Guest Opinion: Constitution Conundrum
Guest Opinion by Verdel L. Petersen
Dear Editor:
The “Constitutional Conundrum” continues, meanwhile the deadline to produce a document draws near and the light at the end of the tunnel dims as time elapses.
Drafting a constitution for the “Virgin Islands of the United States” is a serious matter and the sole purpose for forming the 5th Constitutional Convention.In 2007, voters of the USVI elected 30 delegates to serve on the convention;the background of each was scrutinized and it was decided that they had the best qualification to get the job done. As this would be the 5th attempt to draft a document that could replace the Revised Organic Act of 1954, the electorate were enthusiastic about this convention and confident it would be the first time a convention is successful in getting the people to ratify a constitution for the VI.
Unfortunately, it now appears that our optimism has been diminished. Although I have been informed by a delegate that there is still a ray of hope, I am not convinced that all the members of the convention are dedicated to the task of creating an acceptable document. Except for Delegate Eugene Petersen and a few other delegates, I have not seen a true commitment to the solemn oath taken when they were sworn into the convention.
Let’s examine what has transpired over the past few days. The convention held a plenary session on Wednesday, May 15, 2009 and 20 delegates attended. A motion was made for the delegation to accept the draft that had been worked on;14 derogates voted in the affirmative and 6 rejected it. Astonishingly, the motion to beg the Senate for more time & funds was passed. Yes, this nonproductive, divisive and confused convention expects the taxpayers to support the lavish vacations of some delegates. A “special group” of delegates want more time to dine on expensive cuisine, relax in a jacuzzi and rest on exquisite satin sheets at Frenchman Reef Hotel. These “Ancestral Native Virgin Islanders” feel that they deserve special treatment. Crafting a legal document evidently is not a priority;it appears that spending public funds, bashing the administration and “spinning wheels” are.
Any report of their poor performance and infantile behavior in the media is challenged by the “class clown” of the convention; he disputes the facts on as many talk shows he can get on and intentionally misrepresents the facts. Callers to these shows who express a different opinion receive a barrage of insults;the delegate himself also personally attack his own colleagues and the attorney on the convention who often gives warning about the illegality of certain constitutional language.
The particular delegate who is constantly spreading propaganda on the airwaves has advocated a need to educate the public;however, what he actually wishes to do is indoctrinate or brainwash individuals with his rhetoric. Fortunately, there are many intelligent and knowledgeable concerned citizens who are not intimidated by him and understand the purpose and process involve in drafting a constitution. Further, if the delegate is concern about transparency and would like to have objective reporting of information, he would accept the invitation of Michael Springer. On Monday, May 16, Mr.Springer offered the convention an opportunity to use his website, which is accessed by this address: cruciansinfocus.com ; the convention could replace its own nonfunctional website with this website and it would not have to pay a consultant.The public could then get information & download pertinent documents. This is a chance to utilize a forum that costs nothing to the government.Will the convention accept or decline this wonderful offer? Why doesn’t the St. Croix Avis publish constitutional matters as a free public service, since its owner (a regular no show at meetings) serves as a delegate?
Why was it necessary to reduce the number needed to establish a quorum? Why did the secretary of the convention called Sam Top Radio Show and begged for other delegates to attend the last plenary session? What was accomplished at this meeting? Zilch. Or more bluntly, is this convention a waste of time and money? It is easy for one to become cynical, considering the fact that there is one delegate in particular, intentionally sabotaging the process and spreading misinformation on the airwaves. His loud, incoherent mantra could be heard regularly on FM 1290.
The negative energies and propaganda by “the lose cannon” on the convention have apparently influenced a vocal minority. A few misinformed, illiterate people call radio talk shows echoing his distortion of facts;they demonstrate a lack of understanding of the process and undermine the sincere effort of Delegate Eugene Petersen(the proposal he drafted appears on crucianinfocus.com). They have even disrespected prominent intellects such as former judge, Edgar Ross.Both the Honorable Ross & Doc. Petersen honestly try to discern the facts from fiction on the public airwaves. Sadly,their voices of wisdom are ignored by the same stubborn,rude and ignorant minority.
The contradictory, divisive views expressed by a few and the apparent disdain for the sovereign nation contribute to the confusion and controversies concerning this convention. The role of the delegates, however, is not obscure to everyone.We should not expect them to resolve the problems afflicting us at this critical moment. Their role is not to legislate or address issues relating to political status or reparation. Further, an identity for natives already exists in the Nationality Act of 1940, which states that…”all persons born in those islands after February 25, 1927…are declared to be citizens of the United States at birth.”
It is my hope that all the delegates convene and approve a final draft before the deadline of May 31, 2009. If this happens without any additional time or money, I would be the first citizen to applaud them for a job well done and this delegation would be recorded in history as the 1st successful constitutional convention.Be mindful though,that “We the People” expect to ratify a document that is fair to all the U.S. citizens who presently occupy the Virgin Islands of the United States.
Verdel L. Petersen
Political Analyst and Educator
St. Croix, USVI
Why is it the delegates you praise so highly don’t produce documentation to counter the positions of other delegates? You constantly berate Delegate Bryan every breath you take yet he constantly refers to documents. Let’s leave personal issues and dislikes out of this process.
Take the issue of the class size. Delegate Moorehead showed that it is in the Florida Constitution, far more specific than they propose for the VI Constitution. That’s what proper research produces. Or take for instance the native clause issue. For all the noise about the native clause, the 4th Constitution was passed by the US Congress with a native clause. If there is a problem with the constitutionality of any proposed clauses, why are you and some of the delegates fighting tooth and nail against those clauses? Congress is full of lawyers, President Obama is a lawyer, and they all have staffs of lawyers to vet the document. Congress will remove whatever they deem unconstitutional before sending it back here for a vote. Cool down and let the process go forward.
Puzzled,
Thank you for the feed back and concerns relating to drafting a legal document.
First let me say that criticizing the behavior of someone is not being personal. I do not hate any sinner, because I am also a sinner. I despise the behavior or misbehavior of public figures since they are influential. Impressionable,naive individuals may perceive their performance as being correct and acceptable. Silence is approval. If no person condemns the misbehavior it would appear to be acceptable. Do you consider physically threatening other delegates as acceptable behavior?
Just like you’ve asked why delegates do not produce documentation , may I ask for evidence that I have berated the delegate you are defending. Notice that I have never once mention his name. I challenge you to prove that you’ve heard me mentioned his name. I simply do not condone his infantile behavior.
Let’s discuss the issue of class size. As I am a teacher for more than 2 decades, I have the authority to speak about this idea;it is not a novel one. You do not have to be an educational expert to know that small class sizes or decreased teacher vs pupil ratio is ideal.In fact, at the present time the enrollment of students in public schools has declined and the average class size is now 15. Why legislate that the class size be 20. Using a specific # for a situation that changes according to circumstances or not taking into account its feasibility is problematic. Further, what’s in Florida Constitution might not be applicable to the VI. Our educational systems are not identical.The issue,therefore, is not whether it is constitutionally right or not;it is a matter of practicality.
The role of the legislators is to draft legislation and the executive branch administered the law. Do you not think that the delegates are acting as legislators and are undermining the Department of Education? What inspired them to insert language concerning class size without first consulting with the VI Government & Board of Education? They act as if they are the Almighty.
The VI Constitution should be as flexible as the U.S. Constitution. Constitutions should be able to withstand the test of time and reflect the will of the people. We do not know our future for certain, but we can certainly shape our destiny. I want a tolerant, unified and just society for my descendants. I want them to know that I fought for a brighter future for them and a VI Paradise better than the one I departed.
Do you read the Daily News? This newspaper and other media have reported that the two attorneys of the convention have admonished the delegates that the native-born governor clause violates the U.S. Constitution. I have come to this same conclusion, although the 3rd drafted constitution was approved by the U.S. Congress.
I fight tooth and nail for any cause that I am passionate about. I am a human rights activists and a firm believer in the egalitarian principle. I ran to be a delegate to the 5th Constitutional Convention, but I was unsuccessful. However, I am not a loser. Quitters are losers. I am determined for the VI to get its own constitution like Puerto Rico and the 50 states of the USA.
I will continue to advocate for justice. I am an Ancestral Native Virgin Islander as well as a proud American. I love my President & my country.
My numerous articles published in the Daily News, St. Croix Avis & St. Croix Source demonstrate my commitment & dedication as a law-abiding, civic-minded humanitarian.
Aren’t you the same person who repeated on all talk shows that we have a delegate who killed his son? I would agree that it seems you have a personal axe to grind with Bert Bryan. I do however applaud you for keeping the debate going.
Verdel Petersen:
I always wanted to know who that CONFUSED individual who calls Jimmy with ONE issue was. Did the delegate “kill your black fowl”?
Small minds talk about people. Medium minds talk about events. Great minds talk about ideas. Let’s debate issues. What’s accomplished by hurling insults & making innuendos? If you are going to get personal, be courageous enough to identify yourself. If I offend your leader, please accept my apologies.The truth is an offense, but it shall set you free. Correct any erroneous information.
“I simply do not condone his infantile behavior.”
Calling him a “class clown” surely gets the your anti-infantile agenda across :/
Now I Know:
Tell us what you know. Can you compose beyond three lines? Demonstrate your literary skills; elaborate on what is it you now know.
What are your educational credentials? How do you evaluate the proposed VI Constitution? We all know of your animosity towards me, but we do not know your opinions on the issues. COWARD!
Verdel L. Petersen:
I applaud your strength and clarity of vision and purpose. Unfortunately the world is full of those who are apparently gather their education by watching daytime TV shows. They are easy prey for nefarious individuals masquerading as saviours. Tsk-tsk but it’s what makes the world interesting albeit dangerous. Let us hope they don’t assume positions of power and proceed to make poorly conceived decisions for the general population. Chavez comes to mind.