Governor Bryan Mourns the Passing of Former Acting Attorney General Joseph Ponteen

Longtime St. Croix attorney remembered for a distinguished career of service to the people of the Virgin Islands

U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS — Governor Albert Bryan Jr. issued the following statement on the passing of longtime St. Croix attorney and former Acting Attorney General Joseph Ponteen:

“I join the people of the Virgin Islands in mourning the passing of Attorney Joseph Ponteen, a respected member of our legal community and a dedicated public servant who devoted much of his career to the pursuit of justice and the service of our Territory.

“Attorney Ponteen served the people of the Virgin Islands in several important roles, including assistant attorney general, chief deputy attorney general, acting director of the Bureau of Corrections and acting attorney general. In each of those positions, he accepted difficult responsibilities and brought to his work a deep knowledge of the law, a firm commitment to public service and an enduring concern for the institutions entrusted with protecting our community.

“His career reflected the highest purpose of public service. He understood that the law is not merely a profession, but a solemn responsibility to defend the rights of our people, uphold the integrity of our government and ensure that justice is pursued fairly and faithfully.

“Joseph was also a proud son of St. Croix whose presence and contributions extended well beyond the courtroom. Throughout a long and accomplished career, he earned the respect of colleagues, public servants and members of the community who knew him as a thoughtful counselor, a seasoned advocate and a man willing to answer the call when his Territory needed him.

“The Virgin Islands has lost a distinguished attorney and devoted public servant. His legacy will live on through the institutions he served, the attorneys and public employees he influenced and the many lives touched by his work.

“On behalf of Lieutenant Governor Tregenza Roach, our administration and the people of the Virgin Islands, I extend my deepest condolences to Attorney Ponteen’s family, friends, colleagues and the entire St. Croix community. May they find strength in the lasting impact of his life and service, and may his soul rest in eternal peace.”

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