Op-Ed: Charting a New Course for Our Future – Why the 6th Constitutional Convention Matters for the Virgin Islands

The Virgin Islands is on the brink of a pivotal moment in its history. The 6th Constitutional Convention presents not just an opportunity to draft the first U.S Virgin Islands constitution but a chance to establish a clear and enduring path forward for our territory. As we embark on this process, we must prioritize what truly matters: constitution first, political status after. Our focus should be on building a strong, inclusive framework that ensures the future prosperity of the Virgin Islands for generations to come. Why Constitution Before Status? Over the years, the debate around political status—whether to remain a territory, pursue statehood, or seek independence—has been a recurring theme. However, past referendums have shown that the people’s desire for such change remains inconclusive. In the meantime, we cannot afford to stall progress on the foundation of our governance. By focusing first on creating a constitution, we can establish the rules that will guide us no matter w...