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Coalition Urges New Senators to be Cautious

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Nov. 5, 2004 – Team St. Croix is urging new St. Croix senators not to rush into alliances, according to Samuel J. Baptiste, the community group coalition's newly elected president
The coalition is continuing to advance the wishes of the St. Croix electorate, making an effort to ensure St. Croix gets the attention it has been lacking from the government and – especially, in its opinion – St. Croix senators. The team is comprised of several community groups with the purpose of holding newly elected and reelected senators to their oft-repeated promise of "St. Croix First."
Team St. Croix was formed in mid-October with a commitment to improve St. Croix as a location for business and to provide effective marketing and development. The coalition asked candidates to sign a contract that commits them to work as a team for the overall improvement and quality of life for St. Croix residents. The agreement further states, violation of the contract "will be cause for rejection at the polls in 2006." (See "Coalition Asks Candidates to Sign St. Croix Pledge").
The group held its second meeting on Thursday.
Baptiste, who was elected president at that meeting, said senators-elect have already been "challenged" to form a majority by St. Thomas senators, but there needs to be an "understanding of the St. Croix agenda," before any alliances are made. St. Thomas senators have more seniority and senatorial experience than their St. Croix counterparts and Crucians should be cautious of entering hastily into any agreements, Baptiste said. In the Nov. 2 general election St. Croix voted in four new senators while St. Thomas voted in just one.
Baptiste emphasized that the coalition is not "trying to do the senators' job" but rather be a resource to the Legislature.
"We want to work in cooperation with the senators in whatever capacity they require, including assisting with drafting legislation, organizing town meetings and, generally, taking the pulse of the people," he said.
Baptiste said the coalition would not avoid responsibility for its actions: "We are prepared to accept some of the blame if decisions we assisted in making had a negative impact on St. Croix."
Baptiste said the coalition is comprised of credible, well-established organizations that have advocated major issues on behalf of the people of St. Croix for years. The coalition consists of the Chamber of Commerce; St. Croix Anti-Crime Force; Our Town Frederiksted; CHANT; Frederiksted Economic Development Association; the St. Croix Hotel and Tourism Association; the Institute for Investigation and Government Accountability and the USVI Coalition for Sustainable Development, Inc. Baptiste said they are encouraging more organizations to join.
Baptiste said as president his responsibility to the coalition is to ensure that every organization is represented fairly regardless of size.
"Every voice must be heard and respected," Baptiste said. He said all initiatives will be evaluated to answer one question – "Is it good for all the people of St. Croix?"
For more information about Team St. Croix contact Baptiste at 713-1435.

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