Intergenerational Dialogue Sparks Debate at Constitutional Convention Meeting on St. John

Close to a dozen residents from St. Thomas and St. John joined members of the Sixth Constitutional Convention Saturday as one of its committees held a public meeting in Cruz Bay. The Standing Committee on Government Structure convened virtually and in person at the Cleone Creque Legislative Hall to ask for public input.

They were welcomed by a diverse group of individuals, spanning all ages, including nonprofit leaders, concerned citizens, and academics. The purpose of the meeting, as shared with committee Chair Rupert Ross, was to review the work completed by the Fifth Constitutional Convention. This included discussions on the principles of government; the structure and functions of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches; the organization of local government; proposed amendments to the section on government structure; and steps for implementing any changes if the U.S. Congress approves this version of the Virgin Islands Constitution.

Ross said the session was the committee’s second public meeting. “We want to be successful in this process,” he said, adding his thanks for the input provided by testifiers.

Much of the testimony focused on context — why the territory needed a constitution at this time, and how putting a founding document in place would serve a people still grappling with questions about self-determination.

“We are essentially placing constitutional development before political status,” said consultant and nonprofit leader Hadiyah Sewer. Convention President Usie Richards agreed in part, but only up to a point.

Richards said he agreed that addressing status should come before drafting a constitution, but to him, the choice came down to standing on the sidelines or setting his views aside and getting involved in the process.

Former Senator and current convention member Lillianna Belardo De O’Neal challenged the speaker’s remarks that drafting a constitution should be paused in order to address the status question.