Senate Majority Leader Kenneth L. Gittens is calling on the Supreme Court of the Virgin Islands to render its opinion in the case, which focuses on the validity of Act 8472 – Legislation to reorganize the composition of the Water and Power Authority Board, he announced Friday.
“Parties in the suit argued their case before the esteemed appellate panel on March 12 and we are now more than 100 days past that date, and it is time that we put this issue to rest,” Gittens said. “Justice delayed in this instance is certainly a case of justice denied for the people of the territory who have been held hostage by WAPA for too long.”
Act 8472 was passed into law unanimously by members of the 34th Legislature on Aug 3, 2021, after previously being vetoed by Gov. Bryan. The legislation restructures the WAPA Board to afford greater independence and establishes professional criteria for those who serve. Following the unanimous override of the veto, the administration took steps to prevent the implementation of the new law by filing for both a temporary restraining order and a permanent injunction with the Virgin Islands Superior Court of the Virgin Islands but did not prevail and later appealed the lower court’s decision, according to the press release.
Gittens said he and his colleagues acted in the best interest of the ratepayers when the bill was approved by the full body more than three years ago. He added that today, the State of Emergency on WAPA expires, and with that expiration, it is automatically extended for an additional 30 days. The administration has already petitioned the Legislature, seeking to have the State of Emergency extended for an additional 90 days, the press release stated.
“It is time to reform the authority and bring relief to the residents of this territory,” Gittens said. “This refusal to follow the law and this delay rendering an opinion is costing our territory and our people time and money.”
