Dear Source:
Some people seem to be upset about who is included or excluded in the amendment to the Virgin Islands Constitution. Mr. Hap Clark is upset because he feels the amendment is exclusionary and borderline racist, well, the very scenario that he raises is one that I raised back early last year. I think it is ludicrous for anyone to think that a person born in the territory should not be included. No matter where that person goes and for how long, they will always have an original birth certificate that says they were born in the Virgin Islands. I was born and raised in the Virgin Islands and left right after high school. I was 18 years of age. I have lived in the Southern U.S. ever since I left home, a total of 23 years to date. Contrary to Mr. Clarks thinking, I do keep up with the news through this medium as well as WSTA online.
Furthermore, I still have many important family members living there. My mother, her sister and two of her brothers, two of my own brothers and their families, as well as many other relatives and friends still live and work in St. Thomas. Therefore, Mr. Clark, do not make assumptions about people that do not or have not lived at home for many years.
The person that you mention in your scenario that visits for at least the minimum time and does all this work in the community is all well and good, and actually, that is what they should be doing in return for the territory opening up its doors to them and their business. My question to you and this person would be, why not do what is required to become a registered voter? If their work and ability to be included means as much as you say, then why not do it?
I am not for any policy that excludes through prejudice either, but I also am smart enough to know that you cannot include any and everyone as well. There are certain boundaries that you need to keep more of the criminal element from seeking haven on your shores. This element does not only come dressed in black like a thief in the night. They also come in suits carrying briefcases in broad daylight. I am not suggesting that your person is, just making a point. This individual and others like him/her may have this same arrangement in five or six other countries or island nations.
How do you or any of us know that they have our best interest at heart, and who's to say that they won't as we say "cut stick and run" when and if times get rough for them and their business in the territory. If you or this person feels so strongly about inclusion, then do what you need to do to be a registered voter and your status will be no longer in doubt.
Courtney Jackson
Baton Rouge, La.
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