As we gear up for the 2024 Senate elections, it’s crucial to know where each candidate stands on issues that matter most to our community. To keep you informed, The Source has compiled a list of key questions on pressing topics affecting the Virgin Islands. The answers below are from former St. Croix District Sen. Kurt Vialet:
Why are you running for office, what are your qualifications, and why should voters choose you?
As a former educator and senator, I am seeking election to the 36th Legislature of the Virgin Islands to ensure some accountability measures are in place for the betterment of this territory we all love, work and play. In earnest, the Virgin Islands is poised for a transformation in infrastructure with billions of dollars from the Federal Government yet, seven years later and we have yet to see this transformation. As a resident, the problems plaguing these islands are so evident. St. Croix specifically needs a strong voice and experienced leadership to address the myriads of issues facing us. I stayed away from office for two years and saw a steady decline in government’s services to its people. A Bachelor of Arts degree in Mathematics and a Master of Arts in Administration and Supervision, I have been tasked with many leadership roles to include mathematics teacher, assistant principal, principal, senator, Finance Committee chair, chair of the GERS Subcommittee and I have succeeded in every aspect to bring about change in the best interest of the people of this territory. This experience has given me a vast knowledge of governance and a clear understanding of the intricacies of government. I am always ready and willing to serve to bring about formidable progress for the people.
How would you address the high cost of living in the territory and the lack of affordable housing?
Inflation continues to be on the rise across the nation. As a senator in the 34th Legislature, I asked the Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs to conduct a study of shipping costs and its effect on prices in the Virgin Islands. The study has been completed and there is a need to determine whether a present mark up in prices are reasonable. I would encourage the DLCA to host a meeting with the stakeholders and publish the study so that we can closely monitor businesses and analyze the fair market cost of importation of goods to this territory. As the prime sponsor of the “First Time Home Buyers Act,” I created this legislation to assist home buyers with a down payment and closing costs. I plan to initiate discussion with banks, insurance companies and realtors to discuss issues and additional possible solutions for affordable housing.
How would you improve the territory’s electrical grid and implementation of renewable energy?
I would promote the establishment of microgrids by utilizing solar energy and a possible tie in with Port Hamiton to utilize their excess power generation. Federal funds that are earmarked for the transmission system must be utilized for the hardening of the system by completing the installation of composite poles and undergrounding of main lines.
What would you do to expedite or improve the territory’s disaster recovery, which has dragged on for seven years now?
Oversight! Oversight! Oversight of all departments or agencies that handle disaster recovery projects. The job of the Legislature is to hold them accountable.
What reforms would you propose to ensure our children are receiving the public education that they deserve?
The learning loss that occurred because of two Category 5 hurricanes and Covid in 2020 has been devastating to our students. I am a proponent of entrance testing exams, and I strongly believe that we need to test every student to determine their grade level. An educational plan must be developed for each student that meets them at their grade level by establishing tutorials, extended school days and summer programs. Additionally, we must invest in the infrastructure by the full utilization of federal funds.
What are your solutions to address violent crime in the territory, especially among young men?
Education is the answer to preventing violent crimes! An educated community that is tied to opportunities that are provided to the younger generation is a deterrent to crime. Young men need to be provided with vocational and career tech opportunities that will lead to good paying jobs. Enforcement needs to be enhanced by utilizing technology and best practices.
How can the territory improve upon its tourism product while addressing growing concerns about over-tourism? Are we too reliant on cruise tourism and what can be done to bring more overnight visitors?
Tourism has slowly evolved into an industry that values experiences. The tourism product, especially on St. Thomas, have remained the same for the past 20 years while other jurisdictions are continuously tweaking their products. There is a need for rebranding and an emphasis on expanding overnight guests. There is a great possibility of an additional 100 hotel rooms being built in Christiansted. These projects are already approved and should be fast tracked. Lastly, the Tourism office on St. Croix needs to be fully staffed with competent, assertive individuals.
What would you propose to better support people dealing with mental illness, alcoholism, addiction, and homelessness?
Mental health and homelessness are a growing concern that seems to be expanding throughout the territory. As a senator we allocated monies for the purchase of behavioral health vans for all islands. Monies were also appropriated to hire staff so that those vans could go out into the community and provide services to those in need. We need to implement the use of these vans. Lastly, we need to utilize the federal funds or the “Epstein Monies” to build a mental health facility.
What plans do you have to reestablish the libraries in the territory?
Libraries, as you know, promote equity and inclusivity by offering resources and services that are accessible to everyone. Libraries are under the jurisdiction of DPNR and hence a function of the Executive Branch. Monies have been allocated both locally and federally, to repair all libraries and there is simply a need for execution. Furthermore, there are many competent Virgin Islanders here and abroad with degrees in Library Science and Management that can elevate the function of our libraries as they are an important part of our community.
How can we provide access to affordable healthcare for individuals and small businesses?
Affordable health care is a need that residents should have access to. The cost of health insurance is extremely costly for individuals and small businesses. As a senator I would move a resolution to Congress that provides a justification and request to be included in the Affordable Care Act. As American citizens it is our right.
Please tell us about any of your other priorities for the territory that are not addressed in the questions above.
Over the past seven years we have lost over 20,000 residents. The loss of this population has severely impacted small businesses. As a senator, I would discuss economic initiatives to lure manufacturing companies back to the U.S. Virgin Islands.
And finally, if you could have one superpower to move the V.I. forward, what would it be and why?
I would want to be a genie wherein with a blink of my eyes, I can transform the Virgin Islands into a land of outstanding education opportunities, excellent healthcare, an infrastructure that we can all be pleased with and a society free of violence.
