For the first time in decades the Virgin Islands has a governor who does not succumb to the demands of special interest groups, Senator Nereida “Nellie” Rivera O’Reilly said this week when discussing her official endorsement of Ken Mapp and Osbert Potter.
Senator O’Reilly, a Democrat who has served five terms in office, said the Virgin Islands Government is moving forward under the leadership of Governor Mapp and Osbert Potter, and she was compelled to endorse the best gubernatorial team rather than tow the party line.
“I have served as your senator for 10 years, and I am here to tell you that our government is on the right track,” she said. “We are building a more resilient Virgin Islands. We saw the walls of separatism and the fight for crumbs come to an end under Governor Ken Mapp. Everyone knows that I am a very fierce advocate for the island of St. Croix, but Governor Mapp remains a fierce advocate for the entire Virgin Islands.”
O’Reilly said the Mapp-Potter Administration’s management of the territory’s finances has been exceptional. Governor Mapp promised and delivered a five-year strategy for the economic recovery and growth of the Virgin Islands, she said.
“This Governor inherited a territory heavy in debt that could not borrow any more money for the significant capital projects we needed,” she said. “Despite these challenges and despite the colossal devastation brought about by two Category 5 hurricanes, no employee of this Government every went without a paycheck.”
O’Reilly praised Governor Mapp’s many initiatives to jumpstart the territory’s economy and improve infrastructure to include the Limetree Bay agreements, the Charlotte Amalie Waterfront transformation, racetrack upgrades and plans underway to rebuild the territory’s road system.
The problem with the Mapp/Potter administration is the tone-deaf words and actions they have demonstrated. IF they inherited massive debt and inability to borrow (which is not a terrible thing in my opinion-forced austerity and living within your means is something we all have to deal with sometimes), then WHY did they go on a spending spree (lavish overseas trips-one after another; lavish accommodations, lavish “ceremonial” vehicles worthy of an African potentate; lavish meals, unlimited credit card use, personal chef and caregiver for Mapp’s mother, etc, etc.)? And while a few projects from looong ago are being re-activated, most of the roads are in deplorable condition, the garbage stinks to high-heaven, and crime is soaring. These guys have been WELL-COMPENSATED for the little they have done for us. Unfortunately, the next guy will likely dip into the general fund (cookie jar) for what he feels he deserves (maybe a house, luxury vehicles, first-class trips, etc.). Revolving door of entitled thieves is what we have here in USVI.