About

Athneil Joseph Thomas, known affectionately as “Bobby”, was born on St. Thomas, and is the youngest of five sons born to Austin E. Thomas of Tortola, & Keturah C. McKay, of Antigua. Bobby earned the reputation as a community-minded individual who places the service of others above self. His strong family circle and close-knit community contributed to the man that represents you today. After pushing through the Virgin Islands public school system, Bobby traveled to Tallahassee, Florida to study journalism at Florida A&M University.

When he successfully obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree, Bobby returned to the Virgin Islands and immersed himself within the community. He volunteers for the Virgin Islands Carnival Committee, and serves the Memorial Moravian Church in the Men’s Fellowship and on the multi-media team, among other responsibilities.

Bobby also served in the National Guard for 24 years, which included a one-year deployment to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. After witnessing Virgin Islands’ history from a front-row seat for 24 years, Bobby offered to serve his community as their advocate and partner in a new role championing their issues and concerns. The community accepted his offer and elected Athneil “Bobby” Thomas to serve in the 33rd Legislature.

As a Freshman senator, Bobby followed through on his campaign commitments to support legislation that helped to improve the quality of life, here in the Virgin Islands. Platform items like Economic Diversification, GERS and youth mentorship were realized through sponsoring or supporting more than 100 pieces of legislation.

Bobby is married to Frances S. Thomas, and they are the parents of two sons, Athneil, Jr. and Aseah.