March 21, 2003 – The No. 2 person in the nation's new Department of Homeland Security has agreed to visit the Virgin Islands at the invitation of Sen. Lorraine Berry, who chairs the Senate's also-new Public Safety, Judiciary, Homeland Security and Justice Committee.
Michael Brown, undersecretary designate of the federal department, will be in the territory on April 14 and 15 to meet with V.I. officials "as a means of ascertaining the territory's readiness to respond to terrorist-related hostilities," Berry said in a release distributed on Thursday.
Berry described Brown as "Secretary Tom Ridge's point man" and said he will meet with her committee on April 14.
Repeating a phrase she used several weeks ago in a radio broadcast, Berry referred the Virgin Islands as "the soft underbelly of the United States" in a letter to Brown acknowledging his agreement to visit the territory. She said Brown's appearance will "go a long way in assuring us that the federal government is taking the Virgin Islands very seriously."
Berry reiterated what she had told Brown in earlier correspondence — that with the open border of its shorelines and "the indictment and conviction of Arab smuggling," the Virgin Islands "is a piece of cake" for illegal entry and exit.
In a March 3 "Lorraine Berry Report" radio address, the senator cited comments made by Harold Baker, V.I. Territorial Emergency Management Agency director, at a conference in Washington on homeland security readiness. She said Baker told Ridge: "We have 175 miles of unprotected open borders — we are the gateway to the United States … We even have seen, in recent times, Cubans walk our streets, and even Chinese nationals have been apprehended."
(The reference was to an ongoing tide of illegal aliens who are dropped off from boats, make their way ashore, and willingly allow themselves to be taken into custody and turned over to federal immigration authorities.)
Later at that same conference, Berry said, an aide she had sent in her stead because illness prevented her from attending spoke with Brown. The aide, Berry said, pointed out to Brown that the territory is home to the largest oil refinery in the Western Hemisphere; it has seen the conviction of residents for smuggling Middle Eastern nationals into the country; and, according to The Miami Herald, it was the point of entry to the United States for Muhammad Atta, identified as ringleader of the terrorists who carried out the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks.
As a result, Berry said, Brown "became assured the Virgin Islands is not only the gateway to the United States, it is also the soft underbelly."
She described Brown in the March 3 radio address as "the key man in the Department of Homeland Security, which has been appropriated $5.9 billion to be dispensed among the states and territories."
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OIL INDUSTRY REPORT: HOVENSA EYED AS TARGET
March 21, 2003 – Statements attributed to top government officials in Aruba have led to heightened security around the Hovensa refinery.
A report published Thursday in the oil industry newsletter Oil Express suggests elements opposed to U.S. military action in Iraq are weighing a possible attack against U.S. refineries in the Caribbean.
"Of specific interest to Islamic fundamentalists: the 495,000 b/d [barrels a day] Hess refinery in the Virgin Islands, and El Paso's 250,000 b/d facility in Aruba," the report said.
Oil Express is a weekly newsletter published by OPIS, a group of New Jersey-based industry specialists who track the price of oil and petroleum products for a confidential client list of top oil companies, distributors, traders and buyers.
An executive at Amerada Hess, the parent company of Hess Oil Virgin Islands Corp., the local component of Hovensa, said company officials were aware of the possible threat but could not verify whether the information is reliable. Security measures are, however, being taken.
"Yes, we've seen the story," Carl Tursi, Amerada Hess vice president, said from New York. He said Hess officials "don't know where it came from," but "we have extra security at the refinery. The Coast Guard is there. The National Guard is on alert, as it is around the nation."
Tursi added: "We notified the FBI, but they were already aware of it."
The Oil Express item cited intelligence reports circulating through Aruba's government last week. "The first hint of a plausible threat to the two facilities came from an attorney in Aruba who allegedly received information from the Prime Minister of Aruba, Nelson Oduber," the article said.
Oduber reportedly said that if the United States attacked Iraq, Islamic fundamentalists based in South America would strike the U.S.-held refinery in Aruba.
Intelligence reports obtained by Oil Express pointed to a group of al-Qaida sympathizers in Sudan and a man identified as "Saudi Abu Zahid" who told the group in 2002 that terrorists would attack terminals, pipelines and ships. "He implied possible attacks against the Amerada Hess facility in St. Croix," the article said.
Hovensa spokesman Alexander A. Moorhead said on Friday that the refinery already has procedures in place to follow as the level in the national threat assessment rises. Since U.S. forces began their strike in Iraq, the level has risen to Code Orange, or high alert, which is second only to Code Red, the highest level.
Moorhead, Hovensa's vice president for government relations and community affairs, said: "We do have steps that we take as the national security level changes, but I wouldn't want to go into any further detail, because we wouldn't want that to become public information."
Security at the St. Croix refinery — the largest in the Western Hemisphere — has been the ongoing subject of talks between Hovensa and the V.I. National Guard since the fall of 2001. The talks were initiated soon after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks on the mainland, Moorhead said, and have continued periodically since.
V.I. Territorial Emergency Management Agency officials also are paying close attention to Hovensa. Harold Baker, VITEMA director, said he has been in dialogue with refinery officials as well as V.I. port operations managers and the Water and Power Authority since national homeland security operations began last fall.
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A report published Thursday in the oil industry newsletter Oil Express suggests elements opposed to U.S. military action in Iraq are weighing a possible attack against U.S. refineries in the Caribbean.
"Of specific interest to Islamic fundamentalists: the 495,000 b/d [barrels a day] Hess refinery in the Virgin Islands, and El Paso's 250,000 b/d facility in Aruba," the report said.
Oil Express is a weekly newsletter published by OPIS, a group of New Jersey-based industry specialists who track the price of oil and petroleum products for a confidential client list of top oil companies, distributors, traders and buyers.
An executive at Amerada Hess, the parent company of Hess Oil Virgin Islands Corp., the local component of Hovensa, said company officials were aware of the possible threat but could not verify whether the information is reliable. Security measures are, however, being taken.
"Yes, we've seen the story," Carl Tursi, Amerada Hess vice president, said from New York. He said Hess officials "don't know where it came from," but "we have extra security at the refinery. The Coast Guard is there. The National Guard is on alert, as it is around the nation."
Tursi added: "We notified the FBI, but they were already aware of it."
The Oil Express item cited intelligence reports circulating through Aruba's government last week. "The first hint of a plausible threat to the two facilities came from an attorney in Aruba who allegedly received information from the Prime Minister of Aruba, Nelson Oduber," the article said.
Oduber reportedly said that if the United States attacked Iraq, Islamic fundamentalists based in South America would strike the U.S.-held refinery in Aruba.
Intelligence reports obtained by Oil Express pointed to a group of al-Qaida sympathizers in Sudan and a man identified as "Saudi Abu Zahid" who told the group in 2002 that terrorists would attack terminals, pipelines and ships. "He implied possible attacks against the Amerada Hess facility in St. Croix," the article said.
Hovensa spokesman Alexander A. Moorhead said on Friday that the refinery already has procedures in place to follow as the level in the national threat assessment rises. Since U.S. forces began their strike in Iraq, the level has risen to Code Orange, or high alert, which is second only to Code Red, the highest level.
Moorhead, Hovensa's vice president for government relations and community affairs, said: "We do have steps that we take as the national security level changes, but I wouldn't want to go into any further detail, because we wouldn't want that to become public information."
Security at the St. Croix refinery — the largest in the Western Hemisphere — has been the ongoing subject of talks between Hovensa and the V.I. National Guard since the fall of 2001. The talks were initiated soon after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks on the mainland, Moorhead said, and have continued periodically since.
V.I. Territorial Emergency Management Agency officials also are paying close attention to Hovensa. Harold Baker, VITEMA director, said he has been in dialogue with refinery officials as well as V.I. port operations managers and the Water and Power Authority since national homeland security operations began last fall.
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.
UVI BULLETIN BOARD
March 21, 2003 – The University of the Virgin Islands Bulletin Board issued March 20 has these announcements:
UVI Observing Spring Break
UVI is observing Spring Break from March 17 through Sunday, March 23. Students and faculty will resume classes on Monday, March 24.
STARfest9 Auditions Scheduled at Reichhold Center for the Arts
UVI's Reichhold Center for the Arts will conduct auditions for STARfest 9 on March 21, 22 and 23. STARfest, an annual theater production featuring the finest Virgin Islands dancers, musicians and comedians, is scheduled for May 10 and 11, and May 24 and 25.
A modeling segment will be added to STARfest for the first time this year, according to Reichhold operations manager Cindy Rollins. The addition is designed to help participants prepare for possible appearances on Star Search, the nationally televised CBS program hosted by Arsenio Hall. Auditions for the dance and modeling segments were to be held on March 21. Star Search participants compete for $100,000 in prize money in each of five performance categories.
March 20 was the deadline for applications. For more details contact Cindy Rollins at 693-1553 or e-mail her.
UVI Volleyball Matches Slated for March 24-26
UVI's men's volleyball team will warm up for its upcoming fall season by hosting the team from Ramapo College, an NCAA Division III school located in New Jersey, in a series matches scheduled for March 24 through 26 at the UVI Sports and Fitness Center. In addition, the Ramapo squad will play the St. Thomas All-Stars, a men's team with players from the St. Thomas and St. John Volleyball Association squads. A women's exhibition match is also scheduled.
See the Source article in Sports for the time schedule.
Admission is $1 per person.
UVI's CES Offers Safe and Healthy Drinking Water Workshops
UVI's Cooperative Extension Service (CES) invites the public to participate in "Safe & Healthy Drinking Water" workshops planned on St. John, St. Thomas and St. Croix.
The workshops will provide information about types of drinking water contaminants and concentration standards, how to maintain cistern water quality, when and how to test your drinking water, understanding water test reports, methods of water treatment, how to choose a water filter, and methods for evaluating and ranking your home or farm for pollution potential.
Workshops will be held on the following schedule:
— St. John – March 25, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., UVI CES office, upstairs from Fashion Palace, Cruz Bay
— St. Thomas – March 26, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., UVI Sports and Fitness Center training room
— St. Croix – March 27, 7 to 9 p.m., Room 133, UVI Research and Extension Building
Free home water test kits will be given to the first 100 pre-registered attendees. To pre-register for one of the workshops, contact Julie Wright at 693-1082 or Dale Morton at 693-1086. The workshop series is part of the Virgin Islands Home and Farm Water Quality Assessment Program's (VI*A*Syst) program.
SBDC Plans Business Taxes Seminar March 27 on St. Thomas
UVI's Small Business Development Center will offer its small business seminar on Filing Your Business Taxes for 2002 on St. Thomas from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, March 27, at the UVI-Small Business Development Center training facility at Nisky Center.
The presenters, from the V.I. Internal Revenue Bureau, will be Roy L. Moorehead, chief of audit, and A. Alonzo Brady, senior revenue agent. Topics to be covered include: tax changes for 2002; how to compute taxes; local and federal taxes; filing business taxes accurately; and how returns are selected for audit.
Admission is free. Please pre-register by Tuesday, March 25, for the seminar. To pre-register, visit the SBDC office in Nisky Center or call 776-3206.
UVI Community Engagement Committee Plans Pre-Carnival Food Sale March 28
UVI's Community Engagement Committee is making preparations to enter a float in the 2003 V.I. Carnival Parade and will begin its fund-raising campaign with a food sale from noon to 2 p.m. Friday, March 28, in the western parking lot of the Sports and Fitness Center. Purchase chicken, fish or tofu with side dishes like peas and rice, baked macaroni and cheese, potato salad, mixed vegetables and tossed salad. Drinks and desserts will also be available.
The theme of this year's Carnival entry is "Driving the Economy Through Knowledge."
Food sale tickets go on sale on Monday, March 24, and will be available from committee members. Dishes with tofu or chicken will sell for $6. Dishes with fish are $7. To contribute a cooked dish or monetary donation, call Gail Samuel at 693-1048.
St. Croix SGA Spring Ball Set March 29 at Hotel on the Cay
The UVI Student Government Association on the St. Croix campus will hold its annual Spring Ball at 7 p.m. Saturday, March 29, at Hotel on the Cay. The ball is organized by the SGA's Social and Cultural Committee. For more information contact Clint Ferris at 692-4188.
Koresh Dance Company Show Next at Reichhold; Travel Package Offered
A performance by the renowned Koresh Dance Company of Philadelphia is set for 8 p.m. March 29 at UVI's Reichhold Center for the Arts. The company's style is described as "eloquent and explosive, employing an emotional blend of ballet, modern and jazz stylings." The Reichhold show will feature ten dancers performing a full-length piece entitled "Past, Present, and Future." Folk, ballroom, modern, classical and futuristic dance styles will be included.
A master class for dance enthusiasts, conducted by company director Ronen Koresh and members of the cast, is scheduled for 5 p.m. Friday, March 28, at the Reichhold Center.
The performance is partially supported by a grant from the Pennsylvania Performing Arts on Tour, the V.I. Council on the Arts and WSTA radio. For tickets, group packages, and to register for the master class, contact the Reichhold Center Box Office at 693-1559.
The Reichhold Center and Seaborne Airlines are offering a travel package discounts for individuals coming to the show from Puerto Rico or St. Croix. For details see the Source article in Things to Do section, or contact the Reichhold Box Office.
UVI Scholarship Applications for 2003-2004 Now Available
Applications for scholarships to UVI are now available for high school, undergraduate and graduate students for the 2003-2004 school year. Applications are available at the financial aid offices on UVI's St. Thomas and St. Croix campuses. For more information contact the offices at 693-1090 on St. Thomas and at 692-4193 on St. Croix.
Applications, along with letters of recommendation, must be returned to UVI by 4 p.m. Tuesday, April 1. April 30 is the admissions deadline for the 2003-2004 school year.
SGA and Student Trustee Elections Set
Elections for the student representative to the UVI Board of Trustees and for officers for the 2003-2004 Student Government Association will be held Thursday, April 3, on the St. Thomas campus. The elections are slated for Wednesday, April 9, and Thursday, April 10, on the St. Croix campus. The university community is asked to encourage students with leadership potential to apply. The application deadline is Monday, March 31. Applications and a list of available positions are available at the student activities offices. For details call 693-1111 on St. Thomas or 692-4188 on St. Croix.
Little Theatre Preparing "The Merchant of Venice" as Spring Production
UVI's speech communications and theatre department will present William Shakespeare's "The Merchant of Venice" as its spring production for two weekends, April 4, 5 and 6, and April 11, 12 and 13. Director Michael Prenevost says the story of Shakespeare's merchant involves a rich leading lady with many suitors, a moneylender, a merchant and a couple on the run . There is "romance, comedy, prejudice and greed," Prenevost said. "Just like [the TV show] "Survivor." He promises the play has been "updated to the 1970s with "abridged Shakespearian language" and a "disco" feel. For details call 693-1355.
For more on the University of the Virgin Islands, visit the website at www.uvi.edu.
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.
UVI Observing Spring Break
UVI is observing Spring Break from March 17 through Sunday, March 23. Students and faculty will resume classes on Monday, March 24.
STARfest9 Auditions Scheduled at Reichhold Center for the Arts
UVI's Reichhold Center for the Arts will conduct auditions for STARfest 9 on March 21, 22 and 23. STARfest, an annual theater production featuring the finest Virgin Islands dancers, musicians and comedians, is scheduled for May 10 and 11, and May 24 and 25.
A modeling segment will be added to STARfest for the first time this year, according to Reichhold operations manager Cindy Rollins. The addition is designed to help participants prepare for possible appearances on Star Search, the nationally televised CBS program hosted by Arsenio Hall. Auditions for the dance and modeling segments were to be held on March 21. Star Search participants compete for $100,000 in prize money in each of five performance categories.
March 20 was the deadline for applications. For more details contact Cindy Rollins at 693-1553 or e-mail her.
UVI Volleyball Matches Slated for March 24-26
UVI's men's volleyball team will warm up for its upcoming fall season by hosting the team from Ramapo College, an NCAA Division III school located in New Jersey, in a series matches scheduled for March 24 through 26 at the UVI Sports and Fitness Center. In addition, the Ramapo squad will play the St. Thomas All-Stars, a men's team with players from the St. Thomas and St. John Volleyball Association squads. A women's exhibition match is also scheduled.
See the Source article in Sports for the time schedule.
Admission is $1 per person.
UVI's CES Offers Safe and Healthy Drinking Water Workshops
UVI's Cooperative Extension Service (CES) invites the public to participate in "Safe & Healthy Drinking Water" workshops planned on St. John, St. Thomas and St. Croix.
The workshops will provide information about types of drinking water contaminants and concentration standards, how to maintain cistern water quality, when and how to test your drinking water, understanding water test reports, methods of water treatment, how to choose a water filter, and methods for evaluating and ranking your home or farm for pollution potential.
Workshops will be held on the following schedule:
— St. John – March 25, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., UVI CES office, upstairs from Fashion Palace, Cruz Bay
— St. Thomas – March 26, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., UVI Sports and Fitness Center training room
— St. Croix – March 27, 7 to 9 p.m., Room 133, UVI Research and Extension Building
Free home water test kits will be given to the first 100 pre-registered attendees. To pre-register for one of the workshops, contact Julie Wright at 693-1082 or Dale Morton at 693-1086. The workshop series is part of the Virgin Islands Home and Farm Water Quality Assessment Program's (VI*A*Syst) program.
SBDC Plans Business Taxes Seminar March 27 on St. Thomas
UVI's Small Business Development Center will offer its small business seminar on Filing Your Business Taxes for 2002 on St. Thomas from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, March 27, at the UVI-Small Business Development Center training facility at Nisky Center.
The presenters, from the V.I. Internal Revenue Bureau, will be Roy L. Moorehead, chief of audit, and A. Alonzo Brady, senior revenue agent. Topics to be covered include: tax changes for 2002; how to compute taxes; local and federal taxes; filing business taxes accurately; and how returns are selected for audit.
Admission is free. Please pre-register by Tuesday, March 25, for the seminar. To pre-register, visit the SBDC office in Nisky Center or call 776-3206.
UVI Community Engagement Committee Plans Pre-Carnival Food Sale March 28
UVI's Community Engagement Committee is making preparations to enter a float in the 2003 V.I. Carnival Parade and will begin its fund-raising campaign with a food sale from noon to 2 p.m. Friday, March 28, in the western parking lot of the Sports and Fitness Center. Purchase chicken, fish or tofu with side dishes like peas and rice, baked macaroni and cheese, potato salad, mixed vegetables and tossed salad. Drinks and desserts will also be available.
The theme of this year's Carnival entry is "Driving the Economy Through Knowledge."
Food sale tickets go on sale on Monday, March 24, and will be available from committee members. Dishes with tofu or chicken will sell for $6. Dishes with fish are $7. To contribute a cooked dish or monetary donation, call Gail Samuel at 693-1048.
St. Croix SGA Spring Ball Set March 29 at Hotel on the Cay
The UVI Student Government Association on the St. Croix campus will hold its annual Spring Ball at 7 p.m. Saturday, March 29, at Hotel on the Cay. The ball is organized by the SGA's Social and Cultural Committee. For more information contact Clint Ferris at 692-4188.
Koresh Dance Company Show Next at Reichhold; Travel Package Offered
A performance by the renowned Koresh Dance Company of Philadelphia is set for 8 p.m. March 29 at UVI's Reichhold Center for the Arts. The company's style is described as "eloquent and explosive, employing an emotional blend of ballet, modern and jazz stylings." The Reichhold show will feature ten dancers performing a full-length piece entitled "Past, Present, and Future." Folk, ballroom, modern, classical and futuristic dance styles will be included.
A master class for dance enthusiasts, conducted by company director Ronen Koresh and members of the cast, is scheduled for 5 p.m. Friday, March 28, at the Reichhold Center.
The performance is partially supported by a grant from the Pennsylvania Performing Arts on Tour, the V.I. Council on the Arts and WSTA radio. For tickets, group packages, and to register for the master class, contact the Reichhold Center Box Office at 693-1559.
The Reichhold Center and Seaborne Airlines are offering a travel package discounts for individuals coming to the show from Puerto Rico or St. Croix. For details see the Source article in Things to Do section, or contact the Reichhold Box Office.
UVI Scholarship Applications for 2003-2004 Now Available
Applications for scholarships to UVI are now available for high school, undergraduate and graduate students for the 2003-2004 school year. Applications are available at the financial aid offices on UVI's St. Thomas and St. Croix campuses. For more information contact the offices at 693-1090 on St. Thomas and at 692-4193 on St. Croix.
Applications, along with letters of recommendation, must be returned to UVI by 4 p.m. Tuesday, April 1. April 30 is the admissions deadline for the 2003-2004 school year.
SGA and Student Trustee Elections Set
Elections for the student representative to the UVI Board of Trustees and for officers for the 2003-2004 Student Government Association will be held Thursday, April 3, on the St. Thomas campus. The elections are slated for Wednesday, April 9, and Thursday, April 10, on the St. Croix campus. The university community is asked to encourage students with leadership potential to apply. The application deadline is Monday, March 31. Applications and a list of available positions are available at the student activities offices. For details call 693-1111 on St. Thomas or 692-4188 on St. Croix.
Little Theatre Preparing "The Merchant of Venice" as Spring Production
UVI's speech communications and theatre department will present William Shakespeare's "The Merchant of Venice" as its spring production for two weekends, April 4, 5 and 6, and April 11, 12 and 13. Director Michael Prenevost says the story of Shakespeare's merchant involves a rich leading lady with many suitors, a moneylender, a merchant and a couple on the run . There is "romance, comedy, prejudice and greed," Prenevost said. "Just like [the TV show] "Survivor." He promises the play has been "updated to the 1970s with "abridged Shakespearian language" and a "disco" feel. For details call 693-1355.
For more on the University of the Virgin Islands, visit the website at www.uvi.edu.
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CHRISTIAN SAYS HE'S 'AFFABLY ACCEPTED' REMOVAL
March 21, 2003 – Recently dismissed Police Commissioner Franz Christian said in an open "letter to the editor" on Friday that he harbors "no resentment" toward Gov. Charles W. Turnbull concerning the governor's decision to replace him with former St. Croix Police Chief Elton Lewis.
The change in police administration, Christian wrote, could cause speculation in the community about possible dissent within the department. "I wish to immediately dispel such speculations," he said.
The Police Department has undergone leadership transitions in the past and "will do so again in the future," he said, but the public can be assured that it will "continue to efficiently and effectively serve them during this transitional period."
Police effectiveness has been under scrutiny in recent months. Homicides reached a record high last year, and most of those cases remain unsolved. Carnival Cruise Lines canceled regular calls by two of its ships at Frederiksted, citing ongoing crime against passengers and crew. A drive-by shooting on St. Croix last weekend left a 13-year-old girl paralyzed from the waist down and an off-duty police office also wounded.
Turnbull announced on Tuesday that he had accepted Christian's resignation and had relieved him of duty effective immediately.
Police personnel from Christian to union personnel have cited inadequate funding, low morale and a poor public image as major problems facing the department.
Christian was named Police commissioner by Turnbull in the early weeks of the governor's first term, succeeding Ramon Davila, a carryover from the Schneider administration. Last April, in testimony before a Senate committee, Christian acknowledged that was among police personnel moonlighting under separate contract to provide security at Juan F. Luis Hospital
In his letter, Christian said that as a 20-year veteran of the force and as a private citizen, he will "continue to support and defend the efforts of the department in these difficult times."
The department, he said, is made up of "highly dedicated professionals" who "work long and hard to service the needs of this community." Thanking the government, the private sector and community-based organizations for their support, he urged the public to provide information to assist the police in their investigations. "Crime is not just a matter for the police," he wrote. "It is a community problem."
He professed "nothing but a tremendous respect" for Turnbull. "I have affably accepted the governor's decision to adjust the leadership of the Police Department at this time, and I harbor no resentment," he wrote.
Christian said he knows Lewis personally, and he is "a consummate professional whose leadership ability and style will compliment the Police Department." He said he plans to meet with Lewis soon to apprise him of ongoing projects so as to effect a smooth transition.
As for the news media, Christian said: "Although, we may not have always agreed on the issues, we have at all times shared a mutual respect and understanding."
Christian also had kind words for the police officers he worked with as commissioner. "Your unfailing support is deeply appreciated, and I ask that you continue to demonstrate the same level of commitment and loyalty to my successor," he wrote.
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 change in police administration, Christian wrote, could cause speculation in the community about possible dissent within the department. "I wish to immediately dispel such speculations," he said.
The Police Department has undergone leadership transitions in the past and "will do so again in the future," he said, but the public can be assured that it will "continue to efficiently and effectively serve them during this transitional period."
Police effectiveness has been under scrutiny in recent months. Homicides reached a record high last year, and most of those cases remain unsolved. Carnival Cruise Lines canceled regular calls by two of its ships at Frederiksted, citing ongoing crime against passengers and crew. A drive-by shooting on St. Croix last weekend left a 13-year-old girl paralyzed from the waist down and an off-duty police office also wounded.
Turnbull announced on Tuesday that he had accepted Christian's resignation and had relieved him of duty effective immediately.
Police personnel from Christian to union personnel have cited inadequate funding, low morale and a poor public image as major problems facing the department.
Christian was named Police commissioner by Turnbull in the early weeks of the governor's first term, succeeding Ramon Davila, a carryover from the Schneider administration. Last April, in testimony before a Senate committee, Christian acknowledged that was among police personnel moonlighting under separate contract to provide security at Juan F. Luis Hospital
In his letter, Christian said that as a 20-year veteran of the force and as a private citizen, he will "continue to support and defend the efforts of the department in these difficult times."
The department, he said, is made up of "highly dedicated professionals" who "work long and hard to service the needs of this community." Thanking the government, the private sector and community-based organizations for their support, he urged the public to provide information to assist the police in their investigations. "Crime is not just a matter for the police," he wrote. "It is a community problem."
He professed "nothing but a tremendous respect" for Turnbull. "I have affably accepted the governor's decision to adjust the leadership of the Police Department at this time, and I harbor no resentment," he wrote.
Christian said he knows Lewis personally, and he is "a consummate professional whose leadership ability and style will compliment the Police Department." He said he plans to meet with Lewis soon to apprise him of ongoing projects so as to effect a smooth transition.
As for the news media, Christian said: "Although, we may not have always agreed on the issues, we have at all times shared a mutual respect and understanding."
Christian also had kind words for the police officers he worked with as commissioner. "Your unfailing support is deeply appreciated, and I ask that you continue to demonstrate the same level of commitment and loyalty to my successor," he wrote.
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.
BOMB CALLS DISRUPT 3 SCHOOLS, JUSTICE COMPLEX
March 21, 2003 – Classes at three schools on St. Thomas were disrupted Friday by telephoned bomb threats. And yet another threat was called into the Alexander A. Farrelly Justice Complex in downtown Charlotte Amalie.
For the third time in four days, Addelita Cancryn Junior High Schools students had their studies interrupted, this time by a phone call to the school around noon. Once again, classrooms were evacuated.
Toddlers, mothers and teachers from the nearby Minnetta Mitchell Headstart school also headed along with the Cancryn youngsters for the safety of Joseph Aubain Ballpark in Frenchtown.
At Joseph Gomez Elementary School in the Tutu area, an aide in the principal's office confirmed a scare there. "We did not evacuate. We searched the building, nothing was found and we resumed classes," the aide said.
The justice complex also was evacuated.
A Fire Service official said that agency received a report of the Gomez threat around 11 a.m., and the Cancryn one came in around 12:45 p.m. It was after 2 p.m. that word of the call to the justice complex was received, the official said.
The threats called in this week to Cancryn are reminiscent of November 2001, when the school experienced four scares in three days.
On Friday, after police and fire units deemed the Cancryn buildings safe, students returned to their classes shortly after 1 p.m., Deputy Police Chief Theodore Carty said.
The justice complex was declared all clear at 2:45 p.m. according to police.
The V.I. Territorial Emergency Management Agency was advised of the call made to the justice center. Harold Baker, VITEMA director, said the agency is "involved with anything that's an emergency," to coordinate the response of emergency services "and assist wherever we can."
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 the third time in four days, Addelita Cancryn Junior High Schools students had their studies interrupted, this time by a phone call to the school around noon. Once again, classrooms were evacuated.
Toddlers, mothers and teachers from the nearby Minnetta Mitchell Headstart school also headed along with the Cancryn youngsters for the safety of Joseph Aubain Ballpark in Frenchtown.
At Joseph Gomez Elementary School in the Tutu area, an aide in the principal's office confirmed a scare there. "We did not evacuate. We searched the building, nothing was found and we resumed classes," the aide said.
The justice complex also was evacuated.
A Fire Service official said that agency received a report of the Gomez threat around 11 a.m., and the Cancryn one came in around 12:45 p.m. It was after 2 p.m. that word of the call to the justice complex was received, the official said.
The threats called in this week to Cancryn are reminiscent of November 2001, when the school experienced four scares in three days.
On Friday, after police and fire units deemed the Cancryn buildings safe, students returned to their classes shortly after 1 p.m., Deputy Police Chief Theodore Carty said.
The justice complex was declared all clear at 2:45 p.m. according to police.
The V.I. Territorial Emergency Management Agency was advised of the call made to the justice center. Harold Baker, VITEMA director, said the agency is "involved with anything that's an emergency," to coordinate the response of emergency services "and assist wherever we can."
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.
TOP HOMELAND SECURITY OFFICIAL TO VISIT THE V.I.
March 21, 2003 – The No. 2 person in the nation's new Department of Homeland Security has agreed to visit the Virgin Islands at the invitation of Sen. Lorraine Berry, who chairs the Senate's also-new Public Safety, Judiciary, Homeland Security and Justice Committee.
Michael Brown, undersecretary designate of the federal department, will be in the territory on April 14 and 15 to meet with V.I. officials "as a means of ascertaining the territory's readiness to respond to terrorist-related hostilities," Berry said in a release distributed on Thursday.
Berry described Brown as "Secretary Tom Ridge's point man" and said he will meet with her committee on April 14.
Repeating a phrase she used several weeks ago in a radio broadcast, Berry referred the Virgin Islands as "the soft underbelly of the United States" in a letter to Brown acknowledging his agreement to visit the territory. She said Brown's appearance will "go a long way in assuring us that the federal government is taking the Virgin Islands very seriously."
Berry reiterated what she had told Brown in earlier correspondence — that with the open border of its shorelines and "the indictment and conviction of Arab smuggling," the Virgin Islands "is a piece of cake" for illegal entry and exit.
In a March 3 "Lorraine Berry Report" radio address, the senator cited comments made by Harold Baker, V.I. Territorial Emergency Management Agency director, at a conference in Washington on homeland security readiness. She said Baker told Ridge: "We have 175 miles of unprotected open borders — we are the gateway to the United States … We even have seen, in recent times, Cubans walk our streets, and even Chinese nationals have been apprehended."
(The reference was to an ongoing tide of illegal aliens who are dropped off from boats, make their way ashore, and willingly allow themselves to be taken into custody and turned over to federal immigration authorities.)
Later at that same conference, Berry said, an aide she had sent in her stead because illness prevented her from attending spoke with Brown. The aide, Berry said, pointed out to Brown that the territory is home to the largest oil refinery in the Western Hemisphere; it has seen the conviction of residents for smuggling Middle Eastern nationals into the country; and, according to The Miami Herald, it was the point of entry to the United States for Muhammad Atta, identified as ringleader of the terrorists who carried out the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks.
As a result, Berry said, Brown "became assured the Virgin Islands is not only the gateway to the United States, it is also the soft underbelly."
She described Brown in the March 3 radio address as "the key man in the Department of Homeland Security, which has been appropriated $5.9 billion to be dispensed among the states and territories."
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.
Michael Brown, undersecretary designate of the federal department, will be in the territory on April 14 and 15 to meet with V.I. officials "as a means of ascertaining the territory's readiness to respond to terrorist-related hostilities," Berry said in a release distributed on Thursday.
Berry described Brown as "Secretary Tom Ridge's point man" and said he will meet with her committee on April 14.
Repeating a phrase she used several weeks ago in a radio broadcast, Berry referred the Virgin Islands as "the soft underbelly of the United States" in a letter to Brown acknowledging his agreement to visit the territory. She said Brown's appearance will "go a long way in assuring us that the federal government is taking the Virgin Islands very seriously."
Berry reiterated what she had told Brown in earlier correspondence — that with the open border of its shorelines and "the indictment and conviction of Arab smuggling," the Virgin Islands "is a piece of cake" for illegal entry and exit.
In a March 3 "Lorraine Berry Report" radio address, the senator cited comments made by Harold Baker, V.I. Territorial Emergency Management Agency director, at a conference in Washington on homeland security readiness. She said Baker told Ridge: "We have 175 miles of unprotected open borders — we are the gateway to the United States … We even have seen, in recent times, Cubans walk our streets, and even Chinese nationals have been apprehended."
(The reference was to an ongoing tide of illegal aliens who are dropped off from boats, make their way ashore, and willingly allow themselves to be taken into custody and turned over to federal immigration authorities.)
Later at that same conference, Berry said, an aide she had sent in her stead because illness prevented her from attending spoke with Brown. The aide, Berry said, pointed out to Brown that the territory is home to the largest oil refinery in the Western Hemisphere; it has seen the conviction of residents for smuggling Middle Eastern nationals into the country; and, according to The Miami Herald, it was the point of entry to the United States for Muhammad Atta, identified as ringleader of the terrorists who carried out the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks.
As a result, Berry said, Brown "became assured the Virgin Islands is not only the gateway to the United States, it is also the soft underbelly."
She described Brown in the March 3 radio address as "the key man in the Department of Homeland Security, which has been appropriated $5.9 billion to be dispensed among the states and territories."
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.
UVI BULLETIN BOARD
March 21, 2003 – The University of the Virgin Islands Bulletin Board issued March 20 has these announcements:
UVI Observing Spring Break
UVI is observing Spring Break from March 17 through Sunday, March 23. Students and faculty will resume classes on Monday, March 24.
STARfest9 Auditions Scheduled at Reichhold Center for the Arts
UVI's Reichhold Center for the Arts will conduct auditions for STARfest 9 on March 21, 22 and 23. STARfest, an annual theater production featuring the finest Virgin Islands dancers, musicians and comedians, is scheduled for May 10 and 11, and May 24 and 25.
A modeling segment will be added to STARfest for the first time this year, according to Reichhold operations manager Cindy Rollins. The addition is designed to help participants prepare for possible appearances on Star Search, the nationally televised CBS program hosted by Arsenio Hall. Auditions for the dance and modeling segments were to be held on March 21. Star Search participants compete for $100,000 in prize money in each of five performance categories.
March 20 was the deadline for applications. For more details contact Cindy Rollins at 693-1553 or e-mail her.
UVI Volleyball Matches Slated for March 24-26
UVI's men's volleyball team will warm up for its upcoming fall season by hosting the team from Ramapo College, an NCAA Division III school located in New Jersey, in a series matches scheduled for March 24 through 26 at the UVI Sports and Fitness Center. In addition, the Ramapo squad will play the St. Thomas All-Stars, a men's team with players from the St. Thomas and St. John Volleyball Association squads. A women's exhibition match is also scheduled.
See the Source article in Sports for the time schedule.
Admission is $1 per person.
UVI's CES Offers Safe and Healthy Drinking Water Workshops
UVI's Cooperative Extension Service (CES) invites the public to participate in "Safe & Healthy Drinking Water" workshops planned on St. John, St. Thomas and St. Croix.
The workshops will provide information about types of drinking water contaminants and concentration standards, how to maintain cistern water quality, when and how to test your drinking water, understanding water test reports, methods of water treatment, how to choose a water filter, and methods for evaluating and ranking your home or farm for pollution potential.
Workshops will be held on the following schedule:
— St. John – March 25, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., UVI CES office, upstairs from Fashion Palace, Cruz Bay
— St. Thomas – March 26, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., UVI Sports and Fitness Center training room
— St. Croix – March 27, 7 to 9 p.m., Room 133, UVI Research and Extension Building
Free home water test kits will be given to the first 100 pre-registered attendees. To pre-register for one of the workshops, contact Julie Wright at 693-1082 or Dale Morton at 693-1086. The workshop series is part of the Virgin Islands Home and Farm Water Quality Assessment Program's (VI*A*Syst) program.
SBDC Plans Business Taxes Seminar March 27 on St. Thomas
UVI's Small Business Development Center will offer its small business seminar on Filing Your Business Taxes for 2002 on St. Thomas from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, March 27, at the UVI-Small Business Development Center training facility at Nisky Center.
The presenters, from the V.I. Internal Revenue Bureau, will be Roy L. Moorehead, chief of audit, and A. Alonzo Brady, senior revenue agent. Topics to be covered include: tax changes for 2002; how to compute taxes; local and federal taxes; filing business taxes accurately; and how returns are selected for audit.
Admission is free. Please pre-register by Tuesday, March 25, for the seminar. To pre-register, visit the SBDC office in Nisky Center or call 776-3206.
UVI Community Engagement Committee Plans Pre-Carnival Food Sale March 28
UVI's Community Engagement Committee is making preparations to enter a float in the 2003 V.I. Carnival Parade and will begin its fund-raising campaign with a food sale from noon to 2 p.m. Friday, March 28, in the western parking lot of the Sports and Fitness Center. Purchase chicken, fish or tofu with side dishes like peas and rice, baked macaroni and cheese, potato salad, mixed vegetables and tossed salad. Drinks and desserts will also be available.
The theme of this year's Carnival entry is "Driving the Economy Through Knowledge."
Food sale tickets go on sale on Monday, March 24, and will be available from committee members. Dishes with tofu or chicken will sell for $6. Dishes with fish are $7. To contribute a cooked dish or monetary donation, call Gail Samuel at 693-1048.
St. Croix SGA Spring Ball Set March 29 at Hotel on the Cay
The UVI Student Government Association on the St. Croix campus will hold its annual Spring Ball at 7 p.m. Saturday, March 29, at Hotel on the Cay. The ball is organized by the SGA's Social and Cultural Committee. For more information contact Clint Ferris at 692-4188.
Koresh Dance Company Show Next at Reichhold; Travel Package Offered
A performance by the renowned Koresh Dance Company of Philadelphia is set for 8 p.m. March 29 at UVI's Reichhold Center for the Arts. The company's style is described as "eloquent and explosive, employing an emotional blend of ballet, modern and jazz stylings." The Reichhold show will feature ten dancers performing a full-length piece entitled "Past, Present, and Future." Folk, ballroom, modern, classical and futuristic dance styles will be included.
A master class for dance enthusiasts, conducted by company director Ronen Koresh and members of the cast, is scheduled for 5 p.m. Friday, March 28, at the Reichhold Center.
The performance is partially supported by a grant from the Pennsylvania Performing Arts on Tour, the V.I. Council on the Arts and WSTA radio. For tickets, group packages, and to register for the master class, contact the Reichhold Center Box Office at 693-1559.
The Reichhold Center and Seaborne Airlines are offering a travel package discounts for individuals coming to the show from Puerto Rico or St. Croix. For details see the Source article in Things to Do section, or contact the Reichhold Box Office.
UVI Scholarship Applications for 2003-2004 Now Available
Applications for scholarships to UVI are now available for high school, undergraduate and graduate students for the 2003-2004 school year. Applications are available at the financial aid offices on UVI's St. Thomas and St. Croix campuses. For more information contact the offices at 693-1090 on St. Thomas and at 692-4193 on St. Croix.
Applications, along with letters of recommendation, must be returned to UVI by 4 p.m. Tuesday, April 1. April 30 is the admissions deadline for the 2003-2004 school year.
SGA and Student Trustee Elections Set
Elections for the student representative to the UVI Board of Trustees and for officers for the 2003-2004 Student Government Association will be held Thursday, April 3, on the St. Thomas campus. The elections are slated for Wednesday, April 9, and Thursday, April 10, on the St. Croix campus. The university community is asked to encourage students with leadership potential to apply. The application deadline is Monday, March 31. Applications and a list of available positions are available at the student activities offices. For details call 693-1111 on St. Thomas or 692-4188 on St. Croix.
Little Theatre Preparing "The Merchant of Venice" as Spring Production
UVI's speech communications and theatre department will present William Shakespeare's "The Merchant of Venice" as its spring production for two weekends, April 4, 5 and 6, and April 11, 12 and 13. Director Michael Prenevost says the story of Shakespeare's merchant involves a rich leading lady with many suitors, a moneylender, a merchant and a couple on the run . There is "romance, comedy, prejudice and greed," Prenevost said. "Just like [the TV show] "Survivor." He promises the play has been "updated to the 1970s with "abridged Shakespearian language" and a "disco" feel. For details call 693-1355.
For more on the University of the Virgin Islands, visit the website at www.uvi.edu.
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.
UVI Observing Spring Break
UVI is observing Spring Break from March 17 through Sunday, March 23. Students and faculty will resume classes on Monday, March 24.
STARfest9 Auditions Scheduled at Reichhold Center for the Arts
UVI's Reichhold Center for the Arts will conduct auditions for STARfest 9 on March 21, 22 and 23. STARfest, an annual theater production featuring the finest Virgin Islands dancers, musicians and comedians, is scheduled for May 10 and 11, and May 24 and 25.
A modeling segment will be added to STARfest for the first time this year, according to Reichhold operations manager Cindy Rollins. The addition is designed to help participants prepare for possible appearances on Star Search, the nationally televised CBS program hosted by Arsenio Hall. Auditions for the dance and modeling segments were to be held on March 21. Star Search participants compete for $100,000 in prize money in each of five performance categories.
March 20 was the deadline for applications. For more details contact Cindy Rollins at 693-1553 or e-mail her.
UVI Volleyball Matches Slated for March 24-26
UVI's men's volleyball team will warm up for its upcoming fall season by hosting the team from Ramapo College, an NCAA Division III school located in New Jersey, in a series matches scheduled for March 24 through 26 at the UVI Sports and Fitness Center. In addition, the Ramapo squad will play the St. Thomas All-Stars, a men's team with players from the St. Thomas and St. John Volleyball Association squads. A women's exhibition match is also scheduled.
See the Source article in Sports for the time schedule.
Admission is $1 per person.
UVI's CES Offers Safe and Healthy Drinking Water Workshops
UVI's Cooperative Extension Service (CES) invites the public to participate in "Safe & Healthy Drinking Water" workshops planned on St. John, St. Thomas and St. Croix.
The workshops will provide information about types of drinking water contaminants and concentration standards, how to maintain cistern water quality, when and how to test your drinking water, understanding water test reports, methods of water treatment, how to choose a water filter, and methods for evaluating and ranking your home or farm for pollution potential.
Workshops will be held on the following schedule:
— St. John – March 25, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., UVI CES office, upstairs from Fashion Palace, Cruz Bay
— St. Thomas – March 26, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., UVI Sports and Fitness Center training room
— St. Croix – March 27, 7 to 9 p.m., Room 133, UVI Research and Extension Building
Free home water test kits will be given to the first 100 pre-registered attendees. To pre-register for one of the workshops, contact Julie Wright at 693-1082 or Dale Morton at 693-1086. The workshop series is part of the Virgin Islands Home and Farm Water Quality Assessment Program's (VI*A*Syst) program.
SBDC Plans Business Taxes Seminar March 27 on St. Thomas
UVI's Small Business Development Center will offer its small business seminar on Filing Your Business Taxes for 2002 on St. Thomas from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, March 27, at the UVI-Small Business Development Center training facility at Nisky Center.
The presenters, from the V.I. Internal Revenue Bureau, will be Roy L. Moorehead, chief of audit, and A. Alonzo Brady, senior revenue agent. Topics to be covered include: tax changes for 2002; how to compute taxes; local and federal taxes; filing business taxes accurately; and how returns are selected for audit.
Admission is free. Please pre-register by Tuesday, March 25, for the seminar. To pre-register, visit the SBDC office in Nisky Center or call 776-3206.
UVI Community Engagement Committee Plans Pre-Carnival Food Sale March 28
UVI's Community Engagement Committee is making preparations to enter a float in the 2003 V.I. Carnival Parade and will begin its fund-raising campaign with a food sale from noon to 2 p.m. Friday, March 28, in the western parking lot of the Sports and Fitness Center. Purchase chicken, fish or tofu with side dishes like peas and rice, baked macaroni and cheese, potato salad, mixed vegetables and tossed salad. Drinks and desserts will also be available.
The theme of this year's Carnival entry is "Driving the Economy Through Knowledge."
Food sale tickets go on sale on Monday, March 24, and will be available from committee members. Dishes with tofu or chicken will sell for $6. Dishes with fish are $7. To contribute a cooked dish or monetary donation, call Gail Samuel at 693-1048.
St. Croix SGA Spring Ball Set March 29 at Hotel on the Cay
The UVI Student Government Association on the St. Croix campus will hold its annual Spring Ball at 7 p.m. Saturday, March 29, at Hotel on the Cay. The ball is organized by the SGA's Social and Cultural Committee. For more information contact Clint Ferris at 692-4188.
Koresh Dance Company Show Next at Reichhold; Travel Package Offered
A performance by the renowned Koresh Dance Company of Philadelphia is set for 8 p.m. March 29 at UVI's Reichhold Center for the Arts. The company's style is described as "eloquent and explosive, employing an emotional blend of ballet, modern and jazz stylings." The Reichhold show will feature ten dancers performing a full-length piece entitled "Past, Present, and Future." Folk, ballroom, modern, classical and futuristic dance styles will be included.
A master class for dance enthusiasts, conducted by company director Ronen Koresh and members of the cast, is scheduled for 5 p.m. Friday, March 28, at the Reichhold Center.
The performance is partially supported by a grant from the Pennsylvania Performing Arts on Tour, the V.I. Council on the Arts and WSTA radio. For tickets, group packages, and to register for the master class, contact the Reichhold Center Box Office at 693-1559.
The Reichhold Center and Seaborne Airlines are offering a travel package discounts for individuals coming to the show from Puerto Rico or St. Croix. For details see the Source article in Things to Do section, or contact the Reichhold Box Office.
UVI Scholarship Applications for 2003-2004 Now Available
Applications for scholarships to UVI are now available for high school, undergraduate and graduate students for the 2003-2004 school year. Applications are available at the financial aid offices on UVI's St. Thomas and St. Croix campuses. For more information contact the offices at 693-1090 on St. Thomas and at 692-4193 on St. Croix.
Applications, along with letters of recommendation, must be returned to UVI by 4 p.m. Tuesday, April 1. April 30 is the admissions deadline for the 2003-2004 school year.
SGA and Student Trustee Elections Set
Elections for the student representative to the UVI Board of Trustees and for officers for the 2003-2004 Student Government Association will be held Thursday, April 3, on the St. Thomas campus. The elections are slated for Wednesday, April 9, and Thursday, April 10, on the St. Croix campus. The university community is asked to encourage students with leadership potential to apply. The application deadline is Monday, March 31. Applications and a list of available positions are available at the student activities offices. For details call 693-1111 on St. Thomas or 692-4188 on St. Croix.
Little Theatre Preparing "The Merchant of Venice" as Spring Production
UVI's speech communications and theatre department will present William Shakespeare's "The Merchant of Venice" as its spring production for two weekends, April 4, 5 and 6, and April 11, 12 and 13. Director Michael Prenevost says the story of Shakespeare's merchant involves a rich leading lady with many suitors, a moneylender, a merchant and a couple on the run . There is "romance, comedy, prejudice and greed," Prenevost said. "Just like [the TV show] "Survivor." He promises the play has been "updated to the 1970s with "abridged Shakespearian language" and a "disco" feel. For details call 693-1355.
For more on the University of the Virgin Islands, visit the website at www.uvi.edu.
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.
UVI BULLETIN BOARD
March 21, 2003 – The University of the Virgin Islands Bulletin Board issued March 20 has these announcements:
UVI Observing Spring Break
UVI is observing Spring Break from March 17 through Sunday, March 23. Students and faculty will resume classes on Monday, March 24.
STARfest9 Auditions Scheduled at Reichhold Center for the Arts
UVI's Reichhold Center for the Arts will conduct auditions for STARfest 9 on March 21, 22 and 23. STARfest, an annual theater production featuring the finest Virgin Islands dancers, musicians and comedians, is scheduled for May 10 and 11, and May 24 and 25.
A modeling segment will be added to STARfest for the first time this year, according to Reichhold operations manager Cindy Rollins. The addition is designed to help participants prepare for possible appearances on Star Search, the nationally televised CBS program hosted by Arsenio Hall. Auditions for the dance and modeling segments were to be held on March 21. Star Search participants compete for $100,000 in prize money in each of five performance categories.
March 20 was the deadline for applications. For more details contact Cindy Rollins at 693-1553 or e-mail her.
UVI Volleyball Matches Slated for March 24-26
UVI's men's volleyball team will warm up for its upcoming fall season by hosting the team from Ramapo College, an NCAA Division III school located in New Jersey, in a series matches scheduled for March 24 through 26 at the UVI Sports and Fitness Center. In addition, the Ramapo squad will play the St. Thomas All-Stars, a men's team with players from the St. Thomas and St. John Volleyball Association squads. A women's exhibition match is also scheduled.
See the Source article in Sports for the schedule.
Admission is $1 per person.
UVI's CES Offers Safe and Healthy Drinking Water Workshops
UVI's Cooperative Extension Service (CES) invites the public to participate in "Safe & Healthy Drinking Water" workshops planned on St. John, St. Thomas and St. Croix.
The workshops will provide information about types of drinking water contaminants and concentration standards, how to maintain cistern water quality, when and how to test your drinking water, understanding water test reports, methods of water treatment, how to choose a water filter, and methods for evaluating and ranking your home or farm for pollution potential.
Workshops will be held on the following schedule:
— St. John – March 25, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., UVI CES office, upstairs from Fashion Palace, Cruz Bay
— St. Thomas – March 26, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., UVI Sports and Fitness Center training room
— St. Croix – March 27, 7 to 9 p.m., Room 133, UVI Research and Extension Building
Free home water test kits will be given to the first 100 pre-registered attendees. To pre-register for one of the workshops, contact Julie Wright at 693-1082 or Dale Morton at 693-1086. The workshop series is part of the Virgin Islands Home and Farm Water Quality Assessment Program's (VI*A*Syst) program.
SBDC Plans Business Taxes Seminar March 27 on St. Thomas
UVI's Small Business Development Center will offer its small business seminar on Filing Your Business Taxes for 2002 on St. Thomas from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, March 27, at the UVI-Small Business Development Center training facility at Nisky Center.
The presenters, from the V.I. Internal Revenue Bureau, will be Roy L. Moorehead, chief of audit, and A. Alonzo Brady, senior revenue agent. Topics to be covered include: tax changes for 2002; how to compute taxes; local and federal taxes; filing business taxes accurately; and how returns are selected for audit.
Admission is free. Please pre-register by Tuesday, March 25, for the seminar. To pre-register, visit the SBDC office in Nisky Center or call 776-3206.
UVI Community Engagement Committee Plans Pre-Carnival Food Sale March 28
UVI's Community Engagement Committee is making preparations to enter a float in the 2003 V.I. Carnival Parade and will begin its fund-raising campaign with a food sale from noon to 2 p.m. Friday, March 28, in the western parking lot of the Sports and Fitness Center. Purchase chicken, fish or tofu with side dishes like peas and rice, baked macaroni and cheese, potato salad, mixed vegetables and tossed salad. Drinks and desserts will also be available.
The theme of this year's Carnival entry is "Driving the Economy Through Knowledge."
Food sale tickets go on sale on Monday, March 24, and will be available from committee members. Dishes with tofu or chicken will sell for $6. Dishes with fish are $7. To contribute a cooked dish or monetary donation, call Gail Samuel at 693-1048.
St. Croix SGA Spring Ball Set March 29 at Hotel on the Cay
The UVI Student Government Association on the St. Croix campus will hold its annual Spring Ball at 7 p.m. Saturday, March 29, at Hotel on the Cay. The ball is organized by the SGA's Social and Cultural Committee. For more information contact Clint Ferris at 692-4188.
Koresh Dance Company Show Next at Reichhold; Travel Package Offered
A performance by the renowned Koresh Dance Company of Philadelphia is set for 8 p.m. March 29 at UVI's Reichhold Center for the Arts. The company's style is described as "eloquent and explosive, employing an emotional blend of ballet, modern and jazz stylings." The Reichhold show will feature ten dancers performing a full-length piece entitled "Past, Present, and Future." Folk, ballroom, modern, classical and futuristic dance styles will be included.
A master class for dance enthusiasts, conducted by company director Ronen Koresh and members of the cast, is scheduled for 5 p.m. Friday, March 28, at the Reichhold Center.
The performance is partially supported by a grant from the Pennsylvania Performing Arts on Tour, the V.I. Council on the Arts and WSTA radio. For tickets, group packages, and to register for the master class, contact the Reichhold Center Box Office at 693-1559.
The Reichhold Center and Seaborne Airlines are offering a travel package discounts for individuals coming to the show from Puerto Rico or St. Croix. For details see the Source article in Things to Do section, or contact the Reichhold Box Office.
UVI Scholarship Applications for 2003-2004 Now Available
Applications for scholarships to UVI are now available for high school, undergraduate and graduate students for the 2003-2004 school year. Applications are available at the financial aid offices on UVI's St. Thomas and St. Croix campuses. For more information contact the offices at 693-1090 on St. Thomas and at 692-4193 on St. Croix.
Applications, along with letters of recommendation, must be returned to UVI by 4 p.m. Tuesday, April 1. April 30 is the admissions deadline for the 2003-2004 school year.
SGA and Student Trustee Elections Set
Elections for the student representative to the UVI Board of Trustees and for officers for the 2003-2004 Student Government Association will be held Thursday, April 3, on the St. Thomas campus. The elections are slated for Wednesday, April 9, and Thursday, April 10, on the St. Croix campus. The university community is asked to encourage students with leadership potential to apply. The application deadline is Monday, March 31. Applications and a list of available positions are available at the student activities offices. For details call 693-1111 on St. Thomas or 692-4188 on St. Croix.
Little Theatre Preparing "The Merchant of Venice" as Spring Production
UVI's speech communications and theatre department will present William Shakespeare's "The Merchant of Venice" as its spring production for two weekends, April 4, 5 and 6, and April 11, 12 and 13. Director Michael Prenevost says the story of Shakespeare's merchant involves a rich leading lady with many suitors, a moneylender, a merchant and a couple on the run. The re is "romance, comedy, prejudice and greed," Prenevost said. "Just like [the TV show] "Survivor." He promises the play has been "updated to the 1970s with "abridged Shakespearian language" and a "disco" feel. For details call 693-1355.
For more on the University of the Virgin Islands, visit the website at www.uvi.edu.
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.
UVI Observing Spring Break
UVI is observing Spring Break from March 17 through Sunday, March 23. Students and faculty will resume classes on Monday, March 24.
STARfest9 Auditions Scheduled at Reichhold Center for the Arts
UVI's Reichhold Center for the Arts will conduct auditions for STARfest 9 on March 21, 22 and 23. STARfest, an annual theater production featuring the finest Virgin Islands dancers, musicians and comedians, is scheduled for May 10 and 11, and May 24 and 25.
A modeling segment will be added to STARfest for the first time this year, according to Reichhold operations manager Cindy Rollins. The addition is designed to help participants prepare for possible appearances on Star Search, the nationally televised CBS program hosted by Arsenio Hall. Auditions for the dance and modeling segments were to be held on March 21. Star Search participants compete for $100,000 in prize money in each of five performance categories.
March 20 was the deadline for applications. For more details contact Cindy Rollins at 693-1553 or e-mail her.
UVI Volleyball Matches Slated for March 24-26
UVI's men's volleyball team will warm up for its upcoming fall season by hosting the team from Ramapo College, an NCAA Division III school located in New Jersey, in a series matches scheduled for March 24 through 26 at the UVI Sports and Fitness Center. In addition, the Ramapo squad will play the St. Thomas All-Stars, a men's team with players from the St. Thomas and St. John Volleyball Association squads. A women's exhibition match is also scheduled.
See the Source article in Sports for the schedule.
Admission is $1 per person.
UVI's CES Offers Safe and Healthy Drinking Water Workshops
UVI's Cooperative Extension Service (CES) invites the public to participate in "Safe & Healthy Drinking Water" workshops planned on St. John, St. Thomas and St. Croix.
The workshops will provide information about types of drinking water contaminants and concentration standards, how to maintain cistern water quality, when and how to test your drinking water, understanding water test reports, methods of water treatment, how to choose a water filter, and methods for evaluating and ranking your home or farm for pollution potential.
Workshops will be held on the following schedule:
— St. John – March 25, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., UVI CES office, upstairs from Fashion Palace, Cruz Bay
— St. Thomas – March 26, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., UVI Sports and Fitness Center training room
— St. Croix – March 27, 7 to 9 p.m., Room 133, UVI Research and Extension Building
Free home water test kits will be given to the first 100 pre-registered attendees. To pre-register for one of the workshops, contact Julie Wright at 693-1082 or Dale Morton at 693-1086. The workshop series is part of the Virgin Islands Home and Farm Water Quality Assessment Program's (VI*A*Syst) program.
SBDC Plans Business Taxes Seminar March 27 on St. Thomas
UVI's Small Business Development Center will offer its small business seminar on Filing Your Business Taxes for 2002 on St. Thomas from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, March 27, at the UVI-Small Business Development Center training facility at Nisky Center.
The presenters, from the V.I. Internal Revenue Bureau, will be Roy L. Moorehead, chief of audit, and A. Alonzo Brady, senior revenue agent. Topics to be covered include: tax changes for 2002; how to compute taxes; local and federal taxes; filing business taxes accurately; and how returns are selected for audit.
Admission is free. Please pre-register by Tuesday, March 25, for the seminar. To pre-register, visit the SBDC office in Nisky Center or call 776-3206.
UVI Community Engagement Committee Plans Pre-Carnival Food Sale March 28
UVI's Community Engagement Committee is making preparations to enter a float in the 2003 V.I. Carnival Parade and will begin its fund-raising campaign with a food sale from noon to 2 p.m. Friday, March 28, in the western parking lot of the Sports and Fitness Center. Purchase chicken, fish or tofu with side dishes like peas and rice, baked macaroni and cheese, potato salad, mixed vegetables and tossed salad. Drinks and desserts will also be available.
The theme of this year's Carnival entry is "Driving the Economy Through Knowledge."
Food sale tickets go on sale on Monday, March 24, and will be available from committee members. Dishes with tofu or chicken will sell for $6. Dishes with fish are $7. To contribute a cooked dish or monetary donation, call Gail Samuel at 693-1048.
St. Croix SGA Spring Ball Set March 29 at Hotel on the Cay
The UVI Student Government Association on the St. Croix campus will hold its annual Spring Ball at 7 p.m. Saturday, March 29, at Hotel on the Cay. The ball is organized by the SGA's Social and Cultural Committee. For more information contact Clint Ferris at 692-4188.
Koresh Dance Company Show Next at Reichhold; Travel Package Offered
A performance by the renowned Koresh Dance Company of Philadelphia is set for 8 p.m. March 29 at UVI's Reichhold Center for the Arts. The company's style is described as "eloquent and explosive, employing an emotional blend of ballet, modern and jazz stylings." The Reichhold show will feature ten dancers performing a full-length piece entitled "Past, Present, and Future." Folk, ballroom, modern, classical and futuristic dance styles will be included.
A master class for dance enthusiasts, conducted by company director Ronen Koresh and members of the cast, is scheduled for 5 p.m. Friday, March 28, at the Reichhold Center.
The performance is partially supported by a grant from the Pennsylvania Performing Arts on Tour, the V.I. Council on the Arts and WSTA radio. For tickets, group packages, and to register for the master class, contact the Reichhold Center Box Office at 693-1559.
The Reichhold Center and Seaborne Airlines are offering a travel package discounts for individuals coming to the show from Puerto Rico or St. Croix. For details see the Source article in Things to Do section, or contact the Reichhold Box Office.
UVI Scholarship Applications for 2003-2004 Now Available
Applications for scholarships to UVI are now available for high school, undergraduate and graduate students for the 2003-2004 school year. Applications are available at the financial aid offices on UVI's St. Thomas and St. Croix campuses. For more information contact the offices at 693-1090 on St. Thomas and at 692-4193 on St. Croix.
Applications, along with letters of recommendation, must be returned to UVI by 4 p.m. Tuesday, April 1. April 30 is the admissions deadline for the 2003-2004 school year.
SGA and Student Trustee Elections Set
Elections for the student representative to the UVI Board of Trustees and for officers for the 2003-2004 Student Government Association will be held Thursday, April 3, on the St. Thomas campus. The elections are slated for Wednesday, April 9, and Thursday, April 10, on the St. Croix campus. The university community is asked to encourage students with leadership potential to apply. The application deadline is Monday, March 31. Applications and a list of available positions are available at the student activities offices. For details call 693-1111 on St. Thomas or 692-4188 on St. Croix.
Little Theatre Preparing "The Merchant of Venice" as Spring Production
UVI's speech communications and theatre department will present William Shakespeare's "The Merchant of Venice" as its spring production for two weekends, April 4, 5 and 6, and April 11, 12 and 13. Director Michael Prenevost says the story of Shakespeare's merchant involves a rich leading lady with many suitors, a moneylender, a merchant and a couple on the run. The re is "romance, comedy, prejudice and greed," Prenevost said. "Just like [the TV show] "Survivor." He promises the play has been "updated to the 1970s with "abridged Shakespearian language" and a "disco" feel. For details call 693-1355.
For more on the University of the Virgin Islands, visit the website at www.uvi.edu.
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.
PSC DEFERS DECISION ON ELECTRIC RATE INCREASE
March 21, 2003 – Raising electricity rates now will likely save a lot of money in the long run, according to Water and Power Authority officials.
But WAPA did not get the approval for a 9.6 percent hike it was looking for at Thursday's meeting of the Public Services Commission. Neither was the proposal turned down, however.
The PSC members heard the results of a WAPA rate investigation by Georgetown Consulting Group, a firm contracted to look into the utility's rate of return.
WAPA had originally sought an increase of 11.7 percent, and Georgetown recommended 8.2 percent. In a last-minute compromise, they agreed on 9.6 percent.
That translates to a bill increase of $8 for the "average" WAPA customer using 500 kilowatt hours of electricity per month. Whereas that customer now pays $84 a month, with the increase, the customer using the same amount of electricity would pay $92. WAPA officials say the additional revenue is needed to finance capital projects and upgrades to the power system.
"The urgent need WAPA has is to increase rates so we can finance capital projects," the authority's executive director, Alberto Bruno Vega, told the commission on Thursday. "I understand the burden that will have to be absorbed by the customer is significant," he said, "but give us the wherewithal to bring our system up to standards."
The rate increase request comes only a month after a request to increase the Levelized Energy Adjustment Clause rate, which is used to calculate a surcharge on bills that's intended to cover the projected costs of fuel every six months.
But the price of oil on the world market hit a high last week after having been on the rise for several months. With the United States at war against Iraq, there is no way to project what world market prices will be in months to come.
WAPA is feeling the pinch, the utility's chief financial officer, Robert Vodzack, told the PSC members. The utility will be about $8.5 million in debt after March, he said, and will likely have to request yet another LEAC hike to recoup its losses.
"We could end up having about a $20 rate increase over a two- or three-month period," commissioner member Alric Simmonds said. "What are customers going to say about that?"
But Bruno argued that the territory's aging electrical system needs to be rebuilt for long-term benefits. "The problem is," he said after the meeting, "if we don't rebuild the facility, the system will go down the drain." And, he added, new economic development in the territory is impossible without a strong infrastructure including reliable power.
One example of something that needs attention soon, he said, is a failing underwater cable connecting St. Thomas and St. John that will have to be replaced at a cost of about $2.5 million. "What we need is cash left over to do all these projects," he said.
The commission decided to examine the issue further at a special meeting next week on St. Thomas.
PSC members present at the hearing were Jerris Browne, Verne David, Valencio Jackson, Simmonds, Alecia Wells and ex-officio member Sen. Luther Renee. Not present were Desmond Maynard and the other ex-officio member, Sen. Shawn-Michael Malone.
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.
But WAPA did not get the approval for a 9.6 percent hike it was looking for at Thursday's meeting of the Public Services Commission. Neither was the proposal turned down, however.
The PSC members heard the results of a WAPA rate investigation by Georgetown Consulting Group, a firm contracted to look into the utility's rate of return.
WAPA had originally sought an increase of 11.7 percent, and Georgetown recommended 8.2 percent. In a last-minute compromise, they agreed on 9.6 percent.
That translates to a bill increase of $8 for the "average" WAPA customer using 500 kilowatt hours of electricity per month. Whereas that customer now pays $84 a month, with the increase, the customer using the same amount of electricity would pay $92. WAPA officials say the additional revenue is needed to finance capital projects and upgrades to the power system.
"The urgent need WAPA has is to increase rates so we can finance capital projects," the authority's executive director, Alberto Bruno Vega, told the commission on Thursday. "I understand the burden that will have to be absorbed by the customer is significant," he said, "but give us the wherewithal to bring our system up to standards."
The rate increase request comes only a month after a request to increase the Levelized Energy Adjustment Clause rate, which is used to calculate a surcharge on bills that's intended to cover the projected costs of fuel every six months.
But the price of oil on the world market hit a high last week after having been on the rise for several months. With the United States at war against Iraq, there is no way to project what world market prices will be in months to come.
WAPA is feeling the pinch, the utility's chief financial officer, Robert Vodzack, told the PSC members. The utility will be about $8.5 million in debt after March, he said, and will likely have to request yet another LEAC hike to recoup its losses.
"We could end up having about a $20 rate increase over a two- or three-month period," commissioner member Alric Simmonds said. "What are customers going to say about that?"
But Bruno argued that the territory's aging electrical system needs to be rebuilt for long-term benefits. "The problem is," he said after the meeting, "if we don't rebuild the facility, the system will go down the drain." And, he added, new economic development in the territory is impossible without a strong infrastructure including reliable power.
One example of something that needs attention soon, he said, is a failing underwater cable connecting St. Thomas and St. John that will have to be replaced at a cost of about $2.5 million. "What we need is cash left over to do all these projects," he said.
The commission decided to examine the issue further at a special meeting next week on St. Thomas.
PSC members present at the hearing were Jerris Browne, Verne David, Valencio Jackson, Simmonds, Alecia Wells and ex-officio member Sen. Luther Renee. Not present were Desmond Maynard and the other ex-officio member, Sen. Shawn-Michael Malone.
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.
PSC DEFERS DECISION ON ELECTRIC RATE INCREASE
March 21, 2003 – Raising electricity rates now will likely save a lot of money in the long run, according to Water and Power Authority officials.
But WAPA did not get the approval for a 9.6 percent hike it was looking for at Thursday's meeting of the Public Services Commission. Neither was the proposal turned down, however.
The PSC members heard the results of a WAPA rate investigation by Georgetown Consulting Group, a firm contracted to look into the utility's rate of return.
WAPA had originally sought an increase of 11.7 percent, and Georgetown recommended 8.2 percent. In a last-minute compromise, they agreed on 9.6 percent.
That translates to a bill increase of $8 for the "average" WAPA customer using 500 kilowatt hours of electricity per month. Whereas that customer now pays $84 a month, with the increase, the customer using the same amount of electricity would pay $92. WAPA officials say the additional revenue is needed to finance capital projects and upgrades to the power system.
"The urgent need WAPA has is to increase rates so we can finance capital projects," the authority's executive director, Alberto Bruno Vega, told the commission on Thursday. "I understand the burden that will have to be absorbed by the customer is significant," he said, "but give us the wherewithal to bring our system up to standards."
The rate increase request comes only a month after a request to increase the Levelized Energy Adjustment Clause rate, which is used to calculate a surcharge on bills that's intended to cover the projected costs of fuel every six months.
But the price of oil on the world market hit a high last week after having been on the rise for several months. With the United States at war against Iraq, there is no way to project what world market prices will be in months to come.
WAPA is feeling the pinch, the utility's chief financial officer, Robert Vodzack, told the PSC members. The utility will be about $8.5 million in debt after March, he said, and will likely have to request yet another LEAC hike to recoup its losses.
"We could end up having about a $20 rate increase over a two- or three-month period," commissioner member Alric Simmonds said. "What are customers going to say about that?"
But Bruno argued that the territory's aging electrical system needs to be rebuilt for long-term benefits. "The problem is," he said after the meeting, "if we don't rebuild the facility, the system will go down the drain." And, he added, new economic development in the territory is impossible without a strong infrastructure including reliable power.
One example of something that needs attention soon, he said, is a failing underwater cable connecting St. Thomas and St. John that will have to be replaced at a cost of about $2.5 million. "What we need is cash left over to do all these projects," he said.
The commission decided to examine the issue further at a special meeting next week on St. Thomas.
PSC members present at the hearing were Jerris Browne, Verne David, Valencio Jackson, Simmonds, Alecia Wells and ex-officio member Sen. Luther Renee. Not present were Desmond Maynard and the other ex-officio member, Sen. Shawn-Michael Malone.
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.
But WAPA did not get the approval for a 9.6 percent hike it was looking for at Thursday's meeting of the Public Services Commission. Neither was the proposal turned down, however.
The PSC members heard the results of a WAPA rate investigation by Georgetown Consulting Group, a firm contracted to look into the utility's rate of return.
WAPA had originally sought an increase of 11.7 percent, and Georgetown recommended 8.2 percent. In a last-minute compromise, they agreed on 9.6 percent.
That translates to a bill increase of $8 for the "average" WAPA customer using 500 kilowatt hours of electricity per month. Whereas that customer now pays $84 a month, with the increase, the customer using the same amount of electricity would pay $92. WAPA officials say the additional revenue is needed to finance capital projects and upgrades to the power system.
"The urgent need WAPA has is to increase rates so we can finance capital projects," the authority's executive director, Alberto Bruno Vega, told the commission on Thursday. "I understand the burden that will have to be absorbed by the customer is significant," he said, "but give us the wherewithal to bring our system up to standards."
The rate increase request comes only a month after a request to increase the Levelized Energy Adjustment Clause rate, which is used to calculate a surcharge on bills that's intended to cover the projected costs of fuel every six months.
But the price of oil on the world market hit a high last week after having been on the rise for several months. With the United States at war against Iraq, there is no way to project what world market prices will be in months to come.
WAPA is feeling the pinch, the utility's chief financial officer, Robert Vodzack, told the PSC members. The utility will be about $8.5 million in debt after March, he said, and will likely have to request yet another LEAC hike to recoup its losses.
"We could end up having about a $20 rate increase over a two- or three-month period," commissioner member Alric Simmonds said. "What are customers going to say about that?"
But Bruno argued that the territory's aging electrical system needs to be rebuilt for long-term benefits. "The problem is," he said after the meeting, "if we don't rebuild the facility, the system will go down the drain." And, he added, new economic development in the territory is impossible without a strong infrastructure including reliable power.
One example of something that needs attention soon, he said, is a failing underwater cable connecting St. Thomas and St. John that will have to be replaced at a cost of about $2.5 million. "What we need is cash left over to do all these projects," he said.
The commission decided to examine the issue further at a special meeting next week on St. Thomas.
PSC members present at the hearing were Jerris Browne, Verne David, Valencio Jackson, Simmonds, Alecia Wells and ex-officio member Sen. Luther Renee. Not present were Desmond Maynard and the other ex-officio member, Sen. Shawn-Michael Malone.
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.
