VI Government Said To Owe VI Behavioral Services $4.8 Million; Court Hearing Moved To Friday
- Ernice Gilbert
- June 19, 2018
ST. CROIX -- With roughly two weeks remaining before the Virgin Islands Behavioral Services (V.I.B.S.) shuts its operations in the territory, a lawsuit brought against Governor Kenneth Mapp, Department of Human Services Commissioner Felicia Blyden and Office of Management and Budget Director Julio Rhymer, seeks injunctive and declaratory relief on behalf of the affected children who are residents of V.I.B.S.’s programs, many of whom are victims of child abuse and neglect. The suit, brought by the Virgin Islands Volunteer Advocates for Children, Inc., (V.I.V.A.) and the Office of the Territorial Public Defender, also requires V.I.B.S. to provide an extended transition period during which V.I.B.S. would be required to continue treatment while appropriate plans can be put in place to address the ongoing needs of the children. A court hearing scheduled at the Superior Court here on Monday was pushed to Friday at 9:00 a.m. following hours of closed-door deliberations amongst attorneys repre...
