Senate

Constitutional Convention Targets January Draft, Seeks $300K as Senators Scrutinize Spending

The Sixth Constitutional Convention of the Virgin Islands expects to complete an initial consolidated draft of the territory's proposed constitution by January 31, 2027, but says it needs another $300,000 and legislative amendments to support its operations and public education efforts ahead of a planned July 3 referendum. During Monday's hearing before the Senate Committee on Government Operations, Veterans Affairs and Consumer Protection, convention leaders defended their progress amid questions about the pace of drafting, more than $179,000 in delegate stipends and preparations to educate voters before they are asked to approve the proposed constitution. Acting Convention President Stedmann Hodge Jr. told lawmakers that delegates and their committees have held 134 meetings since January 2025. He highlighted a “significant milestone” reached September 28, when the Human Rights Committee completed its assigned review. The committee's approved language and accompanying memorandum we...