I’m writing in response to Dickson Igwe’s comments on fast food
in his June 9 letter to the editor. Mr. Igwe seems to imply that we are better off in the Virgin Islands because we don’t have American fast food chains. I beg to differ. I am not trying to say that McDonald’s and such are ideal, but their menus do include healthy items such as salad and other vegetarian choices. I certainly haven’t seen any such items for sale at the “chicken buses” and other similar vendors in this territory!
The American chains also have to list the calorie count of each item. To say we should avoid following the United States and the United Kingdom is to my mind belated. I think one trip to the Elmore Stoutt High School at lunchtime or after school will show that the number of overweight — indeed, obese — students is frightening. The medical costs in years to come could be overwhelming.
I am not saying that this is true of all students. Many (and I wish there were more) are healthy and obviously athletic, and, I am willing to bet, take part in sports. They are not the ones you see at the greasy food stalls!
The territory should emphasise participation in sports much more and work to help the various amateur organisations in any sport. A relatively small investment now could save millions in future medical costs — not to mention the feeling of well-being that healthy living brings.