Dear Source:
A DOLLAR, $ 1.00 is too much! There must be no charge on existing facilities within the St Thomas-St John District. The failure of the Port Authority Board to understand the times is not reassuring. The times are changed when even our Senate refuses any tax increase. The Port Authority can not be allowed to divide the Virgin Islands and put a tax by any name on traffic within the District of St Thomas-St John (except by prior agreement where the public agrees to a toll facility that needs to be built). I do not believe any intra-Islands charges should ever apply. The economy of the Virgin Islands, USA, must be-unburdened to flourish.
The waste and abuse noted in the Senate, increasing its expenses from $5 million to $15 million in 10 years is equaled in waste by the Quasi-Governmental Organizations.
On the face of it, GERS, The West Indian Co., and the Port Authority need a major Audit and Review as to value for dollars, the wisdom of the existing structure of each organization and how we can deal with conflicts between the legal requirements of each Organization and the reality of our overall economic needs. Nothing less than a Price-Waterhouse or equal will do.
I worry that the Governor lives as a Guest of The West Indian Company instead of at the Governor's legal abode paid for by us all. Is the Governor as Chairman of the Board of the West Indian Company not now in DOUBLE CONFLICT OF INTEREST? He is Governor of ALL the Virgin Islands and can not be beholden to a Quasi-Governmental Organization that a wise Governor would realize could increase the RENTS due the Territorial Government significantly.
I worry at the brazen act of the Port Authority to sit since 1980/81 on an un-rented upper floor of the Airport Building in St Thomas and BUILD PLUSH OFFICES for themselves across the way. Offices for individuals exceeding 2000sq. ft. They balanced their budget–as the law requires–by increased fees. Increased landing fees have raised airfares harmfully. Our Yacht industry gone. I can tell an old story of how in 1968, 800,000 day-guest from Puerto Rico was cut to less than 200,000 overnight by after 5PM landing Fees. The Government lost $20 Million of revenue as the Port Authority diligently covered a $150 thousand deficit.
The NEXT Senate must understand that protecting Government workers and promoting a vibrant Private economy is one and the same. Once again the people are asked to pay the piper.
Michael Paiewonsky
