I usually don't respond to editorials, but I have to respond to Lois
Raynor's comments. Yes, the Virgin Islands has problems! Yes, Virgin
Islanders are addressing those problems, but it will take time. Like any other place in the world, we have our good and our bad. I'm sorry that you didn't have an enjoyable experience in our islands. However, I don't think you are being fair.
You stated that "youth turn to cocaine to ease the pain of
living…..crime….domestic violence…" As if Hawaii (where you live) is immune to all the social ills of the world. Well, the Associated Press reported that Hawaii has its problems, too! AP reported that Hawaii has prison over crowding, and the governor wants to release certain inmates early.
At the same time, police in Honolulu found an 81-year-old man murdered after being bound and gaged. It also said that the University of Hawaii School of
Public Health will lose accreditation next June, and the state Human
Services is under criticism for handling high profile child abuse cases since 1997. Also, outer island patients of Hawaii have to wait more than six weeks for M-R-I's. And that is only a few! So is Hawaii that "sterile?" I think not!
The point I am trying to make is simple….this is an imperfect world, and we can only do good with what we have.
Tourism is part of both of our economies; I, like many other Virgin
Islanders, welcome you and anyone who wants to visit or reside in our islands.
D. LAPLACE
American Paradise
