STX Senate Candidate Raymond T. James, Esq. Supports Efforts to Position STX as Strategic Caribbean Shipping & Trade Hub
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STX Senate Candidate Raymond T. James, Esq. Supports Efforts to Position STX as Strategic Caribbean
Shipping & Trade Hub
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St. Croix - Raymond T. James, Esq. Republican candidate for the Legislature representing the District of St. Croix, has voiced strong support for Governor Albert Bryan Jr.’s initiative to position St. Croix as a vital link in the Eastern Caribbean through the proposed Caribbean Special Economic Zone Association, recently discussed at a regional conference in Panama.
Mr. James noted that the initiative comes at a critical time as global shipping routes continue to face significant challenges. Congestions and disruptions affecting traffic through the Panama Canal have resulted in delays and increased transportation costs throughout international markets. These higher shipping expenses ultimately reach consumers in the U.S. Virgin Islands through increased prices for food, household goods, construction materials, and other essential products.
“St. Croix is uniquely positioned to become a strategic maritime and logistics center in the Caribbean,” Mr. James stated. “As global supply chains face increasing challenges, we must proactively pursue opportunities that strengthen our economy while providing solutions that benefit both the Virgin Islands and our regional partners.”
As part of that vision, Republican Senatorial candidate Raymond T. James, Esq. is advocating for St. Croix to seek designation as a pre-clearance port for commercial vessels destined for major East coast ports, including Baltimore, New York and other key shipping destinations. Such a designation would build upon the existing partnership between the U.S. Virgin Islands and the United States Customs and Border Protection, through which the Territory already shares in customs administration and revenue collection.
According to Mr. James, obtaining pre-clearance status would significantly enhance the Territory’s competitiveness within the maritime industry while creating substantial economic opportunities for St. Croix.
“The benefits would extend far beyond the shipping sector,” Mr. James explained. “A pre-clearance port designation would create jobs, attract private investment, support local businesses, strengthen our marine services industry, and generate numerous ancillary economic opportunities throughout the island.”
Mr. James emphasized that economic development initiatives of this magnitude require collaboration among territorial leaders, the business community, federal officials, and regional stakeholders.
“Let us not be afraid of this opportunity,” Mr. James stated. “Instead, let us actively solicit the federal government to grant St. Croix designation as a pre-clearance port. Such a designation would capitalize on our strategic location, strengthen our economy, create meaningful employment opportunities, and establish St. Croix as a gateway for trade and commerce throughout the Eastern Caribbean and the United States.”
Mr. James concluded by reaffirming his commitment to policies that promote economic diversification, sustainable growth, job creation, and long-term prosperity for the people of St. Croix and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
