Atlanta Daily World

Virgin Islanders Hopeful Of Right To Elect Own Governor

By ALTON A. ADAMS

CHARLOTTE AMALIE, St. Thomas, V. I. - (ANP) - The people of the Virgin Islands have been heartened over the news that a resident commissioner for the islands has the support and recommendation of President Eisenhower.

If this should get the OK of the Congress there is only one more political objective of the islands for the foreseeable future, and that is the right of the people to elect their own governor. At present the governor is appointed by the President with the approval of the senate and serves at the will or pleasure of the Chief Executive.

For many years the election of their own governor and a representative to represent them at Washington has been continually requested by the islanders who register a 98 per cent literacy.

ISLANDS HAVE MADE PROGRESS

The Virgin Islands for the past several years have made substantial economic progress. The Director of the Budget, stated that for the six months ending December 31 (the first half of the fiscal year) revenues of the general fund are the highest in the history of the territory.

Total revenues for the first six months of the present fiscal year exceed total revenues for the first six months of the last fiscal year by 44.70 per cent. The Director pointed out that if this percentage keeps up, the revenues of the general fund for the fiscal year 1960 will approximate seven million to seven and half million dollars.

TOURIST TRADE, BIG BUSINESS

The tourist trade, foremost, and other projects and constructions have built up the local economy.

Governor John D. Merwin will leave Washington Tuesday, in connection with the introduction in Congress of legislation for the transfer of the Marine facilities at Bourne Field, St. Thomas from the United States Navy, which have been declared surplus property.