As the U.S. Virgin Islands begins to rebuild in the wake of two major hurricanes, a newly-elected lawmaker lamented how “certain ethnic groups” living in the territory were not integrating themselves into the society and not giving back.
Janelle Sarauw, an Independent senator for the U.S. Virgin Islands, wrote on her Facebook wall “there are certain ethnic groups who move here in droves and make these islands their home” that “remain closed off, they rarely give back, they sponsor no youth or civic organization and I can go on.”
It’s unclear what “ethnic groups” Sarauw was referring to, even in responses to Facebook followers who commented on her post. “Like I said I may not be politically correct but there are groups who really do not integrate themselves in society,” she wrote.
The U.S. Virgin Islands is considered a tax haven, attracting companies seeking to cut their top corporate tax rates some 90 percent from the mainland. It’s not the biggest tax haven, but it’s one a few U.S. companies have taken advantage of.
Sarauw became a territorial senator after beating Justin Harrigan, Sr. for the seat. Sarauw initially did not have the votes required to sit in the legislature, but the courts eventually ruled one of the seven candidates competing for seats, Kevin Rodriguez, was disqualified from holding office since he didn’t actually live in the Virgin Islands.
Sarauw has been posting photos and messages on her Facebook wall related to hurricane recovery.
The U.S. Virgin Islands were hit by two Category 5 hurricanes in the last month. Hurricane Irma passed over the island territories in September, killing at least 127 people, including four in the Virgin Islands.
Hurricane Maria struck not long after, killing more than 60 people, including at least one in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Both storms leveled buildings, downed power lines and tore up trees.
Sarauw posted her latest Facebook rant in the midst of hurricane recovery. She also called President Donald Trump a “psycho.”
“The division within this territory is clear as day, but many are afraid to highlight it for fear of doing what I just did; ruffling feathers,” Sarauw wrote.
Sarauw did not respond to The Daily Caller News Foundation’s request for comment.
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