USVI Allows Gov't Workers to Run
The US Virgin Islands Legislature committee approved a bill allowing active government employees to run for elective office without resigning, advancing it to the Committee on Rules and Judiciary. The measure, sponsored by Senator Marise C. James, drew mixed reactions over conflict-of-interest risks, Hatch Act implications and fairness for lower-paid workers; three committee members abstained.
A territorial bill that would allow active government employees to run for elected office without first resigning cleared a USVI legislative committee Monday and now moves to the Committee on Rules and Judiciary. James, the bill aims to remove what its proponents call economic barriers to civic participation by permitting government workers to contest elections “unless specifically prohibited by federal or other laws.” The measure passed despite abstentions by Senators Carla J.
Joseph, Alma Francis Heyliger and Ray Fonseca. Bryan Jr. introduced similar legislation earlier this year but was told Senator James’s bill had preempted his measure. Senator James and former Senator Donna Frett-Gregory brought a nearly identical bill in 2023. Supporters say the latest effort simply opens the door for qualified public servants who cannot afford to resign to pursue elective office.
James urged the committee to support the change, arguing it does not remove accountability: campaign activity would remain prohibited while on duty and managers could require leave if campaigning interferes with official responsibilities. The bill also bars someone from serving as both an employee and a member of the same board, specifically naming education and elections boards.
A central legal concern has been the Hatch Act, a federal statute limiting certain political activities by federal employees. James told colleagues the Hatch Act only bars candidacy if an employee’s salary is paid entirely with federal funds, and therefore does not automatically prohibit all employees in federally funded agencies from running.
Chief Negotiator Joss Springette voiced no objection, and Democratic Party State Chair Carol Burke said the bill would “restore fairness” and prevent incumbency advantages tied to economic exclusion. Retired educator Ophelia Williams-Jackson described personal sacrifices she made to run previously, while Cindy Richardson, Director of the Division of Personnel, praised provisions that delineate boundaries and allow supervisors to manage conflicts.
Lawmakers debated implementation details. Senator Kurt Vialet suggested a 30-day paid leave window before elections, concerned that active employees might be distracted in the lead-up to voting; James countered that many employees lack sufficient leave. Senator Kenneth Gittens sought written acknowledgements for employees about federal funding status and clearer definitions of permissible on-duty activities.
The committee’s livestream suffered technical problems during Monday’s meeting, limiting public access to parts of the debate. For residents of the British Virgin Islands, the measure highlights tensions common across jurisdictions: balancing wider democratic access for public servants with safeguards against conflicts of interest.
The bill’s next stop is Rules and Judiciary, where its details and possible amendments will be further examined.
Primary source: VINO