Marvin A. Blyden

Born the 11th of 13 children to Mayrose and James Blyden, Sr., Senator Marvin A. Blyden is a native Virgin Islander and proud son of the Nadir community. A graduate of Dickinson Business School in Tulsa, Oklahoma, he furthered his leadership development through the Robert J. Thompson Leadership Academy and the Council of State Governments' Eastern Leadership Academy, where he served on the Transportation Policy Committee.

Senator Blyden brings extensive management and community experience to public service. His professional career includes serving as Training Manager at PepsiCo, Food and Beverage Manager at Frenchman's Reef Hotel & Resort, small business owner, and Housing Manager and District Manager with the Virgin Islands Housing Authority. He has also served his community as a youth football and basketball coach, contractor, consultant, and mentor.

Married to Jacqueline Modeste Blyden for 36 years, Senator Blyden is the father of three and grandfather of seven. His commitment to community includes supporting charitable initiatives, assisting seniors and families in need, and establishing the annual V.I. Women United to Empower Scholarship Prayer Breakfast, which has raised more than $80,000 in scholarships for college-bound students.

Now serving his sixth term, Senator Blyden is Chairman of the Committee on Housing, Transportation and Telecommunications in the 36th Legislature. He has twice served as Majority Leader and was Vice President of the 35th Legislature. His legislative work has focused on affordable housing, homeownership, infrastructure, seniors, persons with disabilities, workers, and community development. His efforts include advancing the First-Time Homebuyer Program, supporting homeownership opportunities in public housing communities, securing funding for recreation facilities, increasing the minimum wage, and promoting local contractor participation in government projects.

In 2025 and 2026, he hosted the Innovative Housing Construction Summit, bringing residents, builders, financial professionals, government agencies, and housing experts together to explore innovative approaches to affordable homeownership.

“Your Choice for Solutions.”