The Virgin Islands Legislature has initiated a formal review process following a complaint against Senator-At-Large Angel Bolques Jr., with Senate President Milton Potter appointing a group of lawmakers to serve on the body’s Committee on Ethical Conduct.
The panel — composed of Sens. Kenneth Gittens, Carla Joseph, Dwayne DeGraff, Novelle Francis and Kurt Vialet — has now begun its work, following the procedures outlined in the Legislature’s rules. Once empaneled, the committee is responsible for investigating the matter, interviewing involved parties, and determining whether the complaint warrants further action. The process typically concludes within 30 days, though an extension may be granted if both parties agree, Potter said in a call with the Source Tuesday.
Senate President Milton Potter did not discuss the specifics of the complaint, which involves an alleged internal sexual harassment claim. The complaint has also not been publicly disclosed, and details remain confidential to protect the privacy of those involved, in accordance with standard human resources practices. Maintaining confidentiality during such investigations is a common protocol aimed at safeguarding all parties and ensuring a fair and impartial process.
Potter also emphasized that once the committee is formed, he steps back entirely from the proceedings. “It will be in their hands. I will have no involvement in the investigation,” he said. “That’s how we preserve the integrity of the process. The committee must be free to do its job, independently and without interference.”
Speaking generally about how such matters are handled, Potter said the Legislature has a responsibility to take every complaint seriously and follow a structured, impartial process. “If someone makes a complaint, we have a duty to properly vet it — give the accuser and the accused their day in court, so to speak. Everyone deserves the opportunity to be heard and to provide supporting statements. There’s no judgment being cast; we follow up, we probe, we do what’s necessary to arrive at a fair conclusion.”
Potter also explained that, depending on the nature of the complaint, interim measures — such as removing individuals from shared workspaces or placing them on administrative leave — can be put in place to protect those involved. “We definitely err on the side of caution,” he said. “If a person feels they’ve been wronged, they should never feel stuck in that environment while the investigation is pending.”
Navigating these issues in a small institution is never easy, Potter acknowledged, particularly when complaints involve colleagues. “This is the last thing that you want to have to confront, especially in a small body like ours,” he said. “But I am fully aware of our responsibility as senators. We must uphold the institution and make sure that every employee — every person — is treated with respect and dignity.”
The Committee on Ethical Conduct has been convened in recent years to address similar matters. In 2021, the panel reviewed a complaint against Sen. Marvin Blyden for violating COVID-19 quarantine protocols. In 2022, it investigated allegations of sexual misconduct against then-Senator Steven Payne Sr., who was ultimately expelled from the Legislature. Bolques was later appointed to fill the vacant Senator-At-Large seat.
Potter said the current review, like those that came before, is designed to be fair, thorough, and impartial. “This isn’t about casting blame. It’s about following our rules, respecting everyone’s rights, and maintaining the trust placed in us as a legislative body,” he said.
