V.I. leaders react to governor's speech

ST. THOMAS - Many local politicians Monday felt Gov. John deJongh Jr.'s speech struck a divisive tone at a time when the territory needed a unifying message to breach political differences and find solutions to the many issues currently facing the territory.

V.I. senators felt especially attacked in the speech.

While a number of the lawmakers agreed that the body failed to work together toward a solution, just about all of them felt deJongh struck the wrong chord.

Senators also had widespread criticism that the governor failed to provide any truly innovative ideas in this year's State of the Territory Address - which also has been the governor's complaint about the Legislature.

"I would have preferred more detailed plans as to how he was going to work with the Legislature and the people about the finances and the economy," said Senate President Ronald Russell. "I think it was more a venting of frustration because we're having such difficult times, and he wanted to blame the Legislature."

The speech did not offer the optimistic or unifying message the territory needed, Russell said.

Sen. Shawn-Michael Malone was among a number of senators who said that the governor let down the territory by failing to "rally the people together."

"I expected the governor to rise to the occasion and to take the high road," Malone said. "It is not a time for pointing fingers and laying blame. If the senators don't agree with your policies, it doesn't mean it's the end of the world. It just means we disagree."

Sen. Nereida Rivera-O'Reilly took it a step further, saying she felt the governor had been spoiled by previous Legislatures too willing to do his bidding and was now unable to handle anyone questioning his decisions.

"He takes no responsibility for anything. The only solution he has ever offered is borrowing," Rivera-O'Reilly said. "That isn't always the answer. There's got to be a better way to manage."

Continued borrowing to cover operational expenses will only "shackle future generations with debt," she said. "And six months down the road, we'll be in the same boat."

Sen. Terrence Nelson said the speech lacked vision, was malicious and was "purely political" in its attempt to blame the 29th Legislature.

"The irony about this is that he has gotten from the 29th Legislature almost every single proposal that he's sent down," Nelson said.

Sen. Janette Millin Young said the tone of the speech was "combative." She said she does not support borrowing for operations, and she never will.

"Just because you bring things doesn't mean that I have to say yes," she said.

Sen. Celestino White Sr. said the governor clearly was disappointed with the Legislature's recent failure to pass the Gross Receipts Tax increase to back $120 million in borrowing. White said he agreed with the governor's position that crime and infrastructure must be improved to make businesses thrive.

Several senators mentioned deJongh's statement that he planned to direct the V.I. Water and Power Authority board to come up with an action plan to address the territory's distressingly high power rates, which are tied to the authority's reliance on fuel oil.

"That's absolutely stunning, given that he's been governor for six years now, and he's barely mentioned it until now," said Sen. Neville James, who added that he felt that was representative of many other issues that were ignored until after the 2010 election.

"He knows that a lot of the promises he made during the 2010 campaign are not coming to fruition," James said.

"He's now facing the realities that were watching him squarely in his face in 2010 that he ignored," James said.

Despite the biting attacks on the Senate, Sen. Sammuel Sanes and a number of other senators said they were ready to look beyond the governor's remarks and attempt to move forward.

"I agree that we as leaders have failed to come together and offer a solution," Sanes said. "We need to come together as one."

Sen. Usie Richards said that while he was hoping for more substance in the speech, he did understand the governor's position. He said he recognizes that the 8 percent pay cuts are not enough to bring the territory back to where it was.

"The Legislature as an institution, all 15 members have a duty and a responsibility to get to the position of making some hard and fast decisions," Richards said.

Like others, Sen. Alvin Williams Jr. spent time defending his stance against a bill to increase the Gross Receipts Tax, calling it "doubling-hitting our residents."

"Before we do that, we need to look at other areas in this government where we can make cuts and reductions before we resort to that," Williams said.

Sen. Alicia Hansen defended her vote to support the increase in Gross Receipts Tax, saying it is better that thousands of government employees going home.

"If we don't pass the .5 percent very quickly, it will be on the hands of the Legislature, like blood," Hansen said.

Some senators said they were not happy that the governor plans to terminate more employees, close schools and reduce hours for senior centers and recreational facilities.

"I know we're in a financially tight situation right now, but we have to support services for our seniors and our youth," Sen. Patrick Simeon Sprauve said.

Sen. Craig Barshinger said he was expecting the governor to talk about restructuring government, something the Senate is poised to consider soon. The perception of the V.I. government must change soon.

"The government is not a jobs program, it's a services program," Barshinger said.

Many senators were disappointed that deJongh failed to talk about future hotel developments for St. Croix. The omission raised concern that the three major stalled projects may never become a reality. They were pleased to hear, however, that the Paul E. Joseph stadium project might be moving ahead soon.

In the shadow of the closure of the HOVENSA refinery, V.I. Delegate to Congress Donna Christensen said she would have liked to hear more about how the territory moves forward without its largest private employer, and to that end she has asked to meet with deJongh to discuss it.

One means of addressing the employment vacuum on the horizon would be the Paul E. Joseph Stadium and sports complex proposed for St. Croix, which the governor mentioned in his speech, Christensen said.

"I think if we move on that very quickly, it's still going to take a few years, but it will bring jobs right away," she said. "I'm 100 percent behind that, and I hope these senators act on it quickly."

Russell said he hopes the territory's elected officials can move on and learn to work together to improve the Virgin Islands.

"It's time to move past that, and we need to collaborate with the delegate and all 15 senators to come up with a comprehensive plan to deal with energy, jobs and health care," Russell said.

Sen. Louis Hill and Sen. Carlton Dowe declined to comment after Monday's speech.

- Contact reporter Aldeth Lewin at 714-9111 or email alewin@dailynews.vi and contact Daniel Shea at 714-9127 or email dshea@dailynews.vi.

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