What does it mean to live and work in paradise? For Nataya Munoz, being a court reporter in the U.S. Virgin Islands is both a calling and a community commitment. During a recent live event on NCRA’s social media platform hosted by NCRA Membership, Marketing & Outreach (MMO) Committee Chair Chris DeGrazio, Munoz gave viewers a candid and compelling look into her work as a legislative reporter in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands.
A Virgin Islands native with deep roots
Born and raised in St. Thomas, Munoz has served nearly 20 years in the legislature of the Virgin Islands and has been reporting for more than three decades. She attributes her success to the early mentorship she received as a freelance reporter and the strong support network she found in her local reporting community.
What legislative reporting looks like
Unlike a courtroom setting, legislative reporting in the Virgin Islands involves transcribing unscripted colloquy between senators and testifiers, often under intense, fast-paced conditions. Munoz and her colleagues rotate shifts every hour during sessions, which can run as late as 3 a.m. during budget season. “The material is dense, but you learn something new every day,” she said.
Capturing local voices
One of the most unique challenges Munoz faces is accurately capturing local dialect and slang in the official record. She even keeps a personal dictionary of Caribbean phrases to ensure that transcripts reflect how people speak. “If they say ‘I ain’t want that,’ I write it just like that. It’s our culture, and it belongs in the record,” said Munoz.
Tech-savvy and self-reliant
At the legislature, reporters do it all: write, transcribe, edit, and proofread. Munoz shared that she and her team handle every step of the process and receive full equipment support. “What we create is a historical record. It’s not just a transcript. It’s a record of laws being made.”
Building for the future
Munoz spoke about efforts underway to establish a fast-track vocational program for court reporting at the University of the Virgin Islands. The program would help eliminate the financial and logistical barriers that come with studying on the mainland and create more opportunities for homegrown talent. “We want to produce our own court reporters right here,” she said.
“I can step outside on my break and see dolphins or cruise ships in the harbor, but the best part is the people. We’re like family here.”
Life beyond the steno machine
Working in the Virgin Islands offers perks that extend beyond the profession. “I can step outside on my break and see dolphins or cruise ships in the harbor,” said Munoz. “But the best part is the people. We’re like family here.” She goes on to cite the support she received from coworkers during the loss of her mother, highlighting the emotional bonds formed in their workplace.
A call to action
Munoz closed the conversation with a heartfelt appeal: “Our field is being replaced by recordings and AI. We need more court reporters. Encourage your children, your friends, anyone who wants a fulfilling career to give this profession a try. It’s technical, it’s respected, and it’s rewarding.”
Chris DeGrazio is a freelance reporter and Chair of NCRA’s Membership, Marketing & Outreach Committee from Fort Pierce, Fla. He can be reached at sokhacambodian@yahoo.com.
Nataya Munoz is an official reporter from St. Thomas, Virgin Island. She can be reached at nammunoz@hotmail.com.
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