Nov. 17, 2002 – It's finally over. The absentee votes are tallied, and the people of the Virgin Islands have the same governor, a new Democratic-dominated Legislature, the same at-large senator, the same delegate to Congress, and some Senate fixtures put out to pasture.
There will be no gubernatorial runoff, although runner-up candidate John de Jongh made a better showing in the absentee votes than in the Nov. 5 elections. Gov. Charles W. Turnbull squeaked by with 50.15 percent of vote, attaining the 50 percent plus one he needed to avoid a runoff election. (See Absentee votes clinch re-election for Turnbull".)
And if the atmosphere in the St. Thomas-St. John Board of Elections office where absentee ballots were counted on Saturday is any indication, there will be new energy in the 25th Legislature from the freshman Democrats, who were joking with the old guard on and off during the long day.
The new Legislature will be notable for its absences, too. For the first time in 14 years, the Senate chambers will not resonate with the rhetoric of eight-term senator Alicia "Chucky" Hansen or seven-term senator Adelbert Bryan, both of St. Croix. Bryan lost to his nephew, staff aide and fellow-Independent Citizens Movement member Raymond "Usie" Richards by 135 votes. Hansen stepped down from her Senate seat to run unsuccessfully for governor.
On St. Thomas, challenger Shawn-Michael Malone led Sen. Donald "Ducks" Cole by 19 votes in the Nov. poll tally. With the absentees added, he wound up with a 50-votes spread, including 12 absentee votes from those voting for the Democratic symbol, or straight party ticket.
Although the tabulation process started shortly after 9 a.m. on Saturday, it quickly became bogged down in conflict. For starters, only three of the seven board members — Alecia Wells, the chair, Donna F. Roberts and Phyllis Massac — were present, with four needed to constitute a quorum.
Board members George Blackhall and Kevin Rodriguez were off-island on Saturday, and Lawrence Boschulte did not appear.
Malone is a board member until the end of the year but had not taken his seat as such because he is a candidate in the election. Wells asked him to sit so there would be a quorum. Cole immediately challenged the legality of a candidate sitting on the board, calling it a conflict of interest. As the board's legal counsel, Assistant Attorney General Terrylyn Smock, had not yet arrived, Wells then telephoned the St. Croix board's counterpart, Assistant Attorney General Douglas Jurgens, for advice.
Jurgen said Malone could sit so the board could establish a quorum and then recuse himself from taking part in its proceedings. He said the fact of Malone recusing himself would not negate the fact that a quorum had been established. Malone did just that, and immediately made a successful motion to recuse himself.
Malone and Cole agreed the counting had to begin. Sen. Celestino A. White Sr. then objected to the number of candidate representatives in the office. Smock, by then present, referred to the V.I. Code, saying each candidate may represent him or herself or have one designated representative, and each political party may have three representatives.
Announcing she was catching the midnight ferry to St. John no matter what happened, St. Johnian Wells presided as the first ballot box was opened about 10:40 a.m. The three board members slit open the manilla mailing envelope, then slit open the affidavit, reading each name aloud, then placed the white ballots in a box to be transferred to one of four tables, each with four counters to do the actual counting.
Absentee ballots can be mailed, hand delivered or faxed in to the Election System offices. When the ballots are opened, the names on the affidavits are read aloud to counter duplication of votes. The board found one and watchers from de Jongh's camp caught two more. Leslie Comissiong said in one case the name bore the same birth date, address and signature.
The process is not a speedy one, and there were 796 official ballots to tabulate in the St. Thomas-St. John district.
By early afternoon, it appeared that the gap between incumbent Cole and newcomer Malone was widening. In the morning the two were kibitzing with White, a majority colleague of Cole's, who was uncharacteristically diplomatic in his choice of words. "I wish them both luck," he said. "Cole is my good friend, and Shawn is like a nephew to me. I saw a rabbit's foot in Cole's hand when he came in, but then Shawn pulled out two four-leaf clovers from his pocket."
After the actual counting ended, shortly after 7 p.m., senators, watchers and news media personnel milled around the sterile office waiting for the official announcement of the count.
Sens. Adlah "Foncie" Donastorg, David Jones, Almando "Rocky" Liburd and Roosevelt David and senator- Louis Hill paced the halls or sat huddled in conversation throughout the afternoon and evening, happily offering opinions but little solid information on how the 25th Legislature would shape up. Democrats Jones and David said it will be one of accord and respect, two elements often absent on the floor of the 24th Legislature.
Both senators have been rumored for the 25th Legislature presidency. Neither denied the option would be a welcome one, but neither would say anything more than basically, "if elected, I will serve."
Jones said the new Senate will be more proactive, more transparent and, with a Democratic governor and a Democratic majority, more productive. Turnbull has been at odds with the 24th Legislature for the last two years of his first term, largely because of its over-appropriating of funds.
Roosevelt said the majority would adhere to the party platform put forth on the 2002 Democratic slate. "We will work in harmony with the governor to accomplish our goals," he said.
Gubernatorial candidate Hansen's running mate, Eddie Donoghue, who is also the chief researcher on her staff, spent the day at the St. Thomas office observing the counting. "I think we got the bronze medal," he said of their third-place finish among the eight teams running for governor and lieutenant governor. "The outcome surprised even me," the longtime legislative aide and popular local thespian said with a smile. But he added, "This is the last time in politics for me."
When all was said and done, Cole was graceful, and Malone was grateful. "I'm pleased, but not all that surprised, at the count," Malone, who at 34 will be the youngest member of the Senate, said. He, like senator-elect Hill, was part of the seven-candidate Democratic slate for the district. "I look forward to being the youngest," he said. "I'm ready."
Malone is no political newcomer. He resigned from Delegate Donna M. Christensen's staff to run for the Senate and has been active in Democratic Party politics since he was in high school.
He said election reform is going to be one of his main issues. "The Legislature has gone at this before, but it's been piecemeal," he said, as John Abramson Jr., elections supervisor, has repeatedly pointed out. Malone noted that in the federal government, an employee running for public office must step down. "That is to quit, not to take a leave of absence," he stressed.
Cole was philosophical about his loss. "That's politics," he said. "That's the beauty of the Democratic system. The voters have spoken." He continued, "I guess it's time for me to move on. I want to find something in my field — maybe even getting my law degree."
Then, smiling a bit, he said, "Now, I want to spend some time with my 15-month-old son." Cole said he accepted the voters' decision and wouldn't ask for a recount. "As of right now," he said, "I don't
see myself running for office again."
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ABSENTEE VOTES CLINCH RE-ELECTION FOR TURNBULL
Nov. 16, 2002 – When tabulation of the absentee ballots was completed Saturday evening, the results from the Nov. 5 vote tallies were unchanged. Gov. Charles. W. Turnbull held on to his majority, meaning there will be no runoff election on Tuesday. And in the Senate, incumbents Adelbert M. Bryan, Donald "Ducks" Cole and Norma Pickard-Samuel lost their bids for re-election.
Five of the 15 members of the 25th Legislature will be newcomers:
– Louis Hill and Shawn-Michael Malone in the St. Thomas-St. John district, replacing Cole and Pickard-Samuel, who finished eighth and ninth, respectively. Malone led Cole by 50 votes; Cole indicated Saturday that he would not seek a recount.
– Luther Renee, Ronald Russell and Raymond "Usie" Richards in the St. Croix district, replacing Bryan, who finished eighth; Alicia "Chucky" Hansen, who ran unsuccessfully for governor; and Vargrave Richards, who ran successfully for lieutenant governor on the Democratic ticket with Turnbull.
At his campaign headquarters on St. Thomas, Turnbull told WVWI Radio on Saturday night, "Despite all the opposition, the people have spoken, and I will not let them down."
An unprecedented eight candidates ran for governor. Had the final tally shown Turnbull with less than a majority (or 50 percent plus one) of the total votes cast, he would have faced second-place finisher John de Jongh in a runoff election on Tuesday. De Jongh picked up 237 votes in the absentee balloting, ending up with 24.63 percent of the total.
"God in his glory has given us the victory," Turnbull said. "I will continue to serve the people as best I can." He said he was happy that the Democratic Party also won a majority in the Senate and extended an olive branch to those who ran against him. "I want to work with all the other challengers," he said. "I want to work with the Legislature. I believe that, with God's help, four more years will be four more great years for the people."
Turnbull picked up an additional 547 votes in the absentee ballots — 358 cast for him plus 12 for the straight Democratic ticket on St. Thomas and 177 on St. Croix. That put his total at 17,545, which gave him 50.15 percent of the vote.
James O'Bryan, a Turnbull aide and chair of the V.I. Democratic Party, said the governor needed to pick up 504 absentee voted to secure his re-election.
The absentee tallies also confirmed the victories of Donna M. Christian in her bid for re-election as the territory's delegate to Congress and of Almando "Rocky" Liburd as senator-at-large.
The election results still must be certified by the Joint Boards of Elections in order to become official. John Abramson Jr., supervisor of elections, said the boards have five days after tabulating the absentee votes in which to certify the final results, and he expects they will do so by Wednesday.
With the absentee votes added to those cast at polling places on Nov. 5, the unofficial results are as follow. To compare the final figures with the Nov. 5 results, see "Unofficial results of 2002 general elections.
Governor/Lieutenant Governor
Charles W. Turnbull/Vargrave Richards (Democrat) — 17,545, or 50.15 percent
John de Jongh Jr./Paul Arnold (independent) — 8,618, or 24.63 percent
Alicia "Chucky" Hansen/Thomas "Eddie" Donoghue (independent) — 2,715, or 7.76 percent
Michael Bornn/Arnold M. Golden (Republican) — 2,513, or 7.18 percent
Gerard Luz James II/Maryleen Thomas (independent) — 1,775, or 5.07 percent
Cora Christian/George Hodge Jr. (independent) — 1,070, or 3.06 percent
Lloyd Williams/K. Gonzalez Jr. (independent) — 519, or 1.48 percent
H.E."Ike" Williams/J. Marius (independent) — 106, or 0.30 percent
Write-ins — 122, or 0.35 percent
Senate, St. Croix district
(The 10 candidates who, based on the Nov. 5 results, could have finished in the top 7)
Douglas Canton Jr.(Democrat) — 6,723
Luther Renee (Democrat) — 6,589
Norman Jn Baptiste (independent) — 6,327
David Jones (Democrat) — 6,219
Ronald Russell (Democrat) — 6,040
Emmett Hansen Jr. (independent) — 5,626
Raymond "Usie" Richards (ICM) — 5,558
Adelbert M. Bryan (ICM) — 5,423
Juan Figueroa-Serville (Democrat) — 5,131
Ophelia "Nemmy" Williams-Felix (Democrat) — 4,905
Senate, St. Thomas-St. John district
(The 9 candidates who, based on the Nov. 5 results, could have finished in the top 7)
Adlah "Foncie" Donastorg (independent) — 9,106
Carlton Dowe (independent) — 7,809
Celestino White Sr. (independent) — 6,859
Roosevelt David (Democrat) — 6,757
Lorraine Berry (Democrat) — 6,750
Louis Hill (Democrat) — 6,640
Shawn-Michael Malone (Democrat) — 6,205
Donald "Ducks" Cole (independent) — 6,155
Norma Pickard-Samuel (independent) — 5,633
Delegate to Congress
Donna M. Christensen (Democrat) — 19,484
Virdin C. Brown (ICM) — 4,321
Lilliana Belardo de O'Neal (Republican) — 4,163
Garry Sprauve (independent) — 953
Senate, at-Large
Almando "Rocky" Liburd (ICM) — 12,514
Craig Barshinger (Democrat) — 10,526
Wilma Marsh Monsanto (Republican) — 2,795
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.
Five of the 15 members of the 25th Legislature will be newcomers:
– Louis Hill and Shawn-Michael Malone in the St. Thomas-St. John district, replacing Cole and Pickard-Samuel, who finished eighth and ninth, respectively. Malone led Cole by 50 votes; Cole indicated Saturday that he would not seek a recount.
– Luther Renee, Ronald Russell and Raymond "Usie" Richards in the St. Croix district, replacing Bryan, who finished eighth; Alicia "Chucky" Hansen, who ran unsuccessfully for governor; and Vargrave Richards, who ran successfully for lieutenant governor on the Democratic ticket with Turnbull.
At his campaign headquarters on St. Thomas, Turnbull told WVWI Radio on Saturday night, "Despite all the opposition, the people have spoken, and I will not let them down."
An unprecedented eight candidates ran for governor. Had the final tally shown Turnbull with less than a majority (or 50 percent plus one) of the total votes cast, he would have faced second-place finisher John de Jongh in a runoff election on Tuesday. De Jongh picked up 237 votes in the absentee balloting, ending up with 24.63 percent of the total.
"God in his glory has given us the victory," Turnbull said. "I will continue to serve the people as best I can." He said he was happy that the Democratic Party also won a majority in the Senate and extended an olive branch to those who ran against him. "I want to work with all the other challengers," he said. "I want to work with the Legislature. I believe that, with God's help, four more years will be four more great years for the people."
Turnbull picked up an additional 547 votes in the absentee ballots — 358 cast for him plus 12 for the straight Democratic ticket on St. Thomas and 177 on St. Croix. That put his total at 17,545, which gave him 50.15 percent of the vote.
James O'Bryan, a Turnbull aide and chair of the V.I. Democratic Party, said the governor needed to pick up 504 absentee voted to secure his re-election.
The absentee tallies also confirmed the victories of Donna M. Christian in her bid for re-election as the territory's delegate to Congress and of Almando "Rocky" Liburd as senator-at-large.
The election results still must be certified by the Joint Boards of Elections in order to become official. John Abramson Jr., supervisor of elections, said the boards have five days after tabulating the absentee votes in which to certify the final results, and he expects they will do so by Wednesday.
With the absentee votes added to those cast at polling places on Nov. 5, the unofficial results are as follow. To compare the final figures with the Nov. 5 results, see "Unofficial results of 2002 general elections.
Governor/Lieutenant Governor
Charles W. Turnbull/Vargrave Richards (Democrat) — 17,545, or 50.15 percent
John de Jongh Jr./Paul Arnold (independent) — 8,618, or 24.63 percent
Alicia "Chucky" Hansen/Thomas "Eddie" Donoghue (independent) — 2,715, or 7.76 percent
Michael Bornn/Arnold M. Golden (Republican) — 2,513, or 7.18 percent
Gerard Luz James II/Maryleen Thomas (independent) — 1,775, or 5.07 percent
Cora Christian/George Hodge Jr. (independent) — 1,070, or 3.06 percent
Lloyd Williams/K. Gonzalez Jr. (independent) — 519, or 1.48 percent
H.E."Ike" Williams/J. Marius (independent) — 106, or 0.30 percent
Write-ins — 122, or 0.35 percent
Senate, St. Croix district
(The 10 candidates who, based on the Nov. 5 results, could have finished in the top 7)
Douglas Canton Jr.(Democrat) — 6,723
Luther Renee (Democrat) — 6,589
Norman Jn Baptiste (independent) — 6,327
David Jones (Democrat) — 6,219
Ronald Russell (Democrat) — 6,040
Emmett Hansen Jr. (independent) — 5,626
Raymond "Usie" Richards (ICM) — 5,558
Adelbert M. Bryan (ICM) — 5,423
Juan Figueroa-Serville (Democrat) — 5,131
Ophelia "Nemmy" Williams-Felix (Democrat) — 4,905
Senate, St. Thomas-St. John district
(The 9 candidates who, based on the Nov. 5 results, could have finished in the top 7)
Adlah "Foncie" Donastorg (independent) — 9,106
Carlton Dowe (independent) — 7,809
Celestino White Sr. (independent) — 6,859
Roosevelt David (Democrat) — 6,757
Lorraine Berry (Democrat) — 6,750
Louis Hill (Democrat) — 6,640
Shawn-Michael Malone (Democrat) — 6,205
Donald "Ducks" Cole (independent) — 6,155
Norma Pickard-Samuel (independent) — 5,633
Delegate to Congress
Donna M. Christensen (Democrat) — 19,484
Virdin C. Brown (ICM) — 4,321
Lilliana Belardo de O'Neal (Republican) — 4,163
Garry Sprauve (independent) — 953
Senate, at-Large
Almando "Rocky" Liburd (ICM) — 12,514
Craig Barshinger (Democrat) — 10,526
Wilma Marsh Monsanto (Republican) — 2,795
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.
ABSENTEE VOTES CLINCH RE-ELECTION FOR TURNBULL
Nov. 16, 2002 – When tabulation of the absentee ballots was completed Saturday evening, the results from the Nov. 5 vote tallies were unchanged. Gov. Charles. W. Turnbull held on to his majority, meaning there will be no runoff election on Tuesday. And in the Senate, incumbents Adelbert M. Bryan, Donald "Ducks" Cole and Norma Pickard-Samuel lost their bids for re-election.
Five of the 15 members of the 25th Legislature will be newcomers:
– Louis Hill and Shawn-Michael Malone in the St. Thomas-St. John district, replacing Cole and Pickard-Samuel, who finished eighth and ninth, respectively. Malone led Cole by 50 votes; Cole indicated Saturday that he would not seek a recount.
– Luther Renee, Ronald Russell and Raymond "Usie" Richards in the St. Croix district, replacing Bryan, who finished eighth; Alicia "Chucky" Hansen, who ran unsuccessfully for governor; and Vargrave Richards, who ran successfully for lieutenant governor on the Democratic ticket with Turnbull.
At his campaign headquarters on St. Thomas, Turnbull told WVWI Radio on Saturday night, "Despite all the opposition, the people have spoken, and I will not let them down."
An unprecedented eight candidates ran for governor. Had the final tally shown Turnbull with less than a majority (or 50 percent plus one) of the total votes cast, he would have faced second-place finisher John de Jongh in a runoff election on Tuesday. De Jongh picked up 237 votes in the absentee balloting, ending up with 24.63 percent of the total.
"God in his glory has given us the victory," Turnbull said. "I will continue to serve the people as best I can." He said he was happy that the Democratic Party also won a majority in the Senate and extended an olive branch to those who ran against him. "I want to work with all the other challengers," he said. "I want to work with the Legislature. I believe that, with God's help, four more years will be four more great years for the people."
Turnbull picked up an additional 547 votes in the absentee ballots — 358 cast for him plus 12 for the straight Democratic ticket on St. Thomas and 177 on St. Croix. That put his total at 17,545, which gave him 50.15 percent of the vote.
James O'Bryan, a Turnbull aide and chair of the V.I. Democratic Party, said the governor needed to pick up 504 absentee voted to secure his re-election.
The absentee tallies also confirmed the victories of Donna M. Christian in her bid for re-election as the territory's delegate to Congress and of Almando "Rocky" Liburd as senator-at-large.
The election results still must be certified by the Joint Boards of Elections in order to become official. John Abramson Jr., supervisor of elections, said the boards have five days after tabulating the absentee votes in which to certify the final results, and he expects they will do so by Wednesday.
With the absentee votes added to those cast at polling places on Nov. 5, the unofficial results are as follow. To compare the final figures with the Nov. 5 results, see "Unofficial results of 2002 general elections.
Governor/Lieutenant Governor
Charles W. Turnbull/Vargrave Richards (Democrat) — 17,545, or 50.15 percent
John de Jongh Jr./Paul Arnold (independent) — 8,618, or 24.63 percent
Alicia "Chucky" Hansen/Thomas "Eddie" Donoghue (independent) — 2,715, or 7.76 percent
Michael Bornn/Arnold M. Golden (Republican) — 2,513, or 7.18 percent
Gerard Luz James II/Maryleen Thomas (independent) — 1,775, or 5.07 percent
Cora Christian/George Hodge Jr. (independent) — 1,070, or 3.06 percent
Lloyd Williams/K. Gonzalez Jr. (independent) — 519, or 1.48 percent
H.E."Ike" Williams/J. Marius (independent) — 106, or 0.30 percent
Write-ins — 122, or 0.35 percent
Senate, St. Thomas-St. John district
(The 9 candidates who, based on the Nov. 5 results, could have finished in the top 7)
Adlah "Foncie" Donastorg (independent) — 9,106
Carlton Dowe (independent) — 7,809
Celestino White Sr. (independent) — 6,859
Roosevelt David (Democrat) — 6,757
Lorraine Berry (Democrat) — 6,750
Louis Hill (Democrat) — 6,640
Shawn-Michael Malone (Democrat) — 6,205
Donald "Ducks" Cole (independent) — 6,155
Norma Pickard-Samuel (independent) — 5,633
Senate, St. Croix district
(The 10 candidates who, based on the Nov. 5 results, could have finished in the top 7)
Douglas Canton Jr.(Democrat) — 6,723
Luther Renee (Democrat) — 6,589
Norman Jn Baptiste (independent) — 6,327
David Jones (Democrat) — 6,219
Ronald Russell (Democrat) — 6,040
Emmett Hansen Jr. (independent) — 5,626
Raymond "Usie" Richards (ICM) — 5,558
Adelbert M. Bryan (ICM) — 5,423
Juan Figueroa-Serville (Democrat) — 5,131
Ophelia "Nemmy" Williams-Felix (Democrat) — 4,905
Delegate to Congress
Donna M. Christensen (Democrat) — 19,484
Virdin C. Brown (ICM) — 4,321
Lilliana Belardo de O'Neal (Republican) — 4,163
Garry Sprauve (independent) — 953
Senate, at-Large
Almando "Rocky" Liburd (ICM) — 12,514
Craig Barshinger (Democrat) — 10,526
Wilma Marsh Monsanto (Republican) — 2,795
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.
Five of the 15 members of the 25th Legislature will be newcomers:
– Louis Hill and Shawn-Michael Malone in the St. Thomas-St. John district, replacing Cole and Pickard-Samuel, who finished eighth and ninth, respectively. Malone led Cole by 50 votes; Cole indicated Saturday that he would not seek a recount.
– Luther Renee, Ronald Russell and Raymond "Usie" Richards in the St. Croix district, replacing Bryan, who finished eighth; Alicia "Chucky" Hansen, who ran unsuccessfully for governor; and Vargrave Richards, who ran successfully for lieutenant governor on the Democratic ticket with Turnbull.
At his campaign headquarters on St. Thomas, Turnbull told WVWI Radio on Saturday night, "Despite all the opposition, the people have spoken, and I will not let them down."
An unprecedented eight candidates ran for governor. Had the final tally shown Turnbull with less than a majority (or 50 percent plus one) of the total votes cast, he would have faced second-place finisher John de Jongh in a runoff election on Tuesday. De Jongh picked up 237 votes in the absentee balloting, ending up with 24.63 percent of the total.
"God in his glory has given us the victory," Turnbull said. "I will continue to serve the people as best I can." He said he was happy that the Democratic Party also won a majority in the Senate and extended an olive branch to those who ran against him. "I want to work with all the other challengers," he said. "I want to work with the Legislature. I believe that, with God's help, four more years will be four more great years for the people."
Turnbull picked up an additional 547 votes in the absentee ballots — 358 cast for him plus 12 for the straight Democratic ticket on St. Thomas and 177 on St. Croix. That put his total at 17,545, which gave him 50.15 percent of the vote.
James O'Bryan, a Turnbull aide and chair of the V.I. Democratic Party, said the governor needed to pick up 504 absentee voted to secure his re-election.
The absentee tallies also confirmed the victories of Donna M. Christian in her bid for re-election as the territory's delegate to Congress and of Almando "Rocky" Liburd as senator-at-large.
The election results still must be certified by the Joint Boards of Elections in order to become official. John Abramson Jr., supervisor of elections, said the boards have five days after tabulating the absentee votes in which to certify the final results, and he expects they will do so by Wednesday.
With the absentee votes added to those cast at polling places on Nov. 5, the unofficial results are as follow. To compare the final figures with the Nov. 5 results, see "Unofficial results of 2002 general elections.
Governor/Lieutenant Governor
Charles W. Turnbull/Vargrave Richards (Democrat) — 17,545, or 50.15 percent
John de Jongh Jr./Paul Arnold (independent) — 8,618, or 24.63 percent
Alicia "Chucky" Hansen/Thomas "Eddie" Donoghue (independent) — 2,715, or 7.76 percent
Michael Bornn/Arnold M. Golden (Republican) — 2,513, or 7.18 percent
Gerard Luz James II/Maryleen Thomas (independent) — 1,775, or 5.07 percent
Cora Christian/George Hodge Jr. (independent) — 1,070, or 3.06 percent
Lloyd Williams/K. Gonzalez Jr. (independent) — 519, or 1.48 percent
H.E."Ike" Williams/J. Marius (independent) — 106, or 0.30 percent
Write-ins — 122, or 0.35 percent
Senate, St. Thomas-St. John district
(The 9 candidates who, based on the Nov. 5 results, could have finished in the top 7)
Adlah "Foncie" Donastorg (independent) — 9,106
Carlton Dowe (independent) — 7,809
Celestino White Sr. (independent) — 6,859
Roosevelt David (Democrat) — 6,757
Lorraine Berry (Democrat) — 6,750
Louis Hill (Democrat) — 6,640
Shawn-Michael Malone (Democrat) — 6,205
Donald "Ducks" Cole (independent) — 6,155
Norma Pickard-Samuel (independent) — 5,633
Senate, St. Croix district
(The 10 candidates who, based on the Nov. 5 results, could have finished in the top 7)
Douglas Canton Jr.(Democrat) — 6,723
Luther Renee (Democrat) — 6,589
Norman Jn Baptiste (independent) — 6,327
David Jones (Democrat) — 6,219
Ronald Russell (Democrat) — 6,040
Emmett Hansen Jr. (independent) — 5,626
Raymond "Usie" Richards (ICM) — 5,558
Adelbert M. Bryan (ICM) — 5,423
Juan Figueroa-Serville (Democrat) — 5,131
Ophelia "Nemmy" Williams-Felix (Democrat) — 4,905
Delegate to Congress
Donna M. Christensen (Democrat) — 19,484
Virdin C. Brown (ICM) — 4,321
Lilliana Belardo de O'Neal (Republican) — 4,163
Garry Sprauve (independent) — 953
Senate, at-Large
Almando "Rocky" Liburd (ICM) — 12,514
Craig Barshinger (Democrat) — 10,526
Wilma Marsh Monsanto (Republican) — 2,795
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.
ABSENTEE VOTES CLINCH RE-ELECTION FOR TURNBULL
Nov. 16, 2002 – When tabulation of the absentee ballots was completed Saturday evening, the results from the Nov. 5 vote tallies were unchanged. Gov. Charles W. Turnbull held on to his majority, meaning there will be no runoff election on Tuesday. And in the Senate, incumbents Adelbert M. Bryan, Donald "Ducks" Cole and Norma Pickard-Samuel lost their bids for re-election.
Five of the 15 members of the 25th Legislature will be newcomers:
– Louis Hill and Shawn-Michael Malone in the St. Thomas-St. John district, replacing Cole and Pickard-Samuel, who finished eighth and ninth, respectively. Malone led Cole by 50 votes; Cole indicated Saturday that he would not seek a recount.
– Luther Renee, Ronald Russell and Raymond "Usie" Richards in the St. Croix district, replacing Bryan, who finished eighth; Alicia "Chucky" Hansen, who ran unsuccessfully for governor; and Vargrave Richards, who ran successfully for lieutenant governor on the Democratic ticket with Turnbull.
At his campaign headquarters on St. Thomas, Turnbull told WVWI Radio on Saturday night, "Despite all the opposition, the people have spoken, and I will not let them down."
An unprecedented eight candidates ran for governor. Had the final tally shown Turnbull with less than a majority (or 50 percent plus one) of the total votes cast, he would have faced second-place finisher John de Jongh in a runoff election on Tuesday. De Jongh picked up 237 votes in the absentee balloting, ending up with 24.63 percent of the total.
"God in his glory has given us the victory," Turnbull said. "I will continue to serve the people as best I can." He said he was happy that the Democratic Party also won a majority in the Senate and extended an olive branch to those who ran against him. "I want to work with all the other challengers," he said. "I want to work with the Legislature. I believe that, with God's help, four more years will be four more great years for the people."
Turnbull picked up an additional 547 votes in the absentee ballots — 358 cast for him plus 12 for the straight Democratic ticket on St. Thomas and 177 on St. Croix. That put his total at 17,545, which gave him 50.15 percent of the vote.
James O'Bryan, a Turnbull aide and chair of the V.I. Democratic Party, said the governor needed to pick up 504 absentee voted to secure his re-election.
The absentee tallies also confirmed the victories of Donna M. Christian in her bid for re-election as the territory's delegate to Congress and of Almando "Rocky" Liburd as senator-at-large.
The election results still must be certified by the Joint Boards of Elections in order to become official. John Abramson Jr., supervisor of elections, said the boards have five days after tabulating the absentee votes in which to certify the final results, and he expects they will do so by Wednesday.
With the absentee votes added to those cast at polling places on Nov. 5, the unofficial results are as follow. To compare the final figures with the Nov. 5 results, see "Unofficial results of 2002 general elections.
Governor/Lieutenant Governor
Charles W. Turnbull/Vargrave Richards (Democrat) — 17,545, or 50.15 percent
John de Jongh Jr./Paul Arnold (independent) — 8,618, or 24.63 percent
Alicia "Chucky" Hansen/Thomas "Eddie" Donoghue (independent) — 2,715, or 7.76 percent
Michael Bornn/Arnold M. Golden (Republican) — 2,513, or 7.18 percent
Gerard Luz James II/Maryleen Thomas (independent) — 1,775, or 5.07 percent
Cora Christian/George Hodge Jr. (independent) — 1,070, or 3.06 percent
Lloyd Williams/K. Gonzalez Jr. (independent) — 519, or 1.48 percent
H.E."Ike" Williams/J. Marius (independent) — 106, or 0.30 percent
Write-ins — 122, or 0.35 percent
Senate, St. Thomas-St. John district
(The 9 candidates who, based on the Nov. 5 results, could have finished in the top 7)
Adlah "Foncie" Donastorg (independent) — 9,106
Carlton Dowe (independent) — 7,809
Celestino White Sr. (independent) — 6,859
Roosevelt David (Democrat) — 6,757
Lorraine Berry (Democrat) — 6,750
Louis Hill (Democrat) — 6,640
Shawn-Michael Malone (Democrat) — 6,205
Donald "Ducks" Cole (independent) — 6,155
Norma Pickard-Samuel (independent) — 5,633
Senate, St. Croix district
(The 10 candidates who, based on the Nov. 5 results, could have finished in the top 7)
Douglas Canton Jr.(Democrat) — 6,723
Luther Renee (Democrat) — 6,589
Norman Jn Baptiste (independent) — 6,327
David Jones (Democrat) — 6,219
Ronald Russell (Democrat) — 6,040
Emmett Hansen Jr. (independent) — 5,626
Raymond "Usie" Richards (ICM) — 5,558
Adelbert M. Bryan (ICM) — 5,423
Juan Figueroa-Serville (Democrat) — 5,131
Ophelia "Nemmy" Williams-Felix (Democrat) — 4,905
Delegate to Congress
Donna M. Christensen (Democrat) — 19,484
Virdin C. Brown (ICM) — 4,321
Lilliana Belardo de O'Neal (Republican) — 4,163
Garry Sprauve (independent) — 953
Senate, at-Large
Almando "Rocky" Liburd (ICM) — 12,514
Craig Barshinger (Democrat) — 10,526
Wilma Marsh Monsanto (Republican) — 2,795
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Five of the 15 members of the 25th Legislature will be newcomers:
– Louis Hill and Shawn-Michael Malone in the St. Thomas-St. John district, replacing Cole and Pickard-Samuel, who finished eighth and ninth, respectively. Malone led Cole by 50 votes; Cole indicated Saturday that he would not seek a recount.
– Luther Renee, Ronald Russell and Raymond "Usie" Richards in the St. Croix district, replacing Bryan, who finished eighth; Alicia "Chucky" Hansen, who ran unsuccessfully for governor; and Vargrave Richards, who ran successfully for lieutenant governor on the Democratic ticket with Turnbull.
At his campaign headquarters on St. Thomas, Turnbull told WVWI Radio on Saturday night, "Despite all the opposition, the people have spoken, and I will not let them down."
An unprecedented eight candidates ran for governor. Had the final tally shown Turnbull with less than a majority (or 50 percent plus one) of the total votes cast, he would have faced second-place finisher John de Jongh in a runoff election on Tuesday. De Jongh picked up 237 votes in the absentee balloting, ending up with 24.63 percent of the total.
"God in his glory has given us the victory," Turnbull said. "I will continue to serve the people as best I can." He said he was happy that the Democratic Party also won a majority in the Senate and extended an olive branch to those who ran against him. "I want to work with all the other challengers," he said. "I want to work with the Legislature. I believe that, with God's help, four more years will be four more great years for the people."
Turnbull picked up an additional 547 votes in the absentee ballots — 358 cast for him plus 12 for the straight Democratic ticket on St. Thomas and 177 on St. Croix. That put his total at 17,545, which gave him 50.15 percent of the vote.
James O'Bryan, a Turnbull aide and chair of the V.I. Democratic Party, said the governor needed to pick up 504 absentee voted to secure his re-election.
The absentee tallies also confirmed the victories of Donna M. Christian in her bid for re-election as the territory's delegate to Congress and of Almando "Rocky" Liburd as senator-at-large.
The election results still must be certified by the Joint Boards of Elections in order to become official. John Abramson Jr., supervisor of elections, said the boards have five days after tabulating the absentee votes in which to certify the final results, and he expects they will do so by Wednesday.
With the absentee votes added to those cast at polling places on Nov. 5, the unofficial results are as follow. To compare the final figures with the Nov. 5 results, see "Unofficial results of 2002 general elections.
Governor/Lieutenant Governor
Charles W. Turnbull/Vargrave Richards (Democrat) — 17,545, or 50.15 percent
John de Jongh Jr./Paul Arnold (independent) — 8,618, or 24.63 percent
Alicia "Chucky" Hansen/Thomas "Eddie" Donoghue (independent) — 2,715, or 7.76 percent
Michael Bornn/Arnold M. Golden (Republican) — 2,513, or 7.18 percent
Gerard Luz James II/Maryleen Thomas (independent) — 1,775, or 5.07 percent
Cora Christian/George Hodge Jr. (independent) — 1,070, or 3.06 percent
Lloyd Williams/K. Gonzalez Jr. (independent) — 519, or 1.48 percent
H.E."Ike" Williams/J. Marius (independent) — 106, or 0.30 percent
Write-ins — 122, or 0.35 percent
Senate, St. Thomas-St. John district
(The 9 candidates who, based on the Nov. 5 results, could have finished in the top 7)
Adlah "Foncie" Donastorg (independent) — 9,106
Carlton Dowe (independent) — 7,809
Celestino White Sr. (independent) — 6,859
Roosevelt David (Democrat) — 6,757
Lorraine Berry (Democrat) — 6,750
Louis Hill (Democrat) — 6,640
Shawn-Michael Malone (Democrat) — 6,205
Donald "Ducks" Cole (independent) — 6,155
Norma Pickard-Samuel (independent) — 5,633
Senate, St. Croix district
(The 10 candidates who, based on the Nov. 5 results, could have finished in the top 7)
Douglas Canton Jr.(Democrat) — 6,723
Luther Renee (Democrat) — 6,589
Norman Jn Baptiste (independent) — 6,327
David Jones (Democrat) — 6,219
Ronald Russell (Democrat) — 6,040
Emmett Hansen Jr. (independent) — 5,626
Raymond "Usie" Richards (ICM) — 5,558
Adelbert M. Bryan (ICM) — 5,423
Juan Figueroa-Serville (Democrat) — 5,131
Ophelia "Nemmy" Williams-Felix (Democrat) — 4,905
Delegate to Congress
Donna M. Christensen (Democrat) — 19,484
Virdin C. Brown (ICM) — 4,321
Lilliana Belardo de O'Neal (Republican) — 4,163
Garry Sprauve (independent) — 953
Senate, at-Large
Almando "Rocky" Liburd (ICM) — 12,514
Craig Barshinger (Democrat) — 10,526
Wilma Marsh Monsanto (Republican) — 2,795
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NINTH-GRADERS TO GET MOTIVATIONAL WORKSHOPS
Nov. 15, 2002 – Rotary Club of St. Thomas – East, with assistance from Rotary Club of St. Thomas, will present a series of motivational workshops for ninth-graders at Charlotte Amalie and Ivanna Eudora Kean High Schools next week. The program will concentrate on building leadership skills and self-esteem.
On Wednesday at 8:30 a.m., renowned motivational speakers Robert and Sonia Pruitt will present a workshop at CAHS. The session will be repeated at 10:15 for Kean ninth-graders. On Thursday, the CAHS workshop begins at 8:30 a.m. and the Kean workshop is at 1:20 p.m.
Robert Pruitt, who calls himself a "discovery coach," trains adults and children in various leadership team-building and self-discovery skills. He also lectures on leadership, character and values, sexuality and gender roles, and effective listening and communication. He currently attends the College of Notre Dame in Maryland, working toward an master's of social work degree. Sonia Pruitt is a police detective and motivational speaker in Maryland.
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On Wednesday at 8:30 a.m., renowned motivational speakers Robert and Sonia Pruitt will present a workshop at CAHS. The session will be repeated at 10:15 for Kean ninth-graders. On Thursday, the CAHS workshop begins at 8:30 a.m. and the Kean workshop is at 1:20 p.m.
Robert Pruitt, who calls himself a "discovery coach," trains adults and children in various leadership team-building and self-discovery skills. He also lectures on leadership, character and values, sexuality and gender roles, and effective listening and communication. He currently attends the College of Notre Dame in Maryland, working toward an master's of social work degree. Sonia Pruitt is a police detective and motivational speaker in Maryland.
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SIBILLY TO MARK EDUCATION WEEK WITH MOTORCADE
Nov. 15, 2002 – Sunday through Friday, Nov. 17-22, is "American Education Week," and Joseph Sibilly School personnel are taking their observance of the occasion on the road.
On Monday, a motorcade involving Sibilly teachers and staff, other Education Department personnel, parents, and other volunteers and supporters will leave the North Side school at 8:30 a.m. and proceed "in a route around Charlotte Amalie," Principal Dora Hill said. The motor vehicles will be festooned with red, white and blue streamers and balloons, she said.
Other activities of the Sibilly observance are:
– Group worship Sunday morning at Reformation Lutheran Church and then brunch at the Renaissance Grand Beach Resort.
– A "mentoring and shadowing" program throughout the school week bringing together students with special needs and representatives of the private and public sectors. The program "will give these students insight into the business world and perhaps will spark in them a desired career path," Hill said.
– A Karaoke Night gathering on Thursday for teachers, parents and other school supporters at Iggies Bar and Grill at the Bolongo Bay Beach Club.
During school hours, Sibilly teachers will have special programs for their classes and will receive "tokens of appreciation," the release stated.
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.
On Monday, a motorcade involving Sibilly teachers and staff, other Education Department personnel, parents, and other volunteers and supporters will leave the North Side school at 8:30 a.m. and proceed "in a route around Charlotte Amalie," Principal Dora Hill said. The motor vehicles will be festooned with red, white and blue streamers and balloons, she said.
Other activities of the Sibilly observance are:
– Group worship Sunday morning at Reformation Lutheran Church and then brunch at the Renaissance Grand Beach Resort.
– A "mentoring and shadowing" program throughout the school week bringing together students with special needs and representatives of the private and public sectors. The program "will give these students insight into the business world and perhaps will spark in them a desired career path," Hill said.
– A Karaoke Night gathering on Thursday for teachers, parents and other school supporters at Iggies Bar and Grill at the Bolongo Bay Beach Club.
During school hours, Sibilly teachers will have special programs for their classes and will receive "tokens of appreciation," the release stated.
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.
FRATERNITY HONORS HOVENSA EMPLOYEES
Nov. 15, 2002 – Two HOVENSA employees were honored last Saturday by the Eta Iota Iota Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. as part of the fraternity's observance of National Achievement Week Celebration. Rene L. Sagebien, president and chief operating officer, was recognized as Citizen of the Year 2002, and Llewellyn Reed II, a specialist in the environmental departments, was honored as Omega Man of the Year.
The Citizen of the Year Award recognizes an individual for outstanding community service. Sagebien was honored for dedicating personal time assisting the Boy Scouts, Special Olympics, Estate Profit Little League and the St. Croix Swimming Association.
The Omega Man of the Year Award is for extraordinary contributions to the chapter and fraternity. Reed was recognized for his active participation and contributions to humanity.
Omega Psi Phi was founded in 1911 at Howard University in Washington, D.C. The cardinal principles of the fraternity are "manhood, scholarship, perseverance and uplift." The fraternity uses its National Achievement Week to recognize individuals who have made noteworthy contributions toward improving the quality of life for African-Americans.
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 Citizen of the Year Award recognizes an individual for outstanding community service. Sagebien was honored for dedicating personal time assisting the Boy Scouts, Special Olympics, Estate Profit Little League and the St. Croix Swimming Association.
The Omega Man of the Year Award is for extraordinary contributions to the chapter and fraternity. Reed was recognized for his active participation and contributions to humanity.
Omega Psi Phi was founded in 1911 at Howard University in Washington, D.C. The cardinal principles of the fraternity are "manhood, scholarship, perseverance and uplift." The fraternity uses its National Achievement Week to recognize individuals who have made noteworthy contributions toward improving the quality of life for African-Americans.
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.
OPEN BORDERS WEAKEN U.S. SECURITY
Dear Source:
A huge problem the U.S. faces hourly on all fronts is the false assumption of U.S. citizenship and a U.S. identity by citizens of other countries, not just persons who have made it to a U.S. territory who then wish to attempt to travel to the U.S. mainland.
Those who would harm America look for weaknesses/openings in the U.S. border to exploit. As one who was born on the U.S. mainland who realizes the scope and seriousness of the problem and that the U.S. is at war, I have no objection to identifying myself when I apply to travel to the U.S. I can see how those who would like to impersonate U.S. citizenship would like open borders devoid of identity checks.
Carl Green
Dallas, Texas
A huge problem the U.S. faces hourly on all fronts is the false assumption of U.S. citizenship and a U.S. identity by citizens of other countries, not just persons who have made it to a U.S. territory who then wish to attempt to travel to the U.S. mainland.
Those who would harm America look for weaknesses/openings in the U.S. border to exploit. As one who was born on the U.S. mainland who realizes the scope and seriousness of the problem and that the U.S. is at war, I have no objection to identifying myself when I apply to travel to the U.S. I can see how those who would like to impersonate U.S. citizenship would like open borders devoid of identity checks.
Carl Green
Dallas, Texas
Editor's note: We welcome and encourage readers to keep the dialogue going by responding to Source commentary. Letters should be e-mailed with name and place of residence to source@viaccess.net.
HANSEN ASKS CONSTITUENTS TO PICK UP THEIR FILES
Nov. 15, 2002 – Sen. Alicia "Chucky" Hansen, whose 16 years in the Legislature will come to an end in January because she opted to run for governor instead of seeking re-election on Nov. 5, is having a house-cleaning of sorts before she packs up her possessions and vacates her offices on St. Croix and St. Thomas.
In a release distributed Friday, she asked that "all those who sought her assistance" over the years come by and pick up their client file documents.
Some will need to do this, the release said, "in order to seek assistance from another source to resolve problems which may be still outstanding."
Others, it said, will want to do so because the information contained in their files is confidential.
"I with to sincerely thank all those who came to me for assistance of one sort or another during my 16 years of public service," Hansen said. "It has been a pleasure to serve you, and thanks a million for your faith in me. I am left with only fond memories."
Those wishing to pick up their files are asked to do so between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. on any work day between Monday and Nov. 27.
The release said Hansen also wanted to remind constituents "that under the federal rules of civil procedure, it is required that any attorney who represents clients on her behalf notify the judge of the [changed] circumstances" — an apparent reference to her leaving office.
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 a release distributed Friday, she asked that "all those who sought her assistance" over the years come by and pick up their client file documents.
Some will need to do this, the release said, "in order to seek assistance from another source to resolve problems which may be still outstanding."
Others, it said, will want to do so because the information contained in their files is confidential.
"I with to sincerely thank all those who came to me for assistance of one sort or another during my 16 years of public service," Hansen said. "It has been a pleasure to serve you, and thanks a million for your faith in me. I am left with only fond memories."
Those wishing to pick up their files are asked to do so between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. on any work day between Monday and Nov. 27.
The release said Hansen also wanted to remind constituents "that under the federal rules of civil procedure, it is required that any attorney who represents clients on her behalf notify the judge of the [changed] circumstances" — an apparent reference to her leaving office.
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.
HANSEN ASKS CONSTITUENTS TO PICK UP THEIR FILES
Nov. 15, 2002 – Sen. Alicia "Chucky" Hansen, whose 16 years in the Legislature will come to an end in January because she opted to run for governor instead of seeking re-election on Nov. 5, is having a house-cleaning of sorts before she packs up her possessions and vacates her offices on St. Croix and St. Thomas.
In a release distributed Friday, she asked that "all those who sought her assistance" over the years come by and pick up their client file documents.
Some will need to do this, the release said, "in order to seek assistance from another source to resolve problems which may be still outstanding."
Others, it said, will want to do so because the information contained in their files is confidential.
"I with to sincerely thank all those who came to me for assistance of one sort or another during my 16 years of public service," Hansen said. "It has been a pleasure to serve you, and thanks a million for your faith in me. I am left with only fond memories."
Those wishing to pick up their files are asked to do so between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. on any work day between Monday and Nov. 27.
The release said Hansen also wanted to remind constituents "that under the federal rules of civil procedure, it is required that any attorney who represents clients on her behalf notify the judge of the [changed] circumstances" — an apparent reference to her leaving office.
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 a release distributed Friday, she asked that "all those who sought her assistance" over the years come by and pick up their client file documents.
Some will need to do this, the release said, "in order to seek assistance from another source to resolve problems which may be still outstanding."
Others, it said, will want to do so because the information contained in their files is confidential.
"I with to sincerely thank all those who came to me for assistance of one sort or another during my 16 years of public service," Hansen said. "It has been a pleasure to serve you, and thanks a million for your faith in me. I am left with only fond memories."
Those wishing to pick up their files are asked to do so between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. on any work day between Monday and Nov. 27.
The release said Hansen also wanted to remind constituents "that under the federal rules of civil procedure, it is required that any attorney who represents clients on her behalf notify the judge of the [changed] circumstances" — an apparent reference to her leaving office.
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.
