Press Releases

Virgin Islands Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett issued the following statement in response to the Fitch Ratings’ decision to downgrade the Virgin Islands’ gross receipts and matching fund bonds: “Fitch and other rating agencies’ assessment of PROMESA and their determination to include all the territories as at risk due to Congress' action to protect bond holders confirms our concerns about the bill's... Read more »

Following news that personal photographs and a private family video that had been shared between Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett and her husband, Jonathan Buckney-Small, were illegally obtained and disseminated via the internet, the Congresswoman issued the following statement: “The theft and distribution of these personal images via the internet marks a new low in Virgin Islands politics. I am s... Read more »

In commemoration of the 168th anniversary of the abolition od slavery in the Virgin Islands, Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett released the following statement: "Emancipation Day is not only the day we commemorate the abolition of slavery in the Virgin Islands, but also the day we celebrate the unsung legacy of our ancestors' long fight for freedom. We have emancipated ourselves from the physical sha... Read more »

Virgin Islands Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett and Colleagues from the U.S. House of Representatives joined President Obama's Delegation to the re-opening of the Panama Canal on June 25. The delegation was led by House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman, Rep. Bill Schuster (R-PA) and Dr. Jill Biden, who represented the President during the two-day ceremony. "I'm excited and honored... Read more »

Virgin Islands Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett released the following statement on the Mass shooting at the Pulse Nighclub in Orlando, Florida: “Our thoughts and prayers are with the city of Orlando, the victims and their loved ones. There is a large Virgin Island diaspora in the greater Orlando area and we pray for their safety, as well as the safety of their loved ones. What happened in Orlando is... Read more »

In a significant victory for the U.S. Virgin Islands, the territory is no longer directly tied to the Puerto Rico Oversight Management and Economic Stability Act (PROMESA), which passed the U.S. House of Representatives today. The legislation passed after a change to a controversial provision in the Bill, which extended the option for an Oversight Board to preside over U.S. Territories outside of ... Read more »

Virgin Islands Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett released the following statement in response to H.R. 5278, the Puerto Rico Oversight, management and Economic Stability Act (PROMESA) passing the House Committee on Natural Resources: “Today my colleagues, on the House Committee on Natural Resources voted on passage of H.R. 5278 to address the Puerto Rico debt crisis. While I am disappointed the legisla... Read more »

Virgin Islands Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett released the following statement on the introduction of H.R. 5278 in the U.S. House of Representatives this week: "Late Wednesday night, Congress introduced another version of legislation that will enable Puerto Rico to restructure its debt. While the new bill (H.R. 5278) represents a significant step forward toward ensuring the Puerto Rican government ... Read more »

The Virgin Islands of the United States Centennial Commission Act passed The U.S. House of Representatives, Tuesday, paving the way for Congress to assist in raising the national profile of the upcoming anniversary of Transfer Day. The legislation, H.R. 2615, calls for a bi-partisan Congressional Commission to research, plan, develop and carry out commemorative activities related to the 100th Anni... Read more »

Virgin Islands Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett, today, announced two grant funding opportunities through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and is urging eligible stakeholders in the Virgin Islands agriculture community to apply for the available funding. “I am pleased to announce the availability of $4.7 million in grant funding available through the U.S. Department of Agriculture. These f... Read more »