The Virgin Islands Civil Rights Commission (O.O.G.)

In accordance with Virgin Islands Code Title 10 § 62 the Virgin Islands Civil Rights Commission is established, within the Department of Justice for budgetary purposes only.  The Virgin Islands Civil Rights Commission shall be composed of members appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Legislature; 

The Commission shall be composed of seven (7) members as follows: 

In accordance with Title 10, Chapter 5, § 63 of the Virgin Islands Code, the Civil Rights Commission is charged with: 

Enforces civil rights provisions under Virgin Islands law.

Investigates allegations of voter suppression or denial of equal protection in areas such as education, housing, real estate, employment, public accommodations, transportation, public utilities, and the justice system.

Holds hearings, conducts fact-finding investigations, and issues subpoenas when necessary.

Imposes sanctions or provides remedies in individual cases of discrimination.

Files criminal complaints with the Office of the Attorney General or initiates civil actions when violations are found.

Collects and analyses information on crimes and incidents motivated by race, religion, national origin, sex, ethnicity, handicap, or political affiliation, and reporting findings annually.

Appraises laws and policies of the Virgin Islands and recommends improvements to eliminate discrimination.

Publishes annual reports to the Governor and Legislature, including legislative recommendations and summaries of Commission activities.

Sponsors conferences, conducts research, and promotes education on human rights and equality.

Must be a bona fide resident of the island for which the seat is designated.

Must possess integrity, sound judgment, and a demonstrated commitment to public service.

Knowledge of civil rights law, equal protection principles, and social justice issues.

Awareness of community needs across diverse populations and demographics.

Skills in investigation, conflict resolution, and policy analysis.

Ability to communicate clearly, conduct hearings, and evaluate evidence.

Ability to maintain impartiality and confidentiality while addressing sensitive matters.

Collaborative capacity to work effectively with government agencies, civic organizations, and the general public.

Each Board shall elect annually one of its members to serve as its Chair; Appointed members may be removed by the Governor for cause. The Board may appoint committees from its membership. To effectively perform its duties under the Act, the Board may also hire, discipline and terminate staff, including an executive secretary or director. It shall also be assigned adequate legal counsel by the Office of the Attorney General and may employ private counsel or its own full-time attorney.

A vacancy in the Commission shall not impair the right of the remaining members to exercise all the powers of the Commission, and shall be filled in the same manner, and subject to the same limitation with respect to party affiliations as the original appointment was made. Four members of the Commission shall constitute a quorum.
Each member of the Commission who is not otherwise in the service of the Government of the United States Virgin Islands shall receive the sum of $30 per day for each day spent in the work of the Commission plus actual and necessary expenses incurred thereby. 

Each member of the Commission who is otherwise in the service of the Government of the United States Virgin Islands shall serve without compensation in addition to that received for such other service, but while engaged in the work of the Commission shall be paid actual and necessary expenses.

The Virgin Islands Civil Rights Commission plays a critical role in safeguarding and advancing civil rights protections within the Territory. Its work ensures that every individual is afforded equal opportunity to enjoy a full and productive life, free from discrimination. Decisions of the Commission impact education, housing, employment, commerce, public services, and the overall quality of life in the Virgin Islands.