Senator Kurt Vialet. Photo Credit: V.I. LEGISLATURE.
Senator Kurt Vialet has taken umbrage at recent actions of the Democratic Party of the Virgin Islands, which he says are creating limitations for members.
A member of the party himself, Vialet accuses that “behind a closed-door meeting of party members,” decisions to “limit Democrats from being able to run” were made.
The new rules, as outlined by Senator Vialet, state that individuals who wish to contest the upcoming general election must pay a filing fee, sign a loyalty pledge, and secure endorsements from other registered Democrats before filing a petition to contest the election with the Electoral System of the Virgin Islands. These measures come into effect as those hoping to secure leadership positions begin preparations for the 2026 election cycle.
Mr. Vialet shared his displeasure with the changes during Monday’s Legislative session, where a bill that would allow government employees to run for elected office while remaining on the job was being discussed and was ultimately tabled.
The Democratic Party testified in support of that measure, Bill 36-0134, at its initial hearing, and Senator Vialet complained that the guidelines are “hypocritical” in the face of that recent testimony.
“How can you be so hypocritical to come here and testify that you want to open the process and then you're closing the process to seasoned senators that we have to pay a fee?” the St. Croix senator asked.
On Monday, Mr. Vialet shared that the Democratic Party would be appearing before the Legislature “next week.” However, with two upcoming committee meetings cancelled, it is currently unclear whether the Democratic Party will soon be available to “answer those questions” as the lawmaker wants.
While Senator Vialet appealed for public explanations from his party, Senator Avery Lewis urged discretion. “That's party politics. So we're gonna keep that in our house. We're gonna deal with that in our meetings,” he said.
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