Dear Source:
The third political party of the US Virgin Islands is The Independent Citizens Movement Party of the VI. Notwithstanding the successful efforts of The Democratic Party of the VI in the past to keep down the ICM Party hoping it would disappear. It took Senator Ussie Richards as a freshman ICM senator to take the initiative to upgrade the status of the party. Thanks to Senator Ussie Richards, the ICM Party now has the same standing as the other two parties, after all these years of being required to attain a certain percentage of the votes to remain legally a party. It is noteworthy, the party has had continuous representation in the legislature, once it had up to six senators, and today it has three. How many do the other traditional parties have, proportionately? Considering of course their number of registered electors.
The ICM Party now has a very good opportunity to organize itself and fulfill its mission as a viable political party. Unlike the other parties, the ICM Party does take a stand on important issues of concern to our community. On the status issue, we are inclined toward a free associated state. I believe the status issue should be considered prior to writing a constitution. Any constitution we write under the present status is subject to the approval of the US Congress, which is a regressive posture. We believe we would be better defined and respected as a nation with the Free Associated State status. We would be better able to negotiate agreements with our Caribbean neighbors. Our present customs status would be better defined. The federal government would be morally pressed to honor the tax returns on petroleum products, rum and other locally produced products. We could better control immigration. We would be able to formulate long intermediate and long-range infrastructure plans based on our own resources. Our great challenge is to identify persons with vision, wisdom, courage and integrity to represent us in the party and in government.
I believe most people who have been following our political culture would be able to distinguish what The ICM Party stands for, what are its core political values. We believe in freedom, justice and progress our motto. We believe and practice inclusiveness of all groups and levels of our society. We believe the government should develop the proper environment that all residents can develop their maximum potential. We believe the government should promote a fertile environment for the development of industry and commerce within the territory. We believe the government should provide assistance to the most vulnerable in our community, such as the young, the old, the poor and the disable. We believe it is the responsibility of each resident to be a responsible and responsive citizens contributing positively to their community. We believe law and order should prevail in our community to ensure a civilized coexistence of all our people. We believe our government should ensure justice for all that we can attain a peaceful, harmonious and prosperous community. What is your status, are you a part of the problem or a part of the solutions? Let us join forces to build a society of which we all can be proud.
The ICM Party, VI is open to all people of goodwill who want to exercise their rights and responsibilities as citizens, to those who are willing to join with others who share the same or similar political beliefs. The Independent Citizens Movement Party of the VI can be found at Yahoogroup.com on the Internet where there is a Chat Room. The ICM Party or any party is only as strong and effective as the commitment of its members. If you are interested in becoming active in community affairs, in working with others to improve the quality of live of our community, as a responsible and dutiful citizens, join the party of your choice and get involve and stay involve and prepare the way for the next generation. Let us leave a worthwhile legacy that our children and grandchildren can be proud of our contributions. The USA was built and is being sustained by volunteers and volunteer organizations. Being a paid public servant and volunteering to serve your community are two different types of services; you decide which is more noble and meaningful to you. Some people do both. We are developing our position on political reform, the GERS, reform of the personnel system, etc. We are looking for persons who are willing to participate in the operations of the party. We are looking for persons who qualify to be credible candidates for public office. Are you eligible? Are you willing to answer the call? Are you willing to be a part of the solution or remain a part of the problems?
J. J. Estemac
St. Thomas
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