Incoming Majority Caucus Unveils Committee Assignments, Officers

Members of the Majority Caucus on Wednesday morning unveiled committee assignments and officers for the upcoming 33rd Legislature.

Officers and members of the Majority Caucus:

Senator-elect Kenneth L. Gittens – President

Senator-elect Donna A. Frett – Gregory – Vice-President

Senator-elect Alicia V. Barnes – Secretary

Senator Marvin A. Blyden – Majority Leader

Senator-elect Oakland Benta – Liaison to U.S. Dept. of Interior/Insular Affairs

Senator-elect Allison L. DeGazon – STX District Liaison to U.S. Congress

Senator-elect Stedman Hodge Jr. – Liaison to the White House

Senator-elect Athneil J. Thomas – Secretary for Intergovernmental & Territorial Affairs

Senator Myron D. Jackson

Senator-elect Javan E. James

Senator-elect Steven D. Payne Sr.

The 33rd Legislature’s proposed leadership and standing committee assignments:

(1) COMMITTEE ON RULES AND JUDICIARY

Chair:               Alicia V. Barnes

Vice Chair:      Myron D. Jackson

(2) COMMITTEE ON FINANCE

Chair:               Donna A. Frett-Gregory

Vice Chair:      Allison L. DeGazon

(3) COMMITTEE ON HEALTH, HOSPITALS & HUMAN SERVICES

Chair:               Oakland Benta

Vice Chair:      Stedman Hodge Jr.

 (4) COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

Chair:               Stedman Hodge Jr.

Vice Chair:      Kurt A. Vialet

(5) COMMITTEE ON YOUTH, SPORTS, PARKS AND RECREATION

Chair:               Javan E. James

Vice Chair:      Athneil J. Thomas

(6) COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & AGRICULTURE

Chair:               Allison L. DeGazon

Vice Chair:      Marvin A. Blyden

(7) COMMITTEE ON HOMELAND SECURITY, JUSTICE & PUBLIC SAFETY

Chair:               Stephen D. Payne Sr.

Vice Chair:      Oakland Benta

 (8) COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS, CONSUMERS & VETERANS AFFAIRS

Chair:               Athneil J. Thomas

Vice Chair:      Dwayne DeGraff

(9) COMMITTEE ON HOUSING, TRANSPORTATION, INFRASTRUCTURE & TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Chair:               Marvin A. Blyden

Vice Chair:      Alicia V. Barnes

(10) COMMITTEE ON PLANNING AND CULTURE

Chair:               Myron D. Jackson

Vice Chair:      Javan E. James

(11) COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

Consisting of ALL Members of the 33rd Legislature

The assignments were announced during a press conference at WTJX on St. Croix. During the event, the incoming lawmakers spoke of unity and a vision to move U.S.V.I. forward with the motto: “Restoring Unity and Trust Through Vision and Purpose”.

Notably missing, however, were Senators Kurt Vialet and Novelle Francis, Democratic lawmakers who will he part of a minority coalition, following a rift over the Committee on Finance chairmanship.

“Today we reaffirm our commitment to those principles and to you, the people of the Virgin Islands,” Mr. Blyden said. “Further, we recognize that last month, the Virgin Islands public sent a clear message. The old ways cannot continue, and we must forge a new covenant with the people of the Virgin Islands—a covenant based on transparency, unity and putting the people first.”

Mr. Gittens said the Democratic Majority was committed to enhancing the public’s trust in the Legislature.

“In addition to the development of important public policy initiatives, the body will maintain robust oversight of the new administration,” he said. “It is our intent to reestablish the Legislature as the first branch of government, co-equal, but separate and apart from the executive and judicial branches.”