♫♫ ♫♫ >>> 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 THAT THROUGH THIS PROGRAM YOU, THE VOTING PUBLIC, WILL HAVE A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF EACH CANDIDATE RUNNING FOR ELECTED 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.

THE CANDIDATES SEEKING OFFICE AS A SENATOR IN THE 36th LEGISLATURE AND AS DELEGATES FOR THE CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION.

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

AND THOUGH THE CANDIDATES FOR THESE POSITIONS WERE INVITED, NOT ALL RESPONDED OR ACCEPTED THE INVITATION.

WE ARE DELIGHTED TO HAVE HERE TODAY, HOWEVER, THE CANDIDATES RUNNING FOR THE POSITION OF SENATOR IN THE 36th LEGISLATURE.

I AM FRANCINE LANG, A MEMBER OF THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF THE U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS AND I WILL SERVE AS THE MODERATOR FOR TODAY´S PROGRAM.

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

NO CANDIDATE HAD ACCESS TO THE QUESTIONS IN ADVANCE.

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

ANSWERS ARE GENERALLY 60 OR 90 SECONDS.

ANY COMMENT DIRECTLY AT ANOTHER PARTICIPANT WILL BE FOLLOWED BY A REBUTTAL OF 50 SECONDS.

ALL ARE EXPECTED TO BE RESPECTFUL OF EVERYONE.

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

WE WILL LEARN MORE ABOUT EACH AS OUR DISCUSSION ENSUES.

>> I´M JELANI RITTER.

I´M AN INDEPENDENT CANDIDATE FOR THE 36th LEGISLATURE.

>> THANK YOU.

NUMBER TWO.

>> GOOD DAY.

MY NAME IS JULIAN VEIRA.

I´M AN INDEPENDENT CANDIDATE FOR THE 36th LEGISLATURE.

I´M NUMBER 16 ON YOUR BALLOT.

>> NUMBER THREE.

>> THANK YOU.

MY NAME IS DIANE PROSPER.

I´M AN INDEPENDENT CANDIDATE IN THE 36th LEGISLATURE.

MY NUMBER IS 22.

>> OUR FINAL CANDIDATE.

>> BLESSINGS.

MY NAME IS NORMAN JN BAPTISTE.

MY NUMBER ON THE BALLOT IS NUMBER 13.

I AM RUNNING AS A NO PARTY CANDIDATE.

>> THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

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

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

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

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

WE WILL START WITH MR. JELANI RITTER.

>> THANK YOU.

15 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE IN LABOR RELATIONS, COMPLIANCE AND MANAGEMENT.

I HAVE A BACHELORS DEGREE AND COMPETENCIES AND CERTIFICATIONS IN LABOR RELATIONS AS WELL AS COMPLIANCE.

I HAVE BEEN WORKING IN POLICIES, CREATION, AS WELL AS COMPLIANCE, MAKING SURE THE COMPANY WHICH EMPLOYED OVER 55,000 INDIVIDUALS IS COMPLIANT WITH STATE AND FEDERAL GUIDELINES AS IT RELATES TO COMPENSATION, BENEFITS, AS WELL AS PAYROLL.

>> AGAIN, HERE IS THE TWO-PART QUESTION FOR WHICH YOU WILL HAVE 90 SECONDS TO ANSWER.

AS A CANDIDATE FOR A SEAT IN THE 36th LEGISLATURES, WHAT ARE YOUR COMPETENCIES, EDUCATION OR TRAINING WHICH WOULD MAKE YOU A GOOD CHOICE?

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

WE WILL NOW GO TO MR. JULIAN VEIRA.

YOU HAVE 90 SECONDS.

>> GOOD DAY.

MY NAME IS JULIAN VEIRA.

COMPETENCIES.

I WAS BROUGHT UP IN A SINGLE -- SORRY, I WAS BROUGHT UP IN A VERY STABLE FAMILY HOME WITH FATHER AND MOTHER WAS PRESENT.

MY BACKGROUND, I WORKED AT ONE JOB ALL MY LIFE.

A FAMILY-OWNED BUSINESS.

I TRAINED IN THIS COMMUNITY MANY OF OUR YOUNG MEN WHO ARE INVOLVED WITH THE LAW THROUGH PUBLIC DEFENDER´S OFFICE.

I AM ACTIVE IN MANY LOCAL NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS.

I AM ACTIVE IN -- I´M SORRY.

I´M ACTIVE IN THE PTA OF THE LOCAL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL AND ALSO IN THE PTA OF THE ALFREDO SCHOOL.

I´M A PEOPLE PERSON.

I UNDERSTAND WHERE THE VIRGIN ISLANDS IS AT AND WHAT IT WILL TAKE TO MOVE THE VIRGIN ISLANDS FROM WHERE IT IS TO A BETTER LOCATION.

THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU.

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

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

WE WILL GO NEXT TO MISS DIANE PROSPER.

90 SECONDS.

>> THANK YOU FOR THAT QUESTION.

AGAIN, MY NAME IS DIANE PROSPER.

I´M 22 ON THE BALLOT.

I HAVE OVER TWO DECADES OF WORKING IN PUBLIC SERVICE HERE IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS.

I CURRENTLY HOLD A MASTERS IN PSYCHOLOGY WITH A CONCENTRATION IN COUNSELING.

I HOLD AN ASSOCIATE IN POLICE SCIENCE AND ADMINISTRATION.

FOR THE PAST 20 YEARS I WORKED WITH -- WE HAD TO MAKE SURE -- THIS IS THE BUREAU OF CORRECTIONS, MAKING SURE WE ARE IN COMPLIANCE WITH FEDERAL MANDATES.

THAT´S ONE.

I´M ALSO A LICENSED THERAPIST HERE IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS, MENTAL HEALTH THERAPIST.

MY RECENT ACCOMPLISHMENT, I WOULD SAY I´M A SMALL BUSINESSOWNER.

IT´S VERY DIFFICULT TO RUN A BUSINESS -- SMALL BUSINESS IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS.

MY EXPERIENCE OF DEALING WITH TAXES, I BELIEVE I´M VERY MUCH WELL EQUIPPED TO BE A SENATOR IN THE 36th LEGISLATURE.

THANK YOU.

AGAIN, DIANE PROSPER.

>> AS A CANDIDATE FOR THE SEAT IN THE 36th LEGISLATURE, WHAT ARE YOUR COMPETENCIES, EDUCATION OR TRAINING THAT WILL 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.

WE WILL HAVE MR. NORMAN JN BAPTISTE.

90 SECONDS.

>> THANK YOU FOR THE OPPORTUNITY.

I´M A RETIRED PUBLIC SCHOOL EDUCATOR.

I´M ALSO A FORMER SENATOR.

I´M A TALK SHOW HOST.

I BRING A THREE-POINT PERSPECTIVE TO THE JOB.

BEFORE SERVING, I NOW BEING ON THE OUTSIDE WATCHING WHAT´S GOING ON, I HAVE A FIRM UNDERSTANDING OF THE ISSUES, CONCERNS.

I´M PREPARED TO DEAL WITH THEM.

THERE ARE SEVERAL IMPRESSIVE EDUCATION I WAS THE AUTHOR OF.

I´M PREPARE AND READY TO SERVE.

>> THANK YOU.

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

2027 WILL MARK THE 100th ANNIVERSARY OF AMERICAN CITIZENSHIP FOR VIRGIN ISLANDERS AND 110 YEARS SINCE OUR PURCHASE FROM DENMARK.

THE QUESTION IS, WHAT IS YOUR VISION WITH RESPECT TO SELF-GOVERNANCE AND WHAT ROLE DO YOU INTEND TO PLAY, IF ANY?

PLEASE NOTE SELF-GOVERNANCE DOES NOT NECESSARILY IMPLY INDEPENDENCE.

YOU HAVE 60 SECONDS.

WE WILL START WITH MR. JULIAN VEIRA.

>> SELF-GOVERNANCE FOR USVI.

FIRST OF ALL, WE HAVE TO LOOK AT FOUNDATIONAL ISSUES WHEN IT COMES TO SELF-GOVERNANCE.

MY PLATFORM IS BASED ON SELF-GOVERNANCE.

WE WILL BEGIN WITH EDUCATION.

WE FIRST MUST UNDERSTAND THAT WE NEED TO READJUST EDUCATION SYSTEM THAT WE ARE CURRENTLY UNDER TO INCLUDE MORE EDUCATION ABOUT OURSELVES, TO INCLUDE EDUCATION OF OUR CHILDREN OF THE HOLISTICNESS OF GETTING ALONG WITH EACH TO CREATE A BETTER COMMUNITY FOR US TO LIVE IN.

SELF-GOVERNANCE ALSO INCLUDES SELF-SUFFICIENCY.

BEFORE WE CAN TALK ABOUT SELF-GOVERNANCE, WE SHOULD TALK ABOUT PROBLEM EDUCATION, PROPER FOOD PRODUCTION AND ALSO BETTER GOVERNMENT.

>> THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

2027 WILL MARK THE 100th ANNIVERSARY OF AMERICAN CITIZENSHIP FOR VIRGIN ISLANDERS AND 110 YEARS SINCE THE PURCHASE FROM DENMARK.

WHAT IS YOUR VISION WITH RESPECT TO SELF-GOVERNANCE OF THE USVI?

WHAT ROLE DO YOU INTEND TO PLAY?

REMEMBER, SELF-GOVERNANCE DOES NOT NECESSARILY IMPLY INDEPENDENCE.

MISS PROSPER.

>> YES, THANK YOU.

THIS IS A VERY IMPORTANT QUESTION.

I THANK YOU FOR IT.

WE ARE A PEOPLE WHERE WE NEED TO DECIDE HOW WE´RE GOING TO MOVE I WOULD SAY BEFORE WE LOOK AT SELF-GOVERNANCE, WE NEED TO LOOK AT OUR STATUS.

WHETHER WE WANT TO BE INDEPENDENT.

WE NEED TO LOOK AT WHICH ONE SERVES OUR PEOPLE.

WE NEED TO LOOK AT WHERE WE´RE GOING.

WE NEED TO LOOK AT THE ORGANIC -- ARE WE GOING TO WORK WITH IT?

IS IT A PLAN WE CAN START WORKING ON?

I THINK IT´S HIGH TIME THAT WE WRITE OUR OWN STORY, INCLUDING OUR CULTURE.

WE´RE SO DIFFERENT IN CERTAIN WAYS THAT WE NEED TO BE ABLE TO WRITE OUR OWN STORY AS TO HOW WE WANT TO BE VIEWED.

>> THANK YOU.

AGAIN, WHAT IS YOUR VISION WITH RESPECT TO SELF-GOVERNANCE FOR THE U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS?

WHAT ROLE DO YOU INTEND TO PLAY IF ANY?

SELF-GOVERNANCE DOES NOT NECESSARILY IMPLY INDEPENDENCE.

NOW TO MR. NORMAN JN BAPTISTE.

>> PEOPLE HAVE TO BE PUT INTO THE FRAMEWORK WHERE THEY WILL RUN THE GOVERNMENT SYSTEMS WITHOUT RELIANCE ON OUTSIDE FORCES.

THE PEOPLE MUST COME TOGETHER TO DETERMINE WHAT THEIR GOALS AND OBJECTIVES ARE.

FOR NOW, WE RELY ON A SET OF LAWS GIVEN TO US BY THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

THAT NEEDS TO BE CHANGED.

WE ARE ON THE TRACK RIGHT NOW IN TRYING TO HAVE A CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION WHERE WE CAN ACCOMPLISH THAT.

MY ROLE IS TO ENLIGHTEN PEOPLE AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE.

OF COURSE, ONCE I´M IN OFFICE TO SERVE, I WILL GIVE IT MY FULL ENERGY TO MAKE SURE WE CAN ACCOMPLISH THAT GOAL.

>> THANK YOU.

WHAT IS YOUR VISION WITH RESPECT TO SELF-GOVERNANCE FOR THE U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS?

WHAT ROLE DO YOU INTEND TO PLAY IF ANY?

NOTE THAT SELF-GOVERNANCE DOES NOT NECESSARILY IMPLY INDEPENDENCE.

MR. JELANI RITTER.

>> POLICIES CHANGE.

WE HAVE BEEN USING THE SAME TO GOVERN OURSELVES.

WE WILL ADDRESS ISSUES WE ARE FACING IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS.

MY PART AS FAR AS ADING TO THE CONVERSATION, WE NEED TO IDENTIFY, LIKE MY BROTHER TO THE LEFT MENTIONED, AGRICULTURE IS ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT COMPONENTS.

HOW WE FEED AND SUSTAIN OURSELVES.

BEFORE WE CAN THINK ABOUT INDEPENDENCE OR ANYTHING ELSE, WE NEED TO COME TOGETHER AND FORM HOW WE WILL FURTHER DEVELOP OUR OWN ISLAND NATION BEFORE WE THINK ABOUT ANYTHING ELSE.

>> LET´S LOOK AT THE LEGISLATURE AND TALK ABOUT ITS SIZE.

OUR CENSUS FIGURES HAVE SHOWN A SIGNIFICANT DECREASE IN POPULATION.

NOTE, THERE WERE 15 SENATORS WHEN WE HAD A POPULATION OF OVER 100,000 SEVERAL YEARS AGO.

WE STILL HAVE 15 SENATORS WITH A POPULATION NOW OF JUST OVER 85,000.

A SIGNIFICANT DROP IN POPULATION.

THIS MEANS THAT THE COST OF THE LEGISLATURE AND THE COST OF EACH OF THE 15 SENATORS IS A HIGHER BILL NOW FOR CITIZENS.

GIVEN THIS, SHOULDN´T THE SIZE OF THE LEGISLATURE BE APPORTIONED EVERY TEN YEARS BASED ON CENSUS DATA?

WHY OR WHY NOT?

WE WILL START WITH MISS DIANE PROSPER.

YOU HAVE 60 SECONDS.

>> THANK YOU FOR THAT QUESTION.

DIANE PROSPER, NUMBER 22 ON THE BALLOT.

THIS TALK HAS BEEN FOREVER IN OUR COMMUNITY THAT WE HAVE TOO MANY SENATORS.

ONE OF THE THINGS THAT I HEARD -- LOOK AT REAPPORTIONMENT.

LOOK HOW WE CAN CUT DOWN THE AMOUNT OF SENATORS AND ACTUALLY LOOK AT A WAY WHERE WE CAN DO DISTRICTING.

THAT WILL TAKE SOME TIME.

IT WILL TAKE -- WE AS THE LEGISLATURE, WE ARE SUPPOSED TO BE -- GOVERNMENT IS FOR THE PEOPLE BY THE PEOPLE.

IT´S GOOD TO HAVE TOWN HALL MEETINGS.

WE NEED TO COME TOGETHER, HAVE A CONSENSUS TO FIND OUT IDEAS AS TO THIS IS HOW WE WANT TO GO.

THAT´S JUST ONE OF THE THINGS THAT WE TALK ABOUT.

THERE ARE PROS AND CONS TO IT.

I BELIEVE THAT IT WOULDN´T HURT TO TRY TO SEE HOW WE CAN DO IT.

>> THANK YOU.

MR. JN BAPTISTE, GIVEN THE FACT THAT OUR POPULATION HAS GONE DOWN AND IT MEANS THE COST OF THE LEGISLATURE FOR 15 SENATORS IS HIGHER NOW FOR OUR CITIZENS, SHOULDN´T THE SIZE OF THE LEGISLATURE BE APPORTIONED EVERY TEN YEARS BASED ON CENSUS DATA?

WHY OR WHY NOT?

>> WE NEED TO COMPARATIVELY WHAT´S BEEN DONE.

YOU WILL FIND OUT THAT MORE JURISDICTION IS NOT REDUCED THE SIZE OF GOVERNMENT WITHOUT SOUND EVIDENCE AND INVESTIGATION THAT LEADS TO THAT.

WE SHOULD BE CONCERNED IN TERMS OF WHY OUR POPULATION DECREASES.

WHAT STEPS WE CAN TAKE TO REPATRIATE AND BRING FAMILIES BACK HOME TO STAY HOME RATHER THAN TRYING TO DOWNSIZE THE LEGISLATURE.

IF WE CAN UPSIZE OUR POPULATION, IF WE CAN STABILIZE OUR ECONOMY AND IMPROVE THE QUALITY LIFE OF PEOPLE HERE IN THE TERRITORY AND EXPAND OUR ECONOMY, THEN WE CAN ACCOMMODATE ALL PARTIES CONCERNS.

THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU SO MUCH.

AGAIN, GIVEN ALL THE INFORMATION I MENTIONED BEFORE, SHOULDN´T THE SIZE OF THE LEGISLATURE BE APPORTIONED EVERY TEN YEARS BASED ON CENSUS DATA?

WHY OR WHY NOT?

WE WILL GO TO MR. JELANI RITTER.

>> THANK YOU FOR THE QUESTION.

JELANI RITTER, 21 ON THE BALLOT.

POLITICS HAS A PLACE AND IT´S WITH THE PEOPLE.

I DON´T THINK IT´S IN MY POSITION TO DETERMINE WHETHER THE LEGISLATURE SHOULD BE REDUCED BASED ON CENSUS SIZE.

THAT´S A CONVERSATION WE SHOULD TAKE TO THE PEOPLE AND ALLOW THE PEOPLE TO BRING THAT TO VOTE.

I BELIEVE WE DON´T NEED 15 SENATORS TO BE EFFECTIVE.

HOWEVER, THAT SHOULD BE PLACED ON THE PEOPLE.

>> THANK YOU.

MR. VEIRA, SHOULD THE LEGISLATURE BE APPORTIONED?

WHY OR WHY NOT?

>> THERE AGAIN, I´M JULIAN VEIRA.

I THINK IT SHOULD BE REAPPORTIONED.

NOT NECESSARILY TO DOWNSIZE BUT TO BE REAPPORTIONED SO WE CAN HAVE DISTRICTING WHICH WOULD BE BETTER GOVERNMENT.

WE CAN HAVE INDIVIDUALS RESPONSIBLE FOR PARTICULAR AREAS ON ST. CROIX AND ST. THOMAS.

>> THANK YOU.

LET´S TALK ABOUT ACCOUNTABILITY FOR SENATORS.

CONCERNS HAVE BEEN RAISED ABOUT LACK OF ACCOUNTABILITY WITH RESPECT TO SENATORS.

IT HAS BEEN SUGGESTED THAT NUMBERED SEATS MIGHT ALLOW FOR BETTER ACCOUNTABILITY.

WHAT ARE YOUR RESPONSES IN THIS AREA?

WE WILL START WITH MR. JN BAPTISTE.

>> I BELIEVE IT´S HIGH TIME FOR US TO REAPPORTION THE LEGISLATURE SO THAT WE HAVE DISTRICT REPRESENTATIVES.

IN OTHER WORDS, LET´S GIVE THE 15 SENATORS WE HAVE -- HAVE THEM ON THE DISTRICT LEVEL SO THAT A SENATOR IS RESPONSIBLE FOR HIS CONSTITUENTS IN THAT DISTRICT WHERE HE LIVES OR ISSUES CONCERNING THE PEOPLE AND HE CAN ADDRESS THOSE CONCERNS.

ONCE WE DO THAT, I THINK WE WILL HAVE AN EFFECTIVE LEGISLATURE.

>> THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

WE WILL GO TO MR. JELANI RITTER.

LACK OF ACCOUNTABILITY, WHAT WILL YOUR RESPONSES?

I WOULD LIKE TO CAUTION THE CANDIDATES, YOU WILL HAVE TIME AT THE END TO GIVE YOUR BALLOT NUMBER AND EVERYTHING LIKE THAT.

SINCE YOU HAVE A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME TO ANSWER THE QUESTIONS, JUST LEAVE THAT FOR THE END.

THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

MR. RITTER, 60 SECONDS.

>> ACCOUNTABILITY IN THE LEGISLATURE HAS BEEN A HUGE CONVERSATION LATELY.

I DO BELIEVE THAT WITH AN ISLAND THAT´S 84 SQUARE MILES, REAPPORTIONMENT MAY NOT BE THE WAY WE WANT TO GO.

IT CREATES SEPARATION AMONG CITIZENS.

I BELIEVE OVERSIGHT AND ACCOUNTABILITY IS ONE OF THE ROLES OF THE LEGISLATURE.

CONSTITUENTS SHOULD HOLD OUR SENATORS ACCOUNTABLE FOR WHAT WE HOPE THEY WOULD DO.

I DON´T BELIEVE REAPPORTION IN TERMS OF DISTRICTING.

I DO BELIEVE THAT WE SHOULD HOLD THEM ACCOUNTABLE FOR THE JOB THAT WE HIRED THEM TO DO.

>> THANK YOU.

AND MR. VEIRA NEXT.

CONCERNS HAVE BEEN RAISED ABOUT LACK OF ACCOUNT WITH RESPECT TO SENATORS.

NUMBERED SEATS MIGHT ALLOW FOR BETTER ACCOUNTABILITY.

WHAT ARE YOUR RESPONSES?

>> WE KNOW HAVING SEVEN OR EIGHT REPRESENTATIVES FOR ONE DISTRICT IS UNCONSTITUTIONAL AS FAR AS THE UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION IS CONCERNED.

MY PROPOSAL IS TO REAPPORTION THE DISTRICT OF ST. CROIX INTO FOUR DISTRICTS, ST. THOMAS INTO FOUR AND ST. JOHN INTO ONE.

THE OTHER NINE -- THE OTHER SIX REMAINING SENATORS WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR TERRITORIAL-WIDE ISSUES.

THIS IS A SERIOUS PART OF MY PLATFORM.

I RECOGNIZE THAT ACCOUNTABILITY HAS BEEN A SERIOUS PROBLEM IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS FOR QUITE A LONG TIME.

THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU.

MISS PROSPER?

60 SECONDS.

CONCERNS HAVE BEEN RAISED ABOUT LACK OF ACCOUNTABILITY WITH RESPECT TO SENATORS.

IT´S BEENSUGGESTED NUMBERED SEATS MIGHT ALLOW FOR BETTER ACCOUNTABILITY?

WHAT ARE YOUR RESPONSES?

>> THANK YOU FOR THE QUESTION.

ACCOUNTABILITY IS ACCOUNTABILITY.

IT DOESN´T MATTER IF YOU HAVE FIVE SENATORS, NINE.

IT DOESN´T MATTER.

WE NEED TO TAKE IT VERY SERIOUS.

WE ARE SUPPOSED TO BE THE ROLE MODEL.

WE ARE SUPPOSED TO SET THE EXAMPLE.

PEOPLE ARE LOOKING.

SO WE HAVE TO SHOW THAT WE HAVE TO BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE NO MATTER WHERE YOU AT.

IT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH SEATS.

HOLD PEOPLE´S FEET TO THE FIRE AND DO WHAT´S RIGHT.

THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU.

ON ANOTHER TOPIC, WE OF THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS ARE SHOCKED AND DISMAYED TO HEAR TOO MANY CITIZENS SAY THEY ARE NOT VOTING THIS YEAR BECAUSE THEY SEE LITTLE HAPPENING TO ALLEVIATE THEIR SUFFERING WITH HIGH FOOD PRICES, INSECURE ENERGY RESOURCES, LACK OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING AND CRIME YEAR AFTER YEAR OF VOTING.

WHAT CAN YOU TELL THESE CITIZENS ABOUT REASONS FOR VOTING IN NOVEMBER?

YOU WILL HAVE 60 SECONDS.

WE WILL START WITH MR. RITTER.

>> THANK YOU FOR THAT QUESTION.

I WOULD SAY TO CITIZENS CONTEMPLATING VOTING IN NOVEMBER IS THAT YOUR VOTE IS YOUR VOICE.

IT´S YOUR CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHT.

WE ARE IN A POSITION AND A PLACE IN SOCIETY WHERE THOSE, OUR FOREFATHERS, FOUGHT FOR YOU TO HAVE THAT VOICE.

WE HAVE INDIVIDUALS THAT COME HERE FROM THE EASTERN CARIBBEAN AND OTHER PLACES IN THE WORLD SEEKING AN OPPORTUNITY FOR THE BETTER AND DEVELOP THEMSELVES.

WE PROVIDE THEM THOSE OPPORTUNITIES.

THAT RIGHT TO VOTE IS ALSO PASSED ON TO THEM.

I WOULD ENCOURAGE EACH AND EVERY INDIVIDUAL WHO IS CONTEMPLATING WHETHER THEY SHOULD OR SHOULD NOT, TO EXERCISE YOUR RIGHT TO VOTE AND THINK ABOUT THE INDIVIDUALS THAT CAME BEFORE YOU, SOME LOST THEIR LIVES TO HAVE THAT OPPORTUNITY.

I ENCOURAGE YOU TO USE YOUR VOICE.

>> THANK YOU.

WE WILL GO TO MR. VEIRA.

ALL THESE THINGS HAPPENING, HIGH FOOD PRICES, INSECURE ENERGY RESOURCES, LACK OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING AND CRIME YEAR AFTER YEAR, PEOPLE ARE VOTING, THEY DON´T SEE ANY CHANGE.

WHAT CAN YOU TELL CITIZENS ABOUT THE REASONS FOR VOTING IN NOVEMBER?

YOU HAVE 60 SECONDS.

>> MY MESSAGE TO THE CITIZENS AS FAR AS NOT VOTING IS CONCERNED, NOT VOTING WOULD CREATE A GREATER PROBLEM.

WE MUST UNDERSTAND THAT THROUGH TIME THE GOVERNMENT THAT WE HAVE HAD HAS CREATED ISSUES THAT WE ARE FACING HERE TODAY IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS.

NOT VOTING WOULD ENABLE THE INDIVIDUALS WHO HAVE CREATED THIS PROBLEM OVER TIME, SITTING IN THE LEGISLATURE, TO CONTINUE IN THE SAME PATH.

FOR VOTERS SAY THEY ARE NOT GOING TO VOTE THIS TIME OR THOSE WHO HAVE NEVER VOTED, NOW IS YOUR CHANCE.

NOW IS YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE, TO PUT DIFFERENT VOICES IN THE SENATE SO THAT WE CAN SEE CHANGE.

THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU.

MISS PROSPER, AGAIN, ALL OF THE INSECURE ENERGY, LACK OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING, CRIME.

WHAT CAN YOU TELL THESE CITIZENS ABOUT REASONS FOR VOTING IN NOVEMBER?

YOU HAVE 60 SECONDS.

>> THANK YOU FOR THE QUESTION.

I WOULD IMPLORE ON MY NEIGHBORS, MY FAMILY, MY CITIZENS, MY COUNTRYMEN, RIGHT HERE, I KNOW IT´S DIFFICULT.

SOME DAYS I GO TO THE GROCERIES, I FEEL THE SAME PAIN THAT YOU ARE.

FOR ME TO DECIDE I´M NOT GOING TO VOTE, IT DOESN´T HELP THE PROBLEM.

MATTER OF FACT, I THINK WHEN YOU DECIDED YOU DON´T WANT TO VOTE, IT´S FAIR TO LET YOU KNOW, THE PROBLEM DOESN´T GO AWAY.

I KNOW RIGHT NOW WE´RE IN A SITUATION WHERE IT LOOKS LIKE THERE´S NO HOPE.

BUT I´M ASKING, PLEASE, GO AND EXERCISE YOUR RIGHT.

THINGS WILL CHANGE.

IT WILL.

WE ALL HAVE TO DO IT TOGETHER.

TOGETHER WE CAN PROSPER.

WHAT WE NEED FOR YOU TO GO OUT THERE AND EXERCISE YOUR RIGHT.

YOU DON´T HAVE TO, BUT IT´S REALLY YOUR RIGHT.

I WOULD HOPE THAT YOU WOULD RECONSIDER THAT THERE IS HOPE.

THERE IS HOPE.

THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU.

MR. JN BAPTISTE, WHAT CAN YOU TELL THESE CITIZENS ABOUT REASONS FOR VOTING IN NOVEMBER?

YOU HAVE 60 SECONDS.

>> THERE´S A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN KNOWLEDGE AND EDUCATION.

ALL OF THE PROBLEMS THAT WE ARE DEALING WITH HAVE A CONNECTION TO LACK OF EDUCATION, MISEDUCATION OR UNDER EDUCATION OF ALL PEOPLE.

I PERSONALLY WANT TO BEGIN THE TRANSFORMATION OF OUR EDUCATION SYSTEM SO THAT EVERY TEACHER CAN TEACH AND EVERY STUDENT WILL LEARN.

IT BECOMES AN IMPORTANT PART OF OUR CURRICULUM.

GO OUT AND VOTE.

VOTE FOR ME.

GET ME ELECTED SO I CAN BEGIN TO PUSH TOWARDS THE TRANSFORMATION OF OUR EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM.

THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

WE HAVE SO MANY IMPORTANT QUESTIONS FOR YOU.

A 60-MINUTE PROGRAM DOESN´T ALLOW US TO DISCUSS THEM ALL.

LET´S SEE HOW FAR WE CAN GO.

LET´S LOOK AT SOME OF THE MAJOR CONCERNS.

THERE ARE FOUR AREAS OF MAJOR CONCERN TO THE PUBLIC AS INDICATED BY A SURVEY.

EDUCATION, CRIME, HEALTH AND WAPA.

WITH LIMITED TIME, EACH CANDIDATE GETS TO SELECT ONE OF THESE TOPICS OF PARTICULAR INTEREST TO ADDRESS FOR 60 SECONDS BUT MAY ADDRESS OTHER ITEMS LATER IN THE PROGRAM AS TIME PERMITS.

EVERYONE WILL ADDRESS A DIFFERENT QUESTION ON THE ISSUE OF WAPA.

YOU EACH GET 60 SECONDS.

AT THE END, IF ANYONE WOULD LIKE TO ADD OR REBUT ANYTHING, THEY WILL GET 50 SECONDS.

WE WILL START WITH MR. RITTER.

WITH RESPECT TO WAPA AS ONE OF THE TOP FOUR CONCERNS CITED BY VOTERS, WHAT DO YOU SEE AS THE MAJOR CHALLENGES FOR WAPA?

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

YOU HAVE 60 SECONDS.

>> THANK YOU FOR THAT QUESTION.

THE ISSUE WITH WAPA TO ME IS MULTI-LAYERED.

OPERATIONAL, MANAGERIAL AS WELL AS FISCAL.

I THINK THAT THE FIRST THING THAT WE NEED TO DO IS -- IT NEEDS TO BE AUDITED.

FROM A FINANCIAL PERSPECTIVE.

THE GOVERNMENT HAS BAILED OUT THE AUTHORITY ON MANY DIFFERENT OCCASIONS WITHOUT THE PEOPLE KNOWING EXACTLY WHERE OUR FUNDING WENT.

I BELIEVE THAT THE ISSUE AT WAPA IS MULTI-LAYERED.

ANOTHER IS FROM ENGINEERING AND INFRASTRUCTURE.

IF WE CAN GET AWAY FROM FOSSIL FUEL AND FOCUS ON RENEWABLE ENERGY, SOLAR ENERGY AND STUFF LIKE THAT, WE WOULD ADVANCE THE AUTHORITY AND MAKE IT A MORE MODERN FACILITY.

THOSE WOULD BE MY CONCERNS.

IT NEEDS TO BE AUDITED.

OVERSIGHT AND ACCOUNTABILITY NEEDS TO BE APPLIED.

>> THANK YOU.

MR. VEIRA, WOULD YOU LIKE TO ADD ANYTHING OR REBUT?

YOU HAVE 50 SECONDS.

>> IN THIS YEAR 2024, I DON´T THINK THAT WE NEED TO RELY SOLELY ON BUYING A COMMODITY DAILY TO SUPPLY POWER IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS.

WE CAN RELY ON SOLAR BUT NOT SOLELY.

WE NEED TO INVESTIGATE WIND POWER, OCEAN POWER, SOLAR POWER.

MAKE THESE RENEWABLE ENERGIES THE MAJOR PART OF HOW WE PRODUCE POWER HERE IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS.

PROBABLY A BACKUP OF SOME KIND OF FUEL TO ENHANCE THESE OTHER RENEWABLE ENERGY.

THAT WOULD BE MY POSITION AS FAR AS WAPA IS CONCERNED MOVING FORWARD.

>> MISS PROSPER, WOULD YOU LIKE TO REBUT OR ADD ANYTHING?

50 SECONDS.

>> OKAY.

THANK YOU.

THE ONLY ADDITION I WOULD ADD, BECAUSE EVERYONE IS GOING TO TALK ABOUT SOLAR, WIND.

THESE ARE CONVERSATIONS THAT EVERYONE IS TALKING ABOUT.

WHAT I THINK WE NEED TO LOOK AT IS THE AVERAGE HOUSEHOLD CANNOT AFFORD SOLAR.

WE NEED TO BE ABLE TO EITHER FIND GRANTS THROUGH THE ENERGY OFFICE -- MAKE IT A WAY PEOPLE CAN APPLY AND GET THE HELP THEY NEED, BECAUSE THE AVERAGE PERSON CANNOT AFFORD SOLAR.

IT´S GOOD TO TALK ABOUT IT.

WHEN WE TALK ABOUT REALITY, WE ARE LIVING IN POVERTY HERE.

THE LAST THING PEOPLE CAN AFFORD RIGHT NOW, ALTHOUGH THEY NEED IT TO GET AWAY FROM WAPA, IS A DOUBLE-EDGED SWORD.

WE NEED TO BE ABLE TO OFFER THEM PROGRAMS THAT THEY CAN APPLY THAT THE GOVERNMENT CAN PAY FOR CAN ALLEVIATE THEM FROM PAYING THE WAPA BILL.

>> MR. JN BAPTISTE, IS THERE ANYTHING YOU WOULD LIKE TO ADD OR REBUT?

>> I JUST WANT TO SIMPLY ADD THAT AS WE GO FORWARD IN DEALING WITH WAPA, WE NEED TO THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX.

SPACE IS LIMITED IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS.

WE ARE USING A LOT OF LAND TO PUT SOLAR PANELS.

THERE ARE PLACES -- IT PROVES IT WORKS.

YOU HAVE SOLAR PANELS AND UTILITY COMPANY CAN TAP INTO SOLAR POWER.

BEGIN TO SEE HOW IT´S FEASIBLE WE CAN PUT SOLAR ROOFING SYSTEMS OVER PORTIONS OF OUR HIGHWAY AS OPPOSED TO PRIME AGRICULTUAL LAND.

LIMITED LAND SPACE FOR SOLAR MR. VEIRA, YOU WILL START WITH THIS QUESTION.

THERE ARE MANY OTHER WAYS TO PROVIDE ELECTRICITY FOR THE PUBLIC BESIDES THE GOVERNMENT.

SOME PEOPLE HAVE CONTINUED TO SUGGEST, FOR EXAMPLE, THAT WAPA BE PRIVATIZED.

WHAT IS YOUR POSITION ON PRIVATIZATION OF WAPA?

IF NOT, WHAT ELSE?

YOU HAVE 60 SECONDS.

>> I PERSONALLY DO NOT BELIEVE THAT POWER SYSTEM SHOULD BE PRIVATIZED.

WHAT I THINK IS THAT WE NEED TO LOOK INTO RENEWABLE ENERGY, AS I STATED BEFORE.

BUYING A COMMODITY DAILY TO PRODUCE POWER WOULD NOT EVER REDUCE OUR ELECTRICITY BILL.

OCEAN CURRENT, WHICH IS MODERN TECHNOLOGY, OF COURSE, SOLAR IS AVAILABLE AND ALSO WIND ENERGY.

WE HERE ON ST. CROIX, IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS, WE ARE A FORMER COLONY OF THE MAIN WIND-GENERATED PRODUCTION COUNTRY, DENMARK.

WE NEED -- I WOULD SUGGEST WE NEED TO TAP INTO SOME REPARATION AS FAR AS FROM DENMARK.

>> THANK YOU.

MISS PROSPER, WOULD YOU LIKE TO ADD ANYTHING OR REBUT THAT?

YOU HAVE 50 SECONDS.

>> THANK YOU.

I JUST -- I WOULD STAY ON THE SAME -- LIKE I SAID BEFORE, MAKE IT AFFORDABLE FOR PEOPLE.

MAYBE WE CAN LOOK AT DISTRICTING SOLAR PANELS.

IF YOU LIVE HERE, WE HAVE SOLAR PANELS -- FIND WAYS THAT PEOPLE -- THE BURDEN IS NOT ON THE PEOPLE TO AFFORD THIS WHEN THEY ARE BARELY MAKING IT AS IT IS.

IT´S A CONVERSATION THAT´S OUT THERE.

WE NEED TO CONTINUE TO HAVE.

WE NEED TO HAVE OUR PEOPLE WHO IS FEELING IT COME IN A ROOM AND TALK ABOUT IT AND GIVE THEIR IDEAS.

GOVERNMENT IS FOR THE PEOPLE BY THE PEOPLE.

I ALWAYS SAY BEFORE YOU MAKE A DECISION THAT´S MONUMENTAL, GET PEOPLE´S INPUT.

IT´S VERY IMPORTANT.

>> THANK YOU.

MR. JN BAPTISTE, WOULD YOU LIKE TO ADD ANYTHING OR REBUT?

YOU HAVE 50 SECONDS.

>> THANK YOU FOR THE OPPORTUNITY.

I WOULD LIKE TO ADD THAT I DON´T SUPPORT PRIVATIZATION OF WAPA RIGHT NOW.

I THINK WE HAVE REPORTS THAT TELL US WHAT THE PROBLEMS ARE WITH WAPA.

A LOT HAS TO DO WITH MANAGEMENT.

IF WE REALLY LOOK TO HAVE INDEPENDENT FINANCIAL AUDITS OF WAPA AND TAKE THE RESULTS AND PUT ACTION STEPS TO REMEDIATE, I THINK WE CAN GET WAPA UNDER CONTROL.

I DO NOT SUPPORT THE PRIVATIZATION OF WAPA BUT HAVING IT -- MANAGED IN A SUCCESSFUL, EFFICIENT MANNER.

>> THANK YOU.

MR. RITTER, DO YOU HAVE ANYTHING YOU WOULD LIKE TO ADD OR REBUT?

YOU HAVE 50 SECONDS.

>> JUST QUICKLY, I WOULD LIKE TO ADD THAT I AGREE THAT I DO NOT -- I WOULD NOT AGREE TO THE PRIVATIZATION OF WAPA, NOT WHATSOEVER.

I AGREE WITH MY BROTHER HERE THAT REPARATIONS FROM DENMARK WOULD BE AN AVENUE I WOULD BE INTERESTED IN LOOKING AT.

NOT PRIVATIZATION.

>> EVERYONE GETS TO CHOOSE AMONG THE OTHER TOPICS OF CRIME, EDUCATION, OR HEALTH.

WE WILL START WITH MR. RITTER.

CHOOSE A TOPIC, CRIME, EDUCATION, OR HEALTH.

WHICH WOULD YOU PREFER?

>> EDUCATION.

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

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

YOU HAVE 90 SECONDS.

>> I DEFINITELY BELIEVE ONE OF THE MAIN ISSUES THAT WE ARE FACING AS A TERRITORY IS INFRASTRUCTURE.

BUILDING SCHOOLS AFTER THE HURRICANES.

IN BUILDING THE SCHOOLS, DEPARTMENT MET CHALLENGES WITH FINDING INDIVIDUALS ABLE TO DO THE WORK.

WE DON´T HAVE THE WORKFORCE NEEDED TO BUILD SCHOOLS IN THE TIME FRAME IN THE CAPACITY IT´S NEEDED.

I THINK THAT´S AN AREA AS A SENATOR, WHERE I CAN OFFER EXPERTISE IN RECRUITING SOME OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDERS WHO ARE LIVING HERE THAT HAVE THE ENGINEERING EXPERIENCE AND BACKGROUND TO LEND A HAND.

I BELIEVE PROGRAMS SUCH AS THE YOUTH COMMISSION AS WELL AS THE VIRGIN ISLANDS COUNCIL NEEDS TO BE BROUGHT BACK.

GIVE YOUTH A VOICE.

OUR YOUTH IS MISSING A VOICE IN THE PROCESS.

THEY ARE A KEY COMPONENT AND STAKEHOLDERS.

WE NEED TO GIVE THEM THEIR VOICES BACK.

THAT´S ONE THING I WOULD DO.

FIRST IS TO ADOPT A SCHOOL AND BRING BACK THE YOUTH COMMISSION THE YOUTH A VOICE.

>> THANK YOU.

MR. VEIRA, WHAT WOULD YOU -- WOULD YOU LIKE CRIME, EDUCATION, OR HEALTH?

>> EDUCATION.

>> OKAY.

AGAIN, SAME QUESTION.

WHAT DO YOU SEE AS THE PRIMARY CHALLENGES FACING EDUCATION TODAY, AND WHAT WOULD YOUR STRATEGY BE FOR ADDRESSING THEM AS A SENATOR IN THE 36th LEGISLATURE?

YOU HAVE 90 SECONDS.

>> GOOD DAY AGAIN.

EDUCATION, WHICH IS MOST IMPORTANT COMPONENT IN ANY SOCIETY.

WHAT I SEE IS THAT OUR EDUCATION SYSTEM HAS FAILED THE VIRGIN ISLANDS DRASTICALLY.

WHAT I WOULD PROPOSE BEING A SENATOR IN THE 36th LEGISLATURE IS TO ADOPT AN EDUCATION CURRICULUM THAT WOULD BE TAILORED TO THE PEOPLE OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS.

THERE ARE PEOPLE IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS WHO HAVE BEEN SUGGESTED TO SLAVERY, COLONIALISM.

WE NEED AN EDUCATION FOR UNDERSTANDING WHO THEY USED TO BE, WHO THEY ARE TODAY AND WHO THEY NEED TO BE IN THE FUTURE.

EDUCATION SHOULD BE THE DRIVING FORCE BETWEEN BUILDING A PROPER COMMUNITY.

THE EDUCATION SYSTEM HAS FAILED US FOR DECADES.

THE REASON WHY WE ARE IN THE POSITION WE ARE TODAY.

I SEE WE CAN TEACH OUR CHILDREN HOW TO BE RESPONSIBLE TO GOVERNMENT.

I SEE THROUGH THE EDUCATION SYSTEM WE CAN TEACH OUR CHILDREN TO BE RESPONSIBLE TO EACH OTHER AND THEIR RESPONSIBILITY TO THE COMMUNITY ITSELF.

EDUCATION I SEE TO MEET MAJOR AND KEY COMPONENT IN MOVING THE VIRGIN ISLANDS FORWARD.

>> MISS PROSPER, WOULD YOU PREFER, CRIME, EDUCATION, OR HEALTH?

>> IT´S FUNNY, BECAUSE THEY ARE ALL INTER -- CRIME.

>> WITH RESPECT TO CRIME, CITED BY VOTERS AS ONE OF THE TOP CONCERNS, WHAT DO YOU SEE AS THE CHALLENGES TO OUR COMMUNITY AND WHAT WOULD BE YOUR STRATEGIES FOR ADDRESSING THEM AS A SENATOR IN THE 36th LEGISLATURE?

YOU HAVE 90 SECONDS.

>> OKAY.

THANK YOU FOR THE QUESTION.

CRIME IS A PROBLEM HERE IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS.

IT´S MULTI-FOLD.

WE CAN TALK ABOUT HOW WE NEED TO TALK TO OUR CHILDREN FROM GOING INTO EDUCATION.

YOU CAN PROVIDE THEM SUPPORT THEY NEED.

WE ARE TALKING ABOUT THINGS THAT WE NEED TO DO AS FAR AS HELP CHILDREN KNOW HOW TO BEHAVE.

THE THINGS WE NEED TO DO TO SUPPORT THE POLICE DEPARTMENT.

MAKE SURE THEY HAVE THEIR TOOLS THEY NEED.

LOOK INTO PUTTING COMMUNITY POLICING.

HAVE THAT POLICE OFFICER NOW BE A FRIEND IN THE COMMUNITY.

LET THEM BE VISIBLE.

YOU DON´T SEE POLICE ANYMORE.

IT COULD BE THE KIND OF CRIME THAT THEY HAVE TO DEAL WITH THAT THE CRIMINALS HAVE OUT THERE IS MORE THAN WHAT THEY HAVE.

THEN EQUIP THEM.

GIVE THEM WHAT THEY NEED TO COME OUT HERE.

YOU REALLY CAN´T POLICE, YOU CANNOT POLICE YOUR COMMUNITY AND KEEP IT SAFE AND YOU ARE AWAY FROM IT.

THAT WOULD BE ONE OF THE THINGS WE NEED TO DO.

PRETTY MUCH, IT STARTS WHERE WE START TO -- START WHERE YOU AT IN YOUR COMMUNITY.

IF YOU SEE SOMETHING THAT DOESN´T LOOK RIGHT, YOU NEED TO SAY SOMETHING.

IN MY POSITION AS A SENATOR, I DEFINITELY WILL BE PUSHING FOR MEASURES SO WE CAN HAVE GRANTS FOR THE KIDS, HAVE THINGS FOR THEM TO DO IN THE COMMUNITY.

>> THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

MR. JN BAPTISTE, WOULD YOU LIKE CRIME, EDUCATION, OR HEALTH?

>> THANK YOU.

I CHOOSE EDUCATION.

>> OKAY.

>> I CHOOSE EDUCATION AND I GIVE IT A KICK, WHICH IS THAT WE HAD STUDENT PROTESTS LAST YEAR.

WE HAD PROTESTS THIS YEAR.

WE HAD A CHILD WHO WAS CUT.

I CHOOSE EDUCATION BECAUSE STATISTICS REVEAL 40% OF OUR CHILDREN LIVE BELOW THE POVERTY LEVEL.

SEVENTH GRADERS ARE NOT PROFICIENT IN MATH.

NOT PROFICIENT IN ENGLISH LANGUAGE.

75% OF OUR HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES ARE REQUIRED TO TAKE COURSES.

IT HAS TO DO WITH POOR RESOURCE ALLOCATION.

I BELIEVE AS A SENATOR, I KNOW THE IMPORTANCE OF OPTIMIZATION.

I CAN GO AND HELP THE SITUATION WITH OUR SCHOOLS.

THAT´S MY POSITION ON EDUCATION.

THAT´S THE REASON WHY I AM SEEKING A SEEK IN THE LEGISLATURE, TO REMEDIATE THE SITUATION.

>> THANK YOU.

THIS QUESTION WILL BE FOR -- YOU ALL GET THE SAME QUESTION.

IN ADDITION TO THE FOUR MAJOR CONCERNS WE HAVE DISCUSSED, IT WAS FOUND BY THE AARP THAT MANY FAMILIES ARE SUFFERING FROM BEING CAREGIVERS FOR AGING AND AGED 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?

YOU HAVE 60 SECONDS.

WE WILL START WITH MR. RITTER.

>> I CAN SPEAK TO THAT BECAUSE I´M AN INDIVIDUAL WHO CARES FOR AN ILL MOTHER.

MY MOTHER WORKED FOR THE DEALT OF EDUCATION FOR 32 YEARS AND FELL ILL AND HAD TO LEAVE THE TERRITORY BECAUSE THE SERVICES SHE NEEDED COULD NOT BE PROVIDED.

I THINK A MAJOR RESOURCE THAT WE NEED TO PROVIDE TO PEOPLE -- WE THINK IT´S MONEY.

SOMETIMES IT´S JUST SIMPLE CARE, A PHONE CALL.

SOME TYPE OF MENTAL HEALTH, COPE -- YOU DON´T KNOW WHAT IT FEELS LIKE WHEN YOU TAKE YOUR MOTHER AND SEE HER BE AIRLIFTED AND TAKEN OUT OF THE TERRITORY TO SEEK CARE.

ONE OF THE SERVICES THAT I WOULD ENCOURAGE IS MENTAL HEALTH COPING MECHANISM TO DEAL WITH THAT SITUATION.

>> THANK YOU.

MR. VEIRA, WHAT DO YOU SEE AS POSSIBLE AS A LEGISLATURE TO HELP FAMILY CAREGIVERS?

YOU HAVE 60 SECONDS.

>> WHAT DO I SEE THAT SHOULD BE AVAILABLE?

WE KNOW THAT NOTHING CAN BE DONE WITHOUT FUNDING.

IF WE HAVE FAMILIES THAT WE NEED TO TAKE CARE OF AND WE DO NOT HAVE FUNDING AND WE NEED TO GO ON A JOB.

I WOULD MAKE SURE THAT WE PROVIDE FUNDING AND SPACES SO THAT -- SAFE SPACES, I WOULD SAY, SO THAT INDIVIDUALS CAN TAKE THEIR FAMILY MEMBERS THAT WE CAN ASSIST THEM IN THE RIGHT MANNER.

FUNDING AND SPACES, SAFE SPACES THAT CAN BE CREATED TO TAKE OLDER INDIVIDUALS AND WE CAN PROPERLY HELP THEM AND ASSIST THEIR FAMILIES IS WHAT I WOULD PUSH FOR.

>> THANK YOU.

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

>> FOR SURE.

CAREGIVERS DOESN´T NECESSARILY HAVE TO BE FOR ELDERLY.

YOU HAVE A LOT OF PEOPLE HERE WHO HAS CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES.

ANYONE WHO HAS THE STRUGGLE -- IT´S A STRUGGLE.

IT´S A STRUGGLE TO BE OUR MEDIAN AGE HERE IN THE POPULATION IS 45.

IMAGINE YOU ARE THAT AGE.

YOU HAVE TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR MOM, WHO IS EXPERIENCING EARLY DEMENTIA.

YOU HAVE A CHILD WHO HAS CHALLENGES.

IT´S DIFFICULT.

ONE OF THE THINGS I´M THINKING IS THAT SOMEHOW THAT WE CAN WORK WITH HUMAN SERVICES OR AN ENTITY WHERE THE CAREGIVER GETS A BREAK.

SOMEHOW WE PUT LEGISLATION WHERE THEY GET FOUR HOURS OR SOMETHING IN THERE THAT THEY CAN ACTUALLY TAKE A MENTAL BREAK.

THAT´S WHAT YOU NEED.

WHEN YOU HAVE TO BE TAKING CARE OF SOMEONE -- I HAVE FRIENDS, I HAVE FAMILY WHO IS DEALING WITH IT RIGHT NOW.

IT´S EXTREMELY DIFFICULT.

IT TAKES AWAY FROM YOU.

THAT WOULD BE SOMETHING THAT I WOULD PUSH FOR IS WHERE THEY CAN GET -- >> THANK YOU.

MR. JN BAPTISTE, WHAT DO YOU SEE POSSIBLE TO HELP FAMILY CAREGIVERS?

YOU HAVE 60 SECONDS.

>> THANKS FOR THE QUESTION.

LET ME SAY THAT FIRST OF ALL, THE BEST PRACTICES IN OTHER JURISDICTIONS WE CAN EMPLOY.

PROVIDE SUPPORT SERVICES SO THEY CAN GET TO DO WHAT THEY ARE DOING.

I WANT TO SAY, LOOK IN THIS TERRITORY.

PEOPLE ARE 50 NOW SUFFERING FROM DEMENTIA.

SOMETHING IS WRONG WITH THIS.

YOU NEED TO HAVE SOME KIND OF A STUDY SYSTEM TO FIND OUT WHAT IS WRONG, WHAT´S CAUSING PEOPLE IN THEIR LATE 40s AND EARLY 50s TO SUCCUMB TO DEMENTIA.

WHAT´S CAUSING THIS?

PERSONS DYING FROM CANCER, HEART DISEASE.

PREVENTATIVE EDUCATION IS WHAT WE NEED.

THEY CAN TAKE BETTER CARE OF THEMSELVES.

WE CAN HAVE 100-YEAR-OLD PEOPLE LIVING INDEPENDENTLY IF WE TAKE SUCH ACTION.

>> THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

>> CAN I DO A REBUTTAL?

>> I´M SORRY.

THIS IS OUR FINAL QUESTION.

LET´S TALK A BIT ABOUT HOUSING.

MANY YOUNG FAMILIES CAN´T AFFORD THE HOUSING MARKET HERE OR FIND AFFORDABLE RENT.

WHAT ARE SUGGESTIONS FOR LACK OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING?

MR. VEIRA.

>> AGAIN, OUR COMMUNITY IS SUFFERING BASED ON THE GOVERNANCE OVER TIME.

AFFORDABLE HOUSING IS NOT A SIMPLE ISSUE.

IT´S NOT AN ISSUE WE CAN SOLVE OVERNIGHT.

EDUCATION OF SELF-SUFFICIENCY IS ONE PILLAR WE NEED TO ADDRESS WHATEVER PROBLEM WE HAVE IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS.

WE NEED TO UNDERSTAND THAT THERE´S NO QUICK FIXES FOR THE SITUATION WE HAVE IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS, INCLUDING THE HOUSING CRISIS WE ARE ENCOUNTERING.

PROPER EDUCATION AS TO OWNING YOUR OWN AND PROPER EDUCATION AS TO HOW TO BE SELF-SUFFICIENT IS THE KEY TO OVERCOMING ALL THE PROBLEMS WE ARE HAVING HERE IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS, INCLUDING AFFORDABLE HOUSING.

THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU.

MISS PROSPER.

>> THANK YOU FOR THE QUESTION.

AFFORDABLE HOMEOWNERSHIP HERE IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS IS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT.

ONE OF THE THINGS THAT TALKING TO YOUNG FAMILIES WHO ARE STARTING WHO IS HAVING A HARD TIME ON SEVERAL OF THE PROGRAMS WE HAVE HERE IS THE INITIAL CRITERIA, THE QUALIFICATION.

I THINK IF WE WORK WITH THE PROGRAMS TO CHANGE THE CRITERIA A LITTLE BIT.

TO HAVE WAYS PEOPLE CAN QUALIFY FOR THESE HOMES.

SOMETIMES THE THINGS THEY ASK THEM TO BRING, THINGS THEY DON´T HAVE.

I THINK IF WE CAN WORK WITH THE -- THE PEOPLE OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS, YOUNG PEOPLE, WHOEVER IS LOOKING FOR A HOME, WE CAN GET BETTER.

A STRONG FOUNDATION OF RAISING A CHILD IN A HOME, IT´S A POSITIVE THING.

IT LEADS INTO BETTER CITIZENSHIP.

HAVING -- BEING ABLE TO OWN YOUR HOME, YES, IS -- >> THANK YOU.

MR. JN BAPTISTE, WHAT IS YOUR POSITION ON RENT CONTROL?

WHAT ARE SUGGESTIONS TO ADDRESS LACK OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING?

YOU HAVE 60 SECONDS.

>> THANKS FOR THE QUESTION.

FIRST OF ALL, THE SUMMATION, YOU HAVE TO KNOW THE CAUSE.

WE MUST IDENTIFY WHAT GIVES RISE TO THE LACK OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING IN THE TERRITORY.

THEN WE CAN BEGIN TO FORMULATE THE SOLUTIONS.

I WANT TO MENTION, IF YOU GO A PROJECT AND OTHERS, YOU SEE THEY ARE BOARDED UP.

WE NEED TO FIND OUT FROM THE HOUSING AUTHORITY WHY IS IT THAT THESEBOARDED UP AND NOT RENOVATED SO PEOPLE CAN OCCUPY THEM?

WE HAVE HOMES ABANDONED.

THE GOVERNMENT CAN ENTER INTO PARTNERSHIP TO REINHABIT THE HOMES.

I CAN DO RESEARCH AND BEGIN TO ADDRESS.

>> AND MR. RITTER.

>> THANK YOU FOR THE QUESTION.

I DO BELIEVE THAT LACK OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING IS AN UNDERLINING ISSUE.

A LOT OF OUR YOUNG PEOPLE, THOSE SKILLED, ARE REMAIN ON THE U.S. MAINLAND BECAUSE OF THE HOUSING CRISIS.

I SAW WHERE SOME INDIVIDUALS WERE GIVEN GRANTS OR CERTIFICATION LETTERS TO PURCHASE HOMES.

I THINK AN IMMEDIATE RESOLUTION WOULD HAVE BEEN TO GRANT THOSE HOMES TO THOSE INDIVIDUALS WHO PAID FOR THEM.

WE CAN´T CONTINUE TO DANGLE FRUIT AND THEN -- WE NEED TO ACT.

WE CAN´T LEGISLATE OUR WAY OUT OF EVERYTHING.

>> EACH CANDIDATE WILL HAVE 60 SECONDS EACH FOR CLOSING STATEMENTS.

STARTING WITH MR. RITTER.

>> TO THE PEOPLE OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS, ONCE AGAIN, MY NAME IS JELANI RITTER.

I´M NUMBER 21.

I CONTINUE BEING ANYTHING BUT THE ESTABLISHMENT.

I COME TO YOU ASKING FOR YOUR VOTE.

I´M A REPRESENTATIVE OF WHAT WE ARE TAUGHT, YOU GO TO SCHOOL, GET YOUR EDUCATION, GO ABROAD, LEARN THE PRACTICES AND BRING THEM HOME.

WILLING TO SERVE.

I REPRESENT A NEW GENERATION OF LEADERSHIP.

WE HAVE SEEN THE PATH THAT WE HAVE BEEN TAKEN ON BY INDIVIDUALS WHO BROUGHT US TO WHERE WE ARE TODAY.

TO HAVE CHANGE AND TAKE THIS TERRITORY TO A PLACE OF PROSPERITY, WE HAVE TO BE ABLE TO ELECT INDIVIDUALS THAT HAVE THE BEST INTERESTS AT HEART.

I AM ONE OF THOSE INDIVIDUALS.

I DON´T KNOW ANYTHING ELSE OTHER THAN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS.

THIS IS MY HOME.

I´M A NINTH GENERATION.

I´M ASKING YOU FOR YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO SERVE AS YOUR NEXT LEGISLATOR.

THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU.

MR. VEIRA, YOUR CLOSING STATEMENT.

60 SECONDS.

>> GOOD DAY AGAIN.

MY NAME IS JULIAN VEIRA.

I´M AN INDEPENDENT CANDIDATE FOR THE 36th LEGISLATURE, NUMBER 16 ON YOUR BALLOT.

I COME TO YOU TODAY ASKING FOR YOUR SUPPORT BECAUSE I´M FULLY AWARE OF WHERE THE VIRGIN ISLANDS IS AT TODAY.

I´M FULLY AWARE OF HOW WE GOT TO WHERE WE ARE AT.

THROUGH EDUCATION, THROUGH SELF-SUFFICIENCY, THROUGH BETTER GOVERNMENT AND THROUGH OUR SYSTEM I SEE I CAN HELP MOVE THE VIRGINS ISLANDS FROM WHERE WE ARE TO A BETTER PLACE.

WE HAVE SEE WHERE IT BROUGHT US TO IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS TODAY.

IT´S EVIDENT WE NEED BETTER GOVERNMENT.

ASKING FOR YOUR SUPPORT GOING FORWARD ON NOVEMBER 5.

JULIAN VEIRA, WE TOGETHER, MYSELF AND THE PUBLIC CAN FORGE A BETTER VIRGIN ISLANDS GOING FORWARD.

THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU.

MISS PROSPER, YOUR CLOSING STATEMENT.

>> YES.

MY FELLOW PEOPLE, ONCE AGAIN, MY NAME IS DIANE PROSPER, I´M 22 ON THE BALLOT.

I COME TO YOU TO HUMBLY ASK YOU FOR YOUR VOTE.

I DO REALIZE IT´S A ROUGH TIME.

I´M ASKING THAT IF YOU DO VOTE FOR ME, I´M IN THIS BATTLE WITH YOU.

I REPRESENT EVERYONE, BECAUSE WE ALL LIVE HERE TOGETHER.

WE CAN PROSPER.

IT´S GOING TO TAKE EVERYBODY TO COME TOGETHER AND DO WHAT WE NEED TO DO.

I STRONGLY EMPHASIZE ON MENTAL HEALTH.

OUR MENTAL HEALTH RIGHT NOW IS IN A STATE OF CRISIS.

WITH WAPA AND EVERYTHING ELSE, I DO UNDERSTAND.

I´M ASKING FOR YOUR VOTE ON NOVEMBER COMING UP FOR YOUR VOTE THAT I CAN SUPPORT YOU AND FIGHT YOUR FIGHT IN THE LEGISLATURE.

THANK YOU.

>> AND MR. JN BAPTISTE, YOUR CLOSING.

>> NUMBER 13 ON THE BALLOT.

WE TODAY STAND AT A CROSSROADS BETWEEN THE DARKNESS OF NIGHT AND THE LIGHT OF DAY.

IT´S THE DARKEST OF NIGHTS THAT IMPEDES PROGRESS WHEN WAPA SEES THEY ARE SHINING NO LIGHT.

IT´S LIGHT THAT HAS OUR CHILDREN LIVING BELOW POVERTY LEVEL.

IT´S THE DARKNESS OF NIGHT THAT HAS CORRUPTION IN OUR GOVERNMENT.

IT´S THE DARKNESS OF NIGHT THAT HAS THE INCREASE IN CRIME.

I´M ASKING FOR YOUR SUPPORT SO WE CAN MAKE THE CHANGE AT THE LEGISLATURE LEVEL.

I WANT TO PUSH BACK AGAINST THE DARKNESS OF NIGHT.

I ASK FOR YOUR SUPPORT.

I HAVE THE BACKGROUND, THE TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE TO BEGIN TO MOVE THE BALL FORWARD.

FORMAN JN BAPTISTE, NUMBER 13 ON THE BALLOT.

>> THANK YOU, CANDIDATES.

VIEWERS, THANK YOU.

THANK YOU WTJX STAFF FOR TODAY´S PROGRAM.

THE LEAGUE OF WOMAN VOTERS HOPES THIS PROGRAM HAS HELPED WITH YOU THE VOTER IN UNDERSTANDING OF 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 OFTEN SEE AN INDIVIDUAL WHO BARELY MAKES THE CUT BECAUSE A FEW MORE PEOPLE DID VOTE OR ONE WHO BARELY LOSES AND WISHES IF ONLY A FEW MORE PERSONS HAD VOTED.

SO, LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD BY YOUR VOTE.

IT IS YOUR RIGHT.

TAKE IT.

THANK YOU FOR WATCHING.

I AM FRANCINE LANG FOR THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF THE VIRGIN ISLAND SAYING, VOTE EARLY OR VOTE IN NOVEMBER.

JUST VOTE.

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

>> CLOSED CAPTIONING WAS UNDERWRITTEN BY AARP OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS.