Governor Albert Bryan Jr. announced the nomination of Gordon Rhea as the new Attorney General for the U.S. Virgin Islands during a press conference on Monday. Highlighting Rhea’s extensive background, Governor Bryan described him as a candidate with unmatched legal expertise and service record. Rhea’s educational journey includes degrees from Indiana University, Harvard University, and Stanford Law School.

In his early career, Rhea distinguished himself as a criminal defense attorney in Los Angeles, later contributing his expertise in Washington D.C. at the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence Activities. His professional tenure in the Virgin Islands spans over 40 years, initially serving as an assistant U.S. Attorney before moving into private practice.

Governor Bryan emphasized Rhea’s pivotal role in leading high-profile cases that have shaped the legal landscape in the territory. “His firm addressed some of the most significant legal challenges our community has encountered, such as landmark litigation against prominent industrial corporations concerning toxic exposures and environmental damage. These actions have protected our workforce and natural resources for future generations,” Governor Bryan stated. He specifically noted Rhea’s leadership in securing the largest civil jury verdict in the territory’s history, crucial for public health improvements.

Responding to his nomination, Rhea expressed his enthusiasm about the opportunity to serve as the Attorney General. Addressing potential conflicts of interest, particularly Rhea’s prior representation of a defendant in the Virgin Islands’ lawsuit against Jeffrey Epstein’s estate, Governor Bryan reassured that Rhea could recuse himself from any related cases to avoid conflicts.

Governor Bryan also shared his expectations for utilizing funds from the Epstein lawsuit, earmarked for the Justice Department. He expressed hope that under Rhea’s leadership, and pending confirmation, the funds would be used to enhance anti-trafficking initiatives and policies, pending legislative approval, which Rhea’s predecessor deemed necessary.

Following the departure of Ariel Smith from the office of attorney general, a renewed focus has been placed on the high turnover rate among appointees to this position. This situation has spurred legislative action aimed at allowing the residents of the Virgin Islands to elect their attorney general, a proposal brought forth by Senator Alma Francis Heyliger. During a legislative session on March 25, Heyliger introduced Bill 35-0248, emphasizing the necessity to diminish the political influences on the attorney general’s office.

The forthcoming committee discussions will determine the feasibility of requesting Congress’s permission for the USVI to hold elections for the attorney general’s position, a timetable for which remains to be established. Heyliger highlighted the urgency and the widespread desire for this change, noting the successful implementation of elected attorneys general in over 40 states across the nation. She also referenced a past referendum where a significant majority of Virgin Islands residents—76 percent—voted in favor of electing their attorney general, indicating a strong local push for this amendment.

Currently, Ian Clement serves as the acting attorney general, succeeding Ariel Smith, who held the position for less than a year. Smith had been appointed by Governor Albert Bryan Jr. in March 2023, following Denise George’s dismissal, who had served for four years. This legislative proposal marks a pivotal step towards aligning the Virgin Islands with the broader trend of electing attorneys general, aiming to enhance the office’s independence and accountability to the public.

In a significant step towards rehabilitating formerly incarcerated individuals in the Virgin Islands, Senator Angel Bolques Jr. has hailed new legislation as “the epitome of a second chance.” The initiative, spearheaded by Senator Donna Frett-Gregory, introduces “The Fair Chance for Employment Act” (Bill 35-0115), aiming to dismantle employment barriers for ex-offenders. This legislative effort mandates the Division of Personnel to craft policies promoting fair chance hiring practices.

Senator Frett-Gregory, addressing the Committee on Homeland Security, Justice, and Public Safety, emphasized the need to dispel the longstanding stigma against former inmates in the Virgin Islands. She argued that the bill is crucial for reducing recidivism rates and fostering economic stability by ensuring access to gainful employment for rehabilitated individuals. “The Virgin Islands must move beyond mere talk of rehabilitation and reentry to actual policies that open doors for our community members,” Frett-Gregory argued.

The proposed Fair Chance For Employment Act would not eliminate the possibility for employers to conduct background checks but would shift this step to occur after the extension of a conditional job offer. This approach aims to balance the integrity of the hiring process with the rights of individuals seeking a fresh start.

The bill received a warm reception from both lawmakers and advocacy groups. Dr. Kendra Roach, representing the Society of Human Resource Management’s local chapter, praised the bill for its potential to provide equitable employment opportunities, including for those with criminal records, stating that it embodies the principles of equity.

Echoing the support were Senators Bolques Franklin Johnson, Ray Fonseca, and Alma Francis-Heyliger. Francis-Heyliger highlighted the commonality of human error and the bill’s pragmatic approach to considering the nature of the applicant’s past offenses when determining employment eligibility.

Winnie Testamark, Bureau of Corrections Director, underscored the bill’s alignment with the Bureau’s reentry strategies, including educational and vocational training programs designed to ease the integration of former inmates back into society.

The Department of Labor acknowledged the bill’s potential to boost employment, but suggested amendments for clarity and safety, notably around the conditions for withdrawing job offers based on past convictions. Senator Frett-Gregory agreed to revise the contentious provision.

However, the Division of Personnel expressed reservations, particularly about the bill’s requirement for the Division to enact fair chance hiring policies, fearing an undue burden on HR practices. Assistant Director Florine Audain-Hassell argued for maintaining these policies within the Department of Labor and raised concerns about potential discrimination.

Senator Frett-Gregory and Committee Chair Senator Kenneth Gittens addressed these concerns, emphasizing the government’s existing commitment to nondiscriminatory hiring practices and the bill’s focus on enhancing these through explicit policies.

The unanimous backing by the Committee members propels Bill 35-0115 to the next stage of legislative review by the Committee on Rules and Judiciary, marking a hopeful advancement towards integrating formerly incarcerated individuals into the workforce and society.