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 Several schools across the territory will soon be serving as sites for the USDA Food Service Program, which offers free…

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On Wednesday, June 5, Gov. John deJongh Jr. presented a radio address outlining the economic problems facing the territory and proposing legislation to deal with it.

 
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CFVI Awards 75 Student Scholarships

The Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands announced that the 75 scholarships awarded at ceremonies this week will allow V.I. students to head off to colleges ranging from Yale to American University.

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2013-06-15 02:37:00
American Airlines Grounds Pets with Wings Program

American Airlines ended its sponsorship of Humane Society of St. Thomas’ Pets with Wings program that provided free air transportation for dogs to the mainland.

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2013-06-14 20:08:55
Changes Afoot in Fisheries Management

The NMFS plans to change the way it manages commercial and recreational fishing in federal waters around the territory from species-based plans to plans developed for specific islands or districts.

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2013-06-13 22:32:11
Open forum — St. John
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Lawmakers, Candidates and the Double Standard: Illegal Signs

 Dear Source:
It's becoming ever more apparent that certain individuals and alarmingly, current lawmakers, feel they are above the laws and regulations of the US Virgin Islands. I draw your attention to the deliberate non-compliance by a few of our public-office candidates as related to their oversize and illegally placed campaign signs!
The guidance provided by the Board of Elections (in congruence with the Department of Public Works) clearly states signs will not exceed 4' x 4' and not be within 10' of a public road. Additionally, they must not be within 25' of an intersection. There are a few individuals whose campaign signs simply do not comply with these regulations! Michael Springer, Jay Watson, Eugene LaCorbineiere are among those. The most blatant offender is current lawmaker, Sen. Chucky Hansen, whose signs are double the allowable size and in many cases, do not comply with the road-safety setbacks.
Instead of taking responsibility, it would not surprise me in the least if a few of these offenders diverted the blame and responsibility to those in charge of their road signs. It would not surprise me if the elementary excuse "I didn't know" were used. To the offenders I say, "Candidates, you are responsible!” Ignorance is not an excuse. Fix the problem.
Fundamentally, the obvious disdain for straightforward sign regulations reeks of the flawed character of a candidate. If a candidate, aspiring or sitting, cannot comply with something as simple as a few road sign rules, then what is to be expected when they're faced with a more complex issue.

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Is there a double standard?? You'd think so given the obvious violations of something so simple.
Does the term "moral turpitude" ring a bell? "Conduct that is considered contrary to community standards of justice, honesty or good morals." is how it's been referred to since the 19th century.
When I contacted the Department of Public works, their very polite representative informed me they've had repetitive complaints regarding the above offenders; however, they have limited resources to ensure compliance.
They generally contact the offender and give them a short period to comply. Thereafter, all bets are off. In other jurisdictions, offenders are fined and billed for the Public Works costs of removal. It's pretty simple.
Everyone is accountable and held to the same standard.
So, I propose and conclude with the following:
1) Non-complying signs (oversize and too-close to roadways) should be removed immediately. Being reasonable, I would offer candidates 24 hours to comply. For those who continue to snub their noses at simple compliance, Public Works should take the offenders' signs down and bill the offenders for the costs of that effort.
2) To the voting public: Look at the simple requirement of proper signage as an example of the integrity and character of our candidates. There is no double standard. What is terribly disconcerting (and appears to be a trend throughout her term in office) is the current senator's "over-the-top" disregard for the signage rules and deplorable civil conduct.
3) To the Board of Elections and Public Works (and the Commissioner): Despite your limited resources, hold the candidates accountable and remove non-compliant signage. The majority of the candidates are meeting the standard as you have dictated and it simply is not fair to those who do comply.
A common citizen who believes in integrity
Cedric Maycock

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Thank you Mr. Maycock for doing your resposibilty as a concerned citizen to become informed on the laws and regulations of the US Virgin Islands. More of us need to do this and hold these candidates responsible.
When I was a child and I did something "wrong" my mother and father would tell me why what I did was wrong and to never do it again. If I did it wrong again I would be punished.

Why is this so hard for The candidates who are doing wrong, to stop doing wrong. And you are correct, if they cannot follow these simple laws and regulations now what will they do if they are elected? Take trips to Italy on our dime? Have members of their staff take online courses them?

We need to hold our current government officials accountable to remove these signs. Removing a sign is not hard to do, as it seems like most candidates can find time to remove their competitors signs.

Stay alert and aware Mr. Maycock, your intellegence and due diligence is appreciated. Let's hold all of these candidates accountable.

We all must become the change that we want to see, and we all must elect candidates who are the change we want to see.

Thank you Mr. Maycock. As a member of the St. Croix Historic Preservation Committee, I would like to point out that there is also a regulation regarding political signs within the historic districts. The law specifically prohibits all political banners in the towns of Frederiksted, Christiansted, and Charlotte Amalie. The following link explains the guidelines for any signage in the historic districts in the Virgin Islands: http://stthomashistoricaltrust.org/files-forms/HPCPrGd01.pdf
Again, the law states that no political advertising of any kind is permitted in the districts. There have been notices in the paper to remind citizens of these laws. It would be appreciated if all political candidates and their supporters would respect these laws.

Are you supprise about Chucky Hansen sign not being in compliance. This woman do not follow or obey the law.