U.S. WELFARE TERRITORIES

October 7,2017

U.S. WELFARE TERRITORIES

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The U.S. Virgin Islands is most affectionately known as the beautiful emeralds of the sea. In the last decade, the U.S. Virgin Islands have experienced many different types of hardships. 

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In the wake of Hurricanes Irma and Maria; In the midst of routine White House assaults on childcare, healthcare and preventative care; In the midst of the governor’s failed attempts of running an accountable governorship.

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Here are some things you probably didn’t know about the U.S. Virgin Islands?

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The Virgin Islands Department of Health data shows a negative upward trend in the number of residents receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits from 2005- 2013. In 2005, 23.6% and 43.4% of the total population of St. Thomas and St. Croix respectively, received SNAP assistance. In 2013, 81.4% of the total population of the island of St. Croix received SNAP assistance. No data was given for the other islands: St. John and Water Island.

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Why are these negative data trends so important?

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What questions should a U.S. citizen and a resident of the Virgin Islands ask at this point?

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Does this increase have something to do with a growing elderly population?

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Or does this speak volumes of our economy and a welfare crisis on the beautiful emeralds of the sea?

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Let’s start by holding ourselves accountable.

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It doesn’t stop with just managing your home but also our community. I’m calling all senators and commissioners to action. Make a movement by passing legislation and policies that will stimulate the economy and not hinder our residents to be dependent on government assistance. The residents of the U.S. Virgin Islands came out to the ballots to fight for you to have a seat at the table. Now it’s time to work for the people.

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I have left quite a bit to ponder on the table. But one thing I can be sure of, I am not ready to see the home of my mother, father and my memories be cast away into winds of a hurricane or the hands of a poorly run government. These numbers may seem minuscule but do not let the outcry fall on deaf ears. We are all we’ve got. Virgin Island residents this is a call to action. Start asking the right questions. Hold not only our government accountable but ourselves. This will take time. Before we can move forward, we must move with the end in mind.

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Until next time.

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K. Cabret