News and Updates #Virgin Islands Legislature
Senator Bolques Stands Firm Against New Fees That Punish St. John Residents
St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands — Senator At Large, Angel L. Bolques Jr. is strongly opposing the Virgin Islands Port Authority’s (VIPA) proposed marine and parking fees, calling them regressive and unfair to the people of St. John—an island already carrying the highest cost of living and the least access to public services in the territory. The proposed fees include: An Additional Passenger Fee for Non-Drivers at the Red Hook Barge Ramp. A Cargo Overflow Staging Fee and A Paid Parking System at the Victor Sewer Marine Facility lot (across from the Cruz Bay Post Office). Unlike St. Thomas and St. Croix, St. John lacks full-service public infrastructure, including a fully operational fire station, a Human Services office, a Youth and Recreation Center, and medical facilities, among others. Many government departments do not maintain full local offices on St. John, and those that do often operate with limited hours, reduced staff, or restricted services. As a result, residents are often forced to travel to St. Thomas at their own expense for essential services, appointments, and basic necessities.
BOLQUES BULLETIN: JANUARY TO FEBRUARY 2025 EDITION
I’m honored and grateful to continue serving you as yourSenator-At-Large in the 36th Legislature of the VirginIslands. This victory is ours, built on your trust, support,and belief in what we can achieve together. Over the pastterm, we’ve made real progress: improving public safety,investing in youth, strengthening our economy, andcelebrating our Culture. But there’s still so much more todo, and I’m ready to keep working for you.
Senator Bolques Celebrates Housing Acquisition: A Path to Homeownership - Lovenlund 1 & 2 (St. Thomas), Bellevue Village, and Calabash Boom Apartments (St. John)
U.S. Virgin Islands – Senator At Large Angel Bolques Jr. is proud to join the Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority (VIHFA) in celebrating a historic milestone: acquiring multi-family housing properties through an innovative partnership with Jackson Development Company. This significant achievement ensures that 315 housing units in the St. Thomas and St. John District will be rehabilitated and transitioned into affordable homeownership opportunities for residents.
Senator At Large Angel Bolques Jr. Thanks Governor Bryan Jr. for Signing Historic Child Protection Legislation into Law
Senator Angel Bolques Jr. expressed heartfelt gratitude today to Governor Albert Bryan Jr. for signing the "Child Victims' and Child Witnesses' Rights Act" (Bill No. 35-0031) into law. This landmark legislation, now Act No. 8923, is a profound step forward in the protection of children across the Virgin Islands, ensuring comprehensive support for child victims and witnesses involved in the judicial process.
Senator Bolques' Child Victims' and Witnesses' Rights Act Passed by Legislature and Sent to Governor for Consideration
U.S. Virgin Islands – Today, the Legislature of the Virgin Islands voted to pass Bill No. 35-0031, introduced by Senator Angel L. Bolques, Jr., which strengthens protections for child victims and witnesses in the legal system. The bill, titled The Child Victims' and Child Witnesses' Rights Act, now heads to the Governor for further action and consideration.
