VIHFA Notice of Public Hearing
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Raising the issue of who is a native Virgin Islander is certain to be a controversial one. If it is undertaken by someone not even born in the islands, it can be dismissed on that basis alone. For that reason, a draft of this column was circulated to highly respected members of the community who have deep ancestral roots here and possess an informed knowledge of the subject. The questions posed were: Is the language offensive or insensitive? Is it factually accurate? Is the analysis sound? No objections were received. Indeed, publication was encouraged. #visource #usvi #editorial
Op-Ed: Who Is a Native Virgin Islander? | St. Thomas Source
stthomassource.com
Paul Leary parses the meanings of native, aboriginal, native and indigenous in search of a definition of who is a native Virgin Islander. Does it even matter who is a "native"?Frankly, I would like UVI or the convention to enlist the services of an anthropologist to craft and polish the definition of who is a Virgin Islander for the sake of identity. I personally get offended by a dismissive disposition when the identity of a people, my people, my ancestors has been degraded over time, after the slave ships disembarked their "cargo" to sell on the auction blocks. For me, I've been fortunate to trace my bloodline to the 1830's in the VI on both sides of my family. After that, I have roll up my sleeves to really get back to tribal ties to mother Africa. But thanks to African Ancestry, I may be able to trace my lineage, but through DNA, not family name. The family ties to mother Africa will require more leg work. The constant push back from the African descendants in the VI to forge an established identity in the new world, one they had no choice but to make a home through "blood, revolt and fire," will continue to be a source of agnst until there's an identity in the law.
Very good article, thank you.
Nicely done. Thank you!
When you make a business call and are upright and professional and the person on the other end does not think you are a Native Virgin Islander and starts bashing the people you love and who made you who you are, it’s kinda hard to “get over it” and “move on” despite all your love and good intentions for people who share your island.
Tyler Sullivan 2+ years Qualify!
Excellent.
There is a need for a Local Citizenship for Native/Indigenous Virgin Islanders who, as a consequence of and lack of control over US immigration policies, have been made "aliens" in their own land. To simply expect them to "get over it" as Dr. Leary suggests is insensitive and insufficient. Indigenous Virgin Islanders are not even considered "birthright US citizens"--consigning them to a status of "neither fish nor foul." As a consequence of which there is a severe identity crisis amongst the populace.
