U.S. Virgin Islands — It is with profound sadness that Attorney General Gordon C. Rhea on behalf of the Virgin Islands Department of Justice (DOJ) announce the passing of Nathaniel Joseph “Joseph” Ponteen, a distinguished attorney and dedicated public servant whose legal career and service to the people of the Virgin Islands spanned more than four decades.
The legislation, sponsored by Senator Clifford Joseph and developed through a collaborative effort involving the Virgin Islands Department of Justice (DOJ) the Office of the Governor, the Virgin Islands Police Department (VIPD), and Born on the Caribbean island of Montserrat, Ponteen moved to St. Croix at the age of 12, where he was raised and developed a lifelong commitment to public service. He graduated from St. Dunstan’s Episcopal High School before earning a Bachelor of Science in Business from Boston University School of Business, a Master of Business Administration from the University of Miami, and a Juris Doctor from the University of Georgia School of Law in 1981.
Upon returning to St. Croix, Ponteen began his legal career with the Office of the Territorial Public Defender, where he served from 1981 to 1992. During that time, he established himself as a skilled and respected advocate dedicated to ensuring justice for those he represented.
In 1992, Ponteen joined the DOJ as an Assistant Attorney General, where he prosecuted numerous criminal cases and represented the Government of the Virgin Islands in complex legal matters. Throughout his tenure with the Department, he became known for his professionalism, integrity, and unwavering commitment to the rule of law.
In 2004, Ponteen was appointed Acting Director of the Virgin Islands Bureau of Corrections, where he led the agency during a critical period of federal court oversight. Following that assignment, he returned to the DOJ and continued his distinguished legal career.
Over the years, Ponteen rose through the ranks of the Department, ultimately serving as Chief Deputy Attorney General by 2016. In that capacity, he supervised significant criminal litigation, advised successive Attorneys General on complex legal matters, and represented the Government of the Virgin Islands in numerous high-profile cases. During a leadership transition, he served as Acting Attorney General from December 2018 through January 2019, providing steady guidance and continuity for the Department.
Beyond his courtroom accomplishments, Ponteen was deeply respected throughout the legal community as a mentor, educator, and public servant. He frequently shared his knowledge and experience as a presenter at judicial and legal conferences, contributing to the professional development of attorneys, judges, and members of the judiciary.
Attorney Rhea reflected on Ponteen’s extraordinary career and enduring legacy.
“Former Chief Deputy Ponteen dedicated his life to the service of the people of the U.S. Virgin Islands. Throughout more than four decades of public service, he exemplified integrity, professionalism, and an unwavering commitment to justice. He was a highly respected and exceptional attorney, a trusted advisor, and a mentor to countless lawyers who benefited from his wisdom and experience. His contributions to this Department and to the USVI justice system are immeasurable. On behalf of the DOJ, we extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing and working alongside him. His legacy will continue to inspire generations of public servants.”
Members of the Department also mourn the loss of a respected colleague whose quiet leadership, sound judgment, and dedication to public service earned the admiration of all who worked with him. His influence will be felt for years to come through the many attorneys he mentored and the lasting impact he made on the administration of justice in the Virgin Islands.
The Virgin Islands Department of Justice extends its heartfelt sympathies to the Ponteen family and joins the people of the Virgin Islands in honoring the life and legacy of Nathaniel Joseph Ponteen—a man whose career was defined by service, excellence, and an enduring commitment to justice.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 29, 2026
Sandra Goomansingh
Media Relations Director
(340) 774-5666 ext. 10105
Email: sandra.goomansingh@doj.vi.gov