Thursday's news conference presented a jocular, candid and comfortable chief executive to the people of the Virgin Islands — a governor who, after a month and a half in office, still enjoys the goodwill of his constituents. It is impressive to see how Gov. Charles W. Turnbull has grown in a short time from a slightly uncomfortable-in-the limelight former educator to a sincere, dignified political leader. At this point that seems to be enough to give him the support of most people here. His style of openness and candor is a breath of fresh air after four years of paranoia and secrecy.
This will only go so far, though. People want and need decisive solutions to the myriad problems facing the territory. Turnbull is aware of that, too. He articulated his reasons for taking his time and his need to keep life manageable: to avoid "sleepless nights" by not taking on more than was do-able, and to carefully review all of his Cabinet choices to be sure he was appointing the best people available. There were many who wondered before and after the election if Turnbull could get the job done. Time will tell, of course. Governing this territory is a complex undertaking, especially at this time in our history and given the magnitude of our problems.
But if early signs of Turnbull's personal ability to rise to the demands of his position and to speak openly and honestly on tough issues are any indication of his ability to handle the job, we are encouraged.