Four gubernatorial hopefuls face student scrutiny on recovery plans

Four people running for governor appeared at Kean High School on St. Thomas on Wednesday to discuss their plans for the territory's struggling schools, power system, and infrastructure damaged in the 2017 hurricanes.

Adlah "Foncie" Donastorg, who previously served in the Senate, described a "youth land bank" designed to distribute 100 acres per district, enabling qualified young residents to acquire up to one acre. Oakland Benta, a former police chief and senator, proposed deploying ships as temporary "floating" power plants, hospitals, and schools during reconstruction. He also pointed to federal corruption cases that have imprisoned former Police Commissioner Ray Martinez as evidence of systemic problems harming the territory.

Gustav James, formerly with Public Works, emphasised reducing energy expenses and windstorm insurance costs, which he argued discourage business investment. Randolph Bennett, James's running mate and a former Property and Procurement commissioner, was the sole lieutenant governor candidate participating and encouraged students to pursue entrepreneurship.

Stacey Plaskett, the territory's Delegate to Congress, detailed her efforts securing billions in federal recovery dollars over 11 years. She pledged to declare a state of emergency upon taking office, seek federal assistance for the Water and Power Authority, and establish a task force to accelerate school and hospital repairs. She repeatedly faulted the Bryan administration's implementation pace, stating that "it is the governor's job to make sure these things get on the ground to you."

Student reactions were mixed. Aysia Carty, 17, welcomed specific proposals like James's battery backup strategy for power outages. However, 16-year-olds Asline Georges and Anaiah Cassell felt the candidates offered broad commitments without explaining implementation. Georges said candidates showed "a lot of deflection" and "weren't really trying to give insight on the actual issues that we face." Cassell observed that resorts had recovered quickly while schools, roads, and hospitals languished, and pointed to unfulfilled promises on the Water and Power Authority as evidence that voters lack meaningful influence over outcomes.