Outgoing Senate President Urges “Humility” and “Purpose” Amid Salary Scandal as 36th Legislature Prepares for Oath of Office

Novelle Francis Jr., who faced scrutiny over salary increases allegedly enacted without proper review, calls on lawmakers to prioritize collaboration and the welfare of Virgin Islanders during the 36th Legislature.

On Sunday, senators and senators-elect of the 36th Legislature gathered at the Cruz Bay Seventh Day Adventist Church in St. John for the first of three events to swear lawmakers in. The pre-swearing-in ecumenical service precedes Monday’s official swearing-in ceremony at Emancipation Garden, St. Thomas. On Wednesday, a commemorative ceremony will take place in the Frits. E Lawaetz Legislative Conference Room on St. Croix.

In his final remarks as president of the 35th Legislature, Senator Novelle Francis Jr. told his colleagues that “today we gather to mark the beginning of a new chapter in our legislative journey; a chapter that brings with it a weight of responsibility, the promise of progress, and the hope of a brighter future for all Virgin Islanders.”

Mr. Francis will now serve as the chair of the Committee on Budget, Appropriations, and Finance, previously led by outgoing Senator Donna Frett-Gregory who did not seek reelection in the November 2024 election. Neither did Senator Javan James. Senators Diane Capehart and Samuel Carrion failed to win over sufficient voters to secure another term in the territory’s lawmaking branch. In their place, senators-elect Kurt Vialet, Avery Lewis, Hubert L. Frederick, and Clifford A. Joseph will serve the people of the Virgin Islands. Senator Milton Potter will replace Mr. Francis as Senate President.