[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":72,"_74":72},"mediaId",6540333,"mediaKeyId","3406995-fec562941f1294c6a186ae9e554bc56a","parentId",3406995,"title","Committee holds bill to create Virgin Islands meteorological office for further review","audioSeconds",3989,"startMs",7257375,"endMs",11246939,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3406995-fec562941f1294c6a186ae9e554bc56a&start=7257&end=11246","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3406995-fec562941f1294c6a186ae9e554bc56a/thumbnail_7257375.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6540333/Committee-holds-bill-to-create-Virgin-Islands-meteorological-office-for-further-review","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6540333-8d5631989c6ef6bf7091694a39d2ef95/orig.mp4?Expires=1770922066&Signature=JaPGKtS8G9KX1G3w3G-l28DLzIgAxxjOQ~YdYNKV1zALJUvQ3WM8d3oYBQkl9BkNFr6E6wXoMUI9D8ziKs88vq9q8w-T3HJkDFE6v1sQvXW3b3ksGihSYug3ohM8qKopIGkrSv0miIEgZLX86sY7fQs4sEVhQuAYcfT9kpXnQa3UvN5ToV9s8iUOCaytqAsV3vNGlVj3XP2gr~OSQtwZzdGPWEttE059cb2tIdOE3ryvsGD1uqTe0VR1uzjmWC9VWbNppFKXTPDRiV1ze7j7i2kJ0IZ3OkF37IDZRO5RZUBjxEA8V1Ed0hUxIPga82EmVOiE7RYUeDtfhKZaLNg~zw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Virgin Islands Legislature","date","2025-05-20T00:00:00Z","article","The Senate Committee on Government Operations, Veterans Affairs and Consumer Protection heard extensive testimony on bill 36-0026, which would amend Title 23 of the Virgin Islands Code (chapter 10) to create a Virgin Islands meteorological office inside the Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency (VITEMA).

Sponsor Sen. Ray Fonseca said the measure would “save lives” by allowing the territory to generate localized weather data, operate sensors and eventually site a Doppler S-band radar on St. Croix to close low‑level coverage gaps created by Puerto Rico’s high‑elevation radar in El Yunque. Fonseca cited recent flash floods with limited local warning and warned of federal staffing reductions at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the National Weather Service that could reduce outside forecasting support.

VITEMA Assistant Director Ovid J. Williams testified that VITEMA supports creating a meteorological office and the positions described in the draft bill but does not currently have funding for full‑time meteorologists or for a radar installation. Williams told senators that VITEMA’s FY budget was roughly $9,871,005.72 (as included in testimony) and that the agency currently has unfilled positions (approximately 28 local vacancies and about 8.4 federal FTE vacancies). Williams recommended partnership with the National Weather Service for siting and technical support if a radar is pursued and requested the sponsor consider amending the bill to reflect practical funding and site constraints.

Sinead (Sana) Burke, a meteorology and climate‑science student at the University of Delaware and a native of the Virgin Islands, urged passage. Burke described how Doppler radar and local observation networks improve lead times for severe‑weather warnings and assist marine, aviation and agricultural users. She recommended starting with personnel and basic instrumentation (rain gauges, anemometers, tide gauges and radiosonde launches) while pursuing longer‑term investments such as a radar.

Committee members pressed VITEMA about costs and capacity. Senators noted that many National Weather Service products are provided without direct charge but said localized staffing and equipment would create additional recurring local costs (hiring, training, travel between islands, maintenance, and data systems). Williams said VITEMA lacks funding for those operating costs and could not provide a final cost estimate during the hearing.

After roughly 90 minutes of testimony and questioning, Sen. Ray Fonseca moved to hold bill 36-0026 in committee for further review and consideration. The motion was seconded by Sen. Franklin D. Johnson and—after no objections—the committee agreed to hold the bill for additional study and potential amendment.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","05-20-2025 |Committee on Government Operations, Veterans Affairs and Consumer Protection","oneSentenceSummary","Committee heard testimony on bill 36-0026 to establish a meteorological office within VITEMA and to pursue a Doppler S-band radar on St. Croix; VITEMA supported an office but cautioned it lacks funding and a radar location. The committee voted to hold the bill for further review.","taxTitle","2025 Legislature, Virgin Islands","taxId",77876,"location","","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":72,"_74":72},6540341,"Committee advances resolution honoring Sonia Howe, creator of Crucian hook bracelet",2999,1652180,4651560,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3406995-fec562941f1294c6a186ae9e554bc56a&start=1652&end=4651","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3406995-fec562941f1294c6a186ae9e554bc56a/thumbnail_1652180.jpg","/articles/6540341/Committee-advances-resolution-honoring-Sonia-Howe-creator-of-Crucian-hook-bracelet","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6540341-57ba7ca1abebbf8f58c3cd60d507de5a/orig.mp4?Expires=1770922066&Signature=Zb--GBmAs1dN-k~GK7U5R6PSqLDfPXkO6jDfrVAFqKuyFSHX6yx6zTPxxui5pTmklKcDCNGumWc9yhnFISitluAf6letaEkrGo~p0Hefgim~zGxkiw05on3Ylp1ZQE4RtrzkOjFoR48E2eM3GTfSjv1MzmrnjSZs4aUxwYg9PsRH8gFB5vV1-dmrx8rRNPxQF5zuT4FPyJwEj7-GvXfbhtaVmdEeZIUNeaVc67gSzpPZw3M-fbx10EPsBweFJwVUhfnxQA8jb3HviUdIZcKLipivY7zNa0W2P9elSXEKy615IBZMvkHBludvKzDG4k9aiqkkJMoCzerBnvtDroFMAQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Senate Committee on Government Operations, Veterans Affairs and Consumer Protection voted to report favorably resolution 36-0029, which honors the late Sonia Howe, a Saint Croix jeweler credited with designing and popularizing the Crucian (Crucian/Crucian-style) hook bracelet.

Senator Kenneth L. Gittens introduced the measure and described Howe’s life and work: she moved to St. Croix in the early 1960s, opened a small storefront in Christiansted (later known as Sonia LTD) and popularized the hook bracelet as a symbol of Virgin Islands cultural identity. Senators and committee members spoke in support, noting the bracelet’s visibility in tourism and Virgin Islands cultural expression.

Senator Gittens said an amendment may be introduced at a later step to reflect Howe’s recent passing; committee members expressed sympathy to her family. The committee clerk recorded a roll call: Sen. Avery L. Lewis (yes), Sen. Noble E. Francis Jr. (yes), Sen. Ray Fonseca (yes), Sen. Alma Francis Heiliger (yes), Sen. Kenneth L. Gittens (yes), Sen. Franklin D. Johnson (yes) and Sen. Carla J. Joseph (yes). The clerk reported the resolution will be forwarded to the Committee on Rules and Judiciary for further consideration.

The measure is a ceremonial resolution to recognize Howe’s contributions to local craft and cultural identity; no funding or regulatory changes were attached in committee.","The committee voted to forward resolution 36-0029, commending Sonia Howe of Saint Croix for creating the Crucian hook bracelet; sponsor and senators praised her cultural contributions. The measure was reported favorably by voice/roll call (7-0).",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":72,"_74":72},6540345,"Senate committee votes to advance resolution honoring funeral director James Sasso",4463,960,4464590,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3406995-fec562941f1294c6a186ae9e554bc56a&start=0&end=4464","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3406995-fec562941f1294c6a186ae9e554bc56a/thumbnail_960.jpg","/articles/6540345/Senate-committee-votes-to-advance-resolution-honoring-funeral-director-James-Sasso","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6540345-d42c1fb8e9271d647cde1c5b411714e5/orig.mp4?Expires=1770922066&Signature=BLA0B2feLIJ8fsBdHgdyops7ER890Bq3tNU5Fdu8vzPEaC5phENXBcl57Yz2oakX0HqvoAnpRW-bDSwTxUhbkauqvJeogk~9-MmMu~iAtEknFODlJvOXEa2u4bCdSMh6d2WRXTeLvCDVlByN9tO3F5BkgQUx9~9NCpSgfujTJAqfJuZrXTpJGWur6xZAhEQ4vsMVynZni4UzHAnrz2TDYYFxXF95rn3lpStjcL8DQnmX-629fSJ0NoHkr8LfCkV-3I6C-5tO0Q-K2DHakP13MM0GYOPdH6pGOkxdCh~h4k~tNv1GiPNedB-DQs2YNOeBMZCnX-ylrakh-M6qXiX--g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Senate Committee on Government Operations, Veterans Affairs and Consumer Protection voted unanimously Thursday to report favorably resolution 36-0007, which would honor James Sasso for his service as a funeral director.

Supporters told the committee that Sasso, a funeral director at Turnbull's Funeral Home and Crematory Services, has provided compassionate, detail-oriented service to grieving families for about 17½ years. Testimony came from family members and community witnesses, including Bernice A. Turnbull and Dr. Kaiser A. Colwood, who described Sasso's handling of funerals, his “farewell walk,” and his attention to ceremony and pallbearer instruction.

The resolution’s sponsor, Senator Angel L. Bolques Jr., did not appear in person but was represented; Senator Ray Fonseca moved the measure and Senator Kenneth L. Gittens seconded the motion. A roll call recorded seven yays: Sen. Avery L. Lewis (chair), Sen. Noble E. Francis Jr., Sen. Ray Fonseca, Sen. Alma Francis Heiliger, Sen. Kenneth L. Gittens, Sen. Franklin D. Johnson and Sen. Carla J. Joseph. The committee clerk reported the resolution will be forwarded to the Committee on Rules and Judiciary for further consideration and action.

During the hearing, witnesses described Sasso’s practice of preparing the casket and advising pallbearers, his customary guidance on cellphone etiquette during viewings, and a signature procession described by multiple speakers. Sasso himself told the committee he began by helping at funerals while still working as an electrician and later transitioned full time into funeral work because he found it more rewarding.

Several senators praised Sasso for blending solemnity and moments of levity at services and for mentoring relatives who entered mortuary work. Senators also thanked the relatives and Turnbull's Funeral Home staff who attended the hearing.

The resolution is ceremonial: it recognizes Sasso’s contributions and does not create policy or allocate funds. The committee did not discuss amendments to the text during the hearing.

If advanced by rules and judiciary and adopted by the full Legislature, the resolution would formally record the body’s commendation of Sasso’s service to the community.","The Senate Committee on Government Operations voted unanimously to report favorably a resolution recognizing James Sasso for 17½ years of service as a funeral director at Turnbull's Funeral Home; family and colleagues testified in support.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Committee holds bill to create Virgin Islands meteorological office for further review

Committee advances resolution honoring Sonia Howe, creator of Crucian hook bracelet

Senate committee votes to advance resolution honoring funeral director James Sasso