Senator Kenneth "Kenny" Gittens

08/10/2026

08/10/2026

I will be on radio show “Analyze This” this morning with host Neville James from 8:15-9:15 I’ll be talking about some of my past initiatives and bills and some of the things I hope to continue in the 37th Legislature.
As always, listeners can tune in locally to WTJX-FM 93.1 or stream online at www.wtjx.org. Please tune in tomorrow and vote #11 on your ballot when you go out to vote.

07/10/2026

We join our nation this week in celebrating the men and women of the Virgin Islands Fire Emergency Medical Service as they celebrate Fire Prevention week through Saturday. We thank our firefighters for their hard work and their dedicated service to our community.
This years theme “Charge Into Fire Safety: Safe Charging Is a Superpower"
The theme’s primary focus is on educating the public on reducing lithium-ion battery fires caused by everyday rechargeable electronics like smartphones, laptops, power tools, e-bikes, and scooters.
I join VIFEMS in encouraging everyone to take time to research products. Look for a stamp from a nationally recognized testing lab on the packaging and product, which means that it meets safety standards.
Firefighters have been out in the community with various events this week. Join them, celebrate with them and learn from them.

07/10/2026

Early Voting starts next Friday, October 16th. I’m proud to have sponsored legislation my first term that allows voters to vote early without needing a reason. We continue to see the benefits of voting early.
My continued work on behalf of the people of our territory speaks for itself. I have continued to speak out and advocate for better living conditions, accountability and fair treatment on every front.
Early voting begins October 16th and runs through October 31st. I encourage everyone to vote early and avoid crowds ahead of the November 3rd election. Vote early and please, Vote #11. Kenneth Gittens

Early voting polls will be open 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily on St. Croix and
St Thomas.

Early voting on St. John is scheduled for October 23rd yo October 31st, from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The Early Voting Locations are:
• District of St. Croix Elections Office-Sunny Isle Shopping Center Unit 26
• District of St. Thomas-St.John-St. Thomas-Lockhart Gardens (Former Kmart Location)
• District of St. Thomas-St. John – St. John office- Market Place Suite I

05/10/2026

Late last night I received a call from an anonymous source asking me to do something about medical waste being stored improperly at The Governor Juan F. Luis Hospital. I visited this morning and saw first hand how biohazardous trash was improperly piled up behind the hospital.
What I saw was alarming — torn bags on the ground overflowing with medical waste including needles and blood collection materials, blood vials and bandages.
My concern is for public health and the real risk this poses to the hospital employees and patients in particular. We need to ensure that there are proper protocols in place and that they are followed.
The purpose of raising the issue is not to alarm the public or create unnecessary fear about our hospital.
JFLH remains an essential part of our healthcare system and I recognize the tremendous work being performed everyday by the hospital’s staff. However, recognizing the importance also means that we must be willing to ask the difficult questions when conditions require attention. Exposure to medical waste poses serious health risks, as it can spread dangerous pathogens and contaminate the surrounding environment with toxic chemicals or even radioactive materials.
While at the hospital, I met with Chief Operating Officer RN Adeline Connors, because Chief Executive Officer Darlene Carty was not available. I was informed that a private waste hauler handles the hospital’s medical waste, and that they are experiencing difficulty getting the waste off-island, but that another trailer to hold the waste would not be available until next week.
I urged the hospital’s leadership to find an immediate solution, even if it is a temporary one.
After my visit there was some light cleaning in the area, but the problem was nowhere near resolved.
As a member of the Legislature’s Committee on Health, Hospitals and Human Services, I have already brought this matter to the attention of Committee Chairman Senator Ray Fonseca and Hospital Board Chairman Dr. Jerry Smith and asked that it be addressed immediately.
I have asked the COO and the Hospital Board Chairman to secure additional appropriate dumpsters and explore the cost and feasibility of establishing additional on-island medical waste treatment capacity, including an appropriate medical waste sterilization system, such as an autoclave, and/or a medical waste incinerator, subject to applicable regulatory and environmental requirements.
We should determine whether having such capacity available could provide the hospital with a more reliable contingency option when off-island transportation or disposal becomes a challenge.
Even when we learn of these types of issues, we have a responsibility to support our hospitals, but supporting our hospitals also means holding those responsible for its operations accountable.

02/10/2026

Today is the day to for a great day.
Great Day is celebrated at all McDonald's restaurants on St. Thomas and St. Croix as part of their corporate Latin America and Caribbean wide charity event. As they have done annually, the fundraiser benefits My Brother's Workshop

Today, every purchase of a Big Mac supports the initiative. Purchasing the sandwich or meal also enters you into a raffle for exclusive prizes from My Brothers Workshop.

02/10/2026

We have only a few days left for voter registration ahead of the November 3rd General Election. I encourage everyone to register to vote and to vote for me #11 on your ballot. I am a candidate that you can trust and a candidate you can count on. I’ve continued to be an advocate against waste, fraud and abuse and have sponsored or supported bills that improve our quality of life here in the Territory.

To register visit St. Croix Elections Office-Sunny Isles Shopping Center, Unit 26
(8:30 AM to 4:30 PM daily)

St. Thomas Elections Office- Lockhart Gardens (Upstairs Banco Popular)
(8:30 AM to 4:30 PM daily)

St. John Elections Office- Market Place Suite II.
(Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM)

EXTENDED HOURS for STX & STT
October 2nd - 8:30 am to 6 pm
October 3rd - 9 am to 1 pm
October 4th - 10 am to 1 pm

Original documents required to register:
• Birth Certificate or
• Passport (United States) or
• Military Discharge form (DD214) or
• Naturalization Certificate

For more information call 340-773-1021 or 340-774-3107

01/10/2026

I wear purple during the month of October to show support for victims, advocates and the organizations that assist. I encourage our community to wear purple to show support and spread the message that there is no room in our community for violence of any kind. When I wear pink, it’s promoting testing and spreading the message that early detection saves lives. 💜 🩷

01/10/2026

Today we usher in October and look forward to the observance of Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
During this month dozens of activities will be held to bring attention and awareness to these two important social issues.
Let me remind everyone that early detection saves lives and encourage mammograms and self examinations.
Let us also be mindful and make a pledge to be our brothers’ and sisters’ keepers. We must intervene when needed and send the message loud and clear that there is no room for domestic violence or any violence in our community. Have a great month everyone.

01/10/2026

Today we honor the spirits of our ancestors as it is October 1st. It’s the start of the new fiscal year but the observance of Contract Day in the Virgin Islands is what holds near to our hearts today.

We remember the 1878 St. Croix labor riot, and Fireburn. The revolt started on October 1st, and involved several days of looting and burning across the island.

Today we salute brave men and brave women like Queen Mary and the Fire burn Queens who were not afraid to stand up against oppressors to demand fair treatment.

I’m sure they were scared, but they were not afraid to risk it all as they took a stance for the betterment of their families and community.

As your senator and community leader, I will continue to support organized unions and every push for equal treatment, better working conditions and fair pay for the working class. Happy Contract Day all.