The Daily News Of The Virgin Islands

IN HAPPIER DAYS
In a Senate committee session some years back are, from left, Senators Earle B. Ottley, Joseph A. Gomez (back to camera), John David Merwin (later governor), and Theovald E. Moorehead, Aubrey Anduze and Ron De Lugo (now administrator for St. Croix). Recent rifts between Anduze and De Lugo have led to a split in Democratic ranks in St. Croix.

Dr. Aubrey Anduze of Christiansted announces he will not be a candidate for re-election to the Virgin Islands Senate in the fall.

Anduze has served in the Legislature since his election in 1956 and was president in 1957 and 1960.

He is presently a member of the Finance and Home Rule Committees.

A dentist and brother to Dr. Roy Anduze, St. Thomas surgeon, he is also president of the Christiansted Democratic Club.

Though he said he is resigning to devote more time to his family and his profession, it is no secret that there has been dissension in St. Croix Democratic circles and particularly between Anduze and Ron De Lugo, administrator for the U.S. land.

In announcing his intentions, Anduze wrote:

"Many of you have voiced a desire to have me seek re-election, and believe me I have given your kind sentiments deep thought, and finally reached a decision.

"Within the past six years, headlines have called some of my political encounters victories; and others, defeats. They have called some of my actions fair; and others, unjust. Sometimes one newspaper reported an event favorably, while another reported the same event unfavorably.

…There have been good political battles that left me with a feeling of satisfaction whether I won or lost, and there have been petty and childish bickerings that did not help our climb to political maturity. But so it is with politics. I have grown accustomed to it and probably shall miss it.

"The purpose of this letter," he continued, "is not to make excuses, nor justify anything I have done during my brief political career, nor is it to apologize. I want to thank you for your support at the polls in the past and for your kindness in expressing continued confidence in me.

"When first I became a candidate for the Senate about five and a half years ago, the St. Croix Democratic Clubs had only then entered local politics.

See ANDUZE, Page 8

IN HAPPIER DAYS
In a Senate committee session some years back are, from left, Senators Earle B. Ottley, Joseph A. Gomez (back to camera), John David Merwin (later governor), and Theovald E. Moorehead, Aubrey Anduze and Ron De Lugo (now administrator for St. Croix). Recent rifts between Anduze and De Lugo have led to a split in Democratic ranks in St. Croix.

ANDUZE
(Continued from page 1)

that time our party had very few available candidates. Today we have many more. It is my belief," Anduze wrote, "that I am not deserting the people, but making way for someone else to serve you.

"There will be various interpretations for my actions in this respect but regardless of how diligently I attempt to justify my position, I shall not be able to do so to the satisfaction of all. For this, I am sorry.

"Believe me these past few years as your representative have been filled with adventure. There was never a dull moment and I enjoyed every minute of it. But now I should like to devote more of my time to my family and to my profession at least for a while, and I hope all of you will understand.

"Thanks again for the wonderful support you have always given me at the polls."