See the positives in Vessels of Opportunity program

In response to the article in last week’s paper I would like to add that while there are still some problems, BP is making an effort to correct them. I personally received a phone call from BP inquiring if my vessel was commercial or pleasure. I know there are probably a few non-commercial vessels working but they have captains and crew running them who are locals and work on the water. I realize the frustration of those who have not been hired by BP; I myself waited six or seven weeks before I received the call to be activated, only to be deactivated the same day. So I know the frustration. I did, however, receive a call the next week to go to work.

I see many of my friends and fellow seafood workers at the safety meetings at Battery Park in Apalachicola. I haven’t, however, seen any of our elected officials at the meetings to see just how many of our people are working. There are a good number of them. Instead of criticizing Parsons and BP, why not work with them to try and hire locals? These people don’t know who is local and who isn’t. Many who are working for Parsons and BP have an opportunity that we would not have had if they were not here. I hope our county officials will look at the positive that is being done, and not the negative.

Many Franklin County residents are making good money that they need and will continue to need if the oil comes to our bay. Let’s not alienate BP or Parsons; we need them to stay here to continue their efforts to help protect our bay. These companies are putting much-needed funds into our local economy.

Many of us could also point the finger and criticize our officials. I know several seafood workers with 60 years of experience in the bay and surrounding areas that could give hands-on advice but haven’t been asked. So in essence locals with a lot of experience are not being asked for advice. We have a planning and zoning board, a hospital board etc, because these people are experts in their field; 50 to 60 years on the bay should give us a good understanding of the bay. Many of us have spent more time on the water than on land.

Charles Wilson