Senators met Monday to consider a bill regarding retirement for university employees, a measure that would require locally manufactured construction materials to be used in government contracts, and honors for a slate of celebrated Virgin Islanders.
The Committee on Government Operations, Veterans Affairs, and Consumer Protection voted to approve Bill No. 36-0061, which would allow government retirees employed at the University of the Virgin Islands to continue receiving their annuity if they enroll in an alternate retirement plan.
Angel Dawson, Jr., administrator and CEO of the Government Employees’ Retirement System, testified that existing law already provides such flexibility for UVI personnel, and the bill simply extends that option to retirees.
Senators voted against Bill No. 36-0102, which would require the use of construction materials manufactured in the Virgin Islands, “to the greatest extent practicable, for locally or federally funded contracts with the Government of the Virgin Islands.”
Testifiers said the legislation is well intended but needs amendments, “to ensure compliance with federal regulations, maintain cost controls, and account for the Territory’s limited manufacturing base,” according to a Legislature news release.
Lawmakers also voted to approve several resolutions honoring Virgin Islanders who have made significant contributions to the local community, including Soca artist Dennis “Pumpa” Lennox Leroy Liburd, Jr., who was awarded the official Key to the Territory. The legislation also names the main entrance of 6-Y Peters Rest Road, Christiansted, St. Croix in his honor.
Senators approved a resolution honoring and commending Dr. Alfred Lee Anduze for his outstanding achievements and significant contributions to the fields of medicine, science, public health, and community empowerment.
Senators voted to rename the Peter Carl Limpricht Park the TSK Park in honor of the Ten Sleepless Knights quelbe band, and to make an appropriation for that change.
Approved bills will be forwarded to the Committee on Rules and Judiciary for further consideration.
