Acting Governor Tregenza Roach has signed several measures passed by the 36th Legislature during its November 18 regular session, taking action on bills transmitted to Government House on November 20 while Governor Albert Bryan Jr. remains out of the territory. Roach acted under the authority granted to him by Section 9(d) of the Revised Organic Act of 1954.

Acting Governor Roach approved five bills:

• Bill No. 36-0086, which amends Title 3, Chapter 25, Section 590b of the Virgin Islands Code to strengthen the Caregivers Leave Act.

• Bill No. 36-0135, amending Title 29, Chapter 5, Section 294 to support expedited building permits for developers and improve efficiency in the permitting process.

• Bill No. 36-0138, authorizing the transfer of designated Subbase parcels to the Virgin Islands Port Authority for the Crown Bay District Redevelopment Project.

• Bill No. 36-0148, amending Title 3, Chapter 16, Section 274 to require the Virgin Islands Taxicab Commission to implement an electronic payment system.

• Bill No. 36-0196, appropriating excess debt service reserve funds for capital projects throughout the territory and directing $2,000,000 from the St. Thomas Capital Improvement Fund toward the completion of the Leonardo Nardo Trotman Drive Expansion Project.

Roach also formally acknowledged two resolutions adopted by the Legislature:

• Resolution No. 1922 (Bill No. 36-0044), honoring seven-year-old twin brothers Kruz and Stefon Wilson for saving a drowning man at Magens Bay Beach and recognizing them for their exemplary citizenship.

• Resolution No. 1923 (Bill No. 36-0075), honoring Austin A. Venzen posthumously for his contributions to music education, artistic enrichment, and his role in uniting Virgin Islanders through choirs, bands, and community performances.

In addition to acting on legislation, the Acting Governor noted the Legislature’s favorable action on several gubernatorial nominations:

• Ms. Venetia H. Velazquez, Judge, Superior Court of the Virgin Islands, District of St. Croix

• Ms. Melanie L. Turnbull, Esq., Judge, Superior Court of the Virgin Islands, Family Division, District of St. Thomas–St. John

• Mrs. Jennifer M. Matarangas-King, Commissioner, Virgin Islands Department of Tourism

• Ms. Bernesha B. Liburd, Economist, Virgin Islands Cannabis Advisory Board

“I appreciate the Legislature’s thoughtful consideration of measures that strengthen our community, improve government operations, and uplift the people of the Virgin Islands,” Roach said. “I thank each member of the Thirty-Sixth Legislature for their service and commitment to the people of this Territory.”

Governor Albert Bryan Jr. is scheduled to return to the territory on December 3, 2025.