Virgin Islanders are being given a call to action by a group of young and
energetic people who are tired of "business as usual" in the Virgin Islands.
The group held its first organizational meeting at Rooftops Restaurant 12 days ago, calling on the approximately 200 people in attendance to stand up and demand a change.
The group is now organizing The People's March to be held Sept. 8 starting at 11:30 a.m. Marchers will gather at the top of King Street in Frederiksted and begin marching at noon to the Legislature, which will be in session that day.
Terrence "Positive" Nelson, one of the organizers of the march, said the purpose is "to send a clear message to elected officials that the citizens are dissatisfied and will take necessary action to ensure that elected officials are responsive and their decision-making conforms to the will of the people."
Specific issues to be addressed by The People's March include the proposed layoffs and pay cuts of government workers; budget cuts (education, health, etc.); Great Pond land swap for the Beal factory; public disclosure of WICO, Public Finance Authority and GERS; and responsibilities of elected officials.
Organizers of the march are urging residents to unite and stand up for
accountable government. All organizations and groups are encouraged to participate and
prepare their own placards expressing their particular concerns, including labor unions, churches, PTA's, youth groups, the Chamber of Commerce, the St. Croix Environmental Association, and the Great Pond Area Residents Association.
Government employees should put in requests now for leave time that morning. For further information, contact Terrence Nelson at 778-3448.