Dear Source,
The developer, who had planned to develop the last remaining beach and green space on St. Thomas' East End, underestimated the great love the local residents have for their home.
Lionstone Hotels and Resorts owner, Alfredo Lowenstein, says he can’t imagine why our Senate voted unanimously to preserve the Vessup Beach property and take the land by eminent domain. I believe the senators' voice of reason has been heard loud and clear. It is they who have had the courage to say enough is enough. They have committed a brave and admirable act on behalf of their constituents rather than succumbing to the pressure of another, wealthy developer.
The Lionstone Corporation has used the typical developers argument – if they do not develop the last East End green space and waterfront property, the Virgin Islands will lose jobs and housing. Do they really believe we can be duped by that old song and dance again? Are we really in need of more resorts and condos that will provide housekeeping positions, as if that is the only occupation our residents should aspire to? It is common knowledge that most resorts bring in their own off-island people for many of the higher paying jobs. As far as housing is concerned, I am quite sure it would not have been affordable to the residents of this island.
I commend all fifteen of our senators. Not only have they committed a most selfless and ethical act, they have made a firm statement that the V.I. territorial park system must be created and the Land and Water Use Plan must be completed and implemented. The Red Hook Community Alliance, along with other non-profits like EAST, LWV and the Environmental Rangers, will continue to work diligently to see that the coastal areas remaining on St. Thomas are considered for preservation. With the aid of off-island land preservation non-profits, the V.I. government can acquire land without the use of eminent domain in the future. This will be the ultimate result of Sen. Louis Hill's bill to preserve Vessup Beach.
The RHCA continues to gather hundreds of signatures on our petition to Gov. Turnbull. We are confident he will sign this bill into law, as it will be his greatest legacy to future generations. This is what he will surely be remembered for long after he has left office. What better gift could our government give us? I don’t expect those who publicly oppose the preservation of Vessup Beach, such as the powers behind our St. Thomas, print newspaper or a wealthy off-island developer, to understand anything beyond their own self-interest.
Andrea King
St. Thomas
President RHCA
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.
Publisher's note : Like the St. Thomas Source now? Find out how you can love us twice as much — and show your support for the islands' free and independent news voice… click here.
