The Home Journal

Speech of Dr. John A. Singleton

Fellow Virgin Islanders, of St. Thomas, St. Croix, St. John.

In 1947 eleven years ago, I came to the beautiful Island of St. Thomas to visit, and while here, I had the pleasure to meet, many fine and wonderful people, whose hospitality and friendliness coupled with an Island, whose wonderful climate and beautiful scenery, made me desire to return to live here.

Consequently in 1948 ten years ago I returned to this Island of paradise to settle and establish myself in the practice of dentistry.

It was refreshing, to get away from crowded New York, where I had lived, and practiced for many years, and come to the quiet, and peaceful Island of St. Thomas, away from the hustle and bustle of the daily activity, and settle down among a fine, quiet and peace loving people; to live and work in an atmosphere of independence in a real democracy.

In Omaha, Nebraska, before coming to New York, my activity in politics and community life was well known. I was elected and served in the Nebraska State Legislature where I devoted my time in fighting for under privileged. I was also active in many civic and political organizations, which helped to aid in the advancement and uplift of the people of my district.

I led a useful and active life in Nebraska and when I came to New York I continued my activities, injecting myself into the political and civic problems, which confronted my community. I was a member of the Mayor's Committee on Unity, an organization devoted to discussing and solving interracial problems in New York City.

For seven years I was President of the Jamaica branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. And in 1942, I received their Merit Award for my fight against discrimination. Two years before coming to the Virgin Islands I served as a member of their National Board of Directors. I am now a life member of that organization, which has done an outstanding job in fighting for integration and true Americanism.

I also served as a member of the South Jamaica Housing Committee and was one of those responsible for the first integrated housing developments, in New York City, namely the South Jamaica Houses.

After coming to St. Thomas, where I had placed my roots, I felt I had become a part of this community, living here, and owning property. In reality a real Virgin Islander I felt that the old theory, that one must be born here, in order to participate in government and take an active part in community life was false and not true I felt that the same opportunities offered an American citizen, was the same here as in New York or any other city in the United States.

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Speech of Dr. John A. Singleton
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The question then came to my mind, why shouldn't I participate in the government, and give the Islands the benefit of my many years of experience in public life keeping in mind the fact that many qualified migrants from the Caribbean islands have injected themselves into the political life in the states in which they reside and have been elected by the people of their communities to such offices as judgeships, legislatures, and one, even as President of the Borough of Manhattan, in one of the largest cities in the world.

Consequently, four years ago, I ran for the Virgin Islands Senate, with only one thought in mind, that I might be helpful and assist in making the islands a better place to live, help secure for its citizens many of the rights and privileges of Americans, which is rightfully theirs.

I made an excellent showing at the polls against two of the most powerful candidates on the town tickets. I conducted a clean campaign, neither vilifying nor slandering any candidate, and I must say I was treated in a most respectful manner by my opponents. Consequently, there was no bitterness, or wounds to heal. I have always felt and continue to feel now that campaigns should be confined to issues and platforms, and not to personalities.

I believe the people, who are the voters must analyze each candidate and vote for the ones they feel will best carry out their wishes.

Many of my friends and well-wishers have been asking me why I do not run again this year. I told them I would consider and give my answer at a later date. They felt that I could contribute an independence of thought, and an interest in the people that is so badly needed in the Legislature. They felt that I could be helpful in aiding the Virgin Islands secure more autonomy and fight for the measures, irrespective of party, which would benefit the people. They felt, and I agreed, that the Legislature needed a man who would not become involved in factionalism, petty fights and bickering but would vote as an independent for the best interests of all of the people.

They felt that the Legislature was a body of dignity, where name-calling & slander had no place; a body where visiting government officials could look upon with respect, and give consideration to their proposals.

I am prepared to now publicly meet the challenge-and say to my many friends and well-wishers, My hat is in the ring. I will run for SENATOR AT LARGE, but only as an independent, with one thought in mind: to represent to the best of my ability, all of the people of St. Thomas, St. Croix and St. John, keeping foremost in mind their best interests. I will not be subservient to any individual, or group of individuals nor to any political party or club. I will at all times vote my sincere conviction on any issue that will benefit the people of the Virgin Islands. I will speak to you over the radio and through the press from time to time during this campaign, setting forth my platform and ideas for the betterment of our Islands.

I hope that those of you who hear my voice at this broadcast, and are truly interested in electing to office men who will express an independence of thought, men who are qualified to represent all the people, men whose desire for progress and advancement is placed above personal interests, will register and vote your honest convictions. I hope I can prove to your satisfaction that I can be one of those men who you can put your confidence in. I wish for all of you a pleasant evening. Remember that John A. Singleton's hat is in the ring, and will appreciate your support in the coming November election. Good night.