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Charlotte Amalie
Thursday, March 28, 2024
HomeNewsArchivesATTORNEY GENERAL MUST REPRESENT THE PEOPLE

ATTORNEY GENERAL MUST REPRESENT THE PEOPLE

Dear Source:
On April 9, the Legislature in its wisdom overrode the governor's veto of the bill prohibiting the removal of the vendors from Drake's Seat. The bill has now become law. I will take this opportunity to thank the legislators for their action and applaud their concern for the misplaced vendors.
Apparently, the move was not well received by those who claim an interest in the land and the attorney general, Iver Stridiron. The attorney for the Wheaton estate claims that the law is unconstutional and promises to challenge it in the courts. The attorney general stated that the action taken by the Legislature was ill advised. He stated that he will not commit the resources of the Department of Justice to defend the Legislature's action. He justifies his position by proclaiming that he is the attorney for the governor, creating a chasm between the executive branch and the legislative branch. Therein lies the most cogent reason for electing the attorney general.
The attorney general is the lawyer for the government of the Virgin Islands. He does not represent the governor, the legislature, or the judicial branch. He represents the government as a whole. In this case, Mr. Stridiron's interests lie with those of the governor, the individual who appointed him. Any other position on his part would result in his immediate dismissal. Clearly, the conflict created by the actions of the Legislature juxtaposed to the actions of the governor has exposed his loyalties. An elected attorney general would represent the people of the Virgin Islands.
In light of this conflict, it obvious that Mr. Stridiron cannot enforce the laws of the Virgin Islands. To do so would cost him his job. He has rendered himself ineffective as the lawyer for the government. The integrity of his office — indeed, the integrity of the Department of Justice — has been compromised. He must immediately resign.
Everisto Rios Jr.
St. Thomas

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