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Charlotte Amalie
Friday, March 29, 2024
HomeNewsArchivesSpeak the Language of Consensus Building

Speak the Language of Consensus Building

In January of 2013, our elected leaders arrived to work knowing their main priority would be tackling the growing economic crisis facing this Territory. We were all aware that individually and collectively this would be their most important task. Of particular importance in the minds of many was how our Government would handle the question of “HOVENSA.” Over a week ago, the Senate took a vote and a majority moved a proposal to, among several things, put the refinery up for sale with conditions.
Whether we agree or disagree with the vote, rationale, or next steps proposed and ratified; we, the women of the New Horizon Women’s Democratic Club, are thankful that our elected officials have acted and have expressed their opinion. As members of a democracy, spirited debate is the hallmark of the American way. Moving forward, in voicing our opinion whether it is criticism or praise we ask that we all be mindful of common courtesy in this discourse.
Our leaders and the press, who speak to the larger community, must remember to remain on point, stick to the issues and not the more sensational areas of personal attacks. As a club, and as women of the Democratic Party, we were happy to see so many women and, particularly Democratic women, offer themselves as public servants for our territory in the 2012 election cycle and that the people of the Virgin Islands, particularly on St. Croix, chose to have them as representatives. It is our desire that more women as well as our young people become more active and join the struggle to advance our islands’ future. That effort for greater inclusion of women and young people will be significantly thwarted if we engage in the politics of personality rather than the politics of issues – whether it is behind closed doors, on the airwaves or in the print media. We are required to speak the language of consensus building and mutual respect. These most difficult times must cause us to be our best selves.
By this letter, we, in unity and with a common purpose, want the people of the territory to know that our organization seeks to positively advance our territory and publicly pledge our support to the advancement of women in our political structure territorially and nationally. As daughters, sisters, mothers, aunts and friends, we recognize our strength and call upon all of our leaders to pledge to engage in the highest level of discourse.

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