Dear Source,
Greg Miller of St. Thomas is to be commended for his desire to get out the vote and get the candidates talking (see 'We the people' aren't dong all that we can); I hope his efforts are successful.
I do not believe, however, that the territory is able to fix itself; that is one of the basic problems with the system in the Virgin Islands. It seems that there is a higher value placed on a candidates' heritage than on his or her credentials or expertise.
The Virgin Islands government continually and methodically rejects all business, people, and ideas that come from the outside (productive and successful) world. We seem trapped in a cycle of ineffectiveness perpetuated by the same corrupt government and the same inept officials who continually resist anyone or anything that does not come from the territory. Unless and until there is total change from top to bottom, I am afraid the Virgin Islands are doomed by their own stubborn, short-sighted willingness to accept things the way they are. Unless the people of the territory elect a true leader who is not bound by cronyism, there is little hope.
Those of us trying to do business on the islands, who do not live there full time, are discouraged and disillusioned. If the powers that be will not listen to anyone from "off island", refuse to be reasonable when it comes to outside business interests, and fail to see that the territory is dying from within, there is not much we can do. I continue to be totally committed to helping change happen in the Virgin Islands.
I have been personally affected by the inability of the government. I pay astronomical rates for insurance that does little to cover my losses when my home and guests are robbed. I guess I am fortunate that I can even get insurance. However, in the worst-case scenario, if I can't insure my home, I will lose my mortgage, which means I will lose my home and the many visitors that I bring to the island of St. Croix. I am sure there are many others in this position. So the tourist industry, which is the lifeblood of the territory, will suffer further damage. The cruise ships are already leaving; how much more has to happen before people wake up to the crisis that is not in the future, but now?
I hope others will act with the same passion and conviction and help the voters of the territory break the cycle of destruction. Mr. Miller, I wish you the best of luck in your crusade, I do believe that individuals can make a difference.
Sue Seibel
Chicago, Ill.

Editor's note: We welcome and encourage readers to keep the dialogue going by responding to Source commentary. Letters should be e-mailed with name and place of residence to [email protected]
Publisher's note : Like the St. John Source now? Find out how you can love us twice as much — and show your support for the islands' free and independent news voice … click here.