Francois Confirmation Gives V.I. Supreme Court Full Five Justices for First Time as Andre Is Confirmed to Continue on Superior Court

Legislators are hopeful that Governor Albert Bryan Jr.’s nominations for the Superior and Supreme Courts will help move the needle in getting resolutions in the territory’s backlog of cases.  On Thursday, the 36th Legislature unanimously supported the nominations of Honorable Denise M. Francois as a  Justice, Supreme Court of the Virgin Islands, and Renee M. Andre, Esq. as a Judge in the Superior Court of the Virgin Islands. At their confirmation hearings, lawmakers expressed significant confidence in the nominees' qualifications and experience. The high praise continued during Thursday’s session. Senate President Milton Potter stated that a strong judiciary is “foundational to the rule of law here in the US Virgin Islands.” He shared his gratitude to the governor for the “quality and the caliber” of the nominees. Senator Kurt Vialet was among those who hoped that confirmation to their respective roles would have a meaningful impact. He lamented that community members who are facing...