About Jean Forde

Described by many as a compassionate, analytical, independent thinker, Jean A. Forde is the grandson of Georgiana Woodley (Deceased, St. Kitts) and Eugenie Transberg-Forde (Deceased, St. Thomas), son of Veronica deLaubanque and Olric Forde, brother of Yvette deLaubanque and Beatrice Forde, devoted husband of Dr. Lisa Hassell- Forde, and proud father of two children, Jerae and Jean Forde II. 

From his humble upbringing on the island of St. Kitts, Jean moved back to his birthplace, St. Thomas, to earn an Associate’s degree in Police Science and Administration, and a Bachelor of Arts in Social Science, from the College of the Virgin Islands. He has represented professional organizations for the past 22 years, demonstrating excellent communication and organizational skills, as well as the ability to make wise decisions under pressure, and display competence in performing numerous tasks simultaneously. With his family-oriented mindset and pursuit to make improvements in the Virgin Islands, he has played an active role in many organizations throughout the years. He has served as a member of the Future Business Leaders of America Advisory Council, five-year PTSA President of All Saints Cathedral School, and seven-year member of the Virgin Islands Workforce Development Board. Jean is also a former member of Family Self-Sufficiency Program and former board member of the Women’s Business Center. He was a 2009 Honoree of the Alumni Association of the University of the Virgin Islands, 2002 Master of Harmonic Lodge #356, St. Thomas, and 2016 AARP Award Recipient.

Along with his various accomplishments and contributions, Jean founded, produced, and hosted the call-in radio talk program, "Ideas and Issues", is a member of the St. Thomas District Democratic Party, and has proven himself to be a continuously evolving businessman and entrepreneur. He has held many positions in the business and management arena, serving as General Manager of West Indian Burgers, Assistant Executive Director of the St. Thomas-St. John Chamber of Commerce, President/General Manager of Forde’s Laundromat, Inc., and Sales & Marketing Director/Traffic/Office Manager of Ottley Communications D/B/A WSTA Radio.

He served as a senator in the 31st and 32nd Legislature and continues to believe in education as a vehicle to effect positive change. Through Helping Ourselves Meet Excellence (HOME), the philanthropic organization that he founded, Jean  works within and throughout the community, making a difference in the lives of all with whom he comes in contact. With his life experiences in education, management, community service, and politics, Jean A. Forde is a Virgin Islander who is focused on making a positive difference in this Territory, we call HOME.