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Charlotte Amalie
Friday, March 29, 2024
HomeNewsArchivesSt. John: Great Ideas, Deaf Ears

St. John: Great Ideas, Deaf Ears

Dear Source:
You have to agree with all that Bonny Corbeil and Paul Devine say. And, thank you Steve Black, for your ideas. After all, they've given their time and voice, to air, what most people think about St. John. Yes, there are three islands (sorry Water Island), but we're talking about St. John. The smallest, the most fragile, the most photographed, the prettiest and the most neglected by our government, of all our islands. Shame on our government. What do we do? Maybe we should talk to Tortola and Jost Van Dyke and have more ferry service with them, more commerce. Maybe, in time, disconnect from the power grid and become totally self-sufficient. This can be done. It will take time, but it can be done. With solar power (windmills, photovoltaics) and other technologically advanced systems, we can move St. John into the 21st century. Eventually, with hard work, our island can and will become the "jewel" of the Caribbean. All future construction on St. John should not be built, without these goals in mind, so that eventually, this can be achieved. Presently, all that can, should install solar power, with the intent to sell power back to the grid. What is called "net metering", to drive down their monthly bills and show WAPA, what needs to be done. They (WAPA) sit around, day after day, week after week, month after month, discussing the "needs" of our islands and nothing. Do something, buy some windmills and photovoltaics and start delivering what nature has given us. Other countries are doing it, why can't we. Israel, the tiniest of countries, has devoted itself to solar for years and vows to become independent of foreign oil. Brazil is becoming a powerhouse.
What's frustrating is, these "ideas", thoughts, fall on deaf ears. There's been talk through the years that St. John should secede and form it's own government. Maybe that time is upon us. Maybe we should start talking again.
Maybe, our government, will start listening!
By the way, WAPA has come up with something. They're talking about connecting an under/sea cable line to Puerto Rico, for a St. Thomas connection. Dear WAPA, the amount of money it will take (millions), can be spent on solar technology and will benefit us more, in the long run.
George Hollander
St. John

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.

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