June 25, 2009 — A small but passionate group met at the University of Virgin Islands St. Thomas campus Thursday evening to discuss some of St. Thomas’ more pressing issues.
They had an audience of one — William Boyer. The University of Delaware professor is on island writing the follow-up to his 1983 book “America’s Virgin Islands: A History of Human Rights and Wrongs.”
The group of seven or eight was made up mostly teachers and librarians, and Larry Sewer, vice president of the Constitutional Convention.
Sewer was one of the most vocal when discussion turned to the constitution rejected by Gov. John P. deJongh Jr. He said there was much about the constitutional draft that people didn’t understand. But, he said, he and the other members of the convention were trying to look out for the needs of St. Thomas’ children.
“What people fail to realize…most people are looking for tomorrow,” Sewer said. “But the intent of this document is 20, 30 years from now. That’s how we have to look at this document.”
The debate also touched on the issue of what constitutes a Virgin Islands native. Dr. Malik Sekou, another attendant, said that saying one is “born here” isn’t enough to determine your status. He argued that there are many Virgin Islands residents who, although they don’t have deep family roots here, have paid their dues and deserve the same respect as those who do.
For his part, Boyer said that he believes that, eventually, there will be another attempt at a constitution.
“It seems to me that in this long sweep of history, this fifth attempt will be followed by others.”
He said that throughout history, Virgin Islanders have steadily worked to improve their fate.
“First they were slaves, then serfs, and now citizens,” he said, noting that residents are citizens without the ability to vote for the president.
Boyer said he found the discussion very helpful, although there was not time to discuss all of the issues facing the territories. He said the issues of violence, dependence on tourism and economic problems weren’t discussed – but were things that he had been researching.
Despite those problems, Boyer seemed to have a great deal of faith and confidence in the people of the Virgin Islands.
“I think that the sweep of history will be in the way of greater freedom and self determination,” he said.
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