>>> THE UPCOMING PROGRAM WAS PREVIOUSLY RECORDED.

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

>>> GOOD DAY.

AND WELCOME TO THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS MEET THE CANDIDATES FORUM.

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

IT IS OUR HOPE THAT THROUGH THESE PROGRAMS THAT YOU OUR VOTING PUBLIC WILL HAVE A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF EACH CANDIDATE RUNNING FOR AN ELECTED OFFICE IN THE U.S. VIRGIN ISLAND.

WE INVITE YOU TO LOOK AT ALL OF OUR PROGRAMS FOR THE 2022 ELECTION YEAR FOR THOSE SEEKING OFFICE IN THE SENATOR OR AS GOVERNOR AND LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR.

ALL CANDIDATES RUNNING FOR THESE POSITIONS WERE INVITED BUT NOT ALL ACCEPTED OR RESPOND TODAY OUR INVITATION.

WE HAVE TWO CANDIDATES RUNNING FOR THE POSITION OF SENATOR AT LARGE IN THE TERRITORY.

I AM PAMELA, A MEMBER OF THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS AND I WILL BE SERVING AS YOUR MODERATOR.

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

NO CANDIDATE HAS HAD ACCESS TO THE QUESTION IN ADVANCE.

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

ANSWERS WILL GENERALLY BE KEPT TO 60 OR 90 SECONDS WITH CHALLENGES AND REBUTTALS OF 60 SECONDS EACH.

CHANGES IN THE TIMING OF THE QUESTION 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 OF ONE ANOTHER.

SO LET´S BEGIN.

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

YOU WILL LEARN MORE ABOUT EACH CANDIDATE AS THE DISCUSSION CONTINUES.

LET´S START FIRST WITH THE CANDIDATE AT MY SIDE.

PLEASE STATE YOUR NAME, BALLOT NUMBER, AND AFFILIATION.

>> GREETINGS AND SALUTATIONS.

I AM NUMBER TWO ON YOUR BALLOT.

FOR SENATOR AT LARGE.

>> I AM SHERIANNE FRANCIS.

NUMBER ONE ON THE BALLOT.

>> THANK YOU.

NOW FOR OUR FIRST QUESTION, AND I WILL START FIRST WITH MS. FRANCIS.

WE WILL TALK FIRST ABOUT THE AT LARGE POSITION SPECIFICALLY.

WHAT DO YOU SEE AS YOUR ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITY AS THE AT LARGE SENATOR FOR THE U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS?

>> ACCORDING TO THE VIRGIN ISLANDS POLL, THE SENATOR AT LARGE POSITION MUST BE A BONA FIDE RESIDENT OF SAINT JOHN FOR FOUR YEARS.

AS THE REPRESENTATIVE FOR SAINT JOHN, YOU HAVE TO BRING THE IT GIVES YOU A BIRD´S EYE VIEW OF ALL THE ISSUES THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY.

SO, WE TEND TO BE THE SIGN IN VOTE WHEN IT COMES TO ISSUES THAT WE SEPARATE ONE DISTRICT FROM THE OTHER.

>> THANK YOU.

MR. BOLQUEZ?

SAME QUESTION.

>> THANK YOU.

WHILE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF A SENATOR AT LARGE DOES NOT DIFFER FROM ANY OTHER SENATOR, THE SENATOR AT LARGE´S ROLE SPECIFICALLY IS TO CREATE BALANCE WITHIN THE ORGANIZATION AND THE INSTITUTION OF WHICH IT SERVES.

IT IS RELATIVELY IMPORTANT TO UNDERSTAND THAT BALANCE WITHIN THE DISTRICT AND TERRITORIALLY AS A WHOLE IS VERY IMPORTANT.

THE SENATOR AT LARGE ALSO REPRESENTS A TERRITORIAL ASPECT OF THE VOTING POPULATION OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS.

>> I WILL GO TO THE SECOND QUESTION.

THE QUESTION READS, WHAT TRAINING, EXPERIENCE, OR ACCOMPLISHMENTS DO YOU BELIEVE SHOWS YOUR ABILITY.

>> I HAVE MANY CAPACITIES.

I HAVE BEEN A TEACHER.

WORKED IN THE HOSPITALITY.

I AM A CURRENT BOARD OF ADMINISTRATION MEMBER.

A MEMBER OF THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS AND ORGANIZATION THAT´S HAVE DONE GREAT WORK IN THIS TERRITORY.

I HAVE WORKED IN THE BOARD OF ELECTIONS AS AN ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT AND LEFT THAT BOARD TO FURTHER APPLY MYSELF AND WORKED FOR ONE OF THE SENATORS IN THE LEGISLATURE FOR TWO YEAR AS A PART OF TRYING TO GROW AND UNDERSTAND THE INTRICATE PROCESS OF BILL TO LAW AND HOW THE LEGISLATURE WORKS.

WELL COMPASS STATED TO BE ABLE TO FULFILL THIS ROLE IN ITS ENTIRETY.

>> THANK YOU MR. BOLQUES.

MS. FRANCIS, SAME QUESTION?

>> I HAVE STUDIED POLITICAL SCIENCE IN COLLEGE, HOWEVER, I STARTED MY INTEREST IN POLITICS IN HIGH SCHOOL.

MY PARENTS USED TO GIVE ME $3 A DAY AND ONE OF THOSE DOLLARS WOULD GO TO THE NEWSPAPER SO I WAS ALWAYS INTERESTED IN THE POLITICAL PROCESS.

I HAVE A DEGREE IN POLITICAL SCIENCE.

I ALSO BROUGHT ABOUT NINE YEARS AS A LEGAL ASSISTANT WITH A PRIVATE LAW FIRM.

SO I HAVE EXPERIENCE AND KNOWLEDGE OF THE VI CODE RELATIVE TO THAT POSITION.

ALSO, I WORKED AS A FIELD COORDINATOR IN THE SAINT JOHN ADMINISTRATOR OFFICE.

SO I ENGAGE WITH THE GOVERNMENT AGENCIES AND CONSTITUENTS TO SEE WHAT THEIR CONCERNS ARE AND SPECIFICALLY TO SAINT JOHN AND LASTLY, I WORKED AS A SENIOR PROGRAM MANAGER AT THE HOUSING FINANCE AUTHORITY.

AT VIRGIN ISLANDS HOUSING AUTHORITY, I GOT TO ENGAGE BOTH FEDERAL AND LOCAL ENTITIES TO DEVELOP POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR A PROGRAM THAT IS FEDERALLY FUNDED.

SO I HAVE AN OVERALL VIEW OF THE DIFFERENT REGULATIONS AND LAWS.

VOLUNTEERED AS A GRANT WRITER.

I WROTE TWO GRANTS THAT WERE ACTUALLY FINANCED SO THAT GAVE ME SOME VOLUNTARY EXPERIENCE AS WELL.

LASTLY, I WAS A SECRETARY FOR THE SOFTBALL FEDERATION.

>> I SUPPOSE THE NEXT QUESTION FOR YOU.

WHAT DO YOU SEE AS ANY SPECIAL OR UNIQUE CHALLENGES TO BE AN AT LARGE SENATOR AND HOW DO YOU APPLY TO THAT CHALLENGE?

>> ONE OF THE UNIQUE CHALLENGES OF AT LARGE IS IT IS A TERRITORIAL POSITION, HOWEVER, YOU HAVE ONE VOTE, THE SAME AS ANY OTHER SENATOR.

SO, YOU MUST TRAVEL THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY ORGEAT ALL THEIR CONCERNS, MAKE SURE YOU DON´T HAVE ANY BIAS TOWARD ONE SIDE OVER THE OTHER AND MAKE SURE THAT YOU ARE LOOKING OUT FOR THE BETTERMENT OF THE ENTIRE VIRGIN ISLANDS.

IT IS UNIQUE THAT YOU HAVE TO LIVE ON SAINT JOHN AND TRAVEL THROUGHOUT THE ISLANDS AND HAVE ONLY ONE VOTE AS IT RELATE TO THE OTHER 14 SENATORS.

>> THANK YOU.

SAME QUESTION FOR YOU.

>> CONCERNING THE CHALLENGES FOR THE AT LARGE SEAT, IT IS CHALLENGING TO BE ABLE TO BE AVAILABLE AT ANY GIVEN POINT IN TIME BETWEEN ALL DISTRICTS.

IN ADDITION TO HAVING A STAFF SCATTERED THROUGHOUT ALL THREE ISLANDS.

THAT IS A CHALLENGE I SEE WITH THE AT LARGE POSITION CURRENTLY.

OTHER THAN THAT, HAVING TO BE ABLE TO COMMUNICATE WITH CONSTITUENTS ABOUT THEIR SPECIFIC CONCERNS AND NOT BEING PHYSICALLY AVAILABLE AT ALL TIMES IS ONE OF THE GREATEST CHALLENGES.

I THINK IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO UNDERSTAND THAT WITH THE TECHNOLOGY AVAILABLE NOW, WE CAN CLOSE THE GAP ON THOSE CHALLENGES AND HAVING MORE COMMUNICATION TO CLOSE THE GAP.

THOSE ARE SPECIFICALLY THE PROBLEMS I SEE NOW.

>> THANK YOU.

AND THE NEXT QUESTION FOR YOU AS WELL.

HOW WILL YOUR VOICE FOR THE PEOPLE, ESPECIALLY ON SAINT JOHN CONSIDERING THAT FUNDING IS QUITE LIMITED IN THE TERRITORY?

>> I BELIEVE IT IS IMPORTANT TO KNOW THAT SAINT JOHN, BEING A PERSON THAT HAS LIVED THERE FOR MANY YEARS, IS ALWAYS SEEMINGLY THE CHILD LEFT BEHIND.

A LOT OF RESIDENTS FEEL THAT WAY.

AND IT IS IMPORTANT TO HAVE A REPRESENTATIVE WHO UNDERSTANDS THE ISSUES, WHO HAS BEEN A PART OF THE PROCESS CONCERNING KNOWING EXACTLY HOW THINGS WORK WITHIN THE LEGISLATURE TO REPRESENT THEM AND BE THAT VOICE.

BE THAT VOICE NOT IN A CONDESCENDING WAY THE COLLEAGUES YOU ENCOUNTER IN THE TO PUSH AND ADVOCATE OR LOBBY FOR SOME OF THE THINGS THAT I BELIEVE AND MANY OTHERS, MANY RESIDENTS ON THE ISLANDS BELIEVE ARE IMPORTANT TO THEM.

YOU HAVE TO BE ABLE TO REASON AND LOBBY AND HAVE THAT VOICE WITHIN YOURSELF TO MAKE THINGS MOVE FORWARD FOR THE ISLAND.

>> MS. FRANCIS, SAME QUESTION.

THE VOICE OF SAINT JOHN, HOW WILL IT BE HEARD?

>> WITH LIMITED FUNDING.

I BELIEVE THAT IS ONE OF THE AREAS WHERE SAINT JOHN HAS NEEDED A STRONG VOICE.

THERE WERE BILLS THAT WERE REALLOCATED FUNDS TO SAINT JOHN BECAUSE IT DID NOT SEE THE NEED OF THE FUNDING.

IF YOU CAN EXPRESS WITH A VOICE THE NEED FOR THE COMMUNITY WITH THESE FUNDS, THAT WOULD BENEFIT SAINT JOHN.

FOR EXAMPLE, THERE WERE SOME FUNDS THAT WERE REALLOCATED FROM THE REPAIRS OF A THAT WAS DAMAGED THROUGHOUT THE HURRICANE.

IT WAS REALLOCATED TO ANOTHER PROGRAM.

I BELIEVE WE SHOULD BE THAT VOICE TO LET EVERYONE KNOW THE IMPORTANCE OF HAVING FUNDS FOR SAINT JOHN INCLUDING ENSURING THAT THE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT FUND IS CONTINUING TO BE UTILIZED FOR INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS FOR SAINT JOHN.

AND NOT JUST FOR TRANSPORT AND WASTE TO SAINT THOMAS.

SO AS THAT VOICE, I BELIEVE THAT WE ARE VERY CRITICAL IN THAT AREA.

AND IT IS NEEDED TO HAVE THAT UNDERSTANDING WITH YOUR COLLEAGUES.

>> THANK YOU MS. FRANCIS.

I WILL POSE THE NEXT QUESTION TO YOU.

THERE HAS BEEN SOME PROPOSAL ON THE TABLE ACTUALLY RIGHT NOW, ON WHO IS STRUCTURING THE LEGISLATURE.

THAT FALLS FOR INCREASING THE NUMBER FOR AT LARGE SENATORS, IN ADDITION TO DISTRICT SENATORS.

SUGGESTION OF INCREASING THE NUMBER OF AT LARGE SENATORS THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY?

>> INCREASEING THE AT LARGE SENATORS, THOUGH IT CREATES A LEVEL OF ACCOUNTABILITY THROUGHOUT THE THREE ISLANDS, IT WILL ALSO INCREASE THE BUDGET.

BECAUSE YOU HAVE TO HAVE OFFICES ON ALL THREE ISLANDS.

ALSO, YOU HAVE TO ENSURE THAT RIGHT NOW, WHEN AS A SENATOR, YOU DON´T HAVE TO HAVE A HIGH LEVEL OF BUDGET.

BUT, WITH MULTIPLE AT LARGE POSITIONS, YOU ALSO HAVE TO MAKE THAT POSITION COULD END UP BEING A FINANCIAL POSITION WHERE NOT JUST ANYONE CAN RUN FOR OFFICE.

SO, IT IS IMPORTANT, I BELIEVE WE SHOULD HAVE A STRUCTURAL CHANGE WITHIN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS.

A LEVEL OF ACCOUNTABILITY.

AND A DISTRICT CAN WORK.

I BELIEVE IT CAN BE SOMETHING WILL FEEL THAT THEY HAVE A VOICE WITHIN THEIR DISTRICT.

IT WILL ALSO HAVE TO FOLLOW WITH FUNDS ALLOCATED TO EACH DISTRICT.

THAT´S AN IMPORTANT KEY WHEN YOU ARE REPOSITIONS THE DISTRICT.

>> MR. BOLQUES, SAME QUESTION.

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT INCREASE THE NUMBER OF SENATORS?

THE TERRITORY?

>> ONE CAN ASSUME THAT INCREASING THE NUMBER OF AT LARGE SENATORS WOULD BROADEN THE SCOPE OF REPRESENTATION, I BELIEVE THAT IT IS IMPORTANT TO KNOW THAT EVERY SENATOR, REGARDLESS OF DISTRICT, REPRESENTS THE VIRGIN ISLANDS.

YOU VOTE ON ITEMS OR MEASURES OR LEGISLATION THAT POTENTIALLY AFFECTS THIS ENTIRE TERRITORY.

IT WAS CREATED TO SUPPORT BALANCE, INCREASING THE NUMBER, ONE WOULD ASSUME THAT YOU WOULD HAVE MORE REPRESENTATION WHEN IN FACT, THAT WAS NOT THE REALITY.

IF YOU WERE TO INCREASE MORE AT LARGE SENATORS, I DO AGREE THERE ARE A NUMBER OF PARAMETERS THAT WOULD CHANGE.

WHEN IT COMES TO THE AMOUNT OF OFFICES, POTENTIALLY, IF SALARY NEEDS TO GO UP MORE FOR WHATEVER REASON TO ACCOMMODATE THE NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES THAT ONE WOULD NEED IN ORDER TO RUN SUCH SAID OFFICES.

I REALLY DON´T BELIEVE NOW IS THE TIME FOR US TO INCREASE THE AT LARGE POSITION.

I THINK WHAT WE NEED TO DO IS FOCUS ON HOW WE CAN BECOME BETTER WITH THE CURRENT STRUCTURE THAT IS IN PLACE BASED ON THE ORGANIC.

SO WE NEED TO FOCUS ON THAT, BUT INCREASING WHILE I´M NOT AGAINST IT IS SOMETHING THAT >> MR. BOLQUES, OUR NEXT QUESTION READS WHAT DO YOU SEE AS ONE OR PERHAPS EVEN TWO MAJOR ISSUES AFFECTING SAINT JOHNS THAT YOU COULD CONTRIBUTE TO RESPECTIVELY AS THE SENATOR AT LARGE AND THE SECOND PART OF THAT QUESTION IS, DISCUSS YOUR STRATEGIES FOR ADDRESSING THEM.

GO AHEAD.

>> THANK YOU FOR THAT QUESTION.

SO MANY PROBLEMS ON SAINT JOHN.

LET´S START WITH HEALTH CARE.

WE HAVE A CLINIC THAT IS EMERGENCY TYPE THREE.

SO DOCTORS ARE NOT REQUIRED TO BE STATIONED THERE 24 HOURS A DAY.

IT IS BASICALLY ON CALL.

WE ALSO DO NOT HAVE A BIRTHING CENTER.

I´M OF THE BELIEF THAT SAINT JOHNIANS ARE BECOMING EXTINCT.

WE NEED TO ENSURE WE ARE ABLE TO PROVIDE AN ADEQUATE TYPE OF HEALTH CARE FOR ALL PEOPLE ON THE ISLAND.

THE SECOND PROBLEM, I WOULD SAY, ACCESS TO GOVERNMENT AGENCIES.

WE DO NOT, WE PAY THE MOST IN TAXES.

WE PUSH THE MOST IN TOURISM.

BUT YET, WE DO NOT HAVE ACCESS TO GOVERNMENT AGENCIES TO RECTIFY THESE ISSUES, WHEN IT COMES TO GOVERNMENT AGENCIES, I´M A PRIME PROPONENT IN E GOVERNMENT.

I THINK THIS WE NEED TO MAKE SURE THERE´S ENOUGH E PORTALS FOR EVERYONE WITHIN THIS GOVERNMENT SO SAINT JOHNIANS WILL NOT HAVE TO PAY 30 TO 50% MORE FOR SERVICES LIKE CATCHING A BOAT OR A BARGE.

AS FAR AS HEALTH CARE, I HAVE BEGUN ADVOCATING AS MUCH AS I CAN TO ENSURE WE HAVE THE PROPER HEALTH CARE SYSTEMS.

A CLINIC ON SAINT JOHN.

FIGHTING TO SEE WHAT WE CAN DO TO CREATE A BIRTHING CENTER SO, I´M DOING THE BEST I CAN TO FOCUS ON THOSE ISSUES AND OTHERS.

BUT, WITH HEALTH CARE, IT IS A BIG CRIME.

A LOT OF PUSH IS REQUIRED.

>> THANK YOU.

MS. FRANCIS, SAME QUESTION.

>> PROPERTY TAX CONTINUES TO BE A MAJOR ISSUE IN SAINT JOHN.

CURRENTLY, THERE IS A CIRCUIT BREAKER UTILIZED BY THE LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR OFFICE.

UTILIZING THAT LAW, I CAN ALSO CONTINUE TO BUILD ON THAT TO MAKE PROPERTY TAX A LITTLE MORE AFFORDABLE FOR SAINT JOHN RESIDENTS.

ALSO, MAKING SURE THEY GET THEIR FAIR SHARE WHEN IT COMES TO THE FUNDS OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS GOVERNMENT.

SAINT JOHNIANS PAY A LARGE AMOUNT OF PROPERTY TAX AND TAXES OVER ALL.

AND THEY DON´T RECEIVE THE NECESSARY FUNDS BACK IN INFRASTRUCTURE.

SO I WOULD TRY TO, WITH THE PERMISSION OF MY COLLEAGUES, TO BE ON THE FINANCE COMMITTEE TO MAKE SURE THAT SAINT JOHN RECEIVES ITS FAIR SHARE OF THE >> THANK YOU MS. FRANCIS.

WHAT WE ARE GOING TO DO NOW IS ACTUALLY LOOK AT THEM.

NOT ONLY WHAT IT TAKES TO BE A SENATOR.

AND, THAT QUESTION IS, AND AGAIN, MS. FRANCIS, IT IS DIRECTED TO YOU FIRST.

TO WHAT EXTENT SHOULD MORAL OR ETHICAL ISSUES IN ONE´S PRIVATE LIFE OR A POLITICAL CANDIDATE BE TAKEN INTO CONSIDERATION BY VOTERS IN MAKING CHOICES, AND WHY?

>> WELL, MORAL AND ETHICAL ISSUES, IT TENDS TO BE VERY SUBJECTIVE.

SO, WHAT MIGHT BE IMMORAL TO SOMEONE MIGHT BE MORAL TO SOMEONE ELSE.

SO, I BELIEVE THAT WE CAN TAKE IT INTO ACCOUNT AS VOTERS, HOWEVER, WE SHOULDN´T LOOK FAST THE BENEFITS OF A CANDIDATE.

IF SOMEONE IS BENEFICIAL TO THE COMMUNITY, IT DOESN´T NECESSARILY ALIGN WITH YOUR RELIGIOUS BELIEF, LOOK AT THAT CANDIDATE TO SEE IF THEY WILL BENEFIT THE COMMUNITY ON A WHOLE AS OPPOSED TO NOT THROWING THEM TO THE SIDE IF YOU DON´T BELIEVE THEY ALIGN TOTALLY WITH YOUR MORALS OR ETHICS.

AS YOU KNOW, WE ARE UNDER THE U.S. CONSTITUTION.

AND THERE IS A SEPARATION FROM CHURCH AND STATE.

SO WE MUST ENSURE THAT ISN´T TOO MUCH INTO OUR DECISION.

>> THANK YOU.

MR. BOLQUES, SAME QUESTION.

>> THANK YOU.

WHILE WE COME FROM A SOCIETY THAT REGARDING THEM IN HIGH FAVOR, NONE OF THOSE THINGS ARE ACTUALLY OUTLINED IN TITLE 18 WHICH OUTLINES IS REQUIREMENTS OF AN INDIVIDUAL WHO CAN RUN FOR OFFICE WHETHER IT IS FOR GOVERNOR, SENATOR, ET CETERA.

I KNOW THE VOTING POPULATION IS VERY FOCUSED OR WANTS TO MAKE THEY MAY VOTE IN FOR ANY SPECIFIC POSITION, MALE OR FEMALE, THAT THEY HAVE SOME SORT OF MORAL OR ETHICAL CODE SO THEY CAN MAKE THE PROPER DESESSION.

THEY CAN PROCESS THIS IN THE BEST INTEREST OF THE PEOPLE.

SO, I UNDERSTAND THAT MORAL AND ETHICS ARE VERY IMPORTANT.

AND I LIKE TO REGARD MYSELF AS SOMEONE WHO HAS A MORAL AND ETHIC CODE.

THEY ARE NOT TRULY REQUIRED BY TITLE 18.

HOWEVER, THE VOTERS DO HAVE A CHOICE AND THEY CAN EXERCISE THEIR VOTE AND UTILIZE THAT VOTE HOWEVER THEY MAY CHOOSE.

AND IF MORAL AND ETHICS ARE HIGH ON THEIR REGARD LIST, THEN SO BE IT.

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

AND THIS QUESTION IS POSED TO MR. BOLQUES.

IN 2027, THAT IS ACTUALLY GOING TO MARK THE 100th ANNIVERSARY OF AMERICAN CITIZENSHIP FOR VIRGIN ISLANDERS AND IT WOULD MARK 110 YEARS SINCE PURCHASE FROM DENMARK.

OUR QUESTION IS, WHAT IS YOUR VISION WITH RESPECT TO SELF- GOVERNANCE FOR THE U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS AND WHAT ROLE DO YOU INTEND TO PLAY, IF ANY?

I NEED TO MAKE SPECIAL NOTE THAT SELF-GOVERNANCE DOES NOT NECESSARILY IMPLY INDEPENDENCE.

>> ONE OF THE THINGS THAT I AM REALLY PASSIONATE ABOUT IS OUR PEOPLE REGARDING OURSELVES AS A NATION RATTER THAN A TERRITORY.

I BELIEVE IT IS IMPORTANT THAT WE UNDERSTAND THAT WE HAVE A VERY HUGE MELTING POT OF SOCIETY, CULTURE, HERITAGE, AND TRADITION.

AND WE KNOW THE CONVERSATION SOMETIMES COMES UP FROM TIME TO TIME ON SELF-DETERMINATION.

ABOUT OUR POLITICAL MATURITY AND OUR IDENTITY AND, IT IS RELATIVELY IMPORTANT TO KNOW THAT WE ARE DIVERSE AND UNIQUE AND, WHEN IT COMES TO US FIGURING OUT, WHETHER IT IS THE CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION, WHETHER IT IS ADOPTING THE ORGANIC PACT.

WHATEVER IT IS WE CHOOSE, IT IS IMPORTANT THAT WE MUST DO IT TOGETHER.

AND THE ROLE I WOULD LIKE TO PLAY IN THAT PROCESS IN THAT HISTORICAL MOMENT IS TO ALWAYS TRY TO BRING UNITY TO THE FOREFRONT, REGARDLESS OF WHERE PEOPLE ARE FROM, REGARDLESS OF THEIR COLOR.

REGARDLESS OF THEIR RELIGION.

SO, I THINK THAT´S THE PART I WOULD LIKE TO PLAY WHEN HISTORY CALLS UPON IT.

>> THANK YOU.

MS. FRANCIS, SAME QUESTION.

>> AS WE KNOW, THE QUESTION OF CITIZENSHIP TO THE UNITED STATES HAS BEEN CALLED THE QUESTION IN COURT.

SO IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT WE DECIDE WHERE ARE WE GOING TO GO.

WE HAVE TO HAVE SELF- DETERMINATION.

EVEN BEFORE WE HAVE A CONSTITUTION, I BELIEVE WE NEED TO DECIDE WHAT OUR STATUS IS.

BECAUSE, IT WILL BE VERY IMPORTANT WHEN WE MOVE FORWARD TO GET A CONSTITUTION.

WITH THE CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION SENT FROM THE UNITED STATES, SOME OF THE CHANGES THEY REQUESTED, HOWEVER, IF WE WANT TO CONTINUE THAT U.S.

RELATIONSHIP, WE HAVE TO MAKE SURE THAT WE FALL IN LINE WITH THE U.S. CONSTITUTION.

SO THAT IS WHY STATUS IS VERY IMPORTANT.

I BELIEVE MY ROLE IN THIS WOULD BE TO MAKE SURE THAT THE VIRGIN ISLANDS, IF WE DO DECIDE TO BECOME INDEPENDENT, HAVE A LEVEL OF INDEPENDENCE WHEN IT COMES TO OUR INFRASTRUCTURE.

BE ABLE TO HAVE FOOD SUSTAINABILITY.

DIFFERENT THINGS THAT WOULD MAKE US MORE IN LINE TO DO SO IF WE SO CHOOSE.

SO WE COULD BE LESS DEPENDENT ON FEDERAL DOLLARS.

THAT IS WHAT I BELIEVE THE ROLE OF SENATOR AT LARGE SHOULD BE AS WELL.

>> THANK YOU.

THE NEXT SECTION OF OUR CONVERSATION TODAY.

IN A RESCENT POLL OF THE ELECTORATE IN 2020, FOUR MAJOR AREAS OF CONCERN.

EDUCATION, CRIME, HEALTH, AND LASTLY.

LET´S LOOK AT EACH ONE SEPARATELY AND ADDRESS YOUR RESPONSES AS IT RELATES TO YOU BEING ELECTED.

MS. FRANCIS, I WILL START WITH YOU.

WITH RESPECT TO EDUCATION, MANY VOTERS CITED IT AS ONE OF THE MAJOR CONCERNS.

WHAT DO YOU SEE ON THE PRIMARY CHALLENGE BASED IN EDUCATION TODAY.

AND WHAT WOULD YOUR STRATEGY BE TO APPLY TO ADDRESS THOSE ISSUES IF ELECTED AS SENATOR AT LARGE?

YOU HAVE 90 SECONDS TO RESPOND TO THAT QUESTION.

>> EDUCATION IS ACTUALLY ONE OF THE AREAS THAT ARE ON MY PLATFORM.

I BELIEVE THAT THE STRUCTURE OF EDUCATION SHOULD BE CHANGED.

WHERE WE HAVE A LESS CENTRALIZED EDUCATION SYSTEM THAT IS MOSTLY UNDER THE GOVERNOR´S OFFICE.

I BELIEVE WE SHOULD GIVE MORE OF A ROLE TO THE BOARD OF EDUCATION.

THAT WAY, BOTH THE PARENTS, TEACHERS, AND OTHER INTERESTED CITIZENS WOULD BE ABLE TO VOTE MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION.

SO, IF WE PUT FOR EXAMPLE THE SUPERINTENDENT UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION, THAT GIVES US A LEVEL OF MORE ACCOUNTABILITY.

ALSO, I BELIEVE THAT WE SHOULD STRENGTHEN OUR ALTERNATIVE EDUCATION PROGRAM.

MAKE SURE THAT THERE IS CERTIFICATION IN MULTITUDES OF INDUSTRIES, NOT ONLY JUST A HANDFUL, BUT OTHER AREAS SUCH AS MARINE, SOLAR, DIFFERENT AREAS THAT ARE VERY CRITICAL TO EDUCATION.

BUT EDUCATION ISN´T ONLY WITHIN SCHOOL WALLS BUT AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS.

WRAP AROUND SERVICES.

AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS.

SPORTS.

AS PART OF EDUCATION.

ALL OF THAT SHOULD BE REALLY FUNDED.

AND BE PUSHED TO MAKE SURE THAT EDUCATION TO OUR YOUTH IS A FULL AND WELL ROUNDED INSTITUTION.

>> THANK YOU FOR THAT.

MR. BOLQUES, SAME QUESTION.

ON EDUCATION.

>> WITH EDUCATION, THERE´S STILL MANY DIFFERENT COMPONENTS WHEN IT COMES TO SOCIAL STUDIES, ENGLISH, MATH, EVEN PHYSICAL EDUCATION.

BUT ONE OF THE THINGS I BELIEVE IS MISSING OR A FEW THAT ARE MISSING FROM EDUCATION ARE CIVICS.

I THINK CIVICS IS A VERY IMPORTANT MISSING PART OF EDUCATION THAT WILL WELL ROUND AND PREPARE OUR YOUNG PEOPLE FOR OUR SOCIETY.

IT BELIEVE IT SHOULD BE TAUGHT MORE IN OUR SCHOOL TO PREPARE THEM.

FINANCIAL LITERACY IS ALSO MISSING.

IT IS IMPORTANT OUR YOUNG PEOPLE ARE ABLE TO UNDERSTAND GOOD GOVERNANCE WHEN IT COMES TO FINANCES SO THEY ARE WELL PREPARED WHEN THEY BECOME ADULTS AS WELL.

CAREER, TECHNICAL, AND EDUCATION ARE IMPORTANT AS WELL.

BECAUSE NOT EVERYONE DOES NOT LEARN THE SAME WAY.

ONE THE OPEN A BOOK, READ INFORMATION, AND BE ABLE TO UNDERSTAND SOMETHING WHILE ANOTHER CHILD MAY NOT.

WE ALSO NEED TO WELL ROUND THE OPPORTUNITIES OR AVAILABILITIES FOR ADULT LEARNING AS WELL.

BECAUSE NOT EVERY ADULT WAS ABLE TO GO THROUGH THE PUBLIC SPACE SYSTEM OR FINISH WITH A HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA.

SO WE MUST ENHANCE AND OFFER THOSE THINGS FOR OUR PEOPLE AS WELL.

CURRENTLY, I´M WORKING ON TRYING TO, WITH SENATOR BLIDEN, WORK WITH HOW WE CAN MAKE CAREER TECHNICAL EDUCATION IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS.

>> THANK YOU FOR THAT RESPONSE.

LET´S FOCUS OUR ATTENTION ON HEALTH.

THIS QUESTION WILL ADDRESSED TO MR. BOLQUES FIRST.

MANY VIRGIN ISLANDERS AS YOU KNOW LEAVE THE TERRITORY IN SEARCH OF OPTIMAL HEALTH CARE.

ESPECIALLY THOSE LIVING ON SAINT CROIX.

WHAT DO YOU SEE AS THE PRIMARY CHALLENGES REGARDING HEALTH CARE AND WHAT WOULD BE YOUR STRATEGY FOR ADDRESSING THEM AS SENATOR AT LARGE OF THIS LEGISLATURE?

90 SECONDS TO RESPOND.

>> HEALTH CARE AND THE ISLAND ON SAINT CROIX IS ONE OF THE HUGEST PROBLEMS THAT SAINT CROIX FACES.

I BELIEVE THE ISSUE COMES FROM A NUMBER OF THINGS.

FACILITY MANAGEMENT.

ALSO, ACCESS TO 35 NURSES BECAUSE WE HAVE HAD A NUMBER OF NURSES LEAVE FROM THE FACILITY.

FROM THE HOSPITAL.

IN ADDITION TO TRYING TO WORK WITH UVI, I BELIEVE IT IS IMPORTANT THAT WE TRY TO HOLD OR RETAIN THE NURSES THAT COME OUT OF UVI SO WE CAN GIVE THEM JOBS IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS.

UNFORTUNATELY THE OTHER ISSUE IS PAY.

SOMEONE CAN GO TO THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AND RECEIVE 40 TO 50% MORE PAY FOR DOING THE EXACT SAME THINGS.

THESE ARE SOME OF THE ISSUES THAT HEALTH CARE IS CURRENTLY FACING.

SO, FACILITIES, EQUIPMENT.

NURSES.

THOSE ARE A LOT OF THE ISSUES WE ARE FACING.

SO WHAT I WOULD WANT TO OR WILL DO AS SENATOR AT LARGE IS ADVOCATE AND LOBBY FOR MORE FINANCES FOR THE HOSPITALS IN ADDITION TO MAKING SURE THAT THEY HAVE THE REQUIRED OR ABLE STAFF THAT CAN ALSO LOBBY FOR OR WRITE UP GRANTS TO BE ABLE TO GET SOME OF THE FUNDING THAT THE GOVERNMENT CANNOT PROVIDE TO THEM.

THERE ARE MANY DIFFERENT GRANTS OUT THERE FOR THE FEDERAL OFFICE FOR HEALTH CARE AND IT IS IMPORTANT THAT THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE HOSPITAL ARE ABLE TO HAVE A FEW GRANT WRITERS ON BOARD.

>> THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THAT RESPONSE.

MS. FRANCIS, SAME QUESTION WHEN IT COMES TO HEALTH CARE.

>> ONE OF THE MAJOR ISSUES WHEN IT COMES TO HEALTH CARE IS ACTUALLY UNCONCENTRATED CARE.

THE PRIVATE SECTOR IS VERY HARD FOR THEM TO GET INSURANCE.

THAT IS WHY ONE OF MY LONG TERM GOALS IS TO WORK ON MAKING IT MORE AFFORDABLE FOR PRIVATE ENTITIES.

THE PRIVATE SECTOR TO GET INSURANCE.

HOWEVER, SOME SHORT TERM GOALS, WE HAVE AS, A SHORTAGE WITH NURSING.

ONE OF THE THINGS WE CAN LOOK AT IS INCENTIVES FOR NURSES AS WE KNOW WE INCENTIVIZE TRAVELING NURSES.

WE PAY FOR THEIR LODGING, WE PAY FOR THEIR TRANSPORTATION.

WE PAY FOR A LOT OF DIFFERENT THINGS.

I BELIEVE IF WE DO THE SAME FOR OUR NURSE´S CARE IN THE TERRITORIES IT WILL BE ABLE TO SAVE US SOME FUNDS AS WELL AS HAVE A CULTURAL IDENTITY WITH OUR NURSES CURRENTLY.

ANOTHER AREA THAT WE NEED TO LOOK AT IS TO MAKE SURE THAT OUR HEALTH CARE PLAN, OUR TERRITORY HEALTH CARE PLAN IS UPDATED AT LEAST EVERY FIVE YEARS.

I ENTERED A RECENT UPDATE, IT WAS UPDATED IN 1989.

SO I BELIEVE IF WE CONSISTENTLY UPDATE IT EVERY FIVE YEARS, WHEN IT COMES TO THIS SITUATION IN HEALTH CARE.

>> THANK YOU.

>> REBUTTAL?

THAT EVERY HOSPITAL IN THIS WORLD WILL ALWAYS HAVE TO DEAL WITH.

THERE ARE PEOPLE WITHIN OUR SOCIETY THAT DO NOT HAVE INSURANCE AND SOME OF THEM ARE NEGLIGENT TO GET THE OTHER PUBLIC INSURANCE, MEDICARE, IN ORDER TO RECEIVE THE SERVICES THEY WOULD LIKE.

SO, WE HAVE A LOT OF PEOPLE THAT WILL COME TO THE HOSPITAL, THAT DO NOT HAVE ANY INSURANCE WHATSOEVER, BUT THE HOSPITAL WILL HAVE TO TREAT THEM.

UNCOMPENSATED IS SOMETHING THAT WILL ALWAYS BE A FACTOR FOR ANY HOSPITAL.

WE NEED TO WORK ON GETTING MORE INSURANCE AVAILABILITY.

OR BEING ABLE TO LOBBY WITH THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT TO MAKE SURE IN SHORT THAT WE ALWAYS HAVE ACCESS TO FREE HEALTH CARE.

>> THANK YOU FOR THAT RESPONSE.

WE´LL MOVE ONTO THE NEXT QUESTION.

WITH REGARD TO THE CRIME.

BECAUSE AS YOU KNOW, THAT´S A MAJOR CONCERN AS WELL.

MS. FRANCIS, THIS QUESTION IS FOR YOU.

WHAT DO YOU SEE AS THE CHALLENGES AND WHAT WOULD YOU DO IN TERMS OF STRATEGY TO ADDRESS THE ISSUE OF CRIME IN THE TERRITORY?

>> I BELIEVE THAT CRIME IS ADDRESSED TWOFOLD.

YOU ALSO HAVE TO DO PREVENTIVE MEASURES AND THAT IS WHERE AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS, ALTERNATIVE SPORTS, DIFFERENT ACTIVITIES FOR OUR YOUTH AND YOUNG ADULTS TO HAVE A POSITIVE INFLUENCE IS VERY CRITICAL TO PREVENT CRIME.

IF WE GIVE THEM AN ALTERNATIVE OTHER THAN A NEGATIVE, THE NEGATIVE INFLUENCES THAT ARE OUT THERE, IT WOULD BE BENEFICIAL TO THEM.

ON THE OTHER END, WE NEED TO HAVE A FORENSIC LAB.

WE SHOULD START PLACING FUNDS INTO A STATE OF THE ART FORENSIC LAB.

THAT WILL ENABLE US TO SOLVE CRIMES AS WELL AS BE A HUB FOR OTHER CARIBBEAN TERRITORIES SO THEY CAN SEND THEIR SAMPLES AS WELL TO US.

A REVENUE GENERATING COMPONENT FOR US AS WELL AS HELP WITH THE PROBLEM OF SOLVING CRIME.

AND LASTLY, I BELIEVE WE SHOULD UPDATE THE VI CRIMINAL CODE AS WELL.

A LOT OF OUR LAWS ARE ANTIQUATED AND THAT IS ONE OF THE CRITICAL POINTS WHEN IT COMES TO PROSECUTING SOMEONE WHO HAS COMMITTED A CRIME.

>> MR. BOLQUES, SAME QUESTION ON CRIME.

>> I´M OF THE BELIEF THAT A NUMBER OF THINGS CAN HELP WITH THE CRIME WE ARE SEEING HERE IN OUR SOCIETY.

I WILL GO BACK TO CIVICS.

CIVIC IS VERY IMPORTANT FOR OUR YOUNG PEOPLE TO LEARN IN SCHOOL.

SO THAT THEY HAVE A GRASP ON HOW SOCIETY WORKS.

IN ADDITION, I BELIEVE POVERTY BREEDS CRIMINAL ACTIVITY.

WE NEED TO MAKE SURE THAT WE HAVE A HEALTHY ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS.

JOBS, ACCESS TO PROGRAMS.

SPORTS TOURNAMENTS.

MEDIA SOURCES.

WE REALLY NEED TO BROADEN WHAT IS AVAILABLE TO OUR YOUNG PEOPLE.

I FEEL WHEN I WAS YOUNG, THERE WERE SO MANY THINGS I COULD ACCESS.

I HAD LITTLE TO NO MONEY, BUT NOW, WE HAVE ALL THIS MONEY, AND WE STILL CAN´T DO A LOT OF THE THINGS THAT I REMEMBER DOING WHEN I WAS A YOUNG MAN.

SO WE REALLY NEED TO ENCOURAGE ALL OF OUR LEADERS HERE IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS.

ALL OF THE PROGRAM MANAGERS TO REALLY GET OUT THERE AND START INTERACTING AND SOCIALIZING BECAUSE SOCIAL ISSUES ARE ALSO PART OF THE PROBLEM AS WELL.

WE ARE MORE SEPARATED THAN EVER AND WE REALLY NEED TO FOCUS ON HOW WE CAN UNIFY ONCE AGAIN.

BECAUSE SOME OF THE PROBLEMS THAT WE ARE SEEING ARE ALSO SOCIAL PROBLEMS.

WE NEED THAT CONNECTIVITY OF ONE ANOTHER.

WE NEED TO START CARING AND LOVING ONE ANOTHER MORE LIKE WE USED TO.

>> THANK YOU FOR THAT RESPONSE MR. BOLQUES.

WE WILL STICK ON THE TOPIC OF CRIME FOR THE NEXT QUESTION.

AND I WILL ADDRESS IT TO MR. BOLQUES.

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

WE HAVE SEEN RECENTLY WHERE THERE HAS BEEN AN ASSAULT AGAINST 12 SCHOOLBOYS BY A TEACHER WHICH IS OBVIOUSLY SHOCKING FOR OUR COMMUNITY.

AND RIGHTFULLY, WE ARE ALL OUTRAGED BECAUSE OF THIS.

BUT GIRLS AS WELL ARE ALSO VICTIMS OF ASSAULT.

HOW CAN YOU AS A SENATOR PROTECT OUR BOYS AND GIRLS FROM SEXUAL ASSAULTS BY THESE PREDATORS?

MR. BOLQUES?

>> WHILE THAT ISSUE IS NOT SPECIFICALLY A SENATOR´S ROLE, I AM VERY, VERY FOCUSED ON WHAT TO DO WHEN IT COMES TO VICTIMS.

IT IS SOMETHING THAT I´M RUNNING ON.

RECENTLY, I WAS A PART OF THE BUDGET MARKUP AND I HELPED TO SECURE CRIME VICTIMS, COMPENSATION FUNDING FOR INDIVIDUALS THAT HAVE WENT THROUGH THAT TYPE OF ISSUE.

WHETHER IT IS A HOMICIDE OR BEING SEXUALLY ABUSED OR ABUSED DOMESTICALLY.

IT IS DISHEARTENING TO HAVE SUCH THINGS HAPPEN IN OUR SOCIETY.

IT IS REALLY, REALLY IMPORTANT FOR US TO HAVE THE PROPER PROGRAM AND MENTORS IN PLACE IN ORDER TO MAKE SURE TO TELL OUR CHILDREN THAT IT IS OKAY TO SAY SOMETHING.

DO NOT BE AFRAID.

YOUNG LADIES, YOUNG MEN.

WE HAVE TO MAKE SURE TO EMPOWER THEM TO LET THEM KNOW THAT COMMUNICATION IS ALSO VERY, VERY IMPORTANT BECAUSE IF WE DO NOT COMMUNICATE WITH ONE ANOTHER, INDIVIDUALS SUCH AS THIS WILL CONTINUE TO ABUSE OUR YOUNG PEOPLE.

SO I´M WORKING ON CRIME VICTIMS COMPENSATION.

SPARKING MORE ACTIVITY IN PROGRAMS LIKE VICTIMS UNITED AND OTHER PROGRAMS.

THESE ARE THE LEADER INS THAT AREA WHEN IT COMES TO HAVING SUPPORT AND COUNSELING.

WE HAVE TO MAKE SURE THEY ARE WELL FUNDED.

>> THANK YOU FOR THAT RESPONSE.

>> I BELIEVE IT IS VERY CRITICAL THAT WE TAKE SEXUAL ASSAULT VERY SERIOUSLY.

NOT ONLY SHOULD WE UPDATE THE VI CODE TO ENSURE THAT THE CRIMES ARE ABLE TO BE PROSECUTED, AS WELL AS PEOPLE WHO ENABLE SUCH ACTIVITY TO HAPPEN.

OFTEN, THERE ARE PEOPLE WHO KNOW WHAT IS TAKING PLACE.

BUT THEY DO NOTHING.

TO ENSURE THESE THINGS WILL HAPPEN, WE MUST ALSO PROSECUTE THOSE THAT KNOW THAT IT IS HAPPENING.

HOWEVER, DO NOTHING.

DO ANYTHING TO STOP IT.

YOU MUST ENSURE THAT INDIVIDUALS, THERE ARE PROGRAMS THAT ACTUALLY DEAL WITH VICTIMS DIRECTLY ARE FUNDED.

WOMEN´S COALITION.

MAKE SURE THAT PEOPLE WHO SUFFER THROUGH THINGS LIKE THIS, WHERE THEIR FUNDS SHOULD BE ALLOCATED TO.

THOSE TWO FUNDS I BELIEVE AS SENATOR AT LARGE, I CAN ASSIST WITH THAT.

>> THANK YOU FOR THAT RESPONSE.

AREA THAT HAS BEEN CONSISTENT CONVERSATION IN OUR TERRITORY.

HAVING TO DO WITH WATER AND POWER.

WHAT DO YOU SEE AS THE MAJOR CHALLENGES FOR THE WATER AND POWER AUTHORITY AND WHAT WOULD YOU DO IN TERMS OF STRATEGY TO ADDRESS THEM AS A SENATOR.

>> WHEN IT COMES TO THE WATER AND POWER AUTHORITY, WE SHOULD TRY TO GET MORE RENEWABLE ENERGY.

THERE IS ALREADY AN ACT.

7075.

THE VIRGIN ISLANDS VERSION OF THE GREEN NEW DEAL WHERE WE LOOK TO INCREASE RENEWABLES WHEN IT COME TO THE VIRGIN ISLANDS.

WE CAN USE THAT AS A FOOTPRINT TO HELP PROPEL THE VIRGIN ISLANDS TO A MORE GREEN FRIENDLY INDUSTRY.

COMES TO THEIR BUDGET.

THAT IS ONE OF THE THINGS THAT THE LEGISLATURE IS TASKED WITH.

SO YOU LOOK AT WHAT THEY ARE SPENDING MOST OF THEIR FUNDS, AND, CUT OUT THE WASTE AND ENSURE THAT THE FUNDS ARE DIRECTLY IMPACTING THE CITIZENS ELECTRICITY BILL.

SO I BELIEVE THAT THERE ARE AREAS, AS SENATOR AT LARGE I CAN ASSIST WITH MAKING SURE THEIR BUDGET IS IN LINE WITH WHAT WE NEED.

AND ALSO, TO PUT THEM INTO MORE GREEN RENEWABLE ENERGY.

THROUGH ACT 7075.

>> THANK YOU FOR THAT RESPONSE.

MR. BOLQUES, SAM QUESTION.

>> WHILE I KNOW THE ISSUES STEM FROM THE CREATION OF ENERGY, WE SHOULD FOCUS ON MORE GREEN ENERGY, SUSTAINABLE ENERGY, YES.

BUT THE NUMBER ONE ISSUE AND PROBLEM WITH WATER IS FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY.

EVERY SINGLE PERSON IN THIS TERRITORY IS A CUSTOMER.

BUT YET THEY STILL HAVE TO COME TO THE LEGISLATURE TO ASK FOR MONEYS.

THEY HAVE NOT PAID THE REP FOR A NUMBER OF YEARS NOW.

FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY IS THE NUMBER ONE ISSUE.

AS SENATOR AT LARGE, I´M GOING TO CRUNCH DOWN AND PUSH AS HARD AS POSSIBLE TO MAKE SURE THE FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY OF THAT ENTITY IS TRUE AND DIRECT.

BECAUSE THOSE PEOPLE ARE THE ONES WHO ARE HURTING.

OKAY?

IT HAS BEEN FAR TOO LONG WE HAVE BEEN FACING THIS ISSUE.

YES, WE UNDERSTAND THE DYNAMICS WHEN IT COMES TO WHAT POWER GENERATORS WE HAVE.

AND WHATEVER WE NEED TO UTILIZE FOR THEM TO WORK.

BUT THE FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY COMPONENT IS THE NUMBER ONE >> THANK YOU FOR THAT RESPONSE.

LET´S TURN TO OUR PUBLIC PENSION SYSTEM.

FOR THE FIRST TIME IN ABOUT 25 YEARS, IT WAS NOT IDENTIFIED AS A MAJOR CONCERN BY THE VIRGIN ISLANDERS BUT THE QUESTION IS, WHAT IS YOUR UNDERSTANDING OF WHY THIS IS SO AND WHAT LESSONS CAN WE LEARN ABOUT HOW THE SOLUTION CAME TO BE AND HOW WE CAN CONTINUE ALONG THIS PATH.

>> MY UNDERSTANDING OF HOW GERS GOT IN THE SITUATION IT IS IN IS RELATIVELY THE SAME WHAT I MENTIONED ABOUT WAPA AS WELL.

FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY.

WE HAVE HAD ISSUES WITH AGENCIES NOT PAYING THEIR FAIR SHARE.

AND GOT INVOLVED WITH ACQUISITION.

WITH THE GOVERNMENT RETIREMENT SYSTEM SHOULDN´T BE TRYING TO BUY HOTELS AND OTHER PROPERTIES.

THEY SHOULD BE FOCUSING ON PROVIDING A SERVICE TO THEIR RETIREES.

THEY STOPPED THE LOAN PROGRAM BECAUSE IT WENT DOWN WHEN IT CAME TO THOSE ACQUISITIONS AND TRYING TO MAINTAIN THEIR PORTFOLIO.

BUT, YOU KNOW, THE ADMINISTRATION CURRENTLY ALLOWS THE SENATORS OF THE 34th LEGISLATURE WERE ABLE TO COME UP WITH THE SOLUTION.

IT IS NOT A PERMANENT SOLUTION, BUT IT IS A TEMPORARY SOLUTION THAT GIVES 30 YEARS LONGEVITY FOR THE SYSTEM.

I´M HOPING AND PRAYING THAT WE ALSO REMEMBER THAT WE ALSO NEED TO USE THIS TIME WHILE WE HAVE ALL THOSE MONEY INS THE TERRITORIES TO BE ABLE TO PREPARE SO THAT WE CAN CREATE ECONOMIC CIVILITY HERE IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS TO UTILIZE WHATEVER STREAMS OF REVENUE TO MAINTAIN OUR SOCIETY.

>> THANK YOU FOR THAT.

THANK YOU FOR THAT.

MS. FRANCIS, YOUR RESPONSE.

>> MY UNDERSTANDING OF THE SOLUTION FOR GERS, SPECIAL PURPOSE VEHICLE WAS, WE PUT A COVER OVER THAT AND IT WAS PUT ON THE BLACK MARKET.

AND BETWEEN, AND THEN THE FUNDS, THE FUNDS THAT WERE RAISED WERE PLACED INTO THE GERS SYSTEM.

HOWEVER, THE WAVE AT GERS, BECAME THE WAY IT WAS, WAS NOT ONLY THROUGH UNPAID COMPENSATION FROM THE DIFFERENT AGENCIES BUT UNFUNDED ANNOY DATES BY THE LEGISLATURE.

THAT KIND OF BURDEN ON THE GER SYSTEM.

ANOTHER AIR WHAT WE NEED TO LOOK AT WHEN IT COMES TO GERS IS THE ALTERNATIVE INVESTMENT PROGRAM WHERE WE FUND COMPANIES WHERE THEY GET LOANS, LOW INTEREST LOANS FROM THE GERS SYSTEM.

THAT HAS BURNED US A COUPLE OF TIMES.

WE KNOW THE INSPECTOR GENERAL BEFORE THAT CAME OUT STATED HOW MANY FUNDS YOU LOST DUE TO THAT PROGRAM.

SO WE SHOULD PUT SOME MORE REGULATIONS WHEN IT COMES TO DOING ALTERNATIVE INVESTMENTS WHEN IT COMES TO THE RETIREES AND CURRENT EMPLOYEE FUNDS.

THAT´S THE AREA THAT AS LARGE, WE WORK ON.

>> OKAY, THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THAT QUESTION.

FOR THAT RESPONSE, RATHER.

LET´S FOCUS OUR ATTENTION ON FINANCIAL RESILIENCY AND SECURITY FOR THE VIRGIN ISLANDS.

WE HAVE ALL SEEN OUT OF THE THAT IS SHOWING UP IS 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 IS THE CHALLENGE TO MAKING THEM A REALITY?

>> I BELIEVE WE SHOULD DIVERSIFY OUR ECONOMY.

TOURISM HAS BOOSTED THE TERRITORY, HOWEVER, IT IS MANY FACTORS THAT CAN AFFECT OUR INDUSTRY AS IT IS.

SO I BELIEVE WE SHOULD LOOK INTO DIVERSIFYING AGRICULTURE.

BECAUSE IT TIES IN BOTH WITH TOURISM.

THERE ARE EXAMPLES IN HAWAII WHERE THEY USE EQUAL TOURISM TO BUILD UPON THEIR TOURIST INDUSTRY AND ALSO WE SHOULD INCLUDE MANUFACTURING AS OF THE AGRICULTURE INDUSTRY.

IT CAN ALSO BENEFIT US TO MAKE FOOD SUSTAINABILITY FOR THE VIRGIN ISLANDS.

SO, THERE ARE MANY AREAS THAT AGRICULTURE IS IDEAL FOR US TO FINANCE.

ONE OF THE HURDLE IS I BELIEVE THAT THERE SHOULD BE A CHANGE IN STRUCTURE WHEN IT COMES TO AGRICULTURE.

WHETHER IT IS TO HAVE MORE EXPERTS ON A BOARD THAT IS RELATIVELY KNOWLEDGEABLE ABOUT THE INDUSTRY.

THESE DIFFERENT AREAS WE MUST LOOK AT WHEN IT COMES TO AGRICULTURE AND MAKE SURE THAT IT IS FUNDED.

MOST OF OUR FARMERS, THEIR MAIN COMPLAINT IS INFRASTRUCTURE, THAT THEY NEED WATER.

THAT IS A CRITICAL COMPONENT WHEN IT COMES TO AGRICULTURE.

MAKING SURE THERE IS A CONSISTENT INFRASTRUCTURE FOR THEM TO HANDLE THE KIND OF PROPS THAT WE NEED IN THE VIRGIN ISLAND.

SO, AS STATED, I BELIEVE AGRICULTURE IS THE BEST INDUSTRY THAT WE SHOULD LOOK INTO DIVERSIFYING INTO.

>> THANK YOU.

THE SAME QUESTION, MR. BOLQUES.

>> THANK YOU.

I´M ALL ABOUT LOCALLY BASED ECONOMIC ACTIVITY.

I´M RUNNING ON AGRICULTURE.

I HAVE A PASSION FOR AGRICULTURE.

WE ARE TALKING ABOUT LIVESTOCK, FISHERIES, PLANTING.

THERE´S OVER 3,000 PLUS JOBS ASSOCIATED WITH AGRICULTURE.

IT DOESN´T NECESSARILY MEAN YOU HAVE TO GO OUT THERE AND JUST POUND THE SOIL.

I´M TALKING ABOUT COOPERATIVE WORK WHERE PEOPLE HAVE THEIR OWN JOBS CONCERNING STRAIGHT DOWN THE LINE.

FOR US TO GO THROUGH AND GO TO THE MARKET, TRY TO SELL IT.

IT IS IMPORTANT FOR US TO FOCUS ON AGRICULTURE, FOOD INSECURITY.

ALSO BEFORE MY TIME RUNS OUT, I BELIEVE IN BROADENING THE EXPANSION OF SMALL BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES.

LOCALLY BASED ECONOMIC ACTIVITY.

OUTSIDE, BUT UNFORTUNATELY, WE GIVE THEM A 95% TAX BREAK.

WHEN THEY MAKE THE MONEY, THEY LEAVE.

WE NEED TO MAKE SURE WE BROADEN OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE.

ENTREPRENEURS.

PEOPLE WHO WANT BUSINESS IFS THEIR HOMES.

PEOPLE WHO LIVE IN HOUSING COMMUNITIES AND HAVE BUSINESSES THERE.

THEY HAVE TO GO THROUGH A LOT OF RED TAPE JUST TO GET A BUSINESS LICENSE.

GET ALL THE PERMITS YOU NEED.

WE REALLY NEED TO OPEN UP AND EXPAND AND BROADEN THOSE OPPORTUNITIES SO WE CAN HAVE PEOPLE WHO ARE WORKING EVEN IN HOUSING COMMUNITIES SO WE CAN GET OUT.

BECAUSE HOUSING COMMUNITIES ARE TRANSITIONAL.

THEY ARE NOT SUPPOSED TO BE GENERATIONAL.

>> THANK YOU FOR THAT RESPONSE.

WE HAVE COME TO ALMOST THE END OF OUR CONVERSATION TODAY.

SO I WILL GIVE YOU EACH 60 SECONDS TO CLOSE OUT IN TERMS OF PROVIDING OUR VOTING PUBLIC SO, LET´S START WITH YOUR NAME.

AND THEN, YOUR FINAL STATEMENT.

>> THANK YOU.

I AM ANGEL BOLQUES JR., YOUR DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATE FOR SENATOR AT LARGE NUMBER ONE.

NUMBER TWO, ON THE BALLOT.

I WANT TO SAY THAT WHATEVER HAPPENS MOVING FORD WARD, THAT PEOPLE HAVE A CHOICE TO MAKE.

AND YOU SHOULD TAKE THE TIME AND LEARN FROM EACH CANDIDATE WHAT THEY BRING TO THE TABLE, WHAT EXPERIENCE THEY HAVE.

AND WHOEVER YOU CHOOSE THAT THEY ARE ABLE TO REPRESENT YOU TO THE FULLEST OF THEIR CAPACITY.

I HAVE ALREADY WORKED IN MANY CAPACITIES THROUGHOUT THE VIRGIN ISLANDS AND I HAVE APPLIED MYSELF TO MANY NON- PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS.

I HAVE WORKED WITHIN THE LEGISLATURE TO FURTHER ENHANCE MYSELF.

AND I´M CURRENTLY THERE THROUGH A BLESSING.

IF I CAN CALL IT THAT.

I AM ASKING YOU FOR A VOTE ON ELECTION DAY OR EARLY VOTING.

WHEREVER YOU WANT TO GIVE IT.

VOTE FOR NUMBER 2, ANGEL BOLQUES JR. FOR SENATOR AT LARGE.

>> MS. FRANCIS?

>> I´M SHERRYANNE FRANCIS.

NUMBER WITHIN IN YOUR BALLOT.

WE ARE ONE VIRGIN ISLANDS.

WE ALL WANT WHAT IS BEST FOR THE VIRGIN ISLANDS.

WHETHER YOU ARE DEMOCRAT, NO PARTY, REPUBLICAN, WE ALL WANT WHAT IS BEST FOR THE VIRGIN ISLANDS.

I AM PREPARED AND READY TO BE YOUR SENATOR AT LARGE AND TO SERVE YOU IN THAT CAPACITY.

I WANT FOR YOU TO LEARN MORE ABOUT ME, YOU CAN LOOK AT MY 3E PLATFORM ON MY WEBSITE.

SHERRYANNEFRANCIS.COM AND I HUMBLELY ASK FOR YOUR VOTE THIS NOVEMBER.

THIS GENERAL ELECTION FOR SENATOR AT LARGE.

THIS IS A CRITICAL DECISION.

THE DECISION RIGHT NOW, WE ARE AT A CRITICAL CROSS ROADS AND WE MUST ENSURE THAT EVERYONE IS ON BOARD AND PREPARED TO MAKE COMPREHENSIVE SOLUTIONS FOR THE VIRGIN ISLANDS SO I HUMBLY ASK FOR YOUR VOTE.

SHERRYANNE FRANCIS, NUMBER 1 ON YOUR BALLOT.

THANK YOU FOR HAVING ME, LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS AND WTJX AND THE LISTENING AUDIENCE.

>> THANK YOU SO MUCH CANDIDATES AND THANK YOU TO THE STAFF OF WTJX FOR TODAY´S PROGRAM.

THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS HOPE THIS PROGRAM HAS HELPED YOU GAIN A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF THE CANDIDATES.

AND TO BE WELL INFORMED IN MAKING YOUR VOTE IN NOVEMBER.

SO AGAIN, WE REMIND YOU TO GO OUT AND EVERY VOTE DOES COUNT.

THANK YOU.

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