Feb. 26, 2003 – Senate President David Jones said on Wednesday that he has called a Committee of the Whole public hearing for March 13 on St. Croix to take testimony from opponents and proponents of video lottery gambling.
Gov. Charles W. Turnbull sent the Legislature a bill on Jan. 21 repealing a new law legalizing video lottery operations in the St. Thomas-St. John district. But Sen. Adlah "Foncie" Donastorg said on Wednesday that he had requested a draft of similar legislation almost two weeks earlier.
In a release distributed Wednesday, Donastorg said he had asked Jones to assign his bill to the Economic Development, Agriculture and Consumer Protection Committee. "We must begin public hearings on this matter immediately," Donastorg said.
Jones said later in the day that Donastorg's bill will be the basis for the hearing on the evening of March 13 "so all the senators can be present." While the Committee of the Whole can conduct hearings on St. Croix, it can vote on legislation only in the Senate chambers on St. Thomas.
Jones, who will chair the hearing, said he expects a big turnout. "We're bringing everybody," he said. Those invited to testify, he said, will include members of the Casino Control Commission and the V.I. Lottery Commission; officials of Southland Gaming, the company contracted by V.I. Lottery to distribute video lottery terminals; and developers of two major resort and casino complexes planned for St. Croix.
Meanwhile, Jones said, he also has assigned to the Education Committee a bill sponsored by Sen. Carlton Dowe to earmark 35 percent of VLT proceeds for public education.
Jones has been an advocate of video lottery operations throughout the two years that VLT's have been an issue in the Virgin Islands. In those two years, the 24th Legislature three times approved their introduction, and Turnbull three times vetoed the measures. The 24th Legislature in its last session, on Dec. 23, overrode the governor's third veto.
Advocates including Jones have argued that the gambling machines could bring the government as much as $14 million a year in much-needed revenues.
It took a two-thirds majority, or 10 votes, to override the governor's veto in December. It will take a simple majority vote now to repeal the law by enacting new legislation. Which way the 25th Legislature is leaning remains unclear. (See "Odds uncertain on prospects for VLT repeal".)
Donastorg voted for the Dec. 23 override. But he says now that he did so only after he heard "misleading" information on the Senate floor. "It was indicated that the machines would be confined to the tourist areas and the docking facility only, according to the information disseminated to me," he said Wednesday. "It turns out that the machines were placed all over the island."
According to Southland Gaming attorney Arturo Watlington, the company has installed machines at three St. Thomas sites: Bluebeard's Castle, The Old Mill and the Caribbean Saloon in Red Hook.
Donastorg said he drew up his repeal bill in the first week of January after the VLT invasion was well under way. "The subsequent protests only served to solidify my decision to go forward," he said.
Sen. Raymond "Usie" Richards had also drawn up a repeal bill, Donastorg said, so the two co-sponsored a single piece of legislation. Other lawmakers who have since attached their names to the measure include Sens. Louis Hill, Ronald Russell and Douglas Canton, Donastorg said.
According to Donastorg, the governor acted "way after the fact" in submitting a similar bill. "The governor should've checked to see if anyone in the Senate already had that legislation," he said.
Turnbull pledged in his State of the Territory address on Jan. 13 to submit a repeal bill amid much public concern over the terminals, especially on St. Croix. (See "Governor submits bill to repeal VLT legislation".)
The developer of one of St. Croix's two planned casino/hotel complexes vowed on Tuesday to pull out if the government does not repeal the VLT law by March 20. According to Curtis Robinson of Robin Bay Associates, VLT gaming, even if only in the St. Thomas-St. John district, jeopardizes his ability to secure commitments from international investors for his $500 million Seven Hills Beach Resort and Casino.
(He also demanded that the V.I. Code be amended by that date to allow for construction of a 12-story building. No previously published plans made mention of such a high-rise structure.)
Robinson said on Tuesday that construction on the half-billion-dollar project could begin as soon as July. However, Jones said on Wednesday that the company has yet to apply for any of the necessary Coastal Zone Management or building permits — a process that involves public hearings and can take many months.
"I don't know how realistic or practical those demands are," Jones said of Robinson's ultimatum. "There's no way that I personally would support amending the Code to include 12-story buildings." But he added that he could support a zoning variance to accommodate the project.
Referring to Robinson's local attorney, Jeffrey Moorhead, Jones added: "I don't know what building code Moorhead's been reading, but as far as the process and procedure in the Virgin Islands, it would take those [permits] being in place before any construction can begin."
Many who see the casino industry as a ray of economic hope for St. Croix where there otherwise are few also see VLT's as a threat.
"St. Croix is dying a slow death," Donastorg said. "We have to be careful that we don't kill the goose that laid the golden egg."
No action can be taken on repeal legislation by the Committee of the Whole at the March 13 hearing on St. Croix, but senators could move to convene another committee meeting at the time and vote the bill on to the Rules Committee or fail it. If it were to succeed, it would then either clear Rules and go on to the full Senate or die for lack of support.
The Democratic Party Territorial Committee on Jan. 11 called for repeal of the VLT legislation, saying it was taking the stand because of a policy of "special emphasis on St. Croix's economic development." Turnbull is a Democrat; so is Jones. The new Democratic majority in the 25th Legislature includes four senators who voted for the override: Lorraine Berry, Donastorg, Emmett Hansen II and Jones.
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.
JONES SETS HEARING ON VIDEO LOTTERY REPEAL
Feb. 26, 2003 – Senate President David Jones said on Wednesday that he has called a Committee of the Whole public hearing for March 13 on St. Croix to take testimony from opponents and proponents of video lottery gambling.
Gov. Charles W. Turnbull sent the Legislature a bill on Jan. 21 repealing a new law legalizing video lottery operations in the St. Thomas-St. John district. But Sen. Adlah "Foncie" Donastorg said on Wednesday that he had requested a draft of similar legislation almost two weeks earlier.
In a release distributed Wednesday, Donastorg said he had asked Jones to assign his bill to the Economic Development, Agriculture and Consumer Protection Committee. "We must begin public hearings on this matter immediately," Donastorg said.
Jones said later in the day that Donastorg's bill will be the basis for the hearing on the evening of March 13 "so all the senators can be present." While the Committee of the Whole can conduct hearings on St. Croix, it can vote on legislation only in the Senate chambers on St. Thomas.
Jones, who will chair the hearing, said he expects a big turnout. "We're bringing everybody," he said. Those invited to testify, he said, will include members of the Casino Control Commission and the V.I. Lottery Commission; officials of Southland Gaming, the company contracted by V.I. Lottery to distribute video lottery terminals; and developers of two major resort and casino complexes planned for St. Croix.
Meanwhile, Jones said, he also has assigned to the Education Committee a bill sponsored by Sen. Carlton Dowe to earmark 35 percent of VLT proceeds for public education.
Jones has been an advocate of video lottery operations throughout the two years that VLT's have been an issue in the Virgin Islands. In those two years, the 24th Legislature three times approved their introduction, and Turnbull three times vetoed the measures. The 24th Legislature in its last session, on Dec. 23, overrode the governor's third veto.
Advocates including Jones have argued that the gambling machines could bring the government as much as $14 million a year in much-needed revenues.
It took a two-thirds majority, or 10 votes, to override the governor's veto in December. It will take a simple majority vote now to repeal the law by enacting new legislation. Which way the 25th Legislature is leaning remains unclear. (See "Odds uncertain on prospects for VLT repeal".)
Donastorg voted for the Dec. 23 override. But he says now that he did so only after he heard "misleading" information on the Senate floor. "It was indicated that the machines would be confined to the tourist areas and the docking facility only, according to the information disseminated to me," he said Wednesday. "It turns out that the machines were placed all over the island."
According to Southland Gaming attorney Arturo Watlington, the company has installed machines at three St. Thomas sites: Bluebeard's Castle, The Old Mill and the Caribbean Saloon in Red Hook.
Donastorg said he drew up his repeal bill in the first week of January after the VLT invasion was well under way. "The subsequent protests only served to solidify my decision to go forward," he said.
Sen. Raymond "Usie" Richards had also drawn up a repeal bill, Donastorg said, so the two co-sponsored a single piece of legislation. Other lawmakers who have since attached their names to the measure include Sens. Louis Hill, Ronald Russell and Douglas Canton, Donastorg said.
According to Donastorg, the governor acted "way after the fact" in submitting a similar bill. "The governor should've checked to see if anyone in the Senate already had that legislation," he said.
Turnbull pledged in his State of the Territory address on Jan. 13 to submit a repeal bill amid much public concern over the terminals, especially on St. Croix. (See "Governor submits bill to repeal VLT legislation".)
The developer of one of St. Croix's two planned casino/hotel complexes vowed on Tuesday to pull out if the government does not repeal the VLT law by March 20. According to Curtis Robinson of Robin Bay Associates, VLT gaming, even if only in the St. Thomas-St. John district, jeopardizes his ability to secure commitments from international investors for his $500 million Seven Hills Beach Resort and Casino.
(He also demanded that the V.I. Code be amended by that date to allow for construction of a 12-story building. No previously published plans made mention of such a high-rise structure.)
Robinson said on Tuesday that construction on the half-billion-dollar project could begin as soon as July. However, Jones said on Wednesday that the company has yet to apply for any of the necessary Coastal Zone Management or building permits — a process that involves public hearings and can take many months.
"I don't know how realistic or practical those demands are," Jones said of Robinson's ultimatum. "There's no way that I personally would support amending the Code to include 12-story buildings." But he added that he could support a zoning variance to accommodate the project.
Referring to Robinson's local attorney, Jeffrey Moorhead, Jones added: "I don't know what building code Moorhead's been reading, but as far as the process and procedure in the Virgin Islands, it would take those [permits] being in place before any construction can begin."
Many who see the casino industry as a ray of economic hope for St. Croix where there otherwise are few also see VLT's as a threat.
"St. Croix is dying a slow death," Donastorg said. "We have to be careful that we don't kill the goose that laid the golden egg."
No action can be taken on repeal legislation by the Committee of the Whole at the March 13 hearing on St. Croix, but senators could move to convene another committee meeting at the time and vote the bill on to the Rules Committee or fail it. If it were to succeed, it would then either clear Rules and go on to the full Senate or die for lack of support.
The Democratic Party Territorial Committee on Jan. 11 called for repeal of the VLT legislation, saying it was taking the stand because of a policy of "special emphasis on St. Croix's economic development." Turnbull is a Democrat; so is Jones. The new Democratic majority in the 25th Legislature includes four senators who voted for the override: Lorraine Berry, Donastorg, Emmett Hansen II and Jones.
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.
Gov. Charles W. Turnbull sent the Legislature a bill on Jan. 21 repealing a new law legalizing video lottery operations in the St. Thomas-St. John district. But Sen. Adlah "Foncie" Donastorg said on Wednesday that he had requested a draft of similar legislation almost two weeks earlier.
In a release distributed Wednesday, Donastorg said he had asked Jones to assign his bill to the Economic Development, Agriculture and Consumer Protection Committee. "We must begin public hearings on this matter immediately," Donastorg said.
Jones said later in the day that Donastorg's bill will be the basis for the hearing on the evening of March 13 "so all the senators can be present." While the Committee of the Whole can conduct hearings on St. Croix, it can vote on legislation only in the Senate chambers on St. Thomas.
Jones, who will chair the hearing, said he expects a big turnout. "We're bringing everybody," he said. Those invited to testify, he said, will include members of the Casino Control Commission and the V.I. Lottery Commission; officials of Southland Gaming, the company contracted by V.I. Lottery to distribute video lottery terminals; and developers of two major resort and casino complexes planned for St. Croix.
Meanwhile, Jones said, he also has assigned to the Education Committee a bill sponsored by Sen. Carlton Dowe to earmark 35 percent of VLT proceeds for public education.
Jones has been an advocate of video lottery operations throughout the two years that VLT's have been an issue in the Virgin Islands. In those two years, the 24th Legislature three times approved their introduction, and Turnbull three times vetoed the measures. The 24th Legislature in its last session, on Dec. 23, overrode the governor's third veto.
Advocates including Jones have argued that the gambling machines could bring the government as much as $14 million a year in much-needed revenues.
It took a two-thirds majority, or 10 votes, to override the governor's veto in December. It will take a simple majority vote now to repeal the law by enacting new legislation. Which way the 25th Legislature is leaning remains unclear. (See "Odds uncertain on prospects for VLT repeal".)
Donastorg voted for the Dec. 23 override. But he says now that he did so only after he heard "misleading" information on the Senate floor. "It was indicated that the machines would be confined to the tourist areas and the docking facility only, according to the information disseminated to me," he said Wednesday. "It turns out that the machines were placed all over the island."
According to Southland Gaming attorney Arturo Watlington, the company has installed machines at three St. Thomas sites: Bluebeard's Castle, The Old Mill and the Caribbean Saloon in Red Hook.
Donastorg said he drew up his repeal bill in the first week of January after the VLT invasion was well under way. "The subsequent protests only served to solidify my decision to go forward," he said.
Sen. Raymond "Usie" Richards had also drawn up a repeal bill, Donastorg said, so the two co-sponsored a single piece of legislation. Other lawmakers who have since attached their names to the measure include Sens. Louis Hill, Ronald Russell and Douglas Canton, Donastorg said.
According to Donastorg, the governor acted "way after the fact" in submitting a similar bill. "The governor should've checked to see if anyone in the Senate already had that legislation," he said.
Turnbull pledged in his State of the Territory address on Jan. 13 to submit a repeal bill amid much public concern over the terminals, especially on St. Croix. (See "Governor submits bill to repeal VLT legislation".)
The developer of one of St. Croix's two planned casino/hotel complexes vowed on Tuesday to pull out if the government does not repeal the VLT law by March 20. According to Curtis Robinson of Robin Bay Associates, VLT gaming, even if only in the St. Thomas-St. John district, jeopardizes his ability to secure commitments from international investors for his $500 million Seven Hills Beach Resort and Casino.
(He also demanded that the V.I. Code be amended by that date to allow for construction of a 12-story building. No previously published plans made mention of such a high-rise structure.)
Robinson said on Tuesday that construction on the half-billion-dollar project could begin as soon as July. However, Jones said on Wednesday that the company has yet to apply for any of the necessary Coastal Zone Management or building permits — a process that involves public hearings and can take many months.
"I don't know how realistic or practical those demands are," Jones said of Robinson's ultimatum. "There's no way that I personally would support amending the Code to include 12-story buildings." But he added that he could support a zoning variance to accommodate the project.
Referring to Robinson's local attorney, Jeffrey Moorhead, Jones added: "I don't know what building code Moorhead's been reading, but as far as the process and procedure in the Virgin Islands, it would take those [permits] being in place before any construction can begin."
Many who see the casino industry as a ray of economic hope for St. Croix where there otherwise are few also see VLT's as a threat.
"St. Croix is dying a slow death," Donastorg said. "We have to be careful that we don't kill the goose that laid the golden egg."
No action can be taken on repeal legislation by the Committee of the Whole at the March 13 hearing on St. Croix, but senators could move to convene another committee meeting at the time and vote the bill on to the Rules Committee or fail it. If it were to succeed, it would then either clear Rules and go on to the full Senate or die for lack of support.
The Democratic Party Territorial Committee on Jan. 11 called for repeal of the VLT legislation, saying it was taking the stand because of a policy of "special emphasis on St. Croix's economic development." Turnbull is a Democrat; so is Jones. The new Democratic majority in the 25th Legislature includes four senators who voted for the override: Lorraine Berry, Donastorg, Emmett Hansen II and Jones.
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.
JONES SETS HEARING ON VIDEO LOTTERY REPEAL
Feb. 26, 2003 – Senate President David Jones said on Wednesday that he has called a Committee of the Whole public hearing for March 13 on St. Croix to take testimony from opponents and proponents of video lottery gambling.
Gov. Charles W. Turnbull sent the Legislature a bill on Jan. 21 repealing a new law legalizing video lottery operations in the St. Thomas-St. John district. But Sen. Adlah "Foncie" Donastorg said on Wednesday that he had requested a draft of similar legislation almost two weeks earlier.
In a release distributed Wednesday, Donastorg said he had asked Jones to assign his bill to the Economic Development, Agriculture and Consumer Protection Committee. "We must begin public hearings on this matter immediately," Donastorg said.
Jones said later in the day that Donastorg's bill will be the basis for the hearing on the evening of March 13 "so all the senators can be present." While the Committee of the Whole can conduct hearings on St. Croix, it can vote on legislation only in the Senate chambers on St. Thomas.
Jones, who will chair the hearing, said he expects a big turnout. "We're bringing everybody," he said. Those invited to testify, he said, will include members of the Casino Control Commission and the V.I. Lottery Commission; officials of Southland Gaming, the company contracted by V.I. Lottery to distribute video lottery terminals; and developers of two major resort and casino complexes planned for St. Croix.
Meanwhile, Jones said, he also has assigned to the Education Committee a bill sponsored by Sen. Carlton Dowe to earmark 35 percent of VLT proceeds for public education.
Jones has been an advocate of video lottery operations throughout the two years that VLT's have been an issue in the Virgin Islands. In those two years, the 24th Legislature three times approved their introduction, and Turnbull three times vetoed the measures. The 24th Legislature in its last session, on Dec. 23, overrode the governor's third veto.
Advocates including Jones have argued that the gambling machines could bring the government as much as $14 million a year in much-needed revenues.
It took a two-thirds majority, or 10 votes, to override the governor's veto in December. It will take a simple majority vote now to repeal the law by enacting new legislation. Which way the 25th Legislature is leaning remains unclear. (See "Odds uncertain on prospects for VLT repeal".)
Donastorg voted for the Dec. 23 override. But he says now that he did so only after he heard "misleading" information on the Senate floor. "It was indicated that the machines would be confined to the tourist areas and the docking facility only, according to the information disseminated to me," he said Wednesday. "It turns out that the machines were placed all over the island."
According to Southland Gaming attorney Arturo Watlington, the company has installed machines at three St. Thomas sites: Bluebeard's Castle, The Old Mill and the Caribbean Saloon in Red Hook.
Donastorg said he drew up his repeal bill in the first week of January after the VLT invasion was well under way. "The subsequent protests only served to solidify my decision to go forward," he said.
Sen. Raymond "Usie" Richards had also drawn up a repeal bill, Donastorg said, so the two co-sponsored a single piece of legislation. Other lawmakers who have since attached their names to the measure include Sens. Louis Hill, Ronald Russell and Douglas Canton, Donastorg said.
According to Donastorg, the governor acted "way after the fact" in submitting a similar bill. "The governor should've checked to see if anyone in the Senate already had that legislation," he said.
Turnbull pledged in his State of the Territory address on Jan. 13 to submit a repeal bill amid much public concern over the terminals, especially on St. Croix. (See "Governor submits bill to repeal VLT legislation".)
The developer of one of St. Croix's two planned casino/hotel complexes vowed on Tuesday to pull out if the government does not repeal the VLT law by March 20. According to Curtis Robinson of Robin Bay Associates, VLT gaming, even if only in the St. Thomas-St. John district, jeopardizes his ability to secure commitments from international investors for his $500 million Seven Hills Beach Resort and Casino.
(He also demanded that the V.I. Code be amended by that date to allow for construction of a 12-story building. No previously published plans made mention of such a high-rise structure.)
Robinson said on Tuesday that construction on the half-billion-dollar project could begin as soon as July. However, Jones said on Wednesday that the company has yet to apply for any of the necessary Coastal Zone Management or building permits — a process that involves public hearings and can take many months.
"I don't know how realistic or practical those demands are," Jones said of Robinson's ultimatum. "There's no way that I personally would support amending the Code to include 12-story buildings." But he added that he could support a zoning variance to accommodate the project.
Referring to Robinson's local attorney, Jeffrey Moorhead, Jones added: "I don't know what building code Moorhead's been reading, but as far as the process and procedure in the Virgin Islands, it would take those [permits] being in place before any construction can begin."
Many who see the casino industry as a ray of economic hope for St. Croix where there otherwise are few also see VLT's as a threat.
"St. Croix is dying a slow death," Donastorg said. "We have to be careful that we don't kill the goose that laid the golden egg."
No action can be taken on repeal legislation by the Committee of the Whole at the March 13 hearing on St. Croix, but senators could move to convene another committee meeting at the time and vote the bill on to the Rules Committee or fail it. If it were to succeed, it would then either clear Rules and go on to the full Senate or die for lack of support.
The Democratic Party Territorial Committee on Jan. 11 called for repeal of the VLT legislation, saying it was taking the stand because of a policy of "special emphasis on St. Croix's economic development." Turnbull is a Democrat; so is Jones. The new Democratic majority in the 25th Legislature includes four senators who voted for the override: Lorraine Berry, Donastorg, Emmett Hansen II and Jones.
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.
Gov. Charles W. Turnbull sent the Legislature a bill on Jan. 21 repealing a new law legalizing video lottery operations in the St. Thomas-St. John district. But Sen. Adlah "Foncie" Donastorg said on Wednesday that he had requested a draft of similar legislation almost two weeks earlier.
In a release distributed Wednesday, Donastorg said he had asked Jones to assign his bill to the Economic Development, Agriculture and Consumer Protection Committee. "We must begin public hearings on this matter immediately," Donastorg said.
Jones said later in the day that Donastorg's bill will be the basis for the hearing on the evening of March 13 "so all the senators can be present." While the Committee of the Whole can conduct hearings on St. Croix, it can vote on legislation only in the Senate chambers on St. Thomas.
Jones, who will chair the hearing, said he expects a big turnout. "We're bringing everybody," he said. Those invited to testify, he said, will include members of the Casino Control Commission and the V.I. Lottery Commission; officials of Southland Gaming, the company contracted by V.I. Lottery to distribute video lottery terminals; and developers of two major resort and casino complexes planned for St. Croix.
Meanwhile, Jones said, he also has assigned to the Education Committee a bill sponsored by Sen. Carlton Dowe to earmark 35 percent of VLT proceeds for public education.
Jones has been an advocate of video lottery operations throughout the two years that VLT's have been an issue in the Virgin Islands. In those two years, the 24th Legislature three times approved their introduction, and Turnbull three times vetoed the measures. The 24th Legislature in its last session, on Dec. 23, overrode the governor's third veto.
Advocates including Jones have argued that the gambling machines could bring the government as much as $14 million a year in much-needed revenues.
It took a two-thirds majority, or 10 votes, to override the governor's veto in December. It will take a simple majority vote now to repeal the law by enacting new legislation. Which way the 25th Legislature is leaning remains unclear. (See "Odds uncertain on prospects for VLT repeal".)
Donastorg voted for the Dec. 23 override. But he says now that he did so only after he heard "misleading" information on the Senate floor. "It was indicated that the machines would be confined to the tourist areas and the docking facility only, according to the information disseminated to me," he said Wednesday. "It turns out that the machines were placed all over the island."
According to Southland Gaming attorney Arturo Watlington, the company has installed machines at three St. Thomas sites: Bluebeard's Castle, The Old Mill and the Caribbean Saloon in Red Hook.
Donastorg said he drew up his repeal bill in the first week of January after the VLT invasion was well under way. "The subsequent protests only served to solidify my decision to go forward," he said.
Sen. Raymond "Usie" Richards had also drawn up a repeal bill, Donastorg said, so the two co-sponsored a single piece of legislation. Other lawmakers who have since attached their names to the measure include Sens. Louis Hill, Ronald Russell and Douglas Canton, Donastorg said.
According to Donastorg, the governor acted "way after the fact" in submitting a similar bill. "The governor should've checked to see if anyone in the Senate already had that legislation," he said.
Turnbull pledged in his State of the Territory address on Jan. 13 to submit a repeal bill amid much public concern over the terminals, especially on St. Croix. (See "Governor submits bill to repeal VLT legislation".)
The developer of one of St. Croix's two planned casino/hotel complexes vowed on Tuesday to pull out if the government does not repeal the VLT law by March 20. According to Curtis Robinson of Robin Bay Associates, VLT gaming, even if only in the St. Thomas-St. John district, jeopardizes his ability to secure commitments from international investors for his $500 million Seven Hills Beach Resort and Casino.
(He also demanded that the V.I. Code be amended by that date to allow for construction of a 12-story building. No previously published plans made mention of such a high-rise structure.)
Robinson said on Tuesday that construction on the half-billion-dollar project could begin as soon as July. However, Jones said on Wednesday that the company has yet to apply for any of the necessary Coastal Zone Management or building permits — a process that involves public hearings and can take many months.
"I don't know how realistic or practical those demands are," Jones said of Robinson's ultimatum. "There's no way that I personally would support amending the Code to include 12-story buildings." But he added that he could support a zoning variance to accommodate the project.
Referring to Robinson's local attorney, Jeffrey Moorhead, Jones added: "I don't know what building code Moorhead's been reading, but as far as the process and procedure in the Virgin Islands, it would take those [permits] being in place before any construction can begin."
Many who see the casino industry as a ray of economic hope for St. Croix where there otherwise are few also see VLT's as a threat.
"St. Croix is dying a slow death," Donastorg said. "We have to be careful that we don't kill the goose that laid the golden egg."
No action can be taken on repeal legislation by the Committee of the Whole at the March 13 hearing on St. Croix, but senators could move to convene another committee meeting at the time and vote the bill on to the Rules Committee or fail it. If it were to succeed, it would then either clear Rules and go on to the full Senate or die for lack of support.
The Democratic Party Territorial Committee on Jan. 11 called for repeal of the VLT legislation, saying it was taking the stand because of a policy of "special emphasis on St. Croix's economic development." Turnbull is a Democrat; so is Jones. The new Democratic majority in the 25th Legislature includes four senators who voted for the override: Lorraine Berry, Donastorg, Emmett Hansen II and Jones.
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.
VIHA CHIEF: CUTS COMING IN FEDERAL HOUSING FUNDS
Feb. 26, 2003 – Hard times may soon get worse, Housing Authority executive director Ray Fonseca told his agency's board of commissioners Wednesday, as he awaits word on how deeply a new round of federal budget cuts will affect VIHA operations.
In the face of a balanced budget mandate issued by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development last October, Fonseca dismantled the Housing Authority Police and laid off more than a dozen senior managers in December.
But he warned commissioners on Wednesday of a nationwide cutback in federal funding for public housing budgets. "I told them right now the budget cut is between 30 percent and 10 percent," he said, following the board meeting held at the Housing Authority's executive office on St. Thomas.
In dollars, that could mean between $2M and $6M in lost funding, he said.
VIHA's financial state topped the agenda at the meeting. Fonseca would not speculate on what even tighter federal purse strings will mean. He said he will comment once he learns how much money HUD has approved for Virgin Islands Fiscal Year 2003 spending. Because of a delay in the delivery of FY 2002 funds, VIHA is currently operating with the 2002 plan in effect. Fonseca said he expects the 2003 plan to be approved before June.
At Wednesday's meeting, the board reviewed a number of construction and improvement projects budgeted for the current fiscal. It approved more than a million dollars in funding for four different projects, including $990,000 for post-Hurricane Marilyn renovation on St. Thomas of several Tutu Hi-Rise housing community buildings.
Jerome Sewer, VIHA construction manager, said the Tutu project includes installation of smoke detectors and vinyl floors, replacement of cabinets and windows, and exterior painting. Board members pointed out the $990,000 figure was $163,000 in excess of the projected costs, Sewer agreed but said it was a more realistic figure.
The board also reviewed a contractor's bid to renovate public housing units on St. Croix. The three St. Croix board members rejected an appeal by Housing Parks and Recreation Commissioner Ira Hobson to choose the lowest bidder, Ayala Construction. The board instead chose Juno Construction, which offered to refurbish vacant units for $5,000 apiece. Ayala had bid $3,919 per unit for the work, a figure considered by Fonseca and the VIHA board to be unrealistically low.
The board also approved awarding Vaaco Inc. an $87,500 contract to remove asbestos from Tutu Hi-Rise Building 6, which is scheduled for demolition. And it approved $65,000 for Small Acts Inc. for sidewalk repairs and replacement of a crumbling retaining wall at the Bovoni housing community.
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.
In the face of a balanced budget mandate issued by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development last October, Fonseca dismantled the Housing Authority Police and laid off more than a dozen senior managers in December.
But he warned commissioners on Wednesday of a nationwide cutback in federal funding for public housing budgets. "I told them right now the budget cut is between 30 percent and 10 percent," he said, following the board meeting held at the Housing Authority's executive office on St. Thomas.
In dollars, that could mean between $2M and $6M in lost funding, he said.
VIHA's financial state topped the agenda at the meeting. Fonseca would not speculate on what even tighter federal purse strings will mean. He said he will comment once he learns how much money HUD has approved for Virgin Islands Fiscal Year 2003 spending. Because of a delay in the delivery of FY 2002 funds, VIHA is currently operating with the 2002 plan in effect. Fonseca said he expects the 2003 plan to be approved before June.
At Wednesday's meeting, the board reviewed a number of construction and improvement projects budgeted for the current fiscal. It approved more than a million dollars in funding for four different projects, including $990,000 for post-Hurricane Marilyn renovation on St. Thomas of several Tutu Hi-Rise housing community buildings.
Jerome Sewer, VIHA construction manager, said the Tutu project includes installation of smoke detectors and vinyl floors, replacement of cabinets and windows, and exterior painting. Board members pointed out the $990,000 figure was $163,000 in excess of the projected costs, Sewer agreed but said it was a more realistic figure.
The board also reviewed a contractor's bid to renovate public housing units on St. Croix. The three St. Croix board members rejected an appeal by Housing Parks and Recreation Commissioner Ira Hobson to choose the lowest bidder, Ayala Construction. The board instead chose Juno Construction, which offered to refurbish vacant units for $5,000 apiece. Ayala had bid $3,919 per unit for the work, a figure considered by Fonseca and the VIHA board to be unrealistically low.
The board also approved awarding Vaaco Inc. an $87,500 contract to remove asbestos from Tutu Hi-Rise Building 6, which is scheduled for demolition. And it approved $65,000 for Small Acts Inc. for sidewalk repairs and replacement of a crumbling retaining wall at the Bovoni housing community.
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VIHA CHIEF: CUTS COMING IN FEDERAL HOUSING FUNDS
Feb. 26, 2003 – Hard times may soon get worse, Housing Authority executive director Ray Fonseca told his agency's board of commissioners Wednesday, as he awaits word on how deeply a new round of federal budget cuts will affect VIHA operations.
In the face of a balanced budget mandate issued by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development last October, Fonseca dismantled the Housing Authority Police and laid off more than a dozen senior managers in December.
But he warned commissioners on Wednesday of a nationwide cutback in federal funding for public housing budgets. "I told them right now the budget cut is between 30 percent and 10 percent," he said, following the board meeting held at the Housing Authority's executive office on St. Thomas.
In dollars, that could mean between $2M and $6M in lost funding, he said.
VIHA's financial state topped the agenda at the meeting. Fonseca would not speculate on what even tighter federal purse strings will mean. He said he will comment once he learns how much money HUD has approved for Virgin Islands Fiscal Year 2003 spending. Because of a delay in the delivery of FY 2002 funds, VIHA is currently operating with the 2002 plan in effect. Fonseca said he expects the 2003 plan to be approved before June.
At Wednesday's meeting, the board reviewed a number of construction and improvement projects budgeted for the current fiscal. It approved more than a million dollars in funding for four different projects, including $990,000 for post-Hurricane Marilyn renovation on St. Thomas of several Tutu Hi-Rise housing community buildings.
Jerome Sewer, VIHA construction manager, said the Tutu project includes installation of smoke detectors and vinyl floors, replacement of cabinets and windows, and exterior painting. Board members pointed out the $990,000 figure was $163,000 in excess of the projected costs, Sewer agreed but said it was a more realistic figure.
The board also reviewed a contractor's bid to renovate public housing units on St. Croix. The three St. Croix board members rejected an appeal by Housing Parks and Recreation Commissioner Ira Hobson to choose the lowest bidder, Ayala Construction. The board instead chose Juno Construction, which offered to refurbish vacant units for $5,000 apiece. Ayala had bid $3,919 per unit for the work, a figure considered by Fonseca and the VIHA board to be unrealistically low.
The board also approved awarding Vaaco Inc. an $87,500 contract to remove asbestos from Tutu Hi-Rise Building 6, which is scheduled for demolition. And it approved $65,000 for Small Acts Inc. for sidewalk repairs and replacement of a crumbling retaining wall at the Bovoni housing community.
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.
In the face of a balanced budget mandate issued by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development last October, Fonseca dismantled the Housing Authority Police and laid off more than a dozen senior managers in December.
But he warned commissioners on Wednesday of a nationwide cutback in federal funding for public housing budgets. "I told them right now the budget cut is between 30 percent and 10 percent," he said, following the board meeting held at the Housing Authority's executive office on St. Thomas.
In dollars, that could mean between $2M and $6M in lost funding, he said.
VIHA's financial state topped the agenda at the meeting. Fonseca would not speculate on what even tighter federal purse strings will mean. He said he will comment once he learns how much money HUD has approved for Virgin Islands Fiscal Year 2003 spending. Because of a delay in the delivery of FY 2002 funds, VIHA is currently operating with the 2002 plan in effect. Fonseca said he expects the 2003 plan to be approved before June.
At Wednesday's meeting, the board reviewed a number of construction and improvement projects budgeted for the current fiscal. It approved more than a million dollars in funding for four different projects, including $990,000 for post-Hurricane Marilyn renovation on St. Thomas of several Tutu Hi-Rise housing community buildings.
Jerome Sewer, VIHA construction manager, said the Tutu project includes installation of smoke detectors and vinyl floors, replacement of cabinets and windows, and exterior painting. Board members pointed out the $990,000 figure was $163,000 in excess of the projected costs, Sewer agreed but said it was a more realistic figure.
The board also reviewed a contractor's bid to renovate public housing units on St. Croix. The three St. Croix board members rejected an appeal by Housing Parks and Recreation Commissioner Ira Hobson to choose the lowest bidder, Ayala Construction. The board instead chose Juno Construction, which offered to refurbish vacant units for $5,000 apiece. Ayala had bid $3,919 per unit for the work, a figure considered by Fonseca and the VIHA board to be unrealistically low.
The board also approved awarding Vaaco Inc. an $87,500 contract to remove asbestos from Tutu Hi-Rise Building 6, which is scheduled for demolition. And it approved $65,000 for Small Acts Inc. for sidewalk repairs and replacement of a crumbling retaining wall at the Bovoni housing community.
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.
VIHA CHIEF: CUTS COMING IN FEDERAL HOUSING FUNDS
Feb. 26, 2003 – Hard times may soon get worse, Housing Authority executive director Ray Fonseca told his agency's board of commissioners Wednesday, as he awaits word on how deeply a new round of federal budget cuts will affect VIHA operations.
In the face of a balanced budget mandate issued by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development last October, Fonseca dismantled the Housing Authority Police and laid off more than a dozen senior managers in December.
But he warned commissioners on Wednesday of a nationwide cutback in federal funding for public housing budgets. "I told them right now the budget cut is between 30 percent and 10 percent," he said, following the board meeting held at the Housing Authority's executive office on St. Thomas.
In dollars, that could mean between $2M and $6M in lost funding, he said.
VIHA's financial state topped the agenda at the meeting. Fonseca would not speculate on what even tighter federal purse strings will mean. He said he will comment once he learns how much money HUD has approved for Virgin Islands Fiscal Year 2003 spending. Because of a delay in the delivery of FY 2002 funds, VIHA is currently operating with the 2002 plan in effect. Fonseca said he expects the 2003 plan to be approved before June.
At Wednesday's meeting, the board reviewed a number of construction and improvement projects budgeted for the current fiscal. It approved more than a million dollars in funding for four different projects, including $990,000 for post-Hurricane Marilyn renovation on St. Thomas of several Tutu Hi-Rise housing community buildings.
Jerome Sewer, VIHA construction manager, said the Tutu project includes installation of smoke detectors and vinyl floors, replacement of cabinets and windows, and exterior painting. Board members pointed out the $990,000 figure was $163,000 in excess of the projected costs, Sewer agreed but said it was a more realistic figure.
The board also reviewed a contractor's bid to renovate public housing units on St. Croix. The three St. Croix board members rejected an appeal by Housing Parks and Recreation Commissioner Ira Hobson to choose the lowest bidder, Ayala Construction. The board instead chose Juno Construction, which offered to refurbish vacant units for $5,000 apiece. Ayala had bid $3,919 per unit for the work, a figure considered by Fonseca and the VIHA board to be unrealistically low.
The board also approved awarding Vaaco Inc. an $87,500 contract to remove asbestos from Tutu Hi-Rise Building 6, which is scheduled for demolition. And it approved $65,000 for Small Acts Inc. for sidewalk repairs and replacement of a crumbling retaining wall at the Bovoni housing community.
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.
In the face of a balanced budget mandate issued by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development last October, Fonseca dismantled the Housing Authority Police and laid off more than a dozen senior managers in December.
But he warned commissioners on Wednesday of a nationwide cutback in federal funding for public housing budgets. "I told them right now the budget cut is between 30 percent and 10 percent," he said, following the board meeting held at the Housing Authority's executive office on St. Thomas.
In dollars, that could mean between $2M and $6M in lost funding, he said.
VIHA's financial state topped the agenda at the meeting. Fonseca would not speculate on what even tighter federal purse strings will mean. He said he will comment once he learns how much money HUD has approved for Virgin Islands Fiscal Year 2003 spending. Because of a delay in the delivery of FY 2002 funds, VIHA is currently operating with the 2002 plan in effect. Fonseca said he expects the 2003 plan to be approved before June.
At Wednesday's meeting, the board reviewed a number of construction and improvement projects budgeted for the current fiscal. It approved more than a million dollars in funding for four different projects, including $990,000 for post-Hurricane Marilyn renovation on St. Thomas of several Tutu Hi-Rise housing community buildings.
Jerome Sewer, VIHA construction manager, said the Tutu project includes installation of smoke detectors and vinyl floors, replacement of cabinets and windows, and exterior painting. Board members pointed out the $990,000 figure was $163,000 in excess of the projected costs, Sewer agreed but said it was a more realistic figure.
The board also reviewed a contractor's bid to renovate public housing units on St. Croix. The three St. Croix board members rejected an appeal by Housing Parks and Recreation Commissioner Ira Hobson to choose the lowest bidder, Ayala Construction. The board instead chose Juno Construction, which offered to refurbish vacant units for $5,000 apiece. Ayala had bid $3,919 per unit for the work, a figure considered by Fonseca and the VIHA board to be unrealistically low.
The board also approved awarding Vaaco Inc. an $87,500 contract to remove asbestos from Tutu Hi-Rise Building 6, which is scheduled for demolition. And it approved $65,000 for Small Acts Inc. for sidewalk repairs and replacement of a crumbling retaining wall at the Bovoni housing community.
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.
ATN'S HASSEL ISLAND LEASE REPORTEDLY CANCELED
Feb. 26, 2003 – The Port Authority board voted to cancel its lease with Atlantic Tele-Network for 2,000 square feet of property at Signal Hill atop Hassel Island where the company planned to erect a communications tower at least 80 feet high, according to information obtained from sources within VIPA late Wednesday.
The board met during the day, waiting until late in the afternoon to address Hassel Island issues. It deferred most of the discussion concerning the island to executive session.
As has been evident to anyone viewing the island from the St. Thomas waterfront in recent weeks, a swath has been bulldozed up the hill through the vegetation to make a road. The center of controversy is not only the road but the proposed construction of a communications tower 80 to 90 feet high atop Signal Hill at the end of the newly cleared access road. The property is zoned W-1, or Waterfront-pleasure, which does not allow for a radio tower.
Edward "Harmon" Killebrew and Cornelius Prior, ATN president, have leases for that property. Killebrew, doing business as Island Treasures Co., has a lease for 14,828 square feet, and Prior has the balance of the area, some 2,000 square feet.
The VIPA source said the board vote does not affect Killebrew's lease.
It was the hope of the two parties at Wednesday's meeting to get board approval of a zoning variance to allow construction of the tower. A variance would have to go to public hearings and be approved by the Legislature, a move Killebrew has said he wants to see so that "everything will be made public."
Killebrew is anxious to develop the Signal Hill area as a place to educate V.I. students about Hassel Island's history so they can later serve as interpreters of the site for visitors. He is quick to counter criticism that has been leveled at Prior, who he said is financing his project in exchange for being able to construct the communications tower.
Killebrew explained that he needed financing to pay for his lease and the equipment required for his project. He said he came up with the idea of a communications tower on the hill and approached Prior. He said Prior thought the student training project worthwhile and agreed to fund it. (See "Road leads to debate over Hassel Island tower".)
Pamela Richards, VIPA board chair, intended to take all of the Hassel Island discussion into executive session. However, Attorney General Iver Stridiron, a board member, intervened, saying that because of the recent furor over the matter, the public had a right to hear it discussed in open session.
"Everyone knows about the road, and everyone has concerns," Stridiron said. "If there are questions of a legal nature, then we can take them to executive session."
Darlan Brin, VIPA executive director, said there were flaws in the lease contract, which he said was signed by Gov. Charles W. Turnbull on Dec. 9.
Brin said that both the governor and the Port Authority learned after the lease was executed that the island's W-1 zoning doesn't allow for construction of a tower. Further, he said, both also learned after the fact that no property can be constructed on government-leased land of less than 10,000 feet. Brin recommended that the ATN lease be canceled.
Killebrew attended the VIPA board meeting. Richard A. Hanscom Sr., ATN vice president for engineering and technology, represented Prior at the meeting.
All board members were present: Kent Bernier, assistant to the governor for economic affairs, Public Works Commissioner Wayne Callwood, Leslie Milliner, Robert O'Connor Jr., Planning and Natural Resources Commissioner Dean Plaskett, Richards and Stridiron.
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The board met during the day, waiting until late in the afternoon to address Hassel Island issues. It deferred most of the discussion concerning the island to executive session.
As has been evident to anyone viewing the island from the St. Thomas waterfront in recent weeks, a swath has been bulldozed up the hill through the vegetation to make a road. The center of controversy is not only the road but the proposed construction of a communications tower 80 to 90 feet high atop Signal Hill at the end of the newly cleared access road. The property is zoned W-1, or Waterfront-pleasure, which does not allow for a radio tower.
Edward "Harmon" Killebrew and Cornelius Prior, ATN president, have leases for that property. Killebrew, doing business as Island Treasures Co., has a lease for 14,828 square feet, and Prior has the balance of the area, some 2,000 square feet.
The VIPA source said the board vote does not affect Killebrew's lease.
It was the hope of the two parties at Wednesday's meeting to get board approval of a zoning variance to allow construction of the tower. A variance would have to go to public hearings and be approved by the Legislature, a move Killebrew has said he wants to see so that "everything will be made public."
Killebrew is anxious to develop the Signal Hill area as a place to educate V.I. students about Hassel Island's history so they can later serve as interpreters of the site for visitors. He is quick to counter criticism that has been leveled at Prior, who he said is financing his project in exchange for being able to construct the communications tower.
Killebrew explained that he needed financing to pay for his lease and the equipment required for his project. He said he came up with the idea of a communications tower on the hill and approached Prior. He said Prior thought the student training project worthwhile and agreed to fund it. (See "Road leads to debate over Hassel Island tower".)
Pamela Richards, VIPA board chair, intended to take all of the Hassel Island discussion into executive session. However, Attorney General Iver Stridiron, a board member, intervened, saying that because of the recent furor over the matter, the public had a right to hear it discussed in open session.
"Everyone knows about the road, and everyone has concerns," Stridiron said. "If there are questions of a legal nature, then we can take them to executive session."
Darlan Brin, VIPA executive director, said there were flaws in the lease contract, which he said was signed by Gov. Charles W. Turnbull on Dec. 9.
Brin said that both the governor and the Port Authority learned after the lease was executed that the island's W-1 zoning doesn't allow for construction of a tower. Further, he said, both also learned after the fact that no property can be constructed on government-leased land of less than 10,000 feet. Brin recommended that the ATN lease be canceled.
Killebrew attended the VIPA board meeting. Richard A. Hanscom Sr., ATN vice president for engineering and technology, represented Prior at the meeting.
All board members were present: Kent Bernier, assistant to the governor for economic affairs, Public Works Commissioner Wayne Callwood, Leslie Milliner, Robert O'Connor Jr., Planning and Natural Resources Commissioner Dean Plaskett, Richards and Stridiron.
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USAIR ADDING CHARLOTTE-ST. CROIX WEEKLY FLIGHT
Feb. 26, 2003 – The Port Authority board had good news and bad news from airlines serving the territory at its Wednesday meeting.
The good news: USAirways is adding a direct flight once a week from Charlotte, North Carolina, to St. Croix starting March 15.
The bad news: American Airlines is carrying through with the cutbacks in service it warned of last month upon learning of VIPA's 25 percent increase in airport landing and passenger fees that took effect Feb. 1.
In a Feb. 13 letter to Darlan Brin, VIPA executive director, Philip T. Olivieri, American's regional managing director for Puerto Rico, Haiti and the Virgin Islands, wrote: "As a result of the increased fees in the USVI, please be advised that we have reduced nine flight operations from our flight schedule in April [and] 31 flight operations May through November. This will affect the New York and Boston markets."
Steve Houlder, Delta Air Lines regional manager for properties, had written to Brin on Jan. 28 with a less explicit message, saying that "Delta is evaluating a service reduction starting in February due to the proposed increase in rates and charges." However, Robert de Lugo, Delta's St. Thomas station manager, said at Wednesday's VIPA board meeting that he knew of no immediate schedule changes.
De Lugo was among several airline representatives who attended the meeting in the hope of hearing that VIPA had found a means of rolling back the increases. That was not to be, although Brin said he is searching for alternate sources of revenue to deal with the authority's current $2 million deficit. (See "VIPA board stays firm on airport fee hikes:.)
Pamela Richards, VIPA board chair, announced the new USAirways flight with great enthusiasm. Richards, who is Tourism commissioner, said: "We haven't figured out how to celebrate it yet."
USAirways spokeswoman Amy Kudwa said Wednesday evening that the flight will operate Saturdays only, something that had not been made clear at the board meeting. "What we are doing is what we call 'unwrapping' our Charlotte-St. Thomas flight," she said. "The Charlotte-St. Croix flight is in addition to the daily service from Charlotte to St. Thomas.,"
The new flight is scheduled to depart Charlotte at 10:15 a.m. EST and arrive on St. Croix at 2:46 p.m. local time. It will depart St. Croix at 4 p.m. for arrival in Charlotte at 7 p.m. EST.
Both Kudwa and Richards remarked on one encouraging fact: The inaugural flight is sold out.
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 good news: USAirways is adding a direct flight once a week from Charlotte, North Carolina, to St. Croix starting March 15.
The bad news: American Airlines is carrying through with the cutbacks in service it warned of last month upon learning of VIPA's 25 percent increase in airport landing and passenger fees that took effect Feb. 1.
In a Feb. 13 letter to Darlan Brin, VIPA executive director, Philip T. Olivieri, American's regional managing director for Puerto Rico, Haiti and the Virgin Islands, wrote: "As a result of the increased fees in the USVI, please be advised that we have reduced nine flight operations from our flight schedule in April [and] 31 flight operations May through November. This will affect the New York and Boston markets."
Steve Houlder, Delta Air Lines regional manager for properties, had written to Brin on Jan. 28 with a less explicit message, saying that "Delta is evaluating a service reduction starting in February due to the proposed increase in rates and charges." However, Robert de Lugo, Delta's St. Thomas station manager, said at Wednesday's VIPA board meeting that he knew of no immediate schedule changes.
De Lugo was among several airline representatives who attended the meeting in the hope of hearing that VIPA had found a means of rolling back the increases. That was not to be, although Brin said he is searching for alternate sources of revenue to deal with the authority's current $2 million deficit. (See "VIPA board stays firm on airport fee hikes:.)
Pamela Richards, VIPA board chair, announced the new USAirways flight with great enthusiasm. Richards, who is Tourism commissioner, said: "We haven't figured out how to celebrate it yet."
USAirways spokeswoman Amy Kudwa said Wednesday evening that the flight will operate Saturdays only, something that had not been made clear at the board meeting. "What we are doing is what we call 'unwrapping' our Charlotte-St. Thomas flight," she said. "The Charlotte-St. Croix flight is in addition to the daily service from Charlotte to St. Thomas.,"
The new flight is scheduled to depart Charlotte at 10:15 a.m. EST and arrive on St. Croix at 2:46 p.m. local time. It will depart St. Croix at 4 p.m. for arrival in Charlotte at 7 p.m. EST.
Both Kudwa and Richards remarked on one encouraging fact: The inaugural flight is sold out.
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.
AMERICAN CUTTING FLIGHTS IN FACE OF HIGHER FEES
Feb. 26, 2003 – The Port Authority board had good news and bad news from airlines serving the territory at its Wednesday meeting.
The good news: USAirways is adding a direct flight once a week from Charlotte, North Carolina, to St. Croix starting March 15.
The bad news: American Airlines is carrying through with the cutbacks in service it warned of last month upon learning of VIPA's 25 percent increase in airport landing and passenger fees that took effect Feb. 1.
In a Feb. 13 letter to Darlan Brin, VIPA executive director, Philip T. Olivieri, American's regional managing director for Puerto Rico, Haiti and the Virgin Islands, wrote: "As a result of the increased fees in the USVI, please be advised that we have reduced nine flight operations from our flight schedule in April [and] 31 flight operations May through November. This will affect the New York and Boston markets."
Steve Houlder, Delta Air Lines regional manager for properties, had written to Brin on Jan. 28 with a less explicit message, saying that "Delta is evaluating a service reduction starting in February due to the proposed increase in rates and charges." However, Robert de Lugo, Delta's St. Thomas station manager, said at Wednesday's VIPA board meeting that he knew of no immediate schedule changes.
De Lugo was among several airline representatives who attended the meeting in the hope of hearing that VIPA had found a means of rolling back the increases. That was not to be, although Brin said he is searching for alternate sources of revenue to deal with the authority's current $2 million deficit. (See "VIPA board stays firm on airport fee hikes:.)
Pamela Richards, VIPA board chair, announced the new USAirways flight with great enthusiasm. Richards, who is Tourism commissioner, said: "We haven't figured out how to celebrate it yet."
USAirways spokeswoman Amy Kudwa said Wednesday evening that the flight will operate Saturdays only, something that had not been made clear at the board meeting. "What we are doing is what we call 'unwrapping' our Charlotte-St. Thomas flight," she said. "The Charlotte-St. Croix flight is in addition to the daily service from Charlotte to St. Thomas.,"
The new flight is scheduled to depart Charlotte at 10:15 a.m. EST and arrive on St. Croix at 2:46 p.m. local time. It will depart St. Croix at 4 p.m. for arrival in Charlotte at 7 p.m. EST.
Both Kudwa and Richards remarked on one encouraging fact: The inaugural flight is sold out.
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 good news: USAirways is adding a direct flight once a week from Charlotte, North Carolina, to St. Croix starting March 15.
The bad news: American Airlines is carrying through with the cutbacks in service it warned of last month upon learning of VIPA's 25 percent increase in airport landing and passenger fees that took effect Feb. 1.
In a Feb. 13 letter to Darlan Brin, VIPA executive director, Philip T. Olivieri, American's regional managing director for Puerto Rico, Haiti and the Virgin Islands, wrote: "As a result of the increased fees in the USVI, please be advised that we have reduced nine flight operations from our flight schedule in April [and] 31 flight operations May through November. This will affect the New York and Boston markets."
Steve Houlder, Delta Air Lines regional manager for properties, had written to Brin on Jan. 28 with a less explicit message, saying that "Delta is evaluating a service reduction starting in February due to the proposed increase in rates and charges." However, Robert de Lugo, Delta's St. Thomas station manager, said at Wednesday's VIPA board meeting that he knew of no immediate schedule changes.
De Lugo was among several airline representatives who attended the meeting in the hope of hearing that VIPA had found a means of rolling back the increases. That was not to be, although Brin said he is searching for alternate sources of revenue to deal with the authority's current $2 million deficit. (See "VIPA board stays firm on airport fee hikes:.)
Pamela Richards, VIPA board chair, announced the new USAirways flight with great enthusiasm. Richards, who is Tourism commissioner, said: "We haven't figured out how to celebrate it yet."
USAirways spokeswoman Amy Kudwa said Wednesday evening that the flight will operate Saturdays only, something that had not been made clear at the board meeting. "What we are doing is what we call 'unwrapping' our Charlotte-St. Thomas flight," she said. "The Charlotte-St. Croix flight is in addition to the daily service from Charlotte to St. Thomas.,"
The new flight is scheduled to depart Charlotte at 10:15 a.m. EST and arrive on St. Croix at 2:46 p.m. local time. It will depart St. Croix at 4 p.m. for arrival in Charlotte at 7 p.m. EST.
Both Kudwa and Richards remarked on one encouraging fact: The inaugural flight is sold out.
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 CUTTING FLIGHTS IN FACE OF HIGHER FEES
Feb. 26, 2003 – The Port Authority board had good news and bad news from airlines serving the territory at its Wednesday meeting.
The good news: USAirways is adding a direct flight once a week from Charlotte, North Carolina, to St. Croix starting March 15.
The bad news: American Airlines is carrying through with the cutbacks in service it warned of last month upon learning of VIPA's 25 percent increase in airport landing and passenger fees that took effect Feb. 1.
In a Feb. 13 letter to Darlan Brin, VIPA executive director, Philip T. Olivieri, American's regional managing director for Puerto Rico, Haiti and the Virgin Islands, wrote: "As a result of the increased fees in the USVI, please be advised that we have reduced nine flight operations from our flight schedule in April [and] 31 flight operations May through November. This will affect the New York and Boston markets."
Steve Houlder, Delta Air Lines regional manager for properties, had written to Brin on Jan. 28 with a less explicit message, saying that "Delta is evaluating a service reduction starting in February due to the proposed increase in rates and charges." However, Robert de Lugo, Delta's St. Thomas station manager, said at Wednesday's VIPA board meeting that he knew of no immediate schedule changes.
De Lugo was among several airline representatives who attended the meeting in the hope of hearing that VIPA had found a means of rolling back the increases. That was not to be, although Brin said he is searching for alternate sources of revenue to deal with the authority's current $2 million deficit. (See "VIPA board stays firm on airport fee hikes:.)
Pamela Richards, VIPA board chair, announced the new USAirways flight with great enthusiasm. Richards, who is Tourism commissioner, said: "We haven't figured out how to celebrate it yet."
USAirways spokeswoman Amy Kudwa said Wednesday evening that the flight will operate Saturdays only, something that had not been made clear at the board meeting. "What we are doing is what we call 'unwrapping' our Charlotte-St. Thomas flight," she said. "The Charlotte-St. Croix flight is in addition to the daily service from Charlotte to St. Thomas.,"
The new flight is scheduled to depart Charlotte at 10:15 a.m. EST and arrive on St. Croix at 2:46 p.m. local time. It will depart St. Croix at 4 p.m. for arrival in Charlotte at 7 p.m. EST.
Both Kudwa and Richards remarked on one encouraging fact: The inaugural flight is sold out.
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 good news: USAirways is adding a direct flight once a week from Charlotte, North Carolina, to St. Croix starting March 15.
The bad news: American Airlines is carrying through with the cutbacks in service it warned of last month upon learning of VIPA's 25 percent increase in airport landing and passenger fees that took effect Feb. 1.
In a Feb. 13 letter to Darlan Brin, VIPA executive director, Philip T. Olivieri, American's regional managing director for Puerto Rico, Haiti and the Virgin Islands, wrote: "As a result of the increased fees in the USVI, please be advised that we have reduced nine flight operations from our flight schedule in April [and] 31 flight operations May through November. This will affect the New York and Boston markets."
Steve Houlder, Delta Air Lines regional manager for properties, had written to Brin on Jan. 28 with a less explicit message, saying that "Delta is evaluating a service reduction starting in February due to the proposed increase in rates and charges." However, Robert de Lugo, Delta's St. Thomas station manager, said at Wednesday's VIPA board meeting that he knew of no immediate schedule changes.
De Lugo was among several airline representatives who attended the meeting in the hope of hearing that VIPA had found a means of rolling back the increases. That was not to be, although Brin said he is searching for alternate sources of revenue to deal with the authority's current $2 million deficit. (See "VIPA board stays firm on airport fee hikes:.)
Pamela Richards, VIPA board chair, announced the new USAirways flight with great enthusiasm. Richards, who is Tourism commissioner, said: "We haven't figured out how to celebrate it yet."
USAirways spokeswoman Amy Kudwa said Wednesday evening that the flight will operate Saturdays only, something that had not been made clear at the board meeting. "What we are doing is what we call 'unwrapping' our Charlotte-St. Thomas flight," she said. "The Charlotte-St. Croix flight is in addition to the daily service from Charlotte to St. Thomas.,"
The new flight is scheduled to depart Charlotte at 10:15 a.m. EST and arrive on St. Croix at 2:46 p.m. local time. It will depart St. Croix at 4 p.m. for arrival in Charlotte at 7 p.m. EST.
Both Kudwa and Richards remarked on one encouraging fact: The inaugural flight is sold out.
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