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. / o ” * K STATF UNIVERSITY LJBRAIBt 17 4 I .I n 8/13 ^ IN T E R I O R N O M IN A T IO N S ^ U l Uy GOVERNMENT Storage H E A R IN G BEFORE THE COMMITTEE ON INTERIOR AND INSULAR AFEAIRS UNITED STATES SENATE NINE TY -FIRST CONGRESS FIR ST SE SS IO N ON THE NOMINATION OF CARLOS GARCIA CAMACHO, OF GUAM, TO BE GOVERNOR OF GUAM AND THE NOMINATION OF MELVIN II. EVANS, OF TIIE VIRGIN ISLANDS, TO BE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS JUNE 17, 1969 Printed for the use of the Committee on In terio r and Insular Affairs 33-035 U.S . GO VE RN MEN T PR IN TIN G OFFIC E WAS HING TO N : 1969 Si ■'C i • V COMMITTEE ON INTERIOR AND INSULAR AFFAIRS CLINTON P. ANDERSON, New Mexico ALAN BIBLE, Nevada FRANK CHURCH, Idaho FRANK E. MOSS, Utah QUENTIN N. BURDICK, North Dakota GEORGE McGOVERN, South Dakota GAYLORD NELSON, Wisconsin LEE METCALF, Montana MIKE GRAVEL, Alaska HENRY M. JACK SO N, Washington, Chairman GORDON ALLOTT, Colorado LEN B. JORDAN, Idaho PAUL J. FANNIN, Arizona CLIFFORD P. HANSEN, Wyoming MARK O. H ATFIELD, Oregon TED STEVENS, Alaska HENRY BELLMON, Oklahoma J erry T. Verkler, Staff Director Stewart F rench, Chief Counsel William J. Van N ess, Special Counsel James Gamble, Professional Sta ff Member Charles Cook, Minority Counsel <n) INTERIOR NOMINATIONS TUESDAY, JU N E 17, 19 69 U.S. Senate, Committee on I nterior and I nsular Affairs, IFashing ton, D.G. The committee met, pursuant to call, at 10 o'clock a.m., in room 3110, New Senate Office Building, Senator Quentin N. Burdick presiding. Present: Senators Burdick, Fannin, Hatfield, Allott, Bellmon, Hansen, and Stevens. Also present: Jerry T. Verkler, staff director; Stewart French, chief counsel; James Gamble, professional staff member, and Charles Cook, Jr., minority counsel. Senator Burdick. The purpose of the hearing this morning is to consider the nominations of Dr. Carlos G. Camacho, and Dr. Melvin H. Evans, to be Governors of Guam and the Virgin Islands, respectively. Biographical sketches of the nominees are before each member of the committee, and without objection, copies will be inserted in the record. (Biographical sketches referred to follow:) B io graph y of D r. Carlos G. Camach o Dr. Carlos G. Camacho, 44, of Tamuning, Guam, currently a dentist with the Catholic Medical Center in Agana, was formerly a member of the Guam Legis­ lature. Born in Agana, Guam, Dr. Camacho attended Aquinas College in Grand Rapids, Michigan from 1946 to 1948 and was graduated from Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin with a Doctor of Dental Surgery Degree in 1954. Dr. Camacho was employed by th e Government of Guam during World War II when the Island was invaded by Japanese forces. He worked for the Provisional Military Government and the Naval Government following the liberation of the Island. In addition to his dentistry practice on Guam, Dr. Camacho served from 1956 to 1958 as a Captain in the U.S. Army Reserve Dental Corps. In 1964, he was elected to the 8th Guam Legislature and served fo r two years. Dr. Camacho’s past and current mem bership in professional and cultural ac­ tivities includ es: Pa st Secretary of the Guam Dental Society, Active Member of the Guam Dental Study Group and Active Member of the American Dental Association. He is also a member of the Knights of Columbus (4th Degree). Dr. Camacho is married to the form er Lourdes Duenas Perez. They have six children, Carlos Anthony, 12, Felix James, 11, Thomas John, 10, Mary Margaret, 8, Picardo Jose, 5 and Francis Gerard, 2. Biography of Dr. Melvin H. E vans Dr. Melvin H. Evans, 51, of Christiansted, St. Croix, Virgin Islands, is the former Commissioner of Health for the Virgin Islands. Born in Christiansted, St. Croix, Virgin Islands, Dr. Evans was graduated Magna Cum Laude from Howard University in 1940. He received his M.D. Degree from the Howard University College of Medicine in 1944, and received a Masters (1) 2 Degree in Public Health from the University of California at Berkeley, School of Public Health in 1967. I)r. Evans interned at Harlem Hospital in New York City in 1944 and 1945. From 1945 to 1948 he was Physician in Charge, Frederiksted Memorial Hospital, Frederiksted, St. Croix. From 1948 to 1950 he was Senior Assistant Surgeon of the U.S. Public Health Service stationed as a Teaching Fellow in Medicine at Howard University. He returned to St. Croix in 1950 to become Physician in Charge of the Frederiksted Memorial Hospital and Assistant Chief Municipal Physician for St. Croix, and Assistant Commissioner of Health, U.S. Virgin Islands. He served as Director of Health Service for St. Croix from 1954 to 1956 and served as a Fellow in Cardiology at the Johns Hopkins Hospital from 1956 to 1957. Dr. Evans return ed to St. Croix and was Director of Health Services from 1957 to 1959, Commissioner of Health for the U.S. Virgin Islands from 1959 to 1967 and has engaged in private practice in St. Croix since 1967. Dr. Evans’ past and current membership in professional and cultural activities includes: Chairman, Board of Trustees, Virgin Islands College; Member, U.S. Selective Service Board of Appeals ; Member, Board of Directors Island Center of St. Croix; Member, Board of Directors Good Hope School; Member, St. Croix Chamber of Commerce; former Chairman, Governor’s Commission of Human Services; former Chairman, Board of Medical Examiners; past President Virgin Islands Medical Society; Member, American Medical Association; Member, American Public Health Association; Charter Member, American Association of Public Health Physicians; Member, National Medical Association; former Mem­ ber, Board of Advice, St. Dunstan School; form er member, Governor’s Commis­ sion on Civil Defense; former Member, Board of Trustees, The New St. Croix Savings Bank. His membership in clubs and social organizations includes: St. Croix Rotary Club; St. Croix Yacht Club; Harmonic Lodge Free Masons, St. Thomas; Phi Beta Sigma Social Fraternity ; (Charter Member of Rotary Club). Dr. Evans is married to the former Mary Phyllis Anderson. They have four children Melvin II., Jr., 22, Robert Rogiers, 20, William Charles, 17, and Cor­ nelius Duncan, 14. Senator Burdick. We will begin with the senior Senator from Ha wa ii, Senator Hiram L. Fong, who will introduce Dr. Camacho. Senator Fong. STATEMENT OF HON. HIRA M L. FONG, A U.S. SENATOR FROM TH E STATE OF HAW AII Senator F ono. Mr. Ch airm an and members of the committee; I am pleased and honored to present to you Dr. Carlos Camacho, who has been nominated to be Govern or of Guam. Dr. Camacho, a native Guamanian , was form erly a member of the Guam Legislature and is curre ntly a dentist with the Guam Medical Center. He was employed by the U.S. naval governm ent of Guam prior to World W ar II. Following th e liberation of the island, he worked for the U.S. m ilitary governm ent and the naval government. From 1946 to 1948, Dr. Camacho attended Aq uin as College in G rand Rapid s, Mich. He was graduated from M arquette Un iversity in Mil­ waukee w ith a doctor of denta l su rgery degree in 1954. In addition to practic ing his profession in Guam, he served as a captain in the U.S. A rm y Reserve Dental C orps for 2 years beginn ing in 1956. In November 1964 he was elected to the Eig hth Guam Legisla ture and served for 2 y ears as chairma n of the Comm ittee on Hea lth and Welfare. As Governor-designate of G uam , Dr. Cam acho comes highly recom­ mended. As a native Guam anian , he is known among his people for a 3 life of dedicated service in public and private capacities, and in the civilian and military sectors. His intimate knowledge of the problems and potential of his home island will, T believe, enable him to perform ably and conscientiously in the best interests of his people. Given this opportunity to serve his people. Dr. Camacho can carry forward the important task of reconstruction and rehabilitation which has been underway during the past quarter-century and more recently since the disastrous typhoon of 1962. This has been a difficult, yet encouraging, period devoted to agricultural recovery, the construction of new housing to replace temporary structures, the building of needed public works, especially schools, and the establishment of new indus­ tries and new commercial enterprises. The future can be even more promising. With the caliber of leader­ ship represented by Dr. Camacho, Guam can move forward to still higher levels of attainment politically, economically, and culturally. Hawaii, because of its geographical location as a mid-Pacific com­ munity and as the American State closest to Guam, has many ties with Guam, our Nation’s westernmost territory. As a former territory, Hawaii has a keen interest and appreciation of Guam’s problems and aspirations. Hawaii’s people have offered their skills and other human resources, and have long supported the development of their island neighbors of Guam. We want to see Guam fulfill her role as the crossroads of the Western Pacific and as America’s gateway in tha t vital part of the globe. With Dr. Camacho as the next Governor, the territory of Guam can enter more confidently into its most exciting and rewarding era of growth immediately ahead. A capable, solid citizen of Guam has been selected to lead the way. This man is the Governor-designate, Dr. Camacho. I welcome the privilege of presenting him to you and respectfully request that the committee act favorably on his nomination as expedi­ tiously as possible. Senator Burdick. Thank you, Dr. Fong. Now, we will hear from Senator Stevens, the senior Senator from the State of Alaska, who will present a statement on behalf of Dr. Evans. STATEMENT OF HON. TED STEVENS, A U.S. SENATOR FROM THE STATE OF ALASKA Senator Stevens. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I have the pleasure of introducing to you today Dr. Melvin H. Evans, who has been nominated for the Governorship of the Virgin Islands by President Nixon. Dr. Evans was born in Christiansted, St. Croix, V.I., in 1917, the year in which the Virgin Islands were ceded to the United States by treaty with Denmark. Dr. Evans received his primary and secondary education in the public school system of the Virgin Islands and at­ tended Howard University from 1936 to 1944 where he received his bachelor of science and medical doctor degrees with high honors. From 1941 to 1945, Dr. Evans served as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army, Medical Administration Corps. Since 1945, he has had 41 long and impressive career of public service to the people of the Vir- 4 gin Islands, llis career was capped when in 1959 he was appointed Commissioner of the Virgin Islands Department of Health, a posi­ tion which he held through 1967. Dr. Evans has also served on numerous public and civic boards and commissions in the Virgin Islands. He is currently chairman of the board of trustees of the College of the Virgin Islands. Dr. Melvin Evans is married to the former Mary Phyllis Anderson of New York City, and they have four sons, ages 14 through 22. Dr. Evans is eminently qualified to hold the office of Governor of the Virgin Islands. He has approximately 20 years of administrative experience in various capacities and at various levels, including a di­ rection of the largest department of the Virgin Islands government for 7 years. Mr. Chairman, I am privileged to present to you and the distin­ guished members of this committee, the Honorable Melvin II. Evans. Senator Burdick. Thank you, Senator Stevens. The next witness will be the Honorable Antonio B. Won Pat, Guam’s representative in Washington, D.C. STATEMENT OF HON. ANTONIO B. WON PAT, GUAM’S REPRESENTATIVE IN WASHINGTON, D.C. Mr. Won Pat. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman and members of the committee, thank you for the opportunity of appearing before you again. I always deem it an honor to be, accorded this privilege in view of this particular committee’s knowledge and understanding of matters affecting or relating to Guam. It has been my pleasure to work with you and members of your staff on legislation relative to Guam for many, many years, beginning with the 1950 Organic Act. We have accomplished a great deal to­ gether. Guam has indeed made a lot of progress since substantial self-gov­ ernment was granted by the 81st Congress. The rapid strides that Guam is now making is, in a great measure, the result of the sym­ pathetic interest, hard work, and positive action of this committee over the past years, beginning with the Organic Act to enactment of the Elective Governorship Act last year. As you know, the provisions of this law do not take effect until the general election in November 1970. The change of administration brought about by the verdict of the American people in the presidential election of November 6, 1968, necessarily brought with it changes in the policymaking administra­ tive personnel in the various executive departments, agencies and other echelons. Thus, the incumbent appointed Governor of Guam, Manuel Guerrero, will terminate his tenure of duty on June 30,1969. I am glad that President Nixon has appointed a native Guamanian to be the next Governor of Guam. As Guam’s elected representative in Washington, I want to go on record endorsing the nomination of Dr. Carlos G. Camacho, a member of the Republican Party of Guam who has been nominated by the President of the United States. He will, in all probability, lie the last appointive Governor, if I may say so. 5 Dr. Camacho’s background and qualifications are officially on the record and there is little need for me to elaborate further except to state that having been closely identified with the public life and politi­ cal development of the territory of Guam since the naval administra­ tion of the island until now, a period of 30 years, I have come to know most of the people both in and out of the government. I have known Dr. Camacho since he was a very young man. He is a person of good character, ambition and potential. I served with him in the Eighth Guam Legislature and although he and I have different political tendency and may have differing outlooks, I know him as a man dedicated to the same objective as I have—serving the best inter­ est and welfare of the American people of Guam and our Nation. I believe that he has the background on Guam’s needs and aspirations that should enable him to meet the challenging and complex responsi­ bilities of the office he is to assume. I stand ready to work with him within the resources of my office toward the enhancement of our eco­ nomic, social and political growth and development. I urge, therefore, tha t the committee recommend his confirmation by the Senate. Thank you. Senator Burdick. Thank you, Mr. Won Pat. Next we will hear from the Honorable Ron De Lugo, Virgin Islands representative to Washington. The Honorable De Lugo. STATEMENT OF HON. RON DE LUGO, REPRESENTATIVE OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS TO WASHINGTON, D.C. Mr. De Lugo. Mr. Chairman, I have been joined at the witness table by the vice president of the Virgin Islands Legislature, who arrived this morning. lie is not prepared to make any statement at this time unless the committee so desires. He joins with me in endorsing the nominee. Mr. Chairman, members of the Senate Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs----- Senator Burdick. Will you identify the vice president ? Mr. De Lugo. The vice president of the legislature is Dr. Randell N. James. My name is Ron De Lugo, elected by the people of the Virgin Islands as their representative to Washington, D.C. I appear before this com­ mittee today on behalf of both the people and the Legislature of the Virgin Islands to support the nomination of Dr. Melvin Evans as Governor of the Virgin Islands. Mr. Chairman, I want to thank you and the committee for sched­ uling the hearing on the nomination of Dr. Evans so quickly. Your expeditious consideration of this matter shows your understanding of its importance to the people of the Virgin Islands. Dr. Evans’ record has been presented to you, so there is no need for me to reiterate. I want to make just two points. First, Melvin Evans is fully qualified bv virtue of his character, experience, and ability to undertake the duties and pressures of the Virgin Islands Governor­ ship. He is a Virgin Islander of proven integrity and competence and has an intimate understanding of his native Virgin Islands. 6 The second point is that a rational relationship between the execu­ tive and the legislative branches of government is imperative to re­ sponsible and responsive government. Dr. Evans is a Republican and all 15 members of the legislature at the present time are Democrats. But I am confident that Dr. Evans’ objectivity and interest in the wel­ fare of the Virgin Islands and its people will provide for a good work­ ing relationship between the Governor and the legislature. Finally, Mr. Chairman, I respectfully, but firmly, urge that this committee continue to consider this nomination expeditiously, and re­ port the nomination favorably and quickly. The people of the Virgin Islands are entitled to have a Governor appointed by the President of the United States with the advice and consent of the Senate, who is in a position to respond to the many problems which today confront our community. Senator Burdick. Thank you, Mr. De Lugo. Questions ? Senator Stevens. I would like to ask one. Will the legislature be in session before the end of the year? Is it in session now ? Mr. D e Lugo. They are in recess at the present time. Perhaps I can have the vice president respond to that, Senator. Senator Stevens. Yes. Dr. J ames. We are in recess at the present time pending the appoint­ ment, and we will go back and get things underway as soon as possible. Senator Stevens. Do you anticipate a session after the Governor’s appointment ? Dr. J ames. Yes; I do. Senator Stevens. Thank you. Senator Burdick. Thank you, Mr. De Lugo. The next witness is the Honorable John David Merwin, former Governor of the Virgin Islands. STATEMENT OF HON. JOHN DAVID MERWIN. FORMER GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS Mr. Merwin. Mr. Chairman and members of the Senate Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs, it is a great privilege for me to appear here this morning to sponsor the appointment of Dr. Evans, our next Governor. I have known Dr. Evans personally for most of my life, as far back as I can remember. Frankly, I don’t know of another Virgin Islander who I personally hold in higher respect and esteem than him. He is a man of sterling character and complete integrity, and I feel that the President of the United States has done a great service to the people of the Virgin Islands by choosing a man who stands out head and shoulders above his fellow men as an absolutely topnotch person for this job. I am sure that his experience in government will hold him in stead and that he will do an outstanding job for the people. Again, I say it is a privilege to be here. I cannot too highly endorse him, because I don’t know another Virgin Islander who could fill this job as well as he. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Senator Burdick. Thank you, Governor. Senator Fannin. Senator F annin. It is good to welcome you here this morning and have the opportunity of working with you as a fellow Governor. I certainly respect your judgment. How iong has Dr. Evans been in the Virgin Islands ? Air. Merwin. He was bom there in 1917. He is a native. I am a native of the islands, too, and grew up with him. Senator F annin. I remember that. Well, as I say, I certainly respect your judgment and appreciate very much tha t you have made this statement this morning in support of Dr. Evans. Mr. Merwin. Thank you, Senator. I have very fond memories of having served with you as a member of the Governors’ conference years ago, and I carry it with me. Senator Burdick. Senator Stevens. Senator Stevens. Mr. Chairman, I would like also to welcome the former Governor, after having served in the Interior Department. I am happy to see you again, and it is a very fine gesture tha t you come down. Air. Merwin. Thank you, Ted, and it is the first chance I have had to see you in your capacity as Senator from Alaska. I am delighted to be here. Thank you. Senator Burdick. Thank you. Dr. Camacho, I have before me a biographical sketch. Have you seen the copy th at I have in my hand ? This sketch I have in mv hand is a resume of your background. Are there any additions or corrections ? Dr. Camacho. No, sir. Senator Burdick. Dr. Evans, you have a biographical sketch. Are there any changes or corrections you would like to make in yours ? Dr. Evans. No, sir. Senator Burdick. Senator Fannin, any questions? Senator Fannin. Mr. Chairman, I regret th at I was not here when the distinguished Senator from Hawaii made his presentation. I have high respect for him. I certainly accept his recommendation, and I am sure we have a very highly qualified man. T hat is all tha t I have to say, Mr. Chairman. Senator Burdick. Senator Hatfield. Senator H atfield. No questions. Senator Burdick. Senator Stevens. Senator Stevens. I just want to say that I have had several letters from good friends in Guam, Doctor, and they have all told me how pleased they are that you have been appointed. I am happy to join my colleagues in supporting your nomination. Senator H atfield. Air. Chairman. Senator Burdick. Senator Hatfield. Senator Hatfield. I s the battleship Oregon still stranded out there at Guam; do you know ? Dr. Camacho. I have no knowledge of that, sir. Senator Hatfield. If it is, could you get it back to us? We contrib­ uted to the war effort in World War II, and they towed it out there, I believe it was Guam, and sort of abandoned it. Ask them to send it to us. 33- 03 5— 69------ 2 8 Dr. Camacho. We will try. Senator Burdick. No questions ? Dr. Camacho, is there any statement you would like to make? STATEMENT OE HON. CARLOS GARCIA CAMACHO, OF GUAM, NOMIN EE TO BE GOVERNOR OF GUAM Dr. Camacho. Mr. Chairman, members of this committee, I have little to say this morning except th at I am deeply honored and I am happy to appear before you. I am also appreciative of the great and signal honor that the President has bestowed upon me by nominating me as the next Governor of Guam. I would like to assure this commit­ tee that I will do my best to promote the general welfare of the people of Guam. That is all. Senator Burdick. Doctor, what do you view at this moment as the principal problem in Guam ? Dr. Camacho. There are a lot of problems, sir, but I see that we really need to place a lot of emphasis on the economic development of the territory. We would like to see Guam as a real showcase of democracy in the Pacific. Guam is emerging, it is beginning to be a showcase. I t is a truly American community, getting to be almost too sophisticated. I can say this much, that Guam’s problem actually is universal. We will do our best to try to solve these problems as we go along. Senator Burdick. Have the restoration of the public facilities pro­ ceeded at a good pace after the big blow ? Dr. Camacho. Yes, sir, there are a lot of things that we are doing right now. We intend to proceed with them as rapidly as possible. There is a lot of work that has to be done. Senator Burdick. I presume that when we come to specifics you will let the committee know what you want ? Dr. Camacho. Yes, sir. Senator Burdick. I would like to insert in the record at this time a telegram from Vicente C. Reyes, attorney at law and former senator of Guam, and Alberto T. Lamorena, also a former senator of Guam, in favor of the nomination of Dr. Camacho. (The telegram referred to follows:) Gu am, June 16, 1969. Senator Henry M. J ackson, Chairman, Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs, U.S. Senate, Washington, D.C. We most respectfully request the honorable members of this committee to favorably endorse to the U.S. Senate the confirmation of Dr. Carlos G. Camacho as Governor of Guam. Vic ente C. R ey es, Attorney at Law and former Senator of Guam. Aijjert o T. L amore na. J ttorney at Law and former Senator of Guam. Senator Burdick. Dr. Evans, do you have a statement you would like to make ? 9 STATEMENT OF HON. MELVIN H. EVANS, OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS, NOMINEE TO BE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS Dr. Evans. Mr. Chairman, members of the Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs, I wish to acknowledge the honor which the Presi­ dent of the United States has bestowed upon me in nominating me to the office of Chief Executive of the Virgin Islands and the further honor in being permitted to appear before this committee. I do so with humility. For with every honor there is attendant responsibility, and with every responsibility there is an attendant duty. I assure you the full recognition of these truths and pledge my utmost ability and energy in their performance. It is neither desirable nor possible in these remarks to attempt to present a picture of the problems of the Virgin Islands or their pro­ posed solutions. In many ways, the problems there reflect and are related to the problems here and in the rest of the world and their solutions equally related. In other respects, there are unique problems or combinations of problems which must be solved locally. I consider it safe to say that the picture there represents that of the outside in microcosm. During the past decade, we have 'seen the population of these islands practically double, business and industry increase at a remarkable rate, and the per capita income rise sharply. We have also seen an intensification of the problems which these changes bring, an increase in crime, traffic congestion, unmet demands for housing, sewage dis­ posal, water supply, and electric power. It becomes more difficult merely to move about as the roads deteriorate and the volume of traf ­ fic increases. The expansion of educational and health facilities, while given attention, have failed to keep pace with the increasing demands. Attention must also be given to facilities necessary to maintain the Virgin Islands in a favorable competitive position touristw’ise. Size, however, is not necessarily equated with goodness. There must be an increase in efficiency of operations both in and out of government, Homeownership, small business ownership, and permanence of resi­ dence, some of the factors which help to make a stable, thriving, and healthy community must be encouraged. The social problems which everywhere occupy so much attention today must have prompt and ser­ ious attention given to ameliorate or solve them. A viable two-party political system must be developed. Healthy constructive opposition must be fostered and encouraged. Political education in its broadest sense must be made an integral part of life if the increase in self-determination, so naturally a desire of every community, is to be made workable. Without resorting to specifics, I would pledge that these problems, with which my long residence in the islands have gained me familiar­ ity, would be given all the attention possible. My aim would be to make the Virgin Islands, as a part of the world community, healthy eco­ nomically, culturally, socially, and politically. I know that the mem­ bers of this committee share my hopes and aspirations in these regards and I pledge my determination to these ends. Gentlemen, I consider this an honor being here. I thank you. Senator Burdick. I have two questions here for you, Doctor. 10 Estimates very, but there are some 15,000 bonded aliens in the Virgin Islands, an unknown number of illegal aliens and children of aliens. These people, according to a study sponsored by the College of the Virgin Islands, are denied almost every social right and privilege. They cannot send their children to the public schools. They are not eligible for welfare services. They are not allowed in public housing. They are evicted in the event of urban renewal, and many are paid below minimum wages. They also live in the most dilapidated, de­ teriorated housing in the islands. Do you have any ideas concerning the role of Government in alleviating and correcting the situation and the kind of assistance that might be forthcoming in the Federal agencies? Dr. Evans. Mr. Chairman, I think that I would say “Yes.” In the first place, I agree, and I am sure tha t all who know the islands agree that there is a real serious problem concerning aliens. I am ashamed tha t many of the things which you state are, unfortunately, true. I have several suggestions, and while I do not propose to make the overall problem look so simple, I think th at the suggestions would go a long way toward alleviating these conditions. In the first place, I do not believe that we could or should bring adults in to work for extended periods of time in the islands and then deny them their family contacts and the education of their children. That has to be changed. I feel that everyone is entitled to decent hous­ ing regardless of his nationality, and that, too, has to be changed. The problem is, as I have stated before, that it is impossible to build houses as fast as planes and boats can bring in the people. The only lid tha t now exists to keep this condition under control, which doesn’t completely alleviate it, is the fact that housing is too tight. As more and more houses are built more people come in. I have suggested a long time ago that we ought to freeze occupancies in the slum areas and then make an attempt to build new units and destroy those sub­ standard units immediately. The thing that would, I think, go fa r toward helping the situation would be to prohibit on-island recruitment. Most of the problems that are encountered there are brought about by the very large number of what I like to call “visitors,” those who come in ostensibly as visitors, but actually to seek jobs. As long as they know they can be employed, they come in bv boatloads and planeloads. If we recruit them only at point of origin, with police checks, health checks, and the various other checks necessary, and if they know that they cannot get a job by com­ ing and roaming the streets, I think we will move a long way toward helping this situation. But this method of recruitment is one of the first acts I would recommend. Senator Burdick. In your opinion, would this require Federal leg­ islation, or could you handle it? Dr. E vans. It. would require Federal help in the sense that we feel the arm of the Immigration Service in the islands is too small, the personnel too few to cope with the situation and do a good job. I think they suffer a serious manpower shortage. Senator Burdick. A considerable number of these aliens come in under work permit for a short period of time? Dr. E vans. That is right. Senator Burdick. There is some control ? Dr. E vans. Yes, sir. 11 Senator Burdick. But there is no control over these visitors? Dr. E vans. That is right. The visitors give the most trouble, we feel. Senator Burdick. Do they find jobs immediately? Dr. Evans. Many of them find jobs. Most of them not immediately. And, of course, they have economic problems and housing problems while they are looking for jobs. Senator B urdick. Do you have any unemployed among these aliens today ? Dr. E vans. I would have to give you an estimate Senator, because I don’t know. As a matter of tact, these visitors often are very fur­ tive in their movements and their place of residence sometimes are not even known. I suspect there are quite a bit of unemployed among them. Eventually many of them find employment. If their visiting period runs out before they find employment, they often leave and come back as visitors. But 1 am sure there must, be some unemployed. Senator Burdick. Do you have an established visitor period? Dr. E vans. The time during which a man is allowed to visit is at the discretion of the immigration admitting officer and may extend up to 29 days. So he is familiarly referred to as the 29-day visitor. But the officer has the prerogative of allowing anywhere from 24 hours up to 29 days. Senator Burdick. Presently the Immigration and Naturalization Service and the local police are rounding up illegal aliens, aliens be­ tween bonds, and aliens waiting for their papers to be processed. Many of these people are caught in a bureaucratic mixup that is none of their doing. When caught in a dragnet they are deported within a few hours and not permitted out to collect their belongings, make plans for their families, or even to collect back wages due them. This is according to the Virgin Islands Daily News of Monday, Jun e 16, which reported that on St. Thomas alone more than 100 aliens were rounded up last week and more this week. First of all, I want to know if this is correct, and if correct, do you have any ideas that can assure that the basic law of procedure of decency can be accorded these people ? Dr. E vans. Senator, first of all, I must confess that I do not believe that the situation is completely represented. I believe that the true situation is that many of these people who are rounded up are repeated violators, people who play a game of cat and mouse with the police, who move from area to area. I might add at this point that certainly an outstanding percentage, or at least several cases of the most serious crimes committed in the islands are committed by people who had overstayed their leave and are there illegally. I certainly would not condone unconstitutional and illegal proceedings in handling these people even if they have been reported as breaking the law. I would not condone illegal search and seizure or anything like that. But I think the picture is not correct as painted in that article and that most of these individuals are found to be repeated violators. Senator Burdick. The last question is also based upon a newspaper article. Dr. E vans. I have not seen the newspaper article. Senator Burdick. The report is, in general, tha t the Virgin Islands are in fiscal difficulty, that the budget is in need of an increase over the request submitted by the last Governor. What is the situation fiscally ? 12 Dr. Evans. I can reply very simply I do not know at the present time because I have not had access to the facts as they might exist. Certainly that would be one of the first things I would address myself to. I am unaware of any overall fiscal deficit, but I could neither affirm or deny the statement. Senator Burdick. I would ask one more question. By the way. this last question is based upon an article in the Auis. Dr. Evans. Auis. Senator Burdick. It says that the government payroll is $36 million annually and the government’s total budget is $52 million annually. So if this is correct, the payroll is taking the major portion of the budget. Dr. E vans. Senator, in my remarks I made a reference to increasing the efficiency of government operations. There are many of us in the islands who have been concerned for a very long time over the top- heavy payroll and the relative shortage of materials and equipment with which the employees have to work. I can assure you, without be­ littling the issue by attempting to come to the solution off the top of my head, that this is one area that I intend to give immediate attention. Senator Burdick. Senator Fannin. Senator Fannin. Yes, Mr. Chairman. Our ranking member, the distinguished Senator from Colorado, Senator—here he is. Senator Allott. Mr. Chairman, I must apologize for my lateness, but I had a meeting at the White House this morning and just got released. First of all, I would like to welcome Dr. Evans before the commit­ tee and to express publicly that which I already conveyed privately, my congratulations on your nomination by the President to be the Governor of the U.S. Virgin Islands. I do have a few questions to ask of Dr. Evans this morning. Before I do that, I would like to make a very brief general observa­ tion about the situation which confronts the Virgin Islands today, and which, I think, will confront the islands in the future. At the outset, of course, I am aware of the fact that the Secretary has shown remark­ able sensitivity and concern about the problems of the territories, and as Secretary of the Department of Interior, he has recently made an inspection of the trust territory and demonstrated, beyond the hollow­ ness of words alone, the kind of aggressive, active leadership which has not always been the hallmark of the Interior Department when it came to our territorv responsibility. I am concerned, that the citizens of the Virgin Islands be made aware tha t an equal amount of encouragement and sensitivity will be shown in this, our eastermost territorial responsibility. These people have shown a remarkable amount of patience in waiting until now to have the benefit of a new Governor nominated and confirmed by the Senate. The time has come when these people must again begin to move for­ ward under the leadership of the most responsible aspects of the is­ land government. There are a tremendous number of problems facing the future of the islands, some of which are only glimpsed by Mem­ bers of Congress here in Washington. I know in the past I have not been reluctant to express my critical analysis in the way in which the political and economic system works. I want to make it clear tha t I will continue to speak out on these particular issues when I feel the situation is such that the people of these beautiful islands are not re- 13 ceiving the proper portion of good government to which they are en­ titled. I am not sure that I entirely envy you in this position. I know tha t its challenges are great and in direct proportion to the oppor­ tunities which have too long remained dormant for too many citizens of the Islands. Typical of the challenges confronting the islands are the alien labor problems. The Daily News, on page 3, carried an article which dis­ turbs me greatly. This article describes the current effort by the Im­ migration and Naturalized Service to round up illegal alien laborers and forcibly remove them from the islands. I am sure in the mad rush to move with precipitous action that there have been instances where these illegal persons have not had even their most minimal rights protected. This type of action by the INS concerns me greatly. Dr. Evans, what practical solutions do you feel might be brought to bear in removing illegal aliens from the Virgin Islands? Doctor, I understand that you have answered this question pre­ viously, so I will ask you this one, and this is the only question at this time. What is the status of the report of the special commission which was created by Virgin Islands Legislature on February 5 of this year, which was to consider the overall labor market in the islands, with emphasis on the housing and educational service problems confronting the alien labor force in the islands? I think th at is supposed to be com­ pleted some time around the end of March. Dr. E vans. Senator, I am not aware that it was completed or pub­ lished. I have heard nothing more of it. We do have a member of the legislature here, and with your permission, he could respond to that. Senator Allott. Who is he? Dr. E vans. Mr. James. Senator Allott. Will you come forward. State your name. Mr. J ames. Randell James, vice president of the Legislature of the Virgin Islands. Senator Allott. Can you answer that question ? Mr. J ames. Well, I know the study has been in progress, but I haven't seen the official report as yet. Senator Allott. I didn’t get the answer. Mr. J ames. We have not received a report from the committee as yet, but it has been studied. Senator Allott. The legislature has not received a report yet? Mr. J ames. Not yet. Senator Allott. All right. Thank you very much. That is all I have. Senator Burdick. Senator Ilansen ? Senator Hansen. No questions. Senator Burdick. Senator Hatfield. Senator Hatfield. As my colleague said a while ago, Dr. Evans, with reference to that question of Dr. Camacho that you have good sponsorship when Governor Merwin appears with you—I have served with Governor Merwin before, and I am sure this has great impact on the committee. I would like to follow up a question that our chairman asked a while ago with reference to the matter of high payroll, a high percentage of the payroll goes to government employment. 14 Do you have the merit system there as it relates to your public employees? Dr. Evans. The answer is “Yes,” but I must immediately say th at sometimes this particular thing is----- Senator Hatfield. But it is enough for you to be able to initiate broad, sweeping reorganization that might reduce the percentage of public employees to the total budget ? Dr. Evans. Yes; I am sure that the chief executive has the power to effect sufficient reorganization to bring things under control with­ out, of course, causing any catastrophe or dislocation. But I am sure that authority exists or that legislation will be sought if it does not exist. Senator Hatfield. Are you free, as the chief executive of the island government, to appoint the key top policymakers in various depart­ ments and divisions? Dr. Evans. Yes; subject to confirmation by the legislature of the islands. Senator Hatfield. Some of us have been given information about the rather bursting political organization that has been created in the islands. We might call it political-economic network that Senator Allott referred to before. You don’t feel that you are going to be in­ hibited here or frustrated in your efforts to shift gears and get a new thrust and new direction, pass new priorities and emphasis of the island government? I)r. Evans. Well, T think I would be naive to expect that there would be no obstruction nor any obstacles or difficulties. I think an analysis of the situation would make it immediately evident that such an op­ portunity exists. I am honestly optimistic and I feel that the bulk of the people in the Virgin Islands are ready to have reason introduced and carried through. I would feel th at reasonable changes made so as not to cause any collapse would be popularly received. So I am op­ timistic, even though I recognize there are a great many problems and difficulties ahead. Senator Hatfield. T wish you well. Senator Burdick. Senator Stevens. Senator Stevens. No questions. Senator Burdick. Senator Bellmon. Senator Bellmon. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Dr. Evans, you mentioned “visitors.” Where do these visitors pri­ marily come from? Dr. E vans. For the most part they come from the chain of islands to the southeast of us, starting with the British Virgin Islands and going all the wav down as fa r as Trinidad. But I suppose the bulk of them would come from within 200 or 300 miles, such as the islands of Antigua, Montserrat, St. Lucia, and so forth. Senator Bellmon. When the term “alien” is used, these individuals come from the same area? Dr. E vans. Well, the term “alien” is used to include all noncitizens. Of course, citizens include people from Puerto Rico and the Con­ tinental United States. But other visitors are considered aliens. Senator Bellmon. An alien is simply—he has been there a little longer? 15 Dr. Evans. No, no; one who lias not received citizenship in a strict sense. Senator Bellmon. What is a visitor ? Dr. Evans. In the particular sense which I use the word “visitor,n it applies to the aliens who are visitor aliens or alien visitors. The difference comes from the fact that people who come from the United States or from Puerto Itico do not have any limit on how long they can be there, and they move freely, and we have perhaps half a million or so during the course of a year coming in as tourists and visitors. Perhaps with tongue in cheek, we call them tourists. But the “visitors*’ I refer to I put in quotation marks. They really don't come in as vis­ itors, but to work. But the only way to enter legally is as visitors. That is why I put it that way. Senator B ellmon. They are visitors up to 29 days ? 1 )r. E vans. Up to 29 days. Senator Bellmon. Would a visitor come to work only 29 days? Dr. E vans. There are special plane services that fly for the sake or 10 or 12 hours’ time. That may be repeated item for item. Senator Bellmon. What is the nature of the work that these visitors can perform? Dr. E vans. Since they are mostly unskilled or semiskilled people, these particular groups of people perform work as gardeners, domes­ tics, house dependents, and so forth. They also become construction workers. They move up sometimes. They even drive taxis, although that is a little more difficult. They work in hotels. I suppose they run the gamut of work to the limit of their skills. Senator Bellmon. These are not employed in any agricultural enterprise? They are not migrants? Dr. Evans. In a strict sense, no, because agriculture, at the present time, because of the conditions of climate and so forth, is not a very paying employment and to a certain extent is being phased out. At least part of it has been phased out already. So the need for labor is not very great. Senator Burdick. Without objection, I would like to include in the record at this time the telegrams from the Hotel Association of the Virgin Islands and the Virgin Islands Association of Architect E ngi­ neers and Surveyors on behalf of the nomination of Dr. Evans. (The telegrams referred to follow:) J une 16, 1969. Hon. H enry M. J ackson, U.S. Senate, Washington, D.C. Dear Sir : Appointment of Dr. Melvin Evans by President Nixon is a source of great satisfaction to the members of the Hotel Association of the Virgin Islands. Alton A. Adams, Sr., President. Virgin I slands Association of Architect E ngineers and Surveyors, June 17, 1969. Senate I nterior and I nsular Affairs Committee, Washington, D.C.: We wholeheartedly endorse President Nixon’s appointment of Dr. Melvin Evans as Governor of the U.S. Virgin Islands. E. Mullgrav, Director. 16 Senator Burdick. I would like to mention tha t seven Virgin Is­ landers have come here at their own expense in support of Dr. Evans. It is a fine tribute to him. I believe they do not wish to make statements, however. Are there any other people in the hearing room that would like to make a statement against or for the nominations of either Dr. Camacho •or Dr. Evans? Senator Allott. Mr. Chairman, I would like to formally express my welcome to Dr. Camacho, and I have gone into some of his qualifica­ tions. I am sure he will fill this office with distinction. We are very glad to have you here and glad to welcome you, Doctor. Dr. Camacho. Thank you. Senator Burdick. This gentleman here in the front row, state your name. STATEMENT OF HENRY E. ROHLSEN, PRESIDENT, ST. CROIX REPUBLICAN CLUB OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS Mr. Rohlsf.x. Mr. Chairman and distinguished members of the Senate Interior and Insular Affairs Committee, my name is Henry E. Rohlsen. I am a native Virgin Islander, and I am president of St. Croix Republican Club of the Virgin Islands. Our branch has over­ whelmingly endorsed, and again recently endorsed Dr. Evans for nomination as Governor of the Virgin Islands. The territorial committee, the State chairman, the national com­ mittee men and women of the Republican Party of the Virgin Islands have done likewise. We are, therefore, very happy and proud to know that the Presi­ dent of the United States has made this nomination to your com­ mittee for Dr. Evans to be our next and most likely last appointed Governor of the Virgin Islands. Dr. Evans is the right man at the right time for the very difficult task that lies ahead. The coming 18 months will be the most critical period in the history of our Virgin Islands for any Governor. It will tax to the utmost the courage, char­ acter, integrity, foresight, experience, and ability of any man occupy­ ing this unenviable area of responsibility. I have had the pleasure and honor of knowing the Governor- designate for about 40 years and am convinced that he has all the character, integrity, foresight, and ability, and much more of what it takes to occupy the office of Governor of the Virgin Islands. In November of 1970 the people of the Virgin Islands will elect their first Governor. During the next 18 months, which is indeed a very short span of time, the cornerstone for this transition must be well set. This cornerstone must embed a pattern of absolute integrity of government, of fiscal responsibility of government, of orderly gov­ ernment in the best interests of the public, with public servants carry­ ing out their fair share of responsibility, which are due to the people of the Virgin Islands and which the people of the Virgin Islands must demand, to the best of their abilities. The cornerstone of responsibility of the Governor must he indelibly set to such a degree that the voter will demand no less from the future elected officials of the government of our Virgin Islands. If, in good wisdom, this nomination is confirmed, Dr. Evans is the right Virgin 17 Islander at the right time to harness our economic explosion through the organization of the stable and sound government for the benefit of all the people of the Virgin Islands and the Government of the United States. Dr. Evans has an abundance of the qualities that are necessary to hold this high office, and we are confident that the confirmation of this appointment will prove to be of great value to the people of the Virgin Islands and the Government of the United States as well. We recom­ mend the appointment of Dr. Evans as our next Governor. Thank you. Senator Burdick. Thank you. Any others ? Yes, state your name. STATEMENT OF ROBERT A. ELLISON, A PRIVATE CITIZEN AND RESIDENT OF ST. CROIX, V.I. Mr. Ellison. Mr. Chairman, my name is Robert A. Ellison. I am a private citizen and resident of St. Croix, the Virgin Islands. I am not a native Virgin Islander. I moved to the Virgin Islands from the continental United States. I am in the category or one category of vis­ itor that Dr. Evans mentioned. However, it is now my home. It gives me great pleasure to appear before you and to say to you that I think mv remarks reflect the general support and love and es­ teem in which Dr. Evans is held in St. Croix. I know this from per­ sonal experience. I would think that he has equal support in St. John and St. Thomas. The fact that Dr. Evans is a physician of repute indicates that he is people oriented, he has that degree of compassion and he has that degree of medical skill. Of course, I am not competent to testify as to that, but I do know that he is held in such high esteem as a physician that many people in St. Croix hate to see him leave as a physician and become Governor. It has been my good fortune to appear with Dr. Evans on many committees and the Advisory Council of the Virgin Islands. I have seen him in action. I have noticed his quick mindedness. I have also noticed his tough mindedness. I think this would tide him over in any political crisis which might arise. I know that he is dedicated to the proposition that education is a problem in the Virgin Islands. I know that he is dedicated to the proposition that education has a high prior­ ity. I know, from conversations with Dr. Evans, tha t public safety has a high priority. I know that he feels that housing, all of the prob­ lems which face urban areas, all of the problems which face most of our areas in the country, have his knowledge, have his sympathy, and I believe that he will devote himself to these problems. The fact tha t he is a native, I think, is a fact of great significance in an area where all racial and religious demoninations live in peace, and we hope that our islands will remain beautiful physically and socially and economically. I am very, very happy to be able to state to you that Dr. Evans has such wide support in the Virgin Islands. Thank you. Senator Burdick. Thank you. 18 Senator Allott. Thank you, sir. Senator Burdick. Dr. Evans and Dr. Camacho, you will appear tomorrow for an executive session will you not ? Dr. E vans. Tomorrow; yes. Senator Burdick. This meeting will adjourn, and we would like to have you wait just a few minutes. (Whereupon, at 11 o’clock a.m., the committee adjourned.) o