USVI Chess Federation
The official website of the USVI Chess Federation
Our Mission Statement
To cultivate the diffusion and development of chess as a constructive outlet for the youth of our community by setting up classes for beginners and clinics for youngsters, and holding simultaneous exhibitions.
To bring into one organization all people in the U.S. Virgin Islands desiring to promote chess, which is one of the most ancient, intellectual, and cultural sports, combining elements of sport, scientific thinking and the arts.
To coordinate tournaments and other chess activities among the several islands.
To provide a unified and harmonious voice to represent the U.S. Virgin Islands in international competition.
To unite with similar organizations in other countries to represent the U.S. Virgin Islands in the International Chess Federation (FIDE) and the Caribbean zone.
March 22, 2022
Constitution of the
United States Virgin Islands Chess Federation, Inc.
Table of Contents
Chapter I - Preamble-----------------------------1
1.1 DEFINITIONS-----------------------------------------------------------1
1.2 FOUNDATION----------------------------- ----------------------------4
1.3 HEADQUARTERS-----------------------------------------------------4
1.4 OBJECTIVES------------------------------------------------------------4
1.5 FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES--------------------------------------5
Chapter II - Institutions and Members of the USVICF---------------6
2.1 GENERAL PROVISIONS----------------------------------------------6
2.2 THE NATIONAL CLUBS---------------------------------------------6
2.3 THE CONGRESS-------------------------------------------------------10
2.4 THE BOARD OF ADMINISTRATION-----------------------------13
2.5 THE PRESIDENCY---------------------------------------------------- 13
2.6 THE COUNCILS--------------------------------------------------------12
2.7 THE COMMISSIONS---------------------------------------------------13
2.8 THE USVICF SECRETARIAT----------------------------------------13
Chapter III - Financial Provisions-----------------------------------------14
3.1 FISCAL YEAR-----------------------------------------------------------14
3.2 FINANCIAL RESOURCES--------------------------------------------14
3.3 BUDGET------------------------------------------------------------------15
3.4 ANNUAL ACCOUNTS-------------------------------------------------15
3.5 USVICF TREASURER--------------------------------------------------15
3.6 REGULATIONS----------------------------------------------------------16
Chapter IV - Special Provisions---------------------------------------------16
4.1 DISSOLUTION-----------------------------------------------------------16
Chapter V - Amendments-----------------------------------------------------16
Chapter VI – Entry into force------------------------------------------------17
Chapter 1 – Preamble
1.1 DEFINITIONS
For the purpose of the present USVI Chess Federation Constitution and of the related legal instruments, unless otherwise stipulated in the text, the following terms shall have the meanings set forth below:
“Board of Administration”
means the Board of Administration of the USVICF, the governing institution responsible for the administration and arrangement of the USVICF. It is composed of five (5) members.
“Commission”
means a permanent working group of specialists, proposed by the President of the USVICF and approved by the Board of Administration, with the responsibility of fulfilling certain duties as defined by the regulations.
“Congress”
means the assembly of the Board of Administration and the Presidents and Councilors of all National Clubs in good standing with the USVICF duly and statutorily convened by the competent authority as established by this Constitution. The Congress is the supreme governing institution of USVICF.
“Council”
means a board of managers proposed by the President of the USVICF and approved by the Board of Administration, to administer specific aspects of chess.
“FIDE”
means the Federation Internationale des Echecs, an international non-governmental, non- profit organization, composed of its affiliated national federations and regional members which have freely and voluntarily joined FIDE in order to administer and govern worldwide the sport of chess and all its disciplines for male and female players.
“Governing Institution”
means an institution of the USVICF with specific responsibilities and decision-making authority to conduct affairs of the USVICF.
“National Clubs”
The national clubs are legally recognized in their District to administer and govern all forms of chess, structured and organized according to the spirit and provisions of the USVICF Constitution
“Presidency”
means the charge and functions exercised by the President of the USVICF.
“Secretariat”
means a permanent administrative office or department for conducting the business of chess in the US Virgin Islands and the staff working in this secretariat.
“Supporting institution”
means an institution of the USVICF with an advising, counseling, controlling or guiding role in the affairs of the USVICF.
1.2 FOUNDATION
The Virgin Islands Chess Federation, (USVICF), was founded in St. Croix, Virgin Islands, in 1996 as a non-profit organization. The USVICF has officially and legally been recognized as a National Federation by VIOC since 1999, and by FIDE since 1966.
1.3 HEADQUARTERS
The headquarters of the USVICF is established in St. Croix, US Virgin Islands, or the island of residence of the President, or any other place as decided by the Congress.
1.4 OBJECTIVES
A. Cultivate the diffusion and development of chess as a constructive outlet for the youth of our community by setting up classes for beginners and clinics for youngsters, holding lectures with guest speakers and holding simultaneous exhibitions.
B. Bring into one organization all people in the U.S. Virgin Islands desiring to promote
chess, which is one of the most ancient, intellectual, and cultural sports, scientific thinking and the arts.
C. Coordinate tournaments and other chess activities among several islands.
D. Providing a unified and harmonious voice to represent the U.S. Virgin Islands in international competition.
E. Unite with similar organizations in other countries to represent the U.S. Virgin Islands in the World Chess Federation (FIDE) and the Caribbean Zone.
1.5 FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES
1.5.1 USVICF Mission
The USVICF’s mission is to govern and manage at a territory level, all forms of chess. Through professional planning, organization, marketing, and promotional activities, the USVICF aims to develop chess as a major media and entertainment sport in the US Virgin Islands as a tool for the continuous development of the sport.
1.5.2 The USVICF shall make no discrimination between individuals or between nations and shall refrain from any involvements in political, religious, philosophical, or racial matters.
1.5.3 All violations of the provisions of the USVICF’s legal instruments are subject to sanctions provided by this Constitution. The individual or organization being sanctioned is entitled to all due process guaranteed by the USVICF Constitution.
1.5.4 In case of conflict or dispute in the interpretation of the constitution, regulations, official rules, decisions, and legal instruments of USVICF, the English version shall prevail.
GENERAL PROVISIONS
2.1.1 The USVICF is managed by governing institutions which are assisted by supporting institutions.
2.1.2 USVICF’s members are:
a) The individuals that are part of the National Clubs
b) The USVICF’s governing institutions are the Congress and Board of Administration
c) The USVICF’s supporting institutions (councils, commissions and secretariat);
2.2 THE NATIONAL CLUBS
Members must have a residence in the Virgin Islands for at least six months to be eligible for membership so long as she/he belongs to an official USVICF Chess Club. An individual in good standing who is temporarily residing elsewhere serving in the U.S. military or attending a university or other establishment of higher education shall continue to be a member in good standing as long as they conform to this Constitution. An individual who has been a continuous member in good standing for the last five continuous years prior to 2022, shall continue to be member in good standing as long they, starting with 2022, (1) pay their membership fees by January 1st of each year (2) participate in at least two USVICF sanctioned over the board tournaments each year and (3) conform to this constitution.
Affiliate membership may be granted to individuals not residing in the Virgin Islands. Affiliate members may not vote and may not hold office in the USVICF. Affiliate members may not become members of the USVI World Chess Olympiad Teams and may not become members of the USVICF National Teams or participate in USVICF National events.
Membership fees:
· $30 Adult membership
· $15 Senior membership (age 60 or older)
· $15 Student of a University or other establishment of higher education
· No fee for Junior members under the age of 18
2.2.1 The National Clubs must be legally recognized by the USVICF as the entities competent to administer and govern the sport of chess at a district level.
2.2.2 The National Clubs affiliated to the USVICF mutually recognize one another as the chess authorities in their respective islands.
2.2.3 The National Clubs must respect and implement the USVICF regulations, official rules, and decisions.
2.2.4 The regulations of the National Clubs may not be in conflict or contradict with those of the USVICF constitution.
2.2.5 All National Clubs of the USVICF shall have the same rights, obligations, and responsibilities.
2.2.6 All National Clubs shall submit an official USVICF application to the Board of Administration for approval of said club.
2.2.7 National Clubs shall maintain at least 10 adult members (at least 6 of which must be active members). Only clubs with at least 10 adult members (at least 6 of which must be active members) may have the right to vote to elect their National Club President and Councilor.
2.2.8 Only National Club members who are 18 years of age or over may vote in National Club elections.
2.2.9 The Presidents of the of the National Club(s) and their Councilors, in each District shall vote on the Vice President(s) (of the St. Croix and St. Thomas District) of the Board of Administration. If either the St. Croix or St. Thomas District does not have any eligible National Clubs at the time of voting, a special election shall be set between 30-90 days after at least one National Club is established in that District in order to elect the Vice President of the Board of Administration for that District.
2.2.10 School clubs shall become Junior Chess Programs of the National Clubs.
2.2.11 No one can be deprived of membership because of nationality, race, religion, sexual orientation, social status, or political creed.
2.2.12
“National Clubs”
The national clubs are legally recognized in their District to administer and govern all forms of chess, structured and organized according to the spirit and provisions of the USVICF Constitution. Every club must send a list of their members and their contact information to the secretariat along with their current constitution. No alcohol and no smoking will be allowed on the premises of a National Club. A National Club cannot meet in a private residence.
Each National Club shall submit, to the Secretariat, a membership fee and name/contact information of its members by January 1 of each year.
If a National club does not submit its annual fee and membership list by January 1 of each year, then the National Club shall lose its voting rights and be removed from the official National Club list. A National Club can be reinstated by submitting all arrears payments. The National Clubs shall be responsible for updating their membership lists monthly to the USVICF Secretariat.
The applicant National Club will be visited by a Board member (3) times to report on the membership/activities of the club. The National Club President shall be an observer at USVICF Board meetings. At the next quarterly USVICF Board meeting the Board will vote to accept or reject the application of the club. If accepted, the club shall then be deemed to have Provisional status. At the next USVICF annual meeting the Provisional Club(s) will be voted on to accept or reject the Provisional Club to full official National Club membership. If accepted the National Club Presidents and one Councilor, from each club, would now have voting rights.
National Clubs must meet at a consistent time and facility each week with the exception of holidays and emergencies.
2.2.13 Each national club must pay an annual fee to the USVICF. The fee shall consist of the National Club fee and the fee for the individuals of their clubs. The amount and conditions of the annual fee are established by the Board of Administration and ratified by the Congress of the USVICF.
2.2.14 “Members” means individuals that are part of a National Club which consists of at least 10 adult members who are at least 18 years of age. At least 6 members must be active/competitive members. A maximum of 20% of a club’s membership may consist of ASP (athlete support personnel). “Active/competitive members must participate in a minimum of two (2) USVICF sanctioned over the board USVICF tournaments each year. Each National Club must host at least one USVICF over the board sanctioned tournament per year.
2.2.15 Junior Development Program. The Junior Development Program shall consist of any scholastic club(s) and they will be a part of a legally recognized active National Club.
2.3 The Congress, the Presidency and the Board of Administration
2.3.1.1. The Congress is composed of a President/Delegate, two District Vice-Presidents, a Secretary, a Treasurer, and the National Club Presidents and their Councilors. In case of a tie vote, the President will cast the deciding vote. Voting will be done in person or virtual as the situation warrants. Proxy voting is not permitted. The annual meeting date will be announced at least three (3) months beforehand in the local newspapers and on the official USCF Virgin Islands website. Any individual who holds more than one position will be entitled to only one vote, with the exception of a tie vote then the USVICF President shall vote to break the tie. Each National Club is represented by a President and one Counsellor. The Presidency and the other members of the Board of Administration are elected by the National Clubs, and the Congress is the supreme authority of the USVICF.
2.3.1.2 The Congress is composed of Board of Administration Officers and Presidents of all the National Clubs and their Councilors who are current in their obligations and financial commitments. Each National Club may be represented by one Club President and one Councilor.
2.3.1.4 Only the National Clubs in good standing are counted to determine if the quorum is reached and are entitled to attend with the right to vote.
2.3.1.5 The Congress may open if at least 50% plus one of the Administrative Board and National Club Presidents and Councilors and with the right to vote as established by Article 2.3.1.4, are present in person or virtually.
2.3.2 Competence
2.3.2.1 The Congress has the sole and exclusive competence for the following:
a) Amending the constitution.
b) Adopting USVICF’s budget and defining its execution and financial controls.
c) Requesting the expulsion of a National Club or member if such National Club or member is in violation of the USVICF Constitution regulations or decisions.
2.3.2.2 The Congress has the competence to supervise the adoption of the regulations derived from this constitution, in general, all activities and competitions pertaining to the USVICF.
2.3.2.3 The decisions of the USVICF Congress are mandatory for all USVICF institutions, including National Clubs, teams, arbiters, players, and individual members unless such decisions were not made within the terms of this constitution, in which case they may be appealed to the national courts of the VI.
2.3.3 Olympiad Team
2.3.3.1 United States Virgin Islands Chess Federation will be responsible for the national championships of men, women, and juniors of the U.S. Virgin Islands.
An individual who has a residence in the US Virgin Islands for at least 183 days per year shall be eligible to compete for the national championships and to be members of the USVICF Olympiad Team, with the exceptions noted in 2.2 for those serving in the military and students. This statute shall apply after the conclusion of the next in person over the board World Chess Olympiad. The next World Chess Olympiad is tentatively scheduled to conclude on August 8, 2022.
The FIDE Olympiad Teams (one open team and one women’s team) selected from active USVICF members shall be selected using the following criteria for each team:
a). District Champions from the odd-numbered years, (2) two players St. Croix District: 1 player for the open section and one for the women’s: (2) two players. St. Thomas-St. John District: 1 player for the open section and one for the women’s
b). Selected by the Board, up to (3) three players for each team; based on: (i); FIDE ratings of active USVICF members as of January 1st of the odd-numbered years.
(ii); Participation in activities of the USVICF. (iii); Selection based on the best interest of the team.
This statute 2.3.3.1 shall apply after the conclusion of the next in person over the board World Chess Olympiad. The next World Chess Olympiad is tentatively scheduled to conclude on August 8, 2022.
2.3.3.2 The captains of each Olympiad team will be selected by the Board of Administration.
Agenda
2.3.4.1 The Presidency prepares the agenda for the Congress as defined in the Congress regulations. In all cases, this agenda shall include the following items:
a) Presentation and approval of the USVICF President’s report.
b) Presentation Treasurer’s report and approval of the annual accounts for the past year.
c) Discharge of the President, and Board Members on the approved annual accounts, presented for the past year.
e) Amendments to the constitution.
f) Election of the Board of Administration officers: President, two District Vice Presidents, Treasurer, and Secretary as required.
2.3.4.2 At the annual meeting, only the items on the agenda may be discussed. Items must be submitted to the Board of Administration at least two (2) months in advance of the annual meeting. The Board of Administration must notice the date of the annual meeting at least 3 months in advance.
2.3.4.3 Except where otherwise provided for in this constitution, the decisions of the Congress are passed by a simple majority of the voting Board of Administration and National Club Presidents and Councilors present. However, to pass an amendment to the constitution, a two-thirds (2/3) majority of the votes of the Congress is required.
2.3.5 Elections to the Presidency and the Board of Administration
2.3.5.1 The President and the Board of Administration: The President, Two Vice Presidents, Secretary, and Treasurer are elected by the National Club Presidents and Councilors at the appropriate annual meetings. Vacancies on the Board of Administration can be filled provisionally upon proposal of the President, approval by the Board of Administration until the next Congress. The provisional appointee will be addressed by the Congress.
2.3.5.2 A candidate for the Board of Administration: President, two Vice Presidents, Secretary, and Treasurer shall be submitted to the USVICF Secretariat by the candidate’s National Club of origin, no later than two 2 months prior to the opening of the Congress. The current Officers of the Board of Administration will automatically be submitted for reelection unless they have written to the Board of their desire not to run again for office.
2.3.5.3 Candidates must have a residence in the Virgin Islands for at least six months with the exception of the conditions set forth in 2.2
2.3.5.4 The outgoing President is re-eligible for the Presidency. Candidates for the Presidency shall be submitted to the USVICF Secretariat by the respective national club President no later than two (2) months prior to the opening of the annual meeting.
2.3.5.5 Elections to the Presidency and the Board of Administration are held by secret ballot, unless there are no other candidates. If the number of candidates is the same as the number of positions to be elected, the elections are deemed to be decided by acclamation.
2.3.5.6 The Presidency shall have term limits limited to two terms. This shall take effect from the 2023 election forward.
2.3.5.7 A candidature for the Board of Administration or Presidents or Councilors of National Clubs shall not have initiated judiciary proceedings against the USVICF, VIOC or FIDE without first adhering the resolution clause in section 2.4.1.4.
2.3.6 Special Provisions
2.3.6.1 The U.S. Virgin Islands Chess Federation shall hold an annual meeting during the first three (3) months of the year. The annual meeting may be conducted virtually or in person. Eligible voters shall consist of the Congress. In case of a tie vote, the President will cast the deciding vote. No proxy voting shall be permitted.
2.3.6.2 On the recommendation of the Board of Administration, the Congress may grant honorary titles, corresponding to positions previously held, to persons who have rendered remarkable services to the USVICF.
2.4 THE BOARD OF ADMINISTRATION
2.4.1 Composition and quorum
2.4.1.1 The Board of Administration is composed of five (5) members: President, Two Vice Presidents, Secretary, and Treasurer, elected by the National Club Presidents and Councilors at the appropriate annual meetings.
2.4.1.2 From among the candidatures elected, at the March 26, 2022, annual election, to the Board of Administration (the President/Delegate, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer) will serve only a one-year term. At the extraordinary annual meeting of March 25, 2023, officers of the Board of Administration will be elected by the National Club Presidents and their Councilors.
The composition of the Board of Administration will be as follows:
2.4.1.3 The outgoing officers of President, Two Vice Presidents, Secretary, and Treasurer, members of the Board of Administration are eligible to be reelected to the Board of Administration without presentation by the Board of Administration.
2.4.1.4 Any member who is guilty of a criminal offense or gross misconduct, or violates any provision of this Constitution, shall be liable to censure, suspension, or expulsion. Charges against a Board of Administration Member, Club President, Club Councilor, or Club Member must be made in writing and delivered to the Secretariat, who shall immediately furnish a copy to the accused and to the Board. Then the Board shall investigate the charges and give the accused ample opportunity to be heard. Within two months, the Board shall report that 1) the charges are not sustained, or 2) the charges are sustained, and the accused be a) censured, b) suspended for a specific period or c) expelled. To be expelled a unanimous vote is required. Anyone expelled for any cause shall be eligible for membership after one year from date of expulsion, and on the same terms and in like manner as original applicants. A fee of $500 must accompany the charge, if the charge is found to be upheld then the $500 will be returned. If not, the USVICF will retain the fee of $500.
2.4.1.5 The quorum for meetings of the Board of Administration shall be 50% plus one of the total members of the Board of Administration. Members of the Board of Administration must attend in person or virtually if the situation warrants and cannot be represented by proxy.
2.4.1.6 Board of Administration meetings shall be held at least once a quarter.
2.4.2 Competence
2.4.2.1 The Board of Administration shall be responsible for the general administration and management of the USVICF. Special meetings must be called within 45 days by the Board if requested by a written petition to the President or Board stating the major purpose and signed by at least 2/3 of the Board and National Presidents and Councilors. The USVICF strongly supports the organization of local chess clubs, and close cooperation in aiming to improve friendly harmony among all chess players, but observes strict neutrality in relation to their internal affairs.
2.4.2.2 The Board of Administration has the competence to adopt all regulations derived from this constitution.
2.4.2.3 Upon proposal of the USVICF President, the Board of Administration has the competence to create the commissions and councils, to appoint officials or to discharge them from such institutions. The Board of Administration shall establish the limits of powers, responsibilities and functions of each commission and council through regulations.
2.4.2.4 The decisions of the Board of Administration, derived from the competence entrusted to it by the constitution, are binding on all USVICF members covered by such decisions.
2.4.2.5 The Board of Administration may appoint a lawyer to defend the interests of the USVICF.
2.4.2.6 On the proposal of the President, the Board of Administration may grant annual awards.
2.5 THE PRESIDENCY
2.5.1 Fulfillment of the charge
2.5.1.1 The functions and responsibilities of the Presidency shall be carried out by the President, elected by the National Club Presidents and Councilors.
2.5.1.2 Should the President be definitively unable to hold office, he/she shall be replaced for the remaining portion of his/her term by the Vice-President of the District that he/she represents, subject to ratification by the Congress at its next assembly.
2.6 THE COUNCILS
2.6.1 Upon proposal of the USVICF President, the Board of Administration may approve the creation of councils with direct responsibility for specific USVICF activities.
2.6.2 Such Councils may be structured independently from other the USVICF institutions, but shall always be aligned to the USVICF administrative and judiciary structures.
2.6.3 The Board of Administration shall establish the limits of power, responsibilities and functions of each council through regulations.
2.7 THE COMMISSIONS
2.7.1 Upon proposal of the USVICF President, the Board of Administration may establish commissions in order to facilitate the implementation of the objectives of the USVICF. The Board of Administration may also establish and create, upon proposal of the USVICF President, ad hoc commissions if necessary.
2.7.2 The commissions shall be composed of a minimum of two (2) members and one (1) President. Candidates for the commissions shall be appointed by the President in consultation with the Board of Administration and club presidents no later than two (2) months prior to the opening of the annual meeting. The Presidency proposes to the Board of Administration the commission members, including external experts when necessary.
A National Club shall have a maximum of one (1) member per commission.
2.7.3 The primary role of a commission is to make proposals to the Board of Administration on matters of a highly technical or specialized nature.
2.7.4 The Board of Administration shall establish the limits of power, responsibilities, and functions of each Commission through regulations.
2.8 THE USVICF SECRETARIAT
2.8.1 The Secretariat shall, under the authority of the President, take all necessary measures to ensure that this constitution is respected. It shall provide support and assistance to the various institutions of the USVICF in order to promote the technical level, image and social role of chess at the highest level.
2.8.2 The functions of the Secretariat shall be the following:
a) Arrange and organize meetings of the Congress, Board of Administration, councils and commissions.
b) Send a copy of all proposed amendments, candidates, agenda items, and a list of all members in good standing that are eligible to vote at the annual meeting at least one (1) month in advance of the annual meeting.
c) Prepare reports for the work of the commissions at their meetings and for the implementation of projects approved by the Board of Administration, and any other reports required.
d) Study the reports of the various meetings and request from the supporting institutions such further information as is necessary to ensure the implementation of this constitution.
e) Perform the functions entrusted to it under the provisions of this constitution.
f) Select and hire, subject to the approval of the President and the Board of Administrators, the required staff to execute, in a professional manner, the decisions of the USVICF institutions.
g) Perform any other functions as may be entrusted to it by the Congress, the Board of Administration, and the Presidency.
3.1 FISCAL YEAR
3.1.1 The USVICF fiscal year shall be the calendar year: January 1 through December 31 of each year.
3.2 FINANCIAL RESOURCES
3.2.1 USVICF financial resources shall consist of:
a) Annual fees of the affiliated national clubs.
b) Revenue from marketing and media rights agreement.
c) Recognition fees for sports competitions.
d) Fines.
e) Revenues from marketing and media rights from Caribbean Championships,
Competitions, Tournaments, and all other Championships.
f) Any other sources of funding approved by the Board of Administration.
3.3 BUDGET
3.3.1 On the recommendation of the Board of Administration, the Congress shall adopt the annual budgets.
3.3.2 The Board of Administration may modify the budgets to respond any new arising needs:
it shall justify such modifications before Congress.
3.4 ANNUAL ACCOUNTS
3.4.1 The Board of Administration shall approve the profit and loss statement and balance sheet of each fiscal year and discharge the Treasurer.
3.5 USVICF TREASURER
3.5.1 The Treasurer of the USVICF shall be responsible for controlling the accounts of the federation. The treasurer must present his annual report at Congress.
3.5.2 The Treasurer of the USVICF is responsible for the control system of the administrative operations of the USVICF. He or she must verify all important financial operations authorized by the President.
3.6 REGULATIONS
3.6.1 All financial requirements for the operations of the USVICF including, but not limited to, the resources, authorization, expenditure and control mechanisms are defined in the general regulations and financial procedures adopted by the Board of Administration.
4.1 DISSOLUTION
USVICF may only be dissolved at a special meeting by the affirmative vote of 80% of all the eligible USVICF Board of Administration members. Voting at such a special meeting must be by secret ballot. In case of dissolution, the board shall decide how to dispose of the U.S. Virgin Islands Chess Federation assets, which are to be used for chess.
5.1 Only the Congress may amend this constitution at the annual meeting. Amendments to this constitution may be moved only by:
a) The Board of Administration submits their motion(s) of amendment to the USVICF constitution to the USVICF Secretariat at least two (2) months prior to the opening of the annual meeting in order for the amendments to be distributed to all board of administration members and national clubs.
b) By the majority of all Club Presidents that together submit their motion(s) of amendment to the USVICF constitution to the USVICF Secretariat at least two (2) months prior to the opening of the annual meeting in order for the amendments to be distributed to all Board of Administration members and National Clubs.
5.1.1 An amendment, to be passed, requires a two thirds majority of the votes of the Board of Administration, all National Club Presidents and Councilors validly cast.
5.2 All amendments to the present constitution will enter into force 30 days after the date it was passed by the Congress.
6.1 The constitution was amended by the congress in St. Croix, Virgin Islands on the 26the of March 2022.
6.2 This constitution shall supersede the previous constitutions and all amendments thereto to which are thereby abrogated. This constitution shall come into effect 30 days after the acceptance of the Congress.
This USVICF constitution was amended on March 25. 2023 to include the highlighted section of this USVICF constitution.