>>> ON THIS EPISODE OF COMES WITH THE TERRITORY -- AS THE PRESIDENTIAL RACE INTENSIFIES, BOTH MAJOR PARTIES HAVE HELD THEIR CONVENTIONS, SETTING THE STAGE FOR AN HISTORIC ELECTION.

REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE LOCAL DEMOCRATIC AND REPUBLICAN PARTIES ARE HERE TO DISCUSS WHAT HAPPENS AT NATIONAL CONVENTION AND HOW IT ALL RELATES TO THE TERRITORY.

>>> PLUS, A RECAP OF NEWS WORTHY ISSUES ON THE LOCAL POLITICAL SCENE HEADING INTO THE GENERAL ELECTION.

INCLUDING GROWING CONCERNS ABOUT POLITICAL DISENGAGEMENT, A SENATOR FACING COMMERCIAL EVICTION IN THE MIDST OF A RE-ELECTION CAMPAIGN, A FORMER SENATOR´S CAMPAIGN AND A CRITIC BEING DENIED ENTRY INTO AN ELECTED OFFICIAL´S TOWN HALL MEETING.

STAY TUNED AS THIS WEEK´S PANEL JOINS THE CONVERSATION TO ANALYZE THESE POLITICAL ISSUES AND MORE.

COMES WITH THE TERRITORY STARTS NOW.

>>> WELCOME TO COMES WITH THE TERRITORY.

LAST MONTH, THE DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL CONVENTION WRAPPED UP IN CHICAGO WHERE VICE PRESIDENT KAMALA HARRIS MADE HISTORY AS THE FIRST WOMAN OF COLOR TO ACCEPT THE PRESIDENTIAL NOMINATION OF A MAJOR PARTY.

AND IN JULY IN MILWAUKEE, FORMER PRESIDENT TRUMP FORMALLY ACCEPTED THE REPUBLICAN NOMINATION.

HERE´S MORE ON BOTH CONVENTIONS.

♫♫ THE DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL CONVENTION TURNED THE TRADITIONAL ROLE CALL INTO A HIGH ENERGY CELEBRATION.

♫♫ THE CROWDS ON THEIR FEET AS MUSIC BLARED THROUGHOUT CHICAGO´S UNITED CENTER.

CORRESPONDING TO EACH STATE AND TERRITORY ANNOUNCING BOTH.

♫♫ >> THE U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS.

HOW DO YOU CAST YOUR VOTE?

MR. SECRETARY, WE ARE PROUD TO CALL THE VIRGIN ISLANDS OF THE UNITED STATES OUR HOME.

>> DELEGATES OF CONGRESS STACEY AND ALBERT BRIAN JR.

JOINED THE CONTINGENT OF LOCAL DEMOCRATS TO ANNOUNCE -- >> ALL 13 VOTES TO KAMALA HARRIS!

THE MUSICAL ROLL CALL WAS JUST ONE OF THE MANY HIGHLIGHTS OF THE CONVENTION THAT FEATURED A STREAM OF CELEBRITIES AND POWERFUL SPEECHES FROM HEAVYWEIGHTS LIKE FORMER PRESIDENT OBAMA, MICHELLE OBAMA, AND HILLARY CLINTON BEFORE THE LAST DAY´S SWEEPING ACCEPTANCE SPEECH BY THE VICE PRESIDENT.

>> I ACCEPT YOUR NOMINATION TO BE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

HARRIS´ 40-MINUTE SPEECH CENTERED ON HER PERSONAL STORY, COMMITMENT OF FIGHTING FOR MIDDLE CLASS AND HER VISION FOR A MORE UNITED AMERICA.

>> LET US WRITE THE NEXT GREAT CHAPTER IN THE MOST EXTRAORDINARY STORY EVER TOLD.

♫♫ >> DAYS AFTER SURVIVING AN ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT, FORMER PRESIDENT TRUMP TOOK CENTER STAGE AT THE REPUBLICAN NATIONAL CONVENTION IN MILWAUKEE IN JULY.

>> WE WANT TO REMIND ALL OUR DELEGATES, OUR ALTERNATES AND GUESTS, THAT MAINTAINING ORDER DURING THE ROLL CALL IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT.

>> THE REPUBLICAN CONVENTION FEATURED A MORE SUBDUED AND STRAIGHTFORWARD ROLL CALL WHICH INCLUDED THE DELEGATION FROM THE VIRGIN ISLANDS.

>> THE LAND OF WELCOMING PEOPLE, BEAUTIFUL BEACHES, TREMENDOUS CULTURE AND THE BEST RUM IN THE WORLD PROUDLY CASTS ITS FOUR DELEGATES FOR PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP.

>> DONALD TRUMP HAS MY STRONG ENDORSEMENT, PERIOD.

>> THE RNC FEATURED NOTABLE SPEAKERS SUCH AS NIKKI HALEY, TIM SCOTT, AND RON DeSANTIS.

>> I STAND BEFORE YOU IN THIS ARENA ONLY BY THE GRACE OF ALL MIGHTY GOD.

>> IN HIS 90-MINUTE ACCEPTANCE SPEECH, HE RECOUNTED THE SURVIVAL OF THE ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT.

>> THEY THOUGHT IT WAS OVER.

I RAISED MY RIGHT ARM AND LOOKED AT THE THOUSANDS AND THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE THAT WERE BREATHLESSLY WAITING AND STARTED CHANTING FIGHT, FIGHT, FIGHT.

>> HE EMPHASIZED HOW THE EXPERIENCE STRENGTHENED HIS RESOLVE TO LEAD A DIVIDED NATION.

>> AMERICA´S FUTURE WILL BE BIGGER, BOLDER, BRIGHTER, HAPPIER, STRONGER, FREER, GREATER, AND MORE UNITED THAN EVER BEFORE.

>> JOINING THE SHOW TO DISCUSS HOW THIS ALL RELATES ARE REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE LOCAL REPUBLICAN AND DEMOCRATIC PARTIES.

ONSET IS RONALD PICARD, A MEMBER OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS.

WELCOME TO THE SHOW.

>> THANK YOU FOR HAVING ME.

>> AND JOINING THE DECISION FROM OUR ST. CROIX STUDIO, STEADMAN HODGE JR. GREAT TO HAVE YOU WITH US.

>> THANKS FOR HAVING ME.

>> GREAT.

LET´S START WITH YOU, MR. PICARD.

WE JUST SAW THE VIDEO FROM BOTH CONVENTIONS SO I WANTED TO KNOW MORE OR LESS HOW DID IT FEEL TO BE IN THE ROOM?

>> WELL, IT WAS ELECTRIFYING.

TO SAY THE LEAST.

I MEAN, THE ENERGY WAS SO STRONG.

EVERYTHING WAS POSITIVE.

THE ATMOSPHERE ITSELF, THE PEOPLE.

EVERYBODY WAS ON LEVEL OF EXCITEMENT LEADING TO THE FACT THAT WE´RE THAT CLOSE AND ACTUALLY BRINGING AN ECONOMY BACK.

>> I WANT TO ASK THE SAME QUESTION FOR YOU, MR. HODGE.

BASICALLY, WE SAW THE VIDEO AND MANY OF US WATCHED THE CONVENTION.

ONE WAS VERY SUBDUED.

AND THEN THE OTHER ONE WAS PARTY LIKE.

HOW DID IT FEEL TO BE IN THE ROOM?

>> I THINK IT WAS REALLY EXCITING.

THE ENERGY WAS THROUGH THE ROOF.

NOT JUST WITH SPEAKERS, BUT ALSO THE ACTIVITIES THAT WERE HAPPENING AT THE CONVENTION CENTER.

THE VARIOUS CAUCUSES.

IT WAS, I MEAN, IT WAS THE HIGHLIGHT OF EVERYTHING WHERE WE ACTUALLY NOMINATED THE MOST QUALIFIED CANDIDATE ON THE TICKET FROM TOP TO BOTTOM.

>> YOU SPOKE ABOUT A HIGHLIGHT.

WHAT WOULD YOU SAY WAS THE ACTUAL HIGHLIGHT OF THAT CONVENTION?

>> I THINK BASED ON THE EXPERIENCE OF THE INDIVIDUALS, BUT ONE OF THE BIG TAKEAWAYS FOR ME WAS THE EMOTIONAL PERIOD WHEN PRESIDENT BIDEN CAME OUT AND HE SPOKE.

IT WAS PASSIONATE.

HE SPOKE OF WHAT HE AND HIS ADMINISTRATION HAD BEEN DOING FOR DEMOCRATS AND WHETHER YOU VOTED FOR HIM OR NOT.

IT´S ABOUT EVERYONE THAT´S A CITIZEN OF THE UNITED STATES AND ITS TERRITORIES.

>> SO, EVERYBODY´S GOING TO SAY IT WAS PARTY, BUT ANYTHING POLICY RELATED?

ANYTHING YOU COULD BRING HOME AND SAY IF THIS PRESIDENT IS ELECTED, WHAT POLICIES WOULD BE INSTITUTED THAT COULD BENEFIT HIM?

>> OF COURSE, BUT I´D LIKE TO GO BACK QUICKLY.

YOU SAID THAT ONE PART WAS SUBDUED VERSUS THE OTHER.

REFERRING TO THE RNC.

WELL, THE RNC, I WAS THERE.

SO IT WASN´T SUBDUED.

IT WAS ENERGETIC.

MOSTLY PARTY LIKE, BUT IT WAS MORE SERIOUSLY LIKE.

IT WAS VERY ENERGETIC.

YOU SPOKE ABOUT POLICIES.

SO WHAT WE´RE LOOKING AT POLICIES THAT CAN PERHAPS BENEFIT THE PEOPLE OF VIRGIN ISLANDS.

THE PARTY WAS TALKING ABOUT HOW THEY´RE TRYING TO EMPHASIZE SECURING THE BORDER.

SECURING THE BORDER.

THAT WAS ONE MAJOR AS WELL AS BRINGING MORE MANUFACTURING COMPANIES IN THE UNITED STATES TO MANUFACTURE GOODS IN THE UNITED STATES.

AS YOU CAN REALIZE WHAT´S GOING TO HAPPEN IF WE KNOCK OUT CHINA AND EVERYTHING IS MADE IN THE USA, NO ONE WILL GET PRODUCTS SHIPPED TO THE VIRGIN ISLANDS FASTER.

WE GET PRODUCTS FOR A MUCH CHEAPER PRICE.

SO WE NEED MORE MANUFACTURING COMPANIES IN THE UNITED STATES AND THAT´S ONE THING.

>> SO YOU SPOKE ABOUT THE BORDER.

>> RIGHT.

>> AND BUSINESS.

AND ECONOMY.

SO, THE TERRITORY IMPACT BESIDES SAVING MONEY BECAUSE THINGS WILL GET HERE FASTER.

WE HAVE OPEN WATERS.

SO HOW DO YOU THINK, WERE YOU ABLE TO TALK TO ANYBODY POLICIES ABOUT OUR OPEN WATERS SINCE THEY´RE TALKING SO MUCH ABOUT BORDERS?

>> RIGHT.

WHEN YOU SAY OPEN WATERS, YOU´RE REFERRING TO AS IT PERTAINS TO SHIPPING?

>> TO PROTECTING OUR BORDERS.

>> YOU´RE REFERRING TO THE SECURITY OF THE NATION.

>> YEAH.

>> I´M GLAD YOU BROUGHT THAT UP BECAUSE I´M REFERRING TO AS YOU CAN SEE NOW A BIDEN AND KAMALA ADMINISTRATION, OVER 16.5 MILLION IMMIGRANTS HAVE ENTERED THE UNITED STATES.

THERE´S NO SECURITY AT OUR BORDER.

AS YOU CAN SEE WHAT HAPPENED AND WHAT´S GOING ON RIGHT NOW PERTAINING TO THE UNITED STATES, IN FACT FURTHER MORE, THERE ARE IMMIGRANTS THAT HAVE BEEN GIVEN PHOTO ID CARDS AND THEY´RE ALLOWED TO VOTE FOR PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES VERSUS WE´RE CITIZENS OF THE UNITED STATES AND WE DON´T HAVE THE RIGHT TO VOTE FOR PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES HOWEVER THESE IMMIGRANTS -- >> UNLESS WE ARE ON A MAIL-IN.

>> UNLESS WE RELOCATE TO THE MAINLAND.

OF COURSE THEN WE CAN VOTE FOR PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, BUT HERE WE ARE IN VIRGIN ISLANDS.

WE ARE CITIZENS BUT WE CANNOT VOTE FOR THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES.

HOWEVER, IMMIGRANTS COMING OVER, THEY HAVE THE RIGHT TO VOTE.

>> SO MR. HODGE, SAME QUESTION FOR YOU ABOUT THE TERRITORY IMPACT WITH THE POLICIES THAT WERE MAYBE DISCUSSED DURING MEETINGS BECAUSE I´M SURE YOU TALKED TO POLICYMAKERS WHILE YOU WERE THERE AS WELL.

>> AND WHEN WE TALK ABOUT ECONOMICS, IMMIGRATION, ABORTION RIGHTS ET CETERA, AS RELATED TO IMMIGRATION, THREE OF MY GRANDPARENTS WERE NOT BORN IN THE U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS.

THEY WERE BORN IN THE BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS AND WE, THE TERRITORY OCCUPIES HISPANICS FOR INDIVIDUALS FROM OTHER CARIBBEAN ISLANDS WHETHER IT´S ANTIGUA, DOMINICA, AND IT´S A CULTURAL MIX.

WE HAVE TO BE RECEPTIVE TO ANYONE WHO´S COMING TO THE NUMBER ONE NATION IN THE WORLD WHERE YOU HAVE THE MOST FREEDOM, THE MOST RIGHTS.

PRIVILEGES.

TO PARTICIPATE IN OUR ECONOMY.

>> IN TERMS OF THE ACTUAL -- OKAY.

SO I WANT TO TALK ABOUT SOMETHING THAT´S REALLY SOMETHING THAT EVERYBODY´S TALKING ABOUT LOCALLY AND THAT IS LOCAL, THE BORDER ENGAGEMENT.

LIKE YOU SAID, YOU WERE EXCITED TO BE AT THE RNC.

THE DNC WAS ENERGETIC, BUT LOCALLY, WHERE IS THAT SPIRIT?

>> WELL, THE SPIRIT IS HERE.

AS YOU KNOW, ANTICIPATION OF WHO´S GOING TO WIN AS IT PERTAINS TO PRESIDENT.

FIRST OF ALL, WE HAVE TO RELAY SOMETHING.

REGARDLESS WHO WINS, WHETHER IT´S PRESIDENT TRUMP OR PRESIDENT KAMALA HARRIS, WE HAVE TO WORK WITH OUR PRESIDENT.

THAT´S SOMETHING WE HAVE TO REALIZE BUT WE HAVE TO WORK WITH A NEW PRESIDENT AS IT PERTAINS TO IT BEING BENEFICIAL FOR THE PEOPLE OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS.

>> SO DO YOU BELIEVE THAT LOCAL REPUBLICANS ARE REALLY EXCITED ABOUT THE PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION BUT WHAT ABOUT THE LOCAL ELECTION?

YOU DON´T HAVE ANYBODY RUNNING IN THE SENATORIAL RACE.

>> THERE ARE CANDIDATES RUNNING FOR YOUR FRIENDS IN THE LOCAL ELECTION TAKING PLACE.

THERE ARE REPUBLICAN CANDIDATES RUNNING RIGHT NOW FOR DIFFERENT OFFICES HERE IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS.

THEY´RE VERY ENERGETIC AND LOOKING FORWARD TO IT.

WE´VE HAD A LOT MORE REPUBLICANS RUNNING THAN WE´VE HAD IN A LONG TIME AND THAT´S VERY GOOD.

MOSTLY, YOU HAVE TO GET THE PEOPLE OUT TO VOTE.

>> THAT´S MY POINT.

I WANTED TO TALK TO MR. HODGE AS WELL BECAUSE OBVIOUSLY THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY BEING SO LARGE HERE, MR. HODGE, THE NUMBERS ARE VERY LOW DURING THE PRIMARIES.

PEOPLE COMING OUT TO VOTE.

SO WHAT ABOUT THE LOCAL VOTER ENGAGEMENT THAT THE PARTY´S INVOLVED IN?

>> YEAH.

THE LOCAL, WE´VE BEEN DRIVING THAT NARRATIVE FOR A LONG TIME.

WHETHER IT´S OUR GOVERNMENT AND WHAT WE´RE DOING WE SEE IN THE TERRITORY.

WHAT WE´RE DOING WHEN IT COMES TO HUD CONCERNING AFFORDABLE HOUSING TO INCLUDE WHAT´S GOING TO BE FORTHCOMING WHERE ON THE BIDEN HARRIS ADMINISTRATION 2025 BUDGET IS PROVIDING MILLIONS OF DOLLARS AND KAMALA HARRIS, OUR PRESIDENTIAL NOMINEE, IS ADDING AN ADDITIONAL 40 BILLION TO BENEFIT NOT JUST THE UNITED STATES, BUT ALSO ITS TERRITORIES.

BUT IT´S ABOUT GETTING THE MESSAGE OUT AND WHAT WE DO AND ALLOWING OUR CITIZENS TO TRULY UNDERSTAND WHAT´S HAPPENING ON THE NATIONAL LEVEL.

IT´S HAPPENING WITH OUR SENATORS.

IT´S HAPPENED WITH OUR DEMOCRATIC PARTY CLUBS.

YOU MAY NOT HEAR A LOT OF IT MAY BE THROUGH RADIO BECAUSE OF COURSE THAT DOES COME WITH THE COST BUT WE ARE DRIVING THAT NARRATIVE.

>> SO CLASS IS A BIG ISSUE HERE FOR ENGAGING YOUR LOCAL VOTERS.

SO, WE QUICKLY, I´D LIKE TO WRAP UP OUR CONVERSATION AND TALK ABOUT DEBATE EXPECTATIONS.

WE HAVE A PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE COMING UP.

WHAT DO YOU EXPECT TO HEAR FROM MR. TRUMP AND WHAT DO YOU EXPECTING, MR. HODGE, TO HEAR FROM MISS HARRIS?

>> OF COURSE.

WHAT I´M EXPECTING TO HEAR IS CONVERSATION AS PERTAINS TO THE BENEFIT OF THE PEOPLE OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS.

IF POSSIBLE, HE CAN ADDRESS SOME INSULAR CASES THAT WE HAVE BEEN ON RESTRICTION FOR OVER 123 YEARS.

THE FACT THAT IMMIGRANTS ARE ABLE TO VOTE IN THE UNITED STATES, THAT´S ONE OF THE INSULAR CASES AND SOMETHING THAT COULD HAVE BEEN COVERED AS IT PERTAINS TO TAKING ADVANTAGE, TO OPPORTUNITY.

>> SO MR. HODGE, WE JUST HAVE A FEW MOMENTS LEFT.

I´D LIKE TO HEAR YOUR IMPRESSIONS OF WHAT YOU EXPECT FROM THE PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE AS IT RELATES TO US.

>> I´M EXPECTING THAT THE DEBATE IS GOING TO BE PRODUCTIVE.

DEFINITELY CONSIDERATION IS GOING TO BE MADE FOR THE TERRITORIES RELATIVE TO POLICIES THAT CAN BE DRIVEN.

ESPECIALLY FROM OUR NOMINEE, KAMALA HARRIS.

>> THANK YOU SO MUCH TO BOTH OF YOU.

YOU HAVE A LOT OF ANSWERS TO MY QUESTIONS.

YOU REALLY WERE EXCITED ABOUT IT AND I WISH YOU BOTH WELL.

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR BEING HERE.

UP NEXT, WE´LL HEAR FROM THIS WEEK´S PANEL BUT FIRST, A LOCAL POLITICAL RECAP.

>> TODAY WAS A VERY QUIET DAY.

NOT WHAT OUR ELECTIONS OFFICIALS ARE CUSTOM TO.

>> AS PRIMARY ELECTION NIGHT AFTER RESULTS WERE TALLIED, ST. THOMAS OFFICIALS ACKNOWLEDGED THE LOW BORDER TURNOUT THAT DAY.

CERTIFIED RESULTS SHOWED THAT OUT OF THE THE DEMOCRATS REGISTERED IN THE TERRITORY, LESS THAN 3,000 OF THEM CAST BALLOTS IN THE DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY.

WHETHER THROUGH EARLY VOTING, ABSENTEE BALLOTS OR ON ELECTION DAY.

THIS AMOUNTS TO A PARTICIPATION RATE OF JUST 12.75%.

AND THE PRIMARY ELECTION ITSELF, 1158 VOTERS ON ST. CROIX AND 23 ON ST. JOHN ACCORDING TO THE RESULTS.

THIS LOW PARTICIPATION COMES AMID RECENT CHANGES TO THE BALLOT BROUGHT ABOUT BY A LAWSUIT.

EARLIER THIS YEAR, A JUDGE DECLARED SEVERAL ELECTION LAWS IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS CODE UNCONSTITUTIONAL.

LEADING THE BOARD OF ELECTIONS TO REMOVE THE CANDIDATES FOR TERRITORIAL PARTY POSITION FROM THE 2024 BALLOT.

ADDITIONALLY ON ST. THOMAS, ONLY SEVEN DEMOCRATS RAN FOR THE SEVEN AVAILABLE SENATE SEATS SO THAT RACE WAS ALSO REMOVED FROM THE PRIMARY BALLOT.

AS A RESULT, THE BALLOTS FOR THE ST. THOMAS, ST. JOHN DISTRICT, FEATURED JUST THE BOARD OF ELECTIONS AND EDUCATION RACES WHICH MAY HAVE CONTRIBUTED TO THE LOWER BORDER ENGAGEMENT.

LOOKING AHEAD TO THE UPCOMING GENERAL ELECTION, THE ST. THOMAS ST. JOHN DISTRICT HAS ONLY FOUR CANDIDATES RUNNING FOR THE SEVEN AVAILABLE SEATS IN THE SIX CONSTITUTION CONVENTION.

THIS LOW NUMBER OF CANDIDATES RAISES QUESTIONS ABOUT WHAT´S CONTRIBUTING TO THE LIMITED INTEREST IN RUNNING FOR OFFICE.

ONE FACTOR COULD BE THE LONG STANDING REQUIREMENT FOR GOVERNMENT WORKERS TO TAKE A LEAVE OF ABSENCE IF THEY WISH TO RUN.

WHICH MAY DETER THOSE WHO DEPEND ON GOVERNMENT JOBS FOR THEIR LIVELIHOOD.

>> SHOULD RUN, I AM SPEECHLESS.

>> ST. CROIX SENATOR JAMES MADE HER SECOND ATTEMPT THIS SUMMER TO ADVANCE LEGISLATION ALLOWING GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES TO RUN FOR POLITICAL OFFICE WHILE STILL EMPLOYED.

BUT ONCE AGAIN, SHE FACED PUSHBACK FROM HER COLLEAGUES.

>> ARE NOT ALLOWED TO PUT POLITICAL CAMPAIGN STICKERS ON THEIR CAR.

AND NOW WITH THIS PIECE OF LEGISLATION, YOU´RE TELLING THE POLICEMEN TO STAND HIS JOB AND RUN FOR OFFICE.

HOW WOULD THIS WORK?

>> I´M GOING TO PROPOSE ANOTHER BILL.

I´M TELLING YOU IN THE STATES PEOPLE RUN, POLICE AND EVERYBODY RUN FOR OFFICE AND THEY DON´T HAVE TO TAKE LEAVE FROM THEIR JOB.

>> I AM JUST SAYING THAT ABSENT ETHICS AND CONFLICT OF INTEREST, COMMISSION, WE ARE OPENING PANDORA´S BOX.

>> JAMES POINTED OUT THAT THE SENATORS THEMSELVES WERE WORKING THEIR GOVERNMENT JOBS WHILE SEEKING RE-ELECTION.

>> AM WORKING AND I´M CAMPAIGNING FOR RE-ELECTION.

SO TO HEAR THAT YOU CAN´T WORK AND CAMPAIGN AT THE SIM TIME IS HYPOCRITICAL.

TO THE REST OF THE GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES WHO WANT TO SERVE AND RUN FOR OFFICE.

>> THE BILL ULTIMATELY STALLED WHEN JAMES DID NOT RECEIVE A MOTION TO ADVANCE IT OUT OF THE RULES COMMITTEE.

>> COME ON, GUYS!

>> FORMER ST. CROIX SENATOR O´REILLY HIT THE STREETS ON PRIMARY ELECTION DAY LAST MONTH, URGING RESIDENTS TO GET OUT AND VOTE TO ENSURE THEIR VOICES WERE HEARD.

SHE IS SEEKING TO RETURN TO THE LAW MAKING BODY.

BUT SHE WAS UNSUCCESSFUL IN THE DRAGT PRIMARY.

FINISHING IN EIGHTH PLACE AGAINST MAURICE JAMES.

O´REILLY LATER SAID SHE HAD NO ILLUSIONS ABOUT WINNING THE PRIMARY, ALLEGING THAT DEMOCRATIC PARTY MEMBERS WORKED TO KEEP HER OUT OF THE TOP SEVEN.

>> I HAD RECEIVED A MESSAGE FROM THE FOUR, FROM ONE OF THE HEADS OF THE PARTY ESSENTIALLY SAYING THAT I HAD ABANDONED THE PARTY BECAUSE I HAD SUPPORTED OR ENDORSED A DEMOCRAT.

FOR THE FIRST TIME IN DECADES, WE HAVE A GOVERNOR WHO DOES NOT SUCCUMB TO THE DEMANDS OF SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS.

I ENCOURAGE YOU TO VOTE TO RE-ELECT THE GOVERNOR.

>> IN 2018, O´REILLY ENDORSED GOVERNOR KENNETH MAP FOR RE-ELECTION INSTEAD OF DEMOCRATIC CHALLENGER, ALBERT BRIAN JR.

IN A SOCIAL MEDIA POST AFTER HER PRIMARY LOSS, O´REILLY SAID SHE RECEIVED A MESSAGE AHEAD OF THE ELECTION WHICH STATED IN PART, I BELIEVE THAT IT IS POLITICALLY ADVISABLE THAT YOU PUBLICLY GIVE AN APOLOGY AND EXPLANATION FOR RETURNING TO THE PARTY AND RUNNING AFTER YOU CROSSED OVER AND PUBLICLY ENDORSED GOVERNOR MAP.

AN INDEPENDENT CANDIDATE FOR HIS RE-ELECTION AGAINST OUR DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATE FOR GOVERNOR.

IN RESPONSE TO COMMENTS MADE ON HER POST, SHE MADE IT CLEAR SHE WAS NOT APOLOGIZING STATING, I AM AN INDEPENDENT THINKER.

I WILL DO FOR ST. CROIX WHAT I MUST AND THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY WILL NOT GET IN THE WAY OF PROGRESS FOR ST. CROIX.

YOU JUST MESSED WITH THE WRONG PERSON.

SHE SUBSEQUENTLY LAUNCHED HER WRITE-IN CAMPAIGN.

>> WE ARE IN THE RACE AT THE WRITE-IN CANDIDATE.

WE DO NOT HAVE A NUMBER AND WE´RE NOT ON THE BALLOT, BUT YOU ARE STILL ABLE TO ELECT US BECAUSE YOU JUST NEED TO WRITE OUR NAMES WHERE IT IS WRITE IN.

>> ANOTHER CANDIDATE IN THE RACE, ST. CROIX SENATOR, IS FACING CHALLENGES OF HIS OWN.

HE´S RUNNING FOR RE-ELECTION AS AN INDEPENDENT AND FACING EVICTION FROM A CAFE AND BAR HE´S BEEN LEASING ON KING STREET FOR NEARLY THREE YEARS.

THE EVICTION COMES AFTER HE ALLEGEDLY ACCUMULATED AROUND 26,000 IN UNPAID RENT AND UTILITY BILLS, DATING BACK TO AUGUST 2023.

ACCORDING TO A CIVIL COMPLAINT FILED BY HIS LANDLORD.

THE CAFE AND BAR KNOWN WAS LISTED FOR SALE BY HIM IN A FACEBOOK GROUP IN JULY THOUGH NO PRICE WAS SPECIFIED.

THE LANDLORD IS ASKING THE COURT TO ORDER HIM AND OTHER OCCUPANTS TO VACATE THE PREMISE IMMEDIATELY AND IS ALSO SEEKING A JUDGMENT FOR THE OUTSTANDING AMOUNT.

COURT DOCUMENTS SHOW HE SIGNED A THREE-YEAR LEASE IN OCTOBER 2021 WITH AN OPTION TO RENEW.

THE MONTHLY RENT INCLUDING FEES WAS APPROXIMATELY $2,000.

BUT THE LANDLORD CLAIMS HE HAS FALLEN BEHIND ON PAYMENTS INCLUDING NEARLY $9200 IN ELECTRICITY CHARGES.

A SEVEN-DAY DEMAND FOR PAYMENT WAS SERVED TO HIM ON AUGUST 12th.

WARNING OF LEGAL ACTION IF THE BALANCE WASN´T PAID.

A HEARING IS SCHEDULED FOR SEPTEMBER 16th IN THE SUPERIOR COURT ON ST. CROIX.

>> STOP NOW, YOU CAN´T STOP ME, STACEY.

YOU ONLY MADE IT WORSE FOR YOURSELF.

>> KAREN DICKINSON RECENTLY TOOK TO THE STREETS USING A MICROPHONE AND LOUD SPEAKER TO PROTEST DELEGATES OF CONGRESS AFTER SHE WAS BARRED FROM ENTERING A TOWN HALL MEETING ON AUGUST 28th.

>> IN A VIDEO TAKEN BEFORE THE PROTEST, AN AIDE ACCOMPANIED BY TWO POLICE OFFICERS IS SEEN EXPLAINING TO HER SHE WOULD NOT BE ALLOWED INTO THE TOWN HALL.

SHE RESPONDED TO THE SNUB BY PROTESTING OUTSIDE THE MEETING FOR ITS ENTIRE DURATION.

>> WE CANNOT BRING IN POLICE.

I WILL JUST LISTEN BUT YOU KNOW.

I WOULD PULL THE CHALLENGE.

YOU KNOW -- THEY GOT DOORS TO KNOCK ON, TOO.

>> A NEWS REPORT BY THE SOURCE SAID SHE ADDRESSED THE SITUATION STATING I AM NOT GOING TO TOLERATE DISRUPTION.

I HAVE THE ABILITY TO EXCLUDE INDIVIDUALS OR THOSE WHO I THINK WILL NOT CREATE A SAFE ENVIRONMENT AND ALSO HAVE MADE THREATS.

INITIALLY, ELECTIONS SUPERVISOR CAROLYN FOX DISQUALIFIED SMITH.

SMITH DISAGREED ARGUING THAT ONLY THE U.S. CONSTITUTION SETS THE QUALIFICATIONS FOR RUNNING FOR CONGRESS.

ATTORNEY GENERAL NOMINEE GORDON REAL WEIGHED IN.

DETERMINED SMITH IS ELIGIBLE TO RUN, THE BOARD THEN VOTED DURING A CONTENTIOUS MEETING ON SEPTEMBER 4th TO PLACE SMITH ON THE BALLOT.

FOX STOOD FIRM STATING HER JOB IS TO ENSURE CANDIDATES FOLLOW THE RULES.

MEANWHILE, SMITH CLAIMS THE DISQUALIFICATIONS HAVE DAMAGED HER CAMPAIGN AND HURT HER REPUTATION.

>> BUT THE NINE WEEKS THAT WE HAVE UNTIL NOVEMBER 5th HOW DO I FIX THE DISQUALIFICATION THAT WAS TAINTED WITH MY NAME?

HOW DO I DO THAT?

DOES MISS FOX WANT TO MAKE ME WHOLE IN SOME WAY?

SHE´S INSISTED ON GOING TO COURT SO MAYBE WE SHOULD GO TO COURT AND LET THE JUDGE MAKE ME WHOLE FOR ALL THAT SHE DELAYED, DENIED, AND DEPRIVED ME OF.

>> JOINING ME NOW TO BREAK IT ALL DOWN IS POPULAR RADIO HOST OF 107.9 FM.

IN OUR STUDIO, WE HAVE COMMUNITY ORGANIZER, DENNIS AND WE´RE JOINS BY EDITOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS CONSORTIUM.

THANK YOU ALL FOR BEING HERE.

BEFORE WE DIVE INTO THE LOCAL POLITICAL NEWS OF THE DAY, LET´S QUICKLY TOUCH ON WHAT WAS COVERED IN THE FIRST HALF OF THE SHOW.

SHELDON, WHAT DO YOU SEE AS THE KEY TAKE AWAY FROM BOTH NATIONAL CONVENTIONS?

>> IT WAS INTERESTING TO HEAR THE RESPONSES FROM BOTH MEMBERS THAT THERE WAS A LOT OF ENERGY WITH THE DNC AND IT WAS SUBDUED, THE RNC.

WE´RE GOING TO BE INTERESTED IN MOVING FORWARD WHO CAN KEEP THAT MOMENTUM, ENERGY, AND WITH THE FIRST BLACK WOMAN TO BE NOMINATED BY A MAJOR PARTY.

IT´S GOING TO BE INTERESTING TO SEE HOW THE AMERICAN PEOPLE WHO CAN VOTE WILL LOOK AT THAT.

>> VERY GOOD.

AND MR. LYNCH, WHAT WERE YOUR THOUGHTS?

>> IT´S -- THIS IS THE FIRST TIME THAT WE´VE HAD AN AMERICAN FEMALE COME INTO THE FOREFRONT AND TURN OUT IN THE RING OF PRESIDENCY CANDIDATE.

SO IT´S NORMAL FOR THE DNC.

IT WAS NORMAL WHEN BARACK OBAMA THAT WILL BE VERY IMPORTANT FOR US.

>> THANK YOU FOR THAT.

MISS SIMON, WHAT WERE YOUR THOUGHTS?

WERE YOU KEEPING UP WITH WHAT WAS GOING ON AT THE NATIONAL CONVENTIONS?

BOTH OF THEM?

WHAT´S YOUR THOUGHTS?

>> YEAH, I OF COURSE HAVE TO WATCH AND PAY ATTENTION.

I AM A LITTLE BIT HESITANT TO COMMENT ON POLITICAL ISSUES, ESPECIALLY BECAUSE I´M NOT A CITIZEN SO WHEN IT COMES TO PRESIDENTIAL POLITICS, I TRY TO STAY QUIET.

BUT WHAT I FOUND REALLY INTERESTING IN THE RACE THUS FAR IS THE FACT THAT IT IS SO TIGHT DESPITE ALL OF THE MONUMENTAL, YOU KNOW, EVENTS THAT WE HAVE HAD IN THIS CYCLE.

WE HAVE THE REPUBLICAN CANDIDATES WITH 34 FELONY CONVICTIONS.

WE HAVE A DEMOGRAPHIC GROUND BREAKING DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATE AND YET STILL THE POPULOUS SEEMS TO BE VERY, VERY, VERY EVENLY DIVIDED ABOUT SUPPORT.

>> INTERESTING PERSPECTIVE.

I HAD TO MOVE ON TO TALK ABOUT THE LOW VOTER TURNOUT IN THE PRIMARY.

EVERYBODY´S TALKING ABOUT IT.

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT THAT?

>> I THINK IT WAS EXPECTED.

YOU DIDN´T HAVE ANYBODY IN ST. THOMAS, ST. JOHN DISTRICT.

AND IF YOU LOOK AT THE CANDIDATES IN WHOLE, THERE´S NOT MUCH NEW INDIVIDUALS OUT THERE.

YOU HAD ON ST. CROIX A LOT OF INDIVIDUALS WHO HAD RUN IN THE PAST AND INDIVIDUALS WHO HAVE LOST IN THE PAST AND GIVEN THEM THEIR SEATS.

IT DIDN´T APPEAR TO HAVE THAT SAME TYPE OF ENERGY AND EXCITEMENT BECAUSE THE BASE FROM WHICH YOU HAVE TO CHOOSE WAS NOT THAT BIG AND OF COURSE, USUALLY WHEN IT´S NOT A GUBERNATORIAL ELECTION, THE TURNOUT IS USUALLY MORE THAN IT IS OTHERWISE.

>> SO MR. LYNCH, WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT THE FACT THAT AS MR. TURNBULL JUST MENTIONED, THERE WASN´T ANY SENATORIAL RACE.

THAT´S FINE, BUT WHAT ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF THE BOARD OF ELECTIONS.

THE BOARD OF EDUCATION.

YOU KNOW, THERE´S A LOT OF BANTER ABOUT WHAT´S GOING ON WITH OUR EDUCATION SYSTEM.

YET WE DIDN´T HEAR ANY TALK ABOUT THAT.

>> I THINK WE FAIL TO CONNECT WITH SOCIETY AS A WHOLE IN OUTREACH PROGRAMS AND IN COMMUNITY.

YOU LISTED A PERFECT QUESTION.

BOARD OF EDUCATION.

THAT IS A VERY, VERY HOT BUTTON TOPIC AS WE SPEAK RIGHT NOW.

EDUCATION IS THE PROCESS IN WHICH ALL OF US ARE HERE RIGHT NOW.

WE HAVE TO GO THROUGH THAT SCHOOL TO BE ORIENTED ON THE DOS AND DON´TS.

THAT´S SOMETHING WE DON´T TAKE SERIOUSLY RIGHT NOW IN THE TERRITORY AND FOR US TO HAVE THAT LOW VOTER TURNOUT, GUBERNATORIAL RACE, IT SHOWS THAT THERE´S THE LACKLUSTER EFFECT IN OUR COMMUNITY COMPLAIN IN TERMS OF MOVING US FORWARD IN APPROPRIATE DIRECTION.

SO THAT´S SOMETHING WE NEED THE ADDRESS ON A BIGGER SCALE.

>> YEAH.

I APPRECIATE THAT.

SO, MISS SIMON, IN ST. THOMAS, THERE ARE FEW CANDIDATES FROM THE CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION AND THERE´S QUITE LOW INTEREST IN THE SENATE RACE AND DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEAS AS TO WHY?

>> I THINK THAT AS WAS MENTIONED EARLIER BY YOUR OTHER GUESTS, YOU HAVE FIRST OF ALL, YOU HAVE FIRST OF ALL A SITUATION WHERE THEY ARE NOT THAT MANY NEW CANDIDATES COMING IN AND BUT WHAT I THINK I HAVE BEEN HEARING FROM MY READERS A LOT IS THAT PEOPLE FEEL FRUSTRATED.

THEY FEEL DISCONNECTED.

AND THEY DO NOT BELIEVE THAT THE PEOPLE WITH THEIR HANDS ON THE RINGS OF POWER HAVE AN UNDERSTANDING AND AN IDEA OF WHAT THE GENERAL POPULATION NEEDS.

AND SO I THINK THAT BEING DISAFFECTED IN AND OF ITSELF REALLY ROBS YOUR SPACE AND CONFIDENCE IN THE SYSTEM AT LARGE AND IT MAKES PEOPLE START TO BELIEVE THAT NOTHING THEY DO OR CAN DO WILL CHANGE THEIR CIRCUMSTANCES.

SO YOU FIND PEOPLE, WHENEVER I WRITE SOMETHING ABOUT AN ISSUE IN THE LEGISLATURE THAT IS BEING RAISED OR SOMETHING GOING ON WITH THE POLITICAL PARTIES, YOU HAVE PEOPLE COMMENTING THE USUAL.

THEY´RE ALL THE SAME.

IT DOESN´T MATTER.

WE VOTE IN THESE GUYS AND NOTHING CHANGES AND WE VOTE IN THE NEXT SET AND NOTHING CHANGES.

I THINK THAT THE GENERAL FEELING OF DISAFFECTION IN THE POPULATION IS DEFINITELY AFFECTING INTEREST.

>> MR. TURNBULL, WOULD YOU SAY THAT THE CANDIDATES JUST AREN´T REACHING OUT?

WOULDN´T THAT BE PART OF IT?

>> I THINK IT´S A LITTLE BIT OF EACH.

WHEN YOU LOOK AT THOSE SEEKING OFFICE, THERE´S NOTHING NECESSARILY NEW.

THERE´S A ISSUE WHEREIN THOSE YOU MAY THINK WOULD BE THE BEST FOR OFFICE, YOU SAY THEY´RE NOT GOING TO TAKE THE TIME OFF FROM WORK.

WHETHER IT´S A PRIVATE INDUSTRY OR GOVERNMENT OFFICE WHICH YOU HAVE TO TAKE BASICALLY SIX MONTHS.

NOT EVERYONE CAN AFFORD THAT TIME OFF WILLING TO RISK TO HAVE THAT OPPORTUNITY TO RUN.

I THINK THAT´S SOMETHING THAT REALLY PUTS, ACTS IN THOSE WHO ARE SEEKING OFFICE AND IN THOSE WHO LOOK TO VOTE FOR INDIVIDUALS.

>> YOU BELIEVE THAT IF YOU WANT YOU´RE SAFE BECAUSE THAT´S ONE OF YOUR GOALS SO YOU SAVE THE MONEY.

WOULD THAT BE SOMETHING -- >> THINK OF IT AS A MAJOR SACRIFICE.

YOU HAVE TO HAVE THAT SUPPORT NOT ONLY FROM YOUR FAMILY, BUT GENERAL SUPPORT AS WELL.

PEOPLE WILLING TO INVEST IN YOU TO GET YOU TO THE GENERAL ELECTION.

IT´S NOT A CHEAP ENDEAVOR IF YOU´RE NOT GOING TO BE GETTING PAID.

ONE OF THE THINGS I´VE ALWAYS SAID, SENATOR JAMES OF ST. CROIX -- THAT INDIVIDUALS SEEKING OFFICE TO HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO SERVE.

>> BECAUSE THE SENATORS THEMSELVES ARE CAMPAIGNING.

GOOD POINT.

SO I WANT TO MOVE ON TO ANOTHER TOPIC AND THAT IS O´REILLY´S PRIMARY LOSS AND NOW SHE´S TALKING ABOUT A WRITE-IN CAMPAIGN.

SO LET´S TAKE IT TO ST. CROIX.

O´REILLY LOST IN THE DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY AND NOW SHE´S DOING A WRITE-IN CAMPAIGN.

DO YOU SEE THIS AS AN EFFECTIVE STRATEGY INSTEAD OF WAITING FOR ANOTHER.

>> TO BE SO SUCCESSFUL IN THE CANDIDACY CAMPAIGN.

YOU KNOW, VERY INTERESTING IN TERMS OF MESSAGING FROM THE HEAD OF DEMOCRATIC PARTY BEING DIFFERENT.

YOU´RE FIRST AND ONLY CONCERN IN THE TERRITORY.

DEMOCRATIC PARTY -- SO WHERE YOU AND SHE DID WHAT SHE FELT WAS APPROPRIATE.

BUT IF WE´RE SPEAKING IN TERMS OF A WRITE-IN CANDIDACY, I GUESS I´M IN SUPPORT OF WHATEVER SHE CHOOSES HER ADVISERS AND THOSE AROUND HER WHO FEEL THAT THEY HAVE A CHANCE IN A WRITE-IN CANDIDACY.

>> SO MR. TURNBULL, BACK TO YOU.

THE 2018 ENDORSEMENT OF GOVERNOR MATTHEW.

DO YOU THINK THAT HURT HER IN THE DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY?

>> I DON´T NECESSARILY BELIEVE IT HURT HER IN ANY MAJOR WAY.

WE HAVE A SHORT MEMORY.

ONE OF THE BIG SUPPORTERS, MAYBE NOT DIRECTLY BY DOING AN ENDORSEMENT, WAS ONE OF THE FIRST PLACE RUNNER IN THE PRIMARY.

DEMOCRATS WHO HAD AND ON THE MAP.

I THINK SOMETIMES PEOPLE LOOK AT THIS LIKE WE STEPPED AWAY FROM IT, GAVE SOMEBODY ELSE A CHANCE.

BUT IF SHE DECIDES TO DO A WRITE-IN CAMPAIGN, MORE POWER TO HER.

IT´S A DIFFICULT TASK.

YOU HAVE TO HAVE THE MEANS.

I DON´T BELIEVE YOU EXPECTED HER AT THIS POINT.

>> MISS SIMONS.

FOLLOWING THIS CONVERSATION, WHAT ARE YOU THOUGHTS ABOUT THIS.

>> WELL, I THINK THAT YOU KNOW, SEEING A WRITE-IN CANDIDATE IS REALLY ADMIRABLE AS EVERYBODY HAS SAID, IT´S NOT AN EASY ROAD TRYING TO GO IT ALONE WITHOUT THE SUPPORT OF A PARTY APPARATUS BEHIND YOU.

WHETHER THE ENDORSEMENT FOR HER IN THE PRIMARY, I THINK I WOULD TEND TO AGREE WITH MR. TURNBULL IN THAT YOU KNOW, MEMORIES ARE NOT THAT LONG AND I FEEL LIKE MAYBE OTHER FACTORS MAY HAVE PLAYED A BIGGER ROLE.

FOR EXAMPLE, OTHER INCUMBENTS JUST HAVING THE ADVANTAGE OF ALWAYS BEING IN OFFICE, ET CETERA.

BUT IT WILL BE INTERESTING TO SEE HOW SHE MANAGES TO RUN THE CAMPAIGN.

HOW SHE MANAGES TO CANVAS SUPPORT AND HOW MANY YOU KNOW, HOW MANY COME IN ON ELECTION NIGHT.

>> VERY GOOD POINTS.

I´D LIKE TO MOVE ON TO ANOTHER TOPIC AND I THINK IT´S RATHER STRANGE.

SENATOR -- FACING BUSINESS EVICTION AND WE HOLD OUR ELECTED OFFICIALS TO A HIGH STANDARD.

DO YOU THINK THIS IS SOMETHING THAT WILL AFFECT HIM IN THE ELECTION?

>> I DON´T THINK IT´S GOING TO NECESSARILY AFFECT HIM.

HE HAS A STRONG BASE.

THE HISPANIC BASE ON ST. CROIX SEEMS TO BE SUPPORTING HIM.

HE WAS AS I USED TO SAY, A BIG MAP PERSON.

MAP STILL HAS A LOT OF SUPPORT ON ST. CROIX AND AS A HUMAN BEING, YOU HAVE ISSUES.

YOU HAVE THINGS THAT COME UP AS A BUSINESS OWNER, IT´S QUITE AND BEING A SENATOR MAY BE A BIG CHALLENGE.

FINDING PEOPLE TO WORK COULD BE A BIG CHALLENGE.

WHO KNOWS.

PEOPLE LOOKING AT BEING SUED OR HAVING THAT ISSUE IN THE CAMPAIGN ITSELF.

I DON´T BELIEVE SO.

>> GOOD POINT.

MR. LYNCH.

LET ME TAKE IT TO YOU.

THE FACT IS THAT BASICALLY, YES, HE´S A BUSINESS OWNER.

A SENATOR.

WILL THEY LOOK AT THIS AS IMPACTING HIM BECAUSE IF YOU CAN´T RUN A BUSINESS, CAN YOU RUN A SENATORIAL OFFICE.

WHAT ARE YOU THOUGHT AND WHAT ARE YOU HEARING IN THE STREETS?

>> YOU KNOW, I CAN´T SPEAK THE PEOPLE, BUT I DEFINITELY SPEAK FOR MYSELF.

BEFORE I LOOK AT YOU AS A SENATOR, I LOOK AT YOU AS A PERSON AND YOU HAVE TO HAVE THAT RESPONSIBILITY AS AN INDIVIDUAL TO MAKE SURE THAT YOU PUT YOUR BEST FOOT FORWARD AND BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE CAUSE.

THAT´S FIRST AND FOREMOST.

YOU KNOW, IF WE LOOK AT THE FACTS REGARDING THE $26,000 IN OWED BACK RENT, YOU´RE SPEAKING ABOUT AT LEAST 200 IN ELECTRIC BILL ALONE.

WHEN YOU GIVE CONTENT, YOU HAVE SUCH AN INFLATED COST.

IT SPEAKS TO A LEVEL OF NEGLIGENCE.

SO, THERE IN LIES THE QUESTION.

IF YOU COULD RUN YOUR BUSINESS, THE WHOLE BACKGROUND OF A SENATOR IS ABOUT ECONOMICS AND BUSINESS.

HOW IS YOUR EFFICACY ALIGNING WITH THAT AS WELL, TOO.

SO IT MIGHT HURT YOUR VOTING BUT DEFINITELY INDIVIDUALS WILL THINK ABOUT THIS.

HOW DOES THAT ALIGN WITH YOU GOING FORWARD REPRESENTING THE PEOPLE OF ST. CROIX.

SO IT´S AN INTERESTING TOPIC OF IN TERMS OF WHAT HE´S DOING AS AN INDIVIDUAL.

>> MISS SIMON, TIMING IS EVERYTHING.

YOU´RE IN THE NEWS BUSINESS.

$26,000.

THAT´S A LOT OF MONEY RACKED UP OVER A PERIOD OF TIME AND IT CAME OUT JUST RECENTLY.

WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON THAT?

>> YEAH, LET´S TALK ABOUT TIMING BECAUSE ACCORDING TO THE DETAILS OF THE COMPLAINT FILED IN COURT, THESE INVOICES HAVE BEEN RACKING UP FOR AT LEAST A YEAR.

WHY DID THE LANDLORD DECIDE TO LET YOU KNOW, THE ARREARAGES RUN FOR A YEAR BEFORE SENDING IN THAT FINAL DEMAND LETTER ON AUGUST 12th?

SO THE TIMING IS VERY INTERESTING.

THIS IS OBVIOUSLY NOT HELPFUL TO THE CAMPAIGN.

IT REMAINS TO BE SEEN WHETHER IT´S GOING TO HURT THE SENATOR OR NOT.

I WANT TO JUST MAKE SURE THAT WE ALL ARE AWARE.

I ALSO DID REACH OUT TO HIM WHEN WE CAUGHT WIND OF THIS LAWSUIT.

HE SAID TO US AND I´M GOING TO QUOTE HERE, ANOTHER PARTY WAS ENTRUSTED WITH DAILY OPERATIONS AND MANAGEMENT BECAUSE THE MATTER IS NOW BEFORE THE COURT, HE SAYS THAT HE HAS BEEN ASSIGNED BY HIS ATTORNEY TO MAKE NO FURTHER COMMENTS AT THIS TIME.

SO I THINK THAT WAS MR. LYNCH WAS SAYING WAS VERY CORRECT THAT IT COMES DOWN TO JUDGMENT.

IT COMES DOWN TO YOUR ABILITY TO HANDLE YOURSELF AND HANDLE YOUR BUSINESS.

AND IT WILL BE VERY INTERESTING TO SEE HOW THIS LAWSUIT PLAYS OUT OVER THE NEXT COUPLE OF MONTHS AND HOW THAT AFFECTS HIS RE-ELECTION PROCESS.

>> VERY GOOD.

SO MR. TURNBULL, YOU ARE A SMALL BUSINESS OWNER YOURSELF.

YOU WEAR MANY HATS IN A SMALL BUSINESS.

COULD YOU HAVE LET THE MONEYS RUN, THE BILL RUN THIS WAY?

>> AGAIN, YOU CAN RUN WITH IT BUT I DON´T KNOW IF THE QUESTION ABOUT THE TIMING.

YOU DON´T KNOW THE LANDLORD WAS GIVING HIM THE OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE IT RIGHT.

TO MAKE IT WHOLE.

SOMETIMES YOU GET CAUGHT UP AND YOU HAVE TO FACE THE FACT OF SO YOU KNOW, THE JUDGMENT ON HIS PART IS JUST THAT.

BUT AS I SEE AS IT PLAYS OUT TOWARDS HIS ELECTABILITY, I DON´T SEE IT AFFECTING IT.

>> WELL, TIME WILL TELL.

YOU BOTH BELIEVE YOU AND MISS SIMON BELIEVE THAT MEMORIES ARE SHORT.

LET´S SEE WHAT HAPPENS AND HOW HE´S AFFECTED OR NOT.

AND IF THE PEOPLE FEEL THAT HE´S REPRESENTING THEM WELL, SPEAKING UP FOR THEM, MAYBE THAT WILL BE TO HIS CREDIT.

SO WE´LL MOVE ON TO ANOTHER TOPIC, WHICH IS THE DELEGATES OF CONGRESS RECENTLY HAD A TOWN HALL MEETING AND SHE EXCLUDED A PARTICULAR PERSON.

SO IS IT FAIR TO DENY ENTRY INTO A TOWN HALL MEETING?

>> WELL, THE INDIVIDUAL HOLDING THAT, I KNOW THE INDIVIDUAL VERY BOISTEROUS.

SPEAKS.

>> THE PERSON WHO WANTED TO GET IN.

>> DEFINITELY.

I ACTUALLY MET HER AND WE HAD SOME CONVERSATION.

BUT YOU KNOW, I THINK IT´S A MATTER OF JUDGMENT.

IF IT WAS ME, I WOULD LET YOU IN.

IF YOU BEHAVE UNTOWARD OR IN A MANNER THAT WAS DISRUPTIVE, I WOULD HAVE YOU REMOVED.

I PERSONALLY WOULD NOT HAVE YOU BLOCKED ACCESS BECAUSE IT WAS A PUBLIC MEETING BUT I RECOGNIZE YOU, THE ONE HOLDING THAT MEETING, HAS EVERY RIGHT TO REFUSE WANTING TO ENTER.

MAY HAVE HAD SOME TYPE OF HISTORY I´M NOT AWARE OF BETWEEN THE INDIVIDUAL AND DELEGATE.

AS IT WAS STATED IN SOME OF THE DIFFERENT THINGS THERE.

THAT MIGHT HAVE BEEN AFTER A WHILE.

SO I CAN´T SPEAK TO THAT SPECIFICALLY.

I KNOW IF IT WAS ME, I LET YOU IN IF YOU BEHAVE IN AN UNTOWARD WAY, I ESCORT YOU OUT.

>> SO MR. LYNCH, I UNDERSTAND THAT THE PERSON WE´RE SPEAKING ABOUT, HER NAME IS KAREN DICKERSON AND THAT SHE HAS HAD A HISTORY OF DICKINSON, I´M SORRY.

AND SHE HAS HAD A HISTORY OF PROTESTS AND PERHAPS SOME DISRUPTIONS.

SO, WHAT ARE YOU THOUGHTS ABOUT THE DELEGATES DOING A PREEMPTIVE MOVE IN PROHIBITING THIS PERSON FROM COMING INTO THE TOWN HALL?

>> YOU KNOW, IT´S DEFINITELY A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN FEAR AND WHAT´S LEGAL.

SHE WAS WITHIN HER LEGAL RIGHT ENTER.

THE OFFICIAL PRESIDING OVER THE MEETING, YOU HAVE THE CHOICE TO MAKE SUCH A DECISION.

YOU LOOK AT PAST EXPERIENCES WITH MISS DICKINSON.

SHE HAS BEEN VERY, VERY VOCAL IN TERMS OF WHAT SHE HAS SEEN RUNNING THE TERRITORY.

VOICE HER CONCERNS TO MANY DIFFERENT FORUMS.

IT´S SOMETHING DIFFERENT BETWEEN YOUR FIRST AMENDMENT RIGHT.

YES, YOU HAVE THE ABILITY TO SPEAK, BUT YOU CAN SPEAK AT EVERY FORUM AT ANY TIME.

SO ONCE AGAIN, IT IS WITHIN THE DELEGATE´S RIGHT TO BLOCK ENTRY.

>> SHE WAS PROHIBITED FROM COMING IN AND IT WAS PREEFRPIVE SO SHE´S SAYING WELL, THEY DIDN´T KNOW WHETHER I WAS GOING TO OPEN MY MOUTH OR SAY ANYTHING.

AS YOU´RE SAYING, MR. LYNCH, THE DELEGATE HAD THE RIGHT TO LET HER COME IN, BUT MISS DICKINSON IS SAYING SHE HADN´T EVEN SPOKEN.

>> WHICH IS TRUE.

THERE ARE DIFFERENT PARTS OF THE STORY.

SHE DIDN´T SAY ANYTHING AS YET BUT ONCE AGAIN, YOU KNOW, WE´RE JUDGED ESPECIALLY IN THE TERRITORY HERE OF HISTORY.

OUR MEMORY IS NOT THAT SHORT IN TERMS OF HISTORY AND WHAT WE DO AND WHAT SOMEONE PERCEIVES YOU AS.

SO EVEN IF YOUR INTENT WAS TO COME AND LISTEN, YOU´RE HOLDING A MEETING AND YOU WANT TO LIMIT THE DISRUPTION.

YOU WANT TO LIMIT SOMETHING THAT MAY POSSIBLY HAPPEN.

YOU KNOW, YOU DON´T WANT ANYTHING TO BE DETERRED.

YOU DON´T WANT SOMETHING TO BE SAID THAT´S CONTRARY TO THE PER CONSECUTIVE YOU´RE HAVING OR THE PERCEPTION YOU´RE HAVING, TOO.

SO LIKE I SAID, BETWEEN THE LEGALITY OF BEING FAIR AND LEGAL OF WHAT THE DELEGATE DID, IT´S A DIFFERENCE.

WITHIN HER RIGHT, IT WAS LEGAL SO SHE ACTED WITHIN HER LEGAL CONSTRAINT AND DENIED ENTRY TO MISS DICKINSON.

>> MR. LYNCH, I TAKE YOUR POINT.

MISS SIMON, THERE WERE POLICE PRESENT.

POLICE SECURITY BECAUSE POLICE WAS THERE.

SO THERE WAS NOT AN IMMINENT DANGER BUT AS I´M UNDERSTANDING FROM THESE GENTLEMEN, YOU KNOW, THEY BELIEVE THAT THE PREEMPTIVE ACTION WAS WARRANTED.

WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS?

>> MY CONCERN IS ABOUT THE PRESENCE OR ABSENCE OF AN EXPRESSED THREAT.

WE HAVE, WE ALL KNOW THAT WE ARE IN A HEIGHTENED POLITICAL ATMOSPHERE AROUND THE WORLD.

POLITICAL VIOLENCE IS A REALITY.

AND SO IF THERE WAS INDEED SOME SORT OF THREAT OR PREVIOUS THREAT THAT WAS MADE, THEN I WOULD UNDERSTAND WHY THE DELEGATE FELT IT WAS OUT OF AN ABUNDANCE OF CAUTION, IT WOULD BE BEST TO EXCLUDE MISS DICKINSON FROM THE TOWN HALL HEARING.

HOWEVER, IF THIS WAS NOT YOU KNOW A SERIOUS THREAT OR A CREDIBLE THREAT OR RISING TO THE LEVEL OF AN ISSUE WHERE DELEGATE PAXTON WAS COMPLAINING ABOUT THE SAFETY, I HAVE AN ISSUE WITH PREEMPTIVELY EXCLUDING A MEMBER FROM AN EVENT BECAUSE THE CONGRESSWOMAN IS A REPRESENTATIVE FOR THE ENTIRETY OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS POPULATION.

PEOPLE WHO SUPPORT HER, PEOPLE WHO DO NOT SUPPORT HER.

PEOPLE WHO USE THEIR FIRST AMENDMENT RIGHTS TO CRITICIZE HER BRUTALLY, VICIOUSLY.

SHE´S STILL THEIR REPRESENTATIVE.

AND I BELIEVE THAT PREEMPTIVELY EXCLUDING SOMEBODY FROM AN OCCASION WHERE THEIR REPRESENTATIVE IS SPEAKING TO THE PUBLIC, IT´S NOT GOOD.

IT´S NOT NICE.

IT IS NOT HEALTHY I THINK FOR DEMOCRACY.

AS YOU EXPECT THAT SOMEBODY´S GOING TO MAKE A DISRUPTION.

DO YOU EXCLUDE THEM OR DO YOU ALLOW THEM TO MAKE THE DISRUPTION AND THEN GIVEN YOU KNOW, THE BEHAVIOR ESCORT THEM OUT WITH THE POLICE THAT WERE PRESENT.

I´M NOT A HUGE FAN OF WHAT TRANSPIRED WITH THE CAVEAT THAT IF SHE WAS YOU KNOW, FEELING THREATENED, THEN YOU KNOW, THERE´S NOTHING YOU COULD DO ABOUT THAT.

SHE HAS TO MAINTAIN HER SAFETY.

>> I AGREE.

AS HAS BEEN STATED PREVIOUSLY, WE DON´T KNOW IF THERE WERE ACTUAL THREATS.

WE´RE JUST ONLOOKERS.

I KNOW ALSO SHE IS SUPPORTING IDA SMITH, WHO IS THE CHALLENGER.

SO COULD THAT HAVE PLAYED A ROLE IN ALL OF THIS AS WELL?

BECAUSE AGAIN, WE DON´T KNOW.

BUT COULD THIS BE AN ISSUE AS WELL?

>> I THINK WITH MORE REPUTATION THAN ANYTHING ELSE.

UNLIKE DENNIS SAID, HISTORY.

MANY HAVE SEEN SOME OF THE THINGS THAT MISS DICKINSON HAS DONE.

MANY HAVE SEEN FIRSTHAND AND MANY OF HEARD.

I THINK AGAIN, I´M NOT CERTAIN AS TO WHAT MAY HAVE BEEN SAID DIRECTLY ABOUT TO THE CANDIDATE WHAT SHE MAY HAVE SEEN.

EXCUSE ME, THE DELEGATE.

WHAT SHE MAY HAVE SEEN.

BUT AGAIN, REPUTATION PROCEEDS YOU AT SOME TIMES AND SOMETIMES, INDIVIDUALS WISH TO TAKE THE ROUTE LET ALONE GIVE THE OPPORTUNITY FOR SOMETHING TO GO AWRY.

>> AND SINCE WE´RE TALKING ABOUT IDA SMITH, WE TALKED EARLIER ABOUT THE FACT THAT SHE´S BACK ON THE BALLOT AS PER THE ATTORNEY GENERAL NOMINEE.

AND SO NOW MISS SMITH DECIDING, WELL, SHE DIDN´T DECIDE, SHE´S SAYING SHE´S BEEN HURT BY THIS.

DO YOU THINK, MISS SIMON, THAT THIS IS GOING TO HURT HER OR HELP HER?

DO YOU THINK MISS SIMON THAT PEOPLE ARE GOING TO SAY WELL SHE WAS TREATED UNFAIRLY AND I´M GOING TO VOTE FOR HER BECAUSE OF THIS.

WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS?

>> WELL, IF YOU WOULD ALLOW ME TO REMOVE MY JOURNALIST HAT FOR A QUICK SECOND AND PUT ON MY PUBLIC RELATIONS HAT, I THINK MESSAGING IS EVERYTHING.

MISS SMITH NOW HAS A PLATFORM ACROSS THE TERRITORY.

HER NAME HAS BEEN IN NEWS REPORTS FOR THE LAST FEW WEEKS AS WE DISCUSS HER DISQUALIFICATION AND THEN THE REVERSAL OF THAT DISQUALIFICATION.

SHE HAS A REAL OPPORTUNITY TO USE THE PLATFORM AND THE ATTENTION THAT SHE HAS NOW AND REALLY MAKE THE CASE AS TO WHY SHE SHOULD BE ELECTED.

WHETHER SHE CAN DO THAT OR NOT DEPENDS ON HER ABILITY AND THE ABILITIES OF HER TEAM.

HOWEVER, I ALWAYS SAY THAT INCUMBENCY IS A HUGE ADVANTAGE SO WHETHER SHE WOULD BE ABLE TO OVERCOME DELEGATE FACTORS AND ADVANTAGE AGAIN, REMAINS TO BE SEEN.

I WISH WE HAD SOME GOOD POLLING FIRMS IN THE TERRITORY THAT WOULD GIVE US A LITTLE MORE INSIGHT AS TO WHAT THE ELECTORS ARE THINKING AS WE COME UP TO THE ELECTION.

>> WELL THANK YOU FOR THAT.

MR. LYNCH, WITH ALL OF THIS HAPPENING AND MISS SIMON MADE A GREAT POINT ABOUT PR AND MESSAGING, HAVE BEEN HURT.

DO YOU THINK EVEN THOUGH SHE HAS A FEW WEEKS TO GO TO ELECTION.

>> I THINK EVERYBODY ACROSS THE WORD LOVES AN UNDERDOG STORY.

SHE HAS A VERY INTERESTING STORY.

YOU KNOW, YOU COULD SHAPE AND TURN THAT MANY DIFFERENT DIRECTIONS.

LIKE MISS SIMON ELOQUENTLY POINTED.

IT´S JUST NOT ABOUT MARKETING.

HOW YOU CRAFT YOUR MESSAGE.

NINE WEEKS IS A LOT OF TIME TO CRAFT A MESSAGE.

THAT WOULD BE SOMETHING AND A NAME THROUGH THE TERRITORY.

SO THERE IS, IT´S NOT LIKE YOU HAVE A DAY OR TWO.

YOU HAVE TIME TO SIT CALCULATE YOUR EFFORTS AND SPEAK TO THE ISSUES VIRGIN ISLANDS ARE FACING.

NOT ONLY SPEAKS TO THE LENGTH OF TIME YOU HAVE, BUT BEING ABLE TO RECONNECT WITH THE COMMUNITY.

BEING ABLE TO PROPOSE NEW IDEA FOR LONG STANDING ISSUES AND THAT ITSELF WILL SPEAK VOLUMES IN TERMS OF HOW SHE´S RECEIVED IN THE TERRITORY BECAUSE RIGHT NOW, WE HAVE THE FEELING OF HOPELESSNESS.

YOU SEE A LOT OF THINGS THAT´S GOING ON RIGHT NOW IN THE TERRITORY.

HOW MUCH DISARRAY HAS.

IF YOU COULD COME UP WITH A PLAN FOR EVEN A FRACTION OF THOSE PROBLEMS, YOU WOULD BE SURPRISED OF THE VOTER TURNOUT SHE WOULD RECEIVE.

>> VOTER TURNOUT.

WE GO BACK TO WHAT WE WERE TALKING ABOUT EARLIER.

THERE WAS LOW VOTER TURNOUT BECAUSE YOU SAID THERE WAS NO SENATORS ON THE BALLOT.

ALL THIS CONFUSION AT THE BOARD OF ELECTIONS, PEOPLE WANT TO BE A PART OF FIXING THINGS BECAUSE YOU HAVE CONTENTION BETWEEN THE ACTUAL SUPERVISOR AND THE BOARD AND THE BOARD REALLY SETS POLICY, CORRECT?

SO THE SUPERVISING SAYING MY JOB IS TO MAKE SURE THE RULES ARE FOLLOWED.

WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ABOUT THAT?

>> I THINK IT´S AN INTERESTING SITUATION.

IT´S FOR ME A COMBINATION THERE OF IDA SMITH, WHO MANY MAY NOT HAVE KNOWN WHO SHE WAS, WHAT SHE WAS ABOUT, ANYTHING ABOUT HER.

IS NOW SHE GOT A PLATFORM BECAUSE PEOPLE HAVE KNOWN ABOUT HER THE LAST COUPLE OF WEEKS OF THIS THING GOING ON.

BUT NOW IT´S FOR HER TO BRING SOME SUBSTANCE BEHIND IT.

BECAUSE YOU HAVE THE PLATFORM, PEOPLE MIGHT PAY ATTENTION TO YOU THAT HAVEN´T BEFORE, BUT IF YOU HAVE THE PLATFORM WITH NO SUBSTANCE BEHIND IT.

AS MR. LYNCH SAID, LET´S SEE WHAT YOU HAVE TO SAY NOW.

THE OLD BOARD OF ELECTION WITH MISS FOX AND GOING BACK AND FORTH AGAIN SHOWS JUST SOME DISCONTENT BASED ON WHAT THE RULES ARE AND LIKE MISS SMITH SAID, IT´S NOT BASED ON ANY RULES OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS BUT RULES IN HER ESTIMATION OF FEDERAL RULES BASICALLY.

SO IT´S GOING TO BE INTERESTING.

I DON´T THINK IT´S GOING TO BRING ANYBODY ELSE OUT BUT I WOULD, I WILL WAIT TO SEE WHAT SHE DOES NOW.

THAT SHE HAS A PLATFORM.

WE´RE GOING TO SEE WHAT SHE DOES NOW THAT SHE HAS IT.

WHAT SUBSTANCE CAN SHE BRING TO IT THAT SHE HAS THE PLATFORM AND IS GOING THE MARKET HERSELF.

>> I´LL CALL HER MISS SIMON.

MR. TURNBULL BRINGS UP A GOOD POINT ABOUT SO NOW WE DIDN´T KNOW WHO SHE WAS.

NOW SHE´S A HOUSEHOLD NAME AND NOW WHAT?

AS SOMEONE FROM THE PRESS, YOU KNOW, YOU DO PUBLICATIONS, WHAT ELSE ARE YOU LOOKING TO HEAR FROM MISS SMITH?

>> YEAH, I WOULD, I´M LOOKING TO HEAR FROM BOTH CANDIDATES.

MISS SMITH, DELEGATE PAXTON, BECAUSE THIS IS A VERY TRICKY ROLE.

THESE INDIVIDUALS HAVE TO GO AND INTERFACE IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

AN AREA OR A PLACE, A PLATFORM WHERE THE TERRITORIES DON´T HAVE MUCH POWER.

YOU KNOW, BECAUSE OF THE RELATIONSHIP THAT THE TERRITORIES HAVE WITH THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AND SO IT IS REALLY A MATTER OF FINDING WAYS TO NAVIGATE, FINDING WAYS TO YOU KNOW, GET CAUCUSES WITH YOU.

FINDING WAYS TO INSERT TERRITORIAL ISSUES INTO NATIONAL ISSUES.

SO I WOULD BE LOOKING FOR MISS SMITH TO TALK ABOUT THINGS LIKE THE COVER OVER RACE.

OUR CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATE HAS BEEN WAITING FOR A LONG TIME TO GET A PASSED BILL THAT SHE CAN ATTACH THE LANGUAGE TO TO GET THAT RAISE BACK UP PERMANENTLY TO THE HIGHER LEVEL.

HOW IS MISS SMITH GOING TO NAVIGATE THE HALLS OF CONGRESS?

WHO IS SHE GOING TO BE CAUCUSING WITH?

WHO IS SHE PLANNING TO GET ON HER SIDE?

HOW IS SHE GOING TO WEAVE HER WAY THROUGH THAT THICKET IF YOU WILL TO GET, TO BRING HOME THE BACON FOR THE VIRGIN ISLANDS.

>> I THINK YOU ALL MADE EXCELLENT POINTS.

>> YES, BUT INTERESTINGLY ENOUGH, MISS SIMON, YOU ARE MISS ONE PERSON.

ACTUALLY THREE INDIVIDUALS SEEKING THAT SEAT FOR DELEGATE OF CONGRESS.

SO THAT SHOWS A LITTLE BIT OF WHO´S OUT THERE AND WHAT´S GOING ON AND WHAT THEY HAVE GOTTEN TO THE PUBLIC´S ATTENTION.

>> GOOD POINT.

THANK YOU SO MUCH AND I WANT TO THANK EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU FOR YOUR PARTICIPATION TODAY.

YOU MADE VERY GOOD POINTS.

THAT´S ALL THE SHOW WE HAVE FOR YOU TODAY.

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