Planting Seeds for Community-Driven Advocacy
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.
2024 EXPUNGEMENTS
22
Goal: 50
3rd Annual Harvest Festival & Pumpkin Patch on October 12th from 12 PM - 5 PM at Magens Bay!
The VI Justice Initiative is a locally grown legal aid organization planting seeds for community-driven advocacy. Our signature fundraiser brings the community together to celebrate our agricultural roots and farming community here in the Virgin Islands. Create fall memories on the tractor hayride through the Arboretum and experience the joy of our signature pumpkin patch, where you can pick the perfect pumpkin for carving or for the first time locally grown pumpkins for cooking and baking! Thanks to our generous sponsors this is a free event with just the cost of admission to Magens Bay.
Interested in volunteering at the event? Add your name to the volunteer sign-up sheet below.
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.
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.
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
St. Thomas -
Tess Monstanto-Bailey
DEVELOPMENT ADVISOR
St. Thomas -
Alex Golubitsky, Esq.
BOARD MEMBER
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Jalicha Persad
BOARD MEMBER
St. Thomas -
Ronald W. Belfon, Esq.
BOARD MEMBER
St. Thomas -
Melanie Turnbull, Esq.
SPECIAL ADVISOR
St. Thomas -
Hon. Alan Smith (Ret.)
SPECIAL ADVISOR
St. John -
Kye Walker, Esq.
SPECIAL ADVISOR
St. Croix -
Pamela Lynn Colon, Esq.
SPECIAL ADVISOR
St. Croix -
J. Russell B. Pate, Esq., LLM
SPECIAL ADVISOR
St. Croix -
Joseph A. DiRuzzo, III, Esq., CPA LLM
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!