In 2020 Senator Samuel Carrion made the commitment to run for the 34th Legislature to fight for a better Virgin Islands. Born and raised on the island of St. Croix, Senator Carrion sought to make a positive impact in his community. After being elected to serve in the 34th Legislature, Senator Carrion has been noted as one of the most successful Freshman Senators in the Virgin Islands Legislature.
During Senator Carrions term in the Senate, he passed numerous pieces of legislation to propel the Virgin Islands in the areas of economic development, agriculture, gun safety, and education. Act #8609 creates a new Division of Territorial Parks and Protected Areas making DPNR eligible for millions in conservation grants to maintain public lands and to create new parks for our people. Act #8555 improves our bilingual education programs and did so, which sets the foundation for hiring and training qualified instructors and better supporting English learners. Act #8528 streamlines the payment of taxes on short-term rentals. Act #8504 preserves the Territory’s unique crops and plant species against climate change and natural disasters through a forward-thinking seed bank program.
In addition to his degree in Business and Theology, working in both the Executive and Judicial branches of government, non-profit, and private sector granted Senator Carrion the opportunity to understand the concerns of all Virgin Islanders. As a father to his four children and caregiver of his father, Senator Carrion is aware of the importance of rectifying the infrastructure to benefit the livelihood of the youths and elders of the Territory.
Senator Carrion served as the chair of the Committee on Youth, Sports, Parks, and Recreation, Vice-Chair of the Subcommittee on Energy and Infrastructure, member of the Committee on Disaster Recovery and Infrastructure, the Committee on Health, Hospitals, and Human Services, the Committee on Housing, Transportation, and Telecommunications, and the Committee on Finance in the 34th Legislature.
Senator Carrion capitalized on his momentum as the Chair of Youth, Sports, Parks and Recreation and revitalized the Legislative Youth Advisory Council to give Virgin Islands students an opportunity to bring forth issues facing the youths while passing legislation to address the matters that were brought forward. As a result, students gain insight into how the Legislative branch is run and are now a part of the change that they would like to see in the Territory.
Staying true to his roots of community involvement and service, Senator Carrion has served as a member of various community organizations such as the American Red Cross, VI Domestic Violence Sexual Assault Council, VIPR, Dominican Action Committee, Crucian Educational Non- Profit Group, VI Clergy Peace Coalition, and Helping Hands of Prophetic House of Worship Ministries.
In the 35th Legislature, Senator Carrion will continue to honor the pledge he made to the people of the Virgin Islands. He remains steadfast and hopeful of bringing positive, measurable change to his community.
