Former V.I. Governor Kenneth Mapp, who served from Jan. 2015 to Jan. 2019. Photo: VI Consortium

Governor Albert Bryan said he while he recognises Mr. Mapp’s contribution to the Virgin Islands it was kind of strange to him that a majority Democratic Legislature is passing an honorary road naming and medal for a non Democratic governor. Photo: Internet Source

The legislation in question, honours former Governor Kenneth E. Mapp for his many years of service to the Virgin Islands in a tangible way, by renaming a portion of Route 75 on the island of St. Croix in Mr. Mapp’s honour. 

Along with this undertaking estimated to cost, $45,000, the Virgin Islands Medal of Honor would also be bestowed on the former governor. 

The bill received support from all present legislators when introduced by Senator Franklin Johnson, with the exception of Senator Carlo Joseph. However, when the bill landed on Governor Bryan’s desk, it was struck down. 

Governor Bryan in a letter to Senate President Novelle Francis Jr. said, “As a Governor I recognise Governor Mapp and his contribution to the Virgin Islands, however by contract, the Legislature recently chastised the administration for attempting to assist over 100,000 people in the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl, and I am confident in your support for denying the expenditure of $45, 000 for the commemoration of a single person.”

Commenting on his initial remarks on Monday during a press briefing the Governor asked why no one is asking why a majority Democrat Legislature is passing an honorary road naming and medal for a non Democratic governor. 

“It would be like President Biden signing on to honour President…Trump”, he said. 

Governor Bryan said he while he recognises Mr. Mapp’s contribution to the Virgin Islands it was “kind of strange” to him. 

Nevertheless, lawmakers during Friday’s session voted to override the Governor’s veto. When the vote was taken, Senator Joseph absented herself from the chamber having initially objected to the legislation when first introduced. 

Governor Bryan will now be notified of the Legislature’s decision to spend $45,000 on honouring a former chief executive amid the territory’s battle with revenue shortfalls. 

Lawmakers override another one of Governor Bryan’s veto

Lawmakers also supported Senator Kenneth Gittens’ motion to override Governor Bryan’s veto of BIll 35-0269, which proposed criminal penalties for perjury in legislative proceedings. The Governor has instead suggested amendments to the existing perjury section of the Virgin Islands Criminal Code and recommended that related proceedings be prosecuted by the Department of Justice. 

Senator Alma Francis-Heyliger disapproved of the motion and final vote as she did during the first debate of the bill. Senator Angel Bolques Jr. also voted against the override. Notwithstanding, the majority of lawmakers voted in favour of the legisltaion and the Governor will also be notified of this decision.