Sen. Thurland Calls Reparations Effort “Nonsense”; Moorhead Calls Comment “Cheap Shot”
“Nonsense!”
Sen. Michael Thurland
That’s how Sen. Michael Thurland described the Virgin Islands Reparation Movement Tuesday in an unprovoked outburst during the Legislative session.Â
During a discussion of an unrelated government land purchase, Thurland attacked the reparations initiative and those who believe in the movement that seeks acknowledgement of, and compensation for, the consequences of Denmark’s colonization and practice of slavery in the Virgin Islands.
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
It was a vicious attack on the movement spearheaded by reparations activist Shelley Moorhead and his organization, the African Caribbean Reparations and Resettlement Alliance (ACRRA). Moorhead is currently in Denmark meeting with representatives of the Danish government. The history of the organization, founded by Moorhead six year ago, has been a contentious one with the Virgin Islands government, which has promised but has not delivered financial support to the reparations initiative.
Shelley Moorhead, ACRRA Founder
Moorhead, who had not heard the comment first hand early Wednesday morning, said he had received numerous calls and messages apprising him of Thurland’s comments.  He told CIF that he will respond more fully once his business in Denmark is done, however he did comment briefly on his overall impression of the comments, calling them a “cheap shot” and adding that the incident tells a sad story about the attitude of some members of the Legislature toward the Reparations movement.
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
Thurland’s outburst was the latest in a series of recent over-the-top declarations he has made during Senate sessions. Yesterday’s performance prompted Sen. Neville James to advise Thurland “not to be so emotional” when responding to issues before the Senate.
Sen. James put it mildly. Thurland’s tirade was one of the most inappropriate outbursts ever witnessed on the Senate floor. And if, as many have surmised, that this is an attempt by the Senator to make himself visible to the community in a positive way prior to the election, we suggest he think again.
Aside from an appalling lack of sensitivity and awareness of an issue that is top-of-mind for a significant portion of the voting constituency, Thurland’s comments illustrate a critical ignorance of the response that the movement is receiving from the government of Denmark, the country responsible for the most recent colonial slave-based regime.
Moorhead has regularly reported through radio reports and reports on the ACRRA website the comprehensive activities and public affirmation the Danish government has given to his team and their efforts. For an elected official of the Territory to voice such opposition, when the government from which reparations are being sought has met the delegation with cooperation and open minds, calls Thurland’s judgement into question and should sound an alarm in the minds of all conscious Virgin Islanders.
No one can predict the outcome of the upcoming elections but we’re pretty sure of one thing:
Sen. Thurland shouldn’t count on many votes from Frederiksted.
Hope you have a chance to listen as this piece captures both his virtuosity and the depth of his soul. You can see how deeply moved he was at the end of his performance which was written to give tribute to other recently departed Jazz greats.
Many are saying that Wayne James, Thurland,and Sanes going home after the primary
MAPP=YUCK!!!!!
Wayne James need to go home now, he needs time to pack. Don’t wait for the primary leave now Wayne Run Wayne Run.
History has been made once again in Denmark! Those who support the repair please join the Virgin Islands Reparations Movement. The website is: http://www.acrra.org. Mr. Moorhead on behalf of ACRRA has been embraced by leading Danish institutions, organizations and the like. More details will follow when Mr. Moorhead returns. In the interim check out the website locate the organization on Facebook. Senator Thurland’s remarks will not stop the momentum nor will his remarks have any impact on this movement!
Until Shelly Moorhead explains the “Resettlement” component of ACRRA few will support his attempted shakedown of the Danish Government.
Shelly why can you even describe to the readers here what the “Resettlement” is all about?
Anonymous @6.54 a.m.:
Would you be ‘Herb’ in disguise?
@Soldier Crab: No my friend..I would take credit for this reasonable remark if I could. Hiding is not my style but yes I have raise this “resettlement” question before and find it stranger that its proponent can never come forward and explains what he means. Wonder why don’t we have a right to know where we will be resettled to?
Herb, you will be going back to whatever state you came from.
As far as this issue is concerned I come from a state of confusion. I want to hear it ex-cathedra from Mr. ACRRA himself on how he plans to relocate thousands of people to parts unknown. Will it be by choice or force? Few people like myself who have made this their home for nearly a half a century or more are not interested. I think we really need Shelly Moorhead to explain what he has in mind and how he intends to implement this Resettlement stuff.
This is the United States of America where people all over the world wish to live and can live with the freedom and liberty enshrined in our U.S. Constitution. Don’t you deserve an explanation from the progenitor of this grand shake down operation before you drink the Kool Aid? Shelly, Please explain what “Resettlement” is all about.
Herb, If you are not going what do you care what the rest of us will do?
Because you are my friends. I love you all and don’t want you following some false profit who is only running a shakedown operation.
Herb in that case we won’t be voting for deWolf.
Oh yes, Herb! You love us all just like a wolf loves lamb!