May 31, 2007 — My name is Abdul R. Liburd, No. 43 on the ballot for Delegate to the Virgin Islands Fifth Constitutional Convention for the St. Thomas-St. John District. I am a born and raised native Virgin Islander by my parents Vitalia L. Christopher-Boynes, the late James K. Liburd, and other close relatives and friends. I am a recent graduate of Florida Metropolitan University with a Bachelors of Science in International Business, an inductee of the National Honor Society and National Spanish Honor Society, a former CAHS Senior Class President of the illustrious class of 2000, a current employee of both the private and public sectors, and a certified ISO; 9000 Internal Auditor with goals to obtain a Doctorate in a respective field. I have family roots that include the Virgin Islands and the World. I am the type of person that does not segregate, discriminate, or humiliate people for personal benefit or gratification. Enjoying life is more important than money and riches to me. I want the Virgin Islands community to know that only through collective efforts can we truly define who we are and what we plan to do as a community to raise our standard of living and address our lingering territorial issues. Since I am fairly young, I must say that I do not have the money, the vast connective resources of high ranking officials, nor do I claim to know everything in the laws of our land and those applicable to it. What I do have to offer is my zeal to learn, honor, respect, listen, assist my fellow beings, teach, and help to connect our young generation in finally developing a dignified document that has been long over due in our long history that would state to the world that these beautiful United Virgin Islands are of honorable people with a common culture, history, and purpose towards excellence in service to this world's humanity of which we are willing to always pursue higher standards.
While growing up, I have seen over the few years the deterioration and lack of pride of our historic sites, our economies increase on debt, and the increase lack of respect and equal land right ownership based on our current economy of scale for our natives and those who have contributed greatly alike. Our people have endured and adapted to over 400 years of slavery and the changing of hands by 8 different ruling sovereign countries. We have yet to define who we are. I want our people to know that my platform is simple. One – I will try to ensure that our people, culture, and history is recognized, preserved, and respected internationally with special land rights and legal representation of due process. This due process will include a special clause that if any ruling sovereign power decides to implement or change our constitution the people will have the right to deny or adopt it as such. Two – Try to ensure equal basic rights and privileges for our local residences. Three – Try to help to secure our chosen political status, financial funding(s), and natural resources of the Virgin Islands. And Four – Try to finally establish a constitution for the people by the people of the Virgin Islands of the United States as a working document that would connect our people with assisting in the oversight and operations of this government. With this in mind, I would like to ask everyone to come out and help us define who we are on paper and not just in our hearts and minds. Vote No. 43 if you are willing to honor our past so we can ensure a brighter future here in de V.I. May God bless and do not forget to vote on June 12, 2007 for the Virgin Islands Fifth Constitutional Convention. I would like to endorse No. 42 Rochelle Corneiro-Todman and No. 17 Derek Gabriel on the ballot, who are also young Native Virgin Islanders.
