The Virgin Islands Justice Initiative’s third annual “Harvest Festival and Pumpkin Patch,” held at Magens Bay Beach on Oct. 12, raised more than $50,000 to support free legal representation and educational programs across the U.S. Virgin Islands. Hundreds of attendees came together for a day filled with family activities, local food, and cultural performances, with all proceeds going toward the initiative’s mission of providing legal aid to underserved communities.
This year’s festival also introduced the VI Justice Initiative’s new slogan: “Planting Seeds for Community Driven Advocacy.” Volunteers, sporting t-shirts with the slogan, assisted with the event, fostering a strong sense of community involvement.
“The new slogan truly represents our work,” said Casey Payton, executive director of the VI Justice Initiative. “It’s about planting small seeds of change that will grow into a stronger, more connected community.”
A key attraction of the festival was the Farmers Market, which celebrated the territory’s agricultural potential. Large pumpkins locally grown by Farmer Whaler, Wenner Hill Gardens Cooperative, and other vendors were available, symbolizing the islands’ growing ability to produce their own food.
In addition to pumpkins, the market featured a variety of locally sourced produce, including fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as products from a local honey vendor, showcasing the diversity and abundance of the Virgin Islands’ agricultural offerings.
“It’s important for people to support local growers. When you buy local, you’re not only getting fresh produce, but you’re also investing in the future of our islands,” said Chico George.
Festival attendees enjoyed various local cultural performances that highlighted the traditions of the Virgin Islands. Asar Gregory, a 10th-grade student, performed steelpan music that filled the air with joyful energy. Talvin Nagi and K’Dar Moore, also students, dazzled the crowd with their moko jumbie performances, bringing the island’s stilt-walking tradition to life. The celebration continued with a Tropical Treasure Hunt, more moko jumbie dancing from Yisrael’s Ambassadors of Culture, and an energetic dance routine by the MLB School of Dance.
Alongside the cultural performances, families enjoyed a variety of activities. The Kids Zone featured face painting, pumpkin carving, and pumpkin painting. The Pumpkin Patch was a popular attraction, providing a fun, hands-on experience for children and families. The Tractor Hayride, sponsored by RapierMed, offered scenic rides around the beautiful Magens Bay, giving children and adults a chance to enjoy the natural beauty of the island.
Pumpkin Patch and Hayride Tractor Mobile Mural, created by multimedia visual artist Sarah-Ann Mitchell, was also featured at the event. These vibrant, community-inspired artworks invited attendees to engage directly with the colorful and creative displays.
Since its founding in 2022, the VI Justice Initiative has focused on providing free legal services through its Clean Slate Program, which helps individuals clear their criminal records.
To date, the initiative has successfully cleared 23 criminal records, working toward its goal of expunging 50 records by the end of this year. The organization is currently assisting more than 40 Virgin Islanders with expungement cases, supported by a team of staff and volunteer attorneys. The initiative also runs the “Teen Education and Criminal Deterrence Project: Know Your Rights,” which educates youth about their legal rights and the consequences of certain behaviors that could lead to a criminal record. Through workshops held in schools and community centers, the project aims to empower teens with knowledge that can help them make informed choices and avoid legal issues that may limit future opportunities.
“Our goal is to give people the tools they need to overcome their past and build a better future,” said Payton. “By offering free legal services and educating our youth, we’re helping both individuals and the entire community.”
The success of the Harvest Festival was made possible through the generous support of numerous sponsors. The Pumpkin Patch, sponsored by Perfected Claims, and the Tractor Hayride, sponsored by RapierMed, were just a few of the attractions backed by local businesses and organizations. Additional sponsors included ICMC & International Private Bank Alpine Securities USVI, Yacht Haven Grande, Carl Williams at SmithWilliams PLC, Firstbank, The Walker Legal Group, Merchants Commercial Bank, Keswick Insurance, VI Lottery, St. Thomas Properties, VI Department of Sports, Parks & Recreation, Custom Builders, The VI Source, Viya, Magens Bay Authority, Office of Gun Violence Prevention, Botany Bay Rum, Rock Citees Printing, Bailey Waste Management & Delivery Services, Mr. Happy Trucking, Fairchild’s Beach Bar & Grill, and Cost-U-Less. Their contributions, alongside donations from festival attendees, were instrumental in advancing the mission of the VI Justice Initiative to provide legal aid and promote justice throughout the Territory.
To learn more about the VI Justice Initiative and how you can support their work, visit vijustice.org
