Dear Source,
The second print advertisement, in a series exposing unorthodox and wasteful consulting contracts and other agreements signed by Governor Charles Turnbull, appeared in two daily print newspapers on Tuesday, Sept. 24. This ad spotlights a Professional Services Contract between Elmo D. Roebuck, former senator, and the Government of the Virgin Islands. The advertisements have been produced by the de Jongh Arnold 2002 campaign team.
Once you read the details of Roebuck's contract, as I have, you'll be astounded to see that he is being paid $80 an hour on a part-time basis. And what is he doing for this $80 an hour? By the terms of the contract, he is to "provide consulting services including, but not limited to, financial matters, legislative matters, economic matters, operations of the various departments/ agencies and instrumentalities of the Government which will promote and advance the economic well-being of the Territory."
I'd like the governor to explain what this jargon actually means, produce a solid piece of Roebuck's work that has "advanced the economic well-being" of our islands, and inform the public of how much has been paid to Roebuck under this contract to date.
Our schools lack books and basic teaching materials; our police department lacks the manpower and equipment with which to perform its duties and protect our citizens; and our hospitals face a daily nursing shortage. Yet, the Turnbull Administration finds it more important to put these basic needs on the back burner and instead pay $80 an hour to a former senator, who already is receiving retirement benefits in excess of those paid to most government retirees!
Governor, it is a matter of priorities. I urge you to stop wasting precious government resources on your favored few and pay attention to the needs of the people whom you were elected to serve.
John de Jongh
St. Thomas
Candidate for Governor
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