Dear Source:
Monday, June 21 will be the 52nd anniversary of the Revised Organic Act of 1954. Next year will be especially important because a convention will be called by the election of delegates for our fifth convention. Four constitutional conventions have been called since 1965. The other conventions were held in 1972 and 1980.
I hope that during this next election year we speak more on this issue. An entire generation has grown up without a constitution put in place. The issues discussed in the first convention were so bold and full of important ideas. Such issues were: how we should form our government and the election of our representatives. The following conventions were important but unresolved issues remained and still do so to this day. Other islands have their own constitution including Puerto Rico. This year is vital to the progression of the Virgin Islands in the 21st century. We are a larger melting pot today of people and ideas from the first convention in 1954. This is why all of us need to speak more about this not only the up coming convention but bring back the status commission and fund it fully.
We can do both because both are very important to our future.
Will you today do your part and educate yourself on the history of this most important Act? Our future depends on it.
Jason Budsan
St. Thomas
Editor's note: We welcome and encourage readers to keep the dialogue going by responding to Source commentary. Letters should be e-mailed with name and place of residence to source@viaccess.net.
