Dear Source,
Since Tuesday night, Sept. 11, my children have been asking questions that are hard to answer. I have a 9-year-old and a 10-year-old who are afraid of sleeping in their beds and hop into my bed to sleep.
Every night since Tuesday, my kids say a prayer for those unknown friends who are gone forever. Every night, they ask me to sing a lullaby for those children whose mommy and/or daddy will not be able to sing or tuck them in their beds. Every night, I cry doing so.
My heart goes out to all those families that in one way or another are united in one with this horrible tragedy. May God have mercy on their souls.
Maribel Hernandez
St. Croix

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Dear Source,
Many Virgin Islanders were touched in the most personal of ways by the horrendous attacks in New York City and Washington. Many Virgin Islanders know people in the Middle East who will be affected, again in the most basic of ways, by the possibilities that lie before the United States and the world. Let us remember that the repercussions of Sept. 11 will live with us throughout our lives.
Locally, there has been an emotional swirl of talk in the newspapers and on the radio talk shows about whether or not the United States is the cause of its own problems. Well, maybe, maybe not.
I have to ask myself whether this particular set of terrorists really is concerned about social injustice, or are they like the Irish Republican Army and assorted rebel groups, those who like dressing up in uniforms, forming street gangs and other cells of disaffected men who simply enjoy the power and thrill of combat — and who in my opinion simply don't have the guts to hold down a job, raise a family and make simple, but meaningful contributions to their communities?
Still, it wouldn't hurt for all of us to pause, take a long, deep breath and think about the root causes and broad issues related to terrorism, ethnic slaughter, and the ever-increasing divide between the "haves" and "have nots."
The United States has tried in the past to "send a message" to terrorists, with obviously little impact. I still believe that some sort of forceful and long-term response is necessary. But as "average citizens," let's not take our cues from the federal politicians, the military, and national television. We are being bombarded with messages of "retaliation" and "we'll show 'em!" This perpetuation of the cycle of violence has proved most ineffective over the past several decades and has resulted in the death of millions. When we have "sent messages" before, why haven't they worked?
If we are going to send a message, wouldn't it be prudent for us to encourage the messenger to decide just what the message is intended to accomplish? What is the specific message we want to send? Can we control the message? Whatever our messenger/leaders decide to do, all of us need to remind them — and ourselves — that the fight against terrorism worldwide must recognize that terrorism has no religion, no race and no nationality. A terrorist attack, no matter in what part of the world it occurs, is against the whole of humanity.
Deborah Stevens Hamilton
St. Thomas

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.

Dear Source:
Let there be peace on Earth, and let it begin with each one of us.
Thoughts on the wanton destruction of life caused by the thoughtless value placed on existence and extinction: When bodies of children, mothers, daughters and fathers whose lives have been exterminated because of a difference in ideology are piled like endless stacks of firewood, whose purpose does this serve? Warfare does nothing but take the innocent along with those who propose to bring a change for the better. Where is the justice, and who will speak for those who are no more?
Abandoned dreams and hopes are smashed by oppression, hate and intolerance brought on by the judgments formed on the foundation of ignorance, fear and the lack of respect for those who are different and usually have the most to lose. Why can we always find money to support a war, but there's never enough to feed the poor?
Radical leaders who demonstrate peace do not quiver under the threat of death but take a stand when they are most criticized for not participating in mute regimes. They know that to keep their silence is giving open consent to wrongdoing which will affect the future of those held close their hearts.
We go into this century fooled by power and greed, yet we have not learned the lessons of the past. Devastations of war such as famine, orphans, homelessness, hopelessness, plague and disease, just to name a few, have rendered us vulnerable to those we have wreaked havoc on. Revelation is revealed, but do we take heed? No, we who cause and fuel war bring these apocalypses on ourselves and cannot see the future because we only focus on the present.
Caroline A. Browne
St. Thomas

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.

Dear Source,
Many Virgin Islanders were touched in the most personal of ways by the horrendous attacks in New York City and Washington. Many Virgin Islanders know people in the Middle East who will be affected, again in the most basic of ways, by the possibilities that lie before the United States and the world. Let us remember that the repercussions of Sept. 11 will live with us throughout our lives.
Locally, there has been an emotional swirl of talk in the newspapers and on the radio talk shows about whether or not the United States is the cause of its own problems. Well, maybe, maybe not.
I have to ask myself whether this particular set of terrorists really is concerned about social injustice, or are they like the Irish Republican Army and assorted rebel groups, those who like dressing up in uniforms, forming street gangs and other cells of disaffected men who simply enjoy the power and thrill of combat — and who in my opinion simply don't have the guts to hold down a job, raise a family and make simple, but meaningful contributions to their communities?
Still, it wouldn't hurt for all of us to pause, take a long, deep breath and think about the root causes and broad issues related to terrorism, ethnic slaughter, and the ever-increasing divide between the "haves" and "have nots."
The United States has tried in the past to "send a message" to terrorists, with obviously little impact. I still believe that some sort of forceful and long-term response is necessary. But as "average citizens," let's not take our cues from the federal politicians, the military, and national television. We are being bombarded with messages of "retaliation" and "we'll show 'em!" This perpetuation of the cycle of violence has proved most ineffective over the past several decades and has resulted in the death of millions. When we have "sent messages" before, why haven't they worked?
If we are going to send a message, wouldn't it be prudent for us to encourage the messenger to decide just what the message is intended to accomplish? What is the specific message we want to send? Can we control the message? Whatever our messenger/leaders decide to do, all of us need to remind them — and ourselves — that the fight against terrorism worldwide must recognize that terrorism has no religion, no race and no nationality. A terrorist attack, no matter in what part of the world it occurs, is against the whole of humanity.
Deborah Stevens Hamilton
St. Thomas

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.

Sept. 13, 2001 – Mail between St. Thomas, St. Croix and San Juan will begin flowing by Friday, Postmaster Louis A. Jackson said. But he could not say when the ban on transporting first-class mail and packages on commercial flights would be lifted.
Jackson said he contracted with Boyson Inc. to take trailer loads of mail on a barge from St. Thomas to St. Croix and then on to Fajardo in Puerto Rico. The barge was to leave Thursday evening and return on Friday, traveling from Fajardo to St. Croix first and then St. Thomas.
The barge will be transporting only first-class inter-island mail and mail from the mainland — including priority and express mail — that may already have been in the pipeline in Puerto Rico when the Federal Aviation Administration shut down the nation's airports on Tuesday.
The new transportation link means that residents can again sent priority and express mail items among the territory’s islands and Puerto Rico.
Following the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center in New York and the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., the FAA mandated that no airplanes carry mail or packages when commercial flights resume. There is no word on when that prohibition will be lifted.
Mail between St. Thomas and St. John has continued to flow as usual because it goes on the barge.
Commercial planes bring in first-class, priority and express mail. Fourth-class mail such as magazines and catalogs comes by sea, and there has been no interruption of boat mail.
Jackson said customers can continue to post their first-class mail at the territory's post offices. Items bound for off-island destinations other than Puerto Rico will be sent when first-class mail service resumes, he said.
Mauray George, assistant manager of Federal Express on St. Thomas, said she didn't know when FedEx flights would resume.
The mail interruption is already causing problems for residents and businesses that rely on receiving checks, prescriptions and documents by mail.
Carmelo Rivera, president of the St. Croix Chamber of Commerce, noted that in the Virgin Islands, unlike the mainland, the U.S. Postal Service can’t switch gears and ship mail by truck rather than airplane.
He raised the question of whether credit card companies would waive finance charges on bills paid late because of the interruption in service.

Sept. 13, 2001 – Mail between St. Thomas, St. Croix and San Juan will begin flowing by Friday, Postmaster Louis A. Jackson said. But he could not say when the ban on transporting first-class mail and packages on commercial flights would be lifted.
Jackson said he contracted with Boyson Inc. to take trailer loads of mail on a barge from St. Thomas to St. Croix and then on to Fajardo in Puerto Rico. The barge was to leave Thursday evening and return on Friday, traveling from Fajardo to St. Croix first and then St. Thomas.
The barge will be transporting only first-class inter-island mail and mail from the mainland — including priority and express mail — that may already have been in the pipeline in Puerto Rico when the Federal Aviation Administration shut down the nation's airports on Tuesday.
The new transportation link means that residents can again sent priority and express mail items among the territory’s islands and Puerto Rico.
Following the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center in New York and the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., the FAA mandated that no airplanes carry mail or packages when commercial flights resume. There is no word on when that prohibition will be lifted.
Mail between St. Thomas and St. John has continued to flow as usual because it goes on the barge.
Commercial planes bring in first-class, priority and express mail. Fourth-class mail such as magazines and catalogs comes by sea, and there has been no interruption of boat mail.
Jackson said customers can continue to post their first-class mail at the territory's post offices. Items bound for off-island destinations other than Puerto Rico will be sent when first-class mail service resumes, he said.
Mauray George, assistant manager of Federal Express on St. Thomas, said she didn't know when FedEx flights would resume.
The mail interruption is already causing problems for residents and businesses that rely on receiving checks, prescriptions and documents by mail.
Carmelo Rivera, president of the St. Croix Chamber of Commerce, noted that in the Virgin Islands, unlike the mainland, the U.S. Postal Service can’t switch gears and ship mail by truck rather than airplane.
He raised the question of whether credit card companies would waive finance charges on bills paid late because of the interruption in service.

Sept. 13, 2001 – An American Airlines jet plane grounded at Cyril E. King Airport since Tuesday after terrorist attacks on the mainland is scheduled to depart at 5 p.m. Thursday for New York's Kennedy International Airport.
Beverly Nicholson, executive director of the St. Thomas-St. John Hotel and Tourism Association, said those with confirmed reservations will get first priority to board the non-stop flight back to New York. The 172-seat plane had departed Kennedy Airport and was in the air en route to St. Thomas when the attacks occurred Tuesday morning.
The federal government opened airports around the country at 11 a.m., with the proviso that they comply with tough new security provisions before resume flights in or out. The Cyril E. King Airport on St. Thomas the Henry E. Rohlsen Airport on St. Croix reopened to commercial traffic at 2 p.m.
Seaborne Airlines also commenced operations Thursday, with its first flight leaving St. Thomas for St. Croix at 2:30 p.m. Omer ErSelcuk, marketing manager, said flights are booked solid with passengers who have been waiting since Tuesday, as well as passengers in San Juan anxious to reach St. Thomas. Inter-island flights on Friday will begin at 6:30 a.m., he said.
6:30 a.m., he said.
Ben Grimes, St. Thomas FAA traffic controller, said only commercial flights are allowed to operate Thursday, including cargo carriers. He said he hopes the airport will be open to private, or special interest, air traffic starting Friday.
Camille Hatley, St. Croix FAA traffic controller, said around 3 p.m. Thursday that the Rohlsen Airport is open for commercial traffic, but "we haven't had a flight yet." She said she expected American Eagle flights in from San Juan later Thursday afternoon.
As part of beefed-up security nationwide, new parking restrictions are in effect at both airports. The new regulations do not allow passengers to park within 300 feet of an airport terminal. As a result, on St. Thomas, cars may only drop off and pick up passengers at the terminal. On St. Croix, a Port Authority spokesman said cars must pick up and drop off passengers in a designated area about 75 feet from the terminal, and that a special parking area is located about 300 feet from the terminal.
Nicholson said Delta Air Lines and American Eagle will probably resume St. Thomas flights on Friday. There was no immediate information about United Airlines, US Airways and Continental.
Lowell Dyer, station manager for American Airlines on St. Croix, said he expects the airline, the major mainland carrier providing service to the territory, to resume flying in and out of the Henry E. Rohlsen Airport on Friday, too.
Cape Air, which serves St. Thomas, St. Croix and San Juan, had a flight scheduled to leave from St. Thomas for San Juan at 3:20 p.m. Thursday. Another was scheduled to leave St. Thomas for St. Croix at 3:30 p.m., station manager Jimmy Boulai said.
David Mapp, Port Authority assistant director, said the Port Authority had completed implementing security measures but declined to be specific. He also said that passenger security is up to the airlines.
Boulai said Cape Air passengers will face a barrage of security-oriented questions. Additionally, all baggage will go through scanners. "Everybody goes through the X-ray machine," he said. Also, he said, people who buy same-day tickets will face closer scrutiny than those with advance-purchase tickets. And anyone who raises the suspicions of Cape Air agents will face questioning by U.S. Customs and Immigration agents.
V.I. personnel referred questions about American Airlines security to Minnette Velez, the carrier's San Juan-based spokeswoman. Velez said she had no information. Later Thursday, American Airlines confirmed that the plane grounded at CEK would depart for New York at 5 p.m. Thursday.
Nicholson said about 1,200 visitors have been stranded at St. Thomas and St. John hotels because of the shut-down of airports.
While hoteliers hope that incoming visitors will fill the vacancies that will occur as those 1,200 visitors depart, cancellations are beginning to trickle in. "But there hasn't been an onslaught," Richard Doumeng, hotel association president, said. He said that his own property, Bolongo Bay Beach Club and Villas, and some other hotels are giving those holding reservations for coming dates about two weeks to cancel them without penalty.
Kathy Demar, who manages vacation villas on St. John, said she has received one cancellation, for a January date. The prospective guest told her that his wife already had a fear of flying and the attacks have made it impossible for her to get on an airplane.

Sept. 13, 2001 – An American Airlines jet plane grounded at Cyril E. King Airport since Tuesday after terrorist attacks on the mainland is scheduled to depart at 5 p.m. Thursday for New York's Kennedy International Airport.
Beverly Nicholson, executive director of the St. Thomas-St. John Hotel and Tourism Association, said those with confirmed reservations will get first priority to board the non-stop flight back to New York. The 172-seat plane had departed Kennedy Airport and was in the air en route to St. Thomas when the attacks occurred Tuesday morning.
The federal government opened airports around the country at 11 a.m., with the proviso that they comply with tough new security provisions before resume flights in or out. The Cyril E. King Airport on St. Thomas the Henry E. Rohlsen Airport on St. Croix reopened to commercial traffic at 2 p.m.
Seaborne Airlines also commenced operations Thursday, with its first flight leaving St. Thomas for St. Croix at 2:30 p.m. Omer ErSelcuk, marketing manager, said flights are booked solid with passengers who have been waiting since Tuesday, as well as passengers in San Juan anxious to reach St. Thomas. Inter-island flights on Friday will begin at 6:30 a.m., he said.
Ben Grimes, St. Thomas FAA traffic controller, said only commercial flights are allowed to operate Thursday, including cargo carriers. He said he hopes the airport will be open to private, or special interest, air traffic starting Friday.
Camille Hatley, St. Croix FAA traffic controller, said around 3 p.m. Thursday that the Rohlsen Airport is open for commercial traffic, but "we haven't had a flight yet." She said she expected American Eagle flights in from San Juan later Thursday afternoon.
As part of beefed-up security nationwide, new parking restrictions are in effect at both airports. The new regulations do not allow passengers to park within 300 feet of an airport terminal. As a result, on St. Thomas, cars may only drop off and pick up passengers at the terminal. On St. Croix, a Port Authority spokesman said cars must pick up and drop off passengers in a designated area about 75 feet from the terminal, and that a special parking area is located about 300 feet from the terminal.
Nicholson said Delta Air Lines and American Eagle will probably resume St. Thomas flights on Friday. There was no immediate information about United Airlines, US Airways and Continental.
Lowell Dyer, station manager for American Airlines on St. Croix, said he expects the airline, the major mainland carrier providing service to the territory, to resume flying in and out of the Henry E. Rohlsen Airport on Friday, too.
Cape Air, which serves St. Thomas, St. Croix and San Juan, had a flight scheduled to leave from St. Thomas for San Juan at 3:20 p.m. Thursday. Another was scheduled to leave St. Thomas for St. Croix at 3:30 p.m., station manager Jimmy Boulai said.
David Mapp, Port Authority assistant director, said the Port Authority had completed implementing security measures but declined to be specific. He also said that passenger security is up to the airlines.
Boulai said Cape Air passengers will face a barrage of security-oriented questions. Additionally, all baggage will go through scanners. "Everybody goes through the X-ray machine," he said. Also, he said, people who buy same-day tickets will face closer scrutiny than those with advance-purchase tickets. And anyone who raises the suspicions of Cape Air agents will face questioning by U.S. Customs and Immigration agents.
V.I. personnel referred questions about American Airlines security to Minnette Velez, the carrier's San Juan-based spokeswoman. Velez said she had no information. Later Thursday, American Airlines confirmed that the plane grounded at CEK would depart for New York at 5 p.m. Thursday.
Nicholson said about 1,200 visitors have been stranded at St. Thomas and St. John hotels because of the shut-down of airports.
While hoteliers hope that incoming visitors will fill the vacancies that will occur as those 1,200 visitors depart, cancellations are beginning to trickle in. "But there hasn't been an onslaught," Richard Doumeng, hotel association president, said. He said that his own property, Bolongo Bay Beach Club and Villas, and some other hotels are giving those holding reservations for coming dates about two weeks to cancel them without penalty.
Kathy Demar, who manages vacation villas on St. John, said she has received one cancellation, for a January date. The prospective guest told her that his wife already had a fear of flying and the attacks have made it impossible for her to get on an airplane.

Sept. 13, 2001 – An American Airlines jet plane grounded at Cyril E. King Airport since Tuesday after terrorist attacks on the mainland is scheduled to depart at 5 p.m. Thursday for New York's Kennedy International Airport.
Beverly Nicholson, executive director of the St. Thomas-St. John Hotel and Tourism Association, said those with confirmed reservations will get first priority to board the non-stop flight back to New York. The 172-seat plane had departed Kennedy Airport and was in the air en route to St. Thomas when the attacks occurred Tuesday morning.
The federal government opened airports around the country at 11 a.m. with the proviso that they comply with tough new security provisions before resume flights in or out. The Cyril E. King Airport on St. Thomas the Henry E. Rohlsen Airport on St. Croix reopened to commercial traffic at 2 p.m.
Seaborne Airlines also commenced operations Thursday, with its first flight leaving St. Thomas for St. Croix at 2:30 p.m. Omer ErSelcuk, marketing manager, said flights are booked solid with passengers who have been waiting since Tuesday, as well as passengers in San Juan anxious to reach St. Thomas. Inter-island flights on Friday will begin at 6:30 a.m., he said.
Ben Grimes, St. Thomas FAA traffic controller, said only commercial flights are allowed to operate Thursday, including cargo carriers. He said he hopes the airport will be open to private, or special interest, air traffic starting Friday.
Camille Hatley, St. Croix FAA traffic controller, said around 3 p.m. Thursday that the Rohlsen Airport is open for commercial traffic but "we haven't had a flight yet." She said she expected American Eagle flights in from San Juan later Thursday afternoon.
As part of beefed-up security nationwide, new parking restrictions are in effect at both airports. The new regulations do not allow passengers to park within 300 feet of an airport terminal. As a result, on St. Thomas, cars may only drop off and pick up passengers at the terminal. On St. Croix, a Port Authority spokesman said cars must pick up and drop off passengers in a designated area about 75 feet from the terminal, and that a special parking area is located about 300 feet from the terminal.
Nicholson said Delta Air Lines and American Eagle will probably resume St. Thomas flights on Friday. There was no immediate information about United Airlines, US Airways and Continental.
Lowell Dyer, station manager for American Airlines on St. Croix, said he expects the airline, the major mainland carrier providing service to the territory, to resume flying in and out of the Henry E. Rohlsen Airport on Friday, too.
Cape Air, which serves St. Thomas, St. Croix and San Juan, had a flight scheduled to leave from St. Thomas for San Juan at 3:20 p.m. Thursday. Another was scheduled to leave St. Thomas for St. Croix at 3:30 p.m., station manager Jimmy Boulai said.
David Mapp, Port Authority assistant director, said the Port Authority had completed implementing security measures but declined to be specific. He also said that passenger security is up to the airlines.
Boulai said Cape Air passengers will face a barrage of security-oriented questions. Additionally, all baggage will go through scanners. "Everybody goes through the X-ray machine," he said. Also, he said, people who buy same-day tickets will face closer scrutiny than those with advance-purchase tickets. And anyone who raises the suspicions of Cape Air agents will face questioning by U.S. Customs and Immigration agents.
V.I. personnel referred questions about American Airlines security to Minnette Velez, the carrier's San Juan-based spokeswoman. Velez said she had no information. Later Thursday, American Airlines confirmed that the plane grounded at CEK would depart for New York at 5 p.m. Thursday.
Nicholson said about 1,200 visitors have been stranded at St. Thomas and St. John hotels because of the shut-down of airports.
While hoteliers hope that incoming visitors will fill the vacancies that will occur as those 1,200 visitors depart, cancellations are beginning to trickle in. "But there hasn't been an onslaught," Richard Doumeng, hotel association president, said. He said that his own property, Bolongo Bay Beach Club and Villas, and some other hotels are giving those holding reservations for coming dates about two weeks to cancel them without penalty.
Kathy Demar, who manages vacation villas on St. John, said she has received one cancellation, for a January date. The prospective guest told her that his wife already had a fear of flying and the attacks have made it impossible for her to get on an airplane.

Dear Source,
From Louisiana, where currently am, I just read the Thursday article on the Cyril E. King Airport closing and had to chuckle to myself — not because it was funny, but because of the way it was handled. I'm saddened at the manner in which business is done in the name of protecting people but it's not really protecting or assisting, but denying information that would put people at ease.
On the Baton Rouge, La., news last night, a reporter was at the airport talking to the director of operations for the facility. He assured passengers that they could come to the airport to check on reservations and do business at the counters, but that no one would be allowed past the security check-point area.
His explanation of the daily security measures that are being taken by the airport was really reassuring. There was never a hint of hostility in his voice to make anyone even think that they did not have a right to go to the airport.
I just wanted to express this because I am yet to understand why local officials are angry and can't get it right as to how to treat others as they would want to be treated. Or maybe I've got it wrong; maybe they do.
Maxine Fredericks
St. Thomas

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.