US Virgin Islands (USVI) Democrats came out in support of Vice President Kamala D. Harris hours after President Joseph R. Biden announced that he was dropping out of the race for re-election.‌ Photo: VIC

Delegate to Congress Stacey E. Plaskett has come out in full support of Kamala D. Harris for US President. Photo: Caribbean National Weekly/File

On Friday, July 19, 2024, Delegate to Congress Stacey E. Plaskett was full-throated in her support for Mr Biden, and expressed doubts that white Democratic women would support Ms Harris to become the first female president of the United States.

Following Biden’s announcement that he would not seek re-election, however, Congresswoman Plaskett issued the following statement: “I am now committed to ensuring that Vice President Kamala Harris, endorsed by President Biden, becomes our next nominee, and the first Black woman to be president of the United States of America.” Claiming that she was an early supporter of then-Senator Harris when she offered herself for national office in 2020, Ms Plasket says that she is now “100% Team Harris!”

'Thank you, Mr President'- Gov Bryan 

‌Governor Albert A. Bryan Jr also announced his support and thanked President Biden. "I want to start by expressing my deep appreciation for President Joe Biden as he announces his decision not to seek reelection. This decision underscores who he is at his core—a true public servant whose career has been dedicated to the betterment of our nation," he said.

Mr Bryan further stated, "We in the [US] Virgin Islands are particularly grateful for his unwavering support in our recovery efforts with the reduction in the local match for our disaster projects from 10% to 2% and 5%. His prudence is a testament to a lifelong commitment to the American people. Thank you, Mr. President."

On Vice President Kamala D. Harris, he stated, "As we endorse Vice President Harris, we recognise the vital need for her leadership to extend beyond previous efforts and directly address the ongoing challenges of territorial parity and equality. Our endorsement comes with the firm expectation that these pressing issues will be actively prioritised in her policy agenda."

Meanwhile, the Virgin Islands Delegation to the Democratic National Convention has reacted with “dismay” at the news of Biden dropping out of the race. Following the party’s selection of delegates, all 14 members of the delegation committed themselves entirely to President Biden.

However, with Ms Harris now Biden’s stated choice to contest the election at the top of the ticket, delegation chair Carol Burke says “it’s my responsibility to maintain the cohesion and be guided by President Biden’s decision to endorse Vice President Harris.”‌

Despite the rapid adjustment, the delegation remains “extremely thankful to President Biden for his historic leadership,” Ms Burke stated.