Dear Source,
Michael Bornn's appointment as commissioner of Tourism was the HOPE for the growth of our economy, the HOPE for the hotel industry, the HOPE for getting the U.S. Virgin Islands on the map in marketing, the HOPE for some sanity in IDC and most of all the HOPE that younger persons could play a role in the government of the U.S. Virgin Islands.
His appointment gave everyone cause to take a deep breath and relax a little – maybe there really was someone at Government House making decisions that could make a difference. We finally had someone who was chosen for his ABILITY to do the job – not his political or familial connections.
Mr. Bornn's dismissal causes serious concern about the decision-making process at Government House. Who was consulted? What considerations were given to the ramifications of another change in the management of the Tourism Department? What are the criteria for decision making, personnel appointments, long-range planning? Do commissioners have to please the governor and move at his pace in order to keep their jobs? Does personality play a more important role than doing what is best for the people.
Good managers are thrilled when their appointees take initiatives that bring compliments from the people they serve. Good managers can have professional development conferences with staff members to hone style and modify policies not in agreement. Good managers don't shoot themselves in the foot.
We didn't vote for Gov. Turnbull so that he could be comfortable. We voted for him to make changes and do what is best for these islands.
If he is the man of integrity, the man of vision and the real leader he purports to be, this time he is going to have to say, "I'm sorry, Mr. Bornn misunderstood me. I am very happy with his work and I will do all I can to allow him to continue. Sometimes he may be ahead of the rest of us. Sometimes we may not agree with each other's policies. Sometimes we may step on each other's toes. BUT always I know that both of us want what is best for the U.S. Virgin Islands."
Carol Lotz
St. Thomas