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Charlotte Amalie
Friday, March 29, 2024
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Who Can Be Governor?

Dear Source:
In response to the article about Alexander Hamilton, I hope that all the people of the Virgin Islands of the United States could appreciate the accomplishments of this great historical figure. The airport on St. Croix was once named in his honor; however, it was changed due to the racist attitude of a former senator.
In addition to a museum to highlight the life of Alexander Hamilton, I think there should be a holiday and an annual event to celebrate the life of such a prominent figure in U.S. History. It should be mentioned that he was one of the framers of the U.S. Constitution.
Alexander Hamilton would have, perhaps, been elected a U.S. President had he not been killed in a duel.
According to Article II of the U.S.Constitution, "No Person except a natural born Citizen, or a Citizen of the United States, at the time of the Adoption of this Constitution, shall be eligible to that Office…." This means anyone other than African descendants and Native-Americans residing in the U.S. when the constitution was adopted automatically became citizens.
Presently, the delegates of the 5th VI Constitutional Convention are debating whether U.S. citizens not born in the VI should be eligible to serve as governor of the VI. If the delegates examine the fore-mentioned clause of the U.S. Constitution, they would realize that it makes sense not to prohibit persons who are not born in the VI from becoming governor.It is unlikely that a constitution would be adopted without the input of naturalized citizens.What are the chances of only natives participating in the ratification election and all of those electorate approving a constitution containing native rights?
There are many naturalized U.S. citizens positively contributing to the VI society. We should be proud of them and should recognize that that they deserve the same rights as natives. Their citizenship status would not change when a constitution for the VI is adopted.
Let's cherish the achievements of Alexander Hamilton and all the Virgin Islanders who were not born here.It is hoped that the article inspire the youths to take their education seriously. Hamilton was born in Nevis and yet he became a great political leader in the U.S. This had nothing to do with his birthplace;an education and ambition can take one a long way!

Verdel L. Petersen
St. Croix

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