Dear Source:
I found the letter written by Mr. Czyzyk to be disturbing. The people of the V.I. need to realize the important role that tourism plays, which is vital to the local economy. It is no secret that many locals do not like tourists, even me growing up as a child held a negative view towards them. Never knowing any better until I grew to become a man and see the world for myself. I can honestly say that people all around the globe are wary of strangers, from Korea, Japan, Germany, Hungary I have been greeted with the same disdain and disrespect that Mr. Czyzyk and his family was subjected to.
The major difference was that he and his family went to the V.I. with the intention to relax and enjoy themselves. Most of my "excursions" were of military nature, so naturally the locals were not always happy to see me.
People of the V.I. need to be more professional and cast personal feelings when business is involved. Additionally we as locals need to take stock of what butters our bread. We don't grow any crops or export any natural resources by which we can survive. How many rivers do we have? How much fresh water? Tourism is our "Golden Calf". And why has the V.I. and society as a whole taken such a drastic turn for the worse? As a child growing up in Hospital Ground, I could not walk past an adult without giving the greeting of the day, good morning, afternoon etc. Where did we go wrong? I am only 34 so this is not ancient history I am talking about. Wake up Rock City!
To Mr. Czyzyk and family, I am not sure how this letter will be received, but from the Virgin Islander please accept my humble apology for the disregard and disrespect you were subjected to. All the best!
Anthony Fontaine
Virginia
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