Champions of Advocacy Reception 2025

Article & Photos By: Tonia Garnett

The VI Justice Initiative, a legal education and defense fund, will be a game changer for many in the Virgin Islands!

This non-profit, created by local attorney Casey Payton, in 2022, is giving persons with a record an opportunity to have a 2nd chance in life with the possibility of clearing their record. Additionally, the organization will now provide free legal services to local non-profits. The VI Justice Initiative provides free legal representation and education focused on creating opportunities for the poor to succeed through economic justice.

The reception was to thank the supporters of the organization, to continue raising more funds, and to announce their upcoming initiatives in the community.

The story shared by someone in St Thomas who had his record expunged was moving and inspiring.

I am looking forward to seeing what else the VI Justice Initiative will do in our community.