Protect the Government or the People? Senators Debate Limits on Victim Compensation in Liability Bill

As lawmakers again voted to hold legislation that would raise the maximum amount individuals can recover in judgments against the Government of the Virgin Islands, a larger debate is emerging—whether fiscal caution should take priority over fair compensation for victims. What began as a bill to increase the $25,000 cap to $150,000 has now been met with growing calls to include additional limitations, such as aggregate caps and sovereign immunity, prompting concerns from some senators about who the measure ultimately serves. For the second time in as many months, Bill 36-0042, an act increasing the maximum judgement amount for the award of damages against the Government of the Virgin Islands from $25,000 to $150,000, has been held in committee.  Sponsored by Senator Alma Francis Heyliger, the bill was first held pending comment from the territory’s attorney general. A further amendment was expected to change Senator Francis Heyliger’s proposed cap downward to $100,000 following dialog...