Funds approved to settle funeral debt for late Legislators Carvin & Vernon
The Government’s policy is that anyone who has served in the Legislature of the Virgin Islands including Speakers are given Official Funerals where the government pays the majority portion. In the case of the death of a Premier he or she is given a state funeral where the Government covers the total cost. All Official or State Funerals include the late Member of the House of Assembly (HoA) lying in state at the HoA Chambers.
Deputy Premier and Minister for the Environment, Natural Resources, and Climate Change Hon Julian Fraser RA (R3) moved a resolution in the HoA on December 19, 2024, for the liquidation of any outstanding expenses by the two families for the Official Funerals. The families will each receive an additional $36,000 to cover any outstanding bills from the Official Funerals.
The Resolution brought by Hon Fraser had unanimous support.
Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) noted that it is important for members who have served to be buried with dignity, and it therefore is our “moral duty”.
Premier Wheatley also apologized to the two families for the delay in bringing this matter to a close.
It’s in the constitution- Hon Fraser
Hon Fraser noted that the Constitution of the Virgin Islands in Section 82, gives the HoA the power to determine the Privileges, Immunities and Powers of Members. He told members while wrapping up his motion that he made a “promise to someone” that by the end of the year this matter would be resolved, and that late members must be sent off in a “dignified manner”.
An updated policy is to be passed as it relates to both Official and State Funerals for any member who served in the Legislature.
The late Attorney V. Malone who was also the first local Police Commissioner served in the HoA from 2007-2011 and businessman C. Malone served from 2019-2023.
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