Democratic Party of the U.S. Virgin Islands sealDemocratic Partyof the U.S. Virgin Islands
Clifford Adrian Joseph, Democratic nominee

Senate Nominee

Clifford Adrian Joseph

St. Croix (Incumbent)

Retired Fire Service Director, small-business owner and lifelong public servant from St. Croix, running to keep serving the people of the Virgin Islands.

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Early Life & Education

Clifford Adrian Joseph, a hard worker, committed and devoted person and businessman, was born February 24, 1969, in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, to Christopher and Gloria Joseph. Joseph is the youngest of three biological siblings and the third to last of ten adopted siblings raised by his parents.

He worked his way through school and graduated in 1987 from St. Croix Central High School. In May of 2006 he graduated with his Associate of Science – Fire Science degree from Keiser College. Between 2004 and 2014 he acquired extensive professional training, including:

  • Virgin Islands Police Department Peace Officer/Law Enforcement Training (2014)
  • Department of Health CPR, HIPAA & Blood Borne Pathogens (2012 & 2014)
  • St. Croix Rescue Academy First Aid/CPR/AED Certification (2012)
  • Hazmat First Responder Awareness (2012)
  • UVI CELL Conflict Resolution for Managers in the Workplace (2009)
  • UVI CELL Leadership Skills for Managers (2008)
  • Weapons of Mass Destruction (2005)

A Career in Fire Service

In August 1989, Clifford Joseph was employed with Viya, then VITELCO, as an installer repairman. In 1993 Joseph worked with the Steelworker Union District Office as a union organizer. Joseph calls that time in his life “the best education and experience he ever had.” He has credited that experience as crucial — something that shaped his path to becoming the Fire Service Director.

In May of 1995, Clifford Joseph was employed by the Virgin Islands Government – V.I. Fire Services as a Fire Fighter. He ascended through the ranks, and during his tenure as Fire Marshal from 2012 to July 30, 2015, Joseph also served as union president for both the Fire Fighter Union and the Supervisor Union. Joseph captured the title of Employee of the Year in 2002, and wherever he went to work he had perfect attendance. He was recognized by the Office of the Secretary of Defense for Employer Support of the Guard & Reserve with a “Patriotic Employer” award. On March 31, 2022, Transfer Day, Joseph retired from public service.

Fire Fighter (1995)

Began his career with V.I. Fire Services.

Fire Corporal (2003)

Promoted through the ranks of Fire Services.

Fire Sergeant (2005)

Promoted through the ranks of Fire Services.

Fire Lieutenant (2009)

Promoted through the ranks of Fire Services.

Fire Marshal/Captain (2012)

Also served as union president for both the Fire Fighter Union and Supervisor Union.

Fire Director (2015)

Led the V.I. Fire Services until his retirement in 2022.

Small Business Owner

While employed at Fire Services, Joseph took a part-time job with O'Rielly Telephone in 1996 to keep his family afloat, until the business closed its doors. That is where he became inspired to open his own telephone business in 1998 — Cliffco Telephone Installation and Repair. This small telephone company has successfully completed work throughout the territory, Puerto Rico, Vieques and St. Lucia. On his journey with the telephone company, Joseph has met people of every walk of life.

Community Service

Clifford is an active board member of the Friedensthal Moravian Church. He has volunteered as a parent for Boys Scout Troop 271, cheered on the little league games and been an active parent for the PTSA.

In addition to his career, Joseph has acted as a basketball referee for many leagues in St. Croix, umpired for softball and Little League, served as keynote speaker for promotional exercises and other community events, and been a role model for young men and his peers in this territory. In his spare time he enjoys riding bike, exercising and dancing with the cultural dancers “WE DEH YAH.”

Family

Clifford Joseph is married to the love of his life apart from God, Marilyn Joseph. He is a proud father of four adult sons — Clifford, Jr. (B.A. Biology and MPH, St. Croix), Kasheem (pursuing a career in entertainment, Florida), Chaquille (B.S. Biology, minor in Chemistry, B.A. Business Management and M.S. Accounting, taught geometry at SCEC and physics in Texas), and Christopher (Electrical Engineering degree, Tennessee). He is grandpa to seven of his favorite little people.