Dear Source,
In a letter dated March 22, 2002, I wrote Sen. Carlton Dowe a letter about my dissatisfaction regarding the rezoning of Botany Bay. The ending of the letter stated "I am a 36 year old Native Virgin Islander who has become extremely disheartened by many of the decisions our 'leaders' have made in the 'best' interest of the Virgin Islands for now and the future. If the Botany Bay rezoning is more of what you have to offer, I will actively campaign against all those who did vote for the rezoning of Botany Bay."
Now I understand why Sen. Dowe and his seven other colleagues were trying to sell out the future of the Virgin Islands. It is interesting how 10 people listed as contributors to Sen. Dowe are also members of/connected to Botany Bay Partners. Their listed contribution to his campaign of $9,500 tells me what I really didn’t want to believe. Knowing how things work, I'm sure the $9,500 is just the tip of the iceberg. It makes me wonder how much money really passed through the hands of the famous Botany Bay Eight who ignored the people's and the V.I. Planning and Natural Resources Department's decision to give Botany Bay Partners a variance instead of the R-3 rezoning. This gives me even more reason to campaign against Sen. Dowe and his colleagues of the 24th legislature who continue to get fat while "your" people suffer.
Many of the Botany Bay Eight say "they" are for the youth; how can this be when more days than not there is no toilet paper in the bathrooms "our" children use at school. And how about the outdated books in their classrooms and libraries? One of the "exchanges" the people received for the rezoning and development of Botany Bay was a special education advisor and yet, months after he supposedly comes on board, the Virgin Islands loses the accreditation of its schools. That action resulted in the firing of the Education Commissioner.
What kind of "now you see it, now you don't" game is Sen. Dowe and members of the 24th Legislature playing with the future of our Virgin Islands? Your performance has been truly disappointing.
I request in the best interest of the people that Sen. Dowe and the members of the Botany Bay Eight do not run for re-election. We are seeking persons who have demonstrated their commitment and honesty in the past to the people of these Virgin Islands by doing what's best for all the people instead of just a few.
Caroline A. Browne
St. Thomas
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