Dear Source:
I am in complete agreement to Mr. Damien James in his assessment of Gov. de Jongh as a "class act".
This Governor continues to amaze me with his authenticity and depth of character as a conscious person leading our VI's through so many challenges.
His letter was honest and his words say an awful lot about him as a person.
I am not in agreement to Mr. James' comments to ACCRA Leader Shelley Moorhead "move on".
Shelley Moorhead believes with all of his heart that the issue of Reparations cannot be ignored. I concur as a light skinned person who has spent a lot of time trying to understand the impact of slavery on my dark-skinned brethren.
This is an emotional issue…that has been ignored for a very long time resulting in a growing sense of bitterness, anger and hopelessness in some people.
Unfortunately, some unconscious leaders have used these unresolved issues to hold onto public support and fester anger.
There have not been forums to look deeply at these emotional wounds…. that have resulted in the deep social ills present today in our Islands from mental illness to young men knifing each other over a gold chain. People who are wounded will either "fester" this pain internally or act out these unconscious issues.
"Move on"…quite simply lacks the compassion that must accompany this issue.
I have a deep respect for Mr. Moorhead (and yes, I do feel concern for his health) he is very important in continuing this cause for those that do not know how to voice their pains–and consequently act them out.
We need dialog; we need to find more understand and solutions to the past as it still impedes the present! All people of every skin shade must listen to each other…must commitment to a much needed open-mindedness…to the issues that we are all facing together. To refuse to do this is to ignore the possibilities of healing.
I do not believe Shelley cares about the money aspect of reparations. I believe he feels the pain of it's impact on his brothers and sisters and this is his motivation and passion behind his cause.
Both Mr. Moorhead and Gov. de Jongh have valid and powerfully truthful positions.
There is room for both perspectives.
More importantly, both of these men can bridge the differences that now exist. Gov. de Jongh is not in a position to meet Shelley's demands; Shelley's passion for this healing is an important one.
I thank them both for being who they are.
This is an exciting time to live in the VI's…the best of our leaders are finally rising to the surface.
I would like to suggest to Shelley that perhaps his goals have been met?
We need to begin sincere, in-depth dialog as Virgin Islanders to get to the next process level of healing between peoples from the walls that have been created as a result of years of slavery.
Bonny Corbeil
St. John
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