Case Caption: Howerton v. V.I. Office of the Lieutenant Governor et alCase Number: SCT-CIV-2020-0097Date: 09/07/2022Author: Swan, Ive Arlington Citation: 2022 VI 19Summary: On a petition for mandamus naming the Office of the Lieutenant Governor’s Division of Banking, Insurance and Financial Regulation, and others, calling for investigation of three financial institutions – denied by the Superior Court and appealed to this Court – the appellant failed to submit sufficient argument or support to provide gounds upon which relief may be granted. While courts are typically lenient regarding pro se litigants, appellant’s one-paragraph brief simply asking for review of the same petition filed below lacks any legal analysis or support, and fails to comply with Rule 22 of the V.I. Rules of Appellate Procedure. Appellant has failed to show that he is entitled to relief by writ of mandamus, and has not exhausted the means available to him to obtain relief. The Superior Court did not err when it denied appellant’s petition for writ of mandamus: it fully considered the unsupported assertions he made, demonstrating careful consideration of his application. Upon review, appellant not only failed to state and support an adequate ground for relief, but also failed to meet the standards for the issuance of a writ of mandamus. Appellant had multiple avenues for pursuing his sought-after relief, i.e., that his complaints be addressed, and from which relief could be obtained. The evidence and claims provided by the appellant show that remedies were suggested and provided by telephone, and encouraged in person. Absent a showing of an extraordinary circumstance for which he may be entitled to relief, appellant’s request is denied, and the Superior Court’s July 23, 2020 order is affirmed.Attachment: Open Document or Opinion