Mapp approves Limetree Bay CZM permit, vetoes hospital board leadership bill

Gov. Kenneth E. Mapp approved a Coastal Zone Management permit on May 22, 2018, allowing Limetree Bay Terminals to expand operations by constructing a single-point mooring system offshore to help larger vessels transfer crude oil to and from the facility.

In a separate action, Mr. Mapp vetoed Bill 32-0209, which would have required the director of the Office of Management and Budget and the health commissioner to serve as chairmen of the Virgin Islands Government Hospitals and Health Facilities Corporation and Gov. Juan F. Luis Hospital and Medical Center boards.

In his May 22 message to Senate President Myron Jackson, Mr. Mapp said the measure could create conflicts of interest because the Health Department, through the commissioner, oversees the hospitals. He wrote that the commissioner could not both set policy and oversee operations for Juan F. Luis while also serving as its regulatory authority.

Mr. Mapp also objected to the bill's focus on rebuilding only one of the territory's hospitals. He said he planned to submit legislation to consolidate the hospital boards, writing that having three boards oversee the territory's hospitals was inefficient.

The Government House statement said Limetree Bay representatives had previously testified they were prepared to begin construction immediately after permit approval.

Official source: https://www.vi.gov/governor-approves-czm-permit-for-limetree-bay-vetoes-measure-designating-the-leadership-of-hospital-boards/