Legal

Court Signals Intent to End Medical-Care Provisions in Bell Facility Agreement, Attorney General Says

ST. CROIX — The Bryan administration says a significant step has been reached in the territory’s longstanding federal Settlement Agreement governing conditions at the John A. Bell Adult Correctional Facility, following a hearing in which District Judge Wilma Lewis indicated her intent to terminate all provisions related to medical care. V.I. Attorney General Gordon C. Rhea said the development reflects what the Court characterized as sustained compliance with required medical standards. According to Rhea, the medical-care provisions have been under federal oversight for more than four decades, during which the Virgin Islands and its Bureau of Corrections have worked to meet the terms of the agreement. Rhea said the judge’s indication represents progress in the federal case, which continues to evaluate other conditions at the facility. “I want to congratulate BOC Director Wynnie Testamark and all Bureau of Corrections personnel on achieving this major milestone,” Rhea said. He stated ...