Dear Source,
Some have been spreading false rumors that I am not running. But nothing is further from the truth. I indicated early on that we would build our platform on concerns and issues of the people of the Virgin Islands. I believe each and every one of the individuals in the Virgin Islands has a voice. I have worked hard to listen, and record those concerns. I believe in solutions, not accusations.
The concerns have surfaced in person-to-person communication, as well as in polling. It is clear that education tops the list. The improvement in the quality of our schools and of the ability to give instruction to our children is on the minds of most Virgin Islanders. The answers for the improvement are also in the schools if we would only listen to those who are involved on a daily basis with students. But instead, their voices are given only cursory attention or "lip service" as many see it. Every child deserves to have a good education. And it is achievable – just ask the ones who should be listened to: the teachers and the parents. That is the approach we have taken and their suggestions will be implemented. It is time that we all work together.
People are afraid. They don’t feel safe as they used to feel, and it is not just "the times." Many get burglarized; few ever recover their losses. Safety for our children, our adults, our seniors, our residents and our visitors is a top concern. When we change the environment of fear; when we understand how things work and why they happen the way they do, we will not waiver in bringing about the real sustainable solutions. The economy will improve, for businesses will feel their investments are safe. Family, friends, co-workers, neighbors and communities will see we have the opportunity in this election, a powerful opportunity that we cannot let pass, for the possibilities are great. We can create safe communities. We can have businesses that function without fear of being burglarized. We cannot continue to allow spending to be unchecked for this too affects our security. We can have a government that appropriately safeguards our property and money and our lives.
The issue of health care is almost a given. Good health is wealth. Everyone, at some point in time, starting from birth to the end of life, has to use health facilities. Our community needs to feel secure that they can receive consistent dependable health services – from prevention to health promotion to help with controlling or curing illness to the end of life assistance. Many live in fear of choosing between medicine and food. A greater part of our dollars are spent for health care today than in the recent past; yet, when asked, many residents do not feel the services are truly better on a consistent basis. This can and will change during my administration. I have examples of successes in health that have come about from including all of the players, especially the public. Improvement is possible and achievable.
For those who have not heard from me, it is not because I am not working hard. It is because I am working hard to be sure that I represent you. We have been meeting with many groups and listening to their concerns. Just as the patient is truly the doctor’s boss, so too is the voter, the governor’s boss. Let us never forget that. I won’t. The elections this November will mark a crucial turning point in the history of governance in the Virgin Islands. I am committed to ensuring that the public sector and the private sector work jointly to move our Virgin Islands forward. We can do it. It is time that we move forward, and do so decisively. We cannot continue to mark time. We have to move forward.
Dr. Cora Christian
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
Publisher's note : Like the St. Thomas Source now? Find out how you can love us twice as much — and show your support for the islands' free and independent news voice … click here.
