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Marise C. James is an United States Virgin Islands politician. She serves as a Democratic member for the St. Croix district of the Virgin Islands Legislature.[1][2]
Marise C. James | |
|---|---|
 Marise C. James' Official Portrait | |
| Member of the Virgin Islands Legislature from the St. Croix district | |
| Assumed office July 25, 2022 | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Marise Cecile James November 22, 1957 Saint Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Anthony Paul |
| Children | Camille M. Paul, Sydney M. Paul, Jordan K. Paul |
| Residence | Saint Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands |
Early life and education
editShe was born November 22, 1957, to Constance Espinosa, an executive secretary and seamstress, and Randall “Doc” James, a prominent medical doctor, Virgin Islands senator, and multifaceted individual. She grew up in the D. Hamilton Jackson Terrace housing project in Christiansted, St. Croix, and lived with her maternal grandparents, Pedro Espinosa, a Sea Captain, and Margrethe Pedersen Espinosa, a seamstress. Pedro Espinosa emigrated from Culebra, while Margrethe was the daughter of a Dane, Peder Pedersen, and a Crucian, Miriam Krieger. They were among the first families to move to the Ralph De Chabert housing project, where Marise resided with her grandmother until her senior year of high school, after which they relocated to the Sion Farm Housing Development.
Marise attended St. Mary’s Catholic School and St. Joseph High School in the Virgin Islands. She then pursued higher education at George Washington University in Washington, D.C., where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Zoology. Benefiting from Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972, she received an athletic scholarship to play Division I basketball, setting a record for rebounds that stood for 37 years.[3] After graduating, Marise returned to St. Croix to work as a physical science teacher at Elena Christian Junior High School and St. Croix Central High School.
Career and achievements
editMarise James represented the U.S. Virgin Islands in the Miss Universe pageant in 1981. Her performance in the Miss Virgin Islands pageant led to her appointment as the first Tourism Careers Coordinator by Leona Bryan, Director of the Division of Tourism, Department of Commerce. In this role, she educated Virgin Islands students about tourism and career opportunities in the industry. Marise also taught part-time in the Adult Education Program at St. Croix Central High School, helping adults prepare for the General Equivalency Diploma (GED) examination.
At the urging of her mother, Marise attended law school and graduated from the University of Maryland Francis King Carey Law School in Baltimore, MD. Throughout her 36-year legal career, she has adhered to the philosophy of Edmund Burke: "The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing."
Marise's legal career spans various sectors, including private practice, public service, and non-profit work. She began her practice with the firm Winston A. Hodge, later Hodge & Sheen, P.C., before working as the Associate Director for the Political Status Public Education Program at the University of the Virgin Islands. After Hurricane Hugo in 1989, she managed disaster relief efforts with the Small Business Administration Disaster Loan Program. Marise also worked with the Department of Planning and Natural Resources, the Office of Senator Gerard Luz A. James II, and eventually returned to Hodge & Sheen.
In 1995, Marise opened her own legal practice focusing on real estate, corporate, and probate matters. She also founded The Paralegal Institute in 1996. Her work with Governor Roy L. Schneider's office, as well as her role as a sole practitioner from 1999 to 2004, further established her reputation in the legal field. She joined the Virgin Islands National Guard in 2004, serving as the Staff Judge Advocate until 2018, including a one-year federal active-duty tour at Joint Task Force Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
Post-military service, Marise became Policy Advisor for Justice and Public Safety with the Office of Governor Albert Bryan in 2019. In 2020, she returned to private practice, focusing on real estate and business transactions. Additionally, she works as a mediator, teacher, and public speaker.
Community involvement
editMarise has been an active community member from a young age, participating in Girl Scouts, the Youth Commission, and helping establish the Women’s Coalition of St. Croix. She has been involved with various organizations such as the St. Joseph Alumni Association, Boy Scouts of America, St. Croix Landmark Society, and the St. Croix Foundation for Community Development. Marise also volunteered at Juanita Gardine Elementary School and taught Street Law and Moot Court at St. Croix Central High School.
She co-hosted a radio talk show on WSTX 970 a.m. and was elected Democratic National Committee Woman for the Virgin Islands in 1996. Marise also hosted the "TOPICS" television show on WTJX Channel 12 and served as a parade commentator for the St. Croix Festival Parade.
Personal life
editMarise is married to Anthony Paul from Trinidad and Tobago, and they have three adult children: Camille, Sydney, and Jordan. Her husband has two older sons. Marise homeschooled her children for several years, guided by Jackie Kennedy’s philosophy that the success of raising children is paramount.
References
edit- ^ "Senator Marise C. James". Virgin Islands Legislature. Retrieved August 14, 2024.
- ^ "35th Legislature". Virgin Islands Legislature. Retrieved December 9, 2023.
- ^ "George Washington knocks off Iowa in double OT". NCAA. Retrieved 2024-08-14.
- "Marise C. James". Virgin Islands Legislature. Retrieved August 14, 2024.
- "Marise C. James". Ballotpedia. Retrieved August 14, 2024.
- "Senator James Supports Students Advocating for Improved Conditions". St. Thomas Source. Retrieved August 14, 2024.
- "35th Legislature Commences a New Legislative Session". VI News. Retrieved August 14, 2024.
- "USVI Officials Urge Congress to Preserve Affordable Connectivity Program Vital for Residents". The Virgin Islands Consortium. Retrieved August 14, 2024.
- "Candidates cast lots for Democratic Party primary". Virgin Islands Daily News. 5 June 2024. Retrieved August 14, 2024.
- "Listing of candidates for Primary Election - 2024" (PDF). Elections System of the Virgin Islands. Retrieved August 14, 2024.
- "Elections Finishes Counting 2022 V.I. Democratic Primary". St. Thomas Source. Retrieved August 14, 2024.
- "Committee receives update on education data, vets insurance fund transfer Bill". Virgin Islands Legislature. 18 June 2024. Retrieved August 14, 2024.
- "Lawmakers receive update from education stakeholders". Virgin Islands Legislature. 16 May 2024. Retrieved August 14, 2024.
- "Committee receives updates regarding workforce development in the territory, status of schools, hears united steel workers union issues". Virgin Islands Legislature. 17 November 2023. Retrieved August 14, 2024.