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Charlotte Amalie
Friday, March 29, 2024
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Sugar Mills Are Worth Looking At

Dear Source:
This is in response to Daniel Coughlin's article concerning the use of sugar mills on St. Croix to create a symbolic signature for the island.
It's one of those ideas that appeared like a, "nice idea, but", when first presented. I read the article and waited to see if there would be any feedback from residents of St. Croix that might flesh out the concept. Meanwhile, as I drive around the Island I have actively looked for mills and have located quite a few I never really noticed before. All you have to do is look for a prominent location with no obstruction from the winds or sea, surrounded by land that could have been cultivated in the past. I have always been impressed by the clean and functional lines of these monolithic and functional structures.
Often I sit on my back porch at night, enjoying our local rum, listening to the surf breaking on the barrier reef. Gazing at the star filled sky and watching the lights of the cruise ships pass on the horizon. I've started to wonder whether they might pass a little closer if these Mills were cleared of brush, historically renovated and strategically yet tastefully accent lighted.
When these ships that only come to fuel bunker in Fredriksted, their passengers would be presented with the awesome spectacle of the soft glow of the Sentinels from our Past that permeate the landscape of the north shore and west end. As their ship departs some passengers may be stirred by a desire to return to an island that treats it's past respectfully and sample more of what our island has to offer. Cruise ships departing San Juan to travel down island might pass a little closer at night to offer their passengers a view of the silent Sentinels. This in turn may inspire further travel to our island. Hopefully by plane and not as a part of a herd on a Cattleboat.
Throughout the years the buzzword has been how to "Brand" St. Croix. I firmly believe Mr. Coughlin's idea is worthy of examining closely.
Ken Floyd
St. Croix

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.

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