St. Thomas

St. John

St.Croix

Senate President

Novelle E. Francis, Jr.
St. Croix
Senator Novelle E. Francis, Jr.
Senate President
District: St. Croix

Senator Novelle E. Francis, Jr. has served the people of the Virgin Islands with distinction for over thirty years. He was honored to serve as the Vice-President of the 34th Legislature and adds that title to the many that he has accumulated during his career as a public servant. Senator Francis looks forward to continued service to the Virgin Islands as the President of the 35th Legislature.

During his legislative tenure, Senator Francis has built a strong record on the three E’s and a Q-energy, education, economic development and quality of life issues. Senator Francis’ legislative initiatives are informed by his background in law enforcement, his experiences as a public school graduate and parent, his studies at John Jay College, and his many years as a small business owner. His roots on St. Croix and Antigua have also contributed to his Caribbean and global perspective and ardent belief that the Virgin Islands is second to none. His service to the people of this territory is also built on the strongest foundation of family. Novelle is married to Avril Johnson Francis and is a proud father, brother, uncle and nephew to those in his extensive family circle.

As a senator, Novelle has amassed a wealth of legislative victories-all that reflect sincere care and concern for the territory and people. In the 31st and 32nd Legislatures, Senator Francis championed legislation that gives local workers hiring preference on publicly funded projects (Act 7861) and expands the public school curriculum to require civic courses for all public high school students (Act 7934). In the 33rd Legislature, after four years of meetings with stakeholders, setbacks and multiple drafts, Novelle was successful in passing Act 8376, which establishes a South Shore Enterprise Zone on the island of St. Croix. The accomplishment of this legislation symbolizes his work ethic and tenacity and is a legacy of his commitment to the future development on the “big island.”

During his term in the 34th Legislature, Senator Francis moved legislation that addresses school truancy in the Virgin Islands (Act 8530) and supports law enforcement through the implementation of the automated license plate reader system and the development of a pilot red light camera program (Act 8552). Additionally, Senator Francis moved legislation that further supports economic development in St. Croix by establishing the Tech Village at the University of the Virgin Islands’ Research and Technology Park. His work to support economic diversity and resiliency is further evident in the passage of Act 8464, which established the Catalyst Loan Revolving Fund and appropriated $5 million for the Fund and $1 million to market the South Shore Enterprise Zone. A long-standing advocate for accessible healthcare for all sectors of our community, Senator Francis is proudest of his collaboration with the Executive Branch and stakeholders to move the first comprehensive Virgin Islands Behavioral Healthcare Act forward.

In the term ahead, Novelle looks forward to continuing his work on juvenile justice reform, narrowing the school-to-prison pipeline, addressing the blighted and abandoned properties across the territory, and advancing the territory’s healthcare and education infrastructure.

Chief of Staff: Shawna Richards Email: srichards@legvi.org Phone: 340-712-2324

COMMITTEE CONSIDERS CZM AND ZONING REQUESTS, UPDATED ON STREET ADDRESSING PROGRAM  | February 5, 2024

ST. THOMAS – The 35th Legislature of the Virgin Islands’ Committee of the Whole, led by Senate President Novelle E. Francis, Jr. met in the Earle B. Ottley Legislative Chambers. Lawmakers considered a minor CZM permit and zoning requests. Additionally, an update was received about the Street Addressing Initiative Program. Senators cannot vote on measures… Read More »

LEGISLATURE HOSTS STATE OF THE TERRITORY ADDRESS  | January 22, 2024

ST. THOMAS – The 35th Legislature of the Virgin Islands, led by Senate President Novelle E. Francis, Jr. convened in regular session to receive the 6th State of the Territory Address from the Honorable Governor Albert Bryan Jr. The annual address is mandated by the Revised Organic Act of 1954. Senators eagerly awaited the Governor’s… Read More »

Body of Former Senator Alicia “Chucky” Hansen to Lay in State at the Legislature of the Virgin Islands | October 13, 2023

St. Croix—Senate President Novelle E. Francis, Jr., announced today that the body of former Senator Alicia “Chucky” Hansen will lie in state on Thursday, October 19, 2023, at the Legislature on St. Croix. The former senator, who was affectionately known as “Chucky,” passed away at the age of 70. Hansen served an impressive 11 terms… Read More »