Jan. 1, 2002 – Another candidate for governor has thrown his hat into the ring — Samuel Baptiste, executive director of the V.I. Republican Party.
Baptiste’s announcement came at a reception for Elroy Sailor, deputy chief of staff for Rep. J.C. Watts Jr. (R-OK), and his wife, Angela, associate director of the White House Office of Public Liaison, who visited the Virgin Islands last week.
"I am seeking the office of governor of the Virgin Islands in 2002 because I believe I have the energy, determination and knowledge of the challenges facing our territory to be an effective leader as we move into the 21st century," Baptiste, a Frederiksted native, told other Republicans.
Col. Gene Walker, whom Baptiste named as his campaign chairman, said, "It is time for a young man, a new generation, to take up the mantle of leadership and reclaim Government House for the people of the Virgin Islands. But this responsibility belongs not only to Sam Baptiste but also to all of us who call these islands our home."
Baptiste, 38, said his goals are to improve education, reduce the crime rate and the tax burden on businesses, and see to the needs of the elderly and children.
Baptiste spoke of growing up in Frederiksted in a time "when people did not live in fear and our neighborhoods were strong."
"We can return our island to a better time while moving into a bright new future," he said. "I have the energy and will to do what is necessary to help the territory regain its status as a bright beacon of prosperity and hope in the global community."
Baptiste joins a field of gubernatorial hopefuls that seems certain to grow.
On Friday, the St. Thomas-St. John Chamber of Commerce president, John deJongh Jr., and St. Croix businessman Paul Arnold took out full-page ads in local print newspapers extending holiday greetings and stating, "We look forward to meeting and talking with all Virgin Islanders during the coming year so that we can all learn how, working together, we can fulfull our hopes for a better future for us all."
A month ago, former Lt. Gov. Kenneth Mapp announced his intention to run for governor. Mapp served with Gov. Roy Schneider from 1994 to 1998.
St. Thomas businessman Michael Bornn, a former acting Tourism commissioner under Turnbull and a Republican activist, has told friends he plans to seek the job.
Dr. Cora Christian, a St. Croix resident, also has said she intends to run.
Baptiste, Christian and Bornn have not publicly identified running mates. Gov. Charles Turnbull's running mate in the 1998 election, Lt. Gov. Gerard Luz James II, has not said whether he will bolt from the incumbent ticket and seek the top job himself. However, most political observers consider that a good possibility.
There is speculation that a number of others are considering a run. Among them: Dr. Olaf Hendricks of St. Croix and former Sen. Lloyd Williams of St. Thomas, both Democrats; and Sens. Celestino White and Adlah "Foncie" Donastorg of St. Thomas and Alicia "Chucky" Hansen of St. Croix, all elected to the Legislature as independents.
