Gittens Calls on Senate to Unite Against Bryan Administration Efforts to 'Block WAPA Reform'

Senator Kenneth Gittens on Monday said the 34th Legislature must formally petition the Superior Court to dismiss the Bryan administration's efforts to stop measures to enforce reform at the V.I. Water & Power Authority.

Act 8472 was passed into law unanimously on August 3 after previously being vetoed by Governor Albert Bryan. Mr. Gittens said the legislation restructures the WAPA board to afford greater accountability and establishes minimum criteria for those who serve.

Following last month’s veto override, the Bryan administration took steps to prevent the implementation of the new law by filing for both a temporary restraining order and a permanent injunction with the V.I. Superior Court.

“This institution must formally petition the Court to dismiss what is a frivolous claim by the V.I. Attorney General,” Senator Gittens wrote in a letter to Senate President Donna Frett-Gregory. “This body established the V.I. Water & Power Authority Board, to include its composition, and it is within our power to reorganize or dismantle it if such an initiative is in the best interest of the people of this Territory.”

According to the release, Mr. Gittens is encouraging his colleagues to unite once again on behalf of consumers.