National Black Chamber of Commerce Responds to Sen. LeMieux's Plan to Harm U.S. Virgin Islands Economy

WASHINGTON, March 4 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The following is a statement from Harry Alford, President and CEO, National Black Chamber of Commerce:

The National Black Chamber of Commerce is outraged at Senator George LeMieux's amendment filed today related to the rum cover-over program. This assault on the people and livelihood of the U.S. Virgin Islands overturns more than 90 years of policy toward the U.S. territories.  It completely changes the nature of the rum cover-over program. It is a naked and reprehensible money grab by Puerto Rico – a cynical nod to special interests that would put the U.S. Virgin Islands into receivership.  

Mr. LeMieux is an American senator, whose duty is to represent the residents of his state of Florida and all Americans, not special interests in Puerto Rico. His amendment would make Virgin Islanders produce rum but let Puerto Rico reap the benefits of those Virgin Islanders' hard work. All of America should be offended by this plantation-era treatment of the U.S. Virgin Islands – this is, after all, 2010, not 1810.  

Moreover, this irresponsible and unpatriotic amendment would force industry now based in America to leave for foreign shores. We expect more from a United States senator, even one who has not stood before the people for an election.  

The motives behind Puerto Rico and its allies are now clear. We should all be outraged.  

SOURCE National Black Chamber of Commerce