A Milestone for Maritime Education: The Passage of Our Bill It is with immense pride and a deep sense of responsibility that I share the successful passage of our bill through the Committee of Budget Appropriations and Finance. This pivotal moment marks not just a legislative success but a monumental step forward in enhancing and expanding maritime education and opportunities in the Virgin Islands.Our journey to this point has been guided by a vision to foster a robust maritime sector, equipped with highly skilled professionals who are ready to lead and innovate. The amendments to Bill No. 35-0133, which we have championed, are a testament to our commitment to creating pathways for our youth in the fields of marine shipping logistics, maritime law, environmental studies, and more.This bill, with its focus on broadening the scope of maritime education and ensuring the return of scholarship recipients to contribute to our local industry, is a cornerstone in building a sustainable economic and educational framework for our islands.I am grateful for the support and collaboration of my colleagues, stakeholders, and the community in bringing this bill to fruition. As we move forward, let us continue to work together to implement these changes effectively and to open new horizons for our students and our maritime industry.Together, we are setting sail towards a brighter future for the Virgin Islands, bolstered by education, innovation, and dedication.