Senate rules committee forwards Judge Jessica Gallivan's renomination after hourlong review of caseloads, child-welfare concerns

The Committee on Rules and Judiciary of the 30th Legislature of the Virgin Islands voted 7-0 on April 24 to forward the governor's renomination of Superior Court Judge Jessica Gallivan (St. Croix District) to the full Senate after a hearing in which Gallivan and legal community members described her workload and the territory's court challenges.

Gallivan described her tenure and docket to the committee and asked senators to confirm her for a second term. Her testimony emphasized daily courtroom activity, outreach work with youth and at-risk populations, and efforts to move cases to resolution.

The hearing drew formal endorsements from the Virgin Islands Bar Association and a written presentation from attorney Adrianne Dudley; both speakers urged the committee to support Gallivan's renomination. Russell Pate, president of the Virgin Islands Bar Association, told the committee: "Judge Gallivan is known for her work ethic, her judicial temperament, her excellent reputation, her professionalism, and that I and the bar support her renomination." Attorney Adrianne Dudley said Gallivan's "high intelligence coupled with her kind and understanding nature" helps her connect with children and families who appear before her.

Gallivan told senators she is nominated under Title 4, Virgin Islands Code —172 and —171(c). She said she has an active calendar: "I am in hearings nearly every day,…