No one has asked me as yet what I want for the new millennium, but I secretly made a wish list anyway. After all, it's the season to part with the old and make new plans, wish lists and to dream about what we would like to see in the new millennium.
Well, here is my merry wish list of items for the Virgin Islands. It is my profound wish that the new millennium bestowed these modest gifts upon all our residents.
BUSINESS GROWTH AND PROSPERITY
An exciting era of unprecedented business growth with abundant opportunities for our graduates and skilled in the private sector.
Smart economic development policies that attract technology companies and long-term investments.
A truly diversified economy that embraces the new technologies.
Thriving aquaculture and hydroponics industries.
Employers that inspire productivity, satisfaction and happiness in the workplace.
That every resident enjoys the benefits of economic prosperity.
EDUCATION ADVANCEMENT AND REFORM
An era where our teachers and educators are valued, respected, encouraged and paid well to pursue their vocations with honor, dignity, and without outside instigation.
An era of ample resources to modernize our schools and to convert them into innovative centers of learning and human development and advancement.
Schools with Internet access and online classes for every student.
A St. Croix Educational Complex renamed and reinvented as the School of Commerce and Applied Technology with ample resources and the active participation of private industry – a pleasant place where students of all ages explore careers and gain confidence and tremendous pride in themselves.
Absence of illiteracy and an interconnected community of learners with a computer in every home.
That the University of the Virgin Islands expands and creates a model Business and Technological Institute that will benefit our present and future workforce.
A refreshing approach to education that helps our students to achieve the highest scores on national tests and qualify for the finest universities of the nation.
REINVENTED GOVERNMENT
A high-performance government driven by technology, commitment, ethics, and the highest ideals of democratic governance.
A lean government staffed with our finest, brightest and most dedicated public servants.
A vibrant and intelligent government that is business-friendly and customer driven.
A government of integrated and interconnected agencies that are efficient and resourceful.
A government lead by enlightened leaders and skilled administrators that make sound decisions based on knowledge.
A disciplined and fiscally solvent government.
RELIABLE AND MODERN INFRASTRUCTURE
World-class telecommunications, reliable electrical systems, paved roads, clean water systems, and modern conveniences.
A magnificent super-port adjacent to an expanded Henry E. Rohlsen International Airport directly linking us to the world's major metropolitan centers.
An upgraded and expanded St. Thomas harbor & waterfront.
Beautifully refurbished and rebuilt towns thriving with new life and economic activity.
A well-prepared & disaster proof community.
QUALITY AND AFFORDABLE HEALTH CARE
Modern hospitals and health care facilities with the best of staffing, medicine and hi-tech equipment.
Healthier and longer life spans.
PRECIOUS ENVIRONMENT
Flowers, palm trees and beautiful landscaping everywhere.
Clean streets and beaches, and the absence of sewage, garbage and pollution in our shores and land.
An intelligent balance of nature and economic growth and development.
Extensive use of recycling technologies and products.
IMPROVED NEIGHBORHOODS AND HOUSING COMMUNITIES
Rebuilt and landscaped housing communities where there is safety and pride of living and ownership.
Pleasant and safe playgrounds for children and youth.
HAPPY, PEACEFUL AND CARING COMMUNITY
A friendly, safe and secure community – ideal to live and run a business.
Absence of crime, drugs, and all forms of violence, bigotry and degradation.
Mutual cooperation and respect for individual rights and differences.
Pleasant, honest and constructive dialogue on the airwaves.
GENUINE FUTURISTS, VISIONARIES AND STRATEGIC PLANNERS TO PLOT OUR FUTURE
People who can plan and create a bright future and not mere reenactments of a dead and painful past.
RENEWED FAITH AND RECONNECTION WITH OUR MAKER AND SPIRITUALITY
With God, there is always a bright and glorious future.
Carmelo Rivera, a business consultant, lives on St. Croix.
