Current officials
The most proponents of the land exchange are local government officials. USVI Governor Albert Bryan, who signed the bill; Education Commissioner Dionne Wells-Hendrington; Senate President Novelle Francis, who presented the bill on the Senate floor.; Government House spokesman Richard Motta Jr.; and Delegate to Congress Stacey Plaskett, who have worked with federal partners to ensure that the voices of residents were being heard.
Bryan said “After half a century of setbacks and obstacles, our collective goal of establishing a secondary school on the island of St. John is at last a reality. This historic achievement is the result of the culmination of decades of work, spanning numerous administrations and requiring leadership from public servants across the nation.” “The gravity of the calling we share in protecting and providing for future generations has never been more apparent. Our opportunity to safeguard the future of education for our children is upon us.” [8]
Dionne Wells-Hendrington, a staunch supporter of the proposal upon taking the helm of the Education Department. “We all have opinions on what we think should happen, but at the end of the day, what price are we paying when it comes to our children?” She expressed concern about rising construction costs and the possibility of losing FEMA funds that have been promised to build the school. [9] When a majority of residents asked why NPS could not have donate the land. She further said “My children had to endure it, and I don't want my grandchildren to have to endure it. It's time for us to be serious about where we’re putting our values and our priorities. I want to see our children receive what is overdue to them for decades,”. [10]
Francis said “I can see disenfranchisement here. What side of history will we find ourselves on? It's unfortunate how the federal government has its knees on our throats. For 50 years, our students have been disenfranchised.“On St. John, there are no public high schools. The youths are simply asking to be educated at a location close to their homes. Not continue to toil just to get an education. It is a tough decision to make because I agree that we should not have to give up anything. [11]
Motta has urged residents to support the land swap. He stated “Many of you may also be aware of just how long this agreement has been in the making — some 50 years,” he said, “dating back to Gov. Melvin Evans and most notably championed by the late Gov. Charles W. Turnbull.” [12]
Plaskett said "I acknowledge the tough decisions our local government faces with regards to the proposed Government of the Virgin Islands – National Park Service (NPS) St. John Land Exchange," [13]
Senator Shawn-Michael Malone said “The construction of a high school on St. John will further mark the development of the island and will demonstrate that the island is continually improving.” I think the governor's decision to swap land is a reasonable one that will yield positive results for the residents of St. John for years to come. [14]
Senator At Large Craig Barshinger said “It's good for the V.I. because it allows us to have a first class educational facility with K through 12 grades and the possibility of a U.V.I. satellite presence.” In fact, as far back as 2002, the 2002 Team Democrats had on our platform the rebuilding and relocation of Julius E. Sprauve School on St. John. [14]
Senator At Large Steven Payne said “It's been way too long. Everyone who has to sign off on it in the Virgin Islands has,” “so we’re going to knock on some doors.” [15]
