Plaskett, Stacey RSS Articles

CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT CELEBRATES HOUSE PASSAGE OF LEGISLATION TO HONOR VIRGIN ISLANDS MUSIC LEGEND PETER G. THURLAND SR.

Mon, 14 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland

September 14, 2026 202-808-6129

PRESS RELEASE

CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT CELEBRATES HOUSE PASSAGE OF LEGISLATION TO HONOR VIRGIN ISLANDS MUSIC LEGEND PETER G. THURLAND SR.

Washington, D.C. — The U.S. House of Representatives today passed H.R. 8121, legislation introduced by Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (D-VI) to designate the Christiansted Bandstand in Christiansted, St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, as the “Peter G. Thurland, Sr., Bandstand.”

“I am pleased that the House has passed H.R. 8121 to designate the Christiansted Bandstand as the Peter G. Thurland, Sr., Bandstand,” said Congresswoman Plaskett. “The Christiansted Bandstand is one of the most significant cultural landmarks in the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Peter Thurland helped build it, served his country with distinction, and dedicated decades of his life to the cultural life of St. Croix. I thank Chairman Westerman (R-AK), Ranking Member Huffman (D-CA), and the Members and staff of the House Committee on Natural Resources for their expeditious consideration of this bill, and I thank my House colleagues on both sides of the aisle for their support.”

The Christiansted Bandstand has served for over a century as a gathering place for residents and visitors and as the center of St. Croix’s musical and civic life. Peter Gregory Thurland, Sr., was born on February 19, 1892, in Christiansted, St. Croix, and performed with the Christiansted Industrial Brass Band at the March 31, 1917, ceremony that marked the transfer of the Virgin Islands to the United States. He went on to enlist in the U.S. Navy, where he was instrumental in the physical construction and design of the Bandstand and performed there with the Christiansted Naval Band until his honorable discharge in 1921. In 1938, Mr. Thurland founded the St. Croix Community Band, leading free monthly concerts at the Bandstand for three decades and training generations of young musicians until 1968.

This legislation was first introduced by Congressman Ron de Lugo in the 103rd Congress. Congresswoman Plaskett is proud to carry it forward in the 119th Congress on behalf of the Thurland family, who have long advocated for this recognition. This bill now moves to the U.S. Senate for consideration, and if passed, it will proceed to the President's desk to be signed into law.

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CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT ANNOUNCES DISTRICT OFFICE CLOSURES FOR CONGRESSIONAL BLACK CAUCUS FOUNDATION ANNUAL LEGISLATIVE CONFERENCE

Fri, 11 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland

September 11, 2026 202-808-6129

PRESS RELEASE

CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT ANNOUNCES DISTRICT OFFICE CLOSURES FOR CONGRESSIONAL BLACK CAUCUS FOUNDATION ANNUAL LEGISLATIVE CONFERENCE

U.S. Virgin Islands — The St. Croix and St. Thomas district offices of Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett will be closed from Tuesday, September 15, through Monday, September 21, 2026, as the Congresswoman and staff participate in the 55th Annual Legislative Conference (ALC55) of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation in Washington, D.C. Both district offices will reopen on Tuesday, September 22, 2026.

"Each year, the Annual Legislative Conference brings together Black leaders, advocates, and policymakers from across this country and the diaspora to confront the issues that shape our communities—economic opportunity, health care, education, and the full and equal participation of every American in our democracy.

"I thank the people of the Virgin Islands for their patience during this week, and my team and I look forward to being back at full service in the district on Monday, September 21."

The Washington, D.C. office will remain open during this period. For assistance while the district offices are closed, please call 202-225-1790 (Washington, D.C.). Messages left at 340-778-5900 (St. Croix) and 340-774-4408 (St. Thomas) will be returned when the offices reopen on Monday, September 21, 2026.

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CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT SENDS PRAYERS TO PRIME MINISTER TERRANCE DREW OF ST. KITTS AND NEVIS

Thu, 03 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland

September 3, 2026 202-808-6129

PRESS RELEASE

CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT SENDS PRAYERS TO PRIME MINISTER TERRANCE DREW OF ST. KITTS AND NEVIS

U.S. Virgin Islands — Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (D-VI) today issued the following statement regarding the health of Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, the Honourable Dr. Terrance M. Drew:

"My thoughts and prayers are with Prime Minister Terrance Drew, his family, and the people of St. Kitts and Nevis as he receives care. Dr. Drew has given himself to his people twice over — first as a physician and now as the leader of his nation — and I am praying for his full and swift recovery.

"At moments like this, titles and offices fall away and what remains is a family hoping for good news. I join all who are keeping Prime Minister Drew in their prayers and wish him strength, healing, and a speedy return to the work he loves."

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CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT STATEMENT ON HOUSE PASSAGE OF TWO-YEAR EXTENSION OF HAITI HOPE HELP AND AGOA TRADE PREFERENCE PROGRAMS

Tue, 01 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland

September 1, 2026 202-808-6129

PRESS RELEASE

CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT STATEMENT ON HOUSE PASSAGE OF TWO-YEAR EXTENSION OF HAITI HOPE/HELP AND AGOA TRADE PREFERENCE PROGRAMS

Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (D-VI) released the following statement on the passage of H.R. 6500, The Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2027, with bipartisan support. This bill includes a two-year extension of the Haitian Hemispheric Opportunity through Partnership Encouragement Act (HOPE Act) and the Haiti Economic Lift Program Act (HELP Act), as well as the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). Both programs, which are set to expire at the end of 2026, would be extended through December 31, 2028. The legislation, which was passed by the U.S. Senate on August 8, 2026, now proceeds to the President's desk to be signed into law:

"This is the certainty that Haitian workers, families, and their partners in American industry have been waiting for. After these programs lapsed last fall and were restored for fifteen months, we have finally given them a runway. Today's vote gives Haiti's apparel sector and its American partners two more years of certainty to plan and invest.

"I am proud to have worked alongside my colleagues on the Ways and Means Committee in the drafting of the reauthorization of HOPE/HELP, in particular Ranking Member Neal, Chairman Smith, Ranking Member Sanchez, and Dr. Murphy. This vital program sustains manufacturing jobs in Haiti and secures a reliable, nearby supply chain for American apparel companies.

“Haiti continues to face compounding humanitarian, political, and economic crises. The security emergency has displaced over 1.4 million Haitians and left half the country's population experiencing life-threatening hunger. The apparel sector remains the foundation of Haiti's economy and its most reliable source of formal employment, making uninterrupted duty-free access to the U.S. market essential to any path toward stability.

"Haiti is our strategic ally, and U.S. support for its apparel sector is mutually beneficial. Haitian apparel manufacturing utilizes U.S. cotton and plays an essential role in shifting supply chains out of China and into the Western Hemisphere.

"The same is true of AGOA. For twenty-six years, AGOA has been the foundation of America's economic partnership with sub-Saharan Africa, providing duty-free access to more than 1,800 products and building commercial relationships that support American exporters, American consumers, and our national security interests. Extending these programs before they lapsed protects existing trade relationships as well as the American and African businesses that depend on them.

"I will continue to emphasize the importance of U.S. trade engagement with both Haiti and our AGOA partners in sub-Saharan Africa. This extension gives American manufacturers and investors the predictability they need — certainty that these trade preferences will remain in place, supply chains will stay stable, and sourcing decisions can be made with confidence.”

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USDA APPROVES DISASTER DESIGNATION FOR U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS DUE TO DROUGHT

Thu, 20 Aug 2026 04:00:00 GMT

For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland

August 20, 2026 202-808-6129

PRESS RELEASE

USDA APPROVES DISASTER DESIGNATION FOR U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS DUE TO DROUGHT

U.S. Virgin Islands – Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (D-VI) today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) designated St. Croix, St. Thomas, and St. John as primary natural disaster areas due to ongoing drought conditions across the Territory. Farm operators on all three islands are now eligible to apply for emergency loan assistance through the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA), following the designation issued on August 20, 2026, by Deputy Under Secretary Brooke S. Appleton on behalf of USDA.

The designation — number 2026N00002336 — covers the entire Territory due to severe drought conditions recorded by the U.S. Drought Monitor. In 2019, as a result of Congresswoman Plaskett’s advocacy with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the U.S. Drought Monitor expanded to include the U.S. Virgin Islands. In addition to providing a general summary of current drought conditions, the U.S. Drought Monitor can trigger eligibility for permanent drought disaster relief programs. Until the drought monitor was extended to the Virgin Islands under Congresswoman Plaskett, farmers and others would be unable to receive drought support.

“Our farmers have carried the weight of this drought for months, and this designation is a critical first step toward getting them the relief they need,” said Congresswoman Plaskett. “Agriculture is a vital part of our Territory’s food security and our economy. I will continue fighting to make sure Virgin Islands farmers have every federal resource available to recover and rebuild. My office has been, and will continue to be, in close contact with the Virgin Islands Department of Agriculture and USDA to support our agriculture community.”

Congresswoman Plaskett added, “I extend my appreciation to the Virgin Islands Department of Agriculture Commissioner, Dr. Louis Petersen, as well as Governor Bryan and his Administration for their advocacy on behalf of our agricultural community. This disaster designation, which unlocks federal relief for our local farmers and ranchers, reflects their commitment to the Virgin Islands.”

Farm operators in the designated areas may be considered for FSA emergency loans, provided eligibility requirements are met. Farmers have eight months from the date of the Secretarial disaster declaration to apply. Each application is considered individually by FSA, based on the extent of production losses and the applicant’s security and repayment ability.

Virgin Islands farmers seeking assistance are encouraged to contact the local USDA Farm Service Agency office:

USDA Farm Service Agency – U.S. Virgin Islands

Sion Farm Shopping Center

Phone: (340) 773-9146, ext. 100

For more information, you may also contact Congresswoman Plaskett’s offices on St. Croix at 340-778-5900 or St. Thomas at 340-774-4408.

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CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT EXPRESSES CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF ISIDORE “I.G.” GRILES, JR.

Tue, 18 Aug 2026 04:00:00 GMT

For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland

August 18, 2026 202-808-6129

PRESS RELEASE

CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT EXPRESSES CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF ISIDORE “I.G.” GRILES, JR.

U.S. Virgin Islands — Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (D-VI) today released the following statement on the passing of Isidore "I.G." Griles, Jr.:

"I was saddened to learn of the passing Mr. Griles. He was a son of Frederiksted who carried our town with him in everything he did. His life was one spent close to family, close to community, and close to the music that shaped him. Mr. Griles always had a pleasant word to share and smile to give. He carried our culture in his kindness and in the music he played alongside other culture-bearers. He would often visit my office in Frederiksted and share with my team snippets of Virgin Islands history from his black and white composition book. He will be deeply missed.

"On behalf of the people of the Virgin Islands, I extend my sincere condolences to his daughter, his entire family, and to the many friends and fellow musicians who are grieving him today. May they be held up by prayer and by the memories he leaves behind."

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CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT CONGRATULATES USVI NIKE RBI 18U GIRLS SOFTBALL TEAM ON WORLD SERIES CHAMPIONSHIP

Fri, 14 Aug 2026 04:00:00 GMT

For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland
August 14, 2026 202-808-6129

Press Release

CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT CONGRATULATES USVI NIKE RBI 18U GIRLS SOFTBALL TEAM ON WORLD SERIES CHAMPIONSHIP

U.S. Virgin Islands – Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett today congratulated the United States Virgin Islands Nike RBI 18U Girls Softball Team on winning the 2026 Nike RBI Softball 18U World Series, defeating Houston 3-1 in Thursday's championship game.

"These young women did an outstanding job and came out triumphant as World Series Champions,” said Congresswoman Plaskett. "They represented our Territory against teams backed by Major League Baseball's biggest organizations, and they did it with the heart, discipline, and unity that define who we are.

“I would like to extend a special thank you to Head Coach Elroy Hill and Assistant Coaches Richard Clendinen, Brock Creque, and Inocenia Bermudez, for their tireless work in training and mentoring our young women."

The team, sponsored by the Department of Sports, Parks and Recreation, secured its berth in the World Series by winning the 2026 Nike RBI Softball 18U Caribbean Regionals on June 24. The USVI was one of eight teams competing, the only team representing a U.S. territory.

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CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT MOURNS PASSING OF VIRGIN ISLANDS' CULTURAL ICON BRADLEY CHRISTIAN

Sat, 08 Aug 2026 04:00:00 GMT

For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland
August 8, 2026 202-808-6129

PRESS RELEASE

CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT MOURNS PASSING OF VIRGIN ISLANDS' CULTURAL ICON BRADLEY CHRISTIAN

U.S. Virgin Islands – Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett released the following statement on the passing of Bradley Christian, a Virgin Islands cultural icon celebrated for his mastery of the traditional head wrap and his role in shaping the territory's official madras:

"Today, the Virgin Islands lost a true keeper of our culture. Bradley Christian spent his life carrying forward traditions passed down through generations. He was known far beyond our shores for his beautifully crafted head wraps, but Bradley's gift was never just in the craft itself. It was in his deep understanding of the history, heritage, and meaning behind every head wrap, our food, storytelling, quelbe, quadrille - the many elements of our islands. Bradley Christian reminded us to love ourselves and our history - that we are a tapestry of beautiful people. His hand also helped shape the official madras of the Virgin Islands, a symbol our people wear with pride,” said Congresswoman Plaskett.

"Bradley was one of our territory's cultural icons, and we are forever grateful for his contributions. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife, his children, his grandchildren, and all his loved ones and friends during this difficult time. May they find comfort in knowing how deeply his legacy is felt across the Virgin Islands," Congresswoman Plaskett concluded.

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CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT'S STATEMENT ON PRESIDENT TRUMP’S EXECUTIVE ORDERS ON BIRTHRIGHT CITIZENSHIP

Fri, 07 Aug 2026 04:00:00 GMT

For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland

August 7, 2026 202-808-6129

PRESS RELEASE

CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT'S STATEMENT ON PRESIDENT TRUMP’S EXECUTIVE ORDERS ON BIRTHRIGHT CITIZENSHIP

U.S. Virgin Islands – Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (D-VI) released the following statement regarding the Executive Orders titled “Continuing to Protect the Meaning and Value of American Citizenship” and “Ending Birth Tourism” signed on August 6, 2026, by President Donald Trump:

“Following the Supreme Court's June 30, 2026, decision in Trump v. Barbara, which upheld birthright citizenship generally while permitting narrower exceptions, yesterday President Trump issued Executive Orders that expand restrictions on birthright citizenship. The Fourteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution grants citizenship to all persons born or naturalized in the United States. Birthright citizenship exists for people born in the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands because of federal statutes enacted by Congress. This remains unchanged by yesterday’s Executive Orders.

“The ‘Continuing to Protect the Meaning and Value of American Citizenship’ Executive Order applies in cases where a child is born in the United States or a territory while neither parent is a United States citizen and any of the following applies: those with a parent designated as a terrorist, those with a parent employed by a foreign government, those born through a birth-tourism or surrogacy arrangement undertaken to secure citizenship, or those born in a United States territory where citizenship is not conferred by federal statute.

“The territorial provision of the Executive Order does not touch the Virgin Islands today. Under current federal statute, people born in Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the Northern Mariana Islands are recognized as citizens, while those born in American Samoa are not – they are United States nationals. The provision in the Executive Order currently applies to American Samoa, which does not have a citizenship statute, and it would apply automatically to any other territory if Congress later repealed or narrowed the statute that grants citizenship.

“This provision raises serious concerns regarding precedent and represents a troubling escalation in this Administration's approach to birthright citizenship in the territories – which should not be in question. Our office has joined amici briefs cited in the Supreme Court by Justice Brown Jackson to protect territorial birthright citizenship.”

Congresswoman Plaskett continues to advocate the longstanding legal principle that citizenship follows the land - that territory owned by the US confers citizenship. She said, “I will continue to work with my colleagues to defend the statutory protections in place for the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.”

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PLASKETT MEETS WITH GOVERNOR BRYAN, VIRGIN ISLANDS LEGISLATURE ON HUD FUNDING FREEZE

Fri, 24 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland

July 24, 2026 202-808-6129

PRESS RELEASE

PLASKETT MEETS WITH GOVERNOR BRYAN, VIRGIN ISLANDS LEGISLATURE ON HUD FUNDING FREEZE

U.S. Virgin Islands — Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (D-VI) today is meeting with Governor Albert Bryan Jr. and members of the Virgin Islands Legislature regarding the notice from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) on the freeze of federal funding to the territory. The Congresswoman sent letters to HUD and the Governor’s office regarding the matter this week.

“This morning I will be meeting with Governor Bryan and members of the Virgin Islands Legislature regarding the notice from HUD on the freeze of funding,” said Congresswoman Plaskett. “I’ve shared with the Governor conversations I have had with Republican leadership in Congress regarding this issue that stand ready to support our efforts to create a plan acceptable to HUD.”

“Our office has been in contact with Congressional leadership, and I stand ready to work with the Governor in any way to ensure that we have a plan that creates the accountability and mechanism that will put our federal resources to work for the people,” Plaskett concluded.

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St. Thomas Academy Day

Tue, 17 Mar 2020 22:00:00 GMT

St. Thomas Academy Day
March 17, 2020
Earl B. Ottley Hall

St. Croix Academy Day

Wed, 18 Mar 2020 22:00:00 GMT

St. Croix Academy Day
March 17, 2020
UVI Great Hall

2020 Congressional Art Competition

Mon, 04 May 2020 04:00:00 GMT

Each spring, the Congressional Institute sponsors a nationwide high school visual art competition to recognize and encourage artistic talent in the nation and in each congressional district. Since the Artistic Discovery competition began in 1982, more than 650,000 high school students have participated.

Students submit entries to their representative’s office, and panels of district artists select the winning entries. Winners are recognized both in their district and at an annual awards ceremony in Washington, DC. The winning artworks are displayed for one year at the U.S. Capitol.

For more information, please contact our District Offices at 340.774.4408 or 340.778.5900. Artwork submission Deadline: May 4, 2020

USVI Department of Tourism Division of Festivals

Sat, 04 Apr 2020 04:00:00 GMT

The USVI Department of Tourism Division of Festivals recently announced the dates for Carnival Virgin Islands (St. Thomas) from April 4, 2020 through May 3, 2020.

March 7, 2020 - Carnival Kickoff
April 12, 2020 - Prince and Princess Show
April 18, 2020 - Queen Selection Show
April 24, 2020 - Village Opens
April 25, 2020 - Calypso Finals
April 26, 2020 - Motor Sports Sunday Boat Race
April 29, 2020 - Food Fair
April 30, 2020 - J'ouvert/Wet Fete
May 1, 2020 - Children's Parade
May 2, 2020 - Adults' Parade
May 3, 2020 - Fireworks

*More dates to be added to the event schedule*

49th Annual Agriculture & Food Fair

Sat, 15 Feb 2020 14:00:00 GMT

The 49th Annual Agriculture & Food Fair of the US Virgin Islands (AGRIFEST 2020) will be held on St. Croix, USVI from February 15, 2020 through February 17, 2020, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Filled with many activities for the entire family, AGRIFEST captures fair goers and non-fair goers alike repeatedly. You cannot afford to miss this year's fair. Come see what it is all about.

Field Hearing on VOTING RIGHTS AND ELECTIONS ADMINISTRATION

Wed, 04 Sep 2019 14:00:00 GMT

The Subcommittee on Elections will be holding a field hearing on Voting Rights and Election Administration at 10:00am on September 4th at the Great Hall on UVI's Albert A. Sheen Campus.

Veterans Office on Your Corner

Sun, 21 Jul 2019 19:00:00 GMT

Designed to make receiving assistance on federal issues easier, Office On Your Corner brings our office to local neighborhoods.

Bring all relevant paperwork that will be needed to open a case.

USDA-NRCS Announces 2020 Sign up for Environmental Quality Incentives Program

Thu, 15 Aug 2019 04:00:00 GMT

Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) is a voluntary conservation program that provides financial and technical assistance to farmers and ranchers to help them install and implement conservation practices on eligible agricultural land.

EQIP applications are accepted year-round, however, NRCS sets application “cut-off” or submission deadlines to evaluate, rank and approve eligible applications. The following are the cut-off dates for fiscal year 2020:

EQIP Period 1 cut-off date: September 20, 2019
EQIP FY 2020 Evaluation and Ranking deadline: January 24, 2020
EQIP FY 2020 Obligation deadline: June 12, 2020

Shifting the Wellness Paradigm

Wed, 10 Apr 2019 12:00:00 GMT

Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett will be speaking at the Shifting the Wellness Paradigm event, a conversation on medical cannabis as health and wellness alternative.

Art Competition: Artwork Submission Due

Tue, 23 Apr 2019 20:00:00 GMT

We have started our official count down to the submission of artwork for the 2019 Congressional Art Competition.

St. Croix participants, please drop off Artwork to the Office of Congresswoman Plaskett on 60 King Street, Frederiksted

St. Thomas/St. John participants, please drop off Artwork to the Virgin Islands Council on the Arts (VICA), directly across from the Fort Christian Museum in the Francois Building

Contact Kyza Callwood for more information: kyza.callwood@mail.house.gov 340.514.9318