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Bill in USVI calls for persons to be jailed or fined for lying to Gov't

The bill seeking jail time and fines for lying to the Government of the US Virgin Islands was brought by Senator Alma Francis Heyliger. Photo: VIC
VI CONSORTIUM

FREDERIKSTED, St Croix, USVI- Any person who is found guilty of making false, fictitious or fraudulent claims on the government of the Virgin Islands, its departments, boards and commissions among other arms will face a fine of $2,500 and five years of imprisonment if a bill approved in the Senate Committee on Rules and Judiciary Thursday, June 2, 2022, is signed into law.

“As a member of this institution for over 23 years, I have worked with senators, I have worked with central staff and now I am in the capacity as a senator and I have seen some things happen on this Senate floor over the years that has concerned me as it relates to certain testimonies,” bill sponsor Senator Alma Francis Heyliger told committee members as part of her justification for pushing the legislation.

Those in the crosshairs of the would-be law are people falsifying, concealing, or covering up by any trick, scheme, or device a material fact, among other language in the measure, seen here.

Senator Novelle A. Francis supported the bill. “I support the measure, it speaks to accountability,” he said while pointing out that it will cause anyone who is presenting information to a government official or the Senate to be truthful.

"Anyone who is faulty or tries to defraud the government in any way, shape or form should be held accountable," he added. "Off course after due process and a determination is made whether by a judicial officer or a jury of their peers that they have been convicted of wrongdoing, then they should be culpable and responsible for their action."

Loopholes need to be blocked- Senator Johnson

Senator Franklin Johnson said that some amendments are needed to block certain loopholes in the bill, pointing to audits performed by the Office of the Inspector General that have found widespread misuse and abuse of government resources.

"We definitely need to start making sure that when these types of legislation go forward that the enforcement part is there,” he said.

All other senators at the hearing supported the bill which was forwarded to the full body for further consideration.

The committee also approved the following measures:

  • Bill No. 34-0206 An Act amending Title 23, chapter 5, section 460 of the Virgin Islands Code, repealing reciprocal recognition of firearm licenses for persons that own firearms outside of the Virgin Islands.
  • Bill No. 34-0225 An Act amending title 5 Virgin Islands Code, subtitle 2, chapter 201, section 2539 to increase the penalties for failure to report certain crimes.
  • Bill No. 34-0226 An Act amending Act Nos. 8474, 8479, 8486, 8494, 8496, and 8498 to adjust the fiscal year 2022 budget to appropriate funds to the Casino Control Commission for capital outlay, WTJX for capital outlay and satellite uplink respectively, Elections System of the Virgin Islands for General Election, Virgin Islands Cricket Board, Department of Tourism for personnel and fringe benefits, Virgin Islands Board of Nurse Licensure for personnel and fringe benefits, and 8% salary restoration Social Security and Medicare taxes reimbursement to the Economic Development Authority, Governor Juan F. Luis Hospital and Medical Center and the Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority.

The committee, which met at the Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall also approved Dr. Bradley Keys, Virgin Islands Chiropractic Board and Rev. Atty. Wesley Williams, Jr., Re-Nomination to the UVI Board of Trustees.

Members also approved the following resolutions:

Bill No. 34-0201 A Resolution honoring and commending Kemit-Amon Lewis for his outstanding service and contributions to the Marine Science industry in the Virgin Islands.

Bill No. 34-0202 A Resolution honoring and commending Eugene “Genix” Thomas posthumously for his outstanding contributions to the Virgin Islands community as a baseball, softball, and life coach.

Bill No. 34-0203 A Resolution honoring and commending Alvin Delano Burke, Sr posthumously for his service and contributions to the sport of basketball, horse racing and to the people of the Virgin Islands.

8 Responses to “Bill in USVI calls for persons to be jailed or fined for lying to Gov't”

  • asura (03/06/2022, 14:17) Like (0) Dislike (2) Reply
    what a thing to tell the king
  • vi disease (03/06/2022, 14:33) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
    Then everybody going jail
  • WEW (03/06/2022, 15:39) Like (27) Dislike (0) Reply
    Now if we could get a law passed and enforced to stop politicians lying to the public
    • josiah'sbay (03/06/2022, 18:23) Like (10) Dislike (0) Reply
      @WEW: Just add the police, government official and judicial officials, now that would be a hell of a law.
  • DEDE (03/06/2022, 17:11) Like (18) Dislike (0) Reply
    As soon as this law is pass, The first to be charged should be politicians and their lackeys. Lying to the people especially the voting public about their performances/lack thereof. Some of you in there for years and can’t name one great accomplishment that you have put forth. Piggy backing off someone else achievements. When election time come you all resort to bribery with few dollars and some food while lying to us about persons trying to sabotaging your works. Fully well know you all don’t have any intention to do right by the people just fattening are you pockets and lackeys own along the way. That right there should find all you $2500.00 for each proven lie and jail time too.

    Oops reread story and realize is our next door neighbors but same law need in the Virgin Islands. Politician and Police = legal criminals.
  • lock um up (03/06/2022, 20:35) Like (10) Dislike (0) Reply
    Good law, now lock up all lawyers politicians etc
  • Really (03/06/2022, 20:46) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    All of you all are crooked. You lie as well nothing you say gets done either. How much of your own money you give to other people who needs help. Why is the news more about politic and a fake virus
  • love it (04/06/2022, 09:40) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    But what will happen when the government lies to the people.


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