A Comprehensive Campaign Platform for the Next Governor and Lt. Governor of the U.S. Virgin Islands

Problem

Medicare and Medicaid reimbursements in the Virgin Islands are based on catastrophically outdated cost data from the 1980s (last updated in 1982 for RLS and 1996 for JFL), resulting in chronic underfunding of our hospitals and healthcare system. Further, residents face limited access to primary and specialty care providers, often relying on emergency rooms or traveling off-island for routine care.

Solution

• End 40 years of healthcare underfunding by securing fair federal funding for Virgin Islands healthcare
• Aggressively pursue Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act (TEFRA) rebasing in collaboration with the Delegate to Congress
• Submit an updated territorial health state plan to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
• Fast track the rebuild of the territory's two hospitals and Myrah Keating Smith Community Health Center
• Increase primary care and specialty care access by integrating telehealth in clinics and hospitals
• Establish a clinical care partnership with a national hospital brand
• Bring back basic health care services to our schools (ex. dental visits)

Impact

Reduction in uncompensated care liability, stronger hospitals, and greater access to primary, specialty, and hospital care for Virgin Islanders both on-island and off-island.

Problem

Shortage of critical medical staff and struggle to retain local nurses and medical staff in the USVI severely limit healthcare delivery.

Solution

• Strengthen recruitment and retention through competitive compensation, housing and cost-of-living incentives, and loan repayment programs
• Build local health professional training programs in partnership with UVI

Impact

A stable local healthcare workforce, reduced reliance on temporary staff, improved quality of care, and faster access to services for residents.

Problem

The Virgin Islands lacks sufficient behavioral health infrastructure, with shortages of providers, limited crisis and treatment services, and high stigma deterring help-seeking.

Solution

• Expand the behavioral health workforce through recruitment and training
• Increase access to services through mobile units and telehealth
• Complete the final phase of the Eldra Schulterbrandt facility and build new mental health facilities
• Integrate mental health support and counseling in all schools
• Launch community-based programs and public awareness campaigns to reduce stigma and encourage early intervention

Impact

Improved mental health outcomes, fewer crisis situations, stronger families, and healthier, more resilient communities.

Problem

Virgin Islanders pay some of the highest prices in the region in part due to costly imports, frequent delays, and long processing times.

Solution

Modernize our ports and position the St. Croix as a strategic consolidation hub for Caribbean distribution by leveraging our unique exemption from the Jones Act.

• Upgrade cargo handling and customs technology
• Expand warehousing and cold storage
• Attract additional vessels and regional trade volume
• Forge new partnerships with neighboring Caribbean countries to serve as a transshipment hub

Impact

Lower prices on everyday items, faster delivery, expanded choice, millions in new revenue, and creation of new jobs across the Territory.

Problem

Tourism accounts for approximately 60% of our GDP and a significant share of employment. When global travel slows, our economy contracts. We need industries that provide stable, year-round income.

Solution

• Bring back light manufacturing and industrial businesses to St. Croix that can produce goods locally and export regionally with the advantage of the “Made in America” stamp.
• Revitalize the St. Croix Industrial Park by attracting light manufactures
• Invest in designated industrial zones - St. Croix’s Southshore
• Streamline permitting timelines
• Pair incentives with local workforce training

Impact

Year-round jobs, economic resilience, and an expanded revenue base that allows wages and business activity to circulate in the local economy.

Problem

The USVI imports more than 97% of its food. We are exporting our food dollars while importing at higher costs.

Solution

• Fund the Agricultural State Plan and modernize agriculture by investing in local farmers and new technologies such as hydroponics, greenhouse farming, and climate-resilient crops,
• Leverage UVI, DOA, EDA, and the local food and farm council to lead research, training, and innovation.
• Prioritize locally grown produce procurement for public institutions including schools, hospitals, correctional facilities, and other government programs.
• Establish a USDA-certified lab to support food testing, certification, and exports
• Expand agriculture education in schools and community growing programs to create long-term interest and investment in local food production.
• Build-out agro-processing and commercial kitchens that support local food entrepreneurs

Impact

Lower grocery costs, support for local farmers and fishers, and new local industries.

Problem

Historic towns across the U.S. Virgin Islands have experienced years of underinvestment, resulting in aging infrastructure, deteriorating historic buildings, vacant storefronts, and limited economic activity.

Solution

• Launch a targeted historic town revitalization plan that upgrades infrastructure, restores historic buildings, promotes mixed-use spaces that introduces housing opportunities, and creates incentives for small businesses.
• Bring back the Anti-Litter and Beautification Commission
• Support local entrepreneurs through grants, financing, and programs that activate the economy

Impact

Re-birth of historic downtowns, rebuilding homes, more jobs, stronger small businesses, increased foot traffic, and a more dynamic tourism experience that benefits residents year-round.

Problem

Nearly a decade after Hurricanes Irma and Maria, school reconstruction continues to lag. At the same time, many young Virgin Islanders lack safe, structured places to learn, play, build relationships, and stay engaged outside of school hours, resulting in fewer positive outlets and support systems.

Solution

• Fast-track rebuild of our schools
• Reopen housing community centers across the territory as safe, accessible spaces offering year round programs and youth development activities in partnership with schools and community organizations.

Impact

Modern schools and year-round spaces for children to grow.

Problem

Too many children enter kindergarten unprepared, contributing to low reading and math proficiency, higher dropout rates, and long-term workforce gaps. Only 9.6% of 4th graders are proficient in reading and just 2.4% of 8th graders are proficient in math (2022/23 Kids Count Data).

Solution

Refocus a large percentage of federal funding for early childhood education initiatives to ensure every 4-year-old enters kindergarten ready to succeed.

• Align standards across Head Start and private daycare providers
• Invest in educators, curriculum, and early learning facilities to ensure consistent, high-quality instruction territory-wide.

Impact

Stronger academic outcomes, reduced dropout rates, lower long-term social costs, and a better-prepared future workforce.

Problem

A number of jobs exist across trades and technical fields, but many Virgin Islanders lack access to training, certification, or clear pathways to employment.

Solution

Expand Career & Technical Education (CTE) programs aligned with high-demand industries such as construction, energy, healthcare, and technology.

• Partner with employers to create job-linked training pipelines
• Provide subsidized certification and licensing support for local talent
• Activate internships and apprenticeships for UVI and CTE students.
• Incentivize companies to hire and retain certified Virgin Islanders through targeted tax and workforce programs.

Impact

Higher wages for residents, reduced reliance on imported labor, faster project delivery, and more dollars staying in the local economy.

Problem

Cognitive, academic, and behavioral challenges in children often go unidentified until they become crises, with agencies operating in silos and missing early warning signs.

Solution

Relaunch and scale Virgin Islands Virtual Information System (VIVIS) as an integrated child tracking and support system.

• Connect key departments and agencies
• Track key indicators from birth through adulthood, including academic performance, health, and behavioral data
• Implement coordinated wraparound services for at-risk youth.

Impact

Earlier intervention, improved academic and life outcomes, reduced delinquency, lower long-term social costs, and stronger, more supported families.

Problem

The senior population is growing in the Territory. Many seniors struggle to afford prescription medications, access in-home support, or find appropriate long-term care options, forcing too many families to send loved ones off-island for care and creating significant emotional and financial hardship.

Solution

• Build independent and assisted living communities through public-private partnerships
• Expand workforce training for healthcare professionals and provide incentives to attract providers, while strengthening in-home care options to help seniors remain in their communities longer
• Reopen senior centers
• Increase the percentage of funding for prescription support for seniors.

Impact

Seniors can age in their communities, afford essential medications, and age with dignity.

Problem

Many seniors on fixed incomes struggle to keep up with rising cost of living, often choosing between purchasing medications and paying their property tax bills, making it harder to remain in the homes and communities they built over a lifetime.

Solution

Establish a tiered, age- and income-based property tax relief program for senior homeowners, with full exemptions available to qualifying seniors who reside in their homes as their primary residence.

Impact

Greater financial relief for seniors, stronger housing stability, reduced financial strain on families, and the ability for more elders to remain in their homes and communities.

Problem

High employee contribution rates and long-term instability in GERS reduce take-home pay and discourage talented professionals from joining or staying in government roles. This contributes to vacancies, turnover, and weaker public service delivery.

Solution

• Enhance plan stability via legislative/actuarial reforms: secure reliable funding (e.g., full rum cover-over utilization, dedicated stabilization funds), improve investment strategies, and implement governance changes for fiduciary oversight
• Introduce incentives like matching contributions, portable options, or supplemental retirement savings (e.g., 457/403(b) enhancements) to boost perceived value
• Conduct transparent actuarial reviews and public education to rebuild trust in GERS as a viable long-term benefit

Impact

More competitive compensation and retirement benefits that attract and retain skilled professionals, reduced vacancies and turnover, stronger government performance, improved long-term fiscal stability, and increased confidence in public service careers.