Feb. 9, 2003 — The Territorial Committee of the Democratic Party of the Virgin Islands Sunday completed a three day policy retreat on St. Thomas, electing party officers and standing committee chairs, and dialoguing with Democratic Party office holders and Turnbull Administration cabinet members.
State Chair James A. O'Bryan, Jr., described the retreat as "highly successful and very positive" and reported that the members adopted an impressive agenda of initiatives designed to allow for the expansion and growth of the party as an effective instrument of social, political and economic development of the territory in the 21st Century. Over 100 people participated in the three day sessions which were held at Palm's Court Harbour View Hotel, according to a release issued from the Democratic Party Sunday.
Acting Governor Vargrave Richards presented an eight point plan designed to build the party as a mechanism promoting continued political success. Political Director Cecil R. Benjamin chaired a roundtable discussion of department and agency heads led by Government House Chief of Staff Juel T. R. Molloy, which briefed party leaders on critical issues impacting the effective operation of the Virgin Islands Government. Discussions centered on developing better lines of communications within Democratic controlled networks and preparing for the 2004 campaign cycle.
O'Bryan also reported retired educator Rupert W. Ross, Jr., who served as President of the 4th Constitutional Convention, is hosting a series of educational forums sponsored by the party to promote the adoption of a constitution for the territory. The party also authorized formation of caucuses on women's affairs, labor, youth and a business leader's forum. The party will pursue a health care agenda at the urging of Congressional Delegate Donna Christensen, who chairs the Health Brain Trust of the Congressional Black Caucus.
During the observance of the party's 40th anniversary, Carmen Gonzalez of St. Croix will serve as Party Vice-Chair, Horace T. Brooks, Treasurer, and Delores Thomas, Secretary. Pamela C. Richards has been appointed Executive Director. Gloria Waterman has been elected Parliamentarian and Omar B.U. Henry, Sergeant At Arms. Attorney Raymond James has been designated Legal Counsel.
O'Bryan said high on the party's agenda are: revisions to the bylaws and charter, primary election reform and participation in national and local conventions." It is very heartening that so many people took time out from their busy schedules to participate in very meaningful dialogue on the future of the Democratic Party. We emerge from this retreat on sound footing and with a clear agenda of to proceed in order for the party to continue to energize political activism, attract new members and groom future political and governmental leadership," O'Bryan concluded.
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