PRESS RELEASE: "SENATOR TREGENZA A. ROACH ACTIVELY VETS THE PROPOSED FOURTH AMENDMENT AGREEMENT WITH HOVENSA" Over a period of two consecutive days, the full Senate body convened for the Committee of the Whole on Monday, July 22nd and Tuesday, July 23rd, to receive testimony on Legislation to ratify the “Fourth Amendment Agreement” between the Government of the Virgin Islands, HOVENSA, LLC, Hess Oil Virgin Islands Corporation and PDVSA, VI., Inc. Senator Tregenza A. Roach and members of the 30th Legislature of the Virgin Islands made the Frits E. Lawaetz Conference Room and the Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall, their vetting base for the proposed HOVENSA agreement. Pursuant to the Organic Act of the Virgin Islands, whenever the Government of the Virgin Islands is in a contract agreement, the Legislative branch of Government is responsible for ratifying or rejecting such agreement. The proposed “Fourth Amendment Agreement” highlights specific provisions which were negotiated and agreed upon between the Government of the Virgin Islands and HOVENSA. Specifically, the agreement speaks to the responsibilities of both parties regarding the sale of the refinery. During the 18 month timetable of negotiations, Senators were not previewed to the outlined provisions. Only days prior to the scheduled Committee of the Whole, were Senators provided with copies of the agreement. Multiple extensions and revisions of the original contract agreement were necessary, as a result of changes in HOVENSA’s operations. The transition from an oil refinery to a storage facility ignited a legal discord between the Government of the Virgin Islands and HOVENSA pertaining to a breach of contract. As a result of both parties’ conflicting positions regarding the breach; the Government of the Virgin Islands position that there was a breach and HOVENSA’s position that there was no breach of contract, a decision to avoid a long and lengthy litigation was agreed upon. The Committee of the Whole served as a town hall meeting as residents on St. Thomas and St. Croix were afforded the opportunity to share input on the monumental agreement. Senators burned the midnight oil and actively engaged in lines of questioning which extended into the early morning hour of 1:00am on both days. Collectively, Senators spent approximately 20 hours listening to passionate and lengthy testimonies from stakeholders who stand strongly for and against the ratification. Public opinion served as a dominant component as some residents voiced their unwavering disapproval of the agreement citing personal health and environmental concerns. Specifically, residents touched on various key points which supported their perspective that since the closure of the oil refinery, air quality has improved substantially. In support of the agreement, representatives from the St. Thomas and St. Croix Chambers of Commerce shared reasons why each entity welcomed the ratification of the agreement by the Legislative body. Although the St. Croix and St. Thomas Chamber of Commerce operate independently of each other, the sentiments of each entity were closely identical. In an effort to adequately digest the substantial volume of testimonies presented, Senator Roach listened openly to both sides of the agreement and the positions presented for and against the ratification. “The overall subject of an oil refinery can present a number of variables to consider. In general, the concept can be a viable aspect for consideration. However, it is necessary to consider and balance all compelling interests with such a huge and impactful undertaking. As a representative of the people of the Virgin Islands, it is my duty and responsibility to review all the evidence and facts that exist regarding the agreement. There are several essential areas that must be explored when looking at the potential economic benefits, environmental and health concerns, the rights of the residents of the Virgin Islands, and if in fact both parties are proceeding in a manner that makes the sale of the refinery ultimately attractive for buyers,” said Senator Roach. On August 7, 2013 the full body of the 30th Legislature will convene in full session to vote yes or no on ratifying the fourth amendment agreement. Senator Roach embraces the opportunity to continue to actively examine all sides of the agreement and cast a vote that he believes will be in the best interest of the Virgin Islands. Putting the Virgin Islands and the people of the Virgin Islands first is the ongoing mission of the Senator and the foundation for which his decisions are made.
Posted on: Mon, 29 Jul 2013 16:48:51 +0000
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