>> HELLO, AND WELCOME TO THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS .

A PROGRAM PRODUCED IN WELL OVER 35 YEARS.

IT IS OUR HOPE THAT THROUGH THESE PROGRAMS THAT HEW 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 OF OUR PROGRAMS FOR THE 2022 ELECTION YOUR RIGHT HERE ON WTJX WITH CANDIDATES SEEKING OFFICE WITH A SENATOR IN THE 35th LEGISLATOR.

OR, AS GOVERNOR AND LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR.

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

WE ARE DELIGHTED TO HAVE WITH US TODAY THREE CANDIDATES RUNNING FOR THE POSITION OF SENATOR IN THE ST. THOMAS, ST. JOHN DISTRICT.

A MEMBER OF THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS.

I WILL SERVE AS MODERATOR FOR TODAY´S PROGRAM.

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

QUESTIONS 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 TIMING OF A QUESTION WILL BE ANNOUNCED IN ADVANCE.

ANY COMMENTS 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 VALID NUMBER.

WE WILL LEARN MORE ABOUT EACH AS OUR DISCUSSION ENSUES.

LET´S START WITH THE FIRST CANDIDATE.

MR. LARRY BUT SHELTER.

>> MY NAME IS LAWRENCE.

I AM A DEMOCRAT.

MY NUMBER ON THE BALLOT IS NUMBER SEVEN.

I AM DONNA FOR GREGORY.

I AM A DEMOCRAT, AND I AM NUMBER 11 ON THE BALLOT.

>> HI.

I AM MARVIN.

I AM A DEMOCRAT.

I AM NUMBER FOUR ON YOUR BALLOT.

>> THANK YOU.

NOW, FOR OUR FIRST QUESTION.

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

HERE IS A TWO PART QUESTION.

YOU WILL HAVE 90 SECONDS TO ANSWER.

I WILL START WITH YOU.

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

>> MY EDUCATION LEVEL I WENT TO UNIVERSITY IN CINCINNATI, OHIO.

MY COMPETENCY IS UNDERSTANDING TO WORK WITH PEOPLE.

I WAS ON THE BOARD OF ELECTION FOR ARE ELECTED THEMSELVES.

EVERYONE WANTS TO RUN THE SHOW.

BUT, WE HAVE TO UNDERSTAND ONLY ONE PERSON RUNS THE SHOW.

AND WE HAVE TO MEET IN VARIOUS CONFERENCES TO MAKE SURE THAT WHAT THE GROUP THE MAJORITY MAKES A DECISION ON IS WHAT WE HAVE TO FOLLOW.

>> SECOND PART OF THAT QUESTION.

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

>> I TRIED TO ANSWER BOTH AT THE SAME TIME I GUESS.

BEING AN ELECTED OFFICIAL ON THE BOARD OF ELECTIONS FOR 15 YEARS.

I RAN INTO A LOT OF INDIVIDUALS THAT WAS ELECTED, AND NOT RE- ELECTED.

BUT, UNDERSTANDING TO GET ACROSS TO GET ANYTHING DONE.

YOU HAVE TO BE A TEAM.

WE ARE DEMOCRATS.

WE WILL MAKE SURE EVERYTHING IS TAKEN CARE OF BY WORKING AS A TEAM.

>> THANK YOU.

LET´S TALK ABOUT YOUR VISION FOR THE VI.

2027 WELL IT MARKS THE HUNDRED ANNIVERSARY OF AMERICAN CITIZENSHIP FOR VIRGIN ISLANDERS, AND THE HUNDRED 10 FROM DENMARK.

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

>> THANK YOU FOR THE QUESTION.

WITHOUT A VISION WE WILL PERISH.

MY VISION FOR THAT IS FIRST OF ALL AS YOU KNOW --FIRST OF ALL, AS YOU KNOW WE DO NOT HAVE A CONSTITUTION.

WE ARE WORKING ON.

THAT BEING SAID I´M TRYING TO BE A PART OF THAT DISCUSSION, AND GIVE MY INPUT.

I WORK WITH OTHER COLLEAGUES, AND INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE SURE THAT WE HAVE A WORKING DOCUMENT DOCUMENT.

IN ADDITION TO THAT I MUST SAY THAT IT IS IMPORTANT THAT WE AS ELECTED ARE SHOWING THAT OUR YOUNG PEOPLE KNOW WHO THEY ARE.

THEY KNOW THEIR HISTORY.

WE ALSO HAVE CIVIC EDUCATION.

WE ARE ALSO WORKING TO FUND THAT AREA.

WITH THAT BEING SAID.

TO BE PART OF THE SOLUTION.

>> SAME QUESTION.

I WILL REPEAT IT.

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

>> MY VISION FOR SELF- GOVERNANCE IS ONE, WE HAVE TO FIRST DETERMINE WHAT OUR STATUS IS.

AS VIRGIN ISLANDERS.

AND TWO, WE MUST ADAPT A CONSTITUTION.

THE PROCESS FOR ADOPTING A CONSTITUTION AND THE VIRGIN ISLANDS HAS BEEN A LONG ONE, AND I AM PREPARED AS A LEGISLATOR TO CONTINUE TO PUSH THE AGENDA TO ENSURE WE ARE ABLE TO ADAPT A CONSTITUTION.

I CERTAINLY, CERTAINLY AGREE THAT IT´S CRITICAL AND IMPORTANT THAT WE ENSURE THAT OUR YOUNGER VIRGIN ISLANDERS THAT ARE COMING UP IN OUR COMMUNITIES.

THAT ARE IN OUR SCHOOL SYSTEM.

THAT WE TEACH THEM OUR VIRGIN ISLANDS HISTORY.

WE TEACH THEM CIVIC EDUCATION, AND WHAT IS ALSO CRITICALLY IMPORTANT IS THAT WE CONTINUE TO ENSURE THAT WE HAVE THE BEST PUBLIC SCHOOL SYSTEM.

WE HAVE A ROBUST EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM FOR THE PEOPLE OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS.

WHAT´S IMPORTANT FOR US IS THAT I WANT TO SEE MY VISION FOR ALL.

>> THANK YOU.

I WOULD LIKE TO GO BACK A BIT, AND ASK SENATOR BLYTON, AND SENATOR FITZ GREGORY TO INDICATE TO US AS A CANDIDATE .

WHAT ARE YOUR COMPETENCIES AS WELL AS EDUCATION, OR TRAINING THAT WILL MAKE YOU A GOOD CHOICE TO ADDRESS OUR ISSUES AS SENATOR?

SENATOR BLYTON.

>> AS FOR ME THIS IS MY FOURTH TIME AS A SENATOR.

I HAVE BROUGHT FORTH MANY POPULAR LEGISLATIONS.

I BELIEVE THAT MY EXPERIENCE AS A HOUSING MANAGER FOR 20+ YEARS TO KNOW, AND UNDERSTAND WHAT´S GOING ON IN OUR COMMUNITY.

I´M A GRASSROOTS SENATOR.

I BELIEVE THAT ALONG WITH MY PASSION, AND LOVE FOR MY PEOPLE HAS DETERRED ME TO BE A GOOD LEGISLATOR, AND A GREAT PUBLIC SERVANT.

THAT IS WHY I´M ASKING FOR ANOTHER OPPORTUNITY TO CONTINUE THE GREAT WORK THAT I HAVE BEEN DOING ON BEHALF OF THE PEOPLE.

THANK YOU SO MUCH.

>> PREPARATION.

IS KEY TO SERVING ANYTHING.

BUT YOU ARE ELECTED, APPOINTED TO SERVE IN.

I HOLD IN NPA, AND AN MBA.

I THINK WITH EQUALLY IMPORTANT IS THE FACT THAT I HAVE SERVED IN OUR GOVERNANCE OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS ON VARIOUS LEVELS.

I SERVED ON THE EXECUTIVE LEVEL FOR A NUMBER OF YEARS.

I SERVED AS GOVERNANCE FOR 32+ YEARS.

BUT, I RECENTLY HAD A GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO SERVE AS THE PRESIDENT OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS.

THAT HAS CHANGED MY TRAJECTORY .

HOW DO YOU MANAGE?

YOU THINK THAT ONCE YOU ARE AN EXECUTIVE LEADER YOU CAN TRANSITION INTO BEING A LEGISLATIVE LEADER.

BUT, AS A LEGISLATIVE LEADER IT IS IMPORTANT.

FOR ME, WHAT I BRING IS THE ABILITY TO COLLABORATE.

TO WORK IN TEAMS, AND SUPPORT OTHER LEGISLATORS.

WHAT IS CRITICALLY IMPORTANT IS TO REMAIN FOCUSED ON WHAT IS IMPORTANT TO THE PEOPLE.

>> THANK YOU.

THE THIRD QUESTION GOES TO SENATOR BLYTON.

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?

YOU HAVE 60 SECONDS.

>> TO AN EXTENT.

I BELIEVE ALL PUBLIC OFFICIALS SHOULD BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE 100%.

EVERYTHING PLAYS A ROLE.

WHETHER IT BE YOUR MORALS.

WHETHER IT BE YOUR LEGISLATIONS.

WHETHER IT BE ANYTHING.

YOU SHOULD BE HELD 100% ACCOUNTABLE.

YOU ARE NOT WORKING FOR YOURSELF.

YOU ARE A PUBLIC SERVANT.

YOU ARE WORKING ON BEHALF OF THE PEOPLE.

YOU WERE ELECTED BY THE PEOPLE, AND FOR THE PEOPLE.

I BELIEVE 100%.

THAT´S IT FOR ME.

THANK YOU SO MUCH.

>> THANK YOU.

SAME QUESTION.

>> I AGREE WITH SENATOR BLYTON.

I BELIEVE YOUR PAST, AND YOUR BACKGROUND SHOULD BE AWARE THAT INDIVIDUALS FOLLOW YOU.

REMEMBER A STATEMENT MY GRANDMOTHER ALWAYS TOLD ME.

NEVER EMBARRASS THE FAMILY.

IF I GET ELECTED ON NOVEMBER 8th I WILL NOT EMBARRASS THE INSTITUTION.

I WILL MAKE SURE I DO MY UTMOST .

THE INSTITUTION REPRESENTS THE U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS, AND I WILL BE THERE TO MAKE SURE THAT EVERYTHING IS ON THE UPRIGHT.

MY BACKGROUND.

YOU CAN CHECK MY BACKGROUND.

I´VE NEVER BEEN ARRESTED.

I´VE NEVER BEEN TO JAIL.

I´M NEVER EMBARRASSING THE FAMILY.

>> THANK YOU.

THE SAME QUESTION.

>> THANK YOU FOR THE QUESTION.

I BELIEVE IT IS EQUALLY IMPORTANT IS AS FAR AS MORAL AND ETHICS.

IN ORDER FOR OUR PEOPLE TO TRUST GOVERNMENT WE MUST ELECT INDIVIDUALS WHO HAVE MORALS.

WHO ARE MORALLY SOUND, AND ETHICALLY SOUND.

ETHICS IS CRITICAL AS A COMPONENT.

BECAUSE OF TRUST.

BECAUSE IT´S IMPORTANT THAT WE TRUST OUR ELECTED LEADERS, AND FROM MY PERSPECTIVE I BELIEVE IF YOU ARE GOING TO RUN FOR PUBLIC OFFICE IT IS CRITICAL THAT YOU ARE AN OUTSTANDING MEMBER OF THE COMMUNITY.

AND YOU ARE SOUND MORALLY.

NOT ONLY WHEN YOU WERE IN FRONT OF THE PUBLIC, BUT BEHIND THE SCENES AS WELL.

>> THANK YOU.

I WANT TO GIVE SENATOR BLYTON, AND FITZ GREGORY A CHANCE TO ANSWER THE SECOND PART OF THE QUESTION IN CASE YOU DIDN´T GET IT IN.

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

SENATOR BLYTON.

>> MY SKILLS, AND READINESS?

WHERE DO I BEGIN.

IN TERMS OF MY SKILL I WORK WITH MY COLLEAGUES WELL.

I HAVE AN OPEN BOOK POLICY.

I AM CONSENSUAL DRIVEN.

I BELIEVE WITHIN THE LAST SEVERAL WEEKS TO BE WITH HOUSING CRISIS THAT WE ARE GOING THROUGH RIGHT NOW.

I HAVE BEEN VERY CREATIVE WITH ALL THE DECISIONS.

TO HELP ASSIST THEM WITH BUILDING THEIR CREDIT IN ORDER TO GET HOME.

WE HAVE A FIRST-TIME HOME BUYERS PROGRAM.

THAT´S UNFORTUNATE.

WE ARE DOING EVERYTHING POSSIBLE, AND BEING CREATIVE.

RESPOND.

>> ABSOLUTELY.

OF COURSE, BY TRADE MY BACKGROUND IS FINANCE.

I FIND MYSELF TO BE A STICKLER.

BUT, WHAT´S IMPORTANT IS THE ABILITY TO WORK WITH OTHERS.

I BELIEVE THAT COLLABORATION IN AN INSTITUTION SUCH AS A LEGISLATOR IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOU COLLABORATE IN ORDER TO AND SITUATE GOOD CHANGE FOR THE PEOPLE.

MY A COMPLIMENT ACCOMPLISHMENTS ARE SIGNIFICANT.

AS FAR AS MY LEGISLATIVE EXPERIENCE COMING IN AS A FRESHMAN SENATOR IN 2019.

I MOVED OVER 60 PIECES OF LEGISLATION.

IT WAS IMPACTFUL.

MY FOCUS HAS BEEN ON EDUCATION.

IN EVERY AREA.

ON THE EDUCATION COMPONENT.

THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.

THE HOUSING CRISIS.

ACCOMPLISHMENT AS A LEADER IS CRITICAL, AND IMPORTANT --IS A CRITICAL COMPONENT ONCE YOUR CHILDREN SERVE IN THE LEGISLATOR.

>> THANK YOU.

WE WILL MOVE ON TO SOME OTHER MAJOR CONCERNS.

YOU WILL BE THE FIRST TO ANSWER THIS QUESTION.

WITH RESPECT TO EDUCATION CITED BY VOTERS AS ONE OF FOUR MAJOR CONCERNS.

WHAT YOU FEEL ARE THE PRIMARY CHALLENGES FACING EDUCATION TODAY?

WHAT WOULD BE YOUR STRATEGY FOR ADDRESSING THEM AS A SENATOR IN THE 35th LEGISLATOR.

YOU HAVE 90 SECONDS.

>> I BELIEVE THE MAJOR CHALLENGE WE ARE FACING IS ALL WE ARE NOTICING.

I FEEL THE NEED TO HAVE SOME FORM OF COUNSELING.

TALKING TO WHETHER IT´S THE PARENTS, OR STUDENTS.

WE NEED TO FIND A WAY TO REDUCE THE CHILDREN FIGHTING BACK.

IN MY DAYS I GUESS, BECAUSE WE WENT TO SCHOOL.

WE NEVER HAD FIGHTS LIKE THAT.

I DON´T KNOW IF IT´S BECAUSE OF THE NEW GENERATION.

WHAT THEY GO THROUGH ON THE INTERNET.

I THINK THAT I AM HURT TO WATCH ALL THESE FIGHTS.

I´M SCARED FOR MY DAUGHTER, BECAUSE SHE´S FOUR.

I´M SCARED OF WHAT SHE MAY HAVE TO FACE AS SHE STARTS TO GET OLDER.

>> SENATOR FITZ GREGORY.

IS IN QUESTION.

>> I THINK ONE OF OUR MAJOR CHALLENGES IN OUR EDUCATION SYSTEM IS THE ISSUES WE HAVE WITH LEARNING LAWS AS A RESULT OF THE SITUATION WE HAD WITH COVID-19.

OUR CHILDREN IN OUR SCHOOL SYSTEM HAS BEEN HOME FOR WELL OVER TWO YEARS.

I´M NOT EVEN GOING TO MENTION THE HURRICANE.

THAT´S A WHOLE OTHER YEAR.

WE HAVE TO FIGURE OUT A WAY TO ENSURE THAT OUR CHILDREN ARE IN FACT GETTING THE EDUCATION THAT THEY NEED.

IN DOING THAT WE MUST ESTABLISH THE APPROPRIATE PROGRAM.

WE NEED TO WORK ON ESTABLISHING A CURRICULUM IN THE VARIOUS AREAS.

UPGRADING OUR CURRICULUM IN OUR MATH, SCIENCE, ENGLISH.

OF COURSE HISTORY IS CRITICAL.

I DO BELIEVE THAT FOCUSING ON THE CHILD.

ON THE INDIVIDUAL CHILD IS A CRITICAL COMPONENT.

THAT WAY WE ARE ABLE TO SEE WHAT THE CHALLENGES ARE WITH OUR CHILDREN, AND WE CAN SUPPORT THEM AS INDIVIDUALS IN OUR SCHOOL SYSTEM HERE IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS.

LEARNING LAWS IS SOMETHING WE REALLY NEED TO FOCUS ON IN THE TERRITORY, AND FIGURE OUT HOW TO WE SUPPORT OUR CHILDREN AS THEY EXPERIENCE THIS CHALLENGE IN TIME.

FOR THE PAST FOUR YEARS.

>> THANK YOU.

SENATOR BLYTON SAME QUESTION.

>> ONE OF THE MAJOR CHALLENGES HIS MENTAL HEALTH.

I ALSO BELIEVE IN ANGER MANAGEMENT.

THEY HAVE TO LEARN TO CONTROL THEIR ANGER.

IT IS DISTURBING TO ME.

ANOTHER CHALLENGE WE NEED TO ADDRESS.

OF COURSE LEARNING LAWS.

KIDS HAVE NOT BEEN IN SCHOOL.

>> THANK YOU.

IN A RECENT POLL OF THE ELECTORATE IN 2022 WHAT IS IDENTIFIED FOUR AREAS OF BEING CONCERNED IN EDUCATION, CRIME, HEALTH, AND WHOPPER.

LET´S LOOK AT EACH ONE SEPARATELY, AND I TRUST THAT YOUR RESPONSES WOULD BE FOR THESE MATTERS IF ELECTED FOR THE 35th LEGISLATOR.

NOW, WITH RESPECT TO HEALTH CITED BY VOTERS IS ONE OF THE TOP FOUR MAJOR CONCERNS.

MANY LEAD THE TERRITORY IN SEARCH OF HEALTHCARE.

WHAT DO YOU SEE AS THE PRIMARY CHALLENGES REGARDING HEALTHCARE?

WHAT WOULD BE YOUR STRATEGIES SENATOR IN THE 35th LEGISLATOR.

YOU HAVE 90 SECONDS.

>> LET´S START WITH HEALTHCARE.

I THINK THE HEALTHCARE ISSUES WE HAVE HERE IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS.

WE KNOW THAT BASED ON THE SIZE OF OUR POPULATION HERE, AND THE TERRITORY WE CANNOT PROVIDE HEALTHCARE --ALL OF THE HEALTHCARE AREA STALL IN OUR COMMUNITY.

I THINK IT´S TIME WE REALLY LOOK AT WHAT WE ARE GOOD AT.

WHAT HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS WE CAN ATTRACT.

ESTABLISH RELATIONSHIPS WITH ALL ISLAND HEALTHCARE ORGANIZATIONS, OR HOSPITALS, OR CLINICS.

WHEN WE HAVE THOSE AREAS IN THOSE SPECIFIC AREAS WE ARE NOT ABLE TO PROVIDE THAT SERVICE HERE.

THAT WE HAVE THAT RELATIONSHIP, AND WE CAN SEND OUR PEOPLE TOO.

THE CARE ISSUES HERE IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS.

WE HAVE ISSUES WITH MEDICAID.

I THINK IT´S TIME WE ARE ON THE RAVEL OF WHAT IS HAPPENING ON THE NATIONAL LEVEL.

MEDICAID REIMBURSEMENT THAT WE GET HERE IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS.

WE ARE NOT EQUAL TO THE U.S., AND THAT PRESENTS A PROBLEM.

WHAT IS HAPPENING AS WE NOW HAVE TO PROVIDE MORE OF OUR DOLLARS HERE ON A LOCAL LEVEL TO SUPPORT HEALTHCARE.

SUCH AS HOSPITALS, AND SUFFERING WITH CARE.

I THINK WE NEED TO HAVE A COLLABORATIVE APPROACH AS TO HOW WE ARE GOING TO LOOK AT HEALTHCARE IN THE FUTURE.

THANK YOU.

>> YES.

SOME OF THE MAJOR ISSUES IN HEALTHCARE.

NUMBER ONE, WE KNOW WE HAVE A SHORTAGE OF NURSES.

OF COURSE THEY ARE GOING TO FUND IT.

OF COURSE AS DOCTORS WE KNOW THAT THEY ARE GOING TO GO A LONG WAY.

OF COURSE, TELEHEALTH.

WE NEED TO INCREASE TELEHEALTH PAYMENTS.

>> SAME QUESTION.

>> I AGREE WITH BOTH SENATORS.

I ALSO FEEL THAT WE ALSO SHOULD HAVE MEETINGS WITH THE BOARD OF THE HOSPITAL.

FIND OUT HOW THEY FEEL IS THE BEST WAY TO SOLVE SOME OF THESE ISSUES.

IN ORDER TO IMPLEMENT THE VARIOUS PROGRAMS THAT THEY FEEL NEED TO BE DONE IN ORDER TO HELP SOLVE THE HEALTH CRISIS.

LEGISLATORS MAY FEEL LIKE ALWAYS THE BEST.

BUT, THEY ARE ON THE GROUND.

WE HAVE TO FIND OUT WHAT´S GOING ON.

WITH THE BOARD, AND ALSO THE CEO TO HELP SOLVE THE HEALTHCARE PROBLEMS.

>> THANK YOU.

NOW, WITH RESPECT TO CRIME CITED AS ONE OF THE TOP FOUR MAJOR CONCERNS.

WHAT YOU SEE AS THE CHALLENGES?

WHAT WOULD BE YOUR STRATEGIES FOR ADDRESSING THEM AS A SENATOR IN THE 35th LEGISLATOR?

YOU HAVE 90 SECONDS.

SENATOR BLYTON YOU ARE FIRST.

>> THANK YOU FOR THAT.

PREVENTION IS THE CURE.

THAT IS WHY I ALWAYS FOCUS ON PROGRAMS THAT ARE GOING TO HELP YOUNG PEOPLE.

WE THE JOB.

SOME OF THEM HAVE GRADUATED FROM HIGH SCHOOL, AND THEY ARE NOT ABLE TO GO TO.

>> ENFORCEMENT IS CRITICAL.

THE COMMUNITY THAT WE TRUST, THE DEPARTMENT, AND THE OFFICERS.

VERY IMPORTANT.

IT HAS PLAYED A MAJOR ROLE IN SOLVING CRIMES IN THE COMMUNITY.

WHEN IT COMES TO CRIME, AND CRIME PREVENTION.

>> THANK YOU.

THE SAME QUESTION.

>> I ALSO AGREE WITH PREVENTION.

I THINK WE NEED TO START IN HIGH SCHOOL, AND SIGN UP FOR THE VARIOUS PRINCIPLES.

WHERE ARE THESE TROUBLED YOUTHS?

WE NEED TO FIND A WAY TO MAKE SURE THEY DON´T GO ASTRAY.

SOMETIMES WE BRAND THESE YOUNG PEOPLE ON THERE WILL BE NOBODY AS A GRADUATE.

WE NEED TO FIND A WAY TO TAKE THEM TO TRADE SCHOOL.

WHERE THEY ARE FINDING INTERNSHIPS SO THEY DON´T GET ON THE STREET, AND START HANGING OUT WITH THE WRONG CROWD.

>> IN TERMS OF CRIME I BELIEVE CRADLE-TO-GRAVE.

I BELIEVE IF WE ARE GOING TO TRULY ADDRESS THE CRIME PROBLEM ISLANDS WE MUST START AT HOME, ONE.

IMPORTANTLY, I THINK WAS CRITICALLY IMPORTANT IS LOOKING AT HOW WE ADDRESS OUR STUDENTS IN OUR EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM.

FROM PREKINDERGARTEN, AND FORWARD.

IT IS IMPORTANT THAT WE ESTABLISH.

WE HAVE BEEN TALKING ABOUT IT FOR YEARS.

I WAS A SPONSOR OF THAT LEGISLATION WHICH IS THE VIRGIN ISLANDS VIRTUAL INFORMATION SYSTEM.

IT´S A SYSTEM WHICH COLLECTS DATA ON ALL OF OUR CHILDREN IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS.

SO, WE ARE ABLE TO FOLLOW OUR CHILDREN TO ENSURE THAT IF THERE IS A CHALLENGE WITH A CHILD WE ARE ABLE TO PROVIDE A SUPPORTING SYSTEM.

OF COURSE, THAT´LL BE FOR OUR NEWBORNS COMING UP.

HOWEVER, HOW DO WE ADDRESS CRIME AS WE SPEAK?

ENFORCEMENT IS CRITICAL.

THERE MUST BE A LEVEL OF TRUST.

I THINK TRUST IS AN IMPORTANT COMPONENT FOR SOLVING CRIMES IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS.

I DON´T KNOW IF WE CAN SOLVE ALL CRIME IN ITS TOTALITY.

BUT, WHAT IS CRITICAL IS ENFORCEMENT, AND TRUST IN OUR COMMUNITY.

COLLABORATING AS ONE PEOPLE TO MAKE SURE THAT ONCE THERE IS A CRIME COMMITTED THAT WE ARE NOT AFRAID TO SPEAK UP, AND SAY WHAT THE SITUATION IS.

IF YOU SEE SOMETHING SAY SOMETHING.

AND WE WILL BE ABLE TO BEGIN TO BRING BACK THAT TRUST AMONGST ALL OF US, AND WE WILL BE ABLE TO SOLVE CRIMES ON THE VIRGIN ISLANDS.

>> THANK YOU.

THE FOLLOW-UP QUESTION.

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

RECENT DISCLOSURE AS AN ASSAULT IN THE COMMUNITY WAS RIGHTFULLY OUTRAGED.

BUT, GIRLS ARE AND ASSAULTED TWO.

HOW CAN WE PROTECT OUR BOYS, AND GIRLS FROM SEXUAL ASSAULT BY ADULTS?

YOU HAVE 60 SECONDS.

LET´S GO WITH SENATOR BLYTON FIRST.

>> THANK YOU FOR THAT QUESTION.

MOST OF THE TIME WHEN YOUNG PEOPLE ARE ASSAULTED THEY ARE ASSAULTED BY FOLKS THEY TRUST, AND NO.

IT´S IMPORTANT TO GET OUR YOUNG PEOPLE TO SPEAK UP TO SAY SOMETHING, BECAUSE THERE IS NO SHAME IN SPEAKING THE TRUTH.

IF YOU ARE BEING ASSAULTED IN ANY SHAPE, OR FORM SPEAK TO SOMEONE YOU TRUST.

YOUR MOTHER, YOUR FATHER, YOUR PASTOR, YOUR BEST FRIEND.

MANY TIMES FOLKS ARE AFRAID TO COME FORWARD, BECAUSE THEY FEAR THEY MIGHT GET CALLED A PUNK.

WHAT HAVE YOU.

YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE.

IT´S CRITICAL YOU COME FORWARD, AND SPEAK TO SOMEONE YOU CAN TRUST, AND THAT YOU BELIEVE IN.

I BELIEVE FOR THE ADULTS IT IS UNACCEPTABLE, AND IT IS WRONG.

THEY SHOULD BE PROSECUTED TO THE HIGHEST EXTENT OF THE LAW.

THERE IS NO ROOM FOR THAT IN OUR SOCIETY.

ESPECIALLY, A SMALL COMMUNITY LIKE THE VIRGIN ISLANDS.

THAT SHOULD NOT BE HAPPENING TO THE SMALL KIDS.

>> I FEEL THERE NEEDS TO BE MORE TRAINING IN THE SCHOOLS IN ORDER FOR THE PRINCIPAL.

IT GOES BACK TO THE PRINCIPAL, AND ADMINISTRATORS TO MAKE THE CHILDREN FEEL COMFORTABLE TO COME OUT.

WHETHER THEY HAVE TO DO IT IN ONE ON ONES, OR DIFFERENT GROUPS.

THERE SHOULD BE A WAY THAT A CHILD IS NOT SCARED TO STATE WHAT MIGHT BE HAPPENING, OR WHAT THEY FEEL MIGHT HAPPEN.

WE WILL HAVE THE CHURCHES COME IN TO HAVE VARIOUS GROUPS, OR HAVE SOME NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS.

THERE NEEDS TO BE AWARE THAT THE CHILDREN IN THE VARIOUS SCHOOLS FEEL COMFORTABLE TO EXPLAIN WHAT MIGHT BE HAPPENING TO THEM.

PARENTS NEED TO BE OF INFORMED.

STATING WHAT TO LOOK FOR IF A SITUATION IS HAPPENING.

>> I THINK WHAT´S IMPORTANT AS A LEGISLATOR TO ADDRESS CRIME, CHILDREN IS FOR US TO STRENGTHEN OUR LAWS AROUND ASSAULTING CHILDREN IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS.

IT IS TIME THAT WE INCREASE THE PENALTIES AROUND CRIME AGAINST OUR CHILDREN.

WE ALSO NEED TO PROVIDE TRAINING TO OUR CHILDREN.

I THINK WE ARE AT THE POINT WHERE WE SHOULD BE INTEGRATING INTO OUR CLASSROOMS.

PARTICULARLY, ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CLASSROOMS.

YOU KNOW.

IT SHOULD BE PART OF OUR CURRICULUM WAS A FUNNY TOUCH?

OR, WHEN SOMEONE SAYS SOMETHING TO YOU THAT´S NOT COMFORTABLE.

PARENTS NEED TO MAKE SURE THAT THEIR CHILDREN TRUST THEM ENOUGH THAT THEY SHARE THAT WITH THEM.

THEY SHARE THE UNCOMFORTABLE SITUATION WITH THEM.

THAT THEY ARE COMFORTABLE ENOUGH TO SAY SOMETHING ABOUT IT.

THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU.

WITH RESPECT TO WHAT YOU SEE AS THE MAJOR CHALLENGES?

WHAT WOULD BE YOUR STRATEGIES FOR ADDRESSING THEM AS A SENATOR IN THE 35th LEGISLATOR?

>> HAS ALWAYS BEEN FACED WITH THE GOVERNMENT NOT BEING ABLE TO PAY THE BILLS.

I FEEL THAT MAKING SURE THE GOVERNMENT PAYS THE BILLS ON TIME SO THEY DON´T HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT THE CREDIT PROBLEMS THEY RUN INTO.

I FEEL THE LEGISLATOR I´LL BE WORKING WITH MY DEMOCRATIC COLLEAGUES TO FIND A WAY OF PROVIDING ANOTHER AVENUE OTHER THAN.

I KNOW THEY HAVE THE LGB, BUT WE NEED TO FIND MORE WAYS OF SOLAR OCEAN TECHNOLOGY.

WAYS TO REDUCE THE COST.

>> OUR ISSUES WITH ARE NOT NEW.

THOSE ISSUES ARE AS LONG AS I CAN REMEMBER FROM THE 80s.

AND, I THINK IT HAS BEEN COMPILED OVER THE YEARS.

MOST RECENTLY IN THIS 34th LEGISLATOR WE ADDRESS THE BOARD MEMBERS.

TO ADDRESS HOW THE PSC SHOULD MANAGE THE UTILITY COMPANIES HERE IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS, AND I WAS A PRIME LEADING SPONSOR IN ENSURING THAT THERE WAS AN AMENDMENT PIECE OF LEGISLATION THAT REQUIRES THERE IS AN ASSESSMENT OF WHOPPER.

NONE OF US.

NEITHER THE NEW PEOPLE, OR THOSE THAT ARE THERE NOW.

WE HEAR ABOUT THE CHALLENGES.

BUT, DO WE REALLY KNOW WHAT THE ISSUES ARE?

WE DON´T.

IT´S TIME FOR AN OVERALL ASSESSMENT.

AN ENERGY ASSESSMENT.

THE WATER ASSESSMENT.

SO, WE COULD REALLY DETERMINE WHAT THE ISSUE IS.

>> SAME QUESTION.

THAT QUESTION.

IS CONSIDERED A BAD WORD IN OUR COMMUNITY.

THE WORKERS ARE VERY HARD- WORKING INDIVIDUALS.

BUT, IN TERMS OF ITSELF.

MANAGEMENT IS THE PROBLEM.

MANAGEMENT HAS BEEN THE PROBLEM FOR MANY YEARS.

THEY DID NOT EVEN SHOW.

THEY DIDN´T EVEN RESPOND.

WE SUBPOENAED THEM.

MANAGEMENT IS THE PROBLEM.

I BELIEVE IT HAS BEEN MANAGEMENT FOR A LONG TIME.

AND THE BAD DECISIONS THEY HAVE MADE HAS PUT US IN DEBT TREMENDOUSLY.

IT´S HARD TO FIND A WAY OUT OF THAT DEBT.

IT´S AN UNFORTUNATE TERRITORY IN THE 33rd, 24th LEGISLATOR.

WE STILL HAVE A LONG WAY TO GO.

WE ARE GOING TO CONTINUE TO FIGHT ON BEHALF OF THE PEOPLE IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS.

>> LET´S TALK ABOUT GROWING THE ECONOMY.

WHILE TOURISM IS THE BACKBONE OF OUR ECONOMY THE MAJORITY OF THE ELECTORATE DIDN´T WORK IN THAT INDUSTRY.

THAT DOES LITTLE TO BRING IN NEW DOLLARS.

WHAT´S LESS IS THE PRIVATE SECTOR.

WHAT HAVE YOU DONE, OR PLAN TO DO AS A SENATOR TO GROW, AND SUPPORT THE PRIVATE SECTOR.

AND TO ENCOURAGE THE LOCALS TO BECOME PUBLIC AND THE PRIVATE SECTOR.

THE FIRST QUESTION GOES TO SENATOR BLYTON.

>> WELL, I DO NOT BELIEVE THAT IS THE BACKBONE.

SMALL BUSINESSES IS THE BACKBONE OF ANY ECONOMY.

I´VE HAD A SMALL BUSINESS MYSELF FOR OVER A DECADE.

I UNDERSTAND THE ISSUES THAT SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS FACE.

I BELIEVE THERE NEEDS TO BE MORE INCENTIVES FOR SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS TO START THEIR BUSINESSES.

THE PROBLEM THEY FACE IS ACCESS TO INVESTMENT.

BUSINESS OWNER THE BETTER WE WILL BE IN THE LONG RUN.

I ALSO BELIEVE WHEN IT COMES TO SMALL BUSINESSES THERE NEEDS TO BE SOME TYPE OF INSURANCE FOR SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS.

I KNOW I HAVE BEEN WORKING ON THAT FOR SOME TIME.

IT´S ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE.

NONETHELESS, I BELIEVE SMALL BUSINESSES DRIVE AN ECONOMY.

WE NEED TO DO ANYTHING IN OUR POWER.

WE NEED TO FIND CREATIVE WAYS TO HELP THE SMALL BUSINESS COMMUNITY.

>> SAME QUESTION.

>> I TOTALLY AGREE WITH SENATOR BLYTON ON THE ISSUES THAT HE JUST STATED.

I AM A SMALL BUSINESS OWNER.

I GO THROUGH A LOT OF PROBLEMS THAT HE JUST STATED.

ONE OF THE MAIN PROBLEMS, AND I´LL WORK WITH SENATOR BLYTON.

I´M JUST LUCKY MY WIFE WORKS SO, I PIGGYBACK ON HER INSURANCE.

BUT, IF SHE DIDN´T WORK FOR THE GOVERNMENT WE WOULD BE.

ACCESS TO CAPITAL.

A SMALL BUSINESS YOU CAN´T GROW IF YOU DON´T HAVE CAPITAL.

SO, YOU NEED CAPITAL, BUT THEN YOU GO TO THE BANKS.

I ACTUALLY GET MORE LOANS FROM MY NAVY FEDERAL BANK IN THE STATES THAN I DO LOCALLY.

THE PEOPLE IN NAVY FEDERAL HAVE NEVER MET ME.

THEY JUST TALKED ON THE PHONE, AND THEY GIVE ME MONEY.

I HAVE PEOPLE HERE IN THE VARIOUS BANKS THAT I KNOW, AND HE ASKED THEM FOR CAPITAL.

IT IS SUCH A HARD ISSUE.

WHEN ELECTED I WILL WORK WITH BLYTON FOR SURE ON INSURANCE, AND ACCESS TO CAPITAL FOR SMALL BUSINESS.

>> I THINK WHAT IS IMPORTANT IS THAT WE COUNT ON MORE RESOURCES TO THE PROGRAM.

THAT WE PROVIDE MORE FUNDING FOR SMALL BUSINESSES.

MORE GRANT OPPORTUNITIES.

WE TALK ABOUT A FARMING INDUSTRY.

BUSINESSES THAT PROVIDE SUPPORT TO THE TOURISM INDUSTRY AS WELL.

IT´S IMPORTANT THAT WE CONTINUE TO TALK ABOUT MOVING SMALL BUSINESSES.

AS VIRGIN ISLANDERS COMMAND LEGISLATORS.

LET´S START WITH THE LEGISLATORS FIRST.

OUR RESPONSIBILITY IS WE SHOULD PROVIDE MORE FUNDING FOR THE PROGRAM, AND GRANTS.

HOWEVER, AS A COMMUNITY WE MUST SUPPORT OUR SMALL BUSINESSES.

IN ORDER FOR SMALL BUSINESSES TO STAY AFLOAT OUR RESPONSIBILITY AS A COMMUNITY IS TO SUPPORT SMALL BUSINESSES.

OVERALL, WE HAVE TO COLLECTIVELY SUPPORT SMALL BUSINESSES TO GROW THE ECONOMY IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS.

I RECENTLY MOVED LEGISLATION TO ADDRESS THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM.

>> THANK YOU.

THE NEXT QUESTION GOES FIRST .

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

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

WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES TO MAKING THEM A REALITY?

>> ONE OF THE BUSINESSES THAT I OWN IS A SMALL FARM.

I THINK FARMING SHOULD BE IMPORTANT.

IT SHOWS IN THE ECONOMY THROUGH THE PRICES THAT WE HAD ABOUT STAYING AT HOME.

I THINK PEOPLE SHOULD LEARN HOW TO FARM ON THEIR OWN.

YOU DON´T HAVE TO BE A BIG FARMER.

I´M NOT A BIG FARMER, BUT I DO GET EGGS.

I DO SELL MY EGGS.

I DIDN´T HAVE A PROBLEM DURING THE PANDEMIC.

I THINK IF WE SUPPORT MARS SMALL BUSINESSES.

WE WILL HAVE MORE WAYS OF PROVIDING REVENUE, AND HELPING THE ECONOMY.

EVEN THOUGH WE NOTICED A LOT OF THE TOURISTS DIDN´T COME DURING THE PANDEMIC.

>> SAME QUESTION.

>> AS IT RELATES TO ATTRACTING THE VISITORS TO THE VIRGIN ISLANDS.

DEFINITELY SHOWN US THAT WE NEED TO GET BACK INTO MANUFACTURING PHARMACEUTICALS.

THERE MUST BE A PAGE FROM THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT TO REALLY GO OUT, AND SPREAD THE WORD ABOUT THE AVAILABILITY IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS.

WE NEED TO MAKE OURSELVES AVAILABLE.

NOT ONLY IN THE CARIBBEAN, BUT ALSO ON THE INTERNATIONAL LEVEL.

SO, FOLKS CAN COME HERE AND OPEN LATE MANUFACTURING PLANTS.

WE USED TO HAVE THAT BACK IN THE DAY.

WE NO LONGER HAVE THAT.

TO DO THAT WITH OUR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.

IT JUST REQUIRES A REAL PUSH.

A LIFT.

>> THANK YOU.

SENATOR BLYTON.

>> THANK YOU FOR THAT QUESTION.

ONE THING IS THAT WE ARE STILL BEHIND WHEN IT COMES TO A TOP INDUSTRY.

ONE INDUSTRY THAT INCREASE THE REVENUE DURING THE PANDEMIC.

THAT IS A MULTIBILLION DOLLAR INDUSTRY.

MANY OF THE LOCAL INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE IN THAT INDUSTRY ARE REACHING OUT ON AN IRREGULAR BASIS FOR LOCALS TO GET INTO THE INDUSTRY.

THAT´S NOT RIGHT.

I HAVE BEEN DOING MY PART IN TRYING TO EDUCATE SOME.

THERE ARE SOME ON BOARD TO ASSIST.

FIBERGLASS.

YOU NAME IT.

CHEFS.

I BELIEVE THE PANDEMIC HAS SHOWN US THAT THE INDUSTRY IS A VERY CRITICAL INDUSTRY, AND TERRITORY.

>> THANK YOU.

THE NEXT QUESTION GOES TO.

RECREATIONAL MARIJUANA WAS INTENDED AS A BOOST TO THE ECONOMY, AND HAS BEEN CREATED TO DEVELOP POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR OVERSIGHT IN THE TERRITORY.

IT APPEARS THAT LITTLE HAS COME FROM IT THUS FAR.

WHAT YOU SEE AS A ROLE AS A LEGISLATOR IN ADDRESSING THIS MATTER?

>> A LEGISLATOR HAS OVERSIGHT RESPONSIBILITY.

WE HAVE COMMITTEES THAT STILL WITH ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.

SO, WE CAN HAVE THE CONVERSATION WITH A RESPECTIVE ENTITY.

WHICH IS KIND OF THE BOARD TO ADDRESS WHATEVER CONCERNS WE HAVE.

BUT, I AM AWARE THAT AS WE SPEAK THEY HAVE STARTED TO ROLL OUT THE POLICIES AND PROCEDURES.

I THINK WAS CRITICALLY IMPORTANT, AND WE HAVE TO ACKNOWLEDGE THIS AS VIRGIN ISLANDERS.

BECAUSE OF OUR SMALL COMMUNITY MEDICAL CANNABIS IS NOT GOING TO JUMP OFF THE WAY WE THINK IT IS.

IT IS TIME THAT WE REALLY ADDRESS CANNABIS ON THE PERSPECTIVE OF ADULT USE.

CANNABIS IN AN EARNEST MANNER HERE IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS WE MUST ADDRESS IT FROM A HOLISTIC PERSPECTIVE.

I´M NOT SAYING THAT I AM A COMPONENT OF CANNABIS.

HOWEVER, I BELIEVE THAT WE STARTED A CONVERSATION, AND WE NEED TO COMPLETE THE CONVERSATION.

AND THAT OUR DECISION AS TO WHERE THAT´S GOING TO GO IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS.

AS FAR AS THE RULES, AND REGULATIONS I KNOW IT´S BEEN PUSHED OUT.

THERE IS MUCH MORE WORK TO DO.

>> SENATOR BLYTON.

>> THANK YOU AGAIN FOR THAT QUESTION.

WE ARE SEEING THE WORK WE HAD TO DO IN TERMS OF THE BOARD MEMBERS.

THEY ARE DOING THEIR PART IN TERMS OF GETTING THE RECREATION OUT.

I AGREE WITH MY COLLEAGUE ON MY LEFT.

I DO NOT BELIEVE IT´S GOING TO DO MUCH.

IT´S RECREATIONAL WHERE THE MONEY IS AT.

WE ARE GOING TO KEEP IT REAL.

MOST PEOPLE IN THE TERRITORY DO USE CANNABIS.

THE YOUNG.

THE OLD.

THE RICH.

THE POOR, AND EVERYONE IN BETWEEN.

FOR YEARS SINCE I WAS A LITTLE BOY.

DOING WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE IN ORDER TO ADDRESS THIS KIND OF ISSUE.

IN TERMS OF MEDICAL CANNABIS IS GOING THROUGH A PROCESS.

>> SAME QUESTION.

>> WHILE I APPRECIATE BOTH SIDES.

I DO AGREE WITH THEM THAT IT IS THE BOARD THAT IS THE PROBLEM HERE.

WE NEED TO FIND A WAY OF MAKING SURE THAT THEY PASS MORE INFORMATION TO GET THIS THING DONE.

I GUESS I WOULD LEARN THAT MOST PEOPLE THAT DIDN´T USE CANNABIS.

I´VE NEVER USED IT.

NEVER SMOKED IT.

I HAVEN´T HEALED IT BY SECONDHAND SMOKE.

I HAVE BEEN AROUND IT, BUT I´VE NEVER USED IT.

I´M NOT AGAINST IT.

I´M ESPECIALLY FROM ERIC MEDICAL MARIJUANA.

HAVE AN INDIVIDUAL THAT I HAVE TO GIVE TAURUS TO SOMETIMES.

I NEVER REALLY BROUGHT THIS INDIVIDUAL UP.

WHEN THEY FORGET THEIR MEDICATION ON THE SHIP I HAVE TO CUT DOWN ON THE TOUR, BECAUSE THE PAIN THAT THEY GO THROUGH.

I DO PUSH MEDICAL MARIJUANA FOR SURE.

UNTIL YOU ARE IN THAT PAIN SITUATION YOU WANT TO KNOW TO RELEASE THE NEED FOR THE CANNABIS.

>> THANK YOU.

LET´S 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 HAS SUGGESTED.

WHAT IS YOUR POSITION ON THE RENT CONTROL FOR THE VI?

THE FIRST QUESTION GOES TO SENATOR BLYTON.

60 SECONDS.

>> MY FIRST NAME IS HOUSING, AND MY SECOND NAME IS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.

WHEN IT COMES TO RENT CONTROL I´VE BEEN DOING MY RESEARCH.

THE COUPLE OF STATES THAT HAVE TRIED IT BEFORE.

IT TAKES A LOT TO GET RENT CONTROL.

I´VE BEEN DOING RESEARCH.

BUT, BESIDES RENT CONTROL THERE ARE A LOT OF THINGS WHEN IT COMES TO HOUSING THAT I HAVE DONE.

ACROSS MANY LEGISLATION.

EVERYTHING FROM TAX CREDITS.

TWO EMERGENCY HOUSING.

TRANSITIONAL HOUSING.

TO SECTION 8 IN TERMS.

I ALSO KNOW THAT I HAVE A HOUSING SENATE COMING UP IN A COUPLE OF MONTHS THAT ARE GOING TO BRING ALL THE STAKEHOLDERS TO THE BANKS.

>> SAME QUESTION.

>> I FOR SURE .

WHEN ELECTED I WILL BE WITH SENATOR BLYTON IN ASSISTING WITH WHATEVER WAYS NECESSARY TO PROVIDE AFFORDABLE HOUSING.

THE PROBLEM IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR.

YOU CAN´T TELL AN INDIVIDUAL WHO HAS A RENTAL UNIT HOW MUCH THEY COULD RENT IT FOR.

THAT´S WHY WE ARE HAVING A PROBLEM WITH HOUSING RIGHT NOW.

A LOT OF INDIVIDUALS ARE USING THEIR UNITS AS AIRBNB´S.

WENT TO INDIVIDUALS OUT THERE.

SO, MY FIRST SUGGESTION I WILL BE WITH SENATOR BLYTON WORKING WITH HIM.

>> WE CONTINUE TO TALK ABOUT ENCOURAGING OUR YOUNG VIRGIN ISLANDERS TO COME BACK HOME.

OF COURSE, WE HAVE AN ISSUE WITH LOW HOUSING STOCK.

OF COURSE, WE HAVE THE CONCERN WITH RENT HERE IN THE TERRITORY.

I BELIEVE IT´S IMPORTANT THAT WE HAVE A LICENSE IN CONSUMER.

WHAT´S CRITICAL IS IN ORDER FOR US AS LEGISLATORS TO MAKE A DECISION AROUND RENT CONTROL IF YOU WILL.

I BELIEVE IT´S CRITICAL THAT WE DO THAT FROM A PERSPECTIVE OF DATA.

UNTIL UNLESS WE BEGIN TO COLLECT DATA, AND INFORMATION.

THAT IS DIFFICULT TO REALLY DETERMINE HOW DO WE REALLY TALK ABOUT RENT CONTROL.

BUT, I THINK WHAT´S IMPORTANT WE HAVE A LOT OF BUILDINGS HERE IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS.

A LOT OF FAMILIES HAVE LEFT.

THEIR CHILDREN ARE NOT INTERESTED.

IT´S TIME FOR US TO REALLY BEGIN TO LOOK AT THOSE BUILDINGS.

THOSE PROPERTIES.

HAVE A CONVERSATION WITH THE OWNER, AND MAKE A DETERMINATION AS TO WHETHER THE GOVERNMENT IS GOING TO TAKE THOSE PROPERTIES.

YOUNG VIRGIN ISLANDERS WHO WANT TO COME BACK HOME, AND OWN A PIECE OF THIS TERRITORY.

WE CONTINUE TO TALK ABOUT IT, BUT I THINK WE HAVE TO HAVE THE WIDTH, AND THE GRITS REALLY MAKE THAT HAPPEN.

AS A LEGISLATOR THAT´S ONE OF THE THINGS I´VE BEEN WORKING ON FOR THE PAST YEAR AND A HALF.

THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU.

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

FOR OVER 30 YEARS HAS ASKED THE SAME QUESTION REGARDING THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE LAND AND WATER USED PLAN FOR THE TERRITORY.

HAVE PLEDGED THAT ON THEIR WATCH A PLAN WOULD BE DEVELOPED.

BUT, NONE HAVE.

SO, WE ASK INSTEAD THIS QUESTION.

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

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

THAT QUESTION GOES FIRST.

>> I´M GLAD, BECAUSE THE ENVIRONMENT IS ONE OF MY ISSUES.

I´VE BEEN A MEMBER OF THE PRESIDENT NATIONAL PARK BOARD FOR 20 YEARS.

WHILE THE FUNDS HAVE BEEN TAKING A LOT OF NEGATIVE HEAT ON CERTAIN LOCAL ISSUES THEY ARE A POSITIVE NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION THAT DEALS WITH ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES.

IF YOU FOLLOWED A FRIEND NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION WEBSITE YOU WILL SEE ALL THE STUFF THEY´VE DONE FOR LOCALS.

ALSO, FOR THE VARIOUS FIELD TRIPS.

TO GO TO ST. JOHN.

FRIENDS AT A NATIONAL PARK HAS TRAINED.

OR, I HAVE SEEN ON THE BOARD HAS DEALT WITH A LOT OF ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES THAT WE HAVE WORKED ON TO MAKE SURE THE ENVIRONMENT STAYS POSITIVE IN THE U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS.

>> THE ABSENCE OF LAND, AND WATER HAS CAUSED A LOT OF DYSFUNCTION IN THE WAY THAT WE BUILD OUR HOMES HERE IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS.

WHERE BUSINESSES ARE SET UP.

LEGISLATOR IS RESPONSIBLE FOR APPROVING ZONING REQUESTS.

A LOT OF TIMES PEOPLE COME BEFORE US FOR ZONING REQUESTS.

ZONING VARIANCES IN THE TWO ZONING AREAS.

IT´S CREATED A LOT OF CHALLENGES.

WE CAN JUST LOOK AROUND US, AND SEE WHAT THIS PLAN HAS CAUSED US HERE IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS.

LAST I HEARD I WANT TO SAY IT WAS ABOUT THREE WEEKS AGO.

THE DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING NATURAL RESOURCES INDICATED TO THE LEGISLATOR THAT THERE IS A CONTRACT IN PLACE.

IN FACT, THEY ARE ON THEIR WAY TO BEGIN .

I´M NOT WARM, AND FUZZY ABOUT THAT.

WE´VE BEEN HEARING ABOUT THIS FOR A LONG TIME.

I BELIEVE THAT WHAT IS IMPORTANT FOR US IS THAT WE REALLY DEVELOP.

IT HAS TRULY IMPACTED US HERE IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS.

>> THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU AGAIN FOR THAT QUESTION.

IF YOU FAIL TO PLAN YOU FENNEL PLAN TO FAIL.

MY COLLEAGUE IS CORRECT.

I WILL TRUST, AND DEPEND ON THEM TO DO WHAT THEY NEED TO DO.

THE DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING NATURAL RESOURCES.

I´M GOING TO LET THEM DO WHAT THEY NEED TO DO.

WHEN IT COMES TO BILLING, AND ZONING.

THAT IS NOT OUR EXPERTISE.

THERE THE ONE THAT NEEDS TO DEAL WITH IT.

THAT BEING SAID IT IS CAUSING PROBLEMS WHEN IT COMES TO.

BECAUSE.

AS WE CAN FOLLOW IT MOVING FORWARD.

>> THANK YOU.

SO, OUR FINAL QUESTION IS YOUR CHOICE.

I INVITE YOU TO ANSWER EITHER ONE FOR 60 SECONDS.

THE FIRST QUESTION IS ADDRESS ANY OTHER TOPIC OF CONCERN THAT YOU HAVE AN INTEREST IN ALONG WITH YOUR STRATEGY FOR ADDRESSING THE TOPIC.

OR, IDENTIFY A MAJOR PIECE OF LEGISLATION YOU INTEND TO INTRODUCE OVER THE NEXT TWO YEARS AS A SENATOR, AND INDICATE WHY.

OUR FIRST QUESTION GOES TO SENATOR PRESIDENT FITZ GREGORY.

>> THANK YOU.

IN ACHILLES´ HEEL FOR ME IS THE FACT THAT AS LONG AS I COULD REMEMBER MYSELF WE HAVE BEEN TALKING ABOUT OUR BUILDINGS.

WE ALSO CONTINUE TO TALK ABOUT OUR FAILING EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM.

I AM A FIRM BELIEVER THAT IT IS TIME THAT WE REMOVE THE MAINTENANCE OF OUR SCHOOLS.

THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF MAINTAINING, AND CONSTRUCTING OUR SCHOOL FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION.

FROM THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE COMMISSION OF EDUCATION.

I BELIEVE EDUCATORS NEED TO FOCUS ON STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT.

WE HAVE SEEN THE ISSUES WE HAVE WITH OUR LEARNING LOSS IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS.

WE´VE SEEN THE CHALLENGES THAT WE HAVE WITH OUR CHILDREN FROM CRADLE TO GRAVE.

IT´S TIME THAT WE DO THINGS DIFFERENTLY.

WE CAN´T CONTINUE TO TALK ABOUT OUR SCHOOL BUILDINGS, AND TALK ABOUT STUDENTS ACHIEVEMENTS AND NOT TRULY ADDRESS THEM.

THANK YOU.

>> SENATOR BLYTON.

>> YES.

I´M GOING TO START WITH THE FIRST ONE AND GO TO THE SECOND ONE.

THE FIRST ONE IS ANCHORING OF BOATS.

ON THE SHORELINE.

TO PROTECT THESE AREAS.

I BELIEVE DURING THE PANDEMIC AGAIN THAT CAME FORTH.

IT CAME TO MY ATTENTION .

THIS WILL BE ESSENTIAL, BECAUSE IT´S AN ESSENTIAL AREA FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS.

ANOTHER PET PEEVE OF MINE.

I´VE BEEN SPEAKING ABOUT IT FOR SOME TIME SINCE THE LATE, AND GREAT SENATOR WHITE.

SO MUCH RESOURCES.

YOU CAN GET WATER FROM THE HILLS.

IT´S GOING TO COST.

IT WOULD HELP TO BUILD DEVELOPMENT.

>> WAS ELECTED I´LL BE WORKING WITH MY DEMOCRATIC COLLEAGUES TO BE SURE WE HAVE LEGISLATION IN THERE TO FIT NONPROFIT IN CHURCHES, AND DEALING WITH HOMELESSNESS.

I FEEL LIKE WE HAVE A BIG PROBLEM WITH IT.

SOMETIMES WE GO BY, AND WATCH A PERSON, AND NOT UNDERSTAND WHAT THEY MIGHT GO THROUGH.

THEY MIGHT NEED SOME TYPE OF PSYCHOLOGICAL HELP, AND ISSUES TO THAT CONCERN.

>> THANK YOU.

NOW, CANDIDATES WILL HAVE 60 SECONDS EACH FOR A CLOSING STATEMENT.

I WILL START WITH SENATOR BLYTON.

>> THANK YOU.

I HAVE COURSE WOULD LIKE TO THANK WTJX.

THANK YOU FOR THIS OPPORTUNITY TO HAVE A DISCUSSION WITH YOU.

AGAIN, I AM NUMBER FOUR ON YOUR BALLOT.

MARVIN BLYTON.

I BELIEVE ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT REASONS FOR YOU TO VOTE FOR ME IN MY OPINION, COMMITMENT TO THE PEOPLE OF VIRGIN ISLANDS.

MY LOVE IS REAL.

MY PASSION IS EVIDENT.

I BELIEVE I HAVE A NUMBER OF QUALITIES THAT MAKE ME A PUBLIC SERVANT.

THAT YOU SHOULD SUPPORT.

MY ENERGY COMES DOWN TO MY LOVE FOR PEOPLE.

IT MEANS THAT I AM ALWAYS IN A COMMUNITY.

I AM PROUD TO SAY THAT MOST OF MY BEST IDEAS COME FROM MY CONSTITUENTS.

I ASK YOU TO PLEASE GIVE ME ONE OF YOUR VOTES.

THANK YOU SO MUCH, AND HAVE A BLESSED DAY.

>> I WOULD LIKE TO THINK THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS FOR PROVIDING ME THE OPPORTUNITY TO EXPRESS MYSELF SO THAT THE VOTERS CAN MAKE A DECISION ON NOVEMBER 8th.

10th TO OCTOBER 31st.

>> AGAIN, MY NAME IS DONNA FITZ GREGORY.

I AM ASKING FOR ONE OF YOUR PRECIOUS VOTES.

I AM NUMBER 11 ON THE BALLOT THIS YEAR.

I HAVE LED THE LEGISLATIVE PROCESS WITH A STEADY HAND.

WITH STRUCTURE, AND I BELIEVE OUR VIRGIN ISLANDS NEED A STEADY HANDS COMMAND STRUCTURE FOR DETERMINED LEADERSHIP.

FOR PROVEN LEADERSHIP.

FOR ACCOUNTABILITY.

VOTES NUMBER 11.

>> IN QUEUE CANDIDATES.

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

THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS HOPES THIS PROGRAM HAS HELPED YOU GAIN A BETTER 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 OFTEN SEE AN INDIVIDUAL WHO BARELY MAKES THE CUT, BECAUSE A FEW MORE PEOPLE DIDN´T VOTE.

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

SO, LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD BY YOUR VOTE.

IT IS YOUR RIGHT.

SO, TAKE IT.

THANK YOU FOR WATCHING.

I AM DR. PAMELA FOR THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS.

SAYING, VOTE EARLY.

OR, VOTE IN NOVEMBER.

BUT, VOTE.