Dear Source:
I was made to understand that there are too many government employees who are being paid and do not work to earn their pay. I am told by the individuals themselves that they are willing to earn their pay but are not allowed. I was told by two members of the VI Police Department that they have been out on leave for over a year collecting regular paycheck without working to earn it. What make this situation more ironic, these individuals are supervisors, and they have the rank of sergeant. With the shortages of personnel, particularly supervisors this situation is incomprehensible. I personally know the three in this situation, but there are others.
How could a Police Commissioner or any commissioner, because I am told it is happening in other departments as well, allow such a condition to persist? I am sure it affects the morale of those who conscientiously go to work and earn their pay. Where is the leadership? Does the Governor know of this situation? I am told he may have been told of it. If that is true that the Governor knows of this demoralizing situation amongst public servants and have done nothing to correct it, I say shame on the Governor. I also say shame on the legislature; because I am told they too are aware of the situation and have done nothing to address it.
Who is looking out for the taxpayers, the government? Is this the best we can afford in leadership? Now we have a new legislature, with the same Governor and the same problems, let us see if there will be any positive changes; let us see whether this legislature is going to shy away from addressing problems, particularly those that are solvable.
We pray for the success of this 28th. Legislature hoping that the new senators would impress on those who have been there before, to honestly do the peoples' work. That they fulfill their statutory duties and that they become and stay focus. That they do not get drunk with their own importance and become arrogant, as some of their colleagues. May they remain focus and humble seeking input from their constituents. May they have visions as the senior ones dream dreams. May we all, the electorate, remain vigilant on the performance of our elected and appointed representatives in government.
J. J. Estemac
St. Thomas
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