June 10, 2003 – Despite differing interpretations as to who called the meeting and who was or was not invited, 12 senators and a small army of Gov. Charles W. Turnbull's financial aides and cabinet members met for 11 hours Monday behind closed doors at Palms Court Harborview Hotel to try to hash out solutions to the territory's fiscal crisis.
None of the lawmakers were sticking their necks out on Tuesday as to the nuts and bolts of what transpired, but some said progress was made.
In a release late Tuesday afternoon, Senate President David Jones seemed to indicate a spirit of cooperation between the legislative and executive branches: "The issues demand that the petty politics of personality be put aside as we embrace the opportunity for the first time in a long time to cross the line of demarcation, albeit it artificial, and lead as one unit. The people of the Virgin Islands expect and deserve no less."
All senators and the governor and his financial team are now scheduled to meet again at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Government House on St. Croix, according to James O 'Bryan, St. Thomas-Water Island administrator and a long-standing member of Turnbull's cabinet as the governor's assistant for public affairs.
Monday's meeting pre-empted the full Senate session that had been scheduled to take up five of the governor's bills dealing with the fiscal crisis. That session has now been rescheduled for June 17.
Turnbull and the Senate reached an impasse last week when both camps set demands the other found unacceptable. (See "Turnbull defends his fiscal plan, raps Senate".)
Monday's marathon meeting "was fruitful," O 'Bryan said Tuesday on the Topp Talk show on WVWI Radio. "It was a good exchange of ideas. Positions were made very clear on both sides. Progress was made toward developing a consensus for compromise that everybody can live with."
O 'Bryan said by telephone later that all 15 senators were "aware of the meeting" from early Monday morning, when it was announced.
Minority Senators Celestino A. White Sr., Raymond "Usie" Richards and Norman Jn Baptiste stated on Monday morning that they had not been invited to the meeting. O'Bryan commented Tuesday: "Based on their own statements, they were clearly aware of the meeting."
According to O'Bryan, the meeting "was called by Senate President David Jones with the concurrence of the governor."
However, the release from the Senate Tuesday afternoon stated: "Jones wants to make it crystal clear that all senators were notified in a timely manner about the meeting called by Gov. Charles W. Turnbull yesterday to discuss the issues that are on the agenda to be acted upon by members of the 25th Legislature."
Richards, the minority leader, has been one of the most vocal lawmakers since the Legislature took office in January in pushing for a meeting of the Senate with the governor and his finance officials to learn the fiscal state of the territory. Since April, he has been trying to present the minority's economic plans for increasing revenues and reducing spending to the executive branch.
Majority leader Douglas Canton said on Tuesday that all senators were invited to the Monday meeting by telephone. "I told Sen. Richards he should have been there," Canton said. "This shouldn't have happened. Steps are being taken to make sure the proper protocol is used in the future to preclude another occurrence."
Canton said he was "more than cautiously optimistic" about arriving at acceptable solutions to the fiscal crisis as a result of Monday's meeting. "I am looking forward to the meeting tomorrow [Wednesday], because of Monday's success," he said.
While declining to reveal details "at this time," Sen. Lorraine Berry said on Tuesday of the Monday meeting: "It is always good to have people at the table."
Berry had been sharply critical of Turnbull in a statement issued Friday and on her Monday morning radio show on WVWI. (See "Fiscal crisis is governor's fault, Berry charges".
The Finance Committee chair, Sen. Adlah "Foncie" Donastorg, said Monday's meeting "accomplished a lot. We were able to move forward in spite of differences. We had some kind of accord and cooperation on both sides."
Donastorg's committee voted down the 18.75 percent gross receipts tax increase Turnbull had proposed. "I was very uncomfortable with that and some of the other initiatives," Donastorg said Tuesday. He expressed a thought on the minds of many: "I think we have to rise above the conflict." He said it was obvious that the Legislature and the governor were "on a collision course that is not in the best interest of the people."
O 'Bryan termed Monday's meeting "fruitful, a good exchange of ideas." He said that "positions were made very clear on both sides. Progress was made toward developing a consensus for a compromise that everybody can live with."
Jones did not return telephone calls on Tuesday. However, the release from the Senate attributed to him a further statement that "Discussions were by no means an attempt to exclude the public. Rather, they were an opportunity to probe the mental processes of the executive branch. No decisions will be made until Tuesday, June 17, in plain view of the public."
There was no word from the Legislature on Tuesday concerning two Senate committee meetings set for Wednesday. The Senate calendar has the Planning and Environmental Protection Committee convening at 10 a.m. on St. John and the Education and Youth Committee meeting at 6 p.m. on St. Thomas.
Legislature representatives attending Monday's meeting were Sens. Berry, Canton, Roosevelt David, Donastorg, Carlton Dowe, Emmett Hansen II, Louis Hill, Jones, Almando "Rocky" Liburd, Shawn-Michael Malone, Luther Renee and Ronald Russell; along with legal counsel Yvonne Tharpes and post auditor Anneta Heyliger.
The governor's team included Elmo Adams, assistant legal counsel; Karen Andrews, chief negotiator; Joanne Barry, Personnel director; Kent Bernier, economic affairs assistant; George Goodwin, special assistant; Kenneth Mapp, Public Finance Authority finance and administrative director; Ira Mills, Office of Management and Budget director; Lauritz Mills, Bureau of Economic Research director; O 'Bryan, Louis Willis, Internal Revenue Bureau director; Finance Commissioner Bernice Turnbull; Alric Simmonds, the governor's deputy chief of staff; Tamara Smalls, IRB attorney; Nathan Simmonds, Office of Fiscal Recovery and Implementation director; and Attorney General Iver Stridiron.
The same administration officials are expected to attend Wednesday's meeting.
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.
V.I. TAKES PART IN CTO'S NEW YORK CARIBBEAN WEEK
June 10, 2003 – It was Caribbean Week in New York City June 1-7, and the Virgin Islands was there, according to a release from Martin Public Relations, the territory's mainland publicity agency.
The Barbados-based Caribbean Tourism Organization, which used to have its headquarters in New York, sponsors the annual week of island events and attractions. The event brings together tourism officials from the region, travel agents and travel media people.
V.I. representatives used the opportunity to distribute information "to national journalists, travel agents and the public, making a huge push for travel to our islands," Tourism Commissioner Pamela Richards said.
Enticements included Caribbean music, dance, mocko jumbies, food, drink, art and fashions. On the serious side were seminars, marketing meetings, networking sessions and media events. All were aimed at encouraging increased visitor traffic to the Caribbean through a collaborative effort by all CTO member states. At CTO meetings, Richards said, regional marketing initiatives and cooperative tourism projects were discussed.
The first-ever Caribbean Week Fair, held in Bowling Green Park near Wall Street on June 2, attracted thousands of visitors, according to the release. To kick off the event, mocko jumbie Willard John and steelpan player Francis Callwood appeared on the Fox TV program "Good Day New York," performing periodically from 6:30 to 9 a.m. V.I. representatives at the fair gave out information about vacations to more than 3,000 attendees.
A major event on this year's CTO calendar is the 26th annual Caribbean Tourism Conference, set for Oct. 13-19. It is to be held on St. Thomas.
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 Barbados-based Caribbean Tourism Organization, which used to have its headquarters in New York, sponsors the annual week of island events and attractions. The event brings together tourism officials from the region, travel agents and travel media people.
V.I. representatives used the opportunity to distribute information "to national journalists, travel agents and the public, making a huge push for travel to our islands," Tourism Commissioner Pamela Richards said.
Enticements included Caribbean music, dance, mocko jumbies, food, drink, art and fashions. On the serious side were seminars, marketing meetings, networking sessions and media events. All were aimed at encouraging increased visitor traffic to the Caribbean through a collaborative effort by all CTO member states. At CTO meetings, Richards said, regional marketing initiatives and cooperative tourism projects were discussed.
The first-ever Caribbean Week Fair, held in Bowling Green Park near Wall Street on June 2, attracted thousands of visitors, according to the release. To kick off the event, mocko jumbie Willard John and steelpan player Francis Callwood appeared on the Fox TV program "Good Day New York," performing periodically from 6:30 to 9 a.m. V.I. representatives at the fair gave out information about vacations to more than 3,000 attendees.
A major event on this year's CTO calendar is the 26th annual Caribbean Tourism Conference, set for Oct. 13-19. It is to be held on St. Thomas.
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.
FREE LICENSES GIVEN FOR LEGAL MONUMENT FISHING
June 10, 2003 – Fishermen attending the first of two planned meetings on the new fishing rules for the Coral Reef National Monument came away with a useful gift — fishing permits.
The permits were handed out free of charge to about a dozen fishermen attending Monday's meeting on St. Thomas by Chief Park Ranger Steve Clark. "Virtually every fisherman that left that meeting had that permit in their hands, and they were legal to harvest the blue runner as well as the bait fish in the monument, effective immediately," he said.
The meeting, conducted by the V.I. National Park in conjunction with the Enforcement Division of the Planning and Natural Resources Department, took place at the DPNR offices at Cyril E. King Airport. The second meeting is set for Friday afternoon at the national park maintenance area on St. John.
Those attending Monday's meeting also received copies of President Clinton's designation of the federal underwater monument to the south and east of St. John, aerial photographs of the monument and copies of the Federal Register in which the designation was published.
The boundaries of the monument became official the first week in May. Clark expressed the hope of park officials and conservationists that the limits on fishing in the newly protected waters will ultimately improve the prospects for local fishermen. As depleted fish populations are replenished, migrating fish will make their way out of the monument waters and will enrich the areas where fishing is allowed, he said.
"There's no question," Clark said, "if you speak to fishermen these days, it takes more money to get to the location to catch the fish; the fish are smaller. Obviously, they're not as abundant as they once were."
Clark said he is available to meet separately with fishermen unable to attend either of the group presentations. He said he can set up meetings at his office in the V.I. National Park Visitor Center in Cruz Bay or can go into the fishermen's communities to talk with them there.
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 permits were handed out free of charge to about a dozen fishermen attending Monday's meeting on St. Thomas by Chief Park Ranger Steve Clark. "Virtually every fisherman that left that meeting had that permit in their hands, and they were legal to harvest the blue runner as well as the bait fish in the monument, effective immediately," he said.
The meeting, conducted by the V.I. National Park in conjunction with the Enforcement Division of the Planning and Natural Resources Department, took place at the DPNR offices at Cyril E. King Airport. The second meeting is set for Friday afternoon at the national park maintenance area on St. John.
Those attending Monday's meeting also received copies of President Clinton's designation of the federal underwater monument to the south and east of St. John, aerial photographs of the monument and copies of the Federal Register in which the designation was published.
The boundaries of the monument became official the first week in May. Clark expressed the hope of park officials and conservationists that the limits on fishing in the newly protected waters will ultimately improve the prospects for local fishermen. As depleted fish populations are replenished, migrating fish will make their way out of the monument waters and will enrich the areas where fishing is allowed, he said.
"There's no question," Clark said, "if you speak to fishermen these days, it takes more money to get to the location to catch the fish; the fish are smaller. Obviously, they're not as abundant as they once were."
Clark said he is available to meet separately with fishermen unable to attend either of the group presentations. He said he can set up meetings at his office in the V.I. National Park Visitor Center in Cruz Bay or can go into the fishermen's communities to talk with them there.
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.
2ND SENATE-ADMINISTRATION SESSION IS WEDNESDAY
June 10, 2003 – Despite differing interpretations as to who called the meeting and who was or was not invited, 12 senators and a small army of Gov. Charles W. Turnbull's financial aides and cabinet members met for 11 hours Monday behind closed doors at Palms Court Harborview Hotel to try to hash out solutions to the territory's fiscal crisis.
None of the lawmakers were sticking their necks out on Tuesday as to the nuts and bolts of what transpired, but some said progress was made.
In a release late Tuesday afternoon, Senate President David Jones seemed to indicate a spirit of cooperation between the legislative and executive branches: "The issues demand that the petty politics of personality be put aside as we embrace the opportunity for the first time in a long time to cross the line of demarcation, albeit it artificial, and lead as one unit. The people of the Virgin Islands expect and deserve no less."
All senators and the governor and his financial team are now scheduled to meet again at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Government House on St. Croix, according to James O 'Bryan, St. Thomas-Water Island administrator and a long-standing member of Turnbull's cabinet as the governor's assistant for public affairs.
Monday's meeting pre-empted the full Senate session that had been scheduled to take up five of the governor's bills dealing with the fiscal crisis. That session has now been rescheduled for June 17.
Turnbull and the Senate reached an impasse last week when both camps set demands the other found unacceptable. (See "Turnbull defends his fiscal plan, raps Senate".)
Monday's marathon meeting "was fruitful," O 'Bryan said Tuesday on the Topp Talk show on WVWI Radio. "It was a good exchange of ideas. Positions were made very clear on both sides. Progress was made toward developing a consensus for compromise that everybody can live with."
O 'Bryan said by telephone later that all 15 senators were "aware of the meeting" from early Monday morning, when it was announced.
Minority Senators Celestino A. White Sr., Raymond "Usie" Richards and Norman Jn Baptiste stated on Monday morning that they had not been invited to the meeting. O'Bryan commented Tuesday: "Based on their own statements, they were clearly aware of the meeting."
According to O'Bryan, the meeting "was called by Senate President David Jones with the concurrence of the governor."
However, the release from the Senate Tuesday afternoon stated: "Jones wants to make it crystal clear that all senators were notified in a timely manner about the meeting called by Gov. Charles W. Turnbull yesterday to discuss the issues that are on the agenda to be acted upon by members of the 25th Legislature."
Richards, the minority leader, has been one of the most vocal lawmakers since the Legislature took office in January in pushing for a meeting of the Senate with the governor and his finance officials to learn the fiscal state of the territory. Since April, he has been trying to present the minority's economic plans for increasing revenues and reducing spending to the executive branch.
Majority leader Douglas Canton said on Tuesday that all senators were invited to the Monday meeting by telephone. "I told Sen. Richards he should have been there," Canton said. "This shouldn't have happened. Steps are being taken to make sure the proper protocol is used in the future to preclude another occurrence."
Canton said he was "more than cautiously optimistic" about arriving at acceptable solutions to the fiscal crisis as a result of Monday's meeting. "I am looking forward to the meeting tomorrow [Wednesday], because of Monday's success," he said.
While declining to reveal details "at this time," Sen. Lorraine Berry said on Tuesday of the Monday meeting: "It is always good to have people at the table."
Berry had been sharply critical of Turnbull in a statement issued Friday and on her Monday morning radio show on WVWI. (See "Fiscal crisis is governor's fault, Berry charges".
The Finance Committee chair, Sen. Adlah "Foncie" Donastorg, said Monday's meeting "accomplished a lot. We were able to move forward in spite of differences. We had some kind of accord and cooperation on both sides."
Donastorg's committee voted down the 18.75 percent gross receipts tax increase Turnbull had proposed. "I was very uncomfortable with that and some of the other initiatives," Donastorg said Tuesday. He expressed a thought on the minds of many: "I think we have to rise above the conflict." He said it was obvious that the Legislature and the governor were "on a collision course that is not in the best interest of the people."
O 'Bryan termed Monday's meeting "fruitful, a good exchange of ideas." He said that "positions were made very clear on both sides. Progress was made toward developing a consensus for a compromise that everybody can live with."
Jones did not return telephone calls on Tuesday. However, the release from the Senate attributed to him a further statement that "Discussions were by no means an attempt to exclude the public. Rather, they were an opportunity to probe the mental processes of the executive branch. No decisions will be made until Tuesday, June 17, in plain view of the public."
There was no word from the Legislature on Tuesday concerning two Senate committee meetings set for Wednesday. The Senate calendar has the Planning and Environmental Protection Committee convening at 10 a.m. on St. John and the Education and Youth Committee meeting at 6 p.m. on St. Thomas.
Legislature representatives attending Monday's meeting were Sens. Berry, Canton, Roosevelt David, Donastorg, Carlton Dowe, Emmett Hansen II, Louis Hill, Jones, Almando "Rocky" Liburd, Shawn-Michael Malone, Luther Renee and Ronald Russell; along with legal counsel Yvonne Tharpes and post auditor Anneta Heyliger.
The governor's team included Elmo Adams, assistant legal counsel; Karen Andrews, chief negotiator; Joanne Barry, Personnel director; Kent Bernier, economic affairs assistant; George Goodwin, special assistant; Kenneth Mapp, Public Finance Authority finance and administrative director; Ira Mills, Office of Management and Budget director; Lauritz Mills, Bureau of Economic Research director; O 'Bryan, Louis Willis, Internal Revenue Bureau director; Finance Commissioner Bernice Turnbull; Alric Simmonds, the governor's deputy chief of staff; Tamara Smalls, IRB attorney; Nathan Simmonds, Office of Fiscal Recovery and Implementation director; and Attorney General Iver Stridiron.
The same administration officials are expected to attend Wednesday's meeting.
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.
None of the lawmakers were sticking their necks out on Tuesday as to the nuts and bolts of what transpired, but some said progress was made.
In a release late Tuesday afternoon, Senate President David Jones seemed to indicate a spirit of cooperation between the legislative and executive branches: "The issues demand that the petty politics of personality be put aside as we embrace the opportunity for the first time in a long time to cross the line of demarcation, albeit it artificial, and lead as one unit. The people of the Virgin Islands expect and deserve no less."
All senators and the governor and his financial team are now scheduled to meet again at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Government House on St. Croix, according to James O 'Bryan, St. Thomas-Water Island administrator and a long-standing member of Turnbull's cabinet as the governor's assistant for public affairs.
Monday's meeting pre-empted the full Senate session that had been scheduled to take up five of the governor's bills dealing with the fiscal crisis. That session has now been rescheduled for June 17.
Turnbull and the Senate reached an impasse last week when both camps set demands the other found unacceptable. (See "Turnbull defends his fiscal plan, raps Senate".)
Monday's marathon meeting "was fruitful," O 'Bryan said Tuesday on the Topp Talk show on WVWI Radio. "It was a good exchange of ideas. Positions were made very clear on both sides. Progress was made toward developing a consensus for compromise that everybody can live with."
O 'Bryan said by telephone later that all 15 senators were "aware of the meeting" from early Monday morning, when it was announced.
Minority Senators Celestino A. White Sr., Raymond "Usie" Richards and Norman Jn Baptiste stated on Monday morning that they had not been invited to the meeting. O'Bryan commented Tuesday: "Based on their own statements, they were clearly aware of the meeting."
According to O'Bryan, the meeting "was called by Senate President David Jones with the concurrence of the governor."
However, the release from the Senate Tuesday afternoon stated: "Jones wants to make it crystal clear that all senators were notified in a timely manner about the meeting called by Gov. Charles W. Turnbull yesterday to discuss the issues that are on the agenda to be acted upon by members of the 25th Legislature."
Richards, the minority leader, has been one of the most vocal lawmakers since the Legislature took office in January in pushing for a meeting of the Senate with the governor and his finance officials to learn the fiscal state of the territory. Since April, he has been trying to present the minority's economic plans for increasing revenues and reducing spending to the executive branch.
Majority leader Douglas Canton said on Tuesday that all senators were invited to the Monday meeting by telephone. "I told Sen. Richards he should have been there," Canton said. "This shouldn't have happened. Steps are being taken to make sure the proper protocol is used in the future to preclude another occurrence."
Canton said he was "more than cautiously optimistic" about arriving at acceptable solutions to the fiscal crisis as a result of Monday's meeting. "I am looking forward to the meeting tomorrow [Wednesday], because of Monday's success," he said.
While declining to reveal details "at this time," Sen. Lorraine Berry said on Tuesday of the Monday meeting: "It is always good to have people at the table."
Berry had been sharply critical of Turnbull in a statement issued Friday and on her Monday morning radio show on WVWI. (See "Fiscal crisis is governor's fault, Berry charges".
The Finance Committee chair, Sen. Adlah "Foncie" Donastorg, said Monday's meeting "accomplished a lot. We were able to move forward in spite of differences. We had some kind of accord and cooperation on both sides."
Donastorg's committee voted down the 18.75 percent gross receipts tax increase Turnbull had proposed. "I was very uncomfortable with that and some of the other initiatives," Donastorg said Tuesday. He expressed a thought on the minds of many: "I think we have to rise above the conflict." He said it was obvious that the Legislature and the governor were "on a collision course that is not in the best interest of the people."
O 'Bryan termed Monday's meeting "fruitful, a good exchange of ideas." He said that "positions were made very clear on both sides. Progress was made toward developing a consensus for a compromise that everybody can live with."
Jones did not return telephone calls on Tuesday. However, the release from the Senate attributed to him a further statement that "Discussions were by no means an attempt to exclude the public. Rather, they were an opportunity to probe the mental processes of the executive branch. No decisions will be made until Tuesday, June 17, in plain view of the public."
There was no word from the Legislature on Tuesday concerning two Senate committee meetings set for Wednesday. The Senate calendar has the Planning and Environmental Protection Committee convening at 10 a.m. on St. John and the Education and Youth Committee meeting at 6 p.m. on St. Thomas.
Legislature representatives attending Monday's meeting were Sens. Berry, Canton, Roosevelt David, Donastorg, Carlton Dowe, Emmett Hansen II, Louis Hill, Jones, Almando "Rocky" Liburd, Shawn-Michael Malone, Luther Renee and Ronald Russell; along with legal counsel Yvonne Tharpes and post auditor Anneta Heyliger.
The governor's team included Elmo Adams, assistant legal counsel; Karen Andrews, chief negotiator; Joanne Barry, Personnel director; Kent Bernier, economic affairs assistant; George Goodwin, special assistant; Kenneth Mapp, Public Finance Authority finance and administrative director; Ira Mills, Office of Management and Budget director; Lauritz Mills, Bureau of Economic Research director; O 'Bryan, Louis Willis, Internal Revenue Bureau director; Finance Commissioner Bernice Turnbull; Alric Simmonds, the governor's deputy chief of staff; Tamara Smalls, IRB attorney; Nathan Simmonds, Office of Fiscal Recovery and Implementation director; and Attorney General Iver Stridiron.
The same administration officials are expected to attend Wednesday's meeting.
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.
2ND SENATE-ADMINISTRATION SESSION IS WEDNESDAY
June 10, 2003 – Despite differing interpretations as to who called the meeting and who was or was not invited, 12 senators and a small army of Gov. Charles W. Turnbull's financial aides and cabinet members met for 11 hours Monday behind closed doors at Palms Court Harborview Hotel to try to hash out solutions to the territory's fiscal crisis.
None of the lawmakers were sticking their necks out on Tuesday as to the nuts and bolts of what transpired, but some said progress was made.
In a release late Tuesday afternoon, Senate President David Jones seemed to indicate a spirit of cooperation between the legislative and executive branches: "The issues demand that the petty politics of personality be put aside as we embrace the opportunity for the first time in a long time to cross the line of demarcation, albeit it artificial, and lead as one unit. The people of the Virgin Islands expect and deserve no less."
All senators and the governor and his financial team are now scheduled to meet again at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Government House on St. Croix, according to James O 'Bryan, St. Thomas-Water Island administrator and a long-standing member of Turnbull's cabinet as the governor's assistant for public affairs.
Monday's meeting pre-empted the full Senate session that had been scheduled to take up five of the governor's bills dealing with the fiscal crisis. That session has now been rescheduled for June 17.
Turnbull and the Senate reached an impasse last week when both camps set demands the other found unacceptable. (See "Turnbull defends his fiscal plan, raps Senate".)
Monday's marathon meeting "was fruitful," O 'Bryan said Tuesday on the Topp Talk show on WVWI Radio. "It was a good exchange of ideas. Positions were made very clear on both sides. Progress was made toward developing a consensus for compromise that everybody can live with."
O 'Bryan said by telephone later that all 15 senators were "aware of the meeting" from early Monday morning, when it was announced.
Minority Senators Celestino A. White Sr., Raymond "Usie" Richards and Norman Jn Baptiste stated on Monday morning that they had not been invited to the meeting. O'Bryan commented Tuesday: "Based on their own statements, they were clearly aware of the meeting."
According to O'Bryan, the meeting "was called by Senate President David Jones with the concurrence of the governor."
However, the release from the Senate Tuesday afternoon stated: "Jones wants to make it crystal clear that all senators were notified in a timely manner about the meeting called by Gov. Charles W. Turnbull yesterday to discuss the issues that are on the agenda to be acted upon by members of the 25th Legislature."
Richards, the minority leader, has been one of the most vocal lawmakers since the Legislature took office in January in pushing for a meeting of the Senate with the governor and his finance officials to learn the fiscal state of the territory. Since April, he has been trying to present the minority's economic plans for increasing revenues and reducing spending to the executive branch.
Majority leader Douglas Canton said on Tuesday that all senators were invited to the Monday meeting by telephone. "I told Sen. Richards he should have been there," Canton said. "This shouldn't have happened. Steps are being taken to make sure the proper protocol is used in the future to preclude another occurrence."
Canton said he was "more than cautiously optimistic" about arriving at acceptable solutions to the fiscal crisis as a result of Monday's meeting. "I am looking forward to the meeting tomorrow [Wednesday], because of Monday's success," he said.
While declining to reveal details "at this time," Sen. Lorraine Berry said on Tuesday of the Monday meeting: "It is always good to have people at the table."
Berry had been sharply critical of Turnbull in a statement issued Friday and on her Monday morning radio show on WVWI. (See "Fiscal crisis is governor's fault, Berry charges".
The Finance Committee chair, Sen. Adlah "Foncie" Donastorg, said Monday's meeting "accomplished a lot. We were able to move forward in spite of differences. We had some kind of accord and cooperation on both sides."
Donastorg's committee voted down the 18.75 percent gross receipts tax increase Turnbull had proposed. "I was very uncomfortable with that and some of the other initiatives," Donastorg said Tuesday. He expressed a thought on the minds of many: "I think we have to rise above the conflict." He said it was obvious that the Legislature and the governor were "on a collision course that is not in the best interest of the people."
O 'Bryan termed Monday's meeting "fruitful, a good exchange of ideas." He said that "positions were made very clear on both sides. Progress was made toward developing a consensus for a compromise that everybody can live with."
Jones did not return telephone calls on Tuesday. However, the release from the Senate attributed to him a further statement that "Discussions were by no means an attempt to exclude the public. Rather, they were an opportunity to probe the mental processes of the executive branch. No decisions will be made until Tuesday, June 17, in plain view of the public."
There was no word from the Legislature on Tuesday concerning two Senate committee meetings set for Wednesday. The Senate calendar has the Planning and Environmental Protection Committee convening at 10 a.m. on St. John and the Education and Youth Committee meeting at 6 p.m. on St. Thomas.
Legislature representatives attending Monday's meeting were Sens. Berry, Canton, Roosevelt David, Donastorg, Carlton Dowe, Emmett Hansen II, Louis Hill, Jones, Almando "Rocky" Liburd, Shawn-Michael Malone, Luther Renee and Ronald Russell; along with legal counsel Yvonne Tharpes and post auditor Anneta Heyliger.
The governor's team included Elmo Adams, assistant legal counsel; Karen Andrews, chief negotiator; Joanne Barry, Personnel director; Kent Bernier, economic affairs assistant; George Goodwin, special assistant; Kenneth Mapp, Public Finance Authority finance and administrative director; Ira Mills, Office of Management and Budget director; Lauritz Mills, Bureau of Economic Research director; O 'Bryan, Louis Willis, Internal Revenue Bureau director; Finance Commissioner Bernice Turnbull; Alric Simmonds, the governor's deputy chief of staff; Tamara Smalls, IRB attorney; Nathan Simmonds, Office of Fiscal Recovery and Implementation director; and Attorney General Iver Stridiron.
The same administration officials are expected to attend Wednesday's meeting.
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.
None of the lawmakers were sticking their necks out on Tuesday as to the nuts and bolts of what transpired, but some said progress was made.
In a release late Tuesday afternoon, Senate President David Jones seemed to indicate a spirit of cooperation between the legislative and executive branches: "The issues demand that the petty politics of personality be put aside as we embrace the opportunity for the first time in a long time to cross the line of demarcation, albeit it artificial, and lead as one unit. The people of the Virgin Islands expect and deserve no less."
All senators and the governor and his financial team are now scheduled to meet again at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Government House on St. Croix, according to James O 'Bryan, St. Thomas-Water Island administrator and a long-standing member of Turnbull's cabinet as the governor's assistant for public affairs.
Monday's meeting pre-empted the full Senate session that had been scheduled to take up five of the governor's bills dealing with the fiscal crisis. That session has now been rescheduled for June 17.
Turnbull and the Senate reached an impasse last week when both camps set demands the other found unacceptable. (See "Turnbull defends his fiscal plan, raps Senate".)
Monday's marathon meeting "was fruitful," O 'Bryan said Tuesday on the Topp Talk show on WVWI Radio. "It was a good exchange of ideas. Positions were made very clear on both sides. Progress was made toward developing a consensus for compromise that everybody can live with."
O 'Bryan said by telephone later that all 15 senators were "aware of the meeting" from early Monday morning, when it was announced.
Minority Senators Celestino A. White Sr., Raymond "Usie" Richards and Norman Jn Baptiste stated on Monday morning that they had not been invited to the meeting. O'Bryan commented Tuesday: "Based on their own statements, they were clearly aware of the meeting."
According to O'Bryan, the meeting "was called by Senate President David Jones with the concurrence of the governor."
However, the release from the Senate Tuesday afternoon stated: "Jones wants to make it crystal clear that all senators were notified in a timely manner about the meeting called by Gov. Charles W. Turnbull yesterday to discuss the issues that are on the agenda to be acted upon by members of the 25th Legislature."
Richards, the minority leader, has been one of the most vocal lawmakers since the Legislature took office in January in pushing for a meeting of the Senate with the governor and his finance officials to learn the fiscal state of the territory. Since April, he has been trying to present the minority's economic plans for increasing revenues and reducing spending to the executive branch.
Majority leader Douglas Canton said on Tuesday that all senators were invited to the Monday meeting by telephone. "I told Sen. Richards he should have been there," Canton said. "This shouldn't have happened. Steps are being taken to make sure the proper protocol is used in the future to preclude another occurrence."
Canton said he was "more than cautiously optimistic" about arriving at acceptable solutions to the fiscal crisis as a result of Monday's meeting. "I am looking forward to the meeting tomorrow [Wednesday], because of Monday's success," he said.
While declining to reveal details "at this time," Sen. Lorraine Berry said on Tuesday of the Monday meeting: "It is always good to have people at the table."
Berry had been sharply critical of Turnbull in a statement issued Friday and on her Monday morning radio show on WVWI. (See "Fiscal crisis is governor's fault, Berry charges".
The Finance Committee chair, Sen. Adlah "Foncie" Donastorg, said Monday's meeting "accomplished a lot. We were able to move forward in spite of differences. We had some kind of accord and cooperation on both sides."
Donastorg's committee voted down the 18.75 percent gross receipts tax increase Turnbull had proposed. "I was very uncomfortable with that and some of the other initiatives," Donastorg said Tuesday. He expressed a thought on the minds of many: "I think we have to rise above the conflict." He said it was obvious that the Legislature and the governor were "on a collision course that is not in the best interest of the people."
O 'Bryan termed Monday's meeting "fruitful, a good exchange of ideas." He said that "positions were made very clear on both sides. Progress was made toward developing a consensus for a compromise that everybody can live with."
Jones did not return telephone calls on Tuesday. However, the release from the Senate attributed to him a further statement that "Discussions were by no means an attempt to exclude the public. Rather, they were an opportunity to probe the mental processes of the executive branch. No decisions will be made until Tuesday, June 17, in plain view of the public."
There was no word from the Legislature on Tuesday concerning two Senate committee meetings set for Wednesday. The Senate calendar has the Planning and Environmental Protection Committee convening at 10 a.m. on St. John and the Education and Youth Committee meeting at 6 p.m. on St. Thomas.
Legislature representatives attending Monday's meeting were Sens. Berry, Canton, Roosevelt David, Donastorg, Carlton Dowe, Emmett Hansen II, Louis Hill, Jones, Almando "Rocky" Liburd, Shawn-Michael Malone, Luther Renee and Ronald Russell; along with legal counsel Yvonne Tharpes and post auditor Anneta Heyliger.
The governor's team included Elmo Adams, assistant legal counsel; Karen Andrews, chief negotiator; Joanne Barry, Personnel director; Kent Bernier, economic affairs assistant; George Goodwin, special assistant; Kenneth Mapp, Public Finance Authority finance and administrative director; Ira Mills, Office of Management and Budget director; Lauritz Mills, Bureau of Economic Research director; O 'Bryan, Louis Willis, Internal Revenue Bureau director; Finance Commissioner Bernice Turnbull; Alric Simmonds, the governor's deputy chief of staff; Tamara Smalls, IRB attorney; Nathan Simmonds, Office of Fiscal Recovery and Implementation director; and Attorney General Iver Stridiron.
The same administration officials are expected to attend Wednesday's meeting.
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.
V.I. TAKES PART IN CTO'S NEW YORK CARIBBEAN WEEK
June 10, 2003 – It was Caribbean Week in New York City June 1-7, and the Virgin Islands was there, according to a release from Martin Public Relations, the territory's mainland publicity agency.
The Barbados-based Caribbean Tourism Organization, which used to have its headquarters in New York, sponsors the annual week of island events and attractions. The event brings together tourism officials from the region, travel agents and travel media people.
V.I. representatives used the opportunity to distribute information "to national journalists, travel agents and the public, making a huge push for travel to our islands," Tourism Commissioner Pamela Richards said.
Enticements included Caribbean music, dance, mocko jumbies, food, drink, art and fashions. On the serious side were seminars, marketing meetings, networking sessions and media events. All were aimed at encouraging increased visitor traffic to the Caribbean through a collaborative effort by all CTO member states. At CTO meetings, Richards said, regional marketing initiatives and cooperative tourism projects were discussed.
The first-ever Caribbean Week Fair, held in Bowling Green Park near Wall Street on June 2, attracted thousands of visitors, according to the release. To kick off the event, mocko jumbie Willard John and steelpan player Francis Callwood appeared on the Fox TV program "Good Day New York," performing periodically from 6:30 to 9 a.m. V.I. representatives at the fair gave out information about vacations to more than 3,000 attendees.
A major event on this year's CTO calendar is the 26th annual Caribbean Tourism Conference, set for Oct. 13-19. It is to be held on St. Thomas.
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 Barbados-based Caribbean Tourism Organization, which used to have its headquarters in New York, sponsors the annual week of island events and attractions. The event brings together tourism officials from the region, travel agents and travel media people.
V.I. representatives used the opportunity to distribute information "to national journalists, travel agents and the public, making a huge push for travel to our islands," Tourism Commissioner Pamela Richards said.
Enticements included Caribbean music, dance, mocko jumbies, food, drink, art and fashions. On the serious side were seminars, marketing meetings, networking sessions and media events. All were aimed at encouraging increased visitor traffic to the Caribbean through a collaborative effort by all CTO member states. At CTO meetings, Richards said, regional marketing initiatives and cooperative tourism projects were discussed.
The first-ever Caribbean Week Fair, held in Bowling Green Park near Wall Street on June 2, attracted thousands of visitors, according to the release. To kick off the event, mocko jumbie Willard John and steelpan player Francis Callwood appeared on the Fox TV program "Good Day New York," performing periodically from 6:30 to 9 a.m. V.I. representatives at the fair gave out information about vacations to more than 3,000 attendees.
A major event on this year's CTO calendar is the 26th annual Caribbean Tourism Conference, set for Oct. 13-19. It is to be held on St. Thomas.
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.
V.I. TAKES PART IN CTO'S NEW YORK CARIBBEAN WEEK
June 10, 2003 – It was Caribbean Week in New York City June 1-7, and the Virgin Islands was there, according to a release from Martin Public Relations, the territory's mainland publicity agency.
The Barbados-based Caribbean Tourism Organization, which used to have its headquarters in New York, sponsors the annual week of island events and attractions. The event brings together tourism officials from the region, travel agents and travel media people.
V.I. representatives used the opportunity to distribute information "to national journalists, travel agents and the public, making a huge push for travel to our islands," Tourism Commissioner Pamela Richards said.
Enticements included Caribbean music, dance, mocko jumbies, food, drink, art and fashions. On the serious side were seminars, marketing meetings, networking sessions and media events. All were aimed at encouraging increased visitor traffic to the Caribbean through a collaborative effort by all CTO member states. At CTO meetings, Richards said, regional marketing initiatives and cooperative tourism projects were discussed.
The first-ever Caribbean Week Fair, held in Bowling Green Park near Wall Street on June 2, attracted thousands of visitors, according to the release. To kick off the event, mocko jumbie Willard John and steelpan player Francis Callwood appeared on the Fox TV program "Good Day New York," performing periodically from 6:30 to 9 a.m. V.I. representatives at the fair gave out information about vacations to more than 3,000 attendees.
A major event on this year's CTO calendar is the 26th annual Caribbean Tourism Conference, set for Oct. 13-19. It is to be held on St. Thomas.
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 Barbados-based Caribbean Tourism Organization, which used to have its headquarters in New York, sponsors the annual week of island events and attractions. The event brings together tourism officials from the region, travel agents and travel media people.
V.I. representatives used the opportunity to distribute information "to national journalists, travel agents and the public, making a huge push for travel to our islands," Tourism Commissioner Pamela Richards said.
Enticements included Caribbean music, dance, mocko jumbies, food, drink, art and fashions. On the serious side were seminars, marketing meetings, networking sessions and media events. All were aimed at encouraging increased visitor traffic to the Caribbean through a collaborative effort by all CTO member states. At CTO meetings, Richards said, regional marketing initiatives and cooperative tourism projects were discussed.
The first-ever Caribbean Week Fair, held in Bowling Green Park near Wall Street on June 2, attracted thousands of visitors, according to the release. To kick off the event, mocko jumbie Willard John and steelpan player Francis Callwood appeared on the Fox TV program "Good Day New York," performing periodically from 6:30 to 9 a.m. V.I. representatives at the fair gave out information about vacations to more than 3,000 attendees.
A major event on this year's CTO calendar is the 26th annual Caribbean Tourism Conference, set for Oct. 13-19. It is to be held on St. Thomas.
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.
MARVIN WELLS NAMED COAST GUARD MASTER CHIEF
Jun. 10, 2003 – U.S. Coast Guard Master Chief Petty Officer Marvin Wells, a 1978 graduate of Charlotte Amalie High School, has accepted the duties of Coast Guard Seventh District (D7) East Command Master Chief (CMC).
He will begin this assignment on July 17. Wells is the first Virgin Islander to achieve the position of Gold Badge CMC in the U.S. Coast Guard.
His duties include addressing housing issues, medical, work environment and any other work issues relating to Coast Guard personnel in the eastern portion of the district.
There are more than 10,000 members of the Coast Guard that patrol the district's 1.8 million square miles, making it one of the largest areas of responsibility in the Coast Guard with a climate ideal for year-round boating. Approximately 4,600 active duty, 250 civilian, 1,000 reserve, and 5,000 personnel patrol the district's area of responsibility, which includes South Carolina, Georgia, most of Florida, the commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and most of the Caribbean.
Wells is the son of Marcia Wheatley and stepson of Calvin Wheatley of St. Thomas. He has received many Coast Guard honors. He holds a bachelor's degree in science from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and is currently completing a master's degree in aeronautical science.
He will begin this assignment on July 17. Wells is the first Virgin Islander to achieve the position of Gold Badge CMC in the U.S. Coast Guard.
His duties include addressing housing issues, medical, work environment and any other work issues relating to Coast Guard personnel in the eastern portion of the district.
There are more than 10,000 members of the Coast Guard that patrol the district's 1.8 million square miles, making it one of the largest areas of responsibility in the Coast Guard with a climate ideal for year-round boating. Approximately 4,600 active duty, 250 civilian, 1,000 reserve, and 5,000 personnel patrol the district's area of responsibility, which includes South Carolina, Georgia, most of Florida, the commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and most of the Caribbean.
Wells is the son of Marcia Wheatley and stepson of Calvin Wheatley of St. Thomas. He has received many Coast Guard honors. He holds a bachelor's degree in science from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and is currently completing a master's degree in aeronautical science.
V.I. PART OF PACT TO WARN PUBLIC ABOUT LEAD PAINT
June 10, 2003 – The manufacture and sale of paint containing lead has been banned in the United States since 1978, but danger remains of exposure to the toxic chemical during the rehabilitation of old buildings.
To address that problem, the Virgin Islands is among 48 U.S. jurisdictions that have entered into an agreement with the National Paint and Coating Association. It calls for manufacturers to include warnings about lead on paint cans and to develop outreach programs to educate the public about the hazards of exposure to the substance.
Lead poisoning can result from inadequate surface preparation prior to repainting, according to a release from Attorney General Iver Stridiron. The agreement is important to the Virgin Islands, he said, "because of the various 'scrape, paint and rejuvenate' building rehabilitation projects in the islands which may cause the release of lead paint residue from the older targeted homes, especially on St. Croix."
For families involved in rehab projects, Stridiron said, efforts should be made to protect children and pregnant women from exposure to dust that may contain lead. "Whether repainting an older rented apartment, installing a brand-new kitchen or renovating an older building, it is imperative that families take the proper precautions to avoid exposure," he said.
The NPCA has agreed to provide free consumer education and training courses on lead-safe renovation and repainting for contractors, homeowners, landlords and housing workers and to develop discount programs for safety equipment, the release said.
For further information about working safely with lead-based paint, visit the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Lead Information Web page, or call the EPA hotline at (800) 424-5323.
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.
To address that problem, the Virgin Islands is among 48 U.S. jurisdictions that have entered into an agreement with the National Paint and Coating Association. It calls for manufacturers to include warnings about lead on paint cans and to develop outreach programs to educate the public about the hazards of exposure to the substance.
Lead poisoning can result from inadequate surface preparation prior to repainting, according to a release from Attorney General Iver Stridiron. The agreement is important to the Virgin Islands, he said, "because of the various 'scrape, paint and rejuvenate' building rehabilitation projects in the islands which may cause the release of lead paint residue from the older targeted homes, especially on St. Croix."
For families involved in rehab projects, Stridiron said, efforts should be made to protect children and pregnant women from exposure to dust that may contain lead. "Whether repainting an older rented apartment, installing a brand-new kitchen or renovating an older building, it is imperative that families take the proper precautions to avoid exposure," he said.
The NPCA has agreed to provide free consumer education and training courses on lead-safe renovation and repainting for contractors, homeowners, landlords and housing workers and to develop discount programs for safety equipment, the release said.
For further information about working safely with lead-based paint, visit the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Lead Information Web page, or call the EPA hotline at (800) 424-5323.
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.
V.I. PART OF PACT TO WARN PUBLIC ABOUT LEAD PAINT
June 10, 2003 – The manufacture and sale of paint containing lead has been banned in the United States since 1978, but danger remains of exposure to the toxic chemical during the rehabilitation of old buildings.
To address that problem, the Virgin Islands is among 48 U.S. jurisdictions that have entered into an agreement with the National Paint and Coating Association. It calls for manufacturers to include warnings about lead on paint cans and to develop outreach programs to educate the public about the hazards of exposure to the substance.
Lead poisoning can result from inadequate surface preparation prior to repainting, according to a release from Attorney General Iver Stridiron. The agreement is important to the Virgin Islands, he said, "because of the various 'scrape, paint and rejuvenate' building rehabilitation projects in the islands which may cause the release of lead paint residue from the older targeted homes, especially on St. Croix."
For families involved in rehab projects, Stridiron said, efforts should be made to protect children and pregnant women from exposure to dust that may contain lead. "Whether repainting an older rented apartment, installing a brand-new kitchen or renovating an older building, it is imperative that families take the proper precautions to avoid exposure," he said.
The NPCA has agreed to provide free consumer education and training courses on lead-safe renovation and repainting for contractors, homeowners, landlords and housing workers and to develop discount programs for safety equipment, the release said.
For further information about working safely with lead-based paint, visit the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Lead Information Web page, or call the EPA hotline at (800) 424-5323.
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.
To address that problem, the Virgin Islands is among 48 U.S. jurisdictions that have entered into an agreement with the National Paint and Coating Association. It calls for manufacturers to include warnings about lead on paint cans and to develop outreach programs to educate the public about the hazards of exposure to the substance.
Lead poisoning can result from inadequate surface preparation prior to repainting, according to a release from Attorney General Iver Stridiron. The agreement is important to the Virgin Islands, he said, "because of the various 'scrape, paint and rejuvenate' building rehabilitation projects in the islands which may cause the release of lead paint residue from the older targeted homes, especially on St. Croix."
For families involved in rehab projects, Stridiron said, efforts should be made to protect children and pregnant women from exposure to dust that may contain lead. "Whether repainting an older rented apartment, installing a brand-new kitchen or renovating an older building, it is imperative that families take the proper precautions to avoid exposure," he said.
The NPCA has agreed to provide free consumer education and training courses on lead-safe renovation and repainting for contractors, homeowners, landlords and housing workers and to develop discount programs for safety equipment, the release said.
For further information about working safely with lead-based paint, visit the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Lead Information Web page, or call the EPA hotline at (800) 424-5323.
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.
