Professional Life: I was previously the Head of Monitoring and Evaluation at the RDA and Head of the Macro Fiscal Unit in the Ministry of Finance. Over the last several years, I have helped to lead reforms in planning, budgeting, monitoring and evaluation in the public sector towards improving development outcomes for the people of the Virgin Islands. I have also been fortunate to work in public sector reform regionally and internationally – as far afield as Bhutan in South Asia.

Values and Beliefs: I am passionate about reducing socioeconomic inequalities and crafting public policy to improve people’s quality of life. I advocate for equality, social justice and progress. I believe that it is important for us to acknowledge how far we have come as a Territory, as human beings, and as women, while recognising that there is still a lot more work to be done to ensure equal opportunities are available to all. I believe in change, not because it is inevitable, but because it is necessary. One of my favourite adages, reflecting my values and beliefs, reminds us that we must: “Learn to deal with the resistance that comes with making change in this world. Go past it. See the new world beyond the horizon.” Karlene Johnson