March 24, 2003 – Put on your walking shoes and join the Future Business Leaders of America on Saturday for their second annual Walk-A-Thon. The 7.3-mile event is sponsored by the Virgin Islands State Chapter of FBLA.
State advisor Maria Thomas-Lewis said she expects seven chapters from St. Croix, four from St. Thomas and one from St. John to participate.
The event starts at 6 a.m. at the St. Croix Vocational School. The route runs along Queen Mary Highway through Smithfield to the Frederiksted Pool, also known as the Vincent Mason Pool.
A cleanup of the pool area and a picnic follow. Return transportation to St. Croix Vocational School will be provided for non-FBLA members as soon as they reach the Frederiksted Pool. FBLA members will return at 4 p.m.
The money raised will benefit the March of Dimes, St. Croix Rescue Inc. and the Dorothy S. Walcott Scholarship Fund.
Thomas-Lewis said that last year the group raised $2,700, which was split equally among the American Red Cross, the March of Dimes and the Dorothy S. Walcott Scholarship Fund.
Thomas-Lewis said that Walcott served as the FBLA advisor on St. Croix for 20 years. The scholarship fund helps active FBLA members with college costs or expenses at national FBLA conferences, Thomas-Lewis said.
The event also promotes community togetherness and provides information about the organizations that benefit from the fundraiser.
Local businesses are donating food for the picnic, Thomas-Lewis said.
FBLA members are required to donate three rolls of dimes or $15 towards the walk. All other participants are requested to make a pledge. Pledge sheets are available from State Chairman Cecila Walters-Smith, who works at Charlotte Amalie High School, Thomas-Lewis, who works at Arthur Richards Junior High School, and Keith James, who is the professional division liaison. He can be reached at 877-241-6687.
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FBLA WALK-A-THON SET FOR SATURDAY
March 24, 2003 – Put on your walking shoes and join the Future Business Leaders of America on Saturday for their second annual Walk-A-Thon. The 7.3-mile event is sponsored by the Virgin Islands State Chapter of FBLA.
State advisor Maria Thomas-Lewis said she expects seven chapters from St. Croix, four from St. Thomas and one from St. John to participate.
The event starts at 6 a.m. at the St. Croix Vocational School. The route runs along Queen Mary Highway through Smithfield to the Frederiksted Pool, also known as the Vincent Mason Pool.
A cleanup of the pool area and a picnic follow. Return transportation to St. Croix Vocational School will be provided for non-FBLA members as soon as they reach the Frederiksted Pool. FBLA members will return at 4 p.m.
The money raised will benefit the March of Dimes, St. Croix Rescue Inc. and the Dorothy S. Walcott Scholarship Fund.
Thomas-Lewis said that last year the group raised $2,700, which was split equally among the American Red Cross, the March of Dimes and the Dorothy S. Walcott Scholarship Fund.
Thomas-Lewis said that Walcott served as the FBLA advisor on St. Croix for 20 years. The scholarship fund helps active FBLA members with college costs or expenses at national FBLA conferences, Thomas-Lewis said.
The event also promotes community togetherness and provides information about the organizations that benefit from the fundraiser.
Local businesses are donating food for the picnic, Thomas-Lewis said.
FBLA members are required to donate three rolls of dimes or $15 towards the walk. All other participants are requested to make a pledge. Pledge sheets are available from State Chairman Cecila Walters-Smith, who works at Charlotte Amalie High School, Thomas-Lewis, who works at Arthur Richards Junior High School, and Keith James, who is the professional division liaison. He can be reached at 877-241-6687.
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.
State advisor Maria Thomas-Lewis said she expects seven chapters from St. Croix, four from St. Thomas and one from St. John to participate.
The event starts at 6 a.m. at the St. Croix Vocational School. The route runs along Queen Mary Highway through Smithfield to the Frederiksted Pool, also known as the Vincent Mason Pool.
A cleanup of the pool area and a picnic follow. Return transportation to St. Croix Vocational School will be provided for non-FBLA members as soon as they reach the Frederiksted Pool. FBLA members will return at 4 p.m.
The money raised will benefit the March of Dimes, St. Croix Rescue Inc. and the Dorothy S. Walcott Scholarship Fund.
Thomas-Lewis said that last year the group raised $2,700, which was split equally among the American Red Cross, the March of Dimes and the Dorothy S. Walcott Scholarship Fund.
Thomas-Lewis said that Walcott served as the FBLA advisor on St. Croix for 20 years. The scholarship fund helps active FBLA members with college costs or expenses at national FBLA conferences, Thomas-Lewis said.
The event also promotes community togetherness and provides information about the organizations that benefit from the fundraiser.
Local businesses are donating food for the picnic, Thomas-Lewis said.
FBLA members are required to donate three rolls of dimes or $15 towards the walk. All other participants are requested to make a pledge. Pledge sheets are available from State Chairman Cecila Walters-Smith, who works at Charlotte Amalie High School, Thomas-Lewis, who works at Arthur Richards Junior High School, and Keith James, who is the professional division liaison. He can be reached at 877-241-6687.
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ST. CROIX BUSINESS OWNER SHOT AND KILLED
March 24, 2003 – A St. Croix businessman became the territory’s latest homicide victim when 25-year-old Yasser Ismeel, co-owner of the Liquor and More Store in Barren Spot, was shot and killed Sunday night by two masked gunmen who accosted him as he left the store shortly after 10 p.m.
Territorial Police Chief Novelle Francis Jr. said Monday that Ismeel had closed the store but apparently forgot something and went back inside. When he exited again, two gunmen confronted him, robbed him and, during a confrontation, shot him in the chest. Ismeel was rushed to the hospital where he died of gunshot injuries an hour later.
Ismeel was a resident of Estate St. John.
His death is the tenth homicide in the territory this year, the second on St. Croix. In the first killing on St. Croix, Sirpo Carmona Cadiz was shot to death on Jan. 26 near the Frederiksted Post Office. Police arrested James Lewis earlier this month in that case. Lewis awaits trial on murder charges.
Of the eight killings on St. Thomas, no suspects have been charged but investigations continue. Two of the St. Thomas slayings have involved police officers.
Francis urged anyone with information to contact police homicide detectives at 778-4950 or the emergency number, 911.
Territorial Police Chief Novelle Francis Jr. said Monday that Ismeel had closed the store but apparently forgot something and went back inside. When he exited again, two gunmen confronted him, robbed him and, during a confrontation, shot him in the chest. Ismeel was rushed to the hospital where he died of gunshot injuries an hour later.
Ismeel was a resident of Estate St. John.
His death is the tenth homicide in the territory this year, the second on St. Croix. In the first killing on St. Croix, Sirpo Carmona Cadiz was shot to death on Jan. 26 near the Frederiksted Post Office. Police arrested James Lewis earlier this month in that case. Lewis awaits trial on murder charges.
Of the eight killings on St. Thomas, no suspects have been charged but investigations continue. Two of the St. Thomas slayings have involved police officers.
Francis urged anyone with information to contact police homicide detectives at 778-4950 or the emergency number, 911.
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.
NO WHALES SIGHTED ON FIRST EAST EXCURSION
March 23, 2003 – A gray bank of clouds rolls in over Red Hook as the white catamaran slips up to the National Park dock Sunday morning. The first of this year's two Environmental Association of St. Thomas/St. John whale watch excursions is about to begin.
For EAST, the annual whale watch outings are both friend- and fund-raisers. Dozens of people show up for the trips — locals, snowbirds and first-time visitors in search of adventure.
"Just the sailing is fun. It feels great today. I really love it," says Bob Barnett, a computer specialist from Tulsa, Oklahoma, who heard about Sunday's whale watch while visiting his parents on St. Thomas. Barnett has brought along his binoculars, which he raises from time to time to check the horizon.
St. John naturalist Craig Barshinger, providing running commentary, asks all on board the 50-foot Allura to look for spray from a spout or the sight of a fin, a tail or perhaps a whole whale surfacing. With a wide horizon to scan, it will take all eyes to spot something that might appear small across a great distance.
As the boat heads southeast toward St. John's Reef Bay, passengers line the port (left) and starboard (right) rails, their eyes peeled.
The species of whale most likely to be sighted is the humpback, a 20-ton acrobat of the sea, Barshinger tells them. For whatever reason — scientists don't know why — these whales like to frolic in the waves. Sometimes they flip their flukes (their two-pronged tail); sometimes they jump out of the water. Perhaps, like people, they do it just for fun, he says.
About 20 people are aboard for Sunday's sail. There were sightings earlier in the week by local boaters, including reports of a whale near Magens Bay, and expectations are running high.
St. Thomas resident Michael Moody recalls his years on the watch. "This is the sixth time," he says. "It's cool when you see a whale. It's pretty awesome."
About an hour outside of Red Hook, Allura skirts between two patches of squall and heads for clear sailing with glimmers of sunlight dancing on the crests of choppy waves. To the disappointment of all, by midafternoon there has been no sign of a blow or a breech. But the crew makes sure the day is not a total loss. A side trip to the Thatch Cay blowhole, spewing seawater with a mighty whoosh, leaves those on board in awe.
Carla Joseph, EAST president, thanks everyone who made the trip and reminds them of the group's annual meeting at Magens Bay on April 5. Even though she finds herself facing a captive audience, she says there will be other times to preach conservation. Wherever they stand on the environment, on the day of the whale watch everyone is in favor of the whales.
"We try to focus on having a good day at sea, enjoying life, enjoying the Virgin Islands," Joseph says. The trips are especially encouraging for her, she says, because they serve as reminders of how much of the territory still abounds in natural wonder.
EAST's second 2003 whale watch outing is on March 30, departing from the same place at the same time aboard the same boat. For details, see "Whale watch excursions set for March 23, 30".
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.
For EAST, the annual whale watch outings are both friend- and fund-raisers. Dozens of people show up for the trips — locals, snowbirds and first-time visitors in search of adventure.
"Just the sailing is fun. It feels great today. I really love it," says Bob Barnett, a computer specialist from Tulsa, Oklahoma, who heard about Sunday's whale watch while visiting his parents on St. Thomas. Barnett has brought along his binoculars, which he raises from time to time to check the horizon.
St. John naturalist Craig Barshinger, providing running commentary, asks all on board the 50-foot Allura to look for spray from a spout or the sight of a fin, a tail or perhaps a whole whale surfacing. With a wide horizon to scan, it will take all eyes to spot something that might appear small across a great distance.
As the boat heads southeast toward St. John's Reef Bay, passengers line the port (left) and starboard (right) rails, their eyes peeled.
The species of whale most likely to be sighted is the humpback, a 20-ton acrobat of the sea, Barshinger tells them. For whatever reason — scientists don't know why — these whales like to frolic in the waves. Sometimes they flip their flukes (their two-pronged tail); sometimes they jump out of the water. Perhaps, like people, they do it just for fun, he says.
About 20 people are aboard for Sunday's sail. There were sightings earlier in the week by local boaters, including reports of a whale near Magens Bay, and expectations are running high.
St. Thomas resident Michael Moody recalls his years on the watch. "This is the sixth time," he says. "It's cool when you see a whale. It's pretty awesome."
About an hour outside of Red Hook, Allura skirts between two patches of squall and heads for clear sailing with glimmers of sunlight dancing on the crests of choppy waves. To the disappointment of all, by midafternoon there has been no sign of a blow or a breech. But the crew makes sure the day is not a total loss. A side trip to the Thatch Cay blowhole, spewing seawater with a mighty whoosh, leaves those on board in awe.
Carla Joseph, EAST president, thanks everyone who made the trip and reminds them of the group's annual meeting at Magens Bay on April 5. Even though she finds herself facing a captive audience, she says there will be other times to preach conservation. Wherever they stand on the environment, on the day of the whale watch everyone is in favor of the whales.
"We try to focus on having a good day at sea, enjoying life, enjoying the Virgin Islands," Joseph says. The trips are especially encouraging for her, she says, because they serve as reminders of how much of the territory still abounds in natural wonder.
EAST's second 2003 whale watch outing is on March 30, departing from the same place at the same time aboard the same boat. For details, see "Whale watch excursions set for March 23, 30".
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.
SETTLEMENT REACHED IN VIDEO LOTTERY CASE
March 22, 2003 – Attorneys representing the V.I. government and Southland Gaming Corp. say a settlement has been reached in the lawsuit over Southland's right to sell and install video lottery terminals.
The settlement was arranged Thursday night in the office of Attorney General Iver Stridiron. Judge Ive Swan, the judge who was scheduled to preside over a bench trial in the case on Monday, oversaw the settlement proceeding.
Attorney Arturo Watlington filed suit on behalf of Southland after Stridiron and Government House officials ordered the director of the V.I. Lottery to stop granting permits allowing installation of the electronic gaming machines. Southland claimed it had a valid contract, and government officials were largely mum until Swan, during a pre-trial hearing, ordered Gov. Charles Turnbull, his legal counsel Paul Gimenez and confidential assistant Horace Brooks to submit depositions about their knowledge of any agreement.
Lottery Director Austin Andrews did, however, submit a statement to the court, saying Gimenez and Brooks directed him "not to do anything else with Southland Gaming, for various reasons."
At the time the suit was filed Southland had already installed 36 VLT terminals in three locations on St. Thomas and was in the process of putting 100 machines into the Wyndham Sugar Bay Resort.
Swan said he had "bent over backwards" to gain the governor's deposition without forcing him to come to court. He warned at the Thursday hearing that failure to submit the statements could result in penalties and possibly jail.
The government claimed Southland's contract was invalid, but at the hearing Watlington produced a second, fully executed contract, missing only a date.
The settlement was reached later in the day. The governor did not submit a deposition. An official at Government House said Gimenez was off-island. There was no word about any actions taken by Brooks to comply with the judge's order.
Neither Watlington nor Stridiron offered comment on the terms of the agreement.
"The only thing we could tell you is there has been a settlement agreement and the case has been dismissed, but we are not at liberty to disclose the terms of the agreement," Stridiron said.
Publisher's note : Like the St. Thomas Source now? Find out how you can love us twice as much — and show your support for the islands' free and independent news voice … click here.
The settlement was arranged Thursday night in the office of Attorney General Iver Stridiron. Judge Ive Swan, the judge who was scheduled to preside over a bench trial in the case on Monday, oversaw the settlement proceeding.
Attorney Arturo Watlington filed suit on behalf of Southland after Stridiron and Government House officials ordered the director of the V.I. Lottery to stop granting permits allowing installation of the electronic gaming machines. Southland claimed it had a valid contract, and government officials were largely mum until Swan, during a pre-trial hearing, ordered Gov. Charles Turnbull, his legal counsel Paul Gimenez and confidential assistant Horace Brooks to submit depositions about their knowledge of any agreement.
Lottery Director Austin Andrews did, however, submit a statement to the court, saying Gimenez and Brooks directed him "not to do anything else with Southland Gaming, for various reasons."
At the time the suit was filed Southland had already installed 36 VLT terminals in three locations on St. Thomas and was in the process of putting 100 machines into the Wyndham Sugar Bay Resort.
Swan said he had "bent over backwards" to gain the governor's deposition without forcing him to come to court. He warned at the Thursday hearing that failure to submit the statements could result in penalties and possibly jail.
The government claimed Southland's contract was invalid, but at the hearing Watlington produced a second, fully executed contract, missing only a date.
The settlement was reached later in the day. The governor did not submit a deposition. An official at Government House said Gimenez was off-island. There was no word about any actions taken by Brooks to comply with the judge's order.
Neither Watlington nor Stridiron offered comment on the terms of the agreement.
"The only thing we could tell you is there has been a settlement agreement and the case has been dismissed, but we are not at liberty to disclose the terms of the agreement," Stridiron said.
Publisher's note : Like the St. Thomas Source now? Find out how you can love us twice as much — and show your support for the islands' free and independent news voice … click here.
NO WHALES SIGHTED ON FIRST EAST EXCURSION
March 23, 2003 – A gray bank of clouds rolls in over Red Hook as the white catamaran slips up to the National Park dock Sunday morning. The first of this year's two Environmental Association of St. Thomas/St. John whale watch excursions is about to begin.
For EAST, the annual whale watch outings are both friend- and fund-raisers. Dozens of people show up for the trips — locals, snowbirds and first-time visitors in search of adventure.
"Just the sailing is fun. It feels great today. I really love it," says Bob Barnett, a computer specialist from Tulsa, Oklahoma, who heard about Sunday's whale watch while visiting his parents on St. Thomas. Barnett has brought along his binoculars, which he raises from time to time to check the horizon.
St. John naturalist Craig Barshinger, providing running commentary, asks all on board the 50-foot Allura to look for spray from a spout or the sight of a fin, a tail or perhaps a whole whale surfacing. With a wide horizon to scan, it will take all eyes to spot something that might appear small across a great distance.
As the boat heads southeast toward St. John's Reef Bay, passengers line the port (left) and starboard (right) rails, their eyes peeled.
The species of whale most likely to be sighted is the humpback, a 20-ton acrobat of the sea, Barshinger tells them. For whatever reason — scientists don't know why — these whales like to frolic in the waves. Sometimes they flip their flukes (their two-pronged tail); sometimes they jump out of the water. Perhaps, like people, they do it just for fun, he says.
About 20 people are aboard for Sunday's sail. There were sightings earlier in the week by local boaters, including reports of a whale near Magens Bay, and expectations are running high.
St. Thomas resident Michael Moody recalls his years on the watch. "This is the sixth time," he says. "It's cool when you see a whale. It's pretty awesome."
About an hour outside of Red Hook, Allura skirts between two patches of squall and heads for clear sailing with glimmers of sunlight dancing on the crests of choppy waves. To the disappointment of all, by midafternoon there has been no sign of a blow or a breech. But the crew makes sure the day is not a total loss. A side trip to the Thatch Cay blowhole, spewing seawater with a mighty whoosh, leaves those on board in awe.
Carla Joseph, EAST president, thanks everyone who made the trip and reminds them of the group's annual meeting at Magens Bay on April 5. Even though she finds herself facing a captive audience, she says there will be other times to preach conservation. Wherever they stand on the environment, on the day of the whale watch everyone is in favor of the whales.
"We try to focus on having a good day at sea, enjoying life, enjoying the Virgin Islands," Joseph says. The trips are especially encouraging for her, she says, because they serve as reminders of how much of the territory still abounds in natural wonder.
EAST's second 2003 whale watch outing is on March 30, departing from the same place at the same time aboard the same boat. For details, see "Whale watch excursions set for March 23, 30".
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.
For EAST, the annual whale watch outings are both friend- and fund-raisers. Dozens of people show up for the trips — locals, snowbirds and first-time visitors in search of adventure.
"Just the sailing is fun. It feels great today. I really love it," says Bob Barnett, a computer specialist from Tulsa, Oklahoma, who heard about Sunday's whale watch while visiting his parents on St. Thomas. Barnett has brought along his binoculars, which he raises from time to time to check the horizon.
St. John naturalist Craig Barshinger, providing running commentary, asks all on board the 50-foot Allura to look for spray from a spout or the sight of a fin, a tail or perhaps a whole whale surfacing. With a wide horizon to scan, it will take all eyes to spot something that might appear small across a great distance.
As the boat heads southeast toward St. John's Reef Bay, passengers line the port (left) and starboard (right) rails, their eyes peeled.
The species of whale most likely to be sighted is the humpback, a 20-ton acrobat of the sea, Barshinger tells them. For whatever reason — scientists don't know why — these whales like to frolic in the waves. Sometimes they flip their flukes (their two-pronged tail); sometimes they jump out of the water. Perhaps, like people, they do it just for fun, he says.
About 20 people are aboard for Sunday's sail. There were sightings earlier in the week by local boaters, including reports of a whale near Magens Bay, and expectations are running high.
St. Thomas resident Michael Moody recalls his years on the watch. "This is the sixth time," he says. "It's cool when you see a whale. It's pretty awesome."
About an hour outside of Red Hook, Allura skirts between two patches of squall and heads for clear sailing with glimmers of sunlight dancing on the crests of choppy waves. To the disappointment of all, by midafternoon there has been no sign of a blow or a breech. But the crew makes sure the day is not a total loss. A side trip to the Thatch Cay blowhole, spewing seawater with a mighty whoosh, leaves those on board in awe.
Carla Joseph, EAST president, thanks everyone who made the trip and reminds them of the group's annual meeting at Magens Bay on April 5. Even though she finds herself facing a captive audience, she says there will be other times to preach conservation. Wherever they stand on the environment, on the day of the whale watch everyone is in favor of the whales.
"We try to focus on having a good day at sea, enjoying life, enjoying the Virgin Islands," Joseph says. The trips are especially encouraging for her, she says, because they serve as reminders of how much of the territory still abounds in natural wonder.
EAST's second 2003 whale watch outing is on March 30, departing from the same place at the same time aboard the same boat. For details, see "Whale watch excursions set for March 23, 30".
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.
SETTLEMENT REACHED IN VIDEO LOTTERY CASE
March 22, 2003 – Attorneys representing the V.I. government and Southland Gaming Corp. say a settlement has been reached in the lawsuit over Southland's right to sell and install video lottery terminals.
The settlement was arranged Thursday night in the office of Attorney General Iver Stridiron. Judge Ive Swan, the judge who was scheduled to preside over a bench trial in the case on Monday, oversaw the settlement proceeding.
Attorney Arturo Watlington filed suit on behalf of Southland after Stridiron and Government House officials ordered the director of the V.I. Lottery to stop granting permits allowing installation of the electronic gaming machines. Southland claimed it had a valid contract, and government officials were largely mum until Swan, during a pre-trial hearing, ordered Gov. Charles Turnbull, his legal counsel Paul Gimenez and confidential assistant Horace Brooks to submit depositions about their knowledge of any agreement.
Lottery Director Austin Andrews did, however, submit a statement to the court, saying Gimenez and Brooks directed him "not to do anything else with Southland Gaming, for various reasons."
At the time the suit was filed Southland had already installed 36 VLT terminals in three locations on St. Thomas and was in the process of putting 100 machines into the Wyndham Sugar Bay Resort.
Swan said he had "bent over backwards" to gain the governor's deposition without forcing him to come to court. He warned at the Thursday hearing that failure to submit the statements could result in penalties and possibly jail.
The government claimed Southland's contract was invalid, but at the hearing Watlington produced a second, fully executed contract, missing only a date.
The settlement was reached later in the day. The governor did not submit a deposition. An official at Government House said Gimenez was off-island. There was no word about any actions taken by Brooks to comply with the judge's order.
Neither Watlington nor Stridiron offered comment on the terms of the agreement.
"The only thing we could tell you is there has been a settlement agreement and the case has been dismissed, but we are not at liberty to disclose the terms of the agreement," Stridiron said.
Publisher's note : Like the St. John Source now? Find out how you can love us twice as much — and show your support for the islands' free and independent news voice … click here.
The settlement was arranged Thursday night in the office of Attorney General Iver Stridiron. Judge Ive Swan, the judge who was scheduled to preside over a bench trial in the case on Monday, oversaw the settlement proceeding.
Attorney Arturo Watlington filed suit on behalf of Southland after Stridiron and Government House officials ordered the director of the V.I. Lottery to stop granting permits allowing installation of the electronic gaming machines. Southland claimed it had a valid contract, and government officials were largely mum until Swan, during a pre-trial hearing, ordered Gov. Charles Turnbull, his legal counsel Paul Gimenez and confidential assistant Horace Brooks to submit depositions about their knowledge of any agreement.
Lottery Director Austin Andrews did, however, submit a statement to the court, saying Gimenez and Brooks directed him "not to do anything else with Southland Gaming, for various reasons."
At the time the suit was filed Southland had already installed 36 VLT terminals in three locations on St. Thomas and was in the process of putting 100 machines into the Wyndham Sugar Bay Resort.
Swan said he had "bent over backwards" to gain the governor's deposition without forcing him to come to court. He warned at the Thursday hearing that failure to submit the statements could result in penalties and possibly jail.
The government claimed Southland's contract was invalid, but at the hearing Watlington produced a second, fully executed contract, missing only a date.
The settlement was reached later in the day. The governor did not submit a deposition. An official at Government House said Gimenez was off-island. There was no word about any actions taken by Brooks to comply with the judge's order.
Neither Watlington nor Stridiron offered comment on the terms of the agreement.
"The only thing we could tell you is there has been a settlement agreement and the case has been dismissed, but we are not at liberty to disclose the terms of the agreement," Stridiron said.
Publisher's note : Like the St. John Source now? Find out how you can love us twice as much — and show your support for the islands' free and independent news voice … click here.
SETTLEMENT REACHED IN VIDEO LOTTERY CASE
March 22, 2003 – Attorneys representing the V.I. government and Southland Gaming Corp. say a settlement has been reached in the lawsuit over Southland's right to sell and install video lottery terminals.
The settlement was arranged Thursday night in the office of Attorney General Iver Stridiron. Judge Ive Swan, the judge who was scheduled to preside over a bench trial in the case on Monday, oversaw the settlement proceeding.
Attorney Arturo Watlington filed suit on behalf of Southland after Stridiron and Government House officials ordered the director of the V.I. Lottery to stop granting permits allowing installation of the electronic gaming machines. Southland claimed it had a valid contract, and government officials were largely mum until Swan, during a pre-trial hearing, ordered Gov. Charles Turnbull, his legal counsel Paul Gimenez and confidential assistant Horace Brooks to submit depositions about their knowledge of any agreement.
Lottery Director Austin Andrews did, however, submit a statement to the court, saying Gimenez and Brooks directed him "not to do anything else with Southland Gaming, for various reasons."
At the time the suit was filed Southland had already installed 36 VLT terminals in three locations on St. Thomas and was in the process of putting 100 machines into the Wyndham Sugar Bay Resort.
Swan said he had "bent over backwards" to gain the governor's deposition without forcing him to come to court. He warned at the Thursday hearing that failure to submit the statements could result in penalties and possibly jail.
The government claimed Southland's contract was invalid, but at the hearing Watlington produced a second, fully executed contract, missing only a date.
The settlement was reached later in the day. The governor did not submit a deposition. An official at Government House said Gimenez was off-island. There was no word about any actions taken by Brooks to comply with the judge's order.
Neither Watlington nor Stridiron offered comment on the terms of the agreement.
"The only thing we could tell you is there has been a settlement agreement and the case has been dismissed, but we are not at liberty to disclose the terms of the agreement," Stridiron said.
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 settlement was arranged Thursday night in the office of Attorney General Iver Stridiron. Judge Ive Swan, the judge who was scheduled to preside over a bench trial in the case on Monday, oversaw the settlement proceeding.
Attorney Arturo Watlington filed suit on behalf of Southland after Stridiron and Government House officials ordered the director of the V.I. Lottery to stop granting permits allowing installation of the electronic gaming machines. Southland claimed it had a valid contract, and government officials were largely mum until Swan, during a pre-trial hearing, ordered Gov. Charles Turnbull, his legal counsel Paul Gimenez and confidential assistant Horace Brooks to submit depositions about their knowledge of any agreement.
Lottery Director Austin Andrews did, however, submit a statement to the court, saying Gimenez and Brooks directed him "not to do anything else with Southland Gaming, for various reasons."
At the time the suit was filed Southland had already installed 36 VLT terminals in three locations on St. Thomas and was in the process of putting 100 machines into the Wyndham Sugar Bay Resort.
Swan said he had "bent over backwards" to gain the governor's deposition without forcing him to come to court. He warned at the Thursday hearing that failure to submit the statements could result in penalties and possibly jail.
The government claimed Southland's contract was invalid, but at the hearing Watlington produced a second, fully executed contract, missing only a date.
The settlement was reached later in the day. The governor did not submit a deposition. An official at Government House said Gimenez was off-island. There was no word about any actions taken by Brooks to comply with the judge's order.
Neither Watlington nor Stridiron offered comment on the terms of the agreement.
"The only thing we could tell you is there has been a settlement agreement and the case has been dismissed, but we are not at liberty to disclose the terms of the agreement," Stridiron said.
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.
THINK OF THESE MUFFINS AS PORRIDGE-TO-GO
March 23, 2003 – Porridge has long been a West Indian staple in the morning. It might be made with cornmeal, oatmeal or cream of wheat. If you don't have the time or inclination to sit down to — let alone prepare — a bowlful of hot cereal for breakfast, you can get the same nutrition and flavor eating on the run with the following three recipes that turn porridge fixings into muffins.
Cornmeal Muffins
1 1/4 cup yellow cornmeal
3/4 cup flour
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
3/4 teaspoons salt
1 egg
3 tablespoons melted butter or margarine
1 cup milk
Preheat oven to 425°̊F.
In a large mixing bowl, combine cornmeal, flour, baking powder and salt; set aside.
In a smaller mixing bowl, beat together the egg, melted butter or margarine and milk.
Add egg mixture to cornmeal mixture; stir just until moistened. Spoon batter into greased or paper-lined muffin pan. Bake 15 minutes or until light golden brown.
Makes 10 muffins. Per muffin: 143 calories, 5 gms fat (34 percent fat calories), 303 mg sodium, 34 mg cholesterol.
Oatmeal and Dried Fruit Muffins
1 cup flour
1 cup uncooked rolled oats
1/4 cup sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 egg
1 cup milk
3 tablespoons canola oil
1 cup chopped dried mixed fruits
Preheat oven to 400°̊F.
In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, oatmeal, sugar, baking powder and salt; set aside.
In a smaller mixing bowl, beat together the egg, milk and oil.
Add egg mixture to oatmeal mixture. Stir in mixed dried fruits; stir just until moistened. Spoon batter into greased or paper-lined muffin pan. Bake 15 minutes or until light golden brown.
Makes 12 muffins. Per muffin: 165 calories, 5 gms fat (27 percent fat calories), 32 mg cholesterol, 288 mg sodium.
Jam-filled Cream of Wheat Muffins
1 1/2 cups flour
2 cups cream of wheat hot cereal (it can be the 1-minute, 2 1/2-minute or 10-minute cook time variety), uncooked
1/2 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 tablespoon grated lemon peel
1 teaspoon poppy seed
1 8 oz. container lowfat vanilla yogurt
2 eggs
1/4 cup butter or margarine, melted
1/3 cup mango jam
Preheat oven to 350°̊F.
In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, cereal, sugar, baking powder, lemon peel and poppy seeds; set aside.
In a smaller mixing bowl, beat together the yogurt, eggs and butter until well combined.
Add egg mixture to flour mixture; stir just until moistened Spoon batter into greased or paper-lined muffin pan.
Bake 20 minutes or until light golden brown.
Makes 12 muffins. Per serving: 200 calories, 5 gms fat (23 percent fat calories), 47 mg cholesterol, 252 mg sodium.
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Cornmeal Muffins
1 1/4 cup yellow cornmeal
3/4 cup flour
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
3/4 teaspoons salt
1 egg
3 tablespoons melted butter or margarine
1 cup milk
Preheat oven to 425°̊F.
In a large mixing bowl, combine cornmeal, flour, baking powder and salt; set aside.
In a smaller mixing bowl, beat together the egg, melted butter or margarine and milk.
Add egg mixture to cornmeal mixture; stir just until moistened. Spoon batter into greased or paper-lined muffin pan. Bake 15 minutes or until light golden brown.
Makes 10 muffins. Per muffin: 143 calories, 5 gms fat (34 percent fat calories), 303 mg sodium, 34 mg cholesterol.
Oatmeal and Dried Fruit Muffins
1 cup flour
1 cup uncooked rolled oats
1/4 cup sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 egg
1 cup milk
3 tablespoons canola oil
1 cup chopped dried mixed fruits
Preheat oven to 400°̊F.
In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, oatmeal, sugar, baking powder and salt; set aside.
In a smaller mixing bowl, beat together the egg, milk and oil.
Add egg mixture to oatmeal mixture. Stir in mixed dried fruits; stir just until moistened. Spoon batter into greased or paper-lined muffin pan. Bake 15 minutes or until light golden brown.
Makes 12 muffins. Per muffin: 165 calories, 5 gms fat (27 percent fat calories), 32 mg cholesterol, 288 mg sodium.
Jam-filled Cream of Wheat Muffins
1 1/2 cups flour
2 cups cream of wheat hot cereal (it can be the 1-minute, 2 1/2-minute or 10-minute cook time variety), uncooked
1/2 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 tablespoon grated lemon peel
1 teaspoon poppy seed
1 8 oz. container lowfat vanilla yogurt
2 eggs
1/4 cup butter or margarine, melted
1/3 cup mango jam
Preheat oven to 350°̊F.
In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, cereal, sugar, baking powder, lemon peel and poppy seeds; set aside.
In a smaller mixing bowl, beat together the yogurt, eggs and butter until well combined.
Add egg mixture to flour mixture; stir just until moistened Spoon batter into greased or paper-lined muffin pan.
Bake 20 minutes or until light golden brown.
Makes 12 muffins. Per serving: 200 calories, 5 gms fat (23 percent fat calories), 47 mg cholesterol, 252 mg sodium.
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THINK OF THESE MUFFINS AS PORRIDGE-TO-GO
March 23, 2003 – Porridge has long been a West Indian staple in the morning. It might be made with cornmeal, oatmeal or cream of wheat. If you don't have the time or inclination to sit down to — let alone prepare — a bowlful of hot cereal for breakfast, you can get the same nutrition and flavor eating on the run with the following three recipes that turn porridge fixings into muffins.
Cornmeal Muffins
1 1/4 cup yellow cornmeal
3/4 cup flour
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
3/4 teaspoons salt
1 egg
3 tablespoons melted butter or margarine
1 cup milk
Preheat oven to 425°̊F.
In a large mixing bowl, combine cornmeal, flour, baking powder and salt; set aside.
In a smaller mixing bowl, beat together the egg, melted butter or margarine and milk.
Add egg mixture to cornmeal mixture; stir just until moistened. Spoon batter into greased or paper-lined muffin pan. Bake 15 minutes or until light golden brown.
Makes 10 muffins. Per muffin: 143 calories, 5 gms fat (34 percent fat calories), 303 mg sodium, 34 mg cholesterol.
Oatmeal and Dried Fruit Muffins
1 cup flour
1 cup uncooked rolled oats
1/4 cup sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 egg
1 cup milk
3 tablespoons canola oil
1 cup chopped dried mixed fruits
Preheat oven to 400°̊F.
In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, oatmeal, sugar, baking powder and salt; set aside.
In a smaller mixing bowl, beat together the egg, milk and oil.
Add egg mixture to oatmeal mixture. Stir in mixed dried fruits; stir just until moistened. Spoon batter into greased or paper-lined muffin pan. Bake 15 minutes or until light golden brown.
Makes 12 muffins. Per muffin: 165 calories, 5 gms fat (27 percent fat calories), 32 mg cholesterol, 288 mg sodium.
Jam-filled Cream of Wheat Muffins
1 1/2 cups flour
2 cups cream of wheat hot cereal (it can be the 1-minute, 2 1/2-minute or 10-minute cook time variety), uncooked
1/2 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 tablespoon grated lemon peel
1 teaspoon poppy seed
1 8 oz. container lowfat vanilla yogurt
2 eggs
1/4 cup butter or margarine, melted
1/3 cup mango jam
Preheat oven to 350°̊F.
In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, cereal, sugar, baking powder, lemon peel and poppy seeds; set aside.
In a smaller mixing bowl, beat together the yogurt, eggs and butter until well combined.
Add egg mixture to flour mixture; stir just until moistened Spoon batter into greased or paper-lined muffin pan.
Bake 20 minutes or until light golden brown.
Makes 12 muffins. Per serving: 200 calories, 5 gms fat (23 percent fat calories), 47 mg cholesterol, 252 mg sodium.
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.
Cornmeal Muffins
1 1/4 cup yellow cornmeal
3/4 cup flour
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
3/4 teaspoons salt
1 egg
3 tablespoons melted butter or margarine
1 cup milk
Preheat oven to 425°̊F.
In a large mixing bowl, combine cornmeal, flour, baking powder and salt; set aside.
In a smaller mixing bowl, beat together the egg, melted butter or margarine and milk.
Add egg mixture to cornmeal mixture; stir just until moistened. Spoon batter into greased or paper-lined muffin pan. Bake 15 minutes or until light golden brown.
Makes 10 muffins. Per muffin: 143 calories, 5 gms fat (34 percent fat calories), 303 mg sodium, 34 mg cholesterol.
Oatmeal and Dried Fruit Muffins
1 cup flour
1 cup uncooked rolled oats
1/4 cup sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 egg
1 cup milk
3 tablespoons canola oil
1 cup chopped dried mixed fruits
Preheat oven to 400°̊F.
In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, oatmeal, sugar, baking powder and salt; set aside.
In a smaller mixing bowl, beat together the egg, milk and oil.
Add egg mixture to oatmeal mixture. Stir in mixed dried fruits; stir just until moistened. Spoon batter into greased or paper-lined muffin pan. Bake 15 minutes or until light golden brown.
Makes 12 muffins. Per muffin: 165 calories, 5 gms fat (27 percent fat calories), 32 mg cholesterol, 288 mg sodium.
Jam-filled Cream of Wheat Muffins
1 1/2 cups flour
2 cups cream of wheat hot cereal (it can be the 1-minute, 2 1/2-minute or 10-minute cook time variety), uncooked
1/2 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 tablespoon grated lemon peel
1 teaspoon poppy seed
1 8 oz. container lowfat vanilla yogurt
2 eggs
1/4 cup butter or margarine, melted
1/3 cup mango jam
Preheat oven to 350°̊F.
In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, cereal, sugar, baking powder, lemon peel and poppy seeds; set aside.
In a smaller mixing bowl, beat together the yogurt, eggs and butter until well combined.
Add egg mixture to flour mixture; stir just until moistened Spoon batter into greased or paper-lined muffin pan.
Bake 20 minutes or until light golden brown.
Makes 12 muffins. Per serving: 200 calories, 5 gms fat (23 percent fat calories), 47 mg cholesterol, 252 mg sodium.
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.
