[{"_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",6466655,"mediaKeyId","5813047-b1a710179243b94145c23599c4959e61","parentId",5813047,"title","Committee Approves Renaming Peter Carl Limerick Park for 10 Sleepless Nights; Sponsors Seek Year‑Round Cultural Use","audioSeconds",140,"startMs",2926000,"endMs",3066000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5813047-b1a710179243b94145c23599c4959e61&start=2926&end=3066","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5813047-b1a710179243b94145c23599c4959e61/thumbnail_2926000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6466655/Committee-Approves-Renaming-Peter-Carl-Limerick-Park-for-10-Sleepless-Nights-Sponsors-Seek-YearRound-Cultural-Use","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6466655-bbf7d6eced267c7c96ef802bd1b449ce/orig.mp4?Expires=1773582190&Signature=bWug3kbveqLmzckH7lf8p1ZgNDPYdtBQwlLsUFXO4XpQcvqKig08s7F5uMg~oeV2t6Dyv5v9BNzBOkWEJInYRdJ0H9HxfN2AHaDMfNTnAsbsjkarUcVGVh4LRpQI~StiYSyT5RzvcS8e2ggNWHTYMkBfr2E00ELq2H~OzftK~g4rgwLr3HRJLRjC2OipvcoIdk5c1zyQVKEBKCxpIhrbGtWa9MJ4ku3ZVISWVcQddG3suUquqnKwCqE0gQbqlCkj8gOOl1LREHXY8iUrcz4m8bmMfh13YtGun~2CPq9t~ccRgLdO2OrwQZ219EvHu5lMGGSEDw4U44hVGS~9iCoAgg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Virgin Islands Legislature","date","2025-09-22T23:59:21.063Z","article","The Committee on Government Operations, Veterans Affairs and Consumer Protection voted Sept. 22 to support bill 36‑0121, an act to rename Peter Carl Limerick Park in Christiansted as the 10 Sleepless Nights Park (proposed amendment: use the full band name rather than an abbreviation) and to make appropriations to effectuate the change.

Sponsor Senator Marie C. James said the renaming would honor the Crucian band 10 Sleepless Nights (TSK), which has performed Quilbé and local cultural music for more than five decades and led community cultural programs including school workshops, scholarships and the annual Limerick Park tree‑lighting event. \"This renaming is about cultural self‑determination,\" James said, urging the committee to preserve public space that reflects Virgin Islanders’ history and traditions.

Nut graf: Testimony from the Crucian Cultural Group, 10 Sleepless Nights leadership, former legislators and municipal volunteers stressed the band’s long record of cultural education, international performances and local community service. Several witnesses recommended that renaming be paired with funding for maintenance, signage, year‑round programming and a possible additional roadway naming where historically appropriate.

The Crucian Cultural Group described how annual, volunteer‑run activities revived Limerick Park and brought community attention to an underused space in downtown Christiansted. Commissioner Derek Gabriel and a commissioner‑nominee both testified that the Departments of Public Works and Parks would coordinate sign installation and park maintenance if the measure moves forward; the Housing Finance Authority and others offered practical concerns about longer‑term upkeep.

Vote at a glance: Committee members voted 7–0 to approve the bill as amended (sponsor inserted full band name and instructions for signage and relocation of the existing monument if needed) and forwarded it to Rules and Judiciary. The committee urged sponsors and agencies to identify appropriations for upkeep and to consider a companion roadway naming to commemorate the band’s role in the four‑day Christmas serenade tradition.

Ending: Supporters said the renaming will cement the band’s legacy in a visible public way and recommended a broader implementation plan to ensure the park is used year‑round for cultural events rather than only during December.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","09/22/2025 The Committee on Government Operations, Veterans Affairs, and Consumer Protection","oneSentenceSummary","After testimony from community groups, cultural leaders and band members, the committee unanimously approved an amended measure to rename Peter Carl Limerick Park in Christiansted the 10 Sleepless Nights Park and urged funding and programming to make the park a year‑round cultural hub.","taxTitle","2025 Legislature, Virgin Islands, International","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},6466659,"Committee Approves Resolution Honoring Dr. Alfred L. Andouz for Medical and Cultural Contributions",1116,1397000,2513000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5813047-b1a710179243b94145c23599c4959e61&start=1397&end=2513","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5813047-b1a710179243b94145c23599c4959e61/thumbnail_1397000.jpg","/articles/6466659/Committee-Approves-Resolution-Honoring-Dr-Alfred-L-Andouz-for-Medical-and-Cultural-Contributions","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6466659-0dc8f8abaa09983963dc8e1b0c588978/orig.mp4?Expires=1773582190&Signature=bSWM8vxNevWrz8JYDAPU6hFMRWxT1POoXC1yq10cXkEL6H7wJ3CpyGYZ2ZM6M2r4pI~yaiO7fRjhPwl1Rx-byZNV1MywAkRunNlYSMnTLzsqkL4dIu7DS9ZtcRwV4vSYwz4yqRQFeu9u-X5DPk4sNmTSC28LWQAvi6W3gK7nTnVqfXdcT0w6~1GS7K0PfCTwtJoL8KzO1hvkOXzS8Fc94MxBhLpf~eX4Nb3mx7T6gdNt1BrTpNfgw2SWu~P55-xNP6XmRXgvSKyA5mgzOEgDfyCNbE9rrX8UhtFRBeAfixmahHMP9wld1WFKl8XCvuw-P8v1xQ0uz005OZfwsrPm0w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The committee voted Sept. 22 to report favorably a resolution honoring Dr. Alfred L. Andouz for “outstanding achievements and significant contributions to medicine, science, public health and community empowerment.” Supporters described his long surgical career in ophthalmology, scholarly publications and community health work in the Virgin Islands and internationally.

Nut graf: Witnesses — including judges, longtime friends, patients and family members — portrayed Dr. Andouz as a clinician, researcher and educator whose work spans ophthalmology, integrative medicine and cultural scholarship; several speakers said he remains active in clinical practice and continuing research.

Testimony noted Dr. Andouz’s MD from Howard University (1974), ophthalmology residency training at institutions including Walter Reed and Georgetown affiliates, later study in integrative and herbal medicine and an ongoing pattern of publishing and lecturing. Several witnesses credited him with developing or refining surgical techniques (including pterygium/pterygium‑related methods) adopted regionally, and with performing life‑restoring ophthalmic surgeries for patients the witnesses represented.

The committee endorsed the resolution and will forward it to Rules and Judiciary for final vetting. Witnesses and legislators emphasized the value of honoring a living practitioner whose public work includes teaching, publications and charitable patient care.

Ending: Dr. Andouz joined the hearing by video and closed by thanking colleagues and by acknowledging mentors and family. Committee members praised the resolution and ordered it forwarded to Rules.","The committee voted to send a resolution honoring ophthalmologist and author Dr. Alfred L. Andouz to Rules and Judiciary after witnesses described his decades of surgical work, academic publications and community service across the territory and abroad.",{"_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},6466664,"Senate Committee Votes to Honor Soca Star Dennis “Pompa” Lybert with Key, Street Naming",1219,971000,2190000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5813047-b1a710179243b94145c23599c4959e61&start=971&end=2190","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5813047-b1a710179243b94145c23599c4959e61/thumbnail_971000.jpg","/articles/6466664/Senate-Committee-Votes-to-Honor-Soca-Star-Dennis-Pompa-Lybert-with-Key-Street-Naming","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6466664-899a2b1e442157a943b0fe8e87b95cd5/orig.mp4?Expires=1773582190&Signature=JnACZ8zQCR7ovrT6y3bDEWIx4V3ZL1AEbiKpEChRerXYNtp2JLpRJMZyqKbxFJSCRT0N~yzfC7ZCfUj9v1Kw1LUgj0c8kVYjpkPUEajwROlW7~U4twD2Jxbm7kL41XPZgfRPkZTf0J2h2XB4NhC2LBlEaKkE7dWuaK5aIUr69mukLd9VV28p4TtMSZwqThJed4xzS33w-lp0jHQfc4wnzLPUbpkj6bNWFi8d2GEXgNDhM1pB2KRPIbEXulMYwYm2KxK7H~G4P6JS~VsGB9FDMLr1d1G9Ix52tXIau~sx4gVOL~whzlDwH1PKkXhDzIouu9Zv-WKWHDxIUxwar6xpLw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Senate committee on Government Operations, Veterans Affairs and Consumer Protection voted Sept. 22 to report favorably a resolution honoring Dennis “Pompa” Lybert Jr. for his contributions to Virgin Islands culture and soca music. The measure would award Lybert the official key to the territory and recommend naming the main entrance of Peter’s Rest Road (Christiansted, St. Croix) in his honor.

Senator Maurice C. James, sponsor of the resolution, said Lybert has promoted the territory internationally and “carries the Virgin Islands flag to global stages.” Multiple friends, artists and cultural leaders provided testimony in support — including longtime collaborators Benny Demos and Johannes Warada, event director Ian Turnbull and the Division of Festivals — and the committee heard videos from regional performers congratulating Lybert.

Nut graf: Testimony portrayed Lybert as an artist and community figure whose performances and outreach programs have raised the Virgin Islands’ cultural profile across the Caribbean and beyond; several speakers described his community work, school visits and fundraising activities.

Supporters recounted Lybert’s musical career from local bands through his solo success, citing his hit “A List” and noting performances in Trinidad, Guyana and U.S. markets. Friends and collaborators described Lybert’s regular appearances for schoolchildren, senior groups, and local fundraisers as evidence of sustained community engagement.

Vote at a glance: The committee moved and seconded the resolution; roll call recorded unanimous favorable action among members present. The measure will go to Rules and Judiciary for final vetting before a full Senate floor vote.

Ending: Committee members praised the timing of the recognition while Lybert is active and urged colleagues to support a final bill in the full Senate. Lybert offered brief remarks thanking supporters and said he plans to continue community work and educational outreach for young musicians.","The committee unanimously approved a resolution to award the official key to the territory and to recommend naming the main entrance to Peter's Rest Road on St. Croix for soca artist Dennis 'Pompa' Lybert Jr.; supporters cited his role in promoting VI culture globally.",{"_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},6466669,"Committee Deadlocks on Bill Requiring ‘Made in the Virgin Islands’ Materials for Public Contracts",744,4482000,5226000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5813047-b1a710179243b94145c23599c4959e61&start=4482&end=5226","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5813047-b1a710179243b94145c23599c4959e61/thumbnail_4482000.jpg","/articles/6466669/Committee-Deadlocks-on-Bill-Requiring-Made-in-the-Virgin-Islands-Materials-for-Public-Contracts","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6466669-bd3c8ad1b0bffdf90b40c7863cf2553a/orig.mp4?Expires=1773582190&Signature=JIOwaEl-SN8kNE3xSqg8-eTtlzXEoKy3eNn0O4lLWiOxmQxzDaXhO2RZnTSHSoAqdyHmM~LrnAYw~ejQ7iTQxUQs2HAQztYfzduZjFOajvhcBFLIvUSuLSrhkYTenRN2Uwc0v64NFI2PR6Jiq1J19V3tZv1NdR2FIuQjwuS1~H5O4CukHFwGlT724CpKZUqhINv7eptU7m5YxPmnjuKyDaC41dQmawSoVjnjFmqYCCkYjjbQm3Fu-viWxZCz-P3XS4bO5ENYyQuX3CemCmVXRzJUC2Se5UuA8hQ~fJs7RNd1EBwYhXa6JJMBjs3Nwr3ebLsDw9OQta6fcNoNktajUg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Committee on Government Operations, Veterans Affairs and Consumer Protection deadlocked Sept. 22 on bill 36‑0102, a proposal to reenact section 236(b) of Title 31 so that government contracts using local or federal funds must, \"to the greatest extent practicable,\" use construction materials manufactured in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Sponsor Senator Marvin Blyden framed the bill as an economic‑development tool to create jobs, strengthen local supply chains and reduce import leakage. “If our people can produce a construction material that meets quality standards and a competitive price, they should have access to that market,” Blyden told the committee.

Nut graf: Agency witnesses — particularly the Departments of Property & Procurement and Public Works and the Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority — supported the bill’s intent but warned the committee that federal grant rules, limited local manufacturing capacity and procurement mechanics could create conflicts or administrative burdens.

Commissioner Lisa Alejandro of Property & Procurement recommended explicit exceptions for projects where federal grant requirements would preempt the local‑preference language and asked the sponsors to refine coverage for semi‑autonomous instrumentalities (port authority, housing finance authority, etc.). Commissioner Derek Gabriel (Public Works) said many federal grants prohibit preferences for local bidders and said implementation could jeopardize federal reimbursements unless the bill is clarified with explicit “not applicable where inconsistent with grant terms” language. The Housing Finance Authority staff urged a market assessment and stronger quality control and exemption procedures before the bill could be applied to housing projects that rely heavily on federal funds.

Senators and testifiers discussed Puerto Rico’s similar law, which the First Circuit reviewed in Antilles Cement Corp. v. Fortuño (2012); legal counsel on the floor said that local legislation cannot bind federal agencies and recommended clarity in drafting to avoid conflicts with specific grant terms. The bill would allow a 15% price variance for locally produced materials; Property & Procurement cautioned that combining that variance with the territory’s existing preferred‑bidder 15% allowance could create an effective 30% price cushion unless the language is capped.

Vote at a glance: After extended testimony and questioning, the committee recorded a 3–3 tie with one member absent; the measure failed to pass in committee. Sponsor Senator Blyden said he will accept the agencies’ recommended amendments and seek to reintroduce the bill to Rules after the revisions.

Ending: Committee members urged further market analysis, a clear exemption clause for federal grants, and a transparent exemption process to ensure quality and avoid project delays. The sponsor indicated he will work with agency counsel on amended language.","Legislation to require locally manufactured construction materials on locally and federally funded contracts failed in committee after agency witnesses raised federal‑compliance and capacity concerns; sponsors said they will amend the bill.",{"_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},6466673,"Committee Advances Bill Letting UVI Hires Draw GERS Annuity While Re‑enrolling in Alternate Plan",353,1011000,1364000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5813047-b1a710179243b94145c23599c4959e61&start=1011&end=1364","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5813047-b1a710179243b94145c23599c4959e61/thumbnail_1011000.jpg","/articles/6466673/Committee-Advances-Bill-Letting-UVI-Hires-Draw-GERS-Annuity-While-Reenrolling-in-Alternate-Plan","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6466673-9838669b2b02f691ab0911f855b696f1/orig.mp4?Expires=1773582190&Signature=NUgTrsapqoCKf63K9ncZRk~8nWADQezxZBcVfD5PVAMcG1hEMdkvQ0pLIZZxq5VX7sRSRHxX~XIbcRgPIyRNEQ8~WJUHBtfTFalowf5o1GTtUxg5EuV5DvbfbhBJ~lnWx3N8HqGjP9YiO~g~EymFh2IPrBkLrwAr1rtgMOUKILieoQAS-8fGugDTxt5BkAYsf0bCrHR1zbGWlaV3LSPkJt3dmBABei-doHSzOT6KMHMDpu9RjxV7lYb0s5qFbssmTSCek5mBrPMAtGZu~U~RFw98lySV2EucHlNCqduq-J2q5i0N0dHOn76GpBMFI05R3znvWul2DZ8WjtSsBTg66Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Committee on Government Operations, Veterans Affairs and Consumer Protection voted unanimously Sept. 22 to favorably report bill 36‑0061, which would allow retirees receiving annuities from the Government Employees Retirement System (GERS) to accept employment at the University of the Virgin Islands (UVI), continue receiving their annuity and enroll in the university’s alternative retirement plan.

The measure was introduced on the floor by Senator Carla J. Joseph, who told the committee the bill is intended to help UVI recruit experienced faculty and professional staff without forcing retirees to forfeit retirement pay. “It allows experienced retirees to reenter government service at the University of the Virgin Islands without forfeiting their hard‑earned retirement benefits,” Joseph said during the hearing.

Nut graf: The bill responds to a long‑running policy question about return‑to‑work rules and retirement plan compatibility. GERS, UVI and the university’s president all testified in support or without opposition, while GERS staff flagged a few administrative details that counsel and the sponsor said can be resolved by technical amendment.

Administrator A. E. Dawson Jr., CEO of GERS, told the committee that the carve‑out for UVI employees already exists in Title 17 and that the proposed bill would extend that flexibility to former central‑government retirees who are later hired by UVI. Dawson said the Government Employees Retirement System “expresses no opposition at this time” but noted operational impacts if the bill imposes a different return‑to‑work time limit for UVI than the six‑year government‑wide standard.

UVI President Sophia George said the university strongly supports the measure and described three current employees who would immediately benefit. “This amendment allows our employees to plan their finances, benefit from their annuity for the next four years and gives them time to plan accordingly while ensuring they can also build long‑term savings to an additional retirement plan,” President George said. She confirmed a four‑year period was discussed for the university-specific carve‑out and that she would supply follow‑up details on vesting and salary caps when requested.

Committee members asked about actuarial impact and administrative tracking. Dawson said an exclusive UVI carve‑out “would be neutral” to the system’s finances if employees enrolling at UVI choose TIAA or a similar non‑GERS plan, but added that monitoring two different return‑to‑work periods (UVI four years vs. government‑wide six years) would increase administrative complexity.

Votes at a glance: The committee moved and seconded the bill; roll call recorded seven votes in favor and no recorded opposition. The committee ordered the bill forwarded to Rules and Judiciary for further consideration.

Ending: The committee agreed to resolve the sponsor’s technical amendments with counsel and GERS staff before Rules. President George and Administrator Dawson closed by saying they would provide requested details — including vesting schedules and any salary cap language — ahead of the next committee review.","The Senate committee voted 7–0 on Sept. 22 to forward legislation that would let retirees who collect Government Employees Retirement System annuities return to work at the University of the Virgin Islands and continue receiving their GERS annuity while contributing to a university retirement plan.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Committee Approves Renaming Peter Carl Limerick Park for 10 Sleepless Nights; Sponsors Seek Year‑Round Cultural Use

Committee Approves Resolution Honoring Dr. Alfred L. Andouz for Medical and Cultural Contributions

Senate Committee Votes to Honor Soca Star Dennis “Pompa” Lybert with Key, Street Naming

Committee Deadlocks on Bill Requiring ‘Made in the Virgin Islands’ Materials for Public Contracts

Committee Advances Bill Letting UVI Hires Draw GERS Annuity While Re‑enrolling in Alternate Plan