People Over Party
Results Over Promises.
Lisa J. Charles #24
Experience You Can Trust
For almost 30 years, I have dedicated my life to serving the people of the Virgin Islands. I have worked with seniors, families, caregivers, young people, and individuals trying to navigate government services and difficult circumstances. Those experiences have shaped the kind of leader I want to be. I am not running with the belief that government can solve every problem. I am running because I believe government can work better for the people it serves. As your senator, I will focus on practical legislation, responsible funding, strong oversight, and partnerships that can produce measurable results.
Aging with Dignity and Independent Living
Our seniors have spent their lives building our families and our community. They deserve the opportunity to grow older with dignity, independence, and proper support. I will advocate for expanded home and community-based services that allow seniors to remain safely in their homes whenever possible. I will also work to strengthen support for family caregivers, improve access to respite care, and address home safety and accessibility needs.
Aging with Dignity Act
One of my legislative priorities will be the Virgin Islands Aging with Dignity Act.
The goal is to create a coordinated approach to helping eligible seniors remain safely at home rather than entering institutional care unnecessarily. The proposal would address home-based services, caregiver support, respite care, home safety modifications, transportation, care coordination, and other services that promote independence. Those who are financially able to contribute toward their care would participate through an appropriate cost-sharing structure, while inability to pay should not automatically prevent an eligible senior from receiving needed assistance.
Keeping Seniors Home. Supporting Families. Preserving Independence.
health care access
Where you live should not determine whether you can receive quality healthcare.
I will advocate for better access to healthcare services, improved coordination of care, stronger patient navigation, and policies that address the challenges Virgin Islanders face when seeking treatment both on- and off-island. I will also continue exploring opportunities to increase federal participation and resources available to the Virgin Islands, including Medicaid and other healthcare funding opportunities. Healthcare must be accessible, affordable, and responsive to the needs of our people.
mental wellness and access to care
Mental health is health. Too many people wait until they are in crisis before receiving help. Some do not have insurance. Some are underinsured. Some cannot afford counseling or treatment. Others simply do not know where to turn. We have mental health services in the Virgin Islands, but having services and being able to access those services are not always the same thing.
Virgin Islands mental wellness Access Act
I will pursue the Virgin Islands Mental Wellness Access Act, focused specifically on removing barriers that prevent people from receiving mental health support. The proposal would strengthen connections to existing services, improve early intervention and resource navigation, and establish assistance for eligible uninsured and underinsured residents who cannot afford needed mental health services. The goal is not to duplicate programs that already exist. It is to help close the gaps between the people who need help and the services available to them.
Removing Barriers. Expanding Access. Restoring Hope.
Youth Development and opportunity
Our young people need more than encouragement. They need opportunities.
I will support stronger mentorship, career exploration, vocational and technical training, apprenticeships, entrepreneurship, and workforce development opportunities. College should remain one pathway to success, but it should not be presented as the only pathway. Young Virgin Islanders should also be able to build successful careers through the trades, technology, entrepreneurship, healthcare, the creative industries, and other growing fields. We must help our young people see that there is a future for them right here in the Virgin Islands.
Stronger families & Communities
Strong communities begin with strong families.
I will support community-based initiatives that connect residents with healthcare, senior services, mental health resources, youth programs, and other essential assistance. Government cannot do everything alone. Churches, nonprofits, businesses, civic organizations, healthcare providers, schools, and residents all have a role to play. I believe government should make it easier for these partnerships to work—not harder.
Government accountability and better services
Virgin Islanders should not have to accept poor service simply because they are dealing with government.
I will advocate for stronger accountability, measurable performance standards, greater transparency, and improved responsiveness throughout the Government of the Virgin Islands. When public money is spent, the public should be able to see what was accomplished.
When programs are not working, we should be willing to ask why and make changes. Accountability is not about attacking government employees. It is about ensuring that government works effectively for the people who pay for it and depend on it.
Economic Opportunity & Workforce Development
We must create an environment where Virgin Islanders can work, build businesses, develop skills, and create opportunities for themselves and their families. I will support policies that strengthen small businesses, entrepreneurship, vocational training, apprenticeships, and opportunities for residents to enter skilled trades and emerging industries. We must also find ways for experienced and retired tradespeople to pass their knowledge to the next generation so valuable skills are not lost. Economic development must ultimately mean something at the household level: more opportunity, better jobs, stronger businesses, and a better quality of life.
The Leadership I Will Bring
I believe leadership begins with listening.
I will not promise that every problem can be solved overnight. I will promise to study the issues, ask the difficult questions, work with people who understand them, and fight for solutions that are practical and achievable. For almost 30 years, service has been part of who I am.
Now I am asking for the opportunity to take that experience to the Legislature and continue serving our people in a different capacity.
This campaign is about our seniors, our families, our young people, our neighborhoods, and the future of the Virgin Islands.