Accomplishments

During the first ten years of the LWV VI and long thereafter, VI Governors, Chief judges and Senators wisely looked over their shoulders as they tangled with choosing the best ways forward for the Territory, knowing that the League was watching. 

The first ten years of LWV VI in the USVI (as chronicled in its 10^th Anniversary Booklet) were admirable, significant and fruitful, led by women who cared passionately about the USVI and worked tirelessly to ensure that leaders in the public sector upheld their oaths of office, enacted meaningful legislation and conducted a just judicial body. 

Key League names in those days were Edith Bornn whose name became synonymous with “the League”, and who Governors, Commissioners, Senators and Judges could expect calls from on issues of key importance or on being lectured to for their positions on those issues; Helen Gjessing who was the League’s primary watchdog on the environment; Norma Levin and Clovis Emmanuel who meticulously examined local government budget proposals and spending.  Although all are deceased now, their legacy remains intact.

The remarkable accomplishments of the first ten year are detailed in the 10^th Anniversary Booklet.

ONGOING and RECENT MAJOR ACCOMPLISHMENTS

• LWV VI organized a major forum on home insurance in February 2018 following two devastating hurricanes in 2017 when large numbers of homeowners and businesses found themselves without adequate insurance or were fundamentally not knowledgeable about home insurance. Main presenters at the 4 -hour forum were leaders in the insurance business, bankers, and the Office of the Lt Governor’s Office of Banking and Insurance. Portions of the forum were carried live by local radio station WSTA. The large auditorium of a local high school where the forum was presented was almost filled to capacity.
• LWV VI initiated the work for a Referendum on developing a constitution for the USVI. With the support of several Senators, LWV VI received support from the Legislature to develop and implement an education program for the voting public on the Referendum. The League’s education program included presentations on numerous radio programs, OP ED articles and presentations to various community organizations.  LWV VI also worked with the Elections System on the wording for the Referendum question placed on the ballot for the 2020 election.  The Referendum gained a majority of voter support and passed.
• LWV VI has become a primary source for local citizens in informing their votes, through our televised interviews of candidates for political office. Voters have looked forward to our thoughtful questions on key issues of importance to the public. The programs have interviewed candidates for the positions of Governor, Lt Governor, Congressional Representative, Senator, and for positions on the Boards of Election and Education.
• LWV VI has collaborated with the local Elections System in registering new voters and has been recognized by the Elections System as a reliable partner.
• LWV VI attends Naturalization Ceremonies on both St. Croix and St. Thomas and distributes flyers on how to register to vote to the new Americans.
• LWV VI continues to be invited to comment of key pieces of legislation being considered for enactment by the VI Legislature, a testament to the position the LWV VI holds in the eyes of that body.