I would like to commend you on your fine reporting. The stories are crisp and current, which is helpful to this native Virgin Islander residing in Oregon.
I am pleased to see the slow, but steady, progress in resolving the government's structural deficit. I too once thought that the answer was simple corruption and moral decay.
However, rarely is anything ever simply black and white. The government systemically cannot support a labor force of 13,000 nor can it afford transfer payments to support laying off half of that number.
No politician worthy of an election would dare alienate more than 10% of the adult population regardless of circumstance. Add to this mix the clarion call of economic multipliers and nationalistic pride, and you have a system not necessarily borne of graft, as much as expedience, misplaced loyalties and irrationality.
Privatizing WAPA is definitely a step in the right direction. In an era of national energy deregulation, Southern will emerge as a wholesaler of choice. Their expertise and scale economies will drive better performance and costs for the populace.
The "Beal Deal" is another step in the right direction. Attracting heavy industry to the Virgin Islands has obvious benefits. But more is needed.
The government must continue to improve its efficient delivery of critical government services including police and fire protection, education, health and transportation.
However, the Virgin Islands, from the leadership to the residents, needs to embrace industry to create an environment conducive to investment. The tax laws, regulations, investment incentives and residents must all support this in order to stimulate growth.
I won't bemoan the obvious fact that the rest of the United States has enjoyed a record bull market. Let's continue to encourage action that leads to an environment conducive to investment. Let's continue on the road to fiscal recovery through prudent but aggressive budgeting and a comprehensive effort to attract greater investment.
Michael Dixon
Portland, Oregon
