Local News and commentary from J.J. Estemac:
WHO IS POLICING THE POLICE?
From the growing number of incidences of police misconduct, malfeasance
and non- feasance, the question is being asked, who is policing the police?
In some departments in other jurisdictions, there is a unit that assist
the department head in inspecting the personnel and practices to ensure
they are in compliance the rules and regulations of the department. This
unit may have different names in different departments, many use the name
of Inspection Unit, Inspector General. This unit is different the Internal
Affairs unit of the VIPD, which investigate complaints, it is a reactionary
unit. The Inspector General or Inspection Unit is intended to be a
proactive entity. The VIPD has such a unit but it was disbanded or
discontinued by a certain commissioner of the VIPD couple years ago.
Presently, the VIPD nor any other peace officer units of the VI government
have a proactive unit such as a Inspector General or Inspection unit that
inspect police operations on a regular basis and submit reports to the
Police Commissioner. The inspection unit reports directly to the office of
the Police Commissioner. In other words the Inspector General would police
the police to ensure the various police units are complying with the
Commissioner’s orders, the police rules and regulations and the VI Code.
We believe it is time an Inspector General unit be reinstituted in the VI
Police Department to inspect the performance of all peace officers within
the VI government, which will report to the recently created Civilian
Review Board. It is up to the legislature to ensure that the executive
branch complies with the laws they pass by carry them to the third branch
of government, the judiciary, the courts. If our representatives in the
legislature are sincere in improving our government, they should exercise
their oversight responsibilities over the other two branches of government.
One of the common flaws of many legislation of the Senate is that they pass
laws with certain built-in defects, such as inadequate funding, if at all,
or not stipulating a time table for compliance with the laws.
If the legislature were to be consistent in the practice of stipulating an
effective date for the laws they pass then the executive branch would be
constrained to comply with the law, particularly if proper funding were
identified and appropriated. The legislature needs to stop the buck passing
and assume the responsibility that is theirs, in representing the best
interest of the people of the US Virgin Islands. Our police, our peace
officers needs policing themselves to keep them on the straight and narrow
road. Would our legislators assume the leadership and provide for the
creation of a unit that would do just that? An Inspection and Control unit
is needed to assist with both internal and external. Would our Senator step
up to the plate and pass legislation that would create such a unit in
government? I would be very sure they would want to too.
J.J. Estemac
CCBG
St. Thomas, VI
7/21/05
Hearings on the proposed reforms to the GERS is beginning today on St.Thomas at the Legislative building. It is the beginning of what could be a long and tortuous process in developing a bill that will achieve the objectives of the reform movement, to save the GERS from insolvency and put it on a safe and stable footing that would meet the needs of all members, present and future.
The subject of basic reforms should include safe guarding the system from political interference which have produced the current crisis caused by the "unfunded liability". The only way I see how we can insulate the system from misguided politicians is to have inscribed in the Organic Act or our consitution when adopted how the legislators can affect the system, preferable only by a referendum.
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The two visitors from New York who were murdered while visiting St.Thomas to attend a wedding, apparently were victims of a robbery that turned into murder. According to a source the victims were confronted by the robbers who demanded money and when the victims resisted they were shot. Fortunately for the police investigators there were witnesses who could describe and identify the suspects. A very unfortunate incident. It is crimes like this one that strenghten the argument for stiffer penalties for homicides, regardless of the perpetrators age. Persons that have no regard for the life of others does not deserve to live in our society.
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The continued plague of violent crimes needs to be arrested, to be reduced if not stop. If the current administration is incapable of reducing the incidents of violent crimes in the community maybe that is the other area that the federal government will need to take over. While there are very capable members in the police department, there are a number of persons in the department and connected to the department that should not be connected with the police in any form except when they are taken into custody for criminal behaviour.
There seems to be a dearth in law enforcement in the community on all levels. It all relfects on the quality of leadership in our government. Our government have three branches, the executive, the legislative and the judicial. The all have a part to play in the criminal climate that currently pervades our community. Where is the pride of our government, in providing the best services that can be provided. We currently control our own government and we are satisfied with substandard services from our public service. If we do not want federal intervention then we should do better than we are doing, if we can.
J.J. Estemac
St. Thomas, USVI- Who killed Manno? Was it a woman, a man who and why? Are
the questions being asked concerning the killing of a local restaurateur.
His death surprised the community who is waiting for a resolution of the
case by the police. There are some consistent theories being voiced by those
in the community who knew the victim, but what counts is the finding of the
police investigations.
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St. Thomas, USVI - The USVI Department of Education remains in deep waters
due to its inability to properly manage the resources made available by the
federal government. Has caused the federal government to require the local
government to hire a third party fiduciary to administer federal funds. I
appear that the Department failed to institute the required fiscal system to
monitor the proper use of available federal funds. The absence of fiscal
system to monitor or administer the proper use of all the funds that is
available to the department. In another development WAPA threatens to cut
services to the Department of Education by July 29th. If there is no
definite arrangement to pay what is owed to WAPA. This situation is not
unique to the Dept. of Education; several government agencies are face with
similar situation with WAPA. Is there a lack of proper management
throughout our government? Why is there so much delinquency?
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The office of the Delegate to Congress, the Honorable Donna Chirstensen
announced that the University of the Virgin Islands and the Florence
Williams Public Library on St. Croix would share a grant of $975,000.
The Institute of Museum and Library Services awarded a grant of
$965,000 to be used for scholarships in a collaborative program between UVI
and the University of Pittsburgh’s School of information Sciences. The
scholarships will be for 25 Virgin Islands residents to get their masters
degrees in library and information science.
The VI Times Staff.
Committee on Education…
On May 20, 2005 I listened to the hearing of the Senate committee on Education, Culture and Youth, chaired by Senator Liston Davis. I was in my vehicle and as I drove around I listened to Sen. L. Davis asked some pointed questions, so did Sen. Ussie Richards. The other senators apparently did not do their homework, they did not seem to be able to asked pointed questions based on their own research. The representatives from the Department of Education, including the commissioner, the superintendents and other members of the Department of Education were present. The Commissioner testimony appeared quite comprehensive, but as Sen. L. Davis pointed out there were a number of omissions.
In summary, the testimony of the Commissioner and the superintendents failed to impress the senators and neither did it impress me. There were testimony from employees in the transportation division. What they revealed was no surprise, that middle management as well as upper management of the department are very deficient. They are incapable of disciplining subordinates which contributes to a morale problem amongst the employees. This problem is not exclusive to the Dept. of Education, it is common throughout the government, a lack of decisive and exemplary leadership. There is no one to speak for nor defend the government. Most public servants tend to be self centered, they believe they are doing the public, the taxpayers a favor working for the government. Some feel their job is an entitlement.
The officials were asked about the capital projects that were identified and the report given, to put it mildly, it left much to be desired. They gave all types of excuses why the projects have not progressed as promised or as expected. They brought the contractor in from PFA who gave some lame duck excuses why the capital improvement projects were not developing as promised or as expected. Then employees from the transportation division testified about the working conditions, where some drivers refused to transport certain students and others have to take up the slack. The acting supervisor’s attempts to get undisciplined drivers to perform as required,gained their resentment and little or no support from upper echelon in the department. The upper echelons take a hands-off approach to the discipline problems within the ranks. These employees described a sad state of affairs in their unit, I venture to guess that is not the only unit with discipline problems goes unresolved by the administration.
Who is going to defend the interest of our government? The politicians are generally demagogues. The appointed officials are not interested in “rocking the boat” so to speak, they shun problems or “pass the buck.”
The VI Times Staff
.Election Reforms
We need to seek innovative approaches to addressing age old problems that have been plaguing us for too long. It is very obvious that the representatives we have been depending on to assist us in moving forward, in stimulating social, economical and political progress, have failed us. It is up to us, the people of the Virgin Islands, to assume the responsibility to directly initiate the necessary reforms needed to bring about progress in our community.
It is also very obvious that the provisions in the Organic Act as amended, for initiative, referendum and recall is very cumbersome, it has been ineffective in accomplishing the purposes for which it was intended. We need to request our Delegate to Congress to initiate the necessary reform to make the provision for initiative, referendum and recall more functional.
I believe the provision for referendum is the most critical, because the citizenry needs to be able to exercise their will for change without being obstructed by elected representatives, self serving politicians. As it is now, the legislature refers to referenda as non-binding polls on any particular issue.
A referendum needs to be binding on the legislature, the will of the majority in a democracy should prevail over the will of a few representatives.
Another proposal for reform that we would like to see implemented is the provisions for alternates on all elected positions. While the rationale for this should be self evident, we will point out some benefits. As we are well aware that many times important meetings are not held because of a lack of quorum. Many committee meetings of the legislature are not held because of a lack of quorum. We are all aware that the Senators lack vision, creativity and the will to make the necessary reforms to improve our government, that is the reason for our political stagnation.
We propose that the use of alternates be adopted to address the problem of the many failed meetings due to lack of quorum. Alternates would fill in when the principals are not present and the lack of quorum factor would be reduced if not eliminated. We believe the principals would be more responsible and attend meetings more diligently if there were aware that someone would be there to replace them when they are absent.
The method of using alternates should apply throughout the government, on boards and commissions, we will get the government moving more expeditiously. Representatives would then be more humble and responsible as they realize there are others available to fill in their space automatically when they are absent.
We believe these simple but basic reforms would go a long way in improving our democratic form of government. Think about the merits of the proposals, rather than rely on customs and traditions. Let us be progressive if we truly want progress. Let us reason and recognize the benefits of change, of innovation. The reforms suggested herein are not new other jurisdiction practices them in their own particular forms. We can make changes too, our way, for our purposes. May the Creator, the Divine inspire us and grant us wisdom and courage to do what is right for our beloved Virgin Islands.
J.J. Estemac
CCBG
St. Thomas, VI
How important is a Library in a Community?
What is a library? According to my Webster dictionary it is “a collection of books, manuscripts, etc. A room or building where such collections are available.” That is a very simple and generic definition of a library. We can readily asses the intellectual vitality of a community by certain institutions such as their schools (all levels to include colleges and/or universities),their museums and their libraries, most of all.
The library is the intellectual lighthouse for many communities across the USA. And the last time I checked the US Virgin Islands is a part and parcel of the United States of America. If we are to emulate anything I believe it is more advantageous to emulate positive things of any culture. The most progressive communities academically or intellectually are those communities with adequate learning institutions with adequate libraries and museums. Museums keep us appraised of the past and libraries, while keeping us informed of the past also keep us informed of contemporary events and literature as it assist in preparing us for the future.
Here in the US Virgin Islands we have public libraries on the three main islands: St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix. We also have libraries on both campuses of the University of the Virgin Islands. Each of the public schools and private schools have their own libraries. How adequate these libraries are in meeting the needs of the people they are intended to serve need to be assessed. My main focus herein however, are public libraries, which are intended for use by the public at large. The Virgin Islands is a very cosmopolitan community, we have several racial and ethnic groups represented and several different languages. While English remains the principal language, the official language; there is a large population of Spanish speaking, French speaking, Arabic speaking and Creole speaking residents. Those are all literary languages and there are literature that can be collected and made available for use by those residents. While we do not have a homogeneous society we can foster an integrated, inclusive society. Our library could be a lead institution to promote such integration, such inclusiveness. Many peoples, one nation , concept.
On St Croix there is the Florence Williams public library on King St. Christiansted and the Althalie McFarlane Petersen public library on Strand St. Frederiksted. In yesteryears the library in Frederiksted was a busy center of cultural activities. Many theatrical presentations took place there. In the Florence Williams public library in C’sted. there use to be many types of conferences and exhibits. What has happen that we hardly hear of any of those activities of cultural expressions and intellectual stimulating presentations any more? Have we grown intellectually tired, is there an intellectual drought? Is all of this a consequence of the current quality of education in our schools? Where are all those “educated people” in our community? What are they doing with all those academic titles to uplift the educational and intellectual level of our community? I believe it is a waste, a shame to waste all that cumulus of knowledge and experience, not to share same with the community in which they live and claim to have some affection for. People of all ages and gender can contribute, I know there are a few who are doing their part, but where are others? There are many more out there with all types of knowledge and experiences that could be shared to enrich our community, to make it a better place for all. There is the Elaine Sprauve Public Library in Cruz Bay, St. John serving that island.
On St. Thomas there is the Enid M. Baa library on Dronnigens Gade (Main St.) The structure also houses the Von Schoelten Collection, a historical treasure chest of the USVI. Unfortunately the political leaders of the community do not give priority to such values as education, cultural enrichment, intellectual stimulating programs. This is not prejudicial statement it is a description of the reality we are living, it is a fact. For those of us who prefer to see things as they are and not pretend they are as we would like them to be, we are working to improve the situation by acknowledging the deficiencies as we see them, seeking assistance in correcting the deficiencies. A couple years ago The Friends of the Enid M. Baa Public Library was formed on St. Thomas. It is now a fully fledged 501c3 registered non profit organization doing business as The Friends of the St. Thomas Public Libraries. The principal objectives or purposes of this organization is: To promote and improve Enid M. Baa Public Library, to promote literacy on St. Thomas and to advocate for a new library for St. Thomas.
Under the dynamic leadership of Carol Lotz Felix the organization have achieved quite a number of firsts.
Have raised thousand of dollars for the many programs of the organization benefiting the Enid M. Baa Public
Library and the community as a whole. The organization have kept their attention and efforts focused on the prospect of a new St Thomas public library. So much so that we were recently told that ground breaking for the new library will take place, finally this year, 2005. It is our hope that it will materialize.
It is our hope that the new library will receive the full support of the entire community, because without massive community support the politicians will not give it the priority it deserves. We hope the project will not be downsized because of alleged financial restraints by the politicians, that it fails to meet the immediate and long term needs of the community. The new library could be the cultural lighthouse of our community. With full state of the art library services, spaces for exhibits, conferences and classes. Meeting rooms for cultural and non-profit organizations. A possible mini theater for dramatic presentations. It is hoped that the new library will be a true center for the cultural renaissance of St Thomas and possible stimulate a intellectual renaissance of all Virgin Islands. The Friends of St Thomas Public Libraries continue to support continued and improved services at the Enid M. Baa Public Library. Our libraries should be beacons, lighthouses in our communities, follow the light, keep the lights on for an enlighten community.
J. J. Estemac, President
FOSTPL
St. Thomas, VI
4/30/05
Is Accreditation Essential for Adequate Education?
Much is being said about our public schools loosing accreditation. Our public education system was failing our students long before loosing accreditation. Some students excel in spite of the failing system not because of it. Students with supportive and diligent parents or with strong will can be able to achieve certain academic excellence, but they are a very small minority. The majority of the students were under achievers while the schools were accredited, that is my understanding of the history of the public education system during the last twenty years plus, in the US Virgin Islands. Accreditation does not guarantee a good education for all our students.
I believe there are many factors that contributed to the deterioration of the public education system, the most notorious is political interference. The appointment of persons in lead management positions that were not prepared for those roles. The slow and inefficient appointment system of the Department of Education is another factor. The removing of very competent teachers from the classrooms to administrative positions is another factor. Keeping teachers in the system that really do not qualify to be teachers or even substitute teachers. Poor screening of personnel hired in the system. Poor management of available resources; are all factors contributing to the poor state of the public school system. The elected Board of Education have failed in my view to exercise fully the statutory mandate it has to support the public education system and/or give the proper direction.
There are some remedies that we should take into consideration immediately. First I would recommend that we go back to basics, by stressing the three R’s from elementary through secondary school. Avoid social promotions. Teachers should be required to be proficient in the three R’s at all levels and be recertified at least once every five years. Define the qualifications for members to the Board of Education, such as having representatives from the parent/teachers associations, someone who have worked in the field of education or an educator, a person who is in business; someone from private and parochial schools. It is very apparent to me that the most important issue for us to address as a community is the education of our youth. Accreditation cannot educate our students, it helps only some student. Those intending to attend certain colleges or universities. The focus should be on the majority of the students, many of which are not going to go college but they need the basic skills that the three R’s will help provide. Not all students are interested in a college education, some may want to go to technical schools, some may want to enter the military or go into business for themselves. Vocational education is and should be recognized as an integral part of preparing our youth for life. We need to provide the basics, our own standardized tests should reflect proficiency in the basics. We need to help develop well rounded individuals that will be assets to any community, primarily our own community.
We do not believe the politicians have the will to do what is required to improve our educational system. I am not sure they have the understanding of the problems much more to implement solutions. So it is up to the citizens, the residents, the taxpayers to propose solutions and demand implementation. We must let the politicians know we are tired of demagoguery and want concrete solutions or else. The career politicians, those who have been elected for several terms are most responsible for the state of affairs in our government, regardless of their rhetoric, of their excuses. There are those who have been in the government for more than twenty years, and continue to give excuses for their infectiveness. Power to the people, exercise your rights, that is your responsibility do not blame anyone but yourself for the state of our government, for the state of our schools. We need to take decisive legal actions and any other actions that will give us positive results regardless of who is in office, in our quest for better schools and improved education for our youth. For better government we need to be vigilante and selective in electing our representatives. If you believe you deserve better government work for it, be involve, pay attention, call in to account those public servants who are negligent and those who fail to serve the people well. That is the responsibility of the citizens in a democracy.
J.J. Estemac
CCBG
St. Thomas, VI
Elections Reform, Needed
Greetings fellow Virgin-islanders, it is my hope that this year, 2005, will be the year wherein the citizens of these US Virgin Islands will assume their responsibilities and develop a consensus on many important issues that face us. Under our democratic form of government, the people, citizens of this territory are really the sovereign of this territory. Collectively we govern ourselves through elected and appointed representatives. We acknowledge that there is no perfect system of government, at least none devised by humans. We must make allowances for defects that we should continuously seek to correct, to improve, to achieve excellence, if that is our desired goal or standard.
What I am proposing herein is that we move from the state of lamentation, of complaints and initiate serious dialogues about our pressing concerns for our government. We should move from talk to action. I will like to encourage my fellow Virgin Islands citizens, concern residents, to arm themselves with facts, with relevant information and discuss alternatives to the present status of our government. As we read, as we research information we should also reason and digest the information. That we may arrive at reasonable conclusions, which we may share with other concern individuals who are honestly seeking improvement in our system of government. We should ignore the professional politicians, the demagogues, who I am convinced are not interested in improving the system, only in perpetuating the status quo for their selfish purposes, to remain in power.
If you have any doubts about my assertion, that the politicians are interested in only seeking personal benefits, ask yourself what political educational programs have been advanced by any of the politicians that you know? Did you know there is no civic courses in our school system as such, that teaches how our government is run or is suppose to run? I doubt whether there is such a course at UVI, such as Civic I or Government I. It is not to the politicians advantage that the populace be educated in these subjects. A well informed electorate is a threat to unscrupulous politicians, to demagogues. That is the reason they prefer the status quo, they take advantage of the uninformed or misinformed public.
I offered to the Board of Elections in the summer of 2004 a proposal to offer educational and informational programs via local media. The programs would feature professionals, academics from our community that would inform the general public on the working of our government. The Board of Elections did not even exercise the common courtesy of acknowledging my correspondence until about six months after. I anticipated that lack of response and I offered myself as a candidate for the Board of Elections based on a platform that I developed to correct some of the deficiencies of the Board of Elections. I appreciate the thousand plus votes that I received from people who apparently shared my views, my convictions. What really should matter is shared views and values and not popularity, family ties or friendship. Most of the same ineffective members were returned. There is no real change in the membership of the board. The electorate do not pay as much attention to boards or commissions as they pay to the governorship or the legislature. Many fail to acknowledge that every elective and appointed position in government is important, they represent the people, collectively they make up the government. Each position is important and should be scrutinized carefully.
To support my proposal for political reforms, let us consider the fiasco in the district of St. Croix. There were four slots to be filled, the same number for the district of St. Thomas/St. John. There were only three candidates nominated for the four slots in the district of St Croix the fourth slot was disputed by write-in candidates. Then there was the shenanigan by one candidate who has been a lifetime registered democrat who with the support of associates on the Board of Election circumvented the law that governs the Board of Election by changing party affiliation even after the time allowed for such change had expired, according to the reports. Finally that matter was settle by the opinion from the Attorney General office. Another observation made is that the candidate with the highest number of votes got only about four thousand votes compared to the highest vote getter in the senate race for the district of St. Thomas/St. John, who received over nine thousand votes. That indicates to me that the electorate did not pay as much attention to the candidates for the boards of Election and Education as they should. All elected positions in government are important and should be given proper consideration. No wonder we have been getting the quality of board that we have been complaining about and in spite of the dissatisfaction we did not pay attention to the candidates for these board. Remember we get who we vote for or when we fail to vote we get who we did not prefer. In any case, we get who we elect. Let us therefore as responsible citizens get involve and do the right thing, select representatives base on shared values and political goals and work for their election.
I encourage all citizens of the US Virgin Islands to get involve in your community, it does not a matter of where you are from, once you have established residence here, pay your taxes and contribute to the community you are entitle to have your voice heard, you ideas and opinion aired. Get with others with similar concerns and dialogue, try to reach a consensus, then share your positions with the community at large. Together we can control our government and not be at the mercy of the politicians, the demagogues. We need reforms, let us discuss the alternative and arrive at a consensus that we can promote. May Allah, God the Creator have mercy on us and grant us wisdom and courage to do what needs to be done to improve our government and the quality of life for all.
J.J. Estemac
St. Thomas, VI
Each Person can make a difference
Many persons ask themselves, some tell themselves that they as an individual cannot make a difference. There are many individuals in the world who as individuals make a great difference, first in their own lives, and in the lives of others. Many individuals begin making a difference within themselves, others outside of themselves in the lives of others. Sometimes they start within their family and relatives, some start in their neighborhood. Some people make a difference outside their neighborhood, some make a difference in their country, while others go beyond national boundaries, racial and ethnic boundaries to make a difference in the world we live in.
I read in the AARP magazine, the 2005 March/April issue where AARP, that dynamic national organization that include membership of persons fifty years plus, had a luncheon in New York to honor their 2005 Impact Award winners. Award given to persons, to quote the article: “Dynamic individuals all, from scientist to artists, they are living proof that every individual can make a difference.” The same article quoted Richard Gere, the movie star as saying: “Meeting other honorees and hearing their remarkable work and achievements confirmed my belief that we all have the power to relieve suffering and bring constructive change to our communities.” He is further quoted as saying: “I would particularly like to thank AARP for its recognition of the work of my foundation, Healing the Divide…We are dedicating our energy and resources to address some of today’s most complex and intractable issues-fighting the rapidly growing HIV/AID epidemic in India, reforming the criminal justice system in the USA, and strengthening the peace process in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict- as well as a range of meaningful projects the Himalayan region. All our programs are built on the knowledge that when people recognize their common humanity, they can overcome their differences and work together to solve the problems that threaten their welfare and prosperity.” If you are interested in learning more about Healing the Divide you may visit www.healingthe divide.org.
The answer is yes, we as individual can make a difference in the world we live in. We must first make difference in our own lives, by introspection, getting to know our strength and weaknesses. By being sensitive to the plight of others, by observing and identifying areas that you can make a positive input in alleviating or solving problems. I believe there is a lot of truth in the saying: “If you are not part of the solution then you are part of the problem.” Straggling the fence won’t solve anyone’s problem, neither your own nor that of your fellow human being.
You are therefore encouraged to put some meaning to your life, volunteer your services, make someone happy or at least relief, however temporary of their suffering. I remember an old saying: “ It is better to wear out than to rust out.” I believe that says a lot about how some of us live. Do you want to be remembered as someone who made a positive difference in the life or lives of others when you were alive? Rather than to have people scrambling for words to say something factual and good about your life? If it does not matter to you, that is your choice also. But it sure would mean a lot to your descendants to learn of the contributions you made to make the lives of others better, including their own.
J.J. Estemac
2005 Small Business Awards
On April 7, 2005 at the UVI-SBDC Facility in the Nisky Center SBA and UVI-SBDC were host to Business After Hours of the St.Thomas/St. John Chamber of Commerce. The highlight of the evening was the presentation of awards.
The University of the Virgin Islands Small Business Development Center and the Small Business Administration of the federal government sponsors an annual small business awards program. The recipients of the 2005 Small Business Awards went to: Shaun Pennington of the VI Source, an online newspaper. Edward E. Thomas of the West Indian Co, LTD. Neil Theodule and Micah Dorsett of Fast Shipping & Communications. Corporate citizens were First Bank Virgin Islands and Banco Popular de Puerto Rico.
The most impressive story of the honorees was that of the two young native males, graduates of a local public school and who grew up in one of our public housing. They persevered over many obstacles and were able to gain financial help from Banco Popular de P.R. to put their enterprise on a solid footing. Very noteworthy story, one that can dispel a lot of prejudicial notions about some of our young men.
Senate Hearing
I listen to some of the proceedings of the 26th Legislature Committee on Education, Culture and Youth, chaired by Senator Liston Davis. As I listen to the testifiers and the questioning by some senators, I thought to myself, no wonder we are where we are, in such a state. The testifiers were ill equipped to answer some very poignant questions poised by Chairman L. Davis. They gave all sorts of lame duck excuses, that apparently were acceptable to the senators present. On the issue of federal monies being returned for lack of use, the excuses given was pathetic to say the least. Then we must ask where does the buck stop? In this democratic society, where we have three equal branches of government with definite functions but are interrelated, it is structured for check and balance.
Governor Charles W. Turnbull, claims that he wants to known as the educator governor??? Having been a career “educator”, having served at various level in the department of education and the Board of Education one would expect much more positive development under his watch. But unfortunately for the community we are having one of the worse state of our education since we attained internal self government. The legacy of Governor Turnbull to the education process of our territory is one that we cannot be proud of, to say the least.
But the Governor only represent us In the executive branch of government, the “first branch” of government,as they like to call themselves, the legislature is not doing much better if at all. They say in a democratic society the government reflects the people, and I would add, and vice versa, the people reflect the government. When citizens fails to hold their public servants accountable for their poor performance and/or lack thereof. Who is to be blamed?
We have not sought relief from the third branch of government, the judiciary. By suing these public officials for negligence, malfeasance and otherwise dereliction of duty.We just may get their attention and their respect. Ultimately, we the citizens are also derelict. We fail to act decisively against the standard of mediocrity that is being imposed on us. Do we deserve better? If we do not work to improve our situation, the answer will be NO. The solution is in our hands.
J.J. Estemac
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J.J. ESTEMAC
Committee on Education
Election Reforms
How important is a Library in a Community?
Is Accreditation Essential for Adequate Education?
Elections Reform, Needed
Each Person can make a difference
2005 Small Business Awards
Where do we go from here?
THE INDEPENDENT CITIZENS MOVEMENT, USA
Civilian Review Board a Timely Move
GERS Needed Reform
Reform of the United Nations
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Visit St John,
BOB MALACARNE
Town & Country Real Estate
Star Villas - St. John, USVI
Tickles Dockside Pub
Jules James Taxi Service
Rent a car from Discount Car Rental
Gemcasa's web site is under construction
Cardow Jewelers is located on
Main Street, close to the Post OfficeClick Here to visit their web site.
Click Here to visit their web site
Diamonds International has many downtown locations on Main Street, to serve you.
FOR THE MAIN MENU
THE VI TIMES HOME PAGE
J.C. JEWELERS
Click here to visit their web site
Visit St John,
BOB MALACARNE
Town & Country Real Estate
Star Villas - St. John, USVI
Tickles Dockside Pub
Jules James Taxi Service
Rent a car from Discount Car Rental
Phils'ParadiseBoutique
Havensight Mall
Gemcasa's web site is under construction
Cardow Jewelers is located on
Main Street, close to the Post OfficeClick Here to visit their web site.
Click Here to visit their web site
Diamonds International has many downtown locations on Main Street, to serve you.
I attended recently the legislative forum held as part of the celebration of the 88th. annual Transfer Day by the Senate in the Capitol Building, Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas. I was impressed with the panelists and their presentations, they were very informative. The theme of the panel discussion was “From Danish Colonial Councils(1853) to the Revised Organic Act of 1954: A Century of Struggle for Constitutional Democracy”
Wow! A long and interesting theme, would you say? The Moderator was Malik Sekou, Ph. D and the panelist were: Gerard Emanuel, Arnold “Morty” Golden, Rupert Ross, Paul Leary, Ph. D, Joanne Bozzuto, Esq. Judith Bourne, Esq. and Basil Ottley. Mr. James A. O’ Bryan, Jr. “Administrator” of St. Thomas and Water Island, spoke in the segment of future trend, the theme was “Where we go from Here”. Participating in the program was Governor Charles W. Turnbull, Delegate to Congress Dr. Donna M. Christensen, MD, the Senate President Lorraine L. Berry and the Senate Vice-president Norman Jn. Baptiste. The audience was not large but very attentive. Members of the press was present. The two districts were represented on the panel.
Where are we? We, to the best of my understanding, are now an unincorporated territory of the United States with internal self government. We elect our own Governor, our own legislators, we have our own judiciary. We have a centralized system of government. We control our own income taxes and receive federal monies for various programs. Presently we are in a serious financial state, our public administration is in very serious problems. Our elected representatives seems to lack vision, purpose and humility.
Of the presentation by the panelists that impressed me the most were that of the two attorneys, Joanne Bozzuto and Judith L. Bourne. Atty. J. Bozzuto spoke on the tax system and the disadvantage that we as residents have because of certain provisions of the Organic Act, particularly referring to the property tax issue. She hinted we should seek to amend the Organic Act to allow the legislature to make the necessary changes that would make property tax more favorable to persons with low income.
Atty. J. L. Bourne spoke to the issue that were are celebrating the transfer from one colonial power to another. That because of our current political status we have serious restrictions in developing and adopting our own constitution. Atty. Bourne pointed out that until our political status is fully addressed we may be spinning our wheels with a constitution at this time. The USA government retains sovereignty over this territory and any constitution we develop would have to acknowledge that reality.
I am now more convinced that the proper avenue to follow in our political development is to enter into an agreement with the federal government, such as a “Compact of Federal Relations” prior to adopting a constitution at this time. As a matter of priority I believe we should also move to adopt local government, such as municipal government, decentralizing our administration of the current districts.
I am sure we would achieve some very desirable results if we address those two issues first. The negotiating of a Compact of Federal Relations with the federal government and the establishing of a municipal system of government. We could begin moving away from our present status by moving in the direction I just suggested.
J. J. Estemac
THE INDEPENDENT CITIZENS MOVEMENT, USA
ICM, USA
Manifesto
We the people of The Independent Citizens Movement of the United States of America, having witness the historical control of the government of this nation by certain elements of our society to the exclusion and to the detriment of many. We consider the two traditional parties, the Republican and the Democratic parties to be two sides of the same coin. These parties have alternately controlled the government, traditionally.
We of the ICM Party, USA believe that the excluded, the disenfranchised should come together and exercise the rights and responsibilities that are ours according to the constitution of the United States of America, as amended.
We, the people of ICM Party, USA having observed the deterioration of our society on all levels have come together to offer the electors of these United States of America an alternative to the traditional two parties and to promote political reforms that are more consonant with our contemporary society. We advocate a more responsible and responsive government based on the principle of universal justice, equal freedom and opportunity for all.
The ICM Party, USA comes forward at a time when our economy is going through much turbulence and our nation has become the target of domestic and international terrorists. In spite of our military and economic supremacy in the world our country is in serious trouble because of erroneous foreign and domestic policies. We propose to assist in correcting the present course of our nation on the domestic front and in the international sphere. We propose a more compassionate domestic policy for the less fortunate who seeks help and a more honest and just foreign policy in the global economy. We advocate the promotion of self-help domestically and also internationally. We believe in teaching individuals how to be productive citizens by providing the opportunity for them to maximize their potentials. We advocate providing poor and developing nations with the knowledge and resources to feed and protect their population.
We commit ourselves to the premise that all peoples are to be treated justly regardless of race, economic status, social status, national origin or ethnicity. We believe that the rule of law implies equal treatment under law for all persons without distinction. We advocate one standard of moral behavior domestically and the same internationally. We have set a goal for our nation: a truly democratic society where all citizens can participate fully in the government. That there be justice nationally and internationally, universally.
J.J. Estemac
US Virgin Islands
Reform of the United Nations
There is a debate that is becoming more and more intense these days on the need for reform. There is the desire by some countries to become a permanent member of the Security Council, with the argument they deserve to join the present five permanent members, Russia, China, France, England and the United States of America on that council. If the democratic principles are to be applied to the United Nations. The USA and it’s allies are pushing democratic principles throughout the rest of the world; they do not want to apply those same principles in the United Nations. The typical double standard for which the USA has become notorious.
I believe if we truly believe in the virtues of democratic principles, if it is good enough for our country and for our allies, then it is good enough for the world body. The argument of many that bigger and more powerful nations would not submit to the collective decisions of smaller, weaker nations of the world is contradictory to the democratic principles. In a truly democratic society all persons are equal under the law, there is no privilege or ruling class.
Now that the concept of globalization is becoming a reality in our contemporary world, the relevance of the UN becomes more important, more critical. The UN like all man made institutions is not perfect, it was formed and is administered by imperfect individuals. Therefore, we should not expect a perfect institution in the United Nations. It has been evolving, developing into a more complex and useful institution that has become if not the last best hope for the whole world, definitely for the small and poor nations of the world it is.
I submit that one of the critical reforms needed in the structure of the UN is the Security Council. In keeping with the democratic principles, the Security Council should be composed of nations representing areas of the world not necessarily victors of world wars and others, as it is now comprised. I believe that instead of the present five permanent members, the permanent members should represent regions not countries. The regions should be determined geographically and by population. I believe China is a permanent member of the Security Council because of its population, but India could also qualify on that basis, They both are from the region of the world. I believe the new formula for the composition of the Security Council should include geographical regions and population. It should be done scientifically and not just politically. Geography and demography should be the scientific basis for reforming the Security Council, I believe it will be more consistent with the democratic principle and more just.
J. J. Estemac
CCBG
St. Thomas, VI
Civilian Review Board a Timely Move
We believe the establishing of a civilian review board to monitor the performance of our peace officers is move that is very timely. When we consider the state of law enforcement in our community, the many incidents of misconduct, of negligence and the general lack of discipline of the various peace officers including those of the VI Police Department. The review board as I understand its purpose, to provide objective monitoring of those public servants classified as peace officers, all law enforcement agents of the Virgin Islands government.
The news media have been reporting several incidents of misconduct by police officers. Citizens have been complaining the lack of law enforcement and the lack of police presence in their neighborhood. The VI Police is not the only law enforcement agency of the government, there are about half a dozen agencies that have personnel with peace officer status. Peace officers, agents of the government are sworn to obey and enforce the laws of the territory and applicable federal laws. Unfortunately too many peace officers that are not members of the police department tend to be exclusive in their law enforcement duties, they enforce only the laws and regulations that are the primary responsibility of their agency or department. Only the VI Police Department have general jurisdiction for law enforcement in the territory. That does not relieve other peace officers from assisting in promoting law and order in the community.
The deplorable law enforcement status in the territory is due to poor leadership and poor discipline within the rank and file. We believe that a civilian review board if it is adequately instituted and funded could help improve the performance standard of our peace officers, including members of the VIPD (Virgin Islands Police Department). The review board could help the legislature improve legislation that would improve the profession of law enforcement in the US Virgin Islands.
Governor Charles W. Turnbull vetoed the legislation to establish the civilian review board alleging the legislation would give the board too much power. That is exactly the intent of the legislation, to give the board the power to exercise the responsibilities the law assigns it. But Governor Turnbull like most politicians of his vintage are not interested in meaningful change. Changes do not have to be radical to be rejected by some, it is more comfortable for them to continue in the old traditional way and continue to complain about its deficiencies without really doing much to change the way things are done. The politicians who have been in office for the longest are the ones most responsible for the status quo; they had the most opportunities to make a real difference, a positive difference in our government and they failed.
Let us wait and see if the 26th. Legislature is serious , if they are really committed to the establishment of the civilian review board as the bill defines it. Let us see if the sponsor o sponsors will muster the support of their colleagues to override Governor Turnbull’s veto. Situation like these reveal the sincerity of the legislators, their conviction of worthiness of their legislation. The citizens should remain vigilant and observe the performance of these legislators. Are they true demagogues or just lack courage of their convictions, it they have a conviction. Let us wait and find out.
J. J. Estemac
CCBG
GERS Needed Reform
It is our studied opinion that among the reforms that is needed for the GERS to regain a solid financial health are the following considerations. The GERS as a legal entity, a corporation is made up of three segments: Employer, employees and beneficiaries. The shareholders, the partners of the corporation, they are equal owners of the corporation.
As equal owners of the corporation, the three segments are entitle to equal representation on the board of directors. We suggest that there be three representatives elected from each segment to be on the board. The representatives should meet certain criteria to qualify to be a board member. The employer, the central government would have a member from each branch of the government, the executive, the legislative and the judiciary. The employees would select their representative from the broad spectrum of employees. The beneficiaries, the retirees would elect their representatives from the broad spectrum of beneficiaries.
The fundamental reforms we are proposing herein would go a long way in ensuring the continuous solvency of the system by providing a better balance in the administration of the system. We also propose the system be given full autonomy with the proposed restructuring. We also propose that the system be insulated as much as possible from the excesses of the legislature that have caused the system such financial difficulties by having a proviso in the Organic Act stipulating that no changes that threatens the stability of the system can be made by the legislature without consultation of the electorate through a referendum.
We further propose that GERS establishes a portfolio of local investments,such as services needed in the community that will provide a lucrative investment such as the Havensight Mall. We are one community with two major labor components the public sector and the private sector. GERS record of providing financial security for employees of the public sector, in the Virgin Islands government. The private sector made up of many small businesses lack for the most part, a retirement plan or even health insurance. That part of our community that lacks a retirement plan or health insurance becomes ultimately a charge of the government when they go to the public hospital and cannot afford to pay for services received. When these persons are no longer able to work and the lack a pension plan, they become a charge on the public resources.
Because of the above listed considerations we propose that GERS with its experience and resources sponsor a pension plan similar to that of the public employees for the employees in the private sector. This would be another business investment for GERS with a social purpose by providing a safety net for citizens who do not have access to a pension plan nor health insurance. This proposal provides for a “win win” situation for the community as a whole. Our hospitals would be in a better position with more patients being able to pay their hospital bills.
We acknowledge the above proposals appears to be a radical departure from the present status of the system, but sometime it takes a radical approach to correct conditions and ensure progress. We hope our representatives in government will capture the vision and adopt these proposal with any practical amendments. GERS needs comprehensive reforms and we are proposing some. Review them and analyze them and if you agree then promote them.
J. J. Estemac
CCBG
3/23/05