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 St. Thomas-St. John District candidate Margaret Price:
Why are you running for office, what are your qualifications, and why should voters choose you?
I am running for office because I want to help those who live here by letting them know that all is not lost and to give them hope of having the territory returned back to a sense of normalcy. My qualifications include a background in the health and educational industry. I also have a Juris Doctorate of law. Voters should elect me because I care about them and the territory and want to make a difference.
How would you address the high cost of living in the territory and the lack of affordable housing?
The high cost of living is like a plague, especially for the elderly and those living in poverty. As a result, I would engage and encourage my colleagues in a fact-finding mission to come up with solutions and available funding that would be able to give out a yearly cost of living increase. Affordable housing, although an issue at the present, would and could actually be solved by first finding suitable land and then funding would come from a portion of the millions of dollars the Virgin Islands received from FEMA and other sources.
What would you do to expedite or improve the territory’s disaster recovery, which has dragged on for seven years now?
In order to improve the territory’s disaster recovery plan, outside companies and businesses that have a positive track record can be sought to help out and be held accountable from start to finish.
What reforms would you propose to ensure our children are receiving the public education that they deserve?
Our schools know that the education the youths are receiving is inadequate. The Commissioner of Education should appoint a qualified staff who have a strong educational background and skills to write an educational curriculum that meets the standards of quality education that will benefit the students.
What are your solutions to address violent crime in the territory, especially among young men?
In order to address violent crimes in the territory, especially amongst the young men, we must address the fact that we’re living in a lawless territory. Corruption along with lack of respect especially when it comes to human lives plays a role. There should be a gang unit within the VIPD that can address and red flag youths presenting problems as well as mentoring programs. Schools should have classes on conflict resolution. Last, but not least, parents should know their children(s) whereabouts and who their friends are.
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?
I believe that if we had an international airport, 90 percent of the problems would be solved. Remember, an international airport would bring in business and businesses attract tourists who follow the money. Which would in turn have tourists wanting to stay overnight because some of the businesses would have what it takes to attract tourists.
What would you propose to better support people dealing with mental illness, alcoholism, addiction, and homelessness?
We actually need a mental health facility. Housing out those with such illnesses to the mainland or putting them in jail by no means solves the problem. There’s all sorts of funding available. Why not rehab the old Michelle hotel?
What plans do you have to reestablish the libraries in the territory?
Libraries can be utilized and established when Senators decide that they are necessary and a priority. Until decent schools are built with libraries, utilize the traveling libraries. Have a modular library in a centralized location for the use of not only students but everyone.
How can we provide access to affordable healthcare for individuals and small businesses?
Why is it that the V.I., although a territory, is still a part of America. So why has the Delagate to Congress not addressed this issue? Why can’t the territory have Obama care?
Please tell us about any of your other priorities for the territory that are not addressed in the questions above.
Global warming is very serious all over the world. Senators and the governor need to revisit the global warming plan that former Gov. Mapp had in place. Cooling shelters are also needed throughout the territory.
And finally, if you could have one superpower to move the V.I. forward, what would it be and why?
If I had one superpower, it would be to rid the territory of corruption. Corruption breaks down the very fabric of the community. Look at the condition of the roads, increase in crime, lack of affordable housing, poverty, high crime rate, increase in the price of food, yet no cost of living raises, disrespect for our elders, inadequate education, lack of medical insurance coverage, etc. We know that we have these problems but we need to come together and find solutions. One of the best solutions is to eradicate corruption which causes the problems and to start holding those in office accountable.
