Although there has been controversy around efforts to place Beal at Great Pond Bay,
many opponents of the deal have stated that they would favor the project if it were at
Betty’s Hope.
I don’t think it’s a good idea. The historic ruins at Great Pond Bay have won a
reprieve by Territorial Court Judge Andrews. If you want to give your property to the
local government you can rest knowing that if it is accepted your wishes will be observed.
Those wishes for your property will be observed, even if someone hires a lawyer to have your wishes disregarded by politicians and businesspersons.
Mr. Rivera, (see Op-Ed section) I can understand. For many people, preservation
of historic ruins is important. Not everyone can understand the aesthetic benefit of historic sites. There are people on St Croix whose careers consisted of carting ruins off others’ property by night. We need not give them the semi-official competition of trust violation by legislation.
Beal is only 145 jobs — total. Most of which would have to be filled by people
brought in from the states to put together rocket subassemblies from Texas. We can still
employ as many current V.I. residents at Great Pond as would have been possible with
Beal by putting in things like diving, camping and oyster farming.
Beal wants 280 acres for its 145 jobs. This is inefficient, very low density for employment.
If Betty’s Hope has a purpose I would like to see it be Prof. Sol Kabukas Transhipment Warehouse Park. This complements the new international airport and runway extension now under construction and repeats an idea I put forward as an IDC advisor in 1983.
Warehousing for lower labor cost countries in the region involves the theory of competitive advantage. Our labor cost is higher, our capital cost is less expensive and building cost is similar. Under the circumstances St Croix should take on the historic role formerly filled by St. Thomas and be the warehouse of the Eastern Caribbean.
Richard Bond
