, 1961-12-30

RESOLUTION
WHEREAS in 1884 there was established the predecessor organi-
cation to this Corporation to promote the economic development of
the Virgin Islands, at a time when these Islands were sorely in need
of such assistance. and
WHEREAS the Congress in 1949 caused to be organized this Cor
poration to carry out more effectively this work of economic deve-
lopment, and has since that time generously endowed such Corpora
ton with both the power and the funds to advance such development
to a heartenln9 decree. and
WHEREAS this Board has been assured by the Governor of the
Virgin Islands that his government has the ability an dthe will, and
can obtain the funds, to carry on this work so well begun, and
WHEREAS it is in conformity with the best traditions of our
country, the policy of this Administration. and the repeatedly n
nounced view of responsible Congressional spokesman that the PEG.
pie of the Virgin Islands be given that degree of control over their
own affairs that they are able and willing to utilize effectively;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Secretary of the In
terror shall recommend to the Congress, in accordance with the usual
procedures in the Executive Branch for such proposed legislation
transferring to the Government of the Virgin Islands the physical
and other assets of the Corporation, as well as responsibility for out
stanong oohgatlons, together with those properties located in St
ST. Thomas owned by the United States, for which the Navy Depart
ment is accountable, and which are presently being managed by the
Corporation by virtue of a use permit from the Department of In
terror, provided that: the Secretary of the Interior shall first have
satisfied himself that the following conditions are met, which condi.
tons are not stated in necessary order Of accomplishment:
l. That the Legislature of the Virgin Islands shares the convic,
ton of the Governor that the time has come for the local govern
ment to provide for both the direction and the financing of the work
now being undertaken by the Corporation: ~
2. That the local government is willing to bind itself, and any
successor in interest, that the sugar mill will not cease to be avail
able for grinding locally grown cane on not less than three years
notice, providing that if some unexpected change takes place making
1t unreasonable to provide such notice that an equitable settlement
will be made with those who may have relied upon such notice, to
their loss;
g. That the local government will make suitable and equitable
provision for the employees of the Corporation, providing that "em-
poyees" shall not necessarily include the present officers of the
Corporation as such positions are designated in the Presidents re-
port for the Fiscal Year 1861, or key supervisory personnel
A. That the Governor and the Legislature are aware of the sums
of money to be needed for power expansion during the next decade
and have one o more sound proposals for obtaining the necessary
funds, providing that a proposal will not be deemed to lack sound
ness on the sole grounds thatt would require action by the Congress,
but rather that the Secretary should seek to have such proposal
made a part of the proposed legislation referred to above.