30/11/2025
Good afternoon, and thank you, Ms. Corbeil, for your message that was recently shared in the Voices of St. John VI page. We appreciate your more than forty years of service to the St. John community and the perspective you bring. The Democratic Party of the Virgin Islands respects the right of every resident to express concerns, and we value the genuine care for the Territory reflected in your post.
It is important, however, that any discussion about our leaders and our Party be grounded in the factual record. Delegate to Congress Stacey E. Plaskett has faced scrutiny, as all public officials do, but a fair and complete assessment must also acknowledge her substantial contributions to the Territory. Under her leadership, the Virgin Islands secured over ten billion dollars in federal disaster recovery funding following Hurricanes Irma and Maria, the largest federal investment in our history. She has worked closely with FEMA, HUD, and other agencies to advance hospital rebuilds, school reconstruction, broadband expansion, energy grid modernization, and workforce development. She became the first Delegate from the USVI to serve on the House Ways and Means Committee, giving the Territory a long overdue voice in national economic and tax policy. Her advocacy on national platforms has brought unprecedented visibility to the needs of the Virgin Islands, ensuring that our challenges and our culture are understood across the country. These accomplishments are documented, measurable, and directly impact the daily lives of Virgin Islanders.
Your concerns about political culture and the direction of the Democratic Party deserve acknowledgment. What is equally true is that the Party today is not the Party of the past. Under the new leadership of State Chair Carol Burke, the Democratic Party of the Virgin Islands has entered a period of meaningful reform focused on transparency, accountability, and inclusion. Chair Burke has led the strengthening of internal controls, the reactivation of standing committees, and the expansion of leadership opportunities for women and young people. She has prioritized broad community engagement across all islands, including St. John, and has worked to rebuild the Party’s relationships with national Democratic partners to ensure that the Virgin Islands remains fully represented. Her leadership has already resulted in a more organized, responsive, and community-centered Party that reflects Democratic values in both practice and principle.
It is also a matter of record that Democratic leadership has consistently delivered the majority of federal funding, policy advancements, and recovery support that the Territory continues to rely on. From education aid to Medicaid enhancements, from workers' protections to economic development initiatives, Democratic governance has consistently moved the Virgin Islands forward. This progress does not mean the Party is above critique, no institution is, but it does mean that the broader truth includes the measurable gains achieved.
We hear your concerns, and we share your hope for a Virgin Islands rooted in fairness, accountability, transparency, and strong leadership. The Democratic Party remains committed to continuing its reforms, expanding community involvement, uplifting new leaders, and ensuring that every resident on St. John, St. Thomas, and St. Croix is seen, heard, and valued.
Even when perspectives differ, we appreciate honest dialogue and the passion for community that motivates it. Thank you again for sharing your message, and we wish you and your family a meaningful and peaceful holiday season.
Democratic Party of the Virgin Islands
