Dear Virgin Islanders and friends:
It has been one of my greatest honors and privileges to serve my beloved constituents of the Virgin Islands, notably those of St. Thomas/St. John District, who have once again given me the opportunity to serve as one of your senators in the 35th Legislature. I remain humbled by your overwhelming confidence and pledge to continue to work diligently on offering meaningful legislation that will have positive impacts on our community.
Serving as your Senate president in the 34th Legislature of the U.S. Virgin Islands has been both a humbling and rewarding experience. Reflecting on the past two terms, I am reminded that the work done within the walls of the Capitol Building is sacred, consequential and should never be taken lightly.
Over the past few years, Virgin Islanders have experienced many uncertainties, from the hurricanes of 2017 to the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite these challenges I have remained laser-focused on ensuring the success of the 34th Legislature by collaboratively addressing key issues important to the livelihood of Virgin Islanders.
During my tenure as president, the 34th Legislature was instrumental in ensuring that meaningful legislation was adopted. The body adopted over 250 pieces of legislation. Notable ones include the GERS (Government Employees’ Retirement System) stabilization, FIRE/EMS merger, restoration of the 8% and $40M retroactive payments to government employees, Comprehensive Behavioral Health, enactment of the 6th Constitutional Convention, and most recently the Adult Use Cannabis legislation. As your senator, the work that I do on your behalf has immediate and lasting effects, which is why it is undertaken with the utmost respect for the people and with fidelity to the oath taken.
While there has been much success these past two years, in our ever-changing society there remains more work to do; and we can only be successful with collaborative and deliberative actions. As I join my colleagues to take the oath of office for the 35th Legislature; I recommit to the people of this territory to maintain your confidence and trust, and, most importantly, to work on matters that are important to advancing the quality of life of Virgin Islanders with careful consideration.
Thank you for the opportunity to serve as the third female president of the Legislature of the U.S. Virgin Islands. I look forward to building on the work we began through collaboration and to a productive 35th Legislature.
God’s richest blessings in the year ahead.
With sincerity,
Donna Frett-Gregory
President, 34th/35th Legislature of the Virgin Islands
