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.
BEST TIMES BELONG TO WOMEN IN STAR FUN RUN
Nov. 3, 2002 – Two St. Thomas runners placed first in the men's and women's two-mile races of STAR's Northside Fun Run today on Crown Mountain Road. Ruth Ann David won the women's two-miler in a time of 12:34, and Lucien Wallace won for the men in 14:14.
St. John runners led the field in the five-mile races today. Regina Randazza set a course record for women with a time of 33:19. Adam Thill was the men's five-mile winner in 35:17.
STAR's Northside Fun Runs took place at 7:30 a.m. today on Crown Mountain Road. It was the first time the winners of both the two-mile and five-mile runs were women.
The rest of the standings were:
2-MILE RUN results:
MEN
1. Lucien Wallace 14:14
2. Joseph Brow 14:16
3. John Lenahan 19:59
4. Ted Dawe 22:35
5. Kevin Lenahan 32:24
WOMEN
1. Ruth Ann David 12:34
2. Lisa Wisehart 21:15
3. Carol Lenahan 22:07
4. Francie Lenahan 32:23
5-MILE RUN results:
MEN
1. Adam Thill 35:17
2. Michael Hughes 35:28
3. Steve Burkholder 37:31
4. Peter Alter 39:36
5. Brad Kappel 41:33
WOMEN
1. Regina Randazza 33:39
2. Kim Fitzpatrick 42:01
3. Grace Tuma 43:50
4. Jennie Wentworth 48:42
5. Gayle Deller 50:17
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.
St. John runners led the field in the five-mile races today. Regina Randazza set a course record for women with a time of 33:19. Adam Thill was the men's five-mile winner in 35:17.
STAR's Northside Fun Runs took place at 7:30 a.m. today on Crown Mountain Road. It was the first time the winners of both the two-mile and five-mile runs were women.
The rest of the standings were:
2-MILE RUN results:
MEN
1. Lucien Wallace 14:14
2. Joseph Brow 14:16
3. John Lenahan 19:59
4. Ted Dawe 22:35
5. Kevin Lenahan 32:24
WOMEN
1. Ruth Ann David 12:34
2. Lisa Wisehart 21:15
3. Carol Lenahan 22:07
4. Francie Lenahan 32:23
5-MILE RUN results:
MEN
1. Adam Thill 35:17
2. Michael Hughes 35:28
3. Steve Burkholder 37:31
4. Peter Alter 39:36
5. Brad Kappel 41:33
WOMEN
1. Regina Randazza 33:39
2. Kim Fitzpatrick 42:01
3. Grace Tuma 43:50
4. Jennie Wentworth 48:42
5. Gayle Deller 50:17
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.
BEST TIMES BELONG TO WOMEN IN STAR FUN RUN
Nov. 3, 2002 – Two St. John runners placed first in the men's and women's five-mile races of STAR's Northside Fun Run today on St. Thomas. Regina Randazza set a course record for women with a time of 33:19. Adam Thill was the men's five-mile winner in 35:17.
St. Thomas runners led the field in the two-mile races. Ruth Ann David won the women's two-miler in a time of 12:34, and Lucien Wallace won for the men in 14:14.
STAR's Northside Fun Runs took place at 7:30 a.m. today on Crown Mountain Road. It was the first time the winners of both the two-mile and five-mile runs were women.
The rest of the standings were:
2-MILE RUN results:
MEN
1. Lucien Wallace 14:14
2. Joseph Brow 14:16
3. John Lenahan 19:59
4. Ted Dawe 22:35
5. Kevin Lenahan 32:24
WOMEN
1. Ruth Ann David 12:34
2. Lisa Wisehart 21:15
3. Carol Lenahan 22:07
4. Francie Lenahan 32:23
5-MILE RUN results:
MEN
1. Adam Thill 35:17
2. Michael Hughes 35:28
3. Steve Burkholder 37:31
4. Peter Alter 39:36
5. Brad Kappel 41:33
WOMEN
1. Regina Randazza 33:39
2. Kim Fitzpatrick 42:01
3. Grace Tuma 43:50
4. Jennie Wentworth 48:42
5. Gayle Deller 50:17
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.
St. Thomas runners led the field in the two-mile races. Ruth Ann David won the women's two-miler in a time of 12:34, and Lucien Wallace won for the men in 14:14.
STAR's Northside Fun Runs took place at 7:30 a.m. today on Crown Mountain Road. It was the first time the winners of both the two-mile and five-mile runs were women.
The rest of the standings were:
2-MILE RUN results:
MEN
1. Lucien Wallace 14:14
2. Joseph Brow 14:16
3. John Lenahan 19:59
4. Ted Dawe 22:35
5. Kevin Lenahan 32:24
WOMEN
1. Ruth Ann David 12:34
2. Lisa Wisehart 21:15
3. Carol Lenahan 22:07
4. Francie Lenahan 32:23
5-MILE RUN results:
MEN
1. Adam Thill 35:17
2. Michael Hughes 35:28
3. Steve Burkholder 37:31
4. Peter Alter 39:36
5. Brad Kappel 41:33
WOMEN
1. Regina Randazza 33:39
2. Kim Fitzpatrick 42:01
3. Grace Tuma 43:50
4. Jennie Wentworth 48:42
5. Gayle Deller 50:17
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.
USVI RESIDENCY RULE RULES OUT VISITING BVI VOTERS
All of us who are native-born U.S. citizens or naturalized U.S. citizens residing in the U.S. Virgin Islands and meet the qualification for voting have a right to vote in USVI elections, but we do not have the right to vote in any elections on the U.S. mainland. If a U.S. citizen living on the U.S. mainland is qualified to vote there, he/she is not qualified to vote in the USVI. If, however, we have dual citizenship and another nation — or its territories — permits non-resident nationals to vote in its elections, that is its prerogative.
But it is not a two-way street.
Dual citizenship, of itself, does not necessarily grant voting rights. As long as British Virgin Islands law permits non-residents to vote and permits dual-citizenship rights in keeping with its voting registration requirements, a USVI registered (and even non-registered) dual-citizenship voter certainly can vote in the BVI.
As far as the United States or the USVI is concerned, it is not illegal for U.S. citizens to vote in BVI elections.
The USVI voting requirements mandate USVI residency, and they do not allow a BVI resident to vote in the USVI elections, except under absentee voting regulations.
Dual-citizenship voting elsewhere on the part of those who hold U.S. citizenship does not have anything to do with U.S. citizenship, and it will not cause anyone to lose that citizenship. The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled extensively on this issue. Neither Congress nor the U.S. State Department nor the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service can remove U.S. citizenship unless at least one of seven reasons applies, and unless a verifiable intent to renounce citizenship is involved. Voting in foreign elections is not one of the reasons.
There is a rather large naturalized-citizen voter base in the USVI, and any of those U.S. citizens, if they are qualified, can vote in the USVI (as well as elsewhere) as long as they do not violate residency and other requirements of the USVI.
Again, it is not a two-way street.
Of course, U.S. citizens who live in the BVI might be able to meet the qualifications for USVI absentee balloting, provided they meet the USVI residency and other requirements. The USVI residency requirement cannot be overlooked. Apparently, persons living in the BVI cannot vote in USVI elections except by absentee ballot — if they meet the absentee voting regulations.
Concerning USVI voting regulations, the V.I. government, if it desires, has the right to change its requirement to make them more restrictive, as long as they remain in conformity with the U.S. Constitution and U.S. Supreme Court decisions.
Any belief that a U.S. citizen living in the BVI can travel to the USVI and vote in the territory's elections is wrong. It is illegal, and persons advocating violating the law are irresponsible.
The biggest problem with possible illegal voting on the part of those holding dual citizenship would appear to be on St. Thomas and St. John, because of the proximity, the economy and ease of travel, and family ties with the British Virgin Islands. St. Croix is not as accessible. But, frankly, all USVI citizens should be concerned about having non-residents deciding who our elected governor and senators will be.
With all of the current melee, one wonders who's in charge, who is guarding the floodgate? Obviously the Board of Elections might have its hands full if there is a close race and questionable voting is involved. As it is, the board has automatic, codified time-limit requirements for validating voter registrations. It probably will have a busy 90-day period after the elections to investigate allegations of fraudulent voting. Has this been done before this election? Through all of this, it becomes obvious that every vote counts, and everyone qualified should exercise his/her voting rights. It's not a privilege; it is a right!
But it is not a two-way street.
Dual citizenship, of itself, does not necessarily grant voting rights. As long as British Virgin Islands law permits non-residents to vote and permits dual-citizenship rights in keeping with its voting registration requirements, a USVI registered (and even non-registered) dual-citizenship voter certainly can vote in the BVI.
As far as the United States or the USVI is concerned, it is not illegal for U.S. citizens to vote in BVI elections.
The USVI voting requirements mandate USVI residency, and they do not allow a BVI resident to vote in the USVI elections, except under absentee voting regulations.
Dual-citizenship voting elsewhere on the part of those who hold U.S. citizenship does not have anything to do with U.S. citizenship, and it will not cause anyone to lose that citizenship. The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled extensively on this issue. Neither Congress nor the U.S. State Department nor the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service can remove U.S. citizenship unless at least one of seven reasons applies, and unless a verifiable intent to renounce citizenship is involved. Voting in foreign elections is not one of the reasons.
There is a rather large naturalized-citizen voter base in the USVI, and any of those U.S. citizens, if they are qualified, can vote in the USVI (as well as elsewhere) as long as they do not violate residency and other requirements of the USVI.
Again, it is not a two-way street.
Of course, U.S. citizens who live in the BVI might be able to meet the qualifications for USVI absentee balloting, provided they meet the USVI residency and other requirements. The USVI residency requirement cannot be overlooked. Apparently, persons living in the BVI cannot vote in USVI elections except by absentee ballot — if they meet the absentee voting regulations.
Concerning USVI voting regulations, the V.I. government, if it desires, has the right to change its requirement to make them more restrictive, as long as they remain in conformity with the U.S. Constitution and U.S. Supreme Court decisions.
Any belief that a U.S. citizen living in the BVI can travel to the USVI and vote in the territory's elections is wrong. It is illegal, and persons advocating violating the law are irresponsible.
The biggest problem with possible illegal voting on the part of those holding dual citizenship would appear to be on St. Thomas and St. John, because of the proximity, the economy and ease of travel, and family ties with the British Virgin Islands. St. Croix is not as accessible. But, frankly, all USVI citizens should be concerned about having non-residents deciding who our elected governor and senators will be.
With all of the current melee, one wonders who's in charge, who is guarding the floodgate? Obviously the Board of Elections might have its hands full if there is a close race and questionable voting is involved. As it is, the board has automatic, codified time-limit requirements for validating voter registrations. It probably will have a busy 90-day period after the elections to investigate allegations of fraudulent voting. Has this been done before this election? Through all of this, it becomes obvious that every vote counts, and everyone qualified should exercise his/her voting rights. It's not a privilege; it is a right!
Editor's note: Dr. Robert V. Vaughn, Ed. D., a 38-year resident of St. Croix, is a former librarian/teacher at St. Dunstan's School, Good Hope School and the then-College of the Virgin Islands, part time. He was born in Ohio in 1924 and was a pilot in World War II. He served as secretary of the V.I. Emancipation 150 Commission.
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.
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.
USVI RESIDENCY RULE RULES OUT VISITING BVI VOTERS
All of us who are native-born U.S. citizens or naturalized U.S. citizens residing in the U.S. Virgin Islands and meet the qualification for voting have a right to vote in USVI elections, but we do not have the right to vote in any elections on the U.S. mainland. If a U.S. citizen living on the U.S. mainland is qualified to vote there, he/she is not qualified to vote in the USVI. If, however, we have dual citizenship and another nation — or its territories — permits non-resident nationals to vote in its elections, that is its prerogative.
But it is not a two-way street.
Dual citizenship, of itself, does not necessarily grant voting rights. As long as British Virgin Islands law permits non-residents to vote and permits dual-citizenship rights in keeping with its voting registration requirements, a USVI registered (and even non-registered) dual-citizenship voter certainly can vote in the BVI.
As far as the United States or the USVI is concerned, it is not illegal for U.S. citizens to vote in BVI elections.
The USVI voting requirements mandate USVI residency, and they do not allow a BVI resident to vote in the USVI elections, except under absentee voting regulations.
Dual-citizenship voting elsewhere on the part of those who hold U.S. citizenship does not have anything to do with U.S. citizenship, and it will not cause anyone to lose that citizenship. The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled extensively on this issue. Neither Congress nor the U.S. State Department nor the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service can remove U.S. citizenship unless at least one of seven reasons applies, and unless a verifiable intent to renounce citizenship is involved. Voting in foreign elections is not one of the reasons.
There is a rather large naturalized-citizen voter base in the USVI, and any of those U.S. citizens, if they are qualified, can vote in the USVI (as well as elsewhere) as long as they do not violate residency and other requirements of the USVI.
Again, it is not a two-way street.
Of course, U.S. citizens who live in the BVI might be able to meet the qualifications for USVI absentee balloting, provided they meet the USVI residency and other requirements. The USVI residency requirement cannot be overlooked. Apparently, persons living in the BVI cannot vote in USVI elections except by absentee ballot — if they meet the absentee voting regulations.
Concerning USVI voting regulations, the V.I. government, if it desires, has the right to change its requirement to make them more restrictive, as long as they remain in conformity with the U.S. Constitution and U.S. Supreme Court decisions.
Any belief that a U.S. citizen living in the BVI can travel to the USVI and vote in the territory's elections is wrong. It is illegal, and persons advocating violating the law are irresponsible.
The biggest problem with possible illegal voting on the part of those holding dual citizenship would appear to be on St. Thomas and St. John, because of the proximity, the economy and ease of travel, and family ties with the British Virgin Islands. St. Croix is not as accessible. But, frankly, all USVI citizens should be concerned about having non-residents deciding who our elected governor and senators will be.
With all of the current melee, one wonders who's in charge, who is guarding the floodgate? Obviously the Board of Elections might have its hands full if there is a close race and questionable voting is involved. As it is, the board has automatic, codified time-limit requirements for validating voter registrations. It probably will have a busy 90-day period after the elections to investigate allegations of fraudulent voting. Has this been done before this election? Through all of this, it becomes obvious that every vote counts, and everyone qualified should exercise his/her voting rights. It's not a privilege; it is a right!
But it is not a two-way street.
Dual citizenship, of itself, does not necessarily grant voting rights. As long as British Virgin Islands law permits non-residents to vote and permits dual-citizenship rights in keeping with its voting registration requirements, a USVI registered (and even non-registered) dual-citizenship voter certainly can vote in the BVI.
As far as the United States or the USVI is concerned, it is not illegal for U.S. citizens to vote in BVI elections.
The USVI voting requirements mandate USVI residency, and they do not allow a BVI resident to vote in the USVI elections, except under absentee voting regulations.
Dual-citizenship voting elsewhere on the part of those who hold U.S. citizenship does not have anything to do with U.S. citizenship, and it will not cause anyone to lose that citizenship. The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled extensively on this issue. Neither Congress nor the U.S. State Department nor the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service can remove U.S. citizenship unless at least one of seven reasons applies, and unless a verifiable intent to renounce citizenship is involved. Voting in foreign elections is not one of the reasons.
There is a rather large naturalized-citizen voter base in the USVI, and any of those U.S. citizens, if they are qualified, can vote in the USVI (as well as elsewhere) as long as they do not violate residency and other requirements of the USVI.
Again, it is not a two-way street.
Of course, U.S. citizens who live in the BVI might be able to meet the qualifications for USVI absentee balloting, provided they meet the USVI residency and other requirements. The USVI residency requirement cannot be overlooked. Apparently, persons living in the BVI cannot vote in USVI elections except by absentee ballot — if they meet the absentee voting regulations.
Concerning USVI voting regulations, the V.I. government, if it desires, has the right to change its requirement to make them more restrictive, as long as they remain in conformity with the U.S. Constitution and U.S. Supreme Court decisions.
Any belief that a U.S. citizen living in the BVI can travel to the USVI and vote in the territory's elections is wrong. It is illegal, and persons advocating violating the law are irresponsible.
The biggest problem with possible illegal voting on the part of those holding dual citizenship would appear to be on St. Thomas and St. John, because of the proximity, the economy and ease of travel, and family ties with the British Virgin Islands. St. Croix is not as accessible. But, frankly, all USVI citizens should be concerned about having non-residents deciding who our elected governor and senators will be.
With all of the current melee, one wonders who's in charge, who is guarding the floodgate? Obviously the Board of Elections might have its hands full if there is a close race and questionable voting is involved. As it is, the board has automatic, codified time-limit requirements for validating voter registrations. It probably will have a busy 90-day period after the elections to investigate allegations of fraudulent voting. Has this been done before this election? Through all of this, it becomes obvious that every vote counts, and everyone qualified should exercise his/her voting rights. It's not a privilege; it is a right!
Editor's note: Dr. Robert V. Vaughn, Ed. D., a 38-year resident of St. Croix, is a former librarian/teacher at St. Dunstan's School, Good Hope School and the then-College of the Virgin Islands, part time. He was born in Ohio in 1924 and was a pilot in World War II. He served as secretary of the V.I. Emancipation 150 Commission.
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.
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.
USVI RESIDENCY RULE RULES OUT VISITING BVI VOTERS
All of us who are native-born U.S. citizens or naturalized U.S. citizens residing in the U.S. Virgin Islands and meet the qualification for voting have a right to vote in USVI elections, but we do not have the right to vote in any elections on the U.S. mainland. If a U.S. citizen living on the U.S. mainland is qualified to vote there, he/she is not qualified to vote in the USVI. If, however, we have dual citizenship and another nation — or its territories — permits non-resident nationals to vote in its elections, that is its prerogative.
But it is not a two-way street.
Dual citizenship, of itself, does not necessarily grant voting rights. As long as British Virgin Islands law permits non-residents to vote and permits dual-citizenship rights in keeping with its voting registration requirements, a USVI registered (and even non-registered) dual-citizenship voter certainly can vote in the BVI.
As far as the United States or the USVI is concerned, it is not illegal for U.S. citizens to vote in BVI elections.
The USVI voting requirements mandate USVI residency, and they do not allow a BVI resident to vote in the USVI elections, except under absentee voting regulations.
Dual-citizenship voting elsewhere on the part of those who hold U.S. citizenship does not have anything to do with U.S. citizenship, and it will not cause anyone to lose that citizenship. The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled extensively on this issue. Neither Congress nor the U.S. State Department nor the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service can remove U.S. citizenship unless at least one of seven reasons applies, and unless a verifiable intent to renounce citizenship is involved. Voting in foreign elections is not one of the reasons.
There is a rather large naturalized-citizen voter base in the USVI, and any of those U.S. citizens, if they are qualified, can vote in the USVI (as well as elsewhere) as long as they do not violate residency and other requirements of the USVI.
Again, it is not a two-way street.
Of course, U.S. citizens who live in the BVI might be able to meet the qualifications for USVI absentee balloting, provided they meet the USVI residency and other requirements. The USVI residency requirement cannot be overlooked. Apparently, persons living in the BVI cannot vote in USVI elections except by absentee ballot — if they meet the absentee voting regulations.
Concerning USVI voting regulations, the V.I. government, if it desires, has the right to change its requirement to make them more restrictive, as long as they remain in conformity with the U.S. Constitution and U.S. Supreme Court decisions.
Any belief that a U.S. citizen living in the BVI can travel to the USVI and vote in the territory's elections is wrong. It is illegal, and persons advocating violating the law are irresponsible.
The biggest problem with possible illegal voting on the part of those holding dual citizenship would appear to be on St. Thomas and St. John, because of the proximity, the economy and ease of travel, and family ties with the British Virgin Islands. St. Croix is not as accessible. But, frankly, all USVI citizens should be concerned about having non-residents deciding who our elected governor and senators will be.
With all of the current melee, one wonders who's in charge, who is guarding the floodgate? Obviously the Board of Elections might have its hands full if there is a close race and questionable voting is involved. As it is, the board has automatic, codified time-limit requirements for validating voter registrations. It probably will have a busy 90-day period after the elections to investigate allegations of fraudulent voting. Has this been done before this election? Through all of this, it becomes obvious that every vote counts, and everyone qualified should exercise his/her voting rights. It's not a privilege; it is a right!
But it is not a two-way street.
Dual citizenship, of itself, does not necessarily grant voting rights. As long as British Virgin Islands law permits non-residents to vote and permits dual-citizenship rights in keeping with its voting registration requirements, a USVI registered (and even non-registered) dual-citizenship voter certainly can vote in the BVI.
As far as the United States or the USVI is concerned, it is not illegal for U.S. citizens to vote in BVI elections.
The USVI voting requirements mandate USVI residency, and they do not allow a BVI resident to vote in the USVI elections, except under absentee voting regulations.
Dual-citizenship voting elsewhere on the part of those who hold U.S. citizenship does not have anything to do with U.S. citizenship, and it will not cause anyone to lose that citizenship. The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled extensively on this issue. Neither Congress nor the U.S. State Department nor the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service can remove U.S. citizenship unless at least one of seven reasons applies, and unless a verifiable intent to renounce citizenship is involved. Voting in foreign elections is not one of the reasons.
There is a rather large naturalized-citizen voter base in the USVI, and any of those U.S. citizens, if they are qualified, can vote in the USVI (as well as elsewhere) as long as they do not violate residency and other requirements of the USVI.
Again, it is not a two-way street.
Of course, U.S. citizens who live in the BVI might be able to meet the qualifications for USVI absentee balloting, provided they meet the USVI residency and other requirements. The USVI residency requirement cannot be overlooked. Apparently, persons living in the BVI cannot vote in USVI elections except by absentee ballot — if they meet the absentee voting regulations.
Concerning USVI voting regulations, the V.I. government, if it desires, has the right to change its requirement to make them more restrictive, as long as they remain in conformity with the U.S. Constitution and U.S. Supreme Court decisions.
Any belief that a U.S. citizen living in the BVI can travel to the USVI and vote in the territory's elections is wrong. It is illegal, and persons advocating violating the law are irresponsible.
The biggest problem with possible illegal voting on the part of those holding dual citizenship would appear to be on St. Thomas and St. John, because of the proximity, the economy and ease of travel, and family ties with the British Virgin Islands. St. Croix is not as accessible. But, frankly, all USVI citizens should be concerned about having non-residents deciding who our elected governor and senators will be.
With all of the current melee, one wonders who's in charge, who is guarding the floodgate? Obviously the Board of Elections might have its hands full if there is a close race and questionable voting is involved. As it is, the board has automatic, codified time-limit requirements for validating voter registrations. It probably will have a busy 90-day period after the elections to investigate allegations of fraudulent voting. Has this been done before this election? Through all of this, it becomes obvious that every vote counts, and everyone qualified should exercise his/her voting rights. It's not a privilege; it is a right!
Editor's note: Dr. Robert V. Vaughn, Ed. D., a 38-year resident of St. Croix, is a former librarian/teacher at St. Dunstan's School, Good Hope School and the then-College of the Virgin Islands, part time. He was born in Ohio in 1924 and was a pilot in World War II. He served as secretary of the V.I. Emancipation 150 Commission.
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.
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.
'CORRUPTION IS THE NORM, NOT THE EXCEPTION'
Dear Source:
Great article on new candidate John de Jongh for governor in the V.I. The islands desperately need an honest governor if there is such a thing, and I hope that the good people of the V.I. agree and elect Mr. de Jongh.
I live on Cape Cod, Mass., but also have spent over two years on St. Thomas since 1997. I rent a condo on Barret Hill across from the botanical gardens, unit 4B. I worked as a building contractor and had occasion to do construction for several government officials, police officers and one customs officer. Believe me when I tell you that corruption is the norm, not the exception. It is sad to see such a gorgeous island with awesome people and tremendous potential being raped by the very people who are sworn to protect and serve. The general opinion of people from the U.S. who have visited the V.I. is that it is a third-world country that is sugar coated with tourist money. What does not make sense to anyone is how a U.S. possession in the year 2002 could have so many problems. It is not that hard to run a government with three islands, and maintain law and order. The letter suggesting outside law enforcement be brought in to re-establish law and order and teach the police officers how to run a top police department is another good idea that should be seriously looked at. I have been thinking about a return to the island for more construction work, but would consider working for the government or law enforcement, as I am a former police officer, if it would help to make the islands as good as they should be.
Thanks for the opportunity to ramble on, and good luck with the new elections.
Rick Haydon
Cape Cod, Mass.
Great article on new candidate John de Jongh for governor in the V.I. The islands desperately need an honest governor if there is such a thing, and I hope that the good people of the V.I. agree and elect Mr. de Jongh.
I live on Cape Cod, Mass., but also have spent over two years on St. Thomas since 1997. I rent a condo on Barret Hill across from the botanical gardens, unit 4B. I worked as a building contractor and had occasion to do construction for several government officials, police officers and one customs officer. Believe me when I tell you that corruption is the norm, not the exception. It is sad to see such a gorgeous island with awesome people and tremendous potential being raped by the very people who are sworn to protect and serve. The general opinion of people from the U.S. who have visited the V.I. is that it is a third-world country that is sugar coated with tourist money. What does not make sense to anyone is how a U.S. possession in the year 2002 could have so many problems. It is not that hard to run a government with three islands, and maintain law and order. The letter suggesting outside law enforcement be brought in to re-establish law and order and teach the police officers how to run a top police department is another good idea that should be seriously looked at. I have been thinking about a return to the island for more construction work, but would consider working for the government or law enforcement, as I am a former police officer, if it would help to make the islands as good as they should be.
Thanks for the opportunity to ramble on, and good luck with the new elections.
Rick Haydon
Cape Cod, Mass.
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.
TOURISM MASCOT TOMMY STARFISH HAS ARRIVED!
Nov. 2, 2002 – Tommy Starfish got a warm welcome home to the Virgin Islands at the Seaborne Seaplanes ramp on St. Thomas Friday after a tour of the U.S. mainland to pick up some tips on touting his territory.
Unlike Charlie the Tuna, who is really nothing but an advertising gimmick, Tommy has principles, and he is educated. However, Tommy doesn't dwell on weighty matters. He is home to take on his duties as the official mascot of the islands' tourism and hospitality industry.
Actually, Tommy doesn't talk, but he has more ventriloquists than your average mute starfish. One of them, Jason Budsan, explained on Friday that "Tommy was born at Coral World, and when we told him what he would grow up to be, he spread his arms, gulped and said the starfish equivalent of 'Whoopee!' So, we sent him to the States for training."
Gazing doubtfully for a moment at Tommy, he added, "We didn't know he would return home wearing these enormous shades."
Budsan is a member of the St. Thomas-St. John Hotel and Tourism Association Hospitality Focus Group that has been in charge of the care and grooming of Tommy. Other ventriloquists, David Yamada, association president and general manager of Renaissance Grand Beach Resort, and Mary Gleason, retired after a long career with Marriott's Frenchman's Reef Beach Resort, told of Tommy's upcoming first foray into his vacation vocation.
They said Tommy will introduce the group's St. Thomas signage project, which will be inaugurated next Friday. The project is something the focus group has been working on for more than a year. More than a hundred color-coded starfish signs will guide tourists and residents around the island starting from the airport.
After Tommy has the signage project in gear, his first "formal" appearance, according to Gleason, will be at the association's gala dinner dance on Nov.16 at Wyndham Sugar Bay Resort, where the first of what are to become annual "Tommy" awards will be presented to outstanding hospitality personnel.
Tommy had quite a reception at the seaplane ramp, with a steelpan ensemble from Holy Family Catholic Church, dozens of tourism and hospitality greeters and, of course, some kids. Monique Sibilly-Hodge, Tourism Department assistant commissioner, brought four of her nieces and nephews, They, along with everyone else, greeted the starfish with blue and yellow pennants adorned with his image and his motto, "Smile, V.I. Style."
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.
Unlike Charlie the Tuna, who is really nothing but an advertising gimmick, Tommy has principles, and he is educated. However, Tommy doesn't dwell on weighty matters. He is home to take on his duties as the official mascot of the islands' tourism and hospitality industry.
Actually, Tommy doesn't talk, but he has more ventriloquists than your average mute starfish. One of them, Jason Budsan, explained on Friday that "Tommy was born at Coral World, and when we told him what he would grow up to be, he spread his arms, gulped and said the starfish equivalent of 'Whoopee!' So, we sent him to the States for training."
Gazing doubtfully for a moment at Tommy, he added, "We didn't know he would return home wearing these enormous shades."
Budsan is a member of the St. Thomas-St. John Hotel and Tourism Association Hospitality Focus Group that has been in charge of the care and grooming of Tommy. Other ventriloquists, David Yamada, association president and general manager of Renaissance Grand Beach Resort, and Mary Gleason, retired after a long career with Marriott's Frenchman's Reef Beach Resort, told of Tommy's upcoming first foray into his vacation vocation.
They said Tommy will introduce the group's St. Thomas signage project, which will be inaugurated next Friday. The project is something the focus group has been working on for more than a year. More than a hundred color-coded starfish signs will guide tourists and residents around the island starting from the airport.
After Tommy has the signage project in gear, his first "formal" appearance, according to Gleason, will be at the association's gala dinner dance on Nov.16 at Wyndham Sugar Bay Resort, where the first of what are to become annual "Tommy" awards will be presented to outstanding hospitality personnel.
Tommy had quite a reception at the seaplane ramp, with a steelpan ensemble from Holy Family Catholic Church, dozens of tourism and hospitality greeters and, of course, some kids. Monique Sibilly-Hodge, Tourism Department assistant commissioner, brought four of her nieces and nephews, They, along with everyone else, greeted the starfish with blue and yellow pennants adorned with his image and his motto, "Smile, V.I. Style."
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.
NEW HISTORICAL TRUST OFFICERS SET PRIORITIES
Nov. 1, 2002 – Members of the St. Thomas Historical Trust Inc. elected a newly reconstituted Board of Directors at a special meeting held Oct. 10. Designated officers and Board members for 2002-2003 are Enrique Rodriguez, president; Susan Laura Lugo, vice-president; Peggy McConnell, treasurer; Lois Hassell Habteyes, secretary; and directors Felipe Ayala Jr., Raul Carrillo, Angel Dawson, Gail de Forest, Mary Ann Hickey, Cynthia Jerry, Sean Krigger, Ronald S. Lockhart and Edith de Jongh Woods.
Established in 1984 as a Virgin Islands not-for-profit organization, the mission of the St. Thomas Historical Trust is to identify, protect and preserve the historical identity, structures, sites and cultural heritage of St. Thomas through education, advocacy and promotion.
Newly adopted top priorities for the 2002-2003 term include developing strategies to provide legislative and financial incentives for preservation and restoration projects, and the promulgation of information on historic sites and structures on St. Thomas.
The Trust also announced that by the end of November the first in a series of historical license plates will be available for purchase. Each limited edition plate will depict "St. Thomas and Harbor View" by artist Fritz Melbye (1850) and may be ordered for any registered vehicle either in the Historical Trust’s numbered series beginning with "H-1" or with custom personalization.
The cost of all "H-" numbered plates is $50 ($45 for Trust members), with the first 50 plates in the numbered series reserved for sale to those individuals or companies designated as Platinum Patron contributing members of the Trust. Personalized plates will cost $100 ($90 for Trust members) and are available to everyone. Proceeds from all license plate sales will go directly to benefit Trust projects. To place an order, contact President Rodriguez at 779-6429 ext. 22.
The Trust will continue its current volunteer projects and responsibilities for training docents for historic Haagensen House and curating the historical collections at Haagensen House and Villa Notman. Trust members also will continue to volunteer to organize and conduct walking tours of the historic district in Charlotte Amalie, to promote interest in and respect for local history through presentations at St. Thomas schools, and to present to the public topics of historical interest in a monthly radio format.
Persons and organizations interested in volunteering to be a part of the Trust’s dynamic communitywide efforts are urged to contact the St. Thomas Historical Trust about establishing or renewing membership.
Membership committee chair Gail de Forest can be reached by phone at 774-3266 (days) for more information. To inquire about membership or to volunteer via email, interested parties may send a message to HistoricalTrust@attglobal.net, or write to St. Thomas Historical Trust, P.O. Box 11849, St. Thomas, VI 00801.
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.
Established in 1984 as a Virgin Islands not-for-profit organization, the mission of the St. Thomas Historical Trust is to identify, protect and preserve the historical identity, structures, sites and cultural heritage of St. Thomas through education, advocacy and promotion.
Newly adopted top priorities for the 2002-2003 term include developing strategies to provide legislative and financial incentives for preservation and restoration projects, and the promulgation of information on historic sites and structures on St. Thomas.
The Trust also announced that by the end of November the first in a series of historical license plates will be available for purchase. Each limited edition plate will depict "St. Thomas and Harbor View" by artist Fritz Melbye (1850) and may be ordered for any registered vehicle either in the Historical Trust’s numbered series beginning with "H-1" or with custom personalization.
The cost of all "H-" numbered plates is $50 ($45 for Trust members), with the first 50 plates in the numbered series reserved for sale to those individuals or companies designated as Platinum Patron contributing members of the Trust. Personalized plates will cost $100 ($90 for Trust members) and are available to everyone. Proceeds from all license plate sales will go directly to benefit Trust projects. To place an order, contact President Rodriguez at 779-6429 ext. 22.
The Trust will continue its current volunteer projects and responsibilities for training docents for historic Haagensen House and curating the historical collections at Haagensen House and Villa Notman. Trust members also will continue to volunteer to organize and conduct walking tours of the historic district in Charlotte Amalie, to promote interest in and respect for local history through presentations at St. Thomas schools, and to present to the public topics of historical interest in a monthly radio format.
Persons and organizations interested in volunteering to be a part of the Trust’s dynamic communitywide efforts are urged to contact the St. Thomas Historical Trust about establishing or renewing membership.
Membership committee chair Gail de Forest can be reached by phone at 774-3266 (days) for more information. To inquire about membership or to volunteer via email, interested parties may send a message to HistoricalTrust@attglobal.net, or write to St. Thomas Historical Trust, P.O. Box 11849, St. Thomas, VI 00801.
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.
SCHOOL BOARD OVERTURNS BAN ON BOY'S CORN ROWS
Nov. 1, 2002 – The Board of Education has ruled in favor of a St. Croix junior high school honor student and his father who challenged a ban on male students wearing braided hairstyles to school.
At the same time, the board has upheld the right of the principal at John H. Woodson to enforce policies that promote discipline and safety among students.
In a 10-page ruling released on Friday, the board said 12-year-old Anthony Gibson met the burden of proof in arguing that the ban violated his constitutional rights. He told the board that he chose to wear his hair in corn-row braids in tribute to his African heritage after reading about slaves who adopted the hairstyle.
Attorney Lee Rohn, representing the Gibsons, told the board at an Oct. 23-24 hearing on the matter that Anthony was expressing free speech in so doing.
The opinion written by Ronald Russell, the school board's legal counsel, concurred: "The strength of Anthony's conviction was demonstrated by his success in improving his grades in order to gain the privilege. Gibson is an honor student with no history of disruptive behavior." Based on the youngster's testimony, Russell said, the board concluded that by wearing his hair in braids, he "was attempting to convey a particularized message about his African heritage."
Woodson Principal Vaughn Hewitt sent Anthony home on Sept. 19 because he came to school wearing corn rows in violation of the school dress code. The board denied a request to rescind the boy's suspension, ruling that he was never suspended in the first place.
But the decision does rescind the Woodson no-braids-for-boys rule, allowing Gibson and other male students to wear their hair braided without fear of sanctions.
At the hearing, Hewitt said the rule was imposed at the school after an off-campus altercation in 1992 when students wearing corn-rowed hair and others sporting Afro puffs squared off in a violent confrontation. He said the rule, in place before he joined Woodson as principal, was an effort to reduce the things children might fight about.
'Potential problems' no justification
But the board said efforts to head off potential problems need a sharper focus. "A braid rule that targets only male students based on the 'potential problems' that it can cause is not sufficiently narrowly drawn to address the school's concern regarding safety and the creation of a healthy learning environment," Russell wrote in his opinion.
The board also rejected Hewitt's decision to transfer Anthony to Arthur A. Richards Junior High School. The principal said he took the action after learning that the boy's home address is not within the Woodson school district. The decision came in the midst of the furor over the corn-rows hairstyle.
Shawn Gibson said Anthony was sent home with a written transfer notice on Sept. 30, after the parents had agreed to send their son to school with his hair unbraided while appealing the dress code requirement. The father said he ignored the order and sent his son back to Woodson because he had not been notified of the transfer in accordance with Education Department rules.
The board denied Rohn's demand that Hewitt be sanctioned for his actions and turned down a request for the reimbursement of attorney's fees.
Rohn said she was pleased for her client when she received word Friday afternoon that the case had been decided in the boy's favor. She also said she was disturbed by some of the testimony from Hewitt and some Education Department administrators as they tried to justify their actions.
"I was most concerned by the educational philosophy," she said, that young men should "be ashamed of their African-ness, and that they should play down their African-ness and their background, to look as much like Middle America as possible to get by in a discriminatory world."
Other youths wondered, 'Did we win?'
Rohn said she was surprised at the amount of interest the case had drawn. She recalled returning to her office from the hearing — to find a group of school-age boys wearing large Afros.
"When I got back," she said, "I had 20 kids waiting outside my office, waiting to hear what happened. They were sitting outside my office at quarter to six asking me, 'What happened? What happened? Did we win?'"
The school board executive director, Evadney Hodge, said she was not surprised by the interest the case generated. "It had been brewing for a few years," she said earlier this week.
Hodge stood by the board's disciplinary code, which includes violations of the student dress code. But in this case, she said, "the board had to get involved" because it was alleged that the decision to send Anthony home from school "abridged the student's right to free expression."
It has been a policy in the junior and senior high schools of St. Croix that male students cannot wear braids to school, although dreadlocks are allowed. Boys on St. Thomas are allowed to wear their hair braided. Braids are acceptable for girls in both districts.
When the corn-rows controversy first heated up, St. Croix Superintendent Terrence T. Joseph said the board's decision in the case would apply to students throughout the public school system.
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.
At the same time, the board has upheld the right of the principal at John H. Woodson to enforce policies that promote discipline and safety among students.
In a 10-page ruling released on Friday, the board said 12-year-old Anthony Gibson met the burden of proof in arguing that the ban violated his constitutional rights. He told the board that he chose to wear his hair in corn-row braids in tribute to his African heritage after reading about slaves who adopted the hairstyle.
Attorney Lee Rohn, representing the Gibsons, told the board at an Oct. 23-24 hearing on the matter that Anthony was expressing free speech in so doing.
The opinion written by Ronald Russell, the school board's legal counsel, concurred: "The strength of Anthony's conviction was demonstrated by his success in improving his grades in order to gain the privilege. Gibson is an honor student with no history of disruptive behavior." Based on the youngster's testimony, Russell said, the board concluded that by wearing his hair in braids, he "was attempting to convey a particularized message about his African heritage."
Woodson Principal Vaughn Hewitt sent Anthony home on Sept. 19 because he came to school wearing corn rows in violation of the school dress code. The board denied a request to rescind the boy's suspension, ruling that he was never suspended in the first place.
But the decision does rescind the Woodson no-braids-for-boys rule, allowing Gibson and other male students to wear their hair braided without fear of sanctions.
At the hearing, Hewitt said the rule was imposed at the school after an off-campus altercation in 1992 when students wearing corn-rowed hair and others sporting Afro puffs squared off in a violent confrontation. He said the rule, in place before he joined Woodson as principal, was an effort to reduce the things children might fight about.
'Potential problems' no justification
But the board said efforts to head off potential problems need a sharper focus. "A braid rule that targets only male students based on the 'potential problems' that it can cause is not sufficiently narrowly drawn to address the school's concern regarding safety and the creation of a healthy learning environment," Russell wrote in his opinion.
The board also rejected Hewitt's decision to transfer Anthony to Arthur A. Richards Junior High School. The principal said he took the action after learning that the boy's home address is not within the Woodson school district. The decision came in the midst of the furor over the corn-rows hairstyle.
Shawn Gibson said Anthony was sent home with a written transfer notice on Sept. 30, after the parents had agreed to send their son to school with his hair unbraided while appealing the dress code requirement. The father said he ignored the order and sent his son back to Woodson because he had not been notified of the transfer in accordance with Education Department rules.
The board denied Rohn's demand that Hewitt be sanctioned for his actions and turned down a request for the reimbursement of attorney's fees.
Rohn said she was pleased for her client when she received word Friday afternoon that the case had been decided in the boy's favor. She also said she was disturbed by some of the testimony from Hewitt and some Education Department administrators as they tried to justify their actions.
"I was most concerned by the educational philosophy," she said, that young men should "be ashamed of their African-ness, and that they should play down their African-ness and their background, to look as much like Middle America as possible to get by in a discriminatory world."
Other youths wondered, 'Did we win?'
Rohn said she was surprised at the amount of interest the case had drawn. She recalled returning to her office from the hearing — to find a group of school-age boys wearing large Afros.
"When I got back," she said, "I had 20 kids waiting outside my office, waiting to hear what happened. They were sitting outside my office at quarter to six asking me, 'What happened? What happened? Did we win?'"
The school board executive director, Evadney Hodge, said she was not surprised by the interest the case generated. "It had been brewing for a few years," she said earlier this week.
Hodge stood by the board's disciplinary code, which includes violations of the student dress code. But in this case, she said, "the board had to get involved" because it was alleged that the decision to send Anthony home from school "abridged the student's right to free expression."
It has been a policy in the junior and senior high schools of St. Croix that male students cannot wear braids to school, although dreadlocks are allowed. Boys on St. Thomas are allowed to wear their hair braided. Braids are acceptable for girls in both districts.
When the corn-rows controversy first heated up, St. Croix Superintendent Terrence T. Joseph said the board's decision in the case would apply to students throughout the public school system.
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.
