Nov. 2, 2002 – Gubernatorial candidate Alicia "Chucky" Hansen placed a scathing full-page advertisement in Saturday's issue of The Avis in response to an article published by The Virgin Islands Daily News two days earlier that reported apparent misrepresentations by the St. Croix senator regarding her educational credentials.
In an interview, the Daily News said, Hansen told a reporter that she received her bachelor's and master's degrees from "Regis University," which is a Jesuit school in Denver, Colorado.
Officials of the school, however, told the newspaper they have no record of Hansen ever having been enrolled there, and that they checked records going back more than 25 years.
When questioned further, Hansen, who has served in the Legislature since 1987, would not specify to the Daily News whether her degrees are from Saint Regis University — an Internet site that sells diplomas.
According to the Saint Regis Web site, a "student" can purchase associate, bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees for prices ranging from $500 to $1,200 without ever having to complete classwork. "No courses or residency required," the Web site's homepage says. "Earn a valid degree based on your present knowledge."
The school, which according to the Web site is headquartered in Dominica, claims to assess an applicant's present knowledge and compare it with that obtained in traditional college curriculums. And, the site says, degrees can be earned and sent via Express Mail in as little as one day.
Qualifying "experimental learning methods" listed on the site include career or work experience, childcare, overcoming divorce or devastating situations, homemaking, hobbies and travel.
Saint Regis University, according to its Web site, is accredited by the Education Ministry of the Republic of Liberia and is not associated with Regis University or any other higher education institution with the same or a similar name.
Hansen called the Daily News article "low-root" and attacked its owner, Jeffrey Prosser, as "trying to do to me what they did to Sen. [Adlah] Donastorg." She was referring to a recently reported investigation that Innovative Telephone, also owned by Prosser, made into Donastorg's personal life.
"Significantly to accomplish their foul deed, they contacted a Regis University from which I obtained no degree and they would consequently obtain a negative answer to fit their dastardly objective," Hansen said in the Avis ad. Had Daily News reporters called Saint Regis, she said, they would have found that "my credentials were sound."
In fact, the Thursday article said the newspaper did attempt to contact Saint Regis by calling its Washington, D.C., telephone number, but there was no answer.
But Hansen maintained in her ad that the Daily News did not reach Saint Regis "because it did not fit into their agenda." She called the article "slanderous" and "most likely a precursor for the editorializing to follow in the same Prosser newspaper just before election day."
Saturday's issue of The Avis also carried a front-page article about the senator and her so-called degrees.
On July 26, 1999, The Source published an article outlining the formal education of each senator in the 23rd Legislature. For that article — despite numerous requests from the newspaper over several weeks — Hansen was the only senator who did not provide the educational history requested of all 15. According to the article, "Education of legislators varies", Hansen "attended the Inter-American University in Puerto Rico and the University of the Virgin Islands, but further details were not offered."
The biography of the seven-term St. Croix senator that appears on the official Legislature Web site states that she graduated from Jose C. Barbosa High School in Puerto Rico and attended Inter-American University, then "went on to attend the Virgin Islands Police Academy, as well as the University of the Virgin Islands, through arrangement with the Territorial Court of the Virgin Islands. She received training in criminal law and paralegal studies."
In September, after filing to run for governor with the Joint Boards of Elections, Hansen told a Source reporter that if she were to lose the race, her plans for the future included attending law school.
A degree document reproduced in Hansen's ad in The Avis states that Saint Regis University awarded her a master's degree in public administration on June 5, 2001. She reportedly was awarded a bachelor's degree in political science on the same day.
However, Hansen's degrees, if authentic, may not be for long, as a Saint Regis waiver on its Web site states that documents issued by the school "may not be published in any form whatsoever" and may not be used "to insult or defraud any government."
"'The Corporation' [Saint Regis] reserves the right to terminate any services, nullify or void any documents provided to you or transactions with you at any time or for any reason, with or without notice," the site advisory says.
The waiver language also states that residents of Dominica and of the British Virgin Islands are not eligible to obtain degrees from Saint Regis; no explanation is given as to why. While the Web site is unclear as to whether Saint Regis actually offers courses, Hansen said in her ad that the Daily News article could deter others from seeking higher education through distance learning.
"Perhaps the most loathsome thing in an otherwise loathsome article is that it may stymie the push, both here and on the mainland, for those who for some reason cannot sit in a classroom or attend a university to obtain a higher degree by use of the Internet . . .," Hansen said.
She charged that it was by design that Thursday's "foul, misleading and loathsome" article appeared in the Daily News the same day that polls — she didn't state which polls or provide any details — showed her and her running mate, Eddie Donoghue, leading the eight-way gubernatorial race.
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INFANT FORMULA PRODUCTS BEING RECALLED
Nov. 3, 2002 – Baby formula products that are being voluntarily recalled by the manufacturer have been found on the shelves of local Kmart stores, where they are sold under the America's Store brand label Little Ones.
The products were recalled because bacteria were found in batches produced between July and September of this year. They include two types of powdered infant formula, soy and milk based.
The Food and Drug Administration announced on Friday that Wyeth Nutrition was recalling more than a million cans of the powdered infant formula because of a bacterium found in samples. The products manufactured by Wyeth are sold under various store brands including Baby Basics, CVS, Home Best, Healthy Baby, Kozy Kids, Hill Country Fare, HEB, Little Ones, Parent's Choice, Safeway Select and Walgreen's.
One St. Thomas consumer reported having purchased two cans of the soy formula — "large cans with 06 28 05 printed on the base" — at Kmart.
The recalled cans have expiration dates ranging from July 28, 2005, through Sept. 28, 2005, stamped on the bottom. They can also be identified by a six-digit character embossed on the bottom of the cans. The first four characters fall in three alpha-numeric ranges, the FDA's Web site states: K12N through K19N, L07N through L30N, and N03N through N25N.
The detected bacterium, Enterobacter sakazakii, is "a foodborne pathogen that can in rare cases cause sepsis (bacteria in the blood), meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain), or necrotizing enterocolitis (severe intestinal infection) in newborn infants, particularly premature infants or other infants with weakened immune systems," according to the Web site. However, as of Nov.1, "No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this contamination," the Web site states.
About 1.5 million cans of the formula were distributed nationwide in retail stores, the FDA said.
Kmart's Tutu Park Mall store manager, Jim Sauser, reached Sunday night at his home, said he was not aware of the recall and could not say if the formula products had been pulled from the shelves. "As of when I left work Friday," he said, "I had not received any e-mail" from the company's corporate headquarters about the recall. He said he would "follow up first thing Monday."
Efforts to reach Andrew Rutnik, commissioner of Licensing and Consumer Affairs, on Sunday night were unsuccessful.
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The products were recalled because bacteria were found in batches produced between July and September of this year. They include two types of powdered infant formula, soy and milk based.
The Food and Drug Administration announced on Friday that Wyeth Nutrition was recalling more than a million cans of the powdered infant formula because of a bacterium found in samples. The products manufactured by Wyeth are sold under various store brands including Baby Basics, CVS, Home Best, Healthy Baby, Kozy Kids, Hill Country Fare, HEB, Little Ones, Parent's Choice, Safeway Select and Walgreen's.
One St. Thomas consumer reported having purchased two cans of the soy formula — "large cans with 06 28 05 printed on the base" — at Kmart.
The recalled cans have expiration dates ranging from July 28, 2005, through Sept. 28, 2005, stamped on the bottom. They can also be identified by a six-digit character embossed on the bottom of the cans. The first four characters fall in three alpha-numeric ranges, the FDA's Web site states: K12N through K19N, L07N through L30N, and N03N through N25N.
The detected bacterium, Enterobacter sakazakii, is "a foodborne pathogen that can in rare cases cause sepsis (bacteria in the blood), meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain), or necrotizing enterocolitis (severe intestinal infection) in newborn infants, particularly premature infants or other infants with weakened immune systems," according to the Web site. However, as of Nov.1, "No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this contamination," the Web site states.
About 1.5 million cans of the formula were distributed nationwide in retail stores, the FDA said.
Kmart's Tutu Park Mall store manager, Jim Sauser, reached Sunday night at his home, said he was not aware of the recall and could not say if the formula products had been pulled from the shelves. "As of when I left work Friday," he said, "I had not received any e-mail" from the company's corporate headquarters about the recall. He said he would "follow up first thing Monday."
Efforts to reach Andrew Rutnik, commissioner of Licensing and Consumer Affairs, on Sunday night were unsuccessful.
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TWO IF'S THAT COULD MEAN HOUSE POWER FOR THE V.I.
Analysis
Nov. 3, 2002 – It all depends on the Democratic turnout in Iowa, or maybe in Maryland or New Hampshire, but if the Democrats gain control of the U.S. House of Representatives on Tuesday, and if Delegate Donna M. Christensen is re-elected, the Virgin Islands will be in a much stronger position than it is now in Congress.
There are two reasons for this:
– Christensen is a Democrat.
– If she is re-elected, she will be one of the more senior Democratic members of the House, and on Capitol Hill, with seniority comes power, particularly in the committee structure.
It is within the committees that most of the real work of Congress takes place. Christensen, seeking her fourth two-year term, is the ranking Democrat on the Parks and Public Lands Subcommittee of the House Natural Resources Committee. As such, she would in all likelihood become the subcommittee chair should the Democrats capture the House and should she be retained in office.
Why is this important to the territory? As members of Congress without a vote, she and the other delegates are powerless on the House floor. They can speak, and perhaps persuade others of their positions, but there can be none of the alliance-building and horse-trading that go on day after day among the voting members of any legislative body.
But as a subcommittee chair, Christensen would wield substantial power. She would not only have a vote in committee, as she does now, but she would decide when the subcommittee meets and who testifies before it, and she would play a major role in deciding which bills are killed in committee and which move on for further consideration. She also would hire the staff for the subcommittee.
No national park can be expanded or contracted without the approval of Congress, and the road to such approval begins — and can end — with the Parks and Public Lands Subcommittee. Voting members of the House would seek Christensen's help in getting their parks or public land bills through the subcommittee, putting her in a position of strength to talk to them about issues of significance to the Virgin Islands.
But none of this will happen unless half a dozen seats in the House move from the Republican to the Democratic column, and the Bush administration is trying mightily to make sure that doesn't occur. And while Christensen is considered the front runner in the V.I. delegate race, there is no such thing as a sure thing until the votes are counted.
Christensen could benefit in another way if the Democrats wrest the majority away from the Republicans. Earlier this year she publicly supported California's Rep. Nancy Pelosi in her hard-fought battle to become the House Minority Whip — and was rewarded with a position within the Whip's organization. If the Democrats take the House, Pelosi would move up to Majority Leader, while the current party leader, Rep. Dick Gephardt of Missouri, would become Speaker. Pelosi would be a valuable friend in a Democratic House.
Christensen would be neither the first insular delegate nor the first Virgin Islander to chair a subcommittee, but she would be breaking ground in other ways.
Delegate Ron de Lugo for years chaired the Insular and International Affairs Subcommittee (no longer in existence) of the House Interior Committee (now renamed the Natural Resources Committee), as Antonio B. Won Pat of Guam had done in the early 1980s.
Fofo Sunia of American Samoa is the only island delegate to have chaired a non-island subcommittee. His dealt with federal buildings — but he headed it for only a few months before being forced out of office by a political scandal. Now, his successor, Eni Faleomaveaga, if re-elected, would, like Christensen, stand to become chair of a Natural Resources subcommittee.
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Nov. 3, 2002 – It all depends on the Democratic turnout in Iowa, or maybe in Maryland or New Hampshire, but if the Democrats gain control of the U.S. House of Representatives on Tuesday, and if Delegate Donna M. Christensen is re-elected, the Virgin Islands will be in a much stronger position than it is now in Congress.
There are two reasons for this:
– Christensen is a Democrat.
– If she is re-elected, she will be one of the more senior Democratic members of the House, and on Capitol Hill, with seniority comes power, particularly in the committee structure.
It is within the committees that most of the real work of Congress takes place. Christensen, seeking her fourth two-year term, is the ranking Democrat on the Parks and Public Lands Subcommittee of the House Natural Resources Committee. As such, she would in all likelihood become the subcommittee chair should the Democrats capture the House and should she be retained in office.
Why is this important to the territory? As members of Congress without a vote, she and the other delegates are powerless on the House floor. They can speak, and perhaps persuade others of their positions, but there can be none of the alliance-building and horse-trading that go on day after day among the voting members of any legislative body.
But as a subcommittee chair, Christensen would wield substantial power. She would not only have a vote in committee, as she does now, but she would decide when the subcommittee meets and who testifies before it, and she would play a major role in deciding which bills are killed in committee and which move on for further consideration. She also would hire the staff for the subcommittee.
No national park can be expanded or contracted without the approval of Congress, and the road to such approval begins — and can end — with the Parks and Public Lands Subcommittee. Voting members of the House would seek Christensen's help in getting their parks or public land bills through the subcommittee, putting her in a position of strength to talk to them about issues of significance to the Virgin Islands.
But none of this will happen unless half a dozen seats in the House move from the Republican to the Democratic column, and the Bush administration is trying mightily to make sure that doesn't occur. And while Christensen is considered the front runner in the V.I. delegate race, there is no such thing as a sure thing until the votes are counted.
Christensen could benefit in another way if the Democrats wrest the majority away from the Republicans. Earlier this year she publicly supported California's Rep. Nancy Pelosi in her hard-fought battle to become the House Minority Whip — and was rewarded with a position within the Whip's organization. If the Democrats take the House, Pelosi would move up to Majority Leader, while the current party leader, Rep. Dick Gephardt of Missouri, would become Speaker. Pelosi would be a valuable friend in a Democratic House.
Christensen would be neither the first insular delegate nor the first Virgin Islander to chair a subcommittee, but she would be breaking ground in other ways.
Delegate Ron de Lugo for years chaired the Insular and International Affairs Subcommittee (no longer in existence) of the House Interior Committee (now renamed the Natural Resources Committee), as Antonio B. Won Pat of Guam had done in the early 1980s.
Fofo Sunia of American Samoa is the only island delegate to have chaired a non-island subcommittee. His dealt with federal buildings — but he headed it for only a few months before being forced out of office by a political scandal. Now, his successor, Eni Faleomaveaga, if re-elected, would, like Christensen, stand to become chair of a Natural Resources subcommittee.
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.
CLINTON ENDORSES V.I. DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATES
Nov. 3, 2002 – The leadership of the national Democratic Party has endorsed the territorial party's candidates in the V.I. elections — Gov. Charles W. Turnbull and his running mate, Sen. Vargrave Richards; Delegate Donna M. Christensen; and the "Team 2002 Democrats" running for the 25th Legislature.
In a letter addressed "to my fellow citizens in the U.S. Virgin Islands" and dated Oct. 31, former President Bill Clinton urged V.I. voters "to continue along the constructive path of the last four years." He said the territory "won a special place in my heart during my family's vacations in 'America's Paradise,' and I care very much about your future."
When Turnbull became governor, Clinton wrote, "the territorial government was on the brink of bankruptcy, and its problems were getting worse." The governor's "commitment to the public good and his own strong leadership succeeded in turning the situation around."
Clinton said that as president he worked with Turnbull and Christensen "in forging new directions for the Virgin Islands. Wasteful spending and the territory's debt were cut. Government revenues were increased." He added, "I was proud to help bring about new legislation that gave the territory almost all of the federal tax on rum produced in the islands."
Meanwhile, James O'Bryan, chair of the V.I. Democratic Party, received a letter dated Oct. 22 from Terence R. McAuliffe, chair of the Democratic National Committee, similarly endorsing Turnbull, Richards, Christensen and the "Team 2002 Democrats."
"National Democrats are very proud of the great job that Governor Turnbull and Senator Richards, working together with Congressional Delegate Christensen, have done since 1999 to cause economic recovery and avert the bankruptcy of the Virgin Islands, preventing intervention by the federal government," McAuliffe wrote.
Since signing a memorandum of understanding with the Department of the Interior in the Clinton administration, McAuliffe said, the V.I. government "has kept its promise to improve financial accountability by completing seven audits in four years, resulting in a significant increase in federal funds coming into the territory and the forgiveness of millions of dollars owed to the federal government."
The "Democratic team" has proven an ability to work together "to make good things happen for the people of the Virgin Islands during the last four years," McAuliffe said.
"Team 2002 Democrats" is the name chosen by nine party members in the St. Thomas-St. John district who announce last June that they would conduct a collective campaign. The team initially comprised two incumbents Sens. Lorraine Berry and Roosevelt David, and seven challengers — Craig Barshinger, Harry Daniel, Gilmore Estrill, Louis Hill, Winthrop Maduro, Shawn-Michael Malone and Kevin Rodriquez. Barshinger and Daniel squared off in the Sept. 14 primary to represent the party in the at-large Senate race, and Barshinger emerged as the standard-bearer.
Copies of both letters and press releases summarizing them were faxed to the news media on Saturday evening.
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In a letter addressed "to my fellow citizens in the U.S. Virgin Islands" and dated Oct. 31, former President Bill Clinton urged V.I. voters "to continue along the constructive path of the last four years." He said the territory "won a special place in my heart during my family's vacations in 'America's Paradise,' and I care very much about your future."
When Turnbull became governor, Clinton wrote, "the territorial government was on the brink of bankruptcy, and its problems were getting worse." The governor's "commitment to the public good and his own strong leadership succeeded in turning the situation around."
Clinton said that as president he worked with Turnbull and Christensen "in forging new directions for the Virgin Islands. Wasteful spending and the territory's debt were cut. Government revenues were increased." He added, "I was proud to help bring about new legislation that gave the territory almost all of the federal tax on rum produced in the islands."
Meanwhile, James O'Bryan, chair of the V.I. Democratic Party, received a letter dated Oct. 22 from Terence R. McAuliffe, chair of the Democratic National Committee, similarly endorsing Turnbull, Richards, Christensen and the "Team 2002 Democrats."
"National Democrats are very proud of the great job that Governor Turnbull and Senator Richards, working together with Congressional Delegate Christensen, have done since 1999 to cause economic recovery and avert the bankruptcy of the Virgin Islands, preventing intervention by the federal government," McAuliffe wrote.
Since signing a memorandum of understanding with the Department of the Interior in the Clinton administration, McAuliffe said, the V.I. government "has kept its promise to improve financial accountability by completing seven audits in four years, resulting in a significant increase in federal funds coming into the territory and the forgiveness of millions of dollars owed to the federal government."
The "Democratic team" has proven an ability to work together "to make good things happen for the people of the Virgin Islands during the last four years," McAuliffe said.
"Team 2002 Democrats" is the name chosen by nine party members in the St. Thomas-St. John district who announce last June that they would conduct a collective campaign. The team initially comprised two incumbents Sens. Lorraine Berry and Roosevelt David, and seven challengers — Craig Barshinger, Harry Daniel, Gilmore Estrill, Louis Hill, Winthrop Maduro, Shawn-Michael Malone and Kevin Rodriquez. Barshinger and Daniel squared off in the Sept. 14 primary to represent the party in the at-large Senate race, and Barshinger emerged as the standard-bearer.
Copies of both letters and press releases summarizing them were faxed to the news media on Saturday evening.
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.
CLINTON ENDORSES V.I. DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATES
Nov. 3, 2002 – The leadership of the national Democratic Party has endorsed the territorial party's candidates in the V.I. elections — Gov. Charles W. Turnbull and his running mate, Sen. Vargrave Richards; Delegate Donna M. Christensen; and the "Team 2002 Democrats" running for the 25th Legislature.
In a letter addressed "to my fellow citizens in the U.S. Virgin Islands" and dated Oct. 31, former President Bill Clinton urged V.I. voters "to continue along the constructive path of the last four years." He said the territory "won a special place in my heart during my family's vacations in 'America's Paradise,' and I care very much about your future."
When Turnbull became governor, Clinton wrote, "the territorial government was on the brink of bankruptcy, and its problems were getting worse." The governor's "commitment to the public good and his own strong leadership succeeded in turning the situation around."
Clinton said that as president he worked with Turnbull and Christensen "in forging new directions for the Virgin Islands. Wasteful spending and the territory's debt were cut. Government revenues were increased." He added, "I was proud to help bring about new legislation that gave the territory almost all of the federal tax on rum produced in the islands."
Meanwhile, James O'Bryan, chair of the V.I. Democratic Party, received a letter dated Oct. 22 from Terence R. McAuliffe, chair of the Democratic National Committee, similarly endorsing Turnbull, Richards, Christensen and the "Team 2002 Democrats."
"National Democrats are very proud of the great job that Governor Turnbull and Senator Richards, working together with Congressional Delegate Christensen, have done since 1999 to cause economic recovery and avert the bankruptcy of the Virgin Islands, preventing intervention by the federal government," McAuliffe wrote.
Since signing a memorandum of understanding with the Department of the Interior in the Clinton administration, McAuliffe said, the V.I. government "has kept its promise to improve financial accountability by completing seven audits in four years, resulting in a significant increase in federal funds coming into the territory and the forgiveness of millions of dollars owed to the federal government."
The "Democratic team" has proven an ability to work together "to make good things happen for the people of the Virgin Islands during the last four years," McAuliffe said.
"Team 2002 Democrats" is the name chosen by nine party members in the St. Thomas-St. John district who announce last June that they would conduct a collective campaign. The team initially comprised two incumbents Sens. Lorraine Berry and Roosevelt David, and seven challengers — Craig Barshinger, Harry Daniel, Gilmore Estrill, Louis Hill, Winthrop Maduro, Shawn-Michael Malone and Kevin Rodriquez. Barshinger and Daniel squared off in the Sept. 14 primary to represent the party in the at-large Senate race, and Barshinger emerged as the standard-bearer.
Copies of both letters and press releases summarizing them were faxed to the news media on Saturday evening.
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 letter addressed "to my fellow citizens in the U.S. Virgin Islands" and dated Oct. 31, former President Bill Clinton urged V.I. voters "to continue along the constructive path of the last four years." He said the territory "won a special place in my heart during my family's vacations in 'America's Paradise,' and I care very much about your future."
When Turnbull became governor, Clinton wrote, "the territorial government was on the brink of bankruptcy, and its problems were getting worse." The governor's "commitment to the public good and his own strong leadership succeeded in turning the situation around."
Clinton said that as president he worked with Turnbull and Christensen "in forging new directions for the Virgin Islands. Wasteful spending and the territory's debt were cut. Government revenues were increased." He added, "I was proud to help bring about new legislation that gave the territory almost all of the federal tax on rum produced in the islands."
Meanwhile, James O'Bryan, chair of the V.I. Democratic Party, received a letter dated Oct. 22 from Terence R. McAuliffe, chair of the Democratic National Committee, similarly endorsing Turnbull, Richards, Christensen and the "Team 2002 Democrats."
"National Democrats are very proud of the great job that Governor Turnbull and Senator Richards, working together with Congressional Delegate Christensen, have done since 1999 to cause economic recovery and avert the bankruptcy of the Virgin Islands, preventing intervention by the federal government," McAuliffe wrote.
Since signing a memorandum of understanding with the Department of the Interior in the Clinton administration, McAuliffe said, the V.I. government "has kept its promise to improve financial accountability by completing seven audits in four years, resulting in a significant increase in federal funds coming into the territory and the forgiveness of millions of dollars owed to the federal government."
The "Democratic team" has proven an ability to work together "to make good things happen for the people of the Virgin Islands during the last four years," McAuliffe said.
"Team 2002 Democrats" is the name chosen by nine party members in the St. Thomas-St. John district who announce last June that they would conduct a collective campaign. The team initially comprised two incumbents Sens. Lorraine Berry and Roosevelt David, and seven challengers — Craig Barshinger, Harry Daniel, Gilmore Estrill, Louis Hill, Winthrop Maduro, Shawn-Michael Malone and Kevin Rodriquez. Barshinger and Daniel squared off in the Sept. 14 primary to represent the party in the at-large Senate race, and Barshinger emerged as the standard-bearer.
Copies of both letters and press releases summarizing them were faxed to the news media on Saturday evening.
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.
CLINTON ENDORSES V.I. DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATES
Nov. 3, 2002 – The leadership of the national Democratic Party has endorsed the territorial party's candidates in the V.I. elections — Gov. Charles W. Turnbull and his running mate, Sen. Vargrave Richards; Delegate Donna M. Christensen; and the "Team 2002 Democrats" running for the 25th Legislature.
In a letter addressed "to my fellow citizens in the U.S. Virgin Islands" and dated Oct. 31, former President Bill Clinton urged V.I. voters "to continue along the constructive path of the last four years." He said the territory "won a special place in my heart during my family's vacations in 'America's Paradise,' and I care very much about your future."
When Turnbull became governor, Clinton wrote, "the territorial government was on the brink of bankruptcy, and its problems were getting worse." The governor's "commitment to the public good and his own strong leadership succeeded in turning the situation around."
Clinton said that as president he worked with Turnbull and Christensen "in forging new directions for the Virgin Islands. Wasteful spending and the territory's debt were cut. Government revenues were increased." He added, "I was proud to help bring about new legislation that gave the territory almost all of the federal tax on rum produced in the islands."
Meanwhile, James O'Bryan, chair of the V.I. Democratic Party, received a letter dated Oct. 22 from Terence R. McAuliffe, chair of the Democratic National Committee, similarly endorsing Turnbull, Richards, Christensen and the "Team 2002 Democrats."
"National Democrats are very proud of the great job that Governor Turnbull and Senator Richards, working together with Congressional Delegate Christensen, have done since 1999 to cause economic recovery and avert the bankruptcy of the Virgin Islands, preventing intervention by the federal government," McAuliffe wrote.
Since signing a memorandum of understanding with the Department of the Interior in the Clinton administration, McAuliffe said, the V.I. government "has kept its promise to improve financial accountability by completing seven audits in four years, resulting in a significant increase in federal funds coming into the territory and the forgiveness of millions of dollars owed to the federal government."
The "Democratic team" has proven an ability to work together "to make good things happen for the people of the Virgin Islands during the last four years," McAuliffe said.
"Team 2002 Democrats" is the name chosen by nine party members in the St. Thomas-St. John district who announce last June that they would conduct a collective campaign. The team initially comprised two incumbents Sens. Lorraine Berry and Roosevelt David, and seven challengers — Craig Barshinger, Harry Daniel, Gilmore Estrill, Louis Hill, Winthrop Maduro, Shawn-Michael Malone and Kevin Rodriquez. Barshinger and Daniel squared off in the Sept. 14 primary to represent the party in the at-large Senate race, and Barshinger emerged as the standard-bearer.
Copies of both letters and press releases summarizing them were faxed to the news media on Saturday evening.
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 a letter addressed "to my fellow citizens in the U.S. Virgin Islands" and dated Oct. 31, former President Bill Clinton urged V.I. voters "to continue along the constructive path of the last four years." He said the territory "won a special place in my heart during my family's vacations in 'America's Paradise,' and I care very much about your future."
When Turnbull became governor, Clinton wrote, "the territorial government was on the brink of bankruptcy, and its problems were getting worse." The governor's "commitment to the public good and his own strong leadership succeeded in turning the situation around."
Clinton said that as president he worked with Turnbull and Christensen "in forging new directions for the Virgin Islands. Wasteful spending and the territory's debt were cut. Government revenues were increased." He added, "I was proud to help bring about new legislation that gave the territory almost all of the federal tax on rum produced in the islands."
Meanwhile, James O'Bryan, chair of the V.I. Democratic Party, received a letter dated Oct. 22 from Terence R. McAuliffe, chair of the Democratic National Committee, similarly endorsing Turnbull, Richards, Christensen and the "Team 2002 Democrats."
"National Democrats are very proud of the great job that Governor Turnbull and Senator Richards, working together with Congressional Delegate Christensen, have done since 1999 to cause economic recovery and avert the bankruptcy of the Virgin Islands, preventing intervention by the federal government," McAuliffe wrote.
Since signing a memorandum of understanding with the Department of the Interior in the Clinton administration, McAuliffe said, the V.I. government "has kept its promise to improve financial accountability by completing seven audits in four years, resulting in a significant increase in federal funds coming into the territory and the forgiveness of millions of dollars owed to the federal government."
The "Democratic team" has proven an ability to work together "to make good things happen for the people of the Virgin Islands during the last four years," McAuliffe said.
"Team 2002 Democrats" is the name chosen by nine party members in the St. Thomas-St. John district who announce last June that they would conduct a collective campaign. The team initially comprised two incumbents Sens. Lorraine Berry and Roosevelt David, and seven challengers — Craig Barshinger, Harry Daniel, Gilmore Estrill, Louis Hill, Winthrop Maduro, Shawn-Michael Malone and Kevin Rodriquez. Barshinger and Daniel squared off in the Sept. 14 primary to represent the party in the at-large Senate race, and Barshinger emerged as the standard-bearer.
Copies of both letters and press releases summarizing them were faxed to the news media on Saturday evening.
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.
CREOLE GUMBO FROM THE FAMED FRENCH QUARTER
Nov. 3, 2002 – I traveled with my family to New Orleans in October so that I could attend a Produce Marketing Association convention, but it wasn't produce that caught our fancy when we dined at the famed Antoine's in the heart of the famed French Quarter. The Creole Gumbo was to-die-for, and I was lucky enough to get the recipe.
A cold morning chill of 56 degrees surely didn't resemble the Virgin Islands, but the Creole cuisine definitely shared many attributes of our Caribbean cookery. Like the islands, New Orleans is a melange of French, Spanish and African cultures, with touches also of Sicily, Germany, Ireland, Greece and even Croatia. Add the raw ingredients of native spices and abundant fresh fish, and you have the makings of some exceptional eating.
Antoine's Restaurant, named for Antoine Alciatore, who started his fine dining operation in 1840, has enjoyed the status of a local landmark in the city's French Quarter ever since. It was a wondrous place for dinner — and a good test of table manners for the children.
We started with fresh Louisiana oysters baked on the half shell with bacon and a garlicky tomato sauce, then enjoyed bowls of Creole Gumbo. Then, it was fresh lump crab meat au gratin for me and lamb medallions wrapped in bacon, broiled and served with a tangy béarnaise atop a grilled pineapple slice for my husband.
The kids were good sports, nibbling at our dishes, but they were most impressed with dessert: vanilla ice cream scooped on a toasted meringue topped with chocolate fudge sauce and classic peach melba with a candied peach half, vanilla ice cream, raspberry sauce and sprinkling of toasted almonds. Definitely a meal to remember!
To read more about the famed French Quarter restaurant and its cuisine, check out the Antoine's Web site.
Meanwhile, here's all you need to know to make Antoine's gumbo for yourself.
Creole Seafood Gumbo
Courtesy of Antoine's Restaurant, New Orleans
3/4 stick butter
2 cups chopped green onions
2 cups sliced okra
1 cup chopped white onions
2 cups raw peeled shrimp
2 cups raw oysters
1 cup chopped tomato pulp
2 cups tomato juice
1 1/2 quarts fish stock *
3 crabs (top shell discard, cut into 4 pieces)
3 tablespoons flour
1 tablespoon File (sassafras)
3 cups cooked riceSalt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper
Melt the butter and sauté the green onions, okra, white onions and crabs.
In a separate pot put the shrimp, oysters, tomatoes and tomato juice with 1 1/2 quarts of fish stock and bring to a boil. Let boil for a minute, then add to the first pot.
In a small skillet cook the butter and flour together until brown. Blend this brown roux with the File and some of the gumbo liquid and add to the gumbo. Add salt, black pepper and cayenne to taste. Simmer for 1 1/2 hours. To serve, put 1/2 half cup of rice into each bowl, then pour 1 1/2 cups of gumbo over it
Serves 6. Per serving: 430 calories, 15 gms fat (32 percent fat calories), 173 mg cholesterol, 892 mg sodium.
* For the fish stock, here are three options:
– Substitute 6 cubes of vegetable bouillon or 3 cans of ready-to-use vegetable broth.
– Use the liquid from fish that you've boiled for a prior meal, preferably not thick with butter or oil.
– Make your own with the recipe below.
Fish Stock
2 pound fish bones, skin and head
2 onion, sliced
4 small carrots, sliced
4 stalks celery, sliced
12 sprigs parsley, chopped
2 bay leaves
2 sprigs fresh thyme
3 quarts (12 cups) water
3 cups white wine, optional
Salt and pepper to taste
Bring all ingredients to a boil in a large pot. Simmer for 30 to 40 minutes, until liquid is reduced by half and well flavored. Strain and add to the gumbo recipe. Or freeze and use at a later date. Makes approximately 1 1/2 quarts or 6 cups.
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.
A cold morning chill of 56 degrees surely didn't resemble the Virgin Islands, but the Creole cuisine definitely shared many attributes of our Caribbean cookery. Like the islands, New Orleans is a melange of French, Spanish and African cultures, with touches also of Sicily, Germany, Ireland, Greece and even Croatia. Add the raw ingredients of native spices and abundant fresh fish, and you have the makings of some exceptional eating.
Antoine's Restaurant, named for Antoine Alciatore, who started his fine dining operation in 1840, has enjoyed the status of a local landmark in the city's French Quarter ever since. It was a wondrous place for dinner — and a good test of table manners for the children.
We started with fresh Louisiana oysters baked on the half shell with bacon and a garlicky tomato sauce, then enjoyed bowls of Creole Gumbo. Then, it was fresh lump crab meat au gratin for me and lamb medallions wrapped in bacon, broiled and served with a tangy béarnaise atop a grilled pineapple slice for my husband.
The kids were good sports, nibbling at our dishes, but they were most impressed with dessert: vanilla ice cream scooped on a toasted meringue topped with chocolate fudge sauce and classic peach melba with a candied peach half, vanilla ice cream, raspberry sauce and sprinkling of toasted almonds. Definitely a meal to remember!
To read more about the famed French Quarter restaurant and its cuisine, check out the Antoine's Web site.
Meanwhile, here's all you need to know to make Antoine's gumbo for yourself.
Creole Seafood Gumbo
Courtesy of Antoine's Restaurant, New Orleans
3/4 stick butter
2 cups chopped green onions
2 cups sliced okra
1 cup chopped white onions
2 cups raw peeled shrimp
2 cups raw oysters
1 cup chopped tomato pulp
2 cups tomato juice
1 1/2 quarts fish stock *
3 crabs (top shell discard, cut into 4 pieces)
3 tablespoons flour
1 tablespoon File (sassafras)
3 cups cooked riceSalt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper
Melt the butter and sauté the green onions, okra, white onions and crabs.
In a separate pot put the shrimp, oysters, tomatoes and tomato juice with 1 1/2 quarts of fish stock and bring to a boil. Let boil for a minute, then add to the first pot.
In a small skillet cook the butter and flour together until brown. Blend this brown roux with the File and some of the gumbo liquid and add to the gumbo. Add salt, black pepper and cayenne to taste. Simmer for 1 1/2 hours. To serve, put 1/2 half cup of rice into each bowl, then pour 1 1/2 cups of gumbo over it
Serves 6. Per serving: 430 calories, 15 gms fat (32 percent fat calories), 173 mg cholesterol, 892 mg sodium.
* For the fish stock, here are three options:
– Substitute 6 cubes of vegetable bouillon or 3 cans of ready-to-use vegetable broth.
– Use the liquid from fish that you've boiled for a prior meal, preferably not thick with butter or oil.
– Make your own with the recipe below.
Fish Stock
2 pound fish bones, skin and head
2 onion, sliced
4 small carrots, sliced
4 stalks celery, sliced
12 sprigs parsley, chopped
2 bay leaves
2 sprigs fresh thyme
3 quarts (12 cups) water
3 cups white wine, optional
Salt and pepper to taste
Bring all ingredients to a boil in a large pot. Simmer for 30 to 40 minutes, until liquid is reduced by half and well flavored. Strain and add to the gumbo recipe. Or freeze and use at a later date. Makes approximately 1 1/2 quarts or 6 cups.
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.
CREOLE GUMBO FROM THE FAMED FRENCH QUARTER
Nov. 3, 2002 – I traveled with my family to New Orleans in October so that I could attend a Produce Marketing Association convention, but it wasn't produce that caught our fancy when we dined at the famed Antoine's in the heart of the famed French Quarter. The Creole Gumbo was to-die-for, and I was lucky enough to get the recipe.
A cold morning chill of 56 degrees surely didn't resemble the Virgin Islands, but the Creole cuisine definitely shared many attributes of our Caribbean cookery. Like the islands, New Orleans is a melange of French, Spanish and African cultures, with touches also of Sicily, Germany, Ireland, Greece and even Croatia. Add the raw ingredients of native spices and abundant fresh fish, and you have the makings of some exceptional eating.
Antoine's Restaurant, named for Antoine Alciatore, who started his fine dining operation in 1840, has enjoyed the status of a local landmark in the city's French Quarter ever since. It was a wondrous place for dinner — and a good test of table manners for the children.
We started with fresh Louisiana oysters baked on the half shell with bacon and a garlicky tomato sauce, then enjoyed bowls of Creole Gumbo. Then, it was fresh lump crab meat au gratin for me and lamb medallions wrapped in bacon, broiled and served with a tangy béarnaise atop a grilled pineapple slice for my husband.
The kids were good sports, nibbling at our dishes, but they were most impressed with dessert: vanilla ice cream scooped on a toasted meringue topped with chocolate fudge sauce and classic peach melba with a candied peach half, vanilla ice cream, raspberry sauce and sprinkling of toasted almonds. Definitely a meal to remember!
To read more about the famed French Quarter restaurant and its cuisine, check out the Antoine's Web site.
Meanwhile, here's all you need to know to make Antoine's gumbo for yourself.
Creole Seafood Gumbo
Courtesy of Antoine's Restaurant, New Orleans
3/4 stick butter
2 cups chopped green onions
2 cups sliced okra
1 cup chopped white onions
2 cups raw peeled shrimp
2 cups raw oysters
1 cup chopped tomato pulp
2 cups tomato juice
1 1/2 quarts fish stock *
3 crabs (top shell discard, cut into 4 pieces)
3 tablespoons flour
1 tablespoon File (sassafras)
3 cups cooked riceSalt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper
Melt the butter and sauté the green onions, okra, white onions and crabs.
In a separate pot put the shrimp, oysters, tomatoes and tomato juice with 1 1/2 quarts of fish stock and bring to a boil. Let boil for a minute, then add to the first pot.
In a small skillet cook the butter and flour together until brown. Blend this brown roux with the File and some of the gumbo liquid and add to the gumbo. Add salt, black pepper and cayenne to taste. Simmer for 1 1/2 hours. To serve, put 1/2 half cup of rice into each bowl, then pour 1 1/2 cups of gumbo over it
Serves 6. Per serving: 430 calories, 15 gms fat (32 percent fat calories), 173 mg cholesterol, 892 mg sodium.
* For the fish stock, here are three options:
– Substitute 6 cubes of vegetable bouillon or 3 cans of ready-to-use vegetable broth.
– Use the liquid from fish that you've boiled for a prior meal, preferably not thick with butter or oil.
– Make your own with the recipe below.
Fish Stock
2 pound fish bones, skin and head
2 onion, sliced
4 small carrots, sliced
4 stalks celery, sliced
12 sprigs parsley, chopped
2 bay leaves
2 sprigs fresh thyme
3 quarts (12 cups) water
3 cups white wine, optional
Salt and pepper to taste
Bring all ingredients to a boil in a large pot. Simmer for 30 to 40 minutes, until liquid is reduced by half and well flavored. Strain and add to the gumbo recipe. Or freeze and use at a later date. Makes approximately 1 1/2 quarts or 6 cups.
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.
A cold morning chill of 56 degrees surely didn't resemble the Virgin Islands, but the Creole cuisine definitely shared many attributes of our Caribbean cookery. Like the islands, New Orleans is a melange of French, Spanish and African cultures, with touches also of Sicily, Germany, Ireland, Greece and even Croatia. Add the raw ingredients of native spices and abundant fresh fish, and you have the makings of some exceptional eating.
Antoine's Restaurant, named for Antoine Alciatore, who started his fine dining operation in 1840, has enjoyed the status of a local landmark in the city's French Quarter ever since. It was a wondrous place for dinner — and a good test of table manners for the children.
We started with fresh Louisiana oysters baked on the half shell with bacon and a garlicky tomato sauce, then enjoyed bowls of Creole Gumbo. Then, it was fresh lump crab meat au gratin for me and lamb medallions wrapped in bacon, broiled and served with a tangy béarnaise atop a grilled pineapple slice for my husband.
The kids were good sports, nibbling at our dishes, but they were most impressed with dessert: vanilla ice cream scooped on a toasted meringue topped with chocolate fudge sauce and classic peach melba with a candied peach half, vanilla ice cream, raspberry sauce and sprinkling of toasted almonds. Definitely a meal to remember!
To read more about the famed French Quarter restaurant and its cuisine, check out the Antoine's Web site.
Meanwhile, here's all you need to know to make Antoine's gumbo for yourself.
Creole Seafood Gumbo
Courtesy of Antoine's Restaurant, New Orleans
3/4 stick butter
2 cups chopped green onions
2 cups sliced okra
1 cup chopped white onions
2 cups raw peeled shrimp
2 cups raw oysters
1 cup chopped tomato pulp
2 cups tomato juice
1 1/2 quarts fish stock *
3 crabs (top shell discard, cut into 4 pieces)
3 tablespoons flour
1 tablespoon File (sassafras)
3 cups cooked riceSalt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper
Melt the butter and sauté the green onions, okra, white onions and crabs.
In a separate pot put the shrimp, oysters, tomatoes and tomato juice with 1 1/2 quarts of fish stock and bring to a boil. Let boil for a minute, then add to the first pot.
In a small skillet cook the butter and flour together until brown. Blend this brown roux with the File and some of the gumbo liquid and add to the gumbo. Add salt, black pepper and cayenne to taste. Simmer for 1 1/2 hours. To serve, put 1/2 half cup of rice into each bowl, then pour 1 1/2 cups of gumbo over it
Serves 6. Per serving: 430 calories, 15 gms fat (32 percent fat calories), 173 mg cholesterol, 892 mg sodium.
* For the fish stock, here are three options:
– Substitute 6 cubes of vegetable bouillon or 3 cans of ready-to-use vegetable broth.
– Use the liquid from fish that you've boiled for a prior meal, preferably not thick with butter or oil.
– Make your own with the recipe below.
Fish Stock
2 pound fish bones, skin and head
2 onion, sliced
4 small carrots, sliced
4 stalks celery, sliced
12 sprigs parsley, chopped
2 bay leaves
2 sprigs fresh thyme
3 quarts (12 cups) water
3 cups white wine, optional
Salt and pepper to taste
Bring all ingredients to a boil in a large pot. Simmer for 30 to 40 minutes, until liquid is reduced by half and well flavored. Strain and add to the gumbo recipe. Or freeze and use at a later date. Makes approximately 1 1/2 quarts or 6 cups.
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.
CREOLE GUMBO FROM THE FAMED FRENCH QUARTER
Nov. 3, 2002 – I traveled with my family to New Orleans in October so that I could attend a Produce Marketing Association convention, but it wasn't produce that caught our fancy when we dined at the famed Antoine's in the heart of the famed French Quarter. The Creole Gumbo was to-die-for, and I was lucky enough to get the recipe.
A cold morning chill of 56 degrees surely didn't resemble the Virgin Islands, but the Creole cuisine definitely shared many attributes of our Caribbean cookery. Like the islands, New Orleans is a melange of French, Spanish and African cultures, with touches also of Sicily, Germany, Ireland, Greece and even Croatia. Add the raw ingredients of native spices and abundant fresh fish, and you have the makings of some exceptional eating.
Antoine's Restaurant, named for Antoine Alciatore, who started his fine dining operation in 1840, has enjoyed the status of a local landmark in the city's French Quarter ever since. It was a wondrous place for dinner — and a good test of table manners for the children.
We started with fresh Louisiana oysters baked on the half shell with bacon and a garlicky tomato sauce, then enjoyed bowls of Creole Gumbo. Then, it was fresh lump crab meat au gratin for me and lamb medallions wrapped in bacon, broiled and served with a tangy béarnaise atop a grilled pineapple slice for my husband.
The kids were good sports, nibbling at our dishes, but they were most impressed with dessert: vanilla ice cream scooped on a toasted meringue topped with chocolate fudge sauce and classic peach melba with a candied peach half, vanilla ice cream, raspberry sauce and sprinkling of toasted almonds. Definitely a meal to remember!
To read more about the famed French Quarter restaurant and its cuisine, check out the Antoine's Web site.
Meanwhile, here's all you need to know to make Antoine's gumbo for yourself.
Creole Seafood Gumbo
Courtesy of Antoine's Restaurant, New Orleans
3/4 stick butter
2 cups chopped green onions
2 cups sliced okra
1 cup chopped white onions
2 cups raw peeled shrimp
2 cups raw oysters
1 cup chopped tomato pulp
2 cups tomato juice
1 1/2 quarts fish stock *
3 crabs (top shell discard, cut into 4 pieces)
3 tablespoons flour
1 tablespoon File (sassafras)
3 cups cooked riceSalt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper
Melt the butter and sauté the green onions, okra, white onions and crabs.
In a separate pot put the shrimp, oysters, tomatoes and tomato juice with 1 1/2 quarts of fish stock and bring to a boil. Let boil for a minute, then add to the first pot.
In a small skillet cook the butter and flour together until brown. Blend this brown roux with the File and some of the gumbo liquid and add to the gumbo. Add salt, black pepper and cayenne to taste. Simmer for 1 1/2 hours. To serve, put 1/2 half cup of rice into each bowl, then pour 1 1/2 cups of gumbo over it
Serves 6. Per serving: 430 calories, 15 gms fat (32 percent fat calories), 173 mg cholesterol, 892 mg sodium.
* For the fish stock, here are three options:
– Substitute 6 cubes of vegetable bouillon or 3 cans of ready-to-use vegetable broth.
– Use the liquid from fish that you've boiled for a prior meal, preferably not thick with butter or oil.
– Make your own with the recipe below.
Fish Stock
2 pound fish bones, skin and head
2 onion, sliced
4 small carrots, sliced
4 stalks celery, sliced
12 sprigs parsley, chopped
2 bay leaves
2 sprigs fresh thyme
3 quarts (12 cups) water
3 cups white wine, optional
Salt and pepper to taste
Bring all ingredients to a boil in a large pot. Simmer for 30 to 40 minutes, until liquid is reduced by half and well flavored. Strain and add to the gumbo recipe. Or freeze and use at a later date. Makes approximately 1 1/2 quarts or 6 cups.
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.
A cold morning chill of 56 degrees surely didn't resemble the Virgin Islands, but the Creole cuisine definitely shared many attributes of our Caribbean cookery. Like the islands, New Orleans is a melange of French, Spanish and African cultures, with touches also of Sicily, Germany, Ireland, Greece and even Croatia. Add the raw ingredients of native spices and abundant fresh fish, and you have the makings of some exceptional eating.
Antoine's Restaurant, named for Antoine Alciatore, who started his fine dining operation in 1840, has enjoyed the status of a local landmark in the city's French Quarter ever since. It was a wondrous place for dinner — and a good test of table manners for the children.
We started with fresh Louisiana oysters baked on the half shell with bacon and a garlicky tomato sauce, then enjoyed bowls of Creole Gumbo. Then, it was fresh lump crab meat au gratin for me and lamb medallions wrapped in bacon, broiled and served with a tangy béarnaise atop a grilled pineapple slice for my husband.
The kids were good sports, nibbling at our dishes, but they were most impressed with dessert: vanilla ice cream scooped on a toasted meringue topped with chocolate fudge sauce and classic peach melba with a candied peach half, vanilla ice cream, raspberry sauce and sprinkling of toasted almonds. Definitely a meal to remember!
To read more about the famed French Quarter restaurant and its cuisine, check out the Antoine's Web site.
Meanwhile, here's all you need to know to make Antoine's gumbo for yourself.
Creole Seafood Gumbo
Courtesy of Antoine's Restaurant, New Orleans
3/4 stick butter
2 cups chopped green onions
2 cups sliced okra
1 cup chopped white onions
2 cups raw peeled shrimp
2 cups raw oysters
1 cup chopped tomato pulp
2 cups tomato juice
1 1/2 quarts fish stock *
3 crabs (top shell discard, cut into 4 pieces)
3 tablespoons flour
1 tablespoon File (sassafras)
3 cups cooked riceSalt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper
Melt the butter and sauté the green onions, okra, white onions and crabs.
In a separate pot put the shrimp, oysters, tomatoes and tomato juice with 1 1/2 quarts of fish stock and bring to a boil. Let boil for a minute, then add to the first pot.
In a small skillet cook the butter and flour together until brown. Blend this brown roux with the File and some of the gumbo liquid and add to the gumbo. Add salt, black pepper and cayenne to taste. Simmer for 1 1/2 hours. To serve, put 1/2 half cup of rice into each bowl, then pour 1 1/2 cups of gumbo over it
Serves 6. Per serving: 430 calories, 15 gms fat (32 percent fat calories), 173 mg cholesterol, 892 mg sodium.
* For the fish stock, here are three options:
– Substitute 6 cubes of vegetable bouillon or 3 cans of ready-to-use vegetable broth.
– Use the liquid from fish that you've boiled for a prior meal, preferably not thick with butter or oil.
– Make your own with the recipe below.
Fish Stock
2 pound fish bones, skin and head
2 onion, sliced
4 small carrots, sliced
4 stalks celery, sliced
12 sprigs parsley, chopped
2 bay leaves
2 sprigs fresh thyme
3 quarts (12 cups) water
3 cups white wine, optional
Salt and pepper to taste
Bring all ingredients to a boil in a large pot. Simmer for 30 to 40 minutes, until liquid is reduced by half and well flavored. Strain and add to the gumbo recipe. Or freeze and use at a later date. Makes approximately 1 1/2 quarts or 6 cups.
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.
CONFIRMED MS DIAGNOSIS ADDS URGENCY TO RAFFLE
Nov. 3, 2002 – Nov. 3, 2002 – Although he had hoped for a different diagnosis, Jerry Snyder found out this past week that he does have multiple sclerosis.
Snyder went to Florida on Oct. 21 for further testing after having been diagnosed with MS earlier this year, a diagnosis he had not fully accepted because he felt his symptoms were inconsistent with those of the disease.
While the tests in Florida have confirmed the diagnosis, Snyder is hopeful for his immediate future. "They have me on medication now which the doctor said should bring dramatic results," he said by telephone from Florida on Friday.
Snyder, who has been staying with his mother in Fort Lauderdale while undergoing the testing, said he is anxious to get back to St. Thomas, his home of 25 years, and to his houseful of pets. He has spent the last 17 years as host at Alexander's Café in Frenchtown. With the medication he is currently on, he said, he hopes to be back on his feet soon.
The prognosis in the long run, however, is severe and costly. He has been diagnosed with "acute, progressive" MS, the worst of the four types of the disease, he said. His future medication may cost $10,000 a year.
Snyder told the Source that he wants to thank everybody for the benefit held on his behalf in Frenchtown on Oct. 26. (See "A 'beer hall' benefit for one of their own".) The benefit and the tickets sold so far for a raffle have raised about $3,000.
The raffle drawing is set for Nov. 15 at Alexander's Café, and tickets still are being sold. They are available at Alexander's for $10 apiece or 12 for $100. Prizes include gift certificates from five Frenchtown restaurants: Alexander's, Epernay, Hook Line and Sinker and Tuscan Grill. Craig and Sally's restaurant is offering a $100 dinner for two with a bottle of fine wine thrown in. Other prizes are round-trip travel on United Airlines, massages by Sandy Schell, a two-night stay at the Crystal Palace on St. Thomas and magnums of Merlot wine and Moet et Chandon champagne.
Prizes are still coming in, and more are welcome. For information on making donations, call Alexander's at 774-4349.
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.
Snyder went to Florida on Oct. 21 for further testing after having been diagnosed with MS earlier this year, a diagnosis he had not fully accepted because he felt his symptoms were inconsistent with those of the disease.
While the tests in Florida have confirmed the diagnosis, Snyder is hopeful for his immediate future. "They have me on medication now which the doctor said should bring dramatic results," he said by telephone from Florida on Friday.
Snyder, who has been staying with his mother in Fort Lauderdale while undergoing the testing, said he is anxious to get back to St. Thomas, his home of 25 years, and to his houseful of pets. He has spent the last 17 years as host at Alexander's Café in Frenchtown. With the medication he is currently on, he said, he hopes to be back on his feet soon.
The prognosis in the long run, however, is severe and costly. He has been diagnosed with "acute, progressive" MS, the worst of the four types of the disease, he said. His future medication may cost $10,000 a year.
Snyder told the Source that he wants to thank everybody for the benefit held on his behalf in Frenchtown on Oct. 26. (See "A 'beer hall' benefit for one of their own".) The benefit and the tickets sold so far for a raffle have raised about $3,000.
The raffle drawing is set for Nov. 15 at Alexander's Café, and tickets still are being sold. They are available at Alexander's for $10 apiece or 12 for $100. Prizes include gift certificates from five Frenchtown restaurants: Alexander's, Epernay, Hook Line and Sinker and Tuscan Grill. Craig and Sally's restaurant is offering a $100 dinner for two with a bottle of fine wine thrown in. Other prizes are round-trip travel on United Airlines, massages by Sandy Schell, a two-night stay at the Crystal Palace on St. Thomas and magnums of Merlot wine and Moet et Chandon champagne.
Prizes are still coming in, and more are welcome. For information on making donations, call Alexander's at 774-4349.
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.
