Jan. 18, 2005 – Political change is inevitable, and there will definitely be political change come 2006! As we begin our journey into and through 2005 we can look to the future with excitement and anticipation. We have the perfect opportunity to bring about significant positive political change in the Virgin Islands. It is time to prepare ourselves to make the changes necessary to begin the healing and rebuilding of our families, our communities, and our government.
And 2005 is the year of preparation, getting ready for the future. "The way we used to do things" has come to an end. We have the ideal opportunity to begin to turn things around. An opportunity to prepare to govern with integrity and transparency. An opportunity for new ideas, new blood, new leadership, and representation of and for the people.
In the next 18 months we will be challenged to draft or recruit people that have integrity, draft or recruit people who are willing to be of public service, who will take a position on political status, who will support a merit system. We must seriously look at ourselves, our friends, our associates, our coworkers, people we know, in a politically critical manner. If we are serious about getting representation, we must:
– Seek out the leaders and potential leaders in our communities;
– Recruit those who demonstrate un-compromised integrity;
– Educate ourselves and our organizations about the roles and responsibilities of the various offices, commissions and boards.
When you have identified those individuals and have determined that they are willing to be a representative through public service, circulate a petition, collecting signatures of support for their candidacy.
A potentially serious candidate will find it extremely difficult to turn down that kind of support. The names on the petition represent people who are willing to get the candidate elected to represent you, your concerns, your issues and your agendas.
It is important that those who are drafted for public service can withstand the scrutiny of a credit check that includes corporate or personal taxes owed. We cannot allow well-intended people to be placed in a vulnerable position where they may be forced to compromise themselves, their position and the people they represent.
These candidates whether they are Independent, Republican, Independent Citizen Movement, Democrat, or no party can all embrace the universal mission: To improve the quality, productivity and delivery of government services.
With this mission as the guide, these individuals become the foundation for The New Administration.
Imagine an administration that requests your resumé without your name? Imagine being hired based on your ability, your experience and what you know, not who you know? Imagine a government run with integrityand accountability?
Editor's note: Former Sen. Stephanie Scott-Williams, a community activist, presently operates "I'll Do It For You", a consulting and expediting service. She challenges the dialogue to begin about a new way of being politically in the Virgin Islands. Please respond via e-mail to source@viaccess.net. Include your name, place of residence and a phone number where you can be reached for verification purposes only.
