Dear Source:
I am in agreement with Chris Hanley. The federal government has declared economic war against Virgin Islanders, not just the EDC program. Most people don't realise the residence requirements established for filing taxes as a Virgin Islander apply to all of us, not just EDC people.
Picture this: We have been filing taxes in the USVI for the past 20-40 years as residents and now decide we are going to take advantage of our retirement benefits and US citizenship. Utilizing our carefully accrued savings and realizing we no longer are required to punch a time clock, we go traveling or even manage to buy a place closer to our family that has moved to the states. Beware, we had better make sure we fulfill the federal requirements established for residency of the VI. If we have
been off island for more than the required days per year, we are required-under penalty of law-to pay taxes accordingly. We are imprisoned on our own soil. We are now birds in a gilded cage. There
are no American States with these residency requirements, just their colonies.
Also, if you happen to have a professional job making less than our Senators, but more than $75,000 dollars a year, you are required to file an extra form with the IRS. Not our IRB, but the IRS. A form that in one sense is a flag waving, "Look at me! Audit Me!" This is economic tyranny and entrapment-combined with taxation without representation.
If or when the Fed's condescend,(Very slim chance), to allow us at least one,(All other states get a minimum of two), Federal Senator and a Congressional Representative with an unconditional vote in the Committee of the Whole, then we will have a tiny voice of representation to provide and help decide input as to how we are directed by the Federal Government. Until then; we are financial colonials, subject to the whims of US Senators who don't give a damn about what happens to the working class on these Islands. They are only concerned about why their state is no longer receiving taxes from the particular individuals that chose to take advantage of our Economic Development Act. If they aren't happy, they have the influence to render our initiative impotent. What have they offered us in return? Nothing, because they could care less and there are no negative ramifications if they leave us hanging over a cliff economically. After all, we can send troops to die, but we can't even vote for president. In other words, we are cannon fodder.
The point Chris is making is this. These companies came down here and took advantage of the tax breaks the Virgin Islands government offered. Frankly, that's what big companies and rich people do. When they did this, it was with the advice of well paid and knowledgeable professionals. Some had even cut their teeth working for the IRS. Professionals knowledgeable enough to interpret the tax laws as written. These companies were required to hire Virgin Islanders, provide benefits, donate to local charities, purchase from local vendors and pay good salaries. What they didn't realize was the very regulations they were following were subject to retroactive change without notice, with no input from the populace. Because the populace here is considered a null factor.
Imagine playing a pro basketball game where during halftime the referees decided the three-point circle was no longer viable. Not only that, every three-point shot made before the half would only count as two points. That in itself is pretty bad. It certainly effects the score before you went into the locker room at halftime. Now imagine that it was determined everyone attempting a three point shot before the half was to receive a technical foul, have to pay a fine and be suspended.
That is exactly what is happening concerning these recent indictments for tax evasion. It's ironic that the professionals indicted are only guilty of doing their jobs, applying their knowledge of the rules to the best of their ability and in the best interest of their clients. None of us can be expected to win a game where the loser halfway through the game can change the rules at will.
I do not and never will play at the level of the individuals that I am describing. I can only offer my good will, support and sympathy to those caught up in this abuse of power. I know if they can do it to you, they won't hesitate to do it to me.
Ken Floyd
St. Croix
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