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Anegada & JVD as districts financially practical – Advocate
Mr Smith is one of several advocates that have over the years been lobbying for the system to be effected but so far he is not convinced that the present government is keen on having this done in a manner that is comfortable to most persons. “I think they are looking at it but from what I gather they want to have it under the ‘At large system’ and I am saying no to that, many others are saying no to that too,” said Mr. Smith.
In discussing the issue with Virgin Islands News Online, the young local businessman expressed his passion for politics and his desire to see systems put in place that are comfortable for residents of the sister islands.
Speaking on the issue of having the two islands separated as individual districts, Mr Smith said that he had familiarized himself with the constitution of the Virgin Islands and had found that the process can be facilitated through the constitution- chapter 5 section 63 # 2 A and B and # 3 and 4.
“The people of these islands are Virgin Islanders and are in desire to have their own representatives. Some may argue that these islands are too small to be a district. What are they defining small as, the population or land mass?” he questioned.
Building on his argument, Mr. Smith said that JVD once had a population of over 1000 residents most of whom moved to the United States Virgin Islands (USVI) to seek employment opportunities. “Notably the Royal Mail Stream Packet Company’s coaling wharves in St. Thomas. Some may argue that adding representatives to these islands would add economic strain on the Territory but it all depends on the angle that you look at it from.”
In the case of JVD, he said that while the voter population of the last elections would show some 160 persons, the actual resident population is triple or more than that amount. “We need to take into consideration the number of multinational marriages that has been and continues to take place. There are so many persons on Jost Van Dyke who are qualified or eligible for Belongership.”
“Even a former candidate had refused to support the islands having representatives from a financial standpoint when in fact that very candidate was part of a party to a government contract in amounts of several hundreds of thousands of dollars of which they received $100,000 per year as a salary,” Mr Smith said.
He further questioned, “Where are the statistics to show we got value for money spent? The money spent on this programme could have covered one of the islands allocation and representative's salary for a term. Also with the mass consultancy spending, I find it hard to believe that two more representatives for these islands can’t be afforded,” Mr Smith argued.
Forming part of his justification for the initiative, Mr. Smith examined the expansions of the number of districts, which would have occurred decades ago which the records of the VI district development give testimony of territory expanding from having five districts to seven then to nine. “They were added as the country grew. It is also my understanding that there is an interest of having another minister as well.” On this topic, he said he would engage persons who are better informed to look at the rationale, the advantages and disadvantages and what it means for the growth and further development of the VI.
“I ask of my fellow Virgin Islanders to support these islands. We are seeing daily in the world news the developments of great countries that have taken place over the past year and it shows the power of the people and changes that can occur with the unity of the masses,” said Mr Smith.
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17 Responses to “Anegada & JVD as districts financially practical – Advocate”
Also, consider this. Rhode Island 1,005,000 people (2 United States Senators); California 37,900,000 people, (2 United States Senators).
My reasons for the questions are because you see the numerical composition of expatriates, if greater than Belongers-not of marriage, can have serious consequences for the JVD Belonger-by virtue other than marriage. Who will determine the way forward for this island if the numerical majority are not Belongers-not of marriage? WHO?
There is a move underfoot, just in case you don't know Mr. Smith, to have this island repopulated by Belongers-of marriage, and expatriates. It's being conducted subtly, but I know that is the plan. So while your ideas may have sound merit, it may pose long term detriments to the indigenous people and future generations of the indigenous people of Jost Van Dyke!