Born on the beautiful island of St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, on October 12, 1973, Senator Alma Francis Heyliger embodies resilience, determination, and service. Her upbringing instilled in her a strong sense of self-expression and confidence, values she carries into her work as a public servant and community advocate.

A proud alumna of Charlotte Amalie High School, Senator Francis Heyliger graduated in 1991 as a proud Chicken Hawk and began her higher education at the University of the Virgin Islands later that year. Her early life, however, was marked by profound tragedy with the loss of both parents, Leeann Rabsatt Francis and Denzil “Frank” Francis Defreitas, within a year of each other due to illness caused by cancer. Despite these losses, she drew strength from the meaning of her name, “brave and diligent young lady,” and committed herself to turning life’s challenges into opportunities for growth and service.

Senator Francis Heyliger’s career spans over two decades, during which she has demonstrated exceptional dedication to the people of the Virgin Islands. As an employee of the Legislature’s MIS Division and a valued team member for former Senators Lorraine L. Berry and Donald “Ducks” Cole, she laid a solid foundation for her eventual election as a senator. Her work ethic and passion for community upliftment propelled her to the forefront of Virgin Islands leadership.

In December 2010, her family faced another devastating loss with the unsolved murder of her brother, Preston Antonia Francis. This tragedy ignited her determination to advocate for justice and make the Virgin Islands a safer place for all. She has also taken on the role of caregiver for her brother’s two children, raising them alongside her husband of over 20 years, Gilbert “Pugito” Heyliger.

Senator Francis Heyliger’s contributions extend beyond politics. She is a founding member of Intrigue Carnival Troupe, Past-President of the Independent Citizens Movement Party, Past-President of the CAHS Class of 1991, and a member of esteemed organizations such as the East End Lions Club and Rotary of St. Thomas II. She is also the author of the fiction novel Fallen Petals of the Orion (2004), which explores themes of resilience and survival and celebrated its 20 year anniversary in 2024.

In December 2020, Senator Francis Heyliger achieved a long-standing goal by acquiring Radio One – AM 1000, becoming one of approximately 18 African American women to own a radio station in the United States. Under her leadership, Radio One has become a hub for education, enrichment, and enlightenment, fostering dialogue and community growth.

Elected to the 34th Legislature of the Virgin Islands in November 2020, Senator Francis
Heyliger was re-elected to the 35th Legislature in November 2022, and most recently to the
36th Legislature on November 5, 2024. Her legislative accomplishments are notable:

• Education Advocacy: Co-sponsored a bill mandating the teaching of Virgin Islands
  history in schools, ensuring that students are educated about their rich cultural
  heritage.
• Property and Economic Development: Sponsored groundbreaking legislation to address unclaimed property in the Virgin Islands. This initiative led to the creation of a centralized website, usviclaims.unclaimedproperty.com, providing Virgin Islanders with access to over $50 million in unclaimed government-held assets. The program empowers residents to reclaim funds and property that rightfully belong to them, stimulating economic activity and individual financial empowerment.
• Public Health and Safety: Introduced legislation requiring annual testing for lead and copper in public and private water systems, enhancing water safety for residents.
• Government Accountability: Proposed a bill to allow Virgin Islanders to elect the Attorney General, aiming to reduce the politicization of the office and enhance democratic governance.

Senator Francis Heyliger’s unwavering commitment to the Virgin Islands is evident in her legislative initiatives and community involvement. Through her radio program, Alma in the Mornings, she fostered community dialogue and empowerment, embodying her belief that “Through Discussions, Solutions Can Be Found.”

As a fearless advocate and leader, Senator Alma Francis Heyliger continues to pave the way for prosperity, safety, and empowerment for all Virgin Islanders, guided by her personal motto: “We spend so much time rationalizing mediocrity, we have forgotten what greatness looks like!”