April 22, 2001 – A meeting of the Water Island Civic Association to continue discussions on a plan to have a V.I. Fire Services truck placed on the small island stalled Saturday when administration officials failed to show up.
The Fire Services acting director, Ian Williams Sr., and St. Thomas/Water Island Administrator Louis Hill were scheduled to lead the discussions about establishing a volunteer fire company and providing a tanker for the island, which at present lacks any public safety protection. At the last minute, it was learned that a police boat was not available to transport the two officials across from St. Thomas.
About 40 residents had turned out at the Honeymoon Beach Pavilion for the scheduled meeting, and many became annoyed after the government officials failed to appear.
Firefighters union officials oppose the idea of stationing a fire truck on the island, saying the Turnbull administration wants to use volunteers instead of hiring additional Fire Services personnel. Pedro Encarnacion, former Fire Services director, backed the effort to provide a level of fire protection on Water Island. But, according to one resident who asked not to be named, Williams has said he wants to discuss the matter further before committing resources to the island across the Charlotte Amalie harbor from St. Thomas.
