80.7 F
Charlotte Amalie
Thursday, March 28, 2024
HomeNewsArchivesProtesting for Reparations

Protesting for Reparations

Dear Source:

I am writing concerning the current sit-in at the Government House by members of ACRRA and others in the St Croix community. Their voice is being heard by so many throughout the island and beyond, but has fallen short of receiving a response from Governor deJongh. Their recent action on the issue of reparations has inspired me to join in their endeavor.
I am the vice president of a non-profit called Amandla Awethu Africa, who works with Africa and its Diaspora to empower women, men, and children to uphold and restore the greatness of their individual and collective lives. Much of ACRRA's work for reparations is in education as it is explained by Shelley Moorhead, 'A part of our repair here in the Virgin Islands is that we understand what we have contributed, what we have built, and what we have established.' This history is elemental in the education of the youth who benefit from this knowledge and understanding as a tool of self-empowerment and determination.
During the recent Emancipation Day celebrations in Frederiksted, Louis Farrakhan called for more activism in the Virgin Islands. An activist is one who walks the talk, something the Governor has failed to do in refusing to release the promised funding to ACRRA.
I am in full support of ACRRA's request for a proper dialogue with Governor deJongh and the Danish Government. There are a significant number of people on St Croix who support the reparations movement, but are not heard by the elected leadership. It is the right of all people to be recognized and adequately represented. As this issue has not been resolved, I am taking time off from my work as a farmer to join Shelley Moorhead and others for 72 hours of protest and fasting at the Government House in a humble attempt to inspire others to take more action in urging the Governor to release the appropriated funds to ACRRA.
Daniel 'Dinakar' Isner
St. Croix

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.

Print Friendly, PDF & Email
Keeping our community informed is our top priority.
If you have a news tip to share, please call or text us at 340-228-8784.

Support local + independent journalism in the U.S. Virgin Islands

Unlike many news organizations, we haven't put up a paywall – we want to keep our journalism as accessible as we can. Our independent journalism costs time, money and hard work to keep you informed, but we do it because we believe that it matters. We know that informed communities are empowered ones. If you appreciate our reporting and want to help make our future more secure, please consider donating.