Dear Source:
As a former Virgin Islands resident, I was ecstatic to hear the good news that the Virgin Islands was finally getting a chance to again be the "America's Paradise," as it is fondly referred to. The reason being that someone had the good sense to name Elton Lewis the Commissioner designee of the Virgin Islands Police Department. I have had many days when I felt quite saddened to hear that the territory had deteriorated to a crime-ridden haven for its residents. The islands needed an amazing rainbow on its horizon, and after many days of over cast skies, there is hope again.
But the naysayers had to encourage more gloomy days by starting their "smear campaign" and they could not come up with anything better than an alleged incident from TEN years ago. I ask these naysayers "are you satisfied with the crime rate in the territory at present?" The United States Virgin Islands is comprised of four islands and the people of these islands need the crime wave to be totally eradicated. Why would a select few choose to not see the forest, but only the trees in the forest? Open your eyes people, take a look at the total state of the territory in the grand scheme of things and realize that there is a BIG problem with crime in the VI! Tourism, your #1 industry is almost nonexistent, your unemployment rate continues to soar, and how many people have been reported missing in the past few years? Should the people of the VI sit back and let crime run rampant until groups like the Women’s Coalition decide who would be best fit to sit at the helm of the Police department? Instead of pushing their own personal agendas, they need to give all the residents of the islands a chance to again experience some sunshine, by giving Elton Lewis a chance to improve upon a blighted situation.
Governor Turnbull, I applaud you for your decision and if Elton is not confirmed as the new Commissioner of Police the residents of the VI better get out their umbrellas.
Sally Green,
Atlanta, Georgia

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