Nov. 1, 2002 – Philip J. Rhymer Sr., who helped revive the Traditional Indians troupe when St. Thomas's modern-day V.I. Carnival began in 1952, died Oct. 23 at the Sea View Nursing and Rehabilitation Facility.
"Since the revival of carnival and for almost 50 years, Mr. Rhymer, along with his wife, the late Frances Rhymer, led the Traditional Indians through many years of carnival fun," Gov. Charles W. Turnbull said in statement of condolences. The governor also said that Rhymer created The Masqueraders as a segment of a 1927 carnival parade.
According to information provided by Davis Funeral Home on St. Thomas, Rhymer supplied the troupe with uniforms and drums. Despite being confined to a wheelchair, he was an active member of the Indians until his death.
Rhymer was born Oct. 22, 1908, on St. Thomas, the son of Ebenezer Rhymer and Eulalie Emanuel. He was affectionately known as "Tata" or Mr. Francis. He grew up in Savan and attended St. Ann's Roman Catholic School, now known as Sts. Peter and Paul School.
An active sportsman, he managed the Orioles baseball team, the Silver Dollar Little League team, and the 1956 champions, the Savan Hawks. He played with several teams and was best known for being a good catcher and relief pitcher.
Rhymer worked at Government House as a repairman, painter, mason and orderly. He served in the Home Guard, now known as the V.I. National Guard, from 1942 to 1972.
He is survived by sons Philip Rhymer Jr., James Rhymer Sr. and Calito Rhymer Sr.; daughters Myra Nixon and Shirley Olive; stepson Richard Callwood Jr.; 55 grandchildren and 47 great-grandchildren.
Burial was Thursday in Western Cemetery.
Publisher's note : Like the St. Thomas Source now? Find out how you can love us twice as much — and show your support for the islands' free and independent news voice … click here.
BASES FOR ENDORSING CANDIDATE CHALLENGED
Dear Source,
Your editorial endorsing John de Jongh for governor was a surprising piece of journalism. Normally journalists are expected to be very factual and to have solid reasoning for the conclusions that they come to. I did not find this to be demonstrated in your editorial.
First, you begin by making a statement that does not seem to be related to the present situation, but to the situation that existed in 1998. Have you looked at the figures on government revenues from 1996 to the present time? Have you not seen declining revenues turn into increasing revenues? Have you not seen a considerable drop in the number of government employees since 1998?
It gives the impression that you are not basing your position on facts, trends, or a comparison of the government's condition then and now, you seem to be simply regurgitating the rhetoric from political advertisements.
Your statement that Mr. de Jongh "has proven himself in all areas of public and private life" seems to conveniently ignore the facts surrounding his short tenure at the public positions that he has had, and the controversial circumstances surrounding his leaving of those positions.
You are on the mark when you say that he does not need a job, because he has the friends and family connections that will ensure that he will never want for employment. However, you have chosen to ignore the fact that he was asked by the Democratic Party in 1998 to be a candidate, before Governor Turnbull was asked, and he declined. It was widely believed then that his reluctance was partly due to the fear of being governor when the federal government took over.
Your view on his outstanding ability in financial management is not based on any facts that can be determined from reading your editorial. The resume of your candidate in his brochure lists his educational achievements as having a B.A. degree, nothing more advanced. Lockhart Caribbean had a finance employee before John de Jongh joined the firm. This employee had much more finance experience than your candidate. First of all, he had more than a B.A. Then, after working as comptroller of Vitelco, he was entrusted to manage Guyana Telephone for his employer, which he did successfully before coming to Lockhart Caribbean. When John de Jongh started working there, none of his finance "expertise" was really needed, since his function was simply to be a spokesperson with the right family connections.
You refer to his work for a finance advisory firm. You must know that these firms have numerous employees, and the contribution he made to the plans developed is not clear from your article. What you did not mention was that after returning to the Virgin Islands, Mr. de Jongh sought to put his finance skills to work by taking over a well-known firm on St. Thomas that was facing bankruptcy. Then, all of a sudden, he dropped it, and the owner had to rebuild his company without the famous "expertise" of John de Jongh.
Finally, when you speak of qualifications, you may have forgotten that Dr. Cora Christian is also a candidate, and an examination of her credentials and a comparison of those with Mr. de Jongh's would hardly lead one to the conclusion expressed in your editorial.
The candidate you have endorsed has had many different positions, but most of them were held for very short times. Could this be because his genius was so advanced that he needed only a short time to accomplish what ordinary mortals needed many years to do? His record shows that he does well while working with companies that have no financial or cash-flow problems.
Your references to our financial problems seem to omit the fact that Mr. de Jongh has said on many occasions that he believes the financial condition of the government is worse now than in 1999. If that is true, how come you have not asked him how he will make payroll if he is elected? Listen to the extravagant promises that he has made in campaign statements, but with no explanation of how a government, in worse state than 1999, will find the money to do what he promises. It is surprising that you have not characterized these statements as irresponsible election promises, and your basis for your judgment is quite out of character with what a journalist is normally willing to swallow hook, line and sinker.
Let me explain that I hold no ill will toward Mr. de Jongh. I believe that he is a fine person, and that he means well in his intentions to lead the Virgin Islands to better days. I believe every candidate has the intention to lead the territory to better days; it is just that some are more realistic in their plans than others, and that some would use certain means that others would not.
I remember the type of journalism that was done by Melvin Claxton when he was a reporter at the Daily News. I cannot imagine him swallowing political rhetoric the way that your editorial seems to have done, without asking the probing questions that the former governor detested so vehemently. It was only days ago that I was lamenting the lack of probing journalism that allowed several candidates to make sweeping statements without probing questions that would seek to determine whether these statements contradict other statements made.
This statement is not intended to attack any candidate; I am simply taking exception to the reasoning offered by your paper for the position that has been taken. So many statements have been made in this campaign about the importance of telling the truth and trust. We trust journalists to probe and tell the public a balanced and factual account of events. If it is an editorial, perhaps it may not be required to be factual and logical, perhaps it may not be necessary to be balanced and realistic, but this is what I expected from your paper. Maybe I am just out of touch with what is accepted as responsible journalism these days.
At any rate, if you had said that you like Mr. de Jongh, that you think he is a fine gentleman and will make a good governor, that would be your right to support those you choose. If you were attempting to show that you have compelling objective reasons for your position, you have failed to convince those who know the facts.
Welby E. Warner
St. Thomas
Your editorial endorsing John de Jongh for governor was a surprising piece of journalism. Normally journalists are expected to be very factual and to have solid reasoning for the conclusions that they come to. I did not find this to be demonstrated in your editorial.
First, you begin by making a statement that does not seem to be related to the present situation, but to the situation that existed in 1998. Have you looked at the figures on government revenues from 1996 to the present time? Have you not seen declining revenues turn into increasing revenues? Have you not seen a considerable drop in the number of government employees since 1998?
It gives the impression that you are not basing your position on facts, trends, or a comparison of the government's condition then and now, you seem to be simply regurgitating the rhetoric from political advertisements.
Your statement that Mr. de Jongh "has proven himself in all areas of public and private life" seems to conveniently ignore the facts surrounding his short tenure at the public positions that he has had, and the controversial circumstances surrounding his leaving of those positions.
You are on the mark when you say that he does not need a job, because he has the friends and family connections that will ensure that he will never want for employment. However, you have chosen to ignore the fact that he was asked by the Democratic Party in 1998 to be a candidate, before Governor Turnbull was asked, and he declined. It was widely believed then that his reluctance was partly due to the fear of being governor when the federal government took over.
Your view on his outstanding ability in financial management is not based on any facts that can be determined from reading your editorial. The resume of your candidate in his brochure lists his educational achievements as having a B.A. degree, nothing more advanced. Lockhart Caribbean had a finance employee before John de Jongh joined the firm. This employee had much more finance experience than your candidate. First of all, he had more than a B.A. Then, after working as comptroller of Vitelco, he was entrusted to manage Guyana Telephone for his employer, which he did successfully before coming to Lockhart Caribbean. When John de Jongh started working there, none of his finance "expertise" was really needed, since his function was simply to be a spokesperson with the right family connections.
You refer to his work for a finance advisory firm. You must know that these firms have numerous employees, and the contribution he made to the plans developed is not clear from your article. What you did not mention was that after returning to the Virgin Islands, Mr. de Jongh sought to put his finance skills to work by taking over a well-known firm on St. Thomas that was facing bankruptcy. Then, all of a sudden, he dropped it, and the owner had to rebuild his company without the famous "expertise" of John de Jongh.
Finally, when you speak of qualifications, you may have forgotten that Dr. Cora Christian is also a candidate, and an examination of her credentials and a comparison of those with Mr. de Jongh's would hardly lead one to the conclusion expressed in your editorial.
The candidate you have endorsed has had many different positions, but most of them were held for very short times. Could this be because his genius was so advanced that he needed only a short time to accomplish what ordinary mortals needed many years to do? His record shows that he does well while working with companies that have no financial or cash-flow problems.
Your references to our financial problems seem to omit the fact that Mr. de Jongh has said on many occasions that he believes the financial condition of the government is worse now than in 1999. If that is true, how come you have not asked him how he will make payroll if he is elected? Listen to the extravagant promises that he has made in campaign statements, but with no explanation of how a government, in worse state than 1999, will find the money to do what he promises. It is surprising that you have not characterized these statements as irresponsible election promises, and your basis for your judgment is quite out of character with what a journalist is normally willing to swallow hook, line and sinker.
Let me explain that I hold no ill will toward Mr. de Jongh. I believe that he is a fine person, and that he means well in his intentions to lead the Virgin Islands to better days. I believe every candidate has the intention to lead the territory to better days; it is just that some are more realistic in their plans than others, and that some would use certain means that others would not.
I remember the type of journalism that was done by Melvin Claxton when he was a reporter at the Daily News. I cannot imagine him swallowing political rhetoric the way that your editorial seems to have done, without asking the probing questions that the former governor detested so vehemently. It was only days ago that I was lamenting the lack of probing journalism that allowed several candidates to make sweeping statements without probing questions that would seek to determine whether these statements contradict other statements made.
This statement is not intended to attack any candidate; I am simply taking exception to the reasoning offered by your paper for the position that has been taken. So many statements have been made in this campaign about the importance of telling the truth and trust. We trust journalists to probe and tell the public a balanced and factual account of events. If it is an editorial, perhaps it may not be required to be factual and logical, perhaps it may not be necessary to be balanced and realistic, but this is what I expected from your paper. Maybe I am just out of touch with what is accepted as responsible journalism these days.
At any rate, if you had said that you like Mr. de Jongh, that you think he is a fine gentleman and will make a good governor, that would be your right to support those you choose. If you were attempting to show that you have compelling objective reasons for your position, you have failed to convince those who know the facts.
Welby E. Warner
St. Thomas
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.
Publisher's note : Like the St. Thomas Source now? Find out how you can love us twice as much — and show your support for the islands' free and independent news voice … click here.
BASES FOR ENDORSING CANDIDATE CHALLENGED
Dear Source,
Your editorial endorsing John de Jongh for governor was a surprising piece of journalism. Normally journalists are expected to be very factual and to have solid reasoning for the conclusions that they come to. I did not find this to be demonstrated in your editorial.
First, you begin by making a statement that does not seem to be related to the present situation, but to the situation that existed in 1998. Have you looked at the figures on government revenues from 1996 to the present time? Have you not seen declining revenues turn into increasing revenues? Have you not seen a considerable drop in the number of government employees since 1998?
It gives the impression that you are not basing your position on facts, trends, or a comparison of the government's condition then and now, you seem to be simply regurgitating the rhetoric from political advertisements.
Your statement that Mr. de Jongh "has proven himself in all areas of public and private life" seems to conveniently ignore the facts surrounding his short tenure at the public positions that he has had, and the controversial circumstances surrounding his leaving of those positions.
You are on the mark when you say that he does not need a job, because he has the friends and family connections that will ensure that he will never want for employment. However, you have chosen to ignore the fact that he was asked by the Democratic Party in 1998 to be a candidate, before Governor Turnbull was asked, and he declined. It was widely believed then that his reluctance was partly due to the fear of being governor when the federal government took over.
Your view on his outstanding ability in financial management is not based on any facts that can be determined from reading your editorial. The resume of your candidate in his brochure lists his educational achievements as having a B.A. degree, nothing more advanced. Lockhart Caribbean had a finance employee before John de Jongh joined the firm. This employee had much more finance experience than your candidate. First of all, he had more than a B.A. Then, after working as comptroller of Vitelco, he was entrusted to manage Guyana Telephone for his employer, which he did successfully before coming to Lockhart Caribbean. When John de Jongh started working there, none of his finance "expertise" was really needed, since his function was simply to be a spokesperson with the right family connections.
You refer to his work for a finance advisory firm. You must know that these firms have numerous employees, and the contribution he made to the plans developed is not clear from your article. What you did not mention was that after returning to the Virgin Islands, Mr. de Jongh sought to put his finance skills to work by taking over a well-known firm on St. Thomas that was facing bankruptcy. Then, all of a sudden, he dropped it, and the owner had to rebuild his company without the famous "expertise" of John de Jongh.
Finally, when you speak of qualifications, you may have forgotten that Dr. Cora Christian is also a candidate, and an examination of her credentials and a comparison of those with Mr. de Jongh's would hardly lead one to the conclusion expressed in your editorial.
The candidate you have endorsed has had many different positions, but most of them were held for very short times. Could this be because his genius was so advanced that he needed only a short time to accomplish what ordinary mortals needed many years to do? His record shows that he does well while working with companies that have no financial or cash-flow problems.
Your references to our financial problems seem to omit the fact that Mr. de Jongh has said on many occasions that he believes the financial condition of the government is worse now than in 1999. If that is true, how come you have not asked him how he will make payroll if he is elected? Listen to the extravagant promises that he has made in campaign statements, but with no explanation of how a government, in worse state than 1999, will find the money to do what he promises. It is surprising that you have not characterized these statements as irresponsible election promises, and your basis for your judgment is quite out of character with what a journalist is normally willing to swallow hook, line and sinker.
Let me explain that I hold no ill will toward Mr. de Jongh. I believe that he is a fine person, and that he means well in his intentions to lead the Virgin Islands to better days. I believe every candidate has the intention to lead the territory to better days; it is just that some are more realistic in their plans than others, and that some would use certain means that others would not.
I remember the type of journalism that was done by Melvin Claxton when he was a reporter at the Daily News. I cannot imagine him swallowing political rhetoric the way that your editorial seems to have done, without asking the probing questions that the former governor detested so vehemently. It was only days ago that I was lamenting the lack of probing journalism that allowed several candidates to make sweeping statements without probing questions that would seek to determine whether these statements contradict other statements made.
This statement is not intended to attack any candidate; I am simply taking exception to the reasoning offered by your paper for the position that has been taken. So many statements have been made in this campaign about the importance of telling the truth and trust. We trust journalists to probe and tell the public a balanced and factual account of events. If it is an editorial, perhaps it may not be required to be factual and logical, perhaps it may not be necessary to be balanced and realistic, but this is what I expected from your paper. Maybe I am just out of touch with what is accepted as responsible journalism these days.
At any rate, if you had said that you like Mr. de Jongh, that you think he is a fine gentleman and will make a good governor, that would be your right to support those you choose. If you were attempting to show that you have compelling objective reasons for your position, you have failed to convince those who know the facts.
Welby E. Warner
St. Thomas
Your editorial endorsing John de Jongh for governor was a surprising piece of journalism. Normally journalists are expected to be very factual and to have solid reasoning for the conclusions that they come to. I did not find this to be demonstrated in your editorial.
First, you begin by making a statement that does not seem to be related to the present situation, but to the situation that existed in 1998. Have you looked at the figures on government revenues from 1996 to the present time? Have you not seen declining revenues turn into increasing revenues? Have you not seen a considerable drop in the number of government employees since 1998?
It gives the impression that you are not basing your position on facts, trends, or a comparison of the government's condition then and now, you seem to be simply regurgitating the rhetoric from political advertisements.
Your statement that Mr. de Jongh "has proven himself in all areas of public and private life" seems to conveniently ignore the facts surrounding his short tenure at the public positions that he has had, and the controversial circumstances surrounding his leaving of those positions.
You are on the mark when you say that he does not need a job, because he has the friends and family connections that will ensure that he will never want for employment. However, you have chosen to ignore the fact that he was asked by the Democratic Party in 1998 to be a candidate, before Governor Turnbull was asked, and he declined. It was widely believed then that his reluctance was partly due to the fear of being governor when the federal government took over.
Your view on his outstanding ability in financial management is not based on any facts that can be determined from reading your editorial. The resume of your candidate in his brochure lists his educational achievements as having a B.A. degree, nothing more advanced. Lockhart Caribbean had a finance employee before John de Jongh joined the firm. This employee had much more finance experience than your candidate. First of all, he had more than a B.A. Then, after working as comptroller of Vitelco, he was entrusted to manage Guyana Telephone for his employer, which he did successfully before coming to Lockhart Caribbean. When John de Jongh started working there, none of his finance "expertise" was really needed, since his function was simply to be a spokesperson with the right family connections.
You refer to his work for a finance advisory firm. You must know that these firms have numerous employees, and the contribution he made to the plans developed is not clear from your article. What you did not mention was that after returning to the Virgin Islands, Mr. de Jongh sought to put his finance skills to work by taking over a well-known firm on St. Thomas that was facing bankruptcy. Then, all of a sudden, he dropped it, and the owner had to rebuild his company without the famous "expertise" of John de Jongh.
Finally, when you speak of qualifications, you may have forgotten that Dr. Cora Christian is also a candidate, and an examination of her credentials and a comparison of those with Mr. de Jongh's would hardly lead one to the conclusion expressed in your editorial.
The candidate you have endorsed has had many different positions, but most of them were held for very short times. Could this be because his genius was so advanced that he needed only a short time to accomplish what ordinary mortals needed many years to do? His record shows that he does well while working with companies that have no financial or cash-flow problems.
Your references to our financial problems seem to omit the fact that Mr. de Jongh has said on many occasions that he believes the financial condition of the government is worse now than in 1999. If that is true, how come you have not asked him how he will make payroll if he is elected? Listen to the extravagant promises that he has made in campaign statements, but with no explanation of how a government, in worse state than 1999, will find the money to do what he promises. It is surprising that you have not characterized these statements as irresponsible election promises, and your basis for your judgment is quite out of character with what a journalist is normally willing to swallow hook, line and sinker.
Let me explain that I hold no ill will toward Mr. de Jongh. I believe that he is a fine person, and that he means well in his intentions to lead the Virgin Islands to better days. I believe every candidate has the intention to lead the territory to better days; it is just that some are more realistic in their plans than others, and that some would use certain means that others would not.
I remember the type of journalism that was done by Melvin Claxton when he was a reporter at the Daily News. I cannot imagine him swallowing political rhetoric the way that your editorial seems to have done, without asking the probing questions that the former governor detested so vehemently. It was only days ago that I was lamenting the lack of probing journalism that allowed several candidates to make sweeping statements without probing questions that would seek to determine whether these statements contradict other statements made.
This statement is not intended to attack any candidate; I am simply taking exception to the reasoning offered by your paper for the position that has been taken. So many statements have been made in this campaign about the importance of telling the truth and trust. We trust journalists to probe and tell the public a balanced and factual account of events. If it is an editorial, perhaps it may not be required to be factual and logical, perhaps it may not be necessary to be balanced and realistic, but this is what I expected from your paper. Maybe I am just out of touch with what is accepted as responsible journalism these days.
At any rate, if you had said that you like Mr. de Jongh, that you think he is a fine gentleman and will make a good governor, that would be your right to support those you choose. If you were attempting to show that you have compelling objective reasons for your position, you have failed to convince those who know the facts.
Welby E. Warner
St. Thomas
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.
Publisher's note : Like the St. John Source now? Find out how you can love us twice as much — and show your support for the islands' free and independent news voice … click here.
BASES FOR ENDORSING CANDIDATE CHALLENGED
Dear Source,
Your editorial endorsing John de Jongh for governor was a surprising piece of journalism. Normally journalists are expected to be very factual and to have solid reasoning for the conclusions that they come to. I did not find this to be demonstrated in your editorial.
First, you begin by making a statement that does not seem to be related to the present situation, but to the situation that existed in 1998. Have you looked at the figures on government revenues from 1996 to the present time? Have you not seen declining revenues turn into increasing revenues? Have you not seen a considerable drop in the number of government employees since 1998?
It gives the impression that you are not basing your position on facts, trends, or a comparison of the government's condition then and now, you seem to be simply regurgitating the rhetoric from political advertisements.
Your statement that Mr. de Jongh "has proven himself in all areas of public and private life" seems to conveniently ignore the facts surrounding his short tenure at the public positions that he has had, and the controversial circumstances surrounding his leaving of those positions.
You are on the mark when you say that he does not need a job, because he has the friends and family connections that will ensure that he will never want for employment. However, you have chosen to ignore the fact that he was asked by the Democratic Party in 1998 to be a candidate, before Governor Turnbull was asked, and he declined. It was widely believed then that his reluctance was partly due to the fear of being governor when the federal government took over.
Your view on his outstanding ability in financial management is not based on any facts that can be determined from reading your editorial. The resume of your candidate in his brochure lists his educational achievements as having a B.A. degree, nothing more advanced. Lockhart Caribbean had a finance employee before John de Jongh joined the firm. This employee had much more finance experience than your candidate. First of all, he had more than a B.A. Then, after working as comptroller of Vitelco, he was entrusted to manage Guyana Telephone for his employer, which he did successfully before coming to Lockhart Caribbean. When John de Jongh started working there, none of his finance "expertise" was really needed, since his function was simply to be a spokesperson with the right family connections.
You refer to his work for a finance advisory firm. You must know that these firms have numerous employees, and the contribution he made to the plans developed is not clear from your article. What you did not mention was that after returning to the Virgin Islands, Mr. de Jongh sought to put his finance skills to work by taking over a well-known firm on St. Thomas that was facing bankruptcy. Then, all of a sudden, he dropped it, and the owner had to rebuild his company without the famous "expertise" of John de Jongh.
Finally, when you speak of qualifications, you may have forgotten that Dr. Cora Christian is also a candidate, and an examination of her credentials and a comparison of those with Mr. de Jongh's would hardly lead one to the conclusion expressed in your editorial.
The candidate you have endorsed has had many different positions, but most of them were held for very short times. Could this be because his genius was so advanced that he needed only a short time to accomplish what ordinary mortals needed many years to do? His record shows that he does well while working with companies that have no financial or cash-flow problems.
Your references to our financial problems seem to omit the fact that Mr. de Jongh has said on many occasions that he believes the financial condition of the government is worse now than in 1999. If that is true, how come you have not asked him how he will make payroll if he is elected? Listen to the extravagant promises that he has made in campaign statements, but with no explanation of how a government, in worse state than 1999, will find the money to do what he promises. It is surprising that you have not characterized these statements as irresponsible election promises, and your basis for your judgment is quite out of character with what a journalist is normally willing to swallow hook, line and sinker.
Let me explain that I hold no ill will toward Mr. de Jongh. I believe that he is a fine person, and that he means well in his intentions to lead the Virgin Islands to better days. I believe every candidate has the intention to lead the territory to better days; it is just that some are more realistic in their plans than others, and that some would use certain means that others would not.
I remember the type of journalism that was done by Melvin Claxton when he was a reporter at the Daily News. I cannot imagine him swallowing political rhetoric the way that your editorial seems to have done, without asking the probing questions that the former governor detested so vehemently. It was only days ago that I was lamenting the lack of probing journalism that allowed several candidates to make sweeping statements without probing questions that would seek to determine whether these statements contradict other statements made.
This statement is not intended to attack any candidate; I am simply taking exception to the reasoning offered by your paper for the position that has been taken. So many statements have been made in this campaign about the importance of telling the truth and trust. We trust journalists to probe and tell the public a balanced and factual account of events. If it is an editorial, perhaps it may not be required to be factual and logical, perhaps it may not be necessary to be balanced and realistic, but this is what I expected from your paper. Maybe I am just out of touch with what is accepted as responsible journalism these days.
At any rate, if you had said that you like Mr. de Jongh, that you think he is a fine gentleman and will make a good governor, that would be your right to support those you choose. If you were attempting to show that you have compelling objective reasons for your position, you have failed to convince those who know the facts.
Welby E. Warner
St. Thomas
Your editorial endorsing John de Jongh for governor was a surprising piece of journalism. Normally journalists are expected to be very factual and to have solid reasoning for the conclusions that they come to. I did not find this to be demonstrated in your editorial.
First, you begin by making a statement that does not seem to be related to the present situation, but to the situation that existed in 1998. Have you looked at the figures on government revenues from 1996 to the present time? Have you not seen declining revenues turn into increasing revenues? Have you not seen a considerable drop in the number of government employees since 1998?
It gives the impression that you are not basing your position on facts, trends, or a comparison of the government's condition then and now, you seem to be simply regurgitating the rhetoric from political advertisements.
Your statement that Mr. de Jongh "has proven himself in all areas of public and private life" seems to conveniently ignore the facts surrounding his short tenure at the public positions that he has had, and the controversial circumstances surrounding his leaving of those positions.
You are on the mark when you say that he does not need a job, because he has the friends and family connections that will ensure that he will never want for employment. However, you have chosen to ignore the fact that he was asked by the Democratic Party in 1998 to be a candidate, before Governor Turnbull was asked, and he declined. It was widely believed then that his reluctance was partly due to the fear of being governor when the federal government took over.
Your view on his outstanding ability in financial management is not based on any facts that can be determined from reading your editorial. The resume of your candidate in his brochure lists his educational achievements as having a B.A. degree, nothing more advanced. Lockhart Caribbean had a finance employee before John de Jongh joined the firm. This employee had much more finance experience than your candidate. First of all, he had more than a B.A. Then, after working as comptroller of Vitelco, he was entrusted to manage Guyana Telephone for his employer, which he did successfully before coming to Lockhart Caribbean. When John de Jongh started working there, none of his finance "expertise" was really needed, since his function was simply to be a spokesperson with the right family connections.
You refer to his work for a finance advisory firm. You must know that these firms have numerous employees, and the contribution he made to the plans developed is not clear from your article. What you did not mention was that after returning to the Virgin Islands, Mr. de Jongh sought to put his finance skills to work by taking over a well-known firm on St. Thomas that was facing bankruptcy. Then, all of a sudden, he dropped it, and the owner had to rebuild his company without the famous "expertise" of John de Jongh.
Finally, when you speak of qualifications, you may have forgotten that Dr. Cora Christian is also a candidate, and an examination of her credentials and a comparison of those with Mr. de Jongh's would hardly lead one to the conclusion expressed in your editorial.
The candidate you have endorsed has had many different positions, but most of them were held for very short times. Could this be because his genius was so advanced that he needed only a short time to accomplish what ordinary mortals needed many years to do? His record shows that he does well while working with companies that have no financial or cash-flow problems.
Your references to our financial problems seem to omit the fact that Mr. de Jongh has said on many occasions that he believes the financial condition of the government is worse now than in 1999. If that is true, how come you have not asked him how he will make payroll if he is elected? Listen to the extravagant promises that he has made in campaign statements, but with no explanation of how a government, in worse state than 1999, will find the money to do what he promises. It is surprising that you have not characterized these statements as irresponsible election promises, and your basis for your judgment is quite out of character with what a journalist is normally willing to swallow hook, line and sinker.
Let me explain that I hold no ill will toward Mr. de Jongh. I believe that he is a fine person, and that he means well in his intentions to lead the Virgin Islands to better days. I believe every candidate has the intention to lead the territory to better days; it is just that some are more realistic in their plans than others, and that some would use certain means that others would not.
I remember the type of journalism that was done by Melvin Claxton when he was a reporter at the Daily News. I cannot imagine him swallowing political rhetoric the way that your editorial seems to have done, without asking the probing questions that the former governor detested so vehemently. It was only days ago that I was lamenting the lack of probing journalism that allowed several candidates to make sweeping statements without probing questions that would seek to determine whether these statements contradict other statements made.
This statement is not intended to attack any candidate; I am simply taking exception to the reasoning offered by your paper for the position that has been taken. So many statements have been made in this campaign about the importance of telling the truth and trust. We trust journalists to probe and tell the public a balanced and factual account of events. If it is an editorial, perhaps it may not be required to be factual and logical, perhaps it may not be necessary to be balanced and realistic, but this is what I expected from your paper. Maybe I am just out of touch with what is accepted as responsible journalism these days.
At any rate, if you had said that you like Mr. de Jongh, that you think he is a fine gentleman and will make a good governor, that would be your right to support those you choose. If you were attempting to show that you have compelling objective reasons for your position, you have failed to convince those who know the facts.
Welby E. Warner
St. Thomas
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.
Publisher's note : Like the St. Croix Source now? Find out how you can love us twice as much — and show your support for the islands' free and independent news voice … click here.
DE JONGH/ARNOLD TO HOST LAST LAP PARTY
Nov. 1, 2002 – On Monday, the last night before the general election, the de Jongh/Arnold campaign is hosting a Last Lap Party at Four Winds Plaza on St. Thomas from 6 p.m. to midnight. P'Your Passion will provide entertainment, and food and drinks will be on sale.
Publisher's note : Like the St. John Source now? Find out how you can love us twice as much — and show your support for the islands' free and independent news voice … click here.
Publisher's note : Like the St. John Source now? Find out how you can love us twice as much — and show your support for the islands' free and independent news voice … click here.
DE JONGH/ARNOLD TO HOST LAST LAP RALLY
John de Jongh and Paul Arnold will host a Last Lap Rally & Beach Jam from 2 to 10 p.m. on Frederiksted Beach. Music will be provided by Vio International, the Starlites and Onyan. Free ice cream, face painting and balloons will be provided to children. The event is designed for the whole family.
DE JONGH/ARNOLD TO HOST LAST LAP PARTY
On the last night before the general election, the de Jongh/Arnold campaign is hosting a Last Lap Party at Four Winds Plaza from 6 p.m. to midnight. P'Your Passion will provide entertainment, and food and drinks will be on sale.
DE JONGH/ARNOLD TO HOST LAST LAP PARTY
Nov. 1, 2002 – On Monday, the last night before the general election, the de Jongh/Arnold campaign is hosting a Last Lap Party at Four Winds Plaza from 6 p.m. to midnight. P'Your Passion will provide entertainment, and food and drinks will be on sale.
Publisher's note : Like the St. Thomas Source now? Find out how you can love us twice as much — and show your support for the islands' free and independent news voice … click here.
Publisher's note : Like the St. Thomas Source now? Find out how you can love us twice as much — and show your support for the islands' free and independent news voice … click here.
DE JONGH/ARNOLD TO HOST LAST LAP RALLY
Nov. 1, 2002 – On Sunday John de Jongh and Paul Arnold will host a Last Lap Rally & Beach Jam from 2 to 10 p.m. on Frederiksted Beach. Music will be provided by Vio International, the Starlites and Onyan. Free ice cream, face painting and balloons will be provided to children. The event is designed for the whole family.
Publisher's note : Like the St. Croix Source now? Find out how you can love us twice as much — and show your support for the islands' free and independent news voice … click here.
Publisher's note : Like the St. Croix Source now? Find out how you can love us twice as much — and show your support for the islands' free and independent news voice … click here.
LOCKHART EXECUTIVE TO BE INDUCTED AS KNIGHT
Nov. 1, 2002 – Wesley S. Williams Jr., a Washington, D.C., attorney and co-chief executive officer of St. Thomas-based Lockhart Caribbean Corp., will be inducted as a knight of grace into the Order of St. John of Jerusalem, Knights Hospitaller.
The induction will take place on Saturday at the National Cathedral in Washington. The Duke of Gloucester will knight Williams on behalf of Queen Elizabeth II and the Governors of the American Priory.
The Order of St. John supports service to the poor and underprivileged. Williams is being inducted into the order in recognition of his public service activities.
Williams was recently named chair of the Richmond, Virginia, Federal Reserve Bank for 2003. He is married to Karen Hastie Williams, daughter of Beryl Lockhart Williams and former Gov. William Hastie, who later served as a judge on the 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals.
The Order of St. John was founded in 1831 by the French Knights of Malta. Today, it is based in London, where the Queen is its head. Its American branch has more than 600 members, including 66 knights and 56 dames.
The members' major work is to raise money for an ophthalmic hospital in Jerusalem. The 80-bed hospital mainly provides eye care services to Palestinians living in territories occupied by Israel who are not eligible for free Israeli medical or hospital care.
Publisher's note : Like the St. Thomas Source now? Find out how you can love us twice as much — and show your support for the islands' free and independent news voice … click here.
The induction will take place on Saturday at the National Cathedral in Washington. The Duke of Gloucester will knight Williams on behalf of Queen Elizabeth II and the Governors of the American Priory.
The Order of St. John supports service to the poor and underprivileged. Williams is being inducted into the order in recognition of his public service activities.
Williams was recently named chair of the Richmond, Virginia, Federal Reserve Bank for 2003. He is married to Karen Hastie Williams, daughter of Beryl Lockhart Williams and former Gov. William Hastie, who later served as a judge on the 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals.
The Order of St. John was founded in 1831 by the French Knights of Malta. Today, it is based in London, where the Queen is its head. Its American branch has more than 600 members, including 66 knights and 56 dames.
The members' major work is to raise money for an ophthalmic hospital in Jerusalem. The 80-bed hospital mainly provides eye care services to Palestinians living in territories occupied by Israel who are not eligible for free Israeli medical or hospital care.
Publisher's note : Like the St. Thomas Source now? Find out how you can love us twice as much — and show your support for the islands' free and independent news voice … click here.
