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OFFICE OF SENATOR LORRAINE L. BERRY
Legislature of the Virgin Islands / Capitol Building / St. Thomas, VI 00802
Office: 340-693-3507 / Fax: 340-693-3660
For Immediate Release / May 10, 2004
The Honorable Charles W. Turnbull
Governor of the U.S. Virgin Islands
Office of the Governor
21-22 Kongens Gade
St. Thomas, Virgin Islands 00801
Dear Governor Turnbull:
I believe it is understood that the work of an historian entails comprehension that political forces and decisions often "make history" … that a political issue can take on "a life of its' own." Thus said, as an historian, you shall, I trust, agree that this is true and most particularly so in an election year; and most particularly so when it involves an issue as "election-bound" and as volatile as across-the-board pay increases. In all candor, this is the current scenario regarding your Supplemental Budget.
You have indicated — as has the chairman of your financial team, Nathan Simmonds – you shall veto amendments to this proposed legislation. Additionally, an ameliorating amendment offered by a bi-partisan group was also viewed with disfavor. Now, I can see more "horse-trading" taking place and I can see irresponsible legislation pushed through – one offering false hope to government employees only to see their hopes dashed amid backroom horse-trading on ways and means to override your veto.
Does not this scenario cry out for a full-scale Executive/Legislature meeting calculated to hammer out a proposal acceptable to all? … one that will not give government employees false hope? I urge you — and do so with all due respect — to request such a meeting immediately. Time is of the essence. The Legislature is scheduled to meet tomorrow. I do not believe since last week, that tempers have cooled and that the atmosphere will be any more conducive to rational deliberation and dialogue on an issue which has taken a life of its own – being an historian you know what that means. Anything can happen merely to satisfy the electorate but which, in the final analysis, will be without substance and without merit.
Statesmanship on a gubernatorial level mandates we get together and come up with a lasting proposal satisfactory to the administration and the legislature.
Sincerely yours
Lorraine L. Berry
Senate Vice-President
pc: All Senators
