FULL STATEMENT BELOW
To my beloved constituents of St. Croix, thank you once again for giving me the opportunity to serve you as one of your representatives in the 33rd Legislature. While I will continue to work hard on your behalf for the duration of my term, I, Alicia V. Barnes, will not be seeking re-election. Rest assured, however, I will continue to lend my voice, knowledge and expertise for the betterment of our islands.
St. Croix, I remain humbled by your overwhelming confidence in me and have worked tirelessly to offer and support meaningful legislation and initiatives on your behalf. It is your confidence in me that propelled me to be your top vote-getter. It is now my utmost respect for you that compels me to face the hard truth that until we change our present system of representation, it is you, the voters of St. Croix, who will continue to be misrepresented and underrepresented.
The system of representation that currently exists is counterproductive, as it promotes competition rather than cooperation and collaboration. It truly is
more about each Senator’s political agenda and ambition than you, the people of St. Croix. I remain grateful for the opportunity to represent you, and will continue to do so to the best of my ability for the duration of the 33rd Legislature. However, I cannot in good conscience seek re-election to continue to be a participant in this flawed system of representation.
Collectively we must ensure that the overarching issues of Self- Determination, to include the adoption of a U.S. Virgin Islands Constitution, Status, Electoral Reform, and Governance, are addressed. These are the necessary paths to true representation, transparency, and accountability; and it is then, and only then, will we truly progress as a people and as a territory. St. Croix, thank you once again for giving me the honor of serving you. May God Bless You and the entire U.S. Virgin Islands.
