4th Amendment Voted Down

Banana Quit - Official Bird of the Virgin Islands

Citing the vague and ambiguous language of the document, the lack of legally binding guarantees for the people of the Virgin Islands, Hovensa's failure to honor past contracts with the Virgin Islands government, health and environmental concerns, and the advice of outside counsel, the 30th Legislature of the Virgin Islands voted 11 to 3 tonight to reject  the 4th Amendment to the Hovensa Concession Agreement. 

Many people who opposed the Amendment expressed hope that tonight's vote marks a turn in direction toward more environmentally sound future development on St. Croix.  

Several senators noted the outpouring of community concern leading up to the vote, although some objected to the deluge of calls and emails they received.  

Thank you to all who signed our online petition and to those who made their voices heard through other means.  Let us remain informed, vigilant, and involved in the democratic process as our elected representatives grapple with the many difficult issues still facing these beautiful Virgin Islands.

Tonight's vote:

Nelson - No
Buckley - Yes
O'Reilly - No
Roach - No
Hansen - No
Payne - No
Gittens - No
Jackson - No
Capehart - No
Graham - No
Cole - Yes
Millin-Young - No
Sanes - Yes
Malone - No
Barshinger - Absent