. 
/ 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