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Senators Look Back with Pride at 27th Legislature

Dec. 2, 2008 — The legislative chambers on St. Thomas have seen their share of heated debates, battles between the districts and political party members, and even, on occasion, the hurling of four-letter insults between majority and minority members. But senators said Monday that the 27th Legislature was the most well-run in V.I. history, with 14 "wonderful members" being led by a "great Senate president."
The Legislature's final session was adjourned sine die early Monday afternoon, closing out with heartfelt — and sometimes even tearful — goodbyes from those members who will not return to serve out another term in January. Whatever the differences were, senators said they always made it through to another day, and treasured the opportunity to "serve the people of the territory."
"I have spent a wonderful six years in the Legislature," Sen. Ronald E. Russell said Monday. "The Virgin Islands has been good to me, and I have given the Virgin Islands the best of what I have."
Russell was knocked out of the running in this year's General Election, along with St. Croix Sens. Norman Jn Baptiste and James Weber III. Sen. Juan Figueroa-Serville lost his spot in the primary election after serving two terms in the Legislature.
"The people of the Virgin Islands opened this door for me to go through, and I will carry them in my heart wherever God leads me in this next step in my life," Figueroa-Serville said. "I would like to thank all 15 senators for the experience I've had. It's been a very moving experience for me, and I will carry it with me always."
Inspired by comments from Sen. Celestino A. White Sr. — who reminded senators during the session that he lost his bid for the 23th Legislature, but got re-elected after a two-year hiatus — Weber said he would welcome another chance to reclaim his seat.
"A little more than 24 months ago, I was elected by the people of St. Croix, and I was extremely grateful," he said. "And I have enjoyed this experience thoroughly — how could you not? Challenging one another to find the correct cause is a noble cause, prioritizing the money with the magnitude we talk about — $1 billion — is an important job. But as we look ahead to the 28th Legislature, there are people … out there that say it will fall apart. But I'm sure cooler heads will prevail, and that you will hold your course and take us to a better territory."
Rounding out 10 years in the Legislature is Jn Baptiste — known for his Biblical references and extensive metaphors — who shed tears as he stepped up to the microphone.
"I came here 10 years ago, inexperienced, confused — nowhere near perfection," he said. "But I am leaving here today having acquired much by way of wisdom, understanding and experience. But I am saddened today. I truly have to thank the people of St. Croix who elected me to serve in this institution. And to those that I have disappointed, I am sorry to have disappointed you."
Newcomers Michael Thurland, Nelly Rivera O'Reilly, Sammuel Sanes and Wayne James will fill the district's empty spots in the incoming 28th Legislature.
Also saying goodbye after two terms was St. Thomas Sen. Liston Davis, who said he held high the virtues of diplomacy and "exercised restraint" over the past four years.
"No one likes to lose, but you have to move on gracefully," Davis said. "I am very proud of the record I established in the 26th and 27th Legislatures, and I've had a wonderful run being a servant of the people. I will be moving on, but not necessarily into the sunset just yet."
Davis added that he would like to see the incoming 28th Legislature "bring reform to some of the things that go on in this august body."
Sen. Neville James — recently tapped as the 28th Legislature's majority leader — echoed these comments later in the session, saying that the "cutthroat politics and flat-out lying" that goes on in the Senate "has to stop."
Senator-At-Large Carmen M. Wesselhoft, who will be replaced by former Sen. Craig W. Barshinger come January, also reminisced on the positive experiences she had during her first term in the Legislature.
"It was a great experience, and I'm really glad I had the opportunity to serve," she said.
Stepping down from the position of Senate president is Usie R. Richards, who told his colleagues that he ran for a seat in the Legislature six times before getting elected.
"I haven't won as many elections as I've lost yet," he joked. "But these things happen. You just have to be convinced that you have something to contribute. Remember these 10 words: If it is to be, it is up to me. Just 10 words, but apply it to yourself, set it as a goal and pursue it."
According to reports coming out of the Legislature a few weeks ago, Sen. Shawn-Michael Malone had the opportunity to take over the president's seat in the 28th Legislature, but turned it down because his desire to form a coalition that included non-Democratic Party members was not welcomed by members of the incoming majority caucus.
Sen.-elect Adlah "Foncie" Donastorg will instead hold the position.
"We need to begin to forge relationships that allow for effective policy-making," Malone said during Monday's session. "Choosing the right people to lead should be the focus as we move into this difficult period. We look at Barack Obama — someone who brings in everyone regardless of their background or political affiliation. We need to take a page from that book and bring all hands on deck, and until we realize that, we won't get very far.
"This is what's going to be our challenge — we are unable to work together, and we let a lot of petty things get in the way of progress. But if we don't bring all hands on deck and look out beyond the borders of this territory, the rest of the world is going to swallow us whole."
All senators were present during Monday's session.
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