Opinion Pieces

While there is unending debate on the means to pay and share the cost of construction of transportation in our nation – federal government or states, municipalities or private sector – there is no debate that the economic success and national security of America is dependent on a stable, efficient and pervasive intermodal system. Once again, we are at a juncture where government must… Read more »

One of the true joys I have in being the elected Delegate to Congress from the Virgin Islands of the United States is representing my people who have a proud history of being independent-minded, uniquely resilient, physically and emotionally strong, with an intimate understanding of their history. After the hurricanes of 2017 tore through our home, I consistently highlighted these… Read more »

As Americans discuss the mid-term elections: very little is said about the greatest force in the present political landscape– African American women. Black women in America are exerting unacknowledged force in shaping politics in this country. In a focused motivated manner, black women are determinants of political power –through advocating for specific political action as a group or… Read more »

Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (USVI), ranking member on the Subcommittee on the Interior, Energy and Environment, released the following statement regarding a recent article in the National Review urging Congress not to trust the USVI with post-disaster funds: “It has been my position that the use of post-disaster federal funds to the U.S. Virgin Islands must receive the… Read more »

As Americans begin many of the pastimes of summer that are quintessentially American – baseball, backyard barbeques, family road trips - Caribbean Americans spend the month of June reflecting on their contributions and melded cultures in the United States. Ironically, this June, Congress may vote on an immigration bill that will end the Diversity Visa Lottery program which has allowed… Read more »

I did not have high expectations for this year’s State of the Union address. But I expected that the President would be duty bound to address the devastation wrought by hurricanes Irma and Maria and give his administration’s plans for rebuilding, and therefore I felt it was necessary to be present when that outline was given. I also hoped to hear President Trump’s plan to provide… Read more »

OPINION- Published in the Hill- July 11, 2017 Last week on July 4 we commemorated the Declaration of Independence, the affirmative document outlining the ideals of equality and democracy and upheld as a model around the world. For a small group of Americans, this year is also a centennial milestone. It marks 100 years that the people of the Virgin Islands have been part of the United… Read more »

Dear Source: I want to bring a matter of great importance to your attention. A major tax exemption was recently attached to a bill as an amendment by Senator Shawn Michael Malone. By using a last-minute amendment, Senate President Malone avoided the usual committee process and public hearings. At a time when we are facing a budget deficit so serious that government workers were forced to… Read more »