Lawmakers received testimony considering the nominations of Clement “Cain” Magras to the Virgin Islands Public Services Commission and Kasima I. Knight-Hodge to the Virgin Islands Real Estate Commission at the Committee on Rules and Judiciary hearing Thursday.
All approved nominees will be forwarded to the full body at the next legislative session, according to a Senate press release recapping the day’s hearing.
Considering the nomination of Magras as a board member of the V.I. Public Services Commission for St. Thomas, and referring to an Environmental Protection Agency forum held on Wednesday regarding water quality issues on St. Croix, Sen. Diane Capehart said there is a need for more public education outreach, a water distribution center or door-to-door water delivery, free lead testing for individuals with no insurance, water treatment to prevent further exposure, and removal of corrosive pipes with the highest lead risk.
She further pleaded for “the need for a sense of urgency on behalf of the residents of St. Croix. As legislators, it is our duty to advocate on behalf of our residents on matters that improve their quality of life.”
Magras voiced major concern over the lead found in St. Croix’s water supply and stated that he believed the Public Services Commission should have been monitoring the water, performing its own testing, and taking a more active role concerning water quality issues, the release stated.
The nomination of Magras was voted upon favorably.
When asked about her goals if nominated to the Real Estate Commission, Knight-Hodge stated that she wished to create a simpler process to file complaints to the commission and to show how the complaint process is proceeding, the release stated.
Knight-Hodge mentioned that while V.I. real estate is in high demand, few Virgin Islanders have seen real estate as an attainable occupation. She implored that the commission invite the youth of the Virgin Islands to explore the profession. Knight-Hodge championed real estate education, stating that many locals were at a disadvantage, not knowing proper rules and procedures, and voicing concerns over high housing prices in the territory, according to the release.
The nomination of Knight-Hodge was voted upon favorably, it said.
Senators present at Thursday’s hearing included Diane T. Capehart, Milton E. Potter, Angel L. Bolques Jr., Kenneth L. Gittens, Carla J. Joseph, and Milton E. Potter. Senator Marise James was absent from the meeting.
