>>> WELCOME TO THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS CANDIDATE FORM.

--FOR OUT WELL OVER 35 YEARS.

--TODAY´S PROGRAM.

-- WHO MAY BE IMMUNOCOMPROMISED, I HAVE CHOSEN TO WEAR A MASK DURING TODAY´S PROGRAM.

--PROTECT.

IT IS OUR HOPE THAT THESE VOTING PROGRAMS WILL GIVE THE PUBLIC A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF CANDIDATES RUNNING FOR ELECTED OFFICE IN THE U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS.

WE INVITE YOU TO LOOK UP ALL OF OUR PROGRAMS FOR THE 2022 ELECTION YEAR ON WTJX TV.

--FOR GOVERNOR.

ALTHOUGH ALL CANDIDATES WERE INVITED NOT ALL ACCEPTED THE INVITATION.

TODAY, THESE CANDIDATES RUNNING FOR THE POSITION OF SENATOR IN THE DISTRICT.

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

NO CANDIDATE -- HAS ASKED US ANY QUESTIONS IN ADVANCE.

--ROTATED AMONG THE PARTICIPANTS.

THESE ARE GENERALLY 60 TO 90 SECONDS.

THE QUESTIONS WILL BE ANNOUNCED IN ADVANCE.

ANY COMMENTS DIRECTED SPECIFICALLY AT ANOTHER CONTENDER WILL BE GIVEN A REBUTTAL --LET´S BEGIN.

I WOULD ASK EACH CANDIDATE TO IDENTIFY WHO THEY ARE -- WE WILL LEARN MORE -- >> GOOD EVENING.

I AM ON THE BALLOT.

MY AFFILIATION IS DEMOCRAT.

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

>> WHITFIELD.

-- I AM AN INDEPENDENT CANDIDATE.

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

>> HELLO.

JACKSON.

DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATE FOR THE 36 LEGISLATURE.

MY NUMBER IS 62.

>> NOW FOR OUR FIFTH QUESTION.

LET´S TALK ABOUT -- TWO PART YOU EACH HAVE 90 SECONDS TO ANSWER.

--WHAT ARE YOUR COMPETENCIES AS WELL AS EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCE THAT WOULD MAKE YOU A GOOD VOICE TO ADDRESS OUR ISSUES AS A SENATOR?

WHAT ARE YOUR RECENT ACCOMPLISHMENTS THAT SHOW YOUR WILLINGNESS AND READINESS -- THE OFFICE?

PLEASE ANSWER BOTH PARTS OF THE QUESTION IN 90 SECONDS.

YOUR COMPETENCY AND --RELATED TO THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THIS POSITION.

AGAIN, YOU HAVE 90 SECONDS.

WE WILL START WITH WHITAKER.

--I HOLD A LAW DEGREE AND MULTIPLE MASTERS DEGREE IN AND ANOTHER DEGREE -- MY WORK ON --PREVENTION.

[ INAUDIBLE ] EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT.

--AREA OF THE WORK IN POLITICAL ENGAGEMENT WHILE RUNNING FOR OFFICE, AS WELL AS -- FOCUSING ON READINESS FOR TAKING OFFICE.

IN TERMS OF MY BACKGROUND AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS -- -- [ INAUDIBLE ] MY ACCOMPLISHMENTS --VERY PROUD OF THAT.

THANK YOU.

I LOOK FORWARD TO ASKING FOR YOUR SUPPORT.

>> THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

NEXT IS WHITFIELD.

YOU HAVE 90 SECONDS.

DO YOU NEED ME TO READ THE QUESTIONS AGAIN?

WHAT ARE YOUR COMPETENCIES AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND RELATED TO THIS?

[ INAUDIBLE ] A 12 YEAR INCUMBENT MILITARY VETERAN.

[ INAUDIBLE ] I´M COMMITTED TO THE DEVELOPMENT AND WELL-BEING OF THE CITIZENS OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS.

>> JACKSON.

NUMBER 16 ON THE BALLOT.

--MASTERS IN MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION IN EDUCATION.

--AS A TEACHER, AS DEPUTY COMMISSIONER, AS A COACH AND ADVOCATE.

--RECEIVE THE SAME BENEFITS I HAVE.

I HAVE TAUGHT STUDENTS MANY SKILLS -- LEADERSHIP POSITION AND ORGANIZATION SUCH AS -- WITH ALL OF MY BACKGROUND I AM NOW READY TO SERVE THIS COMMUNITY IN THE CAPACITY AS A LEGISLATOR.

>> THANK YOU, MISS JACKSON.

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

2027 WILL MARK THE 100th ANNIVERSARY OF THE CITIZENSHIP OF A VIRGIN ISLANDERS.

AND 120 YEARS -- WHAT IS YOUR VISION IN RESPECT TO THE GOVERNMENT AND THE VIRGIN PLAY --DOES NOT NECESSARILY IMPLY INDEPENDENCE.

--UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

I UNDERSTAND AND I KNOW THE GREATNESS OF THIS NATION.

I AM PROUD TO SERVE OUR AMERICAN HERITAGE AS WELL AS OUR HERITAGE FROM -- VIRGIN ISLANDS RIGHT NOW.

[ INAUDIBLE ] WE NEED TO SERIOUSLY REVIEW -- [ INAUDIBLE ] >> THANK YOU.

MISS JACKSON?

YOU HAVE 60 SECONDS.

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

--IN RELATION TO THE 227th ANNIVERSARY -- 110 YEARS SINCE THE PURCHASE OF DENMARK.

[ INAUDIBLE ] THAT´S WHAT I WOULD LIKE TO SEE FOR OUR PEOPLE.

BEING ABLE TO STAND ON OUR OWN TWO FEET .

BEING ABLE TO FEED ON IMPORTED GOODS.

BE ABLE TO GOVERN OUR OWN EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM BASED ON OUR CULTURE AND BASED ON WHO WE ARE.

I WANT TO EMPOWER EVERYONE TO BELIEVE IN THEMSELVES AND BE SELF-SUFFICIENT.

--THE DIRECTION, THE PATH .

WE HAVE TO BE ABLE TO BELIEVE IN OURSELVES AND TAKE CARE OF OURSELVES AND --THE WAY I WOULD LIKE TO SEE THINGS GOING.

>> WHITAKER?

>> I´M A CHAMPION -- THE CAUSE.

--MY EFFORTS --12th GRADE.

I HAVE ADVOCATED FOR THAT -- MOVE FORWARD IN THAT REGARD.

UNDERSTANDING HISTORY.

--[ INAUDIBLE ] INTERNATIONAL LEVELS.

[ INAUDIBLE ] I HAVE ALSO TRAINED INDIVIDUALS .

I LOOK FORWARD TO BRINGING US FORWARD TO THE PATHWAY THAT WE HAVE TO CONTINUE TO ADVOCATE FOR.

>> THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

OUR NEXT QUESTION.

WE WILL START WITH MISS JACKSON.

TO WHAT EXTENT DO MORAL OR ETHICAL ISSUES IN THE PRIVATE LIFE OF POLITICAL CANDIDATES BE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT BY VOTERS -- AND WHY?

60 SECONDS.

>> TO THE LARGEST EXTENT.

WE ARE EXAMPLES.

WE ARE SUPPOSED TO BE SETTING EXAMPLES FOR OUR YOUNG KIDS TO FOLLOW.

LINE WITH GOOD CHARACTER.

I TRULY FEEL THAT WE SHOULD NOT TAKE LIGHTLY THE BEHAVIOR OF INDIVIDUALS WHO REPRESENT US.

--GOOD EXAMPLES FOR OTHERS TO FOLLOW.

>> WE WILL GO TO WHITAKER FOR THE SAME QUESTION.

>> THANK YOU.

WHEN YOU TALK ABOUT ETHICS WE SUPPORT CHARACTER.

THAT´S WHY WE CONTINUE TO DRIVE HOME THE IMPORTANCE OF -- WITHIN THE SCHOOL SYSTEM.

-- MOVING FORWARD.

--ETHICAL ISSUES.

--CONFLICT OF INTEREST.

--BY WAY OF EDUCATION, BUILDING CHARACTER --SMALL COMMUNITY AND A LOT OF CONFLICTS OF INTEREST THAT NEED TO BE ADDRESSED.

ULTIMATELY -- THIS SPACE.

>> GOOD MORAL STANDING.

IT´S EXTREMELY IMPORTANT.

WE SHOULD SET THE EXAMPLE BECAUSE -- WHATEVER WE DO CAN AFFECT OUR COMMUNITY NEGATIVELY OR POSITIVELY.

IT IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT.

>> OKAY.

NEXT QUESTION.

WE WILL START WITH MISS WHITAKER.

IN A RECENT POLL OF THE ELECTORATE IN 2022 VOTERS IDENTIFIED FOUR AREAS -- LET´S LOOK AT EACH ONE SEPARATELY -- IF ELECTED TO THE 36 LEGISLATURE.

--BY VOTERS AS ONE OF FOUR MAJOR CONCERNS.

WHAT DO YOU SEE ARE THE PRIMARY CHALLENGES FACING EDUCATION TODAY?

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

YOU HAVE 90 SECONDS.

>> I CAN TELL YOU RIGHT NOW -- [ INAUDIBLE ] EMERGENCY MEETINGS, INTERNAL MEETINGS , HEARINGS, AND THE LIKE.

--CURRICULUM.

-- SUPPORT OUR TEACHERS.

WE NEED TO INCREASE FUNDING TO MAKE IT MORE ATTRACTIVE.

WE ALSO HAVE SECURITY CONCERNS .

WITH EDUCATION -- WORK WITH MORE COLLEAGUES -- EDUCATION AND LEGISLATION TO HELP WITH OUR CHILDREN FOR DEVELOPMENT -- ENTREPRENEURSHIP .

WITH THAT EFFORT , ALL TIED INTO CRIME PREVENTION --LESS LIKELY THEY WILL END UP IN A LIFE OF CRIME.

THESE ARE ONE OF THE THINGS THAT I PUSH FOR.

I ADDRESS THE PROGRAMS AND NUTRITION.

-- ALL ALIGNED, ALL CONNECTED .

>> THANK YOU.

YOU HAVE 90 SECONDS.

>> EDUCATION IS EMPOWERMENT.

-- ACCESS POLITICS IN OUR EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM.

--TO THE EXTENT TO --THE ABILITY OF THE TEACHERS -- REDUCE THE POLITICS OF THE SCHOOL SYSTEM.

--DO THE BEST THEY CAN DO -- OTHER CONCERNS -- EFFORTS NOW -- VIRGIN ISLANDS -- [ INAUDIBLE ] WE NEED TO HAVE THE NATIONAL GUARD MOBILIZED WITH A 90 DAY TRIAL PERIOD -- THESE ARE THINGS WE NEED TO ADDRESS.

IT IS A COMBINATION OF EDUCATION ALONG WITH A BALANCED ECONOMY.

-- >> I SUPPORT WHAT´S HAPPENING IN THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION.

ONE OF THE CHALLENGES IS THE STRUCTURE.

--DELIVERING INSTRUCTION.

--BIG ISSUE.

RESPONSIBILITY -- RESPONSIBLE FOR THE EDUCATION OF OUR CHILDREN -- BASED ON STANDARDS.

NO MATTER WHERE YOUR CHILD -- AND THAT --AT THAT PARTICULAR TIME .

IT´S SO IMPORTANT.

WE NEED TO MAKE SURE PARENTS KNOW WHAT THEIR CHILD SHOULD BE LEARNING --CAN HAPPEN.

THEY MUST BE GIVEN THE RESOURCES NECESSARY TO DELIVER INSTRUCTION -- AS A LEGISLATOR I WILL MAKE SURE THAT MONEY IS SET ASIDE -- >> THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

WITH RESPECT TO HEALTH .

THIS IS A MAJOR CONCERN.

--SOCIAL HEALTHCARE.

WHAT DO YOU SEE AS THE PRIMARY CHALLENGE REGARDING HEALTHCARE?

WHAT WOULD BE YOUR STRATEGY FOR ADDRESSING THEM AS A SENATOR IN THE 35th LEGISLATURE?

WE WILL START WITH YOU.

YOU HAVE 90 SECONDS.

>> --EXTREMELY IMPORTANT -- RIGHT NOW IT´S ALMOST 5 YEARS -- DEVASTATED THE VIRGIN ISLANDS.

--IS IN SHAMBLES.

NOTHING IS BEING DONE.

--UP TO THIS POINT IT HAS STILL NOT COME ONLINE.

PEOPLE ARE DYING AND FLYING OUT.

WE NEED STRONG LEADERS TO FACE THE CHALLENGE TO PUSH FORTH AN AGENDA FOR THE PEOPLE.

>> THANK YOU.

MISS JACKSON?

YOU HAVE 90 SECONDS.

>> --MUST BE MAINTAINED FOR THE COMMUNITY.

THAT´S EXTREME IMPORTANT.

I AGREE WITH THAT AND I STAND BY THAT.

AS SENATOR I WILL MAKE SURE -- CONDITIONS.

YOU HAVE TO ALSO BE STRONG ENOUGH TO CONFRONT -- RESPONSIBLE RIGHT NOW TO DO THE CONSTRUCTION TO MAKE SURE -- OUR PEOPLE.

MY METHOD WOULD BE , LET´S APPROACH IT FROM --STANDPOINT.

IT´S NO LONGER GOOD ENOUGH TO WE HAVE TO HAVE PREVENTATIVE CARE TO MAKE SURE WE BUILD A GOOD PUBLIC/PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP SO THAT WE CAN HAVE PROGRAMS THAT IMPART OUR COMMUNITY TO TAKE CARE OF THEMSELVES --THE ALES OF OUR COMMUNITY AS IT RELATES TO HEALTH.

THE HEALTH OF OUR PEOPLE.

--IMPLEMENTATION OF THE BODY MASS INDEX PROGRAM IN OUR SCHOOL SYSTEM.

THAT ALLOWS US TO HAVE OUR CHILDREN BECOME AWARE OF THEIR HEALTH AND HOW IT RELATES TO THEIR HEALTH CONDITIONS.

THAT IS AN APPROACH -- AILMENT OF OUR CHILDREN -- INTO ADULTHOOD.

I WILL ALSO ADVOCATE -- HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS SO THAT WE CAN IMPART OUR PEOPLE WITHIN THE COMMUNITY TO LIVE BETTER LIVES.

[ INAUDIBLE ] HEALTHCARE FOR THE VIRGIN ISLANDS , AS WELL AS UPDATING AN ADDITIONAL ASPECT OF THE LAW.

ALSO , IN THIS PHASE, INTENSIVE --HEALTHCARE WORKERS.

-- ALL OF OUR HEALTH WORKERS HAVE ADDRESSED ISSUES IN THEIR WORK ENVIRONMENT THAT IS CRITICAL.

I CALL UPON THE LEADERS OF THESE TO CONTINUE TO GO FORWARD --SAFETY OF EMPLOYEES.

ADDITIONALLY, IN THIS STATE, -- SUPPORT HEALTHCARE , AND DO MY PART TO WORK ON SUPPORTIVE SERVICES.

--HEALTHCARE AND A MOBILE UNIT THAT WAS VERY CRITICAL TO NETWORK.

IN THAT WAY I HAVE WORKED WITH OUR HEALTHCARE STAKEHOLDERS, AND EVEN EDUCATION SPACE.

WE NEED TO SHOW UP THE NEXT SET OF HEALTHCARE WORKERS -- ON CURRICULUM --PERFORMANCE.

>> THANK YOU.

--TOP FOUR MAJOR CONCERNS.

WHAT WOULD BE YOUR STRATEGY FOR EXPRESSING THEM AS A SENATOR IN THE 35th LEGISLATURE?

I WILL GIVE EACH PERSON 90 SECONDS FOR THE FIRST ONE.

THEN WE WILL GO TO THE SECOND.

--SAME --FOLLOWED FOR THE SECOND QUESTION.

WE WILL START WITH MISS JACKSON.

>> --CRIME -- TOP FOUR MAJOR CONCERNS.

WHAT DO YOU SEE ARE THE CHALLENGES ?

WHAT WOULD BE YOUR STRATEGY TO ADDRESS THEM AS SENATOR OF THE LEGISLATURE?

>> ASSURING THAT WE HAVE STATIONED OFFICERS FOR OUR EMERGENCY COMMUNITY.

--PUT OUT FOR WORK.

--WE NEED INDIVIDUALS WHO LOVE TO BE IN OUR COMMUNITY FOR THE SAFETY OF OUR COMMUNITY.

THAT´S ONE OF THE CHALLENGES .

I THINK IT STARTS FROM OUR CHILDREN.

--OUT OF SCHOOL PROGRAMS.

WE NEED TO BE --JUVENILE --NECESSARY FOR OUR COMMUNITY.

OUR RECREATIONAL FACILITIES -- SERVE A SAFE HAVEN FOR OUR CHILDREN.

--EXPOSED TO STRUCTURE IN THEIR LIVES --WORKING HARD TO PUT FOOD ON THE TABLE -- BEHIND CLOSED DOORS WITH LACK OF SUPERVISION.

THEY NEED MORE EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITY OUT OF SCHOOL PROGRAMS TO BRING BACK STRUCTURE TO OUR COMMITTEE.

>> THANK YOU.

MISS WHITAKER AGAIN.

WHAT DO YOU SEE ARE THE CHALLENGES AND WHAT WOULD BE YOUR STRATEGY FOR ADDRESSING THEM IN THE 35th LEGISLATURE WITH RESPECT TO CRIME?

>> THANK YOU.

THE CHALLENGES REALLY STEM FROM EDUCATION AND -- ALSO OUR FRAMEWORK.

WE BROKE DOWN, A GENERATION AGO, A YOUTH INFRASTRUCTURE.

--WORKING FOR THESE COMMISSIONS.

--LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL.

OUR YOUNG PEOPLE ARE ALSO PART OF THE SOLUTION.

--ADDRESS CRIME.

WE HAVE TO LOOK INTO --DEEPLY AN ISSUE OF NUTRITION.

THAT´S WHY AM PUSHING FOR -- PREVENTION IN THE ERA OF HEALTHCARE.

WE CAN ENSURE THAT WE HAVE A MORE HEALTHY MIND AND BODY.

THAT IS CRITICAL IN CRIME PREVENTION.

WE ALSO HAVE --THAT NEEDS TO BE RESTORED WITH RESPECT TO OUR LAW ENFORCEMENT.

-- OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS.

-- PART OF AN ECOSYSTEM WHEREBY CRIME PREVENTION ARE ADDRESSED.

WE HAVE TO GET INTO THE HEARTS AND MINDS OF OUR CHILDREN AND LOOK AT INDIVIDUALS WHO HELP SUPPORT OUR CHILDREN .

AND YES, AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAMS, NUMBER FIVE ON THE BALLOT.

>> THANK YOU.

>> WE NEED TO BE MORE PROACTIVE -- LAST 10 YEARS.

-- NOT A PRIORITY IN THIS COMMUNITY ANYMORE.

--[ INAUDIBLE ] MOVING WITH THEM AND GUIDE THEM , HELP THEM TO BE A BETTER COMMUNITY.

-- WE NEED TO DO MORE FOR OUR CHILDREN.

WE NEED MORE PROGRAMS TO ADVOCATE FOR THEM.

AND WE NEED TO STOP THE REACTIVE BEHAVIOR --OUR CHILDREN.

WE DON´T NEED TO LET OUR CHILDREN --CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM .

-- FOCUS ON PREVENTION, EDUCATION , SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT.

WE NEED TO MAKE SURE -- IS IN PLACE TO ADDRESS THESE ISSUES.

--WE NEED TO SEE MORE POLICE BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS WITH THE COMMUNITY.

-- DIRECTLY FOCUSING ON CRISIS PREVENTION.

>> THE SECOND PART OF THIS QUESTION .

--AGAINST OUR CHILDREN IS A CONCERN IN OUR COMMUNITY.

--AGAINST 12 SCHOOLBOYS BY A TEACHER.

THE COMMUNITY IS RIGHTFULLY OUTRAGED.

GIRLS ARE ALSO AND ASSAULTED TOO.

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

YOU HAVE 60 SECONDS TO ANSWER THIS QUESTION .

MISS JACKSON?

>> WE NEED TO MAKE SURE -- MONEY AS THE LEGISLATURE.

-- TRAIN THOSE INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE FIRST RESPONDERS TO SITUATIONS --SEXUAL ASSAULT.

WE NEED TO TRAIN OUR PARENTS, OUR FAMILIES , TO TRAIN OUR PARENTS TODAY WITH SITUATIONS --WE NEED TO MAKE SURE WE CREATE AN ENVIRONMENT THAT WILL ASSURE THE STUDENTS ARE MAKING SURE THAT MONEY IS APPROPRIATED FOR PROGRAMS THAT CAN HELP INDUCE THE SITUATIONS .

THAT IS SOMETHING THAT I WILL DEFTLY WORK WITH MY COLLEAGUES TO DO.

>> THANK YOU.

MS. WHITAKER, YOU HAVE 60 SECONDS.

>> WE HAVE TO HOLD INDIVIDUALS ACCOUNTABLE.

LOOK AT THE SITUATION WE HAVE FACED IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS.

WE HAVE FAILED OUR CHILDREN -- INDIVIDUALS FAIL THEM.

WE HAVE TO HOLD THEM ACCOUNTABLE.

I DROVE HOME THE ISSUE -- OVERSIGHT.

THE RECREATION, ATTORNEY GENERAL, COMMISSIONER OF EDUCATION, --ENGAGE WITH EVERYBODY TO GOVERN EVERYONE TO GET AN ANSWER AND GET TO THE BOTTOM OF IT.

I DID ASK --GOMEZ TO TALK TO --THEY WERE WORKING ON REALLY MOVING FORWARD .

THAT WILL NEVER HAPPEN AGAIN.

THE RESOURCES AND THE TRAINING , IT´S ABOUT HOLDING PEOPLE ACCOUNTABLE.

--TO WORK WITH ME TO HOLD INDIVIDUALS ACCOUNTABLE .

-- MONITOR THEM.

-- INDIVIDUALS -- THIS WILL BE MONITORED AND PROGRAMMED -- POLICIES IN PLACE TO ALLOW FOR THESE INDIVIDUALS TO BE MONITORED AND FOR THE CHILDREN TO BE --AND REVIEWED TO CHECK ON THEIR PROGRESS .

WHETHER THINGS ARE GOING NEGATIVELY OR POSITIVELY.

WE NEED TO TALK WITH THEM.

DON´T JUST LET YOUR CHILDREN DO WHAT THEY WANT.

--FOR OUR CHILDREN.

-- ONE OF THE TOP FOUR CONCERNS BY VOTERS.

WHAT DO YOU SEE HAS BEEN MAJOR CHALLENGES FOR -- AND WHAT ARE YOUR STRATEGIES FOR ADDRESSING THEM AS A SENATOR IN THE 35th LEGISLATURE?

WE WILL START WITH MISS WHITAKER.

YOU HAVE 90 SECONDS.

>> AND EXPECTATION OF -- AS THE SENATOR POINTED OUT, I HAVE BEEN ABLE --FIRST-TIME KNOWLEDGE OF THE AUTHORITY.

WITH THAT SAID, IT IS ABOUT ADDRESSING AN OVERSIGHT MATTER ON ETHICAL ISSUES AND CONTRACTUAL ISSUES THAT ARE ADDITIONALLY, --LEADERSHIP ACCOUNTABLE FOR ALL OF THE RECOMMENDATIONS MADE --WITH RESPECT TO ADDRESSING THE STRUCTURAL ISSUE , CUSTOMER SERVICE ISSUE, AND ALSO GOING FORWARD TO MAKE SURE WE DO NOT GET INTO ANY DEALS ABOUT -- INDIVIDUALS ON THE BOARD TO DRIVE HOME AN AGENDA.

I HAVE BEEN WORKING --ENERGY DEVELOPMENT AND REALLY SHIFTING THE FOCUS ON ADDRESSING -- WORK.

--WITH YOUR SUPPORT.

OVERSIGHT NECESSARY -- ACCOUNTABLE , AS WELL AS TO MOVE FORWARD --TO REESTABLISH AN ENERGY SYSTEM INFRASTRUCTURE .

>> YOU HAVE 90 SECONDS.

>> [ INAUDIBLE ] WE NEED TO EXPAND -- ENERGY ANYMORE.

-- CANNOT BE TRUSTED AND THEY ARE UNRELIABLE.

--SO MANY LOSSES TO THE PEOPLE OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS.

--A WHOLE DIFFERENT BALANCE OF WHAT WE NEED TO FOCUS ON NOW.

--WE MUST CONTINUE TO EXPOSE OUR RESIDENTS INTO SHIFTING -- RELIABILITY --ELECTRICITY AND INTELLIGENCE.

-- FOR ALL THEY NEED TO DISTRIBUTE FOR OUR PEOPLE.

THE STRUCTURE MUST BE FIXED.

WE MUST LOOK AT FIXING THE INFRASTRUCTURE --ELECTRICITY.

[ INAUDIBLE ] AGAIN, WE MUST ALLOCATE AND ASSIGN FUNDING SO THAT WE CAN -- AND THEN FIX OUR INFRASTRUCTURE.

I WOULD ADVOCATE TO FIX THE INFRASTRUCTURE.

>> NEXT QUESTION.

WE WILL START WITH MR. WAKEFIELD.

FOR THE FIRST TIME IN ABOUT 25 YEARS --WAS NOT IDENTIFIED AS A MAJOR CONCERN.

WHAT IS YOUR UNDERSTANDING OF WHY THIS IS SO ?

WHAT LESSONS CAN WE LEARN ABOUT HOW THIS CAME TO BE SO?

>> QUITE FRANKLY GRS LEADERSHIP MADE MANY FRIVOLOUS DECISIONS THAT CAUSED GRS TO -- WE MUST WATCH THEM.

-- SOME KIND OF REVIEW AS AS WHAT THEY CAN MAKE AN INVESTMENT.

A LOT OF INVESTMENT DECISIONS HAVE CAUSED GRS --LIKE THEY INVESTED IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS -- $9 MILLION.

--[ INAUDIBLE ] >> WHEN I BEGAN WORKING I STARTED OFF WITH -- ANNUALLY.

25 YEARS AFTER -- THE SAME PERCENTAGE.

I BELIEVE IT HAS BEEN DISCONTINUED.

LESSON LEARNED.

WE CANNOT GIVE REGULAR EMPLOYEES A LUMP SUM THAT THEY DID NOT PUT INTO GRS.

THE WHOLE SYSTEM SUFFERS BASED ON THAT.

SO WE MUST MAKE SURE WE HAVE SUFFICIENT EMPLOYEES TO FUEL GRS.

WE MUST MAKE SURE THAT WE HAVE A SCALE RELATIVE TO --ENTRY ON THE INCOME SO THAT WE CAN INCREASE THE PERCENTAGE THAT INDIVIDUALS CONTRIBUTE.

>> MISS WHITAKER, 60 SECONDS.

>> --PART OF THE LEGISLATURE IN WHICH WE IN FACT MOVE FORWARD WITH ADDRESSING ISSUES --OF GRS.

IT´S IMPORTANT , AS YOU GO FORWARD, THAT WE ENGAGE IN PROPER OVERSIGHT.

THERE IS A COLLABORATIVE EFFORT BETWEEN THE GOVERNOR´S OFFICE AND THE LEGISLATURE .

THE GOVERNOR, HAVING SENT DOWN LEGISLATURE AND, --FUTURE GENERATIONS .

-- TO NOT PUT THAT TYPE OF BURDEN -- WE ARE PROPERLY MOVING FORWARD TO CONTINUE ADDRESSING THE ISSUE.

>> NOW WE WILL TURN TO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.

LET´S TALK ABOUT THE ECONOMY.

--THE BACKBONE OF OUR ECONOMY.

A MAJORITY OF ELECTRIC´S DO NOT WORK IN THE INDUSTRY.

MANY WORK IN GOVERNMENT BUT THAT DOES LITTLE --FOR DOLLARS.

SO WHAT ABOUT THE PRIVATE SECTOR?

WHAT HAVE YOU DONE OR PLAN TO DO AS A SENATOR TO SUPPORT THE PRIVATE SECTOR AND TO ENCOURAGE MORE LOCALS TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR?

WE WILL START WITH MISS JACKSON.

>> THANK YOU FOR THE QUESTION.

FIRST OF ALL, --AN INITIATIVE THAT IS POLICY RIGHT NOW.

WE HAVE BEEN IS IS IS GETTING $50,000 TO START UP -- NOT THE SAME NOW.

THAT NEEDS TO BE ADJUSTED.

IT SHOULD BE $50,000 OR MORE.

THAT IS A POLICY THAT WOULD BE ADJUSTED --WHEN I BECOME A SENATOR.

ADDITIONALLY, --INDIVIDUALS ADJUSTMENTS THAT WOULD ENCOURAGE OUR YOUNG PEOPLE TO BECOME --AND THEN EDUCATE THEM ON ALL OF THE INCENTIVES -- AFFORD THEM THE OPPORTUNITY TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN THEIR VENTURE.

>> THANK YOU.

WHITAKER?

>> THANK YOU.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IS SUPPORTIVE FOR OUR BUSINESSES AND PART OF MY CONTINUED PLATFORM.

--ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY .

ENGAGING AND WORKING --LEADERSHIP .

LEGISLATIVELY AND POLICY WISE TO SUPPORT SMALL BUSINESSES.

FOR ONE, --ADDRESSED WITH COLLEAGUES.

TO REMOVE THE BARRIER -- IN ORDER TO PARTICIPATE --THE PROGRAM.

I´M CONTINUING TO WORK ON MANY LEGISLATIONS TO ADDRESS BARRIERS TO SMALL BUSINESS -- TO PROPERLY START UP.

THE UNFORTUNATE SITUATION IS THAT --COMING IN TO THE BACKGROUND PROGRAM .

NOT A LOT OF FUNDS WENT TOWARD THE SMALL BUSINESSES.

AS SENATOR I WILL CONTINUE TO WORK IN THIS SPACE OF SUPPORTING SMALL BUSINESSES.

>> MR. WAKEFIELD , YOU HAVE 60 SECONDS.

>> AS A BUSINESS OWNER -- THE ENVIRONMENT -- STARTING A BUSINESS IN THE U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS IS A CUMBERSOME PROCESS.

WE NEED TO ADDRESS THAT.

WE NEED TO AMEND -- LOCAL BUSINESSES, SMALL BUSINESSES.

--UNDERSTAND THE STRUGGLES.

-- THIS IS SOMETHING THAT HAS TO BE ADDRESSED COMPREHENSIVELY.

THERE NEEDS TO BE RELIEF -- [ INAUDIBLE ] >> WHAT OTHER OPPORTUNITIES BESIDES TOURISM AND ALCOHOL WILL RECTIFY OUR ECONOMY?

--WILL MAKE THAT A REALITY?

WE WILL START WITH WHITAKER.

60 SECONDS.

>> THANK YOU.

MIKE GOES BACK A LOT TO THE DEVELOPMENT THAT I SPOKE ABOUT EARLIER.

IT IS IMPORTANT IN ORDER FOR US TO ACHIEVE MORE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT WITH MORE SUPPORT IN THAT AREA.

WE HAVE TO DEVELOP THE SKILLS TO SUPPORT ENTREPRENEURIAL SHIP.

AS SENATOR I WILL CONTINUE TO WORK IN THIS --OF REALLY WORKING ON THE CRITICAL INITIATIVES TO SUPPORT US EXPANDING., BIG PROMOTER OF WHAT IS KNOWN AS HISTORIC TOURISM.

THAT´S WHY IT´S IMPORTANT THAT OUR CHILDREN --UNDERSTANDING.

IT´S IMPORTANT --PUT A LOT MORE RESOURCES WITH WORKING ON AREAS OF BUILDING UP OUR ECONOMY.

ALSO SUPPORT SMALL BUSINESS WITH RESPECT TO THE VARIOUS PRODUCTS AND SERVICES.

>> THANK YOU.

MR. WAKEFIELD?

>> WE HAVE --INFORMATION.

WE NEED TO ELABORATE -- INDUSTRY.

WE NEED TO BROADEN THE LANDSCAPE -- I THINK THAT WE NEED TO PROMOTE OURSELVES MORE.

-- WE MUST DEVELOP OURSELVES.

>> MISS JACKSON , 60 SECONDS.

>> WE MUST FIELD MONEY IN OUR HISTORICAL SITE.

WE HAVE TO UPGRADE AND MAINTAIN OUR HISTORICAL SITE .

WE MUST ALSO ENCOURAGE OUR YOUNG PEOPLE TO BE INVOLVED.

WE HAVE TO PUT THE MONEY AND THE RESOURCES NECESSARY TO ENHANCE THAT.

IN ADDITION TO HELP BUILD THE ECONOMY I AM AN ADVOCATE FOR TOURISM.

--INDIVIDUALS HERE AND THERE.

--FINANCIAL RESOURCES IN THAT ECONOMY.

THIS ALSO ADDRESSES THE ALES IN OUR ECONOMY.

WE MUST MAKE SURE THAT MONEY AND RESOURCES ARE CHANNELED IN THE AREA --ENHANCEMENT.

>> NEXT QUESTION.

WE WILL START WITH MR. WAKEFIELD.

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

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

IT APPEARS THAT LITTLE HAS COME FROM THIS SO FAR.

WHAT DO YOU SEE AS A RULE OF LEGISLATURE IN ADDRESSING THIS MATTER?

>> THE LEGISLATURE IS RESPONSIBLE FOR PASSING THE LAW -- MUST BE RESPONSIBLE TO REGULATE -- THAT´S WHY I DON´T SEE IT AS SOMETHING THAT WILL UNFOLD IN A HEALTHY WAY .

-- INVEST IN MEDICAL MARIJUANA.

MEDICINAL IS STRICTLY MEDICINAL.

THAT´S WHAT IT MEANS.

FOR HEALTH PURPOSES.

THIS IS SOMETHING THAT I THINK NEEDS TO BE TWEAKED.

--CAPITALIZED BY PEOPLE THAT ARE MONITORING AND INVESTING IN IT.

-- VIRGIN ISLANDS.

>> THANK YOU.

MISS JACKSON, 60 SECONDS.

>> ALSO EDUCATION WITHOUT THE FINANCIAL RESOURCES -- CHALLENGING.

IT NEEDS TO BE REVISITED .

SENATORS NEED TO BE WORKING WITH THE ADMINISTRATION .

--TO MOVE FORWARD WITH THAT.

--WHAT MUST BE DONE .

MORE MUST BE DONE --OVERSIGHT TO MAKE WHATEVER ADJUSTMENT IS NECESSARY WITH THE LAW AND ALSO HAVING THE FUNDING TO IMPLEMENT SUCH LAW IF NECESSARY.

--TO INDIVIDUALS WERE INTERESTED.

SETTING UP IS ALSO IMPORTANT.

WE MUST MAKE SURE THAT WHENEVER LEGISLATION IS PASSED THE NECESSARY RESOURCES --NOT AFRAID TO BE SUCCESSFUL.

>> THANK YOU.

MISS WHITAKER, 60 SECONDS.

>> THANK YOU.

[ INAUDIBLE ] MEDICINAL CANNABIS CAN WORK WITHIN THE LAW.

-- PARTICIPATE IN THE CANNABIS INDUSTRY LOCALLY .

ON THE FARM AND THE LIKE.

WE MUST BEGIN BY ADDRESSING THAT.

ALSO, MY COLLEAGUES -- SOME OF THE CHALLENGES SURROUNDING IMPLEMENTATION OF RECREATIONAL MARIJUANA .

RECREATIONAL CANNABIS.

IT WILL REQUIRE OVERSIGHT BUT IT WILL ALSO REQUIRE US MAKING A LEGISLATIVE DECISION TO MOVE FORWARD WITH THE COMMUNITY -- >> WE HAVE TIME FOR EACH CANDIDATE TO EXPAND ON ANY ONE TOPIC OF CHOICE FOR 60 SECONDS BEFORE WE MOVE TO THE CLOSING STATEMENT.

--ON THE BALLOT.

ONE TOPIC I WOULD LIKE TO EXPAND ON IS OUR APPROACH HERE.

WE MUST BEGIN -- FROM A PREVENTATIVE CARE STANDPOINT.

WE MUST TAKE A LOAD OFF OF OUR HEALTHCARE SYSTEM.

--INITIATIVE INCENTIVES , EDUCATION, -- [ INAUDIBLE ] EMPOWERING OUR RESIDENTS WITH INFORMATION IN ORDER TO BETTER TAKE CARE OF THEMSELVES AND IN ORDER FOR THEM TO HAVE A BETTER LIFE AND NOT WORRY ABOUT BECOMING ILL. -- TO MAKE BETTER OF THEMSELVES.

LIKE I SAID, YOU NEED TO -- FROM A PREVENTATIVE STANDPOINT.

NOT JUST WITH OUR ELDERLY.

ALSO WITH OUR CHILDREN.

WE NEED TO MAKE SURE THAT HEALTH EDUCATION IS IN OUR SCHOOL SYSTEM .

THANK YOU SO MUCH.

>> WAKEFIELD, 60 SECONDS.

>> IS THERE ANY TOPIC OF CONCERN THAT YOU HAVE AN INTEREST IN TALKING ABOUT?

OKAY.

>> IF YOU´RE TALKING ABOUT EDUCATION --MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS.

>> ONE TOPIC .

60 SECONDS.

>> I WANT TO ADDRESS THE YOUTH POPULATION.

THE YOUTH ADVOCACY MUST BE -- [ INAUDIBLE ] -- MORE MUST BE DONE ON ALL LEVELS FOR THE EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM , THE RECREATIONAL SYSTEM , ALL SORTS OF SYSTEMS TO ENSURE THAT OUR YOUTH ARE PROTECTED AND ARE GIVEN THE OPPORTUNITY TO GROW AND DEVELOP.

--NO EFFORT --PUT INTO THEM.

THEY MUST BE INTEGRATED INTO THE EDUCATIONAL LEARNING SYSTEM SO THAT --TRANSITION FROM ONE LEVEL TO THE NEXT.

>> WHITAKER?

>> THANK YOU.

WE HAVE TO REALLY FOCUS AND ZONE IN ON EDUCATIONAL REFORM IN SUCH A WAY THAT OUR CHILDREN ARE, AGAIN, LEAVING SCHOOL WITH SKILLS THAT ARE NECESSARY TO COME OUT AS ENTREPRENEURS.

ANOTHER TOPIC FOR DEVELOPMENT IS THAT WE NEED TO DO MORE TO REPORT THE WORKFORCE COMMITTEE.

WE HAVE GONE TOO FAR AWAY FROM PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT.

THERE´S MORALE ISSUES WITHIN GOVERNMENT.

-- AGENCIES AND DEPARTMENTS WHEREBY THE MORALE IS LIFTED AND --REWARDED FOR GREAT WORK.

BUT ALSO -- [ INAUDIBLE ] >> EACH CANDIDATE WILL HAVE 60 SECONDS FOR CLOSING STATEMENTS.

>> I HUMBLY ASK FOR YOUR SUPPORT IN THE NOVEMBER BALLOT.

--DEDICATED TO YOU.

WHO CONTINUE TO CHAMPION -- HEALTHCARE, ECONOMIC DEVELOPING, HEALTH PREVENTION.

ALL OF THE AREAS TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF OUR LIVES.

--THE ONE WHO PUSHES FORWARD WITH YOUTH INFRASTRUCTURE.

--SHOWING THAT WE DO MORE FOR THEM AND WE CONTINUE TO SUPPORT THEM AND EVERYONE IN BETWEEN.

I HUMBLY ASK FOR YOU TO RETURN --LEGISLATURE AS WE WORK WITH INDIVIDUALS --ON YOUR BEHALF.

-- ACROSS PARTY LINES.

WE CANNOT LOCK OURSELVES OUT OF SERVING OUR COMMUNITY AND OUR PEOPLE BY JUST EMPHASIZING POLITICS.

I AM RUNNING BECAUSE I HEAR THE CRIES AND FRUSTRATION OF THE PEOPLE OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS.

I AM RUNNING BECAUSE THIS IS MY HOME AND I HAVE NOWHERE ELSE TO GO.

I´M RUNNING BECAUSE I´M PASSIONATE ABOUT SERVING THIS COMMUNITY .

THIS IS AN OPPORTUNITY TO PUT SOMEONE IN THE LEGISLATION WHO WORK , WHO WILL FIGHT THE GOOD FIGHT -- COMMUNITY-ORIENTED -- PEOPLE OF MY BELOVED VIRGIN ISLANDS.

>> JACKSON, NUMBER 16 ON THE BALLOT.

I CARE FOR THE VETERANS.

I AM AN EDUCATOR BECAUSE I CARE FOR OUR CHILDREN.

BECAUSE THEY HOLD THE KEY TO OUR FUTURE ADVANCEMENT.

-- DISPLAYED FOR YEARS .

I CARE FOR THE MEMBERS OF THIS COMMUNITY.

ESPECIALLY --BECAUSE ALL THEY HAVE CONTRIBUTED TO THIS COMMUNITY.

--36 LEGISLATURE.

--NUMBER 15 ON THE BALLOT.

>> THANK YOU, CANDIDATES.

AND THANK YOU TO THE WTJX STAFF THANK YOU FOR WATCHING AND FOR UNDERSTANDING -- WOMEN VOTERS PROGRAM HAS HELPED PEOPLE UNDERSTAND CANDIDATES AND WILL FURTHER INFORM YOUR VOTE .

-- OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS .

VOTE EARLY OR VOTE IN NOVEMBER.