Dear Source:
Like fellow Source reader, Ronald V. Davis, who wrote, "These Senseless Killings Must Stop," I was born and raised in St. Croix. I share his sentiments about the alarming crime problem in the U.S. Virgin Islands, particularly on St. Croix. It is simply heartbreaking and a sad shame to read when yet another person is murdered senselessly and the reputation of our islands is further tarnished.
Almost equally as troubling are what seems to be the inaction of the local community and the apparent lack of concern. Crime and disorder have taken the lives of many and victimized the lives of countless others, yet some refuse to face reality and admit that this situation has gone from bad to worst.
Based on the numerous letters that have been written to The Source about this subject, it seems to me like a lot of the people who live outside of the territory, who love and cherish these islands and will always call St. Croix "Home", are the ones who are the most distressed and agitated about the crime situation. I pray to God that I am wrong about this.
Indeed it is paramount for the law enforcement community to create an environment where the safety of residents, who are willing to take back the community by reporting crime and participating in community policing initiatives, is not compromised. It should be the duty of law enforcement to foster an atmosphere of confidence and trust within the community and the responsibility of residents to demand action and be willing to do their part – whatever that may require.
Let's stop sitting back and waiting for the people we elect to office to start taking our safety and welfare seriously. I know that there are many of our island residents who are not elected to a public office that are capable and well-suited to rally our community to effect the kind of change our islands so desperately need.
The time is long overdue when we go back to the drawing board and plot a new course of action in leading these islands back to where we can rightfully and proudly call these islands "America's Paradise". Is anyone up to the challenge?
Tisha M. Tutein
Washington, D.C.
Editor's note: We welcome and encourage readers to keep the dialogue going by responding to Source commentary. Letters should be e-mailed with name and place of residence to source@viaccess.net.
