[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":72,"_74":72},"mediaId",6461936,"mediaKeyId","5813046-84ec64c66c6eee24c7bfa0bc962899a7","parentId",5813046,"title","Committee backs renaming Limerick Park for 10 Sleepless Nights band, asks signage and programming plan","audioSeconds",1614,"startMs",20062000,"endMs",21676000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5813046-84ec64c66c6eee24c7bfa0bc962899a7&start=20062&end=21676","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5813046-84ec64c66c6eee24c7bfa0bc962899a7/thumbnail_20062000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6461936/Committee-backs-renaming-Limerick-Park-for-10-Sleepless-Nights-band-asks-signage-and-programming-plan","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6461936-76e4f0b5acad5ca411551f0ecbcf4b7b/orig.mp4?Expires=1770523969&Signature=EIkrNsoC-~GoVhRWEGoQtHT88Jqu34Dr6yU5Mu2R7HjKu75wxkNWphpWQEIEf8dXpavT0vA6auXx7UZBfVqyCJL45CCaWnhgJx5A6Q8~K~lRERNMFs~zYwqJ-BMQpFixfMoVuLqMKsfW7d6FmZdGCWdoi~iNqKScm3qKoAdQjcH12NkLEEqrO7jOswTRp6u75yIMB0L0vbaPZhMuzAAQp5pOv5amyPDJvw9wYYF5eSX53Z3~GO5ZSaFrSH2tI58F6FVpWOn4LM-e3abMarufsVKE8VgSct0gdhWmSt8NcjTTaQln0m96UckgVBV5C8rZ52IV5kf6GOR1BsFXL2FQrA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Virgin Islands Legislature","date","2025-09-23T00:59:21.06Z","article","The committee voted unanimously to report Bill No. 36‑0121, which renames Peter Carl Limerick Park in Christiansted to honor the band 10 Sleepless Nights and appropriates funds to implement the change. Sponsors and cultural organizations said the band — active more than 55 years — has carried the Virgin Islands’ quelbe tradition worldwide and invested in community music education.

Why it matters: Supporters framed the change both as symbolic recognition and as an opportunity to activate an underused downtown park for year‑round cultural programming, festivals and educational events that preserve and teach quelbe, quadrille and other local traditions.

What witnesses said: The Crucian Cultural Group described the park’s evolution into a popular December “Glow in the Park” tree‑lighting and urged that any renaming be followed by modest capital work and annual programming funds so the space remains active beyond the holiday season. Band founder Stanley Jacobs, band president Lauren Larson, and longtime supporters gave on‑the‑record accounts of international tours, school workshops, scholarship programs and recordings that helped keep local music alive.

Amendments and committee direction: The committee accepted a sponsor amendment to use the band’s full name (10 Sleepless Nights) in the park title rather than an abbreviated acronym. Members asked sponsoring staff to coordinate signage placement so historical markers (including any material referencing Peter Carl Limerick) remain available in the park and to work with Public Works and Tourism on maintenance and programming budgets.

Vote and next steps: The committee reported the measure favorably (7–0). Staff were asked to prepare an implementation plan — including an estimate for signage, a maintenance plan and a programming budget — to send with the bill to Rules and Judiciary.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Committee on Government Operations, Veteran Affairs, and Consumer Protection 9-22-2025","oneSentenceSummary","Lawmakers voted to rename Peter Carl Limerick Park in Christiansted for the band 10 Sleepless Nights and forwarded the bill after adding language to use the band’s full name; cultural groups asked for funding to support year‑round programming and proper historical context.","taxTitle","2025 Legislature, Virgin Islands","taxId",77876,"location","","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":72,"_74":72},6461941,"Committee honors ophthalmologist Dr. Alfred Anduz for decades of medical, research and community work",3332,14619000,17951000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5813046-84ec64c66c6eee24c7bfa0bc962899a7&start=14619&end=17951","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5813046-84ec64c66c6eee24c7bfa0bc962899a7/thumbnail_14619000.jpg","/articles/6461941/Committee-honors-ophthalmologist-Dr-Alfred-Anduz-for-decades-of-medical-research-and-community-work","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6461941-17659e88f2b05f21b26100a0fa628db8/orig.mp4?Expires=1770523969&Signature=RtEwSalr2XveJiWaWEpAmGFYHFAbL1mgxr~1U8-W3n5DYcCJODBEGrKimbQ~22zLRMzgrWszZ9P~oTPmIfBWpvcGUODrVA1H61QEAFeSaewLdpeP4Oyyn9YVvLHW1F4jjJuV0NH~S8NphJL6x9cxAiN9YU2WIDg6vYhPQ-NJiIGjP8TuM8MuXphkjYEBQxu6caqYv2B3TU09eWSUsehH4ZzaPALH~dfnPOSugETdOlzR4buXM9WEBjhzYi7ekJoS2S3ABV72OQeY4toIAkuqO~cj8tVtVRwJTPma-nqVhmjHpsM-Mw29vNVEAVulNmqt9ljMK66AfDyEDsPvUt7BaA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Committee on Government Operations advanced a resolution recognizing ophthalmologist Alfred L. Anduz, M.D., for his medical practice, research and community contributions. Senators and community witnesses told the committee Dr. Anduz has trained internationally, published research on pediatric ophthalmology and optics, and returned expertise to the territory through clinical practice and public‑health service.

Why it mattered: Supporters said the resolution acknowledges a long career of medical practice, international research and local caregiving that includes patient care, medical education, and a record of community service.

Testimony in summary: Former patients and longtime friends described Dr. Anduz as persistent in clinical problem‑solving, generous with time and mentoring, and active in research and professional education. Officials noted he was one of the first clinicians trained in ophthalmology to practice in the territory and that several of his surgical techniques have been adopted in specialty literature.

Committee action: Senators unanimously approved the measure for forwarding to Rules and Judiciary. Witnesses requested that any public recognition be coordinated with the family and with civic partners to ensure historical materials and a plaque capture both the medical record and the Anduz family history.

Notes: Dr. Anduz participated in the hearing from abroad and said he continues research and study (including work in herbal/integrative medicine) and is amenable to ceremonial recognition while he is living.

","Lawmakers voted to report a resolution recognizing Dr. Alfred L. Anduz for his contributions to ophthalmology, public health and cultural life in the U.S. Virgin Islands.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":72,"_74":72},6461946,"Senate committee agrees to award key to the territory, name park entrance for soca artist Dennis \"Pompa\" Lybert",2361,10549000,12910000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5813046-84ec64c66c6eee24c7bfa0bc962899a7&start=10549&end=12910","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5813046-84ec64c66c6eee24c7bfa0bc962899a7/thumbnail_10549000.jpg","/articles/6461946/Senate-committee-agrees-to-award-key-to-the-territory-name-park-entrance-for-soca-artist-Dennis-Pompa-Lybert","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6461946-a604efe3d64dd98a187800db6d4b59b3/orig.mp4?Expires=1770523969&Signature=b738vbBb55pFJ5HgvEMLZAi~A~xbvkF6AWeW7GluM58q76dJFLoR17f68nWGGJZ7tCyakxlqwEdVF13SB7W3DCoDkOF8W12CwYz7W-hB0mVwHBQzCKvsLDYToCfLPJQGjuKsPHxjkPr8dd8JzjUuootU4CvzHwm29P7tpXlXJ9i0YoJ4V023RJa~qFKAU5-nLk~j4Iyk2ruLn44mUhVaA1CO-wSOuJTY~9gZLlcYDwDEcVQ40ycA3R8Knd8RbyMXdLd9OI5WRIfqK1DmLKcqFX1PILhL1vJTDbHxFvwCkg2MVli6TUHVHBXEgeKwIEbOsZkvkkIkuEt9si~fomPayg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Committee on Government Operations voted unanimously to report favorably a resolution honoring soca performer Dennis Pompa (Dennis Lybert Jr.) and forwarding the measure to Rules and Judiciary. Sponsors presented the bill Sept. 22, 2025, as a recognition of Pompa’s decades‑long role as a cultural ambassador for the Virgin Islands.

Why it mattered: Testimony from musicians, promoters and local officials emphasized Pompa’s role in carrying Virgin Islands music overseas and supporting local cultural activities. Supporters said the recognition gives a permanent, visible marker of the territory’s contemporary musical culture.

What witnesses said: Prominent local artists and industry figures — including manager Ushana Kublal, promoter Benny Dimas, Converge Networks’ Kai Hendricks and the Division of Festivals’ Ian Turnbull — provided examples of Pompa’s international engagements and community work. Turnbull called the key “a recognition of impact,” and multiple witnesses cited Pompa’s work in school performances and community events.

Committee action: The committee heard testimony, viewed short tribute videos, and voted to approve the resolution by voice/roll call; the motion carried with a unanimous committee vote and the resolution will be forwarded to Rules and Judiciary for further consideration and final action by the full Legislature.

Notes: Sponsors asked that the official naming and key ceremony be scheduled with museum/municipal partners. Witnesses and senators emphasized honoring the artist now so he can see the recognition in his lifetime.

","The committee voted to forward a resolution honoring soca artist Dennis Lybert (known as Pompa) with the territory's official key and a place name at the Peter's Rest entrance on St. Croix.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":72,"_74":72},6461951,"Committee deadlocks on bill pushing use of locally manufactured construction materials",2464,5520000,7984000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5813046-84ec64c66c6eee24c7bfa0bc962899a7&start=5520&end=7984","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5813046-84ec64c66c6eee24c7bfa0bc962899a7/thumbnail_5520000.jpg","/articles/6461951/Committee-deadlocks-on-bill-pushing-use-of-locally-manufactured-construction-materials","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6461951-7a0dc8cc213bceace90a53dbb916b8b9/orig.mp4?Expires=1770523969&Signature=QMjdyE3uXa5d9HIUzXmLc091vcRiEpH3QUyr9hCg38j9PWH2s3A5siy6DVLFcwfemO9KTzlW-SoTJqqaCPSR~pZuEqEOQgh7cw2rHpWBFJajFUxqe2YakvTr0PAYBGInbcrNqrsraRRPtDnVqX9wFQ2geo1qyyw9WjvxfL2w~jdMTkrpRlWa7vGUECHaOaVz1okQVrsLtkcaqHJzD69cr5ET4pbvShrIoAX8COJWItN-XW3gMj~yFgdbRRRyKV232Ocfj5tCEMvLsWu9QdDeoV-HbgOiLq8mTd7d-28Rlhz75BaElA2f~FbzIoPevd845ROHFeJt2GfuRwVnPcuDoA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Committee on Government Operations held a lengthy hearing on Bill No. 36‑0102 on Sept. 22, 2025 — a measure that would reenact section 23‑6(b) of the Virgin Islands code to require use of construction materials “manufactured in the Virgin Islands to the greatest extent practicable” for locally‑ or federally‑funded government contracts.

Why it mattered: Sponsors said the policy would retain public dollars in the territory, spur manufacturing jobs and strengthen supply‑chain resilience after the storms of recent years. Opponents warned it risks violating federal domestic‑preference rules attached to grants and could raise costs or cause delays on federally funded infrastructure projects.

What witnesses said: Department of Property and Procurement Commissioner Lisa Alejandro urged careful drafting and asked for an explicit exemption where federal grant terms conflict with the proposal, noting a variety of federal domestic‑preference statutes (Buy America, Buy American) that apply to different grants. Department of Public Works Commissioner Derek Gabriel and the Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority both supported the concept’s intent but described practical concerns about limited local manufacturing capacity and federal grant compliance. The Bureau of Economic Research offered an economic case for retaining local spend and reducing import leakage. Local manufacturers and component producers, including Cat 5 Builders, said the bill would help grow local production and jobs.

Committee outcome: After amendments were discussed on the record, the committee held a roll call. The vote was tied (3 ayes, 3 nays, 1 absent) and the measure failed to pass out of the committee the same day. Committee members said they plan to continue interagency discussions and the sponsor signaled willingness to refine the bill language.

Key technical issues raised: witnesses and committee members asked for: (1) an explicit carve‑out for federally funded projects or a mechanism to verify grant terms before applying the preference; (2) a definition distinguishing raw materials from finished, locally‑manufactured construction products; (3) a transparent exemption process to be applied during bidding and construction if local supply is insufficient or of unsatisfactory quality; and (4) guardrails to prevent double application of price variances (preferred bidder statute already allows a 15% local preference).

Next steps: The sponsor indicated legal counsel had drafted amendments incorporating many agency suggestions; officials requested more time to coordinate with federal funding agencies to avoid jeopardizing reimbursements. The bill will remain in committee for rework rather than proceed to Rules.

","Lawmakers and agency witnesses debated a proposal to require locally manufactured construction materials on government‑funded projects; concerns about federal grant rules, availability and cost led the committee to vote the measure down.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":72,"_74":72},6461954,"Senate committee advances bill letting GERS retirees return to UVI payroll while keeping annuities",2781,1799000,4580000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5813046-84ec64c66c6eee24c7bfa0bc962899a7&start=1799&end=4580","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5813046-84ec64c66c6eee24c7bfa0bc962899a7/thumbnail_1799000.jpg","/articles/6461954/Senate-committee-advances-bill-letting-GERS-retirees-return-to-UVI-payroll-while-keeping-annuities","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6461954-acbbc34734df693a446647657baae5e7/orig.mp4?Expires=1770523969&Signature=myvga8WelY~Sjdk4cLn7fvjm3ON0dVzf4yTpAmulHyVFa3z9jVyXo5pi7uJHQ2cWpnzCHLoupy82aXUE3A~~7wZkmeilOcNDDXfihZzgLLVzXnBak4G8T7NPVuQj-0h3Yal9m0IGIf1nQ2oufMHVSxiWuVzPjcXLahsQB9wjhVh2QXjndUCh-3kddqaT8AWzHnVqA8QAwx2V3aRU-urB0AnUqS2s68xaW3H80NMMkFEv4UiVI5dFXp8R9ZF8ZDpSNLiQZuUHOH-ciQL0McGvJJOEapEEL7E9GzGmKCnvCJOHTJ9h7fuNYXjxKtD5homl2-frSkhpBEu9h1isx3tg6A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Committee on Government Operations, Veterans Affairs and Consumer Protection voted to favorably report Bill No. 36‑0061 on Sept. 22, 2025, clearing the way for the measure to go to Rules and Judiciary. The bill would amend Title 3 of the Virgin Islands Code so retirees receiving a GERS annuity who later accept employment at the University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) could continue to collect their annuity while receiving a UVI salary if they enroll in an alternative university retirement plan.

Why it matters: Sponsors and witnesses said the bill opens opportunities for experienced faculty and technical staff to return to the territory’s only public university without losing retirement income, a recruiting tool the campus says it needs.

Administrator Angel E. Dawson of GERS testified the change “would merely extend” an existing carve‑out already available to UVI employees and that GERS “expresses no opposition at this time.” UVI President Sophia A. George told the committee the university currently has three employees directly affected by the restriction and “strongly support[s]” the amendment because it would allow those retirees to contribute while planning their finances.

Committee discussion focused on administrative and actuarial implications. Dawson said GERS would be able to track return‑to‑work service under existing procedures but noted the bill as introduced limits the UVI carve‑out to a four‑year return period; government‑wide law currently allows a six‑year return window. Dawson warned that differing time ceilings would increase administrative monitoring but called the challenge “not insurmountable.” On fiscal risk, Dawson and President George both said the measure should be actuarially neutral if it remains a university‑specific carve‑out.

The sponsor, Senator Carla J. Joseph, said the bill responds to real cases in which retirees were discouraged from rejoining the workforce by uncertainty over retirement treatment and urged passage to strengthen UVI’s recruiting for technical and medical education positions. After a roll call, the committee voted 7–0 to approve the bill and forward it to Rules and Judiciary.

What happens next: The measure will be considered by the Rules and Judiciary Committee and then, if approved, by the full Legislature. The motion reported to the committee text and a recorded favorable vote were entered into the hearing record.

Notes and context: Committee members asked for confirmation of vesting rules and any salary caps that might apply when a retiree returns to service; President George said vesting for TIAA is not required and that UVI’s vesting for GERS occurs after 10 years of credited service. Administrator Dawson provided an approximate figure that about 50 retirees currently return to government service across the territory.

","The Committee on Government Operations voted to forward legislation that would allow Government Employees Retirement System (GERS) retirees to take paid positions at the University of the Virgin Islands while continuing to draw their GERS annuity if they enroll in a different university retirement plan.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Committee backs renaming Limerick Park for 10 Sleepless Nights band, asks signage and programming plan

Committee honors ophthalmologist Dr. Alfred Anduz for decades of medical, research and community work

Senate committee agrees to award key to the territory, name park entrance for soca artist Dennis "Pompa" Lybert

Committee deadlocks on bill pushing use of locally manufactured construction materials

Senate committee advances bill letting GERS retirees return to UVI payroll while keeping annuities