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 Shenelle “Fina” Francis:
Why are you running for office?
My name is Shenelle “Fina” Francis, candidate #12 for senator of the 36th Legislature. I am running for office to provide bold, visionary leadership for the Virgin Islands. Our community deserves leaders who proactively address challenges, ensuring every Virgin Islander has access to essential services, housing, and trade school education. It’s time to build a stronger, more resilient territory where opportunity is available to all. My campaign focuses on progress, equity, and giving every Virgin Islander a voice. I am committed to bringing practical solutions to improve lives and lead us toward a brighter future.
What are your qualifications?
I bring extensive experience and a strong commitment to our community, having served in the 28th Legislature, where I gained valuable insights into the legislative process. My Bachelor’s Degree in Business Marketing from Albany State University equips me with skills in communication, strategy, and economic understanding. My background in real estate has given me a keen awareness of housing equity issues. These qualifications, combined with my deep love for the Virgin Islands, make me ready to serve with dedication and a clear vision for progress.
Why should voters choose you?
Voters should choose me because I embody the values of transparency, community-first leadership, and a commitment to addressing the pressing issues we face. I aim to continue the legacy of service exemplified by Ruby Rouse, ensuring every Virgin Islander feels heard and valued through my policies and actions. I humbly ask for your support in this upcoming election. Early voting takes place from Oct. 14 to 28, with the General Election following on Nov. 5.
How would you address the high cost of living in the territory and the lack of affordable housing?
The high cost of living and lack of affordable housing are among the most pressing issues we face, and I am committed to addressing them with innovative solutions. One of the core elements of my platform is the development of affordable tiny homes — specifically designed for families of four, with two bedrooms and a loft. These homes provide a sustainable, cost-effective alternative to traditional housing, allowing us to offer quality living spaces at a fraction of the cost.
By encouraging the construction of tiny home communities, we can reduce housing expenses while maintaining a high standard of living. I will push for policies that provide land grants, streamline the building approval process, and secure funding to make these homes available to more residents. Additionally, integrating these homes into eco-friendly communities will help lower utility costs by utilizing renewable energy solutions like solar power and water conservation systems. Together, we can create housing solutions that are not only affordable but sustainable for the future.
How would you improve the territory’s electrical grid and implementation of renewable energy?
To improve the Virgin Islands’ electrical grid and implement renewable energy, we must embrace innovative and sustainable solutions that reduce our reliance on fossil fuels while enhancing our resilience. One groundbreaking approach I propose is the development of underwater power stations that harness tidal energy. The power of the ocean’s tides can be an abundant, renewable source of electricity for the territory. Did you know that China operates the largest tidal energy station in the world, with a capacity of 3,000 kilowatts? It generates clean, pollution-free energy for all.
By exploring this technology, we can position the Virgin Islands as a leader in renewable energy and technological progress, while significantly reducing our carbon footprint. Combining this with other renewable energy sources like solar power would make our grid more robust and reliable, bringing long-term stability to our energy supply. This forward-thinking approach ensures we not only keep pace with global advancements but also protect our islands for future generations.
What would you do to expedite or improve the territory’s disaster recovery, which has dragged on for seven years now?
After seven years of slow progress, it is time for a bold, collaborative approach to accelerate disaster recovery in our territory. A public-private partnership (PPP) model, leveraging tiny homes, could be the catalyst for change.
Affordable Tiny Homes and PPP Initiatives: By collaborating with private builders, the government can promote the construction of cost-effective tiny homes as a quick and sustainable housing solution. These homes, designed for resilience and efficiency, can be deployed rapidly to accommodate those still without permanent housing.
Incentives for Builders: Incentivizing local builders with tax breaks, grants, and streamlined permitting processes will boost participation and investment, helping the economy while ensuring faster construction timelines.
Improved Lending Options: Offering favorable loan programs tailored for disaster recovery, such as low-interest and flexible repayment terms, will empower homeowners and builders alike to invest in rebuilding efforts. Collaborating with financial institutions can expand access to these funds, creating a robust ecosystem for recovery.
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?
In recent years, the U.S. Virgin Islands has seen significant growth in tourism, particularly from cruise ships. While this has brought economic benefits, there are concerns about over-reliance on cruise tourism and its impact on local culture and environment. To sustainably enhance our tourism product and attract more overnight visitors, it is crucial to explore innovative approaches.
One promising strategy is to emphasize our unique agricultural offerings, similar to Italy’s citrus fruit experiences. The Virgin Islands boasts a rich array of exotic fruits, from soursop to starfruit, each contributing to our local identity and culinary heritage. By establishing welcome centers and offering fruit tours, visitors can immerse themselves in our agricultural bounty, enhancing their overall experience while supporting local farmers.
Moreover, by mandating that all visitors, through partnerships with the V.I. Taxi Association, visit these welcome centers, we can introduce them to the diverse flavors and cultural aspects of our islands from their arrival. This approach not only enriches the tourist experience but also spreads economic benefits throughout our community.
Looking ahead, we remain open to new ideas that promote sustainable tourism and reduce the environmental impact of our industry. By balancing growth with preservation, we can ensure that the Virgin Islands remains a cherished destination for generations to come.
What would you propose to better support people dealing with mental illness, alcoholism, addiction, and homelessness?
To better support individuals dealing with mental illness, addiction, and homelessness in the Virgin Islands, I propose a holistic, community-based approach:
- 24-Hour Crisis Hotline: Establish a dedicated hotline staffed with trained professionals to provide immediate counseling and connect individuals with local mental health and addiction services. This service would act as a bridge to long-term care and create local jobs in mental health.
- Support Groups for Addiction: Introduce peer-led support groups, similar to AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) and NA (Narcotics Anonymous), across neighborhoods. Collaborating with community and religious organizations ensures accessibility while fostering a supportive environment for recovery.
- Tiny Home Village for the Homeless: Build a “Tiny Home Village” of 100 cottages, sponsored by local businesses, offering temporary housing, skill development, and community engagement through gardening initiatives. The village provides a pathway to self-sufficiency and stability for residents.
What plans do you have to reestablish the libraries in the territory?
Fun fact about me: I grew up in the Enid M. Baa Library, which is currently under construction, and I understand firsthand how important these spaces are to our community. The last update on the status of the Charles W. Turnbull Regional Library is that it will remain closed until repairs are completed in 2024. While we wait for the completion of these crucial facilities, it is important to think outside the box to address the literacy challenges our children are facing.
Instead of waiting for the lengthy and often unrealistic process of constructing a new facility, let’s bring books directly to the children of the territory. I propose converting a fleet of school buses into mobile libraries that can service all neighborhoods, including public housing communities. These mobile libraries would not only offer a wide range of books, but also provide library cards and allow for book borrowing and returns, just like any traditional library.
A mobile library service will:
- Reach more children and families: By bringing books directly into the communities, we can reach children who may not have access to a physical library.
- Combat literacy challenges: By providing easy access to books, we are equipping our children with the tools they need to improve their reading skills and expand their knowledge.
- Strengthen community engagement: Offering educational resources in the heart of our neighborhoods fosters a love for reading and learning, helping to shape a brighter future for the Virgin Islands.
This practical approach can be rolled out quickly and efficiently, ensuring that we don’t lose precious time while waiting for permanent library repairs. By investing in our children’s education today, we build a stronger, more literate Virgin Islands for tomorrow.
How can we provide access to affordable healthcare for individuals and small businesses?
- Create a Local Healthcare Co-op: By pooling resources from small businesses and individuals, we can negotiate better insurance rates, lowering premiums and expanding access to essential services.
- Public-Private Partnerships: Collaborating with private insurers to develop affordable, tiered health plans tailored to the unique needs of small businesses and individuals will ensure coverage is within reach for all.
- Subsidies and Incentives: Offering tax incentives and subsidies to small businesses that provide health insurance, along with exploring federal assistance programs, can make a tangible difference in reducing costs for both employers and residents.
Please tell us about any of your other priorities for the territory that are not addressed in the questions above.
Housing is my top priority for the Virgin Islands. The rebuild has taken far too long, and we are losing our local population due to a lack of affordable housing options. We must prioritize partnerships with developers to accelerate progress and build new developments across the territory. One key issue is the limited housing inventory, which prevents residents from benefiting from programs like the Housing Choice Voucher Program (funded by HUD) that allows recipients to purchase homes with their voucher. To address this, we need to foster public-private partnerships, streamline the development process, and incentivize builders to create affordable, sustainable housing solutions. By expanding our housing stock, we can ensure that more Virgin Islanders have access to safe, affordable homes, strengthening our community and keeping families rooted here.
Another priority of mine is ensuring additional care for our elders, who are the foundation of our community. Many of our senior care facilities currently operate on limited hours, typically from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., which leaves gaps in essential care. I propose expanding these services to provide 24-hour nursing care for all aged populations. To achieve this, we can build partnerships with the University of the Virgin Islands, allowing nursing students to earn credit hours by assisting at senior centers. This will not only improve the quality of care for our elders but also provide valuable hands-on experience for students, fostering a stronger connection between education and community service. Our elders deserve the dignity of proper care, and this initiative would be a step toward ensuring they receive it.
And finally, if you could have one superpower to move the V.I. forward, what would it be and why?
If I could have one superpower to move the Virgin Islands forward, it would be to establish a teaching hospital on both University of the Virgin Islands campuses. My experience at Emory University, where I worked under a GI physician who served as a researcher and educator at the same institution, highlighted the urgent need for proper healthcare access in our territory.
A teaching hospital would not only attract specialty doctors to serve our community but also reduce our reliance on the mainland for medical care. Unlike a medical simulation center, this facility would enable aspiring physicians to complete their fellowships here, fostering a new generation of healthcare professionals.
By positioning ourselves as a hub for medical education and specialty care, we can enhance our healthcare system, improve patient outcomes, and ultimately keep our loved ones close to home when they need care the most. Thank you!
