Feb. 28, 2003 – Spurred by the arrest of a man charged with breaking into a woman's home, raping her and holding her for ransom, then slashing her throat when a friend brought the money he demanded, Family Resource Center is sponsoring a march for victim justice on Monday.
The march is to protest the lenient handling of youthful offenders, especially those who are suspected in multiple offenses, Michal Rhymer-Charles, Family Resource Center executive director, said Friday.
"We decided to take a strong stand against this defendant because of the repeat offenses we are aware of," she said.
The man arrested and charged with the crimes, Michael Turbe, 20, was freed from jail in January after having been held for the alleged sexual assault of an 11-year-old girl, Deputy Police Chief Theodore Carty said.
Rhymer-Charles took to the radio airwaves Friday morning harshly criticizing the V.I. Justice Department for letting Turbe go in January. "He didn't get sentenced; the charges were dismissed," she said, because authorities "were concerned the 11-year old didn't want to go on the stand" and testify in court.
Police said the victim of the Wednesday attack was in the intensive care ward at Roy L. Schneider Hospital on Friday. "She was raped repeatedly, her throat slashed, and she was stabbed several times in numerous parts of her body," Carty said.
Turbe was arrested on Thursday and charged with first-degree rape, first-degree assault, first-degree burglary, unauthorized use of a vehicle and extortion. He was being held Friday on $270,000 bond.
Carty said the victim encountered her assailant in the afternoon as she entered her home. For the next three and a half hours, Turbe allegedly attacked the woman and forced her to call co-workers, asking them to bring money to the home. "The victim's co-worker arrived at the house and gave the victim $1,000 cash," Carty said.
Rhymer-Charles said she is frustrated with prosecutors who insist on granting leniency to youthful sexual offenders because of their age. "Youthful sex offenders can become older and more mature sex offenders, often more dangerous than they were in the beginning," she said.
"That woman could have been any one of us," she said. "We could have walked in our apartment and found this guy in there, holding us for ransom."
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HOVENSA, STEELWORKERS SIGN 4-YEAR CONTRACT
Feb. 28, 2003 – Hovensa and the United Steelworkers of America Local 8526 signed a four-year contract on Thursday covering about 450 operations and maintenance employees, the refinery announced in a release issued Friday.
The old contract expires at midnight Friday.
Rene L. Sagebien, Hovensa president and chief operating officer, said that both parties bargained hard but through compromise, were able to reach an agreement. He commended union negotiator Frederick Joseph and refinery negotiator James D. Chamberlain for their efforts.
Sagebien said the agreement reflects the company's financial setbacks resulting from a sharp decline in the national economy since the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and the ongoing strike of oil workers in Venezuela. He said the pact also takes into consideration Hovensa's need to invest about $500 million to produce low sulfur-content gasoline and diesel fuel to comply with Environmental Protection Agency regulations taking effect in 2004.
Under the agreement the refinery will establish a shop mechanics apprentice program to train local residents in maintenance skills. The apprentices, who will participate in the company's health insurance and pension programs, will fill vacancies that develop through attrition in Hovensa's mechanical shops.
The program will provide an opportunity for high school graduates to further their education and training and "avoids the need to bring people from the outside if they're not available locally," said Alex Moorhead, Hovensa vice president for governmental affairs and community relations.
Among the new agreement's provisions:
– Employees will get a 10 percent wage increase over three years starting next year. For example, wages for helpers will go to $19.61 an hour from $17.78. DCS operators, which is Hovensa's best-paying job covered by this union agreement, will receive an increase to $26.47 per hour from $23.99.
– Employees with 10 or more years of service will get an additional five days of annual paid sick leave, for a total of 20.
– Employees will receive a base $150 bonus each January if they have had perfect attendance or had no on-the-job injuries the previous year. The size of the bonus will increase if an employee has both perfect attendance and no injuries. Moorhead said the more consecutive years with perfect attendance and no on-the-job injuries, the bigger the bonus.
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The old contract expires at midnight Friday.
Rene L. Sagebien, Hovensa president and chief operating officer, said that both parties bargained hard but through compromise, were able to reach an agreement. He commended union negotiator Frederick Joseph and refinery negotiator James D. Chamberlain for their efforts.
Sagebien said the agreement reflects the company's financial setbacks resulting from a sharp decline in the national economy since the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and the ongoing strike of oil workers in Venezuela. He said the pact also takes into consideration Hovensa's need to invest about $500 million to produce low sulfur-content gasoline and diesel fuel to comply with Environmental Protection Agency regulations taking effect in 2004.
Under the agreement the refinery will establish a shop mechanics apprentice program to train local residents in maintenance skills. The apprentices, who will participate in the company's health insurance and pension programs, will fill vacancies that develop through attrition in Hovensa's mechanical shops.
The program will provide an opportunity for high school graduates to further their education and training and "avoids the need to bring people from the outside if they're not available locally," said Alex Moorhead, Hovensa vice president for governmental affairs and community relations.
Among the new agreement's provisions:
– Employees will get a 10 percent wage increase over three years starting next year. For example, wages for helpers will go to $19.61 an hour from $17.78. DCS operators, which is Hovensa's best-paying job covered by this union agreement, will receive an increase to $26.47 per hour from $23.99.
– Employees with 10 or more years of service will get an additional five days of annual paid sick leave, for a total of 20.
– Employees will receive a base $150 bonus each January if they have had perfect attendance or had no on-the-job injuries the previous year. The size of the bonus will increase if an employee has both perfect attendance and no injuries. Moorhead said the more consecutive years with perfect attendance and no on-the-job injuries, the bigger the bonus.
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.
'FAMILY FIRST' PROGRAM FOR CARE GIVERS, PARENTS
Feb. 28, 2003 – The Health Department's Infants and Toddlers Program and the Human Services Department's Community Integrated Services System are holding a free "Family First" conference next Thursday on St. Croix and next Friday on St. Thomas.
The conference at both locations will consist of a program for health-care providers in the morning and one for parents and day-care providers in the afternoon. Health care providers will receive continuing education units.
The St. Croix conference is scheduled for Gertrude's Restaurant; the St. Thomas one is set for Palms Court Harborview Hotel. Morning sessions are from 8:30 a.m. to noon. Afternoon sessions are from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Dr. Carl Cooley, a New Hampshire developmental pediatrician, is the featured speaker. He will discuss how the "Medical Home Program" links families with medical professionals.
Chantal Overbeek of the Health Department described the Medical Home Program as a situation in which everyone who provides services for a particular patient communicate on a regular basis about that patient. "It's not a place; it's a concept," she said.
Additionally, Cooley will talk about how to develop a central database and about child health-care concerns including autism and Down syndrome. Overbeek said it is particularly important to identify autistic children early so they can receive proper treatment.
Preregistration is requested. To obtain a registration form, to register or to obtain more information, call Brenda Jenkins at 774-0930, ext. 4181, or Overbeek at 774-6341. Or send an e-mail request to Health Department case manager. Completed registration forms should be faxed to 774-2820.
Publisher's note : Like the St. Croix Source now? Find out how you can love us twice as much — and show your support for the islands' free and independent news voice … click here.
The conference at both locations will consist of a program for health-care providers in the morning and one for parents and day-care providers in the afternoon. Health care providers will receive continuing education units.
The St. Croix conference is scheduled for Gertrude's Restaurant; the St. Thomas one is set for Palms Court Harborview Hotel. Morning sessions are from 8:30 a.m. to noon. Afternoon sessions are from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Dr. Carl Cooley, a New Hampshire developmental pediatrician, is the featured speaker. He will discuss how the "Medical Home Program" links families with medical professionals.
Chantal Overbeek of the Health Department described the Medical Home Program as a situation in which everyone who provides services for a particular patient communicate on a regular basis about that patient. "It's not a place; it's a concept," she said.
Additionally, Cooley will talk about how to develop a central database and about child health-care concerns including autism and Down syndrome. Overbeek said it is particularly important to identify autistic children early so they can receive proper treatment.
Preregistration is requested. To obtain a registration form, to register or to obtain more information, call Brenda Jenkins at 774-0930, ext. 4181, or Overbeek at 774-6341. Or send an e-mail request to Health Department case manager. Completed registration forms should be faxed to 774-2820.
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.
'FAMILY FIRST' PROGRAM FOR CARE GIVERS, PARENTS
Feb. 28, 2003 – The Health Department's Infants and Toddlers Program and the Human Services Department's Community Integrated Services System are holding a free "Family First" conference next Thursday on St. Croix and next Friday on St. Thomas.
The conference at both locations will consist of a program for health-care providers in the morning and one for parents and day-care providers in the afternoon. Health care providers will receive continuing education units.
The St. Croix conference is scheduled for Gertrude's Restaurant; the St. Thomas one is set for Palms Court Harborview Hotel. Morning sessions are from 8:30 a.m. to noon. Afternoon sessions are from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Dr. Carl Cooley, a New Hampshire developmental pediatrician, is the featured speaker. He will discuss how the "Medical Home Program" links families with medical professionals.
Chantal Overbeek of the Health Department described the Medical Home Program as a situation in which everyone who provides services for a particular patient communicate on a regular basis about that patient. "It's not a place; it's a concept," she said.
Additionally, Cooley will talk about how to develop a central database and about child health-care concerns including autism and Down syndrome. Overbeek said it is particularly important to identify autistic children early so they can receive proper treatment.
Preregistration is requested. To obtain a registration form, to register or to obtain more information, call Brenda Jenkins at 774-0930, ext. 4181, or Overbeek at 774-6341. Or send an e-mail request to Health Department case manager. Completed registration forms should be faxed to 774-2820.
Publisher's note : Like the St. John Source now? Find out how you can love us twice as much — and show your support for the islands' free and independent news voice … click here.
The conference at both locations will consist of a program for health-care providers in the morning and one for parents and day-care providers in the afternoon. Health care providers will receive continuing education units.
The St. Croix conference is scheduled for Gertrude's Restaurant; the St. Thomas one is set for Palms Court Harborview Hotel. Morning sessions are from 8:30 a.m. to noon. Afternoon sessions are from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Dr. Carl Cooley, a New Hampshire developmental pediatrician, is the featured speaker. He will discuss how the "Medical Home Program" links families with medical professionals.
Chantal Overbeek of the Health Department described the Medical Home Program as a situation in which everyone who provides services for a particular patient communicate on a regular basis about that patient. "It's not a place; it's a concept," she said.
Additionally, Cooley will talk about how to develop a central database and about child health-care concerns including autism and Down syndrome. Overbeek said it is particularly important to identify autistic children early so they can receive proper treatment.
Preregistration is requested. To obtain a registration form, to register or to obtain more information, call Brenda Jenkins at 774-0930, ext. 4181, or Overbeek at 774-6341. Or send an e-mail request to Health Department case manager. Completed registration forms should be faxed to 774-2820.
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.
'FAMILY FIRST' PROGRAM FOR CARE GIVERS, PARENTS
Feb. 28, 2003 – The Health Department's Infants and Toddlers Program and the Human Services Department's Community Integrated Services System are holding a free "Family First" conference next Thursday on St. Croix and next Friday on St. Thomas.
The conference at both locations will consist of a program for health-care providers in the morning and one for parents and day-care providers in the afternoon. Health care providers will receive continuing education units.
The St. Croix conference is scheduled for Gertrude's Restaurant; the St. Thomas one is set for Palms Court Harborview Hotel. Morning sessions are from 8:30 a.m. to noon. Afternoon sessions are from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Dr. Carl Cooley, a New Hampshire developmental pediatrician, is the featured speaker. He will discuss how the "Medical Home Program" links families with medical professionals.
Chantal Overbeek of the Health Department described the Medical Home Program as a situation in which everyone who provides services for a particular patient communicate on a regular basis about that patient. "It's not a place; it's a concept," she said.
Additionally, Cooley will talk about how to develop a central database and about child health-care concerns including autism and Down syndrome. Overbeek said it is particularly important to identify autistic children early so they can receive proper treatment.
Preregistration is requested. To obtain a registration form, to register or to obtain more information, call Brenda Jenkins at 774-0930, ext. 4181, or Overbeek at 774-6341. Or send an e-mail request to Health Department case manager. Completed registration forms should be faxed to 774-2820.
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 conference at both locations will consist of a program for health-care providers in the morning and one for parents and day-care providers in the afternoon. Health care providers will receive continuing education units.
The St. Croix conference is scheduled for Gertrude's Restaurant; the St. Thomas one is set for Palms Court Harborview Hotel. Morning sessions are from 8:30 a.m. to noon. Afternoon sessions are from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Dr. Carl Cooley, a New Hampshire developmental pediatrician, is the featured speaker. He will discuss how the "Medical Home Program" links families with medical professionals.
Chantal Overbeek of the Health Department described the Medical Home Program as a situation in which everyone who provides services for a particular patient communicate on a regular basis about that patient. "It's not a place; it's a concept," she said.
Additionally, Cooley will talk about how to develop a central database and about child health-care concerns including autism and Down syndrome. Overbeek said it is particularly important to identify autistic children early so they can receive proper treatment.
Preregistration is requested. To obtain a registration form, to register or to obtain more information, call Brenda Jenkins at 774-0930, ext. 4181, or Overbeek at 774-6341. Or send an e-mail request to Health Department case manager. Completed registration forms should be faxed to 774-2820.
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.
CAHS ELEVENTH GRADE PARENTS WILL MEET
Charlotte Amalie Hidh School eleventh grade parents will meet in the Ruth E. Thomas Auditorium.
RULES OKS NOMINEES FOR LOTTERY, LAND USE PANELS
Feb. 28, 2003 – The beleaguered and almost non-existent Lottery Commission took a small step toward reconstitution on Thursday when the Senate Rules Committee approved the nomination of Cedric Swan, who would bring its membership to three — still not enough for a quorum on the seven-seat panel.
The commission has not met since 1997, because it has had only two members, both of whom serve by virtue of other positions they hold – Finance Commissioner Bernice Turnbull and Office of Management and Budget director Ira Mills.
Of the five other members, two must be licensed lottery dealers, one from each district. The remaining three must consist of one resident each from St. Thomas, St. Croix and St. John. Members serve four-year terms.
The Rules Committee also approved the nomination of Fred Vialet Jr. to the Board of Land Use Appeals, another entity hurting for members. Although the nine-member board currently has six members, it frequently can't muster a quorum.
Sens. Lorraine Berry and Raymond "Usie" Richards have written Gov. Charles W. Turnbull urging him to rapidly fill the remaining vacancies on the Lottery Commission. In the absence of a functioning commission, Lottery executive director Austin Andrews is totally in charge of decision-making.
Richards wrote the governor: "In the absence of the commission, all oversight powers normally granted to seven people have been unduly assigned to one."
On Monday, the administration refused a request by the chair of the Senate Finance Committee, Sen. Adlah "Foncie" Donastorg, to have a legislative post audit staff member examine lottery financial records in connection with an audit the Finance Committee is conducting of V.I. Lottery operations. The agency has not been audited since 1997.
According to David Gale, executive director of the North American Association of State and Provincial Lotteries, all state lotteries "are required by their legislatures to report their finances." (See "V.I. Lottery unique in not disclosing finances".)
The Lottery Commission has oversight territorywide for the regular V.I. Lottery ticket sales and the operations of Caribbean Lottery Services, including the popular Powerball game added in November. It also has responsibility for newly legalized video lottery operations in the St. Thomas-St. John district. The Casino Control Commission is in charge of casino gaming, which is allowed only in the St. Croix district, and the Virgin Islands' authorized but not yet operative Internet gambling.
Neither Berry not Richards questioned Andrews' abilities in their letters to the governor. Berry said that he "has proven well able to assume responsibilities of the full board, as authorized by the Legislature specifically during the time of the prolonged vacancies." But, she added, "some decisions in recent months were meant to be shouldered by a full board according to the law established by the commission."
On Thursday, Berry told the Rules Committee she was concerned that "Andrews has all the power in the V. I. Lottery." At a January hearing, Bernice Turnbull said she had not received any funds from Caribbean Lottery Services. "They are claiming in the media they have generated more than $300,000," Berry said.
Berry asking Swan how he would suggest that the Finance commissioner go about collecting the money due from CLS, he said: "They need to do whatever it takes, whatever is necessary to get the money."
Swan, a former Senate post audit division auditor, said the commission should "set policies for the executive director, and the director should implement them." Asked by Senate President David Jones about his views on the controversial video lottery operations, the subject of a Territorial Court case and an upcoming Senate hearing, Swan said he does not support VLT's. He also told Jones, a video lottery proponent, that he had not discussed his views with the administration before he was nominated to the Lottery Commission.
Sen. Roosevelt David raised the issue of a problem long plaguing the territory — the illegal sale locally of Puerto Rico lottery tickets, which David pegged at $41 million. Swan said he would work to legalize Puerto Rico lottery tickets in the Virgin Islands so the local lottery could get a cut of the revenues.
Vialet assured the senators that he would be an active member of the Board of Land Use Appeals. He said he has held public service positions before – on the V.I. Real Estate Board, for one — and that this has never interfered with his law practice.
Both Vialet and Swan were unanimously approved by the committee. Their nominations must now go to the full Senate for final approval.
All Rules Committee members — Sens. Berry, Douglas Canton, David, Carlton Dowe, Louis Hill, Jones and Ronald Russell — attended the meeting along with Sen. Raymond "Usie" Richards, a non-member.
Publisher's note : Like the St. John Source now? Find out how you can love us twice as much — and show your support for the islands' free and independent news voice … click here.
The commission has not met since 1997, because it has had only two members, both of whom serve by virtue of other positions they hold – Finance Commissioner Bernice Turnbull and Office of Management and Budget director Ira Mills.
Of the five other members, two must be licensed lottery dealers, one from each district. The remaining three must consist of one resident each from St. Thomas, St. Croix and St. John. Members serve four-year terms.
The Rules Committee also approved the nomination of Fred Vialet Jr. to the Board of Land Use Appeals, another entity hurting for members. Although the nine-member board currently has six members, it frequently can't muster a quorum.
Sens. Lorraine Berry and Raymond "Usie" Richards have written Gov. Charles W. Turnbull urging him to rapidly fill the remaining vacancies on the Lottery Commission. In the absence of a functioning commission, Lottery executive director Austin Andrews is totally in charge of decision-making.
Richards wrote the governor: "In the absence of the commission, all oversight powers normally granted to seven people have been unduly assigned to one."
On Monday, the administration refused a request by the chair of the Senate Finance Committee, Sen. Adlah "Foncie" Donastorg, to have a legislative post audit staff member examine lottery financial records in connection with an audit the Finance Committee is conducting of V.I. Lottery operations. The agency has not been audited since 1997.
According to David Gale, executive director of the North American Association of State and Provincial Lotteries, all state lotteries "are required by their legislatures to report their finances." (See "V.I. Lottery unique in not disclosing finances".)
The Lottery Commission has oversight territorywide for the regular V.I. Lottery ticket sales and the operations of Caribbean Lottery Services, including the popular Powerball game added in November. It also has responsibility for newly legalized video lottery operations in the St. Thomas-St. John district. The Casino Control Commission is in charge of casino gaming, which is allowed only in the St. Croix district, and the Virgin Islands' authorized but not yet operative Internet gambling.
Neither Berry not Richards questioned Andrews' abilities in their letters to the governor. Berry said that he "has proven well able to assume responsibilities of the full board, as authorized by the Legislature specifically during the time of the prolonged vacancies." But, she added, "some decisions in recent months were meant to be shouldered by a full board according to the law established by the commission."
On Thursday, Berry told the Rules Committee she was concerned that "Andrews has all the power in the V. I. Lottery." At a January hearing, Bernice Turnbull said she had not received any funds from Caribbean Lottery Services. "They are claiming in the media they have generated more than $300,000," Berry said.
Berry asking Swan how he would suggest that the Finance commissioner go about collecting the money due from CLS, he said: "They need to do whatever it takes, whatever is necessary to get the money."
Swan, a former Senate post audit division auditor, said the commission should "set policies for the executive director, and the director should implement them." Asked by Senate President David Jones about his views on the controversial video lottery operations, the subject of a Territorial Court case and an upcoming Senate hearing, Swan said he does not support VLT's. He also told Jones, a video lottery proponent, that he had not discussed his views with the administration before he was nominated to the Lottery Commission.
Sen. Roosevelt David raised the issue of a problem long plaguing the territory — the illegal sale locally of Puerto Rico lottery tickets, which David pegged at $41 million. Swan said he would work to legalize Puerto Rico lottery tickets in the Virgin Islands so the local lottery could get a cut of the revenues.
Vialet assured the senators that he would be an active member of the Board of Land Use Appeals. He said he has held public service positions before – on the V.I. Real Estate Board, for one — and that this has never interfered with his law practice.
Both Vialet and Swan were unanimously approved by the committee. Their nominations must now go to the full Senate for final approval.
All Rules Committee members — Sens. Berry, Douglas Canton, David, Carlton Dowe, Louis Hill, Jones and Ronald Russell — attended the meeting along with Sen. Raymond "Usie" Richards, a non-member.
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.
RULES OKS NOMINEES FOR LOTTERY, LAND USE PANELS
Feb. 28, 2003 – The beleaguered and almost non-existent Lottery Commission took a small step toward reconstitution on Thursday when the Senate Rules Committee approved the nomination of Cedric Swan, who would bring its membership to three — still not enough for a quorum on the seven-seat panel.
The commission has not met since 1997, because it has had only two members, both of whom serve by virtue of other positions they hold – Finance Commissioner Bernice Turnbull and Office of Management and Budget director Ira Mills.
Of the five other members, two must be licensed lottery dealers, one from each district. The remaining three must consist of one resident each from St. Thomas, St. Croix and St. John. Members serve four-year terms.
The Rules Committee also approved the nomination of Fred Vialet Jr. to the Board of Land Use Appeals, another entity hurting for members. Although the nine-member board currently has six members, it frequently can't muster a quorum.
Sens. Lorraine Berry and Raymond "Usie" Richards have written Gov. Charles W. Turnbull urging him to rapidly fill the remaining vacancies on the Lottery Commission. In the absence of a functioning commission, Lottery executive director Austin Andrews is totally in charge of decision-making.
Richards wrote the governor: "In the absence of the commission, all oversight powers normally granted to seven people have been unduly assigned to one."
On Monday, the administration refused a request by the chair of the Senate Finance Committee, Sen. Adlah "Foncie" Donastorg, to have a legislative post audit staff member examine lottery financial records in connection with an audit the Finance Committee is conducting of V.I. Lottery operations. The agency has not been audited since 1997.
According to David Gale, executive director of the North American Association of State and Provincial Lotteries, all state lotteries "are required by their legislatures to report their finances." (See "V.I. Lottery unique in not disclosing finances".)
The Lottery Commission has oversight territorywide for the regular V.I. Lottery ticket sales and the operations of Caribbean Lottery Services, including the popular Powerball game added in November. It also has responsibility for newly legalized video lottery operations in the St. Thomas-St. John district. The Casino Control Commission is in charge of casino gaming, which is allowed only in the St. Croix district, and the Virgin Islands' authorized but not yet operative Internet gambling.
Neither Berry not Richards questioned Andrews' abilities in their letters to the governor. Berry said that he "has proven well able to assume responsibilities of the full board, as authorized by the Legislature specifically during the time of the prolonged vacancies." But, she added, "some decisions in recent months were meant to be shouldered by a full board according to the law established by the commission."
On Thursday, Berry told the Rules Committee she was concerned that "Andrews has all the power in the V. I. Lottery." At a January hearing, Bernice Turnbull said she had not received any funds from Caribbean Lottery Services. "They are claiming in the media they have generated more than $300,000," Berry said.
Berry asking Swan how he would suggest that the Finance commissioner go about collecting the money due from CLS, he said: "They need to do whatever it takes, whatever is necessary to get the money."
Swan, a former Senate post audit division auditor, said the commission should "set policies for the executive director, and the director should implement them." Asked by Senate President David Jones about his views on the controversial video lottery operations, the subject of a Territorial Court case and an upcoming Senate hearing, Swan said he does not support VLT's. He also told Jones, a video lottery proponent, that he had not discussed his views with the administration before he was nominated to the Lottery Commission.
Sen. Roosevelt David raised the issue of a problem long plaguing the territory — the illegal sale locally of Puerto Rico lottery tickets, which David pegged at $41 million. Swan said he would work to legalize Puerto Rico lottery tickets in the Virgin Islands so the local lottery could get a cut of the revenues.
Vialet assured the senators that he would be an active member of the Board of Land Use Appeals. He said he has held public service positions before – on the V.I. Real Estate Board, for one — and that this has never interfered with his law practice.
Both Vialet and Swan were unanimously approved by the committee. Their nominations must now go to the full Senate for final approval.
All Rules Committee members — Sens. Berry, Douglas Canton, David, Carlton Dowe, Louis Hill, Jones and Ronald Russell — attended the meeting along with Sen. Raymond "Usie" Richards, a non-member.
Publisher's note : Like the St. Croix Source now? Find out how you can love us twice as much — and show your support for the islands' free and independent news voice … click here.
The commission has not met since 1997, because it has had only two members, both of whom serve by virtue of other positions they hold – Finance Commissioner Bernice Turnbull and Office of Management and Budget director Ira Mills.
Of the five other members, two must be licensed lottery dealers, one from each district. The remaining three must consist of one resident each from St. Thomas, St. Croix and St. John. Members serve four-year terms.
The Rules Committee also approved the nomination of Fred Vialet Jr. to the Board of Land Use Appeals, another entity hurting for members. Although the nine-member board currently has six members, it frequently can't muster a quorum.
Sens. Lorraine Berry and Raymond "Usie" Richards have written Gov. Charles W. Turnbull urging him to rapidly fill the remaining vacancies on the Lottery Commission. In the absence of a functioning commission, Lottery executive director Austin Andrews is totally in charge of decision-making.
Richards wrote the governor: "In the absence of the commission, all oversight powers normally granted to seven people have been unduly assigned to one."
On Monday, the administration refused a request by the chair of the Senate Finance Committee, Sen. Adlah "Foncie" Donastorg, to have a legislative post audit staff member examine lottery financial records in connection with an audit the Finance Committee is conducting of V.I. Lottery operations. The agency has not been audited since 1997.
According to David Gale, executive director of the North American Association of State and Provincial Lotteries, all state lotteries "are required by their legislatures to report their finances." (See "V.I. Lottery unique in not disclosing finances".)
The Lottery Commission has oversight territorywide for the regular V.I. Lottery ticket sales and the operations of Caribbean Lottery Services, including the popular Powerball game added in November. It also has responsibility for newly legalized video lottery operations in the St. Thomas-St. John district. The Casino Control Commission is in charge of casino gaming, which is allowed only in the St. Croix district, and the Virgin Islands' authorized but not yet operative Internet gambling.
Neither Berry not Richards questioned Andrews' abilities in their letters to the governor. Berry said that he "has proven well able to assume responsibilities of the full board, as authorized by the Legislature specifically during the time of the prolonged vacancies." But, she added, "some decisions in recent months were meant to be shouldered by a full board according to the law established by the commission."
On Thursday, Berry told the Rules Committee she was concerned that "Andrews has all the power in the V. I. Lottery." At a January hearing, Bernice Turnbull said she had not received any funds from Caribbean Lottery Services. "They are claiming in the media they have generated more than $300,000," Berry said.
Berry asking Swan how he would suggest that the Finance commissioner go about collecting the money due from CLS, he said: "They need to do whatever it takes, whatever is necessary to get the money."
Swan, a former Senate post audit division auditor, said the commission should "set policies for the executive director, and the director should implement them." Asked by Senate President David Jones about his views on the controversial video lottery operations, the subject of a Territorial Court case and an upcoming Senate hearing, Swan said he does not support VLT's. He also told Jones, a video lottery proponent, that he had not discussed his views with the administration before he was nominated to the Lottery Commission.
Sen. Roosevelt David raised the issue of a problem long plaguing the territory — the illegal sale locally of Puerto Rico lottery tickets, which David pegged at $41 million. Swan said he would work to legalize Puerto Rico lottery tickets in the Virgin Islands so the local lottery could get a cut of the revenues.
Vialet assured the senators that he would be an active member of the Board of Land Use Appeals. He said he has held public service positions before – on the V.I. Real Estate Board, for one — and that this has never interfered with his law practice.
Both Vialet and Swan were unanimously approved by the committee. Their nominations must now go to the full Senate for final approval.
All Rules Committee members — Sens. Berry, Douglas Canton, David, Carlton Dowe, Louis Hill, Jones and Ronald Russell — attended the meeting along with Sen. Raymond "Usie" Richards, a non-member.
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5 WEEKS OF TOWN ROAD REPAIRS TO BEGIN MARCH 10
Feb. 28, 2003 – Long-planned repair work on Cactus Hill streets in Cruz Bay will begin March 10 and will take about five weeks to complete, Public Works Deputy Commissioner Ira Wade said on Friday.
The affected arteries are Frank Street, which is the where the Legislature Building is located; Alice Street, Cactus Hill Run, Pickering Street, Short Street and the southwest end of Hill Street toward Asta Pond.
Wade said the streets are in disrepair because they were never repaved after a 1993-94 sewer line installation. "There are numerous intermittent pieces of old asphalt left there," he said.
As part of the work now, he said, some 15 to 20 manholes must be raised to pavement level.
He said Public Works will send out notices two business days before crews start work on each road so that people will know not to park there.
He didn't have the project cost available but said it would be more than $100,000. The money comes from the St. John Capital Improvement Fund. Better Roads Asphalt is the contractor.
Wade also said that bids were opened on Thursday for work on Route 107 from the Coral Bay Triangle to the start of the V.I. National Park road that leads to Lameshur Bay. He declined to name the contractor on this Federal Highway Administration-financed job but said it would get under way around April 15.
Some major work on Route 107, including replacement of culverts and repaving, has already been done. The second phase about to begin was on hold for more than three years because Public Works needed to get right-of-way permission from about 75 landowners who have property along the road.
In addition to paving, the second phase includes installing a 30-inch culvert where Route 108, which leads to Bordeaux, meets Route 107.
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The affected arteries are Frank Street, which is the where the Legislature Building is located; Alice Street, Cactus Hill Run, Pickering Street, Short Street and the southwest end of Hill Street toward Asta Pond.
Wade said the streets are in disrepair because they were never repaved after a 1993-94 sewer line installation. "There are numerous intermittent pieces of old asphalt left there," he said.
As part of the work now, he said, some 15 to 20 manholes must be raised to pavement level.
He said Public Works will send out notices two business days before crews start work on each road so that people will know not to park there.
He didn't have the project cost available but said it would be more than $100,000. The money comes from the St. John Capital Improvement Fund. Better Roads Asphalt is the contractor.
Wade also said that bids were opened on Thursday for work on Route 107 from the Coral Bay Triangle to the start of the V.I. National Park road that leads to Lameshur Bay. He declined to name the contractor on this Federal Highway Administration-financed job but said it would get under way around April 15.
Some major work on Route 107, including replacement of culverts and repaving, has already been done. The second phase about to begin was on hold for more than three years because Public Works needed to get right-of-way permission from about 75 landowners who have property along the road.
In addition to paving, the second phase includes installing a 30-inch culvert where Route 108, which leads to Bordeaux, meets Route 107.
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.
TOASTMASTERS WILL MEET AT CHAMBER
The V.I. toastmasters Club 4040U will meet in the conference room of the St. Thomas-St. John Chamber of Commerce.
Guests are welcome
For more information call 776-2035.
Guests are welcome
For more information call 776-2035.
