BILL TO ADJUST MEMBERS OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS SPORTS COMMISSION ADVANCES, AMENDMENTS TO UPDATE ELECTION LAWS HEARD

ST. THOMAS- Members of the Committee on Rules and Judiciary, chaired by Sen. Milton E. Potter, convened a meeting at the Capitol Building. Policymakers voted in the affirmative for Bill No. 34-0233- An Act amending Title 3, Virgin Islands Code, chapter 18, subchapter II, section 312 relating to the members of the VI Sports Commission, and sections 313 and 314 relating to the duties of the VI Sports Commission. Separately, senators vetted amendments to update Election Laws. All approved items on the agenda will be forwarded to the full body for further consideration.

Bill No. 34-0233 seeks to allow five members to constitute a quorum; establish that members can attend meetings in-person, and via teleconference; and change four-year terms to five years for the private sector individuals appointed by the Governor to the Virgin Islands Sports Commission. The sponsor of the bill, Senator Javan E. James, Sr., noted that the government of the Virgin Islands has the infrastructure and funding to create the blueprint for the development of sports tourism in the Territory. He shared that his vision for the bill is to generate revenues for the Virgin Islands through sports tourism.

Senator Potter queried the benefits of sports tourism and strategies to market and promote this opportunity. In support of the bill, Alani Henneman Todman, Assistant Commissioner of the Department of Tourism, stated that sports tourism will encourage travel to the Territory. According to Henneman Todman, these events increase head-in-beds, stimulate the economy, and grow the USVI marketing presence through media syndicates, social platforms, influencers, and team fans. Moreover, Senator Potter inquired about methods to lure sports fans to the territory. Calvert White, Commissioner of Sports, Parks, and Recreation stated that the primary marketing strategy will focus on encouraging people to visit the Virgin Islands to enjoy the beautiful weather, especially since the events will take place during the winter season. At present, the timeline for hosting sporting events in the Territory has changed from June through September to October-December.