALARIES FOR TEACHERS, CORRECTIONS OFFICERS, POLICE OFFICERS, NURSES, AND GENERAL WORKERS.

WE FULFILLED OUR OBLIGATIONS ON LONG-TERM DEBTS THAT HAD BEEN OWED TO WORKERS FOR YEARS AND PAID THE SALARY INCREASES NEGOTIATED BY OUR ADMINISTRATION WITHIN THE SAME YEAR WE NEGOTIATED.

WE PRIORITIZED THE PEOPLE, AND ENSURED THEY HAD MONEY IN THEIR POCKETS TO STAVE OFF THIS RISING INFLATION .

A RISING TIDE MUST FLOAT ALL BOATS, AND IT HAS.

WE MUST BE MINDFUL THAT GOVERNMENT SPENDING IS NOT ONLY GOOD FOR GOVERNMENT SPENDING, BUT ACTUALLY SPURS PRIVATE SECTOR ACTIVITY.

WHEN THE GOVERNORS SPENDS, THESE EXPENDITURES ARE MULTIPLIED IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR.

THE NEED FOR MORE HOUSING, FOOD, GAS, RESTAURANTS AND SERVICES WILL CONTINUE TO GENERATE ADDITIONAL DOLLARS TO TAKE CARE OF OUR FUND OPERATION AND ALLOW FOR THE GREATER EXPANSION OF SERVICES FOR OUR PUBLIC COMMUNITY.

THIS HAS BEEN EVIDENT IN OUR ROBUST PRIVATE SECTOR.

WE HAVE EXPERIENCED CONTINUED GROWTH AS A RESULT OF NEW BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT, VIGOROUS TOURISM ACTIVITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT.

OUR ADMINISTRATION CONTINUES TO SUPPORT THE GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT OF SMALL BUSINESSES AND ATTRACT NEW CAPITAL INVESTMENT INTO THE TERRITORY.

ONE OF THE GREAT GOALS OF THE VISION 2040 PLAN IS TO INCREASE THE GROWTH OF BUSINESSES IN THE TERRITORY AND ENSURE THAT ENTREPRENEURS HAVE ACCESS TO SUPPORT, AND CAPITAL TO SCALE THEIR BUSINESSES.

WE HAVE EVIDENCE OF OUR SUCCESS.

THE NUMBER OF NEW BUSINESS APPLICATIONS MORE THAN DOUBLED IN 2022.

THAT IS AN INCREASE OF OVER 1200 NEW BUSINESS LICENSES WITH SIGNIFICANT SURPASSING OF PROJECTIONS.

REASON FOR CELEBRATION, WHEN YOU CONSIDER THAT UNEMPLOYMENT AVERAGED 10% THROUGHOUT 2021.

INITIAL UNEMPLOYMENT CLAIMS ARE ALSO LOWER.

176 IN AUGUST, COMPARED TO THE APRIL 2020 PEAK OF 2727.

PRIVATE SECTOR HIRING HAS INCREASED, SUPPORTED BY INDUSTRIES TIED TO TOURISM AND CONSTRUCTION WITH THE EXPANSION .

THE UNEMPLOYMENT RATE IS EXPECTED TO DECLINE FURTHER THIS YEAR AND FOR MANY BUSINESSES HERE AND ACROSS THE NATION, FINDING EMPLOYEE IS HAS BECOME A SIGNIFICANT CHALLENGE.

THESE ARE POSITIVE SIGNS FOR THOSE OUT THERE LOOKING FOR WORK, OR TO MOVE AHEAD AND SIGNAL OPPORTUNITIES AS WE ALL PANDEMIC AREA.

LAST YEAR, WE LONG THE CATALYST FUND GAP.

THE CATALYST FUND GAP FINANCING INITIATIVE.

OUR VICE PRESIDENT NOVELLE FRANCIS CHAMP AND THIS INITIATIVE THEN MADE FUNDS AVAILABLE TO CHAMPION SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT.

THIS IS AN EXCITING NEW TOOL IN OUR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT TOOLBOX THAT COMBINES FINANCING FOR EXISTING LOCAL BUSINESSES AND PROVIDES THE POTENTIAL TO CREATE MORE JOBS FOR MORE VIRGIN ISLANDERS, EXPANDING OUR BUSINESS PRODUCTS AND MEETING COMPETITIVE IS IMPORTANT TO OUR TERRITORY.

WE CONTINUE TO LOSE BUSINESS AND TAX REVENUES TO ONLINE COMMERCE, WHICH HAS GROWN EXPONENTIALLY SINCE THE PANDEMIC.

THE ONLY WAY TO COMPETE IS TO PUSH INNOVATION.

LAST YEAR, WE WERE ABLE TO AWARD $4 MILLION IN SUPPORT TO 337 SMALL BUSINESSES THROUGH THE 2022 INNOVATION GRANT.

THAT PROGRAM PROVIDED QUALIFIED SMALL BUSINESSES WITH UP TO 50,000 THAT PROGRAM PROVIDED QUALIFIED SMALL BUSINESSES WITH UP TO $50,000 TO IMPLEMENT INNOVATIVE STRATEGIES TO HELP THEIR BUSINESSES EXPAND AND GROW, MAKING THEM EVEN MORE RESILIENT TO ECONOMIC DOWNTURNS.

DURING FISCAL YEAR 2022, THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION RECEIVED 21 BENEFIT APPLICATIONS.

THAT IS ALMOST 25% OF ALL THE APPLICATIONS WE HAVE.

THAT HAS A TOTAL POTENTIAL ECONOMIC IMPACT OF $10 MILLION TO BE PAID OUT IN WAGES AND OVER 7.7 MILLION CAPITAL INVESTMENTS.

THESE APPLICANTS REPRESENT THE POTENTIAL FOR THE U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS TO REALIZE AN ESTIMATED $45 MILLION IN TAXES OVER THE NEXT FIVE YEARS.

THE UNIVERSITY OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS CONTINUES TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE SUSTAINABLE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF OUR ISLANDS THROUGH ITS RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY PARK AND SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER.

I QUIZ, WE CONGRATULATE THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY ON PROMOTIONAL ACTIVITIES THAT ARE CRITICAL CONTRIBUTORS TO OUR ECONOMIC DIVERSIFICATION.

THE TOURISM SECTOR CONTINUES TO BE RESILIENT IN 2022, LEADING THE CHARGE IN TOURISM IS COMMISSIONER JOSEPH WHO WAS RECENTLY AWARDED TOURISM DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR .

HE AND RECOGNITION FOR THE TERRITORY FROM TRAVEL AND LEISURE AND TRAVEL MAGAZINE, FROMMER´S AND YAHOO LIFE.

THE NUMBER OF VISITORS TO THE TERRITORY INCREASED LAST YEAR TO OVER 1.6 MILLION, WHICH IS 116% INCREASE FROM THE PRIOR YEAR .

CRUISE PASSENGERS OR 30,194 IN 2020 BUT BEGAN TO RECOVER IN THE THIRD QUARTER OF 2021 AND REACHED OVER 777,000 IN FISCAL YEAR 22.

AN ASTOUNDING 2475% ABOVE 2021.

I MUST APPLAUD THE VIRGIN ISLANDS PORT AUTHORITY ON ITS WORK TO NEARLY TRIPLE THE AMOUNT OF CRUISE PASSENGERS CROIX.

SEEING TWO CRUISE SHIPS DOCKED IS NO LONGER A RARE SIGHT.

MY OFFICE HOSTED FIVE COMMUNITY BUSINESS FORUMS TO PREPARE ST. CROIX BUSINESSES AND THE FREDRICKSON COMMUNITY FOR THE RETURN OF CRUISE SHIPS.

I WANT TO TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO THANK MY FORMER CHIEF LEGAL COUNSEL, DAVID BOURNE, WHOSE INVALUABLE CONTRIBUTIONS TO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT POLICY MOVING FORWARD OVER THE LAST TWO YEARS.

THANKS, DAVID.

IN ST. THOMAS, THE CRUISE PASSENGERS CONTINUE TO CLIMB BACK TO PRE-COVERED MEMBERS.

THE WEST INDIA COMPANY HAS RECENTLY REFINANCED ITS DEBT TO PLACE IT IN MORE OF A POSITIVE FINANCIAL LIGHT AND WAS FURTHER ASSISTED BY $2 MILLION OF GOVERNMENT.

THE DREDGING IN OUR HARBOR IS CURRENTLY GOING THROUGH THE ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS PERMITTING PROCESS.

WE HAVE IDENTIFIED 17 MILLION IN LOCAL FUNDS FOR THIS PROJECT AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO GET THE U.S. HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT TO FUND THIS PROJECT.

THE PROJECT ´S SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION WILL ALLOW US TO ACCOMMODATE THE LARGEST CRUISE SHIPS SERVING THE CARIBBEAN REGION.

WE CONTINUE TO WORK HARD TO FUND OTHER PROJECTS AND ARE CONFIDENT THAT WE WILL BE SUCCESSFUL.

EARLY LAST YEAR ROYAL CARIBBEAN CONTRIBUTED TO A LANDMARK DEAL NEGOTIATED BY THE PORT AUTHORITY.

THIS PUBLIC PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP WILL ALLOW FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE SURROUNDING AREA, ADDING SHOPS AND RESTAURANTS AND THE NEW BIRTH FOR ST. THOMAS.

DEVELOPMENT IS ANTICIPATED TO ACCOMMODATE THE THOUSANDS OF NEW PASSENGERS WE WILL SEE IN BOTH DISTRICTS IN THE COMING YEARS.

THEY HAVE ALSO COMMITTED TO OFFERING MORE EXCURSIONS TO ST. JOHN TO COMPLEMENT THE RESUMPTION OF SMALL CRUISE SHIPS VISITING THE ISLANDS, WHICH STARTED AGAIN LAST YEAR.

OUR HOTEL DEVELOPMENT IS MAKING STEADY PROGRESS TOWARD RETURNING TO PREHURRICANE NUMBERS.

THIS YEAR WE WILL WITNESS THE OPENING OF THE MARRIOTT AND THE FORMER FRENCH RESORT.

WORK HAS BEGUN REQUIRE REPAIRING ROOFS AND WE EXPECT TO SEE THE BEACH, HOTEL AWARDED TO THE SUCCESSFUL BIDDER BY THE SECOND QUARTER.

IN ST. CROIX, WE HAVE COMPLETED THE LEASE OF A SITE OF A NEW 120 ROOM HOTEL IN THE CENTER OF CHRISTIAN STEAD.

THE SALE OF KING VALLEY HOTEL HAS ALLOWED FOR THE EXPANSION OF KING CHRISTIAN HOTELS AND RESTAURANT SPACES.

THE COMPLETION OF THE BULKHEAD IN CHRISTIAN STEAD BY THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF HOSPITAL STREET BY PRIVATE DEVELOPERS RESTORING THE TOWNS OVERALL ALLURE.

IT IS NOT ONLY HOTELS AND CRUISE SHIPS, THOUGH.

I HAVE TO SAY THAT I AM PARTICULARLY PROUD OF WHAT WE ARE DOING TO TRANSFORM OUR TOURISM PRODUCT.

JUST ONE EXAMPLE, THE NEW VENDORS PLAZA IN DOWNTOWN CHARLOTTE IS A WELCOME SIGHT .

AFTER ENDURING A PREVIOUS EYESORE FOR MORE THAN 20 YEARS, THIS IS COMPLEMENTED BY BRAND- NEW BATHROOMS AND ATMS ACROSS THE STREET.

IF THAT WAS NOT ENOUGH, WE HAVE FINALLY ATTRACTED AN INVESTOR WITH ENOUGH CAPITAL TO DEMOLISH AND RECONSTRUCT THE OLD FEDERAL COURTHOUSE BUILDING THAT SITS ADJACENT TO THE VENDORS PLAZA.

UP THE STREET, RENOVATIONS OF THE GRAND HOTEL ARE ONGOING AND THE OFFICE BUILDING ON THE CORNER OF EDUCATORS PARK IS GETTING A COMPLETE REMODEL, AS WELL.

DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AT ITS BEST.

EARLIER THIS YEAR , PRESIDENT BIDEN SIGNED INTO LAW THE NATIONAL HERITAGE AREA ACTS, WHICH FINALLY DESIGNATES THE ISLAND OF ST. CROIX AS A NATIONAL HERITAGE AREA.

THIS DESIGNATION IS THE OFFICIAL RECOGNITION OF THE IMPORTANCE OF ST. CROIX´S NATURAL , CULTURAL AND HISTORIC RESOURCES TO THE NATION.

THE DESIGNATION OPENS THE DOOR FOR FEDERAL APPROPRIATIONS AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AND DEVELOPS ST. CROIX AS A NATIONAL HERITAGE AREA.

I CONGRATULATE THE HONORABLE STACEY PLASKETT FOR HER DILIGENCE AND PERSISTENCE IN GETTING THIS MEASURE ACROSS THE FINISH LINE IN WASHINGTON.

BUT, I WOULD BE REMISS IF I DID NOT ALSO ACKNOWLEDGE THE VISION AND FORESIGHT OF FORMER CONGRESSWOMAN DR. DONNA CHRISTIAN, WHO GOT THE BALL ROLLING MORE THAN TWO DECADES AGO WHEN SHE INTRODUCED LEGISLATION TO FUND THE INITIAL FEASIBILITY STUDY.

THIS NEW DESIGNATION WILL ASSIST GREATLY IN THE PROMOTION OF HERITAGE TOURISM IN THE MARKET OF ST. CROIX AS A TRULY UNIQUE DESTINATION.

THE RECENT ESTABLISHMENT OF THE TERRITORIAL PARK SYSTEM , FIRST- TIME COMPLIMENTS OF THE DESIGNATION --TO COMPLEMENT THE NATIONAL HERITAGE AREA DESIGNATION, I WOULD LIKE TO THANK SENATOR SAMUEL CARRION FOR SHEPHERDING THIS LEGISLATION THROUGH THE SENATE PROCESS.

THE SYSTEM NOW FOR OUR OWN VIRGIN ISLANDS PARK SYSTEM WILL HOLD LANDS IN PERPETUITY FOR VIRGIN ISLANDS AND OUR GUESTS TO ENJOY.

WE ARE WORKING DILIGENTLY TO FINALIZE THIS AGREEMENT THAT WILL PRESERVE OVER 1000 ACRES OF HISTORICALLY SIGNIFICANT MAROON LAND.

UP IN THE NORTHWEST PART OF ST. CROIX FOR THE PEOPLE OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS, THIS IS ONLY THE FIRST.

WE WILL BE ANNOUNCING SEVERAL MORE LAND PURCHASES AND ACQUISITIONS TO MAKE SURE WE HAVE INVESTED IN OUR CHILDREN´S´ FUTURE AND THE VIRGIN ISLANDS.

ALTHOUGH TOURISM WILL REMAIN THE MAINSTAY OF OUR ECONOMY FOR THE FORESEEABLE FUTURE, WE MUST CONTINUOUSLY SEEK TO EXPAND AND DIVERSIFY.

I CONGRATULATE THE MEMBERS OF THE 34th LEGISLATURE FOR THE PASSAGE OF THE ADULT USE CANNABIS LEGISLATION.

THAT ACTION FINALLY ALLOWS US TO PARTICIPATE IN WHAT HAS BEEN A GROWTH INDUSTRY THROUGHOUT THE COUNTRY, NO PUN INTENDED.

WE UNDERSTAND THAT THE HIGH RISK HIGH REWARD NATURE OF THIS BUSINESS REQUIRES CAUTIOUS AND CONSERVATIVE APPROACHES TO BUILDING THE REGULATORY SYSTEM THAT WILL SUSTAIN THE CANNABIS INDUSTRY IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS, BUT THE RETAILING OF ADULT USE CANNABIS WILL CERTAINLY BRING REVENUES AND OPPORTUNITIES.

MY REAL OBJECTIVE HAS ALWAYS BEEN TO PARTICIPATE IN THE MACROECONOMICS OF THIS INDUSTRY.

UNFORTUNATELY, ONE OF THE MOST CRUCIAL PARTS OF MY ORIGINAL SUBMISSION TO THE SENATE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE LEGISLATION THAT MADE ITS WAY TO MY DESK.

THAT PROVISION, WHICH ALLOWED FOR RESEARCH AND UNIVERSE , COULD PROVE TO BE THE MOST SINGLE IMPORTANT REVENUE SOURCE TO TRADEMARK CANNABIS DISCOVERIES THAT COULD BE USED WORLDWIDE.

RESIDUALS AND DIVIDENDS FROM THESE TRADEMARKS COULD BE IN THE HUNDREDS OF MILLIONS, AND WOULD BE RETURNED TO THE VIRGIN ISLANDS AT A TAX DISCOUNT FOR THE GENERAL FUND.

WE INTEND TO RESUBMIT THE LEGISLATION TO THIS BODY, AS WE CANNOT AFFORD TO MISS THIS VERY PROSPEROUS OPPORTUNITY.

INFRASTRUCTURE HAS BEEN STEADY AND CONSISTENT OVER PAST YEARS, EVEN DURING THE COVID ECONOMIC SHUTDOWNS.

WORK ON HURRICANE RECOVERY AND OTHER CAPITAL PROJECTS CONTINUES.

NOW, WE ARE SEEING THE BENEFIT OF THE EFFORT.

AS A TESTAMENT TO THIS, THE ECONOMIC INDICATOR THAT IS MOST COMPELLING IS A TOTAL OF 2375 CONSTRUCTION PERMITS WERE ISSUED IN FISCAL YEAR 22.

THE ESTIMATED VALUE OF THOSE PERMITS IS A WHOPPING 506 WERE ISSUED IN FISCAL YEAR 22.

THE ESTIMATED VALUE OF THOSE PERMITS IS A WHOPPING $506 MILLION.

WE CANNOT TRAVEL THE ROAD TO PROSPERITY IF IT REMAINS UNPAVED.

ROAD REPAIRS, DRAINAGE, AND WATERLINE CONSTRUCTION HAVE BEEN A MAJOR CONSTRUCTION OF THE BRYAN ROACH ADMINISTRATION.

WE HAVE INVESTED OVER $40 MILLION IN LOCAL FUNDS FOR ROAD PROJECTS.

IMPROVEMENTS AT THE CONTAINER FOR INTERSECTION ARE UNDERWAY.

THIS PROJECT COMPLETELY REBUILDS THE CONNECTOR ROAD AND REDESIGNS THE INTERSECTION TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC FLOW BY INSTALLING DEDICATED TURN LANES.

SEVERAL ROAD PROJECTS WILL BE COMMENCING THIS YEAR, INCLUDING THE FEDERAL ROUTE THROUGH KING, QUEEN, AND STRAND STREET IN FREDRICKSON.

THE HUM MAHOGANY ROAD , WHICH HAS FALLEN INTO CONSIDERABLE DISREPAIR.

DRAINAGE INSTALLATION AND CONSTRUCTION ARE ALSO SCHEDULED TO TAKE PLACE.

ON ST. THOMAS, ROAD REPAIRS WILL BE COMPLETED .

PREPARE PROJECTS BEGIN SOON ON FIRST AVENUE AND FOR SEGMENTS OF THE NEIGHBORHOOD ROAD AND ESTEE THOMAS.

IN ST. JOHN, REPAIRS TO DAMAGED ROWS IN CRUZ BAY, CORAL BAND FISH BAY WILL BE COMPLETED THIS YEAR.

I COULD STAND UP HERE ALL NIGHT AND NAME OFF ROAD PROJECTS AND THERE WILL ALWAYS BE SOMEBODY WILL SAY MY ROW DIDN´T GET PAVED .

WE HAVE DONE A CONSIDERABLE AMOUNT OF RESURFACING, BUT THE REAL WORK OF INFRASTRUCTURE AS IT PERTAINS TO ROADS IS GOING TO TAKE YEARS.

IT IS NOT SIMPLY LAYING ASPHALT, BUT COORDINATING EFFORTS TO DIG ONCE AND PROPERLY LAY ELECTRICAL, WATER, SEWER AND TELECOMMUNICATION LINES.

IT IS THE COORDINATION OF MULTIPLE FUNDING SOURCES AND SEVERAL AGENCIES TO ENSURE THAT THE INFRASTRUCTURE BENEATH OUR ROADWAYS IS DESIGNED PROPERLY .

TO FURTHER COMPLICATE THE ISSUE, THE TIMING OF FUNDS THAT NEED TO BE COORDINATED AMONG EACH AGENCY WITH VARIOUS SOURCES OF FEDERAL AND LOCAL FUNDING IS A COMPLETE NIGHTMARE.

THE WORK THAT OUR LOCAL PROFESSIONALS DO IN THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS , WATER AUTHORITY, WASTE MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY, THE WASTE GENERATION AND RECOVERY IS NOTHING LESS THAN INCREDIBLE.

THANK YOU TO YOU AND YOUR STAFF.

THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS IS EXECUTING SEVERAL MAJOR DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS.

THEY´RE CURRENTLY SOLICITING DESIGN BUILD CONTRACTS FOR DRAINAGE REPAIRS .

THE WATER AND POWER AUTHORITY CONTINUES TO OVERHAUL ITS WATER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM TO IMPROVE WATER QUALITY.

IT IS CURRENTLY WRAPPING UP WATER REPLACEMENT PROJECTS.

IT WILL SOON BEGIN MAJOR WATERLINE REPLACEMENT PROJECTS.

IN ST. THOMAS, WATERLINE ALONG VETERANS DRIVE IS SCHEDULED PHASE TWO OF IMPLEMENTATION.

IN WATER, THERE IS A $40 MILLION IN WATER EXPANSION.

NOT WATER REPLACEMENT, EXPANSION PROJECTS SCHEDULED TO TAKE PLACE.

THE WASTE MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY IS COMPLETING SEWER LINE REPLACEMENTS ON BROOKLYN ROAD AND GARDEN STREET.

WORK IS ABOUT TO START ON THE REPLACEMENT OF SEWER LINES AND DOWNTOWN CHRISTIANSEN.

OVER THE NEXT FEW YEARS, AS PART OF THESE INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS, WE WILL SEE THE COMPLETION OF OVER 200 CAPITAL PROJECTS JUST IN INFRASTRUCTURE.

OUR AIRPORTS , THEY ARE THE GATEWAYS TO OUR ECONOMY.

THE PORT AUTHORITY IS CURRENTLY PURSUING A PUBLIC PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP TO EXPAND AND MODERNIZE BOTH AIRPORTS.

PARTNERING WITH A QUALIFIED AIRPORT OPERATOR WILL PROVIDE THE CAPITAL INVESTMENT TO CONSTRUCT JET WAYS, IMPROVE CONCESSION AREAS AND OTHERWISE FAST TRACK INVESTMENT PLANS FOR THESE FACILITIES.

THIS IS A PERFECT EXAMPLE OF HOW WE MUST APPROACH MAJOR PROJECTS IN THIS TERRITORY.

LEVERAGING PUBLIC MONEY AND PUBLIC RESOURCES TO ATTRACT PRIVATE INVESTMENT THAT IMPROVES OUR INFRASTRUCTURE IS A WIN-WIN ALL THE TIME FOR EVERYONE.

A REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATION HAS BEEN ISSUED ON THE PORT AUTHORITY UPS TO IDENTIFY A DEVELOPMENT PARTNER WITHIN 12 MONTHS.

WITHIN THE NEXT FOUR YEARS, WE SHOULD SEE THE COMPLETE MODERNIZATION OF OUR INTERNATIONAL AIRPORTS, PROVIDING A BETTER QUALITY EXPERIENCE FOR OUR RESIDENTS AS WELL AS OUR GUESTS.

I ASSURE YOU, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, RECOVERY IS ALIVE AND WELL , POSITIVELY IMPACTING THE TERRITORIES ECONOMY, STRENGTHENING CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE.

THE TERRITORY NOW ANTICIPATES MORE THAN 12 BILLION IN RECOVERING FUNDING.

7.4 BILLION OF THOSE FUNDS HAS ALREADY BEEN ALLOCATED FOR RECOVERY FROM HURRICANES IRMA AND MARIA.

ALLOCATED, NOT OBLIGATED.

THAT IS A WHOLE OTHER STEP IN GETTING THE MONEY WHERE IT NEEDS TO BE.

THE TERRITORY PAID OUT OVER 460 MILLION IN RECOVERY FUNDING IN ´22, ALONE.

IT HAS BEEN OBLIGATED FROM VARIOUS SELF FEDERAL SOURCES AND OVER 2 BILLION HAS BEEN EXPANDED TO DATE.

WE HAVE A TSUNAMI WARNING SYSTEM, THE INSTALLATION OF NEW PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT AND THE RESTORATION OF RECREATIONAL FACILITIES AT FORT FREDERICK BEACH.

AS PROJECTED, WE ARE POISED TO SEE A CRESCENDO OF PROJECTS IN CONSTRUCTION THIS YEAR.

THOSE PROJECTS INCLUDE THE HUNDRED AND $60 MILLION REBUILD OF THE FIRST NEW SCHOOL IN DECADES ON ST. CROIX.

THIS SCHOOL IS SCHEDULED TO BREAK GROUND IN FEBRUARY OF THIS YEAR.

EIGHT DAYS FEBRUARY, NOT NEXT YEAR FEBRUARY.

WE ALSO HAVE THREE MORE SCHOOLS RIGHT NOW OUT FOR BID FOR REPAIR AND RESTRUCTURING.

OVERALL, IN 2023, THE OFFICE OF DISASTER RECOVERY PROJECTS THE COMPLETION OF 44 PROJECTS AND ANTICIPATES THE START OF OVER 930 MILLION IN RECOVERY PROJECTS FOR THIS YEAR, ALONE.

I THINK ALL RESIDENTS OF THIS TERRITORY CAN AGREE THAT THE ONGOING FINANCIAL AND OPERATIONAL WOES AT THE WATER IMPEDIMENT TO ANY DEVELOPMENTAL PROJECTS WE HOPE TO MAKE.

AS I CAMPAIGN FOR RE-ELECTION LAST YEAR, I TRIED MY BEST TO AVOID MAKING ANY BOLD PRONOUNCEMENTS TO SOLVE ISSUES THAT WERE BEYOND MY CONTROL.

THE ONE EXCEPTION TO THAT , THOUGH, WAS WAPA.

I HAVE COMMITTED TO FIXING THE ISSUES OF WAPA WITHIN MY SECOND TERM.

AS YOU HAVE COME TO LEARN , EVERY TIME I COME UP HERE AND SAY SOMETHING, PEOPLE ARE SKEPTICAL, AND IN DECEMBER IT IS DONE.

AS YOU HAVE COME TO LEARN, I AM A MAN OF MY WORD, AND WE MUST CREATE THE SYMBIOTIC ENERGY SYSTEM THAT HAS MULTIPLE SOURCES TO THE GRID FOR YOUR PEOPLE.

I´M CONFIDENT THAT SETTING THIS GOAL IS GOING TO HAPPEN BECAUSE I KNOW TREMENDOUS RESOURCES ARE BEING MADE AVAILABLE TO HELP WAPA TURN THE CORNER IN ITS PROBLEM AND THIS ADMINISTRATION HAS THE COURAGE AND DETERMINATION TO SEE IT THROUGH.

FOR THE FIRST TIME IN OUR HISTORY, WE HAVE THE RESOURCES TO MAKE OUR ENERGY AFFORDABLE, RELIABLE, AND RENEWABLE .

SOLVING THE ENERGY CRISIS IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS WAS NEVER REALLY FEASIBLE UNTIL NOW.

WAPA HAS ATTRACTED THE ATTENTION OF EVERYONE FROM MY GOVERNMENT HOUSE TO PRESIDENT BIDEN´S WHITE HOUSE , AND IT IS STEADILY MAKING PROGRESS ON ITS TRANSFORMATIONAL PLAN.

THE INSTALLATION OF FOUR NEW GENERATING UNITS AT THE RANDOLPH POWER PLANT IN ST. THOMAS IS ONGOING, AND THE PROJECT THAT WAPA IS EXTREMELY FOCUSED ON BLURRING INTO COMPLETION.

THESE UNITS WILL IMMEDIATELY IMPROVE THE EFFICIENCY AND RELIABILITY OF THE SAINT THOMAS POWER PLANT.

ELECTRIC RATES FOR EVERYBODY.

WAPA IS NEARING THE COMPLETION NATION OF NEGOTIATION WITH A SMALL PROVIDER TO PROVIDE UTILITIES ON THE ISLAND OF ST. CROIX.

ALTHOUGH MY STATEMENT REGARDING THIS MATTER WAS MISQUOTED IN THE MEDIA AND ULTIMATELY CRITICIZED, THE FACT IS, WAPA TOOK MY DIRECTIVE TO THEM SERIOUSLY AND HAS IDENTIFIED A QUALIFIED FIRM THAT CAN DELIVER TO BETWEEN 50 TO 100% OF ST. CROIX´S POWER FOR A FRACTION OF THE CURRENT COST.

WE ANTICIPATE THAT THE SOLAR FARMS WILL BE FULLY OPERATIONAL WITHIN 12 TO 18 MONTHS OF THE EXECUTION OF THESE POWER PURCHASE AGREEMENTS.

EQUALLY PROMISING IS THE REALIZATION THAT WE ALSO HAVE DEVELOPERS WITH THE CAPACITY TO DEVELOP SIMILAR PROJECTS IN ST. THOMAS AND ST. JOHN´S DISTRICT.

THESE PROJECTS WILL GO FAR REDUCING THE COST OF ELECTRICITY IN THE TERRITORY.

HOWEVER , ALL THIS POTENTIAL PROGRESS IS JEOPARDIZED BY THE ONGOING DISPUTE BETWEEN WAPA AND [INDISCERNIBLE], THE OPERATOR OF THE PROPANE TERMINAL.

NO ONE DISPUTES THAT PROPANE IS CHEAPER THAN THE DIESEL FUEL WAPA HAS TRADITIONALLY DEPENDED ON.

THERE IS ALSO VERY LITTLE DISPUTE THAT DECISION TO PROCEED WITH THE PROJECT MADE SENSE AT THE TIME UNDER THE CIRCUMSTANCES.

UNFORTUNATELY, WAPA AND THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION NEVER CAME TO AN AGREEMENT FOR THE TRUE COST OF THE PROJECT AND THE PROJECT HAS ESSENTIALLY BECOME AN UNFUNDED MANDATE OF THE UTILITY.

WAPA IS CURRENTLY IN DISCUSSION TO RESOLVE THIS MATTER AMICABLY AND WE ARE OPTIMISTIC WE WILL BE ABLE TO ANNOUNCE A RESOLUTION IN SHORT ORDER.

WE INTEND TO SETTLE THIS DEBT SHORTLY IN PLACE WAPA ON FIRM FOOTING.

NEEDLESS TO SAY THIS IS PROBABLY THE MOST SIGNIFICANT THING THAT WILL HAPPEN IN VIRGIN ISLAND HISTORY FOR THE NEXT 20 YEARS.

IT IS THE ONLY WAY WE CAN MAKE SURE THAT OUR NEXT STEP WILL BE AN ECONOMIC FUTURE THAT IS FULL OF PROMISE.

IN TALKING ABOUT ECONOMIC GROWTH , ECONOMIC GROWTH IS FANTASTIC AS IT AFFORDS US THE ABILITY TO ASSIST OUR PEOPLE IN WAYS WE COULD HAVE ONLY DREAMED OF IN PAST YEARS.

FOUR YEARS AGO, WE PROMISED WE WOULD TAKE THE FRUITS OF THIS ECONOMIC SUCCESS AND INVESTED IN OUR PEOPLE, CREATING A QUALITY OF LIFE THAT IS EQUAL TO THAT OF OUR COUNTERPARTS ON THE MAINLAND.

NOW LET´S GET REAL.

CREATING A QUALITY OF LIFE THAT IS EQUAL TO THE MAINLAND IS NO EASY FEAT.

AND IT IS AN EVER MOVING TARGET, BUT WE REMAIN UNDAUNTED IN THIS QUEST.

IN THIS ENDEAVOR, THE HEALTH OF OUR RESIDENTS IS FOREMOST.

THANKFULLY, FOR THE FIRST TIME IN TWO YEARS, I CAN ADDRESS THIS BODY ABSENT OUR LOCAL STATE OF EMERGENCY THAT WAS TRIGGERED BY THE COVID-19 GLOBAL PANDEMIC.

OF COURSE, IT DOES NOT MEAN THAT THE PANDEMIC HAS ENDED.

UNFORTUNATELY, VIRGIN ISLANDERS CONTINUE TO LOSE THEIR LIVES TO THIS DEADLY VIRUS.

BUT NATIONALLY, REALIZE THE DECLARATION OF EMERGENCY THAT WAS FIRST DECLARED BY FORMER PRESIDENT TRUMP IN 2020 STILL REMAINS IN FULL EFFECT.

MOST RECENTLY , THE HIGHLY CONTAGIOUS VARIANT OF THE VIRUS HAS BEEN CIRCULATING RAPIDLY.

HOWEVER, WE ARE CONFIDENT IN OUR CAPACITY TO TREAT VIRGIN ISLANDERS WHO BECOME INFECTED, AND TO IMPLEMENT THE MEASURES TO KEEP OUR COMMUNITY SAFE FROM THE WORST IMPACTS OF THE PANDEMIC, AS WE HAVE DONE IN THE PAST.

WE UNDERSTAND THAT THE PANDEMIC HAS STRESSED OUR RESOURCES, PARTICULARLY OUR HUMAN RESOURCES.

THAT IS WHY WE HAVE ALLOTTED $10 MILLION TO EACH HOSPITAL TO SUPPORT THE RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION OF NURSING AND ALLIED HEALTH PROFESSIONALS.

IT IS OUR HOPE THAT THESE FINANCIAL INCENTIVES WILL ASSIST US IN MAINTAINING CRITICAL HEALTHCARE CAPACITY AT OUR HOSPITAL.

IF YOU DON´T THINK WE´RE SERIOUS ABOUT OUR COMMITMENT TO THIS, THE NURSES AND ALLIED HEALTH OFFICIALS HAD A 7000 BONUS LAST YEAR.

THEY´RE GOING TO GET A 7000 THIS YEAR AND NEXT YEAR AND THE YEAR AFTER.

THAT IS A TRUE COMMITMENT TO BRINGING HEALTHCARE TO THESE ISLANDS.

THE CHALLENGE, THOUGH, OF OPENING THE JF L NORTH MODULAR FACILITY ON ST. CROIX HAS BEEN THE MOST FRUSTRATING SETBACK IN OUR HURRICANE RECOVERY EFFORTS.

THE PROJECT HAS BEEN PLAGUED OVER THE YEARS BY ERRORS, FUNDING, SUPPLY CHAIN DISRUPTION, CONTRACT DISPUTES, COVID AND POOR MANAGEMENT OF OVERSIGHT, AMONGST OTHER ISSUES.

THE TERRITORIAL HOSPITAL REDEVELOPMENT TEAM AND MANAGEMENT OF THE HOSPITAL UNDERSTAND WHAT IS AT STAKE AND REALIZE THAT FURTHER DELAYS CANNOT BE TOLERATED BY THE COMMUNITY.

SENATORS, I KNOW YOU HAVE HEARD THIS BEFORE , AND BEFORE AGAIN, BUT THEY HAVE ASSURED ME IN THIS TEAM THAT THEY WILL BE AWAITED RIBBON-CUTTING TO OPEN THIS FACILITY THIS QUARTER.

THE REDEVELOPMENT, THOUGH, OF OUR OTHER HEALTH FACILITIES HAS NOT BEEN NEARLY AS PROBLEMATIC.

THE OPENING OF JF L NORTH WILL CLEAR THE WAY FOR THE DEMOLITION OF THE OTHER HEALTH STRUCTURE EARLIER THIS YEAR.

THE DEMOLITION OF CHARLES HARWOOD COMPLEXES UNDERWAY AS WE SPEAK.

LIKEWISE, THE RESTORATION OF CHARLOTTE KIMMELMAN CANCER CENTER HAS BEGUN.

THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH IS ALSO MAKING PROGRESS ON THE NEW OFFICE FOR WOMEN AND CHILDREN AT THE NEW HANSEN MEMORIAL COMPLEX ON ST. THOMAS AND ALSO IN THE TOWN OF FREDRICKSON AND ST. CROIX.

BUT, HEALTHCARE IS NOT LIMITED TO PHYSICAL HEALTH.

WE AS A COMMUNITY CANNOT NEGLECT THOSE WHO SUFFER FROM MENTAL HEALTH CHALLENGES, AS WELL.

PROVIDING ADEQUATE CARE FOR OUR NEIGHBORS WITH BEHAVIORAL MUST OVERCOME TOGETHER.

IT IS A HURDLE THAT WE WILL OVERCOME TOGETHER.

I CONGRATULATE THE HONORABLE NOVELLE FRANCIS AND THE OTHER MEMBERS OF THE 34th LEGISLATURE FOR PASSING THE BEHAVIORAL AND HEALTH ACT.

THIS COMPREHENSIVE LEGISLATIVE MEASURE, OVER EIGHT YEARS IN THE MAKING, ADDRESSES THE INTERDEPARTMENTAL COORDINATION OF AGENCIES AND ORGANIZATIONS PROVIDING SERVICES TO INDIVIDUALS WHO SUFFER FROM THESE CHALLENGES.

THE ACT ALSO ESTABLISHES POLICIES AND PROCEDURES BY WHICH A PERSON WITH BEHAVIORAL ISSUES OR DISORDERS MAY RECEIVE SERVICES.

THIS IS A CRITICAL CONTRIBUTION TO THE CONTINUUM OF MENTAL HEALTH CARE THAT RESULTS IN BETTER OUTCOMES FOR PEOPLE WITH THESE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH ISSUES.

NOW, WE MUST CONTINUE TO PRIORITIZE EARLY AND CONSISTENT TREATMENTS SO VIRGIN ISLANDERS WITH SERIOUS MENTAL ILLNESSES MAY MANAGE THEIR CONDITION, OVERCOME THEIR CHALLENGES, AND RECEIVE THE SUPPORT THEY NEED.

IT IS ONE THING TO PROVIDE THESE FACILITIES AND EVERYTHING ELSE FOR HEALTHCARE, BUT CREATING ACCESS FOR OUR COMMUNITY IS JUST AS IMPORTANT.

MORE THAN 30% , CONSERVATIVELY, VIRGIN ISLANDS DO NOT HAVE ACCESS TO TRADITIONAL HEALTH INSURANCE.

OUR ABILITY FOR LOW INCOME FAMILIES TO ACCESS MEDICAID HAS BEEN HINDERED HISTORICALLY BY THE REQUIREMENT FOR MATCHING FUNDS IMPOSED BY THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT.

FOR OVER TWO DECADES , THE VIRGIN ISLANDS FEDERAL MEDICAID ASSISTANCE PERCENTAGE WAS 50% , AND THEN IT INCREASED TO 55% IN 2010.

MEDICAID FUNDING THAT IS PROVIDED BY THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT, WHICH HAS LONG BEEN LOWER FOR THE TERRITORIES THAN FOR THE STATES.

THIS MEANS SENSE THAN THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT HAS BEEN REQUIRED TO GO WITH $.45 OUT OF EVERY DOLLAR EXPENDED FOR MEDICAID BENEFITS IN THE TERRITORY.

OVER THE YEARS, GOVERNORS OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS, LOBBYISTS AND DELEGATES HAVE TIRELESSLY LOBBIED FOR AN INCREASE.

TODAY, I AM HAPPY TO ANNOUNCE THAT NOT ONLY DID WE SEE A TEMPORARY INCREASE TO 89 % FROM DECEMBER 21 TO MARCH 23 BUT WE HAVE MADE HISTORY WITH THE PASSING OF OMNIBUS LEGISLATION THAT PERMANENTLY INCREASES THE FMAP FROM 35 TO 85% FOR THE VIRGIN ISLANDS.

AFTER 20 SOMETHING YEARS, FURTHER ADDING TO THE HISTORIC SIGNIFICANCE OF THIS LANDMARK SIGNED RIGHT HERE IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS WHILE THE PRESIDENT VACATIONED ON THE ISLAND OF ST. CROIX.

THE BENEFITS OF THE INCREASE IN OUR FMAP ARE FAR-REACHING.

WE NOT ONLY INCREASE THE NUMBER OF PERSONALLY SERVED FROM 32 TO 37,000 BUT WE ADDED SERVICES TO INCLUDE PERSONAL-CARE ATTENDANCE SERVICES FOR SENIORS, TELEHEALTH SERVICES FOR ALL MEDICAID MEMBERS AND IMPLEMENTED A MEDICAID BUY-IN FOR RECIPIENTS.

WE ARE NOW EXPLORING EXPANDING MEDICAID TO COVER MORE OF THE UNINSURED POPULATION.

THIS IS A TREMENDOUS ACCOMPLISHMENT.

I WOULD LIKE TO ONCE AGAIN THANK THE HONORABLE STACEY PLASKETT , HER STAFF, AND THE WASHINGTON TEAM FOR THEIR INCREDIBLE WORK.

AS WE WORK TO REBUILD OUR HEALTH AND HOSPITAL INFRASTRUCTURE AND ACCESS, MY ADMINISTRATION HAS BEEN FOCUSED ON OVERALL COMMUNITY WELLNESS.

WE HAVE LAUNCHED THE OUR BEST LIFE INITIATIVE TO FOCUS ON IMPROVING THE PHYSICAL, MENTAL, AND EMOTIONAL WELL-BEING OF ALL VIRGIN ISLANDERS.

THE INITIATIVE IS A MULTIAGENCY COLLABORATION WITH PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES FOR INDIVIDUALS OF ALL AGES AND PHYSICAL ABILITY.

LEST WE FORGET, THE TRUE AIM OF HAVING HELP IN HAVING HEALTH INITIATIVES IS TO ACTUALLY KEEP PEOPLE OUT OF THE HOSPITAL, AND THE ONLY WAY WE CAN DO THIS IS THROUGH CHANGING OUR EATING HABITS, OUR BEHAVIOR AROUND EXERCISE, AND BEING ACTIVE IN OUR LIFESTYLE.

AS VIRGIN ISLANDERS, WE CONTINUE TO ADJUST TO THE NEW NORMAL OF THE POST-PANDEMIC WORLD.

WE ARE INCREASINGLY FINDING OURSELVES MEETING UP IN OUR FAVORITE SPACE, OUTSIDE.

DURING THE ELECTION, I NOTICED IN PEOPLE THE CRAVING AND DESIRE TO DO LOW-COST FAMILY FUN ACTIVITIES.

THE DEPARTMENT OF SPORTS AND RECREATION IS MAKING TREMENDOUS PROGRESS IN RESTORING OUR PARK AND RECREATION AREAS FOR THE PUBLIC ENJOYMENT.

FEMA FUNDED REPAIRS ARE IN PROGRESS AT NUMEROUS RECREATIONAL FACILITIES THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY.

MOST EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED THIS YEAR.

ST. CROIX REPAIRS ARE BEING MADE TO PARKS IN THE PARTY PAVILION AT KRAMERS PARKER ALL BEING RESTORED.

ADDITIONAL REPAIRS WILL BEGIN THIS YEAR .

THE POLLY JOSEPH STADIUM IS ALSO NEARING COMPLETION AS THE DIRT AND DEBRIS ARE CLEARED FROM THE FRONT OF THIS MONOLITH.

WE CAN FINALLY SEE THE PROMISE OF THE STADIUM WE HAVE BEEN HEARING ABOUT FOR 12 YEARS NOW.

WE WILL SOON BE SUBMITTING A FINAL APPROPRIATION REQUEST FOR THIS BODY TO UPGRADE SEVERAL ITEMS IN THE PROJECT FROM THE CURRENT BID.

AFTER THE MANY YEARS SPENT IN THE EFFORT TO COMPLETE THE RENOVATION OF THIS FACILITY, I THINK WE ALL WOULD LIKE TO SEE A STADIUM WE CAN BE PROUD OF.

ON THE OTHER SIDE OF TOWN, THE RESTORATION OF THE VINCENT MASON POOL HAS UNFORTUNATELY ENCOUNTERED A SIGNIFICANT CHALLENGE.

THE SCOPE OF THE WORK DID NOT ANTICIPATE THE NEED TO REPLACE THE PILINGS IN THE FOUNDATION THAT HOLDS THE POOL UP.

THIS CHANGE HAS DOUBLE THE COST IT HAS BECOME A $5 MILLION POOL, AND IT REQUIRES SOME ADDITIONAL FUNDING, BUT WE ARE WORKING TO EXIT AMENDMENT TO THE CONTRACT AND RESTART THAT PROJECT THIS QUARTER.

DRAGRACING.

DRAGRACING HAS RETURNED TO ST. CROIX.

WE CONGRATULATE THE CARIBBEAN DRAGRACING ASSOCIATION AND ITS PRESIDENT FOR GETTING DRAGRACING BACK ON TRACK.

OUR ATTENTION IS NOW FOCUSING ON HORSE RACING TRACKS.

BOTH TRACKS ARE IN COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT PERMITTING PROCESSING.

SOUTHLAND GAMING HAS SUBMITTED ITS PERMITTING PACKAGE .

THE CONTRACTOR HAS RECENTLY MOBILIZED TO BEGIN ITS STOCK WORK IN ST. CROIX.

AND YES, CRICKET.

THE LEASE HAS FINALLY BEEN FINALIZED ON THE PLOT FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF A CRUTCH ON ST. CROIX AND $2 MILLION HAS BEEN ALLOTTED FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THAT SITE.

ON ST. THOMAS WE HAVE ALLOCATED STARTUP MONIES TO BEGIN WORK ON THE PITCH IN THE STADIUM WHICH WILL FOLLOW.

WE ARE IN THE DESIGN PHASE FOR A COMPLETE SPORTS PARK ADJACENT TO THE HIGH SCHOOL WHICH HAS CRICKET, SOCCER, A GYMNASIUM WHICH WILL DOUBLE AS A STORM SHELTER.

VIRGIN ISLANDERS, WE ARE GOING TO BE SPENDING A LOT OF HEALTHY TIME OUTSIDE.

AS I ALWAYS SAY, LUCK IS WHEN OPPORTUNITY MEETS PREPAREDNESS.

WITH THE SWEET PROMISE OF PROSPERITY ON THE HORIZON, THERE IS NOTHING MORE CRUCIAL TO OUR INDIVIDUAL SUCCESS IN EDUCATION.

THE VIRGIN ISLANDS CAN BOAST THAT IT HAS A COMPLETE EDUCATIONAL PIPELINE.

NOT ONLY IS THE PIPELINE ACCESSIBLE, BUT IT IS ALSO FREE.

FREE HEADSTART , FREE PUBLIC KINDERGARTEN, FREE K-12, FREE COLLEGE TUITION AND FREE VOCATIONAL TRAINING AND APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMS.

NO OTHER STATE CAN SAY THIS.

BUT THE CONSTANT CESSATION WE HAVE HAD WITH BUILDING MAINTENANCE MASKS THE TRUE MISSION OF EDUCATION IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS.

GRADUATING STUDENTS THAT ARE COMPETENT AND CAPABLE.

WE MUST NOT LOSE SIGHT OF THAT MISSION.

THIS PAST YEAR, INTERVENTIONS TO ASSIST OUR STUDENTS IN GETTING UP TO STANDARDS.

HOWEVER, TO BE TRULY SUCCESSFUL WE MUST MAKE A COMMUNITYWIDE COMMITMENT TO PROMOTING ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT FROM CRADLE TO CAREER.

WE MUST COMMIT TO ENCOURAGING LITERACY AND NUMERACY AT EVERY OPPORTUNITY.

WE HAVE MANY COMPETENT AND WELL TRAINED TEACHERS TO LEAD US ON THIS MISSION.

TEACHERS WHO DEMONSTRATE THE REQUIRED COMMITMENT TO THE ACADEMIC SUCCESS OF OUR STUDENTS.

IN FACT, WE HAVE TWO PURSE PERFECT EXAMPLES WITH US THIS EVENING.

DISTRICT TEACHER OF THE YEAR FOR THE ST. JOHN´S DISTRICT .

AND FROM THE ISLAND OF ST. CROIX , AND THE DISTRICT OF ST. CROIX SAINT CRY DISTRICT.

IF YOU HAPPEN TO BE IN ST. CROIX, IF YOU DON´T DO ANYTHING ELSE, YOU HAVE GOT TO GO SEE HER CLASSROOM.

EVERY SINGLE YEAR IS JUST PHENOMENAL.

THANK YOU, AND THANK ALL THE TEACHERS WHO CONTRIBUTE TO OUR TEACHERS EDUCATION.

IN OUR FURTHER COMMITMENT TO OUR TEACHERS, I KEEP AD-LIBBING FROM MY SPEECH.

WE HAVE COMMITTED TO BRINGING TEACHERS STARTING SALARIES OVER THE LAST THREE YEARS TO $48,000, AND I AM NOT RETAINING OR TEACHERS HAS TO BE ONE OF OUR MAIN EMPHASIS RIGHT HERE IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS.

OUR ADMINISTRATION HAS PLACED EMPHASIS ON EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION FROM THE BEGINNING.

WE HAVE ESTABLISHED PUBLIC FREE KINDERGARTEN PROGRAMS FOR FIVE- YEAR-OLDS AND ALL BUT ONE OF OUR PUBLIC ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS.

THIS YEAR, WE WILL BEGIN CONSTRUCTION, RESTORATION AND REPAIR FOR EIGHT HEADSTART CENTERS.

THESE PROJECTS REPRESENT AN EXPENDITURE OF OVER $42 MILLION.

THIS IS EXTRA MONEY NOT EVEN SEEN IN RECOVERY ANYMORE, MUCH LIKE FREE COLLEGE TUITION, THESE ARE LONG-TERM INVESTMENTS HIS IMPACTS MAY NOT BE SEEN IMMEDIATELY BUT WILL UNDOUBTEDLY PAY DIVIDENDS FOR OUR COMMUNITY IN THE LONG RUN.

THE VIRGIN ISLANDS DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION IS AT AN UNPRECEDENTED TIME WHERE FEDERAL FUNDS ARE AVAILABLE TO EXECUTE MUCH-NEEDED IMPROVEMENTS IN PUBLIC EDUCATION , TERRITORY WIDE.

THE DEPARTMENT WILL UTILIZE $138 MILLION IN AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ALLOTMENTS TO REFORM, REBUILD AND REBRAND PUBLIC EDUCATION.

THE VID IS COMMITTED TO TRANSFORMING TODAY´S LEARNERS INTO TOMORROW´S LEADERS, REFORMING EFFORTS INCLUDE, AND I THINK THIS IS SO HUGE, SITE- BASED MANAGEMENT, WHICH WILL GIVE EACH PRINCIPAL $250,000 EACH TO DEVELOP PLANS THAT MEET THE NEEDS OF THE STUDENTS, THE FACULTY, AND THE STAFF.

THIS WILL ALLOW FOR FLEXIBILITY AND DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS DESIGNED TO SUPPORT STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT BECAUSE IT DIFFERS FROM SCHOOL TO SCHOOL WITH A DIFFERENT ECONOMIC BACKGROUND AND MAKEUP OF THE NEIGHBORHOODS.

THEY WILL BE ABLE TO IMPLEMENT ACCELERATED PROGRAMS THAT ENHANCE THE STUDENT EXPERIENCES AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT FOR THE TEACHERS AND MONITORS, TO NAME A FEW.

THE VID IS FOCUSED ON IMPROVED STUDENT OUTCOMES, HENCE THE ALIGNMENT OF PRACTICES WITH THE STATE, THE DISTRICT, AND THE SCHOOLS.

THIS STRATEGIC PLANNING ALLOWS SYNERGY IN PRACTICES AND THE MAXIMIZATION OF OUR FEDERAL FUNDS.

ALONG THE PRIORITIES IS THE NEED FOR BEHAVIORAL SUPPORT SERVICES.

TUTORIAL SERVICES.

AFTERSCHOOL ACTIVITIES, AND EXTENDED DAYS, AS WELL AS SUMMER TEACHING TO DECREASE THIS LEARNING LOSS WE ARE EXPERIENCING.

IT IS DOWNRIGHT RIDICULOUS THAT OUR TEACHERS ARE WORKING SECOND JOBS TO MEET THEIR NEEDS INSTEAD OF EARNING THAT SAME MONEY TO ENRICH OUR CHILDREN.

WE HAVE THE MONEY.

WE ARE GOING TO PAY THOSE TEACHERS TO STAY IN THE CLASSROOM.

THE TRANSITION BACK TO IN PERSON LEARNING VERSUS VIRTUAL HAS ITS OWN CHALLENGES.

LAST YEAR, WE SAW SCHOOL VIOLENCE ESCALATE AS STUDENTS TRANSITION BACK INTO THE CLASSROOM.

WE RECOGNIZE THAT WE NEED TO PROTECT THE SAFETY OF STUDENTS, TEACHERS, MONITORS, AS WELL AS ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF.

WE HAVE SUPPORTED STUDENT LED EFFORTS TO ENCOURAGE HEALTHY CONFLICT RESOLUTION AND POSITIVE BEHAVIORS.

WE ARE REVAMPING WRAPAROUND SERVICES, BEHAVIORAL SERVICES TO ADDRESS THE UNDERLYING CHALLENGES THE STUDENTS EXPERIENCE.

WE HAVE IDENTIFIED FUNDING TO ACCESS SAFETY AND SECURITY CONCERNS.

A LOT OF TRAINING, WE HAVE TO INVEST IN IT TO ADDRESS THESE ISSUES.

THESE THINGS ARE IN PREPARATION AND WILL BE ONGOING STARTING THIS SUMMER.

THE SERVICE CONTRACT IS BEING IMPLEMENTED TO ALLOW OUR MAINTENANCE WORKERS TO HAVE ACCESS TO RETRIEVE SUPPLIES SO THAT THEIR DAILY WORK IS NOT DELAYED.

WORK ORDER SYSTEMS WILL BE ALLOWED FOR BETTER MANAGEMENT OF HUMAN CAPITAL AND RESOURCES.

IN ADDITION , REBRANDING EFFORTS INCLUDE LAUNCHING A NEW WORKSITE, MOBILE APPLICATIONS.

AN ALERT SYSTEM TO KEEP OUR STAKEHOLDERS ENGAGED AND INFORMED ABOUT THE MANY INITIATIVES AND ACTIVITIES THAT ARE SCHOOLS, PROGRAMS GEARED TOWARD PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT ARE ALSO BEING REVISED USING THIS FUNDING.

NOW MORE THAN EVER, WE NEED TO DEVELOP A GENERATION OF VIRGIN ISLANDERS THAT ARE PREPARED FOR THE COMPETITIVE WORLD WE LIVE IN.

WE CONTINUE TO ESTABLISH AND ENRICH THE WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT PIPELINE AS WE NEED 5000 NEW WORKERS TO COMPLETE THIS RECOVERY.

NOT 5000 PEOPLE MORE WHO ARE IN THE SYSTEM .

5000 NEW PEOPLE WHO DON´T EXIST RIGHT NOW IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS TO, TO OUR SYSTEM.

WE WILL BRING THE RESOURCES TO OUR PEOPLE.

WE HAVE DONE IT, BUT IT IS UP TO US INDIVIDUALLY TO DEVELOP OURSELVES AND TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE OPPORTUNITIES.

FREE OPPORTUNITIES.

HAVING A SAFE, SECURE HOME IS VITAL.

WHETHER YOU ARE A FIRST-TIME HOMEOWNER, A SENIOR IN YOUR TOILET YEARS, AFFORDABLE HOUSING IS A BASIC NECESSITY AND WE HAVE BEEN ON A MISSION TO ADDRESS OUR HOUSING CRISIS FROM A VARIETY OF ANGLES.

WE ARE CREATING ACCESS TO NEW HOUSING ACROSS EVERY INCOME LEVEL IN A COOPERATIVE EFFORT WITH THE VIRGIN ISLANDS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY, WE HAVE ESTABLISHED THE MODERATE INCOME HOMEOWNERSHIP PROGRAM TO HELP WITH FULFILLING A WIDE RANGE OF GOALS TO INCLUDE HOMES PURCHASED FOR REHABILITATION, NEW-HOME CONSTRUCTION, DOWN PAYMENT AND CLOSING COST ASSISTANCE AND SECONDARY GAP FINANCING ASSISTANCE.

THIS MAKES $250,000 PER PERSON AVAILABLE AND A GRANT NEVER BEFORE EVEN DREAMED OF WAS IMPLEMENTED IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS.

IN SUPPORT OF LOWERING HOME INSURANCE, I RECENTLY PASSED LEGISLATION TO ALLOW DOMESTIC INSURERS TO BECOME MEMBERS OF THE FEDERAL HOME LOAN BANK OF NEW YORK AND PROVIDE SUPPORT TO CREDIT UNIONS AND OTHER FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS IN SUPPORT OF THIS PROGRAM .

OUR FEDERAL PARTNERS THAT HAD HAVE SIGNALED STEPS TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF OUR EXISTING HOUSING AND PRODUCE ABUNDANT HOUSING TO INCREASE SUPPORT TO RVI HOUSING AUTHORITY.

LAST YEAR, HAD PROVIDED $42.6 MILLION TO HELP OVER 2000 FAMILIES LIVING IN PUBLIC HOUSING IN 2000 MODERATE INCOME FAMILIES USING HOUSING CHOICE VOUCHERS.

ADDITIONALLY WE HAVE ALLOTTED 50 MILLION IN HOUSING PAYMENTS FOR 800 LANDLORDS THIS YEAR.

THE HOUSING AUTHORITY CONTINUES THE IMPLEMENTATION OF A $1 BILLION REDEVELOPMENT PLAN WHICH WILL SEE THE REPLACEMENT OF THE ENTIRE 3000 UNITS OF PUBLIC HOUSING WITH HALF THE NEW CONSTRUCTION AND HALF THE UNITS TO BE COMPREHENSIVELY MODERNIZED OVER FIVE YEARS.

PRIORITY HOUSING PROJECTS INCLUDE 250 UNITS .

GROUNDBREAKING WAS HELD IN JUNE OF 2022 AND COMPLETION IS ANTICIPATED.

98 UNITS OF SEASON HOUSING AT STONY GROUND IN 70 NEW UNITS AT LUBIN HARRIGAN WHERE DEMOLITION HAS BEEN COMPLETED ON THE OLD UNITS.

WE ARE LEVERAGING OUR FEDERAL FUNDING TO IMPROVE ALL HOUSING COMMUNITIES.

WE MUST ACT QUICKLY AND THOUGHTFULLY.

WE WILL DO THIS BY CREATING NEW HIGH QUALITY HOUSING UNITS HELPING REVITALIZE NEIGHBORHOODS WHERE WE REBUILD THEM, ENSURING EVERYONE IN OUR COMMUNITY WILL RISE TOGETHER, BUT AS WE SEEK TO IDENTIFY ADDITIONAL HOUSING AND IMPROVE THE GENERAL CURB APPEAL OF OUR COMMUNITY, IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO CONTINUE IGNORING THE TREMENDOUS NUMBER OF ABANDONED AND DERELICT STRUCTURES IN OUR NEIGHBORHOODS AND TOWNS.

BUILDINGS DAMAGED BY HURRICANES HUGO AND MARILYN HAVE ENCOUNTERED ADDITIONAL DAMAGES IN THE AFTERMATH OF IAN AND MARIA.

WE HAVE TRIED TO INCENTIVIZE PROPERTY OWNERS WITH TAX INCENTIVES AND WHATNOT, BUT WE HAVE SIMPLY NOT MADE ENOUGH PROGRESS WITH THE CURRENT APPROACH.

THE TIME HAS COME FOR US TO BE MORE AGGRESSIVE IN RESTORING THE PREVIOUS BEAUTY OF OUR TOWNS AND NEIGHBORHOODS.

IN THE NEXT FEW MONTHS, I WILL BE SENDING LEGISLATION TO THE SENATE THAT UNIFIES AND MODERNIZES OUR HISTORIC PRESERVATION LAWS AS WELL AS ADDRESSES ABANDONED AND DERELICT PROPERTIES.

WE HAVE NOT MADE IT YET.

WE ARE GOING TO GET COMMUNITY SO WE HAVE INPUT WHEN WE DO THIS, BUT WE WILL BE SEEKING TO PUT IN PLACE A PROCESS FOR PROPERTIES TO BE PLACED INTO CONSERVATORSHIP BY ORDER OF THE COURT.

THESE COURT ORDER CONSERVATORSHIPS WOULD TEMPORARILY TRANSPORT CONTROL OF THE TRAPANI TO PUBLIC OR A NONPROFIT ENTITY FOR THE PURPOSE OF RESTORING THE PRODUCT OF FUNCTIONAL LIABILITY.

EMPHASIS ON TEMPORARY, BECAUSE WE WANT OUR FAMILIES TO MAINTAIN THESE PROPERTIES BUT THEY SIMPLY DON´T HAVE THE RESOURCES OR THE WILL TO DO IT.

I LOOK FORWARD TO YOUR COLLABORATION AND COOPERATION ON THIS HISTORIC EFFORT IN GETTING OUR TOWNS BACK TO WHERE THEY NEED TO BE.

ANOTHER IMPORTANT ADMISSION OF THIS MINISTRATION IS RESTORING THE SAFETY, PEACE AND TRANQUILITY THAT OUR ISLANDS HAVE TRADITIONALLY ENJOYED.

IN MY PAST ADDRESSES, I HAVE CALLED OUR COMMUNITY TO ACTION.

IF YOU SEE SOMETHING, YOU ANSWERED ON THE VIRGIN ISLANDS POLICE DEPARTMENTS HAVE DEMONSTRATED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS THAT THIS PARTNERSHIP YIELDS AND WILL CONTINUE TO YIELD TANGIBLE RESULTS.

OUR OFFICERS ARE CAPABLE AND HARD-WORKING.

THEY DID THE POLICE WORK AND REMOVED CRIMINALS FROM OUR COMMUNITY WITH YOUR HELP .

OVER THE LAST FOUR YEARS WE HAVE PUT IN PLACE A COMPREHENSIVE EFFORT TO ADDRESS CRIME AND VIOLENCE IN OUR TERRITORY.

WE HAVE INVESTED SIGNIFICANTLY IN PUBLIC SAFETY.

THE IPD HAS BEEN UNABLE TO RECRUIT AND RETAIN IDEAL MANPOWER.

WE´VE BEEN HEARING THIS FOR YEARS, SO WE INVESTED IN TECHNOLOGY TO EXPAND OUR CAPABILITY.

THIS PAST YEAR, THE VIRGIN ISLANDS SAW A LOWER RATE OF GUN VIOLENCE AND A HIGHER RATE OF ARREST.

ALL CATEGORIES OF SERIOUS CRIMES DECLINED VERSUS THE PRIOR YEAR AND WE RECORDED THE LOWEST NUMBER OF HOMICIDES IN A DECADE, AND THE SECOND LOWEST IN TWO DECADES.

I WOULD LIKE TO THANK COMMISSIONER RAY MARTINEZ AND OUR MEN AND WOMEN IN BLUE , WHO HAVE SERVED AND PROTECTED THE CITIZENS OF THIS TERRITORY.

IN THE WEEKS TO COME , WE WILL LAUNCH A POLICE RECRUITMENT PROGRAM.

ON BONUS TO BECOME A POLICE OFFICER.

IS NOT A MARSHAL, NOT A CORRECTIONS OFFICER, NOT THE VI PORT OFFICER, BUT A VIPD OFFICER.

ERGO, IF YOU HAVE EVER CONSIDERED A CAREER IN LAW ENFORCEMENT, I WOULD SAY THE TIME IS NOW.

SIGN UP, GO THROUGH THE ACADEMY, AND SERVE YOUR COMMUNITY.

THE POSITION IS NOBLE AND EXTREMELY REWARDING.

JUST ASK ONE OF THE MANY SENATORS WE HAVE HERE WHO HAVE SERVED IN LAW ENFORCEMENT.

BUT, REMOVING CRIMINALS FROM THE STREET IS NOT A LONG-TERM SOLUTION.

WE MUST BE EQUALLY COMMITTED TO THEIR REHABILITATION.

THE BUREAU OF CORRECTION HAS LAUNCHED ITS LONG-AWAITED OFFENDER RE-ENTRY PROGRAM.

90% OF IMPRISONED INDIVIDUALS GOING FORWARD, THIS ADMINISTRATION WILL EMPHASIZE RE-ENTRY.

WE HAVE IDENTIFIED FEDERAL FUNDING TO PURSUE TRANSITIONAL HOUSING WITH THE UNDERSTANDING THAT THE TRANSITION FROM INCARCERATION TO RE-ENTRY TO OUR COMMUNITY CAN BE MENTALLY AND EMOTIONALLY CHALLENGING.

THE GOAL IS TO EXECUTE A MODEL THAT WILL INCLUDE SHELTER, STRUCTURE AND RESOURCES TO FACILITATE A MORE SUCCESSFUL TRANSITION.

YOU SEE, WE ALL BENEFIT FROM FORMERLY INCARCERATED INDIVIDUALS TRANSITIONING TO BECOMING PRODUCTIVE AND SUCCESSFUL MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY.

AFTER ALL, THEY ARE FATHERS, MOTHERS, BROTHERS, SISTERS, AUNTS, UNCLES, COUSINS AND MOST ESPECIALLY, NEIGHBORS.

WE DO NOT WANT OUR PEOPLE IN AND OUT OF THE PRISON SYSTEM.

THIS ADMINISTRATION WILL CONTINUE TO MAKE INVESTMENTS, SUPPORT AND PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES TO REINTEGRATE THIS POPULATION AND DISCOURAGE RECIDIVISM.

WE HAVE ESTABLISHED AN ENTITY TO COORDINATE VIOLENT CRIME EFFORTS TO OUR OFFICE OF NONVIOLENCE.

WE HAVE PUT IN PLACE PROGRAMS TO REHABILITATE PRISONERS AND GIVE THEM A CHANCE OF SUCCESS AS THEY RE-ENTER SOCIETY, BUT THERE IS STILL SO MUCH WORK TO DO.

WE PLAN TO APPROACH THIS BODY TO MODIFY PEACE OFFICER STATUS WE CAN GET MORE HELP FROM FEDERAL LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS.

WE ALSO PLAN TO ADOPT A REQUIREMENT TO DECLARE WITHIN 24 HOURS AND INTENT TO IMPORT FIREARMS INTO THE TERRITORY.

THAT IS BEFORE THEY GET ON THE PLANE.

WE BELIEVE THIS IS A BETTER WAY TO DISTINGUISH THE GET LEGITIMATE FIREARM OWNERS FROM THOSE SMUGGLING WEAPONS FOR NEFARIOUS PURPOSES.

WE ALSO WANT TO TAKE A CLOSER EXAMINATION OF OUR YOUTH DETENTION CENTER.

THIS OPERATION IS NO LONGER EFFECTIVE IN ITS MANDATE.

CHILDREN ARE NOT GENERALLY RETAINED LONG ENOUGH TO AVAIL THEMSELVES OF REHABILITATION SERVICES.

IT IS REALLY JUST BECOME AN EXPENSIVE BABYSITTING SERVICE FOR TROUBLED YOUTH.

AS MY ADMINISTRATION ENTERS ITS SECOND TERM WE WILL BE EMPLOYING ALTERNATIVE APPROACHES TO ADDRESSING DELINQUENCY.

WE WANT PEACE IN OUR COMMUNITIES.

WE WANT TO ENJOY OUR PARADISE AND INVITE GUESTS TO DO THE SAME.

OUR CULTURE ALSO DEMANDS WE COME TOGETHER , AND DO SO OFTEN.

WE WANT OUR CARNIVALS AND PARADES AND CONCERTS VIOLENCE FREE.

I AM AWARE THAT WE WILL ONLY ACHIEVE THIS MISSION THROUGH PREVENTION AND ENGAGING THOSE MOST AT RISK IN OUR COMMUNITY.

THE WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT BOARD, IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE DEVELOPMENT PROJECT AGENCIES IS EXECUTING A MODEL FOCUSED ON TRAINING AND EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR AT-RISK YOUNG ADULTS, PROVIDING TRAINING AND EMPLOYMENT CAN POSITIVELY CHANGE THE COURSE OF SOMEONE´S LIFE FOREVER.

WE ARE SEEKING PARTNERSHIPS FROM THE PRIVATE SECTORS TO SUPPORT THIS PROGRAM.

WE INVITE OUR LOCAL BUSINESSES TO HELP CHANGE LIVES BY PARTNERING WITH US.

THE JUDICIARY AND THE VIRGIN ISLANDS REMAINS THE ANCHOR OF THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM.

I THINK THE HONORABLE JUDGES FOR THEIR WORK ON BEHALF OF THE PEOPLE OF THIS TERRITORY WHILE WE RECOGNIZE THAT THE DELAYS THAT THE PANDEMIC FORCED ON OUR COURTS, WE ARE COGNIZANT OF THE CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHT TO A SPEEDY TRIAL.

JUNIOR STATED, JUSTICE DELAYED IS JUSTICE DENIED.

THIS EXTENDS TO CASES LANGUISHING IN COURTS.

IT IS IMPORTANT THAT THESE CASES MOVE FORWARD SO THAT PEOPLE CAN HAVE THEIR MATTERS HEARD AND RESOLVED IN A TIMELY FASHION.

WE ARE ALLEGING OUR COOPERATION AND OUR FULL SUPPORT TO THE JUDICIARY IN THIS EFFORT.

FINALLY, THIS EVENING , I MUST WARN OF SOME NEWLY EMERGING CHALLENGES ON THE HORIZON.

THE ECONOMY CONTINUES TO IMPROVE AS WE NAVIGATE OUT OF THE PANDEMIC.

HOWEVER, THE TERRITORY IS SAILING INTO SOME VERY STRONG HEADWINDS.

THE ECONOMISTS ARE WARNING THAT GLOBAL GROWTH HAS SLOWED TO THE EXTENT THAT GLOBAL ECONOMISTS SAY THE ECONOMY IS CLOSE TO FALLING INTO A RECESSION.

WE ARE SEEING INFLATION RISE HIGHER THAN IT HAD IN SEVERAL DECADES, TRIGGERING A COST-OF- LIVING CRISIS.

FINANCIAL CONDITIONS ARE TIGHTENING ACROSS THE GLOBE AND THERE IS A WIDESPREAD SHORTAGE OF SKILLED WORKERS, THEREBY CREATING ISSUES FOR A VARIETY OF INDUSTRIES RELYING ON THOSE WORKERS.

NATIONALLY, THE U.S. CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IS PREDICTING AT LEAST A MILD RECESSION TO AFFECT THE COUNTRY SOMETIME LATER THIS YEAR, CAUSED BY FALLING CONSUMER AND BUSINESS SPENDING, AND RISING INTEREST RATES.

BUT, WE DON´T NEED ECONOMISTS TO TELL US THAT.

WE FEEL IT EVERY DAY AT THE GAS PUMP AND CERTAINLY IN THE GROCERY STORE.

SINCE THE BEGINNING OF 2020, INFLATION HAS INCREASED 7.1% SINCE 2020, 5.7% IN 2021 AND ANOTHER 7% IN 2022.

THERE IS, HOWEVER, SOME REASON FOR OPTIMISM AS THE MONETARY POLICY OF THE FEDERAL RESERVE IS HAVING THE INTENDED EFFECT OF SLOWING THE GROWTH OF INFLATION NATIONALLY AND HOPING WE WILL SOON SEE SOME OF THAT BENEFIT LOCALLY.

WE CANNOT PREDICT WITH CERTAINTY WHAT 2023 HOLDS FOR THE GLOBAL ECONOMY SO WE MUST CONTINUE TO BUILD OUR RESILIENCE FOR WHAT IS TO COME, SO WHILE WE COUNT OUR BLESSING, WE MUST REMAIN EVER VIGILANT THAT HARD TIMES ARE INEVITABLE, AND WE MUST BE PREPARED.

LOCALLY, OUR GOVERNMENT HAS IMPLEMENTED OUR OWN POLICY IS FISCAL STIMULUS FOR VIRGIN ISLANDERS, PARTICULARLY THOSE WITH FIXED INCOMES, AND HELP THEM KEEP PACE WITH THIS MASSIVE INFLATION.

LAST YEAR WITH THE HELP OF OUR FRIENDS IN THE LEGISLATURE, WE PROVIDED $40 MILLION IN DIRECT STIMULUS IN THE FORM OF OUTSTANDING RETROACTIVE WAGES BOTH FOR EMPLOYEES AND RETIREES OF THE GOVERNMENT OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS.

THE GOVERNMENT´S CURRENT OBLIGATION FOR REPAYMENT OF THOSE RETROACTIVE WAGES WHICH GO BACK 40 YEARS IS STILL 135 MILLION.

NOW, I MADE A PROMISE LAST YEAR THAT THIS ADMINISTRATION WILL PAY AT LEAST 25 MILLION EVERY YEAR, AND WE HAVE BUDGETED ANOTHER 25 MILLION FOR THIS YEAR TO BE PAID OUT BEFORE OCTOBER 1st.

I KNOW SOME PEOPLE THOUGHT IT WAS AN ELECTION PLOY, BUT WE ARE SERIOUS ABOUT OUR PEOPLE.

WE WERE ALSO ABLE TO DISTRIBUTE MANDATED BONUSES FOR RETIREES AGE 60 AND OLDER FOR FISCAL YEARS 2018 THROUGH 2022 .

I WANT TO CONGRATULATE THE HONORABLE DONNA FRETT-GREGORY FOR SUCCESSFULLY CHAMPIONING THIS CAUSE.

I WANT PEOPLE TO RECOGNIZE THAT THESE ARE NOT EASY THINGS TO DO.

WE TOOK THIS MONEY OUT OF GENERAL FUNDS, AND THE SENATE PRESIDENT TOOK ME TO TASK TO MAKE SURE WE GET IT DONE BECAUSE WE RECOGNIZE THE TREMENDOUS HARDSHIP CURRENT INFLATION HAS PUT ON EVERYONE.

ESPECIALLY OUR SENIORS AND THEIR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES WHO ARE MOSTLY ON FIXED INCOME.

WE WERE ABLE TO PROVIDE DIRECT FINANCIAL AID IN THE FORM OF A 19,269 SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFICIARIES.

WE STILL HAVE ANOTHER 1700 CHECKS .

I GUESS PEOPLE DON´T NEED THE MONEY.

NOW I KNOW THE ROLLOUT OF THIS PROGRAM PROVED EXTREMELY CHALLENGING, BUT THE PUBLIC INTEREST AND RESPONSE DEMONSTRATED AND WAS SEVERELY NEEDED.

WHEN YOU SEE OUR SENIOR 70, 80 YEARS OLD GOING TO STAND IN LINE IN THE HOT SUN, YOU KNOW THEY NEED THIS MONEY, AND THEY NOT ONLY NEEDED IT, BUT THEY DID NOT TAKE THIS CHECK AND PUT IT INTO SAVINGS.

THEY NEEDED IT FOR BASIC EVERYDAY NEEDS.

ALL THAT MONEY CAME RIGHT BACK INTO THE ECONOMY .

IT WAS A TIMELY DISTRIBUTION AS WE ENTER THE HOLIDAY SEASON SO THAT THOSE WHO RECEIVE THEM COULD AT LEAST PROVIDE SOMETHING TO THEM, AND A LITTLE BIT FOR THEIR FAMILY.

WE DID NOT STOP THERE.

WE PAID OUT 23.5 MILLION IN TWO PUBLIC SECTOR EMPLOYEES THAT KEPT OUR ECONOMY MOVING DURING THE PANDEMIC.

THIS LOCAL STIMULUS WAS SUPPLEMENTED BY ANOTHER 35 MILLION IN FEDERAL FUNDING DISPERSED THROUGH THE PANDEMIC EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE FUND , PANDEMIC ELECTRONIC AND IF IT´S TRANSFER AND A SNAP EMERGENCY ALLOTMENT.

ARMED WITH THIS INFLUX OF CASH THAT CONTINUES TO BE DISTRIBUTED TO THE PEOPLE AND BOLSTERED BY THE NUMEROUS PROGRAMS AND PROJECTS, THIS ADMINISTRATION HAS CHAMPIONED, I AM CONFIDENT THAT THE TERRITORY IS PREPARED FOR WHATEVER ECONOMIC CHALLENGES LIE AHEAD.

SO, HOW CAN I SAY OF PROMISE .

HOW CAN I MAKE SUCH A BOLD PRONOUNCEMENT?

THERE ARE HELP-WANTED SIGNS EVERYWHERE , AND JOBS FOR EVERY QUALIFIED VIRGIN ISLANDERS WHO REALLY WANTS ONE.

WE ARE OFFERING FREE COLLEGE EDUCATION AND FREE JOB TRAINING IN EVERY AREA YOU CAN THINK OF.

WE HAVE STRONG ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PLANNING IN PLACE.

WE ARE RECEIVING REGIONAL AND NATIONAL RECOGNITION FOR OUR POST-COVID ECONOMY .

BILLIONS OF DOLLARS ARE POURING IN TO AND INVESTED IN OUR INFRASTRUCTURE.

YES, THERE REMAINS MUCH WORK TO BE DONE, BUT WE CAN GET IT DONE IF WE DO IT TOGETHER.

I STAND HERE WILLING, READY, AND ABLE TO PUT IN THE WORK.

BUT, I NEED YOUR HELP , SO FRIENDS AND COLLEAGUES AND VIRGIN ISLANDERS, TONIGHT, I ASK, WILL YOU JOIN ME IN MOVING MORE PEOPLE OUT OF POVERTY?

WILL YOU JOIN ME IN CHAMPIONING A HEALTHIER COMMUNITY?

WILL YOU JOIN ME IN PURSUING A SAFE AND SECURE COMMUNITY WHERE YOUNG MEN AND WOMEN LIVE AS NEIGHBORS, AND NOT AS ENEMIES?

WILL YOU JOIN ME IN BUILDING A COMMUNITY THAT TRULY VALUES EDUCATION ?

WILL YOU JOIN ME IN HELPING OUR YOUNG PEOPLE ACHIEVE THEIR DREAMS OF HOMEOWNERSHIP ?

WILL YOU JOIN ME IN THE PURSUIT OF A VIRGIN ISLANDS THAT WE CAN ALL BE PROUD OF?

I ASK THESE QUESTIONS BECAUSE I KNOW THAT IF WE ARE UNIFIED IN OUR APPROACH TO CONFRONTING PROBLEMS AND IMPLEMENTING SOLUTIONS, WE WILL ACHIEVE LASTING SUCCESS AND SERVICE TO OUR PEOPLE AND REALIZE THE FULL CALL HOME.

IN THE WORDS OF THE LATE GOVERNOR, WE OWE IT TO OURSELVES TO CAPTURE AND PRESERVE FOR POSTERITY THOSE THINGS WHICH ARE THE ESSENCE OF WHAT WE ARE AND WHO WE HOPE TO BE.

VIRGIN ISLANDERS, JOIN ME AS WE EMBARK ON THIS JOURNEY.

GOD BLESS YOU.

GOD BLESS THE VIRGIN ISLANDS.

LOVE YOU.

>> THE GOVERNOR IS NOW MAKING HIS WAY OUT OF THE WELL OF THE LEGISLATOR, TRAINING SENATORS ON HIS WAY OUT AS HE DID ON HIS WAY IN.

GENTLEMEN, THAT SPEECH WAS ABOUT AN HOUR AND A HALF AND I SAW EACH OF YOU DILIGENTLY TAKING NOTES AS WE WENT THROUGH THE SPEECH.

WHAT WOULD YOU SAY ARE THE HIGHLIGHTS THAT STUCK OUT WITH YOU AND LISTENING TO THE GOVERNOR´S SPEECH?

>> AND HE WAS VERY TACTFUL IN HIS DELIVERY METHODS.

VERY THOUGHTFUL ABOUT THE ISSUES THAT PLAGUE OUR COMMUNITY BUT FOR ME, ONE THING THAT STUCK OUT WAS THE INFLATION RATE OF 6.6% OVER THE LAST FEW YEARS.

HE USED THE WORD HOPE, BUT WE NEED SOMETHING MORE CONCRETE OTHER THAN HOPE WHEN WE ARE AT THE GAS STATION PUMPS IN THE GROCERY STORES.

THE PRICE OF EGGS HAS TRIPLED ALMOST IN THE GROCERY STORES, SO WHEN YOU THINK ABOUT HOPE, LIKE I SAID EARLIER, WE NEED SOMETHING MORE CONCRETE.

WE STEP FORWARD TO WAPA.

FROM MY PERSONAL BACKGROUND AND PROCESS TECHNOLOGY I FEEL ONE OF THE ONLY WAYS WE CAN CHANGE IS TO CHANGE WHAT WE HAVE ON IT RIGHT NOW.

BASICALLY DIFFERENTIATE BETWEEN MANUFACTURING AND DISTRIBUTION OF POWER.

WHEN YOU INTERJECT COMPETITION INTO WAPA, YOU WILL SEE THAT WE ARE ABLE TO SOLVE THAT PROBLEM.

>> BUT, THAT WAS ONE AREA THAT THE GOVERNMENT MADE AN ILLICIT PROMISE.

HE SAID I DON´T MAKE PROMISES TYPICALLY BUT I´M GOING TO PROMISE THE PEOPLE OF THE TERRITORIES THAT I´M GOING TO FIX WAPA.

LET ME COME OVER HERE.

LUCY, WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT THAT DECLARATION THE GOVERNOR MADE?

>> I THINK IT WAS A BIG JUMP OFF A CLIFF.

THIS IS A REALLY IMPORTANT ISSUE NOT ONLY TO THE SURVIVAL THE ECONOMY ITSELF SAYS HE WAS SPEAKING ABOUT INFLATION AND ONE OF THE THINGS THAT POPPED UP IN MY MIND BECAUSE JUST RECENTLY I WENT TO A GROCERY STORE TO PICK UP A PRODUCT .

YOU GET TO THE CASH REGISTER, THEY SCAN IT ON THE REGISTER, THE PRICE DID NOT COME UP AND SHE YELLED HOW MUCH IS THIS.

HE SAID THREE DOLLARS AND I´M FINDING BECAUSE THE LACK OF ENFORCEMENT AND REGULATION OF THE BUSINESSES THROUGHOUT THE COMMUNITY, THE GROCERY STORES THAT ARE RAISING PRICES EVERY WEEK ON A SINGLE PRODUCT .

THIS IS A RESPONSIBILITY OF OUR LICENSING AND CONSUMER AFFAIRS.

WE DON´T SEE THEM HAVING THE TYPE OF MANPOWER NECESSARY TO REGULATE, TO MANAGE AND ENSURE --RIGHT NOW GAS PRICES.

THE PRICE OF GAS HAS GONE UP THROUGHOUT THE UNITED STATES.

TWO DAYS AFTER THE ANNOUNCEMENT THEY RAISE THE PRICE OF GAS WITHOUT EMPTYING THE TANKS THEY ALREADY HAVE THEY RAISE THE PRICE OF GAS AND THAT IS BECAUSE WE ARE NOT STRINGENT IN ENFORCING WHAT EXISTS AS A REGULATORY BODY, SO IN REGARD TO WAPA, I DON´T MEAN TO SIMPLY SAY WE ARE JUMPING OFF A CLIFF BUT I THINK IT REQUIRES SOME CONCRETE BUILDING STEPS OF HOW ARE WE GOING TO GET THERE IN THE NEXT FOUR YEARS.

HE PROMISED IN FOUR YEARS IS GOING TO MAKE THAT HIS NUMBER ONE PRIORITY.

>> I SAW THAT YOU TOOK EXTENSIVE NOTES THROUGHOUT THE SPEECH AND STARTED OUT BY TALKING OUT THE GROWING GAP BETWEEN THE HAVES AND THE HAVE- COMING IN WITH THE VIEW THAT YOU HAVE AND SEEING WHAT THE GOVERNMENT HAS PRESENTED, WHAT IS YOUR TAKE ON THIS EVENING?

>> SEVERAL THINGS.

ONE, I UNDERSTAND AND AGREE WITH SOME OF THE THINGS HE IS TRYING TO DO, THE CONSTRUCTION, RINGING IN JOBS.

I AGREE THAT HELPS BUT I AM TALKING ABOUT THE ACTUAL GROWING OF OUR COMMUNITY.

WE TALK ABOUT HOUSING BUT YOU CAN GO TO ATLANTA.

YOU GET A HOUSE IN A WEEKS TIME.

YOU CAN´T DO THAT HERE.

HIS STRATEGY HAS TO BE MORE THAN JUST THAT.

THE BANK IS A PROBLEM.

THE BANK HAS A MAJOR ROLE IN IT AND WE ARE NOT DOING THAT IS THE LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR´S JOB.

THE FACT IS THAT IF YOU GO BACK INTO TIME, OR PEOPLE WERE ABLE TO GET LOANS FROM THE BANK.

DAVID ASSISTED LOCALS.

WE DON´T HAVE THAT.

THE BANKS ARE CONTROLLED BY PUERTO RICO, AND THE PERSON MAKING THE DECISION [INDISCERNIBLE] SOMETHING IS WRONG WITH THAT PICTURE.

>> I THINK WAPA NEEDS --WE NEED TO HAVE A SET OF CONTRACT ATTORNEYS TO OVERHAUL THE CONTRACT WITH WHOPPER.

THERE ARE SOME OTHER WATER CONTRACTS.

>> THE GOVERNOR DID MENTION RECTIFYING THE TERMS.

>> YES BUT WE NEED TO HIRE THESE PEOPLE BECAUSE [INDISCERNIBLE] THEY HAVE US HAMSTRINGS AND THAT IS THE BEGINNING OF THE PROBLEM AND AS WE DO THAT [INDISCERNIBLE].

>> FOR THE VIEWING AUDIENCE WE GOING TO HAVE LIVE FEEDBACK FROM THE LEGISLATURE.

DELEGATES, WELCOME TO THE PROGRAM.

>> YES, HI, GOOD EVENING.

HOW ARE YOU ALL?

>> WE ARE DOING FANTASTIC.

THANK YOU FOR JOINING US.

I AM GOING TO LINEUP YOUR FIRST QUESTION FROM SENATOR ROSEVELT DAVIS.

>> SENATOR, HOW ARE YOU DOING , SIR?

>> FANTASTIC.

I´M GOING TO ASK YOU THIS.

ARE WE GOING TO BE ABLE TO RESOLVE [INDISCERNIBLE] SO THAT AFTER THE CONSIGNMENT WERE GOING TO GET THE MONEY PAID RETROACTIVELY?

>> HE´S TALKING ABOUT THE 1350 RATE BEING USED IN THE LEGISLATION THAT -- >> UNFORTUNATELY, THERE WERE WERE UTILIZED IN THIS LAST CONGRESS, AND SO WE WILL BE WORKING ALONG WITH OTHER INDIVIDUALS WHO RELY ON THAT TAX EXTENDER TO TRY AND GET IT INTO ANY APPROPRIATION THAT COMES UP IN THE UPCOMING YEAR.

WE KNOW THAT PUERTO RICO, AS WELL, RELIES HEAVILY ON THE ROME COVER A AND THERE HAS BEEN INSTANCES IN THE PAST FOR THE USE OF THE 1325 HAD TO BE RETROACTIVELY APPLIED TO YEARS PRIOR WHEN THE LEGISLATION HAD DIED, SO WE ARE LOOKING TO THAT, OF COURSE , AT THE SAME TIME CONTINUING TO WORK FOR ITS PERMANENCY SO THAT THE GOVERNMENT OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS CAN YOU DO IT USE IT TO BUDGET APPROPRIATE MOVING FORWARD.

>> DELEGATE, GOOD EVENING.

YOU JUST TOUCHED ON ONE QUESTION I HAD, BUT MY QUESTION IS NOW THAT CONGRESS HAS CHANGED UP SO MUCH, WHAT ARE YOUR EXPECTATIONS AND HOW DO THE VIRGIN ISLANDS FIT INTO THIS MEASURE WITH THE HOUSE GOING REPUBLICAN?

HOW DO YOU SEE THAT IN TERMS OF WHAT IT BENEFITS US OR WHAT PROBLEMS WE MAY HAVE?

>> OF COURSE WE KNOW THAT WITH A REPUBLICAN HOUSE AND A DEMOCRATIC SENATE AND A DEMOCRATIC PRESIDENT, THERE WILL BE A DIVIDED CONGRESS AND DIVIDED LEGISLATION, WHICH OF COURSE , IF REPUBLICANS ARE TO PASS MEASURES IN THE HOUSE, THEY MAY NOT PASS IN THE SENATE, OR ULTIMATELY ARE VETOED BY THE PRESIDENT, SO WE DON´T , UNFORTUNATELY, LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING MUCH LEGISLATION BEING PASSED IN THIS UPCOMING CONGRESS.

MY OFFICE HAS ALREADY BEEN IN PREPARATION TO PIVOT TO THE ADMINISTRATION.

WE STILL HAVE A DEMOCRATIC PRESIDENT FOR ANOTHER TWO YEARS AND ENSURING THAT ALL OF THE MONEY THAT HAS BEEN APPROPRIATED ACTUALLY GETS OBLIGATED AND DRAWN DOWN BY THE GOVERNMENT OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS.

YOU KNOW, YOU HEARD THE GOVERNOR IN HIS OWN SPEECH TALK ABOUT THE $12 BILLION THAT HAVE BEEN APPROPRIATED AS WELL AS OTHER FUNDING THAT OUR OFFICE WAS ABLE TO SECURE , THE $541 MILLION THROUGH ARPA FUNDING, THE $230 MILLION THAT IS GOING TO THE SCHOOLS THAT IS BEEN APPROPRIATED TO THE SCHOOLS.

THE DISASTER LOAN BEING FORGIVEN OF 300 MILLION ALONG WITH OTHER MONEY.

THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT IN CONCERT WITH THE FEDERAL BIDEN ADMINISTRATION ACTUALLY RELEASES THAT FUNNY AND THAT MONEY GETS ON THE GROUNDS OF THE PEOPLE OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS CAN ENJOY IT.

>> YOUR NEXT QUESTION IS GOING TO COME FROM SENATOR LUCY RICHARDS.

I WOULD LIKE TO KEEP ON TRACK OF THE DISCUSSION YOU ARE HAVING WITH SENATOR LIBURD.

CAN YOU GIVE US AN UPDATE ON THE MANDATE IN WHICH THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT IS LOOKING AT THE TERRITORY IN REGARDS TO NOT ONLY DRAWING DOWN FEDERAL FUNDS.

I HAVE SEEN A LOT OF FUNDS BEING DRAWN DOWN , BUT IT SEEMS AN UNSURMOUNTABLE MOUNTAIN OF NO EXPENDITURES, NO SPENDING THESE FUNDS.

HAS THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT GIVEN YOU ANY UPDATE ?

HAS THE GOVERNOR SPOKEN TO YOU IN REGARD TO THE ACTUAL PLAN IN MAKING SURE WE DISBURSE AND WE SPEND THESE MONIES?

A GOOD EXAMPLE OF THAT IS THE WELFARE PROGRAM THAT WAS UNDER THE HOUSING AND FINANCE AUTHORITY.

BASED ON WHERE YOU SIT, IS THERE ANYTHING YOU COULD SAY TO US IN REGARDS TO THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT´S PASSING -- >> SURE.

THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AND PARTICULARLY THE ADMINISTRATION IS BEEN SOMEWHAT FRUSTRATED AND THE DELAY WILL OF OUR ABILITY TO DRAW DOWN THAT FUNDING.

THERE HAS BEEN CAPACITY ISSUES IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS.

WE HAVE NEVER HAD THIS PROPORTION OF FUNDING.

THIS IS EXPONENTIAL IN TERMS OF WHAT WE HAVE USED IN THE PAST.

AS THE GOVERNOR STATED , THE MONEY WE HAVE BUILT IN IS NOT JUST TO BUILD AS WE WERE, BUT TO TRANSFORM THE TERRITORY AND THAT IS NOT SOMETHING THAT HAS BEEN DONE IN THE PAST.

I AM HOPING TO WORK WITH THE GOVERNOR TO ASSIST HIM .

I HAVE REQUESTED THE PLAN THAT HE HAS, ESPECIALLY FOR THE ROOFING PROGRAM.

THAT HAS BEEN A THORN FOR SO MANY OF US WHO CARE ABOUT THE SAFETY AND HOMES OF SO MANY PROGRAM TO ACTUALLY GET ROUTES DONE, GET THE REBUILDING DONE.

WE WILL BE PRESSING THE GOVERNOR AND HIS ADMINISTRATION FOR THE PLAN TO SEE IF THEY HAVE ACTUALLY EXECUTED ON THAT, AND ALSO TO ASSIST THEM.

YOU KNOW, THIS IS NOT JUST TO SAY WHERE IS THE MONEY, BUT ASK WHAT IS THE PLAN, AND WHAT ARE YOUR CHALLENGES SO THAT OUR OFFICE CAN BE SUPPORTIVE WITH THE ADMINISTRATION THAT WHERE WE HAVE GREAT FRIENDS TO MAKE SURE THEY GET THE SUPPORT THEY NEED.

>> WE HAVE ONE LAST QUESTION FROM OUR FINAL PANELS, MR. DENNIS LYNCH II.

>> GOOD EVENING.

STAYING ON THE TOPIC OF THE FINANCIAL OBJECTS FOR THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT.

I HEARD YOU MENTIONED THAT YOU FORESEE A GAP IN LEGISLATION.

DO YOU FEEL AS IF WE ARE ON THE RIGHT TRAJECTORY, BEING THAT WE HAVE SO MUCH MONEY COMING INTO THE TERRITORY?

DO YOU SEE THAT BEING SUCCESSFUL IN THE NEXT FOUR YEARS?

>> I THINK THE GOVERNOR´S PLAN IS AMBITIOUS, BUT WE HAVE TO SHOOT FOR THAT AMBITIOUS PLAN HE HAS OUTLINED FOR US AND IF WE ARE ALL WORKING TOGETHER, WE CAN GET THIS DONE.

I THINK WE HAVE THE FUNDING.

I THINK WHAT HE IS REQUESTING AND THE IDEAS THAT HAVE BEEN PRESENTED, THE REBUILDING OF OUR SCHOOLS, OUR HOSPITALS, OUR ROADS TO CREATE FUNDING FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING FOR FAMILIES AND HAVE ECONOMIC INJECTION ARE NECESSITIES FOR THE VIRGIN ISLANDS, AND THEREFORE I CAN´T SEE ANY OF THE MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATURE OR MY OFFICE NOT BEING SUPPORTIVE OF HOW HE CAN GET THAT DONE.

WE HAVE THE MONEY, WE HAVE THE MISSION.

NOW WE HAVE TO PUT IN THE SWEAT EQUITY TO MAKE SURE IT HAPPENS.

>> REAL QUICKLY, YOU WERE HIGHLIGHTED IN THE WORK THAT YOUR OFFICE HAS DONE SEVERAL TIMES IN THE GOVERNOR´S SPEECH THIS EVENING.

JUST TO WRAP UP BRIEFLY, TELL US YOUR TAKE ON WHAT YOU HAVE HEARD THIS EVENING, AND WHAT YOU LOOK FORWARD TO FOR THIS NEXT TERM IN CONGRESS.

>> I WAS GRATEFUL TO THE GOVERNOR FOR RECOGNIZING THE WORK THAT MY STAFF AND I DO ON A REGULAR BASIS.

IT IS NOT EASY TO OF BEEN A MEMBER OF A TERRITORY AND TO GET THOSE MEASURES PASSED, BUT I THINK WE HAVE DONE THE GROUNDWORK TO DO THAT AND CONTINUE TO DO THAT ON BOTH SIDES OF THE AISLE.

WE HAVE A MEASURE OF RESPECT FROM ALL MEMBERS.

YOU KNOW, I LOOK AT THE HIGHLIGHTS THAT THE GOVERNOR HAS BROUGHT UP WITH HIS VISION MOVING FORWARD, HIS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.

WE ARE ABSOLUTELY SUPPORTIVE OF THAT AND SOMETHING THAT I CAME TO CONGRESS TALKING ABOUT WAS HOW DO WE EXPAND AND DIVERSIFY I AM PARTICULARLY INTERESTED IN THE GOVERNOR´S DISCUSSIONS ABOUT WAPA AND HOW OUR OFFICE CAN SUPPORT THAT, AS WELL.

WORKING WITH THE LEADERSHIP OF WAPA, WE WANT TO ADVANCE DIVERSIFICATION, NOT ONLY OUR ENERGY SYSTEM, BUT TO MAKE IT AFFORDABLE FOR FAMILIES AND HOMES AS WELL AS ENSURING THAT BUSINESSES CAN DO BUSINESS HERE SO OUR OFFICE IS GOING TO BE WORKING VERY CLOSELY WITH THE BIDEN ADMINISTRATION FOR THE NEXT TWO YEARS TO SUPPORT THE WORK THAT I´LL ADMINISTRATION AND MAKE SURE THAT THE MONEY GETS ON THE GROUND WORKING WITH THE GOVERNOR AND THE NEWLY ELECTED 35th LEGISLATURE, AND I THINK YOU KNOW, I HAVE A MEASURE OF SENIORITY NOW, NOT ONLY IN CONGRESS BUT ONE OF THE MORE SENIOR ELECTED PEOPLE HERE IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS WITH THE EXPERIENCE AND MATURITY TO PROVIDE GUIDANCE, LEADERSHIP AND SUPPORT THAT WE ARE CALLED UPON FOR.

>> THANK YOU, DELEGATES, FOR SPENDING TIME WITH US THIS >> AS THANK YOU, AND YOU LOOK LOVELY.

GIVE YOU A SHOUT OUT ON THAT.

>> THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

WE JUST HEARD FROM OUR DELEGATES IN CONGRESS .

PEOPLE WERE ASKING WHEN THEY CALLED IN ABOUT YOUR TAKES.

>> I´M PLEASED THAT YOU CALLED AND I THOUGHT MY COLLEAGUES WOULD´VE JUST TAKEN US AWAY.

I HAVE GOT TO SAY TO YOU THAT I WAS TREMENDOUSLY IMPRESSED OF THAT WITHIN AN HOUR AND HALF THAT THE GOVERNMENT COULD´VE CONDENSED SO MANY THINGS IN HIS SPEECH ESPECIALLY THAT IS GOING TO FIX WAPA PRETTY TOUCHED ON HOUSING, CRIME, EDUCATION, HE TOUCHED ON EVERYTHING YOU CAN THINK ABOUT.

I DON´T THINK I WANTED TO BE HERE TO HEAR MORE SPECIFICS BECAUSE HE POINTED TO SO MANY SO I THINK HE HAS OVER PERFORMED .

HE CERTAINLY HAS OVER PERFORMED AND SO WE ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO THE REAL FIX OF WAPA.

100% ON ST. CROIX WITH A COST OF $0.13 TO $0.15 PER KILOWATT HOUR.

WAPA COULD SET IT BACK TO THE CONSUMER FACILITY.

THAT IS A SIGNIFICANT REDUCTION IN THE COST OF ELECTRICITY , AND THAT IS HAPPENING.

IT IS HAPPENING ON ST. THOMAS, IT IS HAPPENING ON ST. JOHN AND IT IS REAL.

IT IS REAL BECAUSE YOU DON´T HAVE TO DEPEND ON GOVERNMENT FOR A DIME.

PRIVATE INVESTORS ARE COMING IN TO DO THIS.

THEY KNOW HOW TO DO IT.

THEY HAVE DONE IT BEFORE AND ELSEWHERE, AND ALL THEY NEED IS AN OPPORTUNITY TO HELP THE PEOPLE OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS.

THE GOVERNOR RECOGNIZES THIS AND SUPPORTED IT AND HE MADE MENTION OF IT THERE .

THAT IS 50 TO 100% OF SOLAR FARM POWER IN ST. CROIX AND ST. THOMAS SO THOSE ARE SOME OF THE FIXES I AM IMPRESSED WITH, AND THE MONEY CIRCULATION.

>> HAVING AN OPERATIONAL BACKGROUND, THE GOVERNOR DID GET VERY SPECIFIC.

HE MENTIONED MORE FUEL EFFICIENT GENERATORS THAT WILL BE IN PLACE AND THEN THE SOLAR PROPOSAL WITH A LOWER COST PER KILOWATT HOUR IN THE AMOUNT OF GENERATION WE ARE LOOKING AT, PARTICULARLY FOR THE ISLANDS OF ST. CROIX.

AND OF COURSE, THE RENEGOTIATION HE TALKED ABOUT.

DO YOU THINK A COMBINATION OF ITEMS IS WHAT IS NECESSARY FOR THE WAPA FIX?

>> I FEEL IT IS A GOOD START.

THERE ARE OTHER RESOURCES THAT COULD BE DEALT OUT .

FOR EXAMPLE , YOU HAVE SEMI AUTONOMOUS AGENCIES THAT NEED TO FIGURE OUT A WAY TO DRAW REVENUE.

WE ARE RELYING TOO MUCH ON GOVERNMENT AND IT IS CRIPPLED AGENCIES LIKE WAPA, SO WHEN YOU SPEAK ABOUT SOLAR FARMS OR BUYING A NEW GENERATOR, YES, IT MAY BE IMPRESSIVE BUT WE HAVE TECHNOLOGY WE ARE NOT UTILIZING SUCH AS WAVE ENERGY.

WE HAVE WAPA RIGHT ACROSS THE WATER.

THAT IS SOMETHING WE COULD BE DOING VERY EASILY.

WE HAVE TRADEWINDS THAT WE DON´T UTILIZE EFFECTIVELY SO IF WE HAVE MORE THAN TWO OR THREE RESOURCES THAT COULD DEFINITELY DROP THE KILOWATT COST.

WE NEED TO SEEK THESE RESOURCES >> LUCY, ONE OF THE TENANTS OF THE GOVERNOR´S SPEECH THAT HE SPOKE EXTENSIVELY ABOUT WAS HIS OBLIGATION TO THE RETIREES OF THE TERRITORY, AND I THINK IF WE STUDY THE CAMPAIGN, WE SAW THAT THE GRS FIX WAS A BIT THING BUT THESE RETROACTIVE PAYMENTS HE TALKED ABOUT WAS NOT JUST A CAMPAIGN PROMISE BUT HE HAS BUDGETED 25 MILLION TO BE DISPERSED EACH YEAR AND I THINK FOR THE NEXT FIVE YEARS UNTIL THE HUNDRED AND $35 MILLION OBLIGATION IS PAID DOWN.

WHAT IMPACT DO YOU THINK THAT IS ACTUALLY HAD ON THE TERRITORY, AND DO YOU THINK THAT THE SENIORS IN THE TERRITORY BELIEVED IT TO BE SOMETHING THAT WILL ACTUALLY COME TO FRUITION FINALLY AFTER PLAGUING OUR GOVERNMENT FOR SO LONG.

>> I WANT TO BEGIN BY SAYING WHAT WAS THERE WHEN WE PUT TOGETHER THE RETRO LEGISLATION AND WE TOOK SOME MONEY FROM THE INSURANCE GUARANTEE FUND AND INDIVIDUALS WERE BEATING US TO DEATH BUT WHEN YOU ARE AN OUTSTANDING OBLIGATION , THE NUMBER ONE THING IS TO TRY TO REDUCE THAT DEBT AND THAT WOULD BE THE FIRST STEP FORWARD.

THERE ARE STILL SOME SEGMENTS OF THE COMMUNITY , PARTICULARLY INDIVIDUALS , WHO ARE AWAITING THE SURVIVOR BENEFIT FROM THIS RETRO PAYMENT THAT WAS SUPPOSED TO ARRIVE BEFORE DECEMBER AND THAT HAS NOT COME TO FRUITION .

IT´S GOOD THAT A COMMITMENT IS BEING MADE TO PAY THAT DEBT DOWN SO INDIVIDUALS WILL THESE RESTAURANTS HAVE WAGES THAT ARE PART OF UNION NEGOTIATED AGREEMENTS AND THEN , I WANTED TO DOUBLE BACK TO WHAT SENATOR LIBURD SPOKE ABOUT AND I KEEP REFERRING TO THESE ITEMS AS REGULATORY FUNCTIONS BY THE OFFICE OF THE LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR.

HE WAS GIVING KUDOS TO FORMER SENATOR DAVID ABOUT WHAT HE DID AS A BANKER.

THE FACT IS IT IS A LAW, THE COMMUNITY REINVESTMENT ACT REQUIRED BANKS TO REINVEST INTO THE COMMUNITY A CERTAIN AMOUNT OF THE PORTFOLIO AND THAT HAS NOT BEEN HAPPENING OVER THE PAST DECADE SO WHEN WE LOOK AT BEING OPERATED OUT OF PUERTO RICO , WHEN YOU GET THE CHECK SOMETIMES YOU GO TO THAT BANK THEY ASK YOU IF YOU HAVE AN ACCOUNT THERE.

[INDISCERNIBLE] >> WE´RE TALKING ABOUT THE MANDATE TO REINVEST BUT WHO MONITORS THAT?

THE TENANT GOVERNOR BANKING AND INSURANCE SO I DON´T THINK THESE MECHANISMS THAT ARE BEING IMPLEMENTED.

ANNOUNCING THAT ALL THESE PEOPLE´S RECORDS WERE BREACHED.

I SPENT ALMOST A DECADE TALKING ABOUT THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THESE PRIVATE ENTREPRENEURS TO INFORM PERSONS WHO ARE HOLDING ACCOUNTS THAT THERE HAS BEEN A BREACH IN THE SYSTEM.

THIS HAPPENED BACK IN SOMETIME LAST YEAR.

THE ONLY WAY IS THAT THEY HAD TO REPORT IT TO THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATION COMMISSION, THAT THERE WAS A BREACH OF SOME 20 MILLION .

[INDISCERNIBLE] >> MY POINT IS THAT WE CANNOT WITH NO ENFORCEMENT, NO REGULATORY FUNCTION AND TRYING TO CREATE THESE NEW ENTITIES.

ONE OF THE THINGS WAS A LACK OF SKILLED WORKERS.

THIS YEAR AGAIN, A YEAR LATER, WHAT ARE WE DOING WITH A PIECE OF PROPERTY THAT IS OWNED BY THE GOVERNMENT THAT WE PURCHASED FOR THE VOCATIONAL SCHOOL USED TO BE?

WHAT IS THE FUNCTIONAL ROLE OF THE VOCATIONAL DEPARTMENT OR SECTION OR CENTER HIGHWAY ?

WHAT ARE WE DOING TO PREPARE THE STUDENTS INTO THESE POSITIONS TO BE ABLE TO GET SOME WORK FROM THESE MULTIMILLION OWNER CONTRACTORS THAT ARE NOT GETTING OUT OF THE JOB.

WE HAD A COUPLE THAT CAME HERE AND I´M NOT CALLING ANY NAMES BUT THE CREDIT COMPANY IS THE ONLY COMPANY NOW.

>> I WAS GOING TO COME TO YOU, SENATOR LIBURD.

I NOTICED THAT ST. JOHN WAS NOT MENTIONED SPECIFICALLY IN THIS SPEECH, AND I NOTICED STICKING OUT TO VIRGIN ISLANDERS.

>> I WENT OVER IT TWO OR THREE TIMES BECAUSE YOU JUST MENTIONED BRIEFLY HE´S GOING TO DO SOME ROAD PAVEMENT ET CETERA, BUT ST. JOHN IS IN NEED LIKE EVERY OTHER ISLAND AND THE REALITY IS THAT THE JOB OPPORTUNITIES THERE ARE MINIMAL WE USED TO HAVE A WESTIN HOTEL.

WE HAVE A TIMESHARE NOW.

THERE USED TO BE A A BAY WHERE WE WORKED.

THE PEOPLE WHO WORKED IN THE GOVERNMENT, THEY USE TO HAVE PART-TIME JOBS TO BE ABLE TO TAKE CARE OF FAMILIES IN THE SCHOOL , TO BUY A PIECE OF PROPERTY.

THE COST OF LIVING IN ST. JOHN IS RIDICULOUSLY HIGH, AND SO EVERY TIME THERE IS SOME ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY IN THE ISLANDS, IT HELPS THOSE PEOPLE.

WHAT IS HAPPENING NOW IS THAT OLD PEOPLE ARE LEAVING BECAUSE THEY CAN´T LIVE THERE NO MORE.

THEY CAN´T MAKE IT, SO THEY HAVE TO LEAVE TO GO SOMEWHERE ELSE, SO WE NEED TO FIND WAYS TO KEEP THEM THERE.

HE WAS TALKING ABOUT DAVID.

HE IS AN ADMINISTRATION MAN, YOU KNOW, THE TRUTH IS THIS.

I REMEMBER AS A YOUNGSTER GROWING UP THERE BECAUSE HE IS TO LIVE THERE AND WAS A BANKER THERE AND WHAT WAS GOOD ABOUT WHAT HE DID , HE WAS ABLE TO LOOK AT A CITIZEN --I WAS A TEACHER AT THE TIME --BUT YOU KNOW WHAT HE SAID?

A LOT OF US PEOPLE ARE BLACK PEOPLE IN PARTICULAR.

WE HAVE ISSUES WITH CREDIT.

WHEN YOU HAVE A BANKER IN THE COMMUNITY , THEY KNOW WHO YOU ARE AND THESE GUYS WERE ABLE TO SAY --I REMEMBER THEY SAID TO ME LISTEN, YOU DON´T MEET THE DEBT RATIO.

BUT I KNOW YOU ARE A TEACHER HERE AND I KNOW YOU WANT THIS PLACE AND YOU WANT A BETTER HOUSE SO I´M GOING TO LET YOU HAVE IT.

WE NEED SOME PEOPLE -- SOMETIMES PEOPLE NEED HELP ALONG THE WAY.

TODAY YOU COME BACK FROM SCHOOL.

SOMETIMES YOU NEED OPPORTUNITY, YOU KNOW, AND YOU DON´T HAVE THAT.

>> I WAS GOING TO COME DUE NEXT.

YOU KNOW, YOU´RE REPRESENTING THE ADMINISTRATION ON THE PANEL AND YOU KNOW, WE DO THAT IN THE INTEREST OF OPEN DISCLOSURE AND THAT IS ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY, I THINK, THAT THE STATION DO THAT BUT GETTING BACK TO THE POINT THAT HE WAS MAKING AND THE POINT THAT SENATOR RICHARDS MADE ABOUT THE FIDUCIARY RESPONSIBILITY THAT THE ADMINISTRATION HAS TO ENFORCE THINGS LIKE PRICES AT GAS STATIONS, THESE ARE THINGS THAT VIRGIN ISLANDERS SEE DAY IN AND DAY OUT.

WE CANNOT AVOID IT.

AT GROCERY STORES RIGHT NOW, WHAT IS HAPPENING .

HOW CAN THE ADMINISTRATION TIGHTEN THOSE THINGS UP?

THE BANKS AND THE REINVESTMENT INTO COMMUNITIES, HOW DOES THE GOVERNOR DIRECT HIS CABINET TO TIGHTEN THOSE ISSUES UP?

>> LET ME TOUCH ON THE BANKING SITUATION BECAUSE A LOT OF BANKERS DON´T SEEM TO UNDERSTAND TODAY THAT BANKING IS ABOUT PEOPLE.

YOU DON´T REALLY NEED TO REGULATE HOW THEY GET THE LOAN OR WHAT HAVE YOU.

IT IS ABOUT KNOWING YOUR PEOPLE.

YOU KNOW WHO THESE PEOPLE ARE.

WHERE THEY LIVE, THEY´RE GOING TO PAY, YOU CAN FIND THEM.

IF THEY MISS A PAYMENT OR TWO, IN THE END, THEY PAY.

>> JUST RECENTLY, THE GOVERNMENT OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO APPROVE THE BUSINESS FOR THE LARGEST CRYPTOCURRENCY COMPANY IN THE WORLD.

PROBABLY ONE OF THE BEST REGULATED EXCHANGES, AND WE TOLD THEM NO AND I WAS SHOCKED, AND THE REASON GIVEN WAS BECAUSE THE INDUSTRY IS NOT REGULATED.

THAT IS FOR SHORT TERM.

THE DEPARTMENT OF TREASURY RIGHT NOW IS TESTING ITS OWN U.S. CRYPTOCURRENCY.

COUNTRIES AROUND THE WORLD ARE MOVING IN THIS DIRECTION.

HERE WE HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO JUMP LEAPS AND BOUNDS BY INVITING THE BIGGEST EXCHANGE IN THE WORLD TO OUR TERRITORY AND WE SAID NO TO THEM.

>> I UNDERSTAND THAT.

BUT ROCKY MADE A GOOD POINT WHEN HE TALKED ABOUT CAN YOU BE.

CAN YOU BE ONE OF THE INSTITUTIONS?

IN THESE GOVERNORS VERY SUPPORTIVE OF COMING BACK THE WAY IT USED TO BE IN THE NATIONAL PACT IS ON POWER WITH THAT SO THEY´RE WORKING IN TANDEM TO MAKE SURE THAT HAPPENS THROUGH MORE JOB CREATION AND WHAT HAVE YOU AND THEN THE ROAD CONSTRUCTION AND PAVING.

IT CREATES JOBS AND MONEY CIRCULATES IN THE ECONOMY IS BUILT ON THAT REALLY, AND SO YOU´RE GOING TO FIND THAT IN THE GOVERNOR´S SPEECH , IN ST. JOHN A NUMBER OF THEM HAVE THEIR PERMITS APPROVED SO THEY´RE GOING TO START THEIR OWN BUSINESS AND THAT IS FOR THEIR GOING TO BE AUGMENTING GOVERNMENT AND TO SEE THE GAP CLOSED BECAUSE ST. JOHN IS A PLACE FOR PRICES ARE OUT OF WHACK.

>> WE HAVE SENATE PRESIDENT NOVELLE FRANCIS ON THE LINE.

SENATOR, GOOD EVENING AND THANK YOU FOR JOINING US.

>> GOOD EVENING.

WE HAVE ON OUR PANEL MR. DENNIS LYNCH AND I´M GOING TO START WITH A QUESTION FROM HIM DIRECTLY TO YOU.

>> GOOD EVENING, SENATOR FRANCIS.

HOW ARE YOU DOING?

>> I´M DOING FINE.

HOW ARE YOU?

>> I AM WELL.

THANK YOU FOR ASKING.

I MIGHT START OUT WITH A DIFFICULT ONE, BUT I KNOW YOU CAN HANDLE IT.

THE GOVERNOR MENTIONED CRADLE TO CAREER AND HIS SPEECH IN TERMS OF EDUCATION AND IT IS A LOT OF FREE INCENTIVES IN TERMS OF EDUCATION BEING BROUGHT TO THE U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS.

HOW DO YOU FEEL IN TERMS OF THE QUALITY OF EDUCATION BEING PROVIDED THAT WILL CLOSE THE GAP OF HAVING SKILLED WORKERS AND ALSO BEING ABLE TO TURN OVER A LOT OF CERTIFIED INDIVIDUALS IN OUR COMMUNITY?

>> I HAD A LITTLE DIFFICULTY HEARING YOU, BUT IF I UNDERSTOOD WHAT YOU´RE SAYING, IT IS IN REGARDS TO THE CRADLE TO CAREER EDUCATION.

I BELIEVE THAT EDUCATION CONTINUES TO PRESENT SOME GOOD OPPORTUNITIES.

WE ARE PAVING THE WAY TO MAKE SURE EDUCATION IS FREE AND ACCESSIBLE AND THAT THE QUALITY OF EDUCATIONAL IMPROVEMENT WILL OCCUR WITH ALL HANDS ON DECK.

THE FACT THAT TEACHERS ARE BEING ADEQUATELY COMPENSATED IS A GOOD START.

WE WANT TO MAKE SURE WE ARE CREATING AN ENVIRONMENT THAT IS CONDUCIVE TO LEARN, AS WELL.

YOU KNOW, THE ISSUE THE GOVERNOR SPOKE ABOUT, THE AFTER SCHOOL --I THINK THAT IS CRITICAL.

A LOT OF TIMES STUDENTS ARE NOT --THEY ARE NOT GETTING ENOUGH TIME --SPENDING ENOUGH TIME IN A PARTICULAR SUBJECT AND REQUIRE SOME ADDITIONAL ATTENTION AFTER SCHOOL SO I BELIEVE THAT INVESTMENT IN THE AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAMS COULD CERTAINLY BE BENEFICIAL TO STUDENTS AND THERE MUST BE A LEVEL OF COMMITMENT TO ALL STUDENTS BECAUSE WE ARE SEEING SOME THAT ARE EXTREMELY SUCCESSFUL.

THEY ARE ABLE TO GO ON AND FURTHER THEIR CAREER AND THEIR EDUCATION.

OTHERS REQUIRE SOME REMEDIAL TRAINING AND AS A LEGISLATIVE BODY WE HAVE BEEN SUPPORTING THAT BRIDGE PROGRAM TO ALLOW FOR THE TREND BUT EDUCATION IS THE KEY AND REALLY NEEDS TO BE PRIORITIZED BY THIS ADMINISTRATION AND GOVERNMENT.

>> JUST TO PIGGYBACK OFF THE QUESTION MR. LYNCH JUST ASKED YOU, WE HAVE SEEN THAT ARE STANDARDIZED TEST SCORES IN MATH AND READING ARE WOEFULLY UNDER THE MATH NATIONAL AVERAGE.

THERE IS UNDERPERFORMANCE BY OUR STUDENTS AT LEVELS LIKE 85% IN MATH AND READING.

ONE OF THE THINGS I WAS HOPING TO HEAR WAS THE GOVERNOR ADDRESS SPECIFICALLY HOW DO WE IMPROVE THOSE TEST SCORES BECAUSE EVEN WITH ALL THE INCENTIVES AND TEACHERS GETTING PAID, WE STILL HAVE STUDENTS UNDERPERFORMING INTO ME, THERE JUST IS NOT A LARGE ENOUGH EMPHASIS ON THE STRATEGIC PLAN THAT IDENTIFIES STEP-BY-STEP HOW WE ARE GOING TO RAISE THOSE SCORES FOR OUR STUDENTS.

DO YOU HAVE ANY INSIGHT ON THAT AT ALL?

>> I KNOW THE BOARD OF EDUCATION AS WELL AS THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION HAS BEEN DISCUSSING HOW THEY ARE ABLE TO ADDRESS OCCURS THROUGHOUT THE SCHOOL AND THAT IS WHY I BELIEVE THAT RECOGNIZING WHERE WE ARE AT AND HAVING THAT BASELINE ALREADY WORKING TOWARD PROVIDING INCENTIVES IN THE TRAINING OF STUDENTS IS CRITICAL AS WE MOVE FORWARD.

CLARITY ABOUT THE TEST SCORES , PREPARATION IS BEING MADE FOR THEM TO TAKE THESE EXAMS, TESTS, SO YOU KNOW, I BELIEVE THAT PRESENTS A CHALLENGE, BEING ABLE TO ACTUALLY TAKE THE TESTS.

WERE GOING TO SEE INSTANCES WHERE IT SIGNIFICANTLY FALLS OFF SO WE NEED TO LOOK AND SEE WHERE WE NEED TO BE ABLE TO PREPARE THEM FOR THESE TESTS AND I AGREE WITH YOU THAT THERE SHOULD BE SOME STRUCTURE THAT LEADS UP TO THEM BEING ABLE TO TAKE THAT TEST.

I THINK ONE OF THE EVOLUTION OF TIME, A LOT OF STUFF IS BEING DONE ONLINE THAN THE OLD TRADITIONAL WAY OF BOOKS AND PAPER A LOT OF TIMES, I DON´T KNOW THAT THE FOCUS IS REALLY BEING SPENT.

I THINK THEY ARE DISTRACTED WHEN THEY´RE DOING THEIR LESSONS ONLINE BECAUSE THEY ARE INVOLVED WITH OTHER TOOLS AND OTHER SOCIAL MEDIA WITHOUT FOCUSING ON THE EDUCATION SO WE HAVE TO TAKE A CLOSER LOOK AT WHAT IS HAPPENING IN THAT SPACE.

>> SENATOR, YOUR NEXT QUESTION IS GOING TO COME FROM ROSEVELT DAVIS.

>> SENATOR, GOOD EVENING.

I WANT TO COMMEND YOU FOR TAKING THAT SEAT FOR THE SECOND TIME AROUND.

I KNOW YOU´RE GOING TO BE DOING A FANTASTIC JOB.

I HAVE A QUESTION FOR YOU WITH RESPECT TO THE ECONOMY BECAUSE AN AGREEMENT WAS SIGNED ON BEHALF OF PORT AUTHORITY WITH ROYAL CARIBBEAN INCREASING THE MOVEMENT OF PASSENGERS FROM 50,000 TO 140,000 PEOPLE.

IN ADDITION TO THAT , CARNIVAL CRUISE LINES HAVE JUST JOINED ROYAL CARIBBEAN, AND THEY´RE GOING TO BE CARRYING ANOTHER 70,000 PASSENGERS TO ST. CROIX THAT WERE HERE TODAY, AS A MATTER FACT.

SO THERE ARE GREAT OPPORTUNITIES.

ARE YOU GOING TO BE USING YOUR OFFICE TO HELP PREPARE THE PEOPLE IN ST. CROIX TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THESE OPPORTUNITIES ?

SMALL BUSINESSES TO ENHANCE WHAT YOU HAVE TO GET WHAT YOU WANT.

>> I TELL YOU THAT THEY HAVE DONE A PHENOMENAL JOB AND BEING ABLE TO INCREASE CRUISE SHIPS TO ST. CROIX.

THE AMAZEMENT OF SEEING TWO CRUISE SHIPS IN ST. CROIX SIMULTANEOUSLY AND THE FACT THAT CARNIVAL RETURNS THERE, WITH THE POLICE DEPARTMENT CARNIVAL PULLED UP IN ST. CROIX I WAS VERY EXCITED.

I WAS ABLE TO WITNESS CARNIVAL COMING TO ST. CROIX.

THEY ARE SO HAPPY TO SEE THAT CARNIVAL HAS RETURNED TO ST. CROIX.

ST. CROIX HAS A GREAT OPPORTUNITY ON THE BOARD IS REALLY SUPPORTIVE OF THIS.

IT IS WORK TO IMPROVE THE NUMBER OF PORT CALLS TO ST. CROIX.

WE SIGNED THAT AGREEMENT WITH ROYAL CARIBBEAN.

WE HAVE BEEN LOCKSTEP WITH THE BOARD AND MAKING SURE ST. CROIX IS POISED FOR THIS EVOLUTION OF CRUISE SHIPS COMING INTO ST. CROIX.

WE ALSO NEED SMALL BUSINESSES THAT BECAUSE WHEN WE TALK ABOUT THINGS THAT SHOULD BE AVAILABLE FOR TOURISTS AND PEOPLE TO COME BECAUSE WE DON´T MAKE A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF MONEY, WE HAVE TO BE ABLE TO SHOWCASE WHAT ST. CROIX HAS TO OFFER FOR PEOPLE TO COME BACK OVERNIGHT IN ST. CROIX BUT I BELIEVE WE ARE A STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION.

I HAVE HEARD FROM ONE OF THE BUSINESSES, ONE OF THE TAXI DRIVERS, TOUR BUSES AND EVERYTHING RIGHT NOW WITH THE AMOUNT OF CRUISE SHIPS COMING IN BY ROYAL CARIBBEAN AND CARNIVAL HAS RETURNED THEIR AND WE´RE LOOKING FORWARD TO CARNIVAL ALSO STEPPING UP THEIR GAME AND BEING MORE COMPETITIVE IN GETTING MORE OF THEIR SHIPS TO COME INTO FREDERICKSBURG AND ST. CROIX.

>> SENATOR, WE HAVE SOME COLORS THAT ARE ON THE LINE HOLDING.

COULD, GIVE US AN OVERALL RECAP ON YOUR THOUGHTS ON THE STATE OF THE TERRITORY THIS YEAR.

>> I AGREE THAT THE STATE OF THE TERRITORY IS PROMISING.

THERE IS A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF OPPORTUNITIES.

WE CAN COMPLAIN ABOUT A LOT OF THINGS THAT ARE GOING ON BUT I THINK THE FOCUS IS TURNED INTO THOSE OPPORTUNITIES AND SEIZE THE MOMENT TO MAKE THOSE OPPORTUNITIES TO BE ABLE TO EMBRACE THOSE OPPORTUNITIES I THINK THAT WILL BE A STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION.

I WILL BE CHAMPIONING THE ISSUE OF CAPITALIZING ON OPPORTUNITIES AS WE ENDEAVOR TO IMPROVE THE TERRITORY AND SEIZE OPPORTUNITIES.

WE´RE LOOKING FORWARD TO PROSPERITY AND IT SEEMS THAT WE ARE ON THE RIGHT TRACK TO HELP MAKE IT HAPPEN.

>> THANK YOU, SENATOR.

APPRECIATE YOU SPENDING TIME WITH US THIS EVENING.

>> LUCY, WHAT DID YOU THINK ABOUT THE SENATOR´S COMMENTS AND REMARKS?

>> UNFORTUNATELY, I DID NOT GET TO ASK HIM A QUESTION.

I SAID UNFORTUNATELY BECAUSE HE IS A MAJOR SPONSOR OF THE LEGISLATION SET ASIDE FOR DEVELOPMENT.

I WANTED TO ASK HIM ABOUT AS A LEGISLATIVE BODY, WHAT ARE THEY GOING TO DO TO ENSURE THAT WE ARE NOT SPEAKING ABOUT GETTING THE CRUMBS OFF THE TABLE BECAUSE OF ALL THE THINGS WE´RE TALKING ABOUT, FOR BIG CONTRACTORS THEY HAVE A CARNIVAL CRUISE SHIP EVERYDAY.

THEY´RE HAVING A CARNIVAL CRUISE SHIP EVERY SINGLE DAY UNDER BILLIONS OF FEDERAL DOLLARS THAT HAD TO BE SPENT.

WE HAD A COMPANY WITH A CONTRACT WITH WAPA TO BE PUTTING UP METAL POLES THROUGH THE ENTIRE TERRITORY.

THAT COMPANY NOW OWNS ONE OF THE PAVING COMPANIES IN BOTH ST. CROIX AND ST. THOMAS.

THERE PUT THEIR SIGN RIGHT ON TOP OF FIELD PAVING SIGN.

THEY ON THAT NOW.

THEY HAVE REINVESTED OUR MONEY INTO ANOTHER COMPANY.

WE HAD A COMPANY THAT WAS PAVING THE ROAD ON CONTRACT PULLED BECAUSE OF NOT HAVING THE OPPORTUNITY TO GET THE PROPER [INDISCERNIBLE].

WHAT ARE WE GOING TO DO TO ENSURE THAT WE ARE NO LONGER WAITING TO SEE WHAT FALLS OFF THE TABLE TO HAVE THE LOCALS JOIN EFFORTS .

WE´VE GOT BILLIONS OF DOLLARS TO SPEND TO SPEND IT SO THAT IT WILL STAY HERE AND BE ABLE TO PROVIDE MORE OPPORTUNITIES FOR VIRGIN ISLANDERS WHO ARE NOT ONLY LIVING HERE BUT HAVE INVESTED INTEREST IN SEEING THE VIRGIN ISLANDS GROW.

I WANTED TO REALLY SURE THAT BECAUSE WHEN YOU AND I WERE HERE ON ELECTION NIGHT I HAD TAKEN EXCEPTION TO A STATEMENT THAT THE GOVERNOR MADE AND I WAS NOT ABLE TO ADDRESS BECAUSE WE WENT OFF THE AIR.

HE SAID NOW THAT WE HAVE A DEMOCRATIC SENATE AND I AM A DEMOCRATIC GOVERNOR IS LOOKING FORWARD TO US WORKING TOGETHER WITHOUT MUCH FRICTION.

THESE ARE TWO SEPARATE BRANCHES OF GOVERNMENT.

ONE IS A CHECK AND BALANCE OF THE OTHER AND IF YOU DON´T AGREE WITH ONE, THE OTHER ONE DON´T AGREE WITH THE OTHER THAN [INDISCERNIBLE] AND THAT LEADS ME CONCERNED BECAUSE I´M NOT UNDERSTANDING THE FUNCTIONAL ROLE OF RESPONSIBILITY TO THIS COMMUNITY LAW, AND YOUR DAY WE HAD WATER CARRIERS.

THAT´S WHAT WE USED TO CALL THEM.

WE HAVE FORMER SENATE PRESIDENT DONNA FRETT-GREGORY ON THE LINE.

GOOD EVENING AND WELCOME TO THE PROGRAM.

WE WOULD LIKE TO HAVE YOUR FIELD SOME QUESTIONS FROM SOME OF OUR PANELISTS AND I´M GOING TO START FIRST WITH SENATOR ROCKY LIBURD.

>> GOOD EVENING, FORMER PRESIDENT, AND HOW ARE YOU?

>> I´M WELL, THANK YOU.

>> GOOD.

WE HAVE A LOT OF DISCUSSION GOING ON HERE AS IT RELATES TO THE TERRITORY BUT I WANT TO TALK ABOUT MY HOMELAND.

THE GOVERNOR SAID A FEW THINGS ABOUT ST. JOHN .

I BELIEVE THAT HE DID SAY THAT THEY WERE DOING SOME ROADS AND DOING SOME PAVING, WHICH IS A GOOD THING, BUT I WANTED HIM TO ELABORATE SOME MORE ON SCHOOL.

YOU KNOW, WE HAVE BEEN HAVING THAT ISSUE FOR 200 YEARS NOW.

NOT HIS FAULT .

GOVERNORS BEFORE HIM HAVE COME AND GONE.

PUBLIC SCHOOLS.

I REMEMBER HIM SAYING NOTHING ABOUT THAT TONIGHT.

AT SOME POINT , WE´VE GOT TO HAVE SOME CLOSURE.

>> IS A FORMER COMMISSIONER OF EDUCATION YOU PROBABLY HAVE SOME INSIGHT, SO WHAT SENATOR LIBURD IS SAYING IS HE DID NOT HEAR THE SCHOOL ON ST. JOHN MENTIONED.

IF YOU OCCURRED AT SOME LIGHT TO THAT WOULD APPRECIATE IT.

>> OVERALL, WHEN IT COMES TO THE SCHOOL IN ST. JOHN , WE KNOW PREVIOUS ADMINISTRATIONS HAVE WORKED DILIGENTLY TO ENSURE THAT WE ARE ABLE TO SEE A SCHOOL BUILT ON ST. JOHN´S -- A PUBLIC SCHOOL BUILT ON ST. JOHN FOR ALL STUDENTS IN ST. JOHN.

WHAT I WILL TELL YOU IS OVERALL FOR THE CONVERSATION AROUND EDUCATION, I THINK THE DISCUSSION WAS REALLY SHORT .

THERE WAS A LOT OF CONVERSATION AROUND FUNDING AND FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES, BUT IT WAS REALLY SHORT ON HOW TO REALLY FOCUS ON STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT.

OF COURSE THE SCHOOL ON ST. JOHN IS IMPORTANT TO THE PEOPLE OF ST. JOHN AND THE STUDENTS OF ST. JOHN BECAUSE IT HELPS TO SUPPORT STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT.

I KNOW THERE WERE SOME CHALLENGES IN THE PAST WITH THE LAND SWAP AND WHAT HAS BEEN GOING ON THERE BUT I DON´T HAVE INFORMATION AS IT RELATES TO THAT.

I AM THE VICE CHAIR OF THE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT, SO MORE DEFINITELY WE WILL WORK ON WHAT IS HAPPENING WITH THE SCHOOL ON ST. JOHN.

I AGREE WITH YOU THAT THIS IS THE RIGHT TIME THAT WE REALLY HAVE A CONVERSATION AS TO WHERE WE ARE GOING WITH THE SCHOOL ON ST. JOHN´S AND WE DO KNOW THAT WE HAVE CHALLENGES OVER RESOURCES SO WHEN WE BUILD A SCHOOL ON ST. JOHN´S, IT IS MISSION CRITICAL THAT IT IS A SCHOOL THAT FOCUSES ON NOT ONLY ST. JOHN STUDENTS, BUT STUDENTS AND ST. THOMAS, AS WELL FOR THE CAMARADERIE OF OUR CHILDREN SO WE CAN HAVE A CENTER FOCUSED SCHOOL ON THE ARTS OR TECHNOLOGY OR STEM, SO STUDENTS FROM ST. THOMAS CAN TRAVEL TO SAINT JOHN TO EXPERIENCE OR HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO ENGAGE IN PROGRAMS, AS WELL.

IT IS NOT JUST HAVING A SCHOOL ON ST. JOHN´S BUT IT HAS TO BE A SCHOOL THAT IMPROVES THE EDUCATIONAL COMPONENT FOR THE ST. JOHN DISTRICT.

>> I LIKE WHAT YOU SAID BECAUSE WHEN WE LOOK AT PROJECTS IN THE TERRITORY LIKE CONSTRUCTION, ECONOMIC, WE ALSO LOOK AT THE INDIVIDUAL ISLANDS BUT EVERYBODY PARTICIPATES.

ST. THOMAS, ST. CROIX, PEOPLE GO TO WORK THERE IN THE SCHOOLS, THE WHOLE CONCEPT WHEN I WAS GOING TO SCHOOL, I HAD TO GO ON A BOAT EVERY DAY.

>> ABSOLUTELY.

SENATOR REAL QUICKLY IF YOU CAN AND 30 SECONDS, GIVE US YOUR HIGHLIGHTS FOR THE SPEECH IN WHICH HER IMPRESSION WAS FOR THE GOVERNOR´S PRESENTATION THIS EVENING.

>> WHAT I HEARD THIS EVENING, HIGH IN PROMISED.

THERE WAS A LOT OF CONVERSATION AROUND HEALTHCARE INFRASTRUCTURE WHERE I WAS A LITTLE DISAPPOINTED WAS THERE WAS NOT A LOT OF CONVERSATION ABOUT HOW TO PROVIDE SUPPORT TO CHILDREN HERE IN THE TERRITORY TO ESTABLISH RELATIONSHIPS WITH CLINICS AND HOSPITALS OUTSIDE OF THE TERRITORY.

HOW DO WE UTILIZE FUNDS TO SUPPORT TO PROVIDE SUBSIDIES FOR OUR CITIZENS WHO ARE NOT WELL TO TRAVEL OFF ISLAND.

ALSO ON THE ECONOMY AND THEIR IS A LOT OF GROWTH IN HIS SPEECH.

WE SEE WHERE THERE ARE 1200 NEW BUSINESS APPLICATIONS AND REDUCTION IN THE UNEMPLOYMENT BUT HE STOPPED SHORT WHEN HE TALKED ABOUT THE HE TALKED ABOUT THE APPLICATIONS.

THERE ARE LIKE 121 APPLICATIONS SUBMITTED BUT HE DID NOT CARE WITH THE COMMUNITY HOW MANY OF THOSE APPLICATIONS HAD BEEN VETTED TO COME HERE INTO THE VIRGIN ISLANDS.

I ALREADY SPOKE ABOUT EDUCATION.

>> REAL QUICKLY, WE HAVE SOME OTHERS ONLINE RIGHT NOW.

>> AS WE TALK ABOUT ACTIVE GUN VIOLENCE I THINK THEY WERE SHORT ON THE MENTION OF GUN VIOLENCE AND IT NEEDS A LOT OF WORK.

WE NEED TO GET SERIOUS ABOUT WHETHER WE ARE GOING TO TRULY FUNDS THE OFFICE OF GUN VIOLENCE.

WHAT WAS MISSING, I REMEMBER IN 2020 THE GOVERNOR TALKED ABOUT THE COMMISSION ON AGING AND HE DID NOT TALK A LOT ABOUT THAT COMMUNITY THIS EVENING AND I WAS VERY DISAPPOINTED ABOUT THAT PART SO I THINK AS WE TRAVERSE THE 35th LEGISLATURE WE NEED TO GET FOCUS ON THE COMMUNITY.

>> I APPRECIATE YOUR CALL BUT WE HAVE SENATOR KENNETH GITTENS ON THE LINE.

SENATOR KENNETH GITTENS IS CALLING US FROM THE WELL OF THE LEGISLATURE.

FIRST OF ALL LET´S GET YOUR IMPRESSION OF TONIGHT´S SPEECH AND WHAT YOU THOUGHT WERE HIGHLIGHTS THE GOVERNOR MENTIONED AND WHAT YOU SAW THAT HE MAY NOT HAVE COVERED IN THE SPEECH THIS EVENING.

>> FIRST OFF, GOOD EVENING TO YOU AND THE PANEL OF THE PEOPLE OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS.

I WAS VERY PLEASED BY MUCH OF THE INFORMATION IN THE SPEECH THIS EVENING.

HOWEVER, THERE WERE A FEW MATTERS CRUCIAL TO ST. CROIX THAT I THOUGHT WERE OVERLOOKED SUCH AS THE TEMPORARY HOSPITAL ON ST. CROIX AND THE STATUS OF THE REFINERY, BUT MOREOVER THERE HAVE BEEN SOME VERY POSITIVE DEVELOPMENTS IN RECENT MONTHS SUCH AS A RETURN OF CRUISE SHIPS TO THE ISLAND OF ST. CROIX AND MOVING AHEAD WITH THE POLLY JOSEPH STADIUM, THE OPENING OF THE DRAG RACE TRACK AND THE EXPANDED TERRITORIAL PARK SYSTEM AND THE POSSIBILITIES BEFORE US IN TERMS OF MODERNIZING GOVERNMENT SERVICES, BUT EVEN TO THE CRUISE SHIP RETURN ON ST. CROIX, I AM PLEASED TO SEE THE TRIPLE NUMBER OF CRUISE LINE PASSENGERS COMING .

HOWEVER, WE STILL HAVE TO ADDRESS THE STATE OF OUR HISTORIC DOWNTOWN AREAS.

I WAS ALSO PLEASED TO HEAR THE GOVERNOR SAYING THAT HE HAS PLANS TO SEND LEGISLATION TO THE LEGISLATURE.

HOWEVER, I WILL BE REACHING OUT IN THE 34th LEGISLATURE WE SUBMITTED A DRAFT REQUEST TO ACTUALLY ADDRESS THE SITUATION IN OUR HISTORIC DOWNTOWN AREAS.

>> I HAVE A FOLLOW-UP QUESTION FROM DENNIS LYNCH, WHO IS A MEMBER OF OUR PANEL THIS EVENING.

>> GOOD EVENING.

HOW ARE YOU DOING?

AND YOUR CAMPAIGN IS THE CHAMPION FOR HEALTHCARE, I NOTICED IN THE GOVERNOR SPEECH IS A 30% OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS DON´T HAVE ACCESS TO HEALTHCARE AND THE DECAYED AND MEDICARE, AS WELL.

I KNOW UNCOMPENSATED CARE IS A BIG ISSUE HERE IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS.

IN TERMS OF FACILITIES AND CLINICS BEING OPENED TO US, DO YOU HAVE ANY FORESIGHT, ESPECIALLY FOR LEGISLATION BEING PASSED THAT WILL HELP CHAMPION OUR REVENUE BEING BACK FOR HOSPITALS HERE IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS?

>> I CAN BARELY -- >> WHAT MR. LYNCH WAS ASKING ESSENTIALLY IS THAT THERE IS A SUBSTANTIAL AMOUNT OF UNCOMPENSATED CARE AND DID YOU HAVE ANY INSIGHT ON WHETHER OR NOT LEGISLATION WILL BE PASSED TO HELP RECTIFY THAT ISSUE?

>> I DON´T HAVE ANY INSIGHT AT THIS TIME.

HOWEVER, AS THE VICE CHAIR OF HEALTH AND HOSPITAL ON HUMAN SERVICES, THAT IS SOMETHING I WILL LOOK INTO.

>> WE HAVE A QUESTION FROM FORMER SENATOR LUCY RICHARDS.

>> GOOD EVENING.

I HAVE A QUICK QUESTION FOR YOU AND SOMETHING I SAW NOT MENTIONED IN THE STATE OF THE TERRITORY ADDRESS, WHAT IS YOUR POSITION BASED ON THE GOVERNOR´S ADDRESS ON THE SUBJECT MATTER OF INTERISLAND TRANSPORTATION FROM FAIRY TO PLANE OR --WHAT ARE YOUR FEELINGS BASED ON THE STATE OF THE TERRITORY ADDRESS?

>> WE KNOW WE HAVE A PROBLEM WITH INTERISLAND TRAVEL HERE.

WHAT I COULD TELL YOU IS THAT I HAVE WRITTEN TO A NUMBER OF AIRLINES ALREADY, TRYING TO ADDRESS TRAVEL.

TWO OR THREE ENTITIES I´VE WRITTEN TO.

I´M AWAITING A RESPONSE FROM THEM.

THERE IS ALSO AN AIRLINE CONFERENCE COMING UP AND I HAVE REACHED OUT TO THE CHAIR OF THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, THE AGRICULTURE COMMITTEE TO ENSURE THAT MEMBERS ALSO ATTEND THAT CONFERENCE JUST LIKE THEY ATTEND V TRADES AND WE´VE SEEN THE RESULTS OF ATTENDANCE AND SO WE WANT TO HAVE ST. CROIX REPRESENTATION AT THE AIRLINE CONFERENCE, AS WELL.

THIS IS THE FIRST TIME I´M HEARING OF THAT AIRLINE CONFERENCE.

I ACTUALLY HAVE TO REACH OUT AND ASK .

IT IS COMING UP JUST A WEEK BEFORE C TRADE.

>> YOU DON´T HAVE UPDATED STATUS ON THE FEDERAL MONIES APPROPRIATED TO THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS FOR INTERISLAND FERRY, THEY WERE SUPPOSEDLY SUPPOSED TO BE LOOKING AT A FERRY TO TRAVEL INTERISLAND?

>> NO, I DO NOT HAVE AN UPDATE ON THAT, BUT THAT IS ALSO SOMETHING I CAN LOOK INTO.

>> SENATOR, THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR JOINING US THIS EVENING.

WE APPRECIATE YOUR TIME.

>> THANK YOU SO MUCH.

>> I JUST WANTED TO ADD THAT THE SUBJECT I THINK SENATOR RICHARDS HAD DEALT WITH BEFORE, BUT TRAVELING FROM ST. THOMAS YOU HAVE TO HAVE A READ BOAT BECAUSE THOSE WATERS OUT THERE ARE RUDE, I MEAN RUDE WATERS.

IF YOU GET A MINI CRUISE SHIP, YOU COULD DEVELOP.

IF YOU GO TO NEW ZEALAND, THEY TRAVEL SOME ROUGH WATERS.

YOU GET THEM TO MAKE ABOUT TO HANDLE THIS WATER HERE BUT IT HAS TO BE A MINI CRUISE SHIP SO THAT PEOPLE CAN FEEL COMFORTABLE TO TRAVEL.

>> LET´S GET SENATOR CARLA ON THE LINE.

>>> SOMETHING THAT I DEEPLY RESPECT AND APPRECIATE EVERY TIME I HEAR THE GOVERNOR´S STATE OF THE TERRITORY ADDRESS.

>> ONE QUESTION FROM A MEMBER OF THE PANEL GOING TO SENATOR ROOSEVELT DAVID TO ANSWER THE QUESTION >> GOOD EVENING FORMER SENATOR HOW ARE YOU DOING THIS EVENING?

>> FANTASTIC.

ALL IS WELL.

I WANTED TO COMMEND YOU WITH YOUR NEW ASSIGNMENT.

I KNOW YOU HAVE BEEN VERY CONCERNED ABOUT HOUSING.

FROM MY PERSONAL BANKING EXPERIENCE I KNOW ONE OF THE BEST THINGS THAT CAN HAPPEN TO A PERSON OR INDIVIDUAL IS FOR THEM IS TO MOVE INTO THEIR OWN HOME, THE GOVERNOR TALKED ABOUT THE BANKING AND HOUSING PROGRAM >> THE INITIATIVE.

>> YES UP TO $200,000 AND YOU DON´T HAVE TO HAVE A DOWN PAYMENT.

ARE YOU GOING TO USE THE OFFICE TO EDUCATE PEOPLE GOING FORWARD TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS AS FIRST-TIME HOMEOWNERS?

>> DEFINITELY , THAT IS THE INITIATIVE THE GOVERNOR PUT TOGETHER WITH HIS FINANCIAL TEAM TO OFFER OPPORTUNITY FOR OUR RESIDENTS TO OWN A PIECE OF THE ROCK IN ST. THOMAS AND ST. JOHN AS WELL AS IN ST. CROIX.

IT IS WONDERFUL, THE OTHER THING HE HIGHLIGHTED IS THE AMOUNT OF FEDERAL FUNDING WE HAVE COMING IN FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT FOR THE HOUSING CHOICE VOUCHER PROGRAM.

I HAVE SOME LEGISLATION WILL BE EVENING OUT THE PLAYING FIELD FOR THOSE PARTICIPANTS SO THEY CAN MOVE INTO A HOME.

IT IS NOT EVERYONE WHO WANTS WAS LOOKING TO OWN A HOME.

THIS MAY BE A STARTER, THEY MIGHT BE LEAVING A FAMILY HOME OR WHAT HAVE YOU AND SO THEY WANT TO GO OUT AND I WANT TO BE ABLE TO HAVE A SAFE AND SECURE HOME THAT IS AFFORDABLE.

SO THE HOUSING CHOICE VOUCHER PROGRAM IS DEFINITELY ONE WAY THAT RENTERS CAN GO AND BE ABLE TO AFFORD RENT.

OUR HOUSING MARKET IS REALLY GOING UP.

EVEN TO GET A TWO BEDROOM APARTMENT IT IS NOW $2000 MINIMUM.

SO WE WOULD LIKE TO ALSO SUPPORT THAT INITIATIVE.

I DO HAVE SOME LEGISLATION GEARED TOWARD EVENING THAT PLAYING FIELD FOR THE HOUSING CHOICE VOUCHER PARTICIPANTS AND FORMALLY SECTION 8.

WE HAVE A LOT OF THE FEW OTHER FOLKS WE WOULD LIKE TO GET TO SINCERELY, THINK YOU FOR YOUR TIME AND JOINING US.

>> THANK YOU SO MUCH, APPRECIATE YOUR TIME AS WELL.

TAKE CARE, BYE-BYE.

>> WILL QUICKLY AS A YOUNG VIRGIN ISLANDS OR WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE COMMENTS JUST MADE ABOUT THE PROGRAM JUST BRIEFLY BEFORE THE NEXT CALLER?

>> AS THE SENATOR SAID IT STARTS WITH FINANCIAL LITERACY.

YOU KNOW, IT IS WONDERFUL AND GREAT WE ARE ABLE TO HAVE 200,000 SURPLUS BUT IF YOU DON´T KNOW HOW TO ADEQUATELY SPEND THE MONEY AND PLACE THE MONEY YOU WILL BE BACK IN THE SITUATION WE ARE IN NOW.

HOMELESS BURGEON ISLANDERS.

EVEN IF YOU ARE LIVING WITH YOUR PARENTS YOU ARE STILL HOMELESS IF YOU DON´T HAVE A PLACE OF YOUR OWN SO IT´S THE INITIATIVE THAT SUPPOSED TO BE FULL-CIRCLE IN TERMS OF EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS SO THEY KNOW HOW TO SPEND THE MONEY WHEN IT IS AWARDED TO THEM.

IT IS A GREAT INITIATIVE BUT LACKING IN SOME AREAS.

>> THANK YOU.

SENATOR ON THE LINE THANK YOU FOR JOINING US ON THE PROGRAM.

>> GOOD EVENING, THANK YOU FOR HAVING ME.

>> A QUESTION FROM THE FORMER SENATOR THIS EVENING.

>> GOOD EVENING HOW ARE YOU?

>> I AM DOING WELL, THANK YOU.

>> I WANT TO PIGGYBACK ON THE QUESTION ABOUT HOUSING.

I SEEM TO RECALL THERE WAS A HOUSING FINANCE ACT PASSED NOT TOO LONG AGO .

I DO NOT HEAR ANY OF MENTIONED ABOUT IT, BUT IT DID PASS SO MIGHT WANT TO LOOK AT THAT IS ANOTHER AVENUE TO USE.

WELCOME BACK .

I KNOW THAT IT IS A BIG AND AWESOME ACCOMPLISHMENT.

YOU COME IN AT A TIME WHERE I LOOK AT ST. CROIX.

I SPENT SOME TIME HERE AND I´VE GOT TO SAY THAT WE´VE GOT TO DO A LITTLE MORE.

>> LET´S GET TO THE QUESTION.

>> GOVERNOR SPOKE ABOUT THIS, WE NEED TO FIND WAYS TO GET THESE HOMEOWNERS TO FIX UP THESE PLACES.

>> YOU WANT TO COMMENT ON THE DISCUSSION AND THE PROPOSED LEGISLATION, WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE IN THE LEGISLATION THE GOVERNOR IS PROPOSING TO HELP WITH PROPERTIES THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY.

>> WILL YOU KNOW, LET ME SAY THAT I THINK THE GOVERNOR TOUCHED ON A LOT OF THINGS.

HE MAY NOT HAVE TALKED ABOUT CERTAIN THINGS LIKE THE ROOFING PROGRAM, BUT WHEN HE EVEN TALKED ABOUT THE CONSTRUCTION OR THE REHABILITATION OF THE BUILDINGS, THAT IS IMPORTANT BECAUSE WE NEED TO BE ABLE TO REVITALIZE THE TOWN AND TAKING TIME TO EVEN DEAL WITH MODERNIZING THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION LAW .

I UNDERSTAND THE CHALLENGES THAT EVEN HOMEOWNERS HAVE AS THEY WANT TO EVEN FIX THEIR HOMES , WITH SO MUCH RESTRICTION AND IT IS TOO COSTLY.

I AM GLAD TO KNOW THE GOVERNOR TALKED ABOUT ADDRESSING THE ABANDONMENT OF PROPERTIES IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS SO I AM HAPPY WITH THAT.

IT IS A MATTER AND YOU KNOW IT IS A MATTER OF WORKING WITH THE GOVERNOR ON HIS AGENDA AND HIM SUPPORTING YOUR AGENDA ALSO .

I AM EXCITED ABOUT A LOT OF THINGS HE TALKED ABOUT.

EVEN MEDICAID, BEING THE FORMER MEDICAID ADMINISTRATOR I WAS ELATED TO SEE THAT NOW THE NUMBER OF INDIVIDUALS WHEN I WAS THERE WAS 32,000 , IT IS NOW 37,000 AND HAVING , ADDRESSING CERTAIN CONCERNS WITH MEDICAID.

THAT IS IMPORTANT TO ME.

SO ADDRESSING THE TELEHEALTH AND EVEN HAVING THE BUY IN PROGRAM IS IMPORTANT FOR INDIVIDUALS WHO MAY NOT BE ELIGIBLE FOR MEDICAID, THE BASIC BENEFIT AND THE PROGRAM.

UNINSURED POPULATION.

IT IS BIG IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS SO I AM SO HAPPY THAT HE TALKED ABOUT THOSE KINDS OF THINGS LIKE THE FEES AND HUMAN SERVICES.

THERE IS A NEED FOR THAT REHABILITATION SO I´M GLAD TO HEAR THAT HE TALKED ABOUT ADDRESSING THAT.

I DON´T KNOW IF IT WILL BE BRINGING IN TERMS OF THE STUDENTS WHO DISRUPT SCHOOLS WHEN THEY GET SUSPENDED, THEY STAY HOME DURING SUSPENSION.

I WANT TO SEE THE YOUTH, NOT WHEN THEY GET SUSPENDED TWO WEEKS OR THREE WEEKS, TWO DAYS OR THREE DAYS THAT THEY STILL RECEIVE ACADEMICS WHEN THEY ARE SUSPENDED AND COUNSELING.

YOUR PARENT OR GUARDIAN HAS TO ACCOMPANY YOU ON COUNSELING.

I AM EXCITED ABOUT BRINGING THIS LEGISLATION SO I´M HAPPY THAT THE GOVERNOR TALKED ABOUT SOME OF THESE SOCIOECONOMIC ISSUES.

>> THANK YOU SENATOR.

>> EVEN TALKING ABOUT TOURISM AND THE VISITORS INCREASING BY 116%.

THAT IS IMPORTANT.

>> SENATOR WE ARE TIGHT ON TIME AND RETURNED TO GET IN AS MANY INTERVIEWS AS WE CAN.

WE APPRECIATE YOU COMING IN.

I HAVE TO GET AS MANY INTERVIEWS AS POSSIBLE , BUT WE APPRECIATE YOU CALLING IN.

>> THANK YOU, THANK YOU FOR THE TIME.

>> THANK YOU FOR THE CALL.

>> JOINING US ON THE PROGRAM THIS EVENING, GOOD EVENING SENATOR.

>> HOLD ON.

>> HI THIS IS SENATOR.

>> GOOD EVENING, THANK YOU FOR JOINING US THIS EVENING.

>> THANK YOU FOR HAVING ME.

>> EVERYTHING IS GOING FANTASTIC.

IF YOU DON´T MIND SHARING WITH THE AUDIENCE OVER THE HIGHLIGHTS OF THE SPEECH FOR YOU?

POINTS THAT STUCK OUT AREAS THAT YOU THINK THE GOVERNOR MAY HAVE MISSED THE OPPORTUNITY TO COVER.

REAL BRIEFLY.

>> I LISTENED ATTENTIVELY TO THE GOVERNOR´S BLUEPRINT AND PRIORITIES FOR HIS ADMINISTRATION.

BASED ON THE COMMITMENT I HAVE MADE TO SERVE THE PEOPLE OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS I AM OPTIMISTIC I CAN GIVE FAVORABLE CONSIDERATION TO THE GOVERNOR BLUEPRINT AS OUTLINED.

SOME OF THE AREAS THAT I WANTED TO HIGHLIGHT , YOU KNOW I AM COMMITTED ADDRESSING TO THE ISSUES AND I´M GOVERNOR WAS ABLE TO POINT OUT AND SAY THE ISSUES , MAINLY COME DOWN TO THE VITAL PROPANE PLANT.

THAT REFINANCING THE GOVERNOR HAS INDICATED THERE´S A LOT OF RESOURCES BEING PUMPED IN.

SO I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO FINDING A COMMON GROUND ON THIS ISSUE THAT AFFECTS THE WELFARE OF OUR PEOPLE.

ONE OTHER THING I WANT TO ADDRESS IS OUR RISING FOOD PRICES AND ADEQUATE HEALTHCARE AND EDUCATION.

I´M SO GLAD TO HAVE THE $10 MILLION ALLOTMENT FOR THE HOSPITAL IN ST. THOMAS AND IN ST. CROIX BECAUSE HEALTHCARE IS VERY IMPORTANT AND OF COURSE EDUCATION.

OUR KIDS HAVE BEEN TESTING LOW AND IT SEEMS ACCORDING TO THE GOVERNOR THE OUTLINE AND PLANS OF EDUCATION AND PARTICULARLY THOSE THAT ARE NOT TESTING WELL HAVEN´T GIVEN TOP PRIORITY.

OVERALL, VERY PLEASED AND THERE IS A LOT OF AREAS WHERE WE HAVE COMMON GROUND WITH THE ADMINISTRATION BASED ON MY COMMITMENT TO ADDRESS THE ISSUES THAT ARE AFFECTING THE PEOPLE OF OUR COMMUNITY.

>> IF YOU CAN INDULGE A QUESTION FROM THE PANELIST.

WHERE THE FORMER SENATOR WITH A QUESTION FOR YOU.

>> THANK YOU AND GOOD EVENING.

HAVE A QUICK QUESTION.

BASED ON THE ADDRESS BY THE GOVERNOR .

>> CAN YOU SPEAK A LITTLE LOUDER?

THERE IS A LITTLE BACKGROUND NOISE.

GO AHEAD.

>> THANK YOU.

BASED ON WHAT YOU LISTEN TO AND UNDERSTAND FROM THE STATE OF THE TERRITORY ADDRESS ADDRESS CAN YOU SPEAK TO THE MATTER OF WHAT YOU BELIEVE STANDS OUT IN REGARDS TO IMPACTING THE ECONOMIC ACTIVITY IN THE TERRITORY , IN YOUR MIND?

>> YOU KNOW I HAVE TO JUMP RIGHT AWAY ON TOURISM.

IT SEEMS LIKE THE GOVERNOR HAS INCREASED THE TOURISM AND PARTICULARLY IN THE ST. CROIX DISTRICT WHERE HE INDICATED THAT SEEING THE TWO CRUISESHIPS AT THE PIER IS NOT AN UNCOMMON THING.

IN ADDITION TO THE CRUISESHIP ARRIVALS , UP 20 22/2021 SUBSTANTIALLY.

I THINK IT WAS ALMOST CLOSE TO 2000%.

SO WITH THE TOURISM SECTION IS DOING WELL, THE GOVERNOR INDICATED THE FRENCHMAN´S REEF IS GOING TO OPEN IN 2023 AND ALL ACROSS THE SUGAR BAY CONSTRUCTION HAS STARTED ON THAT HOTEL.

ECONOMICALLY I THINK THE VIRGIN ISLANDS ON THE RIGHT TRACK AND THERE IS A LOT OF AREAS WHERE I CAN SUPPORT THE GOVERNOR´S BLUEPRINT FOR HIS SECOND MINISTRATION.

>> THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME AND THANK YOU FOR CALLING IN THIS EVENING.

>> THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR HAVING ME.

>> ONE OF THE THINGS YOU MENTIONED EARLIER SENATOR WAS THE GAP, I THINK THE GAP BETWEEN HAVES AND HAVE-NOTS.

I THINK AND I WOULD LIKE TO ADDRESS THIS QUESTION TO MR. LYNCH.

GAP BETWEEN THE OPPORTUNITY THAT IS PRESENT IN THE COMMUNITY BEING ABLE , BURDEN ISLANDERS TAKING ADVANTAGE OF THOSE OPPORTUNITIES AND THE ROLE OF THE BRIDGE FOR INSTANCE THAT WE USE TO BRIDGE THE GAP.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE KEY COMPONENTS?

YOU MENTIONED FINANCIAL LITERACY A FEW MOMENTS AGO AND ONE OF THE THINGS WE CAN DO AS A COMMUNITY OVERALL IS IMPROVE FINANCIAL LITERACY.

THAT IS ONE OF THE BASIC STEPS IN TAKING ADVANTAGE OF THESE OPPORTUNITIES AND PUTTING OURSELVES IN THE POSITION TO DO SO.

HOW DO WE GO ABOUT DOING THAT?

>> FOCUSING ON ONE WORD HE SAID, BRIDGE.

THE BRIDGE FOR EDUCATION, IMPACT SOCIAL ECONOMIC FACTORS WE NEED TO START WITH A GREAT EMPHASIS ON EDUCATING PEOPLE OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS.

WE LOOK AT EDUCATION AND YOU COULD BE TAKING A ART CLASS AND LEARN ABOUT DEVELOPMENT WHO ORIGINATED THE COLOR AND A LOT CAN BE LEARNED IN EDUCATION.

THE GOVERNOR PLANS TO SPEAK TO SKILLED WORKERS AND RESOURCES.

WE NEED TO DEVELOP OUR OWN PEOPLE HAD TAKE THAT TIME IN THE INITIATIVE TO BRING CUP VIRGIN ISLANDS, LOOK FROM WITHIN INSTEAD OF OUTWARD.

>> SENATOR MILTON POTTER HAS TAKEN TIME TO GIVE US A CALL.

GOOD EVENING.

>> GOOD EVENING.

>> DOING VERY WELL.

THANK YOU FOR CALLING IN AND WE WOULD LIKE TO ASK IF YOU COULD QUICKLY TELL US WHAT WAS YOUR IMPRESSION OF THE SPEECH AND HIGHLIGHTS THAT RESONATED WITH YOU THE MOST.

>> THE SPEECH WAS POSITIVE AND UPBEAT.

IT COVERED ALL THE POINTS YOU WOULD EXPECT IN A STATE OF THE TERRITORY ADDRESS.

TO ME THE ISSUES THAT STOOD OUT WAS SPECIFICALLY FOCUSING ON RECOVERY EFFORTS.

WHERE WE ARE , THE PROGRESS MADE THUS FAR AND WHAT WE NEED TO DO TO REALLY MAKE , FOR LONG RECOVERY EFFORTS.

OUT TO ME.

>> ON OUR PANEL THIS EVENING I HAVE SENATOR DAVID I WILL HAVE THEM ASK YOU A QUESTION.

>> SURE.

I HOPE ALL IS WELL.

THE GOVERNOR SPECIFICALLY TALKED ABOUT FIXING , HE POINTED OUT THREE SIGNIFICANT THINGS, ONE THAT THERE WERE FOUR BRAND- NEW GENERATORS TO BE INSTALLED.

HE MENTIONED IT IS BEING CENTERED AND THINGS ARE MOVING FINANCIALLY WELL AND THE THIRD THING MENTIONED THAT 50 TO 100 PERCENT OF SOLAR ENERGY WOULD BE PRODUCED IN ST. CROIX AND ALSO ST. THOMAS AND ST. JOHN.

SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCING THE COST OF ELECTRICITY FOR CONSUMERS.

ARE YOU WILLING TO USE YOUR OFFICE TO EDUCATE THE CONSUMER EXACTLY WHAT THE GOVERNMENT AND SAID TONIGHT?

A LOT OF THEM HAVE NOT BEEN LISTENING.

WOULD YOU USE YOUR OFFICE TO ASSIST AND DISSEMINATE THIS INFORMATION?

>> DEFINITELY.

THAT WAS ONE OF THE SIGNIFICANT HIGHLIGHTS.

WITHOUT QUESTION.

IT HAS BEEN A SORE SPOT FOR DECADES AND WE CAN SEE A PATH WITH A GLIMMER OF HOPE WITH REGARDS TO US PUTTING A DENT ON THE COST THAT WE PAY FOR POWER AND THE RELIABILITY OF POWER.

RIGHTFULLY SAID IN DESPITE OF THE RECOVERY EVERYTHING IS FOR NAUGHT IF WE DON´T HAVE RELIABLE POWER IN THE TERRITORY.

ABSOLUTELY I WOULD BE SUPPORTIVE AND I AM SUPPORTIVE OF THESE INITIATIVES AND SUPPORTIVE OF TO WHAT IS NECESSARY FOR US TO ACHIEVE RELIABLE AND AFFORDABLE POWER IN THE TERRITORY.

I AM HOPEFUL THAT WE´RE GOING TO SEE SOME LASTING AND MEANINGFUL RESULTS IN THIS DEPARTMENT AFTER MANY MANY DECADES.

>> SENATOR, THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR JOINING US AND ANSWERING THE QUESTION.

WE APPRECIATE YOU CALLING INTO THE PROGRAM.

GENTLEMAN AT THE END OF THE SPEECH THE GOVERNOR ACTUALLY SAID HE SET THE TERRITORY UP FOR POSSIBLE ECONOMIC SLOWING WHICH MAY BE A GLOBAL OCCURRENCE.

IF YOU LISTEN TO MOST ECONOMISTS AROUND THE WORLD, WE ARE SEEING SLOWDOWNS THAT STARTED WITH COVID, NOW BEING EXACERBATED BY INFLATION AND THE GOVERNOR OFFERED A CAUTIONARY TONE THAT THE ROAD MIGHT BE SMOOTH NOW, BUT POSSIBLY EXPECT BUMPS.

I WANT TO ASK YOU ALL STARTING WITH SENATOR RICHARDS DID YOU HEAR THAT AND WHEN YOU HEARD HIM SAY THAT WHAT CAME TO MIND?

>> YES I HEARD IT AND WHAT CAME TO MIND IS THAT HE WAS LAYING THE APPROACH TO LET THE PEOPLE KNOW THAT WE ARE HAVING FINANCIAL PROBLEMS.

THAT IS MY INTERPRETATION OF EVENTS.

THAT BEING SAID AND NOW THE DISCUSSION IS BEING HAD ABOUT UNFORTUNATELY WE FIND THIS EVENING TO LIMIT OUR RESPONSE AND I´M TRYING TO GET A BETTER HANDLE ON IT.

WHAT CAME TO MY MIND IS SENATOR TED CRUZ FINALLY SUPPOSEDLY HAVING A HARD TIME AND COMING OUT OF THAT MEETING WITH SENATOR CRUZ WHAT CAME OUT OF THE TONE THAT WILL BE THE IMPACT.

THE RELATIONSHIP WITH THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AND THE STATE AND BENEFITS OR LACK THEREOF OF BENEFITS AND I THINK THAT IS LENGTHY, BUT THE PROVIDER IN THE CONTEXT THE FRAMEWORK IS BEING LAID OUT FOR SOME POSSIBLE ROUGH TIMES.

SPEAKING ABOUT THE INFLATION RATE AND IN 2022 GOING BACK THREE OR FOUR YEARS WITH THE UNEMPLOYMENT LEVEL , BUT WE HAVE THAT ARE SUPPOSED TO BE ABLE TO ALLEVIATE THAT.

>> EXACTLY.

WE HAVE SENATOR JAMES ON THE LINE SO WE WILL BRING HER UP, GOOD EVENING AND THANK YOU FOR CALLING IN.

>> HELLO.

>> GOOD EVENING, WELCOME TO THE PROGRAM.

>> HI, GOOD EVENING.

REAL BRIEFLY ENCAPSULATING WHAT YOU SAW IS THE MOST IMPORTANT POINTS MADE BY GOVERNOR BRYAN IN HIS STATE OF THE TERRITORY ADDRESS .

>> WELL, FOR ME I THOUGHT THAT IT WAS A VERY OPTIMISTIC AND UP BEAT ADDRESS.

I THOUGHT THAT HE TALKED ABOUT A LOT OF AREAS.

HE TALKED ABOUT A LOT OF THE INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECT, CONSTRUCTION PROJECT AND AT THE SAME TIME WHILE HE MENTIONED ALL THE PROJECTS, HE ALSO UNDERSCORED THE FACT THAT WE WERE GOING TO NEED 5000 WORKERS.

WE´RE GOING TO NEED PEOPLE TO DO THE JOBS THAT ARE AVAILABLE RIGHT NOW.

SO THAT´S WHAT STRUCT BACK ME.

AT THE SAME TIME, HE WAS ON ONE HAND TELLING IS ABOUT ALL THESE OPPORTUNITIES AT THE SAME TIME STUFF THAT BRIDGE AND ISLANDERS WERE NOT REALLY TAKING ADVANTAGE OF THE OPPORTUNITIES.

FOR EXAMPLE WHEN HE SAID EVERY ONE WHO WANTS A JOB CAN GET A JOB.

WELL, THEY NEED TO BE QUALIFIED.

SO YOU KNOW I´M THE CHAIR OF THE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT SO THAT STRUCK ME CLEARLY.

THE FACT THAT THERE ARE OPPORTUNITIES BUT AS A COMMUNITY WHERE INDIVIDUALS TAKING ADVANTAGE OF THEM HE FOCUSED A LOT ON INDIVIDUAL RESPONSIBILITY BUT I THINK THAT THE GOVERNMENT IS TO HELP THOSE PEOPLE WHO NEED HELP.

SOMETIMES , WE TALK ABOUT PEOPLE AND THE OPPORTUNITIES , THEY MAY NOT KNOW THAT THE OPPORTUNITY EXIST OR THEY MAY NOT FOR SOME REASON HAVE THE ABILITY TO ACCESS THOSE OPPORTUNITIES.

I DO NOT KNOW, HE SPOKE ABOUT LIKE I AM ON THE COMMITTEE ON HOUSING AND HE TALKED ABOUT IT, BUT I DON´T KNOW HOW EFFECTIVE THAT HAS BEEN SO I´M GOING TO DEFINITELY FIND OUT ABOUT THAT AND FIND OUT WHETHER OR NOT ONCE IT HAS BEEN ESTABLISHED, HAS IT DONE WHAT IT IS SUPPOSED TO DO.

>> LOOK SENATOR, LET ME INTERRUPT YOU AND ASK A QUICK QUESTION.

BASED ON WHAT YOU SAID, HOW DO YOU FORESEE THE LEGISLATURE BEING THE BRIDGE?

I GUESS I ASKED THE QUESTION OF ONE OF THE PANELISTS, HOW DO WE MAKE THE CONNECTION WITH THE GAP OR DISCONNECT THAT WE ARE SEEING WITH OPPORTUNITIES VERSUS VERGE AND ISLANDERS BEING IN POSITION TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE OPPORTUNITIES?

>> ONE OF THE THINGS I WOULD LIKE TO FIND OUT IS WHY VERGE AND ISLANDERS ARE NOT TAKING ADVANTAGE OF THE OPPORTUNITIES.

DEFINITELY I´M LOOKING FORWARD TO THE CONVERSATION WITH BOTH THE COMMISSIONER OF LABOR AND EDUCATION TO FIND OUT HOW EFFECTIVE ARE YOUR PROGRAMS AND ARE THEY NOT?

WE NEED TO EXPLORE THAT.

THE OVERSIGHT, IT´S WANTING TO BE IN CHARGE OF A DEPARTMENT AND SAY OKAY WE ARE WORKING ON THIS.

WE HAVE THESE PROGRAMS WE HAVE HAD START COMING ON BOARD , WE HAVE OPPORTUNITIES BUT THEN ON THE OTHER HAND, TO SAY THAT WE NEED PEOPLE TO REALLY DO WHAT IS NECESSARY.

SO I GUESS THAT´S FROM THE GOVERNOR TALKING A LOT ABOUT INDIVIDUAL RESPONSIBILITY.

THAT´S WHAT I HAVE SEEN OR WHAT I GLEANED FROM IT.

HE DID NOT TOUCH ON AGRICULTURE AT ALL.

I WAS DISAPPOINTED IN THAT.

>> CERTAINLY THAT IS AN ISSUE.

YEAH.

>> FOOD SECURITY.

GIVE IT INFLATION PRICES.

>> YES, WITHOUT THE MONEY FOR THE HEALTH PLAN AND SO I WAS HOPING , I DON´T KNOW IF THAT WAS AN OVERSIGHT, BUT IT CANNOT BE DISMISSED.

IT´S VERY IMPORTANT TO US AS VIRGIN ISLANDERS.

I WAS HOPING YOU WOULD TOUCH MORE ON THAT.

I SAID IN AN INTERVIEW AND LAST YEAR HE TALKED ABOUT THIS BEING THE AIRPORT RUNWAY BUT I´M WAITING FOR THAT TO HAPPEN.

HE WAS VERY NEAT.

TALKING ABOUT THAT APPROACH I LIKED HIS ATTITUDE AND I WORKED WITH HIM, I MENTIONED THAT I WORKED WITH HIM.

SO I´M HOPING WE CAN COLLABORATE ACCORDINGLY.

I HAVE SOME IDEAS AND RECOMMENDATIONS AND SUGGESTIONS.

I DON´T THINK IT IS ALWAYS THAT WE NEED TO DO THINGS LEGISLATIVELY.

I THINK WE SHOULD ALSO HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO OFFER SOME OF THE IDEAS AND RECOMMENDATIONS AND SUGGESTIONS THAT WE HAVE SO I´M LOOKING FORWARD TO WORKING WITH HIM ON THAT.

>> THANK YOU SENATOR FOR GIVING US SOME OF YOUR TIME AND CALLING IN TO THE PROGRAM.

WE APPRECIATE IT.

WE WOULD LIKE TO HEAR FROM SOME OF YOU WATCHING AND LISTENING.

GIVE US A CALL RIGHT NOW AT 340- 718-3339.

340-718-3339 .

SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON THE GOVERNOR´S STATE OF THE TERRITORY ADDRESS.

CALL IN AND WE ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO HEARING FROM YOU.

SO INTERESTING THAT SENATOR JAMES BROUGHT UP THE SAME QUESTION WITH AGRICULTURE.

HOW DID ALL OF US MISS THAT?

>> UNDERSTANDING WELL, IT DID NOT STAND OUT IN OUR MIND BECAUSE WE WERE FOUR WEEKS AWAY.

IN ST. CROIX, I MEAN THAT IS FRIGHTENING.

>> THE PRICE OF EGGS.

NEXT-DOOR THERE ARE TWO POULTRY PRODUCTION PLANTS GOING ON FOR THE MOST PART 80 TO 90% OF CHICKENS ARE FROM THERE.

GOING ON IN THE UNITED STATES AND THE BIRD FLU AND THE AVIAN FLU THAT AFFECTED THE BIRD POPULATION CAUSING THIS RISE THEY DO NOT HAVE THE PROBLEM BECAUSE THEY ARE PRODUCING IN- HOUSE AND HAVING THAT TYPE OF FORESIGHT, WHERE DO WE STAND AS VIRGIN ISLANDERS AND THAT IS OUR NEXT-DOOR NEIGHBOR.

IF THEY DO IT WE CAN DO IT.

>> I AGREE WE CAN.

WE CAN, THERE IS NOTHING WE CAN´T DO, IN LIFE.

I WANT TO SAY SOMETHING ELSE.

THE GOVERNOR, WHEN WE TALK ABOUT A LOT OF THINGS , BUT I WANT TO COMMEND HIM ON SOMETHING.

I BELIEVE FOR A LONG TIME THIS IDEA OF THE DIVISION OF FESTIVAL IS THE BEST THING THAT EVER HAPPENED.

I REALLY BELIEVE WHAT I SEE HAPPENING NOW , BECAUSE I HAVE BEEN THROUGH ALL THE FESTIVALS .

ST. JOHN, ST. THOMAS, ST. CROIX.

THEY HAVE TAKEN OVER HEAD TO ME HAVE DONE A GREAT JOB.

NOT ONLY THAT , THAT´S HOW I FEEL.

THE OTHER THING , AND USED TO BE A KIND OF EYESORE.

IT MAY NOT BE THE BEST THING THEY WANTED, BUT IT IS MUCH BETTER.

>> I DO THINK IT IS AN IMPROVEMENT.

>> PEOPLE HAVE BEEN DYING FOR THAT FOR DECADES.

THE LAST THING I WANT TO SAY IS THE COMMERCIALS.

I LOOK AT THE COMMERCIALS FOR TOURISM THAT REPRESENT THE VIRGIN ISLANDS .

THE FIRST TIME IN YEARS HAVE SEEN US AS PART OF THE COMMERCIAL.

THE KIND OF COMMERCIAL WE HAVE NEEDED FOR A LONG TIME.

WHERE EVERYBODY IS THERE.

THEY HAVE DONE A GREAT JOB.

>> I´M GLAD YOU TOOK THE TIME TO SAY THAT.

GOOD EVENING, YOU ARE ON THE AIR.

>> HELLO, CALLER , GOOD EVENING.

LIKE WE DID NOT GET THEM.

GOOD EVENING YOU´RE ON THE AIR.

>> GOOD EVENING.

TALKING ABOUT OUR CULTURE AND DID YOU MENTION OUR CULTURE?

STATE OF THE TERRITORY ADDRESS , HE DID NOT MENTION CULTURE.

I REMEMBER WHY HE DIDN´T MENTION ABOUT OUR CULTURE.

THE GOVERNOR SAID TO ME AND YET TO SAY THAT OUR CULTURE A COUPLE WEEKS AWAY FROM NOW.

>> THANK YOU FOR THE CALL.

THE AIR.

GOOD EVENING YOU´RE ON THE AIR.

>> CALLING FROM AND I AM CONCERNED THE GOVERNOR DID NOT SPEAK SPECIFICALLY ABOUT THE LAND SWAP FOR THE HIGH SCHOOL IN ST. JOHN.

I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW THE RESPONSE FROM ST. JOHN PASSING LEGISLATION WHICH IS AND .

>> TAKE YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR CALL.

>> HE DID NOT SAY ANYTHING ABOUT IT BUT I LIKE TO THINK ABOUT IT THIS WAY.

PERSONALLY I DON´T SEE A REASON WHY THE NATIONAL PARK CANNOT GIVE A LEASE , WE DON´T NEED TO GIVE LAND .

THE PARK HAS 75% SO AT LEAST 400 YEARS IT IS STILL THERE LAND.

SO THEY DON´T PAY THE TAXES.

THE TAX IS ON THE CITIZEN SO GIVE BACK SOMETHING.

>> ABSOLUTELY, I THINK THAT IS A GREAT QUICK SOLUTION.

>> I WOULD LIKE TO THINK THAT WAY, BUT THE FACT IS THE NATIONAL PARK IS IN CONTROL OF THE LAND.

THEY SAID WHAT THEY WANT TO DO, THEY WANT TO LEAVE AND NOT GIVE BACK.

WE HAVE TO ABIDE BY IT.

GOING TO CONDEMN THE LAND AND TAKE IT FROM THE NATIONAL PARK?

IS NOT GOING TO HAPPEN.

BUT WITH RESPECT TO THE EXCHANGE THE GOVERNOR AND HIS TEAM ARE WORKING TO GET THIS DONE.

EVERYTHING CANNOT BE , IT WOULD BE HERE FOR A WEEK.

>> A CALLER FROM ST. CROIX.

GOOD EVENING YOU ARE ON THE AIR.

CALLER , GOOD EVENING.

YES MA´AM YOU ARE ON THE AIR, LIVE.

AND TURN YOUR RADIO OR TV DOWN IN THE BACKGROUND.

GO AHEAD WITH YOUR QUESTION.

>> OKAY.

I WANT TO ASK.

SINCE THE GOVERNOR OVER $25 MILLION BUILDING ON THE COLLEGE CAMPUS OF ST. CROIX FOR STUDENTS WHO GRADUATE AND I HAVE NOT SEEN ANYTHING.

>> EVELYN SENATOR RICHARDS ADDRESSED THE QUESTION.

>> THANK YOU.

THE ORIGINAL PRIMARY RESPONSE OF THE MULTI-FOCUS CONFERENCE WAS SUPPOSED TO BE PROPERTY WE BOUGHT FROM THE FAMILY AND JOINED THE ADMINISTRATION THERE GOVERNOR IN A POSITION THAT IT WOULD BE MORE APPROPRIATE TO BE ON THE CAMPUS OF ST. CROIX, WE LEFT 44.5 ACRES FOR PORTIONS THAT COULD ONLY BE USED FOR THAT AND THE ST. CROIX CAMPUS.

THAT IS UNDER THE SPECIFIC OF THE HOUSING FINANCE AUTHORITY AND NOW WE KEEP HEARING IS A COMMUNITY THERE IS TALK WITH NO ACTION BEING TAKEN.

I THINK THAT IS AN IMPORTANT ITEM FOR THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF THE COMMUNITY BUT A FACILITY THAT ARE NOT ONLY LENDS ITSELF TO THE TOPIC OF TOURISM, BUT ADJECTIVES WITH SPORTS TOURISM, BUT IT PROVIDES MULTIPLE USE FACILITY .

TODAY WE DON´T HAVE THE ACCESS AND/OR THE USE OF WHAT WE USUALLY USE IN THE ST. CROIX ISLAND CENTER.

YOU MADE MENTION AND IT IS NOT NEGATING THE EFFORTS OF THE DEPARTMENT , THAT IS NOT THE INITIATIVE THAT WAS PASSED BY THE LEGISLATURE.

THERE WERE SOME CONCERNS THIS NOT BE THE FORM TO DISCUSS THIS IMPLEMENTATION BUT, I WANTED TO ADD THAT THAT IS A CONCERN OF MINE.

10 YEARS AGO AND NOTHING HAS HAPPENED.

INTRODUCING AND LIMITING AND GETTING READY TO MOVE ON WITH ANOTHER BIG ST. CROIX PROJECT HALTED.

>> CALLER GOOD EVENING YOU´RE IN THERE.

>> THANK YOU I´M A RETIRED CUSTOMS OFFICER WORKING IN ST.

THE BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB.

MY QUESTION IS ABOUT WHY RC , THE GOVERNMENT , THE GOVERNOR TALKED ABOUT HOW HE WILL TRY TO MAKE A PROGRAM FOR GETTING PEOPLE BACK OUT INTO THE COMMUNITY.

SOME KIND OF PROGRAM SO WHEN YOU LEAVE BEING LOCKED UP, THERE IS A PATH , WE FOUND A LOT OF PROBLEMS WITH THE YOUTH THAT WE HAVE WORKED CLOSELY WITH FOR THE LAST 10 YEARS BECAUSE WHEN THEY GET OUT THEY DON´T HAVE A PATH.

CAN SOMEBODY ADDRESS THIS?

>> SURE, MR. LYNCH AND THEN I WILL FOLLOW UP.

>> WE´VE KNOWN FOR THE PAST DECADE WE HAVE TRIED TO PUT A HARD LINE IN TERMS OF REHABILITATION.

I KNOW THAT IN INCARCERATION WE HAVE OTHER HUMAN RESOURCES NEEDED.

I KNOW ABOUT FIVE YEARS AGO TO WITH THE LOCAL FACILITY, BUT NOTHING MATERIALIZED.

I WOULD LIKE TO SEE AND MY CONCERN AS WELL IS TO HAVE SOMETHING SUCCINCT THAT ACTUALLY BENEFIT THE PEOPLE OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS.

AS WE STAND HERE WHERE THE ISSUE WHERE THE GOVERNOR HAD 5000 PEOPLE , WE HAVE THE HUMAN RESOURCES THAT COULD SET THE CONCERNS WE HAVE, BUT WE NEED TO HAVE A SUSTAINED PLAN.

>> THE GOVERNOR SAID HE WOULD BE LOOKING AT COMING UP WITH A ALTERNATIVE JUVENILE DELINQUENCY PROGRAM BECAUSE HE CALLED IT EXPENSIVE BABYSITTING.

HE SPOKE ABOUT RECIDIVISM IN THE JAILS AND THE FACT THAT HOUSING IS A MAJOR CONTRIBUTOR FACTOR TO WHY INDIVIDUALS AND UP IN JAIL AFTER GETTING OUT.

EDUCATION AND HOUSING AND THEY WOULD BE PURSUING PROGRAMS TO ENSURE INDIVIDUALS THAT COME OUT OF JAIL ARE PROPERLY TRAINED OR PRISON, SORRY ARE PROPERLY TRAINED, GIVEN A SKILL AND THEN HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO EXPLORE HOUSING OR TO HAVE SOME TYPE OF HOUSING THAT THEY CAN CENTER THEMSELVES, GET A JOB AND REINTEGRATE THEMSELVES INTO THE COMMUNITY.

WE HAVE A CALLER ON LINE 3 FROM THE ISLAND OF ST. CROIX.

GOOD MORNING YOU ARE ON THE AIR.

>> GOOD EVENING CAN YOU HEAR ME?

I´M CALLING FROM ST. CROIX.

THE QUESTION THAT I WAS LOOKING AT.

NOT ONE OF THE SENATORS OR EVEN THE GOVERNOR HIMSELF MENTIONED THE STATE OF DECADENCE AS IT RELATES TO THE SO-CALLED SAVE AND RETURN SYSTEM WITH REVENUE.

WE DID MENTION THAT EXTENSIVE CONVERSATION WITH THE DELEGATE WHO WAS ASKED ABOUT THE FINANCING AND THE EXTENDERS THAT WILL BE PASSED TO THE HOUSE SO THAT WAS EXPLORED ON THE PANEL.

>> I AM SEEING THE SENATOR , ANYWAY LET ME MOVE ON FROM THAT.

IN ADDITION TO THAT , THE EXPLANATION AS TO HOW DEVELOPMENT AND CONSTRUCTION COMPANIES ARE BEING DEVELOPED INTO CONTROLLING AND PLANNING AND CONSTRUCTION.

OF A LOT OF INDIVIDUALS THAT CAN DO THE SAME JOB AND THE INDIVIDUAL CONSTRUCTION AND NOBODY FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR IS ENFORCING OR MONITORING THE EMPLOYMENT CONDITIONS .

I THINK YOU MENTIONED A BUNCH OF EQUIPMENT, THEY CAME HERE DOING EVERYTHING AND WE HAVE THE OFFICE THAT IS SUPPOSED TO MONITOR THESE INCIDENTS AND FINALLY , THE SAME SITUATION DECADENT WITH NO EDUCATION CURRICULUM WITH CHILDREN AND HOW DO YOU EXPECT THEM TO BEHAVE IN A PARTICULAR WAY WHEN YOU CONTINUE TO DENY THEM ACCESS TO WHO THEY ARE WHEN YOU PUT UP WITH THIS ?

TAKING PART IN DENYING THE CHILDREN.

>> LET´S GIVE THE PANEL AN OPPORTUNITY TO ADDRESS THE ISSUES THAT YOU MENTIONED.

AS A FORMER CANDIDATE FOR THE BOARD OF EDUCATION LET´S START WITH THE LAST POINT.

>> A VERY EXCELLENT POINT .

IN 1983 THEY PASSED A LAW SO I AM IN THE PAST LEGISLATURE , TAKING A PAST INITIATIVE TO INTEGRATE HISTORY INTO THE CURRICULUM.

THE ISSUE WITH THAT IS LIKE I MENTIONED THE OBJECT OF LOOKING AT HEALTHCARE AND EDUCATION.

WE NEED TO HAVE A CURRICULUM- BASED FOR HISTORY TO TEACH YOUNG INDIVIDUALS IN THE COMMUNITY WHERE THEY COME FROM AND WHO THEY ARE AND IT IS VERY IMPORTANT.

AS WELL WE HAVE THE COMMON CORE STANDARDS WHICH TELL US WHERE WE NEED TO BE OPEN TO THE CURRICULUM TO TELL HOW WE´RE GOING TO GET THERE.

IT´S ALWAYS LIKE THE GOVERNOR´S SPEECH, TOPSY-TURVY.

WE DON´T HAVE A TRUE DIRECTION OF WHERE WE ARE SUPPOSED TO BE SO I SHARE THOSE CONCERNS AND THAT IS SOMETHING WE NEED TO LOOK AT AND CORRECT AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

>> THANK YOU FOR ADDRESSING THAT.

IS GO TO THIS CALLER FROM THE ISLAND OF ST. THOMAS.

>> GOOD EVENING AND THANK YOU.

>> GO AHEAD , SIR.

I CAN HEAR YOU.

>> TO HELP >> IF YOU CAN JUST GET TO THE QUESTION REAL QUICKLY.

WE ARE ON A CLOCK.

DIRECT QUESTION.

SMOKE THIS PROPOSAL >> OKAY, THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THE POINT.

THE CALLER WAS TALKING ABOUT WASTE MANAGEMENT AND RECYCLING.

THE FACT THAT WE HAVE SO MANY RESOURCES WE COULD BE RECYCLING.

COMPOSTING SPECIFICALLY FOR FARMERS AND AGRICULTURE.

ANY THOUGHTS ON THAT?

>> WASTE MANAGEMENT WAS ADDRESSED.

I REALLY WANT TO TOUCH ON THE REVENUES.

FOR 30 YEARS, NO QUESTION ABOUT THAT.

IT IS AN UPWARD TREND IN THE REVENUE COMING INTO THIS TERRITORY.

2017 WE GOT $205 MILLION IN REVENUE FROM RUM.

AFTER 2022 $279 MILLION, $74 MILLION INCLUDED, IN 2021, $252 MILLION AND ONE YEAR AFTER, $27 MILLION MORE.

OVER A FIVE-YEAR PERIOD THAT INCREASE GIVES $135 MILLION.

TALKING ABOUT OVER $400 MILLION DURING THIS PERIOD.

>> THAT IS ADVANCED MATH THAT YOU DID.

CALLER YOU ARE ON THE AIR.

>> GOOD EVENING TO YOU AND YOUR GUESTS.

MY QUESTION IS, IS THERE ANY LOCAL AGENCY CHIEF WHO CAN HELP A LOCAL VETERAN WITH THE BANKS THAT WE HAVE HERE?

BOTH OF THEM.

RIGHT NOW I ASKED THE TREASURY DEPARTMENT, REQUESTED OF ME TO HAVE A VACATION FROM THE BANK THAT I HAVE BEEN USING OVER 20 THE BANK TOLD ME THAT IT WOULD NOT GIVE ME A SIGNATURE , I WAITED FOR THE LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR´S OFFICE, I WENT BACK TO THE BANK .

THEY WILL NOT DO IT.

I WENT TO BOTH BANKS.

THE DEPARTMENT IS ASKING ME , BECAUSE I WANTED TO EVENTS SERIES BONDS AT 9.64%.

NOW IT IS DOWN TO 6.89%.

I´VE BEEN GOING THROUGH THIS FOR OVER SIX MONTHS.

NOBODY CAN TELL ME OR THESE BANKS ANYTHING.

THEY TELL YOU IN THE ONE YOU TO WALK OUT OF THE BUILDING WITHOUT ANYTHING.

I GET A LETTER FROM THEM, I SENT IT TO THE TREASURY DEPARTMENT.

THEY HAVE LOCKED MY ACCOUNT BASED ON MY SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER.

IS FOR THEM TO GIVE ME THE VERIFICATION.

>> THIS SPECIFICALLY WAS SUPPOSED TO BE ABOUT THE STATE OF THE TERRITORY ADDRESS ADDRESS.

WE MENTIONED EARLIER THE BANKS IN THE TERRITORY.

THE FACTS THEY´RE RUNNING OUT OF PUERTO RICO AND OBLIGATION TO HAVE IN THE SENATOR MENTIONED THE FACT THAT THE BANKING BOARD NEEDS TO HAVE MORE TEETH IN THE ENFORCEMENT.

I´M GLAD YOU BROUGHT UP THE ISSUE AND BROUGHT IT TO THE ATTENTION OF THE LISTENING AUDIENCE.

WE WILL EXPOUND UPON IT IN A FEW SECONDS BUT I APOLOGIZE FOR THE ISSUES YOU´RE HAVING.

THANK YOU FOR BRINGING UP THE SUBJECT.

>> ONE MORE THING.

IT IS THE FORM 5444.

THAT IS THE FORM THEY ARE ASKING.

I WENT TO THE SUPERIOR COURT AND THEY SAID NO BECAUSE THE JUDGE OR THE CLERK INTO A SIGNATURE VERIFICATION AND THIS IS WHERE WE ARE AT IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS FOR LOCAL VETERANS.

IN THE UNITED STATES BONDS.

THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU SO MUCH.

REAL QUICKLY FORMER BANKER DAVID ON THE ISSUE ARE YOU FAMILIAR WITH THIS SITUATION AND THE SIGNATURE VERIFICATION?

>> I WOULD NEED MORE INFORMATION.

WHAT I WOULD LIKE TO SAY IS LISTEN, THIS IS SUPPOSED TO BE THE DEPARTMENT FUNCTION FOR THE OFFICE OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.

IF THEY CAN´T SOLVE THE PROBLEM AND WHO CAN?

IT IS THEIR ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITY.

ON BEHALF OF VETERANS.

AND I AM JUST SOMEWHAT GOING BACK TO LISTEN TO THE ISSUE LIKE THAT.

>> WE HAVE SOME MORE CALLERS OF.

GOOD EVENING, YOU ARE ON THE AIR.

GOOD EVENING YOU ARE ON THE AIR.

LOOKS LIKE WE LOST THAT PERSON.

GOOD EVENING WE ARE ON THE AIR.

>> GOOD EVENING.

GOOD EVENING TO EVERYONE.

I WANTED TO MENTION TWO ISSUES .

CAN YOU HEAR ME?

>> YES GO AHEAD.

>> TWO ISSUES >> GO AHEAD.

>> THE GOVERNOR SPOKE ABOUT A BILL REGARDING THE ABANDONED PROPERTIES.

FIRST HE NEEDS TO LOOK AT HOW MUCH ABANDONED PROPERTIES THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT HAVE UNDER ITS CONTROL AND ALSO THE WORDING OF THE BILL AS TO BE CAREFUL IN HOW HE WORDS THE BILL.

SO THE REALTORS WILL NOT BE ABLE TO STEP IN SO EASILY AND BE ABLE TO TAKE AWAY THE PROPERTIES OF LOCAL VERSION VIRGIN ISLANDERS AND HE SKIRTED AROUND THE ISSUE OF CRIME .

HE HAS DONE THIS BEFORE HE GOES INTO A DETAILED COMPREHENSIVE PLAN SO ATTACKING CRIME AND THE OFFICE OF GUN VIOLENCE , THEY HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO HAVE ANY STATISTICS.

SO WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE OFFICE OF GUN VIOLENCE?

BASICALLY THAT´S WHAT I WANTED TO SAY.

IF IT WAS MENTIONED BEFORE, I´M SORRY.

I´M GOING TO HANG UP TO HEAR THE ANSWER.

THANK YOU AND HAVE A GOOD EVENING.

>> THANK YOU FOR THOSE POINTS.

>> THAT IS ONE OF MY MOST FAVORITE PARTS TO LISTEN TO ON THE TALKSHOW.

THE GUESTS THAT PROVIDED THIS ELOQUENT DELIVERY .

THE FIRST POINT THAT SHE MADE.

THE GOVERNMENT, HOW MUCH , THAT IS NOT BEEN REHABILITATED.

BUT FOR THE POLITICS , WHERE PRIVATE LAND FOR WHAT IT TAKES TO REHABILITATE PROPERTY THAT WE OWN.

THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION AND DEMOCRATS AND THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION , POPULAR IN PROCUREMENT, I MEAN >> THAT WAS A GREAT POINT.

THE TWO OR THREE STORY BUILDING , THAT BELONGS TO THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH.

>> ABSOLUTELY.

YES.

>> NOT TO OFFEND ANY PRIVATE PROPERTY OWNERS WHO ARE LANDLORDS AND HAVE A HEFTY MONTHLY REVENUE COMING FROM THE GOVERNMENT.

THE GOVERNMENT CANNOT CONTINUE TO INVEST ALL OF OUR MONEY AND RESOURCES INTO OTHER PROPERTIES AND POCKETS WITHOUT PUTTING SOME INTO THE BUILDING THAT WE OWN.

>> LET´S GET TO SOME OTHER CALLERS.

GOOD EVENING YOU ARE ON THE AIR.

>> HELLO GOOD EVENING.

HOW ARE YOU?

>> DOING WELL.

>> I TEND TO AGREE WITH WHAT THEY´RE SAYING WITH DEVELOPMENT PROPERTIES.

I HEARD HIM TALK ABOUT ALL THE RECREATION FACILITIES AND THE THINGS THAT ARE HAPPENING THERE.

I WOULD LIKE TO SEE MORE SPECIFIC DISCUSSION RELATED TO THE HISTORIC PROPERTY LINE.

>> OKAY SENATOR DAVIS FROM THE ST. THOMAS DISTRICT.

ON BEHALF OF THE ADMINISTRATION.

>> I KNOW FOR A FACT THAT THERE IS A PLAN MOVING FORWARD TO REVAMP THAT STRUCTURE AND PUT IT INTO I WANT TO ADDRESS THE CURRENT SITUATION .

THE GOVERNOR ADDRESSED THAT SIGNIFICANTLY.

ABOUT REDUCTION .

IN HOMICIDES AND HE HAS GONE AS FAR SAYING IT IS DIFFICULT TO GET .

>> HE ANNOUNCED $10,000.

>> SO THEY ARE LOOKING FOR PEOPLE RECRUITING AND THEY HAVE DRONES AND CAMERAS.

HAVE A NUMBER OF ITEMS THAT THEY HAVE INTRODUCED.

THE GOVERNOR .

THAT´S NOT SKIRTING.

>> JUST SAYING WHAT SHE IS SEEING.

>> CALLER GOOD EVENING YOU ARE ON THE AIR.

GOOD EVENING YOU ARE ON THE AIR.

>> HI , GOOD EVENING.

MY QUESTION IS, I LISTENED TO THE GOVERNOR SPEAK ABOUT THE OPENING HOPEFULLY WITHIN THE NEXT THREE MONTHS, BUT I WANT TO KNOW WHAT IS HE DOING OR WHAT ARE THE SENATORS DOING IN TERMS OF MAKING SURE UNION CONTRACTS AS NURSES ARE BEING COMPLETED.

TALKING ABOUT RETENTION OF NURSES AND SO WE HAVE TO MAKE SURE THAT WE FOLLOW THROUGH AND COMPLETE WHAT WE NEED TO DO TO MAKE SURE THESE NURSES STAY ON THE ISLAND.

>> ABSOLUTELY, GREAT QUESTION.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR CALL.

>> I BELIEVE THE GOVERNOR ´S NEGOTIATING TEAM IS THE ONE.

THEY HAVE TO BE IN DISCUSSION WITH THEM.

THAT´S THE ROUTE THEY HAVE TO GO.

LET´S FACE IT, SO IT BEHOOVES US TO KEEP WHAT WE HAVE.

>> THE NURSES WHO WERE INCENTIVIZED TO THE PANDEMIC, RECENTLY BONUSES WERE GIVEN OUT AND THERE HAS BEEN TO COMPENSATE THEM FOR TIME SERVED I AM SEEING THIS.

I THOUGHT YOU WERE DISAGREEING.

I KNOW WE HAVE PAID NURSES RECENTLY EXTRA INCENTIVE PAY TO KEEP THEM BECAUSE OF THE COMPETITIVE NATURE NATIONWIDE AND THIS IS NOT SOMETHING THAT JUST OUR HOSPITALS HAS SEEN.

>> THE OTHER PART OF IT AND I REMEMBER NOW.

THE GOVERNOR WHO WAS A THEN COMMISSIONER SPENT TWO YEARS PUTTING TOGETHER A PLAN AND THE LADY THAT JUST CALLED SPEAKING TO RECRUITMENT, RETENTION, MAINTENANCE AND IN PARTICULAR WHEN THEY´RE ON THE SIDELINE AND THEY SEE THE MONEY WE PUT FORWARD WITH NURSES AND HOW DO EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS FROM HIGH SCHOOL TO THE UNIVERSITY OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS TO PUT IN THESE TYPES OF PROGRAMS STARTING WITH EDUCATION TO COVER NINE-MONTH, TWELVE-MONTH, TWO-YEAR PROGRAMS.

GOING FROM TECHNOLOGY THAT WE ARE LACKING.

ALL OF THE HEALTH FACILITIES.

THESE ARE THINGS THAT FALL BACK IN LINE WHERE I WAS SPEAKING ABOUT INITIALLY, TO INVEST AND ENSURE THAT OUR LOCAL HAS A VESTED PART OF THE WORKFORCE.

THEY WILL MAKE THESE COMMENTS , TWO DAYS AGO THERE WAS A BIG PICTURE IN THE MEDIA ABOUT WHAT WAS DONE TO BRING HOME YOUNG STUDENTS AND I DON´T HAVE ANYTHING TO DO WITH THIS PROGRAM AND THE STUDENTS , BUT LET´S FOCUS ON THE RETENTION OF THOSE WHO ARE HERE NOW THAT SEE THESE THINGS HAPPENING AND WE INCREASE SALARIES, THAT WE RING IN POLICE OFFICERS AND RECRUIT THEM.

ON ONE POINT WE WERE PASSING A PERSON WITH DEGREES FROM THE APARTMENT OF EDUCATION.

SO WE NEED A HOLISTIC APPROACH FOR MANPOWER DEVELOPMENT TO COME ABOUT WITH THE PERSONNEL DEPARTMENT.

THE WORST THING THAT WE HAVE IN SOCIETY WE HAVE MORE PLANS ON OUR SHELVES AND ANY IN THE JURISDICTION PER 1000 PEOPLE POPULATION.

WILL NOT SING IT JOKINGLY.

>> LET´S GET TO THE NEXT CALLER.

GOOD EVENING YOU ARE ON THE AIR.

GOOD EVENING YOU ARE ON THE AIR.

OKAY.

>> GO AHEAD PLEASE.

GO AHEAD WITH YOUR QUESTION.

>> OKAY.

MY QUESTION IS.

I HEARD THE GOVERNOR MENTION IF I´M NOT MISTAKEN, $2 MILLION DEVELOPED FACILITIES.

BUT THEN I WAS THINKING WELL WHAT HAPPENED BECAUSE TO ME SING COREY AND THE VIRGIN ISLANDS TEND TO HAVE MORE >> WE DID SPEAK ABOUT SCHOOLS AND THE SENATOR DRESSED US AND WE DID BRING THE TOPIC UP EARLY IN THE PROGRAM.

I DON´T KNOW IF YOU RECENTLY TUNING.

>> INSTEAD OF THINKING ABOUT THIS 2 MILLION FOR CRICKET MAYBE THEY COULD USE SOME OF THAT FOR THE SCHOOL .

ALSO SPEAKING ABOUT THE CHILDREN NOT DOING WELL.

AND THE ACADEMICS.

AND WHAT COULD BE DONE FOR THAT?

I THINK YOU HAVE SOMETHING CALLED REMEDIAL WHERE THEY CAN GET THE CHILDREN OR HAVE THE TEACHER DO EXTRA HOURS IN THE AFTERNOON SOMETIMES ON A SATURDAY OR SOMETHING.

THE CHILDREN WHO NEED HELP, YOU SPENT SOME TIME AND HELP THEM BECAUSE IT IS JUST EXTRA WORK , THEY WOULD LEAVE SOMEBODY THAT LISTENS TO THEM THAT UNDERSTANDS.

>> THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR CALL.

SENATOR.

>> TO ANSWER A FEW THINGS THE GOVERNOR SPOKE ABOUT THESE STUDENTS.

I BELIEVE NOW, WE ARE TAKING SOME PROGRAMS AWAY, BUT WE NEED TO START LOOKING AT OUR ISLAND AND OUR PEOPLE AND STUDENTS.

WE NEED TO THE SAME CONCEPT.

WE HAVE TO BE ABLE TO FIND STUDENTS BECAUSE THEY DON´T COME THIS WAY LIKE THAT.

SO WE NEED TO LOOK AT THEM AND PUT THEM IN A PLACE WHERE THEY HAVE TO HAVE TO GO TO SCHOOL.

WE HAVE TO HAVE A STRUCTURED THING.

THE OTHER THING ON THE WORKFORCE AS WE HAVE TO LOOK AT ALL THE KINDS OF JOBS THAT WE HAVE IN THE TERRITORY AND START TO BRING IN THE EXPERTISE.

WE NEED TO CHANGE AND EDUCATE THOSE PEOPLE, THOSE KIND OF JOBS.

BRING PEOPLE IN.

>> IT´S NOT THAT WE HAVE TO BRING PEOPLE IN.

WE HAVE PEOPLE IN THE COMMUNITY, BUT I HAVE TO TELL YOU ONE OF THE GREATEST LESSONS A TEACHER CAN IMPLEMENT OR EVEN PARENTS .

WE OFTEN TALK ABOUT TEACHERS NOT THE HOME AND THE HOME IS WHERE THE LOVE FOR LEARNING, WANTING TO LEARN, THE QUEST FOR EDUCATION.

WHERE IT COMES FROM AND TEACHERS HAVE TO IMPLEMENT THAT.

WE HAVE GUIDANCE COUNSELORS IN GUIDANCE COUNSELING.

IN TERMS OF IDENTIFYING AND BEING ABLE TO LOOK AT HOW STUDENTS LEARN AND THE AREAS THEY ENJOY LEARNING.

THERE HAS TO BE MODERNIZATION.

>> IS ANOTHER ELEMENT.

WE LIVE IN A COMMUNITY AND SOCIETY WHERE THE DYNAMICS HAVE CHANGED.

CHILDREN AT A YOUNG AGE COME IN WITH ALL SORTS OF PROBLEMS.

WE DON´T HAVE EXPERTISE, PARENTS ARE NOT HOME TO TAKE CARE OF THEM.

SO THE FIRST PERSON WITH A SEMBLANCE OF ORDER IS A TEACHER.

THAT IS THE ONE THEY LOOK UP TO AND WHO THEY COMPLIED IN.

WE HAVE TO TAKE THEM WHERE THEY ARE AND TAKE TIME.

IT IS A COMMITMENT.

I CAN TELL YOU THAT BECAUSE I WAS A STUDENT AND I WENT BECAUSE OF MY TEACHER.

>> YOU GOT TO COME BACK AND HE WAS THE ONE , THE TEACHER SHOWING THE INTEREST SOMETHING A LOT OF THOSE TEACHERS NOW NEED TO DO THAT.

>> I AGREE.

>> WITH WHAT MY COLLEGE IS SAID, HE DOES KNOW IN THE HISTORY AND THE GOVERNMENT OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS THE COMMISSION OF EDUCATION.

SO RECENTLY SHE MADE OUT A PLAN , A BRAND-NEW PLAN.

EDUCATION.

IT IS A PART OF THE PLAN GOING FORWARD SO WE NEED TO SUPPORT HER.

>> THANK YOU FOR BRINGING THAT UP.

GOOD EVENING YOU ARE ON THE AIR.

>> YES, HI.

GOOD EVENING.

CALLING FROM ST. CROIX WONDERING ABOUT THE ENVISION PROGRAM.

IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS WE HAVE BEEN VERY LUCKY.

QUESTION.

>> TALKING ABOUT THE ENVISION PROGRAM.

WE NEED A WAY TO TAKE THIS MONEY BACK.

IT IS GOING INTO SIX YEARS.

I AM WONDERING ABOUT THAT.

AM I THE ONLY ONE OR ARE ANY OF YOU ON THE PANEL ?

>> LISTEN TO ME ON THE PHONE NOT THE BACKGROUND NOISE.

I THINK WE HAVE A QUESTION.

MR. LYNCH WHAT IS YOUR TAKE ON THE ENVISION PROGRAM?

>> IN THE LAST STATE OF THE TERRITORY ADDRESS THE GOVERNOR BRIEFLY TOUCHED ON NOT HAVING ADEQUATE TO UTILIZE THE FEMA MONEY CORRECTLY FOR THE DISASTER RECOVERY AND IT IS ABOUT SIX OR SEVEN YEARS REMOVED AND STILL INDIVIDUALS ARE NOT BEING FIXED.

GOES BACK TO THE CONTRACTUAL ISSUE WHICH THE FORMER SENATOR MENTIONED.

AS WE STATED BEFORE WE NEED TO HAVE A PLAN IN PLACE TO EXECUTE ALL OF THESE FEDERAL DOLLARS THAT NEEDS TO BE DRAWN DOWN FROM THE MAINLAND.

IF WE DON´T DO THIS AS THE CALLER ELOQUENTLY PUT WE ARE WAITING FOR THE MONEY TO BE RETURNED.

>> ASKING THE ADMINISTRATION FOR THE PLAN FOR THE ENTIRE EXPANSE OF THE FEDERAL RECOVERY MONEY.

SO THAT IS A GOOD POINT.

ANOTHER CALLER.

GOOD EVENING YOU ARE ON THE AIR.

>> WE ARE DOING REALLY WELL.

>> I WANT TO MAKE A COMMENT BASED ON THE QUESTION ONE OF YOUR COLLEAGUES POSED BEFORE.

A LOT OF THINGS HAVE CHANGED IN THE BANKING SYSTEM AND CURRENTLY THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT , ESPECIALLY THE TREASURY ONLY RECOGNIZED ONE INSTITUTION IN THE TERRITORY THAT HAD NATIONAL AFFILIATION WITH A SUBSIDIARY OF THE FIDELITY BANK .

SO THE POPULAR FIRST BANK AND THE STATE BANK AND THEY´RE HAVING A LOT OF PROBLEMS GETTING ANY TYPE OF BUSINESS FOR THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT.

>> THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THAT, VERY HELPFUL.

>> THE STATEMENT JUST MADE I THINK IT MAKES IT RELEVANT TO THE TERRITORY AND GOVERNOR AND WE FIND THE QUESTION ON THE FEDERAL LEVEL THEY ARE HOLDING HUNDREDS OF MILLIONS OF DOLLARS IT WAS IN THEIR PORTFOLIO.

BOTH BANKS.

SOME OF THIS RECOVERY MONEY WHEN IT COMES IN, THE MONEY THAT IS SITTING IN THESE BANKS WE GET INFORMATION AND THEY´RE USING OUR MONEY AND INVESTING IN OTHER JURISDICTIONS OTHER THAN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS.

FEDERALLY AFFILIATED OR NOT.

FIDELITY WE HAVE ONE LAST CALLER FOR THE EVENING.

ANYTHING YOU ARE ON THE AIR.

>> CAN YOU HEAR ME.

>> THE SALARIES OF THE TEACHERS , THE CONSTRUCT FOR THE TEACHERS HAVE A GOOD EXAMPLE, WE KNOW THAT THE TEACHERS HERE HAVE CONTRACT NEGOTIATED, SOME OF THEM ARE READY , AND WE KNOW FULL WELL ALSO -- WHERE UNION.

-- IN A GOVERNMENT STATEMENT THAT THEY WOULD NEGOTIATE A SALARY HUNDRED AND 50,000 , WE AGREEMENT TO FIND RESOURCES, AND FINALLY --I KNOW A LOT OF PEOPLE WHO SAID TELL ME HOW MUCH --PURSUANT TO 1954 , THE PROPHET TO WHERE IT IS NOW -- FOR THAT MONEY --HOW MANY TIMES THAT WE FORGET ABOUT IT?

SO, THEY EXPANDED IT TO WHAT AN ALIEN.

AND IN ADDITION --WE HAVE NEVER SEEN ANY --WE COULD MOVE IT HERE --WE WILL SEE , BUT THEY KNOW FULL WELL WHAT IT WAS BACK INTO THE WAY IT IS RIGHT NOW , SLAVE -- PLANTATION FOR THE 200 MILLION PICKS ALL RIGHT, COLOR, THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR CALL, WE APPRECIATE YOUR CALL FOR THE EVENING.

GENTLEMEN, IT HAS BEEN AN EXPERIENCE.

I WOULD LIKE TO THANK EACH OF YOU FOR THE TIME YOU SPENT WITH US THIS EVENING.

REALLY QUICKLY, 32nd WRAP UP, I WILL START WITH YOU, SEN .

>> I JUST WANTED TO BE HERE AND TO EXPERIENCE THIS BECAUSE MANAGEMENT AND STAFF HAS BEEN SO EFFICIENT AND GENEROUS , I REALLY APPRECIATE THEM , THEY NEED TO BE APPLAUDED.

I JUST WANT TO LET YOU KNOW THAT I´M HAPPY TO BE HERE WITH SOME OF MY COLLEAGUES HERE .

I INDEED AND LIKE I DID , THE GOVERNOR REALLY LAID OUT WHERE WE ARE GOING AND WHERE WE ARE , AND HOW WE ARE GOING TO GET THERE.

I THINK THAT HAS DONE SO VERY WELL WITH THE CONTENT, WITH THE SPECIFICS THAT I THINK THE GOVERNOR DID ALL BY HIMSELF.

THE OVER-PERFORMED .

>> WELL, THANK YOU FOR THAT.

LUCY?

>> OH, HI.

[ LAUGHTER ] I WAS MESMERIZED BY THE STATEMENTS OF MY FORMER COWORKER IN THE LEGISLATURE .

IT WAS INDEED A PLEASURE .

--TO BE IN THIS FORUM WITH YOU , IT WAS INTERESTING WHEN WE HAD A DISCUSSION ON WHETHER IT WAS SUPPOSED TO BE NO --AND EVEN FROM OUR CALLERS , THE SENATORS THAT CALLED IN , THE LISTENERS THAT CALLED IN , SOMETIMES, AT LEAST IN MY MIND, IT SEEMS LIKE WE WERE A LITTLE BIT LOST OF THE PURPOSE OF THE STATE OF THE TERRITORY ADDRESS , WE´RE SUPPOSED TO HAVE THE UPDATE , AND I APPRECIATE THE UPDATE THAT WAS GIVEN OUT SIDE OF THE UPDATES, I ALWAYS KEEP IN MY MIND SOME OF THE THINGS THAT WE NEED TO FOCUS ON MAY NOT HAVE BEEN MENTIONED IN THE ADDRESS, BUT THINGS THAT ARE ON THE CHEST AND ON THE SHOULDERS AND ON THE HEAD OF OUR COMMUNITY.

THANK YOU FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO BE HERE AND TO JOIN MEMBERS OF THE PANEL AND THANK YOU FOR HAVING ME HERE IN GETTING THE NECESSARY INFORMATION TO OUR VIEWERS.

>> MR.

L.Y.N.X., LET´S GO TO YOU NEXT PICKS FIRST OF ALL, I WOULD BE REMISS IF I DON´T THINK YOU FOR THE OPPORTUNITY .

IT IS ALWAYS LIVELY AND WELL VERSED TO HAVE AN INTELLECTUAL EXCHANGE FROM SUCH AN INTERESTING PERSON AND COMMUNITY, TO BE ABLE TO BE SURROUNDED BY THESE EXPERIENCES, THIS IS A VERY HUMBLING EXPERIENCE.

I AM BEING ABLE TO SIT AND -- [ LAUGHTER ] >> BUT SERIOUSLY , AS A COMMUNITY FOR US, IT REALLY TRANSFORMED THE WAY THAT WE THINK.

ON --AND JUSTICE TO INSTIGATE AN INTELLECTUAL CHANGE.

AND HAVING THE ABILITY TO SIT HERE AND DISCUSS THE GOVERNANCE, WHICH REALLY GAVE US AN IDEA OF WHAT IS IMPORTANT OF NOT EVERYTHING NEEDS LEGISLATION, BUT WE NEED SELF- DETERMINATION.

SO, WITH THAT BEING SAID, I CONCLUDE MY TIME.

.

THANK YOU PICKS INTERESTING THAT YOU BRING UP SELF- DETERMINATION.

THAT IS ONE OF THOSE LARGE TOPICS THAT USUALLY WOULD NOT OF THE TERRITORY ADDRESS.

REALLY QUICK WAY YOU KNOW, IT IS A LOOMING , LIKE A CLOUD THAT HANGS OVER US.

AND WE LOOK NEXT-DOOR TO PUERTO RICO , AND HOW THEY HAVE MOVED TO THE SELF-DETERMINATION ISSUE FORWARD , THERE HAS BEEN SIGNIFICANT MOVEMENT IN THEIR , TO WHERE WAS HE PUERTO RICO HAS NOW PLACED IT SELF IN LET´S SAY A BINARY DECISION.

STATED OR NOT, REALLY QUICKLY BEFORE HE WRAP HANGS UP, I WOULD LIKE TO HEAR FROM THE PANEL ON THAT , I AM GOING TO GET TO YOU, RELAX.

WE HAVE THE ISSUE OF THE CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION TO TALK ABOUT THAT DID NOT COME UP IN THE STATE OF THE TERRITORY, THAT IS A SERIOUS ISSUE , WE HAVE YET TO EXPLORE THAT PIXEL, ROCKY D WANT TO TOUCH ON THAT AND ADD THAT?

>> AND I HAVE MY COMMENTS NOW?

OKAY, THANK YOU TO WTJX FOR BEING HERE.

I WANT TO THANK ALSO FOR BEING ON ANALYZE THIS, THE PROGRAM WE GO ON, AND A LOT OF THE DISCUSSION , OH, THANK YOU.

I HAVE TIME .

BUT, LISTEN.

A LOT OF DISCUSSION THAT I HAVE MADE TONIGHT , FROM THE TABLE TALK, THAT IS WHAT WE DO.

WE TALK ABOUT A LOT OF THINGS.

AND I WANT TO SAY THAT THE GOVERNOR MADE A CALL , AND WE KIND OF OVERLOOK IT.

HE ASKED EACH AND EVERY ONE OF US TO ASSIST IN MAKING THE VIRGIN ISLANDS BETTER.

MAKING THE PLACE A BETTER PLACE.

AND I THINK THAT IS A GOOD CALL , BECAUSE IF YOU ARE VESTED IN HERE , AND LIKE I ANY PROUD VIRGIN ISLANDER.

AND IT DOESN´T MATTER --ST. CROW, WE ARE ALL VIRGIN ISLANDERS.

THAT IS WHY I WANT EVERYBODY TO KNOW AT LARGE, WE UNDERSTAND ALL PEOPLE.

THEY UNDERSTAND WHO WE ARE , YOU MAKE US TOGETHER .

>> WE ARE PROPOSING, WHEN YOU SAY EVERYBODY AT LARGE.

, SO, NOT FROM ST. JOHN?

YOU SHOULD BE ABLE TO BE AT ST. JOHN?

>> YOU KNOW WHAT?

THIS PATIENT THAT WE HAVE , SINCE SOMEBODY SAID JOHN.

LIKE IT WOULD AND.

BECAUSE YOU KNOW, RIGHT NOW IN THE SENATE IF YOU ARE FROM ST. CROIX THIS COULD BE SOMETHING THAT PEOPLE DON´T WANT, BUT IT IS OKAY BECAUSE YOU HAVE NO RESPECT.

RIGHT.

BUT, WHEN YOU ARE AT LARGE YOU CANNOT DO THAT.

BECAUSE EVERYBODY GOES THROUGH YOU.

AND SO WE WANT TO REMIND YOU , YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE.

AND I BEGGED SOMEBODY FOR THAT ALREADY.

[ LAUGHTER ] BUT ANYWAY.

A GREAT OPPORTUNITY , I WANTED TO LISTEN TO WHAT THE GOVERNOR HAD TO SAY AND WE GO ON OUR DISCOURSE HERE AND THERE , BUT I THINK HE MEANS WELL , I THINK HE WANTS TO DO THE RIGHT THING , HE JUST TAKES BAD ADVICE.

AND HE NEEDS TO GET SOME PEOPLE , NOT JUST FROM BEING HIS BUDDY, BUT FROM TELLING WHAT IT IS RIGHT TO DO ON BEHALF OF ALL PEOPLE.

AND IF HE DOES THAT HE IS GOING TO BE FINE.

SO, EACH AND EVERY ONE LIKE THIS YOUNG MAN HERE AND YOU, YOU ARE PART OF THAT GROUP.

THIS IS ALL COMMUNITY.

SO, LET´S DO SOMETHING.

LET´S BE A PART OF IT , LET´S TRY TO MAKE IT THE BEST WAY POSSIBLE.

AND ON THAT NOTE I JUST WANT TO SAY THANK YOU.

>> WELL, QUICKLY BECAUSE WE´VE BEEN GIVEN A LITTLE EXTRA TIME.

I WANT TO GET BACK TO A STATUS ISSUE AND THE CONSTITUTION, I THINK THAT IS REALLY IMPORTANT.

THEY WERE HERE THIS EVENING AS WELL.

AND TERMS OF SELF-DETERMINATION .

>> I´M SORRY, THAT IS AN IMPORTANT TOPIC , AND A DIFFICULT TOPIC IN A FEW MINUTES.

I HAVE BEEN BEFORE THE U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TWICE AND ONE OF THE CHAIRMAN OF THE ICM, AND THE OTHER , THE AMERICAN LEADER -- THE MEMBER WHO JOINED ME AND INVITED ME TO THE DEMOCRATIC CAUCUS.

WELL, HAVING SAID THAT , THEY HAVE INVITED ME TO SERVE AS AN OBSERVER AS THE CHAIRMAN OF THE JOINT BOARD .

THAT THIS IS A VERY IMPORTANT TOPIC AND TOPIC THAT POSSIBLY WTJX WANTS TO TAKE ON AS DISCUSSION, SOMETHING THAT THE GOVERNOR DID NOT MENTION , THE SUBJECT MATTER OF THE BILL THAT WAS PASSED .

WE GET INTO THE LANE DUCK SESSION IN SEPTEMBER, BECAUSE HE IS -- OWING TO VETO IT, AND HE HAS TO VETO IT.

I SAW A COPY OF THE BILL IN THE SEN.

SENT ME THE WRONG COPY OF THE BILL .

BUT, THERE WERE NO AMENDMENTS TO THE BILL AND THEY WERE SAYING THE GOVERNOR -- TO SOMETHING FROM 2023 THAT WAS COMPLETELY OUT OF SYNC .

SO, I DON´T FORESEE IT, AT LEAST IN MY MIND --THAT IS --THERE IS NO WAY WE COULD BEGIN TO IMPLEMENT FOR THE CAPITOL ON JANUARY 20 SOMETHING, WE DON´T BUT, IT IS IMPORTANT THAT WE HAVE A DISCUSSION ON SELF- DETERMINATION.

THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON BACK AND FORTH .

>> OYEZ .

>> WERE WE HAVE HAD A DISCUSSION WITH THE PROGRAM , OR ARE WE AT-LARGE?

>> YES.

>> AND LOOK AT 1992 .

>> ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THAT , --FROM THE SEN. AND COMMISSIONER AND THE SUBJECT MATTER WAS --THE CONSTITUTION.

YOU CAN SEE HOW LONG AGO PICKS WE HAVE NOT REALLY PROGRESSED .

>> WE HAVE NOT PROGRESSED AND WE´RE LOOKING FOR THE NICE APPROACH TO ADDRESS THE SUBJECT MATTER OF THE CONSTITUTION AND THIS PARTICULAR POLITICAL STATUS .

WHAT IS THE APPROPRIATE WORD?

--BUT I USE IT ANYWAY.

WE HAVE BEEN TAKEN OVER BY OUTSIDE INFLUENCE THAT HAVE NO UNDERSTANDING OF THE HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT .

AND I THINK I TOUCHED A LITTLE BIT ON THAT , THE PRESENTATION THAT I HAD IN THE COMMITTEE, WE DON´T REALIZE HOW HISTORICAL AND PROGRESSIVE WE ARE AS A PEOPLE , WE PUSH EVERYBODY ELSE FASTER.

WE CAN TALK ON IT.

>> YES, BUT I JUST WANTED TO.

I DID NOT MEAN TO SPEAK, BUT IT IS A PASSIONATE TOPIC TAKES A LOT OF DISCUSSION .

>> LIKE I SAID, IT DOES NOT TAKE PROMINENT .

AND THIS IS NOT A GOV.

BRYANT ISSUE, THIS IS ANY GOV.

THE STATE OF THE TERRITORY , YOU THINK THAT IT SHOULD BE PROMINENTLY PLACED IN THE CONVERSATION OF THAT NATURE, IT IS LISTENING BECAUSE IT WOULD GIVE THE GOVERNOR AN OPPORTUNITY TO SET UP ON A PATH AND PLACE US IN A DIRECTION THAT WOULD REALLY GET PEOPLE TO THINK ABOUT IT.

--THE BEST DAYS OF COLONIALISM HANGING AROUND HER NECK IT´S BEEN A GOOD POINT.

>> YOU KNOW, HANGING AROUND HER NECK.

--TO MAKE SURE, GO AHEAD .

>> WELL, I JUST WANT TO SAY THAT YOU DID A WONDERFUL JOB .

>> THANK YOU SO MUCH.

LIKE I SAID, THIS WAS INDEED AN EXPERIENCE.

AND ALSO, I WOULD ALSO LIKE TO JUST ACKNOWLEDGE THE CREW HERE AT WTJX, YOU WANT TO TALK ABOUT PROFESSIONALISM.

THE YOUNG VIRGIN ISLANDERS WHO HAVE IT ALL TOGETHER , THEY ARE TOP-NOTCH.

AND ON ALL FRONTS THEY HAVE DONE A SPECTACULAR JOB .

MOST PEOPLE DON´T TUNE INTO READ THE CREDITS, SO WE ARE GOING TO GIVE THEM THE CREDIT ON AIR.

BECAUSE WHILE THERE NAMES MAYBE LISTED , THEY DO DESERVE THE EXTRA RECOGNITION FOR THE PROFESSIONALISM THAT THEY HAVE SHOWN.

WHAT DID YOU SAY?

>> YOU KNOW, THEY.

IT UP WITH THE PAPER, YOU KNOW?

[ LAUGHTER ] >> SO, ONE LAST THING YOU KNOW, THEY ARE TALKING TO ME , BUT I WANTED TO ASK YOU GUYS ONE LAST QUESTION.

MOVING FORWARD, DO YOU SEE THAT STATE OF THE TERRITORY ADDRESS THAT THE GOVERNOR GAVE TONIGHT SPEAKING TO WHAT IS IN IT IN HIS PATH TO GOVERNANCE THIS YEAR?

>> I THINK HE IS GOING TO BE RIGHT ON TARGET.

IT IS PRES.

THE LAST STATE OF THE TERRITORY MESSAGE BEFORE, HE PROMISED THAT HE WAS GOING TO STABILIZE THE GOVERNMENT , WE HAVE TWO AND THREE DAYS ON MANY OCCASION.

AND THEN WE WERE HAVE 30 OR 60 DAYS , HE SAID HE WAS GOING TO PAY THE 8%.

HE SAID HE WAS GOING TO TAKE THE RETROACTIVE MONEY , $25 MILLION IN HE OVER PERFORMED OF IT, $40 MILLION.

HE SAID HE WAS GOING TO BRING UP TO DATE INCOME TAXES.

HE DID ALL OF THAT.

HE SAID HE WAS GOING TO FIX --, HE DID THAT.

SO, WE SEE THE PATTERN THERE.

I HAVE NO REASON TO DISAGREE OR THAT HE IS GOING TO GO TO THE SAME THING TONIGHT .

>> TENNIS, REAL QUICK .

>> YES, I WANTED GO BACK TO THE QUESTION YOU ASKED EARLIER ABOUT HOW WE PROJECT THE FINANCIAL OUTCOME OF THE TERRITORY , SO IT SEGUES INTO THE ANSWER TO MY QUESTION.

I AM A LITTLE JADED AND HOW I SEE IT AND HOW I FEEL THAT WE ARE IN THE EYE OF THE STORM RIGHT NOW.

IT IS PRETTY CALM.

BUT, YOU KNOW >> I´M GOING TO HAVE TO INTERRUPT YOU REALLY QUICKLY.

BUT, TO WRAP THINGS UP HERE , WE HAVE RUN UP ON OUR TIME LIMIT.

SO, AGAIN, THING TO EACH OF YOU GENTLEMEN, THAT IS IT FOR THIS EVENING.

WE WANT TO THANK ALL OF OUR VIEWERS FOR LISTENING AND TAKING WTJX YOUR HOME FOR TRUSTED AND DEPENDABLE COVERAGE.

WE HOPE YOU HAVE APPRECIATED OUR LIVE COVERAGE .

ON BEHALF OF THE PANEL , HAVE A PROSPEROUS 2023.