ST THOMAS, USVI: The US Virgin Islands moved one step closer to its fifth Constitutional Convention Monday with the announcement that eligible delegate candidates can obtain petitions which will enable them to appear on the ballot for the June 12, 2007, special election.

That announcement was the subject of a press conference held jointly by the University of the Virgin Islands, which is spearheading a public education project in support of the convention, and the Virgin Islands Board of Elections, which will oversee the election process.

“This is an important milestone for the territory,” said UVI President LaVerne E. Ragster, Ph.D. “It is a historical moment in the process by which we will impact the future of the Virgin Islands.”

In presenting his calendar of dates which will govern the election process, elections supervisor John Abramson noted the collaborative activities between his board and the University in making sure that the public is engaged and involved in the work of the convention.

Abramson presented a calendar of dates beginning with April 2, 2007, on which date the petitions become available at election offices throughout the territory and May 16, 2007, by which date all petitions must be returned to the Board of Elections.

“All petitions must be in my office by 5 p.m. May 16, 2007. There will be no exceptions, and there is only one clock, the one in my office,” Abramson said while painstakingly explaining each relevant date.

“In addition, all residents should know that May 13, 2007, is the last date that they may register to vote in the special election” Abramson said.

Abramson also noted that in accordance with local law, Act 6688, which sets out the process for adopting a Virgin Islands Constitution, there will be no party symbols on the ballot for the special election.

Ragster outlined recent activities in the publication project, to include assemblies with local high school students and with classes at the University, noting that the project is utilizing diverse approaches to bring the message to the Virgin Islands public.

“And we have utilized your suggestions, as well,” Ragster said, noting the Calypso Competition recently announced in the project as a means of using the Virgin Islands Carnival and its display of the arts and humanities to keep the convention in focus even in the midst of the festivities.

“Our calypsonians should note that April 20, 2007, is the deadline to submit their entries,” Ragster said, “maybe we’ll have a road march, who knows.”

Senator Louis P. Hill, a sponsor of the Constitutional Convention legislation, attended the press conference and commended the University for its work.

“The word is definitely getting out, and even persons who were critical of delaying the process at first are now commending the project and noting how it has lifted the level of our public dialogue,” Hill said.