The Committee on Government Operations, Veterans Affairs, and Consumer Protection ended a day-long meeting Tuesday with one measure concerning the process of importing autos and another honoring a DJ.
The bill, which would exempt car dealers from a permit requirement when importing cars, was tabled when testimony was read from Barbara Jackson-McIntosh, director of the Bureau of Motor Vehicles.
“Removing the provision that provides immediate communication with the BMV is indeed a step backward for enforcement,” she wrote.
Sen. Alma Francis Heyliger contested the written testimony, saying it was “not factual.” But because McIntosh was not present to answer questions, the bill was tabled.
Justin Workman, director of operations for Drive Green VI, testified that the exemption would relieve dealers of an unnecessary burden and keep dock processes running smoothly.
A bill honoring Bryan “Benny-Demus” Boulai for his achievements in the entertainment industry and contributions to the community was voted favorably out of the committee. The bill will award him the Key to the Virgin Islands.
After local promoter Jose “Tony” Rosario highlighted some of Boulai’s international achievements. “Through his ‘The DEMUS Foundation,’ he comes home every year to produce several events in our community while giving back monetarily and through other engaging activities,” he said.
Before the bill was voted out of committee, a section referring to $10,000 being appropriated from the General Fund this fiscal year and every fiscal year after that was removed from the bill.
In written testimony, Maurice Wells, assistant commissioner of budget operations at the Finance Department, stated, “The government of the Virgin Islands is unable to commit to appropriating $10,000 annually for the Demus Foundation at this time.”
Calvert White, commissioner of the Sports, Parks, and Recreation Department, testified to support the measure. White traced his friendship with Boulai back to 1991, when they bonded over their love of basketball and his rise to fame as a DJ and producer. He highlighted his loyalty to his roots, his philanthropy through the DEMUS Foundation, and his humility despite his success.
Senators present at Tuesday’s hearing included Chairwoman Carla Joseph, Vice-Chairman Javan James Sr., and committee members Samuel Carrion, Ray Fonseca, Alma Francis Heyliger, Kenneth Gittens, and Milton Potter. Non-committee members present were Sens. Angel Bolques Jr., Marvin Blyden, Dwayne DeGraff, Novelle Francis Jr., and Donna A. Frett-Gregory.
