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Charlotte Amalie
Thursday, March 28, 2024
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ASK THE PEOPLE ABOUT WAPA

Dear Source,
First let me wish you, and the editors ,and staff of the Source a very joyous and wonderful New Millennium New Year.
I also want to thank you for keeping all Virgin Islanders, aware and abreast of the happenings back home. Thank you all.
Now, I wish to comment on two things.
First the disgraceful raises granted over at GERS. Its absolutely out of this world at a time the V.I. Government is suffering so much and is in such debt.
People of no conscience. The legislature could amend the law to prohibit those raises if they had the guts.
I would also like to add my little two cents to the WAPA situation.
I firmly believe that the worst thing, the Government and the Legislature could ever due is to sell WAPA.
WAPA has consistently expanded, and grown with the needs of the community. They have always made money ,and if the V.I. Government would pay the millions that they owe, WAPA would never have a problem. If WAPA needs money they can borrow from the Rural Electric Federal Program at, I am told, about 4 percent ,and not have to issue insured bonds at outrageous rates especially TAX FREE ONES. Only the Big Banks and Brokers make money in that deal. What is the purpose of selling WAPA anyway???
Is it to raise money to pay salaries??- Rates definitely will go up believe me. Y You know it and the people know it. If you notice Vitelco borrows millions from the Rural Utility program at the federal level and doesn't issue Bonds.
Third, may I suggest that an issue so important be placed on a ballot for a special election so that all people of the V.I. living there may be able to voice their opinions by voting it up or down.
Thank you for the space for me to voice my opinions.
Thank you Retired Sen. David A Puritz

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