Derrick Callwood: Bringing Real Opposition, Oversight and Accountability to the Legislature

For too long, the Virgin Islands have been governed without the political competition needed to hold government accountable. The Republican Party in the Virgin Islands believes voters deserve another voice in the Legislature—one willing to expose problems, question the way things have been done for decades, and demand answers when government fails.

Derrick Callwood is running to provide that voice in the St. Thomas–St. John District.

A proud St. Thomas resident, Callwood is a former Virgin Islands police officer and local businessman. His experience in law enforcement and business has given him a practical perspective on public safety, the pressures facing local businesses, and the consequences of ineffective government.

Callwood has seen the cost of governing without meaningful opposition: corruption cases, failed oversight of WAPA, and the same political system accepting the same failures year after year. He is running to bring real opposition, real oversight, and real accountability to the Legislature.

His priorities focus on problems Virgin Islanders confront every day. Callwood supports stronger action against corruption, replacing WAPA’s failed model, making our communities safer, and finally treating education as a true priority. He has also emphasized lowering the cost of living, expanding access to affordable healthcare, and repositioning the territory as a leading model throughout the Caribbean.

That is the kind of direct accountability the Virgin Islands needs more of.

For decades, residents have heard promises about electricity, public safety, education, economic opportunity, and basic government services. Too many of those problems remain unresolved. Power costs strain families and businesses. Residents worry about the safety of their communities. Schools are not treated with the urgency they deserve. The cost of living continues to push Virgin Islanders away from home.

Across the RPVI ticket, the agenda includes safer streets, schools that answer to parents, greater WAPA accountability, and an economy where families and entrepreneurs can afford to stay and succeed.

Republicans believe changing those outcomes requires changing the political environment that produced them. When one party dominates government for too long, complacency becomes easier and accountability becomes weaker. Competition means legislators have to defend their votes, question spending and answer when government fails.

Callwood will bring a different voice to the Legislature. His campaign is rooted in the belief that even a few Republican senators can change the dynamic by providing members whose responsibility is to uncover problems instead of protecting the political establishment.

This election is not about expecting every Virgin Islander to agree on every issue. It is about making sure different voices are represented in the Legislature and that someone is willing to challenge business as usual.

Derrick Callwood is running to provide that opposition—and to help build a Virgin Islands where government works, communities are safer, opportunity grows, and accountability is expected.

More competition. More accountability. Better government.