STX Senate Candidate Raymond T. James, Esq. CALLS FOR URGENT CRIME RESPONSE, FEDERAL HELP AND ADDITIONAL FUNDING

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

October 1, 2026 

JAMES CALLS FOR URGENT CRIME RESPONSE, FEDERAL HELP AND ADDITIONAL FUNDING 

ST. CROIX, U.S. Virgin Islands - Raymond T. James, Esq., Republican candidate for Senate in the District of St. Croix, called today for immediate action and additional resources to protect residents, children, businesses and visitors from violent crime. 

James urged the Governor and Police Commissioner, if they have not already done so, to request additional assistance from ATF, the FBI and other appropriate federal partners. He called for a public briefing within seven days and a 90-day violence-reduction plan beginning immediately. 

“We cannot bury our heads in the sand while violence threatens our lives and livelihoods,” James said. “Our families deserve safety, our businesses deserve protection, and our tourism-dependent economy depends on public confidence.” 

James called on the administration and Legislature to identify and secure additional funding, examining available local appropriations, lawful budget reallocations and eligible federal grants and assistance. 

“If additional funding is needed, let’s find it,” James said. “Identify the resources, explain the funding gaps and bring forward the appropriations needed. Protecting lives must be a budget priority, with every dollar accounted for.” 

His proposed response prioritizes: 

• More visible patrols, additional investigators and forensic support to prevent violence and solve cases. 

• Working streetlights and improved security lighting in vulnerable neighborhoods, commercial areas and public spaces. 

• Confidential reporting, clearly defined rewards and witness protection so residents can safely provide credible information. 

• Joint federal and territorial investigations to trace recovered firearms and disrupt illegal trafficking networks. 

• Responsible investigative technology, including evaluated AI-assisted footage review with human verification and constitutional safeguards. 

• Effective parole and probation supervision, consistent with applicable conditions, alongside treatment, employment and reentry support. 

“Seeking federal assistance is responsible leadership. Concerns about local control must not prevent us from obtaining needed help,” James said. “Our local officials remain accountable for results.” 

The requested briefing should identify responsible agencies, staffing and funding needs, immediate actions and measurable goals. Regular public progress reports should follow without compromising investigations. 

“Residents can help save lives, but government must protect those who come forward,” James said. “We must confront the violence terrorizing our neighborhoods while safeguarding the rights that define our democracy. Public safety is everyone’s responsibility, and government must lead. The time for action is now.” 

About Raymond T. James, Esq. 

Raymond T. James is a former Assistant Attorney General, former chairman of the Government Employees’ Retirement System Board, former horse racing administrator and former chairman of Christiansted Credit Union. A Howard University School of Law graduate, he holds a certificate in negotiations from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School. He is a farmer and small business owner and is married to Lystra Roland James, a longtime educator. He is the Republican candidate for Senate, District of St. Croix, ballot number 20. 

Media Contact: Raymond T. James, Esq. | 340-643-7822 | rjames_esq@yahoo.com 

Campaign information and donations: raymondforsenate.com 

Paid for by the Committee to Elect Raymond T. James, Esq. for Senate 

1101 Strand Street, Christiansted, VI 00820 

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