Firearms discussion, Justice input and the Bureau of Corrections dominate Senate committee

US Virgin Islands – The Committee on Homeland Security, Justice and Public Safety chaired by Senator Steven D. Payne, Sr. met at the Frits E. Lawaetz Legislative Conference Room on St. Croix to discuss bills and receive updates from the Virgin Islands Police Department Commissioner nominee and a current update on the protocols from the Bureau of Corrections.

The committee convened and held discussions centered around Bill No 34-0072 an Act amending title 23 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 5, providing for the declaration of firearm components upon their entry into the Virgin Islands, and other related purposes. This legislation is sponsored by Minority Leader, Dwayne DeGraff. The measure attempts to catch up to the criminal element that is plaguing the territory.

The criminals have found a way to get components of a firearm not yet assembled but, to bring in each component separately until they have all the parts they need to assemble a what is termed as a “ghost firearm” and be able to have it function just as a manufacture assembled gun would perform. In this element it is difficult for law enforcement to track and determine where and who the actual manufacturer would be credited in creating the weapon. VIPD’s Commissioner Nominee of the Virgin Islands Police Department and representation from the Department of Justice weighed in on the discussion. This measure was favorably forwarded to the Committee on Rules; Judiciary for further consideration.

Along the lines of firearms Bill No. 34-0098, a Bill sponsored and introduced by Senator Steven D. Payne, Sr. this measure attempts to amend title 14 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 113, section 2253, relating to the unauthorized carrying of a firearm and evidence of intent to commit a crime of violence to require that those convicted of the commission or attempted commission of a violent crime must serve the mandatory minimum sentence without suspension of sentence or adjudication and without eligibility for probation or parole before serving the mandatory minimum sentence.

Nominee Martinez and a representative from the office of the Attorney General provided their positions on the matter. More important than the testifiers that were invited, members of the 34 th legislature and committee members had opposition to the bill as written. The main objection was to the mandatory sentencing that the bill contains. As a result, the bill was held in committee until the call of the chairman for further debate and amendments.

After weighing in on the two previous measures on the agenda Nominee Martinez was probed about his first 30 days on the job as the new head of the Virgin Islands Police Department. He presented his long- and short-term plans for the department, the realignment of staff and placing his executive team in order. He told lawmakers that it is still a work in progress and more changes will be necessary as the department seeks to improve its image and effectiveness. Then one big focus is to get and meet all the requirements to remove the more than decade long consent decree that the department is forced to operate under.

The Director of the Bureau of Corrections, Wynnie Testamark was requested to provide an update from the Bureau on the COVID-19 protocols and other matters.

The hearing turned to issues of personnel matters not finding anyone from in the organization current personnel to fill the top position in the leadership of the bureau. While it was contentious at times the bureau glowed in their ability to prevent major outbreaks in the prison and their strict protocols that was implemented. Plans are on the way to improve the facilities territory wide for the enhancement of the safety and management of the Bureau of Correction.