A recent poll issued by the St. Thomas/St. John local chapter of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) to its members, placed Senator Tregenza A. Roach as the No. 1 vote getter. The Committee on Political Education (COPE) conducted its 2014 general elections in schools and activity centers among the AFT membership. Results of the poll were released on Friday with Sen. Roach receiving the highest number of votes cast.
“I would like to personally thank the AFT and its members for their vote of confidence in their recent COPE poll. I recognize the many needs and concerns that our teachers face and stand ready to continue to put education on the forefront of my initiatives,” said Roach.
Roach has a long standing history of involvement in the educational system of the Virgin Islands. Prior to serving in the 30th Legislature, he was employed at the Department of Education as legal counsel to the commissioner for over eight years. He also served as the executive director of the V.I. Board of Education and has been on the adjunct faculty of the University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) since 1999.
Having a vested interest in higher education and recognizing the need to facilitate the transition from high school to college, Roach remains diligent in proposing legislation relating to UVI. Of particular note is Bill 30-0031, the V.I. Fund for Higher Education. The fund will provide a four-year scholarship for each student who resides in the territory and has attended a secondary school in the V.I. for four years immediately preceding graduation.
Signed into law by Gov. John P. deJongh Jr. was a measure proposed by Roach to amend the Hotel Development Act to make available $100,000 dollars in scholarships for students who want to pursue a degree in hotel management. “An investment in higher education is an investment in our students. An investment in our students is an investment in the future of the Virgin Islands,” he said.
As a member in the 30th Legislature, Roach also serves as a member of the Committee on Education and Workforce Development. He was also appointed to serve on the Standing Committee on Education of the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL). This committee has jurisdiction over education ranging from pre-school to higher education.