>> UPCOMING PROGRAM WAS PREVIOUSLY RECORDED.

THE VIEWS EXPRESSED ON THIS PROGRAM ARE NOT NECESSARILY THOSE OF DEBBIE TJX, ITS BOARD, STAFF, OR UNDERWRITERS.

>> GREETINGS, AND WELCOME TO THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS , MEET THE CANDIDATES FORM.

A PROGRAM PRODUCED IN COLLABORATION WITH WTJX TV, FOR WELL OVER 35 YEARS.

I AM FRANCINE LANG, MODERATOR FOR TODAY´S PROGRAM.

AS I LIVE AND CARE FOR AN ELDERLY RELATIVE WHO MAY BE IMMUNOCOMPROMISED , I HAVE CHOSEN TO WEAR A MASK FOR TODAY´S PROGRAM.

I ASK YOUR UNDERSTANDING AND ACCEPTANCE OF MY DECISION , AS I STRIVE TO PROTECT HER.

IT IS THE LEAGUE´S HOPE THAT THROUGH THESE PROGRAMS , YOU, 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 2022 ELECTION YEAR RIGHT HERE ON WTJX TV, WITH CANDIDATES TAKING OFFICE AS A SENATOR IN THE 35th LEGISLATOR OR THE GOVERNOR, OR AT LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR.

ALTHOUGH ALL CANDIDATES FOR THESE POSITIONS WERE INVITED, AND NOT ALL WERE RESPONDED OR EXCEPTED.

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

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

NO CANDIDATE HAS HAD ACCESS TO THE QUESTIONS IN ADVANCE.

THE FIRST RESPONDER TO EACH QUESTION WILL BE ROTATED AMONGST THE PARTICIPANTS.

ANSWERS ARE GENERALLY 60 OR 90 SECONDS.

RANGES AND TIMING OF THE QUESTIONS WILL BE ANNOUNCED IN ADVANCE.

ANY COMMENT DIRECTED SPECIFICALLY AT ANOTHER PARTICIPANT WILL BE FOLLOWED BY A REBUTTAL OF 60 SECONDS.

ALL ARE EXPECTED TO BE RESPECTFUL OR EVERYONE.

SO LET´S BEGIN.

I WILL ASK EACH CANDIDATE TO IDENTIFY WHO THEY ARE AND TO STATE THEIR POLITICAL AFFILIATION AND BALLOTS NUMBER.

WE WILL LEARN MORE ABOUT EACH AS OUR DISCUSSION ENSUES.

LET´S START WITH LEONARDO CARRY- ON SENIOR.

CANDIDATE, PLEASE STATE YOUR NAME, YOUR BALLOT NUMBER, AND AFFILIATION, PLEASE.

>> GOOD MORNING, MY NAME IS LEONARDO KADRI AND SENIOR.

SEEKING 35th LEGISLATOR.

MY NUMBER ON THE BALLOT IS NUMBER 17.

>> THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

AND NOW WE WILL CONTINUE WITH KENNETH GET, CANADA, PLEASE STATE YOUR NAME, BALLOT NUMBER AND AFFILIATION, PLEASE.

>> HI, MY NAME IS KENNETH KENNY GITTENS, NUMBER 20 ON THE BALLOT .

I AM A DEMOCRAT IN THIS ELECTION.

>> THANK YOU.

AND NOW FOR OUR FIRST QUESTION.

LET´S BEGIN BY TALKING ABOUT YOUR READINESS TO BE A SENATOR.

HERE IS A TWO PART QUESTION FOR WHICH YOU WILL EACH HAVE 90 SECONDS TO ANSWER.

AS A CANDIDATE FOR THE SEAT IN THE VI LEGISLATOR, WHAT ARE YOUR COMPETENCIES OR TRAINER THAT WILL MAKE YOU A GOOD CHOICE TO ADDRESS OUR ISSUES AS A CENTER?

AND THE SECOND HALF OF THAT QUESTION IS , WHAT ARE YOUR RECENT ACCOMPLISHMENTS THAT SHOW YOUR SKILLS AND READINESS TO ASSUME THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE OFFICE?

SO PLEASE ANSWER BOTH PARTS OF THE QUESTION IN 90 SECONDS.

WHAT ARE YOUR COMPETENCIES?

AND YOUR COMP SINCE RELATED TO THE RESPONSIBLE USE OF THIS IS ´S POSITION?

AGAIN, 92nd, WE WILL START WITH MR. CARRY-ON.

>> GOOD MORNING TO ALL.

MY NAME IS LEONARDO DiCAPRIO.

AND THE ISSUES SURROUNDING THE VIRGIN ISLANDS , I THINK I BRING THE FORTITUDE DETERMINATION, AND OF THE SINCERE MEANT TO ADDRESS A NUMBER OF THESE ISSUES.

I HAVE BEEN A PUBLIC SERVICE EMPLOYEE FOR THE LAST 29 YEARS .

AND I HAVE SEEN THESE ISLANDS DETERIORATE, AND I THINK I BRING A NUMBER OF EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING THAT WOULD HELP ADDRESS THOSE ISSUES.

AS FAR AS WHAT I HAVE DONE SINCE I HAVE RETIRED FROM THE GOVERNMENT OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS, I HAVE BEEN INVOLVED IN A NUMBER OF ORGANIZATIONS WITH THE ISSUES INVOLVING HUGE IN OUR COMMUNITY.

I AM ALSO INVOLVED IN MY CHURCH FAMILY , OFTEN A NUMBER OF YOUTH GROUPS .

AND I THINK IT IS IMPORTANT TO ELECTION, FIND THE PEOPLE THAT ARE REALLY DEDICATED AND COMMITTED TO ENSURING THAT WE HAVE A BETTER VIRGIN ISLANDS FOR ALL OF US WE NEED TO START BY LOOKING AT THE ISSUES THAT ARE AFFECTING OUR EVERYTHING BEGINS.

GIVEN THE OPPORTUNITY, I WOULD BE A STRONG FORCE IN PUSHING FOR BETTER PROGRAMS AND MORE INVOLVEMENT .

THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU.

AND SENATOR GITTENS, DO YOU NEED ME TO READ THE QUESTION AGAIN?

>> NO.

KENNETH GITTENS, NUMBER 20 ON THE BALLOT.

I HAVE BEEN A PUBLIC SERVANT FOR JUST ABOUT 30 YEARS.

PUBLIC SERVICE IS MY PASSION.

I HAVE PREPARED MYSELF FROM THE TIME I GOT INTO THIS GOVERNMENT, I ENSURED THAT I FURTHERED MY EDUCATION WHEN I ATTENDED THE UNIVERSITY OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS , JOHN JAY COLLEGE OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND COLUMBIA SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY, WHERE I ACQUIRED MY ASSOCIATES DEGREE , BACHELORS DEGREE, AND A MASTERS DEGREE.

ALWAYS, AGAIN, HAD THE PASSION OF SERVING MY COMMUNITY.

AND I DO THIS AND I TAKE THIS SERIOUSLY , AND I ASK FOR YOUR VOTE GOING FORWARD TO CONTINUED THIS PUBLIC SERVICE.

TO YOU, THE PEOPLE OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS.

THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU, MR. GITTENS .

OUR SECOND QUESTION, WE WILL BEGIN WITH KENNY GITTENS .

LET´S NOW TALK ABOUT YOUR VISION FOR THE VIRGIN ISLANDS.

2027 WILL MARK THE HUNDREDTH ANNIVERSARY OF AMERICAN CITIZENSHIP OF VIRGIN ISLANDERS, AND 110 YEARS SINCE PURCHASED FROM DENMARK.

THE QUESTION IS, WHAT IS YOUR VISION WITH RESPECT TO SELF GOVERNMENT FOR THE U.S. VI AND WHAT ROLE DO YOU PLAY IF ANY?

PLEASE NOTE THAT SELF- GOVERNMENT DOES NOT NECESSARILY IMPLY INDEPENDENCE.

AND THIS QUESTION, YOU HAVE 60 SECONDS.

NUMBER 20 ON THE BALLOT.

FIRST OFF, WHAT I WOULD LIKE TO SEE IS THE VIRGIN ISLAND IS TO HAVE OUR OWN CONSTITUTION .

AND WE KNOW THAT WE HAVE BEEN BACK AND FORTH WITH THIS AS TO HOW WE WOULD ACQUIRE THIS , FOR SEVERAL YEARS NOW , WHAT I AM THINKING IS THAT WHAT WE NEED TO DO IS TO ADOPT THE CONSTITUTION AS OUR OWN .

AND MAKE IT OUR OWN DOCUMENT AND GOING FORWARD THEN WE WILL BE ABLE TO AMEND OR MAKE CHANGES TO OUR DOCUMENT.

BUT UNTIL THEN , THE STATUS WE ARE AT, I DO FORMALLY BELIEVE THAT THE QUICKEST WAY OR THE RIGHT WAY TO DO THIS IS THROUGH THE ADOPTION OF THE REVISED MECHANIC OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS AND TO PROCEED.

THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU, MR. GITTENS.

>> NUMBER 17 ON YOUR BALLOT.

I AGREE HUNDRED PERCENT WITH MY COLLEAGUE SENATOR GITTENS.

I THINK THAT THE QUICKEST WE , TO SERVE GOVERNANCE IS THE DOCUMENT THAT WE ARTY HAVE IN OUR POSSESSION.

I ALSO AGREE WITH SENATOR GITTENS THAT MIGHT NOT BE THE PERFECT DOCUMENT BUT IT IS SOMETHING TO START WITH, AND I THINK IT HAS BEEN A LONG TIME COMING I THINK IT IS ABOUT TIME THAT WE MOVE IN THAT DIRECTION.

AND WE DOCUMENT THAT WE CAN BETTER IN THE FUTURE MAKE WHATEVER ADJUSTMENTS AND ADOPT WHATEVER CHANGES WE MAY NEED SO THAT WE CAN CONTINUE OUR SELF- GOVERNANCE EFFORTS.

THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU, MR. CARRY-ON.

THE NEXT QUESTION , WE WILL START WITH MR. CARRY-ON.

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.

>> I THINK IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO CONSIDER THAT WITH ANY POLITICAL INDIVIDUAL , SEEKING TO REPRESENT THE PUBLIC .

AS A LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER FOR 29 YEARS, I WOULD THE KEY INGREDIENT IN EVERY LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER IS INTEGRITY.

I BELIEVE THAT MORE EFFORT SHOULD BE PLACED IN THE MINDS OF THE ELECTORATE WHEN CHOOSING INDIVIDUALS.

I THINK WE ARE PERCEIVED IN THE PUBLIC BASED ON WHAT OUR BACKGROUNDS MAY BE.

AND I THINK INTEGRITY IS THE KEY.

THE PEOPLE HAVE TO BE ABLE TO TRUST YOU.

THE PEOPLE HAVE TO BE ABLE TO GET THEIR FULL EFFORT AND ATTEMPTS IN TRUE LEADERSHIP BY HAVING PEOPLE WITH INTEGRITY THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU .

MR. GITTENS?

>> RESTORING THE LIFE IN OUR ISLAND.

LEADERSHIP, INTEGRITY, FIDELITY, AND EFFICIENCY.

IT IS VERY IMPORTANT FOR US TO SEEK THIS SERIOUSLY, AS PUBLIC SERVANTS OR INDIVIDUALS SPEAKING THE PUBLIC SERVICE IN THIS COMMUNITY.

IT IS VERY IMPORTANT FOR US TO KEEP THIS IN MIND AND HIGH-LEVEL .

SO AGAIN , IT IS ALL ABOUT LEADERSHIP , INTEGRITY, FIDELITY, AND EFFICIENCY.

THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU, MR. GITTENS.

IN A RECENT POLL OF THE ELECTORATE IN 2022, VOTERS IDENTIFIED FOUR AREAS OF MAJOR CRIME , HEALTH, LET´S LOOK AT EACH ONE SEPARATELY AND ADDRESS WHAT YOUR RESPONSES WOULD BE FOR THE THESE MATTERS IF ELECTED TO THE 35th LEGISLATOR.

WE WILL START WITH MR. GITTENS.

WITH RESPECT TO EDUCATION, BY VOTERS AS ONE OF FOUR MAJOR CONCERNS, WHAT DO YOU SEE AS THE PRIMARY CHALLENGES FACING EDUCATION TODAY?

AND WHAT WOULD BE YOUR STRATEGY FOR ADDRESSING THEM AS A SENATOR IN THE 45th LEGISLATURE?

YOU HAVE 90 SECONDS TO RESPOND.

>> KENNETH KIDNEY GITTENS, NUMBER 20 ON THE BALLOT.

FIRST OFF, WE NEED TO SETTLE IN LEADERSHIP AS THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION.

AND THE ADMINISTRATION HAS BEGUN WHERE THERE IS NOT A NEW HEAD OF THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION.

WHAT WE NEED TO SEE IS THE BOARD OF EDUCATION WORKING MORE HAND IN HAND WITH EACH OTHER TO GET OUR POLICIES IN PLACE.

ONCE THEY CAN GET THIS TOGETHER , THEY SHOULD BE ABLE TO TAKE CARE OF ALL THE ACADEMICS AND GET EVERYONE WORKING TO ENSURE THAT WE HAVE A BETTER EDUCATION SYSTEM HERE.

IN THE U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS.

I WENT THROUGH THE PUBLIC SCHOOL SYSTEMS, AND I KNOW IT IS A GOOD SYSTEM , ALL WE HAVE TO DO IS WORK TOGETHER AS A TEAM AND MOVE THIS FORWARD.

>> THANK YOU.

>> MR. CARRION?

>> I , LIKE MANY VIRGIN ISLANDERS, THINK WE HAVE SEEN WHAT THE MAIN ISSUE WAS WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION, JUST RECENTLY.

I STRONGLY BELIEVE THAT THE BIGGEST ISSUE THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION WAS CONFRONTING WAS ITS LEADERSHIP.

IT WAS OBVIOUSLY AT THE END THE CYCLE, THAT THE INDIVIDUAL THAT WAS ELECTED AS THE COMMISSIONER REMOVED AND MOVING FORWARD , I HAVE A LOT OF CONFIDENCE IN THE NEW COMMISSIONER.

I CAN SEE THAT SHE IS MOVING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION.

I THINK WHAT NEEDS TO HAPPEN NOW IS, WHICH IS WHAT I HAVE SEEN SO FAR FROM THE NEWLY APPOINTED OR SELECTED COMMISSIONER TO SERVE AS A COMMISSIONER OF EDUCATION.

IT IS ABOUT THE INDIVIDUALS , KEY INDIVIDUALS ENSURING THAT OUR KIDS RECEIVE THE PROPER EDUCATION NOW .

AND I HOPE AND PRAY THAT WE CAN CONTINUE IMPROVING THE CONDITIONS AND THE SITUATION , THAT EDUCATORS CONFRONT .

I AM HOPING THAT WE CONTINUE IN THE DIRECTION, AND I AM TRUSTING AND PRAYING THAT THIS NEW LEADERSHIP IS A BREATH OF FRESH AIR.

SO PUSHING FORWARD , THE AGENDA, THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION, AS IT SHOULD BE.

THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU, MR. CARRION.

THE NEXT QUESTION , WE WILL START WITH ESTHER CARRION.

WITH RESPECT TO HEALTH, BY VOTERS AS ONE OF THE TOP FOUR MAJOR CONCERNS, MANY LEAVE THE TERRITORY IN SEARCH OF HEALTHCARE.

ESPECIALLY ON ST. CROIX .

WHAT DO YOU SEE AS THE PRIMARY CHALLENGES REGARDING HEALTHCARE AND WHAT WOULD BE YOUR STRATEGIES FOR ADDRESSING THEM AS A SENATOR IN THE 35th LEGISLATURE ?

AGAIN, 90 SECONDS TO RESPOND.

>> NUMBER 17 ON YOUR BALLOT THIS COMING NOVEMBER.

THE CHALLENGES, I THINK, ARE VERY CLEAR.

WE DON´T HAVE A HEALTH FACILITY ON OUR ISLAND WHICH FORCES A LOT OF OUR CITIZENS TO SPEND MONEY THAT THEY MIGHT NOT HAVE SEEKING BETTER HEALTH.

I THINK THIS IS A PROBLEMATIC THING THAT HAS BEEN IN THE PROCESS FOR A NUMBER OF YEARS.

I PERSONALLY BELIEVE THAT THE SERIOUS CONSIDERATION TO THE ISSUE WAS NOT TAKEN BY OUR I THINK IT IS ABOUT TIME THAT SOMEBODY LOOKS AT THE SITUATION AS VERY PARAMOUNT FOR THE FUTURE OF THESE ISLANDS.

I DON´T UNDERSTAND WHY, TO THIS DAY, THERE HASN´T BEEN A MORE SERIOUS APPROACH IN ENSURING THAT THE PEOPLE OF THE VIRGIN ISLAND, PARTICULARLY ST. CROIX, HAVE THE FACILITIES THAT THEY FEEL COMFORTABLE IN AND GOING AND SEEKING MEDICAL ATTENTION.

IT IS A SAD STORY TO SEE OUR FLIGHT LEAVING EVERY MORNING WITH SENIOR CITIZEN SEEKING HEALTH CARE ELSEWHERE WHERE WE SHOULD BE PROVIDING THOSE SERVICES TO OUR PEOPLE.

I THINK THE FIRST THING THAT NEEDS TO HAPPEN IS A SERIOUS APPROACH TO THIS CONDITION OF OUR HEALTHCARE FACILITIES, NEEDS TO BE TAKEN AND WHATEVER NEEDS TO BE DONE NEEDS TO BE DONE SO THAT OUR PEOPLE DON´T HAVE TO CONTINUE TO LEAVE OUR ISLAND SEEKING MEDICAL HELP.

THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU MR. CARRION.

MR. GITTENS, 90 SECONDS.

>> KENNETH KENNY GITTENS, .

THERE ARE SOME CULTURAL ISSUES WITHIN OUR HEALTHCARE SYSTEMS THAT MUST BE ADDRESSED.

SOMETHING THAT WE DON´T USUALLY TALK ABOUT.

IN ADDITION TO THAT, WE NEED TO CONTINUE TO BE FULLY SUPPORTIVE OF OUR SYSTEMS THAT PROVIDE FUNDING SO THAT WE CAN MOVE TO THE NEXT LEVEL AND BECOME THE CLEVELAND OF THE CARIBBEAN, SO TO SAY.

THAT IS WHY I WILL CONTINUE TO SUPPORT THE INITIATIVE AND INTRODUCE THE LEGISLATION THAT WOULD GRANT FUNDING TO THE HOSPITAL FOR THE REBUILD OF THE HOSPITAL HERE ON ST. CROIX AGAIN, ASIDE FROM THAT, THERE IS CULTURAL ISSUES, THAT WE MUST ADDRESS AS THE BOARD AND THE LEADERSHIP OF THE HOSPITAL MUST EXIST INTO CONSIDERATION AND ADDRESS THESE ISSUES SO THAT WE CAN MOVE FORWARD AND TO ANOTHER LEVEL WHERE WE WANT HAVE TO LEAVE THE VIRGIN ISLANDS.

THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU.

NEXT QUESTION, WE WILL START WITH MR. GITTENS.

WITH RESPECT TO CRIME, DIVIDED BY VOTERS AS ONE OF THE TOP FOUR MAJOR CONCERNS, THERE´S TWO QUESTIONS UNDER THIS.

WHAT DO YOU SEE AS THE CHALLENGES AND WHAT WOULD BE YOUR STRATEGY FOR ADDRESSING THEM AS A SENATOR IN THE 31st LEGISLATURE?

YOU HAVE 90 SECONDS TO RESPOND.

>> KENNETH KENNY GITTENS, NUMBER 20 ON THE BALLOT .

AS A RETIRED LAW ENFORCEMENT EXECUTIVE, WHAT I SEE AS PART OF OUR PROBLEM IS WE ARE DOING MORE AMBULANCE CHASING WITH REGARDS TO CRIME RATHER THAN A PREVENTION LOOK.

IF WE ADDRESS OR ADDRESS CRIME, RATHER, FROM A PREVENTION MODE, IT WILL BE LESS CRIMES TO HAVE TO INVESTIGATE.

AT THIS POINT, WHAT I HAVE BEEN BEGGING AND PLEADING WITH POLICE EXECUTIVES TO DO IS TO TAKE A LOOK AT THEIR MANPOWER STRENGTH AND THROUGH A REDEPLOYMENT, WHAT A REDEPLOYMENT STRATEGY IN PLACE, WITH THE MANPOWER WHERE IT HELPS .

SO THAT OFFICERS CAN BE OUT ON THE STREETS WORKING MORE ACTIVELY RATHER THAN REACTIVELY.

THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU.

THE SECOND PART OF THAT QUESTION , WELL, LET ME HAVE MR. CARRION FINISHED THAT PART AND THAT WE WILL WORK ON THE SECOND PART.

>> I AM APPALLED, LEONARDO CARRY-ON, NUMBER 17 ON YOUR BALLOT.

I AM APPALLED AT THE REACTION OF THE POLICE COMMISSIONER AND HIS LEADERSHIP.

WE ARE IN A SITUATION WHERE IT IS A CRITICAL TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE ONCE AND FOR ALL IMMEDIATELY.

ACTION SHOULD OF BEEN TAKEN YESTERDAY, NOT TOMORROW.

I BELIEVE AS MY COLLEAGUE MENTIONED EARLIER , SENATOR GITTENS, THAT THE PIG YOU NEED TO HAVE EVERY SINGLE RESOURCE THAT IS AVAILABLE TO THEM.

THE GOVERNOR CERTAIN SITUATIONS IN OUR ISLAND LIKE CARNAVAL , AND MOST RECENTLY THE PANDEMIC, SIGN AN EXECUTIVE ORDER MANDATING EVERY SINGLE LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER BE DEPLOYED TO ASSIST THE POLICE DEPARTMENT IN THE SHORTAGES.

I DON´T UNDERSTAND WHY THAT HASN´T HAPPENED WITH REGARDS TO OUR ISLAND.

WE CAN ONLY TAKE BACK OUR STREETS IF WE DO WHAT WE DID IN THE PAST.

CRIMINALS IN THE STREET HAVE NO RESPECT FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT .

I OFTEN ASK MYSELF THE QUESTION, WHERE DID WE GO WRONG?

WHAT DID WE DO?

I GREW UP IN AN ERA HERE WHERE WITH RESPECT TO ANY LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER, WE DON´T SEE THAT TODAY.

IT IS ABOUT BACK ON OUR STREETS.

I THINK WE HAVE THE RESOURCES TO DO SO AND I´M HOPING TO PUT THIS INFORMATION OUT THERE WHATEVER IS NECESSARY TO ENSURE THAT HAPPENS.

THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU MR. CARRION.

GOING TO GO BACK TO MR. GETTING FOR THE SECOND PART OF THE QUESTION AND THEN WE WILL SWITCH AGAIN.

SO SEXUAL ASSAULT AGAINST OUR CHILDREN IS A CONCERN IN OUR COMMUNITY.

RECENT DISCLOSURE OF ASSAULTS AGAINST 12 BOYS, 12 SCHOOLBOYS BY A TEACHER IS SHOCKING.

THE COMMUNITY WAS RIGHTFULLY OUTRAGED.

GIRLS ARE RAPED AND ASSAULTED TOO.

HOW CAN YOU, AS SENATOR, PROTECT OUR BOYS AND GIRLS FROM SEXUAL ASSAULT BY ADULTS?

60 SECONDS, PLEASE.

>> KENNETH KENNY GITTENS, NUMBER 20 ON THE BALLOT .

THE COMMUNITY HAS A RIGHT TO BE OUTRAGED WITH THESE TYPES OF BEHAVIORS IN OUR COMMUNITIES.

WHAT I WILL ENSURE IS THAT THIS IS NOT JUST A POLICE PROBLEM AND FUNCTION, BUT WE KNOW THAT CALLED THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM SO IT DOES A LOT TO DO WITH NOT ONLY THE POLICE BUT ALSO WITH THE COURTS , THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE, WHICH IS THE ATTORNEY GENERAL´S OFFICE AND OUR PRISON SYSTEM.

WHAT I WILL SAY TO THIS IS THAT PUNISHMENT SHOULD BE SWIFT AND SEVERE SO THAT INDIVIDUALS CAN KNOW THAT THIS TYPE OF BEHAVIOR WILL NOT BE TOLERATED IN OUR COMMUNITY.

THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU, SENATOR.

MR. CARRION, 60 SECONDS.

>> I TOO AGREE WITH SENATOR GITTENS.

MORE NEEDS TO BE DONE.

THIS IS A PANDEMIC.

I THINK WHAT NEEDS TO HAPPEN IS THERE SHOULD BE A MEETING OF MINDS BETWEEN THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE, THE JUDICIAL SYSTEM , AND THE LAW-ENFORCEMENT COMMUNITIES, TO ADDRESS THESE MATTERS .

TOO OFTEN WE SEE CRIMINALS GOING THROUGH THE COURT SYSTEM LIKE IT IS A CYCLE.

WE HAVE INDIVIDUALS COMMITTING CRIMES IN ARRESTED AND CHARGED TO BE SEEN 20 MINUTES A DAY BACK OUT IN THE STREET.

I THINK PUNISHMENT SHOULD BE MUST MUCH STRICTER.

I BELIEVE THAT MORE INVOLVEMENT WITH THE LAW ENFORCEMENT COMMUNITY NEEDS TO TAKE PLACE AS FAR AS PROMOTING SAFE CONDUCT IN THE SCHOOL SYSTEM.

AND I THINK IT IS A COMBINATION OF LAW ENFORCEMENT AND EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM TO ENSURE THAT OUR KIDS KNOW WHAT TO DO TO BE SAFE IN OUR STREETS.

THANK YOU.

AND TO THANK YOU MR. CARRION .

OKAY WE WILL CONTINUE NOW WITH OUR ROTATION.

MR. CARRION WILL ANSWER THIS QUESTION FIRST.

WITH RESPECT TO WHOP AS ONE OF THE TOP FOUR CITED BY VOTERS, WHAT DO YOU SEE AS A MAJOR CHALLENGE FOR WHOP, AND WHAT WOULD BE YOUR STRATEGY FOR ADDRESSING THEM AS A SENATOR AND 35th LEGISLATOR .

YOU HAVE 90 SECONDS TO RESPOND.

>> THE ISSUE WITH I´VE ALREADY SAID IS THE LEADERSHIP, IT WAS AN ATTEMPT AND PRIOR ADMINISTRATION TO ADDRESS THE ISSUE OF THE BOARDS.

IF YOU HAVE MANAGEMENT FROM THE TOP, IT IS GOING TO BE REFLECTED ALONG.

IT HAS BEEN PROVEN OVER THE YEARS THAT WE HAVE HAD PROBLEMATIC ISSUES WITH THE BOARD OF WAPA.

WE ALWAYS TEND TO BELIEVE THAT BECAUSE A LOT OF THESE BOARD MEMBERS SERVE FOR A CERTAIN AMOUNT OF YEARS IN THE SYSTEM, AND THEY REMOVE, THERE IS A PENALTY, I THINK IT IS CHEAPER TODAY, TAXPAYERS OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS, TO REVIEW THE BOARD MEMBERS WERE NOT DOING A PROPER JOB THAT IT IS TO CONTINUE TO GO DOWN THAT WE CONTINUOUSLY GO IN.

RATES ARE GOING UP .

COST OF LIVING IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS IS HIGHER , AND IT IS MAINLY BECAUSE OF WAPA .

SO I THINK THE ISSUE HERE IS THE MANAGEMENT, AND THE MANAGEMENT BUT WE CAN SEE THE BETTERMENT DOWN THE LINE.

AND THAT IS THE BEST CHOICE.

SO I THINK THE FIRST THING THAT NEEDS TO HAPPEN IS A GOOD LOOK AT THE BOARD AND WHERE WE WENT WRONG AND MADE THE CHANGES NECESSARY TO ENSURE THAT WHOP GOES WHERE IT IS SUPPOSED TO BE GOING.

THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU MR. CARRION, MR. GITTENS?

>> KENNETH KENNY GITTENS, NUMBER 20 ON THE BALLOT .

WITH REGARDS TO WHOP A, WE HAVE SEEN A LOT OF FRAUD AND ABUSE.

AND WHAT I WILL DO IS CONTINUE TO WORK CLOSELY WITH MY COLLEAGUES TO ENSURE THAT BILL NUMBER 34 0080, I BELIEVE IT IS .

WHICH PROVIDES FOR THE HIRING OF SPECIAL COUNSEL OR SPECIAL INVESTIGATOR TO INVESTIGATE WHAT IS GOING ON AT THE WATER AND POWER AUTHORITY.

THE 34th LEGISLATURE, I´VE HAD THE 34th LEGISLATURE, WE HAVE HAD A NUMBER OF HEARINGS THAT HAVE REVEALED A NUMBER OF THINGS GOING ON IN THE AUTHORITY THAT SHOULD NOT BE GOING ON.

SOME OF THEM I DARE TO SAY BORDERS ON CRIMINAL ACTIVITY.

AND SO THROUGH BILL NUMBER 34, 0080, I AM PROPOSING TO HIRE A SPECIAL COUNSEL THAT WILL DIG DEEP INTO THIS MATTER, LOOK AT SPECIFIC CONTRACTS AND OTHER ITEMS AND BRING THIS TO THE FOREFRONT AND WHATEVER THEY ARE FINDING , THAT IT WILL BE , THE MATTER WILL BE REFERRED TO THE VIRGIN ISLAND DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE, WHICH IS THE ATTORNEY GENERAL´S OFFICE, OR THE U.S. ATTORNEY´S OFFICE.

THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU MR. GITTENS.

AND THEN YOU WILL START WITH THE NEXT QUESTION.

YEARS, THE ERS , NOT IDENTIFIED AS A MAJOR CONCERN.

WHAT IS YOUR UNDERSTANDING OF WHY THIS IS SO , AND WHAT LESSONS CAN WE LEARN ABOUT HOW THIS CAME TO BE SO?

60 SECONDS.

>> KENNETH KENNY GITTENS, NUMBER 20 ON THE BALLOT .

WE HAVE ONE OF THE MOST LUCRATIVE SYSTEMS IN THE U.S. THAT I HAVE SEEN SO FAR.

AND WE HAVE TO PROTECT THIS.

NOW WE HAVE TO MAKE SURE THAT WE MANAGE OUR FUNDING PROPERLY .

OUR MONEY PROPERLY.

AND GERS´S NOTE DIFFERENT.

THAT IS THE LIFELINE OF MOST OF OUR RESIDENTS HERE IN THE TERRITORY.

SO WE HAVE A RESPONSIBILITY TO ENSURE THAT GERS STAYS UP , TIME SO THAT OUR ECONOMY CAN CONTINUE TO THRIVE.

AND AS A MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATURE, WHATEVER IT TAKES FOR US TO SUPPORT THE GERS, I WILL DO SO, JUST LIKE WE DID WITH THE SPECIAL-PURPOSE VEHICLE TO ENSURE THAT GERS WAS A BENEFICIARY , ONE OF THE REASONS WHY I DIDN´T SUPPORT IT IN THE BEGINNING WAS BECAUSE I WANTED TO ENSURE THAT GERS WOULD BE A BENEFICIARY, WHICH THEY ARE.

THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU.

MR. CARRION?

AGAIN, 60 SECONDS.

>> LEONARDO CARRION TINA, NUMBER 17 ON YOUR BALLOT.

I OFTEN THINK , AND LOOK AT THE GRS SYSTEM IN THE PAST AS A EASTER BUNNY BASKET WHERE MANY ENTITIES WERE ASSISTED WITH THE FINANCES IT TOOK THIS LONG AND WHY NOW WE DID WHAT WE SHOULD´VE DONE BEFORE.

IT GOT TO THE POINT WHERE WE DIDN´T NEXT THREE YEARS ACCORDING TO WHAT THE EXPERTS WERE SAYING, IT WOULD BE NO ASSISTANT HAD NOT TAKEN ACTION LIKE WE DID JUST RECENTLY.

I COME AGAIN, HAVE TO SAY THAT I BELIEVE THE BIGGEST PROBLEM WITH THE GRS SYSTEM WAS THE MANAGEMENT.

THE GROUP OF PEOPLE THAT WERE CHOSEN TO SPEARHEAD THE LEADERSHIP IN THE GRS SYSTEM.

MANY TERRIBLE INVESTMENTS WERE MADE ON BEHALF OF ALL PEOPLE.

TODAY WE THE EMPLOYEES OF THE GOVERNMENT OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS, BECAUSE THE GOVERNMENT , BECAUSE THE FUNDS WERE MEANT MISSPENT.

>> THANK YOU, MR. CARRION.

>> THANK YOU.

>> THE NEXT QUESTION, WE WILL GO TO MR. CARRION FOR THE FIRST TIME .

LET´S TALK ABOUT GROWING THE ECONOMY.

WHILE TOURISM IS THE BACKBONE OF OUR ECONOMY, THE MAJORITY OF THE ELECTORATES DO NOT WORK IN THAT INDUSTRY.

MANY WORK IN GOVERNMENT, BUT THAT DOES LITTLE TO BRING IN NEW DOLLARS.

SO WHAT IS LEFT IS THE PRIVATE SECTOR WHAT HAVE YOU DONE OR PLAN TO DO AS A SENATOR TO GROW OR SUPPORT THE PRIVATE SECTOR AND ENCOURAGE MORE LOCALS TO BECOME SUCCESSFUL IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR.

YOU HAVE 60 MINUTES.

>> LEONARDO CARRION SR., NUMBER 17 ON YOUR BALLOT THIS COMING NOVEMBER.

THE ISSUES WITH GROWING THE ECONOMY HERE ARE VAST.

BUT I THINK A LOT CAN BE DONE IN A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME .

FIRST OF ALL, THE PRIVATE SECTOR IS ONE OF THE KEY COMPONENTS OF ANY ECONOMY.

WE HAVE A SITUATION IN PARTICULAR IN ST. CROIX WHERE THERE IS NOTHING FOR ANYBODY TO TRY TO ATTRACT TOURISM INTO THESE ISLANDS , TRUTH BE TOLD.

INFRASTRUCTURE DOESN´T EXIST.

HEALTHCARE IS NONEXISTENT.

CRIME IS AT ITS HIGHEST.

EDUCATION ALMOST NONEXISTENT.

WE NEED TO FIX THE INFRASTRUCTURE.

AND ENCOURAGE PEOPLE TO COME TO OUR ISLAND, WHICH WILL THEN BOOST THE ECONOMY.

WE NEED TO MAKE SURE THAT THESE NECESSITIES ARE IN PLACE.

WE NEED TO MAKE SURE THAT OUR PEOPLE ARE TREATED WITH RESPECT.

PROPER SALARIES ARE PAID.

THAT THE FACILITIES ARE ADDED TO THE TOURIST AND GENERAL.

WELCOME IN, THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU MR. CARRION.

MR. GITTENS?

>> KENNETH KENNY GITTENS, NUMBER 20 ON THE BALLOT .

IT IS VERY IMPORTANT FOR US TO SUPPORT SMALL BUSINESSES.

AND IN SUPPORTING SMALL BUSINESSES, I CAN TELL YOU PERSONALLY, THAT BEFORE I WERE TO BUY A CUCUMBER OR SWEET PEPPER, I MADE SURE THAT I FIND A LOCAL FARMER TO GET THOSE ITEMS.

IF WE SUPPORT OUR LOCAL FARMERS A BIT MORE, WE WOULDN´T HAVE TO BE SO DEPENDENT ON ITEMS COMING IN FROM THE MAINLAND.

WITH REGARDS TO, WHATNOT, WE TALKED ABOUT NEW REVENUES OR WHATNOT.

ONE OF THE CRUCIAL THINGS THAT WE NEED TO DO, THE GOVERNMENT NOW IS TO INCREASE OUR COLLECTIONS .

A LOT OF MONEY OUT THERE.

AND WE NEED TO ENSURE THAT OUR OFFICE HOURS FOR GOVERNMENT ARE ACCOMMODATING THOSE COMING IN TO MAKE THE RESPECTIVE PAYMENTS .

SO WE HAVE TO EXTEND HOURS TO THESE INDIVIDUALS AND ENSURE IT THAT THEY INCREASE OUR COLLECTION.

>> THANK YOU MR. GITTENS.

OKAY, AND I WILL START WITH YOU FOR THIS NEXT QUESTION.

THE PANDEMIC HAS SHOWN UP THAT WE NEED TO DIVERSIFY OUR ECONOMY AND SUPPLEMENT OUR WHAT OTHER OPPORTUNITIES DO YOU SEE THE SIGHTS TOURISM AND ALCOHOL FOR GROWING AND DIVERSIFYING OUR ECONOMY?

AND WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES TO MAKING THEM A REALITY?

YOU HAVE 60 SECONDS.

>> KENNETH KENNY GITTENS, NUMBER 20 ON THE BALLOT .

AS WE HAVE SEEN ONE OF OUR CHALLENGES WAS THE INFRASTRUCTURE FOR TECHNOLOGY.

WE HAVE MOVED OUT TO DOING THINGS VIA THE INTERNET , AND HAVING INTIMATE ACCESS TO RESPECTIVE HOMES AND WHATNOT IS A CHALLENGE.

SO GOING FORWARD, WE NEED TO TAKE CARE OF THAT INFRASTRUCTURE TO ENSURE THAT GOD FORBID WE HAVE ANYTHING ELSE IN THIS NATURE , THAT WE WILL BE ABLE TO GET OUR STUDENTS ON BOARD TO BE ABLE TO DO THEIR SCHOOL WORK ONLINE AND EVEN TO PERFORM A NUMBER OF GOVERNMENT FUNCTIONS.

FROM HOME.

THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU, MR. GITTENS.

MR. CARRION?

>> NUMBER 17 ON YOUR BALLOT THIS COMING NOVEMBER.

ONE OF THE POSITIVE THINGS THAT I SEE THAT CAME OVER THIS PANDEMIC, AS DEADLY AS IT WAS, IS IT ALLOWED A LOT OF OUR CITIZENS TO BECOME ENTREPRENEURS AND BUSINESS OWNERS.

I THINK MORE NEEDS TO BE PUT INTO AS FAR AS FINANCES AND EVEN TRAINING TO ENCOURAGE THAT KIND OF GROSS.

WE NEED TO START GROWING FROM WITHIN.

WE SHOULD NOT HAVE TO BE DEPENDENT ON THE MONIES COMING FROM, WE NEED TO ENCOURAGE THE FARMERS, WE NEED TO BE ABLE TO DO MORE LOCAL PURCHASES FROM ALL OVER TO ENCOURAGE MORE PRODUCTION.

I THINK WE NEED TO ALSO BE ABLE TO MAKE AVAILABLE TO THESE YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS , LOW INTEREST RATE LOANS OR EVEN GRANTS THAT WOULD MAKE IT MORE POSSIBLE FOR MORE INDIVIDUALS TO LITTLE BY LITTLE BECOME ONE OF THE BUSINESSES THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU.

THE NEXT QUESTION, WE WILL START WITH MR. CARRION.

MEDICAL MARIJUANA WAS INTENDED AS A POSSIBLE BOOST TO THE ECONOMY .

AND THE OFFICE HAS BEEN CREATED TO DEVELOP POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR OVERSIGHT OF MEDICAL MARIJUANA IN THE TERRITORY.

IT APPEARS THAT LITTLE HAS COME FROM IT THUS FAR.

WHAT DO YOU SEE AS THE ROLE OF THE LEGISLATURE IN ADDRESSING THIS MATTER?

60 SECONDS.

>> I PERSONALLY DON´T BELIEVE THAT THAT IS GOING TO BE BEATABLE .

I BELIEVE THAT EXPERTS HAVE TESTIFIED REGARDING THE EFFECTS OF MARIJUANA ON OUR YOUTH.

WE DON´T WANT TO MAKE THE SAME MISTAKES THAT WE MADE WHEN WE DECIDED TO ALLOW CASINO GAMING ON OUR ISLAND .

WE KNOW WHY FOR A WHILE , WE ONLY SEE THE GOOD , BUT THE UGLY AND THE PART OF THE RESULTS OF THESE EFFORTS , AND NEVER SEEN.

WE HAVE TO BE CAREFUL IN MOVING IN THAT DIRECTION, WITH UNITY, WE HAVE TO MAKE SURE THAT WE PROTECT OUR YOUTH WE HAD A NUMBER OF CASES ALREADY IN OUR SCHOOL SYSTEM WHERE CHILDREN, EATING THESE GOODIES WITH OF THE OILS AND STUFF THAT COME FROM THIS PRODUCT ARE CAUSING.

SO WE NEED TO BE CAREFUL IN PROTECTING OUR YOUTH.

THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU.

MR. GITTENS, AGAIN, 60 SECONDS.

>> KENNETH KENNY GITTENS, NUMBER 20 ON THE BALLOT .

AND IN THIS , I AM LOOKING AT HOUSE THE FIRST INSTANCE, DECRIMINALIZING MARIJUANA .

YOU ARE SEEING STILL STAGNANT.

WE HAVE MOVED ON TO MEDICINAL MARIJUANA .

NOW WE ARE TALKING OF RECREATIONAL.

WE CAN´T GET PAST THE TWO FIRST TWO HURDLES.

AND WE ARE GOING FOR IT.

WE JUST GOT THROUGH DISCUSSING OUR HEALTHCARE SYSTEM, THAT WE NEED TO GET UP AND RUNNING.

THIS IS NOT THE ROUTE TO GO AT THIS TIME.

LET´S GET OUR HOUSE IN ORDER, LET´S DO THE PROPER RESEARCH ON THESE THINGS, AND TAKE OUR TIME MOVING FORWARD.

THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU.

ALL RIGHT, NOW LET´S TURN OUR ATTENTION TO THE ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATE CHANGE.

WE WANT MR. GITTENS TO START THIS QUESTION.

FOR OVER 30 YEARS , THE LEAGUE HAS ASKED THE SAME QUESTION REGARDING THE DEVELOPMENT OF A LAND AND WATER USE TERRITORY .

AND WITHOUT FAIL , OVER THE PAST 30 YEARS, PLUS , GUBERNATORIAL AND SENATORIAL CANDIDATE ALIKE HAVE PLEDGED ON THEIR WATCH A PLAN WOULD BE DEVELOPED.

NONE HAVE.

NONE.

WE ASK THIS QUESTION INSTEAD.

WHAT IMPACT, IF ANY, HAVE YOU SEEN ON THE TERRITORY OF THE RESULT OF NOT HAVING A PLAN ?

AND WHAT DO YOU SEE AS A CONCERN MOVING FORWARD WITHOUT A PLAN?

60 SECONDS.

>> KENNETH KENNY GITTENS, NUMBER 20 ON THE BALLOT .

WHAT I WILL SAY TO THAT END IS THAT I CONTINUE TO SPEAK WITH THE EXPERTS WITHIN THE VARIOUS BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS .

AND ALSO THE DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND NATURAL RESOURCES.

I THINK WE ALL AGREE THAT WE DO NEED THIS LAND AND WATER USE PLAN.

NOW IT WILL BE FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND NATURAL RESOURCES TO TAKE THE LEAD ON THIS SO THAT WE CAN ENSURE THAT WE HAVE A PLAN IN PLACE.

BUT AGAIN, IT WILL START WITH LEADERSHIP SO THAT WE CAN NOT ONLY JUST SAY THAT WE NEED A PLAN BUT ACTUALLY GET THE INDIVIDUALS, THE EXPERTS, RATHER , THAT IS, TO THE TABLE.

PUT THIS PLAN TOGETHER SO THAT WE CAN EXECUTE ONCE AND FOR ALL.

BUT THIS IS A TRUE CONCERN .

AS WE DISCUSSED CLIMATE CHANGE.

I AM HOPEFUL THAT WE CAN WORK WITH THOSE EXPERTS IN AT LEAST GETTING TOGETHER , PREPARING THIS PLAN , AND EXECUTING.

>> THANK YOU, MR. GITTENS.

MR. CARRION, AGAIN?

60 SECONDS.

FOR OVER 30 YEARS, THE LEAGUE HAS ASKED THE SAME QUESTION REGARDING THE DEVELOPMENT OF A LAND AND WATER USE PLAN FOR THE TERRITORY.

WITHOUT FAIL, OVER THE PAST 30 YEARS, GUBERNATORIAL AND SENATORIAL CANDIDATE ALIKE HAVE PLEDGED THAT ON THEIR WATCH, A PLAN WOULD BE DEVELOPED BUT NONE HAVE.

SO INSTEAD WE ASK THIS QUESTION: WHAT IMPACT IF ANY, HAVE YOU SEEN ON THE TERRITORY AS A RESULT OF NOT HAVING A PLAN ?

AND WHAT DO YOU SEE AS A CONCERN MOVING FORWARD WITHOUT A PLAN?

60 SECONDS.

>> LEONARDO CARRION SR.

NUMBER 17 ON YOUR BALLOT THIS COMING NOVEMBER.

I DEFINITELY SEE THE NEED FOR WATER AND LAND USE PLAN .

THE RESULTS OF VISIBLE .

WE CONTINUE TO THROW AWAY WATER THAT WE SPEND MILLIONS OF DOLLARS DESALINATED IN FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION.

WATER THAT COULD BE PROCESSED AND UTILIZED FOR FARMS , FOR FARMERS .

WE HAVE TO CHANGE THE WAY WHERE WE ARE UTILIZING THIS LAND ST. CROIX IS ONE OF THE MOST FERTILE LANDS IN THE CARIBBEAN.

AND WE CONTINUE TO ALLOW DEVELOPMENT AND LAND THAT SHOULD BE USED BY THE CULTURAL OFFICES, WE CONTINUE TO SCRAPE THE GOOD OFF OF OUR SOIL.

EVERYDAY WE HAVE THE ISLANDS, WE SEE THE FLOODING LIKE I HAVE NEVER SEEN BEFORE.

I WAS BORN AND RAISED HERE.

NEVER BEFORE DID I SEE THE AMOUNT OF SAHARAN DUST COMING ACROSS THESE ISLANDS AS IT IS NOW.

WE NEED TO CHANGE AND WE NEED TO SAVE OUR ISLAND.

THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU MR. CARRION.

WE WILL START WITH YOU FOR THIS NEXT QUESTION.

AND THIS IS RELATED TO CLIMATE CHANGE.

WHAT DO YOU PERCEIVE AS POTENTIAL ADVERSE IMPACTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON THE TERRITORY?

WHAT WOULD YOU DO AS A SENATOR TO ENSURE THAT ATTENTION IS BROUGHT TO MEDICATING THOSE IMPACTS.

YOU HAVE 60 SECONDS.

>> LEONARDO CARRION SR.

NUMBER 17 ON YOUR BALLOT THIS COMING I LIVE IN THE WEST END OF THE ISLAND.

AND I, TOO, AM ONE OF THE HAPPY CAMPERS REGARDING ENCLOSURE .

ONE OF THE BIGGEST ISSUES WE HAVE ALWAYS HAD ON THIS ISLAND IN PARTICULAR, ST. CROIX, WITH REGARDS TO CLIMATE CHANGE IS THAT WE , YES, A LOT OF GOOD HAS COME FROM IT.

I AM NOT HERE TO KNOCK EVERYTHING AS A NEGATIVE.

I TOO THINK THAT MORE SERIOUS REGULATION NEEDS TO BE DONE MOVING FORWARD IF THERE IS AN ATTEMPT BY ANY COMPANY TO RESTART THE REFINERY.

I THINK THAT THE PEOPLE OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS DESERVE MORE WE HAVE A LOT OF PEOPLE DYING FROM CANCER .

NO CANCER REGISTRY IN PLACE.

WE NEED TO ENSURE THAT OUR AIR IS CLEAN, AS IT SHOULD BE.

WE NEED TO BE SURE THAT OUR WATERS ARE AS PURE AS WE NEED THEM TO BE SO THAT WE CAN HAVE A BETTER FUTURE FOR US AND FOR THE GENERATIONS TO COME.

THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU, MR. CARRION.

MR. GITTENS?

>> KENNETH KENNY GITTENS, AREAS , OFTEN LEADING TOWARDS THE EXPERTS ON THIS MATTER , I MUST AGREE, WITH MY COLLEAGUE, AS WELL, WITH REGARDS TO REGULATING.

REGULATION AND ACCOUNTABILITY IS KEY .

AND , AGAIN, I WILL DO FROM MY CAPACITY TO WHERE I SAID, I WILL WORK ALONG WITH THE EXPERTS.

HOWEVER, ONE OF THE THINGS THAT I WILL ALWAYS PUSH AND ENSURE IS REGULATION AND ACCOUNTABILITY ACROSS THE BOARD.

WE LIVE HERE ON A SMALL ISLAND.

WE HAVE FAR TO GO, AGAIN.

WE DON´T HAVE A GOOD HEALTHCARE SYSTEM.

SO WE´VE GOT TO TAKE CARE OF OURSELVES HERE .

AND IF WE MUST , THEN WE HAVE TO LEAVE THE TERRITORY.

BUT AGAIN, REGULATING THIS , AND HOLDING INDIVIDUALS ACCOUNTABLE ACROSS THE BOARD IS A MUST.

WE DO WANT TO SEE JOBS AND WHATNOT.

WE HAD THE PROS AND CONS WITH THE REFINERY.

HOWEVER, AGAIN, ACCOUNTABILITY IS KEY.

THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU MR. GITTENS.

WE WILL START WITH YOU ON THIS.

WE ARE GOING TO TALK A BIT ABOUT HOUSING.

MANY YOUNG FAMILIES ARE LEAVING THE TERRITORY BECAUSE THEY CANNOT AFFORD THE HOUSING MARKET HERE.

OR EVEN FIND AFFORDABLE RENT.

SOME HAVE SUGGESTED REINSTATING RENT CONTROL AS A WAY OF STABILIZING THE RENTAL MARKET.

WHAT IS YOUR POSITION ON RENT CONTROL FOR THE VIRGIN ISLANDS?

60 MINUTES.

>> KENNETH KENNY GITTENS, NUMBER 20 ON THE BALLOT .

YES, WE DO NEED TO REGULATE HOUSING RENT .

WE KNOW THAT, EXCUSE ME, DURING THE PANDEMIC , OR EVEN AFTER, THAT CAN GO BACK EVEN 2017 , WHEN INDIVIDUALS FLEW IN TO COME IN TO ASSIST US , DECIDED GOING THROUGH .

SO YES, I DO SUPPORT RENT STABILIZATION .

TO KEEP THEM TO A MINIMUM SO THAT OUR PEOPLE CAN HAVE AFFORDABLE PRINTING .

AND I WILL CONTINUE TO WORK WITH THE VIRGIN ISLANDS HOUSING AUTHORITY AND THE VIRGIN ISLANDS HOUSING FINANCE AUTHORITY TO ENSURE THAT LOCAL INDIVIDUALS CAN FIND AFFORDABLE HOUSING.

THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU, MR. GITTENS.

ALL RIGHT.

SO WE´RE GOING TO CONTINUE NOW WITH SOME ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS.

WE WILL START WITH MR. CARRION ON THIS ONE.

>> I DID NOT ANSWER THAT ONE.

>> MY APOLOGIES.

MR. CARRION.

PLEASE SPEAK ABOUT HOUSING.

17 ON YOUR BALLOT THIS COMING NOVEMBER.

I TOO LIKE MY COLLEAGUE, SENATOR GITTENS, AGREE ON RENT REGULATION EVEN MORE.

WE SAW WHERE PEOPLE ARE, LOCAL PEOPLE COULDN´T AFFORD RENT WITH THE REOPENING OF LOUD TREE AND WE HAD THESE ON-SITE HELP THAT CAME TO ASSIST US AFTER THE HURRICANES AND WITH THE PANDEMIC.

ALL LOCAL PEOPLE COULDN´T AFFORD.

BUT MORE SO, I THINK THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD MAKE A STRONGER EFFORT IN TRYING TO ENSURE THAT OUR PEOPLE GET A PIECE OF THIS.

I CONTINUE TO HEAR THE GOVERNMENT OFFERING PROGRAMS THAT THEY CAN´T DELIVER AFFORDABLE HOUSING.

WHEN YOU LOOK AT THE PRICING OF THESE HOUSE, YOU´RE TALKING ABOUT 200 OR $450,000.

AT THE AVERAGE GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEE CANNOT AFFORD IT, SO I DON´T KNOW WHERE THEY GET THIS IDEA.

IT IS NOT TO ALL PEOPLE.

$200,000 A PAYMENT , UP $200,000 MORTGAGE IS OVER 1500.

WHERE CAN WE FIND THAT?

I THINK THE GOVERNMENT COULD DO BETTER AND WE SHOULD.

THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU.

ALL RIGHT.

SO WE´RE GOING TO HAVE ANOTHER QUESTION FOR MR. CARRION STARTING WITH MR. CARRION.

CANDIDATES HAVE DISCOVERED THAT IT IS WISE TO TALK ABOUT PROMOTING OUR CULTURE IN ORDER TO GET ELECTED .

BUT ONCE IN OFFICE, VERY LITTLE IS HEARD ABOUT STRENGTHENING OUR BUSINESS WHAT DO YOU SEE AS THE CHALLENGES OF MAKING AGRIBUSINESS A REALITY IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS AND HOW WOULD YOU ADDRESS THEM AS A SENATOR?

60 SECONDS.

>> LEONARDO CARRION SR.

NUMBER 17 ON YOUR BALLOT .

I HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO VISIT THE AQUA FARM AT THE OLD SUGARCANE FACTORY.

AND MEETING WITH ONE OF THE FOR PUTTING US TOGETHER , IT WAS BROUGHT TO MY ATTENTION THAT HE INVITED EVERY SITTING SENATOR THIS LAST YEAR.

AND HIS RESPONSE TO ME IT WAS INVITATION THAT THERE WERE ONLY THREE MAC SENATORS OF PARTICIPATING CAME BY.

I THINK WE HAVE WHEN IT COMES TO ELECTION TIME, WE KNOW WHAT THE THING .

BUT AFTER ELECTION WE TEND TO FORGET WHAT IS IMPORTANT FOR OUR PEOPLE.

LOCAL FOOD IS A KEY.

WE LIVE ON AN ISLAND.

IF SOMETHING DRASTIC IS TO HAPPEN THAT WE CAN´T GET FOOD COME IN HERE IN TWO OR THREE MONTHS, WE WILL STARVE TO DEATH.

WE NEED TO MAKE SURE THAT THESE FARMERS ARE NOT JUST PLAYING BUT GET WHAT THEY DESERVE SO THAT THEY CAN HAVE LOCAL FOOD ALL YOUR LONG.

THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU.

MR. GITTENS?

>> KENNETH KENNY GITTENS, NUMBER 20 ON THE BALLOT.

THE ONE GOOD THING IS THAT THE VIRGIN ISLANDS AGRICULTURAL PLAN WHICH ADDRESSES ONE OF THE THINGS THAT WE GOT FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS IS WE JUST CAN´T HAVE A FANTASY PLAN.

IT IS GOING TO TAKE SOME FUNDING , AND IT IS GOING TO NOW TIME FOR US TO PUT OUR MONEY WHERE OUR MOUTHS ARE AND ENSURE THAT THIS PLAN IS FULLY EXECUTED.

AS A SITTING SENATOR, I INTEND TO FULLY SUPPORT THE NEW AGRICULTURE PLAN THAT HAS BEEN PUT IN PLACE, WHICH WILL COVER THE AQUACULTURE THAT YOU SPEAK OF.

AND I AM OFTEN TIMES VISITED, EVEN THE JUNIOR HIGH AND HIGH SCHOOLS, TO TAKE A LOOK AT THEIR PROGRAM.

AND I KNOW THAT PRIOR TO THE HURRICANE , WE HAVE A GOOD AGRICULTURE PROGRAM THERE, AND IT IS TIME FOR US TO CONTINUE TO SUPPORT THAT.

THANK YOU.

>> ALL RIGHT, THANK YOU, MR. GITTENS.

WE ARE GOING TO START WITH YOU ON THIS NEXT QUESTION.

I THINK YOU MENTIONED FUNDING.

JUST WONDERED ABOUT BUDGET WHILE IT IS IDEAL TO HAVE REVENUES THAT COMPLETELY SUPPORT BUDGET, OVER THE RECENT YEARS, THERE HAVE BEEN BUDGET SHORTFALLS.

WHAT CRITERIA OR GUIDELINES WOULD YOU RECOMMEND IN DETERMINING HOW TO ALLOCATE THE BUDGET DURING SUCH SHORTFALLS?

YOU HAVE 60 MINUTES.

>> RIGHT NOW WE´RE GOING TO, KENNETH KENNY GITTENS, NUMBER 20 ON THE BALLOT .

RIGHT NOW WE ARE GOING THROUGH THE BUDGET PROCESS.

AS A MATTER OF FACT, THE BUDGET MARKUP .

BUT IN ASSURING , I SPOKE ABOUT THE INCREASE OF COLLECTIONS ONE OF THE THINGS THAT WE ALSO NEED TO BE SERIOUS ABOUT HIS SECURITY MEASURES IN ENSURING THAT WE DON´T WASTE WHILE WE HAVE ALL THIS INFLUX OF MONEY COMING INTO THE TERRITORY.

AND SO GOING THROUGH THE ENTIRE BUDGET PROCESS, AGAIN, LOOKING AT ACCOUNTABILITY ACROSS THE BOARD FROM THE RESPECTIVE AGENCIES AND DEPARTMENT HEADS.

THANK YOU.

>> MR. CARRION?

>> LEONARDO CARRION SR.

NUMBER 17 ON YOUR BALLOT THIS COMING NOVEMBER.

THE BUDGET, AS I SEE IT, HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH FINANCES .

I THINK THE KEY ISSUE HERE IS AS MY COLLEAGUE JUST MENTIONED , IS THE WAY WE ARE MANAGING AND WE ARE SPENDING.

IT APPEARS LIKE THE MORE WE GIVE TO THESE AGENCIES, THE MORE DISPENSE WHAT WE SEE LEFT OUT OF THEM.

WE HAVE THESE BEAUTIFUL CARS DRIVING ALL OVER THE ISLAND, WE HAVE THESE PITIFUL OFFICES THAT WE ARE PAYING OUTRAGEOUS RENTS FOR.

THE ISSUE HERE IS NOT FUNDING.

THE ISSUE HERE IS NOT MONEY.

WE HAVE A BUDGET THAT EXCEEDS $1 BILLION.

WE LIVE ON THREE SMALL ISLANDS 90,000 IF I´M CORRECT.

WE NEED TO ENSURE THAT THE FUNDING IS UTILIZED TO MAKE SURE THAT OUR PEOPLE RECEIVE AND IS GIVEN WHAT THEY ARE ENTITLED TO.

WE DESERVE TO LIVE IN A BETTER ISLANDS.

WE DESERVE TO HAVE BETTER LIFE .

THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU MR. CARRION.

WE HAVE TIME FOR EACH CANDIDATE TO EXPAND ON ANY ONE TOPIC OF CHOICE FOR 60 SECONDS.

BEFORE WE MOVED TO THE CLOSING STATEMENT.

LET´S START WITH KENNY GITTENS.

>> KENNETH KENNY GITTENS, NUMBER 20 ON THE BALLOT .

GOING BACK TO US EMPLOYING OUR LOCALS AND OUR EDUCATION SYSTEM.

I JUST WANTED TO BRING TO THE FOREFRONT OF INITIATIVE THAT I CHAMPIONED IN THE LEGISLATURE MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS, WHICH IS THE EMERGENCY MEDICAL TECHNICIAN POOL.

AND WHAT WE HAVE DONE WAS WE HAVE INTRODUCED OUR LEGISLATION THAT WILL NOW HAVE EMS COURSE WITHIN OUR HIGH SCHOOL SYSTEM.

THAT WILL ENSURE THAT OUR STUDENTS NOT ONLY , UPON GRADUATION , IN THE 12th GRADE RECEIVE A DIPLOMA, BUT ONCE SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF THE ENTIRE PROGRAM, THEY WILL ALSO BE ABLE TO GRADUATE WITH A NATIONAL EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICE TECHNICIAN CERTIFICATION.

AND WILL BE ABLE TO BE EMPLOYABLE.

ANYWHERE IN THE NATION.

>> JING YOU .

60 SECONDS.

>> LEONARDO CARRION SR.

NUMBER 17 ON YOUR BALLOT THIS COMING NOVEMBER.

AS A LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER FOR 29 YEARS, CRIME IS A KEY COMPONENT TO ANY HEALTHY SOCIETY.

I NEED TO SEE MORE OPTIONS FROM THE PART OF THE POLICE COMMISSIONER , THE JUDGES AND THE COURT SYSTEM, AND THE PROSECUTORS AND THE ATTORNEY GENERAL´S OFFICE.

WE NEED TO TAKE BACK OUR STREETS.

WE NEED TO DO EVERYTHING POSSIBLE TO ENSURE THAT THAT HAPPENS YESTERDAY.

NOT TOMORROW.

EVERYBODY NEEDS TO PUT THEIR HANDS TOGETHER TO ASSIST THE POLICE DEPARTMENT TO ENSURE WE TAKE BACK OUR STREETS SO THAT OUR PEOPLE CAN FEEL SAFER.

AND OUR VISITORS CAN THEN COME HERE TO INVEST IN OUR COMMUNITIES.

WE NEED TO ADDRESS THE ISSUE OF CRIME IMMEDIATELY .

ANYTHING THAT NEEDS TO HAPPEN TO INCLUDE ASKING FOR HELP FROM THE OUTSIDE IF IT IS NECESSARY.

I DO BELIEVE THAT WE HAVE THE RESOURCES HERE LOCALLY.

BUT I THINK THAT IS WHAT NEEDS TO HAPPEN.

THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU.

NOW THE CANDIDATES WILL HAVE 60 SECONDS EACH FOR CLOSING STATEMENT.

LET´S START WITH MR. CARREON.

>> LEONARDO CARRION SR.

NUMBER THIS COMING NOVEMBER.

I AM A SON OF THE SAW, I WAS BORN AND RAISED ON THE ISLAND.

I´VE SEEN THIS ISLAND GO FROM BAD TO WORSE.

I´VE SEEN THE DAYS WENT WITH A LOT LESS, A LOT MORE WAS SEEN.

WE NEED TO GO BACK TO THE DAYS WHERE PATROL OFFICERS WERE SEEN IN THE STREETS, THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY SAW THEM.

THE COMMUNITY WELCOMED THEM IN THE COMMUNITY.

WE NEED TO GO BACK TO THE DAYS WHERE OUR STREETS WERE BETTER THAN THEY ARE.

WE NEED TO GO BACK TO THE DAYS WHERE THE GARBAGE DOESN´T HAVE TO BE PROTESTED TO GET PAID.

WE NEED TO ENSURE THAT THE PEOPLE THAT WE LET IN THE PEOPLE THAT ARE PLEASED AND THE LEADERSHIP POSITION ARE HELD ACCOUNTABLE TO ASSURE THAT SERVICES FOR WHAT THEY ARE HIRED TO CONDUCT ARE GIVEN PRIORITY AND HAVE DONE TO THE BEST OF THEIR ABILITY SO THAT THEY CAN LIVE IN A BETTER VIRGIN ISLANDS.

THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU MR. MR. GOETZ, 60 SECONDS FOR YOUR CLOSING.

>> KENNETH KENNY GITTENS, NUMBER 20 ON THE BALLOT .

I HAVE EITHER SPONSORED OR SUPPORTED SPONSORSHIP FOR LEGISLATION THAT WILL HELP THE QUALITY OF LIFE FOR ALL VIRGIN ISLANDERS.

I ASK FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT SO THAT I CAN CONTINUE DOING THE WORK THAT I HAVE BEEN DOING.

I HAVE ALSO PUSHED FOR PREMIUM PAID TO ALL EMPLOYEES WHO HAVE WORKED THROUGH THIS PANDEMIC THAT COULD NOT PERFORM THEIR FUNCTIONS FROM HOME.

IT IS ONLY FEAR FOR ALL THOSE WHO WORKED DURING THE PANDEMIC TO RECEIVE THIS FUNDING, ESPECIALLY TO INCLUDE THOSE WHO MAKE OVER $70,000 A YEAR.

I HAVE ALSO CONTINUED TO PUSH ON THE ISSUE OF ACCOUNTABILITY AT THE WATER AND POWER AUTHORITY, WHICH I ASSURE YOU, THAT I WILL STAY ON UNTIL WE CAN GET A SPECIAL PROSECUTOR IN PLACE SO THAT WE CAN PUT OUR HANDS AND FINALIZING THIS WASTE FRAUD AND ABUSE THAT WE HAVE SEEN AT THE AUTHORITY.

FROM THIS NOVEMBER, I HUMBLY ASK FOR YOUR VOTE.

KENNETH KENNY GITTENS, NUMBER 20 ON THE BALLOT .

>> THANK YOU, CANDIDATES.

AND THANK YOU WTJX TV AND STAFF FOR TODAY´S PROGRAM.

THANK YOU FOR WATCHING AND FOR UNDERSTANDING MY CHOICE FOR A MASK TODAY.

THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS HOPES THIS PROGRAM HAS HELPED WITH YOUR UNDERSTANDING OF THE CANDIDATES .

AND IN SO DOING, WILL INFORM YOUR VOTE IN NOVEMBER.

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

EVERY VOTE DOES COUNT .

DURING ELECTIONS WE ALSO SEE AN INDIVIDUAL WHO BARELY MAKES THE CUT BECAUSE OF A FEW MORE PEOPLE VOTE.

ONE WHO BARELY LOSES AND WISHES , IF ONLY A FEW MORE PERSONS HAD VOTED.

SO LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD BY YOUR VOTE .

IT´S YOUR RIGHT.

TAKE IT.

I AM FRANCINE LANGE, FOR THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS FOR THE VIRGIN ISLANDS SAYING VOTE EARLY, VOTE IN NOVEMBER.

BUT VOTE.

THANK YOU.