(Washington, DC, February 17, 2005)—Delegate to Congress Donna Christensen received the official petition of the St. Croix Self Government Committee from two of its members who traveled to Washington this week to explain their position to Members of Congress and officials in the Department of Interior.  The 7,000 signature petition urged Congress to create a separate government for St. Croix.

“I received the petitions from Avis publisher Rena Brodhurst and Mrs. Evelyn James, President and Vice President respectively of the self-government committee and assisted them in meeting with both Democrat and Republican members and their staff, as well as some Interior Department officials,” said the Delegate.  “It gave them the opportunity to explain how the petition came about and why they believe it is important.”

Christensen said that the outcome of the committee’s efforts rests on future meetings with Virgin Islands leadership and the level of support from the people of St. Croix.  “What seems to be developing from the meetings is a sense that there needs to be an initial assessment by the Resources Committee on what disparities indeed exist, what are the causes and what is the best and most effective approach to addressing them,” Christensen said. “The Committee Chairman has promised to visit the territory and hold hearings on other issues and  this could be a part of the agenda.”

“This is the way democracy works.  It is the first step in a process, which at the very least should bring more community dialogue on how to address the very real economic and social issues that face the people of St. Croix,” the Delegate said.