ROACH AND FRANCIS believe in
An Economy Built for Virgin Islanders
Economic growth must benefit the people who live and work in the Virgin Islands. A Roach Francis Administration will focus on four priorities: helping local businesses grow, ensuring Virgin Islanders benefit from major investments, preparing our workforce for today's and tomorrow's jobs, and building an economy families can afford. From Day One, we will take practical steps to encourage entrepreneurship, expand local economic activity, and keep more investment and wealth circulating within the Virgin Islands
Locals first on the rebuild and we mean it.
First 100 Days
Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, yet many entrepreneurs struggle to access capital, compete for government contracts, and navigate government processes. At the same time, major public investments continue to move forward while many local businesses are left on the sidelines.
We will focus on fully deploying available small business financing programs, strengthening opportunities for local contractors, enforcing local participation requirements on public projects, and modernizing business registration so entrepreneurs can start and grow businesses more easily.
A stronger local business sector means more jobs, more local ownership, and more wealth staying in the Virgin Islands.
Keep Virgin Islands Dollars Working for Virgin Islanders.
First 100 Days
The Virgin Islands is experiencing a historic period of federal investment and reconstruction. These projects should create opportunities for local workers, contractors, and businesses.
We will strengthen support for local businesses, encourage local purchasing, expand access to capital, and position key economic assets such as the South Shore Trade Zone to attract investment and create long-term economic opportunity.
Economic growth should create opportunity for the people who call these islands home.
Preparing a Workforce for Today and Tomorrow.
The economy is changing rapidly, and our workforce must be prepared to compete. Employers continue to struggle to find skilled workers, while many residents struggle to find pathways into good-paying careers.
We will align workforce training with high-demand industries, expand apprenticeship opportunities, support digital skills and entrepreneurship, attract remote work opportunities, and strengthen partnerships among employers, schools, training providers, and the University of the Virgin Islands.
When people have the skills employers need, families earn more, businesses grow, and our economy becomes stronger.
Build an Economy Families Can Afford.
Families and businesses are struggling with rising costs. At the same time, our Territory remains heavily dependent on imported goods and vulnerable to economic disruptions that drive up the cost of everyday life.
We will pursue targeted tax relief where possible, support small businesses, protect retirement security, strengthen local agriculture, expand food production, and advance initiatives that make the Virgin Islands more self-sufficient and resilient.
A stronger economy is measured by whether families can afford to live, work, retire, and build a future in the Virgin Islands.