Our Constitution
Guest Opinion by J. J. Estemac
Our constitution, any constitution needs not be more than about twenty to twenty five articles. A constitution, as I understand it, is a document that lay down the principles by which a people will be governed. Based on the principle set forth in the constitution that laws are made and codified in a code. Unfortunately not too many of the present delegates seem to understand what the scope of a constitution is. I have been to a meeting of the delegates to the constitution convention and my impression confirmed my suspicion, the delegates had not done their homework, they did not do much, if any research of even reading on the concept and mechanics of a constitution. The present constitutional convention is acting more like a regular legislature. They asked for over three million dollars to conduct the convention. They are holding hearings ands the like, they seem to ignore the statutory mandate of the VI Legislature, that they use the proposals in the previous conventions, particularly the fourth constitutional convention.
It is unfortunate that the delegates seems to be practicing to do legislative work rather than attempting to draft a basic document that outline how we intend to administer our government. Basic topics such as citizenship, the rights and obligations of citizens, the basic form of government, an official language or languages, national emblems, the relationship between the branches of government, currency, defining territorial boundaries, relationship with the federal government, etc. I understand a number of the present delegates have ran for the legislature and lost and others is using the convention as a stepping stone for their political ambition. Each delegate appears to have their own agenda. I will caution the delegates, unless they produce a sensible and relevant document their political aspirations would receive a serious setback, because the people would again reject a proposed document that does not address their basic concerns as a people.
I find it very interesting that the same legislators who sponsored the bill and ensured its passage did not provide any leadership in the selection of delegates and the actual development of the convention. The 27th. Legislature, it is said, is not assisting the 5th. Constitutional Convention as other legislatures did, I am told. If this perception is true, the chances of success of the 5th. Constitutional Convention is greatly reduced. I personally did not participate in the selections of delegates for the convention. My reason was and is, that we have put the cart before the horse. I, like a number of other citizens believe that priority is a mistake. I, like a number of other citizens believe we should consider status first, which is more critical than a constitution at this time in our history. I believe the political parties should have been allowed to participate in the constitutional convention as an institution, a political institution that they are. The three registered political parties should have participated providing their particular political perspective to the process. That is practiced in other democratic nations where political parties are recognized and respected.
Some of the politicians who promoted the constitutional convention appears to me to be intellectually dishonest. I believe that many of them realize the status question should take priority but they considered it too difficult a task and opted for the constitutional convention which they believe would give them some political mileage. The thinking people are seeing through the whole charade of these politicians. It is left to the constituents to seek out persons with demonstrated integrity and intelligence in their public performance, to replace those representatives that have disappointed them. We should identify persons we believe can and will represent us well, draft them and support their candidacy and we will prevail. People power can prevail, if we would only unite for our common good. Send a definite message to the politicians that e would not stand for their disrespect any longer. We are assuming control of our government, the people’s government. Both elected and appointed public servants would be put on notice that we expect better representation, better public services. In a democratic society the people get the government they deserve because they elect their own representatives.
J. J. Estemac
St. Thomas, VI
i left the states 14 years ago to make a life here. I bought a home here in 2000 and gave up my stateside citizenship and became a what here? what exactly is my status, i’m no longer a statesider,i no longer go back to the states for any reason, my home and life are here now, so where in the “pantheon” of status does someone like me lie,i work and pay my taxes here,i vote here,i worked very hard to scrimp and save so i could buy my house,nothing was handed to me.
I too have noticed that many of the delegates are wanting to legislate. While this is not good for the constitution, some of their ideas sound good for the senate. I am willing to consider some of them if they run for the Senate. Of course their answers to questions at Senatorial debates would play a role in my consideration. I would just like to see a new slate of Senators that are ‘humble’ rather than “honorable”.
As for the constitution vs status, I agree that status should come first, however I don’t feel our electorate is mature enough to make that decision. That’s right, just look at how we vote around here.
Well said, Mr. Estemac. I contnue to be baffled by the way we, as a populace, cast votes. We complain and complain about the disrespect, lack of representation, and outright disregard for our best interests repeatedly shown by our elected representatives; yet when the opportunity arises to do something about it, we see those same folks get re-elected. It’s time to demand that our elections be about issues and how each candidate feels the issues ought to be addressed. Enough of ALL this talk about which issues are priority. I don’t know about the rest of you, but I do believe that VI residents are intelligent enough to figure out on their own what issues should be priority. We don’t need to be told. Let’s start casting votes based on issues, and not other matters irrelevant to the person’s likelihood of truly representating the people of the V.I.
Some delegates to the 5th Constitutional Convention are living in a dream world. Let’s analyze the facts. The U.S. Virgin Islands is a possession of the United States, but all legal V.I. residents were either born U.S. citizens or became naturalized. Getting a constitution does not translate to a change of citizenship.Silence is approval. Only a few people want to see a change in status.Those who do like being an American citizen can denouce their citizenship. Why impose their personal views on others? Why continue to lament about things that we cannot change? Evidently, the people do not even care about a constitution. Less than 25% participated in the special election.
We should elect Michael Springer to serve as a senator. He is responsible for this website and reads about your concern. Tell him the legislative changes that you want and are possible.I think there should be a law that permits all government employees to continue working although they’re senatorial candidates. It is possible to perform the job as usual if time is not used to campaign. Private employees and incumbant senators are not penalized when they announced their candidacy. The law should be stated that no person shall conduct any campaign activites except during nonworking hours. Why are the senators in office not considering this? I’m sure we all know the answer to this question.