Citing the failure of the Proposed Constitution to be in compliance with both local and federal laws, Governor de Jongh held a news conference on Thursday to report to the people of the Virgin Islands that he would not send the Proposed Constitution submitted by the Fifth Constitutional Convention to President Barack Obama.

Governor de Jongh answers a reporter's question during a press conference regarding the Proposed
Constitution. Lt. Governor Francis and Attorney General Frazer also attended the event
held at Government House on St. Thomas.

At the same time, de Jongh said he is prepared to work with the 28th Legislature to identify the next step towards the goal of the Virgin Islands adopting its own constitution. A legal opinion requested by de Jongh and provided by Attorney General Vincent Frazer made it clear that the Governor does not have to do anything else at this point. 

In his opening statement, the Governor said

"In other words, the wrongful acts of the Convention in adopting a draft that did not comply with law could not require of me yet another further act not authorized by law," the governor explained, saying that he would not send the president a proposed constitution that doesn't recognize the U.S. Constitution as the "supreme law of the land" or adhere to its basic civil rights and protections. 

"I believe wholeheartedly that were I presented with a proposed constitution that appeared to comply with the local and federal requirements, then it would indeed be my duty to forward it to the President of the United States for his consideration and further action," the Governor said. 

"This is a matter that must first be resolved in the Legislature, but it is one in which I believe we must all take part. Now is the time for all to pay attention, get involved and take part. I ask all in the territory to reflect on those principles that keep us free, those principles that are the foundation of the American democracy, those principles of equality and justice for all that make us both proud as Americans and proud as Virgin Islanders." 

Listen to the Press Conference:

• Part 1: .mp3 (2.75 MB)
• Part 2: .mp3 (3.53 MB)
• Part 3: .mp3 (3.84 MB)
• Part 4: .mp3 (2.95 MB)
• Part 5: .mp3 (3.32 MB)
• Part 6: .mp3 (3.95 MB)
• Part 7: .mp3 (792 KB)