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 Derrick Callwood.
Why are you running for office, what are your qualifications, and why should voters choose you?
I am running for office because I am deeply committed to making positive changes in the United States Virgin Islands. With a community organizing and law enforcement background and a passion for public service, I have the experience and determination to address the pressing issues facing our community. My qualifications include:
– A strong understanding of local needs.
– A track record of effective leadership.
– A collaborative approach to problem-solving.
Voters should consider me because I am dedicated to transparency, accountability, and inclusivity in governance. I will work tirelessly to represent the best interests of the people of the United States Virgin Islands.
How would you address the high cost of living in the territory and the lack of affordable housing?
The high cost of living in the United States Virgin Islands is a significant challenge that needs to be comprehensively addressed. One approach to tackling this issue is to focus on increasing the availability of affordable housing. The particulars should involve:
- Implementing policies to encourage the development of affordable housing units.
- Providing subsidies for low-income individuals.
- Provide sliding scales (reduction) in tax obligations for small businesses as an incentive to lower consumer costs.
Additionally, efforts to improve the overall economic situation, create more job opportunities, and lower business costs could alleviate the high cost of living in the territory. By addressing the availability of affordable housing and the overall economic conditions, we can work towards making the United States Virgin Islands a cheaper place for its residents.
How would you improve the territory’s electrical grid and implementation of renewable energy?
The United States Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority is currently grappling with significant challenges in maintaining a reliable electrical grid, mainly due to severe weather events that have exposed its vulnerabilities. Urgent steps need to be taken to improve the territory’s electrical grid and promote the implementation of renewable energy.
Firstly, investing in modernizing and reinforcing the existing grid infrastructure is crucial to enhance its resilience against natural disasters. Upgrading transmission and distribution lines, incorporating intelligent grid technologies, and deploying energy storage systems can help mitigate the impact of outages and improve overall grid stability.
Secondly, increasing the integration of renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power is essential for reducing reliance on imported fossil fuels and enhancing sustainability. Encouraging private investment in solar panel installations, wind farms, and other renewable energy projects can contribute to a more diverse and environmentally friendly energy mix.
Additionally, promoting energy efficiency measures and implementing demand response programs can help balance supply and demand, reducing strain on the electrical grid during peak periods.
Furthermore, fostering partnerships with research institutions and industry experts can facilitate the development of innovative solutions tailored to the unique challenges faced by the US Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority, ultimately contributing to a more resilient and sustainable energy infrastructure.
By addressing these critical areas, the U.S. Virgin Islands, with the support and involvement of government officials, energy policymakers, and stakeholders, can work towards a more reliable, resilient, and environmentally friendly electrical grid, benefitting residents and the local economy.
What would you do to expedite or improve the territory’s disaster recovery, which has dragged on for seven years now?
I would focus on several key areas to expedite and improve the territory’s disaster recovery in the United States Virgin Islands:
— We must streamline the bureaucratic processes and increase transparency to ensure that funds and resources are allocated efficiently.
— We must prioritize community engagement and participation to ensure that recovery efforts are responsive to the needs of the people.
— We must adopt a strategic plan that defines the roles of all administrators, departments, and agencies.
— Strengthening partnerships with federal agencies, nonprofit organizations, and the private sector is crucial. Their expertise and resources are invaluable in our comprehensive recovery strategy.
What reforms would you propose to ensure our children are receiving the public education that they deserve?
Several vital reforms are necessary to ensure our children receive the high-quality public education they deserve in the United States Virgin Islands. First and foremost, improving work environments for teachers, faculty, and support staff is essential. These could involve providing better resources, support, and professional development opportunities to help teachers excel.
Secondly, offering better pay for teachers is crucial to attract and retain top talent in our schools. Competitive salaries can motivate educators and improve overall morale within the education system.
Additionally, I propose implementing advanced economic literacy curricula for our seniors. These curricula will help prepare students for financial independence and success in the real world.
Addressing these areas will help us provide the best possible education for our children in the United States Virgin Islands. As educational policymakers, school administrators, and community leaders, I urge you to take an active role in these reforms. Our persistent involvement is crucial for the success of these initiatives.
What are your solutions to address violent crime in the territory, especially among young men?
To address violent crime in the United States Virgin Islands, especially among young men, I believe we need to take a multifaceted approach. Firstly, we need to aggressively address the consent decree that is hampering policing in the territory. The practices should involve working with relevant stakeholders to find a solution that allows law enforcement to effectively carry out their duties while respecting the community’s rights.
Equally important is our investment in community programs and initiatives that offer young men crucial support, mentorship, and opportunities. These programs, which provide education, job training, and counseling services, can redirect at-risk individuals from a life of crime toward more positive paths.
Furthermore, enhancing collaboration between law enforcement, community leaders, and residents is essential. Building trust and fostering open communication can lead to more effective crime prevention and intervention strategies.
Overall, addressing violent crime in the U.S. Virgin Islands requires a comprehensive approach that combines law enforcement efforts with community-based initiatives aimed at addressing the root causes of crime and providing support to those most at risk.
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?
To improve tourism products in the United States Virgin Islands while addressing concerns about over-tourism, we can adopt a target marketing strategy to attract responsible and sustainable tourism. This strategy can be achieved by promoting off-peak travel, encouraging longer stays, and highlighting the territory’s unique cultural and natural attractions beyond the typical tourist spots. Diversifying the tourism offerings to include eco-tourism, agro-tourism, and adventure tourism could reduce the over-reliance on cruise tourism and attract more overnight visitors. Investing in infrastructure and accommodations catering to overnight visitors and promoting local home-stays and boutique hotels can contribute to a more balanced tourism approach.
What would you propose to better support people dealing with mental illness, alcoholism, addiction, and homelessness?
To better support people dealing with mental illness, alcoholism, addiction, and homelessness in the United States Virgin Islands, I would propose a comprehensive approach that includes increasing access to mental health services, substance abuse treatment programs, and affordable housing initiatives.
Firstly, the government should increase mental health services and expand facilities across the islands to ensure individuals can access professional support and treatment. These initiatives should involve increasing funding for mental health programs and recruiting more mental health professionals to serve the community.
Secondly, addressing alcoholism and addiction requires a multi-faceted approach, including education and prevention programs, as well as accessible and affordable rehabilitation services. Community outreach and awareness campaigns could help reduce the stigma associated with seeking help for addiction and alcoholism.
Additionally, tackling homelessness involves providing affordable housing options and supportive services for those in need. Initiatives to develop low-income housing, temporary shelters, and supportive employment programs could help individuals experiencing homelessness stabilize their lives and access the necessary resources.
Overall, a holistic approach that combines mental health support, substance abuse treatment, and housing initiatives is essential to better support individuals dealing with these complex challenges in the United States Virgin Islands.
What plans do you have to reestablish the libraries in the territory?
As technology advances, it’s important to modernize public libraries in the Virgin Islands to meet the community’s changing needs. A plan is necessary to integrate computer labs with high-speed internet access to provide resources for research, job hunting, and educational purposes. Additionally, we should aim to create digital archives of local history and cultural information to preserve and make it accessible for research. By combining traditional library services with modern technology, we want to revitalize the public library system and ensure its relevance in the digital age.
How can we provide access to affordable healthcare for individuals and small businesses?
One way to provide access to affordable healthcare for individuals and small businesses in the United States Virgin Islands is to establish community health centers that offer low-cost or free medical services. These centers can cater to the needs of the local population and provide essential healthcare services such as primary care, preventive care, and chronic disease management. Additionally, implementing health insurance programs with subsidies for low-income individuals and small businesses can help make healthcare more affordable and accessible. By working with local healthcare providers and government agencies, we can develop sustainable solutions to address the pressing healthcare needs in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Please tell us about any of your other priorities for the territory that are not addressed in the questions above.
The infrastructure of the United States Virgin Islands should be our government’s top priority. We must have a comprehensive plan to upgrade the territory’s infrastructure, including initiatives to pave roads, bury power lines, and construct new schools and hospitals. These efforts are crucial for the overall development and well-being of the community. In addition to these priorities, we should also focus on enhancing the public transportation system, expanding access to high-speed internet, and implementing sustainable energy solutions through creative and innovative initiatives. Given the islands’ vulnerability to natural disasters, improving disaster preparedness and response capabilities is another key priority. Addressing these issues will contribute to a more resilient and prosperous future for the United States Virgin Islands.
And finally, if you could have one superpower to move the V.I. forward, what would it be and why?
The United States Virgin Islands are unparalleled in beauty and cultural significance. Their pristine waters, verdant landscapes, and vibrant communities make them an exceptional destination. To propel the V.I. forward, I would choose the superpower of healing. With this ability, I could foster environmental restoration, cultivate harmony among the people, and drive positive transformation for the islands’ future. Healing is a superpower capable of addressing numerous challenges faced by the V.I. and laying the groundwork for a more promising tomorrow.
