Oct. 5, 2001 – Sen. Vargrave Richards has written to Gov. Charles W. Turnbull asking for "increased cooperation between the public and private sectors" during "these tenuous times."
In the Thursday letter, Richards told Turnbull that it is time for him, "as titular head and 'keeper of the flame' for the territory," to "step forward and put an end to the bickering and finger pointing." He did not make specific reference to any particular actions or comments.
"We have all been impacted by the traumatic consequences of the Sept. 11 terrorists acts, emotionally and economically," Richards said. "It is imperative now that community and government leaders take a pro-active approach to resolving our problems."
Richards, a four-term senator and president of the 23rd Legislature, noted that the U.S. House and Senate, Democrats and Republicans, have come together in a spirit of common cause. He suggested the Virgin Islands follow their example.
The leadership of both hotel associations and both Chambers of Commerce in the territory have met with government representatives repeatedly in efforts to combat the slump in tourist arrivals, and both private and public officials have said the talks are proving productive.
Turnbull on Sept. 29 ordered Lt. Gov. Gerard Luz James II to move his offices from Government House on St. Croix for what the governor termed "security reasons." James, who has clashed previously with Turnbull during their administration, responded that he had "no intention of moving out of Government House."
In recent Fiscal Year 2002 budget sessions, the Legislature erupted several times over whether the budget should be reworked in light of the terrorist attacks and their impact on the nation's economy.
In his letter, Richards said it is time that the governor call a meeting of all "stakeholders" to "develop strategies and solutions together."
