>>> THE VIEWS EXPRESSED ON THIS PROGRAM ARE NOT NECESSARILY OF WTJX, ITS BOARD, STAFF, OR UNDERWRITERS.

>>> ON THIS EPISODE OF "COMES WITH THE TERRITORY," A THREE-TERM ST. CROIX SENATOR HAS CHOSEN NOT TO SEEK RE-ELECTION.

WE´LL GO ONE ON ONE WITH SENATOR JaVON JAMES TO LEARN MORE ABOUT HIS DECISION, HIS ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN OFFICE, AND HIS PLANS FOR THE FUTURE.

AFTER A WTJX REPORT SPOTTED A PERSONALITY BROKEN LUGGAGE BELT AT THE AIRPORT, THE VIRGIN ISLAND´S PORT AUTHORITY WORKED OVERNIGHT TO DEVISE A TEMPORARY FIX.

BUT QUESTIONS LINGER ABOUT THE CAUSE OF THE DELAYS AND THE STEPS REQUIRED FOR DEPENDABLE, PERMANENT SOLUTIONS.

PLUS -- A RECENT TRAGIC EVENT ON ST. THOMAS UNDERSCORED THE URGENT NEED FOR MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT IN THE TERRITORY.

MEANWHILE, A BILL PROPOSING THE CREATION OF A PSYCHIATRIC EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM FOR MOBILE CRISIS INTERVENTION IS SET TO GO BACK BEFORE THE SENATE EARLY NEXT MONTH.

WE´LL HAVE MORE.

>>> AND LATER, THIS WEEK´S PANEL JOINS THE CONVERSATION TO ANALYZE THESE ISSUES AND MORE.

"COMES WITH THE TERRITORY" STARTS NOW.

>>> WELCOME TO "COMES WITH THE TERRITORY."

I´MLESS LEE COMISSIONG.

THE STORY OF JAMES SR. IS ONE MARKED BY POLITICAL UNPREDICTABILITY AND HIS COMMITMENT TO HIS PRINCIPLES.

JaVON JAMES FIRST TOOK HIS OATH OF OFFICE IN JANUARY OF 2019 AT THE AGE OF 31 AND SHARED THE COMMITTEE ON YOUTH, SPORTS, PARKS, AND RECREATIONS AS A FRESHMAN SENATOR IN THE 33rd LEGISLATURE.

HE SPONSORED BILLS FOR EDUCATION FUNDING, PUNISHING DRUNK DRIVERS, AND RESTRICTING CHILD MARRIAGES TO NAME A FEW.

AND HE NOTABLY PUSHED AN AMENDMENT TO PUSH A PAY RAISE FOR SENATORS BY UNTYING THEIR SALARIES FROM THE LOWEST PAID COMMISSIONER.

JAMES WAS RE-ELECTED TO THE 34th LEGISLATURE, BUT MADE A SURPRISING MOVE EARLY ON, AND MADE SOME MORE UNPREDICTABLE MOVES TOWARDS THE END OF HIS SECOND TERM.

>> YOU MADE A DECISION AFTER BEING ELECTED TO THE 34th LEGISLATURE, TO LEAVE THE DEMOCRATIC MAJORITY.

THEN YOU COME BACK AND YOU ANNOUNCE YOU´RE NOT GOING TO RUN AGAIN.

THEN YOU ANNOUNCE YOU´RE RUNNING AGAIN.

AND THEN IN ADDITION TO RUNNING AGAIN, YOU SAY THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY.

SO ONE DAY, YOU´RE A DEMOCRAT, THE NEXT DAY YOU AREN´T A DEMOCRAT.

I HAVE NO REGRETS.

I WOULD DO IT ALL OVER AGAIN, BECAUSE I DON´T DO THINGS BY HESITATION OR DOUBT.

THERE WAS A BIG UPROAR IN THE 33rd ELECTION OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS AND I WAS HIGHLY RESPECTED.

I WON´T MENTION THE NAMES OF ANY INDIVIDUALS.

I TOLD MYSELF, I´M NOT GOING TO FALL FOR THIS.

I´M AN ADULT.

AS FAR AS BEING ABLE TO BOUNCE BACK, I´LL SAY IT AGAIN.

WE ARE FOR YOUNG PEOPLE.

WE WANT TO SEE YOU IN THERE, DON´T GIVE UP.

HE´S YOUNG, HE REPRESENTS A MILLENNIAL.

IF HE LEAVES, WHO´S GOING TO REPRESENT THE MILLENNIALS?

WHO´S GOING TO REPRESENT THE YOUTH?

THAT IS ONE OF THE MANY REASONS I´M SUPPORTING MY DECISION TO COME BACK IN THE RACE.

>> JAMES GOT BACK IN THE RACE, AND WAS ELECTED TO HIS THIRD TERM.

IN ANNOUNCING HIS LATEST DECISION NOT TO SEEK A FOURTH TERM, JAMES SAID HE WOULD FOCUS ON HIS EDUCATION, LEAVING THE DOORS OPEN FOR FUTURE POLITICAL ASPIRATIONS AND CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE COMMUNITY.

JOINING ME ON SET FOR AN IN-DEPTH DISCUSSION ON HIS POLITICAL JOURNEY AND WHAT THE FUTURE HOLDS IS SENATOR JaVON JAMES.

WELCOME, SENATOR JAMES.

>> GREETINGS, GREETINGS.

THANK YOU FOR HAVING ME.

>> SO ONCE AGAIN, YOU´RE IN THE NEWS WITH YOUR DECISION TO NOT SEEK A FOURTH TERM.

AND I´M INSPIRED BY WHAT YOU´RE SAYING YOU WANT TO DO.

WE KNOW YOU HAVE A BACKGROUND IN THE SERVICE, BUT WHY ARE YOU PURSUING A DEGREE AT THIS POINT IN YOUR LIFE?

>> WELL, FIRST OFF, PEOPLE THINK WHEN YOU GET A THIRD TERM, YOU AUTOMATICALLY GET YOUR PENSION.

INCORRECT.

THERE´S TIER 1 AND THERE´S TIER 2.

I FALL INTO THE CATEGORY OF TIER 2, IF I´M NOT MISTAKEN.

SO I WILL NOT BE ELIGIBLE FOR RETIREMENT UNTIL I´M 60 YEARS OLD.

SO THAT´S 23 YEARS FROM NOW, BECAUSE I´M MAKING 37 THIS YEAR.

SO, I NEED TO MAKE SURE I HAVE A SAFETY NET.

AND NOT ONLY THAT, THERE ARE INDIVIDUALS IN MY IMMEDIATE FAMILY WHO WENT TO SCHOOL, BUT NEVER FINISHED.

AND I TOLD MYSELF, I WANT TO BE THE ONE TO START AND ACTUALLY FINISH, BUT I NEVER STARTED.

SO THIS IS MY FIRST TIME ACTUALLY TAKING THIS ROLE.

>> SO WHEN YOU LEFT HIGH SCHOOL, WHERE DID YOUR PROFESSIONAL CAREER TAKE YOU?

>> I WENT STRAIGHT INTO THE REFINERY, BECAUSE WHILE I ATTENDED THE ST. CROIX EDUCATIONAL COMPLEX HIGH SCHOOL, I TOOK SOME COURSES ON THE VOCATIONAL SIDE, ELECTRONICS, TO BE EXACT.

SO WHEN I LEFT SCHOOL, I MOVED TO ST. THOMAS.

I WAS PLAYING MUSIC IN ST. THOMAS, BUT I ALREADY APPLIED AND I GOT THE CARD SAYING, WE ARE READY FOR YOU.

SO I WAS MAKING A LOT OF GOOD MONEY, HELPED MY MOM PURCHASE A HOME.

SO I WAS LIKE, I´M GOOD.

UNTIL I REALIZED THAT, OKAY, I´M TIRED OF ALL OF THESE CHEMICALS.

LET ME FIND SOMETHING ELSE.

>> WOW.

SO DO YOU THINK YOUR DECISION TO NOW PURSUE A DEGREE MAY INFLUENCE AND INSPIRE YOUNG VIRGIN ISLANDERS OUT THERE, OR OLDER VIRGIN ISLANDERS, WHO MAY HAVE BEEN IN THE SAME SITUATION THAT YOU GOT, WERE IN THE WORKFORCE, WAS MAKING GREAT MONEY, AND SAID, YOU KNOW WHAT, I DON´T HAVE TIME.

COULD THAT BE AN INSPIRATIONAL DECISION YOU´RE MAKING RIGHT NOW?

>> YES, BUT MAINLY FOR MY CHILDREN.

BECAUSE WHAT I PLAN TO DO IS TO PUT A WOW IN THE HOUSE WITH ALL OF MY ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND CERTIFICATES AND I TOLD MY FAMILY TO MAKE SURE THAT MY CHILDREN GET TO KNOW ABOUT THAT WALL AND THE IMPORTANCE OF THE WALL.

SO THAT´S SOMETHING I WANT TO PUT ON THAT WALL.

>> UNDERSTOOD.

AND THAT´S A GOOD MOTIVATION.

TELL US ABOUT WHEN YOU FIRST GOT INTO THE LEGISLATURE, WHAT WERE YOUR PRIORITIES?

WHAT YOU WANTED TO ACCOMPLISH?

>> SIMPLE.

YOUTH SPORTS, PARKS AND RECREATION.

IF YOU GO ON YOUTUBE RIGHT NOW AND YOU LOOK AT MY PLATFORM, I CAMPAIGN HEAVILY ON YOUTH, SPORTS, PARK AND RECREATION, AND C-TECH.

SO THOSE WERE MY PRIORITIES.

SO WE DID -- WE DID THE FUNDING FOR THE STADIUM, IF YOU GO BACK AND WATCH THOSE HEARINGS, WE MADE SURE WE CHAMPIONED FOR THAT EXTRA $8 MILLION.

GOVERNOR BRIAN BROUGHT DOWN THE LEGISLATION, SO WE PASSED THAT THROUGH.

WE DID THE CAR AND TRUCK IN ST. CROIX.

I WAS AT THE HELM OF THAT.

WORKED ON THAT IN THE 33rd AND IN THE 34th, IT WAS MYSELF, SENATOR FRANCIS WHO FINISHED THE REMAINING OF THE FUNDING.

WE ALSO DID THE ST. CROIX HOSPITAL.

I BROUGHT OVER $5 MILLION WORTH OF LEGISLATION.

I ALSO SUPPORTED THE LEGISLATION FOR THE ST. THOMAS AND WE´LL HAVE HOPEFULLY ONE OF THESE DAYS.

ALSO, I WAS ABLE TO REVIVE THE VIRGIN ISLAND SPORTS COMMISSION WITH LEGISLATION THAT I SPONSORED.

AND I WROTE TO THE SENATOR EARLIER AS WELL, $2 MILLION FOR THE CONTRADICT FIELD, ON THE ST. CROIX.

I STUCK TO MY PLATFORM.

I CAME IN HERE SAYING, I´M GOING TO CHANGE BANKING.

I´M GOING TO MOVE THE ECONOMY.

I WAS KIND OF CONSISTENT WITH MY MESSAGE, YOUTH SPORTS PARK AND RECREATION ARE NOW EVOLVING NOW ON THE CHAIR OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND AGRICULTURE.

>> WHAT OF ALL YOU JUST MENTIONED DO YOU CONSIDER TO BE YOUR SINGLE GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT IN THE LEGISLATURE?

>> AS FAR AS LEGISLATION?

>> MM-HMM.

>> I DON´T HAVE A SINGLE PIECE OF LEGISLATION.

THERE ARE MANY, BUT C-TECH.

THAT WAS THE ONE FOR TAKING THE MONEY FROM THE GUN APPLICATION FEES ARE AND DIRECTING IT TO THE -- >> YES.

>> AND THE ST. CROIX EDUCATIONAL COMPLEX.

SO BEFORE, THE MONEY WAS JUST GOING TO THE GENERAL FUND.

AND WE AS LEGISLATORS DECIDE WHERE TO PUT THAT MONEY.

INSTEAD OF US SENDING IT TO THE GENERAL FUND, WE SENT IT TO A SPECIFIC CAUSE.

AND RIGHT NOW, WE´RE GOING THROUGH THE CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING FEES IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS.

AND AS YOU KNOW, WE NEED MORE SKILLED WORKERS.

SO MANY TIMES -- INCREASE IN TAXES, OR WHATEVER THE CASE MAY BE.

SO I FOUND OUT ABOUT THE FUNDING AND JUST REDIRECTED IT.

>> INTERESTING!

SO I ASK YOU ABOUT, WOULD YOU CONSIDER TO BE YOUR GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT.

CONVERSELY, WHAT WAS YOUR MOST CHALLENGING MOMENT IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS LEGISLATURE?

>> DEALING WITH THE SALARY INCREASE.

I FELT LIKE I WAS IN HELL, EVEN THOUGH I´VE NEVER BEEN TO HELL.

IT WAS A LOT OF PRESSURE, BUT HERE AM I. ZBLEGS.

SO TELL ME, LOOKING FORWARD, WHAT´S IN THE FUTURE FOR JaVON JAMES, BEYOND, YOU KNOW, GETTING YOUR DEGREE AT THE UNIVERSITY OF VIRGIN ISLANDS.

AND I CONGRATULATE YOU FOR GOING TO THE ONE LOCAL INSTITUTION OF HIGHER LEARNING.

YOU COULD PROBABLY GO ANYWHERE, BUT YOU SELECTED THE UNIVERSITY.

DECISION AND WHY YOU´RE PURSUING TO THE DEGREE THAT YOU ARE IN ACCOUNTING.

>> I REMEMBER WHEN I FIRST CAME ON THE SCENE IN 2018, THERE WAS THIS LADY ON FACEBOOK, OH, YOU DON´T HAVE A DEGREE.

AND I WAS LIKE, OKAY.

AND I HEARD MANY TIMES, AND I HEARD -- I SAW PEOPLE, YOU KNOW, I HEARD THAT CONSIDER STUFF, CHITTER AND CHART.

AND I KEPT -- I HELD MY HEAD HIGH.

AND I NEVER LET IT BOTHER ME.

BECAUSE WHEN YOU WATCH PEOPLE, YOU WATCH PEOPLE, THEY´RE LIKE, AND MANY OTHER VICHBLGS WHO LASTED LONG, THEY NEVER REALLY HAD A BATTLEGROUND LIKE OTHERS.

SO I KNEW TO MYSELF I WASN´T DOING ANYTHING WRONG, BUT THIS TIME AROUND, I KNOW FOR SURE I NEED A SAFETY NET.

I DON´T PLAN TO EVER GO BACK TO THE LEGISLATURE.

AND IF I DO, IT´S TO GO AND TELL MY COLLEAGUES HIGH.

>> BUT THERE´S STILL HOPE FOR ME IN THE SECRETARY BRANCH, THE JUDICIAL BRANCH.

SO I NEED THAT SAFETY NET, I NEED TO BE EMPLOYED.

>> VERY INTERESTING.

TELL THE VIEWING AUDIENCE.

YOU KNOW, WE HAVE INDIVIDUALS -- EVERYBODY HAS AN INDIVIDUAL PERCEPTION OF THE LEGISLATURE.

AND I´M SURE WHEN YOU MADE THE DECISION TO RUN INITIALLY, YOU HAD A PERCEPTION.

WHAT WAS THE BIGGEST EYE OPENER?

THE THING YOU THOUGHT WOULD BE ONE WAY, BUT YOU LEARNED IMMEDIATELY IS COMPLETELY DIFFERENT AND NOBODY WOULD HAVE A CLUE IT´S SO MUCH DIFFERENT THAT YOU EXPERIENCED.

>> THERE WERE NO SURPRISES TO BE HONEST WITH YOU, BECAUSE I WORKED WITH SENATOR NOVELL FRANCIS JR. AND HE SHOWED ME A LOT OF THINGS.

AND HE HAD NO IDEA, LIKE, SURE?

AND HE WOULD MAKE THOSE JOKES AND BE LIKE, ARE YOU SURE YOU WANT TO DO THIS ONE OF THESE DAYS?

BUT I SAW MANY TIMES, WHEN HE WAS LIKE STRESSED OUT, NEVER SHORT ON TV, OR WE WERE ARGUING.

AND I HOPE HE DOESN´T GET UPSET.

BUT I SAW THE MANY THINGS HE WENT THROUGH.

I WAS JUST SURPRISED THAT PEOPLE DON´T REALLY UNDERSTAND THE ROLE ABOUT SENATOR.

THAT WAS SURPRISING.

SO ANYTHING WAS SURPRISING OR PEOPLE NOT KNOWING THE TRUTH OF OUR SENATOR.

>> VERY INTERESTING THAT YOU SAY THAT.

WOW, THAT´S AN EYE OPENER.

LET ME ASK YOU SOMETHING.

YOU MENTIONED PRESSURE, ESPECIALLY WHEN IT CAME TO THE SALARY INCREASE ISSUE.

IN WHAT FORM DOES THAT PRESSURE COME?

IS IT FROM YOUR COLLEAGUES?

IS IT FROM CONSTITUENTS?

AND THEN, AS A SITTING LEGISLATOR, WHICH SETS OF PRESSURE DO YOU THINK IS THE HARDEST?

PRESSURE COMING FROM CONSTITUENTS OR PRESSURE COMING FROM YOUR COLLEAGUES?

>> THE CONSTITUENTS.

YOU KNOW, MY COLLEAGUES DO NOT ELECT ME.

AND IF ANY OF MY COLLEAGUES VOTED FOR ME, THANK YOU, YOU KNOW.

BUT MY VOTES ARE FROM THE PEOPLE.

SO I ALWAYS LISTEN TO THE PEOPLE.

AND AT THE TIME, AT TIME, WE WERE GOING THROUGH COVID-19.

AND PEOPLE STILL HAD -- YOU KNOW, PEOPLE WERE HURTING OUT THERE.

AND I WAS LIKE, I´M 32, 33, WHATEVER I WAS AT THE TIME.

I´M MAKING THIS SALARY, I´M GOOD.

YOU KNOW, I´M NOT LIKE THE FORMER SENATOR.

I´M GOOD.

YOU KNOW, I SAW PEOPLE LIKE SENATOR JEAN.

WHOEVER YOU WANT TO INCREASE, NOT ME.

>> SO YOU HAVE TO STICK WITH YOUR PRINCIPLES ON THAT.

YOU DON´T HAVE A FORMER EDUCATION, BUT SOME WOULD SAY THAT YOUR EXPERIENCE WILL GET YOU A DEGREE YOU´LL GET.

THAT´S WHAT YOU CALL IT IN ACADEMIC SETTINGS RIGHT NOW.

HOW ARE YOU DIFFERENT NOW THAN WHEN YOU FIRST WENT INTO THE VIRGIN ISLANDS LEGISLATURE?

>> WELL, WHEN I FIRST CAME IN, I WAS ALWAYS A PERSON WHO READ A LOT, I WAS VERY NERVOUS.

IF YOU GO BACK ON WHAT WE´RE HEARING, I WOULD BE STUTTERING AND.

SO I´M NOT GOING TO CALL HER NAME, BUT THERE´S ONE INDIVIDUAL AND AM TELLING PEOPLE, YOU CANNOT READ AND WRITE.

BUT NOW, THAT COMES FROM THE TOP OF MY HEAD RIGHT NOW.

BECAUSE I´VE BEEN A PART OF THE CONVERSATION FOR SO LONG, AND HAVE BEEN DOING IT FOR SO LONG, BECAUSE PEOPLE WERE PRESSURING ME, IN THE COMMON SECTION, I WOULD READ -- >> THAT´S SOMETHING FOR US.

>> PEOPLE WOULD BE COMING, CAN I -- AND I WOULD READ IT AND BE LIKE, DAMN, I TELL MYSELF, I HAVE TO GET BETTER.

WHAT I USED TO DO IS, EVERY TIME I WAS ON THE SENATE FLOOR AND I DID IT, A ROUND OF QUESTIONING.

I WOULD TAKE MY I-PAD, GO OUTSIDE, REWIND IT BACK AND THAT´S HOW I GOT BETTER AND OVERCAME THAT NERVOUSNESS.

>> I THINK SHARING THAT IS ACTUALLY VERY INSPIRING.

IF YOU´RE WILLING TO WORK ON SELF-IMPROVEMENT, YOU CAN GET BETTER.

AND THE FACT YOU´RE SO COMFORTABLE NOW IS AN ATTRIBUTE TO THAT.

YOU EVENINGS MENTIONED YOUR CHILDREN AND IT´S INTERESTING THAT YOU WANT TO HAVE A WALL IN THE HOUSE WHERE YOUR CHILDREN CAN LOOK UP TO IT AND SAY, DADDY ACCOMPLISHED IT.

IT´S PART OF YOUR LEGACY.

WHAT WOULD YOU SAY YOUR LEGACY TO THE REST OF THE CHILDREN OF THE TERRITORY IS.

>> YOU CAN DO IT.

DON´T LET ANYONE PUT LIMITATIONSDOWN.

DON´T LISTEN TO THE CRITICS.

DON´T TAKE SOCIAL MEDIA ON.

THAT´S THE LOAD, BUT IT´S A SILENT MAJORITY.

>> ONE OF THE ISSUES THAT WAS VERY CONTROVERSIAL WAS BEING THE ONLY ST. CROIX SENATOR STREET FOR THE EXTENSION OF THE SOUTHLAND GAMING AGREEMENT.

WHY DID YOU DO THAT?

>> WHY?

SIMPLE.

AT THE END OF THE DAY, THAT WAS IN CONVERSATIONS WITH GOVERNOR BROWN.

AND THEY WERE DISCUSSING HOW THEY WOULD GO ABOUT, YOU KNOW, WITH THE POWER MOVEMENTS.

AND IT WAS ALWAYS FROM THE INCEPTION, THEY NEVER WANTED TO BE IN ST. THOMAS.

AND I WOULD SAY, CONVINCE GOVERNOR AND THE REST OF WHOEVER WAS THERE TO PUT ST. THOMAS INTO THE EQUATION.

HE NEVER WANTED TO STAY IN ST. THOMAS.

BUT SOMEBODY THOUGHT IT WAS A BRIGHT IDEA.

THANK GOD I WASN´T A PART OF THAT SENATE.

BUT I JUST FELT IT WAS THE RIGHT THING TO DO, BECAUSE IT HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH ST. CROIX.

PEOPLE WERE OUT THERE WERE SAYING IT WAS ST. CROIX.

I MET AN AGREEMENT THERE.

IT STARTED WITH I THINK TURNBULL, AND THEN IT WENT ON WITH YOUNG, GOVERNOR BROWN GOT ELECTED.

SO IT WAS A PART OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS YOU DON´T WANT TO SEE.

LET´S COME UP WITH SOMETHING.

AND WE DON´T WANT TO BE DOING IT IN OUR HEARTS.

WE DON´T WANT IT UNDER MY WATCH OR WHEN I WAS IN THE SENATE, WE CONTRIBUTED TO SOMETHING TANGIBLE THAT WE CAN SEE RIGHT NOW.

I SAID, THAT´S THE SAME THING THAT GOVERNOR MOTT AND HIS TEAM DID WHEN THEY WERE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT, WHEN EVERYBODY WAS SLEEPING.

SO EVERYBODY CAN WATCH IT AND GIVE INPUT.

BUT THE ONLY THING IN THE SENATE, BECAUSE WHEN SOMETHING COME TO THE ST. CROIX SENATOR, YOU ARE NO LONGER A ST. CROIX SENATOR, YOU ARE A U.S. VIRGIN ISLAND SENATOR.

>> LET ME ASK YOU.

WE ONLY HAVE ABOUT THE TWO MINUTES LEFT.

FUTURE ASPIRATIONS.

YOU MENTIONED THE OTHER BRANCHES OF GOVERNMENT, WHICH WE KNOW ARE THE EXECUTIVE AND THE JUDICIAL BRANCH.

DO YOU HAVE ANY PLANS FOR FUTURE POLITICAL AMBITIONS IN THE TERRITORY?

>> I AM GOING TO BE VERY INVOLVED IN THIS ELECTION, EVEN THOUGH I´M NOT RUNNING.

I´M GOING TO BE INVOLVED IN EVERY SINGLE ELECTION FROM NOW UNTIL THE DAY I DIE.

>> WHEN YOU ARE FINISHED WITH YOUR TERM, WHAT´S THE ONE THING YOU WANT EVERY VIRGIN ISLANDERS TO REMEMBER JaVON JAMES FOR?

>> I WANT PEOPLE TO REMEMBER THAT IT´S OKAY TO BE CONTROVERSIAL, IT´S OKAY TO BE THE LONE WOLF.

IT´S OKAY TO BE MISUNDERSTOOD.

IT´S OKAY TO CHANGE YOUR MIND!

>> AND YOU´VE CHANGED YOUR MIND A FEW TIMES, HUH?

>> YEAH!

>> WELL, IF YOU CHANGE YOUR MIND FOR THIS ELECTION, MAKE SURE YOU COME TO THE TERRITORY FIRST.

>> AND I WILL TELL YOU THIS.

I AM NOT CHANGING MY MIND.

>> THE ONLY REASON I RUN, IT´S NO RESPECT TO THE PEOPLE OF THE ISLANDS, I LOVE THEM, BUT I WAS IN A VERY BAD PLACE, BEING THE ONLY OF SENATOR.

IT WAS CRAZY.

>> WOW.

>> I WAS LIKE, ALL OF THIS!

I DON´T NEED THIS.

AND GOVERNOR BRIAN SENT ME A TEXT, AND WAS LIKE, I NEVER QUESTIONED IT, ALL OF THE PEOPLE.

AND I SAID TO MYSELF, AT THE TIME I WAS WORKING ON SOMETHING.

I DIDN´T HAVE MY, MY MOM IS WELL KNOWN IN THE COMMUNITY.

SO I RAN KNOWING I HAD A CHANCE TO WIN.

AND I WENT FROM BEING ON THE FLOOR TO BEING AND EVERYBODY IS EQUAL.

>> THANK YOU FOR SPENDING TIME WITH US ON "COMES WITH THE TERRITORY."

THIS WAS A GREAT INTERVIEW.

UP NEXT, WE´LL HEAR FROM THIS WEEK´S POWER PANEL, BUT FIRST, LET´S TAKE A MINUTE TO EXPLORE THE TOPICS THAT ARE ON THE TABLE.

>>> GOOD NEWS FOR ST. CROIX TRAVELERS.

THE VIRGIN ISLAND PORT AUTHORITY RECENTLY FIXED THE LUGGAGE BELT IN THE DEPARTURE AIRPORT.

>> IT´S A TERRITORY FIX THAT HAS BEEN PROBLEMATIC FOR QUITE SOME TIMES.

JUST GLAD IT´S WORKING TO SOME EXTENT.

>> THE AIRPORT HAS TWO BELTS FOR DIFFERENT AIRLINES.

ONE IS FOR AMERICAN AIRLINES, SPIRIT AIRLINES, AND SILVER AIRWAYS/SEABORNE AIRWAYS, WHILE THE OTHER SERVES DELTA AIRLINES AND CAPE AIR.

BOTH BELTS WERE BROKEN FOR A FEW MONTHS.

THIS MEANT TRAVELERS HAD TO CARRY THEIR CHECKED BAGS THROUGH TWO DOORS TO GET TO THE SECURITY AREA.

THEN THROUGH CUSTOMS AND FINALLY DROP THEM OFF AT A DIFFERENT BELT BEFORE THE TSA CHECK POINT.

THIS CAUSED A LOT OF TROUBLE, ESPECIALLY FOR PEOPLE WITH HEAVY BAGS AND THE AUTHORITY AUTHORITY TRIED FIXING IT BEFORE, BUT IT DIDN´T LAST.

AFTER A RECENT NEWS REPORT THAT TALKS ABOUT THE PROBLEM, THE BELTS STARTED WORKING AGAIN THE NEXT DAY.

>> THE MAINTENANCE PEOPLE, THIS IS QUITE A BIT OF WORK, AND SOMETIMES WITH THE LOW GUIDANCE AND CONSULTATION.

>> DESPITE THE FUNCTIONING BELTS, DELTA STRESSES THAT MORE REPAIRS ARE NEEDED TO ENSURE THEY KEEP WORKING.

HE SAID THE VIRGIN ISLAND´S PORT AUTHORITY NEEDS TO ENSURE A PERMANENT FIX.

>> WE HAD SOME PROJECTS THAT HAD GOODEN FROM OUT OF THE COUNTRY.

SO WE WILL SEE HOW IT GO.

I MEAN, AGAIN, IT´S WORKING NOW.

WE HOPE IT´S STILL WORKING, BUT WE KNOW WE HAVE SOME WORK TO DO ON IT TO TRY TO MAKE SURE IT´S MORE RELIABLE.

>> VIRGIN ISLAND´S POLICE OFFICERS SWARMED THE NORTH SIDE AREA OF ST. THOMAS ON MARCH 5th.

DURING A MANHUNT THAT CULMINATED DURING A STANDOFF IN THE WATERS OF HALL BAY BEFORE THE SUBSEQUENTLY ARREST OF MOHAMMAD SALEM, THE MAN WHO ALLEGEDLY ATTACKED HIS BROTHER BEFORE STABBING THEIR FATHER TO DEATH IN THE FAMILY´S HOME.

HIS BROTHER TOLD POLICE IT WAS NOT THE FIRST TIME THAT MOHAMMAD HAD ATTACKED THEIR FATHER, AND MOHAMMAD HAS BEEN SUFFERING FROM MENTAL ILLNESS FOR SEVERAL YEARS.

WHETHER THIS TRAGIC EVENT COULD HAVE BEEN PREVENTED REMAINS UNKNOWN, BUT IT DOES UNDERSCORE THE CRITICAL NEED FOR STRONGER MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT SERVICES IN THE TERRITORY.

LAST MONTH, BEFORE THE SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH, HOSPITALS, AND HUMAN SERVICES, LAWMAKERS DISCUSSED A BILL AIMED AT INCREASING ACCESS TO BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES, WITH A FOCUS ON PSYCHIATRIC EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAMS, TO PROVIDE MOBILE CRISIS INTERVENTION SERVICES AND THE 988 TELECOMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM.

>> THIS IS ABOUT CREATING A SPECIALIZED TRAINED UNIT TO RESPOND TO BEHAVIORAL EPISODES.

>> SENATOR DIANE, THE BILL´S SPONSOR, PASSIONATELY ADVOCATED FOR ITS PASSAGE, CITING MENTAL HEALTH INCIDENTS ON ST. CROIX.

>> LET ME TELL YOU GUYS, JESSE MARTINEZ, WHO HAD A BEHAVIORAL EPISODE IN A TOWN OF FREDERICKSBURG, WHO RAN NAKED THROUGHOUT THAT TOWN.

THEY DIDN´T UNDERSTAND WHAT WAS HAPPENING TO HIM THE NEXT DAY OR THE DAY AFTER THAT.

THE RESPONSE THAT HAPPENED ON THAT DAY, THERE WAS NO SPECIALIZED TRAINING UNIT TO RESPOND TO THIS.

LET´S TALK ABOUT JESSE MART, A COUPLE OF YEARS AGO WHEN ANOTHER INDIVIDUAL WAS RUNNING AROUND NAKED AND NEEDED HELP.

HE NEEDED THAT SPECIALIZED TRAINED UNIT TO RESPOND.

>> ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EMS, LYLE EVELAND, VOICED HIS SUPPORT FOR THE LEGISLATION.

>> IN OUR LINE OF WORK AT THE VIRGIN ISLANDS FIRE AND EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES, WE OFTEN ENCOUNTER SITUATIONS WHERE INDIVIDUALS NEED IMMEDIATE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SUPPORT.

THE PROPOSED AMENDMENTS IN BILL NUMBER 35-0224 WILL UNDOUBTEDLY ENHANCE OUR ABILITY TO RESPOND EFFECTIVELY TO SUCH INCIDENTS, ENSURING THAT THOSE EXPERIENCING MENTAL HEALTH CRISES RECEIVE THE APPROPRIATE CARE PROMPTLY.

ADDITIONALLY, THE LEGISLATION DEMONSTRATES A PRODUCTIVE APPROACH TO ADDRESSING THE MENTAL HEALTH CHALLENGES FACED BY OUR COMMUNITY.

>> SENATORS MELVIN POTTER AND DONNA GREGORY RAISED CONCERNS ABOUT MANPOWER AND FUNDING.

>> WHAT WILL OUR TEAM CONSIST OF, AND DO WE HAVE THE MANPOWER OR WILL WE BE ABLE TO RECRUIT RETAIN PERSONNEL TO MAN THE PSYCHIATRIC RESPONSE TEAM?

>> I REALLY WANT US TO FLESH OUT HOW THIS IMPACTS OUR BEHAVIORAL HEALTH MEASURE THAT WE´VE MOVED, AND HOW DO WE TRULY FUND THIS REALISTICALLY, AND HOW CAN WE TRULY RULE THIS OUT REALISTICALLY?

>> YES, COLLEAGUES, I UNDERSTAND THAT WE HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT THE FUNDING.

I HAVE AMENDMENTS, AS I´VE SPOKEN TO ALL OF THESE DEPARTMENTS, FIRE, PD, HEALTH, AND I´M WAITING FOR LEGAL COUNSEL TO PROVIDE THESE AMENDMENTS FOR US COLLEAGUES.

>> THE BILL WAS ULTIMATELY HELD IN COMMITTEE ON FEBRUARY 7th.

WHILE THE REVISED VERSION WAS SCHEDULED FOR DISCUSSION ON MARCH 6th, THE SENATE MEETING WAS POSTPONED.

THE NEXT HEARING IS NOW SET FOR APRIL 2nd >> JOINING THE SHOW, WE HAVE COMMUNITY ORGANIZER DENNIS LYNCH II.

AND ON SET WITH ME, I´M EXCITED TO WELCOME A MEMBER OF THE WTJX TEAM THAT MANY YOU´VE LISTEN TO EVERY WEEKDAY AT 5:00 P.M., RADIO NEWS FEED REPORTER, MARCIA LINA DOUGLAS.

WELCOME, EVERYONE.

I´LL START WITH YOU, SINCE YOU SERVED WITH SENATOR JAMES IN THE 33rd AND 34th LEGISLATURE.

I´VE BEEN LISTENING TO HIM ON THE PANEL HERE WITH ME.

WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ABOUT HIS DECISION TO PURSUE A DEGREE AFTER SERVING IN THE LEGISLATURE?

>> AS A FORMER EDUCATOR, I ALWAYS APPLY INDIVIDUAL WHO GOING TO PURSUE SOME TYPE OF EDUCATIONAL CERTIFICATE, DIPLOMA, OR DEGREE.

SO I AM HAPPY THAT HE´S MOVING IN THAT DIRECTION.

I THINK THAT HIS DECISION NOT TO SEEK A SEAT IN THE LEGISLATURE IS A PERSONAL ONE, ONE THAT NEEDS TO BE RESPECTED AND I CAN ONLY WISH HIM THE BEST.

HOPEFULLY HE´LL BE ABLE TO OBTAIN THE DEGREE THAT HE SO SPOKE ABOUT.

>> MR. LYNCH, WHEN YOU HEARD ABOUT THE ITEMS THAT MR. JAMES SAID HE WANTED TO BE PART OF HIS LEGACY, WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS, AND DO YOU THINK THAT HIS LEGACY WILL LIVE IN THE WAY THAT HE PO PORTRAYED THEM TO BE, OR DO YOU THINK THE PEOPLE OF THE TERRITORY WILL HAVE A DIFFERENT VIEW OF WHAT HIS LEGISLATION IS?

>> YOU KNOW, YOU CAN´T REALLY DEFINE YOURSELF BASED ON WHAT WITHIN OPINION IS OF YOU.

BUT AS YOU PROJECTED, HE STAYED CONTINUOUS IN HIS FIGHT AND HIS DETERMINATION OF WHAT HE WANTED TO DO AS A SENATOR.

MORE TIMES OFTEN, WE SPEAK A LOT ABOUT THE VISION THAT WE HAVE FOR THEM.

HE STAYED CONSISTENT IN TERMS OF YOUTH SPORTS AND RECREATION.

SO I APPLAUD HIS CAPTION TO GET THAT MOVING.

>> WEARING YOUR JOURNALISTIC HAT, WHEN YOU HEARD THE INTERVIEW, ESPECIALLY THE PART WHERE THE SENATOR TALKED ABOUT PRESSURES HE RECEIVED FROM COMMUNITY MEMBERS, HOW INDIVIDUALS CONFRONTING HIM, WHAT´S YOUR PERCEPTION OF THAT WHOLE EXPERIENCE?

>> I DEFINITELY GIVE ANY LAWMAKER, I GIVE THEM CREDIT FOR SEEKING PUBLIC OFFICE, BECAUSE WE LIVE IN A COMMUNITY THAT´S ACCESSIBLE, AND BECAUSE THEY HAVE THAT ACCESS, THEY CAN SAY WHAT THEY WANT TO SAY YOU.

I COMMEND HIM FOR THE TIME THAT HE SERVED, MOST DEFINITELY, AND I COMMEND HIM FOR ULTIMATELY BEING ABLE TO KIND OF TAKE THAT WEIGHT FROM THE PUBLIC, AS WELL, TOO.

BUT I CAN SAY THAT, IT´S DEFINITELY A CALLING, AND YOU KNOW, HE ANSWERED THE CALL FOR THE TIME PERIOD HE THOUGHT.

>> I´LL ASK YOU A PERSONAL QUESTION.

HAVING LISTENED TO THE INTERVIEW WITH SENATOR JAMES, AND HEARING HIM TALK ABOUT PRESSURES FROM COLLEAGUES AND CONSTITUENTS, AS AN EXPERIENCED LEGISLATOR YOURSELF, HOW DID YOU DEAL WITH THOSE SITUATIONS, PEOPLE COMING UP TO YOU AND HAVING ADVERSE OPINIONS?

I KNOW THAT CAN´T BE AN EASY POSITION TO BE IN.

HOW DID YOU HANDLE THAT?

>> IT IS NOT ON EASY EXPERIENCE OR AN EASY SITUATION TO DEAL WITH, BUT I CAME FROM A BACKGROUND OF EDUCATION, AND AS A NUMBER OF YEARS AS A HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL IN A HIGH-PRESSURED ENVIRONMENT, SERVING SOME 1,400 TO 1,600 STUDENTS ON A REGULAR BASIS.

SO THE REGISTRATION IS A EASY TO ME IN TERMS OF PRESSURE.

AS AN EDUCATOR, THAT IMMEDIATELY AFFECTS A STUDENT´S LIFE.

THIS IS A REAL PRESSURE.

WHEN YOU HAVE INCIDENTS THAT CONSPIRE OUT OF CONTROL, YOU NEED TO BE ABLE TO OF HAVE SOME TYPE OF ENVIRONMENT THAT WILL STOP STUDENTS FROM BEING HEARD.

THAT IS A REAL PRESSURE DEDICATES TO ST. CROIX ON A ROUTINE BASIS, GO AROUND THE HIGHLY, TO DIFFERENT VENUES, IT´S A REGULAR EXPERIENCE IN TERMS OF THE VIEW OF INDIVIDUALS, AND I HAVE LEARNED TO RESPECT THE VIEWS.

YOU NEED TO RESPECT IT AND TAKE SOME ELEMENT OUT OF IT TO MAKE YOURSELF A BETTER PERSON.

>> LET ME COME BACK TO YOU.

ONE OF THE THINGS I FOUND INTERESTING THAT WITHOUT PROMPTING SENATOR JAMES BROUGHT UP AS ONE OF THE REASONS THAT PEOPLE THINK HE´S LEAVING, HAVING SERVED THREE TERMS AND BEING ELIGIBLE FOR RETIREMENT.

HE´S CLEAR, AND THAT´S NOT THE SITUATION WITH HIM.

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT THE PUBLIC PERCEPTION THAT PEOPLE HAVE, THAT THE GOAL IS, YOU GET, YOU SERVE THREE TERMS, AND YOU´RE SET FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE?

HOW DO YOU SUM UP THAT ANALYSIS THAT HE MENTIONED THAT THE PUBLIC MAY PERCEIVE ABOUT HIM.

>> I THINK TERRITORY WIDE, WE HAVE A CULTURE OF EMBRACING MEDIOCRITY IN TERMS OF THE LEAST THAT WE COULD DO FOR THE MOST REFERENCE DOWN THE LINE.

SO I´M HAPPY THAT HE CLEARED UP THAT PERCEPTION, BECAUSE THAT´S ONE OF THE THINGS THAT, YOU KNOW, FIRST, OUR PEOPLE WOULD SAY, WELL, OKAY, HE SERVED THE BARE MINIMUM.

AND HAVING A PLAN IS IMPORTANT.

CLEARLY, BEING A POLITICIAN IS A CALLING.

YOU NEED TO BE ABLE TO SERVE THE PEOPLE QUALITY AND SERVE THEM EFFICIENTLY.

IT´S A PERFECT POINT IN TERMS OF AFFECTING ONE´S LIFE.

WE DON´T SEE THE IMPORTANCE OF HOW, AS WE TRAVERSE THE DECISIONS WE MAKE COULD IMPACT THE COMMUNITY.

WHEN YOU SIT DOWN IN A SEAT LIKE THAT, YOU HAVE TO BE PREPARED TO SEE THAT, 20 YEARS DOWN THE LINE, A DECISION THAT YOU MAKE TODAY COULD AFFECT CHILDREN MOVING FORWARD FOREVER.

>> WOW, A POWERFUL PERSPECTIVE THERE!

YOUR NEW SEED HAD A DIRECT ALMOST OVERNIGHT IMPACT ON THE HENRY WILSON LUGGAGE BELT BEING PREPARED.

WHEN YOU HAVE A SITUATION LIKE THAT, WHERE SOMETHING YOU REPORT ON ACTUALLY GETS FIXED, WHAT´S THE FEELING YOU GET FROM EXPERIENCING THAT?

>> WE´RE IN THE BUSINESS TO IMPLEMENT CHANGE IN THIS COMMUNITY, HOLDING PEOPLE ACCOUNTABLE.

AND I THINK THAT´S WHAT DEFINITELY CAME ABOUT AND THAT´S WHAT DEFINITELY RANG TRUE.

WE HAVE TO START HOLDING PEOPLE ACCOUNTABLE, AND THAT´S REPORTING THE FACTS AS THEY ARE AND BEING HONEST AND TOTALLY UNBIASED PB AND YOU KNOW, TRYING TO AFFECT CHANGE FOR THE PEOPLE AROUND THAT FOR OUR COMMUNITY, ESSENTIALLY.

>> MR. LYNCH, I´LL COME TO YOU WITH THIS.

IS WE HAD A REPORT, AND THAT REPORT SEEMINGLY GOT RESULTS IN TERMS OF RELIEF FOR TRAVELERS AT THE WILSON AIRPORT ON ST. CROIX.

DO YOU THINK THAT WE´VE BECOME A SOCIETY IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS WHERE GENERALLY, THE UNITED STATES WHERE SOMETIMES IT TAKES THE MEDIA BRINGING SOMETHING FORWARD FOR US TO FIX SOMETHING THAT WE KNOW HASN´T BEEN WORKING.

BECAUSE THOSE BELTS HAVEN´T BEEN WORKING FOR MONTHS ON ST. CROIX.

DO YOU THINK THAT´S THE POINT WE´RE AT IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS.

>> DEFINITELY.

ON SOCIAL MEDIA, WE´RE CONSIDERED TO BE -- AND THAT´S A FAR, FAR DESTINATION FOR AT THIS POINT IN TIME IF OUR LIVES.

YOU KNOW, TECHNOLOGY HAS BEEN SOMETHING THAT WAS LIKE A FANTASY ABOUT 10 TO 15 YEARS AGO.

NOW WE TREAT IT AS A REALITY.

YOU KNOW, I COME IN AND GET THAT DONE, YOU KNOW, BUT IN A BACKGROUND OF MAINTAINING, WE HAVE A TENDENCY OF NOT KEEPING THE EQUIPMENT AND THE MECHANISM THAT WE USE, AND THAT´S WHERE THE BREAKDOWN IN THE VIRGIN AIRLINES.

BUT YOU HAVE TO MAINTAIN THESE ITEMS, THE ONLY WAY THAT´S GOING TO WORK FOR US.

>> YOU HAVE SERVED SUCH A LONG CAREER THAT YOU´VE EXPERIENCED, YOU KNOW, THE EVOLUTION ALMOST OF SOCIAL MEDIA AND THE ROLE THAT IT PLAYS NOW.

AND THE MEDIA OVERALL IS CONSIDERED THE FOURTH ESTATE IN GOVERNMENT, COMMONLY REFERRED TO AS THE FOURTH ESTATE.

HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT WHEN STORIES LIKE THIS GET REPORTED AND THERE´S ALMOST AN INSTANTANEOUS FIX FOR PEOPLE?

IT´S SO IMPORTANT TO HAVE RESPONSIBLE MEDIA, TO HAVE INDIVIDUALS IN THAT JOURNALISM WORLD, TO MAKE SURE THEY CONSISTENTLY REPORT THE FACTS.

AND THAT IS SOMETHING THAT WE REALLY NEED TO WORK ON IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS, TO REPORT NOT WHAT IS ACTUALLY HAPPENING, BUT WHO IS INVOLVED.

SHARPLY AFTER, TODAY WHEN I WAS READING THE EFFECTS, THAT THE BIGGER PROBLEM IS WE NEED TO INFORMS MONEY INTO OUR INFRASTRUCTURE AND IT IS NOW WITH THE APPLE AND EVERYTHING ELSE, THAT HE WITH TAKE A SERIOUS LOOK AT THE INFRASTRUCTURE AND SEE HOW WE CAN BE ABLE TO IMPROVE THAT PRODUCT.

BECAUSE WHILE REMAIN IN ST. CROIX BECAUSE THE BELTS AREN´T WORKING, THE REALITY IS, THERE´S NO BELT ON ST. THOMAS.

YOU HAVE TO PULL YOUR LUGGAGE THROUGH THE BELT.

THOSE ARE AREAS WE NEED TO LOOK AT.

AND I´M HOPING WITH A PUBLIC/PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP THAT´S BEING DISCUSSED, THAT WE´RE GOING TO BE ABLE TO FIX THOSE AND ALSO EXPAND THE PRODUCT BY HAVING THOSE TYPE OF AMENITIES THAT WILL BE ABLE TO IMPROVE PRODUCTS.

>> IN YOUR WORK ON THIS PARTICULAR STORY, WHAT DID THE PORT AUTHORITY TELL YOU?

WHAT DID YOU LEARN FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR IN REGARDS THOUGH THE STORY?

>> IT WASN´T JUST MYSELF ALONE.

IT WAS TOM AND HE WAS ON THE GROUND GETTING THERE, DIGGING DEEP WITH THE STORY AS WELL, TOO.

AND ONE OF THE THINGS THAT HE DEFINITELY RELAYED TO US AS WELL, THEY ARE TRYING TO WORK ON FIXING THE BELTS.

AND HE STATED THAT THEY´RE TRYING GET CUSTOM PARTS AND EVERYTHING LIKE THAT.

BUT ULTIMATELY IT COMES DUN TO, WE´RE CONSTANTLY PUTTING BANDAGES ON THIS BELT AND THEY ARE TRYING WORK ON IT.

SHE EXPLAINED WHY THE BELT AFTER 9/11, WE MOVED TO MAKE SENSE FOR TSA AND ALL OF THOSE THINGS.

BUT IT´S THE PRESSURE THAT WAS PLACED ON THE AUTHORITY TO THEN KIND OF GIVE THE PUBLIC THAT INFORMATION AND THAT RESPONSE AND ACTIVATE CHANGE.

AND THAT´S SOMETHING THAT I THINK NEEDED TO BE SAID AHEAD OF TIME, YOU KNOW?

>> I´M GOING TO STAKE WITH YOU, BECAUSE YESTERDAY -- WELL, THIS WEEK IN ST. THOMAS, WE HAD A VERY TRAGIC INCIDENT TAKE PLACE.

AND THE OVERWHELMING THEME IS RIGHT NOW, MENTAL HEALTH.

AND HOW WE DEAL WITH MENTAL HEALTH CHALLENGES.

AND THERE WAS A RECENT BILL TO CREATE A PSYCHIATRIC EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM, WHICH UNFORTUNATELY LIGHTNING IN THIS SITUATION MAY NOT HAVE MADE A DIFFERENCE, BUT FOR YEARS, IF YOU´RE A RESIDENT IN THE TERRITORY, WE´VE SEEN SITUATIONS LIKE THIS OVER AND OVER.

PEOPLE THAT SUFFER FROM MENTAL HEALTH HAVE COMMITTED CRIMES.

IN THIS PARTICULAR CASE, WE´RE LOOKING AT AN INDIVIDUAL THAT COMMITTED A MURDER, ALLEGEDLY, BECAUSE, OF COURSE, HE HASN´T AN ADJUDICATED YET.

BUT YOU REPORTING ON THIS STORY, TELL US ABOUT YOUR PROCESS AND WHAT HAPPENS WHEN A NEWS ITEM LIKE THAT COMES INTO THE NEWS ROOM, AND SHARE WITH THE COMMUNITY THE THOUGHT PROCESS AND YOUR EXERCISING JOURNALISM THAT GOES INTO COVERING A STORY LIKE THIS?

>> THE FIRST THING THAT DEFINITELY COMES ABOUT WHEN YOU´RE COVERING SOMETHING LIKE THIS IS SENSITIVITY.

THAT´S THE FIRST AND FOREMOST, BECAUSE YOU´RE DEALING WITH PEOPLE, OF COURSE, IN THE COMMUNITY THAT YOU´RE GOING TO SEE EVERY DAY.

AND IT´S A HUMAN LIFE THAT ULTIMATELY WAS LOST.

SOMEBODY LOVED THIS MAN, YOU KNOW, SO, THAT´S THE FIRST THING.

YOU KNOW, RESPECT FOR THE FAMILY, RESPECT FOR THE DECEASED, AND THAT LEVEL OF SENSITIVITY.

BUT IT WAS VERY INTENSE, YOU KNOW, HAVING THEIR TEAM OUT THERE, YOU KNOW, THEY WERE THERE, THEY SAW, YOU KNOW, THE BODY BEING REMOVED AND EVERYTHING LIKE THAT.

YOU KNOW, THEY STUCK WITH THE POLICE UNTIL ULTIMATELY THEY WERE ULTIMATELY APPREHENDED.

AND IT WAS A VERY INTENSE DAY.

AND IT WAS A VERY SAD DAY AS WELL, TOO.

I THOUGHT ABOUT THE LEGISLATION THAT SENATOR KPART HAD THAT SHE SPONSORED AND COULD THE TEAM HAVE POSSIBLY BEEN A FORM OF INTERVENTION?

IT´S POSSIBLE, BUT WHO KNOWS?

IT´S NOT IMPLEMENTED.

WE DON´T HAVE THAT RESOURCE IN THE TERRITORY.

A LOT OF PEOPLE WOULD SAY THE BILL TO CREATE A PSYCHIATRIC EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM IN THE TERRITORY IS LONG OVERDUE MANY STATES AND MUNICIPALITIES HAVE ALREADY IMPLEMENTED THESE KINDS OF TEAMS WITH SPECIAL TRAINING AND NON-LETHAL WAYS OF DEALING WITH MENTAL HEALTH INDIVIDUALS THAT SUFFER FROM MENTAL HEALTH CRISISES.

HOW DO YOU THINK THAT THE BILL THAT WAS HELD IN COMMITTEE COULD POSSIBLY BE MADE BETTER?

IS IT LONG OVERDUE?

AND HOW DO WE SUSTAIN THIS TYPE OF LEGISLATION IN THE LONG RUN?

>> I´VE HAD A CHANCE TO REVIEW THE LEGISLATION, AND WE DO HAVE A NEED TO CREATE A PSYCHIATRIC TEAM, THOUGH, TO BE ABLE TO RESPOND TO CRISISES, BUT THE BIGGEST ISSUE WE HAVE IS THE LACK OF RESPONSIBILITY.

THEY´RE GIVEN A SHOT AND RELEASED THE NEXT DAY AND THESE INDIVIDUALS ARE ON A REGULAR BASIS AND DON´T HAVE ANY FACILITY WHATSOEVER TO PLEASE RAISE INDIVIDUALS IN, TO BE ABLE TO STABILIZE THEM, AND TO BE ABLE TO ADMINISTER SOME TYPE OF EDUCATION, AND THAT IS THE FIRST STEP WE NEED TO DO.

WE NEED TO MAKE SURE THAT WE HAVE A FACILITY WHERE WE CAN HOUSE THESIS INDIVIDUALS UNTIL WE HAVE THEM STABILIZED.

THE BILL HAD A FUNDING COMPONENT AND IT´S A BIT WORRISOME FOR ME, IT CAN BE VERY EXPENSIVE TO RECOMMEND THAT THE SPONSOR OF THE BILL LOOK AT THE FEASIBILITY STUDY IN TERMS OF WHAT IT´S GOING TO TAKE TO FORM SUCH A TEAM.

JUST GETTING THE PSYCHIATRICS IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS IS TAKING US TO 3,000 TO 4,000 A YEAR FOR ONE INDIVIDUAL.

HOW MUCH IS IT GOING TO TAKE TO FUND THIS BILL THAT IS BEING DISCUSSED AND HOW CUFF A MEETING WITH THE FINANCE COMMITTEE TO MAKE IT A REALITY.

BUT I THINK RIGHT NOW, WE HAVE SOME MONEY THAT CAN BE UTILIZED FOR HOUSING THE HOMELESS AND MENTALLY ILL AND WE NEED TO LOOK AND FAST TRACK THE ABILITY TO HOUSE THOSE INDIVIDUALS SO WE CAN GET SOME TYPE OF STABILITY WHEN THEY ARE REMOVED FROM THE STREETS.

>> MR. LYNCH, I THINK THIS PEOPLE IN THE COMMUNITY, AS WE WERE ALL SADDENED WHEN THIS HAPPENED, WE WEREN´T SURPRISED.

I CAN BE HONEST WITH YOU, WHEN I HEARD THE NEWS AND HEARD WHO WAS INVOLVED, I WAS ALMOST LIKE, OKAY, IT WAS JUST A MATTER OF TIME.

AND I THINK THAT WE ALL COULD POINT TO INDIVIDUALS IN OUR COMMUNITY THAT WE MAY FEEL THE SAME WAY ABOUT.

AND THIS ISN´T THE FIRST TIME THAT SOMEONE WHO HAS A MENTAL HEALTH IS CRISIS OR DEBILITATING DISEASE AFFECTING THEM HAS COMMITTED MURDER IN THE TERRITORY.

TELL ME SOMETHING, WHEN DO WE BEGIN TO GET SERIOUS ABOUT CRISES LIKE THIS?

AND HOW DO WE TREAT MENTAL HEALTH DIFFERENT IN THIS COMMUNITY?

HOW DO WE BEGIN TO DO THAT?

>> FIRST OFF, YOU KNOW, WE HAVE A LOT OF REPRESSED INDIVIDUALS WALKING AROUND THAT ARE LITERALLY AFRAID TO COMMUNICATE THEIR FEELINGS.

SO FIRST, THE CHALLENGES WE FACE IS JUST HAVING THAT COMPENSATION, FIRST AND FOREMOST, TO MAKE INDIVIDUALS CONFIDENT TO EXPRESS THEIR FEELINGS, AND COMFORTABLE TO PUT THEMSELVES IN A VULNERABLE STATE.

WE SPEAK ABOUT THE RESOURCES IN THE TERRITORY THAT WE DON´T HAVE.

YOU KNOW.

NO LONG-TERM CARE FOR THE MENTALLY ILL. YOU´RE MAX FIVE TO SEVEN DAYS IN THE HOSPITAL, PUT YOU ON A REGIMENT OF HN AND RELEASE YOU BACK INTO THE ENVIRONMENT.

SO, YOU KNOW, YOU NEED DIFFERENT FACILITIES THAT COULD FACILITATE THE ADEQUATE CARE YOU NEED, TYPE OF WITH PSYCHOLOGICALS AND PSYCHIATRIC HELP, YOU KNOW?

THE AVERAGE SALARY HERE FOR PSYCHIATRISTS IS $150 THOURK, YOU´RE GETTING PAID BETWEEN 350,000 TO $400,000 A YEAR.

SO YOU NEED COMPETITIVE SALARIES, WHO HAVE SUPPORT HERE.

SO THERE MANY DIFFERENT THINGS WE NEED TO ADJUST THAT AND BUILD IT.

THEY HAVE THAT FLUIDITY IN TERMS OF WHAT WE NEED TO BEGIN THAT CONVERSATION THAT YOU JUST MENTIONED.

>> THE BILL THAT IS SPONSORED BY SENATOR DIANE CAPE HART AND THE LEGISLATURE RIGHT NOW THAT´S BEEN HELD INNEN COMMITTEE, THE INTENT IS TO MAKE SURE THAT INDIVIDUALS APPROACH AN INDIVIDUAL THAT MAY BE SUFFERING FROM A DEBILITATING MENTAL ILLNESS, YOU APPROACH THEM CORRECTLY AND THAT LETHAL METHODS AREN´T USED.

BECAUSE WE KNOW THEY HAVE BEEN KILLED IN SITUATIONS WHERE THEY DIDN´T NECESSARILY HAVE TO HAVE LETHAL FORCE USED AGAIN THEM.

BUT, WHEN DO WE, AS A COMMUNITY, REALLY START TO HAVE THE SAME QUESTION?

TAKE THIS SERIOUSLY AND BUILD THE FACILITIES AND INVEST?

BECAUSE, CLEARLY MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES ARE ON THE RISE IN THIS COMMUNITY?

>> I DON´T THINK IT´S GOING TO CHANGE UNTIL IT AFFECTS SOMEBODY WHO IS IN A POSITION OF POWER, ESSENTIALLY, UNTIL IT HITS THEIR DOORSTEP.

I DON´T THINK IT´S GOING TO CHANGE UNTIL SOMETHING TRULY, TRULY DRASTIC HAPPENS, BECAUSE SO OFTEN, WE SEEM FAMILIES WHO HAVE BEEN AFFECTED BY IT, AND IT´S LIKE, OH, THAT´S SO SAD.

WE GIVE THEM THE ZMI WE CONTINUE TO MOVE ON.

SENATOR CAPE HART, SHE MENTIONED THE GENTLEMEN, JESSE, WHO HAD THAT EPISODE AND ULTIMATELY, THE LEVEL OF CARE THAT WAS SHOWN TO HIM BY THE PEOPLE -- I SAW THE VIDEO.

IT MADE ME INCREDIBLY SAD.

I CRIED FOR HIM.

THE WAY THAT OUR PEOPLE TREATED HIM, YOU KNOW, AND ULTIMATELY, HE WAS ARRESTED, HE WAS SENT TO THE HOSPITAL, AND THAT WAS IT.

HE´S NOW -- HE IS NOW DECEASED NOW, YOU KNOW.

I DON´T KNOW THE REASONS WHY, BUT THE CARE WASN´T GIVEN TO HIM.

THERE WAS NO TREATMENT OF HIM ULTIMATELY, AND I DON´T THINK IT´S GOING TO CHANGE UNTIL SOMETHING DRASTIC HAPPENS OR IT HAPPENS TO SOMEONE WHO IS IN A POSITION OF POWER.

>> AND THE AMENDMENTED VERSION OF BILL NUMBER 3.5-0226 INCREASED THE DEFAULT MINIMUM SUPREME COURT PAYMENT RECENTLY CLEARED THE SENATE´S OPERATIONS, LET´S PLAY A CLIP FROM THE FEBRUARY 27th HEARING.

>> I AM MOVING THIS MEASURE TO PROVIDE THE ASSISTANCE OUR CHILDREN NEED AND REQUIRE, AND THAT IS MONEY.

>> OVER THE LAST 15 YEARS, WE HAVE SEEN AN INCREASE IN FAILURES TO APPEAR FOR HEARINGS AND FAILURE TO ARE REQUESTED LEGISLATION.

THIS WOULD INCREASE THE DEFAULT MINIMUM CHILD FROM 250 TO 350 PER MONTH.

>> THIS IS SUBSECTION "E." AN ATTORNEY GENERAL SHOULD REVIEW ALL IF APPROPRIATE, THE CHILD SUPPORT GUIDELINE ONCE EVERY FOUR YEARS, WERE CONDUCTED.

>> THE LAST THING IN OUR RECORD WAS 2008.

>> IF THEY´RE NOT SHOWING UP FOR 250, IS THAT GOING TO DO THE JOB OF PEOPLE SAYING, MAN, YOU KNOW, I MAY HAVE TO PAY A WHOLE 350, SO I BETTER SHOW UP.

OR WOULDN´T IT BE MORE LIKELY IF THAT WAS RAISED TO SOMETHING MORE SIGNIFICANT?

>> IT WOULD BE MY PLEASURE FOR IT TO BE MORE.

BUT UNTIL WE ACTUALLY GET A DIFFERENT FIGURE IN PLAIT PLACE AND START TO COLLECT DATA, WE DON´T REALLY KNOW.

>> WE NEED TO UNDERSTAND THIS IS NOT SOMETHING YOU DO.

IT´S CHANGED TO POTENTIALLY 1,000.

IT WILL FORCE THEM WHERE THEIR PEOPLE WORK AND MAKE THE NECESSARY JUDGMENTS FOR THOSE THAT ARE BELOW THIS $1,000 THRESHOLD.

>> IT´S $1,000 TO PAY MY HANDICAPPED PARKING SPACE.

I´M IN PULL SUPPORT OF RAISING IT TO $1,000.

>> SENATOR KARLA JOSEPH SUCCESSFULLY AMENDED HER BILL TO FURTHER INCREASE THE DEFAULT MINIMUM CHILD SUPPORT PAYMENT FROM $250 TO $1,000 FOR THE FIRST CHILD AND FOR $150 FOR EACH ADDITIONAL CHILD.

THE AMENDED BILL WAS APPROVED 5-2 WITH SENATOR SHAVON JAMES AND MILTON POTTER OPPOSING THE MEASURE.

THE COMPARISON OF A PARKING TICKET FOR A HANDICAP SPOT BEING $1,000 AND THE AMOUNT THAT -- THE MINIMUM SOMEONE WOULD HAVE TO PAY MONTHLY IN CHILD SUPPORT I THOUGHT WAS PRETTY INTERESTING, AND PRETTY JARRING WHEN YOU THINK ABOUT IT.

DUNLG THIS INCREASE IS GOING TO HAVE THE EFFECT THAT THE LEGISLATORS ARE INTENDING IT TO?

>> WE DEFINITELY HOPE THAT IT WILL.

HOWEVER, WHEN YOU LOOK AT THE NUMBER OF SINGLE-PAY RENT HOUSEHOLDS, IT´S QUITE ALARMING.

WHEN YOU GO TO THE SUPERMARKET, ET CETERA, YOU SEE SO MANY FEMALES THAT ARE MAKING A SECOND JOB JUST TO MAKE ENDS MEET.

SO WHETHER IT´S A MALE OR FEMALE THAT NEEDS TO MAKE THEIR CONTRIBUTION.

IT´S IMPORTANT WE PUT A MECHANISM IN PLACE THAT WILL BE ABLE TO MAKE SURE THAT INDIVIDUALS.

I´M SORRY IT HAS TO GO THROUGH A LEGAL PROCESS BECAUSE I DO BELIEVE IT´S THE RESPONSIBILITY OF ANYBODY TO SUPPORT A CHILD ONCE THEY CONCEIVE A CHILD.

AND I PUT A SHOUT-OUT TO THOSE INDIVIDUALS TO MAKE SURE YOU PROVIDE SOME TYPE OF FINANCIAL SUPPORT, AND ALLOW THE FINANCIAL SUPPORT TO ALSO PROVIDE SOME MENTAL SUPPORT IN WHICH YOU ARE A PART OF THAT CHILD´S LIFE.

I THINK IT´S A TRE IMPACT ON THE VIRGIN ISLANDS AND THE FACT THAT WE HAVE TO PASS A MECHANISM TO INCREASE A DEFAULT SHOWS YOU THE SOCIETY WE HAVE BECOME.

WE SHOULDN´T HAVE TO BE PULLED IN BY WHAT IS A MOM OR DAD TO MAKE A CHILD.

>> THAT´S A VERY POWERFUL POINT.

I´M CURIOUS TO HEAR YOUR THOUGHTS ON THE FACT THAT WE HAVE TO RAISE THE MINIMUM PAYMENTS FOR PARENTS AND THE FACT THAT A LOT OF PARENT WHO IS OWE CAN CHILD SUPPORT SIMPLY DON´T SHOW UP TO HEARINGS AND IGNORE IT AND THE FEES THAT HAVE TO BE PAID ARE SO INCONSEQUENTIAL THAT WE ARE LEFT TO THE BEHAVIOR THAT WE JUST REFERRED TO.

WE HAVE THE HIGH AMOUNT OF SINGLE FAMILIES IN THE TERRITORY, AND THE SOCIAL AND LEGAL CONSEQUENCES THAT WE HAVE TO DEAL WITH IN OUR LEGAL JUSTICE -- THAT THIS PIECE OF LEGISLATION GIVES US THE END RESULT NEEDED, BECAUSE THE CHILDREN ARE SUFFERING AND THAT´S SOMETHING THAT NEEDS TO BE ADJUSTED QUICKLY AND EXPEDITIOUSLY.

SO DEFINITELY, IT SPEAKS TO DIFFERENT REALMS IN TERMS OF WHERE ELSE SOCIETY IS LEAVING AND I HOPE THE END PRODUCT IS BENEFICIAL TO US.

>> BASED ON YOUR ANALYSIS, DO YOU THINK THAT THIS WILL HAVE THE INTENDED IMPACT THAT IT´S -- THAT THE LEGISLATORS WOULD LIKE FOR IT TO HAVE?

AND DO YOU THINK $1,000?

IF WE´RE GOING FOR $1,000, WHY NOT $2,000, TO SHOW THAT WE´RE REALLY SERIOUS.

I CAN´T HELP BUT THINKING ABOUT THE HANDCAP PARKING COMPARISON.

THAT WAS SO JARRING FOR ME.

DO YOU THINK THIS WILL ACTUALLY WORK AND IS IT ENOUGH?

>> I DON´T THINK IT´S GOING TO WORK, BUT THAT´S MY PESSIMISM.

IF SOMEBODY IS NOT PAYING 250 NOW, THEY´RE NOT GOING TO PAY $1,000.

I THINK IT´S GOING TO HAVE A VERY LARGE INCREASE IN BACK CHILD SUPPORT.

I THINK THAT WE ARE -- WE ARE TRYING TO FORCE PEOPLE TO BE ACTIVE, TO BE SUPPORTIVE PARENTS, BUT IF THEY´RE NOT SHOWING UP, I UNDERSTAND, WE´RE TRYING TO FORCE THEIR HAND FOR THE $1,000.

THEY´RE NOT GOING TO SHOW UP.

AND CHILDREN ARE EXPENSIVE THESE DAYS.

I HAVE TWO YOUNG KIDS.

$1,000 -- IF SOMEBODY WAS GIVING ME $250 A MONTH, THAT´S NOTHING.

THAT´S NOT EVEN TUITION, YOU KNOW, SO $1,000, YES, IT DOES DEFINITELY -- IT IS GOING TO DEFINITELY CHANGE AND HELP, YOU KNOW, THE SINGLE MOMS OUT THERE, THE SINGLE DADS, WHOEVER IS RECEIVING THAT CHILD SUPPORT, THAT $1,000 IS DEFINITELY GOING TO HELP, BUT IS IT GOING TO FORCE THAT NON-CUSTODIAL PARENT TO SHOW UP AND ACTUALLY CONTRIBUTE?

I DON´T THINK IT´S GOING TO.

>> SENATOR, THERE ARE TWO SENATORS OPPOSING THIS MEASURE.

SENATOR JaVON JAMES AND MILTON POTTER.

I DON´T KNOW IF YOU HAD A CHANCE TO RESEARCH THE REASONS WHY THEY OPPOSE THIS MEASURE, BUT AS A LEGISLATURE, WHAT OPPOSITION COULD SOMEONE POSSIBLY HAVE TO AN AMENDMENT LIKE THIS?

>> HONESTLY I DON´T KNOW.

I DON´T KNOW SIGH HARM THAT THIS PARTICULAR MEASURE WOULD CAUSE, HOWEVER, IT REALLY POINTS TO A BIGGER ISSUE THAT WE HAVE WITH THE SOCIETY THAT WE LIVE IN.

THE MONEY DOES ONE PART.

IT´S SO BASIC.

IT´S JUST A LACK OF HAVING A RELATIONSHIP WITH THE CHILD DURING THE YEARS THEY´RE GROWING UP FROM A YOUNG MAN, A YOUNG BOY OR GIRL TO A YOUNG MAN OR WOMAN.

AND WE SOMEHOW HAVE TO COMMUNICATE TO THIS COMMUNITY THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING IN A CHILD´S LIFE, WHETHER OR NOT YOU´RE WITH A MOM OR DAD, IT´S VERY, VERY IMPORTANT FOR YOU TO REMAIN IN THE LIFE OF YOUR CHILD, IF YOU LOOK AT ALL OF THE STUDIES, ALL OF THE STUDIES, IT POINTS TO THAT ABSENCE OF PAY RENT.

IF WE WANT TO DECREASE THE NUMBER OF SOCIAL ISSUES THAT WE HAVE, THEN WE´VE GOT TO CHANGE THE WAY THAT WE PAY RENT IN AND INDIVIDUALS NEED TO UNDERSTAND THE IMPORTANCE THAT THEY HAVE IN THE LIFE OF THE CHILD ON A REGULAR BASIS.

A SHOUT-OUT TO A LOT OF GUYS.

A LOT OF GUYS, THEY GOT THIS AND THAT.

YOU NEED TO BE ABLE TO HAVE YOUR CHILD AND SPEND TIME WITH YOUR CHILD.

WE NEED TO CHANGE THAT MIND-SET AS A COMMUNITY, AND IT´S GOT TO COME FROM ALL OF US.

IF YOU HAVE A CHILD, AND YOU KNOW YOUR CHILD HAS INSURANCE AND NOT SUPPORTING THAT CHILD, YOU HAVE TO INFLUENCE THEM TO DO BETTER.

BUT IT´S GOT TO COME FROM US.

WE´VE GOT TO BECOME A BETTER COMMUNITY IF WE WANT TO ABLE TO SOLVE THE SOCIAL ISSUES.

>> WE ONLY HAVE TWO MINUTES LEFT ON THE SHOW.

BUT REAL QUICKLY, WE MENTIONED, YOU ARE A FATHER.

FOLLOWING UP ON WHAT WAS JUST SAID, WHAT DIZ WOULD YOU GIVE TO YOUNG MEN IN THIS COMMUNITY, TO EVEN AVOID HAVING TO BE IN COURT TO PAY CHILD SUPPORT IN THE FIRST PLACE?

>> SURE.

I HAD A FATHER THAT WAS AND CONTINUES TO BE INSTRUMENTAL IN MY LIFE.

I CANNOT OVERSTATE THE INFLUENCE AND THE POWER THAT MY PARENTS HAVE IN THE WAY THAT I HAVE DEVELOPED IN A YOUNG MAN.

THE ONLY ADVICE THAT I WOULD GIVE YOUNG MEN WHO HAVE CHILDREN MY AGE AND EVEN OLDER, SHOW UP.

IT´S IMPORTANT, YOU KNOW, YOU DON´T EVEN HAVE TO LOOK AT THE STATISTICS.

LOOK AT THE SOCIOECONOMIC FACTORS, THE PERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS.

THERE´S SO MANY THINGS THAT CAN TEACH A CHILD AS THEY WALK THROUGH LIFE.

THE JOURNEY AND THE DESTINATION.

YOU WILL ALWAYS NEED ADDITIONAL HELP AND WILL ALWAYS NEED ADVICE.

AND THAT COMES FROM SOMEBODY ELSE ALREADY HAVING BEEN THERE.

>> MR. LYNCH, I APOLOGIZE, BUT I HAVE TO INTERRUPT YOU, BECAUSE THAT´S ALL THE SHOW WE HAVE FOR TODAY!

BUT BE SURE TOO TUNE IN NEXT SUNDAY AT 1:00 P.M. FOR ALL NEW EPISODE OF "COMES WITH THE TERRITORY."

IN THE MEANTIME, FOR YOUR NEWS UPDATES, TUNE INTO WTJX WEEKDAYS AT 5:00 P.M. ON 93.1 F.M.

OR BY DOWNLOADING THE WTJX APP.

FOR ALL OF US HERE, TAKE CARE