With the upbeat rhythm of Mic Love’s “V.I. to Deh Bone” playing in the background, the Virgin Islands’ delegation made a powerful statement during the roll call at the Democratic National Convention (DNC) on Tuesday night. Representing the territory with pride, 13 delegates cast their votes for the party’s presidential nominee, Kamala Harris, marking a historic moment for the Virgin Islands on the national political stage.
Delegate to Congress Stacey Plaskett emphasized the significance of the convention, not just as a celebration but as a platform for serious political work. “The Democratic National Convention organizes, educates, mobilizes, and, of course, excites the party and those watching to support our candidate for president and vice president,” Plaskett said Wednesday. “Attending the convention is a serious endeavor for me as the member of Congress for the Virgin Islands. I use this time to create additional invested allies for the Virgin Islands, particularly related to equitable treatment and voting rights.”
Carol Burke, the Virgin Islands Delegation Chair, brought a focused determination to the convention. “This is my eighth convention—my first was in Chicago—so my expectations were based on previous experiences,” Burke explained. “Having been intimately involved in what was happening with the party on the national scene, I was very prepared to lead this delegation in a unique way. We had a dynamic group, with about half being seasoned delegates and others new to the experience. My mandate was clear: we absolutely had to show those who weren’t familiar with the ropes how to maneuver and navigate the dynamics of the convention, and that’s something that’s been rewarding as it continues to unfold in real-time.”
Burke stressed the importance of the Virgin Islands’ participation, especially as a territory without the right to vote in presidential elections. “We as a delegation are very much concerned about our shared interests with other territories—specifically, that we don’t get to vote for president. We took very seriously the opportunity to participate in an event where our vote matters,” Burke said. “We want to use that vote to navigate a path toward securing our right to vote. We feel those rights are being oppressed, and we are taking the issue to Kamala Harris. It is our hope and belief that she will bring it to the forefront and push the needle even further.”
Burke also highlighted plans for ongoing discussions with other territories, saying, “We’re meeting with the other territories Thursday to continue the dialogue and explore options. We’re collaborating further so that our children and grandchildren may one day realize the fight we’ve been fighting.”
For Barbara Petersen, the party’s St. Thomas-St. John District Chair, the experience was one of pure joy and energy.
“This is my fourth DNC, and I’m living off the joy and positive energy,” Petersen shared. “The hope for the future is alive and well. I am most proud of President (Joe) Biden, who put our country before himself—that is what Democrats do. And most importantly, we are so excited to nominate Vice President Harris to be the next President of the United States—Madam President in 2024!”
Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. also expressed his enthusiasm, describing the event as both “thrilling and historic.” Along with Plaskett, he had the honor of introducing the Virgin Islands delegation during the roll call, a moment he called “exhilarating” and a testament to the territory’s role in shaping the nation’s future.
“Standing on the national stage and presenting the Virgin Islands, alongside our 13 passionate delegates, is a testament to the important role our territory plays in shaping the future of our nation,” Bryan said Wednesday.
The convention, which featured speeches from notable figures like former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama, resonated deeply with the delegates, who said their messages of hope and resilience echoed the values held dear in the territory.
“The Obamas’ speeches were nothing short of extraordinary,” Bryan commented. “It was an honor to witness such an impactful moment in person.”
