Shamari I. Haynes

Shamari I. Haynes is a proud Crucian, public servant, cultural advocate, and Democratic candidate for the Board of Elections in the St. Croix District.

A graduate of the St. Croix Educational Complex High School, Haynes has dedicated more than 15 years to public service and the advancement of the U.S. Virgin Islands. His career began as a contracted Greeter with the Virgin Islands Department of Tourism and grew through several roles of increasing responsibility, including Special Marketing Assistant and Assistant Director of Festivals for the island of St. Croix. Today, he serves as Deputy Commissioner of the Department of Tourism, where his work is grounded in leadership, public accountability, communication, stakeholder engagement, and service to the community.

Beyond government, Haynes has remained deeply involved in Virgin Islands culture and civic life. He is the Founder and Creative Director of Simply Sophisticated Fun Troupe Inc., established in 2008, and is actively involved with the Ten Sleepless Knights Cultural Committee, Ay-Ay Cultural Dance Company, and Virgin Islands Territorial Advancement and Legacy (V.I.T.A.L.). He also previously served as President and Vice President of the Governor's Millennial Council, helping to advance youth leadership, civic participation, and greater generational inclusion.

His campaign for the Board of Elections is built around three core pillars: Integrity, Fairness & Public Trust; Representation & Generational Inclusion; and Civic Engagement & Voter Education.

Haynes believes that strong elections require informed voters, transparent leadership, clear communication, and an electoral process in which every Virgin Islander can have confidence. His candidacy is grounded in service, collaboration, and a commitment to strengthening public trust in one of the Territory's most important democratic institutions.