Dear Source:
I own a home on St. Croix and live in Chicago. American Airlines is my only choice to get to the Virgin Islands as I am sure is the case for many other potential visitors. I depend on rentals to afford my island home; the island depends on tourism for its economic well-being (I use that term very loosely). Can someone please explain to me why we are doing every thing possible to drive people like me from the island and make it next to impossible for tourists to get here? My home attracts many repeat guests to the island every year. I feel I am doing my best to help the economy in a small way, yet it seems like every time I turn around, there is another obstacle in our way. No wonder businesses are moving away; it just doesn't seem like we are fighting a battle that we can ever win, and the closing of ground services by American may be a fatal blow to those of us struggling to maintain our vacation villas and, in a larger sense, to the economy in general. I can't believe there isn't a huge outcry by the tourism sector over this latest blow. I am trying to keep a positive outlook, but it is getting harder every day.
Sue Seibel
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