Chairman Sen. Javan James Sr. updates the public on what has been happening with the Economic Development and Agriculture Committee.
February 23, 2023 — The committee received testimonies that provided an update from the Virgin Islands Department of Agriculture, University of the Virgin Islands, and V.I. Good Foods (a non-governmental organization).
March 8, 2023 – The committee received testimonies from the following agencies: the U.S. Virgin Islands Office of Cannabis Regulations, the Virgin Islands Department of Tourism and the Virgin Islands Port Authority. The committee voted in favor of Bill No. 35-0049, an act amending Title 7, Chapter 1, of the Virgin Islands Code by adding Subchapter VIII, establishing a Local Food and Farm Council in accordance with mandate 5 of the Virgin Islands Agriculture Plan.
April 12, 2023 – The Committee received testimony from the President of the University of the Virgin Islands School of Agriculture on its programs, funding availability, grants, and successes and challenges with the programs. The committee also received testimony on the overall status of the Virgin Islands Economic Development Authority with regard to funded programs, grants, updates on the implementation of the Vision 2040 plan, capital projects and personnel.
June 21, 2023 – The committee received testimony from the Honorable Jean-Pierre Oriol, commissioner of the Virgin Islands Department of Planning and Natural Resources regarding its operation and funding. The committee also heard from Dr. Nicole F. Angeli, Director for the Division of Fish and Wildlife Resources and received an update on the farming and fishing industry.
September 13, 2023 – The committee received testimony on the overall status of the U.S. Virgin Islands Office of Cannabis Regulations which included the implementation of Act 8680 and licensing procedures. The committee also received an update from Commissioner Nominee Dr. Louis Petersen on the overall status of the Virgin Islands Department of Agriculture.
