Meet the Team
shamari haynes
Board of Elections Candidate
Shamari Haynes is a proud Crucian, public servant, and community leader dedicated to strengthening the Virgin Islands through civic engagement, cultural preservation, and public service. A graduate of the St. Croix Educational Complex High School, Shamari currently serves as Deputy Commissioner of the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism, where he oversees operations, stakeholder coordination, communications, and community engagement initiatives across the territory.
With a background in tourism, youth advocacy, event coordination, and community leadership, Shamari has remained deeply involved in efforts that connect and empower Virgin Islanders. He is also the Founder and Creative Director of Simply Sophisticated Fun Troupe Inc. and serves as Public Relations Officer for VITAL (Virgin Islands Territorial Advancement & Legacy), a nonprofit organization who’s aim is to empower Virgin Islanders by connecting communities, fostering leadership, and promoting civic engagement.
Shamari is running for the Virgin Islands Board of Elections because he believes the territory deserves an elections system built on integrity, transparency, professionalism, and public trust. He is committed to encouraging greater civic participation — especially among younger generations — while helping strengthen voter confidence, accessibility, and engagement throughout the Virgin Islands community.
Not next. Now.
Mojania (MO) denis
Board of Education Candidate
Mojania (Mo) Denis, PE, is a proud native of St. Croix and a product of the Virgin Islands public school system, having attended Evelyn M. Williams Elementary, Arthur A. Richards Junior High, and graduating from St. Croix Educational Complex High School Class of 2019 as the Class President and Salutatorian.
He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering and returned home in 2023 to serve the Territory. Mojania currently works as a licensed Professional Engineer with the Virgin Islands Port Authority, where he manages critical infrastructure projects that support daily life across the islands. He also serves as the President of VITAL (Virgin Islands Territorial Advancement & Legacy).
Mojania is a strong advocate for expanding career and technical education, fostering alignment between educational stakeholders, and creating opportunities for students to transition confidently from the classroom into meaningful careers. He believes in collaborative leadership, meaningful community engagement, and decisive action to restore pride, performance, and trust within the Territory’s education system.
Not next. Now.
christopher jacobs jr.
Board of Education Candidate
Christopher Jacobs Jr. is a proud son of the soil and a direct product of the Virgin Islands public school system — shaped by Ricardo Richards Elementary, John H. Woodson Junior High, and the St. Croix Central High School Class of 2023. His journey is not distant history—it is recent, lived experience. He understands today’s classrooms because he was just in them.
Now serving as an Inspector Aide at the Virgin Islands Port Authority, Christopher works within complex infrastructure systems across the marine and aviation sectors. Every day, he engages in coordination, problem-solving, and accountability, ensuring critical projects move forward with precision. He also serves as the Vice President of VITAL (Virgin Islands Territorial Advancement & Legacy).
Christopher believes students should not just move through a curriculum, but engage with one that is relevant, practical, and aligned with real opportunities in the Virgin Islands and beyond. He is committed to influencing our curriculum in a way that connects education to real career pathways, integrates practical, hands-on learning experiences, and prepares students not just to graduate, but to build, lead, and contribute to society.
Not next. Now.
