Dear Source:
I am somewhat dismayed over the ongoing controversy regarding vendors using Drake's Seat for commercial gain, that I have been reading about in the St. Thomas Source. I am also quite surprised that Sen. Celestino White would fight for the vendors return.
When Mr. White visits Drake's Seat, what does he see? Is it the sheer panoramic beauty, or is it the trash on the ground and the goods sold by these vendors? Does he believe that visitors (local and tourist) to this unique place come for the t-shirts? I think not! Do they come to take photos of the vendors hawking their wares which are laid out along the wall? I think not! Is it that he "can't see the forest for the trees", or rather the "beauty for the …." You can fill in the blank.
All people have a right to legally advance their own interests. But why must this small group of individuals do so (if what they are doing is indeed legal) at the expense of all Virgin Islanders? I say all, because everyone of us is hurt, by the perceptions visitors (who just happen to dump millions of dollars into our economy, by the way) have of the foolish, and yes foolhardy way in which our lawmakers allow, even promote (Mr. White) our islands' natural beauty to be "trashed" by itinerant vendors, who could just as easily sell their wares in appropriate, designated places, with proper licences.
Speaking of licences, are these vendors properly licenced? Are they, and have they been paying taxes on their commercial enterprises?
Give us a break Celestino White, for once in your senatorial life, do the right thing! Support the majority!
Sincerely,
Patrick Deery
St. Thomas, VI
Miami, Fl.
