Well, just as we in the island think that all lost a miracle happens! I am one who is very happy that the governor vetoed the proposed "Prosser Bill." It just was not right for the people of the Virgin Islands.
Needless to say we still have our share of problems to contend with. St.Croix needs to get behind Beal's Aerospace and have them create the jobs in St. Croix that the St. Croix people so need.
On St. Thomas, businesses are falling on hard times. Sindbad is long gone and the realities of summer are here.
Yes, we have four days a week with cruise ship calls, but most merchants will agree that the business generated just does not cover basic operating expenses.
Businesses must and will cut back for the summer months which will put additional strain on the Virgin Islands economy.
Government workers will also cut back on their spending fearing another payless pay period.
Add to that the worries of the community for what the pending hurricane season brings.
I do not doubt with current business conditions being what they are that if we were to get hit with a major storm this year it would signal an exodus of a cross section of the community.
Let's face it, many survived Hurricanes Luis, Marilyn, Bertha and Georges. Life sure as hell is not getting easier for the majority of us trying to raise a family and make a living here.
Pueblo is back and putting the screws to us like never before. I happen to pick up a cold six pack of Budweiser Beer the other day and was told it would cost me $9.00.
It's one thing to screw us on what we eat but $9.00 on a six pack of beer! Hell, even a beer drinker has rights! Everywhere you look, including Kmart since the demise of Woolworth, there are retailers taking advantage of us. All I can say is that shoppers must be vigilant and support the businesses that give the best services and the prices to the consumer.
Vinnie Mohanani
St. Thomas
