Carrying placards reading "If we must suck salt, we must all suck salt" and "How can a broke government give raises to some? Shame, shame on this government!," approximately 400 government workers met at Emancipation Gardens at 8 a.m. Wednesday for a rally and march to the Legislature.
The intent of the crowd was to confront the governor and his staff about the recent pay raises for Turnbull appointees while maintaining that the government has no money for long-overdue raises as well as for supplies and maintenance of the islands' schools.
Glen Smith, American Federation of Teachers president, led the crowd to the Legislature and spoke to the crowd regarding the longstanding dilemma that the schools and teachers continue to face in spite of the Turnbull administration's claim that "education is a priority."
. Much of the discontent at the government administration was vented at Chief-of-Staff Juel Molloy. At one point the protesters cheered when Smith read a mock press release signed by "acting Governor Juel Molloy." One of the teachers carried a sign stating, "Will the real governor stand up? We know it's Juel Molloy."
Arthur Solomon of Charlotte Amalie High School led the crowd with choruses of "We Shall Overcome" and chants of "We want justice!" Solomon further inspired some followers to join him in forming a human barricade at the driveway to the Legislature. As Attorney General Iver Stirdiron attempted to enter through the protesters, Solomon bumped against him.
After Stridiron's experience entering the gate, he ordered that Molloy should not come to the site, and Smith told the crowd, "We wouldn't do anything to her,"
Several of the teachers interviewed were as concerned with the poor quality of the schools as with their overdue raises.
"It is insulting that some people get raises while the government cries poor," said a teacher from Eudora Kean High School. "Our students have shabby schools and outdated books in the libraries. Our kids are really being cheated."
Another high school teacher agreed. "I sent my daughter off-island for college. Although she had high grades in the honors program at a high school here, she had to have remedial basic skill classes before she could enter with mainstream freshmen. She really did not get a good foundation here. This year a good number of our seniors don't even have a teacher for SAT preparation classes. "
The union leader is slated to appear before the Finance Committee at 4:30 p.m. Thursday.