>> STAY TUNED AS WE JOIN THE CONVERSATION TO ANALYZE THESE ISSUES AND MORE.

COMES WITH THE TERRITORY STARTS NOW.

>>> WELCOME TO COMES WITH THE TERRITORY.

I´M MARCELLINA VENTURA-DOUGLAS.

THE DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND NATURAL RESOURCES IS AT THE FOREFRONT OF KEY ISSUES IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS FROM PROTECTING TO THE ENVIRONMENT AND RESTORING PUBLIC AND CULTURAL RESOURCES.

>> WE ARE AT A TRANSFORMATIONAL TIME IN OUR HISTORY RIGHT NOW.

WE ARE SETTING THE STAGE FOR WHAT WE WANT OUR ISLANDS TO LOOK LIKE IN THE FUTURE.

>> ONE OF THEIR MOST AMBITIOUS PROJECTS IS THE COMPREHENSIVE LAND AND WATER USE PLAN.

THIS DRAFT REFLECTS YEARS OF RESEARCH, COLLABORATION, AND COMMUNITY INPUT FROM 91 VOLUNTEERS AND 50 TOWN HALL MEETINGS INCLUDING THE MOST RECENT IN JUNE.

THEY ARE NOW MOVING TO THE NEXT PHASE, RECITING THE PLAN AND LAYING THE GROUNDWORK FOR IMPLEMENTATION.

WITH A FOCUS ON SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AND PRESERVATION.

IT REMAINS A COSTLY PROBLEM FOR THE TERRITORY AFTER STORMS.

THE DEPARTMENT IS LOOKING FOR WAYS TO REMOVE THE VESSELS AND HOLD OWNERS ACCOUNTABLE TO PREVENT SIMILAR ISSUES IN THE FUTURE.

AT THE SAME TIME RESIDENTS ARE WAITING FOR THE REOPENING´S OF PUBLIC LIBRARIES WHICH HAVE BEEN CLOSED DUE TO LONG DEBATED RENOVATIONS.

IT´S LEFT MANY WITHOUT ACCESS TO RESOURCES PROMPTING LAWMAKERS TO PUSH FOR FASTER ACTION.

HAVE COMMITTED TO MOVING THESE PROJECTS FORWARD.

REPRESENTING THE TERRITORY HISTORY, THEY ARE MANAGING MILLIONS OF GRANTS TO RESTORE LANDMARKS DAMAGED BY HURRICANES IRMA AND MARIA FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS.

MEANWHILE, ONGOING SEWAGE SPILLS CONTINUE TO IMPACT THE TERRITORY RAISING ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS FOR RESIDENTS.

MANY ARE WORRIED ABOUT THE EFFECTS ON THE MARINE ECOSYSTEM AND COASTAL WATERS.

THEY ARE LOOKING TO DPN ARE FOR SOLUTIONS.

JOINING US ONSET TO DISCUSS THESE CHALLENGES IS JEAN-PIERRE ORIOL, COMMISSIONER OF THE DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING >> THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR HAVING ME.

ALL THE BEST FOR THE SEASON TO YOU AND YOURS.

THE SAME TO THE VIEWING PUBLIC PICK >> SAME TO YOU AND YOURS.

VERY BRIEFLY GIVE US SOME BACKGROUND ON THE PLAN FOR THE LAND AND WATER USE.

THE FINAL PHASE HAS BEEN SUBMITTED.

SPEAK TO ME ABOUT THAT.

>> WE ARE GOING BEFORE THE LEGISLATURE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE ON 17 DECEMBER.

WE ARE PRESENTING OUR FINAL PLAN, THE COMPREHENSIVE LAND AND WATER USE PLAN.

WE DID A LITTLE BIT DIFFERENTLY THAN HAS BEEN SUBMITTED IN YEARS PRIOR.

WHAT THIS FOCUSES ON IS THE VISION FOR THE TERRITORY.

IT REALLY OUTLINES THE DIFFERENT SECTORS THAT WE FEEL NEED TO BE ADDRESSED AND ESTABLISHES SOME GOALS AND POLICIES IN EACH OF THOSE SECTORS.

WE REALLY WANT TO FOCUS AND AGREE ON THE VISION FOR THE TERRITORY MOVING FORWARD AND ONCE WE CAN GET THAT PAST THEN SOME OF THEM ARE REGULATORY ISSUES AND CODE UPDATES, THOSE TYPES OF THINGS ARE MORE ACTIONABLE AND ENFORCEMENT DRIVEN.

THE DEPARTMENT WILL BEGIN THE VISIONS FOR THE SPECIFIC TALENTS AND THOSE TYPES OF THINGS IN THE NEAR FUTURE.

FIRST, WE WANTED TO BE SURE WE COULD GET AGREEMENT ON THE POLICIES AND GET THOSE CODIFIED AND MOVE FORWARD FROM THERE.

>> WHAT DO YOU ANTICIPATE, MAYBE ONE OF THE BIGGEST CHALLENGES IMPLEMENTING THE PLAN AS WE MOVE THE TERRITORY FORWARD?

>> OVERALL, I THINK CAPACITY NO MATTER WHERE WE ARE RIGHT NOW WILL BE THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE.

WHETHER THAT IS CAPACITY WITHIN THE DEPARTMENT TO BE ABLE TO UPON, HAVING THE CAPITAL --IF WE CALL FOR A CERTAIN INDUSTRY TO MOVE FROM ONE PORTION OF THE ISLAND TO A DIFFERENT PORTION OF THE ISLAND WHAT DOES THAT LOOK LIKE IN ORDER TO MAKE THAT OR BRING THAT TO FRUITION.

ONE OF THE THINGS WE TRY TO DO IS NOT COME UP ON ANYTHING ON OUR OWN BUT RATHER FOR DEPARTMENTS AND FUNDING TO ADOPT THE PLANS THEY ARE USING AND MOVING FORWARD RIGHT NOW.

WE RECOGNIZE THAT WE ARE IN A TRANSFORMATIONAL.

IN THE TERRITORY BEING -- HAVING AVAILED OURSELVES TO ABOUT $12 BILLION.

I THINK EVERY MONTH THAT GOES UP 13 BILLION, 14 BILLION, THOSE NUMBERS ARE TRANSFORMATIONAL IN NATURE.

SISTER AGENCIES.

WE ARE HERE TO HELP WITH THE PLANNING ASPECTS OF WHAT YOU WANT TO DO.

WE HAVE DISCUSSED WHERE CERTAIN THINGS CAN HAPPEN, WHERE CERTAIN THINGS SHOULD GO OR BE MOVED TO OR WHERE EXPANSION SHOULD BE AND WE ARE PREPARED TO WORK WITH OUR AGENCIES ON THOSE.

THERE IS FUNDING AVAILABLE TO THE TERRITORY.

>> AFTER THE LEGISLATIVE PROCESS, HOW LONG DO YOU ANTICIPATE THE TIMELINE FOR THE ROLLOUT.

>> WE WILL BE READY TO GET TO WORK IMMEDIATELY TO START FOR MORE OF THE CODIFIED CHANGES.

IT WILL BEGIN, IN 2014 WE ACTUALLY SUBMITTED A PIECE OF LEGISLATION TO THE LEGISLATURE FOR A REVAMPING OF THE ZONING CODE.

RATHER THAN HAVE IT BE SO UP AND ALLOW IT TO BE MORE FLEXIBLE FOR HOME-BASED BUSINESSES THAT RIGHT NOW HAVE TO GO BEFORE THE LEGISLATURE TO GET ZONING VARIANCES.

THOSE WILL BE THINGS THAT IF WE WERE TO REDUCE THE RIGIDITY IN OUR TABLE OF PERMITTED USES WE COULD HANDLE THOSE IN HOUSE RATHER THAN HAVING TO GO TO THE LEGISLATURE.

THIS IS SOMETHING THAT WAS PROPOSED IN 2014.

WE PULLED IT BACK.

WE WANTED TO BE SURE WE HAD THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AND VISION SET.

ABOUT 90% OF THOSE THINGS ARE STILL APPLICABLE TODAY.

WE HAVE SOME THINGS IN THE FIRST 6 TO 8 MONTHS WE WOULD BE ABLE TO START PUSHING FORWARD.

>> I WANT TO TALK ABOUT, WE WILL TALK ABOUT THE ABANDONED AND DERELICT BOATS THAT HAVE BEEN LEFT IN THE HARBOR IN ST. THOMAS AND ST. CROIX.

SPEAK TO ME ON WHERE THE DEPARTMENT STANDS RIGHT NOW AND WHAT IS BEING DONE.

>> SURE.

WHAT WE DID IN ANTICIPATION, WE KNOW THAT THE PRESIDENTIAL DISASTER DECORATION WAS APPROVED, WHAT WE DID IS WE MOVED SOME FUNDING AROUND LOCALLY TO BE ABLE TO START THE PROCESS.

WE ARE ACTUALLY IN THE FINAL STAGES OF OUR CONTRACT TEAM FOR THE REMOVAL OF THE VESSELS.

SIX OF EIGHT VESSELS IN THE SAME ATOMIC DISTRICT --SAINT THOMAS DISTRICT.

ON THE ST. CROIX SIDE WE JUST RECEIVED SOME OF THE QUOTATIONS AND COST.

BY THE END OF DECEMBER, EARLY JANUARY OUR AWARDS FROM FEMA WILL ACTUALLY BE AWARDED TO THE DEPARTMENT AS WELL.

SO NOW WE ARE ELIGIBLE TO REIMBURSE ANY COST WE HAVE INCURRED FOR THE FIRST SIX VESSELS ON ST. THOMAS AND THEN WE WILL BE ABLE TO USE THE FEMA FUNDING FOR THE REMOVAL OF THE REMAINING VESSELS ACROSS THE TERRITORY.

>> THAT´S WHAT I WANTED TO GET INTO.

THIS IS A FINANCIAL BURDEN ON THE DEPARTMENTS TO GO AND SECURE FUNDING TO DEAL WITH US.

HOW IS THE DEPARTMENT GOING FORWARD PLANNING ON ADDRESSING THOSE BOAT OWNERS THAT ARE UNINSURED AND PREVENT THAT FROM HAPPENING IN THE FUTURE.

>> THERE´S TWO AVENUES WE CAN ADDRESS THIS PARTICULAR SITUATION.

THE FIRST, IT IS A DIRECT COST TO THE VESSEL OWNERS IN THAT, IF YOU ARE A MOORING HOLDER, ONE OF THE REQUIREMENTS MUST BE THAT YOU HAVE INSURANCE.

THE ISSUE WOULD BECOME THAT COST FOR THE SALVAGING OF THE VESSEL COULD BE JUST AS COSTLY AS THE VESSEL ITSELF.

WE DON´T HAVE A LARGE HALL OUT LOCATION IN THE TERRITORY FOR A 45 FOOT, 50 FOOT BOAT THAT SORT OF THING.

WHEN YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT HOW MUCH IT COST TO HAUL OUT A VESSEL OF THAT SIZE YOU ARE LOOKING AT POTENTIALLY $30,000, $40,000.

INSURANCE ON THAT ALONE WILL BE SOMETHING THAT IS PRETTY SUBSTANTIAL.

ANOTHER WAY TO DO IT IS ACTUALLY, WE HAVE ABOUT 4600 REGISTERED VESSELS IN THE TERRITORY.

THE OTHER WAY TO DO IT WOULD BE TO IMPOSE AN ENVIRONMENTAL FEE ON EVERY SINGLE ONE OF THOSE VESSELS.

IF WE DID $100 ON 4600 AVAILABLE TO RESCUE BOATS, TO SALVAGE THEM.

>> IN THE EVENT SOMETHING LIKE THAT HAPPENS AGAIN.

I WANT TO ASK YOU AFTER TROPICAL STORM ERNESTO WE SAW --PULLING INTO THE HARBOR.

THAT HAS DELAYED EFFORTS TO REMOVE THE VESSEL.

A CONTRACT ARE REPORTED DANGEROUSLY HIGH LEVELS OF BACTERIA WHO UNFORTUNATELY GOT SICK ATTEMPTING TO REMOVE THE VESSEL.

HAS ANYONE ELSE REPORTED BECOMING HEALTH OR HAS THE DEPARTMENT HEARD ANYTHING ELSE ABOUT THIS?

>> ONE OF THE THINGS THAT WE DO ON A WEEKLY BASIS IS WE ACTUALLY TEST ALL THE SWIMMING BEACHES IN THE TERRITORY.

WE PUT OUT A WEEKLY BEACH REPORT.

IT COMES OUT EVERY FRIDAY SO A PERSON GOING TO THE BEACH FRIDAY, SATURDAY, SUNDAY HAS AN DATED -- UPDATED BEACH WATER QUALITY REPORT.

THE HARBOR IS WHERE THE SEWAGE LEAKS HAVE TAKEN PLACE AND NOT PARTICULARLY WHERE ANYBODY REALLY SWIMS.

WE DO KNOW THE BACTERIA LEVELS IN THE HARBORS HAVE BEEN HIGH WHETHER IT IS DUE TO THE COLLAPSED LINE, THE FAILED PUMP STATIONS THAT HAVE BEEN HAPPENING IN ST. CROIX, THE SEWAGE BACKS UP AND OVERFLOWS AND THEN IT TRICKLES INTO THE BOARDWALK AREA AND OTHER LOCATIONS.

THOSE AREAS, AGAIN, WE´VE SEEN WHERE WASTE MANAGEMENT HAS PUT UP THE SIGNAGE.

WE CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE SWIMMING BEACHES ON A WEEKLY BASIS FOR BACTERIA TO BE SURE WE ARE PROVIDING OUR RESIDENTS THE MOST ACCURATE INFORMATION REGARDING WHETHER OR NOT IT IS SAFE TO SWIM.

WE ARE WORKING WITH THE WASTE MANAGEMENT AUTHORITIES, HOPEFULLY THEY CAN CORRECT SOME OF THESE ISSUES PRETTY SOON AND THEN WE CAN NEGATE ALL OF THE BACKUPS AND SEWAGE THAT WE ARE HAVING IN THOSE TYPES OF THINGS.

>> I KNOW THAT WASTE MANAGEMENT HAS BEEN TRYING TO ADDRESS THIS.

IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE FROM DPNR SIDE.

IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE THE DEPARTMENT IS DOING OR IS RAMPING UP OR COULD BE DOING MORE TO HELP ALLEVIATE ANY OF THESE ISSUES?

>> PART OF THE ISSUE IS THAT THE WASTE MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY IS DEALING WITH FAILING OR AGED EQUIPMENT.

I DO SIT ON THE BOARD FOR THE WASTE MANAGEMENT AUTHORITIES.

AT THE MEETING IN SEPTEMBER THEY REPORTED THAT OF THE 33 PUMP STATIONS, 61% OF THEM HAVE FAILED.

WE MANAGE SOMETHING CALLED THE CLEAN WATER ACT GRANTS FROM THE U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY THAT ALLOWS US TO SUBGRANT FUNDS TO THE DIFFERENT UTILITIES FOR DRINKING WATER AND CLEAN WATER.

ONE OF THE THINGS WE DID SHORTLY AFTER THE SEPTEMBER MEETING IS MEET WITH WASTE MANAGEMENT, GET A COST FROM THEM TO REPLACE ALL 33 OF THEIR PUMPS.

WE HAVE NOW AGREED TO SUBGRANT THEM $5 MILLION TO REPLACE OR GET BACKUPS FOR ALL 33 OF THEIR PUMPS.

RIGHT NOW THEY ARE IN THE PROCESS OF TRYING TO SOURCE ALL OF THOSE MATERIALS.

THEY WANT TO MAKE ALL OF THAT INFRASTRUCTURE UNIFORM SO THAT ONE PUMP IS NOT SPECIFIC TO THIS LOCATION BUT THAT THEY HAVE -- IF ONE PUMP GOES DOWN I CAN ABLE TO USE IT.

SO WE HAVE AGREED TO DO THAT AS PART OF OUR IMPLEMENTATION OF THE CLEAN WATER ACT.

THAT IS OUTSIDE OF THE REGULATORY ROLE IT IS ANOTHER THING THAT DPNR CAN DO TO TRY TO HELP ALLEVIATE THE SITUATION.

>> I WANT TO ASK ABOUT PUBLIC LIBRARIES.

GIVE US A RUNDOWN ON THE PUBLIC LIBRARIES.

WHAT IS THE STATUS.

WHAT IS OPEN?

WHAT IS BEING WORKED ON.

>> RIGHT NOW THE LIBRARY IS OPEN TUESDAY THROUGH SATURDAY TO THE PUBLIC.

IN SAINT JOHN, WE ARE HOPING TO OPEN THE SPROUL LIBRARY BETWEEN JANUARY AND FEBRUARY.

OUR EMPLOYEES WHO LIVED ON ST. JOHN AND WORKED ON ST. JOHN, UNFORTUNATELY WE LOST BOTH OF THEM IN THE COURSE OF THIS CALENDAR YEAR.

WE DID NOT HAVE ENOUGH STAFF TO BE ABLE TO CARRYOVER, BACK FILL THOSE POSITIONS SO WE CAN BE OPEN SHORTLY IN THE BEGINNING PART OF THE NEW YEAR.

THE PETERSON LIBRARY AND THE TURNBOW LIBRARY ARE BOTH UNDER CONSTRUCTION.

THE TURNBULL LIBRARY RIGHT NOW, THE PROJECT SHOULD COMPLETE IN THE BEGINNING OF MARCH OF 2025.

WE ANTICIPATE HAVING A RIBBON- CUTTING MAYBE TOWARDS THE END OF MARCH, EARLY APRIL 2025.

>> COMMISSIONER ORIOL, THANK YOU SO MUCH.

THANK YOU FOR GIVING US THAT UPDATE.

I REALLY APPRECIATE YOU BEING HERE AND SPEAKING TO ME TODAY.

>>> COMING UP WE WILL HEAR FROM THE PANEL BUT FIRST LET´S TAKE A LOOK AT THE TOPICS UP FOR DISCUSSION.

>> THIS ALLOWS THOSE YOUNG BOYS THAT ARE NOW YOUNG ADULTS TO FILE AN ACTION RIGHT NOW AGAINST ALL THE ENABLERS AND ALL THE PEOPLE WHO ARE RESPONSIBLE.

>> VICTIMS WHO WERE ASSAULTED AS YOUNG BOYS BY FORMER TRACK COACH CAN NOW PURSUE CLAIMS AGAINST ENABLERS IN COURT.

THE LEGISLATION WAS INTRODUCED BY JAMES AND SPECIAL ORDERED TO THE SENATE FLOOR DURING THE NOVEMBER 20 LEGISLATIVE SESSION IT ELIMINATES THE STATUTE OF LIMITATION FIRST SIMILARLY CIVIL CLAIMS ALLOWING SURVIVORS TO TAKE ACTION AT ANY TIME AFTER RECOGNIZING THEY WERE ABUSED AS MINORS.

IT ALSO ALIGNS THE CLAIMS WITH THE CRIMINAL CODE WHICH HAS ALLOWED PROSECUTION WITHOUT A TIME LIMIT.

SMITH ADMITTED TO SEXUALLY ASSAULTING MULTIPLE STUDENTS OVER THE YEARS OFTEN RECORDING THE ACTS.

SOME OF THEM OCCURRED ON SCHOOL GROUNDS.

HE´S CURRENTLY SERVING A 35 YEAR SENTENCE.

>> THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION NEEDS TO BE HELD LIABLE FOR WHAT HAPPENED.

>> THEY HOLD NOT ONLY PERPETRATORS BUT INSTITUTIONS ACCOUNTABLE.

THE ACTING GOVERNOR SIGNED THE BILL INTO LAW EARLIER THIS MONTH COMMENDING THE LEGISLATURE FOR RECOGNIZING THE NEED TO EXPAND THE STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS FOR CIVIL ACTIONS RELATED TO CHILDHOOD SEXUAL ABUSE.

HE ALSO FLAGGED AREAS OF CONCERN AND URGED THE LEGISLATURE TO REVISIT THE MEASURE.

HE WROTE, FIRST THE RETROACTIVITY OF THE MEASURE WILL LIKELY PRESENT TO PROCESS CHALLENGES.

I RECOMMEND A REASONABLE TIME OF RETROACTIVITY BE ESTABLISHED SUCH AS 10 YEARS FROM THE DATE OF ENACTMENT.

THEY SHOULD CLARIFY THAT ACTIONS MAY NOT BE BROUGHT BY ANY PERSON BUT BY THE VICTIM OR GUARDIAN ON BEHALF OF THE VICTIM.

THE MEASURE SHOULD ALSO CLEARLY DEFINE ABUSE AND EXPLOITATION AND CLARIFY THE MEANING OF ENABLERS, AIDERS AND ABETTORS TO FOSTER UNAMBIGUOUS APPLICATION.

THE RETIREMENT SYSTEM HAS VOTED TO A 3% INCREASE IN THE CONTRIBUTION RATE WHICH WAS SET TO TAKE EFFECT JANUARY 1 2025.

IT CAME OUT A VIRTUAL BOARD MEETING AFTER A LETTER FROM THE GOVERNOR WAS READ INTO THE RECORD BY THE ADMINISTRATOR.

>> I AM WRITING TO FORMALLY WRITTEN WEST THAT THE BOARD RECONSIDER AND RESCIND THE RECENT RESOLUTION TO RAISE THE EMPLOYEE CONTRIBUTION BY 3%.

AT THIS TIME THE ADJUSTMENT WOULD PLACE AN ADDITIONAL $14 MILLION BURDEN ON THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS WHICH IS SIMPLY UNSUSTAINABLE UNDER THE CURRENT FINANCIAL CIRCUMSTANCES.

AS YOU ARE AWARE WE ARE STILL AWAITING CONSIDERATION OF THE TAX EXTENDER WHICH IS EXPECTED TO REIMBURSE THE GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES RETIREMENT SYSTEM WITH $90 MILLION.

THIS POTENTIAL REIMBURSEMENT IS SIGNIFICANT AND WILL ALLEVIATE SOME OF THE FINANCIAL STRAIN ON OUR RETIREMENT SYSTEM.

TO REVIEW IT BEFORE CONGRESS HAS MADE IT DETERMINATION WOULD BE PREMATURE.

>> THIS IS A CRITICAL FUNDING TIED TO A SPECIAL FUND CREATED IN 2022 TO STABILIZE.

THE FUND USES EXCISE TAXES ON VIRGIN ISLANDS TAXES EXPORTED TO THE MAINLAND TO PROVIDE BETWEEN $82 BILLION AND $158 MILLION ANNUALLY TO THE SYSTEM TOTALING ABOUT $4 BILLION OVER 30 YEARS.

THE FUNDING ASSUMES A TAX RATE OF 13: -- THE RATE IS NOW $10.50.

THEY HAVE BEEN LOBBYING CONGRESS TO RESTORE THE HIGHER RATE, BUT NO DECISION HAS BEEN MADE.

THEY ASKED THE BOARD TO HOLD OFF ON THE INCREASE TO ALLOW FOR CLARITY.

>> WE REQUEST THAT THE BOARD RECONSIDER THIS MEASURE AT A LATER TIME.

BY THEN WE HOPE TO HAVE CLARITY REGARDING THE RENEWAL AND REIMBURSEMENT OF $90 MILLION.

WE CAN EXPORT WHAT WILL BE DONE.

>> THE BOARD VOTED 4-1 >> THE DATE OF OCTOBER 1, 2025, THAT GIVES THEM THE OPPORTUNITY TO WALK THE INCREASE TO THE AND THE CHOICE OF THE DATE WITH THE START OF THE INCREASE.

>> THEY ARGUED THAT THE BOARD SHOULD PUSH BRYAN SUPPRESS PRESIDENT BIDEN.

>> I DO NOT THINK THEY HAVE AGGRESSIVELY PURSUED IT.

>> I AM PROUD TO REPORT THAT IN 2023 OUR EFFORTS WILL YIELD AN UNPRECEDENTED FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR UVI.

>> ONE YEAR LATER PETER CHAPMAN WAS GONE.´S CONTRACT AS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE RESEARCH AND TECH KNOWLEDGE HE PARKED IS NOT RENEWED BY THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES WHEN IT EXPIRED IN AUGUST.

STATED THERE IS NOTHING UNUSUAL ABOUT A BOARD GOING IN A NEW DIRECTION AT ANY TIME SINCE THE BOARD SETS POLICY.

AS A MATTER OF FACT, THE DECISION NOT TO EXTEND A NEW CONTRACT TO THE CURRENT EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR IS THE THIRD ONE SINCE I HAVE BEEN BOARD CHAIR.

THE LAWSUIT WAS FILED ON THE 26 ALLEGED OTHERWISE.

THE FORMER CEO CLAIMS HE WAS FORCED OUT FOR RESISTING WHAT HE CALLED ILLEGAL AND UNETHICAL ACTIONS BY BOARD MEMBERS AND PUTTING THOMAS.

FOUND IN THE DISTRICT COURT IT DETAILS WHAT HE CALLS A PATTERN OF GOVERNANCE FAILURES AND RETALIATION.

CHAPMAN IS CREDITED WITH TURNING THE ORGANIZATION AROUND.

UNDER HIS LEADERSHIP IT GENERATED OVER $15 MILLION IN FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR UVI EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS WHICH REPRESENTS MORE THAN 90% OF WHAT THEY HAVE GENERATED FOR INCEPTION.

CENTRAL TO THE DISPUTE CHAPMAN ALLEGES WAS HIS REFUSAL TO COMPLY WITH BOARD DEMANDS TO DIVERT ADDITIONAL FUNDS TO THE UNIVERSITY.

HE DESCRIBES BEING PLACED IN A, QUOTE, UNENVIABLE POSITION TO FEND OFF MEMBERS OF THE BOARD TO DIVERT LARGE ADDITIONAL SUMS FOR THE MYRIAD OF INTEREST.

THEY ALSO ACCUSE THE BOARD OF UNETHICAL PRACTICES INCLUDING TAX BENEFITS AND WHAT HE CALLED A CLEAR QUID PRO QUO TO SECURE A $3 MILLION GRANT FOR THE INNOVATION CENTER.

ANOTHER INCIDENT RECALLED THOMAS REPORTEDLY ATTEMPTING TO USE THE FUNDS FOR HIS CHURCH WHICH CHAPMAN SAID WOULD HAVE CALLED --CAUSE LEGAL AND REPUTATIONAL DAMAGE.

HE CLAIMS HE WAS PUNISHED FOR HIS OPPOSITION THROUGH MANIPULATIVE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION PROCESS.

CHAPMAN WAS GIVEN A 70% PERFORMANCE RATING FOR FISCAL YEAR 2020.

HE CLAIMS THAT WAS IN CONTRAST WITH HIS WELL-DOCUMENTED ACHIEVEMENTS DURING THAT YEAR.

ACCORDING TO A LAWSUIT AS A RESULT OF ESCALATING TENSIONS BROUGHT BY THE BOARD REFUSAL TO COMPLY WITH THE LAW, QUOTE, THEY ILLEGALLY NONRENEWED HIS THREE-YEAR EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT WHICH EXPIRED AUGUST 31, 2024.

THE BOARD EFFECTIVELY TERMINATED HIM FOR FAILURE TO VIOLATE VIRGIN ISLANDS LAW.

THE SUIT SEEKS DAMAGES UNDER THE WHISTLEBLOWER ACT.

MEANWHILE THOMAS HAS RESPONDED PUBLICLY TO THE ALLEGATIONS.

JOINING ME TO UNPACK THESE ISSUES ARE ATTORNEY KYE WALKER, COMMUNITY ADVOCATE MALACHI THOMAS AND FORMER SENATOR DONALD "DUCKS" IT IS GREAT TO HAVE YOU HERE.

I WOULD LIKE TO HEAR YOUR THOUGHTS ON THE CONVERSATION WITH THE COMMISSIONER.

MR. COLE, TO SEE WHERE WE ARE NOW AS A TERRITORY WHEN IT COMES TO LAND AND WATER USE, WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS?

>> I REALLY WANT TO CONGRATULATE THE DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND NATURAL RESOURCES AND THE GOVERNOR´S OFFICE THAT BROUGHT US THIS FAR.

I SERVED IN THE LEGISLATURE 23rd, 24th, AND 30th LEGISLATURE.

I CHAIRED THE COMMITTEE FOR NATURAL RESOURCES AND THE LAND AND WATER USE PLAN WAS IN MY COMMITTEE.

WE WERE REALLY MOVING TOWARDS GETTING THIS THING DONE.

WE HAD SOME BUMPS IN THE ROAD.

I THINK THE COMMISSIONER OF THE DEPARTMENT TO TURN OVER THE MAPS, WE WERE NOT ABLE TO GET THE MAPS.

I WAS VOTED OUT OF THE SENATE AND THAT WAS BASICALLY IT BUT I´M HAPPY TO SEE WHERE WE ARE TODAY AND WHAT THEY HAVE DONE BRINGING IT THIS FAR.

>> MR. THOMAS I WANT TO ASK YOU.

>> I WANT TO CONGRATULATE THE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES.

I THINK THEY ARE DOING A WONDERFUL JOB BRINGING THEM TO THE 21st CENTURY WITH THE DEVELOPMENTS THEY ARE DOING.

I WOULD HAVE LIKED SPECIFICALLY THE LIBRARIES.

I WOULD HAVE LIKED TO HAVE HEARD MORE ABOUT THE PLANS FOR THE ARCHIVES AND THE CONTENTS OF THE LIBRARY.

I USED TO GO TO THE LIBRARY AS A KID ON SATURDAY FOR THE READING PROGRAMS.

IT SEEMS LIKE WE ARE DEVELOPING THE LIBRARY FOR MORE TOURIST FACING ACTIVITIES.

I WOULD HAVE LIKED TO HEAR ABOUT MORE LOCAL FACING PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES.

THE DEPARTMENT IS DOING.

>> MAYBE WE WILL BRING THE COMMISSIONER BACK FOR THAT DISCUSSION.

WE ARE TURNING TO ANOTHER IMPORTANT TOPIC.

A NEW LAW LIMITING THE STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS FOR CIVIL CLAIMS IN CHILDHOOD SEXUAL ABUSE CASES.

THIS IS CLEARLY IMPORTANT.

WHAT WE SHOULD BE WORRIED ABOUT, THE PROBLEMATIC AREAS THAT THE ACTING GOVERNOR POINTED OUT.

HERE IS WHAT SENATOR MARIE´S JAMES HAS TO SAY ABOUT THAT.

>> I DO NOT INTEND TO MAKE ANY AMENDMENTS BASED ON THE CONCERNS EXPRESSED IN THE LETTER.

I DO NOT AGREE WITH WHAT WAS WRITTEN.

FOR ME IT IS MORE IMPORTANT FOR JUSTICE TO BE SERVED.

THIS WOULD VIOLATE JUSTICE IF WE ALLOW THE LAWSUIT FILED BY A SURVIVOR TO BE BLOCKED SIMPLY BECAUSE PERSONS OR INSTITUTIONS WHO SHOULD HAVE KNOWN THAT THE CHILDREN WHO WERE IN THEIR CARE WERE AT RISK, I WILL SAY, OF BEING SEXUALLY ABUSED BY SOMEONE WHO WAS WORKING FOR THE INSTITUTION.

THAT WOULD BE UNJUST.

I DO NOT AGREE AND DIVE --I WOULD NOT BE AMENDING THAT PARTICULAR SESSION RETROACTIVELY THAT WAS ADJUSTED.

I PREFER LEAVING IT TO THE COURT TO DECIDE.

>> ATTORNEY WALKER, YOU ARE THE RESIDENT LEGAL EXPERT.

WHAT IS YOUR VIEW, DO YOU THINK THAT WILL HOLD UP ON THE RIGHT TRACK THE?

>> >> WHAT SENATOR JAMES DID WAS COURSE THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH AGREED WITH THEM.

I THINK IT IS HELPFUL TO MAKE IMPROVEMENTS TO THE LEGISLATION.

READ LEGISLATION IS RARELY PERFECT ON THE FIRST GO AROUND AND YOU WANT TO BE CAREFUL LEAVING A DECISION TO ACQUIRE ESPECIALLY ON AN ISSUE OF RETROACTIVITY BECAUSE IF THE COURT DOES NOT AGREE THE CASE GETS DISMISSED AND THEY CANNOT BRING IT BACK.

IF IT´S AN OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE A CORRECTION TO ENSURE THAT THE CASES SURVIVE A CHALLENGE.

I ALSO THINK THAT THE DEFINITION SHOULD BE INSERTED.

IT SHOULD BE CLEAR TO ANYONE WHO IS FILING A CLAIM OR DEFENDING THE CLAIM AS TO WHAT OR WHO AND UNABLE AREAS.

I THINK THOSE WERE USEFUL RECOMMENDATIONS.

HOPEFULLY THE SENATOR OR SOME OTHER SENATOR WILL RECONSIDER AND POSSIBLY JUST TWEAK THE >> MR. TRUMP -- COLE I WANT TO ASK YOU.

THIS BILL WAS SPECIAL ORDER TO THE FLOOR, DO YOU THINK IT WOULD HAVE BENEFITED HAD IT BEEN HEARD IN THE COMMITTEE THAN THE JUDICIARY TO GET INPUT FROM COLLEAGUES AND STAKEHOLDERS.

>> I ABSOLUTELY AGREE IT SHOULD OF BEEN HELD IN COMMITTEE WHERE YOU HAVE TESTIFY IS COMING IN I KNEW THE LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR SAW THE LEGISLATURE AND THE COMMENTS THAT HE MADE, I PERSONALLY BELIEVE HE SHOULD HAVE VETOED THE LEGISLATION AND FORCED THE LEGISLATURE TO OVERRIDE HIM, SENDING IT BACK.

I DO NOT BELIEVE HE SHOULD HAVE SIGNED IT INTO LAW.

BASICALLY WHAT HE´S SAYING IS WE ARE GOING TO MAKE THE COURT DEAL WITH THIS ISSUE.

THEY DO IT, SEND BACK THE RIGHT NOW IT HAS TO BE CHALLENGED BY ANYONE WHO HAS A PROBLEM WITH THAT LAW.

>> SO KIND OF THE NOTION OF MEASURING TWICE, CUT ONCE KIND OF THING.

MR. THOMAS, I WANT TO ASK YOU.

DO YOU THINK THE VIRGIN ISLANDS IS READY TO DEAL WITH SOME OF THE LEGAL CHALLENGES THAT COULD COME FROM THIS?

>> I THINK SO.

I AGREE WITH SENATOR JAMES ON THE RIGHT TRACK TO BETTY THAT IS CURRENTLY IN THE LAW.

MOSTLY BECAUSE IT IS CHILDREN THERE IS A GRAVE AND GROSS DERELICTION OF DUTY FOR EDUCATIONAL PROFESSIONALS TO BE NOTICED OF AN ACCUSATION LIKE THAT AND DO NOTHING ABOUT IT.

THE DEPTH OF THE DANGER AND THE OFFENSE MIGHT NOT BECOME APPARENT OR IT MIGHT NOT COME TO A POINT UNTIL LATER IN THEIR LIVES.

I THINK TO PUT A 10 YEAR, 15 YEAR CAP.

IMAGINE IF THERE´S A 10 YEAR ROLE BY THE TIME THEY ARE 25 YEARS OLD THEY MIGHT REALLY COME TO TERMS WITH WHAT HAPPENED TO THEM AT 27 TO SAY SOMETHING BUT BECAUSE OF THE STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS THEY CANNOT FILE CIVIL CLAIMS AGAINST THE INSTITUTION AND THE PEOPLE THAT WERE TASKED WITH PROTECTING THEM.

SO YES.

I THINK I AGREE WITH ATTORNEY WALKER THAT DEFINITIONS WOULD HELP FOR AIDING AND ABETTING AND ENABLERS AND THINGS LIKE THAT, BUT IN TERMS OF RETROACTIVITY I AGREE WITH THE LEGISLATION.

>> ATTORNEY WALKER, SPEAKING OF RETROACTIVITY HOW FAR BACK DO YOU THINK THIS SHOULD GO?

ESSENTIALLY IF WE ARE PUTTING A TIME LIMIT ON IT WHAT SHOULD THAT TIME LIMIT LOOK LIKE WITHIN THE INTEREST OF JUSTICE.

>> HONESTLY, I DO NOT THINK YOU NECESSARILY NEED ONE.

THE THING ABOUT CHILD ABUSE IS THAT THE ABUSE AFFECTS THAT VICTIM FOR THE REST OF THEIR LIFE.

ANYONE WHO HAS BEEN SUBJECTED TO ABUSE NO MATTER WHAT HAPPENED IF IT WAS 15 YEARS AGO, 20 YEARS AGO 30 YEARS AGO SHOULD BE COMPENSATED FOR WHAT THEY HAVE BEEN THROUGH AND WHAT THEY CONTINUE TO GO THROUGH.

I DO THINK IT SHOULD HAVE TO BE VERY CLEAR.

THE LAW IS A CONSTITUTIONAL REQUIREMENT WHEN YOU ARE DEALING WITH RETROACTIVE ACTIVITY YOU ARE VERY CLEAR THERE HAS TO BE CERTAIN LANGUAGE IN THE STATUTE TO MAKE SURE IT WITHSTANDS A LEGAL CHALLENGE.

I THINK THAT IS WHAT THE LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR WAS TRYING TO CONVEY TO THE LEGISLATURE WHEN HE PENNED HIS RESPONSE.

>> MR. COLE, I WANT TO ASK YOU, WHAT DO YOU THINK IS THE BEST WAY TO HOLD INSTITUTIONS ACCOUNTABLE WHEN SOMETHING LIKE THIS HAPPENS?

>> FOR THE INSTITUTION -- >> ANY INSTITUTION.

WE´VE SEEN WHAT HAPPENED WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION AND THE BRUCE SMITH CASE.

AS A TERRITORY HOW SHOULD WE HOLD INSTITUTIONS ACCOUNTABLE?

>> WE SHOULD BE ABLE TO LOOK AT THE LAW AND SEE THE INDIVIDUALS THAT ARE CHARGED WITH TAKING CARE OF THESE YOUNG PEOPLE, CHILDREN, WHAT THEY WERE SUPPOSED TO DO UNDER THE LAW.

YOU NEED TO HAVE ENFORCEMENT.

WE HAVE A LACK OF ENFORCEMENT BUT IT IS NOT COMING FORWARD.

THAT IS THE PROBLEM WE HAVE.

YOU HAVE TO BE ABLE TO IDENTIFY.

THE LAW SAYS I AM SUPPOSED TO REPORT IT AND IF I DID NOT REPORT IT IF I´M ABLE TO MAKE SURE THAT I DEAL WITH THE LOSSES YOU HAVE TO LOOK AT ENFORCEMENT AS THE PROBLEM.

>> DO YOU BELIEVE THAT SURVIVORS SHOULD BE ABLE TO TAKE THESE CASES TO COURT WITH ANONYMITY?

>> >> YES.

I THINK WE SHOULD PROTECT VICTIMS AND SURVIVORS AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE.

I THINK THEY SHOULD FIRE PEOPLE.

WHEN YOU WORK IN CORPORATE AMERICA AND SOMETHING SAYS THIS WILL SUBJECT YOU TO SUSPENSION.

THIS WILL SUBJECT YOU TO A WRITTEN REPRIMAND AND CERTAIN THINGS SUBJECT TO DETERMINATION.

WHEN YOU HAVE IGNORED, ENABLED, ENCOURAGER ACTUALLY ABUSED A CHILD AT SCHOOL WHERE THEY SHOULD BE SAFE I THINK YOU SHOULD BE TERMINATED.

I THINK THAT IS HOW YOU HOLD INSTITUTIONS ACCOUNTABLE BECAUSE INSTITUTIONS ARE PEOPLE.

WHEN YOU SUE THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION ALL YOU ARE DOING IS TAKING MONEY FROM THE GOVERNMENT TREASURY.

WHEN YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT HOLDING PEOPLE ACCOUNTABLE, FIRE THEM.

>> I WANT TO MOVE ON TO THE GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES RETIREMENT SYSTEM WHICH RECENTLY DECIDED TO POSTPONE THE 3% INCREASE AFTER GOVERNOR BRYAN VOTED FOR A TAX EXTENDER.

MR. COLE, DOES DELAYING THIS 3% INCREASE HELP IN ANY WAY?

>> IT DELAYED BECAUSE THE GOVERNMENT OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS DON´T HAVE THE FINANCES TO PUT TOWARDS IT.

>> BUT THEY ARE JUST KICKING THE PROBLEM DOWN THE ROAD?

>> I HOPE THEY ARE NOT KICKING IT DOWN THE ROAD.

I AGREE WITH WHAT THE FORMER SENATOR STATED IN TERMS OF THE AGGRESSIVE NATURE WITH WHICH CONGRESS, THE GOVERNOR, LOBBYISTS AND EVERYBODY WENT TOWARDS JOE BIDEN AND THE CONGRESS.

I WILL TELL YOU THIS.

UNDER THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION WHEN TRUMP LEFT OFFICE HE SIGNED FOUR YEARS OF MONEY.

PRESIDENT BIDEN AND THE CONGRESS DID NOT EXTEND THAT.

I´M SAYING THE AGGRESSIVE NATURE WAS NOT DONE.

I AGREE WITH SENATOR RUSSELL, I HAVE HE MOANS THIS OVER THE AIRWAVES.

I HAVE SPOKEN ABOUT IT.

PRESIDENT BIDEN COMES EVERY YEAR TALKING WITH US, UNDERSTANDS WHAT IT IS.

HE KNOWS WHAT IT IS.

YOU NEED TO GET THIS DONE.

JUST LIKE HE PASSED THE CHIPS ACT.

NEEDS TO GET IT DONE.

I BELIEVE THE AGGRESSIVE NATURE WAS NOT DONE.

I AM HOPING BEFORE THE TERM IS UP THAT THEY GET IT DONE.

THE DELEGATE IS THERE AND HOPEFULLY THEY CAN BRING IT HOME BUT WE NEED THAT EXTENDED.

>> MR. THOMAS DO YOU AGREE WITH THAT CRITICISM, DOES HE HAVE A POINT ABOUT THEM NEEDING TO BE MORE AGGRESSIVE?

>> I WILL BE HONEST WITH YOU.

WE WOULD NOT BE HAVING THIS CONVERSATION IF THE GOVERNMENT TRANSITIONED TO A DESIGN CONTRIBUTION SYSTEM DECADES AGO.

IT IS SOMETHING I HAVE BEEN ADVOCATING FOR SINCE I HAVE BEEN HOME.

IF THE GOVERNMENT, I PUBLISHED THE ARTICLE THIS YEAR WITH THE PLAN FOR THAT AND IT WOULD BE SAVING THE GOVERNMENT 49 1/2 MILLION DOLLARS A YEAR.

I KNOW THAT FISCAL YEAR 2024 BECAUSE THE RATE WAS REDUCED FROM A 30,000 THAT THERE IS A $34 MILLION SHORTFALL FOR FISCAL YEAR 24 FOR FUNDING SO EXTENDING, THE MATCH IS 23 1/2% NOW.

IT IS JUST KICKING IT DOWN THE ROAD TO GIVE THEM TIME TO TRY TO FIND THE MONEY.

I DON´T KNOW WHERE THEY WILL FIND THE MONEY TO PAY THAT 3% INCREASE.

I KNOW THE GOVERNMENT RIGHT NOW IS REALLY IN A COST-CUTTING ERA.

I THINK WE NEED TO TRANSITION OUR RETIREMENT SYSTEM FROM DESIGN BENEFITS TO DESIGN CONTRIBUTION.

REDUCE EMPLOYER MATCH TO 7 1/2%.

HAVE THE EMPLOYEE CONTRIBUTION AND OFFER EMPLOYEES RETIREMENT PLANS.

IF I COULD ADD, THIS WOULD ALSO SOLVE THE ISSUE THAT EMPLOYEES ARE HAVING RIGHT NOW WITH FIGURING OUT WHAT´S GOING TO HAPPEN TO THEIR PENSION WHEN THEY TRANSITION TO THE PUBLIC- PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP COMPANY.

IF THEY HAD THAT THEY WOULD BE ABLE TO PORT THEIR RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS EASILY.

>> ATTORNEY WALKER, THE DELEGATE HAS STATED SHE HAD RECOMMENDED PREVIOUSLY THAT WHEN IT COMES TO THE SPECIAL PURPOSE VEHICLE IT HAD BEEN DONE AT THE $10.50 RIGHT RATHER THAN $13.25.

WHY DO YOU BELIEVE THAT THE GOVERNMENT LEAVES THAT PLAN AT THE $13.25 RATE.

>> IT ALWAYS INCREASES.

WHENEVER WE MAKE THE PITCH THE EVEN THE GOVERNMENT AND THE GOVERNOR AND HIS TEAM CONTINUE TO LOBBY FOR THE INCREASE THEY ARE LOBBYING RETROACTIVELY AS WELL.

FOR EVERYTHING TO ADD UP FOR US TO BRING THAT THE HIGHER RATE WAS FAVORABLE.

I THINK THAT THEY ARE AGGRESSIVELY LOBBYING.

I THINK WITH THE CHANGE OF THE ADMINISTRATION THERE IS A RENEWED EFFORT TO LOBBY AGGRESSIVELY.

I THINK WE SHOULD REMAIN HOPEFUL.

>> I WOULD ALSO LIKE THAT.

THERE ARE A COUPLE OF UNDERFUNDED YEARS IN 2031, 22 TO I THINK THE SPECIAL PURPOSE ENTITY WAS IMPORTANT, DEFINITELY IN STAVING OFF INSOLVENCY WHICH WILL BE EXPERIENCING RIGHT NOW BUT IT DOES NOT COMPLETELY FIX THE PROBLEM OF THE PENSION SYSTEM FUNCTIONING WITH A SEVERELY UNFUNDED LIABILITY.

>> NOR WAS THERE A CLAIM THAT IT LED.

WE HAVE TO REMEMBER THAT.

IT WAS TO BRING IMMEDIATE RELIEF TO THE PENSION SYSTEM BUT THERE IS STILL WORK THAT NEEDED TO BE DONE BY THE LEGISLATURE.

IT WAS NEVER CLAIMED TO BE THE END-ALL BE- ALL SAVING OF THE SYSTEM.

>> NOW LET´S GO TO THE WHISTLEBLOWER LAWSUIT FILED BY PETER CHAPMAN.

MR. COLE, WHAT IMPACT DO YOU THINK THESE ALLEGATIONS HAVE ON THEIR REPUTATION?

>> I WANT TO SEE THE COURT I WANT TO GO BACK TO THE 24th LEGISLATURE AGAIN.

I SHEPHERDED THAT THROUGH THE LEGISLATURE ON BEHALF OF THE UNIVERSITY OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS.

WHEN I READ WHAT HE IS ASKING FOR, THAT WAS SET UP TO SUPPORT THE UNIVERSITY OF VIRGIN ISLANDS WITHIN THE UNIVERSITY.

WHEN HE CAME AND LOBBIED IT WAS FOR THE ENHANCED SUPPORT MONEY TO THE UNIVERSITY.

THE CHAIRMAN WAS ASKING, CAN WE TAKE SOME MONEY?

THEY WERE ASKING TO PUT THROUGH THE MEDICAL SCHOOL AND HE SAID I´M NOT DOING THAT.

THAT IS VIOLATING THE LAW.

I NEED TO SEE WHAT THE BOOK SAYS IN TERMS OF A VIOLATION BECAUSE THE SYSTEM, IT WAS SET UP SPECIFICALLY PURPOSEFULLY TO ASSIST THE UNIVERSITY OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS FUNDING AND SETTING UP THIS SILICON VALLEY WE ARE SUPPOSED TO HAVE USING THE FIBER OPTIC LINES AND ALL OF THAT.

I WOULD WANT TO SEE WHAT HE SAID ABOUT IT.

>> ATTORNEY WALKER, DO YOU THINK THIS COULD HURT FUTURE INVESTMENTS?

>> KNOW.

HONESTLY, I WOULD HAVE TO SAY I THINK THEY SHOULD HAVE SETTLED THIS ISSUE WITH MR. CHAPMAN A LONG TIME AGO BEFORE THE LAWSUIT WAS FILED.

AT THE END OF THE DAY HE PERFORMED UNDER THE CONTRACT.

HE OUTPERFORMED WHAT WAS EXPECTED OF HIM UNDER THE CONTRACT.

IT´S MY UNDERSTANDING THAT THE PARTICULAR AMOUNT OR PERCENTAGE OF THE REVENUE THAT HAS BEEN GIVEN, FOR THAT WHAT I THINK YOU HAVE HERE IS THE RT PARK WHICH IS INNOVATION AND THE VALUE TO REINVEST AND DEVELOP THAT TEAM AND THEN YOU HAVE COMPETING CONSIDERATION WITH THE UVI BOARD WHICH IS LESS CONCERNED WITH THIS INNOVATION AND BUILDING UP OF THE RT PARK AND MORE CONCERNED WITH FUNDING UVI FOR CERTAIN PROJECTS THAT WERE IMPORTANT TO DR.

CALL AT THE SAME TIME.

ULTIMATELY, HE HAD A CONTRAST.

HE PERFORMED.

THEY DID NOT PROPERLY EVALUATE HIM.

THEY VIOLATED THE CONTRACT AND THEY REALLY SHOULD HAVE SETTLED THIS BEFORE IT BECAME A LAWSUIT.

>> AND HIS LAWSUIT, CHAPMAN CLAIMS HE WAS PRESSURED TO DIVERT MORE THAN 20 --RT PARK FUNDS TO UVI.

HE SHOWED A PIE CHART SHOWING MOST RT PARK FUNDS WENT TO UVI.

LET´S TAKE A LESSON.

>> WHAT DOES THE LORD REQUIRE YOU TO GIVE ON AN ANNUAL BASIS TO THE UNIVERSITY OF VIRGIN ISLANDS.

ON THE PIE CHART IT IS ALMOST 42% THAT GOES TO THE UNIVERSITY.

>> THANK YOU FOR THE QUESTION, SENATE PRESIDENT FRANCIS.

THERE IS NO STIPULATION.

THERE´S NO REQUIREMENT IN THE LEGISLATION, AND THE STATUTE TITLE 17 WHICH IS THE NORTH STAR THAT WE DEDICATE A SPECIFIC AMOUNT OF MONEY TO THE UNIVERSITY.

THE ONLY THING TITLE 17 SAYS IS THAT WE ARE TO PROVIDE FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR THE UNIVERSITY.

WE ARE ENGAGED IN A DYNAMIC INTERNAL DISCUSSION RIGHT NOW ABOUT HOW WE ENSURE THAT THERE IS EQUILIBRIUM, IF YOU WELL.

WE WANT TO ENSURE THAT AS WE CONTINUE TO SUPPORT UVI WE ARE NOT CANNIBALIZING, IF YOU WILL, THE OTHER CRITICAL NEEDS WE HAVE WITHIN THE REALM OF OUR PRIMARY OBLIGATION TO THE TERRITORY WHICH IS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.

>> MR. THOMAS, I WANT TO GET YOUR THOUGHTS ON THAT CLIP.

>> GENERALLY I WAS VERY SURPRISED THAT HE WAS LEAVING.

JUST LIKE ATTORNEY WALKER, HE OUTPERFORMS THE DUTIES UNDER HIS CONTRACT WITH THE RT PARK.

I THINK WHAT WE SHOULD REALLY CELEBRATE IN THIS MOMENT IS THE AVENUES THAT CITIZENS HAVE TO INSPIRE, CREATE, REALIZE A TRANSPARENT AND ACCOUNTABLE GOVERNMENT BECAUSE FROM SOME OF THE THINGS THAT ARE BEING ALLEGED IN THE SUIT, IT KIND OF GIVES SITE TO THE GOVERNANCE THAT IS HAPPENING ON THE PART OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE RT PARK.

THE POOR GOVERNANCE WE MIGHT NOT BE AWARE OF ABSENT OF THIS SUIT >> MR. COLE, WHY DO YOU THINK THE UNIVERSITY IS GETTING THE LION´S SHARE OF THE FUNDS?

>> THAT WAS THE PURPOSE OF THE LEGISLATION.

AS HE SAID, THERE WAS NOT ANY SPECIFICITY WRITTEN INTO THE LEGISLATION.

THE BOARD THAT GOVERNS THE RT PARK NOW HAS THE AUTHORITY TO SAY WE WANT TO GIVE THIS AMOUNT TO THE UNIVERSITY OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS.

THAT WAS THE INTENT OF SETTING UP THE RT PARK TO ASSIST IN THE FINANCIAL SUPPORT.

THE OTHER ISSUES THAT SURROUND THEM, THEY SHOULD HAVE PAID HIM, BUT DON´T GET AWAY FROM THE CORE OF THIS ENABLING LEGISLATION THAT STATES YOU ARE SUPPOSED TO HELP UNIVERSITY OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS.

AND THE UNIVERSITY USES IT BECAUSE I WANT TO SEE THE MEDICAL SCHOOL FUNDING.

I WANT TO SEE IT BUILT.

AGAIN, I WAS THERE WHEN THE WHOLE THING CAME ABOUT SO I MIGHT BE BIASED.

BUT THAT´S THE WAY I LOOK AT IT.

>> ATTORNEY WALKER, CHAPMAN IS ALLEGING UNETHICAL PRACTICES LIKE GRANTING TAX BENEFITS FOR FINANCIAL FAVORS, HOW DO YOU THINK THESE CLAIMS SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED?

AND ALSO, IF HE KNEW THESE THINGS WERE HAPPENING WHILE HE WAS THERE, WHY NOT SAY SOMETHING WHILE YOU WERE THERE?

>> HE DID.

WHAT HE IS SAYING IS BECAUSE I WOULD NOT PLAY BALL AND BECAUSE I RAISED THESE ISSUES AND BECAUSE I CHALLENGED THE BOARD, THEY DENIED ME THE BONUS I WAS ENTITLED TO AND THEY DID NOT RENEW MY CONTRACT.

SO THIS DISPUTE BETWEEN MR. CHAPMAN AND UVI HAVE BEEN GOING ON PRIOR TO THE NONRENEWAL OF HIS CONTRACT.

BECAUSE OF THE EGO, YOU HAVE THIS AND I DON´T WANT TO USE THE WORD YOU HAVE THIS SEASONED GROUP OF DIRECTORS WHO ARE CONCERNED WITH UVI AND THEN YOU HAVE MR. CHAPMAN WHO IS CONCERNED ABOUT THE RT PARK AND IT´S A CONFLICT.

I THINK THE BOARD SHOULD HAVE RESOLVED THE CONFLICT BEFORE IT BLEW OUT OF PROPORTION.

AT THE END OF THE DAY, THE RT PARK IS VERY SUCCESSFUL.

NOT ONLY ARE THEY INVESTING IN RT PARK, THEY ARE INVESTING IN THE COMMUNITY.

WE TALK ABOUT BRINGING PEOPLE HOME, THIS IS THE WORST THAT YOUNG PEOPLE DO.

THE MORE THAT WE ATTRACT WITH RT PARK THE MORE WE ATTRACT BACK HOME.

THIS IS WHAT THEY WERE FOCUSED THIS RESULT.

>> I SEE YOU SHAKING YOUR HEAD IN AGREEMENT.

THOUGHTS ON THIS?

>> THAT WAS WELL SAID.

>> IF THESE CLAIMS ARE INVESTIGATED, WHO SHOULD BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE?

>> IF THEY ARE PROVEN TRUE?

>> THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS.

IF THERE WAS IMPROPRIETY ON THE PART OF INDY INDIVIDUALS, THE INDIVIDUAL SEPARATELY FROM THE BOARD AS WELL.

>> BEFORE WE CLOSE OUT, LET´S TACKLE A LIGHTER TOPIC FOR ANYONE WHO IS FLYING THIS HOLIDAY SEASON.

AMERICAN AIRLINES IS TESTING A SYSTEM TO HANDLE GATE LICE.

THOSE OF THE PASSENGERS THAT CROWD THE BOARDING AREA TRYING TO SNEAK GONE BEFORE THE GROUP IS CALLED.

THE NEW SYSTEM BEEPS AND SENDS TURN.

WHO ON THIS PANEL HAS EVER TURNED --HEARD OF THE TERM GATE LICE.

>> THAT IS SO DEROGATORY.

>> ATTORNEY WALKER, I KNOW YOU LIKE TO TRAVEL.

TELL ME YOUR THOUGHTS ON THIS?

>> I LOVE IT.

JUST GET OUT OF MY WAY.

YOU ARE TAKING UP MY BAGGAGE SPACE.

I PAY MONEY FOR THIS LEVEL I´M SUPPOSED TO BE BOARDING AT.

HERE YOU ARE TAKING UP MY SPACE.

I NEED YOU TO GET INTO YOUR GROUP AND BOARD THE FLIGHT WHEN YOUR GROUP IS CALLED.

>> THIS COULD MAKE TRAVELERS A LITTLE MORE RESPONSIBLE?

>> I THINK SHAME IS AN EFFECTIVE SOCIETAL MECHANISM.

ME, PARTICULARLY, MY PRIME TRAVEL EXPERIENCE IS TO BE THE LAST PERSON ON THE PLANE AS THEY GET READY TO CLOSE THE I WANT TO SIT ON THE PLANE FOR AS LITTLE TIME AS POSSIBLE.

>> MR. COLE, DO YOU THINK THIS WILL BRING SOME KIND OF PERSONAL ACCOUNTABILITY TO CONDUCT?

>> SHAMING PEOPLE THAT HAVE NO SHAME.

THEY WANTED JUMP IN THE LINE AND PUT THEIR BIG LUGGAGE BECAUSE THEY DON´T WANT TO PAY THE COST OF SHIPPING IT.

THEY WANT TO GET IN THERE SO THEY CAN PUT THE THINGS THAT THEY HAVE UNDER THE ARM.

THEN SOME PEOPLE HAVE NO SHAME.

>> SO YOU, HAVE BEEN A GATE LICE IN THE PAST?

>> I GOT TO STAY IN LINE.

>> IF YOU WIFE IS NOT THERE YOU ARE A GATE LOUSE.

>> YOU ARE SHAMING ME.

>>> THAT IS ALL THE SHOW WE HAVE FOR YOU TODAY.

BE SURE TO TUNE IN NEXT SUNDAY AT 1:00 FOR AN ALL-NEW EPISODE OF COMES WITH THE TERRITORY.

ALSO TUNE IN BY DOWNLOADING THE WTJX APP.

I AM MARCELLINA VENTURA- DOUGLAS.

FROM ALL OF US HERE, TAKE CARE.

>> THE VIEWS EXPRESSED ON THIS PROGRAM ARE NOT NECESSARILY THOSE OF WTJX, IT STAFF.