The Daily News Of The Virgin Islands

A FEARLESS VOICE

The form of government which is characteristic of the United States of America is valid and effective only insofar as the people themselves take an intelligent interest and an active part in it. If the people are timid or intimidated, indifferent, lackadaisical, or apathetic, naturally the government is not going to function properly, and the Constitution becomes a forgotten document. Control passes into the hands of a few. and the twin evils of graft and corruption take over the reins.

Recently a new voice has appeared on the political scene in the person of one Father Thomas Gibbs of the Episcopal Church in St. Croix. In speaking on behalf of the Young Democrats. this priest has been outspoken in his criticism of those who "seek their own selfish ends and corrupt destinies. He speaks of those who have "talked long and loud" about the problems of the islands and charges that "their desire has not been the progressive improvement of these islands. but rather, how much could be gotten out of the people for the benefit of the few."

"No political party which has as one of its goals the growth and strengthening of that party at the expense of the people can lay claim to being a democratic party," he affirms, and calls upon his group to "give no quarter to those who would deprive the islands of their just heritage and to shout from the roof tops that every person in these islands may know who is guilty of those abuses against the people."

With these and other ringing words this fearless speaker has interjected a new note of positive thinking Into the political scene.

We are not accustomed to such forthright declarations on these islands. So many know the story but have become intimidated by economic or social pressures and are afraid to speak out. What we have needed for some time is a person who is "not afraid to stick his neck out" on matters which are pertinent to the honorable task of government.

But history is on our side. It is by such as these that our nation has become great, our destinies shaped, our future secured against the machinations of little men who would deny us our rightful inheritance.