VI Justice Initiative releases 2025 Annual Report highlighting territory-wide waves of impact
St. Thomas, VI – The Virgin Islands Justice Initiative (VIJI) has released its 2025 Annual Report highlighting a year of increased community engagement, strengthened communications, and meaningful legal victories for Virgin Islanders in St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix.
The report showcases VIJI maintaining strong programming and expanded services, despite shifts in federal funding. In 2025 VIJI strengthened its presence and impact in the territory through legal advocacy, education, strategic communications, and community partnerships.
“2025 was a strategic building year for our organization,” said Executive Director Casey Payton, Esq. “We focused on strengthening our foundation in communications and partnered with the Virgin Islands Department of Education’s Social and Emotional Wellness Program to expand our Know Your Rights Program into St. Croix public schools.”
Expanding Access to Justice Across the Territory
VIJI’s Clean Slate Program, which provides free legal representation for expungements, reached a major milestone in 2025 with 50 expungements obtained. By the end of 2025, the program was proudly serving 75 clients Territory-wide and has served 119 individuals overall. A new online application launched this year has streamlined the process and made the program more accessible for Virgin Islanders seeking a fresh start.
The organization also continued to expand its Know Your Rights Program, which provides legal education to youth. In partnership with public schools and community programs, VIJI reached hundreds of students across all three islands, equipping them with tools to better understand the legal system and avoid pathways into the justice system.
Advocacy and Legal Impact
In 2025, VIJI achieved a significant legal milestone by securing a settlement in its first class action lawsuit, restoring due process protections for incarcerated Virgin Islanders transferred off-island without notice or hearing.
The organization also expanded its advocacy work by representing four St. Croix-based nonprofit organizations in federal environmental litigation, ensuring local voices are represented in high-stakes legal matters affecting the community.
Founded in 2022, the Virgin Islands Justice Initiative is a locally grown 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to providing free legal services and education to advance economic justice in the Territory.
For the full 2025 Annual Report, please visit www.vijustice.org//annual-and-financial-reports.
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