From left to right, Stacey Plaskett, Donna Frett-Gregory and Tregenza Roach participate in the Democratic gubernatorial debate Friday night at the St. Croix Educational Complex. Photo: VIC

Lt. Gov. Tregenza Roach defended the Bryan-Roach administration’s record and called for voters to judge him by the offices and initiatives under his direct control. Delegate Stacey Plaskett argued that unprecedented federal resources have not produced adequate improvements in the territory’s hospitals, schools, utility system and disaster recovery. Former Senator Donna Frett-Gregory presented herself as the candidate with the local government, financial and management experience needed to replace announcements with execution.

Their disagreement over responsibility shaped exchanges on WAPA, healthcare, education, insurance, housing, workforce development, crime, tourism, federal funding and the territory’s declining population.

The debate was held at the St. Croix Educational Complex auditorium and moderated by Rick Grant and Sheniqua Robinson.

Decades of public service experience

Plaskett opened by emphasising her 11 years representing the Virgin Islands in Washington. She said she and running mate Milton Potter entered the race because they refused to accept current conditions, citing unfinished disaster-recovery work, inadequate healthcare access and families still struggling to obtain essential government services.

She argued throughout the debate that federal funding and opportunities secured for the territory had not been managed effectively by the local government.

Frett-Gregory cited more than 35 years of public service and her background in business, finance, education and government administration. She said the territory needed leaders who understood how local agencies, appropriations and public finances operate and who would accept responsibility during both successful and difficult periods.

Roach highlighted more than 60 years of combined public service between himself and running mate Novelle Francis Jr. He pointed to free tuition at the University of the Virgin Islands, development plans for the South Shore of St. Croix and the modernisation of the Office of the Lieutenant Governor.

Roach said residents can now conduct more business with the office online and credited its employees with developing the territory’s Street Addressing Initiative (SAI). He argued that school and hospital projects were already moving forward and said the next administration should continue that work while strengthening services for senior citizens and families.

Varying interpretations of leadership

The candidates’ competing interpretations of leadership surfaced immediately.

Plaskett described herself as a servant leader who arrives early, works late and expects government employees to respect both their colleagues and the residents they serve. She proposed requiring cabinet members and other senior officials to adopt schools so young people could see government leaders participating directly in their communities.

Roach responded by questioning Plaskett’s work on federal responsibilities affecting Virgin Islanders, including postal service, customs, airport processing and the future of Caneel Bay.

Frett-Gregory questioned whether Plaskett would improve communication with territorial officials, alleging that calls she made while serving as chair of the Legislature’s congressional committee went unanswered. Plaskett rejected that account, saying she had returned Frett-Gregory’s calls and messages and met with her on several occasions.

Plaskett then argued that although she does not control the U.S. Postal Service, the lieutenant governor regulates banking and insurance, two areas in which residents continue to face limited and expensive options.