Gov. Albert Bryan Jr.’s recent call for Virgin Islanders in the diaspora to “come home” and help build a stronger territory is heartfelt. His appeal taps into a deep connection to the place that raised me — the soil where my dreams first took root. But while his vision is noble, the reality on the ground demands a more grounded conversation.
Yes, my dreams began in the Virgin Islands. The culture, the community, the struggle — they shaped my resilience, and my unshakable determination. But it was the mainland that gave me the tools to succeed: with a veteran’s journey, a doctorate in education, and a career dedicated to service. These achievements weren’t handed to me — they were built through sacrifice, and they now equip me with the skills and experience to give back meaningfully to the place where I was born.
And I will give back. I will use every skill I’ve earned to contribute to the Virgin Islands — to empower, to support, and to uplift. But I will also return to my comfort, because I’ve earned it.
The truth is that many of us left not out of selfishness, but out of necessity. I was sent to the states for a better life after completing Wayne Aspinall Jr. High. And while the governor highlights new initiatives — free college, housing support, and healthcare expansion — these are only part of the picture. The territory still faces systemic challenges: limited job markets, high living costs, failing infrastructure, gun violence (July 8, 2024 at Brewers Bay), and deep economic instability. Virgin Islands not all so nice…