Dear Source:
I agree that the problem is not whether you're white, black or any other ethnicity. I also agree that there are many legally recognized Virgin Islanders as well as people who were not born there that have done many good things for the Islands, but just merely doing good things for the Islands does not warrant you legal citizenship and the right to vote on everyone's future. If you are a resident of the Islands, no matter where you're from, and you do not share and believe in the ideals of United States and it's territories, how does anyone know that you have the best interest of the islands at heart, and not the principles and ideas of your homeland.
That is why immigrants have to declare themselves and their purpose when they enter the country. The many contributions could be for your own selfish gains. When you establish legal citizenship you make the commitment to honor and up hold the laws and principles of the United States and it territories, and that in itself is an act that signifies your compassion for the islands.
We as a people have the attitude that things will always take care of themselves, and as a result, we let this issue slide, and let the other issue slide. That very habit is the reason that the Islands are in the predicament that they're in right now.
First and foremost, we have to enforce the laws of the land. If our Police and Public officials won't enforce them, then replace them with people who will. We must hold our Political leaders accountable for their promises and actions. Don't just vote for them because they have good fund-raisers and, hire the best bands for their parties. Make them do their jobs, or vote for someone that has a record that says that they will. Everyone talks about the corruption, but we are the ones that put them there, and if they are corrupt now, they didn't just get that way. If things are going to change, you have to start somewhere, and dealing with the issues at hand, is as good a place as any.
We will never be taken seriously as a territory if we don't learn to manage our own issues and work to resolve them respectfully. I am not against anyone from anywhere becoming a citizen of the Virgin Islands, but I do feel that you must make the commitment to do it the right way, and not just for a season, but for the rest of your life. We can't allow people to come to the islands and get all that we have to offer, then take what we have given and go elsewhere to enjoy it. If you feel strongly about your contributions and others that have contributed, then doing what you need to do to become a legal citizen and a true Virgin Islander, is not too much to ask.
Courtney Jackson
Baton Rouge, La.

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