March 17, 2003 – The University of the Virgin Islands Bulletin Board issued today 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.
CES and EPA to Hold 'Community Dialogue' Today (March 17) on St. Croix
UVI's Cooperative Extension Service and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 2, will sponsor a Community Dialogue session from 7 to 9 p.m. today (Monday, March 17), at the UVI Research and Extension Center, Room 133, on the St. Croix campus. The session is designed to provide residents with a forum for discussing community concerns in the areas of environmental health and quality of life and for addressing government decision-makers. Jane M. Kenny, regional administrator, and other EPA Region 2 staff members will participate. Topics will include air and drinking water quality, sewerage and other wastewater management, and solid waste management. For details contact Jim Casey at 714-2333 or 714-0521.
UVIsion's March Issue Mow Available On-line
The March issue of the UVI student newspaper UVIsion is now available on the Web. Access the on-line version of UVIsion from the main UVI Web page (click link at end of article) or directly.
A story in the current issue highlights the regular WSTA radio program 'Eye on UVI' which is hosted by Alex Randall. The March 13 program featured the UVI journalism department in the Humanities Division. Randall welcomed exchange student Nicosia Smith and journalism instructor Professor Margaret Epps.
Other headlines in the March issue are: The Way Forward in UVI Sports, St. John Writing Marathon, Merchant of Venice, The Original Buccaneers, Sports-related Injuries, Foreign Language Fair and Maasai Brings Beauty of African Culture to the Virgin Islands.
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 both 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. on Tuesday, April 1. April 30 is the admissions deadline for the 2003-2004 school year.
Workshops to Focus on Effective Sediment and Erosion Control Plan Training
Workshops on Developing an Effective Sediment and Erosion Control Plan Training will be conducted from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, March 18, in Room 133 of the Research and Extension Center on UVI's St. Croix campus and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday, March 20, at the SBDC Training Room upstairs in Nisky Center on St. Thomas. The program is sponsored by the UVI Cooperative Extension Service, DPNR Coastal Zone Management Program and V.I. Resource Conservation and Development Council, Inc. The workshop is designed for individuals associated with the design and implementation of sediment and erosion control measures and plans. Each workshop session is limited to 40 participants. For details contact Julie Wright at 693-1082 or Faye Williams at 692-9632 extension 101.
SBDC Offers Spanish Language Business Plan Seminar March 18
UVI's Small Business Development Center will conduct a Spanish language version of its seminar titled: "Small Business Fundamentals: Developing A Business Plan (Narrative)" from 5:45 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, March 18, at the SBDC Training Center in the Sunshine Mall on St. Croix. For details call 513-3405 or UVI-SBDC at 692-5270.
White House Initiative on HBCUs and UVI Offer March 19-20 Technical Workshop
A technical assistance workshop on funding and career opportunities sponsored by the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities will be offered on UVI's St. Croix Campus on March 19 and 20. St. Croix campus Chancellor Jennifer Jackson says the two days of workshop sessions will provide an opportunity to interact with representatives from a number of federal agencies and the funding opportunities they oversee. UVI President Dr. LaVerne Ragster will join with 15 other university presidents who are registered. Representatives from 30 HBCUs and seven federal departments are expected to participate. The workshop is designed for individuals involved with federally funded research or academic programs. Some 110 persons are already registered to participate. Residents of the Virgin Islands can participate for the fee of $65 per person. For more information and to register contact Nereida Washington at 692-4183.
UVI Jazz Ensemble, Pianist Mulgrew Miller to Perform March 20
The UVI Jazz Ensemble will present a concert at 8 p.m. Thursday, March 20, in the Little Theatre on the University's St. Thomas campus. The concert will feature jazz pianist Mulgrew Miller. A native of the Mississippi delta, Miller is considered one of the leading pianists of his generation. He has produced more than 400 recordings and has performed around the world. Miller's UVI concert will include such classic jazz pieces as "Bye Bye Blackbird," "Take the A Train," " 'Round Midnight," and "St. Thomas."
Vocalist Danielle Greenaway will perform "A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square" and "Blue Skies." Also performing will be pianist/vocalist Detra Davis, who will be featured on "God Bless the Child." The ensemble is conducted by Martin J. Lamkin. The concert is sponsored by the Music Department of UVI's humanities division and is funded in part by the V.I. Council on the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts. Additional sponsorship is provided by Best Western-Emerald Beach Hotel.
Admission is $10. Tickets are available from the UVI Humanities Division, the Music Department and Jazz Ensemble members.
Reichhold Center Announces STARfest9 Auditions
UVI's Reichhold Center for the Arts will conduct auditions for STARfest 9 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. Star Search participants compete for $100,000 in prize money in each of five performance categories.
Auditions for the dance and modeling segments will be held March 21.
Applications to audition for STARfest are available at the Reichhold Center, Modern Music locations in Havensight Mall and Nisky Center, Parrot Fish, Krystal & Gifts Galore, and at the UVI Bookstore. March 20 is the deadline for applications. For more details contact Rollins at 693-1553 or e-mail her.
SBDC Plans Business Taxes Seminar 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. Bureau of Internal Revenue, 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 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 Sports section for the complete schedule.
All matches will be played at the Sports and Fitness Center. 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 are set for:
— St. John – March 25: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., UVI Cooperative Extension Service 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, 1st floor
— 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.
For more on the University of the Virgin Islands, visit the website at www.uvi.edu.
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DEATH OF CHILD 17 MONTHS OLD RULED A HOMICIDE
March 17, 2003 – Police are investigating the death of an infant last Tuesday on St. Thomas that has been classified as a homicide based on the results of an autopsy.
Dr. Francisco Landron, the territory's medical examiner, said the autopsy showed that the 17-month-old child, whose identity has not been released, died as a result of blunt force trauma.
According to Deputy Police Chief Theodore Carty, the case was brought to the attention of the Major Crimes Unit by hospital workers.
At about 7:13 a.m. Tuesday, Carty said in a release distributed on Monday, "Central Dispatch notified the Major Crime Unit about an infant who was transported to the Roy L. Schneider Hospital after the infant developed problems breathing." The child died in the hospital emergency room while being examined, he said.
The infant's death is the eighth reported homicide on St. Thomas this year and the ninth in the territory.
Carty said investigators will be seeking to determine the identities of caregivers who had regular contact with the child and whether other children were being cared for along with the infant, either as a clients or as part of a family unit. "Everybody's going to be questioned," he said.
Police may seek assistance from the Human Services Department if the information gathered warrants it, Carty said.
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Dr. Francisco Landron, the territory's medical examiner, said the autopsy showed that the 17-month-old child, whose identity has not been released, died as a result of blunt force trauma.
According to Deputy Police Chief Theodore Carty, the case was brought to the attention of the Major Crimes Unit by hospital workers.
At about 7:13 a.m. Tuesday, Carty said in a release distributed on Monday, "Central Dispatch notified the Major Crime Unit about an infant who was transported to the Roy L. Schneider Hospital after the infant developed problems breathing." The child died in the hospital emergency room while being examined, he said.
The infant's death is the eighth reported homicide on St. Thomas this year and the ninth in the territory.
Carty said investigators will be seeking to determine the identities of caregivers who had regular contact with the child and whether other children were being cared for along with the infant, either as a clients or as part of a family unit. "Everybody's going to be questioned," he said.
Police may seek assistance from the Human Services Department if the information gathered warrants it, Carty said.
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AMERICAN EAGLE AXING ST. THOMAS-ST. CROIX LINKS
March 17, 2003 – An American Airlines official said Monday that as of May 1, the carrier's supplemental service provider, American Eagle, will discontinue all flights between St. Thomas and St. Croix.
Minette Velez, American spokeswoman in San Juan, said the increased landing and passenger fees imposed by the V.I. Port Authority effective Feb. 1 were a factor in the decision. So, too, she said, was the airline's ongoing review of its overall operations due to financial difficulties.
The Port Authority raised its fees 25 percent on Feb. 1.
"It's unfortunate, but given the circumstances with our finances and the dramatic increase in landing fees at the V.I. airports, we have no choice but to cut out the flights between the two islands," Velez told WVWI Radio on Monday.
American Eagle currently has four flights between St. Croix and St. Thomas Monday through Friday and two on Saturday and Sunday.
Service out of San Juan to both airports is not affected by the decision. And it will still be possible to fly from St. Thomas to St. Croix or vice versa by going through San Juan.
The announcement was the second by American Airlines in a week to impact on St. Croix. Last week, the carrier announced that effective April 15 it will close down ground operations altogether at Henry E. Rohlsen Airport, laying off 10 employees and contracting out the servicing of its current daily flight from Miami to American Eagle.
Last fall, American announced plans to sell its American Eagle operations out of San Juan and Miami to San Juan hotelier Joaquin Bolivar, who would operate the routes under a new name, the American Connection. Velez had said in announcing the move in November that the sale was expected to be finalized near the end of this month.
However, according to an industry publication, the sale has been pushed back to the fourth quarter of 2003, and some observers are questioning whether it will take place at all.
The affected American Eagle routes are currently operated by Executive Airlines, which was founded in 1985 by Bolivar, who bought out the old Prinair routes when that Puerto Rican company went bankrupt. In 1986, Executive Airlines became an American Eagle franchise, Velez said, and in 1989, Bolivar sold Executive Airlines to AMR Corp., the parent company of American Airlines.
Velez said in November that AMR was being forced to sell Executive Airlines in order to comply with its union contract with the Allied Pilots Association, which prevents the airline from adding flights that fly under the American Airlines code. (See "American Eagle sale vital to airline's growth".)
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.
Minette Velez, American spokeswoman in San Juan, said the increased landing and passenger fees imposed by the V.I. Port Authority effective Feb. 1 were a factor in the decision. So, too, she said, was the airline's ongoing review of its overall operations due to financial difficulties.
The Port Authority raised its fees 25 percent on Feb. 1.
"It's unfortunate, but given the circumstances with our finances and the dramatic increase in landing fees at the V.I. airports, we have no choice but to cut out the flights between the two islands," Velez told WVWI Radio on Monday.
American Eagle currently has four flights between St. Croix and St. Thomas Monday through Friday and two on Saturday and Sunday.
Service out of San Juan to both airports is not affected by the decision. And it will still be possible to fly from St. Thomas to St. Croix or vice versa by going through San Juan.
The announcement was the second by American Airlines in a week to impact on St. Croix. Last week, the carrier announced that effective April 15 it will close down ground operations altogether at Henry E. Rohlsen Airport, laying off 10 employees and contracting out the servicing of its current daily flight from Miami to American Eagle.
Last fall, American announced plans to sell its American Eagle operations out of San Juan and Miami to San Juan hotelier Joaquin Bolivar, who would operate the routes under a new name, the American Connection. Velez had said in announcing the move in November that the sale was expected to be finalized near the end of this month.
However, according to an industry publication, the sale has been pushed back to the fourth quarter of 2003, and some observers are questioning whether it will take place at all.
The affected American Eagle routes are currently operated by Executive Airlines, which was founded in 1985 by Bolivar, who bought out the old Prinair routes when that Puerto Rican company went bankrupt. In 1986, Executive Airlines became an American Eagle franchise, Velez said, and in 1989, Bolivar sold Executive Airlines to AMR Corp., the parent company of American Airlines.
Velez said in November that AMR was being forced to sell Executive Airlines in order to comply with its union contract with the Allied Pilots Association, which prevents the airline from adding flights that fly under the American Airlines code. (See "American Eagle sale vital to airline's growth".)
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.
AMERICAN EAGLE AXING ST. THOMAS-ST. CROIX LINKS
March 17, 2003 – An American Airlines official said Monday that as of May 1, the carrier's supplemental service provider, American Eagle, will discontinue all flights between St. Thomas and St. Croix.
Minette Velez, American spokeswoman in San Juan, said the increased landing and passenger fees imposed by the V.I. Port Authority effective Feb. 1 were a factor in the decision. So, too, she said, was the airline's ongoing review of its overall operations due to financial difficulties.
The Port Authority raised its fees 25 percent on Feb. 1.
"It's unfortunate, but given the circumstances with our finances and the dramatic increase in landing fees at the V.I. airports, we have no choice but to cut out the flights between the two islands," Velez told WVWI Radio on Monday.
American Eagle currently has four flights between St. Croix and St. Thomas Monday through Friday and two on Saturday and Sunday.
Service out of San Juan to both airports is not affected by the decision. And it will still be possible to fly from St. Thomas to St. Croix or vice versa by going through San Juan.
The announcement was the second by American Airlines in a week to impact on St. Croix. Last week, the carrier announced that effective April 15 it will close down ground operations altogether at Henry E. Rohlsen Airport, laying off 10 employees and contracting out the servicing of its current daily flight from Miami to American Eagle.
Last fall, American announced plans to sell its American Eagle operations out of San Juan and Miami to San Juan hotelier Joaquin Bolivar, who would operate the routes under a new name, the American Connection. Velez had said in announcing the move in November that the sale was expected to be finalized near the end of this month.
However, according to an industry publication, the sale has been pushed back to the fourth quarter of 2003, and some observers are questioning whether it will take place at all.
The affected American Eagle routes are currently operated by Executive Airlines, which was founded in 1985 by Bolivar, who bought out the old Prinair routes when that Puerto Rican company went bankrupt. In 1986, Executive Airlines became an American Eagle franchise, Velez said, and in 1989, Bolivar sold Executive Airlines to AMR Corp., the parent company of American Airlines.
Velez said in November that AMR was being forced to sell Executive Airlines in order to comply with its union contract with the Allied Pilots Association, which prevents the airline from adding flights that fly under the American Airlines code. (See "American Eagle sale vital to airline's growth".)
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.
Minette Velez, American spokeswoman in San Juan, said the increased landing and passenger fees imposed by the V.I. Port Authority effective Feb. 1 were a factor in the decision. So, too, she said, was the airline's ongoing review of its overall operations due to financial difficulties.
The Port Authority raised its fees 25 percent on Feb. 1.
"It's unfortunate, but given the circumstances with our finances and the dramatic increase in landing fees at the V.I. airports, we have no choice but to cut out the flights between the two islands," Velez told WVWI Radio on Monday.
American Eagle currently has four flights between St. Croix and St. Thomas Monday through Friday and two on Saturday and Sunday.
Service out of San Juan to both airports is not affected by the decision. And it will still be possible to fly from St. Thomas to St. Croix or vice versa by going through San Juan.
The announcement was the second by American Airlines in a week to impact on St. Croix. Last week, the carrier announced that effective April 15 it will close down ground operations altogether at Henry E. Rohlsen Airport, laying off 10 employees and contracting out the servicing of its current daily flight from Miami to American Eagle.
Last fall, American announced plans to sell its American Eagle operations out of San Juan and Miami to San Juan hotelier Joaquin Bolivar, who would operate the routes under a new name, the American Connection. Velez had said in announcing the move in November that the sale was expected to be finalized near the end of this month.
However, according to an industry publication, the sale has been pushed back to the fourth quarter of 2003, and some observers are questioning whether it will take place at all.
The affected American Eagle routes are currently operated by Executive Airlines, which was founded in 1985 by Bolivar, who bought out the old Prinair routes when that Puerto Rican company went bankrupt. In 1986, Executive Airlines became an American Eagle franchise, Velez said, and in 1989, Bolivar sold Executive Airlines to AMR Corp., the parent company of American Airlines.
Velez said in November that AMR was being forced to sell Executive Airlines in order to comply with its union contract with the Allied Pilots Association, which prevents the airline from adding flights that fly under the American Airlines code. (See "American Eagle sale vital to airline's growth".)
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.
AMERICAN EAGLE AXING ST. CROIX-ST. THOMAS LINKS
March 17, 2003 – An American Airlines official said Monday that as of May 1, the carrier's supplemental service provider, American Eagle, will discontinue all flights between St. Croix and St. Thomas.
Minette Velez, American spokeswoman in San Juan, said the increased landing and passenger fees imposed by the V.I. Port Authority effective Feb. 1 were a factor in the decision. So, too, she said, was the airline's ongoing review of its overall operations due to financial difficulties.
The Port Authority raised its fees 25 percent on Feb. 1.
"It's unfortunate, but given the circumstances with our finances and the dramatic increase in landing fees at the V.I. airports, we have no choice but to cut out the flights between the two islands," Velez told WVWI Radio on Monday.
American Eagle currently has four flights between St. Croix and St. Thomas Monday through Friday and two on Saturday and Sunday.
Service out of San Juan to both airports is not affected by the decision. And it will still be possible to fly from St. Thomas to St. Croix or vice versa by going through San Juan.
The announcement was the second by American Airlines in a week to impact on St. Croix. Last week, the carrier announced that effective April 15 it will close down ground operations altogether at Henry E. Rohlsen Airport, laying off 10 employees and contracting out the servicing of its current daily flight from Miami to American Eagle.
Last fall, American announced plans to sell its American Eagle operations out of San Juan and Miami to San Juan hotelier Joaquin Bolivar, who would operate the routes under a new name, the American Connection. Velez had said in announcing the move in November that the sale was expected to be finalized near the end of this month.
However, according to an industry publication, the sale has been pushed back to the fourth quarter of 2003, and some observers are questioning whether it will take place at all.
The affected American Eagle routes are currently operated by Executive Airlines, which was founded in 1985 by Bolivar, who bought out the old Prinair routes when that Puerto Rican company went bankrupt. In 1986, Executive Airlines became an American Eagle franchise, Velez said, and in 1989, Bolivar sold Executive Airlines to AMR Corp., the parent company of American Airlines.
Velez said in November that AMR was being forced to sell Executive Airlines in order to comply with its union contract with the Allied Pilots Association, which prevents the airline from adding flights that fly under the American Airlines code. (See "American Eagle sale vital to airline's growth".)
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.
Minette Velez, American spokeswoman in San Juan, said the increased landing and passenger fees imposed by the V.I. Port Authority effective Feb. 1 were a factor in the decision. So, too, she said, was the airline's ongoing review of its overall operations due to financial difficulties.
The Port Authority raised its fees 25 percent on Feb. 1.
"It's unfortunate, but given the circumstances with our finances and the dramatic increase in landing fees at the V.I. airports, we have no choice but to cut out the flights between the two islands," Velez told WVWI Radio on Monday.
American Eagle currently has four flights between St. Croix and St. Thomas Monday through Friday and two on Saturday and Sunday.
Service out of San Juan to both airports is not affected by the decision. And it will still be possible to fly from St. Thomas to St. Croix or vice versa by going through San Juan.
The announcement was the second by American Airlines in a week to impact on St. Croix. Last week, the carrier announced that effective April 15 it will close down ground operations altogether at Henry E. Rohlsen Airport, laying off 10 employees and contracting out the servicing of its current daily flight from Miami to American Eagle.
Last fall, American announced plans to sell its American Eagle operations out of San Juan and Miami to San Juan hotelier Joaquin Bolivar, who would operate the routes under a new name, the American Connection. Velez had said in announcing the move in November that the sale was expected to be finalized near the end of this month.
However, according to an industry publication, the sale has been pushed back to the fourth quarter of 2003, and some observers are questioning whether it will take place at all.
The affected American Eagle routes are currently operated by Executive Airlines, which was founded in 1985 by Bolivar, who bought out the old Prinair routes when that Puerto Rican company went bankrupt. In 1986, Executive Airlines became an American Eagle franchise, Velez said, and in 1989, Bolivar sold Executive Airlines to AMR Corp., the parent company of American Airlines.
Velez said in November that AMR was being forced to sell Executive Airlines in order to comply with its union contract with the Allied Pilots Association, which prevents the airline from adding flights that fly under the American Airlines code. (See "American Eagle sale vital to airline's growth".)
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.
RAGSTER SEES GROWING IMPORTANCE FOR UVI
March 17, 2003 – The first woman to be named president of the University of the Virgin Islands formally assumed her office Sunday night at an inauguration ceremony on the UVI St. Thomas campus.
Dr. LaVerne E. Ragster, valedictorian of the Charlotte Amalie High School Class of 1969, took over as president of UVI last August. But she stood center stage at the Reichhold Center for the Performing Arts on Sunday to be officially pronounced the university's fourth president in 41 years and successor to Dr. Orville Kean.
"I'm here today to begin a new chapter in my life," Ragster said, thanking UVI faculty, staff, trustees and volunteers for their efforts in support of the university. She urged Virgin Islanders both in academia and in the community at large to help the school play a greater role in social and economic development at home and abroad. It's a mission, she said, that can be achieved through a three-pronged strategy of instruction, research and public service.
Ragster also offered a glimpse at the challenges UVI faces in trying to achieve those goals. "First we have to look at the fact that we have increased competition from other higher education institutions and distance learning in the territory," she said. "We have a necessity to integrate today's technology — the Internet — with future technology into all phases of the university. There is a decrease in public funding happening at the same time that there is the rising cost in education."
The importance of the role of higher education institutions in the economic development of the communities they serve has stepped up one more level, she said. That means that UVI "is paying attention to the fact that we have a lot of very stringent conditions in which to function,"she said.
Before an audience of about 400 people including UVI faculty and administrators, Ragster donned regalia in the school colors of blue and white and a velvet tam symbolizing her doctoral status. Auguste Rimpel, chair of the UVI board of trustees, then bestowed on her a chain and bronze medallion bearing the UVI seal.
Most of the three-hour ceremony consisted of a host of speakers praising Ragster, the granddaughter of educator Emmanuel Benjamin Oliver, after whom an elementary school on St. Thomas is named. Among them was Gov. Charles W. Turnbull, who fondly recalled handing Ragster her high school diploma. "We always knew you were very bright," he said.
Others singing her praises included Territorial Court Judge Audrey Thomas, Ragster's classmate; Delegate Donna M. Christensen; Senate President David Jones; and South Carolina Congressman James Clyburn. Former St. Croix Administrator Rupert Ross, a cousin to Ragster, offered congratulation on behalf of her family.
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.
Dr. LaVerne E. Ragster, valedictorian of the Charlotte Amalie High School Class of 1969, took over as president of UVI last August. But she stood center stage at the Reichhold Center for the Performing Arts on Sunday to be officially pronounced the university's fourth president in 41 years and successor to Dr. Orville Kean.
"I'm here today to begin a new chapter in my life," Ragster said, thanking UVI faculty, staff, trustees and volunteers for their efforts in support of the university. She urged Virgin Islanders both in academia and in the community at large to help the school play a greater role in social and economic development at home and abroad. It's a mission, she said, that can be achieved through a three-pronged strategy of instruction, research and public service.
Ragster also offered a glimpse at the challenges UVI faces in trying to achieve those goals. "First we have to look at the fact that we have increased competition from other higher education institutions and distance learning in the territory," she said. "We have a necessity to integrate today's technology — the Internet — with future technology into all phases of the university. There is a decrease in public funding happening at the same time that there is the rising cost in education."
The importance of the role of higher education institutions in the economic development of the communities they serve has stepped up one more level, she said. That means that UVI "is paying attention to the fact that we have a lot of very stringent conditions in which to function,"she said.
Before an audience of about 400 people including UVI faculty and administrators, Ragster donned regalia in the school colors of blue and white and a velvet tam symbolizing her doctoral status. Auguste Rimpel, chair of the UVI board of trustees, then bestowed on her a chain and bronze medallion bearing the UVI seal.
Most of the three-hour ceremony consisted of a host of speakers praising Ragster, the granddaughter of educator Emmanuel Benjamin Oliver, after whom an elementary school on St. Thomas is named. Among them was Gov. Charles W. Turnbull, who fondly recalled handing Ragster her high school diploma. "We always knew you were very bright," he said.
Others singing her praises included Territorial Court Judge Audrey Thomas, Ragster's classmate; Delegate Donna M. Christensen; Senate President David Jones; and South Carolina Congressman James Clyburn. Former St. Croix Administrator Rupert Ross, a cousin to Ragster, offered congratulation on behalf of her family.
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.
RAGSTER SEES GROWING IMPORTANCE FOR UVI
March 17, 2003 – The first woman to be named president of the University of the Virgin Islands formally assumed her office Sunday night at an inauguration ceremony on the UVI St. Thomas campus.
Dr. LaVerne E. Ragster, valedictorian of the Charlotte Amalie High School Class of 1969, took over as president of UVI last August. But she stood center stage at the Reichhold Center for the Performing Arts on Sunday to be officially pronounced the university's fourth president in 41 years and successor to Dr. Orville Kean.
"I'm here today to begin a new chapter in my life," Ragster said, thanking UVI faculty, staff, trustees and volunteers for their efforts in support of the university. She urged Virgin Islanders both in academia and in the community at large to help the school play a greater role in social and economic development at home and abroad. It's a mission, she said, that can be achieved through a three-pronged strategy of instruction, research and public service.
Ragster also offered a glimpse at the challenges UVI faces in trying to achieve those goals. "First we have to look at the fact that we have increased competition from other higher education institutions and distance learning in the territory," she said. "We have a necessity to integrate today's technology — the Internet — with future technology into all phases of the university. There is a decrease in public funding happening at the same time that there is the rising cost in education."
The importance of the role of higher education institutions in the economic development of the communities they serve has stepped up one more level, she said. That means that UVI "is paying attention to the fact that we have a lot of very stringent conditions in which to function,"she said.
Before an audience of about 400 people including UVI faculty and administrators, Ragster donned regalia in the school colors of blue and white and a velvet tam symbolizing her doctoral status. Auguste Rimpel, chair of the UVI board of trustees, then bestowed on her a chain and bronze medallion bearing the UVI seal.
Most of the three-hour ceremony consisted of a host of speakers praising Ragster, the granddaughter of educator Emmanuel Benjamin Oliver, after whom an elementary school on St. Thomas is named. Among them was Gov. Charles W. Turnbull, who fondly recalled handing Ragster her high school diploma. "We always knew you were very bright," he said.
Others singing her praises included Territorial Court Judge Audrey Thomas, Ragster's classmate; Delegate Donna M. Christensen; Senate President David Jones; and South Carolina Congressman James Clyburn. Former St. Croix Administrator Rupert Ross, a cousin to Ragster, offered congratulation on behalf of her family.
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.
Dr. LaVerne E. Ragster, valedictorian of the Charlotte Amalie High School Class of 1969, took over as president of UVI last August. But she stood center stage at the Reichhold Center for the Performing Arts on Sunday to be officially pronounced the university's fourth president in 41 years and successor to Dr. Orville Kean.
"I'm here today to begin a new chapter in my life," Ragster said, thanking UVI faculty, staff, trustees and volunteers for their efforts in support of the university. She urged Virgin Islanders both in academia and in the community at large to help the school play a greater role in social and economic development at home and abroad. It's a mission, she said, that can be achieved through a three-pronged strategy of instruction, research and public service.
Ragster also offered a glimpse at the challenges UVI faces in trying to achieve those goals. "First we have to look at the fact that we have increased competition from other higher education institutions and distance learning in the territory," she said. "We have a necessity to integrate today's technology — the Internet — with future technology into all phases of the university. There is a decrease in public funding happening at the same time that there is the rising cost in education."
The importance of the role of higher education institutions in the economic development of the communities they serve has stepped up one more level, she said. That means that UVI "is paying attention to the fact that we have a lot of very stringent conditions in which to function,"she said.
Before an audience of about 400 people including UVI faculty and administrators, Ragster donned regalia in the school colors of blue and white and a velvet tam symbolizing her doctoral status. Auguste Rimpel, chair of the UVI board of trustees, then bestowed on her a chain and bronze medallion bearing the UVI seal.
Most of the three-hour ceremony consisted of a host of speakers praising Ragster, the granddaughter of educator Emmanuel Benjamin Oliver, after whom an elementary school on St. Thomas is named. Among them was Gov. Charles W. Turnbull, who fondly recalled handing Ragster her high school diploma. "We always knew you were very bright," he said.
Others singing her praises included Territorial Court Judge Audrey Thomas, Ragster's classmate; Delegate Donna M. Christensen; Senate President David Jones; and South Carolina Congressman James Clyburn. Former St. Croix Administrator Rupert Ross, a cousin to Ragster, offered congratulation on behalf of her family.
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.
RAGSTER SEES GROWING IMPORTANCE FOR UVI
March 17, 2003 – The first woman to be named president of the University of the Virgin Islands formally assumed her office Sunday night at an inauguration ceremony on the UVI St. Thomas campus.
Dr. LaVerne E. Ragster, valedictorian of the Charlotte Amalie High School Class of 1969, took over as president of UVI last August. But she stood center stage at the Reichhold Center for the Performing Arts on Sunday to be officially pronounced the university's fourth president in 41 years and successor to Dr. Orville Kean.
"I'm here today to begin a new chapter in my life," Ragster said, thanking UVI faculty, staff, trustees and volunteers for their efforts in support of the university. She urged Virgin Islanders both in academia and in the community at large to help the school play a greater role in social and economic development at home and abroad. It's a mission, she said, that can be achieved through a three-pronged strategy of instruction, research and public service.
Ragster also offered a glimpse at the challenges UVI faces in trying to achieve those goals. "First we have to look at the fact that we have increased competition from other higher education institutions and distance learning in the territory," she said. "We have a necessity to integrate today's technology — the Internet — with future technology into all phases of the university. There is a decrease in public funding happening at the same time that there is the rising cost in education."
The importance of the role of higher education institutions in the economic development of the communities they serve has stepped up one more level, she said. That means that UVI "is paying attention to the fact that we have a lot of very stringent conditions in which to function,"she said.
Before an audience of about 400 people including UVI faculty and administrators, Ragster donned regalia in the school colors of blue and white and a velvet tam symbolizing her doctoral status. Auguste Rimpel, chair of the UVI board of trustees, then bestowed on her a chain and bronze medallion bearing the UVI seal.
Most of the three-hour ceremony consisted of a host of speakers praising Ragster, the granddaughter of educator Emmanuel Benjamin Oliver, after whom an elementary school on St. Thomas is named. Among them was Gov. Charles W. Turnbull, who fondly recalled handing Ragster her high school diploma. "We always knew you were very bright," he said.
Others singing her praises included Territorial Court Judge Audrey Thomas, Ragster's classmate; Delegate Donna M. Christensen; Senate President David Jones; and South Carolina Congressman James Clyburn. Former St. Croix Administrator Rupert Ross, a cousin to Ragster, offered congratulation on behalf of her family.
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.
Dr. LaVerne E. Ragster, valedictorian of the Charlotte Amalie High School Class of 1969, took over as president of UVI last August. But she stood center stage at the Reichhold Center for the Performing Arts on Sunday to be officially pronounced the university's fourth president in 41 years and successor to Dr. Orville Kean.
"I'm here today to begin a new chapter in my life," Ragster said, thanking UVI faculty, staff, trustees and volunteers for their efforts in support of the university. She urged Virgin Islanders both in academia and in the community at large to help the school play a greater role in social and economic development at home and abroad. It's a mission, she said, that can be achieved through a three-pronged strategy of instruction, research and public service.
Ragster also offered a glimpse at the challenges UVI faces in trying to achieve those goals. "First we have to look at the fact that we have increased competition from other higher education institutions and distance learning in the territory," she said. "We have a necessity to integrate today's technology — the Internet — with future technology into all phases of the university. There is a decrease in public funding happening at the same time that there is the rising cost in education."
The importance of the role of higher education institutions in the economic development of the communities they serve has stepped up one more level, she said. That means that UVI "is paying attention to the fact that we have a lot of very stringent conditions in which to function,"she said.
Before an audience of about 400 people including UVI faculty and administrators, Ragster donned regalia in the school colors of blue and white and a velvet tam symbolizing her doctoral status. Auguste Rimpel, chair of the UVI board of trustees, then bestowed on her a chain and bronze medallion bearing the UVI seal.
Most of the three-hour ceremony consisted of a host of speakers praising Ragster, the granddaughter of educator Emmanuel Benjamin Oliver, after whom an elementary school on St. Thomas is named. Among them was Gov. Charles W. Turnbull, who fondly recalled handing Ragster her high school diploma. "We always knew you were very bright," he said.
Others singing her praises included Territorial Court Judge Audrey Thomas, Ragster's classmate; Delegate Donna M. Christensen; Senate President David Jones; and South Carolina Congressman James Clyburn. Former St. Croix Administrator Rupert Ross, a cousin to Ragster, offered congratulation on behalf of her family.
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.
GIRL HIT IN DRIVE-BY GUNFIRE REPORTED PARALYZED
March 17, 2003 – A 13-year-old girl was reported paralyzed from the waist down on Monday after she and an off-duty police officer were struck during a drive-by shooting over the weekend.
Shortly after 10 p.m. Saturday, a person or persons inside a white car believed to be a Mitsubishi Mirage opened fire on a group of people gathered around a stoop at the Candido Guadalupe housing community in Estate Fredensborg, Capt. Melbourne Adams, acting deputy police chief, said Monday afternoon.
A 9mm semi-automatic handgun was used to discharge eight to 10 shots into the crowd, Adams said. He said the gunfire was likely in retaliation against someone in that group. "We are still looking for the person who may have been the intended victim," he said.
Apparently missing the intended target, the gunfire wounded Xiomora Hernandez, 13, in the back and Officer Franchat Hodge, 31, in the leg, Adams said.
A bullet is apparently lodged in Xiomora's spine, Adams said, and the girl is paralyzed from the waist down. She is a resident of St. Croix and was visiting her aunt at Candido Guadeloupe for the weekend, he said.
Hospital spokeswoman Carole Lee said she had no information on the girl's condition.
Hodge, who was at the housing community visiting friends, was struck in the left thigh, Adams said. A bullet entered and exited the officer's leg, and he was taken to the hospital for treatment and later released.
Hodge pulled his weapon after the shootings, Adams said, but was unable to take action, as the incident happened quickly and he was injured.
Adams said police have very little information about the vehicle and urged community members to come forward with any information they have relating to the shootings. He asked that anyone with information on this or other crimes call the police at 778-4950 or 911.
The incident was reminiscent of one three years ago in which an exchange of gunfire between two moving vehicles wounded two bystanders outside the Sunny Isle Kmart. In that case, a 12-year-old girl and a 55-year-old man were the innocent victims.
Last week, testifying before the new Senate Public Safety; Judiciary, Homeland Security and Justice Committee, Police Commissioner Franz Christian cited a lack of community cooperation in providing information as one of the reasons so many crimes in the territory remain unsolved. (See "Lack of funding called biggest security problem".)
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.
Shortly after 10 p.m. Saturday, a person or persons inside a white car believed to be a Mitsubishi Mirage opened fire on a group of people gathered around a stoop at the Candido Guadalupe housing community in Estate Fredensborg, Capt. Melbourne Adams, acting deputy police chief, said Monday afternoon.
A 9mm semi-automatic handgun was used to discharge eight to 10 shots into the crowd, Adams said. He said the gunfire was likely in retaliation against someone in that group. "We are still looking for the person who may have been the intended victim," he said.
Apparently missing the intended target, the gunfire wounded Xiomora Hernandez, 13, in the back and Officer Franchat Hodge, 31, in the leg, Adams said.
A bullet is apparently lodged in Xiomora's spine, Adams said, and the girl is paralyzed from the waist down. She is a resident of St. Croix and was visiting her aunt at Candido Guadeloupe for the weekend, he said.
Hospital spokeswoman Carole Lee said she had no information on the girl's condition.
Hodge, who was at the housing community visiting friends, was struck in the left thigh, Adams said. A bullet entered and exited the officer's leg, and he was taken to the hospital for treatment and later released.
Hodge pulled his weapon after the shootings, Adams said, but was unable to take action, as the incident happened quickly and he was injured.
Adams said police have very little information about the vehicle and urged community members to come forward with any information they have relating to the shootings. He asked that anyone with information on this or other crimes call the police at 778-4950 or 911.
The incident was reminiscent of one three years ago in which an exchange of gunfire between two moving vehicles wounded two bystanders outside the Sunny Isle Kmart. In that case, a 12-year-old girl and a 55-year-old man were the innocent victims.
Last week, testifying before the new Senate Public Safety; Judiciary, Homeland Security and Justice Committee, Police Commissioner Franz Christian cited a lack of community cooperation in providing information as one of the reasons so many crimes in the territory remain unsolved. (See "Lack of funding called biggest security problem".)
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.
ALL STARS STEEL BAND OPEN FOR NEW MEMBERS
If you are interested in playing a steel pan, consider the St. Thomas All Stars Steel Band, a non-profit community band for youth and adults.
For information call 777-9546.
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For information call 777-9546.
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 v… click A>.
