Dear Source,
I support the efforts of the Northside Civic Association to refurbish the
Northside Tot’s Park. (See Some Progress Expected at Dorothea Tot Lot and earlier articles.)
I find it unfortunate that due to an inability of the V.I. Public Safety Department to enforce existing laws on the books — as they relate to illegal drug use, disturbing the peace, vagrancy, and trespassing — that the innocent children should be punished.
I also find it unfortunate that the adults opposed to the refurbishing of the park for the use of Northside residents and children alike must take the inactions of the government out on the children. The adult community must not forget that they too were once children and should not deny children a safe place to play. Not refurbishing the park for the enjoyment of Northside children is the equivalent to the failure of the political leaders in this community for allowing the public schools to fall into disrepair and to lose accreditation.
Removing the basketball court and fencing off the area, along with closing the park after dark, are satisfactory to me as a Northside resident. Let us not punish the children for the shortcomings of the adults and leaders in this community to be responsible and uphold and enforce the laws already on the books.
Vinnie Mohanani
St. Thomas
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