There is a simple, equitable solution to funding a waste-management authority: Everybody pays to dispose of their waste, with the cost determined solely by how much solid waste they create.
Here’s the way it works – and we know it works because it’s a model developed successfully in Germany. You buy an official garbage bag to dispose of your trash. The bag looks very much like your standard brown paper bag except that it’s lined with a wax paper-type material. It’s about 3 feet high, costs about $3 and is the only legal method for disposing of household garbage.
If you create less garbage, you use fewer bags. This encourages composting, recycling, compacting and a more acute level of consciousness about wasteful packaging.
In the Virgin Islands, compliance might be tricky, at least initially, but that’s not an insurmountable obstacle. We’d recommend a strong public education campaign before the program is implemented and continuing once it’s in place. Clearly we’d need to post regulators at the islands’ dump sites – maybe even provide little air-conditioned shacks for them – and do regular spot checks at late-night hours. Encourage the citizenry to take down license plate numbers of violators and report them to a special Public Works hotline. And penalize violators with steep fines.
At the landfill, implement and strictly enforce tipping fees. That way businesses or people who create the greatest waste will pay the most. To combat the problem of midnight dumpers, either secure the islands’ dumps properly or station a watchman at each entrance. Again, impose heavy fines for violators.
After collecting enough fees to support the waste-management authority, any additional revenues would roll over into the General Fund.
This program – if properly administered – could be in place in a matter of months. Seems to us it’s worth a try.
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The V.I. Toastmasters Club 4040U will meet at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, July 16, in the conference room of the St. Thomas-St. John Chamber of Commerce. Members are welcome to bring guests.
For more information, call 776-2035.

July 12, 2003 – At a town hall meeting at Holiday Inn Windward Passage, members of the community came out to voice their opinions on Bill No. 25-0040, which would allow the government to borrow $235 million in bonds.
The money would be used for general expenses, including $100 million to finance working capital, $20 million to finance private economic development initiatives on St. Croix, $10 million to provide credit enhancement for financing the Carifest Theme Park on St. Thomas and $80 million to develop a 250-room resort on St. Croix. The rest of the money would pay any necessary reserves and pay the cost of issuance of the bond and the loan note.
The town hall meeting was attended by about 50 people and was broadcast live by Radio One.
Freshmen Sen. Louis Hill, Sen. Ronald Russell and Sen. Luther Renee, along with long-time Sen. Lorraine Berry, listened as leaders of civic organizations, clergy, business owners and private citizens gave their views of the bill.
"That's a bandage," said Neil Weiss, owner of Nisky Center and Vitraco Mall. "What are you going to do next year?"
Weiss said that people borrow money to start businesses: "The thing is you have to be able to pay the money back."
He proposed a prosperity tax on gasoline. "Are you ready to give up $2 a week to make this government solvent?" Wiess asked.
Stephanie Scott-Williams had her own views on the subject. "We need to have a plan put together, and we need to have people involved in this plan," she said. "If we continue to elect the abusers, then we deserve it."
Although many people were against the bill, some believe it might be necessary. George Phillips, pastor of the St. Thomas-St. John Fellowship of Ministers, said, "We don't believe that borrowing is the answer, but will regard it as a last resort."
Phillips warned the government to be careful. He said, remember the borrower is servant to the lender.
Presenters made their recommendations in lieu of the bill being blocked in the Rules Committee that same day. Berry, Hill and Russell voted against the bill, while Sen. Douglas Canton Jr., Sen. Roosevelt David and Sen. David Jones voted for the bill.
Hill explained that when the date for the town hall meeting was set, there was no Rules Committee session planned for the same day. "I think the discussion is still relevant," Hill said.

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.

July 12, 2003 – At a town hall meeting at Holiday Inn Windward Passage, members of the community came out to voice their opinions on Bill No. 25-0040, which would allow the government to borrow $235 million in bonds.
The money would be used for general expenses, including $100 million to finance working capital, $20 million to finance private economic development initiatives on St. Croix, $10 million to provide credit enhancement for financing the Carifest Theme Park on St. Thomas and $80 million to develop a 250-room resort on St. Croix. The rest of the money would pay any necessary reserves and pay the cost of issuance of the bond and the loan note.
The town hall meeting was attended by about 50 people and was broadcast live by Radio One.
Freshmen Sen. Louis Hill, Sen. Ronald Russell and Sen. Luther Renee, along with long-time Sen. Lorraine Berry, listened as leaders of civic organizations, clergy, business owners and private citizens gave their views of the bill.
"That's a bandage," said Neil Weiss, owner of Nisky Center and Vitraco Mall. "What are you going to do next year?"
Weiss said that people borrow money to start businesses: "The thing is you have to be able to pay the money back."
He proposed a prosperity tax on gasoline. "Are you ready to give up $2 a week to make this government solvent?" Wiess asked.
Stephanie Scott-Williams had her own views on the subject. "We need to have a plan put together, and we need to have people involved in this plan," she said. "If we continue to elect the abusers, then we deserve it."
Although many people were against the bill, some believe it might be necessary. George Phillips, pastor of the St. Thomas-St. John Fellowship of Ministers, said, "We don't believe that borrowing is the answer, but will regard it as a last resort."
Phillips warned the government to be careful. He said, remember the borrower is servant to the lender.
Presenters made their recommendations in lieu of the bill being blocked in the Rules Committee that same day. Berry, Hill and Russell voted against the bill, while Sen. Douglas Canton Jr., Sen. Roosevelt David and Sen. David Jones voted for the bill.
Hill explained that when the date for the town hall meeting was set, there was no Rules Committee session planned for the same day. "I think the discussion is still relevant," Hill said.

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.

July 12, 2003 – At a Friday ceremony held at Government House on St. Thomas, Gov. Charles W. Turnbull named Leon Kendall as his nominee for the Territorial Court. The 57-year old attorney is being chosen to fill the vacancy on the bench created by the retirement of Judge Ishmael Meyers.
The governor expressed confidence that his nominee would prove to be "firm but fair" in the administration of the law.
"Selecting a judge is one of the most significant and, in a way, difficult appointment a governor has to make," Turnbull said. "It is a task I take very seriously. My selection of attorney Kendall comes after deliberation, consultation and interviews with a prospective list of candidates. I am very much impressed with his knowledge, experience and insights in the law."
Kendall, a graduate of Howard University and Howard University Law School, has been a practicing attorney for close to 30 years, serving in local and federal capacities, including a period when he was attorney to the Territorial Court under then-Chief Judge Verne Hodge. He is currently the court's general counsel.
Close to two dozen friends and relatives came to the ballroom at Government House to witness the brief nomination ceremony, with Turnbull formally naming Kendall as his choice. Those who came to the ceremony took turns shaking hands with Kendall afterwards and offering their well wishes.
It will be up to the Senate to confirm the nomination.
And with other legal matters on his mind, the governor also appointed a new legal counsel for Government House. Queen E. Terry is a former prosecutor and a defense attorney with a background in labor relations. A graduate of Hofstra University Law School, she was chosen to replace Paul Gimenez, who resigned to pursue other professional interests, according to a statement released Friday.

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.

July 12, 2003 – At a Friday ceremony held at Government House on St. Thomas, Gov. Charles W. Turnbull named Leon Kendall as his nominee for the Territorial Court. The 57-year old attorney is being chosen to fill the vacancy on the bench created by the retirement of Judge Ishmael Meyers.
The governor expressed confidence that his nominee would prove to be "firm but fair" in the administration of the law.
"Selecting a judge is one of the most significant and, in a way, difficult appointment a governor has to make," Turnbull said. "It is a task I take very seriously. My selection of attorney Kendall comes after deliberation, consultation and interviews with a prospective list of candidates. I am very much impressed with his knowledge, experience and insights in the law."
Kendall, a graduate of Howard University and Howard University Law School, has been a practicing attorney for close to 30 years, serving in local and federal capacities, including a period when he was attorney to the Territorial Court under then-Chief Judge Verne Hodge. He is currently the court's general counsel.
Close to two dozen friends and relatives came to the ballroom at Government House to witness the brief nomination ceremony, with Turnbull formally naming Kendall as his choice. Those who came to the ceremony took turns shaking hands with Kendall afterwards and offering their well wishes.
It will be up to the Senate to confirm the nomination.
And with other legal matters on his mind, the governor also appointed a new legal counsel for Government House. Queen E. Terry is a former prosecutor and a defense attorney with a background in labor relations. A graduate of Hofstra University Law School, she was chosen to replace Paul Gimenez, who resigned to pursue other professional interests, according to a statement released Friday.

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.

July 12, 2003 – At a Friday ceremony held at Government House on St. Thomas, Gov. Charles W. Turnbull named Leon Kendall as his nominee for the Territorial Court. The 57-year old attorney is being chosen to fill the vacancy on the bench created by the retirement of Judge Ishmael Meyers.
The governor expressed confidence that his nominee would prove to be "firm but fair" in the administration of the law.
"Selecting a judge is one of the most significant and, in a way, difficult appointment a governor has to make," Turnbull said. "It is a task I take very seriously. My selection of attorney Kendall comes after deliberation, consultation and interviews with a prospective list of candidates. I am very much impressed with his knowledge, experience and insights in the law."
Kendall, a graduate of Howard University and Howard University Law School, has been a practicing attorney for close to 30 years, serving in local and federal capacities, including a period when he was attorney to the Territorial Court under then-Chief Judge Verne Hodge. He is currently the court's general counsel.
Close to two dozen friends and relatives came to the ballroom at Government House to witness the brief nomination ceremony, with Turnbull formally naming Kendall as his choice. Those who came to the ceremony took turns shaking hands with Kendall afterwards and offering their well wishes.
It will be up to the Senate to confirm the nomination.
And with other legal matters on his mind, the governor also appointed a new legal counsel for Government House. Queen E. Terry is a former prosecutor and a defense attorney with a background in labor relations. A graduate of Hofstra University Law School, she was chosen to replace Paul Gimenez, who resigned to pursue other professional interests, according to a statement released Friday.

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.

July 12, 2003 – Governor Charles Turnbull said there was little time left for the Legislature to act in order to keep the government's financial situation from caving in. The governor made his remarks at a Friday morning press briefing at Government House, about the same time the Senate Rules Committee was to begin considering a borrowing bill officials say they need to resolve the financial deficit, now set at about $152 million.
The Rules Committee rejected that request around 6 p.m. Friday, voting down Turnbull's $235 million plan. $100 million was earmarked to cover operating expenses of the government; the other $135 was set for use on capitol improvement projects to generate revenues for the V.I. treasury, the governor said.
In his remarks before cabinet members and individuals who came to witness a ceremony in which the governor nominated a new judge for the Territorial Court, Turnbull said the financial picture had improved, but not enough to sustain a growing deficit that might lead to insolvency.
"The government's cash flow has improved slightly due to June's revenues coming in higher than anticipated, and we have expended less in May and June than was projected," he said.
At the same time, he said, drastic measures were being undertaken to meet large obligations like the bi-monthly $4.2 million government payroll, steps the governor said could not be sustained.
"The payment of current year income tax refunds that were to begin has been deferred to later months to avoid the cash shortfall projected and to ensure that we continue to meet the payroll for our government workers," Turnbull said. "I have reluctantly directed the director of the Bureau of Internal Revenue and the commissioner of Finance to defer the processing and payment of income tax refunds until such time the Legislature approves the necessary funding."
If the Senate fails to act, the government will find itself in a position where it will no longer be able to meet its operating expenses and will still have to pay the deferred tax refunds, Turnbull said. "You all realize this course of action cannot continue indefinitely."
After the briefing, the governor's director of fiscal recovery underscored the fragility of the current financial balancing act. Nathan Simmonds said that agency heads from Roy L. Schneider Hospital said if they took an additional budget cut they would have to lay off 90 workers.
Attorney General Iver Stridiron has also said further curtailment of allotments to his agency would result in the layoff of corrections officers.
Simmonds also pointed to remarks made recently by Education Commissioner Noreen Michael that government budget cuts may lead to a drop in services that will leave her agency short of the requirements set by the U.S. Department of Education, which could lead to the loss of federal funds.

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.

July 12, 2003 – Governor Charles Turnbull said there was little time left for the Legislature to act in order to keep the government's financial situation from caving in. The governor made his remarks at a Friday morning press briefing at Government House, about the same time the Senate Rules Committee was to begin considering a borrowing bill officials say they need to resolve the financial deficit, now set at about $152 million.
The Rules Committee rejected that request around 6 p.m. Friday, voting down Turnbull's $235 million plan. $100 million was earmarked to cover operating expenses of the government; the other $135 was set for use on capitol improvement projects to generate revenues for the V.I. treasury, the governor said.
In his remarks before cabinet members and individuals who came to witness a ceremony in which the governor nominated a new judge for the Territorial Court, Turnbull said the financial picture had improved, but not enough to sustain a growing deficit that might lead to insolvency.
"The government's cash flow has improved slightly due to June's revenues coming in higher than anticipated, and we have expended less in May and June than was projected," he said.
At the same time, he said, drastic measures were being undertaken to meet large obligations like the bi-monthly $4.2 million government payroll, steps the governor said could not be sustained.
"The payment of current year income tax refunds that were to begin has been deferred to later months to avoid the cash shortfall projected and to ensure that we continue to meet the payroll for our government workers," Turnbull said. "I have reluctantly directed the director of the Bureau of Internal Revenue and the commissioner of Finance to defer the processing and payment of income tax refunds until such time the Legislature approves the necessary funding."
If the Senate fails to act, the government will find itself in a position where it will no longer be able to meet its operating expenses and will still have to pay the deferred tax refunds, Turnbull said. "You all realize this course of action cannot continue indefinitely."
After the briefing, the governor's director of fiscal recovery underscored the fragility of the current financial balancing act. Nathan Simmonds said that agency heads from Roy L. Schneider Hospital said if they took an additional budget cut they would have to lay off 90 workers.
Attorney General Iver Stridiron has also said further curtailment of allotments to his agency would result in the layoff of corrections officers.
Simmonds also pointed to remarks made recently by Education Commissioner Noreen Michael that government budget cuts may lead to a drop in services that will leave her agency short of the requirements set by the U.S. Department of Education, which could lead to the loss of federal funds.

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.

July 12, 2003 – Governor Charles Turnbull said there was little time left for the Legislature to act in order to keep the government's financial situation from caving in. The governor made his remarks at a Friday morning press briefing at Government House, about the same time the Senate Rules Committee was to begin considering a borrowing bill officials say they need to resolve the financial deficit, now set at about $152 million.
The Rules Committee rejected that request around 6 p.m. Friday, voting down Turnbull's $235 million plan. $100 million was earmarked to cover operating expenses of the government; the other $135 was set for use on capitol improvement projects to generate revenues for the V.I. treasury, the governor said.
In his remarks before cabinet members and individuals who came to witness a ceremony in which the governor nominated a new judge for the Territorial Court, Turnbull said the financial picture had improved, but not enough to sustain a growing deficit that might lead to insolvency.
"The government's cash flow has improved slightly due to June's revenues coming in higher than anticipated, and we have expended less in May and June than was projected," he said.
At the same time, he said, drastic measures were being undertaken to meet large obligations like the bi-monthly $4.2 million government payroll, steps the governor said could not be sustained.
"The payment of current year income tax refunds that were to begin has been deferred to later months to avoid the cash shortfall projected and to ensure that we continue to meet the payroll for our government workers," Turnbull said. "I have reluctantly directed the director of the Bureau of Internal Revenue and the commissioner of Finance to defer the processing and payment of income tax refunds until such time the Legislature approves the necessary funding."
If the Senate fails to act, the government will find itself in a position where it will no longer be able to meet its operating expenses and will still have to pay the deferred tax refunds, Turnbull said. "You all realize this course of action cannot continue indefinitely."
After the briefing, the governor's director of fiscal recovery underscored the fragility of the current financial balancing act. Nathan Simmonds said that agency heads from Roy L. Schneider Hospital said if they took an additional budget cut they would have to lay off 90 workers.
Attorney General Iver Stridiron has also said further curtailment of allotments to his agency would result in the layoff of corrections officers.
Simmonds also pointed to remarks made recently by Education Commissioner Noreen Michael that government budget cuts may lead to a drop in services that will leave her agency short of the requirements set by the U.S. Department of Education, which could lead to the loss of federal funds.

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.