>>> ON THIS EPISODE OF "COMES WITH THE TERRITORY," THE VIRGIN ISLANDS SEE THIS IN FULL SWING.

WE´LL HEAR FROM THE ORGANIZERS, AND WHY THIS PERSONAL MILESTONE IS SO IMPORTANT TO BOTH TERRITORIES.

AFTER A THREE-HOUR DEBATE, LAWMAKERS RECENTLY TABLED A BILL TO BRING THE IMMIGRANT SERVICES UNDER THE OVERSIGHT OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS PROVISION.

AND RIDESHARE COMPANIES ARE OPERATING IN FULL SIGHT, RAISING QUESTIONS ABOUT THE TRANSPORTATION REGULATIONS IN THE TERRITORY.

>>> PLUS, RECENTLY PASSING A BILL APPROPRIATING OVER $100 MILLION IN SETTLEMENT FUNDS.

EARLIER THIS YEAR, THE GOVERNOR SHARED HIS IDEAS FOR THAT MONEY DURING A WIDE-RANGING INTERVIEW AND ANALYZED THIS.

HOW DO THE TWO COMPARE?

WE´LL HAVE MORE.

>>> AND LATER -- TURMOIL CONTINUES TO AFFECT THE TERRITORY´S PUBLIC SCHOOLS.

HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS ATTACK A BUS DRIVER ON ST. CROIX, AND SHUTTING DOWN ANOTHER HIGH SCHOOL ON ST. THOMAS, AND A STUDENT GROUP THAT WENT MISSING AFTER BEING PULLED OFF A SCHOOL BUS.

WE´LL HAVE DETAILS ON THESE EVENTS AND HOW THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT IS RESPONDING.

>>> STAY TUNED AS 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´M JENNETTE MILLIONG.

THIS IS THE PUERTO RICO FRIENDSHIP ISLAND CELEBRATION.

FOR SIX DECADES, THIS EVENT HAS HONORED THE DEEP BONDS AND SHARED CULTURE BETWEEN THE TWO COMMUNITIES.

GROWING INTO A MAJOR CULTURAL CELEBRATION OF UNITY AND HERITAGE, HERE´S MORE.

♫♫ EVER YEAR ON THE SECOND MONDAY OF OCTOBER, VIRGIN ISLANDS-PUERTO RICO FRIENDSHIP DAY IS CELEBRATED IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS.

♫♫ ESTABLISHED IN 1964 BY THE GOVERNOR, THIS DAY HONORS PUERTO RICANS WHO ARE IN OR HAVE MADE SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE VIRGIN ISLANDS.

♫♫ THE CELEBRATION TAKES PLACE THROUGHOUT THE FIRST HALF OF OCTOBER, AND INCLUDES EVENTS SUCH AS THE U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS FRIENDSHIP PAGEANT, AND LIVE PERFORMANCES BY LOCAL BANDS AND MUCH MORE.

OVER THE PAST 50 YEARS, WHAT BEGAN AS A MODEST RECOGNITION LUNCHEON HAS BLOSSOMED INTO A SIGNIFICANT CULTURAL EVENT.

PARTICIPATION CONTINUES TO GROW EACH YEAR AS MORE INDIVIDUALS FROM BOTH COMMUNITIES COME TOGETHER TO CELEBRATE.

THIS YEAR, ORGANIZERS ARE AIMING TO MAKE THE CELEBRATION EVEN BIGGER AND MORE MEMORABLE THAN EVER BEFORE.

JOINING THE SHOW NOW FROM OUR ST. CROIX STUDIO TO DISCUSS THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THIS YEAR´S V.I.-PUERTO RICO FRIENDSHIP IS THE LEADER OF THE FRIENDSHIP COMMITTEE, SAMUEL LOPEZ, AND THE PAST PRESIDENT OF THE V.I.-PUERTO RICO FRIENDSHIP COMMITTEE.

WELCOME TO THE SHOW, GENTLEMEN.

>> THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU.

>> YES.

SO LET´S DIVE RIGHT IN.

WHAT WAS THE ORIGINAL PURPOSE BEHIND ESTABLISHING THIS OBSERVANCE?

>> AS YOU MENTIONED, IT STARTED IN 1964 BY THE PRESIDENT, AND EVERY YEAR IT´S TURNING OUT TO BE BIGGER AND BIGGER, AND IT´S ALL A MATTER OF JUST KEEPING UP WITH OUR CULTURE AND TRADITION, AND ALSO TEACHING OUR CHILDREN OUR CULTURE AND TRADITION, BUT IF YOU REALLY WANT TO LOOK AT IT, IT´S REALLY A CELEBRATION OF TWO CULTURES AND WE GO WAY BACK FARTHER THAN JUST 1964.

LITTLE HISTORICAL FACT, IN THE 17th CENTURY, THE DANISH WEST INDYS, PEOPLE ESCAPED TO PUERTO RICO.

WHEN I SAY THAT, I´M TALKING ABOUT THE VIRGIN ISLANDS AS A WHOLE, TWO PUERTO RICO AND THEY SETTLED THERE.

AS A MATTER OF FACT, THERE´S A TOWN IN PUERTO RICO CALLED SANTUSE THAT WAS FOUNDED BY SOME OF THE SLAVES THAT LEFT THE VIRGIN ISLANDS.

SO OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH PUERTO RICO GOES WAY, WAY BACK, AND ANOTHER INTERESTING FACT I JUST WANT TO POINT OUT, THE ORIGINAL CARNIVAL ACTUALLY CAME FROM A GENTLEMAN BY THE NAME OF SEXTO ADOLF.

HE WENT TO ST. THOMAS.

WHILE HE WAS IN ST. THOMAS IN 1912, HE TOOK A TRIP TO BRAZIL.

HE SAW CARNIVAL THERE, AND HE BROUGHT BACK THAT IDEA, WHICH I THOUGHT IT WAS VERY INTERESTING TO MENTION BECAUSE IT SHOWS HOW MUCH -- HOW MUCH WE GO WAY BACK TOGETHER IN TERMS OF TWO CULTURES, AND THE CONTRIBUTION THAT WE HAVE GIVEN BACK TO THE BEAUTIFUL VIRGIN ISLANDS.

>> VERY GOOD.

HOW ABOUT YOU, JOE.

HOW HAS THE CELEBRATION OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS-PUERTO RICO FRIENDSHIP DAY EVOLVED SINCE ITS INCEPTION?

>> WELL, IT WAS BEFORE LIKE YOU MENTIONED BEFORE, WE STARTED WITH A LUNCHEON, AND AFTER THAT, THE FORMER FIRST LADY DECIDED THAT -- TO BRING THE PEOPLE FROM GOVERNMENT HOUSE, AND THEN THAT´S WHEN WE STARTED DOING IT.

I REMEMBER WORKING WITH MRS. LUIS AND A GROUP OF PEOPLE WHO PUT TOGETHER THE COMMITTEE, AND THAT´S HOW WE STARTED DOING THE CELEBRATIONS, AND THAT BRINGS US -- IN THAT TIME, WE ALSO USED TO HAVE THE -- LIKE YOU MENTIONED, THE SHOW, THE VILLAGE, THE FAMOUS, LIKE I SAID, MRS. LUIS OPENED THE GOVERNMENT HOUSE TO THE PEOPLE, TO THE PEOPLE OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS, AND ESPECIALLY ST. CROIX, AND THAT´S WHEN WE START, AND WE HAVE COME A LONG WAY, LIKE, I CONSIDER MYSELF ONE OF THE FOUNDERS OF THIS COMMITTEE ALONG WITH A LOT OF OTHER PEOPLE TOGETHER.

WE HAVE STARTED THIS COMMITTEE, AND WE HAVE COME WITH A LOT OF ACTIVITIES, AND NOW IT´S TIME FOR THE YOUNG PEOPLE TO START DOING IT.

LAST TIME -- THE LAST PRESIDENT, MR. TORRES WHICH IS THE PRESIDENT NOW, CAME TO HELP ME, AND NOW HE´S BEEN THE PRESIDENT FOR THE LAST THREE YEARS.

LET ME TELL YOU, HE HAS DONE A BEAUTIFUL, BEAUTIFUL JOB.

>> VERY GOOD.

>> THIS WEEKEND, WE PASS IT TO THE YOUNG PEOPLE.

WE DON´T WORRY THIS COMMITTEE FALLS APART, BUT I HOPE THAT WITH THE HELP -- WITH THE HELP OF LUIS AND ALL THE YOUNG PEOPLE, WE CAN KEEP GOING ON THIS.

>> SO BASICALLY, JOE, YOU´RE SAYING THAT THE FIRST LADY WHO YOU´RE HONORING THIS YEAR, OPENED THE DOORS.

OBVIOUSLY SHE HAS HER TIES TO PUERTO RICO.

HER HUSBAND, THE GOVERNOR AT THE TIME, ALSO HAD HIS TIES TO PUERTO RICO, AND THE SECOND LADY ALSO HAD TIES TO PUERTO RICO.

SO THAT MEANS -- >> OH, YES.

YES.

>> SO THAT MEANS THAT PUERTO RICANS HAD AN OPEN-DOOR POLICY WHEN IT CAME TO HAVING THIS CELEBRATION, BUT LET ME ASK LUIS.

LUIS, HOW HAS THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PUERTO RICO AND THE VIRGIN ISLANDS BEEN REFLECTED TO THE OBSERVANCE OF THIS HOLIDAY OVER THE YEARS?

>> WELL, WE CAN SEE -- WE CAN SEE THAT THIS -- THE MAIN FACT OF THIS COMMITTEE, THE VIP FRIENDSHIP COMMITTEE IS, YOU KNOW, BRINGS AFLOAT THE HISPANICS THAT CAME OVER HERE TO THE VIRGIN ISLANDS TO HELP BUILD OUR ECONOMY, HELP BUILD OUR ISLANDS, AND THAT´S -- FOCUSING ON THAT HAS MADE A LOT OF COMPANIES.

WHEN YOU BREAK IT DOWN, A LOT OF COMPANIES TO THE FACT THAT HEY.

YOU GOT TEN.

YOU GOT FIVE.

YOU GOT EIGHT EMPLOYEES THAT ARE HISPANICS, AND THEY´RE FROM PUERTO RICO.

THEY´RE LEAVING THEIR FAMILIES BEHIND TO COME HELP -- COME HERE TO HELP BUILD A COMPANY, BUILD THE VIRGIN ISLANDS, YOU KNOW.

WHEN YOU START BREAKING IT DOWN LIKE THAT, EVERYBODY´S, LIKE, WOW, YOU KNOW?

YOU´RE RIGHT.

WE GOT TO GIVE IN, AND CELEBRATE AND HONOR THESE PEOPLE FOR THIS SACRIFICE BECAUSE THE SACRIFICE WHEN YOU LEAVE YOUR FAMILIES BEHIND TO BETTER YOURSELF.

IT´S ALWAYS SACRIFICE.

>> YES.

>> WE SEE IT, AND UP SO THIS DAY, WE´RE CONTINUOUSLY SEEING IT.

IT HASN´T STOPPED.

FROM BACK IN THE DAY TO NOW, IT HASN´T STOPPED.

IT´S A CONTINUOUS EVENT THAT´S HAPPENING RIGHT NOW.

>> SO LUIS, JOE JUST TOLD US A FEW MINUTES AGO THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO SEE THIS CONTINUE FOR OTHER GENERATIONS, THE NEXT GENERATION TO COME.

HOW CONFIDENT ARE YOU THAT THE NEXT GENERATION WILL CARRY THIS FORWARD?

>> I´M NOT GOING TO LIE TO YOU.

IT´S A LOT OF WORK.

IT´S A LOT OF WORK, BUT, YOU KNOW, YOU LEARN BY SEEING HOW PEOPLE LIKE JOE, OUR SENATOR, OUR ADMINISTRATOR, HOW THEY HAVE BEEN IN THIS COMMITTEE FOR SO MUCH YEARS, BUT THEY DO THEIR PART, AND THEY NEVER LEAVE THE COMMITTEE JUST LIKE I´M GOING TO DO.

I´M DOING MY PART.

I HAVE A PRIMARY ROLE IN THE COMMITTEE, AND I´M GOING TO CONTINUE TO HELP AS LONG AS I CAN, AND IN WHATEVER ROLE I NEED TO HELP TO KEEP THIS COMMITTEE ALIVE.

IT´S ALWAYS GOOD TO HAVE NEW PEOPLE BECAUSE LIKE I SAID, THIS IS A COMMITTEE THAT TAKES A LOT OF -- FROM YOU.

>> LET ME INTERJECT.

DOES THAT MEAN YOU´RE MENTORING YOUNGER PEOPLE AS, YOU KNOW, YOU´RE THE PRESIDENT, THE PRESIDENT FOR THE PAST THREE YEARS?

ARE YOU MENTORING FOLKS TO COME IN AND TAKE OVER AT ONE POINT?

>> YES.

YES.

YES, WE ARE.

YES, WE ARE.

EVERY CHANCE WE HAVE, YES.

WE BRING THEM IN, AND IN VOLUNTARY ROLES AND STUFF LIKE THAT, AND WE TALK TO THEM, AND WE HAVE DIFFERENT COMMITTEES IN THE VI-PR, AND WE HOPE THEY TAKE OVER THE COMMITTEE JUST LIKE I DID.

BACK IN THE DAY I USED TO GO TO THESE ACTIVITIES WHEN I WAS A YOUNG KID, AND NOW LOOK.

I´M THE HEAD OF THE COMMITTEE, AND JUST LIKE I DID, I WANT OTHERS TO DO.

>> GOOD.

SO SAMUEL, WHAT TRADITIONS OR CUSTOMS HAVE REMAINED CONSTANT IN THE FRIENDSHIP DAY CELEBRATIONS, AND WHAT FEW ELEMENTS HAVE BEEN INTRODUCED OVER THE YEARS AS YOU REMEMBER?

>> WELL, WE STILL HAVE -- WE STILL CELEBRATE THE DAY WHERE THE FAMILIES GET TOGETHER.

WE TRY TO KEEP THOSE TRADITIONS AND CULTURES MOVING FORWARD, BUT WE HAVE SEEN THEM TAKE OVER, AND WE HAVE REALLY EXPANDED.

WE HAVE ONE ENTIRE DAY THAT DEALS PRIMARILY WITH OUR CHILDREN, AND SO IN TERMS OF EXPANSION, WE HAVE THE RIGHTS FOR THEM.

WE HAVE ALL THESE DIFFERENT GAMES, STORY-TELLING.

SO WE REALLY TRY TO BRING MORE -- MORE OF OUR FAMILY-ORIENTED ACTIVITIES TO THE FESTIVITIES.

IT USED TO BE -- A LOT OF TIME IT USED TO BE NIGHTTIME ACTIVITIES FOR THE ADULTS, AND MUSIC, THE VENDORS, BUT FOR THE PAST FOUR OR FIVE YEARS, RIGHT?

WE HAVE REALLY DONE A LOT TO BRING MORE FAMILIES INTO THE FOLD, TO TEACH THEM OUR CULTURES, OUR TRADITIONS.

WE HAVE A SECTION HERE IN THE LIBRARY, IN OUR LOCAL LIBRARY THAT IS TO SET ASIDE FOR JUST BOOKS.

>> VERY GOOD.

>> SPANISH BOOKS.

>> SO WHAT ARE SOME OF THE KEY EVENTS THAT THE COMMUNITY SHOULD BE LOOKING FORWARD TO FOR THE 60th ANNIVERSARY?

>> WE HAVE A GOVERNMENT HOUSE CEREMONY AWARD, AND WE´RE GOING TO HONOR THE PAST PRESIDENTS AND FOR OUR FIRST LADY, FOLLOWED BY OCTOBER 10th TO THE 13th WHERE WE´LL HAVE THE VILLAGE ON OUR CULTURE GROUNDS.

THERE WE´RE GOING TO HAVE BANDS.

WE´LL HAVE A CEREMONY AS WELL, ON THURSDAY FOR THE PAST PRESIDENTS THAT COULDN´T MAKE IT FOR WEDNESDAY.

WE´LL HAVE SOMETHING THERE EARLIER, BUT FROM THURSDAY, OCTOBER 0 10th THROUGH THE 13th, WE´RE GOING TO HAVE BANDS AND VENDORS FOR THE FOOD, AND WE´LL HAVE CONY ISLAND WITH THE RIDES.

WE´LL HAVE IT THERE, AND ON SATURDAY, WE HAVE THE ARROZ CON POLLO COMPETITION.

WE HAVE A LOT OF EVENTS, BUT YOU JUST ASKED THE QUESTION OF WHAT OTHER EVENTS HAVE WE BEEN ADDING BECAUSE, YOU KNOW, THIS COMMITTEE GROWS.

EVERY YEAR IT GROWS.

WHEN JOE WAS PRESIDENT, WE DID ADD THE GOLF TOURNAMENT THAT WE DID WHICH WAS VERY SUCCESSFUL.

WE INCLUDED THAT INTO THE PROGRAM, AND IT WAS -- IT WAS AN AWESOME EVENT.

THIS YEAR WE COULDN´T HAVE IT.

WE POSTPONED IT FOR EARLY NEXT YEAR BECAUSE OF THE SCHEDULE CONFLICT, BUT IT´S AN EVENT WE ADDED.

WE CONTINUE TO DO IT FOR FOUR OR FIVE YEARS NOW -- FOUR YEARS NOW.

WE STARTED TO DO IT, AND AS WE GROW -- AS WE GO ALONG AND PEOPLE ARE ADDED TO OUR COMMUNITY, WE WILL ADD DIFFERENT EVENTS BECAUSE IT´S ABOUT TEACHING OUR CULTURE, RIGHT?

AND CONTINUING THIS UNTIL -- FOREVER.

I DON´T WANT TO SEE THESE THINGS -- 60 YEARS.

I DON´T WANT TO SEE THIS THING LEAVE.

>> EXACTLY.

SO JOE, COULD YOU TELL US ANYTHING THAT WE HAVEN´T COVERED TO MAKE SURE THAT PEOPLE COME AND ENJOY THE FESTIVITIES WITH YOU?

>> YES.

BEFORE I ANSWER YOU, ALSO LUIS FORGETS WE HAVE -- WE DO -- I KNOW THAT YOU KNOW THIS.

LA NOCHE DE SAN JUAN, WHERE WE GO TO THE BEACH AT NIGHT, AND WE JUMP IN THE BEACH FOR GOOD LUCK.

WE´VE DONE THIS.

WE DO IT IN THE LAGOON.

REPEAT THE QUESTION PLEASE.

>> I WANTED TO KNOW -- MAKE SURE THAT YOU INCLUDE EVERYTHING THAT PEOPLE NEED TO KNOW.

SO IS THERE ANYTHING WE MISSED TO ENSURE THAT THE COMMUNITY SHOWS UP EN MASSE TO THE CELEBRATIONS?

>> WE´RE INVITING EVERYBODY.

EVERYBODY TO COME TO THE -- TO THIS ACTIVITY BECAUSE WE´RE REALLY DOING THIS FOR THE PEOPLE, FOR THE PEOPLE LIKE -- LIKE ALL THESE ACTIVITIES.

THEY COST A LOT OF MONEY TO PUT IT TOGETHER.

SO WE WANT THEM ALL TO COME HERE, TASTE THE GOOD FOOD, TASTE THE GOOD ARROZ CON POLLO.

AND [ SPEAKING IN A GLOBAL LANGUAGE ] -- HOW MANY DO WE HAVE RIGHT NOW?

>> WE HAVE ALMOST 30 BOOTHS.

>> WE HAVE ABOUT 30 BOOTHS SELLING FOOD THERE.

>> THAT´S AMAZING.

>> SO YOU KNOW IT´S VERY -- IT´S VERY -- WE´RE GOING TO HAVE ALL OF -- ALL THIS GOOD FOOD.

YOU SHOULD COME OVER AND TASTE THEM.

>> I LOOK FORWARD TO THIS.

IT SOUNDS LIKE IT´S GOING TO BE QUITE A LIVELY CELEBRATION.

I WANT TO THANK YOU.

>> REMEMBER THAT.

IT´S GOING TO BE A FREE EVENT.

>> AND ALSO -- >> THE FREE EVENT.

>> FREE EVENT.

>> WE´RE NOT CHARGING AT THE GATE.

YOU HAVE TO BUY A TICKET TO GO ON THE RIDES AND THE FOOD, BUT ENTRY, THERE´S NO ENTRY CHARGE.

IT´S A FREE EVENT.

WE´RE GOING TO HAVE SECURITY PATROLLING THE PARKING LOT.

WE´VE GOT VIP THAT´S GOING TO BE THERE KEEPING OUR PEOPLE SAFE.

>> THANK YOU.

WE´RE OUT OF TIME.

I JUST WANT TO SAY THAT IT SOUNDS LIKE IT´S GOING TO BE A WONDERFUL AND MEANINGFUL CONVERSATION.

>>> COMING UP, WE´LL HEAR FROM THIS WEEK´S PANEL, BUT FIRST LET´S LOOK AT THE ISSUES UP FOR DISCUSSION.

>>> THE TERRITORY´S LIMOUSINE INDUSTRY IS UNREGULATED WITH NO VEHICLE LIMITS AND NO DRESS CODE STANDARDS WHICH IS DAMAGING THE TOURISM IMAGE.

>> WE CANNOT ALLOW A LAWLESS SITUATION TO CONTINUE.

IT REFERS TO THE OPERATION OF LIMOUSINES.

THERE NEEDS TO BE ONE ENTITY, ONE, THAT REGULATES TRANSPORTATION FOR HIRE.

>> TO CREATE THAT ONE ENTITY, THEY PROPOSED A BILL TO REMAIN THE TAXICAB COMMISSION FOR THE TAXICAB AND LIMOUSINE COMMISSION, GIVING OVERSIGHT.

TAXI OPERATORS AT A SENATE HEARING SUPPORTED THE BILL.

>> THIS BILL IS SPONSORED, IN SEVERAL ASPECTS THAT WILL BENEFIT OUR OPERATORS AND PASSENGERS.

>> BUT LIMOUSINE OPERATORS WERE FIERCELY OPPOSED.

>> WE DO NOT SUPPORT A BILL THAT PLACES OUR INDUSTRY UNDER AN AGENCY ALREADY STRUGGLING WITH ITS EXISTING RESPONSIBILITIES.

TO BE BLUNT, THIS IS A TERRIBLE IDEA.

>> CURRENTLY THE DEPARTMENT OF LICENSE AND CONSUMER AFFAIRS REGULATES LIMOUSINES.

IN OPPOSING THE BILL, THE ASSISTING COMMISSIONER, HORACE GRAHAM SET FOCUS TO BE ELSEWHERE.

>> LEGISLATIVE CONSIDERATION MUST IMMEDIATELY BE GIVEN TO THE RIDESHARE ECONOMY.

THIS AREA OF TRANSPORTATION IS IN NEED OF IMMEDIATE ATTENTION.

>> OKAY, Y´ALL.

CATCH THIS USING THE VIRGIN ISLANDS´ BEST RIDESHARE APP.

>> RIDESHARE OPERATOR HAS BEEN SERVING CUSTOMERS ON ST. CROIX FOR MORE THAN A MONTH AND HAS ADVERTISED IT AS 24/7 SERVICE ON SOCIAL MEDIA.

THE RIDESHARE HAS 18 DRIVERS AND MORE THAN 700 USERS, OR HAILERS ACCORDING TO THE FOUNDER.

>> IT´S ABOUT JUST GETTING SOMEONE FROM POINT A TO POINT B, WHO OTHERWISE WOULD EITHER BE STUCK OR HAVE TO PAY, YOU KNOW, EGREGIOUS ABNORMAL FEES OR SOMETHING TO THAT EFFECT.

>> THEY´RE INVESTIGATING THE ACTIVITIES ACCORDING TO COMMISSIONER NATALIE HODGE.

SHE NOTED THAT OPERATING WITHOUT PROPER LICENSURE COULD RESULT IN ENFORCEMENT ACTIONS INCLUDING FINES AND CEASE AND DESIST ORDERS.

>> THEY CAN CONFINE ME.

I´LL PAY THE FINE, WHICH IS FINE.

I MIGHT GET AN INJUNCTION AT SOME POINT, WHICH IS OKAY.

I DON´T HIDE THIS FROM ANY OF OUR DRIVERS OR ANYTHING LIKE THAT.

THEY ALL KNOW WHAT WE´RE TRYING TO DO.

>> AND THOUGH THEY CONTINUE TO OPERATE ILLEGALLY, TWO OTHER RIDESHARE COMPANIES ARE WAITING FOR LEGISLATIVE CHANGES TO LAUNCH LEGALLY.

A SENATOR WHO HAS AUTHORSHIP OF THE RIDESHARE BILL COULD NOT PROVIDE A TIMELINE OF WHEN HE PLANS TO INTRODUCE THE MEASURE.

MEANWHILE, SENATOR MARVIN BLITHE´S BILL GIVES OVERSIGHT TO THE LIMOUSINE INDUSTRY, AND IT WAS HELD IN THE SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS, VETERANS AFFAIRS, AND CONSUMER PROTECTIONS.

EARLIER THIS YEAR, THE GOVERNOR HINTED AT POTENTIAL USES FOR THE MILLIONS OF DOLLARS AWARDED TO THE TERRITORY TO SETTLEMENTS CONNECTED WITH CLAIMS THAT ADDRESSES TRAFFICKING ON EPSTEIN´S PRIVATE ISLAND.

THE GOVERNOR SAID HE ASKED THE ATTORNEY GENERAL TO INCLUDE SPECIFIC PROVISIONS IN THE SETTLEMENT NEGOTIATIONS TO ENSURE THE FUNDS WERE USED EFFECTIVELY.

>> I SAID, LISTEN.

MAKE SURE IN THE SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT YOU SET ASIDE MONEY FOR SPECIFIC THINGS.

>> MM-HMM.

>> SO BY JUST DON´T HAVE A SPENDING SPREE, AND WE DON´T GET STUFF DONE.

MENTAL ILLNESS, MAKING SURE THAT WE TAKE CARE OF VICTIMS AND ADVOCATES.

JUSTICE, WE NEED A BILL FOR JUSTICE.

THERE ARE THINGS THAT ARE THERE ARE PROTECTION FROM TRAFFICKING AND CHILD SAFETY.

ALL THOSE THINGS ARE ALREADY BUILT IN.

THE REST IS BRATTA.

>> FOR THE EXTRA MONEY, BRIAR SAID HE HAS SPOKEN TO OTHERS ABOUT USING THE MONEY TO CLEAR PAYMENTS, CLEAR THE TAX REFUNDS, AND FUND OTHER PROJECTS.

>> THE LAST THING WITH OUR MONEY THAT WE NEEDED TO DO, I REALLY WANTED TO GET A GOLF COURSE IN ST. THOMAS.

YOU BUILD THAT, AND WE NEVER HAVE A GOLF COURSE.

I COULDN´T SAVE THE MONEY AND I CALLED THEM, AND I SAID, LISTEN.

THIS IS WHAT WE NEED.

WE NEED $13 MILLION FOR THAT, AND WE NEED $6 MILLION BECAUSE WE WERE BUYING THE CARIBBEAN KIDNEY CENTER FROM DR. GARDNER.

BECAUSE WE GOT TO HAVE DIALYSIS.

>> THE LEGISLATURE RECENTLY CHARTED ITS OWN COURSE FOR HOW THE MONEY SHOULD BE SPENT BY PASSING A BILL THAT APPROPRIATES OVER $150 MILLION FROM SETTLEMENTS FROM THE JEFFREY EPSTEIN ESTATE AND FROM LEON BLACK, A BILLIONAIRE WHO PAID TO SETTLE CLAIMS RELATED TO HIS FINANCIAL TIES WITH EPSTEIN.

BILL 35-0380 ESTABLISHES TWO KEY FUNDS, THE TRUST SETTLEMENT FUND, FOCUSES ON STRUCTURE AND DEVELOPMENT AND THE SURVIVORS AND MENTAL HEALTH HEALING TRUST FUND, AIMED AT SUPPORTING VICTIMS OF ABUSE AND MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES.

AMONG THE MAJOR APPROPRIATIONS ARE $21.5 MILLION FOR THE NAZARETH SPORTS COMPLEX ON ST. THOMAS, $18 MILLION FOR A BEHAVIORAL HEALTH FACILITY IN A STATE ON ST. CROIX, AND $10 MILLION FOR A CULTURAL CENTER ON ST. JOHNS.

ADDITIONAL FUNDING INCLUDES $4.2 MILLION FOR RENOVATIONS AT A NURSING HOME, $3.5 MILLION FOR IMPROVEMENTS TO THE MENTAL HEALTH FACILITY, AND $1 MILLION EACH FOR THE ST. THOMAS EAST END MEDICAL CENTER AND FREDERICKSON HEALTH CENTER TO SUPPORT SERVICES FOR VICTIMS OF SEXUAL ASSAULT AND ABUSE.

THE BILL ALSO OUTLINES SEVERAL OTHER APPROPRIATIONS INCLUDING $20 MILLION FOR SCHOOL MAINTENANCE, $5 MILLION FOR CRIME AND PROSECUTION, AND $4 MILLION FOR THE RENOVATION AND CONSTRUCTION OF RECREATIONAL FACILITIES ON ST. THOMAS AND ST. CROIX.

IN ADDITION, $10 MILLION WILL FUND THE ISLAND´S FUND TO SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESSES AND $25 MILLION WILL BE PLACED IN A HIGH-YIELD INVESTMENT ACCOUNT TO GENERATE FUTURE REVENUE FOR THE TERRITORY.

THE BILL ALSO MANDATES FUND MANAGEMENT REQUIRING DETAILED REPORTS TO THE LEGISLATURE ON FUND USAGE.

>>> TURMOIL CONTINUES TO GRIP PUBLIC SCHOOLS ACROSS THE VIRGIN ISLANDS.

STUDENTS AT A HIGH SCHOOL VICIOUSLY ATTACKED A BUS DRIVER ON OCTOBER 2nd IN AN INCIDENT CAUGHT ON VIDEO.

IT HAPPENED ON BUS NUMBER 27 WHICH WAS TRANSPORTING STUDENTS FROM THE HIGH SCHOOL TO THE STRAWBERRY AND EAST END AREAS.

ACCORDING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION, THE STUDENTS STRUCK THE DRIVER IN THE HEAD AND FACE.

THE DRIVER WAS TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL FOR TREATMENT.

POLICE ARRESTED AN 18-YEAR-OLD IN CONNECTION WITH THE ATTACK WHILE TWO MINORS WERE RELEASED TO THEIR PARENTS PENDING JUVENILE COURT.

THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT CONDEMNED THE ASSAULT AND EMPHASIZED IN ITS ZERO-TOLERANCE POLICY ON VIOLENCE, AND URGED PARENTS TO DISCUSS PROPER BEHAVIOR WITH THEIR CHILDREN.

THE INVESTIGATION IS ONGOING, AND FURTHER ACTIONS ARE EXPECTED.

ON THE SAME DAY, THE ST. CROIX EDUCATIONAL CONFLICT WAS FORCED TO CLOSE AS 35 TEACHERS CALLED IN SICK LEADING TO A STAFF SHORTAGE.

PARENTS WERE ASKED TO PICK UP THEIR CHILDREN IMMEDIATELY, AND BUS TRANSPORTATION WAS PROVIDED.

EDUCATION OFFICIALS SAID THEY WER IN DISCUSSIONS WITH TEACHERS TO EXPRESS THEIR CONCERNS, AND FINDING A SOLUTION.

THEY FILED THIS AT TWO ST. THOMAS SCHOOLS OVER BROKEN AIR-CONDITIONING UNITS.

ON SEPTEMBER 25th, SERVICE WORKERS AT JOSEPH GOMEZ ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PROTESTED AFTER MONTHS OF EXTREME TEMPERATURES DUE TO A MALFUNCTION IN AIR-CONDITIONING UNITS AND SEALED WINDOWS.

>> PEOPLE ARE STARTING TO GET SICK.

ONE LADY HAS ALREADY FAINTED.

WE GET HEADACHES.

WE LOVE OUR SCHOOL.

WE LOVE OUR CHILDREN.

WE LOVE OUR JOB, BUT SOMETIMES YOU HAVE TO THINK OF YOUR HEALTH FIRST.

>> A DAY LATER ON SEPTEMBER 26th, STUDENTS, TEACHERS, AND WORKERS HELD A SIMILAR PROTEST OVER MALFUNCTIONING A.C. UNITS IN THE CAFETERIA, KITCHEN, AND MAIN OFFICE.

TOP EDUCATIONAL OFFICIALS WERE QUICK TO RESPOND, VISITING THE SCHOOL TO MEET WITH STAFF AND DISCUSS SOLUTIONS.

>> WE HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO VISIT THE SCHOOL TODAY IN THE MIDST OF A PROTEST OF OUR KITCHEN WORKERS AS WELL AS OUR TEACHERS, AND WE HAVE THE ABILITY TO MEET WITH OUR KITCHEN WORKERS FIRST TO DISCUSS AN ALTERNATE PLAN TO SOME OF THE CHALLENGES THAT HAVE CREATED AN ENVIRONMENT THAT IS NOT COMFORTABLE.

>> WE ARE GOING TO ADDRESS ALL THE ISSUES.

IT´S GOING TO TAKE SOME TIME, BUT WE´RE GOING TO DO IT IN A TIMELY MANNER, AND EXECUTE EVERYTHING THAT NEEDS TO BE DONE.

>> OFFICIALS CONFIRMED THAT A NEW AIR-CONDITIONING UNIT FOR THE CAFETERIA HAS BEEN PURCHASED.

THEY EMPHASIZED THE IMPORTANCE OF COMMUNICATION, URGING STAFF TO REPORT ISSUES DIRECTLY TO THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION, TO ENSURE QUICKER RESPONSES.

>> ONE OF THE BIGGEST CHALLENGES THAT WE HAVE IN THIS DEPARTMENT IS OPEN COMMUNICATION, AND SO WE EXPRESSED TO THE UNION THAT HEY.

JUST CALL US, YOU KNOW?

WE NECESSARILY WILL NOT BE THERE ON A REGULAR BASIS, BUT IF YOU BRING THE CONCERNS TO US, WE ARE ABLE TO MOBILIZE OUR EMPLOYEES TO ADDRESS THEM ACCORDINGLY.

>> TO ENSURE STUDENTS CONTINUE RECEIVING MEALS, THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION ARRANGED FOR MEAL PREPARATION AT THE HIGH SCHOOL WHILE PREPARES FOR UNDER WAY.

>> THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION IS ALSO INVESTIGATING AN INCIDENT ON ST. THOMAS WHERE A STUDENT BRIEFLY WENT MISSING AFTER BEING REMOVED FROM A SCHOOL BUS ON OCTOBER 1st.

THE BUS OPERATED BY A CONTRACTED VENDOR REPORTED THAT THE STUDENT WAS PUT OFF DUE TO SAFETY CONCERNS OVER THE UNRULY BEHAVIOR.

A SECOND BUS WAS SENT, BUT COULDN´T LOCATE THE STUDENT.

HE WAS LATER FOUND AND TAKEN TO THE SCHOOL BY POLICE.

EDUCATION COMMISSIONER SPOKE ABOUT THE ST. THOMAS BUS INCIDENT ON THE ANALYZED RADIO SHOW ON OCTOBER 3rd.

>> THIS STUDENT USED LANGUAGE AT THE BUS DRIVER AND THE BUS DRIVER TOLD HIM TO GET OFF.

NOW THAT´S NOT ALL, AND WE´RE WORKING WITH THE BUS COMPANY FOR PROTOCOL THAT YOU BRING THE CHILD TO SCHOOL AND MAKE THE COMPLAINT.

DO UNDERSTAND THAT OUR CHILDREN ARE BECOMING MORE AGGRESSIVE, AND PARENTS, UNDERSTAND THAT RIDING THE BUS IS A PRIVILEGE.

IT´S NOT A REQUIREMENT.

>> THE EDUCATION COMMISSIONER ALSO ADDRESSED THE OCTOBER 2nd BUS DRIVER ATTACK BY CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS ON ST. CROIX THAT WAS CAUGHT ON VIDEO.

>> IT WAS HEART-WRENCHING FOR ME TO LOOK AT THE VIDEO.

WE HAVE A LOT OF WORK TO DO WITH OUR STUDENTS.

THEIR BEHAVIORS ARE BECOMING EXCESSIVELY MORE ABUSIVE THIS YEAR THAN I´VE EVER SEEN BEFORE.

RIGHT NOW, THE PRINCIPAL IS CONDUCTING OUR INTERNAL INVESTIGATION TO GET A BETTER PICTURE OF HOW OR WHAT PROMPTED SUCH A REACTION FROM OUR STUDENTS, AND THEY WILL BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE ACCORDINGLY FOR THEIR BEHAVIOR.

THE BUS DRIVER HAD TO BE RUSHED TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM.

UNFORTUNATELY THIS PARTICULAR BUS DRIVER WAS NOT THE ONE WHO IS ASSIGNED TO THAT ROUTE, BUT HE WAS ACTUALLY FILLING IN FOR SOMEONE.

THE BUS DRIVERS HAVE TAKEN A STANCE, AND THEY ARE STRIKING BECAUSE OF THAT INCIDENT, BUT I WANT TO ASSURE THE COMMUNITY THAT THESE BEHAVIORS THAT WE´RE SEEING, DON´T THINK FOR A MINUTE THAT THEY ARE NOT ADDRESSING THEM, THAT THIS IS SOMETHING WE MUST FILE TO THE BOARD AS A REQUIREMENT, AND WE´RE DOING THAT AS WE SPEAK.

>> IN THE AFTERMATH OF THE BUS DRIVER ATTACK, SCHOOL BUS SERVICE WAS CANCELED ON ST. CROIX ON OCTOBER 3rd DUE TO THE BUS DRIVER STRIKE.

EDUCATION OFFICIALS ALSO ANNOUNCED A MODIFIED SCHEDULE FOR THE ST. CROIX EDUCATIONAL COMPLEX, THE CENTER, AND CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL.

THE NEW SCHEDULE TOOK EFFECT ON OCTOBER 3rd IN RESPONSE TO THE ONGOING HEAT WAVE AND CONCERNS ABOUT EXTREME CLASSROOM TEMPERATURES, WHICH HAVE PROMPTED THE CONFLICT.

THE ABBREVIATED SCHEDULE HAS STUDENTS STARTING SCHOOL AT 7:40 A.M. WITH DISMISSAL AT 1:05 P.M. UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.

NOW JOINING ME ON THE SET TO DISCUSS THESE PRESSING ISSUES IS A FORMER SENATOR.

WELCOME TO THE SHOW.

>> MY PLEASURE TO BE HERE.

>> VERY WELL.

AND FROM OUR ST. CROIX STUDIO, LET´S WELCOME THE PRESIDENT OF OUR TOWN, AND KAI NILSSON, THE CEO OF COLLABORATIVE SOLUTIONS.

WELCOME TO THE SHOW, GENTLEMEN.

>> WELCOME.

>> NOW LET´S DIVE RIGHT INTO THE ISSUES WITH OUR PUBLIC SCHOOLS.

IT SEEMS LIKE EDUCATION IS IN THE NEWS EVERY DAY FOR SAFETY REASONS.

HEAT, MISCOMMUNICATION.

WHAT´S GOING ON HERE?

I KNOW YOU HAVE STUDENTS IN THE PUBLIC SCHOOL SYSTEM TO SHAMARI.

YOU HAVE CHILDREN IN THE PUBLIC SCHOOL SYSTEM.

WHAT DO YOU THINK IS GOING ON?

>> KIDS NEED ATTENTION, YOU KNOW, I HAVE FOUR KIDS THAT GO TO PUBLIC SCHOOL, AND, YOU KNOW, MY KIDS ARE ALL A STUDENTS.

WHEN I LOOK AT THEIR FRIENDS AND SOME OTHER KIDS IN THE COMMUNITY, AND THE KIDS THAT THE SCHOOLS GO BY, A LOT OF THESE KIDS NEED ATTENTION.

I WAS TALKING TO TEACHERS, TALKING TO THE PRINCIPAL.

SOME OF THE KIDS NEED AN ALTERNATIVE EDUCATION SYSTEM, WHERE THEY NEED A SMALLER CLASSROOM OR SMALLER SETTING WHERE THEY CAN GET THE ATTENTION THEY´RE NOT GETTING AT HOME.

SO WE HAVE A LOT OF WORK TO DO IN OUR COMMUNITY TO REALLY HELP THESE KIDS BECAUSE, YOU KNOW, YOU CAN´T PUT THEM OUT OF SCHOOL.

YOU DON´T WANT UNEDUCATED KIDS, YOU KNOW, OUT ON THE STREETS GETTING INTO MORE TROUBLE.

SO WE REALLY HAVE TO WORK WITH THEM.

>> THANK YOU.

SO KAI, SO IN RESPONSE TO WHAT HE JUST SAID, WHAT DO YOU THINK IS THE AGGRESSION?

IS THE AGGRESSION INCREASING IN THE PUBLIC SCHOOL STUDENTS?

IS IT BECAUSE OF WHAT HE JUST MENTIONED?

6.

>> I THINK IT´S AN INDICATOR OF ALL THE THINGS THAT THEY ARE BEING EXPOSED TO, RIGHT?

POWER COMING ON AND OFF EVERY DAY.

THEY´RE WASHING THEIR CLOTHES, AND THEIR SCHOOL CLOTHES ARE COMING BACK ORANGE.

MANY FACTORS ARE IMPACTING THEM, AND THEY CAN´T EVEN FIND AN OUTLET FOR THEM.

WE HAVE THESE GREAT FACILITIES ON THE U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS, AND THEY HAVE NO ACCESS BECAUSE OF LACK OF PERSONNEL THERE.

I DON´T THINK THE STUDENTS ARE SIMPLY ACTING OUT BECAUSE THEY WANT TO, BUT THEY´RE RESPONDING TO THESE EXTERNAL FACTORS THAT THEY HAVE NO CONTROL OVER.

>> DO YOU AGREE WITH THAT?

>> THERE ARE A NUMBER OF THINGS THAT WOULD NEED TO BE CORRECTED IN EDUCATION, AND I LISTENED TO THE COMMISSIONER AND SUPERVISORS, AND THEY´RE TRYING THEIR BEST TO REALLY ADDRESS THE SITUATION.

HOWEVER, THE BEHAVIOR IS UNACCEPTABLE, AND I AM NOT -- I´M NOT SEEING THE OUTRAGE OF THIS COMMUNITY, AND THIS TELLS ME WHEN A STUDENT COULD GO ON A BUS AND START BEATING UP A DRIVER, AN ADULT WHO COULD PROBABLY BE YOUR DAD OR GRANDFATHER, THERE´S NO RESPECT, AND IT TELLS ME THAT THEY HAVE SOME CONNECTION WITH HOME, PARENTS, WHO CONDONE SOME OF THESE THINGS, AND I THINK THESE HAVE TO BE ADDRESSED.

>> SO YOU SPEAK OF THE ISSUE, OF THE PROBLEM AT HAND.

WHAT LONG-TERM PLANS SHOULD WE CONSIDER TO IMPROVE THIS SCHOOL INFRASTRUCTURE, PREVENT FUTURE DISRUPTIONS, FUTURE FIGHTS?

WHAT PLANS CAN WE PUT IN PLACE?

>> I THINK THERE NEEDS TO BE A WHOLE LOT OF COLLABORATION.

ALL THE STAKEHOLDERS SHOULD GET INVOLVED, PARENTS, PARENT-TEACHERS ASSOCIATION, THE ENTIRE COMMUNITY OUGHT TO BE INVOLVED AND COMING UP WITH SUGGESTIONS, SOLUTIONS, RECOMMENDATIONS, TO ADDRESS THIS BECAUSE IF YOU´RE GOING TO BEHAVE LIKE THIS, ALL THE TIME, AND NO ACTION IS TAKEN, YOU ARE GOING TO BE MORE UNRULY.

YOU´RE GOING TO RUN THE STREET AND YOU´RE GOING TO GET INTO COMMUNAL ACTIVITY.

SO I BELIEVE THE COLLABORATION WITH ALL THE STAKEHOLDERS COULD BRING THE KIND OF SITUATIONS, ADDRESS THE SITUATION THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED.

>> SO IN KEEPING WITH THAT THOUGHT, HOW CAN THE PARENTS IN THE COMMUNITY BE MORE INVOLVED?

SO THE ISSUE IS THEY SHOULD BE MORE INVOLVED, BUT HOW CAN THEY BE MORE INVOLVED?

>> YOU KNOW THE OLD SAYING, THE APPLE DON´T FALL FAR FROM THE TREE.

SO I THINK WE HAVE TO DO A SELF-REFLECTION, YOU KNOW, LOOK AT OURSELVES.

WE USE ALARMISM, YOU KNOW, A LOT OF PEOPLE GET ON SOCIAL MEDIA, THEY GET ON THE NEWS.

THEY GET ON THE RADIO AND THEY TALK ABOUT ALL THE THINGS THAT ARE WRONG, AND THEY DON´T REALLY GIVE YOU AN OUT.

KIDS ARE MIMICKING WHAT THEY SEE, RIGHT?

YOU´VE GOT FAMILIES WHO ARE FRUSTRATED.

A GUY SCREAMS AT ME AND BLOWS HIS HORN AND SAYS EVERYTHING IN THE BOOK.

HE´S UPSET.

HE´S UPSET BY THE THINGS THAT KAI TALKED ABOUT, POWER OUTAGES, YOU KNOW, HIGH COST OF LIVING, AND I THINK IT STARTS WITH, YOU KNOW, SELF-REFLECTION.

ARE WE BEING, YOU KNOW, THE BEST STEWARDS OF OUR COMMUNITY?

ARE WE LIVING OUR BEST LIVES?

ARE WE TEACHING OUR KIDS BETTER?

WE HAVE A LOT OF KIDS WHO ARE HAVING KIDS, RIGHT?

A LOT OF YOUNG FAMILIES, BUT ON A WHOLE, ARE WE HELPING ONE ANOTHER?

ARE WE ENCOURAGING ONE ANOTHER TO DO BETTER?

>> GOOD POINT.

>> WITHOUT THAT, YOU KNOW -- >> GOOD POINT, BUT I WANTED TO PIVOT TO A MOMENT AS IT RELATES TO THE HEAT.

YOU HAD MALFUNCTIONS LEADING UP TO THE ST. THOMAS PROTEST.

WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON THAT?

>> WELL, THERE ARE PROBLEMS THAT REALLY NEED TO BE ADDRESSED, AND LIKE I SAID BEFORE, THERE NEEDS TO BE MORE COLLABORATION.

WE JUST HAVE A NEW DIVISION, A MAINTENANCE DIVISION WHICH IS ADDRESSING THESE PROBLEMS, BUT IT´S NOT GOING TO HAPPEN OVERNIGHT.

SO PRIOR TO ALL THIS, THERE HAS TO BE INCREMENTAL IMPLEMENTATION -- >> BUT WHAT ARE YOU HEARING?

I MEAN, THE DIRECTOR WAS PUT IN PLACE IN JULY, CORRECT?

>> MM-HMM.

>> YOU SAID, HE NEEDS TIME.

HAVE YOU HEARD THAT THERE IS ANY CHANGE OR ANY IMPROVEMENTS SINCE HE´S BEEN IN PLACE?

>> NO, I HAVEN´T HEARD EXACTLY, YOU KNOW, WHAT HIS RULE REALLY IS, AND WHAT ACTION IS BEING TAKEN PLACE, BUT I´M SURE THAT THERE IS -- THERE ARE PLANS BEING PUT IN PLACE, AND LIKE I SAID, IT´S NOT GOING TO HAPPEN OVERNIGHT.

>> I BELIEVE THAT ALL OF YOU CONCUR THAT THERE SHOULD BE MORE COLLABORATION, BUT DO YOU THINK IT´S TIME FOR ALL THE STAKEHOLDERS SUCH AS THE PARENTS, THE SCHOOL BOARD, THE EDUCATION BOARD, THE PTA, ALL OF THESE PEOPLE TO COME TOGETHER AND CONVENE FOR A MEETING OF THE MINDS?

>> NO, BECAUSE WE DON´T HAVE REALLY STRONG LEADERS.

I´LL JUST BE FRANK.

I THINK IT TAKES, YOU KNOW, A FEW FOLKS IN BETWEEN, AND I WAS DEALING WITH A NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION.

NONPROFITS ARE A LOT MORE AGILE AND ABLE TO COME UP WITH SOLUTIONS, AND WE NEEDS FOLKS WHO ARE STRONG DECISION MAKERS, RIGHT?

IF YOU LOOK AT THE BOARD OF EDUCATION, WE NEED ADVOCATES OF EDUCATION.

WE NEED A CHECK AND BALANCE FOR THE BOARD OF EDUCATION, AND KEEP THEM ACCOUNTABLE.

I DON´T LIKE LONG MEETINGS.

I DON´T LIKE, YOU KNOW, JUST TALKING TO TALK.

I LIKE TO SEE ACTION.

I LIKE TO SEE ACTUAL STEPS.

THAT MAY WORK, BUT, YOU KNOW, THE OTHER PART OF IT IS WE HAVE TO START HIGHLIGHTING THE GOOD THAT HAPPENS IN OUR COMMUNITY.

THERE ARE SO MANY AMAZING THINGS THAT ARE HAPPENING AND WE SPEND A LOT OF TIME TALKING ABOUT THE BAD THINGS, RIGHT?

IF WE DON´T HIGHLIGHT AND ENCOURAGE FOLKS AND SAY, HEY.

THERE ARE SO MANY GREAT THINGS ABOUT LIVING ON THE VIRGIN ISLANDS, IT´S OVERSHADOWED BY THE BAD THINGS THAT HAPPEN.

>> SO TO WRAP UP THIS SEGMENT, I WOULD LIKE KAI TO WEIGH IN VERY BRIEFLY AS TO IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE THEY CAN DO?

OBVIOUSLY HE DOESN´T THINK THAT THAT SUGGESTION ABOUT BRINGING A MEETING OF THE MINDS TOGETHER.

WHAT ARE YOU THINKING?

>> I THINK HE´S SPOT ON.

I THINK IT TAKES A COMMUNITY TO RAISE A CHILD, A VILLAGE TO RAISE A CHILD.

YOU HAVE THESE NONPROFITS OF CREATING THESE SPACES IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION AT THESE VARIOUS SCHOOLS AND IT´S IMPROVING THAT THESE STUDENTS ARE MORE TACTILE AND NEED TO GET OUTSIDE OF THE CLASSROOM AND GET INTO THESE SPACES WITH AGRICULTURE, AND IT CAN BE PUSHED TO THEM.

WE´RE ALSO GOING TO BE ABLE TO DO MORE FIELD TRIPS AND DO WHAT WE CAN DO RIGHT NOW.

IT CAN DRASTICALLY CHANGE A CHILD´S TRAJECTORY.

NOW I DON´T THINK HAVING EVERYONE IN A HOT BOX IS GOING TO DO WHAT WE NEED IT TO DO.

I THINK WE NEED SOME LEADERS THAT WILL ACTUALLY LEAD AND NOT JUST DESCRIBE THE PROBLEMS.

SO I DEFINITELY THINK WE NEED TO KIND OF CONVINCE OURSELVES THAT CHANGE IS WITHIN US AND WE CAN BE THE ONES TO ACTUALLY DO IT.

>> I APPRECIATE YOU ALL SHARING PERSPECTIVES ON THIS IMPORTANT ISSUE.

>>> NOW LET´S TURN OUR ATTENTION TO ANOTHER TOPIC.

LAWMAKERS RECENTLY PASSED A BILL APPROPRIATING THE SETTLEMENT FUNDS TO VARIOUS PROJECTS.

THE SENATE PLANS FOR THE SETTLEMENT OF WHAT THE GOVERNOR TALKED ABOUT EARLIER IN JANUARY.

HOW DOES THAT STAND UP TO THIS?

>> I DO KNOW THAT THE SENATE -- THE SENATE´S ROLE IS TO APPROPRIATE OR TO AUTHORIZE THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH TO SPEND.

ONLY THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH COULD SPEND GENERAL FUND MONEY, AND WHAT I´M HEARING FROM THE GOVERNOR IS THAT HE´S GOING TO BE -- HE´S ASKING TO COLLABORATE WITH THE SENATE, AND TO HAVE INVESTMENTS IN A NUMBER OF THINGS, TALK ABOUT TAX REFUNDS, TALK ABOUT A GOLF COURSE, TALK ABOUT WHAT WOULD BENEFIT THE ENTIRE COMMUNITY.

MONEY CIRCULATES, AND IT COMES BACK TO THE ENTIRE COMMUNITY.

SO I THINK THE GOVERNOR HAS BEEN GOING DOWN THE RIGHT PATH WITH THIS, AND THE COLLABORATION WITH THE SENATORS OUGHT TO BE TAKING PLACE AT THIS POINT IN TIME.

>> AS THE COMMUNITY LEADER, TY, ON THE SENATE ALLOCATIONS FOR THE FUNDS ALINED, WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE THE COMMUNITY NEEDS?

>> WELL, IT´S IN LINE WITH THE GOVERNOR, AND I THINK HIS PERSPECTIVE IS ONE THAT REALLY IS TRYING TO FILL THE SHORT GAPS GOING ON CURRENTLY.

BASED ON MY READING OF THE BILL, IT SEEMS TO BE VERY FORWARD-LOOKING WHERE WE ARE JUST FACING A $90 MILLION BUDGET SHORTFALL, RIGHT?

A LOT OF THESE CHARITIES THAT ARE DEPENDING ON FUNDS FROM THE GOVERNMENT AREN´T EVEN BEING COMPENSATED TO A QUARTER OF WHAT THEY WERE GETTING YEARS PRIOR.

SO TO ME, THERE´S SO MANY ISSUES CURRENTLY THAT THOSE FUNDS CAN GO TOWARDS, BUT HERE WE ARE SEEING PROJECTS THAT ARE ALREADY BEING DEALT WITH BY THE FUNDING FOR EXAMPLE, THAT ARE BEING REPEATED AND I THINK THIS IS AN ISSUE WHERE THESE LAWS AND BILLS THAT ARE BEING CREATED IN SILOS WHEREAS COLLABORATIONS TO SENATOR ROOSEVELT´S POINT, IS WHAT´S NEEDED AT THIS POINT.

THESE WALLS NEED TO BE KNOCKED DOWN BETWEEN THE FIRST AND SECOND BRANCHES OF GOVERNMENT IF THESE PEOPLE ARE TO BE BENEFICIARIES OF THESE.

I´M HOPING TO SEE MORE CURRENT ISSUES AND RELATABLE ISSUES.

>> AND MENTAL HEALTH?

>> YEAH.

MENTAL HEALTH IS A HUGE ISSUE, BUT YOU DON´T HAVE COUNSELLORS IN SCHOOLS.

RIGHT?

YOU BARELY HAVE TEACHERS THAT LOOK AND SOUND LIKE OUR STUDENTS IN THESE SCHOOLS.

SO TO ME, WHERE DO YOU GO FOR PERSONNEL?

YOU´RE TALKING ABOUT CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS, BUT YOU HAVE FACILITIES THAT ARE CONSTRUCTED THAT AREN´T BEING STAFFED.

A LOT OF THESE SHORTFALLS ARE BECAUSE, I THINK, SENATORS ARE HAVING THESE CONVERSATIONS IN SILOS, AND MAYBE ARE NOT GOING ACROSS THE AISLE AND SEEING WHAT COULD BE DONE NOW.

USER COMMITTEES BRING THESE INDIVIDUALS AND GRANT THE INDIVIDUAL DIRECTORS AND COMMISSIONERS.

WHAT DO YOU NEED NOW?

I SAW A LOT OF FOCUS ON DHS.

THEY HAVE A TON OF BILLS THAT TRYING TO PAINT A ROSY PICTURE IN THE FUTURE.

I LIKE THE GOVERNOR´S APPROACH.

I THINK THAT´S A HUGE ISSUE.

THOSE BILLS NOT BEING PAID BY WASTE MANAGEMENT, EDUCATION, AGAIN, THE HOSPITAL, THAT ENDS UP IMPACTING US, THE LOCAL, PRIVATE CITIZENS, AND THOSE ARE THE THINGS THAT WE HAVE TO THINK ABOUT.

FOR EXAMPLE, $2 MILLION SUPPOSED TO GO TO WASTE MANAGEMENT, STILL STUCK IN IRB.

THEY´RE NOT GOING TO PAY THEIR BILL.

YOU HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE THAT FOR THE SERVICES THEY DO PROVIDE.

>> THE DOMINANT ONE.

>> THEY´RE IGNORING THAT.

>> IT´S LIKE A DOMINO EFFECT.

WHAT ABOUT YOU?

IS THE SENATE SPENDING THE FUNDS IN A WAY THAT MAKES SENSE?

FOR EXAMPLE, THEY INCLUDED THEY´RE BUILDING A CULTURAL CENTER IN ST. JOHN WHICH HAS BEEN MENTIONED AS ONE OF THE APPROPRIATIONS.

WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON THAT?

OH.

>> I LIKE HIS APPROACH AS WELL AS TY´S APPROACH.

IT NEEDS TO BE MORE COLLABORATION.

I´M MORE INCLINED TO FOLLOW THE GOVERNOR´S LEAD THAN THE LEGISLATURE.

WHETHER YOU´RE ELECTED OR NOT, THEY HAVE NO IDEA HOW MONEY CIRCULATES, AND, YOU KNOW, SOME STRONG LANGUAGE, BUT IT´S LIKE THE SENATOR SAID, WE NEED MONEY RECIRCULATING.

SO GETTING THE GOLF COURSE, GETTING THAT TAKEN CARE OF, MONEY FOR JUSTICE.

THOSE ARE TOP OF THE LINE PRIORITIES, MEN FOR MENTAL HEALTH -- MONEY FOR MENTAL HEALTH, RIGHT?

A LOT OF FOLKS HAVE MENTAL HEALTH CHALLENGES.

WE NEED MONEY THERE.

THERE ARE THINGS THAT I´VE SEEN IN THE BILL THAT I SAW WERE SPENT OR ALLOCATED, PROBABLY BEFORE PUTTING BACK IN THIS BILL AGAIN.

WHERE IS THAT ACCOUNTABILITY FOR PAST ONES?

THAT´S WHAT I HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT.

>> OKAY.

SO WHAT ABOUT THE GOLF COURSE?

IS THAT A PRIORITY?

>> OF COURSE.

IT BRINGS A TREMENDOUS NUMBER OF PEOPLE TO THE COMMUNITY.

IT CREATES JOBS, AND WHEN JOBS ARE CREATED, MONEY CIRCULATES.

THE ENTIRE COMMUNITY BENEFITS.

THE TREASURY BENEFITS AND SO THE BUDGET SHORTFALL WOULD BE CLOSED UP THERE.

THESE ARE KIND OF THE INVESTMENTS THAT BRING MONEY AND CREATE THAT EFFECT THAT WE REALLY NEED.

>> DO YOU THINK THE GOVERNOR WILL SIGN THE BILL?

>> I COULDN´T SPEAK FOR THE GOVERNOR, BUT -- >> YOU´RE NOT CLAIRVOYANT.

>> THERE ARE QUESTIONS ABOUT THAT.

QUESTIONS ABOUT IT, YES.

>> OKAY.

ALL RIGHT.

SO THANK YOU FOR YOUR INPUT ON THAT.

>>> I´LL MOVE ONTO THE NEXT TOPIC.

LET´S SHIFT OUR FOCUS TO THE DEBATE GIVEN THE TAXICAB COMMISSION OVERSIGHT OF THE LIMOUSINE INDUSTRY.

SO BACK TO YOU AS A FORMER TAXICAB COMMISSIONER.

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT THE IDEA OF BRINGING LIMOUSINES UNDER THE TAXICAB COMMISSION?

>> WELL, NOT ONLY THAT I WAS THE CHAIRMAN OF THE TAXI COMMISSION AND A TAXI DRIVER FOR MANY YEARS.

>> I DIDN´T KNOW THAT.

>> YEAH.

BACK IN ST. JOHN, BACK IN THE 1970s.

>> OKAY.

>> AS A MATTER OF FACT, I STILL HAVE MY LICENSE.

>> LET´S MOVE ON.

>> THE TAXI INDUSTRY IS HUGE.

>> YES.

>> I SUPPORTED THE FORMER GOVERNOR SNYDER TO GET THEM FEDERATED AND WORK WITH THEM AND TRY TO GET THEM FEDERATED SO -- BECAUSE THEY HAVE ALL THESE RESOURCES, AND THEY PUT THEM TOGETHER.

THEY COULD DO SO MANY THINGS.

THEY COULD BUY A CRUISE SHIP.

THEY COULD BUILD HOTELS.

THEY COULD DO SO MANY THINGS, BUT THEY HAVE NOT DONE THAT, AND I HAVE SUPPORTED THE TAXI INDUSTRY FOR YEARS, BEFORE IT WAS A BANK, AND EVEN THE SENATE, AND EVEN NOW.

HOWEVER, I BELIEVE THAT THERE HAS TO BE A DISTINCTION.

THERE ARE TREMENDOUS PROBLEMS, BOTH OF THEM, BUT THERE ARE LEVELS OF EXPECTATION, LEVELS OF SERVICE THAT YOU EXPECT FROM A REGULAR TAXI DRIVER, AND THE LIMOUSINES.

FOR EXAMPLE, IN NEW YORK, WASHINGTON, YOU HAVE A BUSINESSMAN GOING TO DISCUSS MILLIONS OF DOLLARS OF INVESTMENT.

HE´S GOING TO THE HILTON OR ONE OF THOSE CLASSY HOTELS.

IS HE GOING TO COME DOWNTOWN AND GET INTO A YELLOW CAB OR GET INTO A LIMOUSINE THAT I COULD HANG MY COAT?

I COULD WASH MY HANDS?

I COULD HAVE A BOTTLE OF WINE.

IT´S A DIFFERENT LEVEL OF SERVICE.

EACH OF THEM HAS THEIR ROLE, AND THEY SHOULD BE SETTING CERTAIN CATEGORIES.

>> POINT TAKEN.

SO IT MIGHT BE OBVIOUS, BUT WHAT DO YOU THINK MIGHT BE THE LIMOUSINE OPERATORS´ OPPOSITION TO THIS MOVE?

>> SO I THINK THE LIMOUSINES SHOULD BE ON THE TAXICAB COMMISSION, BUT I AGREE WITH THE LIMOUSINE SPOKESPERSON THAT THE TAXI COMMISSION HAS ITS OWN ISSUES, RIGHT?

IT´S CHALLENGED.

THERE´S A LACK OF TRANSPARENCY.

AT ONE POINT, YOU KNOW, I TRIED TO HELP THEM MODERNIZE.

WE HAD TAXI RATES PUBLISHED ON THE WEBSITE, YOU KNOW, THEY´VE TAKEN THEM DOWN.

SO, YOU KNOW, VISITORS, RESIDENTS, YOU REALLY DON´T KNOW WHAT THE RATES ARE, AND THERE´S BEEN NO INCENTIVE TO REALLY FORCE THE TAXI COMMISSION TO STEP ITS GAME UP.

TAXI DRIVERS THEMSELVES HAVE THE ABILITY TO CREATE THEIR OWN RIDERSHIP PROGRAM, AND ACCEPT CREDIT CARDS, BUT THEY´VE CHOSEN NOT TO SO, YOU KNOW, IF YOU DON´T STEP UP AND YOU DON´T MODERNIZE, YOU´RE GOING TO BE LEFT OUT.

THAT´S WHY YOU HAVE THINGS LIKE UBER AND DOORDAS IN THE STATES AND ACROSS THE WORLD BECAUSE THEY FUND OPPORTUNITIES WHERE EXISTING INDUSTRIES, EXISTING GROCERY STORES WEREN´T DOING GROCERY DELIVERY.

TAXI DRIVERS WEREN´T TAKING RESERVATIONS.

THEY WEREN´T DOING MOBILE, YOU KNOW, APPS FOR CALLING FOR RIDES AND GIVING YOU TRANSPARENT PRICING.

FROM THE AIRPLANE TO THE SEAPLANE, THEY TRIED CHARGING MY FAMILY $90.

THAT´S A SEVEN-MINUTE, MAX TRIP.

THAT SHOULDN´T BE $90.

EVEN WITH BAGS, THAT´S STILL -- THAT´S A LOT OF MONEY FOR A FAMILY.

SO YOU IMAGINE, YOU KNOW, YOU´RE AT THE AIRPORT AND YOU GO TO THE HOTEL DOWNTOWN AND YOU WANT TO GO TO VICTOR´S HIDEOUT.

ARE YOU GOING TO SPEND $120 FOR A FAMILY TO GO TO DINNER?

ON THE TAXI?

>> YOU MAKE A POINT FOR RIDESHARE, BUT WHEN IT COMES TO A LICENSED RIDESHARE SERVICES, OPERATING ON ST. CROIX, HOW WORRIED SHOULD WE BE ABOUT PASSENGER SAFETY?

>> YEAH.

I THINK SAFETY IS THE NUMBER ONE PRIORITY, BUT I THINK THAT THIS CENTRALIZATION, IS HEALTHY.

WE NEED TO MAKE A FREE MARKET, AND WE ALL KNOW.

I THINK WE KIND OF HIDE AROUND SAYING IT, BUT THIS TAXI SITUATION IS LIKE THE MOB.

THEY COME INTO IT.

THE FACT THEY´RE ABLE TO AVOID SIMPLE REGULATION, LETS YOU FLOW HOW POWERFUL THEY ARE.

POINT BLANK, PERIOD, AND THE FACT THAT ANYWHERE ELSE YOU GO IN THE WORLD, DISTRICTS AND ZONES, AND YOU´RE LEAVING THE AIRPORT, YOU KNOW THAT YOU´RE PAYING ONE STANDARD PRICE, AND THESE INDIVIDUALS ARE NOT JUST GIVING YOU WHATEVER PRICE THEY WANT.

SO YEAH.

I DEFINITELY SUPPORT THE DISRUPTION OF THIS MARKET.

WE TOLD THE GOVERNOR THIS WAS HAPPENING BACK IN 2019, AND NOW IT´S HERE, AND YOU SEE HOW FORCEFUL THIS IS, AND I SEE THAT´S THE KIND OF PERSONALITY THAT´S GOING TO TAKE TO DISRUPT THIS MARKET FOR THE GOOD OF OUR PEOPLE.

HE´S GOING TO EMPLOY MORE PEOPLE -- >> BUT KAI.

KAI.

LET´S PUT A PIN IN THAT.

KAI, WHAT DID HE SAY?

HE SAID -- >> ILLEGALLY.

>> I´M OPERATING ILLEGALLY.

COME FIND ME.

FINE ME IF YOU MUST, AND PUT IN AN INJUNCTION IF YOU MUST.

DOES THAT SOUND LIKE DEFIANCE?

DOES IT SOUND LIKE IT´S THE WAY TO GO?

I KNOW YOU SAID HE´S A NATURAL DISRUPTER, WHICH, YOU KNOW, IN SOCIAL TERMS IT´S PROBABLY A POSITIVE THING, BUT WHAT ABOUT THE BREAKING OF THE LAW?

>> I THINK SOMETIMES IT´S NECESSARY, RIGHT?

WE BOYCOTT MOVEMENTS IN THIS NATION.

I THINK HE´S PULLING FROM THAT BOOK.

PEOPLE MIGHT DISAGREE WITH IT, BUT HOW ELSE ARE WE GOING TO SPARK CHANGE AND HAVE THESE CONVERSATIONS IF WE DON´T HAVE LEADERS LIKE THAT TAKING A STAND?

THE TAXI AND TAXI COMMISSIONS, IT´S SURELY UNDERFUNDED, AND THEY DON´T HAVE ANY TEETH.

THESE ADMINISTRATIVE BODIES HAVE NO TEETH, AND UNTIL THAT CHANGES, UNTIL THEY´RE ABLE TO HOLD THESE ENTITIES RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR MANDATES, STUFF LIKE THIS IS GOING TO HAPPEN, RIGHT?

SO I HAVE TO SAY I SUPPORT HIM.

I SUPPORT HIM 100%, AND I THINK THAT THE TAXICAB/BUS SYSTEM, ALL OF THAT NEEDS DRAMATIC OVERHAUL.

I LIKE THAT THIS HAS HAPPENED AND I THINK IT´S A FUN TIME IN HISTORY FOR IT TO BE HAPPENING, AND I THINK THE YOUNG PEOPLE ARE BUYING INTO IT, RIGHT?

AND ONE MONTH, HE HAS 700 CUSTOMERS.

THAT´S AMAZING, RIGHT?

HE´S IN THAT STATE, SO WE CAN SPEAK ABOUT IT, AND I THINK THAT THE TERRITORY NEEDS TO EMBRACE THE FREE MARKET, AND WE NEED TO STOP KIND OF INTERFERING WITH THAT BECAUSE THAT´S WHAT THE WORLD HAS DONE AND WE NEED TO CATCH UP WITH THAT.

>> SO KAI TALKED ABOUT THE DISRUPTION.

DO YOU THINK IT´S TIMELY, A TIMELY SOMETHING TO HAPPEN?

THAT THE RIDESHARE IS COMING IN, AND THE TAXI DRIVERS ARE IN OPPOSITION?

YOU´RE A FORMER TAXI DRIVER, MANY MOONS AGO, BUT WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON THAT?

>> THE WORLD IS NOT WAITING FOR US, ACCORDING TO MY GOOD FRIEND, CARLTON DOWD.

THERE IS EVOLUTION.

THERE ARE CHANGES.

THERE´S COMPETITION, AND YOU´VE GOT TO SHARPEN YOUR TOOLS TO BE THERE.

HOWEVER, I CANNOT CONDONE OR SUPPORT SOMEONE JUST RUNNING A BUSINESS WITHOUT -- AND BEING DEFIANT OF THE LAW AND NOT BEING LIABLE.

I THINK WE MUST ENFORCE THAT LICENSE, AND THEN YOU MOVE FORWARD WITH YOUR BUSINESS AS HAPPENING.

>> BUT HE´S IN -- HE´S TELLING YOU, I´M HERE OPERATING, YET OFFICIAL, AND THE AUTHORITIES ARE NOT TAKING ACTION.

>> THAT IS SOMETHING I DON´T QUITE UNDERSTAND.

I DON´T KNOW WHETHER THE GENTLEMAN HAS APPLIED FOR A LICENSE AND BEEN PUSHED AROUND OR WHAT HAVE YOU AND IS BEING DEFIANT, AND SAYING, WELL, I´M GOING TO CHALLENGE YOU BECAUSE THIS IS A BUSINESS THAT SHOULD BE LEGITIMATIZED, AND YOU´RE TRYING TO -- >> IT´S NOT A CATEGORY YET SO HE CAN´T APPLY FOR THE LICENSE.

IT´S KIND OF A CATCH 22.

WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON THIS?

>> YEAH.

I MEAN, IT IS A CATCH 22, RIGHT?

THERE´S NO LICENSE CATEGORY.

YOU CAN´T APPLY FOR A LICENSE, AND IF YOU HAVE SENATORS, AGAIN, YOU KNOW, IF YOU UNDERSTOOD THAT YOU CREATE OPPORTUNITIES FOR A BUSINESS TO PROSPER, THERE´S MORE MONEY CIRCULATING.

SO SIT ON A BILL FOR MONTHS, RIGHT?

JUST TO PREVENT, YOU KNOW, SOMEONE FROM GETTING INTO THE INDUSTRY, THAT´S, YOU KNOW, THAT´S BEING DEFIANT, RIGHT?

IF TAXI DRIVERS ARE NOT ACCEPTING CREDIT CARDS, THAT´S BEING DEFIANT, RIGHT?

THE WORLD KIND OF MOVES ON DEFIANCE, RIGHT?

I LIKE THE OLD SAYING OF, YOU KNOW, DON´T ASK FOR PERMISSION.

SO IN THIS CASE, RIGHT?

YOU HAD THE OPPORTUNITY.

I HAD THIS CONVERSATION WITH SOMEONE ELSE ABOUT EIGHT YEARS AGO.

WE WERE GOING TO BUILD A RIDESHARE APP.

IT WAS TAXI DRIVERS AND THE COMMISSION AND THE LAWS AND WE CHOSE NOT TO.

>> THE LAW.

WHY DO YOU THINK THE SENATORS ARE DRAGGING THEIR FEET?

WHY MIGHT THAT BE?

>> I DON´T THINK A LOT OF SENATORS UNDERSTAND ECONOMICS, YOU KNOW?

AND THAT´S JUST MY, YOU KNOW, FROM TALKING TO THEM, I´VE SEEN BILLS COME OUT WITHOUT ANY INPUT FROM INDUSTRY, RIGHT?

SO YOU HAVE A BILL AND YOU DON´T TALK TO ANY OF THE VENDORS THAT PROVIDE SERVICES, BUT YOU CREATE LAW THAT IS IMPACT THEM.

THAT´S NOT UNDERSTANDING HOW THE WORLD WORKS.

SITTING ON A BILL FOR MONTHS, LIKE, WE NEED PROGRESS, RIGHT?

WE NEED TO MOVE FORWARD.

THE WORLD -- WE SAID IT JUST NOW.

THE WORLD IS NOT WAITING FOR US.

>> YES.

>> IF YOU´RE OPERATING ILLEGAL LITTLE, MOVE ON IT.

DON´T SAY, I´M GOING TO KEEP WAITING AND WAITING.

>> I TAKE YOUR POINT, BUT I WANT TO -- YOU TOUCHED ON THE POINT ABOUT THE SENATORS AND NOT MOVING.

I WANT TO ASK A QUESTION.

WHAT POLITICAL FACTORS DO YOU THINK ARE CONTRIBUTING TO THE DELAYS IN REGULAING THIS INDUSTRY?

FOLKS ARE READY.

THEY´RE OPERATING.

WHAT´S THE PROBLEM?

>> I COULD NOT BELIEVE THAT ANY PRESSURE -- ANY PRESSURE WHATSOEVER COULD BE PLACED ON SENATORS AND PREVENTING THEM FROM BILLS.

WHAT IS TROUBLING TO ME IS THAT A BUSINESS IS GOING TO BE ALLOWED TO OPERATE WITHOUT ANY REGULATION OR JUST OPERATE.

THEN IT´S OKAY FOR A GROCERY STORE TO SAY, HEY.

I´M GOING TO CONTINUE TO OPERATE AND NOT LICENSE ANYMORE.

I GOO TO THE GAS STATION.

I DON´T NEED A LICENSE.

I DON´T NEED ANY KIND OF REGULATION.

I´M GOING TO OPERATE.

THAT IS INVITING CHAOS IN A COMMUNITY.

>> WELL, FROM EDUCATION TO THE TAXICAB COMMISSION, TO ALL OF THESE, WE´RE TALKING CHAOS AND CRISIS, AREN´T WE?

SHOULD -- KAI, SHOULD THE GOVERNMENT PRIORITIZE CRACKING DOWN ON THESE LICENSE RIDES OR WHAT IS THE DIRECTION THAT YOU WOULD SUGGEST THE GOVERNMENT GO INTO?

>> I THINK AT SOME POINT, YOU HAVE TO SAY -- LET´S TALK ABOUT THIS FIRST.

YOU ALL KNOW THAT THE POLITICAL PRESSURE THAT THE TAXICABS ARE A MASSIVE VOTING BLOCK.

IT´S SOMETHING THAT´S KNOWN.

I´M SURE ANY SENATOR THAT IS DODGING IT DOES NOT WANT TO DEAL WITH THAT.

LET´S EXPEDITE THIS PROCESS, RIGHT?

UBER, LYFT, AND THEY CAN MODEL THE LEGISLATION AND FOLLOW THAT, NOT A BIG DEAL.

THE MODEL FOR WHICH THIS IS WORKING, 1099, PEOPLE USING THEIR OWN CARS, COMPLETELY EASY TO STREAMLINE.

SO I THINK YOU HAVE TO LET THE PROCESS GO, AND WHOEVER IS HOG TYING THIS BILL, THIS IS A POLITICAL PLOY AT THIS POINT.

THEY HAVE THE STRUCTURE TO MAKE A LICENSE CATEGORY IF THEY WANTED TO.

SO IT JUST SEEMS THAT THIS PRESSURE FROM THE TAXI DRIVERS IS MUCH BIGGER THAN WE WERE INTENDING IT TO BE TONIGHT.

>> THANK YOU, AND ALWAYS TALKING ABOUT ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.

BRIEFLY, WHAT IMPACT COULD THIS HAVE ON THE ECONOMY?

THE RIDESHARE?

>> OH, IMPROVE THE ECONOMY IN A SIGNIFICANT WAY.

WE WOULD HAVE MORE MONEY CIRCULATING.

THEY HAVE 18 DRIVERS.

ONE ON ST. CROIX.

IT MEANS THAT YOU PROBABLY GET 100 IN A SHORT TIME.

SO THAT BUILDS THE ECONOMY IN A BIG WAY, BUT THEY HAVE TO DO IT THE RIGHT WAY.

>> AND IT TAKES TEAM EXACTLY TO WHERE THEY WANT GO, CORRECT?

>> ABSOLUTELY.

ABSOLUTELY, YES.

>> WELL, I THANK YOU ALL FOR ANSWERING THESE QUESTIONS.

THEY WERE ALL VERY DIFFICULT SITUATIONS TO DISCUSS, AND YOU DID WELL.

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

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