Dear Source:
My first visit to the USVI was in the spring of 1954.
At that pleasant time the people were contented and stable and the culture was a sweet, functioning example of a community filled with families that functioned and loved. Sunday mornings you would see families walking to church, Mother all dressed up kids scrubbed and neat, Father (may be in work clothes – but neat) and the kids carrying their shoes. Families were together.
Yes, there were 'outside children' but then crime was minimal and most 'crime' was largely misbehavioral and not viscious or violent. If a child misbehaved the nearest adult would 'smack' him and take him home. Then Mamma would take over and administer justice until Pappa came when the real punishment would be meted out.
Yes, people didn't have much in the material sense but they sure had a golden culture.
We have lost that sweet culture.
What have we replaced it with?
Merv Baer
St. Croix
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