VIRGIN ISLANDS YOUTH ADVOCACY COALITION, INC.

LEGISLATIVE YOUTH REPORT CARDS INITIATIVE

SUMMARY

he Legislative Youth Report Cards Initiative is a VIYAC publication,

compiled by Virgin Islands youth based on the responses of Virgin Islands
Senators (28th Legislature of the Virgin Islands) and our Delegate to Congress , a
member of the U.S. House of Representatives (111th Congress) to our youth issues-
oriented Questionnaire. The Report Cards serves as tools to evaluate our current
leaders and to shine the spotlight on those who worked for and will work for the
youth in the future as well as a means of encouraging more citizens in this age
group to partake in the democratic process.

A. POINT SYSTEM/SCHEME for each category: Questions 1-4 (Max. of 5 points)

a. Sponsored a program (1pt)

b. Drafted legislation (2pts)

c. Drafted legislation passed/enacted (2pts)

B. POINT SYSTEM/SCHEME *Bonus Question (Question 5.): Youth Civics (Max. 10 pts)

a. Sponsored a Program/Initiative targeting youth civic engagement (2pts)

b. Sponsored Research /Community outreach on civics (2pts)

c. Drafted legislation (2pts)

d. Drafted legislation passed/enacted (4pts)

C. Commentary: Senators/Delegate receives a maximum of (3) points if they

provided additional information related to their youth based legislative and
program activities.

a. Program (1pt)

b. Legislation (2pts)

© 2010 Virgin Islands Youth Advocacy Coalition, Inc.

All Rights Reserved
 VIRGIN ISLANDS YOUTH ADVOCACY COALITION, INC.
LEGISLATIVE YOUTH REPORT CARDS INITIATIVE

_____________________________________________________________________________

QUESTIONNAIRE

1. As Juvenile crime, here in the Territory, is at an all-time high, what legislation

have you proposed or supported to curb this problem?

2. Virgin Islands youth have been affected by the downturn of the economy and are
in need of stable jobs and benefits. What efforts have you made, legislatively or
otherwise, to increase the employment rate of young adults (ages 18-30) in our
territory?

3. Some Virgin Islands youth lack the necessary skill(s), some even after taking part
in a trade school program, to obtain gainful employment, what efforts have you made
legislatively, or otherwise, to curb this dilemma?

4. As Virgin Islands youth have not been spared from juvenile obesity and other
youth health issues, what efforts have you made legislatively, or otherwise, to tackle
this issue?

5. Many Virgin Islands youth are disengaged from the democratic process, what
initiatives have you put together or instituted to address this issue and what were the
results of your efforts.

6. Comments? (Please include any additional information you would like us to

consider in our review of your work on behalf of the children of the Virgin Islands. If
you refer to document please enclose a copy both electronic and hardcopy)

© 2010 Virgin Islands Youth Advocacy Coalition, Inc.

All Rights Reserved
 VIRGIN ISLANDS YOUTH ADVOCACY COALITION, INC.
LEGISLATIVE YOUTH REPORT CARDS INITIATIVE

SENATE REPORT CARD

CATEGORIES (by Youth Issue)

SENATORS
CRIME EMPLOYMENT EDUCATION HEALTH CIVICS Commentary
(*Bonus*)
TOTAL
(Max. Pts: 33)

1-5 pt(s) 1-5pt(s) 1-5pt(s) 1-5pt(s) 1-10pt(s) 1-3pt(s)

SANES 5 4 1 4 1 0 15

DONASTORG 3 3 0 3 0 0 9

MALONE 4 1 1 4 8 1 19

WHITE 4 3 4 4 1 0 16

NELSON 3 4 5 3 6 1 22

BARSHINGER 3 1 2 2 4 2 14

SPRAUVE 1 1 0 4 3 0 9

W. JAMES 1 1 3 2 1 1 9

O’REILLY 2 0 3 3 4 0 12

DOWE* 0 2 2 2 0 0 6

WILLIAMS**

RICHARDS**

HILL**

THURLAND**

N. JAMES**

*Senator did not respond to specific issues outlined in Questionnaire instead VIYAC received information regarding
sponsorship of appropriations for funding of various school-based projects and programs.

**Senator DID NOT respond to our Questionnaire.

© 2010 Virgin Islands Youth Advocacy Coalition, Inc.

All Rights Reserved
 VIRGIN ISLANDS YOUTH ADVOCACY COALITION, INC.
LEGISLATIVE YOUTH REPORT CARDS INITIATIVE

HIGHLIGHTS
(Accomplishments in the area of civics & youth empowerment)

 Senator Sammuel Sanes: Sanes conducted a survey targeting youth ages 13-30 concerning youth
participation. Based on the survey, Sanes concluded that there are three (3) factors that contribute to the lack
of participation: 1) attitude towards politics, 2) lack of knowledge or ignorance to learn, and 3) youth
feel disengaged from the process (feeling that they cannot bring about change).

 Senator Adlah “Foncie” Donastorg: Donastorg has personally mentored many young Virgin Islanders in
their respective fields over the years and he is currently working with several young people to include aspiring
graphic artists, attorneys, athletes and musicians.

 Senator Shawn-Michael Malone: Malone created a pamphlet entitled: “How a Bill Becomes a Law,” he is the
prime sponsor of the bill to make Virgin Islands history month, and for five years in a row he has published a
“Youth Activity Directory,” that is designed to identify after school programs and intervention activities.

 Senator Celestino White: White as one who believes that proper diet and exercise are paramount in the fight
against obesity has made substantial investments for the renovation of recreational facilities through the
Department of Housing, Parks and Recreation and also supported and funded sport programs.

 Senator Terrence “Positive” Nelson: Nelson proposed the Legislative Youth advisory Council, Bill 28-0093,
amending Title 2 of the Virgin Islands Code which enacts a council ran by the youth in the territory. The bill
hgyuu6outlines the duties, jurisdiction, membership, priorities, compensation and funding for the council. The
purpose of the legislation is to foster a better understanding of issues affecting the youth of the VI and enable
them to be proactive an a part of proposing legislation that would be of benefit to youth.

 Senator Craig Barshinger: This year Barshinger’s Office initiated a Black History Month Essay contest on all
three islands pertaining to the subject of what celebration of the month means to each student participant in
efforts to raise the cultural and political consciousness of our youth.

 Senator Patrick Simeon Sprauve: Sprauve has developed a mentoring relationship with both of the sixth
grade classes at Dober Elementary School.

 Senator Wayne A.G. James: James is oftentimes invited to speak at the Territory’s schools, and he uses those
opportunities to impress upon the students the need to understand and participate in the political process
which so directly impacts their lives.

 Senator Nellie O'Reilly: O’Reilly required applicants of the Legislature’s summer program to participate in a
group discussion regarding the branches of government and the role of citizens in the political process. In
addition, in 2009 O’Reilly met with the UVI Provost to request that UVI introduce a civics course for incoming
freshmen.

© 2010 Virgin Islands Youth Advocacy Coalition, Inc.

All Rights Reserved
 VIRGIN ISLANDS YOUTH ADVOCACY COALITION, INC.
LEGISLATIVE YOUTH REPORT CARDS INITIATIVE

DELEGATE REPORT CARD

CATEGORIES (by Youth Issue)

CRIME EMPLOYMENT EDUCATION HEALTH CIVICS Commentary
(*Bonus*)
TOTAL
*Max. Pts.: 33*
CONGRESSWOMAN
1-5 1-5pt(s) 1-5pt(s) 1-5pt(s) 1-10pt(s) 1-3pt(s)
CHRISTENSEN pt(s)

5 3 3 5 4 1 21

 HIGHLIGHT (Civics): Congresswoman Donna Christensen has, over the past 8 years,
sponsored young participants of the Congressional Black Caucus Institute’s Political
Bootcamp. The bootcamp engages participants in political organization and campaign
skills, among other things. Additionally, Christensen co-sponsored HR 3838, Promoting
Alternatives to Truancy and Incarceration by Encouraging New and Comprehensive
Efforts (PATIENCE Act) which sets aside 5% of Juvenile Justice funding to address
mental health treatment needs of juveniles, support reforms that protect incarcerated
juvenile and promote rehabilitation for delinquent and at-risk youth.

© 2010 Virgin Islands Youth Advocacy Coalition, Inc.

All Rights Reserved