Dear Source:
I have been following this story about the jailed fisherman with interest as I spend several weeks each year relaxing and fishing in the waters around St. Thomas and St. John. The whole concept of a Friendship Day is called into question when one of the parties involved (the BVI) is holding prisoner a resident of the other for simply fishing with his wife within their waters. I understand there must be rules about such things – but they should be within reason. It seems like the maximum fine of $400.00 that the USVI imposes is sensible. You make a mistake and you get fined.
However, the imposition of one year in jail for Richard Baker is a burden that no one should have to bear. It defies any common sense and I believe calls into question the sincerity of the BVI Government when it extends the hand of friendship. I only hope that those who have the ability will undo the injustice that has been visited upon Richard Baker. In addition, they need to revisit the statues of the territory that permit such an unjust incarceration in the first place. If the USVI and the BVI are to truly live in friendship there must be equity and fair treatment if all peoples within the border of both territories.
Andrew Burnett
Portland, Oregon
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