Leadership that is LONG Overdue...

I know when I say this people are going to say it's expected.  But, I ask you to read this post with an open mind.  When Colin Powell endorsed Barack Obama, there were some (Rush Limbaugh) who took the attitude that the General's actions were expected.  He - and others - ignored the well thought out statement made by General Powell and those, rather, to focus on trivial nuances.  So, let me reiterate: I ask you to read this post with an open mind.

I endorse my father Krim Menelik Ballentine for the Virgin Islands Legislature from St. Thomas.  Shocking, eh?  But, here's why:

A Constitution has been written for the Virgin Islands.

Over the past few months, you and I have engaged in a dialogue about the issues facing the Virgin Islands - mostly surrounding "the struggle for self-government."  Using that framework, together we have established a rough definition of "the true Virgin Islander."  As we discussed, the true Virgin Islander is someone who is fighting for the VI and understand the role of a constitution.

Several of you made mention that we fail to understand the nuances of government.  Yet, no one thinks the task should be that difficult for our leaders to resolve.  Although we do not necessarily agree on how they should assert themselves, we all agree that our leaders must assert themselves towards an end of Liberty and Democracy for Virgin Islanders.  We also agree that it is a travesty of immense proportion that Virgin Islanders are treated as second-class citizens and denied the right to vote in National Elections.

My father has been fighting for the Virgin Islands for many years.  He filed suit for our rights as United States citizens (see here).  This is what Yale Law School had to say.  And although this effort has been - so far - unsuccessful, the effort was made.

Now I read this.  As we see the Fifth Constitutional Convention extended without end, we are reminded about the fundamental chaos that exists in the Virgin Islands.  (Frankly, as we read the news we are reminded of the chaos and corruption.)  You may agree with the language in his Draft Constitution...you may disagree.  But, we all should agree that a draft was completed that we could discuss.  What are your thoughts?

This is the type of leadership that is long overdue.

While other candidates offer us fish frys and boat rides, my father is offering a passion for the Virgin Islands and the rights of her people.  What is more important?

While we get "hung up" on Party affiliation, the people suffer.  What is more important: Party or people?

No - I'm not asking you to ignore ideology.  I am asking you to embrace ideology...an ideology that looks first to the Virgin Islands.  We need Democrats for Virgin Islands empowerment.  We need Republicans for Virgin Islands empowerment.  We need everyone for Virgin Islands empowerment. 

Don't you think that should be the primal goal?  What do you think is more important?

We've elected smooth talking folk for decades, who either rape the Virgin Islands economy or preside over the pillage.  Can you tell me a reason to vote against someone who is passionate about the rights of Virgin Islanders?

Honestly, I don't know.  Maybe I'm too close...but, it seems to me that if 96% of you believe that Virgin Islanders should be considered Americans, and 91% believe all Americans should have the right to vote, and 95% of you believe Virgin Islanders should have the right to vote, then we must seek out those who will fight for that right.  Am I missing something?

I can take critique, so please don't spare me - hit me hard if I need to be hit.  But, I would love to know: what do you think of the Draft Constitution?  Did you even know about the law suit?  What are your thoughts on that?  Do you think these things even matter?  And, if they matter, what bearing should they have on defining someone's character and committment to the Virgin Islands and Virgin Islanders?

Let your voice be heard!

Answer the call: Virgin Islands for the Virgin Islanders...those at home and those abroad!

Virgin Islands, Campaign 2008

What Are Your Thoughts on the Logo Improvements?

We took your comments into account and have improved the logo:
I think this is a lot better, and want to hear your thoughts.

Answer the Call: Virgin Islands for the Virgin Islanders...those at home and those abroad!

From Mecca To Obscurity & Obama vs. DeJongh

From sugar cane to sugar apple, you name it and it was grown in the Virgin Islands, which was considered for centuries the "agricultural mecca" of the Caribbean, according to local experts.

 - St. Thomas Source

This is something I've been thinking about for a very long time.  What about you?

For as long as I can remember, the Virgin Islands economy has been almost wholly dependent upon tourism.  It seems dangerous to be in this position.  And, this danger is only highlighted by the economic crisis, even higher airline tickets, changing passport regulations and overall decrease in travel.

But there are others who have a different memory.  Olasee Davis says:

In the 1960s, when I grew up on St. Thomas, there was no Pueblo or Plaza Extra," said Olasee Davis, local agriculture expert. "Everyone had things growing right in their backyards, and every weekend, the farmers on the island would bring their produce down to the market square. The market used to be everything to the people on St. Thomas, and it was a tradition for them to come down and buy fresh stuff from the farmers.

Seems to me that if we are to succeed in The Struggle for Self-Government, we must also have some semblance of self-sufficiency.  Not saying that we need agriculture at the levels to feed the entire territory.  But, surely our dairies should be able to keep cows!  Can any of you form your mouths to tell folks that we have two dairies with no cows?!

Yes, the Industrial Revolution in the North of America did cripple the Southern economy.  And, to this day, agriculture has still not proven to be the magic bullet to revitalize the South.  However, the America doesn't simply rely on the South. 

Our land-mass is exponentially less than that of mainland America.  What will the Industrial Revolution mean for the Virgin Islands?  And while efforts are being made to bring industry to the Virgin Islands, when faced with the failings of industry on the mainland we must ask two questions:

1. Are we too late?  Is this revolution at its end?
2. Is the VI ultimately best suited for Industrial Development?

The main incentive for businesses coming to the VI is the tax incentives.  Supposedly, obscene tax incentives to business and industry will benefit local Virgin Islanders and the Virgin Islands Economy.  And, as I think about it - it's incredible strange that this flies!  How does the economy benefit if the businesses are almost 100% tax-free?  Are the proponents of the VI EDA following Bush-McCain economics?

As our polls on VI Watch are showing, Virgin Islanders support Barrack Obama by an overwhelming majority.  And, Obama's tax policy is fundamentally opposed to this sort of "trickle-down economics."  And while the philosophy is that these policies enable businesses to provide more jobs, we've been faced with (at least at the National level) a spirit of greed and corruption, resulting in bailouts and economic crashes.  Here's what Obama would say:

So while Gov. DeJongh is committed to Obama, here is at least one point of divergence in policy.  I'm not saying that their policies cannot diverge.  Maybe they should.  Just keeping them honest.  But, what do you think?

Answer the Call: Virgin Islands for the Virgin Islanders...those at home and those abroad!

Virgin Islanders Are Not People!?

I know you're offended by my title, but Virgin Islanders are not people! That's not my word...just my interpretation. That's what the U.S. Congress says. Read on...

As I was drafting a previous post, I was looking for the House Committee under which the Subcommittee on Insular Affairs could be found. Do you know in which Committee the Subcommittee on Insular Affairs can be found?

The Committee on Natural Resources!

Hunh?! Does anyone else find that startling? To me, that's crazy - or better: it's telling.

There are six (6) Subcommittees (well, five Subcommittees and one Office) under the Committee on Natural Resources. Here's a list:

• Office of Indian Affairs;
• Subcommittee on Insular Affairs;
• Subcommittee on Water and Power;
• Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands;
• Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife and Oceans; and,
• Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources

Did any of you see anything absolutely wild about that?

Now, do you see why I said: Virgin Islanders are not people!? No? Look at the list again.

Besides the "Office of Indian Affairs," the other Subcommittees all deal with animals, land and resources. In the words of Chairman Nick J. Rahall, II:

In so many ways, this Committee exercises responsibility over matters that enrich America and all Americans – from the natural and historic heritage of our National Parks and forests to the majesty of our oceans and wilderness areas.

Do you see anything in that description that address people? Tucked away under the Committee on Natural Resources - buried under animals, minerals and public lands, does anyone believe that any progress will be made to truly assert the rights of the people of the Virgin Islands?

But, if we cannot have voices speaking adamantly about The Struggle for Self-Government the people of the Virgin Islands will continue to be treated as animals or as land. We need The True Virgin Islander to stand up and press these issues.

Our concerns are Constitutional. The redress we need is of a statutory or Constitutional nature. That being the case, don't you think the House Committee on the Judiciary would be a more appropriate location for a Subcommittee addressing the interests and needs of the people of the Virgin Islands? Is that not a better Committee from which to address the grievances a people has against the Government? Maybe that's just me, but see #11 in the list of the Judiciary Committee's jurisdiction:

11. Claims against the United States.

What do you think? Let me hear from you...

Answer the Call: Virgin Islands for the Virgin Islanders...those at home and those abroad!

Voting Rights: The "Change We Need" to Put Our "Country First"

to put our

No matter who you are for, the fact remains that Virgin Islanders cannot express a preference in this election.  So, in this age of "historic proportions" and with fitting slogans, we want to find a way to promote our cause.

All of you know we lack Voting Rights.  Something purely fundamental to the idea of Democracy, and the quintessential to protecting the inalienable rights endowed us by our Creator is denied Virgin Islanders.  Some have asked me that we seize this opportunity to make our voices heard.  So, we will be holding our own election on Virgin Islands Watch!

There are five questions:

1. Should America have separate classes of citizens?
2. Are Virgin Islanders to be considered Americans?
3. Should ALL Americans have the right to vote?
4. Should Virgin Islanders have the right to vote?
5. If you could vote, who would you choose?

For the fifth question, we would like only persons registered to vote in the Virgin Islands to answer the question.  For maximum effect, we need as many Virgin Islanders as possible to vote.  Frankly, friends of the Virgin Islands can also answer the first four questions.  So, forward this post to all of your friends and be sure to cast your vote.  The polls will remain open until 7pm PST (10pm EST) on Tuesday, November 4th, 2008.

Once the polls are closed, the tally - and your comments - will be forwarded to the appropriate Congressional Committees and the President-Elect.  What do you think?  Do you think the Parties will consider our vote?  Are you willing to at least give it a try?  It is our time to push for the "Change We Need" to put our "(c)ountry First."

Answer the Call: Virgin Islands for the Virgin Islanders...those at home and those abroad!

What do You Think of This Logo?

The snake is taken from the Gadsden Flag, and according to Ben Franklin serves this sentiment:

I recollected that her eye excelled in brightness, that of any other animal, and that she has no eye-lids—She may therefore be esteemed an emblem of vigilance.—She never begins an attack, nor, when once engaged, ever surrenders: She is therefore an emblem of magnanimity and true courage.—As if anxious to prevent all pretentions of quarrelling with her, the weapons with which nature has furnished her, she conceals in the roof of her mouth, so that, to those who are unacquainted with her, she appears to be a most defenceless animal; and even when those weapons are shewn and extended for her defence, they appear weak and contemptible; but their wounds however small, are decisive and fatal:—Conscious of this, she never wounds till she has generously given notice, even to her enemy, and cautioned him against the danger of treading on her.—Was I wrong, Sir, in thinking this a strong picture of the temper and conduct of America?

Likewise, we Virgin Islanders should picture our temperment: we never wound until we generously give notice, cautioning them of the danger of treading on our homeland and her inhabitants.

We are Virgin Islanders!

And, this snake in the logo let's others know: Do Not Tread On Us! Hiding behind the side of the mountain, the snake says (to me) that the VI seems peacefull, tranquil and welcoming. But, should you tread on us, we are lethal.

Let me hear your thoughts!

Answer the call: Virgin Islands for the Virgin Islanders...those at home and those abroad!

Organizing for Hurricane Omar

In case you don't know, Hurricane Omar is on path to hit the Virgin Islands. According to models at Hurricane City, the Omar is slated to hit the Virgin Islands as a Category 2 storm:


We all know the Virgin Islands is isolated. We all know that many times the media doesn't even cover the Virgin Islands. So, we also know that in the aftermath it will be incumbent upon us to help the recovery.

Question: do any of you have (or know of) a VI based or run Foundation designed to help in these sorts of instances?

If so, please let's begin the discussion and be ready to help. In the meantime, please be sure to keep our homeland in your prayers.

Answer the Call: Virgin Islands for the Virgin Islanders...those at home and those abroad!

The True Virgin Islander

I wanted to take some time to define the term "Virgin Islander."

With the intent of devising a meaningful definition around which the masses of Virgin Islanders can unite, I am writing this article.

On one hand, many of us have gotten a kick out of the mass emails, "You know you's a true St. Thomain when..." and "You know you from the Virgin Islands When..." And, yes they are funny. But, you must admit they focus on trivial things (i.e. if you have a Chevy Sprint with a big set, or if you wear hibiscus earings, or if you say things like "vex me dread"). I mean, really, is that what defines us? Is that it? Is that all it takes to be the true Virgin Islander?

It is great to have fun, but does that definition do anything to empower us as a people?

On the other hand, we have the very real wranglings of those trying to define a political term: "Native Virgin Islander." Citing the text of the 1927 Act Conferring U.S. Citizenship, many hope to justify their definition claiming that "[a]ccording to the document, an ancestral native Virgin Islander is a person born or living in the Virgin Islands before 1927...or a direct descendant of someone who meets that criteria."

Now, as I have said: I understand why these arguments are made. The debate over nativism has raged because of the (real) threat that those from outside of the Virgin Islands will move in and take over, leaving so-called natives vagrants in their own homeland. That is a very real concern. However, their definition is unfounded and misguided.

Here's why.

I happen to own a copy of a hard to find book: United States Virgin Islands: Major Political Documents 1671-1991. In this book is a copy of every political document written concerning the Virgin Islands and Virgin Islanders by the Danish, the Americans and the people of the Virgin Islands. So, I read the act and share my thoughts.

The first major oversight is that, the Act does not refer to people born or living in the Virgin Islands before 1927. Section 1 of the Act - approved on February 25, 1927 - refers to persons and their children born after Transfer Day (Jan. 17, 1917). The reference to children did not carry on in perpetuity. That reference applied to those who were not of citizenship age. Additionally, in Section 2 all references to natives refer to those who could lay claim to the Virgin Islands prior to transfer day. There are no references to descendants of those people. The only reference to descendants comes in Section 3, included here in total:

All persons born in the Virgin Islands of the United States on or after January 17, 1917 (whether before, or after the effective date of this Act), and subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, are hereby declared to be citizens of the United States.

So, who is the True Virgin Islander? And, what makes a native?

Some who believe there needs to be a definition point to Hawaii as an example. There is reference to Native Hawaiians in their State Constitution. And, "Native Hawaiian" is a defined term. The key term in the definition of a "Native Hawaiian" is "indigenous." Native Hawaiians can trace their ancestry back to as early as AD 400 - or long before Europeans came.

That is a real Hawaiian. So, who would be a Native Virgin Islander?

VI Now reminds us:

The first people known to have inhabited what is today the Virgin Islands were the Carib, Arawak and Ciboney Indians. These indigenous people are believed to have left and/or been forcibly removed by the late 1500's.

So, essentially all "Native Virgin Islanders" are long dead (unless there are some who made a reservation on one of those little islelets). Any other claim to nativism would be tantamount to Whites or Blacks in the US claiming to be Native Americans! How many of you think that would work? Better yet, here's the link to a Google Search of the term. Let me know if you find any White or Black people.

Who is the true Virgin Islander? And, what should be the benchmark of our definition. Again, I look to our colonial master for the example. How did the modern term "American" come to be defined?

"American" became popular with the founding of America - the United States. And while all share the benefit of being called America, such benefit was won by those who gave their blood, talent and/or treasure to establish the Government and Country of America.

So, I offer the definition of the True Virgin Islander: one who gives their blood, talent and/or treasure to establish the Government and country (little "c" purposeful) of the Virgin Islands. Where my true Virgin Islanders at? Are you a true Virgin Islander?

Answer the Call: Virgin Islands for the Virgin Islanders...those at home and those abroad!

Did You Know? UN Committee on Decolonization Addresses VI Issues

Searching through the news on our site (below - sidebar), I found this article that you should find interesting. The Fourth Committee is a "Special Political & Decolonization" committee of the United Nations. One purpose of the Fourth Committee is to handle Decolonization matters. In a recent meeting, the committee heard dozens of petitioners from Gibraltar, Guam, Western Sahara and the US Virgin Islands. In the world's eye, all of these places - including the Virgin Islands - are regarded as Non-Self-Governing Territories where colonialism still lingers.

All of the areas had several representatives. They had officials from their governments, international lawyers, university professors, clergy, local poets, actors and other luminaries. All areas were well represented - taking their status seriously...all except the Virgin Islands!

The only person there on behalf of the Virgin Islands was community activist Edward Browne. Mr. Browne stated that we still existed in a colonial relationship with the United States, and that he hoped to encourage the US to end the xenophobic and discriminatory policies adversely impacting the Virgin Islands for more than 91 years (since 1917). According to the 7th Space report:

He recalled that Justice John Marshall Harlan had said that the idea that the United States could acquire territories by conquest or treaty and hold them as “mere colonies” or provinces while the people inhabiting them only enjoyed such rights as Congress chose to accord them was “wholly inconsistent” with the United States Constitution. The United States Virgin Islands would continue to seek justice and equality through non-violent means. The delegates to the Virgin Islands Fifth Constitutional Convention were in the final stages of drafting a Constitution and the Governor of the Virgin Islands would be traveling to Denmark to discuss important related issues.

Mr. Browne said all of these things, but he was the only representative. He spoke of the Fifth Constitutional Convention, but Gerard "Luz" James (Convention President) was not there to testify on behalf of the Constitutional Convention. Mr. Browne spoke of Governor deJohngh's efforts. But, the Governor - nor any representative - was not there to present.

All of this begs the question: "Do Virgin Islanders deserve a Constitution?" Or, "do we deserve Liberty?" In his book, The Revolution: A Manifesto, (you should really read this) Texas Congressman Dr. Ron Paul states the following:

If the people want to be free, if they want to life themselves out from underneath a state apparatus that threatens their liberties...there is no force that can stop them.

If freedom is what we want, it is ours for the taking.

Let the revolution begin.

I applaud the efforts of Edward Browne. But, we must be just as serious about our situation. Or, maybe I'm on an island by myself, aimlessly waving the banner of revolution.

Talk to me...let me know where you stand and what you think.

Answer the Call: Virgin Islands for the Virgin Islanders...those at home and those abroad!

What Do You Like Best?

We've been doing this for a little while now.  It's time to hear from you!

What do you like about Virgin Islands Watch?  What do you dislike?  What would you like to see more of?  What would make you a "daily visitor" of this blog?  What types of articles/postings would encourage you to forward the blog to your other VI friends?

Please post your thoughts.  The more involvement, the greater the impact.

Answer the Call: Virgin Islands for the Virgin Islanders...those at home and those abroad!

More on Schnieder Hospital Scandal

I thought you all would like to see this article.

It's good to see that this is continuing to move forward. We must clean out all of the corruption. These people take advantage of the lax nature of our system of government. All of this begs the question: when will we organize our government so that it serves the needs of and is accountable to the people?

Question: does anyone understand Francis Jackson's role in this? In this article, he's listed as one who signed off on the corporate resolution from the hospital's board that enabled these folk to set up an account at Scotia Bank. But, he's not - apparently - being charged with anything. I'm not saying he should be; I'm trying to clarify why he's not.

Side note: Francis Jackson is a delegate to the Constitutional Convention.

What do you think will happen with all of this? And, what will it take to prevent such rape and pillage in the future? Let me hear from you!

Answer the call: Virgin Islands for the Virgin Islanders...those at home and those abroad!

Come Out for the Virgin Islands!

Listen to Bambu Station here.

To RSVP or for more information contact: info@simmondsballentine.com

Answer the Call: Virgin Islands for the Virgin Islanders...those at home and those abroad!

Something to Think About this Election Season

I was reading an article from Caribbean World News today. The headline speaks for itself: "U.S. Citizens in Guyana Urged to Vote."

Hunh?! Did you read that?

It made me think: U.S. Citizens in foreign countries have more rights that so-called "U.S. Citizens" on U.S. soil!

Is that right? Should that be? Maybe it would be better for all of our youth studying on the mainland to register over there and then return home keeping their stateside registrations? Seems crazy, right?

What do you think? Let me hear from you...

Answer the Call: Virgin Islands for the Virgin Islanders...those at home and those abroad!

ACTION ALERT - Demand Answers from WAPA

A fellow Virgin Islander, Alice Henry took the time to create a petition to demand that WAPA give us a plan for efficiency. We can all agree, these prices are ridiculous.

So, let's Answer the Call: Virgin Islands for the Virgin Islanders...those at home and those abroad!

http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/noleac/signatures.html

Everyone who has family in the VI - please sign the petition to assist in getting the powers that be to do something about the high cost of energy on the islands.