During today’s session of the 36th Legislature, Senator Hubert L. Frederick joined his colleagues in supporting several important legislative measures and nominee confirmations—reaffirming his commitment to fiscal responsibility, community-centered policy, and transparent governance as the Virgin Islands continues to navigate financial uncertainty.

Among the nominees favorably approved, Senator Frederick highlighted the dedication, passion, and strong commitment to public service that each individual brings to their role. He expressed confidence that their contributions will meaningfully support the work of the government and the people of the territory.

Senator Frederick also expressed cautious support for the measures passed, emphasizing the importance of evaluating each bill through the lens of fiscal sustainability and long-term benefit to the people. He remains committed to ensuring legislation is informed by public input, stakeholder consultation, and sound research.

The final bill approved during the session garnered particular attention, as it provides critical funding for the territory’s two hospitals—the Juan F. Luis Hospital on St. Croix and the Schneider Regional Medical Center on St. Thomas—and allocates longoverdue retroactive payments to government retirees. Senator Frederick described both priorities as deeply connected in their moral and fiscal significance.

“These are not just line items—they’re lifelines,” he stated. “Our hospitals must be strengthened to better serve our people, and our retirees must receive the payments they’ve waited far too long to receive. These are investments in care, dignity, and trust.”

As Vice Chair of the Committee on Health, Hospitals, and Human Services and a member of the Committee on Budget, Appropriations, and Finance, Senator Frederick emphasized the need for strong oversight and transparency in how these funds are used. He reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that both health institutions and retirement obligations are managed with accountability and a results-oriented focus.

“As we approach budget season, the choices we make must be strategic, compassionate, and aligned with the best interests of the Virgin Islands,” said Senator Frederick. “I remain committed to working with my colleagues to ensure every dollar serves the people effectively and responsibly

Senator Clifford A. Joseph, Sr. announced the successful passage of legislation to secure funding for retroactive wages owed to retirees and government employees along with critical funding for the territory’s hospitals and the adoption of an amendment that would reduce the cap for bond financing for the Virgin Islands Port Authority.

Bill No. 36-0047 as amended was sponsored along with Committee on Budget,  appropriations and Finance Chair, Senator Novelle E. Francis, Jr. “It was important that those owed retroactive pay, get paid,” said Senator Joseph, Sr. “After learning I was pre-empted, I worked with my colleague(s) to move legislation to pay the retro,” continued Joseph, Sr. “Shortly thereafter we were made aware of the hospital situation and pivoted to address the hospitals as well.”

Bill No. 36-0047 redirects portions of the Epstein settlement funds to pay $22.5M in retroactive wages and provides $13M in funding to the territory’s hospitals. “The measure lends some immediate financial support to our hospitals as we work with stakeholders on a long-term plan on shoring up our healthcare system,” said Senator Joseph, Sr.

Amendment No. 36-341 to Bill No. 36-0038 reduces the bonding capacity of the Virgin Islands Port Authority from $500M to $350M. The amendment passed with strong support of the members present.

“Our airports are now in a public/private partnership and the revenue from our seaports would be pledged and it is not opportune to provide for such a substantial increase in debt capacity,” stated Joseph, Sr. “I want to thank my colleagues for their support on reducing the proposed increase, it is not what I would ideally want, but we have to compromise, and I am comfortable with this ceiling,” continued Joseph, Sr.

“Today’s session was the first since the formation of the 36th Legislature and I am pleased to have worked on meaningful legislation and offer amendment(s) that will positively impact the people of the territory,” concluded Joseph, Sr

Senator Ray Fonseca issued the following statement after the 36th Legislature of the Virgin Islands unanimously voted to allocate emergency funding to the Territory’s hospitals:

“I thank all my colleagues in the 36th Legislature for taking this decisive and unified action to support both of our hospitals. Today, every Senator demonstrated a 100% solid commitment to improving healthcare services for our community.

The funding approved will go toward paying down the most critical delinquent debt identified by the hospitals. While this is a necessary step, we must be clear—it is a bandage, not a cure. The letters submitted by more than 107 physicians and healthcare professionals speak volumes about the longstanding challenges our hospitals face.

This Legislature has taken meaningful, positive action that addresses the urgent need for immediate, focused, and comprehensive support. These emergency funds are vital to stabilizing our hospitals while we work toward long-term reforms.

Our people deserve better—much better. They deserve a healthcare system that is fully functional, adequately staffed, and properly resourced. I stand in full solidarity with our physicians, nurses, and all healthcare workers. I will continue to fight tirelessly for the funding, reforms, and attention our hospitals urgently need—for the sake of every patient, every family, and the future of public health in the Virgin Islands.”

For more information, please contact the Office of Senator Ray Fonseca at 340-693-3577 or by email at SenatorRayFonseca@legvi.org