NOTICE TO ESTABLISHED VIRGIN ISLANDS BUSINESSES

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SEA VIEW NURSING AND REHABILITATION FACILITY, a participant in the Economic Development Program of the Virgin Islands, has a procurement program to purchase goods and services locally in the Virgin Islands to the maximum extent practicable and regularly purchases the following types of goods and/or services:
Medical Supply
Dietary Services
Office Supply
Water delivery
Sanitary Supplies
Computer Services
Sanitation Services
Communication Services
Dietary Services
Water Delivery
Gas Service
Plumbing Services
General Contractor
If you are an Eligible Virgin Islands Supplier as defined in the EDC Rules and Regulations but are not on the Economic Development Commission (formerly known as the Industrial Development Commission) list of Eligible Suppliers, you are encouraged to request being added to the list by having your business certified by the Assistant Chief Executive Officer for the Economic Development Commission (EDC). Applications for certification may be obtained by writing to:
Assistant Chief Executive Officer
Economic Development Commission
PO Box 3499, Christiansted
St. Croix, V.I. 00822
or
Assistant Chief Executive Officer
Economic Development Commission
PO Box 305038
St. Thomas, USVI 00803

GOVERNOR HOSPITALIZED BUT REMAINS IN CHARGE

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Gov. Charles W. Turnbull was hospitalized about 10 a.m. Monday with symptoms of general weakness and vertigo.
He is expected to remain under observation at the Roy L. Schneider Hospital for 24 hours.
Government House spokeswoman Rina Roebuck said the governor, although hospitalized, was doing fine and was "lucid and carrying on – you know him."
Turnbull, who turned 68 in February, has been under tremendous pressure in recent weeks trying to get the Legislature to agree to his proporal to borrow $235 million to cover the government's operating costs and to develop capital projects intended to stimulate the economy.
The Senate Rules Committee rejected the legislation at a meeting on Friday.
According to a release from Government House, "Lt. Gov. Vargrave Richards has been informed of the governor's condition." The release also stated that "Further updates will be provided as necessary."
Roebuck said late Monday afternoon that "as of right now, the governor remains in charge."

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ROCK FLING POETS FOCUS ON ANCIENT, NEW CULTURES

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July 13, 2003 – The St. Thomas-St. John Rock Collective, Jamz 105 radio host Josephine Lindquist explained, is an informal, not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing a "welcoming space for the creative and performing arts within the vibrant local community."
The collective did that for sure on Friday evening in hosting its 2nd annual Rock Fling with a gathering of recognized local and off-island artists in a verbal and musical embrace of African and Caribbean culture.
The audience at Club Amnesia was first treated to the sounds of Echo People, a St. John group whose musical works incorporate the ancient folkways of Nigeria, from instruments played to costumes worn. However, these artists also showed their attachment to modern aspects of African culture. The original poetry performed between songs was reminiscent of jazz clubs and urban city living; a slow bongo drum accompaniment easily transformed the club at these moments into a "Midtown" coffeehouse.
The poetry of Lilian Caesar Sutherland, a St. Croix resident originally from St. Kitts, was more reflective. She related in one poem: "Don't expect me to be quiet on a bright or cloudy day, I write about the way things are, the way life was … I write because no one has promised me tomorrow."
Sutherland also took inspiration from her experiences with those in abusive relationships. In a piece titled "Who's Going to Love Us Now, Ma," she credited her work with the Women's Coalition of St. Croix.
"I had three women come up to me and say, 'I finally left him.' And for all those people who are in relationships like these, I'm not making the decision for you; I'm just saying think about it," she said.
Related topics were echoed in many other pieces throughout the evening, as artists focused their thoughts upon a rapidly declining world:
"My mind aches to know that we no longer value the simple things in life," a member of the collective's Rock Poets Lounge read.
"Smell the tender stench of the decaying word," said another. "Let us speak a whole new world."
In a piece called "Trials," New York poet Vibes added: "Each night a new scar, a new bedtime story."
Featured poet Everton Sylvester, a founding member of the Green Card Poets from Brooklyn, turned the subject with works that seemed to broach the issue of where home really is:
So I dilly, and I dally,
And I wonder,
How much longer,
I can philander
Cause each time I bite de apple
It swallow a piece of me
Still it hard to love de fruit
If I never did climb de tree.

The event also featured Mutabaruka, of Kingston, Jamaica.
Proceeds were to benefit Family Resource Center of St. Thomas-St. John.

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USAIR, CARIBBEAN STAR PARTNER ON FLYER MILES

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July 13, 2003 – US Airways has announced that members of its frequent flyer program can now earn and redeem miles on flights operated by Caribbean Star Airlines, a member of the GoCaribbean network.
Caribbean Star does not serves St. Thomas or St. Croix but it does fly to 13 other destinations in the region — Anguilla, Antigua, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, St. Kitts, St. Lucia, Sint Maarten, St. Vincent, Tobago, Tortola and Trinidad.
Flights of less than 500 miles will receive awards of 500 miles, according to a release from USAir, which has daily flights to St. Thomas from Charlotte, North Carolina, and Saturday flights to St. Croix from Charlotte.
In a release, Douglas D. Leo, US Airways vice president, said USAir's Dividend Miles members "can now redeem their miles for travel to over 35 island destinations, clearly distinguishing US Airways as a premier carrier in the Caribbean."
"The Caribbean is one of the world's most beautiful regions," Paul Moreira, Caribbean Star chief executive, said, "and the partnership that US Airways and Caribbean Star have forged allows travelers to explore this region in a convenient and economical manner."
US Air, which serves 37 U.S. states, will add flights between Charlotte and Mexico City starting Oct. 26 and between both Charlotte and Philadelphia and San José, Costa Rica, on Nov. 8.

Publisher's note : Like the St. Croix Source now? Find out how you can love us twice as much — and show your support for the islands' free and independent news voice … click here.

USAIR, CARIBBEAN STAR PARTNER ON FLYER MILES

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July 13, 2003 – US Airways has announced that members of its frequent flyer program can now earn and redeem miles on flights operated by Caribbean Star Airlines, a member of the GoCaribbean network.
Caribbean Star does not serves St. Thomas or St. Croix but it does fly to 13 other destinations in the region — Anguilla, Antigua, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, St. Kitts, St. Lucia, Sint Maarten, St. Vincent, Tobago, Tortola and Trinidad.
Flights of less than 500 miles will receive awards of 500 miles, according to a release from USAir, which has daily flights to St. Thomas from Charlotte, North Carolina, and Saturday flights to St. Croix from Charlotte.
In a release, Douglas D. Leo, US Airways vice president, said USAir's Dividend Miles members "can now redeem their miles for travel to over 35 island destinations, clearly distinguishing US Airways as a premier carrier in the Caribbean."
"The Caribbean is one of the world's most beautiful regions," Paul Moreira, Caribbean Star chief executive, said, "and the partnership that US Airways and Caribbean Star have forged allows travelers to explore this region in a convenient and economical manner."
US Air, which serves 37 U.S. states, will add flights between Charlotte and Mexico City starting Oct. 26 and between both Charlotte and Philadelphia and San José, Costa Rica, on Nov. 8.

Publisher's note : Like the St. John Source now? Find out how you can love us twice as much — and show your support for the islands' free and independent news voice … click here.

USAIR, CARIBBEAN STAR PARTNER ON FLYER MILES

0
July 13, 2003 – US Airways has announced that members of its frequent flyer program can now earn and redeem miles on flights operated by Caribbean Star Airlines, a member of the GoCaribbean network.
Caribbean Star does not serves St. Thomas or St. Croix but it does fly to 13 other destinations in the region — Anguilla, Antigua, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, St. Kitts, St. Lucia, Sint Maarten, St. Vincent, Tobago, Tortola and Trinidad.
Flights of less than 500 miles will receive awards of 500 miles, according to a release from USAir, which has daily flights to St. Thomas from Charlotte, North Carolina, and Saturday flights to St. Croix from Charlotte.
In a release, Douglas D. Leo, US Airways vice president, said USAir's Dividend Miles members "can now redeem their miles for travel to over 35 island destinations, clearly distinguishing US Airways as a premier carrier in the Caribbean."
"The Caribbean is one of the world's most beautiful regions," Paul Moreira, Caribbean Star chief executive, said, "and the partnership that US Airways and Caribbean Star have forged allows travelers to explore this region in a convenient and economical manner."
US Air, which serves 37 U.S. states, will add flights between Charlotte and Mexico City starting Oct. 26 and between both Charlotte and Philadelphia and San José, Costa Rica, on Nov. 8.

Publisher's note : Like the St. Thomas Source now? Find out how you can love us twice as much — and show your support for the islands' free and independent news voice … click here.

CARIBBEAN JAZZ QUARTET HAS NEXT 'SUNSET' GIG

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July 13, 2003 – Regular attendees at the monthly Sunset Jazz in Frederiksted concerts know there's nothing quite like smooth, live music at the end of the day on Friday to ease away the stresses of a hard week's work.
That can be true even for the musicians — and this week, it may well be so for at least one of those on tap.
Friday's showcased group is The Caribbean Jazz Quartet, featuring Ronald Russell on guitar, Antoine Clarke on keyboards, Gary Zappa on bass and Jamaki Knight on drums.
And yes, that would be Senator Russell. Just because a January Jazz Vespers concert was billed as his "last appearance before taking his seat in the 25th Legislature" didn't mean he would cease performing as a musician upon becoming a senator.
With a Senate floor fight expected Tuesday on the $235 million bond-issue bill he helped to vote down in the Rules Committee last Friday and with Fiscal Year 2004 budget hearings beginning under subpoena on Thursday before the Finance Committee, on which he also serves, Russell may well be ready for some smooth and soothing jazz by the week's end.
Friday's concert and those held on the third Friday of each month are presented by the Frederiksted Economic Development Association. The two-hour program will begin at 5:30 p.m. in Veterans Park along the waterfront.
Sunset Jazz concerts are family oriented, and everyone is encouraged to bring folding chairs or blankets to sit on the grass. Admission is free. As usual, FEDA will be operating a cash bar and Hispanos Unidos will have food available for purchase.
Concert-goers are encouraged to stay downtown to dine out and/or take in some of the Frederiksted night life.
Looking ahead at the Sunset Jazz calendar: The band Paradise, made up of musicians from St. Croix, St. Thomas and Tortola, will perform on Aug. 15. amd St. Croix's Rhythmix is booked for Sept. 19.
For more information, send an e-mail query to Sunset Jazz, or call 719-3672.

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AWARDS CEREMONY TO MARK SMALL BUSINESS WEEK

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July 13, 2003 – As part of the territory's observance of National Small Business Week, three public business support agencies will make presentations at a St. Croix awards ceremony set for Thursday evening at Gertrude's Restaurant.
The ceremony will be held in conjunction with a networking reception that will include complimentary hors d'oeuvres, a cash bar and door prizes.
The local office of the U.S. Small Business Administration will honor Dynel Soto and Steve Wilson of Quality Medical Equipment and Supply Inc. as Small Business Persons of the Year; and FirstBank of the Virgin Islands at Bank of the Year.
The University of the Virgin Islands Small Business Development Center will honor Lenny Richardson of Luncheria and Cedric Armstrong of Armstrong's Homemade Ice Cream as Small Business Persons of the Year; Linda Baxter as Small Business Advocate of the Year; and the V.I. Small Business Development Agency, which falls under the Economic Development Authority, as Financial Advocate of the Year.
The Economic Development Authority will recognize Alberta Benjamin of Chickie's Shoe Store as Entrepreneur of the Year; and Albert Joachim as Fisherman of the Year.
This year the U.S. Small Business Administration is marking its 50th year. UVI's Small Business Development Center is a partnership program with the SBA.
The reception and awards ceremony are scheduled for 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Those wishing to attend are asked to RSVP by July 15 by calling the SBDC at 692-5270.

Publisher's note : Like the St. Croix Source now? Find out how you can love us twice as much — and show your support for the islands' free and independent news voice … click here.

FEDS SERIOUS ABOUT SAVING SALT RIVER, IF V.I. ISN'T

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Joel Tutein is a frustrated man. He has every right to be so. For a decade now he has worked — as the top National Park Service official on St. Croix — to develop a joint management plan with the local government to administer the Salt River National Park and the territorial park adjoining it. For a decade, the local government has balked at the idea.
During the recent discussions about the expanded Buck Island National Monument, the local government argued that the federal government was taking submerged lands that belonged to the Virgin Islands. That issue is complex, because the expanded national monument takes in submerged lands that would have fallen under the control of the East End Marine Park that is being established by the local government with the help of the non-governmental sector.
In some ways, the local government had a legitimate gripe about the expansion, because it was, contrary to apparent standard operating procedure, trying to preserve vital resources.
In the case of Salt River, the local government's efforts to preserve have consisted of little efforts, if any. That is why Tutein has decided to take on the task of management with or without — and in this case, without — the local government's assistance.
The fact that the National Park Service is expanding its holdings around Salt River is proof that it is serious about preservation. That work bodes well for the future of the area. What remains a problem is the land held by the V.I. government. Several important natural history and archeological treasures exist on the V.I. land holding. These treasures will go unprotected if the local government does not act quickly to develop a management plan. Unprotected treasures usually become unwanted refuse.
The local government has proven that it is capable of taking action to preserve resources. The East End Marine Park may well be a shining example of the beauty of St. Croix's natural ecosystems if it can be implemented properly. Coastal Zone Management is working hard to see that it is. The community is also doing its part to see that this vital resource is protected.
If the issue at Salt River is that the local government does not have the wherewithall to protect the area properly, perhaps the National Park Service should be allowed to manage the resource for it. Even better still, perhaps the president of the United States could declare the heritage site at Salt River a national monument. Unlike Buck Island, the acreage needed would be small; but more important, nothing effective is being done at present to protect such a small yet significant area.
Where there is no controversy of usage, preservation should be the top priority. It is time to act before it is too late.

Editor's note: Source columnist Bill Turner, executive director of the St. Croix Environmental Association, was formerly a teacher and vice principal at the high school level in Puerto Rico.
We welcome and encourage readers to keep the dialogue going by responding to Source commentary. Letters should be e-mailed with name and place of residence to source@viaccess.net.

Publisher's note : Like the St. Croix Source now? Find out how you can love us twice as much — and show your support for the islands' free and independent news voice … click here.

FEDS SERIOUS ABOUT SAVING SALT RIVER, IF V.I. ISN'T

0
Joel Tutein is a frustrated man. He has every right to be so. For a decade now he has worked — as the top National Park Service official on St. Croix — to develop a joint management plan with the local government to administer the Salt River National Park and the territorial park adjoining it. For a decade, the local government has balked at the idea.
During the recent discussions about the expanded Buck Island National Monument, the local government argued that the federal government was taking submerged lands that belonged to the Virgin Islands. That issue is complex, because the expanded national monument takes in submerged lands that would have fallen under the control of the East End Marine Park that is being established by the local government with the help of the non-governmental sector.
In some ways, the local government had a legitimate gripe about the expansion, because it was, contrary to apparent standard operating procedure, trying to preserve vital resources.
In the case of Salt River, the local government's efforts to preserve have consisted of little efforts, if any. That is why Tutein has decided to take on the task of management with or without — and in this case, without — the local government's assistance.
The fact that the National Park Service is expanding its holdings around Salt River is proof that it is serious about preservation. That work bodes well for the future of the area. What remains a problem is the land held by the V.I. government. Several important natural history and archeological treasures exist on the V.I. land holding. These treasures will go unprotected if the local government does not act quickly to develop a management plan. Unprotected treasures usually become unwanted refuse.
The local government has proven that it is capable of taking action to preserve resources. The East End Marine Park may well be a shining example of the beauty of St. Croix's natural ecosystems if it can be implemented properly. Coastal Zone Management is working hard to see that it is. The community is also doing its part to see that this vital resource is protected.
If the issue at Salt River is that the local government does not have the wherewithall to protect the area properly, perhaps the National Park Service should be allowed to manage the resource for it. Even better still, perhaps the president of the United States could declare the heritage site at Salt River a national monument. Unlike Buck Island, the acreage needed would be small; but more important, nothing effective is being done at present to protect such a small yet significant area.
Where there is no controversy of usage, preservation should be the top priority. It is time to act before it is too late.

Editor's note: Source columnist Bill Turner, executive director of the St. Croix Environmental Association, was formerly a teacher and vice principal at the high school level in Puerto Rico.
We welcome and encourage readers to keep the dialogue going by responding to Source commentary. Letters should be e-mailed with name and place of residence to source@viaccess.net.

Publisher's note : Like the St. John Source now? Find out how you can love us twice as much — and show your support for the islands' free and independent news voice … click here.