Many more tourists and residents might start venturing out to Point Udall on St. Croix’s East End, and public officials and community members want their experience to be crime-free.
The road from Cramers Park to Point Udall has been one of the bumpiest, most rutted, pothole-pocked rides on the island, but it became a smooth ride after paving last week.
And though it was not planned that way, a Crime-Free Day at Point Udall on Sunday seemed to coincide with the easier access to the easternmost point in the United States.
Police Commissioner Novelle Francis spoke to about 15 people gathered saying, "We would like to see, every day, a crime-free day in the Virgin Islands."
Resident Mike DiNapoli organized the event after he and other visitors to the Millennium Monument park last month were victims of thieves breaking into their cars with crowbars.
"This upset me, but I was thankful it wasn’t worse," DiNapoli said. He said he thought some one should do something about the situation, so he organized the crime-free day to address the break-ins.
"There was no stopping me — I wanted to stand up and keep stupid stuff from happening," DiNapoli said. Francis told DiNapoli they have a mutual interest in having a crime-free community and making efforts to reduce it.
Since 2007, Francis said, there were 44 crime incidents at the point, which offers pristine views of Buck Island, Jack and Isaac beaches, Goat Hill and, on clear days, the British Virgin Islands, St. Thomas and St. John.
"The numbers are small, but one incident is too many," Francis said. "We are pulling our resources together with the Departments of Tourism and Public Works about bringing in added security and monitoring with a security booth and cameras."
One concerned citizen brought up the fact there is no cell-phone service out that far. Francis said he would spearhead a letter to cell-phone providers to do a feasibility study about service at the far east end.
DiNapoli and friends had set up a tent and had refreshments available for all who showed up at the loop around the monument. The event ran until 4 p.m., and by 2 p.m. about 40 people had driven to the point to show support.
Dani Settle represented the Buddhists from Victory Over Violence (VOV), a movement to inspire young people to root out violence in their daily lives. VOV is sponsored by Soka Gakkai International. A representative of Crime Stoppers was also there handing out information.
Robin Becker said she was glad Commissioner Francis came out to listen and see what was happening.
"Small things are the beginning of bigger things," Becker said.
DiNapoli can be reached at 514-4704 for more information about future crime-free days.
