Dear Source:

Convention President Gerard Luz James II and delegate Adelbert quickly jumped to conclusions without having all the facts in place. Without any reservations, proceeded to discredit the Governor.
If there were a meeting at the auditorium, there should have been a sign outside the door mentioning this along with the committee's name. This is fairly standard at meeting place. Everyone would know there was a meeting in progress. Had he known this, I am sure the Governor would have been proud to showcase this particular work in progress as it would show a progressive Virgin Islands government. From what I've seen the Governor is very proud of the VI and presents us in the best possible light.
U. S. Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne's visit to the islands must have been known to all government officials. He came bearing gifts, lots of gifts. Giving a heads up to the Governor about the Convention's meeting, location as well as an invitation, would not have been a bad idea.
The Convention was not proactive in this aspect, but it can react plenty, "I find it abominable," Delegate Adelbert Bryan said Friday. "… he walk through this building here, and the most important document being discussed … and deJongh, who is supposed to be a black governor in a predominant black population … and he doesn't even come in here. You got a bunch of cowards running the government."
To make a public, negative announcement about the governor and being corrected gives one some insight about Mr. James, the organization he heads as well as his lack of political savvy. Jumping to conclusions without having all the facts can carry a great political cost. After all, this project has an expiration date.
Gentlemen, get off your high horses. All of our jobs are important. The most mature and experienced professionals know when to be arrogant and when to be humble. When you are behind a microphone or a camera, be very aware of what you are saying and the image you are projecting.
Mr. James II, Mr. Adelbert, you are not alone; jumping to conclusions is very popular in the VI. Your positions, however, makes it less forgiving. The Governor let you off easily for your harsh comments.
V. Pierre
St. Thomas

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