June 28, 2003 – Over the last year the St. Thomas-St. John Chamber of Commerce has seen some of the causes it has championed reach satisfactory conclusions, while some outcomes have not been so acceptable; and in some instances, the jury is not in yet.
Cassan Pancham, chamber president, told members and guests at the organization's annual meeting on Friday that he was pleased to see the development at Crown Bay be carried out by the Port Authority, as opposed to being a venture of the two cruise lines that had cut a deal with VIPA to develop the area.
The chamber had been vocal in opposing the cruise ship deal because, while the chamber agreed on the need to expand docking facilities, it was vehement in its opposition to allowing outside organizations to control the Crown Bay docking facility and shore-side development. Part of the deal included allowing the cruise lines to decide if they would dock in Crown Bay or at The West Indian Co. dock.
Pancham counted as another success Gov. Charles W. Turnbull's veto of his own legislation that would have given the governor and lieutenant governor substantial pay increases. After a loud public outcry, much of which came through the chamber's telephone lines, Turnbull vetoed the bill after it had passed the Senate. It would have given Lt. Gov. Vargrave Richards a salary of $115,000, up from $75,000, and Turnbull would have gotten $135,000, up from $80,000. Senators' salaries would have gone from $65,000 to $85,000.
Not so successful was the chamber's attempt to keep video lottery terminals out of the district. Pancham said on Friday he doesn't see gambling as a viable revenue source and called VLT's the "worst form" of gambling.
A public-private tourism authority is also on the chamber's wish list, and has been for a very long time, Pancham said.
"The V.I. is falling behind in the tourism industry," he said, "and we can only regain our ground with substantial private sector input."
He said the Tourism Department is "dysfunctional" in the way it deals with its partners in the industry, adding: "We want to see the cruise ships coming here first."
He was referring to concerns raised this year among retailers that some cruise lines have changed their itineraries so that their ships are visiting other destinations first, leaving passengers cash strapped by the time they reach St. Thomas.
Pamela Richards, Tourism commissioner, told Pancham at a public meeting a few months ago that she didn't care in which order the ships visited St. Thomas, that she was only concerned that they showed up at all.
Pancham also said the chamber is waiting to see the majority's plan for fiscal recovery. The chamber was not happy with the administration's plan for taxing businesses, among other proposals. "There must be expenditure reductions first," he said Friday. "Then we can agree to enhanced revenues."
Pancham pointed out that the government budget went from $460 million in 2001 to $664 million in 2003. "While every other state and municipality were cutting expenditures, we were increasing ours," he said.
In its annual report, the chamber has developed its own outline for fiscal recovery. It includes:
– Aggressive collection of unpaid property taxes.
– Privatization of garbage collection and mass transit.
– Payment by non-residents of taxes related to V.I. real estate transactions.
– Payment of gross receipts taxes by off-island professionals and businesses that conduct business with the V.I. government.
– A personal use tax on purchases over $1,000.
The chamber further advocates:
– That the Tax Reform Commission provide that preliminary recommendations be included in the 2004 budget.
– The establishment of an air service task force to be led by the University of the Virgin Islands.
– Pension reform to provide for annuities based on the average pay of a government employee over a period of the last 10 years of service instead of the last three, as is the current practice.
The chamber also offered some new revenue possibilities with the introduction of guest speaker Carlos V. Ubinas, executive vice president and chief operating officer of UBS Financial Services Inc., one of the largest diversified financial services companies in the world. UBS is affiliated with FirstBank in the Virgin Islands.
UBS boasts $30 billion in assets in Puerto Rico alone, where it provides services such as wealth management, investment banking and mutual funds management.
Ubinas said it would be possible by using the Puerto Rico model to develop a capital market in the Virgin Islands which could supplement the government's ability to access the tax-exempt market in the United States. By using the fiscally autonomous status of the territory to develop a local tax-advantaged capital market, the Virgin Islands could issue debt that would in turn garner investment money to fund private capital projects related to tourism such as hotels and attractions, he said.
Getting to that point, Ubinas admitted when asked by a chamber member, would require substantial legislation from a business-friendly legislature, which he said Puerto Rico has — and which, the assembled group of about 75 people affirmed with sighs and nods, the Virgin Islands doesn't have.
Pancham was elected to serve a second term as chamber president. Thaddeus Bast was re-elected as vice president/president elect.
New to the board of directors after Friday's vote are Mario Austin, Cecile de Jongh and Hurdle "Trip" Lea. Returning to the board after being re-elected are Steave E. Bailey, Mike Daswani, Mary Gleason, Judi Nagelberg, Jose A. Penn and Beryl M. Todman.
Pancham said goodbye to other members who retired after many years of service, including Jerry Buckalew and Joe Hodge.
Pancham said he would miss Hodge's pragmatic approach and Buckalew's dedication. Whenever the board got off track in a meeting, he said, Hodge would bring the focus back by saying something like "Remember, they raised the salaries when they didn't have the money."
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.
DELEGATE LEADS DC CARIBBEAN CARNIVAL PARADE
June 28, 2003 – As grand marshall of the 11th annual DC Caribbean Carnival, Delegate Donna M. Christensen will lead the Mas Bands Parade through the streets of downtown Washington, D.C., starting at noon Saturday.
"I am pleased to once again represent the Virgin Islands as grand marshal," Christensen said. "It is always good to share the vibrancy of our culture and our people with the wider world, and this event is a good opportunity to do just that."
This is her second stint as grand marshal, according to a release; her first was in 2001. She got the invitation by virtue of being the only member of Congress from the Caribbean.
The parade, which was expected to feature more than 5,000 participants, was moved to the downtown tourist section of the federal district this year, with the Capitol as a backdrop, because it has outgrown its former route along Georgia Avenue and Banneker Park. The parade and other carnival events are expected to attract more than a half million spectators, according to the release.
For D.C. readers: The new route goes from Third Street and Madison Drive NW along Pennsylvania Avenue, then west along Constitution Avenue 14th Street NW, then back to Pennsylvania Avenue and right to the reviewing stand and judging in front of the Wilson Building.
After the parade ends (at "6 p.m. sharp," organizers say) at 13th and Penn, spectators and participants will continue on to party at the "DC Carnival Plaza" set up along Pennsylvania Avenue between 10th and 13th Streets. Caribbean food, arts and crafts, music and entertainment will be featured.
While the EchodHaiti Web site concedes that the event is "a Trinidadian and Guyanese affair," the Haitians claim to have made great inroads into the event, parading in 2002 to the rhythm of Haitian music — quite different from soca and reggae.
The V.I. Association of the DC Metro Area is representing the territory with a troupe, sponsored in part by the Tourism Department, featuring four costume designs, one of which is pictured above.
Association members warmed up Friday night with a J'ouvert boat ride starting at 11:30 p.m. aboard the Spirit of Washington. Other carnival activities will include entertainment on Saturday evening and Sunday at the "DC Carnival Plaza" by performers including the Pan Masters Steel Orchestra and soca singer Alphonsus "Arrow" Cassell.
Christensen said she would join the V.I. Association on Sunday at a picnic from noon to dusk in Riverdale, Maryland, where there will be non-stop volleyball and softball along with lots of "local" — i.e., Virgin Islands — food.
"I look forward to the opportunity to fellowship with our friends and neighbors who live on the mainland but whose hearts and minds are still with the territory," she said. "I also consider them to be a vital part of my constituency."
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.
"I am pleased to once again represent the Virgin Islands as grand marshal," Christensen said. "It is always good to share the vibrancy of our culture and our people with the wider world, and this event is a good opportunity to do just that."
This is her second stint as grand marshal, according to a release; her first was in 2001. She got the invitation by virtue of being the only member of Congress from the Caribbean.
The parade, which was expected to feature more than 5,000 participants, was moved to the downtown tourist section of the federal district this year, with the Capitol as a backdrop, because it has outgrown its former route along Georgia Avenue and Banneker Park. The parade and other carnival events are expected to attract more than a half million spectators, according to the release.
For D.C. readers: The new route goes from Third Street and Madison Drive NW along Pennsylvania Avenue, then west along Constitution Avenue 14th Street NW, then back to Pennsylvania Avenue and right to the reviewing stand and judging in front of the Wilson Building.
After the parade ends (at "6 p.m. sharp," organizers say) at 13th and Penn, spectators and participants will continue on to party at the "DC Carnival Plaza" set up along Pennsylvania Avenue between 10th and 13th Streets. Caribbean food, arts and crafts, music and entertainment will be featured.
While the EchodHaiti Web site concedes that the event is "a Trinidadian and Guyanese affair," the Haitians claim to have made great inroads into the event, parading in 2002 to the rhythm of Haitian music — quite different from soca and reggae.
The V.I. Association of the DC Metro Area is representing the territory with a troupe, sponsored in part by the Tourism Department, featuring four costume designs, one of which is pictured above.
Association members warmed up Friday night with a J'ouvert boat ride starting at 11:30 p.m. aboard the Spirit of Washington. Other carnival activities will include entertainment on Saturday evening and Sunday at the "DC Carnival Plaza" by performers including the Pan Masters Steel Orchestra and soca singer Alphonsus "Arrow" Cassell.
Christensen said she would join the V.I. Association on Sunday at a picnic from noon to dusk in Riverdale, Maryland, where there will be non-stop volleyball and softball along with lots of "local" — i.e., Virgin Islands — food.
"I look forward to the opportunity to fellowship with our friends and neighbors who live on the mainland but whose hearts and minds are still with the territory," she said. "I also consider them to be a vital part of my constituency."
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.
DELEGATE LEADS DC CARIBBEAN CARNIVAL PARADE
June 28, 2003 – As grand marshall of the 11th annual DC Caribbean Carnival, Delegate Donna M. Christensen will lead the Mas Bands Parade through the streets of downtown Washington, D.C., starting at noon Saturday.
"I am pleased to once again represent the Virgin Islands as grand marshal," Christensen said. "It is always good to share the vibrancy of our culture and our people with the wider world, and this event is a good opportunity to do just that."
This is her second stint as grand marshal, according to a release; her first was in 2001. She got the invitation by virtue of being the only member of Congress from the Caribbean.
The parade, which was expected to feature more than 5,000 participants, was moved to the downtown tourist section of the federal district this year, with the Capitol as a backdrop, because it has outgrown its former route along Georgia Avenue and Banneker Park. The parade and other carnival events are expected to attract more than a half million spectators, according to the release.
For D.C. readers: The new route goes from Third Street and Madison Drive NW along Pennsylvania Avenue, then west along Constitution Avenue 14th Street NW, then back to Pennsylvania Avenue and right to the reviewing stand and judging in front of the Wilson Building.
After the parade ends (at "6 p.m. sharp," organizers say) at 13th and Penn, spectators and participants will continue on to party at the "DC Carnival Plaza" set up along Pennsylvania Avenue between 10th and 13th Streets. Caribbean food, arts and crafts, music and entertainment will be featured.
While the EchodHaiti Web site concedes that the event is "a Trinidadian and Guyanese affair," the Haitians claim to have made great inroads into the event, parading in 2002 to the rhythm of Haitian music — quite different from soca and reggae.
The V.I. Association of the DC Metro Area is representing the territory with a troupe, sponsored in part by the Tourism Department, featuring four costume designs, one of which is pictured above.
Association members warmed up Friday night with a J'ouvert boat ride starting at 11:30 p.m. aboard the Spirit of Washington. Other carnival activities will include entertainment on Saturday evening and Sunday at the "DC Carnival Plaza" by performers including the Pan Masters Steel Orchestra and soca singer Alphonsus "Arrow" Cassell.
Christensen said she would join the V.I. Association on Sunday at a picnic from noon to dusk in Riverdale, Maryland, where there will be non-stop volleyball and softball along with lots of "local" — i.e., Virgin Islands — food.
"I look forward to the opportunity to fellowship with our friends and neighbors who live on the mainland but whose hearts and minds are still with the territory," she said. "I also consider them to be a vital part of my constituency."
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.
"I am pleased to once again represent the Virgin Islands as grand marshal," Christensen said. "It is always good to share the vibrancy of our culture and our people with the wider world, and this event is a good opportunity to do just that."
This is her second stint as grand marshal, according to a release; her first was in 2001. She got the invitation by virtue of being the only member of Congress from the Caribbean.
The parade, which was expected to feature more than 5,000 participants, was moved to the downtown tourist section of the federal district this year, with the Capitol as a backdrop, because it has outgrown its former route along Georgia Avenue and Banneker Park. The parade and other carnival events are expected to attract more than a half million spectators, according to the release.
For D.C. readers: The new route goes from Third Street and Madison Drive NW along Pennsylvania Avenue, then west along Constitution Avenue 14th Street NW, then back to Pennsylvania Avenue and right to the reviewing stand and judging in front of the Wilson Building.
After the parade ends (at "6 p.m. sharp," organizers say) at 13th and Penn, spectators and participants will continue on to party at the "DC Carnival Plaza" set up along Pennsylvania Avenue between 10th and 13th Streets. Caribbean food, arts and crafts, music and entertainment will be featured.
While the EchodHaiti Web site concedes that the event is "a Trinidadian and Guyanese affair," the Haitians claim to have made great inroads into the event, parading in 2002 to the rhythm of Haitian music — quite different from soca and reggae.
The V.I. Association of the DC Metro Area is representing the territory with a troupe, sponsored in part by the Tourism Department, featuring four costume designs, one of which is pictured above.
Association members warmed up Friday night with a J'ouvert boat ride starting at 11:30 p.m. aboard the Spirit of Washington. Other carnival activities will include entertainment on Saturday evening and Sunday at the "DC Carnival Plaza" by performers including the Pan Masters Steel Orchestra and soca singer Alphonsus "Arrow" Cassell.
Christensen said she would join the V.I. Association on Sunday at a picnic from noon to dusk in Riverdale, Maryland, where there will be non-stop volleyball and softball along with lots of "local" — i.e., Virgin Islands — food.
"I look forward to the opportunity to fellowship with our friends and neighbors who live on the mainland but whose hearts and minds are still with the territory," she said. "I also consider them to be a vital part of my constituency."
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.
DELEGATE LEADS DC CARIBBEAN CARNIVAL PARADE
June 28, 2003 – As grand marshall of the 11th annual DC Caribbean Carnival, Delegate Donna M. Christensen will lead the Mas Bands Parade through the streets of downtown Washington, D.C., starting at noon Saturday.
"I am pleased to once again represent the Virgin Islands as grand marshal," Christensen said. "It is always good to share the vibrancy of our culture and our people with the wider world, and this event is a good opportunity to do just that."
This is her second stint as grand marshal, according to a release; her first was in 2001. She got the invitation by virtue of being the only member of Congress from the Caribbean.
The parade, which was expected to feature more than 5,000 participants, was moved to the downtown tourist section of the federal district this year, with the Capitol as a backdrop, because it has outgrown its former route along Georgia Avenue and Banneker Park. The parade and other carnival events are expected to attract more than a half million spectators, according to the release.
For D.C. readers: The new route goes from Third Street and Madison Drive NW along Pennsylvania Avenue, then west along Constitution Avenue 14th Street NW, then back to Pennsylvania Avenue and right to the reviewing stand and judging in front of the Wilson Building.
After the parade ends (at "6 p.m. sharp," organizers say) at 13th and Penn, spectators and participants will continue on to party at the "DC Carnival Plaza" set up along Pennsylvania Avenue between 10th and 13th Streets. Caribbean food, arts and crafts, music and entertainment will be featured.
While the EchodHaiti Web site concedes that the event is "a Trinidadian and Guyanese affair," the Haitians claim to have made great inroads into the event, parading in 2002 to the rhythm of Haitian music — quite different from soca and reggae.
The V.I. Association of the DC Metro Area is representing the territory with a troupe, sponsored in part by the Tourism Department, featuring four costume designs, one of which is pictured above.
Association members warmed up Friday night with a J'ouvert boat ride starting at 11:30 p.m. aboard the Spirit of Washington. Other carnival activities will include entertainment on Saturday evening and Sunday at the "DC Carnival Plaza" by performers including the Pan Masters Steel Orchestra and soca singer Alphonsus "Arrow" Cassell.
Christensen said she would join the V.I. Association on Sunday at a picnic from noon to dusk in Riverdale, Maryland, where there will be non-stop volleyball and softball along with lots of "local" — i.e., Virgin Islands — food.
"I look forward to the opportunity to fellowship with our friends and neighbors who live on the mainland but whose hearts and minds are still with the territory," she said. "I also consider them to be a vital part of my constituency."
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.
"I am pleased to once again represent the Virgin Islands as grand marshal," Christensen said. "It is always good to share the vibrancy of our culture and our people with the wider world, and this event is a good opportunity to do just that."
This is her second stint as grand marshal, according to a release; her first was in 2001. She got the invitation by virtue of being the only member of Congress from the Caribbean.
The parade, which was expected to feature more than 5,000 participants, was moved to the downtown tourist section of the federal district this year, with the Capitol as a backdrop, because it has outgrown its former route along Georgia Avenue and Banneker Park. The parade and other carnival events are expected to attract more than a half million spectators, according to the release.
For D.C. readers: The new route goes from Third Street and Madison Drive NW along Pennsylvania Avenue, then west along Constitution Avenue 14th Street NW, then back to Pennsylvania Avenue and right to the reviewing stand and judging in front of the Wilson Building.
After the parade ends (at "6 p.m. sharp," organizers say) at 13th and Penn, spectators and participants will continue on to party at the "DC Carnival Plaza" set up along Pennsylvania Avenue between 10th and 13th Streets. Caribbean food, arts and crafts, music and entertainment will be featured.
While the EchodHaiti Web site concedes that the event is "a Trinidadian and Guyanese affair," the Haitians claim to have made great inroads into the event, parading in 2002 to the rhythm of Haitian music — quite different from soca and reggae.
The V.I. Association of the DC Metro Area is representing the territory with a troupe, sponsored in part by the Tourism Department, featuring four costume designs, one of which is pictured above.
Association members warmed up Friday night with a J'ouvert boat ride starting at 11:30 p.m. aboard the Spirit of Washington. Other carnival activities will include entertainment on Saturday evening and Sunday at the "DC Carnival Plaza" by performers including the Pan Masters Steel Orchestra and soca singer Alphonsus "Arrow" Cassell.
Christensen said she would join the V.I. Association on Sunday at a picnic from noon to dusk in Riverdale, Maryland, where there will be non-stop volleyball and softball along with lots of "local" — i.e., Virgin Islands — food.
"I look forward to the opportunity to fellowship with our friends and neighbors who live on the mainland but whose hearts and minds are still with the territory," she said. "I also consider them to be a vital part of my constituency."
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.
SEA MAKES A CASE FOR CUTTING OFF FEDERAL FUNDS
June 27, 2003 – A local environmental group's urging of officials in the nation's capital to halt federal funding to the Virgin Islands is being met with "unrighteous indignation" by some of the territory's political leaders, according to one member.
Bill Turner, executive director of the St. Croix Environmental Association, recently returned from Washington, D.C., where he and a delegation of Virgin Islanders met with representatives of several members of Congress to discuss what he termed the "gross misappropriations" of federal dollars in the territory.
Turner noted that SEA in October 2002 began what was intended to be a year-long program of monitoring the failures of St. Croix's aging sewage system. Sewage was bypassed at pump stations throughout the island 36 times that month, either into the ocean or to another station.
"After that, we realized we don't have a year — and those were just the ones that people reported to our office," Turner said on Friday. His guess is that, had more detailed monitoring of the situation been done, three or four times that many bypasses would have been recorded.
So, working from data from that month's study, the group put together a 16-page report on the territory's history of inadequate responses to environmental problems.
SEA also solicited community help in monitoring sewage system failures in November. (See the St. Croix Source report "Public asked to let SEA know of open sewage".) Turned said on Friday that the documentation for November, like that for October, was sent to the federal Environmental Protection Agency.
As the "core issue for change," the report on the October findings cited the "flawed procurement" of contracts intended to address the sewage system issues.
"The specious argument that the government of the Virgin Islands does not have the funding to effect repairs and maintenance has been demonstrated to be both factually inaccurate and a barometer for the appearance of corruption," the report stated, citing a statement read earlier in the year to EPA officials.
The report went on to cite the scandal in the Turnbull administration made public earlier this year in which Global Resources Management Inc., a company with no employees, experience or equipment, was awarded a multimillion-dollar contract to make wastewater system repairs on St. Croix without going through the bidding process. After the U.S. Attorney's Office filed suit in District Court challenging the use of a state of emergency to award the contract, Gov. Charles W. Turnbull canceled the deal the two days before the court date.
District Judge Thomas K. Moore, in a wide-ranging ruling highly critical of the Turnbull administration, ordered the V.I. government in March not to reinstate the contract, and to hire a qualified contractor within three months to operate and maintain the territory's sewage systems for the next six months. (See "Judge finds 'reek of politics' in sewage contract".)
"This is merely one example of a contract that was improperly awarded for political gain at the expense of the health and safety of the citizens of the Virgin Islands in a nearly 20-year history of misappropriation, ineptitude and, potentially, corruption," the SEA report stated.
Education funding also at risk
The loss and misappropriation of federal money could put the Virgin Islands at risk to lose further grants, Turner said, and the SEA report points to discrepancies within the Education Department.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the Virgin Islands spends $6,478 per student in the territory — hundreds of dollars more than both Florida and California spend. But only 51 percent of eighth-grade students in the territory rate above the "basic" level in reading skills, the report said, and: "This would be woefully unacceptable in California or Florida and would constitute a national scandal."
Turner said the U.S. Department of Education has subsequently listed the Virgin Islands as a high-risk grantee for its funds, threatening the future awarding of grants.
As Turner sees it, temporarily halting federal funding to the territory now is the best way to bring about beneficial long-term effects. It "would prevent more money from being wasted until solutions are in place to ease the procurement process," he said. "It would prevent the Virgin Islands from losing federal grants altogether."
The report said that unless the government is forced to procure goods and services through fair and open practices, the island infrastructure will continue to deteriorate.
Turner said the V.I. group met with officials in the Interior Department's Office of Insular Affairs to discuss the funding issues, the possibility of hiring independent inspectors to ensure that federal money is properly spent, and the idea of disbursing of federal funds to contractors through a third-party entity such as the St. Croix Foundation for Community Development. The foundation currently manages the funding for AIDS treatment in the territory.
Managing federal funding, Turner said, is a task SEA is neither interested in nor prepared to undertake. "SEA doesn't have the ability; we would be overwhelmed," he said.
"The situation is perilous," Turner said, pointing out that because of bureaucratic red tape in Washington, it would take at least a year to stop the flow of federal funding to the territory. "The core of our issue," he said, "is that we want the sewer system fixed and a solid-waste plan in effect. Meantime, while the government is waiting to take action, funding could be lost."
There has been abundant criticism of SEA's stance in some political circles locally, but the "community as a whole has responded very positively," Turner said, adding: "I have received several calls thanking me for going to Washington and trying to get something accomplished."
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.
Bill Turner, executive director of the St. Croix Environmental Association, recently returned from Washington, D.C., where he and a delegation of Virgin Islanders met with representatives of several members of Congress to discuss what he termed the "gross misappropriations" of federal dollars in the territory.
Turner noted that SEA in October 2002 began what was intended to be a year-long program of monitoring the failures of St. Croix's aging sewage system. Sewage was bypassed at pump stations throughout the island 36 times that month, either into the ocean or to another station.
"After that, we realized we don't have a year — and those were just the ones that people reported to our office," Turner said on Friday. His guess is that, had more detailed monitoring of the situation been done, three or four times that many bypasses would have been recorded.
So, working from data from that month's study, the group put together a 16-page report on the territory's history of inadequate responses to environmental problems.
SEA also solicited community help in monitoring sewage system failures in November. (See the St. Croix Source report "Public asked to let SEA know of open sewage".) Turned said on Friday that the documentation for November, like that for October, was sent to the federal Environmental Protection Agency.
As the "core issue for change," the report on the October findings cited the "flawed procurement" of contracts intended to address the sewage system issues.
"The specious argument that the government of the Virgin Islands does not have the funding to effect repairs and maintenance has been demonstrated to be both factually inaccurate and a barometer for the appearance of corruption," the report stated, citing a statement read earlier in the year to EPA officials.
The report went on to cite the scandal in the Turnbull administration made public earlier this year in which Global Resources Management Inc., a company with no employees, experience or equipment, was awarded a multimillion-dollar contract to make wastewater system repairs on St. Croix without going through the bidding process. After the U.S. Attorney's Office filed suit in District Court challenging the use of a state of emergency to award the contract, Gov. Charles W. Turnbull canceled the deal the two days before the court date.
District Judge Thomas K. Moore, in a wide-ranging ruling highly critical of the Turnbull administration, ordered the V.I. government in March not to reinstate the contract, and to hire a qualified contractor within three months to operate and maintain the territory's sewage systems for the next six months. (See "Judge finds 'reek of politics' in sewage contract".)
"This is merely one example of a contract that was improperly awarded for political gain at the expense of the health and safety of the citizens of the Virgin Islands in a nearly 20-year history of misappropriation, ineptitude and, potentially, corruption," the SEA report stated.
Education funding also at risk
The loss and misappropriation of federal money could put the Virgin Islands at risk to lose further grants, Turner said, and the SEA report points to discrepancies within the Education Department.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the Virgin Islands spends $6,478 per student in the territory — hundreds of dollars more than both Florida and California spend. But only 51 percent of eighth-grade students in the territory rate above the "basic" level in reading skills, the report said, and: "This would be woefully unacceptable in California or Florida and would constitute a national scandal."
Turner said the U.S. Department of Education has subsequently listed the Virgin Islands as a high-risk grantee for its funds, threatening the future awarding of grants.
As Turner sees it, temporarily halting federal funding to the territory now is the best way to bring about beneficial long-term effects. It "would prevent more money from being wasted until solutions are in place to ease the procurement process," he said. "It would prevent the Virgin Islands from losing federal grants altogether."
The report said that unless the government is forced to procure goods and services through fair and open practices, the island infrastructure will continue to deteriorate.
Turner said the V.I. group met with officials in the Interior Department's Office of Insular Affairs to discuss the funding issues, the possibility of hiring independent inspectors to ensure that federal money is properly spent, and the idea of disbursing of federal funds to contractors through a third-party entity such as the St. Croix Foundation for Community Development. The foundation currently manages the funding for AIDS treatment in the territory.
Managing federal funding, Turner said, is a task SEA is neither interested in nor prepared to undertake. "SEA doesn't have the ability; we would be overwhelmed," he said.
"The situation is perilous," Turner said, pointing out that because of bureaucratic red tape in Washington, it would take at least a year to stop the flow of federal funding to the territory. "The core of our issue," he said, "is that we want the sewer system fixed and a solid-waste plan in effect. Meantime, while the government is waiting to take action, funding could be lost."
There has been abundant criticism of SEA's stance in some political circles locally, but the "community as a whole has responded very positively," Turner said, adding: "I have received several calls thanking me for going to Washington and trying to get something accomplished."
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.
SEA MAKES A CASE FOR CUTTING OFF FEDERAL FUNDS
June 27, 2003 – A local environmental group's urging of officials in the nation's capital to halt federal funding to the Virgin Islands is being met with "unrighteous indignation" by some of the territory's political leaders but has won support from other segments of the community, according to one member.
Bill Turner, executive director of the St. Croix Environmental Association, recently returned from Washington, D.C., where he and a delegation of Virgin Islanders met with representatives of several members of Congress to discuss what he termed the "gross misappropriations" of federal dollars in the territory.
Turner noted that SEA in October 2002 began what was intended to be a year-long program of monitoring the failures of St. Croix's aging sewage system. Sewage was bypassed at pump stations throughout the island 36 times that month, either into the ocean or to another station.
"After that, we realized we don't have a year — and those were just the ones that people reported to our office," Turner said on Friday. His guess is that, had more detailed monitoring of the situation been done, three or four times that many bypasses would have been recorded.
So, working from data from that month's study, the group put together a 16-page report on the territory's history of inadequate responses to environmental problems.
SEA also solicited community help in monitoring sewage system failures in November. (See "Public asked to let SEA know of open sewage".) Turned said on Friday that the documentation for November, like that for October, was sent to the federal Environmental Protection Agency.
As the "core issue for change," the report on the October findings cited the "flawed procurement" of contracts intended to address the sewage system issues.
"The specious argument that the government of the Virgin Islands does not have the funding to effect repairs and maintenance has been demonstrated to be both factually inaccurate and a barometer for the appearance of corruption," the report stated, citing a statement read earlier in the year to EPA officials.
The report went on to cite the scandal in the Turnbull administration made public earlier this year in which Global Resources Management Inc., a company with no employees, experience or equipment, was awarded a multimillion-dollar contract to make wastewater system repairs on St. Croix without going through the bidding process. After the U.S. Attorney's Office filed suit in District Court challenging the use of a state of emergency to award the contract, Gov. Charles W. Turnbull canceled the deal the two days before the court date.
District Judge Thomas K. Moore, in a wide-ranging ruling highly critical of the Turnbull administration, ordered the V.I. government in March not to reinstate the contract, and to hire a qualified contractor within three months to operate and maintain the territory's sewage systems for the next six months. (See "Judge finds 'reek of politics' in sewage contract".)
"This is merely one example of a contract that was improperly awarded for political gain at the expense of the health and safety of the citizens of the Virgin Islands in a nearly 20-year history of misappropriation, ineptitude and, potentially, corruption," the SEA report stated.
Education funding also at risk
The loss and misappropriation of federal money could put the Virgin Islands at risk to lose further grants, Turner said, and the SEA report points to discrepancies within the Education Department.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the Virgin Islands spends $6,478 per student in the territory — hundreds of dollars more than both Florida and California spend. But only 51 percent of eighth-grade students in the territory rate above the "basic" level in reading skills, the report said, and: "This would be woefully unacceptable in California or Florida and would constitute a national scandal."
Turner said the U.S. Department of Education has subsequently listed the Virgin Islands as a high-risk grantee for its funds, threatening the future awarding of grants.
As Turner sees it, temporarily halting federal funding to the territory now is the best way to bring about beneficial long-term effects. It "would prevent more money from being wasted until solutions are in place to ease the procurement process," he said. "It would prevent the Virgin Islands from losing federal grants altogether."
The report said that unless the government is forced to procure goods and services through fair and open practices, the island infrastructure will continue to deteriorate.
Turner said the V.I. group met with officials in the Interior Department's Office of Insular Affairs to discuss the funding issues, the possibility of hiring independent inspectors to ensure that federal money is properly spent, and the idea of disbursing of federal funds to contractors through a third-party entity such as the St. Croix Foundation for Community Development. The foundation currently manages the funding for AIDS treatment in the territory.
Managing federal funding, Turner said, is a task SEA is neither interested in nor prepared to undertake. "SEA doesn't have the ability; we would be overwhelmed," he said.
"The situation is perilous," Turner said, pointing out that because of bureaucratic red tape in Washington, it would take at least a year to stop the flow of federal funding to the territory. "The core of our issue," he said, "is that we want the sewer system fixed and a solid-waste plan in effect. Meantime, while the government is waiting to take action, funding could be lost."
There has been abundant criticism of SEA's stance in some political circles locally, but the "community as a whole has responded very positively," Turner said, adding: "I have received several calls thanking me for going to Washington and trying to get something accomplished."
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.
Bill Turner, executive director of the St. Croix Environmental Association, recently returned from Washington, D.C., where he and a delegation of Virgin Islanders met with representatives of several members of Congress to discuss what he termed the "gross misappropriations" of federal dollars in the territory.
Turner noted that SEA in October 2002 began what was intended to be a year-long program of monitoring the failures of St. Croix's aging sewage system. Sewage was bypassed at pump stations throughout the island 36 times that month, either into the ocean or to another station.
"After that, we realized we don't have a year — and those were just the ones that people reported to our office," Turner said on Friday. His guess is that, had more detailed monitoring of the situation been done, three or four times that many bypasses would have been recorded.
So, working from data from that month's study, the group put together a 16-page report on the territory's history of inadequate responses to environmental problems.
SEA also solicited community help in monitoring sewage system failures in November. (See "Public asked to let SEA know of open sewage".) Turned said on Friday that the documentation for November, like that for October, was sent to the federal Environmental Protection Agency.
As the "core issue for change," the report on the October findings cited the "flawed procurement" of contracts intended to address the sewage system issues.
"The specious argument that the government of the Virgin Islands does not have the funding to effect repairs and maintenance has been demonstrated to be both factually inaccurate and a barometer for the appearance of corruption," the report stated, citing a statement read earlier in the year to EPA officials.
The report went on to cite the scandal in the Turnbull administration made public earlier this year in which Global Resources Management Inc., a company with no employees, experience or equipment, was awarded a multimillion-dollar contract to make wastewater system repairs on St. Croix without going through the bidding process. After the U.S. Attorney's Office filed suit in District Court challenging the use of a state of emergency to award the contract, Gov. Charles W. Turnbull canceled the deal the two days before the court date.
District Judge Thomas K. Moore, in a wide-ranging ruling highly critical of the Turnbull administration, ordered the V.I. government in March not to reinstate the contract, and to hire a qualified contractor within three months to operate and maintain the territory's sewage systems for the next six months. (See "Judge finds 'reek of politics' in sewage contract".)
"This is merely one example of a contract that was improperly awarded for political gain at the expense of the health and safety of the citizens of the Virgin Islands in a nearly 20-year history of misappropriation, ineptitude and, potentially, corruption," the SEA report stated.
Education funding also at risk
The loss and misappropriation of federal money could put the Virgin Islands at risk to lose further grants, Turner said, and the SEA report points to discrepancies within the Education Department.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the Virgin Islands spends $6,478 per student in the territory — hundreds of dollars more than both Florida and California spend. But only 51 percent of eighth-grade students in the territory rate above the "basic" level in reading skills, the report said, and: "This would be woefully unacceptable in California or Florida and would constitute a national scandal."
Turner said the U.S. Department of Education has subsequently listed the Virgin Islands as a high-risk grantee for its funds, threatening the future awarding of grants.
As Turner sees it, temporarily halting federal funding to the territory now is the best way to bring about beneficial long-term effects. It "would prevent more money from being wasted until solutions are in place to ease the procurement process," he said. "It would prevent the Virgin Islands from losing federal grants altogether."
The report said that unless the government is forced to procure goods and services through fair and open practices, the island infrastructure will continue to deteriorate.
Turner said the V.I. group met with officials in the Interior Department's Office of Insular Affairs to discuss the funding issues, the possibility of hiring independent inspectors to ensure that federal money is properly spent, and the idea of disbursing of federal funds to contractors through a third-party entity such as the St. Croix Foundation for Community Development. The foundation currently manages the funding for AIDS treatment in the territory.
Managing federal funding, Turner said, is a task SEA is neither interested in nor prepared to undertake. "SEA doesn't have the ability; we would be overwhelmed," he said.
"The situation is perilous," Turner said, pointing out that because of bureaucratic red tape in Washington, it would take at least a year to stop the flow of federal funding to the territory. "The core of our issue," he said, "is that we want the sewer system fixed and a solid-waste plan in effect. Meantime, while the government is waiting to take action, funding could be lost."
There has been abundant criticism of SEA's stance in some political circles locally, but the "community as a whole has responded very positively," Turner said, adding: "I have received several calls thanking me for going to Washington and trying to get something accomplished."
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SEA MAKES A CASE FOR CUTTING OFF FEDERAL FUNDS
June 27, 2003 – A local environmental group's urging of officials in the nation's capital to halt federal funding to the Virgin Islands is being met with "unrighteous indignation" by some of the territory's political leaders but has won support from other segments of the community, according to one member.
Bill Turner, executive director of the St. Croix Environmental Association, recently returned from Washington, D.C., where he and a delegation of Virgin Islanders met with representatives of several members of Congress to discuss what he termed the "gross misappropriations" of federal dollars in the territory.
Turner noted that SEA in October 2002 began what was intended to be a year-long program of monitoring the failures of St. Croix's aging sewage system. Sewage was bypassed at pump stations throughout the island 36 times that month, either into the ocean or to another station.
"After that, we realized we don't have a year — and those were just the ones that people reported to our office," Turner said on Friday. His guess is that, had more detailed monitoring of the situation been done, three or four times that many bypasses would have been recorded.
So, working from data from that month's study, the group put together a 16-page report on the territory's history of inadequate responses to environmental problems.
SEA also solicited community help in monitoring sewage system failures in November. (See the St. Croix Source report "Public asked to let SEA know of open sewage".) Turned said on Friday that the documentation for November, like that for October, was sent to the federal Environmental Protection Agency.
As the "core issue for change," the report on the October findings cited the "flawed procurement" of contracts intended to address the sewage system issues.
"The specious argument that the government of the Virgin Islands does not have the funding to effect repairs and maintenance has been demonstrated to be both factually inaccurate and a barometer for the appearance of corruption," the report stated, citing a statement read earlier in the year to EPA officials.
The report went on to cite the scandal in the Turnbull administration made public earlier this year in which Global Resources Management Inc., a company with no employees, experience or equipment, was awarded a multimillion-dollar contract to make wastewater system repairs on St. Croix without going through the bidding process. After the U.S. Attorney's Office filed suit in District Court challenging the use of a state of emergency to award the contract, Gov. Charles W. Turnbull canceled the deal the two days before the court date.
District Judge Thomas K. Moore, in a wide-ranging ruling highly critical of the Turnbull administration, ordered the V.I. government in March not to reinstate the contract, and to hire a qualified contractor within three months to operate and maintain the territory's sewage systems for the next six months. (See "Judge finds 'reek of politics' in sewage contract".)
"This is merely one example of a contract that was improperly awarded for political gain at the expense of the health and safety of the citizens of the Virgin Islands in a nearly 20-year history of misappropriation, ineptitude and, potentially, corruption," the SEA report stated.
Education funding also at risk
The loss and misappropriation of federal money could put the Virgin Islands at risk to lose further grants, Turner said, and the SEA report points to discrepancies within the Education Department.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the Virgin Islands spends $6,478 per student in the territory — hundreds of dollars more than both Florida and California spend. But only 51 percent of eighth-grade students in the territory rate above the "basic" level in reading skills, the report said, and: "This would be woefully unacceptable in California or Florida and would constitute a national scandal."
Turner said the U.S. Department of Education has subsequently listed the Virgin Islands as a high-risk grantee for its funds, threatening the future awarding of grants.
As Turner sees it, temporarily halting federal funding to the territory now is the best way to bring about beneficial long-term effects. It "would prevent more money from being wasted until solutions are in place to ease the procurement process," he said. "It would prevent the Virgin Islands from losing federal grants altogether."
The report said that unless the government is forced to procure goods and services through fair and open practices, the island infrastructure will continue to deteriorate.
Turner said the V.I. group met with officials in the Interior Department's Office of Insular Affairs to discuss the funding issues, the possibility of hiring independent inspectors to ensure that federal money is properly spent, and the idea of disbursing of federal funds to contractors through a third-party entity such as the St. Croix Foundation for Community Development. The foundation currently manages the funding for AIDS treatment in the territory.
Managing federal funding, Turner said, is a task SEA is neither interested in nor prepared to undertake. "SEA doesn't have the ability; we would be overwhelmed," he said.
"The situation is perilous," Turner said, pointing out that because of bureaucratic red tape in Washington, it would take at least a year to stop the flow of federal funding to the territory. "The core of our issue," he said, "is that we want the sewer system fixed and a solid-waste plan in effect. Meantime, while the government is waiting to take action, funding could be lost."
There has been abundant criticism of SEA's stance in some political circles locally, but the "community as a whole has responded very positively," Turner said, adding: "I have received several calls thanking me for going to Washington and trying to get something accomplished."
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.
Bill Turner, executive director of the St. Croix Environmental Association, recently returned from Washington, D.C., where he and a delegation of Virgin Islanders met with representatives of several members of Congress to discuss what he termed the "gross misappropriations" of federal dollars in the territory.
Turner noted that SEA in October 2002 began what was intended to be a year-long program of monitoring the failures of St. Croix's aging sewage system. Sewage was bypassed at pump stations throughout the island 36 times that month, either into the ocean or to another station.
"After that, we realized we don't have a year — and those were just the ones that people reported to our office," Turner said on Friday. His guess is that, had more detailed monitoring of the situation been done, three or four times that many bypasses would have been recorded.
So, working from data from that month's study, the group put together a 16-page report on the territory's history of inadequate responses to environmental problems.
SEA also solicited community help in monitoring sewage system failures in November. (See the St. Croix Source report "Public asked to let SEA know of open sewage".) Turned said on Friday that the documentation for November, like that for October, was sent to the federal Environmental Protection Agency.
As the "core issue for change," the report on the October findings cited the "flawed procurement" of contracts intended to address the sewage system issues.
"The specious argument that the government of the Virgin Islands does not have the funding to effect repairs and maintenance has been demonstrated to be both factually inaccurate and a barometer for the appearance of corruption," the report stated, citing a statement read earlier in the year to EPA officials.
The report went on to cite the scandal in the Turnbull administration made public earlier this year in which Global Resources Management Inc., a company with no employees, experience or equipment, was awarded a multimillion-dollar contract to make wastewater system repairs on St. Croix without going through the bidding process. After the U.S. Attorney's Office filed suit in District Court challenging the use of a state of emergency to award the contract, Gov. Charles W. Turnbull canceled the deal the two days before the court date.
District Judge Thomas K. Moore, in a wide-ranging ruling highly critical of the Turnbull administration, ordered the V.I. government in March not to reinstate the contract, and to hire a qualified contractor within three months to operate and maintain the territory's sewage systems for the next six months. (See "Judge finds 'reek of politics' in sewage contract".)
"This is merely one example of a contract that was improperly awarded for political gain at the expense of the health and safety of the citizens of the Virgin Islands in a nearly 20-year history of misappropriation, ineptitude and, potentially, corruption," the SEA report stated.
Education funding also at risk
The loss and misappropriation of federal money could put the Virgin Islands at risk to lose further grants, Turner said, and the SEA report points to discrepancies within the Education Department.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the Virgin Islands spends $6,478 per student in the territory — hundreds of dollars more than both Florida and California spend. But only 51 percent of eighth-grade students in the territory rate above the "basic" level in reading skills, the report said, and: "This would be woefully unacceptable in California or Florida and would constitute a national scandal."
Turner said the U.S. Department of Education has subsequently listed the Virgin Islands as a high-risk grantee for its funds, threatening the future awarding of grants.
As Turner sees it, temporarily halting federal funding to the territory now is the best way to bring about beneficial long-term effects. It "would prevent more money from being wasted until solutions are in place to ease the procurement process," he said. "It would prevent the Virgin Islands from losing federal grants altogether."
The report said that unless the government is forced to procure goods and services through fair and open practices, the island infrastructure will continue to deteriorate.
Turner said the V.I. group met with officials in the Interior Department's Office of Insular Affairs to discuss the funding issues, the possibility of hiring independent inspectors to ensure that federal money is properly spent, and the idea of disbursing of federal funds to contractors through a third-party entity such as the St. Croix Foundation for Community Development. The foundation currently manages the funding for AIDS treatment in the territory.
Managing federal funding, Turner said, is a task SEA is neither interested in nor prepared to undertake. "SEA doesn't have the ability; we would be overwhelmed," he said.
"The situation is perilous," Turner said, pointing out that because of bureaucratic red tape in Washington, it would take at least a year to stop the flow of federal funding to the territory. "The core of our issue," he said, "is that we want the sewer system fixed and a solid-waste plan in effect. Meantime, while the government is waiting to take action, funding could be lost."
There has been abundant criticism of SEA's stance in some political circles locally, but the "community as a whole has responded very positively," Turner said, adding: "I have received several calls thanking me for going to Washington and trying to get something accomplished."
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.
'SONNY' BARNES SAYS HIS AWARD HONORS MANY
June 27, 2003 – Lloyd "Sonny" Barnes shared his accolades with others at a ceremony held in his honor at the Virgin Islands Protection and Advocacy office in Frederiksted on Friday, a month after he was similarly recognized in Washington, D.C.
Barnes, who has muscular dystrophy, was one of two persons honored at the annual conference of the National Association of Protection and Advocacy Systems for "awe-inspiring efforts in self advocacy" and for advancing the rights of persons with disabilities.
Amelia Headly-Lamont, executive director of V.I. Protection and Advocacy, said that a local news story on Barnes captured the attention of Curt Decker, executive director of the national association, and led to the St. Croix resident's being honored on May 30.
The news account was of Barnes parking his wheelchair in front of a VITRAN bus on St. Croix and declaring that he would not move until he could get on the bus like everyone else. The story sparked a local movement that is ongoing today in demand of accessible transportation for disabled persons.
In Washington, "When I introduced Sonny to the conference attendees and told them his story, the audience broke out in a thunderous applause at his courage and determination," Headly-Lamont said on Friday. "It was a proud moment for the Virgin Islands."
Barnes has been called an advocate for the handicapped, an astute political observer, and sometimes a rebel. He also proved to be a study in humility, requesting Friday's gathering so that he could turn the award he received in Washington over to the local advocacy office.
"This organization encouraged me to go forward," Barnes said. "Even though I have the award, it does not belong to me. I am glad they chose me, for the experience, but I know that it is not me alone who deserves this award, because the people of this organization were behind me, at my side and in front of me all the way."
Barnes said he was given the royal treatment in the nation's capital. He marveled at the amenities available there for handicapped persons, including accessibility to trains, buses, stores and restaurants.
"I saw a better way of life for people like me," he said. "Here at home, I have so many problems getting around; it's a real struggle. I want to be able to go anywhere I want, just like everyone else."
"Sometime I think about just giving up and taking it easy," he said, "but I have a purpose here. I will keep struggling, and I will never give up on my home."
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.
Barnes, who has muscular dystrophy, was one of two persons honored at the annual conference of the National Association of Protection and Advocacy Systems for "awe-inspiring efforts in self advocacy" and for advancing the rights of persons with disabilities.
Amelia Headly-Lamont, executive director of V.I. Protection and Advocacy, said that a local news story on Barnes captured the attention of Curt Decker, executive director of the national association, and led to the St. Croix resident's being honored on May 30.
The news account was of Barnes parking his wheelchair in front of a VITRAN bus on St. Croix and declaring that he would not move until he could get on the bus like everyone else. The story sparked a local movement that is ongoing today in demand of accessible transportation for disabled persons.
In Washington, "When I introduced Sonny to the conference attendees and told them his story, the audience broke out in a thunderous applause at his courage and determination," Headly-Lamont said on Friday. "It was a proud moment for the Virgin Islands."
Barnes has been called an advocate for the handicapped, an astute political observer, and sometimes a rebel. He also proved to be a study in humility, requesting Friday's gathering so that he could turn the award he received in Washington over to the local advocacy office.
"This organization encouraged me to go forward," Barnes said. "Even though I have the award, it does not belong to me. I am glad they chose me, for the experience, but I know that it is not me alone who deserves this award, because the people of this organization were behind me, at my side and in front of me all the way."
Barnes said he was given the royal treatment in the nation's capital. He marveled at the amenities available there for handicapped persons, including accessibility to trains, buses, stores and restaurants.
"I saw a better way of life for people like me," he said. "Here at home, I have so many problems getting around; it's a real struggle. I want to be able to go anywhere I want, just like everyone else."
"Sometime I think about just giving up and taking it easy," he said, "but I have a purpose here. I will keep struggling, and I will never give up on my home."
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.
'SONNY' BARNES SAYS HIS AWARD HONORS MANY
June 27, 2003 – Lloyd "Sonny" Barnes shared his accolades with others at a ceremony held in his honor at the Virgin Islands Protection and Advocacy office in Frederiksted on Friday, a month after he was similarly recognized in Washington, D.C.
Barnes, who has muscular dystrophy, was one of two persons honored at the annual conference of the National Association of Protection and Advocacy Systems for "awe-inspiring efforts in self advocacy" and for advancing the rights of persons with disabilities.
Amelia Headly-Lamont, executive director of V.I. Protection and Advocacy, said that a local news story on Barnes captured the attention of Curt Decker, executive director of the national association, and led to the St. Croix resident's being honored on May 30.
The news account was of Barnes parking his wheelchair in front of a VITRAN bus on St. Croix and declaring that he would not move until he could get on the bus like everyone else. The story sparked a local movement that is ongoing today in demand of accessible transportation for disabled persons.
In Washington, "When I introduced Sonny to the conference attendees and told them his story, the audience broke out in a thunderous applause at his courage and determination," Headly-Lamont said on Friday. "It was a proud moment for the Virgin Islands."
Barnes has been called an advocate for the handicapped, an astute political observer, and sometimes a rebel. He also proved to be a study in humility, requesting Friday's gathering so that he could turn the award he received in Washington over to the local advocacy office.
"This organization encouraged me to go forward," Barnes said. "Even though I have the award, it does not belong to me. I am glad they chose me, for the experience, but I know that it is not me alone who deserves this award, because the people of this organization were behind me, at my side and in front of me all the way."
Barnes said he was given the royal treatment in the nation's capital. He marveled at the amenities available there for handicapped persons, including accessibility to trains, buses, stores and restaurants.
"I saw a better way of life for people like me," he said. "Here at home, I have so many problems getting around; it's a real struggle. I want to be able to go anywhere I want, just like everyone else."
"Sometime I think about just giving up and taking it easy," he said, "but I have a purpose here. I will keep struggling, and I will never give up on my home."
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.
Barnes, who has muscular dystrophy, was one of two persons honored at the annual conference of the National Association of Protection and Advocacy Systems for "awe-inspiring efforts in self advocacy" and for advancing the rights of persons with disabilities.
Amelia Headly-Lamont, executive director of V.I. Protection and Advocacy, said that a local news story on Barnes captured the attention of Curt Decker, executive director of the national association, and led to the St. Croix resident's being honored on May 30.
The news account was of Barnes parking his wheelchair in front of a VITRAN bus on St. Croix and declaring that he would not move until he could get on the bus like everyone else. The story sparked a local movement that is ongoing today in demand of accessible transportation for disabled persons.
In Washington, "When I introduced Sonny to the conference attendees and told them his story, the audience broke out in a thunderous applause at his courage and determination," Headly-Lamont said on Friday. "It was a proud moment for the Virgin Islands."
Barnes has been called an advocate for the handicapped, an astute political observer, and sometimes a rebel. He also proved to be a study in humility, requesting Friday's gathering so that he could turn the award he received in Washington over to the local advocacy office.
"This organization encouraged me to go forward," Barnes said. "Even though I have the award, it does not belong to me. I am glad they chose me, for the experience, but I know that it is not me alone who deserves this award, because the people of this organization were behind me, at my side and in front of me all the way."
Barnes said he was given the royal treatment in the nation's capital. He marveled at the amenities available there for handicapped persons, including accessibility to trains, buses, stores and restaurants.
"I saw a better way of life for people like me," he said. "Here at home, I have so many problems getting around; it's a real struggle. I want to be able to go anywhere I want, just like everyone else."
"Sometime I think about just giving up and taking it easy," he said, "but I have a purpose here. I will keep struggling, and I will never give up on my home."
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.
LOCAL GOP GROUP CALLS FOR CONTROL BOARD
June 27, 2003 – The St. Croix branch of the V.I. Republican Party is calling on the U.S. Department of Interior to set up a financial control board "to help the U.S. Virgin Islands solve its fiscal crisis."
According to a release distributed on Friday, "since neither the executive nor legislative branches of the V.I. government have come up with satisfactory measures to correct the current fiscal crisis, a financial control board is the only feasible alternative."
The leadership of the St. Croix GOP unanimously approved a motion asking for the establishment of such an entity "made up of professionals," Reuben Fenton, St. Croix party president, said. The motion further called for the control board to dispense any funds borrowed in the future by the V.I. government.
Gov. Charles W. Turnbull, a Democrat, "has not lived up to the Memorandum of Understanding with the Department of Interior which he signed in order to get the last loan," the Republicans charge. Further, the release stated, the funds thus obtained "have been used for payroll and other current operating expenses. This merely means that in another six or eight months, another loan will be necessary for government operations."
In 1999, the government floated a $300 million bond issue. On Thursday, the Senate Finance Committee approved the governor's proposal to borrow another $235 million via the same route.
Last week, the full Senate approved several new and increased taxes also sought by the governor to reduce the administration's currently projected shortfall of $152 million by the end of the current fiscal year on Sept. 30. They are: a new "environmental user fee" of 2 cents per pound on goods imported into or produced in the territory, new fees on containers shipped to the territory, an increase in the road tax of 5 cents per pound, an increase of about 50 percent in bank licensing fees, and a new 4 percent tax on items valued at more than $1,000 imported for personal use. The lawmakers also authorized the government to increase fees yearly by as much as $100.
The bills were in the legislative legal counsel's office as of Wednesday, with no indication of when they would be delivered to Government House.
The release from the St. Croix GOP stated that "the additional taxes proposed by the Legislature in lieu of cutting government expenditures will cause severe financial distress on all sectors of the business community. In the future, the government also will be affected as businesses close down and the tax revenues which support government disappear."
Sen. Lorraine Berry, the Legislature's senior member and a Democrat throughout her political career, asked federal authorities on June 19 for financial and technical assistance in setting up a control board in the territory similar to the one that temporarily took over management of the financial affairs of the Washington, D.C., local government in 1995.
One of the key players in that effort, Herbert R. Tillery, now an appointive deputy mayor of the federal district, was in the territory two weeks ago and was a principal presenter at a forum on government leadership and management.
Turnbull and Bruce Babbitt, then secretary of the Interior, signed the MOU in 1999. An audit of compliance with the memorandum on the part of both the V.I. government and Interior was conducted by Interior's Office of Inspector General last November and reported in January. It found accomplishments and failures on both sides. (See MOU compliance audit: successes, shortcomings".)
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According to a release distributed on Friday, "since neither the executive nor legislative branches of the V.I. government have come up with satisfactory measures to correct the current fiscal crisis, a financial control board is the only feasible alternative."
The leadership of the St. Croix GOP unanimously approved a motion asking for the establishment of such an entity "made up of professionals," Reuben Fenton, St. Croix party president, said. The motion further called for the control board to dispense any funds borrowed in the future by the V.I. government.
Gov. Charles W. Turnbull, a Democrat, "has not lived up to the Memorandum of Understanding with the Department of Interior which he signed in order to get the last loan," the Republicans charge. Further, the release stated, the funds thus obtained "have been used for payroll and other current operating expenses. This merely means that in another six or eight months, another loan will be necessary for government operations."
In 1999, the government floated a $300 million bond issue. On Thursday, the Senate Finance Committee approved the governor's proposal to borrow another $235 million via the same route.
Last week, the full Senate approved several new and increased taxes also sought by the governor to reduce the administration's currently projected shortfall of $152 million by the end of the current fiscal year on Sept. 30. They are: a new "environmental user fee" of 2 cents per pound on goods imported into or produced in the territory, new fees on containers shipped to the territory, an increase in the road tax of 5 cents per pound, an increase of about 50 percent in bank licensing fees, and a new 4 percent tax on items valued at more than $1,000 imported for personal use. The lawmakers also authorized the government to increase fees yearly by as much as $100.
The bills were in the legislative legal counsel's office as of Wednesday, with no indication of when they would be delivered to Government House.
The release from the St. Croix GOP stated that "the additional taxes proposed by the Legislature in lieu of cutting government expenditures will cause severe financial distress on all sectors of the business community. In the future, the government also will be affected as businesses close down and the tax revenues which support government disappear."
Sen. Lorraine Berry, the Legislature's senior member and a Democrat throughout her political career, asked federal authorities on June 19 for financial and technical assistance in setting up a control board in the territory similar to the one that temporarily took over management of the financial affairs of the Washington, D.C., local government in 1995.
One of the key players in that effort, Herbert R. Tillery, now an appointive deputy mayor of the federal district, was in the territory two weeks ago and was a principal presenter at a forum on government leadership and management.
Turnbull and Bruce Babbitt, then secretary of the Interior, signed the MOU in 1999. An audit of compliance with the memorandum on the part of both the V.I. government and Interior was conducted by Interior's Office of Inspector General last November and reported in January. It found accomplishments and failures on both sides. (See MOU compliance audit: successes, shortcomings".)
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