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

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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.

Sept. 13, 2001 – Cars heading to Cyril E. King Airport Thursday morning were met by a Port Authority Police van blocking the road. Although a provisional green light had been given by the federal government for the nation's airports to resume traffic at 11 a.m. Thursday, the St. Thomas facility remained closed at noon, pending implementation of newly mandated security measures.
Port Authority Police Sgt. Merlin Christian had been given instructions to turn traffic back.
In the meantime, Ben Grimes, St. Thomas air traffic controller, said in answer to questions about when the airport would re-open, "I wish we knew. We want to open, but the onus is on each airport and each airline to implement security measures, and St. Thomas's aren't ready to go yet."
Only airline and airport employees were being allowed to enter the airport. A perplexed individual turned back by Christian said he just wanted to go to the Planning and Natural Resources Department offices on the upper floor of the airport terminal to get a permit which a DPNR staff member had just told him to come and pick up.
Representatives of the Avis and Hertz rental car companies stood at the airport entrance, telling their customers to return their cars to the company's maintenance facilities nearby.
Christian said only employees of Rush It and other businesses with offices at the airport were being allowed to enter. Customers will have to wait until the airport officially reopens, she said, patiently explaining to car after car that she didn't know when that would be.

Sept. 13, 2001 – Cars heading to Cyril E. King Airport on Thursday morning were met by a Port Authority police van blocking the road. Although a provisional green light had been given by the federal government for the nation's airports to resume traffic at 11 a.m. Thursday, the St. Thomas facility remained closed at noon, pending implementation of newly mandated security measures.
Port Authority Police Sgt. Merlin Christian had been given instructions to turn traffic back.
In the meantime, Ben Grimes, St. Thomas air traffic controller, said in answer to questions about when the airport would re-open, "I wish we knew. We want to open, but the onus is on each airport and each airline to implement security measures, and St. Thomas's aren't ready to go yet."
Only airline and airport employees were being allowed to enter the airport. A perplexed individual turned back by Christian said he just wanted to go to the Planning and Natural Resources Department offices on the upper floor of the airport terminal to get a permit which a DPNR staff member had just told him to come and pick up.
Representatives of the Avis and Hertz rental car companies stood at the airport entrance, telling their customers to return their cars to the company's maintenance facilities nearby.
Christian said only employees of Rush It and other businesses with offices at the airport were being allowed to enter. Customers will have to wait until the airport officially reopens, she said, patiently explaining to car after car that she didn't know when that would be.

The St. Thomas/St. John/Water Island Branch of the Republican Party will hold a food sale beginning at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 20, in the Fort Christian Parking Lot.
Tickets can be obtained at Jimmie Bee's Restaurant, V.I. Rum Cake Shop or from Republican members.
Native dishes will be served and the public is cordially invited.

The St. Thomas/St. John/Water Island Branch of the Republican Party will hold a food sale beginning at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 29, at the Fort Christian Parking Lot.
Tickets can be obtained at Jimmie Bee's Restaurant, V. I. Rum Cake Shop or from Republican members.
Native dishes will be served and the public is cordially invited.

The University of the Virgin Islands, St. Croix Campus, will host the St. croix Chamber of Commerce's Business After Hours at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 20, at the Student Center.
The UVI's Divisions of Business Administration and Institutional Advancement will be featured. There will be door prizes and cash bar.
For more information call 773-1435.

The University of the Virgin Islands, St. Croix Campus, will host the St. Croix Chamber of Commerce's Business After Hours at 5:30 p.m on Thursday, Sept. 20, at the Student Center.
The UVI's Division of Business Administration and Institutional Advancement will be featured. There will be door prizes and a cash bar.
For more informaiton call 773-1435.

The St. Thomas/St. John/Water Island Branch of the Republican Party is holding a food sale beginning at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 29, in the Fort Christian Parking Lot.
Tickets can be obtained at Jimmie Bee's Restaurant, V.I. Rum Shop or from Republican members.
Native dishes will be served and the public is cordially invited.

The St. Thomas/St. John/Water Island Branch of the V.I. Republican Party is holding a food sale beginning at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 29, in the Fort Christian Parking Lot.
Tickets can be obtained at Jimmie Bee's Restaurant, V.I. Rum Cake Shop or from Republican members. Native dishes will be served and the public is cordially invitd.