Virgin Islands exodus can be traced to high cost of living, subpar services
If officials are shocked by the recent census numbers which stated the U.S. Virgin Islands population has dropped 18.1%, they had better get ready for the next wave of people moving away from the Virgin Islands.
Let’s talk about the whys.
High cost of living, to include food prices that have reached outrageous limits, high power costs, along with constant power failures which interrupt business and revenue; high cost of hurricane insurance; nonexistent affordable care act for health care; lack of affordable housing and low entry level salaries for people with much needed skills.
Looming right ahead is the specter of the Government Employees’ Retirement System collapse, which is due in the relatively near future. This upcoming issue — the day when retirement checks stop — will see an exodus to the mainland because it will be the nail in the coffin for many to stay in the Virgin Islands. People simply will not be able to afford to stay where they have lived and worked their entire lives.
What solutions should we consider to counteract this problem? Should we sell WAPA to a private entity? Work harder at increasing tourism revenue? Sell unused and derelict government buildings? Cut operating expenses for our government, perhaps using Zoom more often instead of paying for huge traveling delegations consisting of dozens of people to investigate new ideas?
Read more: http://www.virginislandsdailynews.com/opinion/v-i-exodus-can-be-traced-to-high-cost-of-living-subpar-services/article_a5e20ff0-8849-56cb-82a2-84dc262b0af1.html