June 25, 2003 – Several of the territory's top track and field athletes will be representing the V.I. at meets throughout the Caribbean this summer, including two important Pan-American Games qualifying events, according to a release.
The Virgin Islands Track and Field Federation has assembled a team of outstanding athletes who will be traveling in early July to the Central American and Caribbean Track and Field Championships in Grenada. At the end of July the group will head to Puerto Rico for the Frankie Colon Memorial meet.
The federation and the V.I. Olympic Committee, who will provide all the funding for V.I. athletes at these competitions, view these two meets as final qualifiers for the Pan-Am Games and as preparation for the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, Greece.
V.I. athletes will also compete this summer in the Junior Pan-American Games in Barbados, the Central American and Caribbean Youth Championships and the World Masters Championships, both in Puerto Rico, and the World Championships in Paris, France.
Track and field athletes representing the V.I. are: Laverne Jones, a four-time all-American sprinter at Oklahoma University, formerly a runner for the St. Croix Education Complex team; Adrian Durant, a silver medalist in this year's CARIFTA Championships and an outstanding freshman at the University of South Carolina, and Kenneth Telemaque, captain of his South Carolina State University team and winner of the conference 400 meter event.
Jones and Durant both competed in this year's NCAA Championships, held earlier in the month in Sacramento, Ca.
Also on the team are: Kady Joseph, a Charolotte Amalie High School graduate who sprinted to a third place finish in the 400 at the MEAC Championships representing Morgan State University; all-American long-jumper Vaughn Walwyn; long distance runner Lisah Hamilton; middle distance runner Billy Bohlke; two-time V.I. Olympians and CAHS graduates Ameerah Bello and Valma Bass; Rodney Pitts, of Abilene Christian College; Shanna Williams, of Florida Atlantic University; Julio Felix, and Sherma Aurelein.
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.
PSC: POTABLE WATER RATE INVESTIGATION IS NEXT
June 24, 2003 – Despite their brief protests, Water and Power Authority officials were told during a Public Services Commission meeting on Tuesday that a rate investigation into the utility's potable water operations will proceed. The investigation is targeted to begin in July, with June 2004 the target date for the PSC's decision.
The last rate investigation for potable water service was done about 10 years ago.
WAPA told the PSC members that the authority does not see the need to go forward with the investigation at this time. "WAPA needs to do some internal assessments before it can commit to this schedule," Samuel Hall, counsel for the utility, said.
Glenn Rothgeb, WAPA assistant executive director, also gave commissioners an update on the territory street lighting. The PSC had ordered WAPA and the Public Works Department to begin work on repairing and installing the territory's streetlights, especially those on Veterans Drive on St. Thomas and Melvin Evans Highway on St. Croix, by May 8.
Rothgeb said the restoration on St. Thomas has been "basically completed" and work has begun on Melvin Evans Highway, where "we're just beginning the restoration."
Although the Legislature and the governor transferred responsibility for lighting the territory's streets to WAPA from Public Works in January of 2002, Public Works is still responsible for the lights on Veterans Drive and along Evans Highway because they are federally funded highways.
At the April PSC meeting, WAPA agreed to assist Public Works in this regard by hiring a contractor to carry out the repairs and installation and by purchasing the materials needed.
In other action, the commission told the general manager of the territory's two Innovative Cable TV companies, Adrian LaBennett, that he needs to address the barrage of consumer complaints that have been coming in to the PSC.
Commission member Alric Simmonds told LaBennett that consumers have been complaining of calls not getting through and long waiting periods for repairs and installation.
"We do not want to micromanage you," Valencio Jackson, commission chair, said. "What we do want is to let you know that you have some problems, and we want them fixed."
Commission member Verne David asked that LaBennett submit monthly reports to the commission so that it can assess the level of service to cable TV consumers.
The PSC scheduled a meeting on July 18 to hear arguments from Innovative Telephone and from attorney Maria Tankenson Hodge regarding a petition she filed for reconsideration of the PSC's April decision to keep Innovative's rate of return at 11.5 percent.
The commission will also address Innovative's rate increase request at the July meeting.
PSC members present on Tuesday were Jerris Browne, David, Jackson, Desmond Maynard, Simmonds and Alecia Wells. The two non-voting members, Sens. Luther Renee and Shawn-Michael Malone, were absent.
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.
The last rate investigation for potable water service was done about 10 years ago.
WAPA told the PSC members that the authority does not see the need to go forward with the investigation at this time. "WAPA needs to do some internal assessments before it can commit to this schedule," Samuel Hall, counsel for the utility, said.
Glenn Rothgeb, WAPA assistant executive director, also gave commissioners an update on the territory street lighting. The PSC had ordered WAPA and the Public Works Department to begin work on repairing and installing the territory's streetlights, especially those on Veterans Drive on St. Thomas and Melvin Evans Highway on St. Croix, by May 8.
Rothgeb said the restoration on St. Thomas has been "basically completed" and work has begun on Melvin Evans Highway, where "we're just beginning the restoration."
Although the Legislature and the governor transferred responsibility for lighting the territory's streets to WAPA from Public Works in January of 2002, Public Works is still responsible for the lights on Veterans Drive and along Evans Highway because they are federally funded highways.
At the April PSC meeting, WAPA agreed to assist Public Works in this regard by hiring a contractor to carry out the repairs and installation and by purchasing the materials needed.
In other action, the commission told the general manager of the territory's two Innovative Cable TV companies, Adrian LaBennett, that he needs to address the barrage of consumer complaints that have been coming in to the PSC.
Commission member Alric Simmonds told LaBennett that consumers have been complaining of calls not getting through and long waiting periods for repairs and installation.
"We do not want to micromanage you," Valencio Jackson, commission chair, said. "What we do want is to let you know that you have some problems, and we want them fixed."
Commission member Verne David asked that LaBennett submit monthly reports to the commission so that it can assess the level of service to cable TV consumers.
The PSC scheduled a meeting on July 18 to hear arguments from Innovative Telephone and from attorney Maria Tankenson Hodge regarding a petition she filed for reconsideration of the PSC's April decision to keep Innovative's rate of return at 11.5 percent.
The commission will also address Innovative's rate increase request at the July meeting.
PSC members present on Tuesday were Jerris Browne, David, Jackson, Desmond Maynard, Simmonds and Alecia Wells. The two non-voting members, Sens. Luther Renee and Shawn-Michael Malone, were absent.
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.
PSC: POTABLE WATER RATE INVESTIGATION IS NEXT
June 24, 2003 – Despite their brief protests, Water and Power Authority officials were told during a Public Services Commission meeting on Tuesday that a rate investigation into the utility's potable water operations will proceed. The investigation is targeted to begin in July, with June 2004 the target date for the PSC's decision.
The last rate investigation for potable water service was done about 10 years ago.
WAPA told the PSC members that the authority does not see the need to go forward with the investigation at this time. "WAPA needs to do some internal assessments before it can commit to this schedule," Samuel Hall, counsel for the utility, said.
Glenn Rothgeb, WAPA assistant executive director, also gave commissioners an update on the territory street lighting. The PSC had ordered WAPA and the Public Works Department to begin work on repairing and installing the territory's streetlights, especially those on Veterans Drive on St. Thomas and Melvin Evans Highway on St. Croix, by May 8.
Rothgeb said the restoration on St. Thomas has been "basically completed" and work has begun on Melvin Evans Highway, where "we're just beginning the restoration."
Although the Legislature and the governor transferred responsibility for lighting the territory's streets to WAPA from Public Works in January of 2002, Public Works is still responsible for the lights on Veterans Drive and along Evans Highway because they are federally funded highways.
At the April PSC meeting, WAPA agreed to assist Public Works in this regard by hiring a contractor to carry out the repairs and installation and by purchasing the materials needed.
In other action, the commission told the general manager of the territory's two Innovative Cable TV companies, Adrian LaBennett, that he needs to address the barrage of consumer complaints that have been coming in to the PSC.
Commission member Alric Simmonds told LaBennett that consumers have been complaining of calls not getting through and long waiting periods for repairs and installation.
"We do not want to micromanage you," Valencio Jackson, commission chair, said. "What we do want is to let you know that you have some problems, and we want them fixed."
Commission member Verne David asked that LaBennett submit monthly reports to the commission so that it can assess the level of service to cable TV consumers.
The PSC scheduled a meeting on July 18 to hear arguments from Innovative Telephone and from attorney Maria Tankenson Hodge regarding a petition she filed for reconsideration of the PSC's April decision to keep Innovative's rate of return at 11.5 percent.
The commission will also address Innovative's rate increase request at the July meeting.
PSC members present on Tuesday were Jerris Browne, David, Jackson, Desmond Maynard, Simmonds and Alecia Wells. The two non-voting members, Sens. Luther Renee and Shawn-Michael Malone, were absent.
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.
The last rate investigation for potable water service was done about 10 years ago.
WAPA told the PSC members that the authority does not see the need to go forward with the investigation at this time. "WAPA needs to do some internal assessments before it can commit to this schedule," Samuel Hall, counsel for the utility, said.
Glenn Rothgeb, WAPA assistant executive director, also gave commissioners an update on the territory street lighting. The PSC had ordered WAPA and the Public Works Department to begin work on repairing and installing the territory's streetlights, especially those on Veterans Drive on St. Thomas and Melvin Evans Highway on St. Croix, by May 8.
Rothgeb said the restoration on St. Thomas has been "basically completed" and work has begun on Melvin Evans Highway, where "we're just beginning the restoration."
Although the Legislature and the governor transferred responsibility for lighting the territory's streets to WAPA from Public Works in January of 2002, Public Works is still responsible for the lights on Veterans Drive and along Evans Highway because they are federally funded highways.
At the April PSC meeting, WAPA agreed to assist Public Works in this regard by hiring a contractor to carry out the repairs and installation and by purchasing the materials needed.
In other action, the commission told the general manager of the territory's two Innovative Cable TV companies, Adrian LaBennett, that he needs to address the barrage of consumer complaints that have been coming in to the PSC.
Commission member Alric Simmonds told LaBennett that consumers have been complaining of calls not getting through and long waiting periods for repairs and installation.
"We do not want to micromanage you," Valencio Jackson, commission chair, said. "What we do want is to let you know that you have some problems, and we want them fixed."
Commission member Verne David asked that LaBennett submit monthly reports to the commission so that it can assess the level of service to cable TV consumers.
The PSC scheduled a meeting on July 18 to hear arguments from Innovative Telephone and from attorney Maria Tankenson Hodge regarding a petition she filed for reconsideration of the PSC's April decision to keep Innovative's rate of return at 11.5 percent.
The commission will also address Innovative's rate increase request at the July meeting.
PSC members present on Tuesday were Jerris Browne, David, Jackson, Desmond Maynard, Simmonds and Alecia Wells. The two non-voting members, Sens. Luther Renee and Shawn-Michael Malone, were absent.
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.
PSC: POTABLE WATER RATE INVESTIGATION IS NEXT
June 24, 2003 – Despite their brief protests, Water and Power Authority officials were told during a Public Services Commission meeting on Tuesday that a rate investigation into the utility's potable water operations will proceed. The investigation is targeted to begin in July, with June 2004 the target date for the PSC's decision.
The last rate investigation for potable water service was done about 10 years ago.
WAPA told the PSC members that the authority does not see the need to go forward with the investigation at this time. "WAPA needs to do some internal assessments before it can commit to this schedule," Samuel Hall, counsel for the utility, said.
Glenn Rothgeb, WAPA assistant executive director, also gave commissioners an update on the territory street lighting. The PSC had ordered WAPA and the Public Works Department to begin work on repairing and installing the territory's streetlights, especially those on Veterans Drive on St. Thomas and Melvin Evans Highway on St. Croix, by May 8.
Rothgeb said the restoration on St. Thomas has been "basically completed" and work has begun on Melvin Evans Highway, where "we're just beginning the restoration."
Although the Legislature and the governor transferred responsibility for lighting the territory's streets to WAPA from Public Works in January of 2002, Public Works is still responsible for the lights on Veterans Drive and along Evans Highway because they are federally funded highways.
At the April PSC meeting, WAPA agreed to assist Public Works in this regard by hiring a contractor to carry out the repairs and installation and by purchasing the materials needed.
In other action, the commission told the general manager of the territory's two Innovative Cable TV companies, Adrian LaBennett, that he needs to address the barrage of consumer complaints that have been coming in to the PSC.
Commission member Alric Simmonds told LaBennett that consumers have been complaining of calls not getting through and long waiting periods for repairs and installation.
"We do not want to micromanage you," Valencio Jackson, commission chair, said. "What we do want is to let you know that you have some problems, and we want them fixed."
Commission member Verne David asked that LaBennett submit monthly reports to the commission so that it can assess the level of service to cable TV consumers.
The PSC scheduled a meeting on July 18 to hear arguments from Innovative Telephone and from attorney Maria Tankenson Hodge regarding a petition she filed for reconsideration of the PSC's April decision to keep Innovative's rate of return at 11.5 percent.
The commission will also address Innovative's rate increase request at the July meeting.
PSC members present on Tuesday were Jerris Browne, David, Jackson, Desmond Maynard, Simmonds and Alecia Wells. The two non-voting members, Sens. Luther Renee and Shawn-Michael Malone, were absent.
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.
The last rate investigation for potable water service was done about 10 years ago.
WAPA told the PSC members that the authority does not see the need to go forward with the investigation at this time. "WAPA needs to do some internal assessments before it can commit to this schedule," Samuel Hall, counsel for the utility, said.
Glenn Rothgeb, WAPA assistant executive director, also gave commissioners an update on the territory street lighting. The PSC had ordered WAPA and the Public Works Department to begin work on repairing and installing the territory's streetlights, especially those on Veterans Drive on St. Thomas and Melvin Evans Highway on St. Croix, by May 8.
Rothgeb said the restoration on St. Thomas has been "basically completed" and work has begun on Melvin Evans Highway, where "we're just beginning the restoration."
Although the Legislature and the governor transferred responsibility for lighting the territory's streets to WAPA from Public Works in January of 2002, Public Works is still responsible for the lights on Veterans Drive and along Evans Highway because they are federally funded highways.
At the April PSC meeting, WAPA agreed to assist Public Works in this regard by hiring a contractor to carry out the repairs and installation and by purchasing the materials needed.
In other action, the commission told the general manager of the territory's two Innovative Cable TV companies, Adrian LaBennett, that he needs to address the barrage of consumer complaints that have been coming in to the PSC.
Commission member Alric Simmonds told LaBennett that consumers have been complaining of calls not getting through and long waiting periods for repairs and installation.
"We do not want to micromanage you," Valencio Jackson, commission chair, said. "What we do want is to let you know that you have some problems, and we want them fixed."
Commission member Verne David asked that LaBennett submit monthly reports to the commission so that it can assess the level of service to cable TV consumers.
The PSC scheduled a meeting on July 18 to hear arguments from Innovative Telephone and from attorney Maria Tankenson Hodge regarding a petition she filed for reconsideration of the PSC's April decision to keep Innovative's rate of return at 11.5 percent.
The commission will also address Innovative's rate increase request at the July meeting.
PSC members present on Tuesday were Jerris Browne, David, Jackson, Desmond Maynard, Simmonds and Alecia Wells. The two non-voting members, Sens. Luther Renee and Shawn-Michael Malone, were absent.
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.
THOUSANDS WIN PRAISE FOR MAKING RELAY A SUCCESS
June 24, 2004 – Fern LaBorde, president of the St. Thomas-St. John unit of the American Cancer Society, said on Tuesday that the success of this year's 2nd annual Relay for Life event would not have been possible "without all the people we had working with us."
She cited "our sponsors, Knight Quality Stations, our contributors and volunteers, and most importantly, all the members of the community who came together to make the relay what it was." The event raised $110,000 for the Cancer Society, up from $62,000 the first year.
Six months of planning went into this year's event, which began on Saturday evening and ended on Sunday, LaBorde said. About 2,000 to 4,000 people either participated in laps around the Charlotte Amalie High School athletic track or were there in support of the Cancer Society, cancer survivors or other family and friends.
Team prizes awarded on Sunday were:
Most participants: Water and Power Authority.
Most enthusiastic: V.I. Justice Department.
Best decorated: June's Angels.
Best overall team: Roy L. Schneider Hospital.
WAPA also was recognized for bringing in the most money; with four authority teams participating, members raised more than $11,000.
"There were also two special donations this year," LaBorde said. One was "our fireworks display, which was put together and donated by George Zambelli," of Zambelli Internationale, the company that provided V.I. Carnival sky lights for many years. The other was the donation of $10,000 from Schneider Hospital.
LaBorde said all the money stays in the local chapter and is used for the society's quality of life programs — for direct patient support, training and educational programs.
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.
She cited "our sponsors, Knight Quality Stations, our contributors and volunteers, and most importantly, all the members of the community who came together to make the relay what it was." The event raised $110,000 for the Cancer Society, up from $62,000 the first year.
Six months of planning went into this year's event, which began on Saturday evening and ended on Sunday, LaBorde said. About 2,000 to 4,000 people either participated in laps around the Charlotte Amalie High School athletic track or were there in support of the Cancer Society, cancer survivors or other family and friends.
Team prizes awarded on Sunday were:
Most participants: Water and Power Authority.
Most enthusiastic: V.I. Justice Department.
Best decorated: June's Angels.
Best overall team: Roy L. Schneider Hospital.
WAPA also was recognized for bringing in the most money; with four authority teams participating, members raised more than $11,000.
"There were also two special donations this year," LaBorde said. One was "our fireworks display, which was put together and donated by George Zambelli," of Zambelli Internationale, the company that provided V.I. Carnival sky lights for many years. The other was the donation of $10,000 from Schneider Hospital.
LaBorde said all the money stays in the local chapter and is used for the society's quality of life programs — for direct patient support, training and educational programs.
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.
THOUSANDS WIN PRAISE FOR MAKING RELAY A SUCCESS
June 24, 2004 – Fern LaBorde, president of the St. Thomas-St. John unit of the American Cancer Society, said on Tuesday that the success of this year's 2nd annual Relay for Life event would not have been possible "without all the people we had working with us."
She cited "our sponsors, Knight Quality Stations, our contributors and volunteers, and most importantly, all the members of the community who came together to make the relay what it was." The event raised $110,000 for the Cancer Society, up from $62,000 the first year.
Six months of planning went into this year's event, which began on Saturday evening and ended on Sunday, LaBorde said. About 2,000 to 4,000 people either participated in laps around the Charlotte Amalie High School athletic track or were there in support of the Cancer Society, cancer survivors or other family and friends.
Team prizes awarded on Sunday were:
Most participants: Water and Power Authority.
Most enthusiastic: V.I. Justice Department.
Best decorated: June's Angels.
Best overall team: Roy L. Schneider Hospital.
WAPA also was recognized for bringing in the most money; with four authority teams participating, members raised more than $11,000.
"There were also two special donations this year," LaBorde said. One was "our fireworks display, which was put together and donated by George Zambelli," of Zambelli Internationale, the company that provided V.I. Carnival sky lights for many years. The other was the donation of $10,000 from Schneider Hospital.
LaBorde said all the money stays in the local chapter and is used for the society's quality of life programs — for direct patient support, training and educational programs.
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.
She cited "our sponsors, Knight Quality Stations, our contributors and volunteers, and most importantly, all the members of the community who came together to make the relay what it was." The event raised $110,000 for the Cancer Society, up from $62,000 the first year.
Six months of planning went into this year's event, which began on Saturday evening and ended on Sunday, LaBorde said. About 2,000 to 4,000 people either participated in laps around the Charlotte Amalie High School athletic track or were there in support of the Cancer Society, cancer survivors or other family and friends.
Team prizes awarded on Sunday were:
Most participants: Water and Power Authority.
Most enthusiastic: V.I. Justice Department.
Best decorated: June's Angels.
Best overall team: Roy L. Schneider Hospital.
WAPA also was recognized for bringing in the most money; with four authority teams participating, members raised more than $11,000.
"There were also two special donations this year," LaBorde said. One was "our fireworks display, which was put together and donated by George Zambelli," of Zambelli Internationale, the company that provided V.I. Carnival sky lights for many years. The other was the donation of $10,000 from Schneider Hospital.
LaBorde said all the money stays in the local chapter and is used for the society's quality of life programs — for direct patient support, training and educational programs.
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.
ARREST ANNOUNCED IN SMITH BAY KILLING CASE
June 24, 2003 – Police on Tuesday announced the arrest of a suspect in the fatal shooting of a man at around 1 a.m. Saturday in the Lindqvist Beach area off Smith Bay Road.
Miguel Donastorg Sr., 57, a resident of Nadir, was shot three times in the back of the head, police said.
Derrick Frederick of Anna's Retreat has been arrested in connection with the killing, according to a release from the office of St. Thomas Deputy Police Chief Elvin R. Fahie.
The release did not say whether any charges have been lodged against Frederick or how he came to be considered a suspect in the case.
Donastorg's body was found "in an area off the main road in the Smith Bay area," the release said. Police sources had said that Donastorg and a son and the son's mother were together when the victim stepped away to urinate and was then shot multiple times in the head.
Donastorg was free on $25,000 bail after having been charged with third-degree assault earlier in the month. According to police, he had attacked an off-duty police officer with a box-cutting tool.
The slaying was the 13th homicide recorded on St. Thomas this year and the 17th in the territory. At this time in 2002, when a record number of killings occurred, there had also been 13 on St. Thomas, but 21 territorywide.
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.
Miguel Donastorg Sr., 57, a resident of Nadir, was shot three times in the back of the head, police said.
Derrick Frederick of Anna's Retreat has been arrested in connection with the killing, according to a release from the office of St. Thomas Deputy Police Chief Elvin R. Fahie.
The release did not say whether any charges have been lodged against Frederick or how he came to be considered a suspect in the case.
Donastorg's body was found "in an area off the main road in the Smith Bay area," the release said. Police sources had said that Donastorg and a son and the son's mother were together when the victim stepped away to urinate and was then shot multiple times in the head.
Donastorg was free on $25,000 bail after having been charged with third-degree assault earlier in the month. According to police, he had attacked an off-duty police officer with a box-cutting tool.
The slaying was the 13th homicide recorded on St. Thomas this year and the 17th in the territory. At this time in 2002, when a record number of killings occurred, there had also been 13 on St. Thomas, but 21 territorywide.
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.
FORCE MAIN BREAKDOWN AFFECTS WEST END BEACHES
June 24, 2003 – The public was advised on Tuesday to stay away from all of the Frederiksted beaches northwest of the Ann Abramson Pier "until further notice" because of a breakdown of the sewage system's Lagoon force main.
According to Public Works Commissioner Wayne Callwood, an "antiquated" portion of old sewage system piping in the area broke, and the pump station was shut down so that repairs could be undertaken. This, he said, "resulted in a bypass situation."
He attributed the break to "the area demand and the age of the system."
According to Callwood, the pipe "will be replaced within the next day or two, and the pump station will be turned back on at that time."
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.
According to Public Works Commissioner Wayne Callwood, an "antiquated" portion of old sewage system piping in the area broke, and the pump station was shut down so that repairs could be undertaken. This, he said, "resulted in a bypass situation."
He attributed the break to "the area demand and the age of the system."
According to Callwood, the pipe "will be replaced within the next day or two, and the pump station will be turned back on at that time."
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.
BERRY SEEKS U.S. BACKING FOR FINANCIAL BOARD
June 24, 2003 – Sen. Lorraine Berry is working on a plan to help the territory get out of its fiscal quagmire that doesn't involve borrowing or tapping funds better left in place.
Berry has asked the federal government for technical and financial help in setting up a Financial Control Board similar to the federal board that temporarily took control of the Washington, D.C., local government in 1995, when that city was in fiscal chaos, and oversaw the reform of its financial operations.
One of the major players in that initiative, Herbert R. Tillery, currently a deputy mayor of D.C., was in the territory earlier this month and spoke about the experience at a forum on government leadership and management. (See "Man who helped rescue D.C. to keynote forum".)
Berry wrote to David Cohen, the deputy assistant Interior Department secretary who heads its Office of Insular Affairs, saying that the control board she advocates would be in existence for three years, would need to have at least seven members and could operate with a minimum budget of $2.5 million.
"As you are aware, the current Charles Turnbull-Vargrave Richards administration has submitted an unwise fiscal package that encourages more borrowing, spending and increased taxation," Berry wrote in the June 19 letter. "Presently, another bond issue is before the 25th Legislature, and our current debts are already overwhelming."
In the letter, Berry referred to "our informal discussion," apparently with Cohen, "relative to my proposal that would create a Financial Control Board."
Berry has been a harsh critic of Turnbull's borrowing proposals; she has stated repeatedly on the Senate floor that she will not approve any more borrowing. The governor's proposal to float a $235 million bond issue will be taken up Thursday by the Senate Finance Committee. The bill, submitted by the governor last month, was held for further study at the Finance Committee's June 5 meeting. (See "Finance axes gross receipts tax increase".)
In the interim, all 15 senators signed a letter to Turnbull saying they wouldn't consider the bond issue bill unless and until he rolled back the sizable salary increases he granted hundreds of unclassified government employees last year. The governor's comeback was an offer to reduce the salaries of those making more than $40,000 a year by 2 percent to 10 percent, depending on salary level, for the last half of this year. His proposed increases last year averaged 24 percent for upper-level personnel and 20 percent for mid-level employees. So far, the Senate has not responded publicly to that offer.
Berry told Cohen that the Virgin Islands "is experiencing a financial crisis" that predates the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and their economic fallout. "Our economic difficulties have been the result of concomitant poor public policies and questionable fiscal strategies," she wrote.
Berry knows whereof she speaks. Currently vice president of the 25th Legislature, she was president of the 22nd Legislature and has chaired the Finance Committee three times. She has had a front-row-seat view of the territory's finances for the last 21 years.
She said she is aware that the Interior Department offers technical grants for institutional development and governance. The territory needs "immediate assistance," she said, asking that the federal department provide:
– Fiscal support or funding.
– Technical support through external collaboration with local experts.
– Political support through the enactment of relevant laws and rules to enable the autonomy of a non-political entity.
The 25th Legislature, Berry said, has mobilized a consensus body to "confront our fiscal challenges." She is working on organizing an effort to develop a board that would have the requisite institutional support from Congress, Interior and the Internal Revenue Service.
Berry, who will doubtless face opposition to the idea at home, is trying to organize support for the control board through the Senate. "I know that our local conditions will militate against any automatic adoption of mainland models," she said, "but we are willing to adapt political models onto local politics."
The senator also said she "welcomed the renewed interest of the Department of Interior concerning the small territories."
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.
Berry has asked the federal government for technical and financial help in setting up a Financial Control Board similar to the federal board that temporarily took control of the Washington, D.C., local government in 1995, when that city was in fiscal chaos, and oversaw the reform of its financial operations.
One of the major players in that initiative, Herbert R. Tillery, currently a deputy mayor of D.C., was in the territory earlier this month and spoke about the experience at a forum on government leadership and management. (See "Man who helped rescue D.C. to keynote forum".)
Berry wrote to David Cohen, the deputy assistant Interior Department secretary who heads its Office of Insular Affairs, saying that the control board she advocates would be in existence for three years, would need to have at least seven members and could operate with a minimum budget of $2.5 million.
"As you are aware, the current Charles Turnbull-Vargrave Richards administration has submitted an unwise fiscal package that encourages more borrowing, spending and increased taxation," Berry wrote in the June 19 letter. "Presently, another bond issue is before the 25th Legislature, and our current debts are already overwhelming."
In the letter, Berry referred to "our informal discussion," apparently with Cohen, "relative to my proposal that would create a Financial Control Board."
Berry has been a harsh critic of Turnbull's borrowing proposals; she has stated repeatedly on the Senate floor that she will not approve any more borrowing. The governor's proposal to float a $235 million bond issue will be taken up Thursday by the Senate Finance Committee. The bill, submitted by the governor last month, was held for further study at the Finance Committee's June 5 meeting. (See "Finance axes gross receipts tax increase".)
In the interim, all 15 senators signed a letter to Turnbull saying they wouldn't consider the bond issue bill unless and until he rolled back the sizable salary increases he granted hundreds of unclassified government employees last year. The governor's comeback was an offer to reduce the salaries of those making more than $40,000 a year by 2 percent to 10 percent, depending on salary level, for the last half of this year. His proposed increases last year averaged 24 percent for upper-level personnel and 20 percent for mid-level employees. So far, the Senate has not responded publicly to that offer.
Berry told Cohen that the Virgin Islands "is experiencing a financial crisis" that predates the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and their economic fallout. "Our economic difficulties have been the result of concomitant poor public policies and questionable fiscal strategies," she wrote.
Berry knows whereof she speaks. Currently vice president of the 25th Legislature, she was president of the 22nd Legislature and has chaired the Finance Committee three times. She has had a front-row-seat view of the territory's finances for the last 21 years.
She said she is aware that the Interior Department offers technical grants for institutional development and governance. The territory needs "immediate assistance," she said, asking that the federal department provide:
– Fiscal support or funding.
– Technical support through external collaboration with local experts.
– Political support through the enactment of relevant laws and rules to enable the autonomy of a non-political entity.
The 25th Legislature, Berry said, has mobilized a consensus body to "confront our fiscal challenges." She is working on organizing an effort to develop a board that would have the requisite institutional support from Congress, Interior and the Internal Revenue Service.
Berry, who will doubtless face opposition to the idea at home, is trying to organize support for the control board through the Senate. "I know that our local conditions will militate against any automatic adoption of mainland models," she said, "but we are willing to adapt political models onto local politics."
The senator also said she "welcomed the renewed interest of the Department of Interior concerning the small territories."
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.
BERRY SEEKS U.S. BACKING FOR FINANCIAL BOARD
June 24, 2003 – Sen. Lorraine Berry is working on a plan to help the territory get out of its fiscal quagmire that doesn't involve borrowing or tapping funds better left in place.
Berry has asked the federal government for technical and financial help in setting up a Financial Control Board similar to the federal board that temporarily took control of the Washington, D.C., local government in 1995, when that city was in fiscal chaos, and oversaw the reform of its financial operations.
One of the major players in that initiative, Herbert R. Tillery, currently a deputy mayor of D.C., was in the territory earlier this month and spoke about the experience at a forum on government leadership and management. (See "Man who helped rescue D.C. to keynote forum".)
Berry wrote to David Cohen, the deputy assistant Interior Department secretary who heads its Office of Insular Affairs, saying that the control board she advocates would be in existence for three years, would need to have at least seven members and could operate with a minimum budget of $2.5 million.
"As you are aware, the current Charles Turnbull-Vargrave Richards administration has submitted an unwise fiscal package that encourages more borrowing, spending and increased taxation," Berry wrote in the June 19 letter. "Presently, another bond issue is before the 25th Legislature, and our current debts are already overwhelming."
In the letter, Berry referred to "our informal discussion," apparently with Cohen, "relative to my proposal that would create a Financial Control Board."
Berry has been a harsh critic of Turnbull's borrowing proposals; she has stated repeatedly on the Senate floor that she will not approve any more borrowing. The governor's proposal to float a $235 million bond issue will be taken up Thursday by the Senate Finance Committee. The bill, submitted by the governor last month, was held for further study at the Finance Committee's June 5 meeting. (See "Finance axes gross receipts tax increase".)
In the interim, all 15 senators signed a letter to Turnbull saying they wouldn't consider the bond issue bill unless and until he rolled back the sizable salary increases he granted hundreds of unclassified government employees last year. The governor's comeback was an offer to reduce the salaries of those making more than $40,000 a year by 2 percent to 10 percent, depending on salary level, for the last half of this year. His proposed increases last year averaged 24 percent for upper-level personnel and 20 percent for mid-level employees. So far, the Senate has not responded publicly to that offer.
Berry told Cohen that the Virgin Islands "is experiencing a financial crisis" that predates the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and their economic fallout. "Our economic difficulties have been the result of concomitant poor public policies and questionable fiscal strategies," she wrote.
Berry knows whereof she speaks. Currently vice president of the 25th Legislature, she was president of the 22nd Legislature and has chaired the Finance Committee three times. She has had a front-row-seat view of the territory's finances for the last 21 years.
She said she is aware that the Interior Department offers technical grants for institutional development and governance. The territory needs "immediate assistance," she said, asking that the federal department provide:
– Fiscal support or funding.
– Technical support through external collaboration with local experts.
– Political support through the enactment of relevant laws and rules to enable the autonomy of a non-political entity.
The 25th Legislature, Berry said, has mobilized a consensus body to "confront our fiscal challenges." She is working on organizing an effort to develop a board that would have the requisite institutional support from Congress, Interior and the Internal Revenue Service.
Berry, who will doubtless face opposition to the idea at home, is trying to organize support for the control board through the Senate. "I know that our local conditions will militate against any automatic adoption of mainland models," she said, "but we are willing to adapt political models onto local politics."
The senator also said she "welcomed the renewed interest of the Department of Interior concerning the small territories."
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.
Berry has asked the federal government for technical and financial help in setting up a Financial Control Board similar to the federal board that temporarily took control of the Washington, D.C., local government in 1995, when that city was in fiscal chaos, and oversaw the reform of its financial operations.
One of the major players in that initiative, Herbert R. Tillery, currently a deputy mayor of D.C., was in the territory earlier this month and spoke about the experience at a forum on government leadership and management. (See "Man who helped rescue D.C. to keynote forum".)
Berry wrote to David Cohen, the deputy assistant Interior Department secretary who heads its Office of Insular Affairs, saying that the control board she advocates would be in existence for three years, would need to have at least seven members and could operate with a minimum budget of $2.5 million.
"As you are aware, the current Charles Turnbull-Vargrave Richards administration has submitted an unwise fiscal package that encourages more borrowing, spending and increased taxation," Berry wrote in the June 19 letter. "Presently, another bond issue is before the 25th Legislature, and our current debts are already overwhelming."
In the letter, Berry referred to "our informal discussion," apparently with Cohen, "relative to my proposal that would create a Financial Control Board."
Berry has been a harsh critic of Turnbull's borrowing proposals; she has stated repeatedly on the Senate floor that she will not approve any more borrowing. The governor's proposal to float a $235 million bond issue will be taken up Thursday by the Senate Finance Committee. The bill, submitted by the governor last month, was held for further study at the Finance Committee's June 5 meeting. (See "Finance axes gross receipts tax increase".)
In the interim, all 15 senators signed a letter to Turnbull saying they wouldn't consider the bond issue bill unless and until he rolled back the sizable salary increases he granted hundreds of unclassified government employees last year. The governor's comeback was an offer to reduce the salaries of those making more than $40,000 a year by 2 percent to 10 percent, depending on salary level, for the last half of this year. His proposed increases last year averaged 24 percent for upper-level personnel and 20 percent for mid-level employees. So far, the Senate has not responded publicly to that offer.
Berry told Cohen that the Virgin Islands "is experiencing a financial crisis" that predates the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and their economic fallout. "Our economic difficulties have been the result of concomitant poor public policies and questionable fiscal strategies," she wrote.
Berry knows whereof she speaks. Currently vice president of the 25th Legislature, she was president of the 22nd Legislature and has chaired the Finance Committee three times. She has had a front-row-seat view of the territory's finances for the last 21 years.
She said she is aware that the Interior Department offers technical grants for institutional development and governance. The territory needs "immediate assistance," she said, asking that the federal department provide:
– Fiscal support or funding.
– Technical support through external collaboration with local experts.
– Political support through the enactment of relevant laws and rules to enable the autonomy of a non-political entity.
The 25th Legislature, Berry said, has mobilized a consensus body to "confront our fiscal challenges." She is working on organizing an effort to develop a board that would have the requisite institutional support from Congress, Interior and the Internal Revenue Service.
Berry, who will doubtless face opposition to the idea at home, is trying to organize support for the control board through the Senate. "I know that our local conditions will militate against any automatic adoption of mainland models," she said, "but we are willing to adapt political models onto local politics."
The senator also said she "welcomed the renewed interest of the Department of Interior concerning the small territories."
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.
