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.
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SECESSION IS THE ANSWER FOR ST. CROIX
Dear Source,
Even a sleeping man will fight for his life if a noose is put around his neck and pulled tight enough. Eschew St. Croix.
We have sat idly by and watched as the root of corruption has taken more out of the exchange between St. Croix and the government than we as a people can bear to put into it. We have sat idly by while our options have been systematically squandered to the point all that is left to fight for is our future potential. Well, enough is enough!
It is high time the people of the big island make a choice. No more excuses. No more self-defeating thinking.
I, for one, am not willing to risk losing our future potential on St. Croix's broken back. We are sick and tired of good intentions. It is time to build our own future potential by taking St. Croix back. It is time for real results.
Secession is a small investment to produce the big benefits only peace of mind can bring.
…and all the people shouted, "We Care 'Bout We! STX Fireburn 2003!"
Hope Gibson
St. Croix
Even a sleeping man will fight for his life if a noose is put around his neck and pulled tight enough. Eschew St. Croix.
We have sat idly by and watched as the root of corruption has taken more out of the exchange between St. Croix and the government than we as a people can bear to put into it. We have sat idly by while our options have been systematically squandered to the point all that is left to fight for is our future potential. Well, enough is enough!
It is high time the people of the big island make a choice. No more excuses. No more self-defeating thinking.
I, for one, am not willing to risk losing our future potential on St. Croix's broken back. We are sick and tired of good intentions. It is time to build our own future potential by taking St. Croix back. It is time for real results.
Secession is a small investment to produce the big benefits only peace of mind can bring.
…and all the people shouted, "We Care 'Bout We! STX Fireburn 2003!"
Hope Gibson
St. Croix
HOVENSA COMMITS TO COMMUNITY IN NEW SLOGAN
March 21, 2003 – "Industry and Community Working Together" is the Hovensa oil refinery's new slogan, unveiled at a ceremony Friday afternoon.
"We're very proud that we feel we've selected a slogan that reflects what we mean to the community," Sam Baptiste, the refinery's coordinator of craft training, testing and schools, said.
Hovensa's human resources generalist, Laurine Willie-Paul, came up with the phrase that a selection committee chose from more than 200 entries. She said the slogan articulates the company's ideals.
To reflect company's commitment, the ceremony included remarks by education leaders who outlined ways Hovensa contributes to the community — such as providing training that helps prospective refinery employees garner the skills they need, career fairs, tutorial programs, scholarships and school-improvement projects.
"I believe it is important for everyone to join together as a community and help young people achieve their goals," Willie-Paul said. "Hovensa and its employees are dedicated to this."
Hovensa has pledged to assist the island's public high schools — St. Croix Educational Complex and Central High — to earn accreditation. In November of 2001, CHS and the two public high schools on St. Thomas lost their accreditation from the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. Complex has never been accredited.
"I'm touched to see a company extend its goals to include education," CHS Principal Kent Moorhead said at Friday's ceremony.
Roy Pemberton, principal of the Complex Vocational School, called Hovensa a "good corporate citizen." The company has "provided all kinds of help to us at the vocational school," he said, citing free craft skills training for vocational students. "I can't say enough to show my appreciation for the assistance."
Complex Principal Kurt Vialet said the most important investment a company can make is in public education. He pointed to an instance in which his school's air conditioner broke down. The cost to repair it was $17,000, which the school could not pay. Hovensa purchased a replacement system and installed it for the school.
"If more companies follow suit, I'm sure we'll be on the right track and see education take off in the Virgin Islands," Vialet said.
Hovensa's president, Rene Sagebien, said that maintaining a good relationship with the community is imperative, and to do so, being a good, responsible corporate citizen is necessary. Being united within the company also is necessary to accomplish that goal, he added.
"It takes people to work as a team," Sagebien said. "We must promote cohesiveness amongst ourselves and have the same kind of togetherness we have in the community."
He said the futures of the company and the Virgin Islands are connected: "Whatever is good for Hovensa is good for the Virgin Islands, and whatever is good for the Virgin Islands is good for Hovensa."
Last October, Hovensa formed an "action committee" to address issues such as education, insurance problems and tort reform. Until Friday, participation on that committee was restricted to people affiliated with Hovensa.
However, at the ceremony Baptiste extended an invitation from the committee to anyone in the community who wants to become involved. For more information about the Hovensa Action Committee, call Baptiste at 692-3450 or Lynette Barnes at 692-3286.
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.
"We're very proud that we feel we've selected a slogan that reflects what we mean to the community," Sam Baptiste, the refinery's coordinator of craft training, testing and schools, said.
Hovensa's human resources generalist, Laurine Willie-Paul, came up with the phrase that a selection committee chose from more than 200 entries. She said the slogan articulates the company's ideals.
To reflect company's commitment, the ceremony included remarks by education leaders who outlined ways Hovensa contributes to the community — such as providing training that helps prospective refinery employees garner the skills they need, career fairs, tutorial programs, scholarships and school-improvement projects.
"I believe it is important for everyone to join together as a community and help young people achieve their goals," Willie-Paul said. "Hovensa and its employees are dedicated to this."
Hovensa has pledged to assist the island's public high schools — St. Croix Educational Complex and Central High — to earn accreditation. In November of 2001, CHS and the two public high schools on St. Thomas lost their accreditation from the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. Complex has never been accredited.
"I'm touched to see a company extend its goals to include education," CHS Principal Kent Moorhead said at Friday's ceremony.
Roy Pemberton, principal of the Complex Vocational School, called Hovensa a "good corporate citizen." The company has "provided all kinds of help to us at the vocational school," he said, citing free craft skills training for vocational students. "I can't say enough to show my appreciation for the assistance."
Complex Principal Kurt Vialet said the most important investment a company can make is in public education. He pointed to an instance in which his school's air conditioner broke down. The cost to repair it was $17,000, which the school could not pay. Hovensa purchased a replacement system and installed it for the school.
"If more companies follow suit, I'm sure we'll be on the right track and see education take off in the Virgin Islands," Vialet said.
Hovensa's president, Rene Sagebien, said that maintaining a good relationship with the community is imperative, and to do so, being a good, responsible corporate citizen is necessary. Being united within the company also is necessary to accomplish that goal, he added.
"It takes people to work as a team," Sagebien said. "We must promote cohesiveness amongst ourselves and have the same kind of togetherness we have in the community."
He said the futures of the company and the Virgin Islands are connected: "Whatever is good for Hovensa is good for the Virgin Islands, and whatever is good for the Virgin Islands is good for Hovensa."
Last October, Hovensa formed an "action committee" to address issues such as education, insurance problems and tort reform. Until Friday, participation on that committee was restricted to people affiliated with Hovensa.
However, at the ceremony Baptiste extended an invitation from the committee to anyone in the community who wants to become involved. For more information about the Hovensa Action Committee, call Baptiste at 692-3450 or Lynette Barnes at 692-3286.
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.
HOVENSA COMMITS TO COMMUNITY IN NEW SLOGAN
March 21, 2003 – "Industry and Community Working Together" is the Hovensa oil refinery's new slogan, unveiled at a ceremony Friday afternoon.
"We're very proud that we feel we've selected a slogan that reflects what we mean to the community," Sam Baptiste, the refinery's coordinator of craft training, testing and schools, said.
Hovensa's human resources generalist, Laurine Willie-Paul, came up with the phrase that a selection committee chose from more than 200 entries. She said the slogan articulates the company's ideals.
To reflect company's commitment, the ceremony included remarks by education leaders who outlined ways Hovensa contributes to the community — such as providing training that helps prospective refinery employees garner the skills they need, career fairs, tutorial programs, scholarships and school-improvement projects.
"I believe it is important for everyone to join together as a community and help young people achieve their goals," Willie-Paul said. "Hovensa and its employees are dedicated to this."
Hovensa has pledged to assist the island's public high schools — St. Croix Educational Complex and Central High — to earn accreditation. In November of 2001, CHS and the two public high schools on St. Thomas lost their accreditation from the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. Complex has never been accredited.
"I'm touched to see a company extend its goals to include education," CHS Principal Kent Moorhead said at Friday's ceremony.
Roy Pemberton, principal of the Complex Vocational School, called Hovensa a "good corporate citizen." The company has "provided all kinds of help to us at the vocational school," he said, citing free craft skills training for vocational students. "I can't say enough to show my appreciation for the assistance."
Complex Principal Kurt Vialet said the most important investment a company can make is in public education. He pointed to an instance in which his school's air conditioner broke down. The cost to repair it was $17,000, which the school could not pay. Hovensa purchased a replacement system and installed it for the school.
"If more companies follow suit, I'm sure we'll be on the right track and see education take off in the Virgin Islands," Vialet said.
Hovensa's president, Rene Sagebien, said that maintaining a good relationship with the community is imperative, and to do so, being a good, responsible corporate citizen is necessary. Being united within the company also is necessary to accomplish that goal, he added.
"It takes people to work as a team," Sagebien said. "We must promote cohesiveness amongst ourselves and have the same kind of togetherness we have in the community."
He said the futures of the company and the Virgin Islands are connected: "Whatever is good for Hovensa is good for the Virgin Islands, and whatever is good for the Virgin Islands is good for Hovensa."
Last October, Hovensa formed an "action committee" to address issues such as education, insurance problems and tort reform. Until Friday, participation on that committee was restricted to people affiliated with Hovensa.
However, at the ceremony Baptiste extended an invitation from the committee to anyone in the community who wants to become involved. For more information about the Hovensa Action Committee, call Baptiste at 692-3450 or Lynette Barnes at 692-3286.
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.
"We're very proud that we feel we've selected a slogan that reflects what we mean to the community," Sam Baptiste, the refinery's coordinator of craft training, testing and schools, said.
Hovensa's human resources generalist, Laurine Willie-Paul, came up with the phrase that a selection committee chose from more than 200 entries. She said the slogan articulates the company's ideals.
To reflect company's commitment, the ceremony included remarks by education leaders who outlined ways Hovensa contributes to the community — such as providing training that helps prospective refinery employees garner the skills they need, career fairs, tutorial programs, scholarships and school-improvement projects.
"I believe it is important for everyone to join together as a community and help young people achieve their goals," Willie-Paul said. "Hovensa and its employees are dedicated to this."
Hovensa has pledged to assist the island's public high schools — St. Croix Educational Complex and Central High — to earn accreditation. In November of 2001, CHS and the two public high schools on St. Thomas lost their accreditation from the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. Complex has never been accredited.
"I'm touched to see a company extend its goals to include education," CHS Principal Kent Moorhead said at Friday's ceremony.
Roy Pemberton, principal of the Complex Vocational School, called Hovensa a "good corporate citizen." The company has "provided all kinds of help to us at the vocational school," he said, citing free craft skills training for vocational students. "I can't say enough to show my appreciation for the assistance."
Complex Principal Kurt Vialet said the most important investment a company can make is in public education. He pointed to an instance in which his school's air conditioner broke down. The cost to repair it was $17,000, which the school could not pay. Hovensa purchased a replacement system and installed it for the school.
"If more companies follow suit, I'm sure we'll be on the right track and see education take off in the Virgin Islands," Vialet said.
Hovensa's president, Rene Sagebien, said that maintaining a good relationship with the community is imperative, and to do so, being a good, responsible corporate citizen is necessary. Being united within the company also is necessary to accomplish that goal, he added.
"It takes people to work as a team," Sagebien said. "We must promote cohesiveness amongst ourselves and have the same kind of togetherness we have in the community."
He said the futures of the company and the Virgin Islands are connected: "Whatever is good for Hovensa is good for the Virgin Islands, and whatever is good for the Virgin Islands is good for Hovensa."
Last October, Hovensa formed an "action committee" to address issues such as education, insurance problems and tort reform. Until Friday, participation on that committee was restricted to people affiliated with Hovensa.
However, at the ceremony Baptiste extended an invitation from the committee to anyone in the community who wants to become involved. For more information about the Hovensa Action Committee, call Baptiste at 692-3450 or Lynette Barnes at 692-3286.
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.
CONTANT WATER LINE WORK TO AFFECT DRIVERS
March 21, 2003 — V.I. Water and Power Authority's project to extend the Contant Knolls water line is affecting traffic in the area.
WAPA asks the public to follow the flagmen's directions and obey directional signs at the construction site. Further, the authority asks the public to assist the contractor, Tip Top Construction, by not parking vehicles in the construction area, according to a release.
The project to extend existing potable water distribution lines up to the Contant Knolls Housing Community is funded by a $471,476 Community Development Block Grant. When it's completed, the Authority will be in a position to supply potable water to businesses and residents along the route up to Contant Knolls.
No time frame for the completion was announced.
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.
WAPA asks the public to follow the flagmen's directions and obey directional signs at the construction site. Further, the authority asks the public to assist the contractor, Tip Top Construction, by not parking vehicles in the construction area, according to a release.
The project to extend existing potable water distribution lines up to the Contant Knolls Housing Community is funded by a $471,476 Community Development Block Grant. When it's completed, the Authority will be in a position to supply potable water to businesses and residents along the route up to Contant Knolls.
No time frame for the completion was announced.
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.
CHAMBER DINNER-DANCE TO HONOR 6
The St. Thomas-St. John Chamber of Commerce annual Awards Banquet and Dinner Dance on March 29 at the St. Peter Greathouse and Gardens will honor six residents who've made a variety of contributions to the community: an Olympic medalist, a printer, a judge, a CAHS senior, a Police Department official, owner of a children's home, and a businessman. Sea Breeze Band is on the dance menu.
Tickets for the event are $100 and may be reserved by calling the Chamber office at 776-0100. Cocktails are at 6:30 p.m., and dinner is served at 8 p.m. The Sea Breeze band will provide entertainment for the evening.
Tickets for the event are $100 and may be reserved by calling the Chamber office at 776-0100. Cocktails are at 6:30 p.m., and dinner is served at 8 p.m. The Sea Breeze band will provide entertainment for the evening.
ANCESTOR GROUP TO MEET AT WHIM
The V.I. Ancestor Discovery Group will meet at Whim Museum Library. Join if you want to work on your family tree. Meet with Veronica Phhillips and others doing family history. Beginners and seasoned researchers are welcome.
For more information call Carol Wakefield or Ricki Marshal at 772-0598.
For more information call Carol Wakefield or Ricki Marshal at 772-0598.
ANCESTOR DISCOVERY GROUP TO MEET AT WHIM
March 21, 2003 – The V.I. Ancestor Discovery Group will meet at 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 29, at Whim Museum Library. Join if you want to work on your family tree. Meet with Veronica Phillips and others doing family history.
Beginners and seasoned researchers are welcom.
For more information call Carol Wakefield or Ricki Marshall at 772-0598.
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.
Beginners and seasoned researchers are welcom.
For more information call Carol Wakefield or Ricki Marshall at 772-0598.
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.
GERS TO HOLD PRE-RETIREMENT WORKSHOP
The Government Employees' Retirement System invites government employees to participate in a Pre-retirement Planning Workshop titled "Count Down to Retirement" to be held at the GERS Conference Room, St. Croix. Learn about your benefits.
For additional informaiton or to pre-register call Mrs. Ann Forbes-Samuel at 773-5480. Seating is limited so register early. Pre-registration deadline is Friday, April 4.
For additional informaiton or to pre-register call Mrs. Ann Forbes-Samuel at 773-5480. Seating is limited so register early. Pre-registration deadline is Friday, April 4.
GERS TO HOLD PRE-RETIREMENT WORKSHOP
March 21, 2003 – The government Employees' Retirement System invites Government employees to participate in a Pre-Retirement Workshop titled "Count Down to Retirement" to be held at 9 a.m. in the GERS Conference Room, St. Croix.
Learn about your benefits.
For additional information or to pre-register call Mrs. Ann Forbes-Samuel at 773-5480. Seating is limited so register early. Pre-registration deadline is Friday, April 4.
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.
Learn about your benefits.
For additional information or to pre-register call Mrs. Ann Forbes-Samuel at 773-5480. Seating is limited so register early. Pre-registration deadline is Friday, April 4.
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.
