Raymond T. James Esq: Thank You to the People of St. Croix
Raymond T. James Esq: Thank You to the People of St. Croix
Dear People of St. Croix,
Now that the 2026 election results have been certified, I extend my sincere congratulations to the winning candidates. I wish them wisdom and success in fulfilling the responsibilities entrusted to them by the people of the Virgin Islands.
Thank you, St. Croix, for the opportunity to meet with you, hear your concerns, and share my vision as a candidate for the Legislature. I am grateful to everyone who welcomed me, listened to my proposals for a better Virgin Islands, and participated in the election.
Although I was not elected, my commitment to serving our community remains strong. To everyone who voted for me, donated to my campaign, volunteered their time, or offered encouragement, please accept my heartfelt thanks. Your generosity, confidence, and support made this campaign possible.
During the campaign, my 14 press releases published in the St. Croix Times outlined my positions on the challenges facing our island. Rattan Polling Service also highlighted our citizens’ concerns and priorities. Drawing upon those published positions, the concerns reflected in the polling, and
continued community discussion, I will develop expanded proposals for consideration by our newly elected officials.
Our priorities remain urgent. We must pursue a safe and responsible restart of the refinery, reverse our population decline by creating opportunities that encourage our people to stay and return home, improve health care, and demand reliable and affordable service from WAPA.
I also remain committed to restructuring our government through municipal government. I believe meaningful decentralization is essential to reforming a centralized system that has too often failed our communities. Decisions affecting our daily lives must be brought closer to the people, with clear responsibility and accountability for results.
Through open community discussion, careful planning, and collective action, we can turn these priorities into workable proposals. I stand ready to work constructively with our elected leaders and fellow citizens to strengthen local decision-making and restore real accountability to the people.
An election ends a campaign; it does not end a commitment to service. I look forward to continuing this work with you.
Thank you, St. Croix.
With gratitude and determination,
Raymond T. James, Esq.
“Service for the people, not for self.”
About Raymond
Raymond T. James, Esq., is a former Assistant Attorney General of the Virgin Islands and former chairman of the Government Employees’ Retirement System Board, the Virgin Islands Racing Commission, and Christiansted Credit Union. A graduate of Howard University School of Law, he holds a certificate in negotiations from the Wharton School. He is also a farmer, small business owner, and horse racing administrator. He is married to longtime educator Lystra Roland James.
