The Senate Committee on Rules and Judiciary voted Thursday to confirm three of the governor’s nominees and approved legislation that would require health care providers to share critical information when prescribing opioids.
The committee, chaired by Sen. Carla J. Joseph, gave the green light to The Honorable Carolyn Hermon-Percell for the University of the Virgin Islands board of trustees, Winston M. A. Williams Jr. for the Virgin Islands Board of Contractors, Trades, and Crafts, and The Honorable Kirk Callwood Sr. for the Banking Board of the U.S. Virgin Islands. All confirmations and legislation will move to the full Legislature for final consideration, according to the press release.
Hermon-Percell, an alumna of UVI, Georgetown University, and Case Western Reserve University School of Law, cited her passion for public service and education as motivation for serving. She acknowledged current challenges at UVI — including enrollment decline and cuts to federal funding — and committed to leveraging her legal background to support the university’s strategic goals, the press release stated.
“UVI is the cornerstone of socioeconomic mobility in the Virgin Islands,” Hermon-Percell said, responding to questions from Sen. Angel L. Bolques Jr.
Williams outlined a vision centered on capacity building and regulatory review, noting that the territory is expected to see $20 billion in construction over the next decade. He proposed conducting a SWOT analysis, evaluating fee structures, and creating a contractor scorecard to improve accountability and growth in the sector, the release stated.
Callwood, appointed to the Banking Board for the St. Thomas–St. John district said he would prioritize consumer protection and financial access. His goals include refining licensing and examination practices while advancing financial innovation and increasing capital availability for small businesses, it said.
The committee also approved Bill No. 36-0021, sponsored by Sen. Marvin A. Blyden and co-sponsored by Sens. Ray Fonseca and Kurt A. Vialet. The legislation amends Title 19 of the Virgin Islands Code to require medical practitioners to review key information with patients when prescribing opioid medications, it said.
Committee members present included Sens. Carla J. Joseph, Milton E. Potter, Alma Francis Heyliger, Angel Bolques Jr., Clifford A. Joseph Sr., Avery L. Lewis, and Kenneth L. Gittens.
All approved items will move to the full Senate floor for a final vote in the coming weeks.
