ST. CROIX — Former Senator Ronald Russell — an attorney, musician, four-term lawmaker, and delegate to the Sixth Constitutional Convention — has died, leaving a vacancy in the territory’s ongoing constitutional process. He passed away at his sister’s residence this morning in New York. He was 71.
Russell, a longtime St. Croix attorney who founded The Russell Law Firm LLP in 1990, was widely known for approaching public service through a legal lens. His colleagues say that perspective defined his legislative work and enduring legacy.
First elected in 2002 to the 25th Legislature, Russell went on to serve four terms, including as vice president of the 26th Legislature and later as president of the 29th Legislature. He also served in the 27th Legislature, building a reputation as a vocal advocate for St. Croix interests.
In 2024, voters in the St. Croix District elected Russell as one of seven delegates to the Sixth Constitutional Convention, a body tasked with drafting a proposed constitution for the Virgin Islands. His death now triggers a succession process governed by law.
Under statute, the vacancy must be filled by the unelected candidate who received the next highest number of votes. That candidate, Michael Springer Jr., was found dead at his home on Dec. 14, 2025. The next candidate in line, Dianna Osborne, has also died. As a result, the position is expected to pass to attorney Patricia Welcome, the next highest vote getter.
Russell was recently removed from the Government Employees’ Retirement System board of trustees, where he had served since May 19, 2021. His term had been set to expire May 18.
READ MORE: GERS board removes trustee Ronald Russell over unexcused absences; court motions show relocation
The board voted unanimously in executive session on March 26 to remove Russell, citing repeated unexcused absences that violated its meeting attendance policy, according to Dwane Callwood, board chair.
“The policy states that three consecutive unexcused absences constitute grounds for removal from the board,” Callwood said. “He has had six consecutive unexcused absences.”
Those absences were considered unexcused because Russell did not formally notify the board or request to be excused in advance.
Court filings indicate Russell had relocated off island for medical care. In a Feb. 27 filing in Superior Court, he sought to withdraw as counsel for a pair of defendants. In a separate filing on July 7, 2025, he again requested to be relieved as counsel in another case, citing the need for emergency medical care and stating he would be off island for an indefinite period.
Former Senator Usie Richards, who served in the Legislature during all four of Russell’s terms and now serves as president of the Sixth Constitutional Convention, said Russell’s legislative priorities reflected a deep interest in governance and the courts.
“I am quite aware of the type of legislation that really interests him, and what he pursued was the opportunity to bring some structure to the government of the Virgin Islands, along with his interest in pushing and supporting legislation that dealt with the judiciary,” Richards said.
Richards said their relationship dated back decades, noting they were members of the same Boy Scouts troop before later serving together in public life. He also pointed to Russell’s role in athletics, including his service with the Virgin Islands Olympic Committee and as president of the Virgin Islands Track and Field Federation.
Richards spoke to Russell’s contributions to sports.
“He represented the Virgin Islands at a number of international events, from the Central American and Caribbean Games, the Pan American Games, and even at the Olympic level in track and field as a sprinter,” Richards said.
Richards said Russell’s contributions extended across his legislative career and into the constitutional process.
“In regards to his service in the Legislature, I think the members of the Democratic majority that he served with would assure you that he was not only a contributing member, but a loyal member to their caucus and the goals in accomplishing their political agenda while he was a member of the Legislature,” he said. “And lastly, he was on the way to making significant contributions to the development of a constitution for the Virgin Islands, as he had begun his work with the Government Structure Committee and also serving with the Committee on Culture and Heritage.”
Former Senator Neville James, who served alongside Russell in the 26th, 27th, and 29th Legislatures, described him as a steadfast advocate for St. Croix.
“He was pro St. Croix — not against the Virgin Islands, but he wanted to make sure that we got what was rightfully ours,” James said.
The two lawmakers were particularly aligned during the 27th Legislature in their opposition to the government’s rum distillation agreement with Diageo.
“We thought that we were giving away too much,” James said. “At the end of the day, we weren’t successful in that regard, but we were successful in the eyes of the public because they liked the fact that we took a stand.”
Their professional relationship extended beyond the Legislature. After both men lost reelection bids in 2012, Russell remained a supporter of James, even introducing him at a campaign event when James ran again in 2014.
“I asked him to introduce me, and he did me that favor,” James said. “I’m forever grateful.”
James said Russell later became a regular contributor on his WTJX radio program, “Analyze This,” participating in “Table Talk” discussions with former lawmakers on regional and global issues. He said Russell will be remembered not only for his advocacy but also for his analytical approach to governance.
“He’ll always be looked at as a lawyer,” James said. “The way he looked at legislation through that legal lens, that legal prism — I think that’s what his legacy is.”
Governor Albert Bryan Jr., in a statement, said Russell was a son of St. Croix whose life and work touched many corners of Virgin Islands society.
“He was a man of strong conviction, deep community concern, and unmistakable presence,” Bryan said. “Whether in the courtroom, on the Senate floor, or in the community, Ronald Russell was never a passive observer. He believed in public service, in strong institutions, and in the responsibility of Virgin Islanders to speak up and help shape the future of these islands.”
Delegate to Congress Stacey Plaskett, who won a challenge from Russell in the 2016 Democratic primary, said in a statement that Russell’s life was “a testament to the profound impact one person can have on an entire community.”
“Ronald Russell was, in every sense, a son of these islands,” Plaskett stated. “Raised by his beloved grandmother, the legendary educator Eulalie Rivera, he carried her commitment to education and community throughout his life.”
Plaskett also noted Russell’s work as legal counsel to the Board of Education, the Public Services Commission, the Coastal Zone Management, and the Judicial Ethics Commission.
Beyond law and politics, Russell was deeply engaged in the community. He was a guitarist and a longstanding member of Our Town Frederiksted, serving as the community advocacy organization’s president from 2019 to 2023.
“Our Town Frederiksted would not be where it is today without Ronnie’s leadership,” Shomari Moorehead, OTF president, said in a statement. “He stepped in to bring OTF out of a period of inactivity and singlehandedly led the charge to reorganize and restore our organizational stability and financial solvency. Throughout the many years of his involvement with OTF, we benefited from his legal acumen, extensive knowledge of our community and his advocacy for Frederiksted.”
