US VIRGIN ISLANDS — Governor Albert Bryan Jr. took action on seven bills sent up from the 35th Legislature, one of which paves the way for a celebration of the Territory’s gold medal winners — the USVI’s Senior Women’s National Basketball Team and first-ever gold medal winning archer Nicholas D’Amour.
Governor Bryan’s approval of Bill No. 35-0014, an Act honoring and commending the 2023 Central American and Caribbean Games Gold Medal winners, celebrates those athletes who were victorious in the CAC games in San Salvador, El Salvador from June 23 to July 8, 2023.
“I am truly delighted and impressed by the remarkable achievements of the Virgin Islands Senior Women’s National Basketball Team and male archer,” Gov. Bryan wrote in his transmittal letter to Senate President Novelle E. Francis Jr. “Their outstanding performances have not only elevated their own profiles but have also shone a spotlight on the talent and potential that exists within the USVI sports landscape.”
Governor Bryan approved Bill No. 35-0029, an Act honoring and commending Donna Marie Christian-Christiansen, M.D. for her tireless contributions to the people of the Virgin Islands in the medical field and representation in the United States Congress.
Governor Bryan also approved Bill No. 35-0033, an Act honoring and commending Benburin “Benny” Stephens posthumously for his heroism in saving the lives of a mother and her children and renames a portion of Bovoni Road “The Benburin ‘Benny’ Stephens Drive.”
In addition, Governor Bryan approvedBill No. 35-0035, whichexpands the definition of “disabled veteran” for the purposes of eligibility for a handicapped window decal.
In his approval of Bill No. 35-0036, an Act clarifying the duties and responsibilities of the Executive Director of the Taxicab Commission, Governor Bryan thanked legislators for following the recommendation to insert language clarifying the role of the Executive Director, and proposed further refinement by striking the final phrase of the section which states “and such other employees as the commission considers necessary to carry out the purpose of its duties.”
Governor Bryan approved Bill No. 35-0041, an Act awarding the Virgin Islands Medal of Honor posthumously to former Senator Edgar Milton Iles and Bill No. 35-0101,an Act honoring and commending Dr. Olaf “Bronco” Hendricks for his tireless years of remarkable and invaluable contributions to the people of the Virgin Islands in the field of psychiatry, his advocacy for social justice for individuals with behavioral health and substance use issues, and for his music. The Act also mandates that any mental health facility established on the island of St. Croix be named in Hendricks’ honor.
Governor Bryan acknowledged Resolution No. 1906 (Bill No. 35-0100),a Resolution honoring and commending Music in Motion School of Higher Dance Education and its founder, Charlita Schuster, on the 40th Anniversary of the establishment of the Music in Motion Dance Academy.
The Governor wrote that he was disappointed that the Legislature chose to override his veto of Bill No. 35-0023, an Act granting a zoning use variance to allow for the manufacture of concrete products in Estate Orange Grove, Company Quarter, St. Croix.
The Bryan-Roach Administration is investing in the Territory’s people, infrastructure and future through transparency, stabilizing the economy, restoring trust in the government and ensuring that recovery projects are completed as quickly as possible. Visit transparency.vi.gov
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