May 22, 2007 — Isn’t it a delight to be living in the American Paradise called the U.S. Virgin Islands (U.S.V.I.)? I am passionate about our islands and it is my desire to see my home remains a paradise. Thus, I am a candidate for Delegate to the 5th Constitutional Convention because I am committed to making my home a better place to live. My goal is to help draft a Virgin Islands Constitution that is fair and good to all Virgin Islanders.
Virgin Islanders deserve a say in how best our interest could be served. The voices of our people must be heard, respected and recorded. A Virgin Islands Constitution would address our special needs and reflect our rich diversity. I want the U.S.V.I. to be recognized globally as the melting pot of the Caribbean ? a destination where visitors from all over the world are welcomed & people of diverse cultures are embraced. I want a U.S. territory where there is efficiency in government and a booming economy; a society where people live in harmony, a land where all the species are protected, and most importantly a place that Virgin Islanders are proud to call their home.
Who are the people of the U.S.V.I.? Each of us has our own personal identity. You may identify yourself as Hispanic, Asian, Arab, Caucasian, Down Islander, Native Virgin Islander or African descent. But if you call the U.S.V.I. your home, you are a Virgin Islander.
Since 1917 the American flag and several other flags have flown in the U.S.V.I.? symbolizing our tolerance and respect for everyone’s rights, culture and heritage. It is important to continue the legacy of our forefathers and strive for a better future for our children.
It has been about 8 decades since residents of the U.S.V.I. were granted U.S. citizenship. Presently, the revised Organic Act dictates how we are governed. Ratification of a Virgin Islands Constitution is an opportunity for Virgin Islanders to achieve self-governance. Virgin Islanders have the power to transform our government. We possess an important privilege ? U.S. citizenship. The U.S. Constitution contains a Bill of Rights that applies to us; however, we still need a constitution to protect our land, the surrounding waters and all the species of the land.
The U.S.V.I. entices entrepreneurs from all over the world to establish businesses here. Our land is appealing because of its pristine beauty and economic incentives. Outside investors help grow our economy. We must, though, be cautious of our land being exploited by unscrupulous developers.
My interest in the general welfare of all V.I. residents, 25 years of service as a public school teacher, and educational background make me an ideal candidate for Delegate to the 5th Constitutional Convention. I graduated cum laude from Xavier University of Louisiana with a major in Biology Education and a minor in science. I am quietly, but actively, involved in community service such as beach clean-ups, mentoring “at- risks” youths, and making donations to the homeless If elected as a delegate, I pledge to respect the rights of all Virgin Islanders and make decisions based on the will of the people.
Please let me know what you think are the most critical issues of the U.S.V.I. My E-mail address is vlp1275@viaccess.net and my cellular# is 340-513-8979.
