Dear Source:
It is not surprising, though very sad, that a number of people are in instant, automatic rejection of Governor deJongh's nomination for Education Commissioner. She is an "outsider", a woman and white as well. It matters not that deJongh wished to have been able to proudly nominate a Virgin Islander in this position. There was none available to fill this critical position which has failed miserably for so long; needs a total restructuring; takes up 25% of our total budget with absolutely no evident return.
Federal money is lost; schools are crumbling-and more importantly- it has failed our greatest and most important resource-our children along with the future of our Virgin Islands.
Yet-none of that matters. The main focus is on the fact that she is an "outsider". This is most revealing on where many of our problems lie…
in the recurring issue of "we and dem". Historically, it is understandable. Many of us "outsiders" work hard at being sensitive and compassionate to this issue. The many skills and solutions we offer are often rejected. Why? Because we are not born here. Consequently, it is as if we have little to contribute.
It is well past the time where we must look at ourselves in the mirror-and own the fact that this "separateness" kind of thinking is holding us all back- and badly.
It is a theme deeply embedded at the middle of many issues in our Islands and has grown like a cancer- fueled by false pride and resentment. It as is some people take the stand that if it is not "us" solving the problem then no one else will. The consciousness of maintaining power and control is more important than anything else. This counterproductive attitude undermines all and any movement forward.
"Together we can" may have initially been a campaign motto however it actually hits the nail right on the head about what is needed to get our Territories moving forward.
If we are honest-we will have to admit that if we do not start working together to break down this divisive "we and dem" thinking in our communities-we will fail at every attempt to better ourselves and our living conditions here. From our Legislative body on- there must be a change in our attitudes. This constant divisiveness erodes much more than our ability to tackle serious issues; it wears down both the faith and goodwill of decent human beings who deeply care about our Virgin Islands.
How bad do things have to get before we are willing to allow "outsiders" to help us out of the mess we find ourselves in?
What is more important-solving our grave problems in education or keeping the status quo?
Once again, Governor deJongh is doing the right thing-staying focused on the problem and nominating the right person who he believes is capable of changing what must be changed. His team management style is new to our Territories. He focuses on the issue not the politics. What a blessing we have in his leadership!
Those individuals, especially those in power presently, who remain fixated on constant divisiveness tactics towards the multicultural good citizens of our Territories with "we and dem" comments are doing every single one of us in the Virgin Islands a grave injustice. And worse than that? Our youth are watching and listening…some sadly and disturbingly- acting out what we as adults are not resolving.
Bonny Corbeil
St. John.
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