Photo by Don Hebert
Inspire change for economic justice, equality, and fairness.
The Virgin Islands Justice Initiative is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization focused on creating opportunities for the poor to succeed through economic justice and poverty law. We provide free legal representation, education, and resources for economic and social mobility.
2023 Annual Report
Our programs:
Clean Slate:
Free legal representation for expungement proceedings to clear arrest records and marijuana convictions to help people get back to work.
Teen Education & Criminal Deterrence Project:
Educational opportunities for teenagers to learn from attorneys that seemingly innocent behavior could actually be criminal in nature. The goal is to empower youth with the agency to make good decisions that can change the trajectory of their lives.
Legal Research and Data Support:
Develop legal research and data for policy change.
Systemic Change Advocacy:
High-impact litigation and class actions.
Engage, Network, and Partner with the Community
Our values:
Economic Justice
Preserving & Protecting Local Homeownership
Streamlining the Expungement Process
Fair and Equitable Education
Fair Debt Collection Practices
Environmental Justice
Tax Justice
Support our Organization & Community Events
At the VI Justice Initiative, we understand that choosing which organizations to support financially is a big decision. We want to assure you that your contribution to the VI Justice Initiative will truly make a difference in the lives of Virgin Islanders by expanding civil legal aid.
Where does your money go?
Your contribution supports the sustainability of our programs and community outreach events to ensure that the Virgin Islands has a thriving independent legal aid for years to come. You can choose at the time of your donation to allocate your contribution to one or more of the programs that we offer. Our Annual Report and website provide descriptions of our programs and you can reach a member of our team at (340) 774-6504.
The VI Justice Initiative is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization EIN: 66-1012841, and your donation is tax deductible to the extent allowable by law. No goods or services were provided by the VI Justice Initiative in return for your contribution.
Checks can be made payable to VI Justice Initiative and mailed to:
VI Justice Initiative, P.O. Box 746, St. Thomas, VI 00804
Meet the Team
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Casey Payton, Esq.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
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Tess Monstanto-Bailey
DEVELOPMENT ADVISOR
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Alex Golubitsky, Esq.
BOARD MEMBER
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Ronald W. Belfon, Esq.
BOARD MEMBER
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Jalicha Persad
BOARD MEMBER
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Joseph A. DiRuzzo, III, Esq., CPA LLM
SPECIAL ADVISOR
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J. Russell B. Pate, Esq., LLM
SPECIAL ADVISOR
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Melanie Turnbull, Esq.
SPECIAL ADVISOR
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Kye Walker, Esq.
SPECIAL ADVISOR
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Pamela Lynn Colon, Esq.
SPECIAL ADVISOR
Ways to Get Involved
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Make an In-Kind Donation
This includes office space, event space, catering for community and fundraising events, equipment, and professional services.
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Pro Bono
We need attorneys licensed to practice in the U.S. Virgin Islands to support our litigation efforts.
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Volunteer
We need volunteers for our community events and fundraisers!