From left to right Co-host Elvin G. Grant, Co-host Violet Thomas Gaul, and guest Mr Ian Thomas aka DJ Commodore on Talking Points on December 9, 2024. Photo: Facebook

Talking Points on December 9, 2024, discussed a number of issues such as road maintenance and waste management. Photo: Government of the Virgin Islands

The panel consisted of co-hosts Violet Thomas Gaul and Mr Elvin G. Grant, and guest Mr Ian A. Thomas aka DJ Commodore tackled topics ranging from the lack of Virgin Islands pride to inadequate garbage disposal systems.

Cultural pride

Mr Thomas, himself a local business owner and community advocate, criticised what he described as the "lack of self-pride" among residents or belongers.

Among the issues emphasized was the pervasive littering undermining the territory’s image, particularly in key tourist areas. “When we could sit next to garbage and sell things, we don't have any pride,” he remarked.

Infrastructural failures

Mr Thomas, as such, proposed transformative ideas to revitalize the territory, including converting neglected waterfront areas into picturesque public spaces. "Imagine steps where people can sit and watch the waters instead of the big rocks and garbage there now. That would boost our pride and tourism appeal," he said, calling for a collective effort to enhance public spaces and instill civic responsibility.

The discussion extended to broader infrastructural concerns, such as road maintenance and waste management.

Mr Grant however lauded recent improvements that include organized garbage collection on Main Street but stressed the need for consistent application of such initiatives.

“We clearly can do it; we just need to go back to it and amplify our efforts,” he said.