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St. Thomas Man Charged With Child Pornography and Sexual Contact With Minor After Eight-Month Reported Relationship

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St. Thomas Man Charged With Child Pornography and Sexual Contact With Minor After Eight-Month Reported Relationship

Police arrested a 23-year-old St. Thomas man for allegedly trading explicit photos with a 15-year-old high school girl, according to court records filed Monday.

K’Moi Hart was charged with computer pornography, obscene internet contact with a minor, second-degree unlawful sexual contact, and possession of depictions of sexually explicit conduct involving a minor.

The girl was 14 and in her ninth grade school uniform when she met the man at her school. Hart was on campus to deliver a Valentine’s Day present to another girlfriend, aged 17. That girl told police Hart, an adult, had kissed her at the high school many times and frequently brought her and the younger victim lunch, police told the Virgin Islands Superior Court.

A nonsexual romantic relationship developed between Hart and the younger girl that continued for roughly eight months until November, when the girl’s mother investigated her phone, according to court records.

The mother allegedly discovered Hart had sent her daughter a photo of his genitals and the girl had replied with a photo exposing her breasts, according to police.

Hart told police he genuinely cared for the girl, that she helped him through the death of a family member while he tutored her in math and other subjects. He was held on $100,000 bail.

The victim was in tears when her mother came to the school a few hours later, the older friend, now 18, told police.

Steadroy Anthony Aska Dies at 83

Mat Probasco
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Steadroy Anthony Aska Dies at 83

Relatives and friends are advised of the passing of Steadroy Anthony Aska of Antigua, who passed away at the age of 83.

Steadroy Anthony Aska

He was preceded in death by his parents, Samuel and Erny Aska of Antigua, and his brothers Randolph Aska, Leonard Scotland, and Rupert Aska Sr.

He leaves to mourn his daughters, Arlene Aska of Florida and Alicia Aska-Merrick of Antigua; his grandchildren, Andre Brian Chambers, Andrew Calder Speid, and Mikaili Ternika Francis.

Steadroy is also survived by his brothers, Whitfield Aska of Antigua and Lawrence Aska of Detroit; his sisters, Princess Aska-Capener of England, Christophine Aska of Florida, Fernella Aska of New York, and Alexandrina Aska of St. Thomas.

He is lovingly remembered by his many nieces and nephews, including Everton Williams, Emil Aska, Rupert Aska Jr., Rosalie Horsford-Frett, Ezrikah Aska-Degazon, Isha Aska-Peters, Renae Horsford, and Karisah Aska, along with numerous other family members and friends.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend the first viewing on Thursday, Feb. 20, at Blyden Memorial Chapel from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

The funeral service will be held on Friday, Feb. 21, at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church. A second viewing will begin at 9 a.m., followed by the service at 10 a.m.

Interment will take place at Smith Bay Eastern Cemetery.

In honor of Steadroy’s life, relatives and friends are kindly asked to wear festive colors to his Homegoing Service.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Turnbull’s Funeral Home and Crematory Services.

No Limin’ at the Island Life Aquathlon 

Mat Probasco
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No Limin’ at the Island Life Aquathlon 

Despite a smaller turnout due to the seasonal “bug” making its rounds, the Island Life Aquathlon at Rainbow Beach was still full of energy and excitement. The Virgin Islands Triathlon Federation extends a big thank you to the Dolphin Team Swimmers for showing up and adding their competitive spirit to the event.

Start of the sprint race

The race kicked off just after 7 a.m. with Individual Sprint and Relay participants diving into the sea. The swim course ended up slightly longer than planned—clocking in at just over 900 meters instead of the intended 800—but the real challenge came from the strong current on the two-lap course. Relay swimmer Daryan Maynard was the first to emerge from the water, followed closely by individual competitor Kaeden Gleason, then Cole Cullinan and Teague Gleason—all standout Dolphins Team swimmers.

The out-and-back 5K run was relatively flat, playing to the strengths of relay runner Ayden Cintron, who posted the fastest time of the day at 18:04. His performance helped Team Teague/Ayden secure first place overall with a time of 30:20. In the Sprint division, GHCDS senior Kaeden Gleason used his overall strenght to claim the individual gold, finishing in 32:44. Fourteen-year-old Cole Cullinan took second place (37:02), while VITF President Stephen Swanton rounded out the podium in third. In the women’s division, Robin Seila claimed first place, followed by Sarah Vaughan in second.

In the relay category, Daryan Maynard and Vedant Mittal took second place (and second overall), while Cameron Cullinan and Dolphins Swim Coach Adriel Sanes finished third (also third overall). 

The Super Sprint participants hit the water six minutes after the Sprint race began, tackling a one-lap (450-meter) swim. Randy Nielsen led the way with a time of 12:48, followed closely by first-time participant Jeff Donnelly and Monica Halloran. In the relay division, swimmer David Vaughan handed off to speed-runner Zavier Saleem, who powered their team to first place overall in the Super Sprint.

In the individual Super Sprint category, Randy Nielsen held his lead to take gold, while Jeff Donnelly put some distance between himself and Monica Halloran on the run to finish second overall. Monica was the first-place female finisher, with Ginger Vandeveer securing second place.

The next VITF event is scheduled for Sunday, February 9 at 8am at the Altona Lagoon Park in Gallows Bay. The Silly Sockathlon is a run/bike/run event for kids of all abilities, ages 5 to 15. Please call 340-513-2707 for more information or to reserve a bike for the event.

Samuel “Dave” Solomon Dies at 61

Mat Probasco
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Samuel “Dave” Solomon Dies at 61

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Samuel “Dave” Solomon on Jan. 11, at the age of 61 on St. Croix, Virgin Islands. 

Samuel Solomon

He is survived by his wife, Patasha, stepsons, Shomari and Elijah and stepdaughters, Alexis and Elisha; sisters, Carlene and Cathy Solomon; nephew, Erill Solomon; nieces, Celena Dublin, Victoria and Jashurna Solomon; uncles, Eddy, Kenneth, and Offlick (deceased) Dublin; aunts, Olga, Millie, Lillian, Bernice, Itmay and Cynthia (deceased) Dublin; cousins, Norma Browne and family, Cecil Smith and 

family, Michele Wynter and family, Kevin Matthew and family, Delroy Tonge, Leigh Dublin, and other family, too numerous to mention. 

He is also survived by close friends: Devon Walters, Vincent “Merchant” Simon, Anthony “Tony” Benjamin, George Matthew, Fitzmore “Red Eye” Bailey, Hans Lewis, Athil “Abdul” Christopher, Ferris “Glen” aka “Big Six” Phillips, Rasheem Joseph, Tyrone “Money” Lake, Andy “Plumber” McCoy, Carlos Martinez, Rosa “Linda” Corcino and family, the family of Isaiah “Ziah” Joseph (deceased), the Russell family, Otis Johannes, Stedroy Silcott, Barrington “Greg” Rhoden, and many more, too numerous to mention.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Samuel and Muriel and brothers, Kenneth and Sean Solomon.

Viewing will be Thursday, Feb. 6, from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. with funeral services immediately following at the Kingshill Funeral Home.

Fuel Price Report

Mat Probasco
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Fuel Price Report

Commissioner H. Nathalie Hodge of the Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs is notifying the public of the Department’s latest territory-wide self-service fuel price survey findings that were conducted during the week of Jan. 26.

Fuel surveys are designed to inform consumers of the most affordable fuel prices throughout the territory. The fuel survey findings and rack rates are included for comparative viewing and transparency.

SOL PETROLEUM WHOLESALE RACK RATES

Regular Fuel – $2.54 / Premium Fuel – $2.68 / Diesel Fuel – $2.93

ST. CROIX SELF-SERVICE

Average Prices

Regular Fuel: $3.996 per gallon

Premium Fuel: $4.397 per gallon

Diesel Fuel: $4.629 per gallon

Lowest Prices

Regular Fuel: $3.949 per gallon at Fill & Chill Service Station.

Premium Fuel: $4.199 per gallon at Titan Service Station, Five Corners Service Station, G-Max Service Station, One Love Golden Rock, Budget Service Station, Island Petroleum, and Pit Stop Service Station

Diesel Fuel: $3.999 per gallon at Titan Service Station, Falcon Service Station and G- Max Service Station.

ST. THOMAS SELF-SERVICE

Average Prices

Regular Fuel: $4.820 per gallon

Premium Fuel: $5.364 per gallon

Diesel Fuel: $5.894 per gallon

Lowest Prices

Regular Fuel: $4.699 per gallon at 1* Stop, Giant Gas, Home Town, Ali Baba Service Station, Petrus Frenchtown, and Race Track.

Premium Fuel: $5.199 per gallon at 1$ Stop, 1$ Stop Frydenhoi, Giant Gas Station, Home Town Service Station, Ali Baba Service Station, RaceTrack and RaceTrack East.

Diesel Fuel: $5.799 per gallon at 1s Stop, 1* Stop Frydenhoj, Giant Gas, and Race Track East.

ST. JOHN SELF-SERVICE

Average Prices

Regular Fuel: $4.779 per gallon

Premium Fuel: $5.014 per gallon

Diesel Fuel: $5.519 per gallon

Lowest Prices

Regular Fuel: $4.769 per gallon at Race Track Gas Station.

Premium Fuel: $4.999 per gallon at Race Track Gas Station and Midway Gas Station.

Diesel Fuel: $5.499 per gallon at Race Track and Midway Gas Station

Fuel station owners are reminded that it shall be unlawful for any person to offer to sell at retail and dispense or to sell at retail and dispense motor fuel into fuel supply tanks of motor vehicles unless there is continuously and publicly posted and displayed on or near each pump or other dispensing device the minimum octane rating, the retail price per gallon and, separately stated, the tax per gallon, on each blend of motor fuel dispensed therefrom. 12A V.I.C.$202.

Gasoline station/fuel retailers should also be reminded that in accordance with 12A V.I.C. 8207, all gas stations are required to provide a functioning air hose for public use during normal business hours, failure to comply with this code could result in fine not to exceed $100 for each offense.

$50,000 Grant Benefits 5 USVI Nonprofits

Mat Probasco
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$50,000 Grant Benefits 5 USVI Nonprofits

Five nonprofit organizations in the United States Virgin Islands will continue to expand their programs in 2025, thanks to the most recent grants awarded by Liberty Foundation, which total $50,000 in donations.

The five nonprofits in the USVI that received these grants were The Children’s Museum of St. Croix, Family Resource Center in St. Thomas, Friends of the Virgin Islands National Parks in St. John, Elevate WI, and Y-TEENS VI, both in St. Thomas.

“This donation allows us to connect with nonprofits in the USVI and provide resources for them so they can continue carrying out their invaluable work,” said Ravindra Maywahlall, Liberty VI’s general manager. “This is much more than just giving funds. We invest our time, resources and volunteers to help underserved communities in the USVI thrive. That connection means a lot to us.”

The leaders of these five nonprofits all agreed on how crucial the grants are to enable them to continue offering their programs to serve their communities and expand their reach.

“We have been in existence for 42 years and without agencies like the Liberty Foundation we would not be able to remain afloat, so I am really thankful, and I am grateful for what they are doing in the community,” stated Anya Stuart, executive director of the Family Resource Center. “We have got to see how we can make our Virgin Islands great, especially those in our community who are in need.”

Tonia Lovejoy, executive director of Friends of VI National Park, said that support from the Liberty Foundation has allowed nearly 1,000 school children in St. John to benefit from the organization’s School Kids in the Park program, which gives them a chance to learn about the park’s natural and cultural resources. The grant will also help fund their annual Earth Day celebration in St. John, where Liberty VI employees also serve as volunteers. “Each year, hundreds of young students participate in our annual Earth Day celebration on St. John. The Earth Day celebration on the Cruz Bay square is filled with informative booths and activities and culminates into a fantastic parade to celebrate our planet,” she added.

For The Children’s Museum of St. Croix, the grant money will not just help support its pop-up exhibits, it could also mean finally having a permanent home. “We are still going to be at fairs because that is our big outreach to communities,” explained Ellie Hirsh, The Children’s Museum’s director. “We have a property that we are renting with the option to buy, and we are hoping to put nature trails for nature learning and exhibits. We want to get kids involved in learning because we really believe that kids learn through play.”

First-time grant recipient ElevateWi will continue offering its programs to foster creativity for youths in St. Thomas. “The whole idea is to create a space where youth and those who are interested in becoming creators and artists can come to this space and learn and grow,” said founder and president L. Omar Ewen. “You can learn from beat making to learning to record music. We give vocal development and recently did a film production with four teenagers.”

The Liberty Foundation grant has also made a difference for Y-Teens VI, a St. Thomas-based organization that empowers girls and young women in the USVI through programs that help them develop leadership and professional skills that contribute to their personal growth.

“Liberty Foundation funds have made it possible for Y-Teens VI to expand their offerings for girls and young women beyond the workshops held on Saturdays,” said Donnalie Edwards-Cabey, president and executive director of Y-TEENS VI. “We are launching our technology after school program, with coding and graphic design.”

“Through their continued and generous support for our mission, our collaborators and sponsors made it possible once again for us to offer these nonprofit organizations in the USVI the resources they need to provide services and opportunities in the areas of education, social well-being and health, arts and culture, and environmental protection,” said Yadira Valdivia, Liberty Foundation’s executive director. “These donations are making it possible for people living in underserved communities to become the best version of themselves.”

Throughout 2024, Liberty awarded additional grants and sponsorships and carried out volunteer programs with other USVI nonprofits such as Women’s Coalition of St. Croix, Yellow Cedar Home in St. Thomas, Boys and Girls Clubs of St. Thomas, Queen Louise Home for the Children in St. Croix, Cancer Support VI in St. Thomas, Rotary Club of St. Thomas, the Benny Demus Foundation, Nanas Baby Home, Community Foundation of the VI, WTJX Public Broadcasting, and Our Town Frederiksted.

Since 2020, Liberty Foundation has awarded over $416,000 in grants and sponsorships, helping 27 nonprofit organizations in the USVI fund a variety of community initiatives that support childcare, education, culture, gender-based violence eradication, entrepreneurship and environmental protection in the USVI.

Senate Schedule

Mat Probasco
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Senate Schedule

The 36th Legislature of the Virgin Islands will convene a series of committee meetings and hearings throughout February, reinforcing its commitment to oversight, accountability, and transparency in government operations.

Each standing committee, led by its respective chairperson, will conduct hearings and discussions, inviting key government agencies and stakeholders under their jurisdiction to provide critical updates, address pressing concerns,  and respond to inquiries from lawmakers.

“These meetings are essential to ensuring government agencies operate efficiently, using public funds responsibly, and deliver the services our people deserve,” said Senate Majority Leader, Kurt Vialet. “We encourage the community to tune in, stay informed, and participate in the process”

The full schedule, agendas, and testimonies will be available on the Legislature’s website at www.legvi.org. Meetings will also be broadcasted via Latino 91.9 – WVSE – FM Papi Love Radio, VIYA Channel 26, and the 

U.S. Virgin Islands Legislature and WTJX Virgin Islands Public Broadcasting System Facebook pages. Residents are urged to watch live, submit concerns, and engage in governance.

For updates, visit www.legvi.org or follow @legislatureusvi on social media.

Wednesday, Feb. 5

Committee on Education & Workforce Development

Chairperson: Honorable Kurt Vialet

9 a.m. | Frits E. Lawaetz Legislative Conference Room, St. Croix

Invited Testifiers:

• Honorable Dionne Wells-Hedrington, Commissioner, VI Department of Education

• Craig Benjamin, Executive Director, Bureau of School Construction & Maintenance

Wednesday, Feb. 12

Committee on Housing, Transportation & Telecommunications

Chairperson: Honorable Marvin A. Blyden

9 a.m. | Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall, St. Thomas

Invited Testifiers:

• Honorable Derek Gabriel, Commissioner, Department of Public Works

• Darryl Griffith, Interim Executive Director, VI Waste Management Authority

Thursday, Feb. 13

Committee on Health, Hospitals & Human Services

Chairperson: Honorable Ray Fonseca

10 a.m. | Frits E. Lawaetz Legislative Conference Room, St. Croix

Invited Testifiers:

• Honorable Averil E. George, Commissioner, Department of Human Services

• Tina M. Commissiong, Esq., CEO, Schneider Regional Medical Center

• Hazel Philbert, Interim CEO, Gov. Juan F. Luis Hospital & Medical Center

• Darlene Carty-Baptiste, Incoming CEO, Gov. Juan F. Luis Hospital & Medical Center

• Christopher Finch, Chairman, VI Government Health & Hospital Corporation

• Jerry Smith, Incoming Chairman, VI Government Health & Hospital Corporation

• Edgar Phillips, Resident, St. Thomas

• Darryl Smalls, Executive Director, Facilities & Capital Development, Territorial Hospital 

Redevelopment Team

Tuesday, February 18, 2025

Committee on Budget, Appropriations & Finance

Chairperson: Honorable Novelle E. Francis, Jr.

10 a.m. | Frits E. Lawaetz Legislative Conference Room, St. Croix

Invited Testifiers:

• Honorable Kevin McCurdy, Commissioner, VI Department of Finance

• Julio Rhymer, Director, Office of Management & Budget

• Joel Lee, Director, VI Bureau of Internal Revenue

• Adrienne Williams-Octalien, Director, Office of Disaster Recovery

• Brent Leerdam, Tax Collector, Office of the Lt. Governor

• Chalma Moorhead, Assistant Tax Assessor, Office of the Lt. Governor

• Joss Springette, Esq., Chief Negotiator, Office of Collective Bargaining

• Cindy L. Richardson, Director, Division of Personnel

• Honorable Derek Gabriel, Commissioner, VI Department of Public Works

Thursday, February 20, 2025

Committee on Disaster Recovery, Infrastructure & Planning

Chairperson: Honorable Marise C. James

10 a.m. | Frits E. Lawaetz Legislative Conference Room, St. Croix

Invited Testifiers:

• Adrienne L. Williams-Octalien, Director, Office of Disaster Recovery

• Eugene Jones, Jr., Executive Director, VI Housing Finance Authority

Friday, February 21, 2025

Committee on Culture, Youth, Aging, Sports & Parks

Chairperson: Honorable Angel L. Bolques, Jr.

10 a.m. | Cleone H. Creque Legislative Conference Room, St. John

Invited Testifiers:

• Honorable Averil E. George, Commissioner, Department of Human Services

• Renee Hansen, Acting Commissioner, Department of Sports, Parks & Recreation

Monday, February 24, 2025

Committee on Government Operations, Veterans Affairs & Consumer Protection

Chairperson: Honorable Avery L. Lewis

9 a.m. | Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall, St. Thomas

Invited Testifiers:

• Honorable H. Nathalie Hodge, Commissioner, Department of Licensing & Consumer 

Affairs

• Honorable Lisa Alejandro, Commissioner, Department of Property & Procurement

Cyril E. King Airport Back Open After Two-Hour Runway Shutdown

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Cyril E. King Airport Back Open After Two-Hour Runway Shutdown
The runway at Cyril E. King on St. Thomas was shut down for two hours Monday, disrupting flights. (Stock photo by Ananta Pancham)

Flights in and out of Cyril E. King Airport on St. Thomas were halted for more than two hours Monday afternoon after a Fly the Whale aircraft suffered a flat tire and veered off the runway, forcing a full closure.

The incident occurred at 2:30 p.m., delaying multiple flights as the airline worked to secure a replacement tire from its St. Croix hub. The airport remained shut down until 4:40 p.m., when normal operations resumed, according to a statement sent by Virgin Islands Port Authority Executive Director Carlton Dowe.

While no injuries were reported among the pilot and four passengers on board, Dowe condemned the prolonged delay in clearing the aircraft.

“We are thankful that everyone onboard was unharmed,” Dowe said. “However, the long waiting time for the replacement part caused several delays, and this is unacceptable. We will be meeting with all commuter airlines to discuss their operations to make sure they are prepared to quickly handle these types of situations at our airports.”

The temporary closure rippled across airline schedules, stranding travelers and causing disruptions for both inbound and outbound flights. The Port Authority is now pushing for faster response protocols from regional carriers to prevent similar incidents from paralyzing operations in the future, Dowe said.

Property Tax Credit Deadline March 3

Mat Probasco
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Property Tax Credit Deadline March 3

Lieutenant Governor Tregenza A. Roach, Esq., reminds property owners that the deadline to apply for or renew their Homestead property tax credits against their 2025 property tax bills is Monday, March 3, 2025. The Tax Credit expiration date is provided on the 2024 property tax bill.

Property tax owners whose tax credits expire in 2024 must complete a new homestead application and provide necessary documentation to continue receiving a homestead tax credit.

Applications and homestead tax credit requirements can be found online at ltg.gov.vi or propertytax.vi.gov, and at the Offices of the Tax Assessor on St. Thomas, St. Croix, and St. John.

To be eligible for Homestead tax credits against the 2025 property tax bill, a person must be the property owner of record within the period of January 2, 2024, through January 1, 2025. Property owners may apply for no more than two credits, including General Homestead and one other. 

Tax credits are available in the following categories:

1. General Homestead: Property owners who occupied the home as their primary residence as of January 1 of the applicable tax year are eligible. Applicants must show proof of residency by providing a valid United States Virgin Islands driver’s license or voter registration card. Applicants are also asked to show proof of occupancy by providing a current utility bill and a stamped copy of your Bureau of Internal Revenue 2023 or 2024 Income Tax Return, with Social Security number redacted. Maximum tax credit: $400.00

2. Veterans: Property owners must meet occupancy requirements and have been honorably discharged from the U.S. Armed Services. Applicants must provide a copy of their DD-214 at the time of filing, in addition to a valid USVI driver’s license or voter registration card. Maximum tax credit: $650.00

3. Seniors: Property owners must meet occupancy requirements. Applicants are also eligible to claim this credit for properties held by tenants in the entireties, if either spouse is 60 years or older on January 1 of the applicable tax year. The credit is available only when individual Annual Gross Income is less than $30,000 and 

household Annual Gross Income does not exceed $50,000. Applicants are asked to provide a stamped copy of their 2023 or 2024 income tax return and proof of age at the time of application. Maximum Tax Credit: $500.00

4. Disabled: Applicants must meet occupancy requirements and be suffering from a disability as determined by the Social Security Administration (SSA) as of January 1 of the applicable tax year. Applicants are required to provide documentation from the SSA at time of filing, as well as a stamped copy of their 2023 or 2024 income tax return 

to verify they do meet the income requirement of Act 6991 Sec. 2 (4) (A). Maximum Tax Credit: $500.00

5. Class 1 Inheritance: Applicants must be owners of unimproved property of 5.0 acres or less. The property owner must have acquired the property through inheritance. Tax Credit: Credit equal to 80% of the real property taxes levied until $5,000 or more of improvements are made on said property. 

6. Visitable Home: Available to property owners who hold a Certificate of Visitability issued by the Department of Planning and Natural Resources, pursuant to Act 7320 for a 10-year period unless title to the real property is conveyed to another tax payer. Maximum Tax Credit: Credit equal to 20% of the taxes levied by the Tax Assessor. 

Tax credits are also available for Virgin Islands farmers. Those seeking these credits must obtain certification from the Department of Agriculture by October 1, 2025, for consideration of farmland benefits toward their 2026 property tax assessment.

Property owners are reminded that they are still required by law to pay a minimum property tax of $180.00. Property owners who may be eligible for these tax credits are encouraged to contact the Tax Assessors Office on St. Thomas/St.John at (340) 774-2991 or St. Croix at (340) 773-6449.

Fonseca Urges Hospital State of Emergency Declaration

Mat Probasco
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Fonseca Urges Hospital State of Emergency Declaration

Senator Ray Fonseca, Chairman of the Committee on Health, Hospital, and Human Services, today sent a letter to Governor Albert Bryan Jr. urging him to declare a Hospital State of Emergency. This declaration aims to address the numerous challenges facing the territory’s healthcare facilities.

The correspondence details critical issues these facilities encounter daily, and Senator Fonseca believes that declaring the Hospital State of Emergency would enable the implementation of the solutions he has proposed to the Governor.

“The Senator is optimistic that if the Governor considers his recommendation, the territory’s healthcare system can move towards a more positive resolution in the near future,” the statement reads.

The attached letter includes a comprehensive list of issues and recommended solutions. 

For further information, please contact the Office of Senator Ray Fonseca at 340-693-3577 or via email at Senatorrayfonseca@legvi.org.

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