, 1960-07-30
Continued from Yesterday

For although the Virgin Islands Government has the
right of first refusal on any bonafide high bid for VICORP,
there is little chance that we could come up with the ii or
IL million dollars for it's outright purchase. We therefore
contend that we must face up to the situation during this
session.
The democratic party Of the Virgin Islands supports
the eventual purchase of the Virgin Islands Corporation
for the people of our islands. We propose the appropriation
Of a half a million dollars to be used as an annual contri-
button towards the eventual purchase Of VICORP. This
money would also be used to write off VlCORPS anEIal
deficit and for capital investments to be used primarily Tor
the purchase Of agricultural equipment to give aid to the
small farmers and cane growers in preparing Of lands and
the harvesting OF crops. We realize that congressional APP
proval will be needed to bring such q program to fruitlon.
However, we are convinced that through the combined ct
forts of this legislature, the present administration and a
sympathetic Interior Department, this can be realized.
The Democratic party Of the Virgin Islands is dedi-
Gated to the proposition that our Virgin Islands be made
as self sufficient as possible in the shortest possible time.
We believe that our economic base should be broadened to
include the field Of agriculture. We are convinced that with
proper planning, determination and zeal the Virgin Islands
can produce enough produce to feed itself. There are many
of our small farmers today who want to raise vegetables.
It is our solemn duty to see that every aid is given to them
in bringing this about. First, we must address ourselves to
the problem of water. 1t is our sincere hope that the con-
struction of a water distillation plant in st. Thomas will
put an end to the yearly suffering and inconvenience that
We have experienced for far too many years on this island.
The conversion of salt water into drinkable water, how
ever likely or however remote, must not hold US back from
the immediate necessity Of increasing available water re-
sources. We propose, therefore, a program Tor the estab-
lishment of new water catchment and storage facilities in
the Northside district of ST. Thomas. We propose also that
all streets and populated areas in Charlotte Amaie be con-
nected with the water distribution system.
On the island Of ST. Croix a water problem also exists
and is becoming more desperate with every passing year.
Hundreds of home owners, guest houses and hotels need
additional water. The farmer, if he is to feed the Virgin Is
lands, must have water. We propose to address ourselves
to this-one of our paramount problems during this ses-
sion. An engineering survey has shown that there is ade-
quate water on the island Of ST. Croix for both home, agri-
cultural, and small. industrial consumption, if we can re
tain ii.
In the area of estate River there is a 15-milllon gallon
annual runoff of surface water. In the JoHey Hill area
there is an estimated 20 million gallon annual runoff. In
the Hermitage area there is a potential 6 = million gallon an
nual supply Of water and in the Creque Dam, after
it is properly cleaned and repaired, it is believed that
there is an annual &C. million gallon potential. We pro-
pose the Immediate construction of concrete catchment