Former Senator Alicia "Chucky" Hansen. Photo Credit: V.I. CONSORTIUM.
A portion of Contentment Road near the former Legislature building on St. Croix could be renamed in honor of former Senator Alicia “Chucky” Hansen, under legislation that drew strong support Monday from lawmakers, family members and longtime associates.
Bill 36-0213 was introduced by Senator Hubert Frederick before the Committee on Government Operations, Veterans Affairs, and Consumer Protection. An amended version of the measure seeks to rename the portion of Contentment Road that runs in front of the old Legislature building as Alicia “Chucky” Hansen Lane.
Senators Kenneth Gittens and Dwayne DeGraff suggested that lawmakers consider a stronger designation than “Lane,” with Senator DeGraff proposing “drive” or “boulevard.”
In presenting the measure, Senator Frederick said the location is “a particularly fitting tribute, given that the former Legislative building was located along this roadway, and it served as a place where Senator Chucky Hansen carried out much of her extensive public service.”
He said honoring Senator Hansen recognizes her “unwavering commitment to her constituents, her tireless advocacy on behalf of the people of the Virgin Islands, and her significant contribution she made to the growth and development of our territory.”
Elizabeth Hansen-Watley, the late senator’s daughter, said her mother earned broad respect across the territory.
“Whether you love Chucky Hansen or not, you respected her, and yes, she earned that respect,” she said.
Ms. Hansen-Watley spoke about her mother’s “many battles on behalf of the people” and her “life-changing legislations that continue to contribute to the quality of life we share…”
Senator Hansen served in the Legislature for 22 years. Her daughter said she hopes renaming the road will “evoke questions and conversations about who she was and her legacy long after we are all gone.”
“Her work was important and necessary, and the expectation of all of us was to do our part to make our islands great for all, no matter where our story began,” Ms. Hansen-Watley said.
Attorney Lee Rohn also testified in support of the bill.
“Alicia Chucky Hansen was a force to be reckoned with, and I am forever grateful and lucky to have been her friend, and, at times, her co-conspirator in certain matters,” she said.
Ms. Rohn described Senator Hansen as a “barrier breaker. She saw matters that needed to be done, and she got them done, even against all odds.”
Bill 36-0213 received broad support from committee members, with senators praising Senator Hansen’s record of public service and her influence on colleagues.
“Love Chucky Hansen or not, she has been one of the most steady legislators over the years here in the Virgin Islands,” Senator Novelle Francis said.
He recalled how Senator Hansen continued to guide him even after leaving the Legislature.
“When the history books are written, she'll definitely be there,” he declared.
Senator Franklin Johnson recalled Ms. Hansen’s advocacy for the “underdogs.”
“They didn't have a voice, but they knew that if they go to Chucky, their voice is going to be heard,” he said.
Senator Carla Joseph said Senator Hansen supported her when she first entered the Legislature, despite their different political affiliations.
“When I became a senator, even though I'm a Democrat, and she always was an independent, this great icon of a lady took me under her wing,” Senator Joseph recalled.
Senator Alma Francis Heyliger also reflected on guidance she received from Senator Hansen.
“She would always call and say, Senator, what are you doing? Senator, you're right on this one, Senator. You're sure about that one.”
“She's a legend in the whole Virgin Islands,” Senator Ray Fonseca added.
Senator DeGraff agreed, saying Senator Hansen’s influence extended beyond one island.
“She wasn't just a senator from St. Croix. Like I would like to say, she was a Virgin Islands senator, a representative of the territory, and that's rare.”
Senator Frederick said his responsibility now is to be “just a fraction of what this great woman was.” He described the proposed renaming as “a small token for the work she did for the community.”
As lawmakers discussed honoring her mother’s legacy, Ms. Hansen-Watley urged the Legislature to review a current Water and Power Authority policy. She recalled that Senator Hansen had passed legislation freezing WAPA’s reconnection rate at $25.
“There's an additional late fee now added, and so I would love, in remembrance of her, that you all look into that, because I think that it was fitting to keep it at the $25,” Ms. Hansen-Watley said.
Senator Avery Lewis, the committee’s chair, said her point was “well taken.”
If Bill 36-0213 is enacted, the Department of Public Works will have 90 days to install the appropriate signage. The measure would appropriate $10,000 from the St. Croix Capital Improvement Fund for that purpose.
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