Dear Source:
In the recent forum for at large candidates for delegate to the Constitutional Convention. Adelbert M. Bryan advocated that "only native Virgin Islanders have power within the Territory". He further stated that no native Virgin Islanders should pay property taxes or tuition to college. In earlier statements in the media during the current campaign, Adelbert M. Bryan has advocated special fishing rights for native Virgin Islanders. In other statements on the radio this past week, Mr. Bryan has said that there were "too many white candidates running for delegate" to the Constitutional Convention.
Mr. Bryan's statements are very troubling. I have never seen such a racist, segregationist in the Virgin Islands. The Virgin Islands are a multi-ethnic, multi-cultural society. Current demographics suggest that approximately one third the population are native Virgin Islanders, one third are from other Caribbean islands and one third are from the United States. To advocate that "only native Virgin Islanders have power within the Territory" does that mean that those that are non-native cannot vote – that they have no voice in their government?
British Parliamentarian Edmund Burke is quoted as saying, "The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing." In view of Mr. Bryan's statements I must speak out and encourage the good men and women of our islands to vote for the candidates that will bring us together, that will bring our Constitution together – candidates that will draft a Constitution for us all – not just a few.
Maria Ferreras
St. Thomas
Editor's note: We welcome and encourage readers to keep the dialogue going by responding to Source commentary. Letters should be e-mailed with name and place of residence to source@viaccess.net.