The following material is being published, unedited, exactly as it was received via e-mail from the office of the government official named, as a Source community service. Government office holders wishing to contribute to the FYI bulletin board must e-mail [email protected]. The Source reserves the right to choose what is published.
Senator Renee meets with Farmers In Action to discuss Bethlehem
April 4, 2003 – St. Croix district Senator Luther Renee attended the Estate Bethlehem site to witness the project's progress. Upon arriving to the former sugar processing plant, the Senator noted several high school students, volunteers from HOVENSA and members from Farmers In Action clearing brush from around a cistern located to west of the site.
Percival Edwards, President of FIA, explained the cistern has the capacity to hold one million gallon of water. Once restored, the water will be used for the operation of the eight-acre farm and supply water to the buildings on the remaining 14 acres. The site will be a museum and fully operational farm once all phases of the project are completed. Senator Renee spoke to importance of the Estate Bethlehem project succeeding as planned.
"Eco-tourism, Agric-tourism and cultural tourism are located here, in Estate Bethlehem. We have a variety of identities to choose from, which will enhance St. Croix, as a destination of choice, for the overnight tourist. We must look at other historical landmarks throughout the island and see what can be done, to make them a part of our tourist product and bring back a sense of pride to people of St. Croix."
Senator Renee continued, "This is a perfect example, of a private-public partnership, for the betterment of the island. We need more organizations, like Farmers In Action, to step forward and preserve the history of the people. We cannot sit back and wait for the government to protect those landmarks that tells the story of an island, that was the trade center of the Caribbean."
"When partnerships are formed however, both the government and the private sector must do their part. The private sector must see all projects through as they propose and, once agreed upon, the government must put in place the mechanisms to make projects a reality. Leases must be executed on a timely manner and money appropriated must be allotted for the intended purpose. When these two things do not happen, then the whole project fails."
"Again, a land and water use plan is vital for the progression of the territory, especially St. Croix. We must protect farmlands from spot zoning or setting aside farmland for the development of affordable housing or other developments that in the long run, affects our ability to feed ourselves." The Senator concluded.