Senate President Lorraine L. Berry is submitting legislation to allow cruise ships to open their casinos while in port in St. Thomas — but only to their own passengers.
Berry said in a radio address that if cruise ships could open their casinos while docked here, they would stay later. And if ships stayed longer, stores could stay open and passengers would have more time to shop and enjoy local food and entertainment.
When ships dock in Frederiksted, they are allowed to open their casinos and often stay in port later as a result.
Berry said she submitted the bill now so it would be ready for public hearings when the 23rd Legislature convenes in January.
Casino gambling is prohibited by law in St. Thomas and St. John. Groundbreaking was held last week for St. Croix's first casino.
'THE BRIDGE THAT GOES NOWHERE'
WAY DOWN IN BOVONI
(to Away in A Manger)
Way down in Bovoni, the potholes are deep
The dump fires burn brightly round Roy and his sheep
The Pigs go to slaughter with nary a care
Just happy to die on The Bridge To Nowhere
Oh, long may your legacy live, Shepherd Roy
The Bridge That Goes Nowhere…our pride and our joy!
We love thee, oh Bridge, you will long be our friend
Although you have neither begining nor end
AMERICA'S CUP
(to I Saw 3 Ships)
I saw a ship come sailing in
On Christmas Day, On Christmas Day
I saw a ship come sailing in
On Christmas Day in the Morning
And what was in the ship I saw?
On Christmas Day, On Christmas Day
Twas Peter Holmberg in a bra!
On Christmas Day in the morning
I asked dear Peter what was up
On Christmas Day, On Christmas Day
He said "My friends, I won the cup!"
On Christmas Day in the morning
He pointed to the bra with glee
On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day
With cup sized V for VICTORY!
On Christmas Day in the morning
Enjoy!
Doris Pomeranz
St. Thomas
(to Away in A Manger)
Way down in Bovoni, the potholes are deep
The dump fires burn brightly round Roy and his sheep
The Pigs go to slaughter with nary a care
Just happy to die on The Bridge To Nowhere
Oh, long may your legacy live, Shepherd Roy
The Bridge That Goes Nowhere…our pride and our joy!
We love thee, oh Bridge, you will long be our friend
Although you have neither begining nor end
AMERICA'S CUP
(to I Saw 3 Ships)
I saw a ship come sailing in
On Christmas Day, On Christmas Day
I saw a ship come sailing in
On Christmas Day in the Morning
And what was in the ship I saw?
On Christmas Day, On Christmas Day
Twas Peter Holmberg in a bra!
On Christmas Day in the morning
I asked dear Peter what was up
On Christmas Day, On Christmas Day
He said "My friends, I won the cup!"
On Christmas Day in the morning
He pointed to the bra with glee
On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day
With cup sized V for VICTORY!
On Christmas Day in the morning
Enjoy!
Doris Pomeranz
St. Thomas
GUS RIMPEL GETS A NEW TITLE
Auguste E. Rimpel Jr. — Gus to most people — has gotten another promotion.
Rimpel has been named head of the International Industry Market Group of the Government Consulting Practice of Pricewaterhouse Coopers LLP in Washington, D.C., and a member of the group's management team, according to the Daily News.
In his new role Rimpel will handle client services for emerging or transitional market countries that are funded by bilateral development agencies such as the U.S. Agency for International Development.
Rimpel, now chairman of the University of the Virgin Islands board of trustees, was Commerce commissioner during the King administration.
He has volunteered to assist the incoming Turnbull administration in his area of expertise: economic development.
Rimpel and his wife, Maria, live in Concord, Mass. They also have a home in St. Thomas.
Rimpel has been named head of the International Industry Market Group of the Government Consulting Practice of Pricewaterhouse Coopers LLP in Washington, D.C., and a member of the group's management team, according to the Daily News.
In his new role Rimpel will handle client services for emerging or transitional market countries that are funded by bilateral development agencies such as the U.S. Agency for International Development.
Rimpel, now chairman of the University of the Virgin Islands board of trustees, was Commerce commissioner during the King administration.
He has volunteered to assist the incoming Turnbull administration in his area of expertise: economic development.
Rimpel and his wife, Maria, live in Concord, Mass. They also have a home in St. Thomas.
TURNBULL INAUGURAL EVENTS SET
Galas, grand balls, luncheons and receptions will lead up to the formal inauguration of Gov.-elect Charles W. Turnbull and Lt. Gov. Gerard Luz James on Jan 4.
V.I. Democratic Party officials say the events will be less expensive than those held in 1994 for Gov. Roy L. Schneider: $112,000 of government money this year compared with $125,000 in 1994.
Balls will be held in St. Thomas at Marriott's Frenchmen's Reef, Renaissance Grand Beach Resort and Wyndham Sugar Bay Beach Club & Resort.
Tickets are $50 and are on sale at each hotel or through the V.I. Democratic Party.
The schedule for St. Thomas events:
Saturday, Jan 2, 6 to 8 p.m. — Dignitary Welcome Reception, Hotel 1829 (by invitation only).
Sunday, Jan. 3, 7 to 9 p.m. — Inaugural Concert, Emancipation Garden.
Monday, Jan. 4, 8 a.m.– Ecumenical Service, Christ Church Methodist, Market Square.
Monday, Jan. 4, 9:30 a.m — . Motorcade and parade from Addelita Cancryn Junior High School to Emancipation Garden via Veterans Drive.
— 10:45 a.m. – Inauguration ceremony, Emancipation Garden.
— 1 to 3 p.m.- Post inaugural luncheon, Town Hall, Bluebeard's Castle Hotel.
— 4 to 8 p.m.- Governor's Reception, Government House.
— 8:30 p.m.- Inaugural Balls.
V.I. Democratic Party officials say the events will be less expensive than those held in 1994 for Gov. Roy L. Schneider: $112,000 of government money this year compared with $125,000 in 1994.
Balls will be held in St. Thomas at Marriott's Frenchmen's Reef, Renaissance Grand Beach Resort and Wyndham Sugar Bay Beach Club & Resort.
Tickets are $50 and are on sale at each hotel or through the V.I. Democratic Party.
The schedule for St. Thomas events:
Saturday, Jan 2, 6 to 8 p.m. — Dignitary Welcome Reception, Hotel 1829 (by invitation only).
Sunday, Jan. 3, 7 to 9 p.m. — Inaugural Concert, Emancipation Garden.
Monday, Jan. 4, 8 a.m.– Ecumenical Service, Christ Church Methodist, Market Square.
Monday, Jan. 4, 9:30 a.m — . Motorcade and parade from Addelita Cancryn Junior High School to Emancipation Garden via Veterans Drive.
— 10:45 a.m. – Inauguration ceremony, Emancipation Garden.
— 1 to 3 p.m.- Post inaugural luncheon, Town Hall, Bluebeard's Castle Hotel.
— 4 to 8 p.m.- Governor's Reception, Government House.
— 8:30 p.m.- Inaugural Balls.
FAMILY CENTER NEEDS A FEW GOOD MEN
The Family Resource Center needs men to serve as positive role models for young boys and to monitor the progress of participants in and graduates of the Men Terminating Violence Program.
Michal Rhymer, executive director of the Family Resource Center, said budget cuts resulting in a $50,000 deficit have created an even greater need for community volunteers to keep many of the programs running, according to the Daily News.
The center's services include counseling for victims of abuse and domestic violence (many of whom are young boys), a 24-hour Emergency Response Line, an emergency shelter and the Men Terminating Violence Program.
Rhymer said five men now volunteer regularly and many more are needed. The center also needs bilingual volunteers due to the increasing number of Spanish-speaking clients.
To volunteer call 776-3966.
Michal Rhymer, executive director of the Family Resource Center, said budget cuts resulting in a $50,000 deficit have created an even greater need for community volunteers to keep many of the programs running, according to the Daily News.
The center's services include counseling for victims of abuse and domestic violence (many of whom are young boys), a 24-hour Emergency Response Line, an emergency shelter and the Men Terminating Violence Program.
Rhymer said five men now volunteer regularly and many more are needed. The center also needs bilingual volunteers due to the increasing number of Spanish-speaking clients.
To volunteer call 776-3966.
GERS ADS SAY PAY RAISES JUSTIFIED
A full-page ad placed in local newspapers this weekend by the Government Employees Retirement System board of trustees says salary increases for 18 unclassified employees were fully warranted.
The ad notes, among other things, that the 18 exempt employees have received no salary increases since 1995, while their unionized subordinates have, placing the unionized employees' earnings above the salaries of their supervisors.
GERS members who attended a Dec. 8 board meeting complained about a lack of information regarding the financial status of the system, according to a Daily News report.
GERS member Gonzalo Rivera said he requested copies of the minutes of board meetings for the past year and financial statements for 1997 and 1998. He was advised copies of those public documents would cost him $4,259.25.
The full-page ad says the issue of unfunded liability does not stem from an increase in operational costs. It says they are separate issues.
The ad did not list the names or titles of the exempt employees who got raises or the amount of their increases. Earlier reports indicated some raises ranged from $25,000 to $56,000.
The ad notes, among other things, that the 18 exempt employees have received no salary increases since 1995, while their unionized subordinates have, placing the unionized employees' earnings above the salaries of their supervisors.
GERS members who attended a Dec. 8 board meeting complained about a lack of information regarding the financial status of the system, according to a Daily News report.
GERS member Gonzalo Rivera said he requested copies of the minutes of board meetings for the past year and financial statements for 1997 and 1998. He was advised copies of those public documents would cost him $4,259.25.
The full-page ad says the issue of unfunded liability does not stem from an increase in operational costs. It says they are separate issues.
The ad did not list the names or titles of the exempt employees who got raises or the amount of their increases. Earlier reports indicated some raises ranged from $25,000 to $56,000.
CHRISTMAS TREES ARE HARD TO FIND
Many island residents are likely to celebrate Christmas this year without a tree — not even the traditional island century plant.
A combination of prudent ordering on the part of retailers and Hurricane Georges has resulted in a dearth of traditional, artificial and even customary island Christmas trees, according to the Daily News.
Hurricane Georges knocked down all the century plants, according to Rafe Boulon, endangered species coordinator at the fish and wildlife division. The century plants, which often are used in place of traditional evergreen trees, fell down and broke during the storm, Boulon said.
One suggestion: Use an inkberry tree, or several small ones — also traditional in the Virgin Islands, according to St. John resident Melville Samuel.
Samuel said when he was young, his family used the inkberry tree by sticking candles on the thorns and hanging hand-made ornaments from the branches.
A combination of prudent ordering on the part of retailers and Hurricane Georges has resulted in a dearth of traditional, artificial and even customary island Christmas trees, according to the Daily News.
Hurricane Georges knocked down all the century plants, according to Rafe Boulon, endangered species coordinator at the fish and wildlife division. The century plants, which often are used in place of traditional evergreen trees, fell down and broke during the storm, Boulon said.
One suggestion: Use an inkberry tree, or several small ones — also traditional in the Virgin Islands, according to St. John resident Melville Samuel.
Samuel said when he was young, his family used the inkberry tree by sticking candles on the thorns and hanging hand-made ornaments from the branches.
WATERCOLOR WORKSHOP SET AT TILLETT'S
The third annual watercolor workshop, by regular Virgin Islands visitor Sandy Meyer, will be held Friday and Saturday, Jan. 15 and 16. The theme Will be "The Colors of Life."
Watercolorist Meyer, who stays on Water Island, specializes in intricate florals in both still life and scenic settings.
She took up painting with passion in 1986, when illness forced her to change her lifestyle. She started painting and has not stopped.
Her workshop approach is to have a talk and demo in the basics, then dig right in.
"I do a demonstration, then have everyone catch up, " Meyers said. "Then another demonstration and another paint session."
All participants will work from the same enlargement of a black and white photograph with flowers in the foreground and soft trees in the background. Everyone will leave the class with a finished painting.
Both beginners and advanced painters are invited to participate. Supplies will be available for sale, but Meyers suggested that participants should bring whatever they have to work with.
She exhibits extensively in North Platte, Neb., her hometown.
For more details, call Tillett Gardens at 775-1929.
Watercolorist Meyer, who stays on Water Island, specializes in intricate florals in both still life and scenic settings.
She took up painting with passion in 1986, when illness forced her to change her lifestyle. She started painting and has not stopped.
Her workshop approach is to have a talk and demo in the basics, then dig right in.
"I do a demonstration, then have everyone catch up, " Meyers said. "Then another demonstration and another paint session."
All participants will work from the same enlargement of a black and white photograph with flowers in the foreground and soft trees in the background. Everyone will leave the class with a finished painting.
Both beginners and advanced painters are invited to participate. Supplies will be available for sale, but Meyers suggested that participants should bring whatever they have to work with.
She exhibits extensively in North Platte, Neb., her hometown.
For more details, call Tillett Gardens at 775-1929.
SEIWERT'S WORK AT HOSPITALITY LOUNGE
Peggy Seiwert will be the featured artist for January at the St. Thomas-St. John Chamber of Commerce Hospitality Lounge in downtown Charlotte Amalie.
Peggy will exhibit her artwork as part of a new, joint project by the St. Thomas- St. John Arts Council and the Chamber of Commerce.
In addition to being a fine artist, Peggy owns Kilnworks Pottery in Smith Bay.
Artists interested in displaying their work at the Hospitality Lounge should contact the Arts Council at 774-8900 to make arrangements.
Peggy will exhibit her artwork as part of a new, joint project by the St. Thomas- St. John Arts Council and the Chamber of Commerce.
In addition to being a fine artist, Peggy owns Kilnworks Pottery in Smith Bay.
Artists interested in displaying their work at the Hospitality Lounge should contact the Arts Council at 774-8900 to make arrangements.
TILLETT USHERS IN 'BLUES WEEK'
Tillett Gardens has expanded its musical horizons in the past two years, and January will feature blues concerts with Paul Oscher.
Tillett started with its Classics in the Gardens series, produced by Arts Alive, in 1988. Until 1997 Arts Alive offered a four-concert classical music series featuring top young musicians from all over the world. For the past two years Tillett has added three non-classical concerts of jazz, blues and country.
Coming up in January is Blues Week, featuring Paul Oscher and his six-piece Chicago blues band, which includes harmonica, guitar, saxophone, drums and string bass.
The first concert will be at 8 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 13, in Tillett Gardens. Tickets are $25 for the concert only. A prix fixe dinner is available for $30, or $55 for the package. Dinner starts at 6 p.m. and diners remain in their seats for the concert. (This is the regular format for the concerts in Tillett Gardens.)
Additional dates, times and places for Paul Oscher are:
— Jan. 14 — St. John School of the Arts.
— Jan. 15 — a late night concert at Tillett Gardens, at 9 p.m., with a light Mexican food bar menu available.
— Jan. 16 — the Jolly Roger restaurant in Road Town, Tortola.
Paul is considered to be a musician's musician, so make plans to see him. For more information contact Tillett Gardens at 775-1929.
Tillett started with its Classics in the Gardens series, produced by Arts Alive, in 1988. Until 1997 Arts Alive offered a four-concert classical music series featuring top young musicians from all over the world. For the past two years Tillett has added three non-classical concerts of jazz, blues and country.
Coming up in January is Blues Week, featuring Paul Oscher and his six-piece Chicago blues band, which includes harmonica, guitar, saxophone, drums and string bass.
The first concert will be at 8 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 13, in Tillett Gardens. Tickets are $25 for the concert only. A prix fixe dinner is available for $30, or $55 for the package. Dinner starts at 6 p.m. and diners remain in their seats for the concert. (This is the regular format for the concerts in Tillett Gardens.)
Additional dates, times and places for Paul Oscher are:
— Jan. 14 — St. John School of the Arts.
— Jan. 15 — a late night concert at Tillett Gardens, at 9 p.m., with a light Mexican food bar menu available.
— Jan. 16 — the Jolly Roger restaurant in Road Town, Tortola.
Paul is considered to be a musician's musician, so make plans to see him. For more information contact Tillett Gardens at 775-1929.
