Dear Source:
Recently, these words entered my thoughts after a prayer:
We people of the United States Virgin Islands, guided by divine wisdom, dedicate ourselves to securing a better Virgin Islands for the succeeding generation. In order to attain this goal, we are committed to ensuring equal social, political, and economic rights and opportunities for every citizen of our society.
Blessed to inhabit islands of great beauty, we promise to protect our natural environment; and mindful of our legacy and rich history, we reserve the rights to preserve our Virgin Islands culture while respecting all other cultures.
We recognize our affiliation with the United States of America; however, reflecting the will of the people, we seek greater self-governance and self-sufficiency. Although separated by seas, we are united in spirit and devoted to strengthening the ties amongst us by creating an efficient government that distributes wealth in an equitable manner.
Thus, we hereby ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States Virgin Islands.
Wow! I must have been dreaming about being a delegate to a Virgin Islands Constitutional Convention. Imagine a preamble for a Virgin Islands Constitution that espouses the egalitarian principle. Think about how wonderful it would be to live in a paradise where everyone is treated equally. How is life in a truly democratic society? What is the possibility of my vision of a better Virgin Islands becoming a reality?
Verdel L. Petersen
St. Croix
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