Op-Ed: State of the Territory | Campaigning with Integrity: A Call to Elevate Political Discourse in the U.S. Virgin Islands

As a Virgin Islander, I am deeply concerned about the erosion of integrity in our political landscape.

The recent outcry over one Democrat attacking another serves as a glaring example of the selective outrage that too often characterizes our politics. When those within the political establishment come under fire, there’s a swift rush to condemn such behavior. Yet, when similar attacks are directed elsewhere—particularly at independent candidates—the response is often silence. This inconsistency raises an important question: where is the accountability across the board? Such selective application of morality underscores a broader issue, where principles are too often sidelined in favor of personal alliances.

Smear tactics have unfortunately become a common feature of Virgin Islands politics, setting a dangerous precedent. Personal attacks divert attention from the real issues affecting our territory. Campaigns should focus on quality—on presenting ideas, policies, and solutions for the people. When campaigns devolve into character assassination, they not only undermine the credibility of the candidates but also erode public trust in the political process.