Dear Source:
What a powerful writing by Hugo Roller–an does it ever give perspective to the process that we are going through in our Islands!
This Constitutional Convention of delegates squarely yet sadly demonstrates the emotional immaturity that we demonstrate as a collective group. We, the people, elected these individuals and through what has transpired, we see ourselves reflected. The line that Hugo says that both speaks the truth and at the same time puts knots in my stomach is this: "That a former Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Judge, various former Senators and attorneys in that group could decide to act in this manner (closed session) breaking laws as they went about the task of writing the supreme law of the Territory, shatters the trust that representative government requires, and makes a mockery of this group's intent."
Add to that the inappropriate behavioral temper tantrums of some members and it becomes harder and harder for me to either have faith or respect for the work being done–not to mention the cost to taxpayers!
And of course, the passing of Bill #6905 where The 26th Legislature sneakily called a last minute session and gave themselves a self-serving hefty raise once again…reminds me of the kind of behavior our elected officials seem to believe is appropriate…not in my book! We must have more transparent laws and enforcement in the Virgin Islands to get these Law Makers in sync with the laws so we know what it is they are doing on our behalf. Sad that we even have to say that!
We all have a lot of "inner work" to do as Virgin Islanders before we prove to be mature enough to have a Constitution. It is looking more and more like another missed opportunity, but the truth is we are not capable of earning this great right. I can't help but wonder if some people want to keep things the same…hang onto our dysfunctional systems that keep our Government in the 50's where we last successfully defined ourselves? Why would that be? More pay-offs to individual personal agendas–either monetary or to self-centered thinking.
I, like others, will be very interested in Gov. de Jongh's response to a request for more money as well as to this group's work to date.
Bonny Corbeil
St. John
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