U.S. Virgin Islands – The Superior Court of the Virgin Islands has granted a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) preventing the Board of Parole from hearing pending parole applications while its membership lacks a quorum. At a later date the Court will hear arguments with respect to the Governor’s motion to enjoin the retroactive application of Act No. 8791(which would make geriatric parole available to those otherwise ineligible for parole under the law applicable at the time of their sentencing).
“We are pleased that the Court has recognized the urgency and gravity of this matter,” said V.I. Department of Justice (DOJ) St. Thomas Chief Deputy Attorney General Ian Clement. “Retroactive application of the law in question would impermissibly allow the Legislature to reopen and revise final sentencing decisions of the courts and unlawfully reallocate executive power to determine parole eligibility.”
While the TRO does not address these issues directly, it effectively halts enforcement of the statute and postpones parole hearings pending further proceedings before the Superior Court of the Virgin Islands. The DOJ will continue to vigorously defend the integrity of judicial decisions and the constitutional powers of the executive branch.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 3, 2025
Sandra Goomansingh
Media Relations Director
(340) 774-5666 ext. 10105
Email: sandra.goomansingh@doj.vi.gov