Javan E. James, Sr., was born on July 7, 1987, on the big island of St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, to Jonathan and Marilyn James. His grandmother, Louisa Martin-Solis, emigrated from St. Kitts, West Indies, to Saint Croix, where she settled and raised her children, embodying the resilience and determination of immigrants pursuing a better life in the United States. Marilyn and Jonathan met and married in St. Kitts, West Indies, before relocating to Saint Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, where they raised three children: Jonathan E. James, Jr., Javan E. James, Sr., and Jenelia E. James. Javan E. James, Sr. is a proud parent to two wonderful children: Javan II and Jeremiah.
He attended Pearl B. Larsen Elementary School, Elena L. Christian Junior High School, and St. Croix Educational Complex High School, where he received his high school diploma on June 6, 2005. He worked as a certified process operator at the oil refinery Hovensa LLC, a firefighter in the United States Air Force, front desk at the Loft Condominium in Florida, security and beach attendant at Buccaneer Hotel, and as an administrative assistant for Senator Novelle E. Francis, Jr. during the 31st and 32nd Legislature of the Virgin Islands. On July 7, 2017, James resigned from the Office of Senator Novelle E. Francis, Jr.
Senator James has dedicated his life to serving the people of his community and advocating for their rights and well-being. He serves as an example for our young men and women in the community. Mr. James announced his bid for a seat in the 33rd Legislature of the Virgin Islands a few weeks after Hurricanes Irma and Maria devastated the U.S. Virgin Islands. On Tuesday, November 6, 2018, Javan E. James was elected as the youngest Senator to serve in the 33rd Legislature of the Virgin Islands at the age of thirty-one. In his first term in the Senate, James served as the Chairman of the Committee on Youth, Sports, Parks, and Recreation. Senator James has since been re-elected as the youngest member in the 34th and 35th Legislature of the Virgin Islands. His Chief of Staff, Ms. Andrea Mshila, served as Chief of Staff for all three terms with Senator Javan James, totaling six (6) years.
As the Chair of the Committee on Economic Development and Agriculture, he has advocated for increased economic development on the island of St. Croix while serving in the 35th Legislature of the Virgin Islands. Throughout his tenure, he has championed numerous initiatives aimed at enhancing the lives of his constituents. He has been a vocal advocate for sports, infrastructure, youth, culture, quality education, and economic development.
Recognizing the importance of education, Senator James has been a leading voice in promoting educational reforms and expanding opportunities for the youth of St. Croix. He has tirelessly fought to secure funding for schools, enhance educational resources, and improve the overall quality of education on the island. Furthermore, Senator James has been a staunch advocate for economic development and job creation in St. Croix. He has worked to attract investments, foster entrepreneurship, and create a conducive business environment that promotes economic growth and prosperity.
Senator James has introduced legislation to construct a cricket field in Estate Bethlehem, St. Croix, at a total cost of $2,175,000 (Act 8473), renovate the Police Athletic League Headquarters in Estate Whim, St. Croix, at a total cost of $200,000 (Act No. 8446), redirect all revenues derived from fees for initial and renewal firearms and ammunition licenses into the VI Education Initiative Fund to assist the Career and Technical Education schools in both districts (Act 8434), end child marriage by prohibiting the issuance of marriage licenses to persons under the age of eighteen (Act No. 8255), fund the completion of the Randall “Doc” James Racetrack on the island of St. Croix, at a total cost of $5,000,000 (Act 8651), and erect a monument in honor of the estate laborers and queens of the 1878 Fireburn on St. Croix, at a total cost of $250,000 (Act 8543), among other initiatives.
Beyond his political career, Senator James is an active member of the community and owner of a marketing and advertising company by the name of Vibes Launch 360. He is known for his approach-ability and willingness to listen to the concerns of his people. He firmly believes that true progress can only be achieved through open communication and collaboration. He plans to forge meaningful relationships and strengthen the bond between the USVI and other Caribbean islands in order to promote partnerships that would be mutually beneficial.
Javan E. James Sr. continues to serve as a beacon of hope and progress in the United States Virgin Islands. With his unwavering dedication and passion for public service and business, he strives to make a meaningful and lasting impact on the lives of his people.
