Letter to the 2024 newly-elected Senators of the United States Virgin Islands

“Business as usual” must NOT be the motto of the current government of the U.S. Virgin Islands!

This territory has received enough Federal funds to have created a self-sustaining, self-governing entity by now. Alas! There are so many failing facets to the infrastructure of the islands that one wonders why anyone would want to live here, if they compare what exists in other Virgin Islands or other small islands, such as the following:

· Effective drainage of rainwater to prevent, nullify or lessen

o the threat of dangerous (and sometimes deadly) flooding during hurricane season
o the corrosion of public roads – current repairs are cosmetic, thus newly paved roads last no more than a month [St. Croix’s Hannah’s Rest road lasted a week.]

· Limitation of the number of motor vehicles imported to the island to

o prevent and lessen auto accidents
o prevent and lessen illegal import of guns and drugs

· Creation of an effective method of disposing of derelict motor vehicles – a scrap metal industry could be created by the collection of all the derelict motor vehicles on the island [A current total estimation is approximately 50,000 derelict cars throughout the island.]

· Speedy repair and revitalization of island schools – Current USVI public schools have no or limited air conditioning, which not only cools the classrooms making learning less stressful, but also keeps the air circulating and not stagnant. There are often water safety issues, as lead, mold, mildew and other contaminants cause schools to close because drinking water is unsafe.