Dear Source:
I hope all goes better then well for the good people of St. Thomas in 2008. For the first time in early December I visited the island staying at the Marriott. (My sister kind enough to share her points…Mother/daughter/sister vacation) Anyway…what I enjoy most when I go away is talking to those who are living on the island or better yet the original natives…after all…it is their beautiful home I am visiting. Do you know what beach I liked most…Coki. The reason is because I felt like I was smack right in the middle of the community there. I chatted it up w/many and had a nice time w/ all. My complaint is that they did not have the money machine working there. The reason I am told is because there was some kind of crime problem? Some delivery problem a few years back? I told the people there…I would have spent money at the native's stores if I was able to get my hands on more money there! That should be taken care of…I told the fella (I believe pictured in your paper today for crime on Coki beach…Almen Chesterfield) that they are only hurting themselves when violence/crime is committed. Shame how a few LOST apples can make it bad for the rest! That happens everywhere though.
Also, I enjoyed seeing the children getting out of school. They are the future of that island. What beautiful children I saw! I enjoyed talking to the taxi drivers too…talking about the changes over the years on the island. What I did not care for was ALL the fancy shops. I'm sure it adds jobs and all…I would feel better about it if those shops were owned by those living on the island and not some outside 'investor'. I spent some time walking around during the "Miracle on Main Street" and was sad to only see so many crafters…I thought there would be way more then that! I did my best to patronize their tables. The entertainers were wonderful! I danced my arse off!
Most importantly… it would be nice if the WHOLE island was taken care of…not just the tourist sections.
Pamela Italiano
New Jersey

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