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Politics
Governor Bryan Awards $30,000 Grant To Ten Thousand Helpers Organization Funds will aid men experiencing homelessness, mental health issues
Governor Albert Bryan Jr., presents a grant award to Malik Stridiron, Executive Director of Ten Thousand Helpers St. Croix Inc.
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US VIRGIN ISLANDS –– Governor Albert Bryan Jr., on Friday, awarded Ten Thousand Helpers of St. Croix, a $30,000 grant to assist the St. Croix-based non-profit organization with its Fiscal Year 2021 operations.
Ten Thousand Helpers is a non-profit organization based in Frederiksted advocating for people who are homeless or suffering from mental health or substance abuse issues transition. The organization provides shelter, life skills programs and job training to help aid them in their transition back into society.
“Groups like Ten Thousand Helpers are the cornerstone of social services that are key in helping the government provide the care needed to all people of the community, and I am grateful for the good work they do,” Governor Bryan said. “My Administration is committed to maximizing social services in the Territory, particularly for persons experiencing homelessness, substance or alcohol abuse or developmental disabilities, and our non-profit organizations are instrumental in achieving that goal.”
In January, Governor Bryan submitted legislation to the 33rd Legislature to establish the , called the Virgin Islands Behavioral Health and Developmental Disability Act, a sweeping and comprehensive reform of the mental health system that would unify the various parts of the V.I. Code, some dating back to 1965, into one cohesive system across Health, Human Services, Justice and other related agencies and departments.
The legislation also would establish the Territory’s first behavioral health, mental health, developmental disability and alcohol and substance abuse facility, and it will allow for interdepartmental coordination between the court, government agencies, private and public facilities, health professionals and non-profit organizations to address Virgin Islanders’ mental health needs through the creation and expansion of new divisions, programs, treatments and patient rights policies.
Ten Thousand Helpers was established in 2007 to recognize the devastating impact of mental illness on individuals, families and friends and recognize the isolation and social rejection that the condition triggers. The organization also operates the transitional facility Rainbow House in Frederiksted.
To become a volunteer or for more information, call 340-719-282 or 340-422-2828 or send an email to tenthousandhelpersofstcroixinc@gmail.com.
View video of Friday’s presentation here
Governor Bryan’s Judicial Nominees Bring Decades of Experience to the Bench
U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS – Governor Albert Bryan Jr.’s nominees for seats on the Virgin islands Superior Court – Assistant U.S. Attorney Alphonso Andrews and Assistant Attorney General Sigrid Tejo – have decades of experience in all aspects of the legal system, and they both have successful careers as prosecutors for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Attorney Tejo and Attorney Andrews are both natives of St. Croix and have successfully prosecuted a number of high-profile criminal cases for the U.S. District Curt of the Virgin islands.
Attorney Tejo graduated from the Manor School on St. Croix and went to Stetson University in DeLand, Fla., where she obtained a Master’s degree in Education. In 1992, she took a job as a paralegal and began her career in the legal field. She graduated with a law degree in 2003 from the Franklin Pierce Law Center (now the University of New Hampshire Law School).
She joined the Virgin Islands Department of Justice in 2009 in the Office of Collective Bargaining before transitioning in 2011 to the V.I. Department of Justice’s Criminal Division, where she prosecuted crimes of violence. In 2014, she accepted a position with the U.S. Attorney’s Office on St. Thomas, where she prosecuted firearms cases drug cases and violent crimes. During that time, she also was named the Project Safe Neighborhood coordinator for the District of the Virgin Islands.
“It is my honor to accept the Governor’s nomination for a seat as a Superior Court Judge of the Virgin Islands,” she said. “This nomination has filled me with a strong sense of pride for the confidence placed in me. Service to the community is a responsibility I always take seriously.”
Attorney Andrews graduated from Central High School and the University of the Virgin islands, and he holds a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Maryland.
He has been employed as an internal revenue agent with the Bureau of Internal Revenue, an assistant attorney general with the Virgin islands Attorney General’s Office, a federal prosecutor with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, a Territorial Court judge and is now back with the U.S. Attorney’s Office as the deputy Chief of the Criminal Division. In that capacity, he manages the St. Croix U.S. Attorney’s Office, prosecutes criminal cases in the U.S. District Court of the Virgin Islands and occasionally prosecutes cases on behalf of the Government of the Virgin islands as a cross-designated assistant attorney general.
He is married to Valencia Plaskett-Andrews and they have a daughter, Rukiya.
“It is indeed a great honor to have been nominated to serve as a judge of the Superior Court of the Virgin islands, a position that carries an awesome responsibility,” he said. “I am humbled and thankful for the rare opportunity to serve my community in that capacity and now look forward to participating in the legislative confirmation process.”
The nominations of both of the Governor’s appointees must be approved by the Virgin islands Legislature.
Alphonso Andrews Sigrid Tejo
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Governor Bryan Requests 60-Day Extension To State of Emergency Declaration
U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS — Governor Albert Bryan Jr. has requested from the 33rd Legislature a 60-day extension to the State of Emergency declaration that was enacted on March 13 and extended on May 11.
The current State of Emergency is set to expire on July 11, but Governor Bryan is requesting an extension to September 9, 2020.
“Because the USVI is a travel destination, it is not immune to COVID-19 and will remain at risk as long as it remains rampant throughout the U.S. and the world,” Governor Bryan wrote in his transmittal letter to Senate President Novelle Francis Jr.
“The Virgin Islands Department of Health awaits results of tests conducted daily on additional individuals,” Governor Bryan wrote. “Extending the State of Emergency for an additional 30 days or greater amount of time is critical to enabling the Territory to implement adequate staffing coverage, obtain and utilize medical supplies and continue control measures for mitigating the risks.”
In his letter, Governor Bryan said the current recommended plan of action for the Territory is to continue to address the conditions of the COVID-19 pandemic following those outlined by the president and adapted by the Virgin Islands Health Department and the Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency.
Governor Bryan also explained why he is asking for a 60-day extension.
“This will allow us together to extend the periods of State of Emergency for a greater amount of time, 60 days for this particular extension, and avoid having to call a session every month while unnecessarily exposing the Legislature and its staff to the possibility of COVID-19,” Governor Bryan wrote.
U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS TOURISM COMMISSIONER URGES CONTINUED VIGILANCE IN COVID-19 BATTLE
U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS (July 5, 2020) – U.S. Virgin Islands Commissioner of Tourism Joseph Boschulte is reminding Virgin Islanders and visitors to the Territory to continue complying with public health guidance to mitigate the spread of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the Territory.
Responding to international reports concerning a spike in cases in the U.S. Virgin Islands, Commissioner Boschulte said while there were changes in the total number of positive cases (from 74 to 111) over the past two weeks, the 50 percent increase can be attributed mainly to incoming contractors at the refinery on St. Croix.
He reminded travelers that the Territory is in its precautionary “Open Doors” phase of restarting its tourism-based economy, and encouraged everyone flying into the USVI to review the travel advisory on www.usviupdate.com and familiarize themselves with the Toolkit for Travelers.
“COVID-19 hotspots across the United States continue to emerge, and we have strict measures in place to mitigate the spread of the disease, such as health screenings at our airports and the wearing of masks when out in public or entering any business in the USVI,” Commissioner Boschulte said.
The Commissioner reiterated his confidence in the Department of Health’s handling of the public health response, indicating that the number of patients who tested positive increased from 2.86% on June 19 to 3.49% on July 3.
The tourism chief noted that relative changes to small numbers can appear to be more significant than they really are. “If we have one case today, and three tomorrow, that’s a 200 percent increase,” said Commissioner Boschulte, while acknowledging that every additional COVID-19 case was cause for concern.
Governor Albert Bryan Jr. announced last week that the strict protocols already in place at the oil refinery, including temperature scans at the gate, mandatory facial coverings, weekly reporting of contractors traveling to St. Croix, and the screening and quarantining of all contractors immediately upon arrival, will continue. However, with the evolving situation on the U.S. mainland, all contract workers must now be tested before arriving on St. Croix, and will not be allowed to travel if results are positive. Additionally, refinery workers with accommodations in a nearby residential community have been ordered not to leave the facility except for work duties.
Government officials are currently contemplating further restrictions on travel related to the COVID-19 surge in the continental United States, but Commissioner Boschulte assured travelers en route to the U.S. Virgin Islands over the next few days that there is currently no official policy change in effect regarding COVID-19 testing for visitors arriving in the Territory, and as such, a negative PCR test is currently not required before travels.
Routine temperature checks and health screenings are being conducted at ports of entry. No quarantine is required if travelers are healthy. Testing, quarantine and isolation protocols are in place for suspected and confirmed cases of COVID-19 and also for contacts of confirmed COVID-19 cases.
Meanwhile, the sale of alcohol is prohibited at all establishments after 11 p.m., and all bars will be closed daily at midnight until further notice.
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About the U.S. Virgin Islands
For more information about the United States Virgin Islands, go to VisitUSVI.com, follow us on Instagram (@visitusvi) and Twitter (@usvitourism), and become a fan on Facebook (www.facebook.com/VisitUSVI). When traveling to the U.S. Virgin Islands, U.S. citizens enjoy all the conveniences of domestic travel – including on-line check-in – making travel to the U.S. Virgin Islands easier than ever. As a United States Territory, travel to the U.S. Virgin Islands does not require a passport from U.S. citizens arriving from Puerto Rico or the U.S. mainland. Entry requirements for non-U.S. citizens are the same as for entering the United States from any foreign destination. Upon departure, a passport is required for all but U.S. citizens.
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St JOHN, U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS — St. John Administrator Shikima L. Jones announced that the St. John Administrator’s Office will be closed to the public on Monday.
Construction crews will be pouring concrete at The Battery as part of the building’s restoration.
The Administrator’s Office apologizes for any inconvenience to the public.
GOVERNING BOARD TAKES FAVORABLE ACTION ON ELECTRIC SYSTEM RELATED ITEMS INCLUDING AGREEMENTS FOR OFF- ISLAND UTILITIES TO ASSIST FOLLOWING STORM EVENTS
As WAPA continues its preparations for the 2020 Atlantic Hurricane Season, the governing board today authorized mutual aid agreements with public power utilities across the United States. The companies can be called upon once the territory comes under an emergency declaration and in advance of windstorm event. Under terms of the agreements, personnel from other utilities are sent to the V.I. to assist with the restoration of the electric grid in the aftermath of a natural disaster.
The board’s approval came during a regularly scheduled meeting on Thursday.
Executive Director Lawrence J. Kupfer told board members it is evident that the ability to provide rapid response services following a disaster is key to quick and effective service restoration. “Contacting other public utilities that have previously committed, and are readily available to provide services to WAPA, is critical to not only restoring service but normalizing the quality of life for residents while facilitating a rebuilding and reopening of the local economy.”
At the start of today’s meeting, the board voted to remove two items from the agenda: a comprehensive organizational study, and proposed wage increases for management and confidential employees of the Authority and then moved into executive session. At the conclusion of executive session, board secretary Juanita Young reported that the board authorized the executive director to settle a pending litigation matter, approved salary adjustments for the governing board’s secretary and for the Internal Audit and Revenue Assurance division. In addition, she said the board approved parameters for wage negotiations with the Professional and Technical Union and selected a board counsel.
In other action, the board approved:
- A no-cost time extension to a contract with Fortress Electric to complete installation of equipment at the Richmond Power Plant. While 40% of the work has already been completed, the contractor could not complete work by the original June 30 deadline as the firm was also involved in a higher priority project for WAPA on St. Thomas.
- A resolution that authorizes the Authority to operate at 2020 budget levels until the 2021 fiscal year budget is approved and adopted.
- The adoption of social media, code of conduct, anti-discrimination, and unlawful harassment policies. Management anticipates it will implement the policies within 45 days.
- An extension of the maturity date of the 2018 Series B bond anticipation notes from July 1, 2020 to August 31, 2020. The extension allows additional time to complete negotiations for a refunding of the notes.
The board tabled consideration of a ground lease and tank purchase agreement with Virgin Islands Oil and Transportation, LLLP pending additional information. The company proposes to purchase two unused oil storage tanks on St. Thomas, and lease two acres of land over a 40-year period including use of the utility’s fuel dock in Krum Bay.
A funding increase to complete lead abatement on a fuel line at the Harley Power Plant on St. Thomas was not approved. The increase, in the amount of $78,607.50, is required as a result of changes to the project’s scope of work. Additional solicitations will be sought to complete the work.
In his executive director’s report, Director Kupfer advised board members of a seasonal increase in power demand. “As we head into the warmer summer months and with the recent layer of Saharan dust that has affected the islands, we are seeing increases in demand for electrical service. Despite that increase, overall, COVID-19 has leveled a 4-5% impact on demand and therefore a negative effect on electrical sales.” In May, WAPA used higher volumes of propane to produce electricity. “We have gotten Unit 15 back online and that has allowed the Harley plant to increase its usage of LPG and lower the reliance on Number 2 oil.” Kupfer said the goal is to get both power plants on 100% propane. He described oil markets as remaining unstable. There is today an approximate 3% spread between the cost of LPG and oil. Eight of nine generation outages experienced at the Harley plant in May were attributed to operational issues related to Unit 23. Those issues have been resolved, and the unit remains available as needed. Kupfer also reported that Unit 27, a leased generating unit from GE, is being dispatched, and will lead to more reliable service in St. Thomas. Water inventories are just below target on St. Croix but there has been no adverse impact. “As we get deeper into summer and the hurricane season, we will double efforts to maintain water inventory.”
Board members present were: Chairman Anthony D. Thomas, Vice Chairman Noel Loftus, Secretary Juanita Young, Director Kyle Fleming, Hubert Turnbull, and Elizabeth Armstrong. Director Joel Lee and Jed JohnHope were excused from a portion of the meeting, while Cheryl Boynes Jackson was excused from the entire meeting today.
LAWMAKERS VET PROPOSED FY 2021 BUDGET FOR THE V.I. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION
ST. THOMAS – Members of the Committee on Finance chaired by Sen. Kurt A. Vialet convened in a meeting at the Capitol Building on Thursday to receive testimony on the proposed Fiscal Year 2021 Executive Budget for the Government of the Virgin Islands of the United States. Invited testifiers are officials from the Virgin Islands Department of Labor (VIDOL) and the Public Service Commission (PSC).
The recommendation for the Department of Labor FY 2021 Budget totals $8,069,238; a 26% reduction of the initial request of $10,902,980. The Virgin Islands Department of Labor Commissioner Gary Malloy stated that the FY 2021 budget reduction that substantially affected the personnel and operating categories, was due to the adverse impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic in the Territory. As a result of revenue restrictions that affected the FY 2021 budget, locally funded vacancies decreased to five positions totaling $229,152. Additionally, the Unemployment Insurance employer contribution payment reduced to $217,519; which parallels the contribution amount of DOL; according to Malloy. The budget breakdown is as follows: $5,142,762 is for salaries and fringe benefits for 46.19 positions and $2,926,476 for mandatory operating costs. Furthermore, Malloy noted that DOL is slated to receive $1,203,216 from the Government Insurance Fund for personnel services and $587,696 for mandatory operating expenses. Federal Funds has appropriated $4,413,680 to DOL to cover salaries and fringe benefits and $2,313,316 for mandatory operating costs.
Moreover, the National Dislocated Worker Grant awarded DOL $1.5 million to employ dislocated workers who became unemployed because of COVID-19. Sen. Athneil “Bobby” Thomas inquired about the number of participants DOL assisted thus far. DOL Assistant Commissioner Cindy Richardson stated that the program will officially begin next month. However, eighty people have signed up on the list. In response to Sen. Vialet’s inquiry about the challenges of job placements, Malloy mentioned that the issues are employers who are a part of the DOL job pool may not have vacancies. Sen. Vialet said, “I want to get our young people employed because employers are willing to train and hire. I am not just referring to major firms but local businesses who are vested in the community may have vacancies also.” Separately, Malloy mentioned that the Workers Compensation Administration received $6,000,000 and expended $3,012,221 to paid injured workers, paid injured workers to travel, and paid providers throughout the Virgin Islands.
Separately, the Public Service Commission Executive Director Donald Cole stated that PSC is funded by assessments of utilities it regulates under the law. Therefore, the FY 2021 budget totals $1,794,457.70. In comparison to the FY 2020 allotment, it is a reduction of $1,275,498. However, the Post Audit Report states that because of Act 8232, the Commission was appropriated $1,795,765. Defending the FY 2021 budget, Cole noted that there are numerous challenges that the Commission must address to include financial, technical, and legal matters. The budget breakdown is as follows: $903,781 for personnel services, $60,200 for utilities, $366,565 for other services and charges, $54,700 for supplies, $369,211 for fringe benefits, and $40,000 for capital outlay.
Photo Caption: Police Commissioner Trevor Velinor responds to a question posed by a Senator during
the VIPD’s 2021 Budget Hearing at the VI Legislature.
ST. THOMAS, USVI – The Virgin Islands Police Department completed its Fiscal Year 2021 budget hearing today. Commissioner Trevor Velinor and his leadership team defended the budget of $62,039,293 to fund the Department for next fiscal year, beginning October 1. The team advocated for funding to
support the men and women of VIPD, who have often been tasked to do more with less.
During the hearing, members were asked a series of questions related to the consent decree, strategic plan, and federal grants to name a few. VIPD has made significant strides to be released from the consent decree, complying with more than 90 of 104 paragraphs. Through continuous training, monitoring and
accountability, the Department is hopeful the end of the consent decree is near.
A strategic plan to span the next three to five years is being developed and will incorporate employee and community engagement. To build community trust, all stakeholders must play a role in its creation. To ensure strategies and processes that are established are sustainable, the plan must be crafted and
completed in phases.
As a recipient of multiple federal grants, the Department must adhere to federal guidelines. Submittal of project proposals and request for subgrantees to apply for funding are ongoing to expend the designated
funds.
In a recent communication to employees, Commissioner Velinor remarked, “We must be good stewards of our finances, maximizing the strength of every dollar spent.” He projects VIPD will spend approximately $10 million less this fiscal year than was expended last fiscal year. The Department is thankful for the taxpayers of the Territory and must do right by them. The employees of VIPD remain
committed to provide services and protection to our residents and visitors.
Communication, professionalism, and accountability continues to be emphasized by the Department.
CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT ANNOUNCES $1.4 MILLION GRANT FOR GOVERNOR JUAN F. LOUIS HOSPITAL
Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett released the following statement regarding an important $1.4 million grant for the Juan F. Louis Hospital from FEMA to go towards the rebuilding of the U.S. Virgin Islands associated with Hurricanes Maria:
“Today, I am pleased to announce a grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The grant is for $1,440,000.00 in federal funding to the Juan F. Louis Hospital.
“The grant provides funds for the Juan F. Louis Hospital to utilize contractors to provide the Radiology Department a temporary radiology space, required to accommodate equipment purchased, and equipment installation necessary for the Governor Juan F. Luis Hospital & Medical Center’s Radiology Department.
“The proposed scope of work includes: Purchase of a Philips CT Scan Machine with warranty. Purchase of a Philips X-Ray Machine with warranty. A&E design of the Radiology Department according to the regulatory standards and requirements. Retrofit of walls, booth windows and doors with lead-lined panels per manufacturer specifications. Design, construct and install a concrete pad to replace the CAT Scan Room floor per the manufacturer’s technical specifications. Design and install concrete footings under the THS to support the weight of the radiology equipment per the manufacturer’s technical specifications. Design and install restrooms for patients who may require them at the point of service. Installation of a UPS system on the CT Scan and the X-Ray machine to protect the motherboards in light of frequent power grid failures and surges. Installation of headwalls in the radiology rooms that will supply emergency medical air, oxygen and vacuum suction.
“This important grant will benefit the Virgin Islands tremendously with our ongoing rebuilding efforts and making the Virgin Islands whole again after experiencing two devastating hurricanes. The United States government and the international community has an obligation to work with the affected local governments to restore infrastructure, provide critical humanitarian assistance, and help rebuild our islands.”