Delegates to V.I. Constitutional Convention Hope Sixth Time’s a Charm

For the sixth time in 60 years, a Constitutional Convention took shape in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Fifteen elected delegates gathered in the Earle B. Ottley Legislative Chambers on St. Thomas to officially take their seats Tuesday.

Thirty-sixth Legislature President Milton Potter gaveled the group into order as the ceremony began. Family, friends, colleagues and students filled the seats in the chamber as Superior Court Presiding Judge Debra Smith Watlington led delegates in reciting their oath of office. Proceedings paused for about an hour before reconvening to pass a proposal forming a leadership team. At that time, eight members of the body crafted Resolution 001, naming former Senate President Usie Raymond Richards as convention president.

Attorney Stedmann Hodge Jr. was elected to serve as vice president; Imani Daniel was voted in to serve as secretary, and former Elections Supervisor John Abramson to serve as treasurer. The seven members who voted against the resolution voiced objections, saying they were not consulted on the choices prior to the vote. Newly elected officer Daniel voiced her discontent during a three-minute round of remarks. “It’s day one and I’m already incredibly disappointed in this process and the way the officers were appointed.”