Jose "Besse" Gonzalez

Jose "Besse" Gonzalez is a lifelong St. Croix resident, public servant, youth advocate, and father of four whose life’s work has centered on helping young people and strengthening families.

Raised in Watergut and later Harbor View in a single-parent household, Besse understands firsthand the challenges many Virgin Islands families face. He attended St. Croix Central High School before beginning a career in public service that has spanned more than 24 years with the Virgin Islands Bureau of Corrections and the Youth Rehabilitation Center.

His commitment to young people extends beyond his professional career. In 2006, Besse founded the Positive Guidance Youth Club and later the Positive Guidance Summer Program, initiatives that have provided mentorship, recreation, structure, and positive opportunities to more than 2,000 young people across St. Croix. His community service has earned him recognition, including the 2013 National Association of Social Workers Virgin Islands Public Citizen of the Year Award.

After more than two decades working directly with young people, families, and the justice system, Besse is running for Senate because he believes many of the challenges facing St. Croix, particularly regarding our youth, require earlier intervention, stronger community programs, and practical solutions rooted in firsthand experience.

His priorities include expanding opportunities for youth, strengthening education and workforce development, improving mental health services, supporting seniors and working families, addressing public safety, and creating greater economic opportunity.

Besse believes government works best when leaders understand the people affected by the decisions they make. He is seeking a seat in the Virgin Islands Senate to bring more than two decades of frontline experience, community service, and a lifelong commitment to St. Croix to the policymaking table.