Government

Senate Counsel Says ABR Deal Does Not Protect VI Government's Interests, Attorney General Disagrees

Just hours ahead of the 30th Legislature's vote to approve or disapprove the proposed Operating Agreement signed between Atlantic Basin Refining and the Government of the Virgin Islands for the purchase of HOVENSA, Gov. John P. de Jongh, Jr. on Thursday night submitted a copy of a legal memorandum from Attorney General Vincent Frazer rebutting claims made by the Legislature's deputy chief counsel about the pending deal. "I am releasing the Attorney General’s legal memorandum, because it is important for the Senators to have accurate information before making their decision tomorrow — a decision that will have tremendous ramifications for the Virgin Islands and our economy in the many years to come," de Jongh said. In her legal opinion, Yvonne Tharpes said the proposed Operating Agreement is not "legally sufficient to protect the interests of the Government of the Virgin Islands," and that it "lacks mutuality of assent, mutuality of remedies, and [is] unconscionable, severely ...