On Wednesday, Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. convened a meeting with members of the 35th Legislature to present his administration’s legislative priorities and discuss avenues for collaboration in the interest of the Virgin Islands’ residents.
During the meeting, Bryan shared the latest version of the administration’s draft legislation aimed at addressing derelict and abandoned buildings.
The proposed legislation represents a significant step toward revitalizing communities and making them safer, more attractive and more prosperous.
One notable aspect of the administration’s proposed legislation is its responsiveness to feedback from the public.
In August, the administration conducted two public town hall meetings in St. Thomas and St. Croix, which offered valuable insights and suggestions from residents.
The latest version of the legislation incorporates many of these suggestions, demonstrating the administration’s commitment to involving the community in the decision-making process.
To further uphold transparency and public engagement, the governor intends to make the latest version of the derelict and abandoned buildings legislation available for public scrutiny. The document will be open for a 30-day public comment period, inviting additional input from the residents of the Virgin Islands.
This collaborative approach will help ensure the legislation’s final version truly reflects the community’s needs and concerns.
During the meeting, Senate President Novelle Francis noted that many senators have filed drafting requests for legislation relating to the same issue.
“The issue of abandoned and dilapidated properties is complex and multi-faceted. It is certainly one that my colleagues and I are committed to addressing in ways that respect both our community and development,” Francis said.
The senators present also raised pertinent questions regarding ongoing recovery efforts and the status of various projects.
In response, Bryan and key members of his cabinet and policy team provided updates and insights into these matters with the intent of fostering a deeper understanding of the current state of affairs and the progress being made.
Bryan expressed optimism for continued collaboration between the executive and legislative branches on these important issues.
He emphasized the shared commitment to advancing the well-being of the people of the Virgin Islands and the resolve to address these concerns with transparency, accountability and the active involvement of the community.
“I want us to leave here with the understanding that these issues are not just of the administration but of the people,” the governor said. “I want us to work together to accomplish these objectives on behalf of our people. That’s the only way I can see us truly solving these complex issues. I know we can, and I trust that we will. But we have to work together.”
