, 1963-10-26
SATURDAY OCTOBER 26. 1868

TODAY GOV. PAIEW0NSkY ANSWERS
QUESTIONS gUBNTTEDBYIHEA AVIS
On October 10th, the AVIS submitted a questions to.
Governor Ralph M. Paiewonsky, with the request that he
answer them for publication in the AVIS.
Herewith are the questions and the Governors replies;
Continued from Thursday
question II Don't YOU think that tourism is a dangerous industry
% rely on when it can be stopped instantly by a threat of war?
Answer: We are completely aware of the danger of the tourist IN
dusuy. It net only can be stopped by a threat of war but can be ad-
versely affected by change in the travelling habits of people, econo-
mic changes in the mainland United States, change in cimachc con
litions, major plane disasters, etc. While we are attempting to further
develop our tourist industry so that all Virgin Islanders can reap the
maximum benefits we are also pursuing every possible course OF ac-
ton to encourage agricultural program including not only light manu-
featuring, but also the bringing Of heavy industry as well to the Vr-
ginIsands
"A total of 20 new industries were established during the past two
fl cal years between July ], 1861 and June 80, 1s6s--a record for any
,revious like time period in Virgin Islands history. This include the
establishment Of an alumna operation in St. croix in addition to
atch assembly plants, a chemical plant, manufacturer of womens
acks, a knitting mill, and a rice polshingplant, etc.
1t should be borne in mind that these industries also would be
adversely affected by the threat Of war or actual war. In these days
Of nuclear arms development no nation, country, or even territory
would make progress if it accepted a threat of nuclear war as an ex-
cuSe for doing nothing. 1t would be a big mistake II the people y the
United States, for example, decided to stop building factories and
Spanding their economy on the premise of what is the u5e OF ex-
anding and developing because anuclear war would wipe out their
actories, destroy their cities, and kill. millions of their people This
would be a defeatist philosophy and contrary to the American way of
linking.
Similarly, here in the Virgin Islands, we too must embrace the
American progressive way of life and continue to move forward de-
velodng all Of our resources to the maximum extent While tourism
may have its pitfalls, the record of the past IL years shows clearly
that it has great promise for us and we must develop it to its fullest
potential God has endowed US with the best climate IN the world,
nth beautiful lands, lovely beaches, crystal clear water and other
natural resources just perfect for tourist promotion. In addition, we
ave the advantage of a foreign atmosphere under the American Flag,
where English is spoken; we have free port shopping, md we are
MY three hours away from population centers Of the United States
furthermore, everyone participates directly or indirectly in this indus
@ry7
Question u. DO you believe that agriculture, which has never at
tracted Crucians, is better than encouraging other light industries
whose employment opportunities may attract Crucians?
Answer: II is not a question Of one Of the other-agriculture or
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