The Committee on Rules and Judiciary met briefly on Tuesday to vet four bills ahead of the Legislative Session scheduled for this Thursday. All four items received overwhelming committee support. 

Bill 36-0114 seeks to rename the Bolongo Bay Head Start Facility in honor of Dilsa Capdeville. The measure notes her “many contributions to the Virgin Islands community through her roles in various areas of social services and advocacy for abused women and children.” Senator Angel Bolques Jr. agreed that it is “fitting” that the facility bear Ms. Capdeville’s name. Senator Clifford Joseph applauded that she “refused to sit idle and allow anything, when it comes to abuse, to become our norm.” 

An amendment to Bill 36-0191 will ensure that the signage for a street renamed in honor of Detective Delberth Phipps, Jr. will be in keeping with best practices. The bill seeks to rename the portion of Hospital Gade where it intersects with Veterans Drive, at the Alexander Farrelly Criminal Justice Complex, to the beginning of the Maude Proudfoot Drive in honor of the fallen law enforcement officer. 

The street will soon become Detective Delbert Phipps Jr Memorial Street. 

“It's only fitting that when you go down that street, and you see that title, you know it's with honor and with dignity,” remarked Senator Avery Lewis. 

In line with the discussion, Senator Milton Potter shared that he is working on a “Heroes Bill” that will “provide insurance and other support services to dependents of Class Three employees who lose their lives while executing their duties in the US Virgin Islands.” 

Lawmakers also expressed support for Bill 36-0133, an act amending title 17 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 10, section 111(a)(1), providing mental health education and instruction. For Senator Bolques, the proposed legislation helps “provide students with an important tool related to their emotional wellness, resiliency, coping skills, and support, supportive relationships, not only with their peers, but with adults as well.”

The final bill, 36-0248, is an act amending title 29 Virgin Islands Code by enacting the Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) Act. Noting the concerns of the Office of the Tax Assessor, Senator Lewis, agreed to amend the bill to minimize that department’s participation. He clarified that “all this amendment does here today is not minimizing the government's participation, but it minimizes the role of the Tax Assessor.” 

The four measures have already been placed on the agenda for Thursday’s Legislative session, and will be up for final consideration on that day.