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March 19, 2008
GOVERNOR’S 2008 EASTER MESSAGE
For those of us for whom this is Holy Week, it is a time of reflection, a time of contemplation. For me, this is something of a luxury as the job of Governor of the Virgin Islands is one of un-ending problem-solving. But I think we all need – from time to time – to stop and reflect. And this week, for me, is a time when I think about the central themes of my faith among which is the obligation of service, especially service to those less fortunate, to those in need and to those who need a helping hand. But I also think it is important for those of us in government to find and to maintain a proper balance between focusing on problems and mistakes, on looking at what is wrong or going wrong, and, at looking at what is succeeding, on what is working, on what is going well or getting better. And so today, I want to try to restore a bit of balance by reporting some good news. Since January, our Police Department has arrested five of the eleven criminals on the V.I.’s Most Wanted List. In addition, during the same period, we have made 108 felony arrests and we have recovered 46 unlicensed guns. Why this recent success? Because of a number of factors: Just like many little streams must flow together to form a river, so too each of these factors is individually important. However, one is especially important and that is the greatly increased flow of information that is coming to the Police Department and other enforcement officers from the community at large, from you and your friends and neighbors. From regular, everyday people living in these Islands who have decided that enough is enough – who believe that the circle of trust must start somewhere and who have decided to let it start with them. As almost everyone knows about me, my fundamental belief was and remains “Together We Can”. And – guess what – together we have, together we have been making real progress in identifying and arresting the criminals who have for too long been preying on our communities. And we have only just begun. Success likes nothing better than success. The habits of cooperation and trust will strengthen over time. The police are working better and working smarter – and you are helping them succeed. Soon our flow of new recruits will be added to the force. Slowly, training and re-training will take effect and show results. Of course there will be setbacks and, sadly, even tragic events that we cannot prevent. Our problems took years and years to grow to the width and depth that we know them to be. It will take time, lots of time, way too much time for one as impatient for progress as me, but progress we are making and progress we shall continue to make as long as we continue to work together, to build links of communication, and alliances of trust and respect. And so, in the spirit of this Holy Week, I pray we shall all keep faith with our efforts to respect and to serve our fellow man. But being Virgin Islanders, I know that we shall also do this with our own special mix of dedication and fellowship and fun. Let me close by sending special good wishes to all of the Easter campers at Cramer’s Park on St. Croix. May you enjoy this traditional celebration of the holiday. Happy Easter to you and to all in the Virgin Islands. God bless you and God bless the Virgin Islands. |
