In Their Words: USVI Voters Reveal Hopes and Concerns Ahead of Election

As the territory prepares for elections, residents discuss the critical issues they face, including infrastructure neglect, economic challenges, and the need for responsive representation.

ST. CROIX — Over the past several weeks, the U.S. Virgin Islands has become more and more festooned with signs both large and small, each promoting a different electoral candidate. With Election Day less than 24 hours away, Consortium journalists wanted to find out what voters thought about their choices for representatives, and the political environment in general. We spoke to three residents of St. Croix, and this is what they had to say.

“I want to see a difference,” said Shanda Ramnarine, a Virgin Islander with Trinidadian roots. “The struggle is real and…not much improvement, as far as I can see.” Ms. Ramnarine says she is active in the political process, having participated in party primaries earlier this year. One of her top concerns is the ongoing billing crisis at the V.I. Water and Power Authority. She says that whoever comprises the 36th Legislature needs to address the problem urgently. Another issue is the sluggish pace when it comes to rolling out retroactive payments for former government workers. “My husband worked for the government for over 30 years. He died, and we're still waiting to get these retro monies that were granted.”

According to Ms. Ramnarine, for too long there has been too much talk by lawmakers, but not enough action on key issues faced by Virgin Islanders. “We are tired of this. We want to see change,” she declared, pointing out the plight of the homeless, and of senior citizens. “You remember them when you want their vote,” she admonished lawmakers. “Do we ever go out there to visit and see what their needs are?”