USVI's Senior Women's National Basketball Team.
Governor Albert Bryan Jr. expressed disappointment over the Legislature's decision to override his veto on a zoning bill while celebrating the Territory's sports achievements and taking action on several other pieces of legislation.
The zoning veto override, concerning Bill No. 35-0023, allows for the manufacture of concrete products in Estate Orange Grove, Company Quarter, St. Croix. Governor Bryan had previously expressed concerns over this decision, voicing his displeasure that the Legislature chose to overstep his veto.
Despite his disappointment over the zoning veto, Mr. Bryan focused on the positive aspects of his legislative actions. Chief among them was the approval of Bill No. 35-0014, an Act to honor and commend the 2023 Central American and Caribbean Games Gold Medal winners. This Act celebrated the USVI's Senior Women's National Basketball Team and first-ever gold medal-winning archer Nicholas D’Amour. A parade in their honor is being held today in Christiansted, St. Croix.
In his transmittal letter to Senate President Novelle E. Francis Jr., Bryan expressed admiration for the athletes, stating, "Their outstanding performances have not only elevated their own profiles but have also shone a spotlight on the talent and potential that exists within the USVI sports landscape."
The other bills approved by the governor encompassed a range of commendations and amendments. These included Bill No. 35-0029, honoring Donna Marie Christian-Christiansen, M.D. for her significant medical contributions to the Virgin Islands and representation in the U.S. Congress, and Bill No. 35-0033, posthumously commending Benburin “Benny” Stephens for his heroism and renaming a portion of Bovoni Road in his honor.
Governor Bryan also approved bills to expand the definition of "disabled veteran" for handicap window decal eligibility, clarify the duties of the executive director of the Taxicab Commission, award the Virgin Islands Medal of Honor posthumously to former Senator Edgar Milton Iles, and honor Dr. Olaf “Bronco” Hendricks for his psychiatric work, social justice advocacy, and music contributions to the Virgin Islands.
Lastly, the governor acknowledged Resolution No. 1906, honoring and commending Music in Motion School of Higher Dance Education and its founder, Charlita Schuster, on the school's 40th anniversary.
