>>> GOOD DAY AND WELCOME TO "THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS, MEET THE CANDIDATES FORUM," A PROGRAM PRODUCED IN COLLABORATION WITH WTJX, TV FOR WELL OVER 35 YEARS.

IT IS OUR HOPE THROUGH THESE PROGRAMS VIEWS THE VOTING PUBLIC WILL HAVE A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF EACH CANDIDATE RUNNING FOR ELECTIVE OFFICE IN THE U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS.

WE INVITE YOU TO LOOK AT ALL OUR PROGRAMS FOR THE 2024 ELECTION YEAR RIGHT HERE ON WTJX TV WITH CANDIDATES SEEKING OFFICE AS A SENATOR IN THE 36th LEGISLATURE OR AS DELEGATES FOR THE CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION.

FOR THE FIRST TIME ALSO WE ARE INTERVIEWING CANDIDATES FOR THE BOARDS OF EDUCATION AND ELECTION.

ALTHOUGH ALL THE CANDIDATES FOR THESE POSITIONS WERE INVITE, NOT ALL RESPONDED OR ACCEPTED THE INVITATION.

WE ARE DELIGHTED TO HAVE HERE TODAY, HOWEVER, THREE CANDIDATES RUNNING FOR THE POSITION OF SENATOR IN THE ST. CROIX DISTRICT.

I´M ANNETTE SCOTT, AND I WILL SERVE AS THE MODERATOR OF TODAY´S PROGRAM.

THE CANDIDATES HAVE BEEN INFORMED IN ADVANCE OF THE GUIDELINES FOR THE PROGRAM.

NO CANDIDATE HAD ACCESS TO THE QUESTIONS IN ADVANCE.

THE FIRST RESPONDENT TO EACH QUESTION WILL BE ROTATED AMONG THE PARTICIPANTS.

ANSWERS ARE GENERALLY 60 SECONDS OR 90 SECONDS.

CHANGES OF A QUESTION WILL BE ANNOUNCED IN ADVANCED.

WE COMMENT DIRECTED SPECIFICALLY AT ANOTHER PARTICIPANT WILL BE FOLLOWED BY A REBUTTAL OF 50 SECONDS.

ALL ARE EXPECTED TO BE RESPECTFUL OF EVERYONE.

SO LET´S BEGIN.

I´LL ASK EACH CANDIDATE TO STATE WHO THEY ARE AND STATE THEIR POLITICAL AFFILIATION AND BALLOT NUMBER.

WE´LL LEARN MORE ABOUT EACH AS OUR DISCUSSION.

LET´S START WITH -- >> MY NAME IS LISA JAY CHARLES.

I´M NUMBER 17.

I´M INDEPENDENT FOR THIS YEAR´S ELECTION.

>> NEXT.

>> MY NAME IS -- AND I´M NUMBER 5 ON THE BALLOT.

I´M AN INDEPENDENT, A CANDIDATE RUNNING IN THIS ELECTION.

>> NEXT.

>> GREETINGS.

I AM DIANE T., YOUR DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATE RUNNING FOR THE 36th LEGISLATURE.

>> THANK YOU.

AND EVERYBODY, WELCOME.

SO LET´S BEGIN BY TALKING ABOUT YOUR READINESS TO BECOME OR TO REMAIN A SENATOR.

LET ME START WITH LISA.

HERE´S A TWO-PART QUESTION FOR WHICH YOU WILL HAVE 90 SECONDS TO ANSWER.

AS A CANDIDATE FOR A SEAT IN THE 36th LEGISLATURE, WHAT ARE YOUR COMPETENCIES, EDUCATION, OR TRAINING THAT WOULD MAKE YOU A GOOD CHOICE TO ADDRESS OUR ISSUES AS A SENATOR?

AND THEN IDENTIFY YOUR RECENT ACCOMPLISHMENTS THAT DEMONSTRATE THOSE SKILLS AND YOUR READINESS FOR THIS POSITION.

>> I´VE WORKED WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES, WORKED WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH IN THE CAPACITY OF QUALITY CONTROL REVIEWERS, THEN I BECAME A MEDICAID SUPERVISOR IN THE ELIGIBILITY UNIT.

I´VE ALSO BEEN A TEACHER IN THE ALTERNATIVE SCHOOL.

AND WITH THOSE JUST A LITTLE BIT OF WHAT I DID, I WAS ABLE TO TOUCH OUR YOUTH, I´VE BEEN ABLE TO TOUCH -- CURRENTLY I´M ASSISTANT DIRECTOR IN THE SENIOR CITIZENS AFFAIR.

AND SEEING FIRST-HAND WHAT THE NEEDS ARE FOR SENIORS, SEEING THE NEEDS OF OUR YOUTH, SEEING WHAT´S THERE, WHAT I KNOW IN THE NECESSITIES IN TAKING CARE OF OUR SENIOR CITIZENS AND OUR YOUTH.

MY ACCOMPLISHMENTS IS I GRADUATED FROM COLLEGE AND I HAVE A MASTERS DEGREE IN HEALTH CARE MANAGEMENT.

AND WITH THAT I HAVE A LITTLE BIT OF UNDERSTANDING OF WHAT IS NEEDED TO RUN THAT WOULD ACCOMMODATE FOR OUR SENIOR CITIZENS AS WELL AS OF OUR MENTALLY CHALLENGED INDIVIDUALS IN THE COMMUNITY.

>> NEXT.

OAKLAND.

>> OVER THE YEARS I´VE BEEN FORTUNATE TO BE PLACED IN MANY POSITIONS THROUGHOUT THE GOVERNMENT AND IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR.

I WAS THE CHIEF OF POLICE IN THIS TERRITORY WHERE I WAS SUMMONED BY THE GOVERNOR TO RETURN TO ASSIST WHEN CRIME GOT OUT OF CONTROL.

AND AS SUCH I WAS ABLE TO MOBILIZE A MAGNIFICENT, ROBUST AMOUNT OF OFFICERS.

I THEN CREATED A NEW TASK FORCE WITHIN THE POLICE DEPARTMENT WHERE WE BEGAN TO WORK VERY CLOSELY WITH OUR YOUNG MEN.

AND AS FAR AS THE SOCIAL ATMOSPHERES OF WHICH THEY CAME FROM.

FOR ME I SAW THROUGH THE PRIVATE SECTOR WHERE WE WERE SHORT IN THE GOVERNMENT SECTOR.

AND AT THE END OF THE DAY WHAT WE FOUND OUT WAS THERE WERE MORE PROBLEMS AT HOME THAN THERE WERE ON THE STREETS, REALLY.

AND THOSE WERE THE AREAS WHICH WERE NOT LOOK AT.

WITH THAT FROM THE PRIVATE SECTOR ONE OF THE LARGEST EMPLOYERS ON THE VIRGIN ISLANDS I WAS ABLE TO CONSIDER MANY OF THE COMPANIES THROUGHOUT THE WORLD BRINGING INTO ONE.

MY ACCOMPLISHMENT AS AN INDIVIDUAL GROWING UP IN THIS TERRITORY, I´VE ACCOMPLISHED TO WHAT MANY HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO DO, AND AS SUCH I´VE BEEN ABLE TO MOVE MANY, MANY PROJECTS THROUGHOUT AREAS FOR THE CARIBBEAN OUTSIDE OF MY HOME AS WELL AS IN THE PRIME.

SO MY ACCOMPLISHMENT MANAGING OVER 800 PLUS EMPLOYEES.

I´VE BEEN ABLE TO MANAGE SEVERAL BANKS AS WELL.

>> THANK YOU.

YOU HAVE 90 SECONDS ALSO.

>> THANK YOU.

I´M DIANNE CAPEHART, NUMBER 10 ON THE BALLOT.

I´M NO STRANGER TO THIS ARENA.

I AM A PUBLIC SERVANT.

I AM AN EMPLOYEE IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS GOVERNMENT FOR CLOSE TO 29 YEARS.

I SERVED IN THE 20th LEGISLATURE WHERE I BROUGHT 58 -- 8 THAT BECAME IMPACTFUL LEGISLATURE THAT IS LAW.

I´M GOING TO CONTINUE WORKING ON LEGISLATION TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF LIFE FOR THE PEOPLE OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS.

I HAVE WORKED IN THIS GOVERNMENT AS A MEDICAID ADMINISTRATOR, ADMINISTRATOR FROM THE VIRGIN ISLANDS POLICE DEPARTMENT.

I´VE WORKED FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH.

I´VE WORKED FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND NATURAL RESOURCES.

AND IF YOU KNOW ME, I AM A PROTECTOR OF OUR AIR, LAND, AND WATER FOR OUR COMMUNITY, PROTECTING OUR NATURAL RESOURCES.

I´M GOING TO CONTINUE WORKING ON LEGISLATION LIKE THE BULLYING LEGISLATION, HOME INVASION BILL.

IN THIS LEGISLATURE ACTUALLY LAW THAT IS LAW, I HAVE THE RED FLAG BILL, I HAVE THE REALTIME CRIME CENTER.

THIS IS A TOOL THAT IS FOR THE VIRGIN ISLANDS MEN AND WOMEN IN THE POLICE DEPARTMENT SO I´M GOING TO CONTINUE WORKING ON THOSE FOR YOU.

>> THANK YOU.

ALSO, SENATOR CAPEHART, WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS AS SENATOR OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS THAT YOU FEEL JUSTIFY YOUR RE-ELECTION?

YOU HAVE 90 SECONDS.

>> THANK YOU.

I JUST MENTIONED THE REALTIME CRIME CENTER.

AS I WORKED IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS POLICE DEPARTMENT AND HAD A CLEAR UNDERSTANDING OF SOME OF THE CHALLENGES, AND I´VE ALWAYS ADVOCATED ON TOOLS FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF THE POLICE.

AND ONE OF THE THINGS THAT I´M GLAD TO SAY THERE´S A REALTIME CRIME CENTER FOR THE VIRGIN ISLANDS POLICE DEPARTMENT THAT THE LICENSE PLATE READERS, THE BODY CAM, CAMERAS, ALL TIE INTO ONE THING THAT IS A TOOL FOR THE POLICE DEPARTMENT TO BE BETTER EQUIPPED.

I´M PROUD ABOUT THAT RED FLAG.

I´M PROUD ABOUT THE MILLION DOLLARS THAT WAS APPROPRIATED FOR OUR FARMERS TO REDUCE THE COSTS AT OUR REGISTERS FOR OUR FARMERS, THE FISHERIES BILL.

SO I HAVE BEEN WORKING ON SUSTAINABILITY, THAT WE CAN BE ABLE TO FEED OURSELVES, AND EVEN EXPORT.

SO I´M GOING TO CONTINUE WORKING ON THESE KIND OF LEGISLATION.

THIS PSYCHIATRIC EVALUATION, A RESPONSE TEAM, A SPECIALIZED TRAINED UNIT TO HELP INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE GOING THROUGH BEHAVIORAL PROBLEMS.

I´M GOING TO CONTINUE ADVOCATING WITH THE -- WITH THE FIRST BRANCH -- WITH THE SECOND BRANCH OF GOVERNMENT, WITH THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH ON BEHAVIORAL FACILITIES FOR OUR PEOPLE WHO ARE EXPERIENCING BEHAVIORAL CHALLENGES IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS.

>> THANK YOU.

AND AS WE GO FORWARD, ANOTHER TOPIC, AND IT´S NOT NECESSARY FOR YOU TO SAY YOUR NAME AND NUMBER AS WE GO ON, OKAY.

THANK YOU SO MUCH.

WE OF THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS ARE SHOCKED TO HEAR FAR TOO MANY CITIZENS ARE NOT VOTING THIS YEAR BECAUSE THEY SEE LITTLE HAPPENING.

THEY´RE SUFFERING WITH HIGH FOOD PRICES, INSECURE ENERGY RESOURCES, HOUSING AND CRIME, YEAR AFTER YEAR OF VOTING.

WHAT CAN YOU TELL THESE CITIZENS ABOUT REASONS OF VOTING IN THE NOVEMBER ELECTION?

YOU HAVE 60 SECONDS.

OAKLAND.

>> THANK YOU.

OVER THE YEARS AS THE EX-SENATOR OF THE 33rd LEGISLATURE REALIZING THE TERRITORY WAS IN A CRISIS WHEN IT CAME TO MANY SERVICES, I BROUGHT IN AGENCIES AND DOCTORS AND ALL OF THE RELIEF WE COULD ACTUALLY IMAGINE BASED ON WHAT THE CONCERNS WERE.

I BROUGHT INDIVIDUALS TO BRING WHAT YOU CALL FLOATING POWER PLANTS ONE FOR THE DISTRICT OF ST. CROIX AND ONE FOR THE DISTRICT OF ST. JOHN.

WHAT THIS WOULD HAVE DONE THESE SHIPS WOULD DOCK CLOSE AND PRODUCE POWER TO OUR SHORES.

I BROUGHT INDIVIDUALS TO BRING IN FREE HOSPITALS ON ALL THREE ISLANDS AND OUR GOVERNMENT TURNED IT DOWN.

WE LOOKED AT ALL THE VARIOUS FACTORS THAT SHOWS OUR GOVERNMENT, THAT WE WERE FAR BEHIND IN TAKING CARE OF OUR RETIREES AS WELL AS OUR CHILDREN BY NOT PROVIDING THE SERVICES THAT EXIST.

AND AS SUCH WE FELL INTO A QUAGMIRE WHERE WE CAN´T SEEM TO FIND OUR WAYS BECAUSE OF FILLIAR NOT BY OUR CHILDREN OR OUR VETERANS OR ELDERLY.

>> THANK YOU.

SENATOR CAPEHART.

>> I UNDERSTAND.

I TOTALLY UNDERSTAND WHEN I GO OUT INTO A COMMUNITY AND AN INDIVIDUAL SAYS THEY ARE NOT VOTING.

BUT IT IS YOUR RIGHT.

IT IS YOUR RIGHT TO VOTE.

OUR ANCESTORS FOUGHT FOR YOUR RIGHT.

SO I ASK YOU, THE COMMUNITY, BUILD A TEAM OF INDIVIDUALS THAT YOU KNOW CAN WORK WELL TOGETHER.

IT´S IMPORTANT.

IT´S IMPORTANT THAT WE HAVE THOSE PEOPLE THAT ARE IN OFFICE THAT CAN ADVOCATE ON YOUR BEHALF.

DON´T LET THAT OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE A CHANGE, TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE PASS.

SO I ENCOURAGE YOU TO GO OUT AND VOTE.

BUILD A TEAM OF INDIVIDUALS THAT CAN WORK COLLECTIVELY FOR YOU, FOR YOUR CHILDREN, FOR THE NEXT GENERATION TO COME.

IT IS SO IMPORTANT.

DON´T COMPLAIN.

GO OUT AND VOTE.

MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

IT´S VERY IMPORTANT THAT YOU HAVE INDIVIDUALS THAT WORK ON YOUR BEHALF.

THANK YOU.

>> LISA.

YOU HAVE 60 SECONDS.

>> THAT´S A VERY GOOD QUESTION.

BEING OUT THERE, I CAN HEAR WHAT THE YOUNG PEOPLE ESPECIALLY ARE SAYING.

AND PEOPLE WHO ARE SAYING THAT THEY´RE NOT GOING TO GO OUT AND VOTE FOR WHATEVER THEIR PARTICULAR REASONS ARE.

AND WHAT I´VE DONE WAS TO TRY TO ENCOURAGE THEM BECAUSE THEY HAVE A RIGHT TO FIGHT FOR THEIR FUTURE.

BECAUSE WHEN IT´S ALL SAID AND DONE AND OUR GENERATION IS GONE, YOU STILL HAVE TO LOOK FORWARD TO MAKE SURE THAT YOUR CHILDREN AND YOUR CHILDREN´S CHILDREN ARE TAKEN CARE OF.

SO IT IS IMPORTANT FOR THEM TO GO OUT -- >> CONTINUE.

>> IT´S IMPORTANT FOR THEM TO GO OUT AND LET THEIR VOICE BE HEARD.

MAY IT BE FOR ANY ONE OF US BUT TO GO IN AND STATE THAT YOU DO HAVE A VOICE TO INDICATE I´M STANDING UP FOR MY RIGHTS.

>> WE HAVE SO MANY IMPORTANT QUESTIONS FOR YOU, BUT A 60-MINUTE PROGRAM DOESN´T ALLOW US TO DISCUSS THEM ALL, SO LET´S SEE HOW FAR WE CAN GET.

LET´S LOOK AT MAJOR CONCERNS.

THERE ARE AREAS OF MAJOR CONCERNS TO THE PUBLIC, FOUR MAJOR AREAS AS INDICATED BY SURVEY.

EDUCATION, CRIME, HEALTH, AND -- WITH LIMITED TIME I´M GOING TO ASK EACH OF YOU TO PICK A TOPIC IN REFERENCE TO WHAT´S GOING ON.

WHAT DO YOU SEE AS THE MAJOR CHALLENGES FOR WAPA, AND WHAT WOULD BE YOUR CHALLENGES IN ADDRESSING THEM FOR THE 36th LEGISLATURE?

SENATOR CAPEHART?

>> WOW, THAT´S A HEAVY ONE.

AND I HAVE SOLUTIONS FOR EACH ONE.

SO LET ME JUST TALK ABOUT EDUCATION BECAUSE I THINK IT´S VERY IMPORTANT THAT WE MAKE SURE THAT OUR CHILDREN OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS HAVE A GOOD EDUCATION.

I´M GOING TO CONTINUE WORKING ON LEGISLATION TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF OUR CHILDREN.

FROM THE NO CHILD SHOULD BE LEFT BEHIND, WITH HAVING A GRADUATION PLAN, SUSPENDED STUDENTS, EVEN, YOU KNOW, COMMUNITY SCHOOLS, CHARTER SCHOOLS, THESE ARE SOME OF THE THINGS I´VE BEEN WORKING ON, AND THESE ARE SOME OF THE THINGS I WANT TO CONTINUE WORKING ON.

THE SUSPENDED STUDENTS, IT´S VERY IMPORTANT THAT WHEN CHILDREN DISRUPT SCHOOL, THAT THEY NOT STAY HOME BUT THEY HAVE ACADEMICS, COUNSELING, WRAPAROUND SERVICES.

AND THESE ARE SOME OF THE THINGS I WANT TO CONTINUE WORKING ON IN EDUCATION.

>> THANK YOU.

OAKLAND.

>> ON THE ISSUE OF OUR CHILDREN AND EDUCATION, I WOULD TIE ALL THREE TOGETHER WITH CRIME AS WELL.

WHEN OUR CHILDREN ARE ALONE AT HOME AND THEY SEE WHAT´S GOING ON WITH THEIR PARENTS ALONG WITH OTHERS IN THE COMMUNITY, THEY HAVE DEVELOPED A TASTE -- THEY GO OUT AND DECIDE THEY´RE NOT GOING TO VOTE FOR ANYONE BECAUSE NO ONE IS DOING ANYTHING ON THEIR BEHALF.

WE KNOW WHERE CRIME ORIGINATED FROM.

WE KNOW WHO THE PLAYERS ARE, WHAT HAS CREATED ISSUES, BUT WE TURN A BLIND EYE ON IT.

ONE OF THE THINGS THAT CAN WORK FOR SURE IS NO CHILD WHEN THEY COME BACK HOME OR FROM WORK SHOULD TURN UNDER THE DIVISION OF PERSONNEL.

THERE ARE PROGRAMS THAT COULD EMPLOY THEM IN A CERTAIN WAY, THEY COULD START IN THE SNAP PROGRAM, GET INTO SECTION 8, THEY COULD EVEN FALL INTO THE WAP PROGRAM WHERE THE SYSTEM WILL PAY THEIR UTILITIES JUST SO THEY DON´T RUN ON THE STREET AND FIND OTHER CATEGORIES.

>> THANK YOU.

LISA.

>> THIS IS A VERY TOUGH QUESTION.

I THINK ALL FOUR OF THESE CATEGORIES ARE VERY IMPORTANT.

I´M GOING TO GO TOWARDS THE HEALTH BECAUSE HEALTH IS VERY IMPORTANT.

WE HAVE AN ISSUE WITH THE HEALTH INSURANCE WHERE PEOPLE ARE UNABLE TO GET IT OR MAY NOT BE ABLE TO AFFORD IT, AND I´VE COME ACROSS WHERE IT´S EITHER THAT THEY DON´T HAVE THE MEANS OR DON´T HAVE THE RESOURCES TO TAKE CARE OF THEMSELVES.

GETTING INSURANCE FOR EVERYONE IS IMPORTANT.

MAKING SURE WE FIND WAYS TO ACCOMMODATE THOSE WHO CANNOT AFFORD THE INSURANCE OR EVEN FIND WAYS FOR THEM TO -- TO INCREASE THE INCOME THRESHOLD FOR MEDICAID FOR THEM TO GET ONTO THE PROGRAM.

>> THANK YOU.

WITH RESPECT TO CRIME CITED BY THE VOTERS AS ONE OF THE TOP CONCERNS, WHAT DO YOU SEE AS THE CHALLENGES TO OUR COMMUNITIES?

AND WHAT WOULD BE YOUR STRATEGY FOR ADDRESSING THEM AS A SENATOR IN THE 36th LEGISLATURE?

>> CRIME IS ONE OF THOSE THINGS THAT´S HARD TO SOLVE.

WE LIVE IN A SMALL COMMUNITY, EVERYONE KNOWS EACH OTHER.

THE FACT REMAINS BECAUSE OF OUR SOCIAL ATMOSPHERE, WE HAVE DEFINITELY SEPARATED OURSELVES FROM BEING WHAT WE SHOULD BE, OUR NEIGHBORS KEEPERS AS WELL.

ON THE STREET WHAT WE´VE DONE MORE THAN ANYTHING ELSE ARE THE PARENTS AND FRIENDS AND FAMILIES THAT KNOW BETTER WHO SEE THINGS AND PARENTS IDENTIFY EACH OTHER, SOMETIMES FAMILY FIGHTING EACH OTHER AND THEY DON´T KNOW THEY´RE FIGHTING EACH OTHER.

WHAT THE ADMINISTRATION NEEDS TO DO, THOUGH, EVERY FIGHT, EVERY RAUCOUS THAT OCCURS IN A SCHOOL THEY NEED TO TAKE A VERY SERIOUSLY AND BRING IN THE AGENCIES, THE SQUADS CREATED WITH THE FIREARMS AND OTHER THINGS.

BUT THEY´RE NOT UTILIZING THEM LIKE THEY SHOULD.

IT IS LEFT UP TO THE HOUSEHOLD.

THERE ARE AREAS WHERE ALL AGENCIES COME TOGETHER, THE HUMAN SERVICES, JUVENILE DEPARTMENT AND SIT WITH THE CHILDREN AND AT THE SAME TIME BRING THEM IN.

>> LISA.

>> I BELIEVE HAVING PROGRAMS THAT INVOLVES OUR CHILDREN FROM THE GET-GO, FROM THE JUMP.

I REMEMBER GROWING UP AND BEING IN THE PATH FINDERS CLUB.

AND I DON´T SEE BOYS CLUB ANYMORE.

I DON´T SEE P.A.L., THOSE INTERACTIONS WITH THE COMMUNITY.

I DO NOT SEE THEM.

AS I INDICATED, CRIMES IN THE SCHOOL, WHEN THERE ARE FIGHTS I THINK IT´S BENEFICIAL ALL PARTIES ARE INVOLVED.

IT´S THE PARENTS, THE SCHOOLS, AND THE STUDENTS.

AND IF THEY LEARN WHAT THE CONSEQUENCES ARE OF DOING WHAT THEY´RE DOING, MAYBE IT WILL DETER THEM FROM GOING DOWN A BAD ROAD OR MAKING BAD DECISIONS.

GIVING THEM THEM THAT OPPORTUNITY TO NURTURE, BE NURTURED, AND UNDERSTAND THE REASONS WHY THEY´RE DOING AND THE CONSEQUENCES OF WHAT MAY HAPPEN.

>> THANK YOU.

SENATOR CAPEHART.

YOU HAVE 90 SECONDS.

>> THANK YOU.

AS I MENTIONED IN MY OPENING OF SOME OF THE QUESTIONS I RESPONDED TO, THE REALTIME CRIME CENTER, THE RED FLAG LAW, THESE ARE THINGS THAT IS NOW LAW THAT I HAVE -- THE 35th LEGISLATURE.

FUNDING IS IMPORTANT.

MORE CAMERAS ARE -- SOME OF THE THINGS THAT WE NEED IN OUR COMMUNITY.

WE NEED MORE TRAINING, MORE POLICE OFFICERS.

THESE ARE SOME OF THE THINGS THAT I KNOW THAT IS NEEDED FOR THE POLICE DEPARTMENT.

BUT WHAT I ALSO DO IN THIS POSITION IS PARTNER WITH THE VIRGIN ISLANDS POLICE DEPARTMENT, WHERE I ADOPT A CLASS AT THE SCHOOL TO TEACH OUR YOUTH ABOUT HYGIENE, ABOUT SOCIAL, YOU KNOW, BEHAVIORS, AND JUST TRYING TO UPLIFT OUR CHILDREN.

SO I´M GOING TO CONTINUE WORKING ON LEGISLATION TO MAKE SURE THAT OUR CHILDREN FEEL GOOD ABOUT THEMSELVES AND PARTNER WITH THE POLICE DEPARTMENT AND CONTINUE CREATING LEGISLATION TO PROTECT THIS COMMUNITY AND PROVIDING THE TOOLS FOR THE POLICE DEPARTMENT THAT THEY NEED.

>> THANK YOU.

SEXUAL ASSAULT AGAINST OUR CHILDREN IS A REALITY.

AND THE COMMUNITY REMAINS RIGHTFULLY OUTRAGED.

HOW CAN YOU AS A SENATOR PROTECT OUR BOYS AND GIRLS ESPECIALLY ACCOUNTABILITY ON THE PART OF ADULTS?

AND GIRLS ALSO CONTINUOUSLY BEING ASSAULTED, TOO.

LISA, YOU HAVE 60 SECONDS.

>> I DON´T THINK THE COMMUNITY REALIZES HOW SERIOUS IT IS BECAUSE MAYBE IT´S NOT HAPPENING, AND IT´S SAD THAT SOMETHING HAS TO BE HAPPENING OFTEN HERE FOR YOU TO KNOW THAT IT´S IMPORTANT THAT WE TEACH OUR YOUNG BOYS, OUR YOUNG GIRLS HOW TO PROTECT THEMSELVES AND HOW TO IDENTIFY WHEN THEY SEE SEXUAL PREDATORS OR UNDERSTANDING -- EVEN THOUGH -- I REMEMBER HAVING TO TELL MY SON WHAT´S A GOOD TOUCH AND SAYING IT TO MYSELF DIDN´T MAKE SENSE.

I LITERALLY HAD TO SHOW HIM WHAT IT´S LIKE.

THEY DO NOT IDENTIFY WHAT GOOD TOUCHES ARE.

WE NEED TO SPEAK TO OUR CHILDREN, PAY ATTENTION TO WHO IS AROUND OUR CHILDREN, TELL THEM ABOUT IT.

DON´T BE AFRAID.

DON´T LET SOMEONE ELSE ON THE STREET EVEN PUT THAT IN YOUR CHILDREN´S HEAD.

>> THANK YOU.

AND I WOULD LIKE TO ADD THAT GOOD TOUCH, BAD TOUCH IS NO LONGER USED IN CONVERSATION BECAUSE PREDATORS USE THAT.

THE TERM NOW IS COMFORTABLE AND UNCOMFORTABLE TOUCH.

AND A CHILD IS MORE AVERSE TO SHARE MORE ABOUT THAT UNCOMFORTABLE TOUCH BECAUSE THEY MANIPULATE THEM.

OAKLAND, SAME QUESTION.

60 SECONDS, THANK YOU.

>> THROUGH THE YEARS ONE OF THE ADVOCATES THAT STOOD UP AS A SENATOR IN THE 33rd LEGISLATURE AND CHALLENGED WHERE WE HAD A PEDOPHILE WITHIN OUR TERRITORY, THE ACTIONS WHICH WERE BEING TAKEN SINGLE-HANDEDLY I GOT AGENCIES TO COME IN AND LOOK AT IT DEEPER.

AS SUCH MANY OF MY COLLEAGUES IN THAT TIME DIDN´T SEE IT FEASIBLE NOR WAS IT NECESSARY -- BUT I FOUGHT AND EXPLAINED TO HER THIS PREDATOR LIVES IN OUR TERRITORY AND YOU HAVE OVERSIGHT.

IF WE DON´T TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR OURSELVES, EVERY CHILD THAT COMPLAINS IN A SCHOOL, EVERY ENTITY NEEDS TO BE INVOLVED.

EVERYONE MUST SPEAK UP AND CONTACTED.

SHALL REPORT, NOT WE REPORT BUT SHALL.

AND THAT WAY WE CAN CATCH THESE INDIVIDUALS BEFORE THEY DO MORE DAMAGE TO OTHER PEOPLE´S CHILDREN.

>> THANK YOU.

SENATOR CAPEHART, 60 SECONDS.

>> SO I THINK THIS CAN WORK BY EDUCATION AND OUTREACH.

IT´S IMPORTANT THAT WE TEACH OUR CHILDREN THAT AS MENTIONED THE GOOD TOUCH, THE BAD TOUCH.

BUT I THINK WRAPAROUND SERVICES, COUNSELING.

I THINK APPROPRIATING FUNDING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION, WORKING CLOSELY WITH EDUCATION STAKEHOLDERS SO WE CAN OFFER THESE SERVICES TO OUR CHILDREN.

EDUCATION AND OUTREACH IS SO IMPORTANT BECAUSE IF THEY DON´T KNOW HOW TO DEAL WITH A SITUATION, THEY DON´T SAY ANYTHING.

BUT ONCE THEY KNOW THEY HAVE SOMEONE AT SCHOOL, BUT HOW WILL THEY KNOW IF THEY´RE NOT TAUGHT TO KNOW THERE´S A BAD PLACE, THAT COMFORT ZONE THAT THEY CAN GO TO?

SO WORKING CLOSELY WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO CREATE AN APPROPRIATE FUNDING, I MUST SAY, TO MAKE SURE THAT THESE WRAPAROUND SERVICES ARE THERE, EDUCATION AND OUTREAP.

>> THANK YOU.

AND ALSO AS A REMINDER THAT THE TERM IS TO COMFORTABLE AND UNCOMFORTABLE TOUCH BECAUSE OF THE MANIPULATION THAT A PREDATOR HAS AGAINST CHILDREN, AND THAT WE ALL ARE ACCOUNTABLE.

IF A CHILD COMES TO ANY ONE OF US, WE HAVE TO REPORT IT AND IT IS A PROCESS.

IT´S ALREADY IN LAW, THE PERSON WILL BE ACCOUNTABLE.

WITH RESPECT TO EDUCATION CITED BY VOTERS AS ONE OF FOUR MAJOR CONCERNS, WHAT DO YOU SEE AS THE PRIMARY CHALLENGES FACING EDUCATION TODAY, AND WHAT WOULD BE YOUR STRATEGIES FOR ADDRESSING THEM AS A SENATOR IN THE 36th LEGISLATURE?

AND YOU HAVE 90 SECONDS.

LISA.

>> OKAY.

CAUGHT ME OFF-GUARD, BUT THAT´S GOOD.

IDENTIFYING IS CREATING THAT -- THAT BRIDGE WITH THE UVI SCHOOLS OR WITH OUR STUDENTS THAT ARE GOING ABROAD.

IF THEY´RE DOING ANY FORM OF ANY JOB THAT´S WITHIN THE EDUCATION, GIVE THEM A REASON TO COME BACK HOME.

GIVE THEM AN INCENTIVE TO COME BACK HOME.

COMING BACK HOME, A LOT OF OUR STUDENTS DON´T WANT TO GO ABROAD BUT THAT´S THE ONLY WAY THEY THINK THEY CAN ACCOMPLISH WHAT THEIR GOALS ARE.

MORE INCENTIVES FOR OUR UVI STUDENTS, AND KEEPING TRACK OF OUR STUDENTS THAT GO ABROAD AND MAYBE WE CAN CONVINCE THEM OF GOING BACK HOME WITH A SALARY THAT IS COMPENSATING FOR THEM TO COME BACK HOME.

CREATE THAT ATMOSPHERE WHERE THEY KNOW COMING BACK HOME WOULD BE AN IMPORTANT THING THAT THEY ACTUALLY WANT AND PASS THAT ON THE SAME WAY THAT A TEACHER HELPED THEM.

MAYBE THEY WOULD BE ABLE TO HELP OTHERS.

>> THANK YOU.

SENATOR CAPEHART, 90 SECONDS.

>> I´M CURRENTLY SIGNED ONTO LEGISLATION IN THIS 35th LEGISLATURE FOR MAKING SURE THAT OUR SCHOOL INFRASTRUCTURE IS CLEAN FOR A CONDUCIVE ENVIRONMENT TO CHILDREN.

ALSO I WANT TO BE ABLE TO SUPPORT LEGISLATION FOR AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS, CREATING, YOU KNOW, THE ABILITY FOR OUR CHILDREN TO HAVE A SAFE PLACE EVEN AFTER SCHOOL THAT THEY CAN GO AND LEARN, EVEN JUST HAVE SOMEPLACE AFTER SCHOOL.

ALSO, I THINK IT´S IMPORTANT ALL OUR STUDENTS -- I HAVE THE ONE BILL CALLED THE GRADUATION PLAN, THAT OUR STUDENTS MAKE SURE THAT THEY HAVE A PLAN AS THEY´RE ABOUT TO GRADUATE.

AND NO CHILD SHOULD GRADUATE WITHOUT A PLAN AS THEY MAY NOT BE INTERESTED IN GOING TO COLLEGE, TO THE MILITARY, TO APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM THROUGH DEPARTMENT OF LABOR.

JUST MAKE SURE THAT OUR CHILDREN HAVE A PLAN.

I´M GOING TO CONTINUE WORKING ON THESE KIND OF LEGISLATIONS, SUPPORTING LEGISLATION THAT IMPROVES THE QUALITY OF OUR LEARNING ENVIRONMENT FOR OUR CHILDREN.

>> THANK YOU.

OAKLAND, 90 SECONDS.

>> OUR CHILDREN TODAY BASED ON WHAT WE´VE ASKED THEM TO DO, GO TO SCHOOL, GET GOOD GRADES, COME BACK HOME OR GO TO SERVE, I WOULD ENHANCE WE FOLLOW THEM EVERY STEP OF THE WAY.

THAT WHATEVER UNIVERSITY THEY GO TO, THE SNAP PROGRAM -- BECAUSE A LOT WILL SPEND MORE TIME AT WORK THAN IN THE BOOKS.

AND INSTRUCT THEM WHEN THEY COME BACK HOME TRAINING SKILLS WITH THEIR STUDYING.

WHAT´S THE QUALIFICATIONS AND WHAT JOBS WE NEED TO START LOOKING AT TO START EDUCATING OUR CHILDREN SO WHEN THEY COME HOME THEY CAN FIX INTO WHAT´S GOING ON WITH OUR COMMUNITY.

OUR CHILDREN LEAVE TO SIT IN CERTAIN POSITIONS ONLY TO BE TOLD THEY CAN´T GET A JOB.

AND THOSE ON SCHOLARERSHIP THEY LEAVE AND COME BACK FOR A JOB, THEY CAN´T GET IT, THAIN THIGO OUTSIDE AND HAVE TO PAY BACK ON THE GRANT.

THOSE THAT COME BACK AND FOLLOW THE PROGRAM, WE CAN MAKE SURE THEY´RE TAKEN CARE OF MONETARILY.

THE SNAP PROGRAM, AND THE SECTION 8 PROGRAM.

WE NEED TO HARNESS OUR CHILDREN BACK TO US.

WE MEAD TOO MAKE SURE WE STAY IN TOUCH WITH THEM IF WE TRULY CARE THEY´RE COMING HOME AND LET THEM KNOW THERE´S A PLACE WHEN THEY COME BACK FROM THE EDUCATION PROCESS.

>> THANK YOU.

WITH RESPECT TO HEALTH CITED BY VOTERS AS ONE OF THE FOUR TOP VOTER CONCERNS, MANY LEAVE THE TERRITORY IN SEARCH FOR HEALTH CARE ESPECIALLY ON ST. CROIX.

WHAT WOULD BE THE STRATEGIES FOR ADDRESSING THEM AS A SENATOR IN THE 35th LEGISLATURE.

AND I SEE LISA IS READY TO JUMP AT THE ANSWER.

GO AHEAD, LISA.

I´LL LET YOU LEAD US.

YOU´VE GOT 90 SECONDS.

>> WHAT WE´RE SEEING HAPPENING IS WHY PEOPLE -- WE´VE GOT TO LOOK ABOUT BRINGING IN SPECIALTY DOCTORS TO COME HERE.

THERE´S NO DOCTORS IN SPECIALTIES, ONCOLOGY, WHATEVER THE CASE MAY BE.

THERE´S NOT ENOUGH TO GO AROUND.

AND JUST LIKE GETTING OUR STUDENTS TO COME BACK, THE INCENTIVE, AGAIN, WOULD GO WITH THE UVI.

FOLLOWING OUR STUDENTS, WE HAVE STUDENTS THAT WENT OFF TO BE DOCTORS.

WE HAVE STUDENTS WHO WENT OFF TO BE JUST ABOUT WHATEVER FIELD THERE IS IN THE HOSPITAL, THERE´S STUDENTS THAT WENT OFF.

AND IF WE FOLLOW THOSE STUDENTS, AND IF WE CAN´T CAPTURE THOSE STUDENTS, THEN WE´LL HAVE TO GO OUTSIDE.

BUT I THINK IT´S MORE OF THAT INCENTIVE OF HAVING THEM COMING HERE AND GIVING OF THEMSELVES TO GIVE BACK TO THE COMMUNITY.

>> THANK YOU.

SENATOR CAPEHART.

>> IT´S A MAJOR PROBLEM HERE IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS AND I WOULD SAY TYPICALLY ON THE ISLAND OF ST. CROIX WHERE INDIVIDUALS, AS WE KNOW, ARE CONSTANTLY BEING AIRLIFTED.

WE NEED TO BE ABLE TO PARTNER WITH HOSPITALS FROM THE MAINLAND, TELEHEALTH.

WE NEED TO BE ABLE TO TRAIN OUR YOUTH IF THEY DON´T WANT TO GO TO COLLEGE, THAT WE HAVE APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMS THROUGH UVI FOR THE MEDICAL FIELD.

WE NEED TO BE ABLE TO TRAIN OUR PEOPLE SO THEY CAN STAY AND HELP AND ALSO THAT EXPANSION OF QUALITY CARE, THAT´S IMPORTANT BECAUSE WE ARE AIRLIFTING TOO MANY PEOPLE.

I THINK PARTNERING WITH HOSPITALS ON THE MAINLAND TO MAKE SURE WE CAN OFFER CARE.

MEDICAID SPENDS HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS AIRLIFTING INDIVIDUALS OUT OF THIS TERRITORY BECAUSE THERE´S NO CARE FOR THEM HERE -- ONCE THE CARE IS NOT PROVIDED HERE, THEY HAVE TO SEND THEM OFF ISLAND.

AND IF YOU CAN AFFORD TO TRAVEL OFF ISLAND BECAUSE THE CARE IS NOT OFFERED, THEN YOU CAN AFFORD TO DO THAT.

BUT WE NEED TO BE ABLE TO EXPAND APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMS, WORK WITH UVI.

THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU.

YES, OAKLAND.

>> AS A SENATOR IN THE 33rd LEGISLATURE I´VE BROUGHT SEVEN DOCTORS TO OUR SHORES WHO WANTED TO BUILD THREE NEW HOSPITALS IN THIS TERRITORY.

WHEN THAT FAILED AND THE CLINICAL CLINICIAN I WAS ABLE TO BRING UP A FLOATING HOSPITAL.

THEY SAID THERE´S NO SUCH THING AS A FLOATING HOSPITAL.

HERE THE OWNER SET IT UP FOR US -- THE MAYO CLINIC, THE CLINIC AND ALL WOULD HAVE BEEN PART OF THE SERVICE OF THE SHIP.

THE DOCTORS WOULD FLY IN RATHER THAN OUR PEOPLE HAVE TO FLY OUT.

YOU HAVE TO PAY THE GOVERNOR OF VIRGIN ISLANDS HAS TO SUBSIDIZE BY A MATCH OF 70% NOW, WHILE DURING COVID WAS ZERO.

WE LOOK AT SOME OF THE OTHER THINGS THAT OCCURRED, AND WE FAILED TO PAY ATTENTION WHERE -- EVERY SINGLE DAY THEY´RE CATCHING A COMMERCIAL FLIGHT OUT OF HERE.

WE KNOW WHAT WAS SAID WE DON´T NEED A SHIP HERE, ONE OF THE FLOATING HOSPITAL SAID THAT DOESN´T MATTER, ONE LIFE IS TOO IMPORTANT TO LOSE FOR NONSENSE.

THAT IS SOMETHING I WANT TO BRING BACK IN THE SITUATION.

>> THANK YOU.

AND ON THE FOUR TOPICS THAT WE JUST DISCUSSED, CAN YOU ADD ONE MORE IMPORTANT THING THAT YOU COULD DO TO MAKE THAT TO FRUITION FOR THE COMMUNITY?

CHOOSE ONE, HEALTH, CRIME, EDUCATION.

WHICH ONE WOULD YOU AS A SENATOR COULD INPUT -- ADD MORE TO TO MAKE IT REAL.

I´LL LET ANYONE JUMP IN ON IT.

LISA?

>> YOU´VE GOT MY BRAIN CHURNING.

HOW DO YOU PICK ONE?

HOW DO YOU PICK ONE?

EDUCATION, CRIME, HEALTH, AND WHAT WAS IT?

>> IT WAS FOUR OF THEM.

CRIME, EDUCATION, HEALTH, WAPA.

HOW CAN WE FORGET WAPA?

>> YEAH, HOW CAN WE FORGET.

THAT´S TO TIE ALL OF THEM IN BECAUSE THERE´S LIKE FOUR DIFFERENT ONES, AND EDUCATION IS IMPORTANT BECAUSE IF WE DON´T GET THE EDUCATION, THEN YOU HAVE CRIME.

IF YOU DON´T HAVE A HANDLE ON -- NOW, IF THERE´S CRIME AND ISSUES WITH HEALTH, AND THEN WAPA.

WAPA, WAPA, WAPA IS WHERE I´M GOING TO GO.

THAT´S A HUGE MONSTER IN ITSELF.

AND WE HAVE TO REALIZE INSTEAD OF FINDING WHAT IS THE FIX FOR THAT, I DON´T SEE US MOVING IN TO MAKE THOSE THINGS UP-TO-DATE.

DOING SOLAR, THE SOLAR SYSTEM, GREEN, IF THAT´S OUR AIM TO GO GREEN.

>> THANK YOU.

OAKLAND IN 60 SECONDS, WHAT WOULD YOU ADD TO MAKE IT HAPPEN?

>> I´LL ALSO ADD THE SOCIAL PART.

WE HAVE TO LOOK INTO THE HOUSEHOLD TO SEE WHAT´S GOING ON AND WE MOVE INTO THE OTHER ASPECTS AND EDUCATION WILL NEVER BE AN ISSUE.

AS FAR AS THE CHILDREN BEING FOCUSED ON WHAT THEY´RE DOING.

AND WITH THAT, WITHOUT HAVING THE UNDERSTANDING WHAT´S GOING ON IN THE HOUSEHOLD TO WORK WITH THAT CHILD GOING FORWARD, THEN YOU HAVE A PUSH BACK WITH THAT CHILD WHEN THEY´RE GOING TO SCHOOL AND SO FORTH AND CAN´T RELATE.

AND THEN YOU BUILD WITH THE PARENTS GOING THROUGH THE SYSTEM OF LEARNING.

WE HAVE TO BE ACCOUNTABLE TO ALL ALL OF OUR CHILDREN AS WELL.

AND AS SUCH WHEN WE MOVE FORWARD WE WILL DIVE HARD INTO LOOKING INTO OUR GDP, WHAT OUR ECONOMY IS.

WITHOUT THE FINANCES TO ADDRESS SOME OF THESE ISSUES, THERE´S NOTHING YOU CAN DO AND JUST WAITING FOR SOMEONE TO RESCUE.

THOSE ARE THE SHORTFALLS, AND THEN THERE´LL BE CRIME.

>> SENATOR CAPEHART, YOU HAVE 60 SECONDS.

>> I WOULD SAY WAPA.

AND I´M ALWAYS MAKING THIS COMPARISON AS I HAVE, MY MOM RETIRED WITH WAPA OVER 30 YEARS, AND I´VE SEEN WAPA TRANSITION INTO A COMPANY THAT ACTUALLY -- OUR CRIME, EDUCATION, EVERYTHING BECAUSE OUR TOTAL DEPENDENCY ON FOSSIL FUELS.

WE NEED TO COME INTO TIMES.

WE NEED TO LOOK AT ALTERNATIVE ENERGY.

WE ARE HAVING THE DISCUSSION ABOUT SOLAR PANELS, PROPANE.

WE NEED THESE REDUCTION.

WE NEED THIS TRANSITION INTO ALTERNATIVE ENERGY.

AND THIS IS GOING TO HELP US IN OUR TERRITORY FROM OUR ECONOMY WHERE YOU HAVE BUSINESSES ARE CLOSING BECAUSE THEY CAN´T AFFORD TO KEEP THEIR DOORS OPEN BECAUSE THE COST IS TOO MUCH.

YOU HAVE INDIVIDUALS DON´T WANT TO MOVE BACK HOME BECAUSE OF HIGH ENERGY COSTS.

>> THANK YOU.

IN ADDITION TO THE FOUR MAJOR CONCERNS WE HAVE JUST DISCUSSED, IT WAS FOUND BY THE AARP THAT MANY FAMILIES ARE SUFFERING FROM BEING CAREGIVERS FOR AGING AND AGE FAMILY MEMBERS RESULTING IN THE ALARMING DRAINING OF THEIR OWN RESOURCES.

MANY SAY THEY WILL SUPPORT THOSE CANDIDATES WHO HAVE SOLUTIONS TO ASSIST FAMILY CAREGIVERS.

WHAT DO YOU SEE POSSIBLE AS A LEGISLATURE TO HELP FAMILY CAREGIVERS?

OAKLAND.

90 SECONDS.

>> THANK YOU FOR THE QUESTION.

THE SOLUTION HAS ALWAYS BEEN THERE FOR MANY YEARS.

ALL WE HAD TO DO IS COLLECT THE DATA IN ALL THESE CASES.

WE TURNED A BLIND EYE BECAUSE WE DIDN´T WANT TO AUDIT GOVERNMENT AGENCIES.

AND WITHOUT AUDITING GOVERNMENT AGENCIES AS WE SHOULD, WE HAVE WHAT YOU CALL UNQUALIFIED GOVERNMENT AUDITS BECAUSE IF YOU AUDIT GOVERNMENT AGENCIESTHEN YOU´RE EXPOSING WHERE THIEVERY AND OTHER THINGS TOOK PLACE.

THOSE THINGS HAVE BEEN OFFERED TO THE GOVERNMENT OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS TO ASSIST, COLLECT THE DATA TO CAPTURE ALL THESE DEFICIENCIES.

WE CHOSE THE OTHER PATH.

WE ALLOW PARENTS AND CHILDREN ALIKE TO BEG AND PLEAD WITH CHILDRENS WHO SIT IN OFFICES AND WE KNEW THERE WAS A WAY OUT GOING FORWARD.

HAWAII DID IT.

UNLESS WE CAN PROVIDE THE AUDIT, THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT WAS NOT HOLDING US NOT HOSTAGE, BUT SAY WE HAVE TO BE COMFORTABLE AND RESPONSIBLE FOR OUR SHORTFALLS.

THE GOVERNMENT NEEDS TO AUDIT THE ACCOUNTS AND THE FEDERAL FUNDS ARE ALREADY THERE.

IT´S JUST WE CAN´T PUT OUR HANDS ON IT BECAUSE WE HASN´T AUDITED THE GOVERNMENT ACCOUNT.

>> THANK YOU.

LISA, 90 SECONDS.

>> 90 SECONDS.

A VERY GOOD QUESTION AND AN IMPORTANT QUESTION.

THERE´S NOT ENOUGH SPACE FOR OUR SENIORS AT HERBERT GREG.

OUR SENIORS ARE HOME BY THEMSELVES BECAUSE THEIR LOVED ONES LIVE AWAY.

WE NEED TO TAP INTO MORE RESOURCES AND FIND PARTNERSHIP WITH OTHER AGENCIES THAT WILL HELP US ACCOMPLISH THOSE GOALS.

LIKE BENTA JUST SAY, AUDIT AND FIND OUT WHERE WE´RE GOING WRONG AND THEN TURN AND FIX THOSE ISSUES.

I WORK WITH SENIOR CITIZENS AS THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR FOR HOMEMAKER SERVICES.

AND THE HOMES THAT I´M GOING INTO, OUR ADULTS ARE ALONE.

THEY NEED OUR HELP.

THEY NEED OUR HELP.

THEY HELPED US GET THIS FAR, NOW WE NEED TO HELP THEM.

BECAUSE IF WE DON´T TAKE CARE OF THEM, WE´RE NEXT, AND THEN OUR CHILDREN ARE NEXT BECAUSE IT IS A CYCLE.

AND IF WE DON´T HELP, WE´RE JUST GOING TO BE RUNNING INTO A DEAD WALL, GOING AND PUTTING HEADS DOWN IN A HOLE TO THINK IT´S GOING TO BE FORGOTTEN.

IT´S NOT GOING TO BE FORGOTTEN.

SOME OF US MAY HAVE THE FUNDS TO RUN OFF ISLAND, MOVE AWAY.

BUT THERE´S SOME OF US THAT WILL NOT HAVE THAT OPTION.

WE NEED TO LOOK ABOUT TAKING CARE OF OUR SENIORS.

>> THANK YOU.

SENATOR CAPEHART, 60 SECONDS -- I MEAN 90 SECONDS, SORRY.

90 SECONDS.

>> THANK YOU FOR THAT QUESTION.

I´VE HAD THE OPPORTUNITY ACTUALLY TO WORK FOR AARP, SO I UNDERSTAND THE CHALLENGES THAT CAREGIVERS HAVE IN THE TERRITORY.

SO WHEN SOMEONE TAKES -- THEY WILL LEAVE THEIR JOB TO TAKE CARE OF A PARENT, THEY ARE LOOKING FOR SOME KIND OF BENEFIT, ALSO FINANCIAL BENEFIT, SOMETHING THAT THEY CAN PROBABLY GET TAKING CARE OF A FAMILY MEMBER.

AND I THINK CREATING LEGISLATION PROGRAMS THAT CAN ACTUALLY ASSIST THESE CAREGIVERS THAT WILL HAVE A POSITIVE OUTCOME STILL FOR THEM, FINANCIALLY.

SO I THINK CREATING TAX CREDIT PROGRAMS FOR THEM, CREATING ADDITIONAL PROGRAMS FOR SUPPORT IS VERY -- WOULD BE VERY HELPFUL TO CAREGIVERS IN THE TERRITORY.

>> THANK YOU.

THE PANDEMIC HAS SHOWN US THAT WE NEED TO DIVERSIFY OUR ECONOMY AND SUPPLEMENT OUR DEPENDENCE ON TOURISM.

WHAT OTHER OPPORTUNITIES DO YOU SEE BESIDES TOURISM AND ALCOHOL FOR GROWING AND DIVERSIFYING OUR ECONOMY?

AND WHAT OTHER CHALLENGES TO MAKING THEM A REALITY?

60 SECONDS TO ADDRESS OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES.

BENTA.

>> BACK AT THE 33rd LEGISLATURE -- I KEEP GOING BACK TO THAT -- I BROUGHT IN INDIVIDUALS WHERE WE WERE LOOKING AT DEVELOPING MEDICAL TOURISM, SPORTS TOURISM.

AND AS SUCH WE HAD INDIVIDUALS SUCH AS THE JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS WHO WOULD HAVE CAME HERE IF WE BUILT A FREE HOSPITAL.

WE ARE NOT LOOKING DOWN THE ROAD LIKE WE SHOULD.

WE´RE LOOKING WHAT´S IN FRONT OF US AND HOW CAN YOU DIVERSIFY AN ECONOMY OR GROW AN ECONOMY IF THE INVESTORS CAN´T REACH IT?

WE´VE MADE IT IMPOSSIBLE FOR INVESTORS TO COME IN AND INVEST BECAUSE EVERYONE IS LOOKING SOMETHING DIFFERENT THAN WHAT INVESTORS ARE LOOKING FOR, WHICH IS TO INVEST IN A PROGRAM PRODUCTIVE TO SERVE THE PEOPLE BUT NOT TO SERVE ONE.

SO WE HAVE ALL OF THE WINNERS AVAILABLE.

WE HAVE THE HOSPITAL SIDE OF IT.

THEY´RE STILL WAITING STANDING BY TO SEE WHAT WE´RE GOING TO DO.

AND WE HAVE THE TOURISM SIDE OF IT -- THE SPORT SIDE OF THE TOURISM LOOKING FORWARD TO THIS.

WE HAVE ALL OF THIS WE CAN MAKE THE VIRGIN ISLANDS, ST. CROIX IN PARTICULAR WE CAN HELP WITH TOURISM, BUT WE´RE HERE TODAY.

>> THANK YOU.

LISA, 60 SECONDS.

>> WELL, THAT´S A GOOD ONE.

AND WITHOUT TOURISM, HOW DO YOU DO THAT?

I´M ACTUALLY LOOKING AT DEVELOPING TOURISM A LOT BETTER THAN IT IS RIGHT NOW.

WHEN PEOPLE LOOK AT COMING TO THE VIRGIN ISLANDS, COMING TO SAINT CROIX, THEY SEE SAND, SUN, AND SEA.

WE CAN SELL MORE THAN THAT.

WE HAVE HISTORY.

WHY NOT SELL OUR HISTORY?

BECAUSE I REMEMBER GOING TO ST. VINCENT, AND I WAS SOLD ON THEIR HISTORY.

IT WAS RICH.

WE HAVE A RICH HISTORY AND SHOULD SELL THAT MORE THAN THE SANDS, SEA, AND SUN.

HAVE THE HALL OF FAME, HAVE THE MUSEUMS, THE MUSEUMS THAT TEACH AND SHOW THE GENERATIONS AND THE TOURISM THAT COMES HERE, SELL THAT.

>> THANK YOU.

SENATOR CAPEHART, 60 SECONDS.

>> LET ME TELL YOU, PEOPLE OF ST. CROIX, I AM WORKING WITH AN INVESTOR FROM NORWAY THAT WILL BRING A FISHERIES BUSINESS TO ST. CROIX.

I BELIEVE IN SUSTAINABILITY.

AS WAS MENTIONED AFTER COVID, PANDEMIC, HURRICANES, WE NEED TO BE ABLE TO FIELD OURSELVES.

SO I´M EXCITED THAT THIS -- THIS INVESTOR FROM NORWAY HAS ALREADY NEGOTIATED A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH THE VIRGIN ISLANDS GOVERNMENT.

THIS WOULD BRING UP TO 500 JOBS.

ALSO GIVING OUR FISHERMEN HERE ON ST. CROIX THE OPPORTUNITY TO PISH AND EXPORT.

I AM WORKING ON YOUR BEHALF, AND THESE ARE SOME OF THE THINGS I WORK ON, INITHSRIES BILL, BRINGING BACK HARBOR NIGHT FOR YOU VENDORS, GIVING THE OPPORTUNITY FOR VENDORS AND ALSO THE SHIPS TO COME INTO OUR PORT AGAIN TO HAVE FRESH-WATER, ENERGY AT OUR PORTS.

I´M WORKING ON YOUR BEHALF.

>> THANK YOU.

MANY CITIZENS HAVE CALLED THE WHITE COLLAR WHICH INCLUDES CONTRACTS TO PERSONS LATER REVEALED TO BE FRAUDULENT OR THE HIRING OF PEOPLE WITH FALSE RÉSUMÉS OR GOVERNMENT ACCEPTING BRIBES.

ALL ARE INSTANCES OF CORRUPTION AND CRIME.

DO YOU SEE THE LEGISLATURE BEING ABLE TO ADDRESS THIS?

60 SECONDS.

SENATOR CAPEHART.

>> THANK YOU FOR THE QUESTION.

I SERVE ON THE RULES AND JUDICIARY COMMITTEE.

I VET INDIVIDUALS WHO I ASK THEM ABOUT ETHICAL QUESTIONS.

THESE ARE SOME OF MY CONCERNS IN THE TERRITORY.

I SUPPORT LEGISLATION AS IT PERTAINS TO ETHICAL CONDUCT, THAT WE HAVE SEEN IS COMPROMISED HERE IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS.

I´M GOING TO CONTINUE TO SUPPORT LEGISLATION, BRING LEGISLATION, AND EVEN WORK TO SUPPORTING INDIVIDUALS WHO I KNOW CAN BE ABLE TO STAND FIRM, TO VOTE BASED ON RIGHT AND WRONG.

AND I´M GOING TO BE THAT SENATOR TO CONTINUE TO BE TRUSTWORTHY, FAIR, AND I AM LEADERSHIP THAT YOU WOULD BE ABLE TO TRUST.

>> THANK YOU.

OAKLAND, DID YOU ANSWER THAT ALREADY?

>> NO, I HAVE NOT.

THANK YOU.

IT´S GOING TO BE VERY HARD FOR MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATURE TO REALLY HONE IN ON ALL THE INFORMATION SFRZ INDIVIDUALS WHO COME HERE.

BUT WHAT NEEDS TO HAPPEN IS OUR GOVERNMENT ITSELF BASE ON THE ENTRY WHEN IT COMES TO THE EXECUTIVE LEVEL OR SUBMITTED TO THE LEGISLATURE.

THINGS HAPPENING RIGHT NOW IN OUR ATTORNEYS GENERAL OFFICE IS NOT TAKING ACTION.

IT HAS TO BE US TAKING ACTION IN OUR OWN HOME.

WE KNOW THE ANSWER BUT WE HIDE BEHIND THE CURTAIN AND WAIT FOR SOMEBODY ELSE TO PICK UP THE LOAD AND SAY THAT´S NOT MY BUSINESS, THAT´S NOT MY PROBLEM.

AND AS SUCH IT LEAVES A STAIN ON THE TERRITORY.

ALL OF US ARE IMPACTED WHEN WE DON´T EVEN KNOW IT INCLUDE BEING SUED BY OTHERS WHERE WE OURSELVES HAVE TO SUBSIDIZE FUNDS TO PAY INDIVIDUALS WHEN THEY BEAT US IN COURT.

THOSE THINGS HAVE TO STOP.

>> THANK YOU.

LISA, 60 SECONDS.

>> THANK YOU FOR ASKING THAT QUESTION.

VETTING IS VERY IMPORTANT, AND BACKGROUND CHECKS ARE VERY IMPORTANT.

THERE´S NO REASON WHY ANYONE SHOULD BE HIRED WITHOUT BEING VETTED ESPECIALLY IN POSITIONS THAT THE PEOPLE ARE HOLDING YOU ACCOUNTABLE.

SO EVERYONE WHO INDICATED THAT YOU SHOULD BE HIRED, SHOULD BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE AND SHOULD HAVE A SAY AND SHOULD BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR NOT DOING THEIR JOBS.

I HATE TO HAVE IT SAY IT -- AND I MIGHT BE THE BAD GUY, BUT THAT´S OKAY.

I CAN BE THE BAD GUY.

HOLD YOU ACCOUNTABLE BECAUSE YOU ARE NOT HOLDING ANYONE ELSE IN A TIGHT HOLE BUT THE PEOPLE.

THE PEOPLE ARE THE ONES WHO ARE SUFFERING.

SO, PLEASE, WE ARE ASKING HOLD EVERYONE ACCOUNTABLE.

>> THANK YOU.

TO WHAT EXTENT SHOULD MORAL OR ETHICAL ISSUES IN THE PRIVATE LIFE OF POLITICAL CANDIDATES BE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT BY VOTERS IN MAKING THEIR CHOICES AND WHY?

60 SECONDS.

>> ONCE YOU BECOME A PUBLIC FIGURE, YOUR LIFE IS NO LONGER PRIVATE.

SO YOU NEED TO ACTUALLY WALK RIGHT.

AND SO, THEREFORE, YOU´VE GOT TO RECONSIDER THE DECISIONS THAT YOU ARE MAKING BECAUSE YOU´RE NOT ONLY JEOPARDIZING YOUR HOME BECAUSE YOU ARE NO LONGER -- YOUR HOUSE, BUT THE VIRGIN ISLANDS, THE TERRITORY IS YOUR HOME.

THAT´S -- YOU KNOW, COMING FROM A CHRISTIAN BACKGROUND, IT´S VERY IMPORTANT.

ETHICS, THEY ALWAYS TEACH THAT IN A BUSINESS CLASS, THAT HOLDING -- WATCHING, BEING RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR ACTIONS BECAUSE THIS IS WHAT COUNTS FOR A LOT OF PEOPLE.

YOU ARE THE MODEL THAT SOMEONE ELSE IS LOOKING AT, AND IT COULD BE A YOUNG MAN OR A YOUNG WOMAN.

>> OAKLAND, 60 SECONDS.

>> THANK YOU.

IN THE COMMITTEE TODAY THOSE A SOME OF THE THINGS A LOT OF PEOPLE HAVE FORGOTTEN BECAUSE IT HAS BECOME A TREND WHERE ANYTHING GOES AND IT DOESN´T MATTER, THAT IT DOESN´T AFFECT ANY CULTURE OR ANY ORGANIZATION IN ANY FORM OR FASHION.

IT HAS BECOME SUCH A STAIN THAT PEOPLE ARE NUMB TO IT TODAY THEY DON´T EVEN UNDERSTAND THE MEANING ANYMORE.

BUT WHAT IT IS DOING IS BRINGING OUR YOUNG MEN AND WOMEN TO ACT THE SAME WAY.

WE TRY TO ADMINISTER CURRICULUM WHEN IT COMES TO OUR CHILDREN, BUT WE OURSELVES ARE NOT THERE.

I AM A PART OF IT.

I THINK EVERY ENTITY AND PERSON WHO ENTERS INTO AN ELECTED POSITION AND OTHERWISE NEEDS TO UNDERSTAND THAT YOU ARE A SERVANT OF THE PEOPLE OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS TO WHOM YOU SAY YOU WANT TO SERVE AND MAINTAIN ABOVE BOARD YOUR CHARACTER AND YOUR PERSONALITY.

>> THANK YOU.

SENATOR CAPEHART, 60 SECONDS.

>> THANK YOU.

YOU KNOW, ONE THING I SAY ABOUT ME IS I PRIDE MYSELF WITH DIPLOMACY, INTEGRITY.

AND THAT´S WHY MY SLOGAN IS LEADERSHIP YOU CAN TRUST.

I JUST DON´T SAY THIS EASILY BECAUSE IF YOU KNOW ME SINCE BEGINNING OF TIME, MY SLOGAN HAS ALWAYS BEEN LEAVE CLEAN AND LET YOUR WORK BE SEEN.

IF YOU KNOW ME, I MEAN THIS.

THIS IS WHAT I DO.

FROM MY FAMILY MEMBERS TO, YOU KNOW, MY CHILDREN, THEY KNOW THAT THIS JOB IS JUST NOT A JOB.

I THINK THAT SERVING IN THE FIRST BRANCH OF GOVERNMENT, MY FIRST THE INTENT IS TRYING TO RESTORE INTEGRITY IN THIS FIRST BRANCH OF GOVERNMENT.

SO THE PEOPLE OF ST. CROIX, I WILL CONTINUE TO SERVE WITH INTEGRITY, DIPLOMACY, AND STILL WORK WITH MY COLLEAGUES COLLECTIVELY, AND THIS IS ME.

AND THAT´S ALL I CAN SAY ABOUT LIVING CLEANING AND LETTING MY WORK BE SEEN.

>> THANK YOU.

NOW, EACH CANDIDATE WILL HAVE 60 SECONDS FOR CLOSING -- OR CLOSING STATEMENT.

I´M GOING TO START WITH LISA, OAKLAND, AND THEN SENATOR CAPEHART.

>> 60 SECONDS.

AGAIN, MY NAME IS LISA CHARLES.

AND I´M RUNNING FOR THE SEAT OF 36th LEGISLATURE ON YOUR BALLOT.

MY PLATFORM INCLUDES YOUTH DEVELOPMENT, MENTAL HEALTH, QUALITY OF LIVING, AND HEALTH INSURANCE.

THAT´S A PRETTY WIDE THINGS TO THINK OF, BUT IT IS WHAT WILL HELP OUR COMMUNITY GROW BETTER IS IF WE TAKE CARE OF OUR YOUTH.

WE NEED TO TAKE CARE OF OUR SENIOR CONSERVATIVES.

AND IF WE DON´T TAKE CARE OF OUR MENTAL HEALTH.

AND THEN THERE´S THE HEALTH INSURANCE, THAT WE NEED TO FIND A WAY THAT OUR COMMUNITY HAVE ACCESS TO HEALTH CARE AND BETTER LIVING IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS, IN ST. CROIX.

>> THANK YOU.

OAKLAND?

>> THANK YOU.

MY NAME IS OAKLAND BENTA.

OVER THE YEARS I´VE BEEN A FIGHTER.

NEVER WENT TO SLEEP, STAYED IN THE FIGHT AND CONTINUED TO EDUCATE THE BETTS I CAN.

KNOWING MORE SO NOW THE MANY THINGS WHICH NOW MYSELF IN THE GOVERNMENT WE´RE FACING THE CRUNCH.

WE´RE SLEEPING AND WE´RE NOT GROWING.

WE´RE ACTUALLY DIVESTING IN OTHER WAYS WE´RE NOT PAYING ATTENTION TO WHERE, AND WE´RE ALL THE WAY SUBSIDIZED BY THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT WE CAN´T STAND ON OUR OWN TO TAKE CARE OF OUR OWN PEOPLE.

IT´S TIME TO LOOK AT DIVERSIFYING THE ECONOMY, GROWING THE INDUSTRY AND BRINGING INVESTORS INTO THE TERRITORY AND MOVE THE ROBOT TO ANOTHER LEVEL BECAUSE WE´RE IN THE A.I.

STAGE BECAUSE OUR YOUTH AND MEN AND WOMEN ARE MOVING FORWARD BECAUSE WE´RE GOING TO LOSE THEM BECAUSE THE JOBS WILL NOT BE HERE FOR THEM.

>> THANK YOU.

>> MY FELLOW VIRGIN ISLANDERS, I ASK FOR YOUR VOTE.

I AM NUMBER 10.

I WANT TO CONTINUE SERVING YOU AND CONTINUE SERVING THIS COMMUNITY NOT ONLY FOR TODAY BUT THE NEXT GENERATIONS TO COME.

LOOK AT MY RECORD.

I HAVE LEGISLATION THAT HAS BEEN PASSED THAT WITH WOULD IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF LIFE TO HEALTH, TO EDUCATION.

I WANT TO CONTINUE SERVING YOU.

THIS IS A JOB FOR ME.

THE PEOPLE OF ST. CROIX, WE SENATORS NEED TO GET TOGETHER TO CONTINUE TO ADVOCATE FOR ST. CROIX.

I WANT TO BE A PART OF THAT TEAM.

I WANT TO BE A PART OF YOUR TEAM.

THIS IS ALL ABOUT SERVING THE PEOPLE OF ST. CROIX.

I AM NUMBER 10 ON THE BALLOT.

REMEMBER, I AM LEADERSHIP AND CAPEHART CARES.

I AM NUMBER 10 ON THE BALLOT.

>> THANK YOU TO THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS FOR GIVING US THIS OPPORTUNITY.

>> THANK YOU, CANDIDATES AND VIEWERS.

AND THANK YOU WTJX TV AND STAFF FOR THIS PROGRAM.

THIS PROGRAM HAS HELPED WITH YOU, THE VOTER, IN UNDERSTANDING AND SO DOING INFORMED YOUR VOTE IN NOVEMBER.

THE LEAGUE REMINDS YOU THAT YOUR VOTE DETERMINES THE FUTURE OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS.

EVERY VOTE DOES COUNT.

DURING AN ELECTION WE OFTEN SEE AN INDIVIDUAL WHO BARELY MAKES THE CUT AND ONE WHO BARELY LOSES.

SO LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD BY YOUR VOTE.

IT´S YOUR RIGHT.

TAKE IT.

THANK YOU FOR WATCHING.

I AM ANNETTE SCOTT FOR THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS FOR THE VIRGIN ISLANDS SAYING VOTE EARLY, VOTE IN NOVEMBER, JUST VOTE.

♫♫ >> THE VIEWS EXPRESSED ARE NOT NECESSARILY THOSE OF WTJX, ITS BOARD, STAFF.