Environment

Bill To Create Law Aimed At Protecting Native Trees Passes First Hurdle

A measure sponsored by Senate President Myron Jackson that seeks to better protect local trees was approved on Monday by members of the Committee on Government Affairs, Veterans, Energy and Environmental Protection -- chaired by Senator Sammuel Sanes -- and forwarded to the Committee on Rules and Judiciary. The legislation, Bill No. 32-0062, is an Act amending the Virgin Islands Code by adding a chapter establishing what is being called the Community and Heritage Tree Law of the Virgin Islands. Mr. Jackson said during the hearing held at the Cardiac Center's conference room on St. Croix, that the bill was birthed to help set clear guidelines relative to the handling of native trees. And he said a line of communication needed to be established with the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority, which constantly makes decisions affecting these trees. The bill also creates what has been named The Virgin Islands Tree Board, whose role will be to provide a process and mechanism by which...