I read your article on the issue of finding new police recruits for the Virgin Islands. The concern from the acting director of personnel and [Police spokesman Sgt. Thomas] Hannah about the applicants "left something to be desired" should be of dire concern to all Virgin Islanders. My concern is that my friends and family residing on St. Thomas and Virgin Islanders are depending on these individuals to protect and serve. Perhaps it would serve the V.I. economy better to recruit abroad with more attractive salaries and incentives for recruits willing to relocate (and ah doan wan to hear no hype bout budget, the money can be found).
It is no secret that the V.I. Police Department has mass corruption and confusion within its realms and it seems that the demand for officers is fast overpowering the supply of locals qualified to fit the bill. Ask many recruits, off the record, what is their main reason for joining the force and nine times out of ten, you will get the same replies: "I needed the money, or I needed a job." It scares me to think that these are the mentalities we are entrusting with our lives.
As far as I am concerned, the entire V.I. economy is in need of dire help and we are sinking faster than we can try to swim. We as a people need to be more open-minded and receptive to change for the betterment of our islands, even if it means incorporating some ideas and people among us from the masses on the mainland that share success stories within their communities.
Simply put, the beatings will continue until the mentalities improve.
Monique Faulkner
Atlanta, Ga.
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