Gregory P. Smith, independent candidate for the Legislature of the Virgin Islands, recently joined fellow St. Thomas–St. John District Senate candidates at a public forum in Cruz Bay, where voters had the opportunity to hear directly from candidates about the issues shaping the 2026 General Election.
The forum gave St. John residents a chance to hear where candidates stand on some of the territory’s most pressing concerns, including the cost of living, WAPA, affordable housing, healthcare, workforce opportunity, government accountability, and the future of young Virgin Islanders.
For Gregory, the forum was another important opportunity to listen, speak directly to voters, and continue building a campaign centered on practical solutions and independent leadership.
Throughout the campaign, Gregory has emphasized that the Virgin Islands need leaders who are willing to ask difficult questions, examine how public money is being spent, and focus on the issues residents feel every day.
At the forum, Gregory identified transportation, airport-related costs, and restoring public trust as key priorities. These issues are closely connected to the daily lives of residents and to the long-term strength of the Virgin Islands economy.
Transportation affects more than travel. It affects tourism, small businesses, workers, families, and the cost of moving people and goods throughout the territory. When airport costs rise or major transportation projects lack transparency, the impact can reach far beyond the airport itself.
Gregory believes the airport reconstruction project deserves careful review, public accountability, and honest discussion about how decisions are made, how costs are managed, and how those costs may affect residents, visitors, airlines, taxi operators, tourism businesses, and the broader economy.
“Transportation is not just an airport issue. It is an affordability issue, a tourism issue, a business issue, and a public trust issue. When costs rise, people deserve to know why, who is affected, and whether the decisions being made are truly serving the public.”
As a local business owner, Gregory understands how rising costs can place pressure on both businesses and consumers. Higher operating expenses often ripple through the economy, affecting workers, families, visitors, and the small businesses that help support local jobs.
His campaign has consistently focused on the need for stronger government accountability, better planning, and more transparency around major public projects.
Gregory’s background in aviation, budgeting, operations, emergency response, and team leadership gives him a practical perspective on infrastructure, transportation, and public-sector decision-making. He believes the territory must approach major projects with discipline, oversight, and a clear understanding of how decisions affect everyday people.
The St. John forum also reinforced the importance of making sure St. John voters are not treated as an afterthought. Gregory believes residents of St. John and Water Island deserve meaningful access to candidates, clear answers on issues affecting their communities, and representation that listens beyond election season.
“This campaign is about showing up, listening, and giving people a real independent choice. Whether the issue is transportation, WAPA, cost of living, housing, healthcare, or government accountability, residents deserve leaders who are prepared to do the work and answer to the people.”
Gregory is running as an independent because he believes good ideas should be judged by whether they help the people of the Virgin Islands, not by party politics. His campaign is built around practical leadership, community input, small business growth, infrastructure readiness, public safety, workforce opportunity, and restoring confidence in government.
As the General Election approaches, Gregory encourages voters to stay engaged, ask questions, compare candidates, and learn where each person stands on the issues that matter most to the future of the Virgin Islands.
The campaign will continue meeting with residents, business owners, community organizations, and local leaders throughout the St. Thomas–St. John District.
Better Together means listening first, asking the right questions, and working toward solutions that serve the people.
Paid for by the Committee to Elect Gregory P. Smith.