Committee On Rules And Judiciary Gives The Nod Of Approval To Several Nominees And Bills
St. Thomas—the Committee on Rules and Judiciary, chaired by Senator Milton E. Potter, met Thursday to consider an agenda comprised of several nominations and various pieces of legislation.
2022-10-14 12:50:03 - VI News Staff
First on the agenda were the nominations for Dr. Janis Valmond to serve on the Virgin Islands Housing Authority and Dr. Rick Warehime to served on the Virgin Islands Board of Pharmacy.
Dr. Warehime in his opening statement informed senators that he is aware of the issues affecting pharmacies because he too own and operate pharmacies in the territory. Dr. Warehime further indicated that due to his experiences in the pharmaceutical world, he desires to give back to the residents of the territory.
Dr. Valmond in her opening remark said she believes that her career and experience in public health, including her years in management and leadership within the Virgin Islands Department of Health, have provided her with the necessary experience and understanding of the important connection between healthy homes and the overall health of children and families in the community.
After a round of questions, the committee unanimously moved both nominations to the full Body for further consideration. Chairman Potter and other members of the committee described the nominees as being of good character and having the qualifications needed.
In the second block, the committee took up the nominations of Stephanie Hodge
and Christopher McDonald who both were nominated to serve on the Virgin Islands Real Estate Commission.
Nominee Hodge, who was nominated to a second term, told committee members in her opening statement that she is passionate about inclusion and diversity in the real estate industry and brings this philosophy to the Real Estate Commission. Hodge further indicated that during her previous tenure, she worked alongside fellow commissioners to reinstitute background checks for new applicants and ushered in scores of new applicants of which a large percentage hailed from the Virgin Islands and the Caribbean region.
Nominee McDonald in his statement said his goal for the Commission is to bring awareness to the real estate industry, and the impacts that are affecting local Virgin Islanders. McDonald further indicated that he wants to see more local families owning a piece of property that they can use to achieve generational wealth.
Members questioned both nominees on their vision and goals for the commission and their responses were satisfactory. The committee then voted favorably for both Hodge and McDonald and their nominations were forwarded to the full Body for further consideration.
The next items on the agenda were: Bill No. 34-0295, which seeks to petition the Governor of the Virgin Islands to posthumously pardon Rothchild (Polly) Francis for unjust convictions. After discussions by senators, the Bill was approved with an amendment and sent to the full Body for further consideration.