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Guam Delegate Madeleine Bordallo has introduced the "Territories Economic Development Opportunities Act," which allows the U.S. territories to participate in federal government-funded highway discretionary programs. Such programs include funding for ferries or ferry terminals, as well as the Federal Bridge Program.

Current law prohibits the U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands from competing for these programs.

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Continue Reading Bill Will Allow Virgin Islands Access to Federal Funding

Governor John P. deJongh, Jr. submitted his $1.2 billion Fiscal Year 2012 budget proposal to the the 29th Legislature of the Virgin Islands on Friday.

Of the total budget, $731.3 million would come from the General Fund – $50.6 million less than the FY 2011 budget. The remaining budget would derive revenues from federal funds and special funds.Continue Reading Governor deJongh Submits FY2012 Budget

The USVI attracts many businesses to its shores by offering generous tax incentives to qualifying companies that are approved by the Economic Development Commission (“EDC”). However, fewer people seem to be aware that those same benefits—90% reduction in income tax liability; 100% exemption on real property taxes, gross receipts taxes, and excise taxes, and a reduction in customs duties—are available to technology-based businesses through partnership with the University of the Virgin Islands Research and Technology Park the (“Technology Park” or “Park.”)Continue Reading Tech Park Can Offer Investors Savings and Simplicity

Your Very Own Wikileaks Scandal

Prior to the tragic shooting in Arizona, the airwaves were dominated with the Wikileaks saga, and the brouhaha caused by the release of classified diplomatic cables. The real damage caused by the leaked cables does not appear to be the unmasking of top secret, cloak-and-dagger spy novel stuff. The damage, it appears, is that other nations suddenly became privvy to what our government and our diplomatic officers think about them.

Continue Reading Your Very Own Wikileaks Scandal

With the ever increasing liability for injury to guests being imputed to the hotel or restaurant when in fact the injury stems from the actions of a third party vendor being utilized by the hotel or restaurant, it is important to carefully consider who is being hired to perform work at your establishment. Below are twelve items to bear in mind when selecting a vendor.Continue Reading Third Party Contracts, Independent Contractors, and other Agents in the Hospitality Industry

The Third Circuit Court of Appeals which includes the U.S. Virgin Islands, has affirmed the dismissal of class action claims against cell phone manufacturers and retailers of wireless handheld telephones alleging they are unsafe to use without headsets because holding the antennas next to the head purportedly exposes the user to dangerous levels of radio frequency (RF) radiation. Farina v. Nokia, Inc., No. 08-4034 (3d Cir., decided October 22, 2010).    

Continue Reading Third Circuit Rules Cell Phone RF Litigation Federally Preempted

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has proposed new rules that would require cell phone providers to provide usage alerts and related information to assist consumers in avoiding unexpected charges on their bills. The proposed rules would give consumers alerts, tools, and information to assist them in making decisions about their cell phone plans.   

The FCC stated that cell phone “bill shock” is a growing concern for consumers. According to an April-May 2010 FCC survey, 30 million Americans, one in six cell phone users, have experienced “bill shock.” The FCC is proposing rules that would require cell phone companies to provide consumers with simple alerts both before and when they incur overages. The FCC proposes that consumers be provided with basic information that would allow them to control their cell phone costs.

Continue Reading Cell Phone “Bill Shock” Rules

The Board of Directors of the Fellows of the American Bar Foundation has elected Virgin Islands Attorney Tom Bolt, Managing Attorney of the St. Thomas firm of BoltNagi PC to serve as State Chair  for the United States Virgin Islands. The Fellows is an honorary organization of attorneys, judges, law faculty and legal scholars who have been elected by their peers for demonstrating outstanding achievements and dedication to the welfare of their respective communities and to the highest principles of the legal profession.Continue Reading American Bar Foundation Appoints Virgin Islands Attorney State Chair

Tom Bolt, Managing Attorney of BoltNagi PC on St. Thomas; Yvonne Tharpes, Counsel to the 28th Legislature, of St. John, and Lisa Harris Moorhead, Virgin Islands Code Revisor, of St. Croix, were among the 260 practicing lawyers, governmental lawyers, judges, law professors, and lawyer-legislators participating in the 2010 Annual Meeting of the National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws (NCCUSL), which recently concluded in Chicago Illinois.

Continue Reading Virgin Islands Uniform Law Commissioners Participate in National Conference

Tom Bolt, Managing Attorney of Tom Bolt & Associates, P.C., and General Counsel for the USVI Hotel & Tourism Association, during the General Meeting of the Association on Wednesday at the Emerald Beach Hotel proposed that the VI Taxicab Commission adopt a “Taxicab Riders Bill of Rights”. Judith Wheatley, Executive Director of the VI Taxicab Commission was the keynote speaker at the Hotel and Tourism Association meeting.

In addressing the members of the Hotel and Tourism Association, Wheatley noted that the Taxicab Commission was under new leadership and committed to the customer service. When the floor opened to questions, Bolt proposed that the local Commission consider adopting a “Taxicab Riders Bill of Rights” that would clearly delineate the rights that Virgin Islands taxicab riders can expect.Continue Reading TBA Attorney Proposes “Taxicab Riders Bill of Rights”