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HomeNewsArchivesA Response to Anna Clarke's Fish Fry Letter

A Response to Anna Clarke's Fish Fry Letter

Dear Source:
Ms. Clarke, you make some sweeping assumptions from the response of several people. Did any of these people (who attended the food sale) attempt to speak with John directly and ask him what his platform is? John is very approachable. He is responsive and candid to all questions posed to him.
Fish frys and food sales: both are historically and culturally an event where Virgin Islanders (of all colors, old and new residents, born here, and naturalized) meet, discuss, debate the issues of the day, share ideas, while socializing and breaking bread. This is done in different forms and venues all over the United States. Some are grass root affairs and some are black tie $1000 a plate dinners. They are all called fundraisers.
Regrettably empty campaign promises are not unique to the Virgin Islands, the United States or even Great Britain. It happens all over the world. Most people, even the local people of the Virgin Islands, are aware of the difference between promises and action. When you say things like, "the local population in general has been swayed by the biggest fish fry," to whom are you referring, Ms. Clarke? "Getting recognition and votes from that segment of the population which has always voted via fish fry and food sales," again to whom are you referring? Has anyone personally told you they would be voting for the candidate who gave the biggest fish fry? Where are you getting your statistics or are these statements simply your opinion? I find your veiled attempts at saying the local Black population with the "fish fry mentality" and the new White segment of the population who "genuinely want to participate", offensive, divisive and rooted in cultural imperialism. Your comments will only serve to polarize this community.
Nepotism, bias, and bigotry are a reality we would all like to see end, along with all the other ills of our world. I think Great Britain has one of the most lavishly funded forms of nepotism in the world; it is called the Royal family, but the English will die to defend that system.
The world is indeed rapidly changing and I am ever hopeful that the derogatory generalizations you have used today will some day be a thing of the past. The time has come for us to celebrate our diversities, to go beyond tolerance for our differences. It is time to find strength in our common desires and needs. Look past the color, the culture and you will find we all want to live in a safe place where we can find opportunity to provide for our families, educate our children, and find good medical care when we need it.
Please, Ms. Clarke, try to find something positive (besides the weather) in the community you live in. Find the joy of the Virgin Islands and its people. It is there if you only open your heart to the possibility that no race of people are all alike.
Lenyse Shomo
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.

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