Dear Source:
People of The Virgin Islands where are our priorities? Can I, a citizen of the USA Virgin Islands not enjoy the sanctity of my home without intrusion? I am very disturbed to have had a pre-recorded message enter my home uninvited via the telephone on Columbus Day. This nameless woman entered my home dispensing negative words about the Department of Education designee Dr. Lynn M. Spampinato, and requesting my presence at her confirmation hearing to rally our Senators. As far I can see, the previous administration failed our children miserably stemming as far back as when he was the Commissioner of Education and as well as our Governor. Yet he was given not one but two chances, by the people of the V.I.
I can think of far more things to get so passionate about. How about healthcare, crime and trying to live harmoniously as one people? No one called my house to ask me to meet them to discuss the tragedy that took place at Magens Bay or the millions of dollars in grant money sent back in previous years. Instead we are rally together to get our Senators to put a stop to The Governor's choice to head our Department of Education. If the author(s) of this message are so adverse to Governor deJongh's choice then don't be so cowardly and use a pre-recorded message. Speak to the people of the Virgin Islands person to person and be proud to stand behind your opinion.
I was born and raised in St. Thomas and it hurts my heart to see how with all the diversity that is now reflected in the makeup of the population of the V.I., that we can not meet as a group of people, proud to have been born here and those now calling the V.I. home, to figure out a way better respect each other. That is the first level of education.
Our public education system is near rock bottom. We have high school children that can not do simple mathematics, but yet continue to move through the educational system. Instead, let us meet to discuss how we can make our Senators more responsible to the residents of the V.I. all year round not seasonally or on a case by case level.
We the residents always seem to rally together in time of sorrow, emergency and when it affects our pockets (ie.. property taxes). We need to accept that we as a group, parent or not, have failed our children. We can not leave it up to small group of caring parents, teachers or administrators. Instead of looking for a scapegoat, always remember education starts at home and in the heart.
Ruth M. Gomez
St. Thomas
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