The True State Of Our Territory
It’s been one year since “Together We Can” swept across the territories, bringing with it great expectations for a new direction for the Virgin Islands . It seems that Governor deJongh is still on the campaign trail, as yesterday’s State of the Territory Address was filled with platitudes and promises, but very little evidence of any real progress in the past year.
“Determination and Hope” were the bywords of the address. But as we look at crime, education, the economy, the workforce – the great hopes we had for the new administration, and the reforms it promised in these critical areas, has dimmed with time.
And as we look at these issues today – one year later – what we see is more of the same business as usual we were promised was a thing of the past. And what we heard last night did little to allay our concerns.
The Governor restated the priorities he espoused during the campaign; to fix a broken government; to restore our finances, and to restore local control where it was threatened, or in some cases lost; to create economic development built on real partnerships between our government and the private sector; and to bring order out of chaos.
But what has really changed?
Crime remains at an all time high. One of the most vicious, recent shooting sprees was perpetrated by Jeffrey Browne, a member of the police force. How can we feel safe? And what did we hear about crime – promises of more visibility, more staff, more cameras – where is the progress? The creation of new agencies, cadet corps, task forces and the dissolution of old agencies is not the answer to the question, “What has been accomplished in the past year?”
And while it is true that collaboration with federal agencies has taken some small steps in addressing the infusion of drugs and illegal immigration, much more local energy and hard enforcement will be needed to make significant strides in this critical area.
There is still no confirmed Education Commissioner and months were wasted on the futile attempt to force feed a candidate whose fate was sealed from the beginning. Meanwhile, our children still suffer in substandard facilities with outdated coursework presented by uncertified teachers. We hope that Dr. Laverne Terry is that person who the governor says is the candidate that justifies the year-long wait to fill this position – but that is yet to be seen.
There is something wrong when the fact that the schools opened on time is touted as an improvement. It is not acceptable to say that the goal of having fourth graders read at grade level will take “years to achieve.”
Thousands of lower and middle class Virgin Islanders are struggling in an economy that forces them to choose between keeping the lights on and keeping the family fed. Unlike the government, private citizens do not have the option of choosing whether or not to pay the WAPA bill. We heard of “programs” made available to the public to help them with their energy concerns.
The Governor said, “At a time when families are facing financial hardships, due to the cost of gas, or WAPA bills, or job pressures, we must as a government leave no stone unturned to identify and provide people with information about programs and funding that are available to them or to us.”
We did not hear that the government planned to pay its bill.
The ongoing lack of significant new job opportunities and the lack of any structured workforce development continue the cycles of unemployment and alienation endured by so many who are willing to work, but lack opportunity. While we are encouraged that during 2007, the Gross Territorial Product increased to $4.1 billion, and that 975 private sector jobs were created, unemployment still stands at 6%, even those advances were “negated by basic expenditures that surpass revenues and many medical and social programs that require our attention,” by the governor’s own admission.
The answer to the revenue woes we face lies in gainful employment for our communities, providing wages that will be channeled back into the local economy – not in continued campaigns for higher taxes and fees that further handcuff an already struggling population.
This situation in public housing is a disgrace, and is not solely based in the fact that the authority is not under local control. And while efforts to return it into the hands of a native Virgin Islander are commendable, some steps must be taken now to address the substandard conditions facing a large part of our population.
The passage of a budget that was reliant on an unconfirmed property tax increase was irresponsible, and the results of that action are being felt across the territories. Government employees are still waiting for relief through retroactive pay and pensioners are suffering from a lack of reasonable cost-of-living increases.
Yet, in a period where the general fund is clearly under duress, decisions like the dismantling of the Waste Management Authority and the creation of yet another government agency are on the agenda.
We heard much in the address about problems – with the culture, with healthcare, with low expectations. We heard much about efforts that are being made to attack them. We know what the problems are – what we did not hear were solid steps toward solutions.
It’s been one year since “Together We Can” swept across the territories, bringing with it great expectations for a new direction for the Virgin Islands .
We hope that the next address bring us more assurance that those expectations will be met.
I thought I would feel more hopeful and encouraged after the the Address last evening. Instead, it seems as if things will continue as they are and deteriorate. I heard no relief to the most pressing problem-WAPA. As a matter of fact, the governor spoke sparingly about the issue. Can you believe that, when so many residents are suffering? Where is the concern for the little man? The rich, his friends, can absorb the high rates. So where is his focus? Paying off his debts to his backers? They didn’t fund his campaign for free.
What can we HOPE for when our governor does not see it fit to spend considerable time discussing and addressing our most crucial concern? Hope and determination are only words and there was no passion when he “mentioned” the words. Since we can’t look to our governor for solutions to our problems, to whom should we look? Our senators? . They voted down the bills that would have begun to give us some relief until a long range solution is found. All those who voted nea need to go. I appauld those who voted for the bills as a “beginning” step in resolving the WAPA problem. Let’s carefully track how our senators are voting and the solutions they are bringing to the problems. What is their solution to the WAPA problem? Solution=Vote. No solution=No vote in November.
Another thing, the governor refused to give us a clear financial picture of the territory. He did the same thing his financial team does when they come before the legislature. They leave you with an unclear and confusing financial picture of the Virgin Islands. It is a sad state of affairs. I am more discouraged since last evening’s Address and after the Senate vote today. We need help!! I don’t know where to turn now except to each other, the residents in the community.
Loose lips sink ships…patience, patience, patience.
Gov. deJongh “Dis-Taste of the Territory Address”
was uninspiring, lack emotion and sensitivity.I was extremely disappointed with the tone and words used. I think he just insulted the intelligence of born Virgin Islanders. I don’t think he was speaking to us, but there were some people who probably understood where he was coming from. The ones that paid big money in his campaign. If you know where I am coming from.
Look Govenor we want relief with WAPA and you let us down. Then you had the nerve to insult the Senators who offered the relief we are looking for the government. What did you bring to the table? “Watch me” we are tired of this crap. GIVE US RELIEF NOW?
This territory is in trouble. Period.
The governor did not offer any solution concerning the WAPA issue;the proposal by the minority senators was futile. I am amazed that some people actually believe that Serville, James, Hill, and Russell care about the welfare of WAPA customers. Are they aware that this site is called act6905.com? These four senators are exploiting your emotions. Think! They want your vote;these four bandits can pay their WAPA bills.If you’re not convinced that they are the ones who are insincere, ask them to pay your WAPA bills? Ask them to repeal Act 6905. Ask them to submit a proposal that is acceptable to the other senators, WAPA officials, and the governor.
We as a people need to have patience. We can not expect this current administration to overturn and correct what took years to destroyed in just one year. I have faith in the Governor and his plans for revitalizing the Virgin Islands. It could be much worst. Our economy is not the only one that are suffering. It’s all over the United States in case you all didn’t notice.
Stop hitting on only three senators as far as I know it takes a majority to pass a bill only those three senators pass 6905? Why don’t you ask the rest of them the same questions. You seem to have a prejudice against these three. Kinda blind to the others. I kind see that someone is wearing blinders. See thats why people don’t take you serious. You target one group, but it is okay that the rest of them voted on 6905. Wow I see clearly now, you have open up my understanding where you are coming from.
I believe you have to hold everyones feet to the fire including the Govenor you praise so much. How come he hasn’t rejected his salary or said something about it. I guess silence is better.
The instant relief some are seeking is the impossible dream. If this is your desire, you’ll never awake from your dream. The WAPA issue is not a hewly created monster. It requires time to resolve. With the cooperation of all the key players, the monster can be destroyed. We should have more faith in our elected officials. They can all work amicably to resolve the matter.Look at their record in terms of approving certain legislation. As far as I am concern, it is not a mere coincident that the minority senators propose legislation that appeal to emotions rather than sound judgement It is sad that many are fooled by their gimmickry. Michael Springer, please educate the confused Crucians about how Act 6905 came about.
THE GOVERNOR SPEECH LACK SUBSTANCE, ITS LIKE WHEN YOU AND THE FOOD HAS NO SALT TO SOME IT IS TASTELESS, THE GOVERNOR DID NOT TELL US THE STATE OF THE TERRITORY FINANCES, MUCH LESS TO DISCUSS HIS PLANS FOR THE ISLAND OF ST. CROIX, ST. CROIX IS SUFFERING ECONOMICALLY IN THE WORST WAY WE NEED SMALL INDUSTRIES TO BOOM OUR ECONOMY.
EDUCATION IS IN A STATE OF DISREPAIR, AND THE NEW COMMISSIONER WILL BE LEARNING THE JOB AT LEAST FOR THE TWO YEARS, HE USE THE LOCAL PEOPLE UNTIL HE FIND A YANKEE WITH A PHD TO HEAD THE AGENCY.
I agree all the Senators as well as the Governor are responsible for 6905. Don’t just blame the minority
senators. Blame the majority and the Governor. They are silently enjoying the benefits they reaped from 6905. Let’s be fair, did any of them reject the salary increases? The answer is NO. So I hold all of them responsible and will not vote for any of them.
I agree that all the senators and the governor are enjoying the benefits of Act 5905. None of them deserve another opportunity to serve. I will not vote again for any of them. It is sad, tough, that some will be re-elected. Even Senator Russell predicts that he will be re-elected. I think his prediction will happen. Politicians are expert liars. Those who are lawyers are even more adept at misleading the masses. Russell acts stupid and makes idiotic remarks;however, he is a genius politician. This is why he has a radio talk show. It is the perfect opportunity to fool the masses. The truth is an offense. The illiterate, uneducated, and plain stupid vote for people who appeal to their emotions.They are not analytical and do not have the ability to discern facts from myths. Hitler was a genius politician. People who tell the truth do not often get elected;some get assasinated. Martin Luther King, Jr.,Jesus Christ, and Ghandi are examples of people who were killed for speaking truths.
Indigenous Virgin Islander.
Your prejudice is so clear, but I will forgive you for your behavior since it is obvious that you are suffering from Russellitist. Senator Russell is only one vote there are 14 others who you need to hold to the fire. I can pick on a few more including Senator Dowe who playing up to the Dejongh administration so badly that if the people are going to lose out here is were you start. Aren’t the Senators working for the people? We need checks and blances fairly.
He is the go to guy for this administration and he does not hide it. So if we need changes in act 6905 call on Senator Dowe let’s see if he is going to put forth a bill to repeal it?
USVI’s public schools rank 54 out of 55 in practically every category; how can a governor think of anything else until this is reversed? The governor needs to STOP everything he’s doing and concentrate on public education.
Here are the facts:
Mathematics: USVI scored 183 and the national average is 226!
Reading: USVI scored 192 and the national average is 215!
Science: USVI scored 116 and the national average is 145!
Writing: USVI scored 125 and the national average is 153!