Member

Committee on Culture, Historic Preservation, Youth & Recreation

Legislature of the Virgin Islands

#100 Lagoon Complex Ste.2 Frederiksted, U.S.V.I. 00840-3912
Senator Terrence Positive Nelson February 5, 2013

Committee on Housing & Government Services Committee on Education & Workforce Development Committee on Finance

Office of Senator Terrence Positive Nelson

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

During the 29th Legislature I passed Bill 29-0102/Act 7303 (Youth Advisory Council) with the support of my colleagues and the Governor. According to the language in the bill, we have a deadline of March 14, 2013 to create the council. It is my intent to make the public, more importantly, the students of the territory aware of this legislation so that students can get involved with the Council and have their voices heard. The purpose of the Youth Advisory Council is to examine issues of importance to the youth, including, but not limited to, education, employment, entrepreneurship, and strategies to increase youth participation in Government, safe environments for youth, substance abuse, emotional and physical health, foster care, poverty, homelessness and youth access to services territory-wide. You may ask, How do I get involved? A selection committee is responsible for reviewing the qualifications of all applicants to the Council and the selection of the Council members. The Council will consist of 16 voting members who are Virgin Island residents and appointed in accordance with subsection 154 of Act 7303. The appointing authorities shall select youths recommended by principals, guidance counselors or administrative heads of secondary or post secondary school systems, representatives of equivalent instruction programs or other organizations having an interest in youth activities. Please send all referrals/recommendations via email to positivetimez@gmail.com or by fax to 340-712-2374. The Selection Committee shall appoint the following 20 members: (1) Sixteen youths who have attained 14 years of age but not older than 23 years of age, and who are enrolled in programs that lead to a secondary school diploma or certificate of attendance or a general equivalency diploma, or enrolled at a postsecondary educational institution located in the Virgin Islands with 8 being from St. Croix and 8 from St. Thomas/St. John; and (2) Four members of the Legislature to serve as non-voting ex officio members. All appointments are for the duration of the legislative term for which the members are appointed and expire upon the convening of the next Legislature. However, members may be reappointed to subsequent terms on the Council as long as they are eligible at the time of their reappointment. For more information feel free to contact my office at 340-712-2210. You can find a copy of Act 7303 by going to www.legvi.org; click on the Bill Tracking link and type in the Act #; or call our office we can also fax a copy or make a copy for you if anyone doesnt have access to the internet. ###

Office: (340)712-2210 STX (340)693-3655 STT

Fax: (340) 712-2374 STX (340) 693-3654 STT