5th VI Constitution Draft (5-13-09 Plenary)
Crucians In Focus invites the public to review and comment on the attached draft of the 5th VI Constitution from the May 13, 2009 Plenary Session. We have also included the red-line version for those wishing to see the changes that were made. This document will be considered at the next session currently scheduled for Tuesday, May 26th, 10:00am at The Drive In (Estate Grove Place, St. Croix).
Revised Draft Constitution From 5-13-09 Plenary Session
Revised Draft Constitution From 5-13-09 Plenary (red-line copy)
I could not reserve my comments until after the convention meets this Tuesday.
It is shocking to actual view the document that was approved by this convention. What type of drug were they under the influence of? It is ludicrous to think that an 18-year old could have the authority to propose & approve laws that govern the citizenry of the VI. They are presently not qualify to purchase alcohol or enter a night club. Can you imagine the type of legislation a teenager would propose:
*Allowing other teenagers to purchase alcohol
*Making gambling & sexual intercourse legal on school campuses.
*Legalizing marijuana & the distribution of it on school campuses.
*Proposing that assault rifles should be issued to gang members for protection from the police.
How many 18-year old live independently and are responsible enough to balance a checkbook?
There is more that could be said of the approved document, but I’ll wait until after the next plenary session is completed. This convention is schizophrenic, so do not be surprise if some delegates argue to re-insert the deleted language. I suggest all of them take a drug test before they convene. Just kidding. Whatever drug they would have been tested positively for, might immediately become a shortage.
It is obvious you don’t think too highly of the children in the territory…and the same is apparent with the “leaders”, from the Governor right on down. God bless our children’s future.
Verdel L. Petersen:
I don’t know who you are but you have a lot of nerves. You are the one who needs to have a drug test and SOON!!!! STOP BLOGGING CRAP.
The Police don’t think highly of the juvenile delinquents who are killing each other. Check the statistic for information about the ages of the criminal offenders.Most children & citizens in general are law-abiding. However, the few that are disruptive in school or turn to crime, has our community in hostage.Do you think highly of this minority of bandits?
You are indeed dense. Check the constitutions of all 50 states and tell me if any of them allows an 18-year to be a senator.Also, it is not far-fetch to think that the 14 delegates that voted for the flawed document are under the influence of a mind-altering drug.Isn’t a fact that a delegate has been incarcerated & his bail revoked because he tested positively for an illegal drug?
An 18 year old is not well rounded enough to be a Senator. Yes, there are some 18 year olds that are more mature than the majority. Remember it is eight-teen..still in the teen bracket! It’s not a matter of bashing the youths, not in the least, but it is reality. Take a prime example of how many kids leave for college wanting to be of one particular profession. A great majority of them change within their first year of college. Anyone out there with 18 year old kids?
The Draft Constitution Document is comprehensive and therefore requires careful analysis as to its ramifications.
For example, The Auditor General is an item of interest: Does it in effect replace the Inspector General?
However, the point of contention presently on this site is the area of QUALIFICATIONS OF SENATORS, section 3. Subsection b).
Whereas, I would prefer the age to remain at 21, I cannot ignore the fact that an 18 year old can be required to serve in the armed forces and die for his country.
Whether deductively or inductively, it may boil down to this simple conclusion: if your son at age 18 can serve in the armed forces and pay the ultimate price by giving his life for his country, so should he also at age 18 BE ABLE to serve in the halls of the Legislature and propose meaningful legislations for his community. Therefore, if he is old enough to die in one instance, he should be old enough to serve in another instance.
This one item would not result in me voting against the entire proposed constitution. That would be tantamount to “throw out the baby with the bath water,” or “cutting off your nose to smite your face.”
I am dissappointed that Verdell Petersen is so confused about our present laws. Please check the VI Code.
It is legal for eighteen year olds in the US Virgin Islands to purchase and drink liquor, enter into nightclubs and gamble.
Uh S.T., Though Ms. Petersen went a little far with her comments, she has comprehension skills that I’ve thus seen, so far, you lack (other blogs too). She stated “the other” teenagers to be given those rights and OK them in school. Then of course, as your name dictates, your “truth” is merely temporary.
But regarding the Constitution: Article I, Bill of rights, Section 1(b)- states
No person shall be discriminated against on account of race, color, and sex, and gender, place of birth, socio-economic class, origin, political religious belief, age or disability.
But in: Article VI. Executive Branch, Executive Power and Authority, section 3. Qualifications for Governor and Lt. Governor, (d) be an Ancestral or Native Virgin Islander.
How is that not discriminating against ones place of birth or origin. I know, but to be the President one must be a citizen of natural birth in the US. But to be a governor of any state one must only be a US citizen. Something that everyone born in the Virgin Islands is now given. It was not always so, but if an individual so chose, could achieve. When the VI has approximately 110,000 citizens and even fewer “Natives,” why limit an already limited pot to pick from. If you want a native cause he’s the best for the job, vote him in. Don’t play dirty, self-centered politics.
18 years old to be a senator… whutever. I’m in the military. The reasoning mentioned before: old enough to die, but not to serve. Uh no. 18 year-olds are not given decision making authority. They have elders who pass on instructions and orders, as required, and are followed by the young troops. O R D E R S ! ! ! No 18 Y.O. Senators for me. Look at what we got with Figueroa-Seville, and that spoiled brat was even older than 18, but he played baseball… nice platform.
OK enough for now, lemme know if you want more. OXOXOX
Please reread the first statement by Ms Petersen.
My comprehension is fine. Ms Petersen states, that 18 year olds do not “qualify” to enter into a nightclub or purchase alcohol. It is not going “a little far” it is just not factual or correct.
Sojourner Truth:
Opinions are not facts. It is my opinion that 18-year old “adults” are not “qualify” to purchase alcohol or enter nightclubs. The legal age to be served alcohol in the VI is 18 years, but physiologically & emotionally most of them are not prepared to handle the effects of this legal substance. Males continue to grow until the age of 21. Heavy drinking negatively affects their libido & can result in low sperm production. Females reproductive system could be damaged by heavy drinking.A pregnant teenager places her embryo in gravest harm during the early gestation period when she might not even be aware of her condition. Generally, females & males with a high body fat content have a less alcohol tolerance than their counterparts. The substance is absorb faster in the body & its effects could be more intense. Notice the statistics of college male students being poisoned & killed by alcohol?
In many state the legal drinking age is 21. I think young adults are qualify to drink at 25 years & this should be the legal age in the VI. Wisdom comes with aging!
Call Me Dense:
I may offend your leader and as one of his blind followers you must follow his command: Intimidate any opponent or detractor. Telling me to stop blog is a waste of time. All of the insults % threats will not shut me up. I am an Ancestral Native Virgin Islander with the same rights & privileges as other U.S. citizens residing in the USVI.
You are entitled to your opinion, so feel free to continue launching personal attacks. Sticks & stones can break my bones, but I’ll never permit words to wound me. You are a coward that hide behind the shield of anonymity. Reveal or retreat!
Your hypocritical leader constantly bashes people who disagree with his opinion. He never served time or even got a trial for killing his son;yet, he acts as if he is the most moral person in the VI.He has declared war to impugn my character and I will defend myself in a legal & dignified manner. Am I perfect? Absolutely not, I have never professed myself to be a candidate for sainthood. Yes, I do sin. However, I am a law-abiding citizen. I have never killed my child or thieve from anyone. Can your leader say he is not guilty of committing the most heinous act a father can do to his son?
All Bloggers:
Feel free to respond and join the debate. The VI is a free society & we are all protected by the U.S. Constitution. I’ll like to conduct a survey of all bloggers to this site to find out how many of you favor independence for the VI
Sincerely,
The Crucian Educator
I do not understand the big problem with allowing ADULTS, 18 and above, running for the senate. It appears that some posters do not have faith in the electorate. If the blasted people think an 18 year old is not ready they will not vote for them!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Cheese and bread!
The V.I. Code presently allows 18 year olds to serve as jurors in the courts of the JUDICIAL BRANCH; the law allows 18 year olds to serve as soldiers in the armed forces in the EXECUTIVE BRANCH; and now the proposed constitution seeks to permit 18 year olds to serve as representatives in the halls of the LEGISLATIVE BRANCH.
Nil desperandum!
Why not allow 18-year olds to run for governor?
First you say:
“It is ludicrous to think that an 18-year old could have the authority to propose & approve laws that govern the citizenry of the VI. They are presently not qualify to purchase alcohol or enter a night club. Can you imagine the type of legislation a teenager would propose
*Allowing other teenagers to purchase alcohol
*Making gambling & sexual intercourse legal on school campuses.
*Legalizing marijuana & the distribution of it on school campuses.
*Proposing that assault rifles should be issued to gang members for protection from the police.
”
to try to backtrack, you say:
“It is my opinion that 18-year old “adults” are not “qualify” to purchase alcohol or enter nightclubs.”
Try again. It is shameful that you would STEREOTYPE the young people of the Virgin Islands as alcoholic, sex-crazed killers. For someone who claims to love our constitution, you shamelessly abandon its principles with your odious stereotyping. We are young, talented and BLESSED! Most of all, we are the future. I refuse to be stereotyped by you. Thanks.
“Check the constitutions of all 50 states and tell me if any of them allows an 18-year to be a senator”
Can you provide an example of a state in which 18 year olds ARENT ALLOWED to run? It is a shame that you, an obviously older person, would have such an unfortunate penchant for consistently spewing falsehoods on the internet. Your “debate” against the scholar Mr. Emanuel was atrocious.
You are another example of the “daddy-state” mindstate that seeks to destroy and underestimate us young people of the Virgin Islands. I am currently working for a US Senator. I have achieved much in my short life, and have been embraced by many people. It is a shame that many old folk (who, by the way, are responsible for the degradation of values which created this violence epidemic) don’t realize that what you say out of your mouth will come true! Keep degrading and underestimating the youth!
I currently attend an Ivy League institution. I work for a prestigious national figure. They love me up here, and don’t think I’m “too young!” This is why we won’t come back!!!!
Think highly of our young people. THe troubled ones will then start to see themselves as descendants of royalty (or Presidents-Barack Obama 
.
You ask:
“Why not allow 18-year olds to run for governor?”
THe governorship requires significantly more executive decision making skills. Senators merely relay the passions of the people and produce legislation to reflect (in theory, at least) the will of the people.
I suggest you read up on political science or stop posting. Your uninformed assertions may (god forbid) influence others!
Bravo to GladtoBeYoung! However, I do not believe in any age restriction for any office simply because the voters are intelligent enough to make judgments on a candidate’s experience and maturity. Personally, I wouldn’t vote for an 18 year old for any office.
GladtobeYoung:
I am delighted that you’re attending an Ivy League institution. Are you studying political science or taking a reading course? It is obvious that you lack proficiency in the English language.
A question is not an assertion. I would like to know if there is any state that allows 18-year olds to run for senator or governor.I have not thoroughly read the constitution of all 50 states and have been researching the issue on the Internet. If you or another more informed and politically astute young mind have the answer, please enlightened me. Perhaps,you misunderstood or misinterpreted what I have written. Let me make it clear, I do not consider all teenagers to be “alcoholic, sex-crazed killers.” This was neither explicitly stated or implied.
The manner in which you responded to my post indicates you are immature and naive: “I suggest you read up on political science or stop posting.” Everyone is entitled to an opinion. It is not necessary to resort to such remarks. You are allowing your hormones to rule you. Debate the issue; give the justification for not having any age restrictions to run for a political position in the three branches of government. Correct any incorrect information that appear in my post. I have an insatiable thirst for knowledge.
Explain the writing of Gerard Emanuel. Assume everyone is not as wise as you are. As far as I am concern, the information by the delegate is unintelligible and only serves to confuse the readers.Nevertheless, I appreciate the fact that he is respectful;he does not make personal attacks.
Examine Article I of the U.S. Constitution: “No Person shall be a Senator who shall not have attained to the Age of thirty Years…”Did the drafters of this document stereotyped all persons under the age of 30 as being incapable of serving as a U.S. Senator?
Verdel Petersen;
Tell me, PLEASE, that you are NOT an “EDUCATOR” in these our Virgin Islands of the United States.
Call Me Dense:
You must have a reason for calling yourself dense. Why?
What is your point? Educate me on which states allow 18-year olds to run to be a senator?
Verdel Petersen;
My whole “point” is how NEGATIVE one person who professes to be an EDUCATOR” can be. Are you “educating” our precious jewels who,(if they became senators) would be nothing more than “sex-crazed killers, who would legislate the use of marijuana on school campuses, sexual intercourse on school campuses, and the issuance of assult rifles to gang members”. Ms Petersen, WHAT ARE YOU DOING TO OUR JEWELS IN THE YOUR CLASSROOM? Your bag needs to be checked DAILY. I PRAY that your immediate supervisor(principal, assistant-principal, department head or SOMEONE,A N Y O N E)keeps an eye on YOU.