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Friday, March 29, 2024
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Delegates Are Moving in the Right Direction

Dear Source:
I applaud our elected Convention Delegates for focusing on specific issues which hold greater relevance to the actual Constitutional document needed by the Territory. This is very good news indeed, concerning progress being made for all citizens of the U.S. Virgin Islands. I also think it was an excellent decision to be willing to reach out to Territory experts to get their input. I believe our elected Delegates might find it very useful to first research, then contact appropriate citizen residents of other, "sister" Territories; asking each U.S. protectorate the same set of questions. Perhaps this has already been done. If so; even more kudos to our Delegates.
It does seem reasonable, that as the Territory Government gradually achieves greater stability, that the position of Lt. Government would possibly no longer be necessary. It is also possible to redefine the duties of the position, and keep it. However; this could absolutely be said for quite a few positions in various Government agencies. In view of the population distribution of the four islands, we need many more specifically trained, direct service workers and less administrative positions.
While it is very hard for each of us to to let go of a concept which has strong emotions attached to it, I hope the Delegates will give strong weight to the possibility that in some instances; professional qualifications, coupled with individual integrity, may carry more weight in the lives of the "every day" citizen of the U.S. Virgin Islands, than whether that person was voted in to office. The Auditor's duties would seem to fall in to that category. This individual does not draft laws or polices, nor does he or she give speeches, etc. He or she does the book keeping, balancing, or attempting to balance, the black and red ink on the books. He or she uses specific accounting procedures to legally document and report on the Territory's spending practices to his or her elected Government Head.
Delegate Christensen stated recently that she believes our Delegates should keep their focus directed on two issues. Building the structure for the Territory government and protections for our citizens. All citizens. She mentioned that those issues which keep surfacing need to be discussed, and that they should be discussed, but the latter should be the focus of our elected Delegates. I am glad our Delegates seem to be moving in that direction.
Susan Mann
St. John

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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