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.
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.
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. 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.>.
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. 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.>.
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. 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.
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. 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.
1,000-FOOT ST. THOMAS-ST. JOHN RULE CHALLENGED
Nov. 1, 2002 – A top official of the V.I. Democratic Party is asking the federal government to stop the St. Thomas-St. John Board of Elections from imposing a 1,000-foot barrier between voters and campaigners on Tuesday.
Elmo Adams Jr., the party's district chair, filed a complaint late Friday afternoon in District Court on St. Thomas asking for a temporary restraining order. He was joined by Hiram Rasool Abiff and Cheryl Chance in the action that is directed against Alecia M. Wells, chair of the St. Thomas-St. John District Board of Elections, and Supervisor of Elections John Abramson Jr.
A new regulation set by the district board requires those engaged in electioneering to stay at least 1,000 feet away from polling places on election day. The Democrats' complaint contends that it violates constitutional guarantees of free speech, is inconsistent with the 25-foot displacement set by the St. Croix Board of Elections for its district, and is in violation of the V.I. Code because it was not "published" as required by law.
Adams, a lawyer, said he expects the court will put the complaint on a fast track and that he hopes the matter can be taken before a judge by Monday. "Considering the election is Tuesday … I'm hoping the judge will nullify the board's decision. I think the case law is on our side," he said Friday.
It is an electioneering tradition in the territory for political candidates' supporters to post themselves strategically near the entrances to polling places and shout encouragement to voters as they make their way to the ballot booth. The practice often creates a raucous atmosphere which some residents find objectionable.
In January, the 24th Legislature overrode a Government House veto to pass a law that outlawed campaigning after 2 a.m. the day of an election. That, too, prompted a District Court challenge — also brought by Abiff, on behalf of himself, two family members and the people of the Virgin Islands. In August, the court overturned the law as unconstitutional because it violated guarantees of free speech, free assembly and a free press. (See "Electioneering ban ruled unconstitutional".)
Meanwhile, last summer, the Joint Boards of Election — consisting of the two district boards — decided to issue its own rules on electioneering, which could be enforced by police. The decision was to impose the 1,000-foot barrier in both districts, and this was in place for the Sept. 14 primary election. Subsequently, however, the St. Croix board decided to go back to the previous minimum of 25 feet.
Abramson, aware of the Democrats' plan to seek a temporary restraining order that would get around the 1000-foot restriction on election day, commented on Thursday, "Whatever they must do, they must do."
Wells could not be reached on Friday for comment on the matter.
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.
Elmo Adams Jr., the party's district chair, filed a complaint late Friday afternoon in District Court on St. Thomas asking for a temporary restraining order. He was joined by Hiram Rasool Abiff and Cheryl Chance in the action that is directed against Alecia M. Wells, chair of the St. Thomas-St. John District Board of Elections, and Supervisor of Elections John Abramson Jr.
A new regulation set by the district board requires those engaged in electioneering to stay at least 1,000 feet away from polling places on election day. The Democrats' complaint contends that it violates constitutional guarantees of free speech, is inconsistent with the 25-foot displacement set by the St. Croix Board of Elections for its district, and is in violation of the V.I. Code because it was not "published" as required by law.
Adams, a lawyer, said he expects the court will put the complaint on a fast track and that he hopes the matter can be taken before a judge by Monday. "Considering the election is Tuesday … I'm hoping the judge will nullify the board's decision. I think the case law is on our side," he said Friday.
It is an electioneering tradition in the territory for political candidates' supporters to post themselves strategically near the entrances to polling places and shout encouragement to voters as they make their way to the ballot booth. The practice often creates a raucous atmosphere which some residents find objectionable.
In January, the 24th Legislature overrode a Government House veto to pass a law that outlawed campaigning after 2 a.m. the day of an election. That, too, prompted a District Court challenge — also brought by Abiff, on behalf of himself, two family members and the people of the Virgin Islands. In August, the court overturned the law as unconstitutional because it violated guarantees of free speech, free assembly and a free press. (See "Electioneering ban ruled unconstitutional".)
Meanwhile, last summer, the Joint Boards of Election — consisting of the two district boards — decided to issue its own rules on electioneering, which could be enforced by police. The decision was to impose the 1,000-foot barrier in both districts, and this was in place for the Sept. 14 primary election. Subsequently, however, the St. Croix board decided to go back to the previous minimum of 25 feet.
Abramson, aware of the Democrats' plan to seek a temporary restraining order that would get around the 1000-foot restriction on election day, commented on Thursday, "Whatever they must do, they must do."
Wells could not be reached on Friday for comment on the matter.
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.
1,000-FOOT RULE ON ELECTIONEERING CHALLENGED
Nov. 1, 2002 – A top official of the V.I. Democratic Party is asking the federal government to stop the St. Thomas-St. John Board of Elections from imposing a 1,000-foot barrier between voters and campaigners on Tuesday.
Elmo Adams Jr., the party's district chair, filed a complaint late Friday afternoon in District Court on St. Thomas asking for a temporary restraining order. He was joined by Hiram Rasool Abiff and Cheryl Chance in the action that is directed against Alecia M. Wells, chair of the St. Thomas-St. John District Board of Elections, and Supervisor of Elections John Abramson Jr.
A new regulation set by the district board requires those engaged in electioneering to stay at least 1,000 feet away from polling places on election day. The Democrats' complaint contends that it violates constitutional guarantees of free speech, is inconsistent with the 25-foot displacement set by the St. Croix Board of Elections for its district, and is in violation of the V.I. Code because it was not "published" as required by law.
Adams, a lawyer, said he expects the court will put the complaint on a fast track and that he hopes the matter can be taken before a judge by Monday. "Considering the election is Tuesday … I'm hoping the judge will nullify the board's decision. I think the case law is on our side," he said Friday.
It is an electioneering tradition in the territory for political candidates' supporters to post themselves strategically near the entrances to polling places and shout encouragement to voters as they make their way to the ballot booth. The practice often creates a raucous atmosphere which some residents find objectionable.
In January, the 24th Legislature overrode a Government House veto to pass a law that outlawed campaigning after 2 a.m. the day of an election. That, too, prompted a District Court challenge — also brought by Abiff, on behalf of himself, two family members and the people of the Virgin Islands. In August, the court overturned the law as unconstitutional because it violated guarantees of free speech, free assembly and a free press. (See "Electioneering ban ruled unconstitutional".)
Meanwhile, last summer, the Joint Boards of Election — consisting of the two district boards — decided to issue its own rules on electioneering, which could be enforced by police. The decision was to impose the 1,000-foot barrier in both districts, and this was in place for the Sept. 14 primary election. Subsequently, however, the St. Croix board decided to go back to the previous minimum of 25 feet.
Abramson, aware of the Democrats' plan to seek a temporary restraining order that would get around the 1000-foot restriction on election day, commented on Thursday, "Whatever they must do, they must do."
Wells could not be reached on Friday for comment on the matter.
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.
Elmo Adams Jr., the party's district chair, filed a complaint late Friday afternoon in District Court on St. Thomas asking for a temporary restraining order. He was joined by Hiram Rasool Abiff and Cheryl Chance in the action that is directed against Alecia M. Wells, chair of the St. Thomas-St. John District Board of Elections, and Supervisor of Elections John Abramson Jr.
A new regulation set by the district board requires those engaged in electioneering to stay at least 1,000 feet away from polling places on election day. The Democrats' complaint contends that it violates constitutional guarantees of free speech, is inconsistent with the 25-foot displacement set by the St. Croix Board of Elections for its district, and is in violation of the V.I. Code because it was not "published" as required by law.
Adams, a lawyer, said he expects the court will put the complaint on a fast track and that he hopes the matter can be taken before a judge by Monday. "Considering the election is Tuesday … I'm hoping the judge will nullify the board's decision. I think the case law is on our side," he said Friday.
It is an electioneering tradition in the territory for political candidates' supporters to post themselves strategically near the entrances to polling places and shout encouragement to voters as they make their way to the ballot booth. The practice often creates a raucous atmosphere which some residents find objectionable.
In January, the 24th Legislature overrode a Government House veto to pass a law that outlawed campaigning after 2 a.m. the day of an election. That, too, prompted a District Court challenge — also brought by Abiff, on behalf of himself, two family members and the people of the Virgin Islands. In August, the court overturned the law as unconstitutional because it violated guarantees of free speech, free assembly and a free press. (See "Electioneering ban ruled unconstitutional".)
Meanwhile, last summer, the Joint Boards of Election — consisting of the two district boards — decided to issue its own rules on electioneering, which could be enforced by police. The decision was to impose the 1,000-foot barrier in both districts, and this was in place for the Sept. 14 primary election. Subsequently, however, the St. Croix board decided to go back to the previous minimum of 25 feet.
Abramson, aware of the Democrats' plan to seek a temporary restraining order that would get around the 1000-foot restriction on election day, commented on Thursday, "Whatever they must do, they must do."
Wells could not be reached on Friday for comment on the matter.
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.
1,000-FOOT RULE ON ELECTIONEERING CHALLENGED
Nov. 1, 2002 – A top official of the V.I. Democratic Party is asking the federal government to stop the St. Thomas-St. John Board of Elections from imposing a 1,000-foot barrier between voters and campaigners on Tuesday.
Elmo Adams Jr., the party's district chair, filed a complaint late Friday afternoon in District Court on St. Thomas asking for a temporary restraining order. He was joined by Hiram Rasool Abiff and Cheryl Chance in the action that is directed against Alecia M. Wells, chair of the St. Thomas-St. John District Board of Elections, and Supervisor of Elections John Abramson Jr.
A new regulation set by the district board requires those engaged in electioneering to stay at least 1,000 feet away from polling places on election day. The Democrats' complaint contends that it violates constitutional guarantees of free speech, is inconsistent with the 25-foot displacement set by the St. Croix Board of Elections for its district, and is in violation of the V.I. Code because it was not "published" as required by law.
Adams, a lawyer, said he expects the court will put the complaint on a fast track and that he hopes the matter can be taken before a judge by Monday. "Considering the election is Tuesday … I'm hoping the judge will nullify the board's decision. I think the case law is on our side," he said Friday.
It is an electioneering tradition in the territory for political candidates' supporters to post themselves strategically near the entrances to polling places and shout encouragement to voters as they make their way to the ballot booth. The practice often creates a raucous atmosphere which some residents find objectionable.
In January, the 24th Legislature overrode a Government House veto to pass a law that outlawed campaigning after 2 a.m. the day of an election. That, too, prompted a District Court challenge — also brought by Abiff, on behalf of himself, two family members and the people of the Virgin Islands. In August, the court overturned the law as unconstitutional because it violated guarantees of free speech, free assembly and a free press. (See "Electioneering ban ruled unconstitutional".)
Meanwhile, last summer, the Joint Boards of Election — consisting of the two district boards — decided to issue its own rules on electioneering, which could be enforced by police. The decision was to impose the 1,000-foot barrier in both districts, and this was in place for the Sept. 14 primary election. Subsequently, however, the St. Croix board decided to go back to the previous minimum of 25 feet.
Abramson, aware of the Democrats' plan to seek a temporary restraining order that would get around the 1000-foot restriction on election day, commented on Thursday, "Whatever they must do, they must do."
Wells could not be reached on Friday for comment on the matter.
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.
Elmo Adams Jr., the party's district chair, filed a complaint late Friday afternoon in District Court on St. Thomas asking for a temporary restraining order. He was joined by Hiram Rasool Abiff and Cheryl Chance in the action that is directed against Alecia M. Wells, chair of the St. Thomas-St. John District Board of Elections, and Supervisor of Elections John Abramson Jr.
A new regulation set by the district board requires those engaged in electioneering to stay at least 1,000 feet away from polling places on election day. The Democrats' complaint contends that it violates constitutional guarantees of free speech, is inconsistent with the 25-foot displacement set by the St. Croix Board of Elections for its district, and is in violation of the V.I. Code because it was not "published" as required by law.
Adams, a lawyer, said he expects the court will put the complaint on a fast track and that he hopes the matter can be taken before a judge by Monday. "Considering the election is Tuesday … I'm hoping the judge will nullify the board's decision. I think the case law is on our side," he said Friday.
It is an electioneering tradition in the territory for political candidates' supporters to post themselves strategically near the entrances to polling places and shout encouragement to voters as they make their way to the ballot booth. The practice often creates a raucous atmosphere which some residents find objectionable.
In January, the 24th Legislature overrode a Government House veto to pass a law that outlawed campaigning after 2 a.m. the day of an election. That, too, prompted a District Court challenge — also brought by Abiff, on behalf of himself, two family members and the people of the Virgin Islands. In August, the court overturned the law as unconstitutional because it violated guarantees of free speech, free assembly and a free press. (See "Electioneering ban ruled unconstitutional".)
Meanwhile, last summer, the Joint Boards of Election — consisting of the two district boards — decided to issue its own rules on electioneering, which could be enforced by police. The decision was to impose the 1,000-foot barrier in both districts, and this was in place for the Sept. 14 primary election. Subsequently, however, the St. Croix board decided to go back to the previous minimum of 25 feet.
Abramson, aware of the Democrats' plan to seek a temporary restraining order that would get around the 1000-foot restriction on election day, commented on Thursday, "Whatever they must do, they must do."
Wells could not be reached on Friday for comment on the matter.
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.
SENATE TO LOOK FOR MONEY TO COVER PAY HIKES
Nov. 1, 2002 – Senate President Almando "Rocky" Liburd has asked the Legislature's post auditor to start identifying funds to pay unionized government workers the salary increases that are being negotiated in the current round of contract talks.
Liburd conveyed his request through the Finance Committee chair, Sen. Alicia "Chucky" Hansen, complying with a request made a week ago by Gov. Charles W. Turnbull.
The governor wants the Legislature to appropriate $6.1 million to cover pay raises for firefighters, their supervisors, and government workers in 15 departments and agencies who are covered by a United Steelworkers of America-Master contract.
Turnbull reminded Liburd that back in May, when he submitted his proposed Fiscal Year 2003 executive budget, he had told the Senate president that $25 million to $30 million would be needed to pay wage increases to workers covered by 18 expired contracts.
Liburd said he has told Post Auditor Terry Drake that he wants to see what funding sources are available to comply with the governor's request. "Before we can proceed in drafting the necessary legislation to address these contracts, a funding source must first be identified," Liburd said.
However, thanks to a turn of events last week, that may be less of a challenge now.
The governor announced on Wednesday that a newly available source of revenue will be tapped "to partially fund currently negotiated salary increases for police officers." The money consists of proceeds from a settlement the government reached with an elderly couple who for 20 years fought against paying corporate taxes assessed by the Virgin Islands. (See "20-year pursuit of taxes to yield $10M payoff".)
The settlement, reached last week in California, is expected to bring more than $10 million into V.I. coffers in amounts and at intervals agreed upon. Government House spokesman James O'Bryan said the settlement represents a potential revenue stream for paying negotiated raises. "Now we have a clear idea as to where the funds can come from," he said.
Meanwhile, Drake said some pay increases for unionized workers have already been addressed. "There were some wage increase issues taken up under the general budget," he said.
The post auditor said he hopes to act quickly on Liburd's request, but the process will require time for research and review and then for Senate hearings.
Along with the request for funding, Turnbull sent Liburd an update on the status of the government's 30 collective bargaining agreements.
Negotiations with unions representing government employees have been ongoing for a number of weeks. Repeated efforts to obtain details from the administration's chief negotiator, Karen Andrews, on those pacts already agreed upon and ratified have been unsuccessful. Among these are agreements covering firefighters, their supervisors, the Law Enforcement Supervisors Union, and those workers under the Steelworkers-Master contract.
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.
Liburd conveyed his request through the Finance Committee chair, Sen. Alicia "Chucky" Hansen, complying with a request made a week ago by Gov. Charles W. Turnbull.
The governor wants the Legislature to appropriate $6.1 million to cover pay raises for firefighters, their supervisors, and government workers in 15 departments and agencies who are covered by a United Steelworkers of America-Master contract.
Turnbull reminded Liburd that back in May, when he submitted his proposed Fiscal Year 2003 executive budget, he had told the Senate president that $25 million to $30 million would be needed to pay wage increases to workers covered by 18 expired contracts.
Liburd said he has told Post Auditor Terry Drake that he wants to see what funding sources are available to comply with the governor's request. "Before we can proceed in drafting the necessary legislation to address these contracts, a funding source must first be identified," Liburd said.
However, thanks to a turn of events last week, that may be less of a challenge now.
The governor announced on Wednesday that a newly available source of revenue will be tapped "to partially fund currently negotiated salary increases for police officers." The money consists of proceeds from a settlement the government reached with an elderly couple who for 20 years fought against paying corporate taxes assessed by the Virgin Islands. (See "20-year pursuit of taxes to yield $10M payoff".)
The settlement, reached last week in California, is expected to bring more than $10 million into V.I. coffers in amounts and at intervals agreed upon. Government House spokesman James O'Bryan said the settlement represents a potential revenue stream for paying negotiated raises. "Now we have a clear idea as to where the funds can come from," he said.
Meanwhile, Drake said some pay increases for unionized workers have already been addressed. "There were some wage increase issues taken up under the general budget," he said.
The post auditor said he hopes to act quickly on Liburd's request, but the process will require time for research and review and then for Senate hearings.
Along with the request for funding, Turnbull sent Liburd an update on the status of the government's 30 collective bargaining agreements.
Negotiations with unions representing government employees have been ongoing for a number of weeks. Repeated efforts to obtain details from the administration's chief negotiator, Karen Andrews, on those pacts already agreed upon and ratified have been unsuccessful. Among these are agreements covering firefighters, their supervisors, the Law Enforcement Supervisors Union, and those workers under the Steelworkers-Master contract.
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.
SENATE TO LOOK FOR MONEY TO COVER PAY HIKES
Nov. 1, 2002 – Senate President Almando "Rocky" Liburd has asked the Legislature's post auditor to start the process of identifying funds to pay unionized government workers the salary increases that are being negotiated in the current round of contract talks.
Liburd conveyed his request through the Finance Committee chair, Sen. Alicia "Chucky" Hansen, complying with a request made a week ago by Gov. Charles W. Turnbull.
The governor wants the Legislature to appropriate $6.1 million dollars to cover pay raises for firefighters, their supervisors, and government workers in 15 departments and agencies who are covered by a United Steelworkers of America-Master contract.
Turnbull reminded Liburd that back in May, when he submitted his proposed Fiscal Year 2003 executive budget, he had told the Senate president that $25 million to $30 million would be needed to pay wage increases to workers covered by 18 expired contracts.
Liburd said he has told Post Auditor Terry Drake that he wants to see what funding sources are available to comply with the governor's request. "Before we can proceed in drafting the necessary legislation to address these contracts, a funding source must first be identified," Liburd said.
However, thanks to a turn of events last week, that may be less of a challenge now.
The governor announced on Wednesday that a newly available source of revenue will be tapped "to partially fund currently negotiated salary increases for police officers." The money consists of proceeds from a settlement the government reached with an elderly couple who for 20 years fought against paying corporate taxes assessed by the Virgin Islands. (See "20-year pursuit of taxes to yield $10M payoff".)
The settlement, reached last week in California, is expected to bring more than $10 million into V.I. coffers in amounts and at intervals agreed upon. Government House spokesman James O'Bryan said the settlement represents a potential revenue stream for paying negotiated raises. "Now we have a clear idea as to where the funds can come from," he said.
Meanwhile, Drake said some pay increases for unionized workers have already been addressed. "There were some wage increase issues taken up under the general budget," he said.
The post auditor said he hopes to act quickly on Liburd's request, but the process will require time for research and review and then for Senate hearings.
Along with the request for funding, Turnbull sent Liburd an update on the status of the government's 30 collective bargaining agreements.
Negotiations with unions representing government employees have been ongoing for a number of weeks. Repeated efforts to obtain details from the administration's chief negotiator, Karen Andrews, on those pacts already agreed upon and ratified have been unsuccessful. Among these are agreements covering firefighters, their supervisors, the Law Enforcement Supervisors Union, and those workers under the Steelworkers-Master contract.
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.
Liburd conveyed his request through the Finance Committee chair, Sen. Alicia "Chucky" Hansen, complying with a request made a week ago by Gov. Charles W. Turnbull.
The governor wants the Legislature to appropriate $6.1 million dollars to cover pay raises for firefighters, their supervisors, and government workers in 15 departments and agencies who are covered by a United Steelworkers of America-Master contract.
Turnbull reminded Liburd that back in May, when he submitted his proposed Fiscal Year 2003 executive budget, he had told the Senate president that $25 million to $30 million would be needed to pay wage increases to workers covered by 18 expired contracts.
Liburd said he has told Post Auditor Terry Drake that he wants to see what funding sources are available to comply with the governor's request. "Before we can proceed in drafting the necessary legislation to address these contracts, a funding source must first be identified," Liburd said.
However, thanks to a turn of events last week, that may be less of a challenge now.
The governor announced on Wednesday that a newly available source of revenue will be tapped "to partially fund currently negotiated salary increases for police officers." The money consists of proceeds from a settlement the government reached with an elderly couple who for 20 years fought against paying corporate taxes assessed by the Virgin Islands. (See "20-year pursuit of taxes to yield $10M payoff".)
The settlement, reached last week in California, is expected to bring more than $10 million into V.I. coffers in amounts and at intervals agreed upon. Government House spokesman James O'Bryan said the settlement represents a potential revenue stream for paying negotiated raises. "Now we have a clear idea as to where the funds can come from," he said.
Meanwhile, Drake said some pay increases for unionized workers have already been addressed. "There were some wage increase issues taken up under the general budget," he said.
The post auditor said he hopes to act quickly on Liburd's request, but the process will require time for research and review and then for Senate hearings.
Along with the request for funding, Turnbull sent Liburd an update on the status of the government's 30 collective bargaining agreements.
Negotiations with unions representing government employees have been ongoing for a number of weeks. Repeated efforts to obtain details from the administration's chief negotiator, Karen Andrews, on those pacts already agreed upon and ratified have been unsuccessful. Among these are agreements covering firefighters, their supervisors, the Law Enforcement Supervisors Union, and those workers under the Steelworkers-Master contract.
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.
SENATE TO LOOK FOR MONEY TO COVER PAY HIKES
Nov. 1, 2002 – Senate President Almando "Rocky" Liburd has asked the Legislature's post auditor to start the process of identifying funds to pay unionized government workers the salary increases that are being negotiated in the current round of contract talks.
Liburd conveyed his request through the Finance Committee chair, Sen. Alicia "Chucky" Hansen, complying with a request made a week ago by Gov. Charles W. Turnbull.
The governor wants the Legislature to appropriate $6.1 million dollars to cover pay raises for firefighters, their supervisors, and government workers in 15 departments and agencies who are covered by a United Steelworkers of America-Master contract.
Turnbull reminded Liburd that back in May, when he submitted his proposed Fiscal Year 2003 executive budget, he had told the Senate president that $25 million to $30 million would be needed to pay wage increases to workers covered by 18 expired contracts.
Liburd said he has told Post Auditor Terry Drake that he wants to see what funding sources are available to comply with the governor's request. "Before we can proceed in drafting the necessary legislation to address these contracts, a funding source must first be identified," Liburd said.
However, thanks to a turn of events last week, that may be less of a challenge now.
The governor announced on Wednesday that a newly available source of revenue will be tapped "to partially fund currently negotiated salary increases for police officers." The money consists of proceeds from a settlement the government reached with an elderly couple who for 20 years fought against paying corporate taxes assessed by the Virgin Islands. (See "20-year pursuit of taxes to yield $10M payoff".)
The settlement, reached last week in California, is expected to bring more than $10 million into V.I. coffers in amounts and at intervals agreed upon. Government House spokesman James O'Bryan said the settlement represents a potential revenue stream for paying negotiated raises. "Now we have a clear idea as to where the funds can come from," he said.
Meanwhile, Drake said some pay increases for unionized workers have already been addressed. "There were some wage increase issues taken up under the general budget," he said.
The post auditor said he hopes to act quickly on Liburd's request, but the process will require time for research and review and then for Senate hearings.
Along with the request for funding, Turnbull sent Liburd an update on the status of the government's 30 collective bargaining agreements.
Negotiations with unions representing government employees have been ongoing for a number of weeks. Repeated efforts to obtain details from the administration's chief negotiator, Karen Andrews, on those pacts already agreed upon and ratified have been unsuccessful. Among these are agreements covering firefighters, their supervisors, the Law Enforcement Supervisors Union, and those workers under the Steelworkers-Master contract.
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.
Liburd conveyed his request through the Finance Committee chair, Sen. Alicia "Chucky" Hansen, complying with a request made a week ago by Gov. Charles W. Turnbull.
The governor wants the Legislature to appropriate $6.1 million dollars to cover pay raises for firefighters, their supervisors, and government workers in 15 departments and agencies who are covered by a United Steelworkers of America-Master contract.
Turnbull reminded Liburd that back in May, when he submitted his proposed Fiscal Year 2003 executive budget, he had told the Senate president that $25 million to $30 million would be needed to pay wage increases to workers covered by 18 expired contracts.
Liburd said he has told Post Auditor Terry Drake that he wants to see what funding sources are available to comply with the governor's request. "Before we can proceed in drafting the necessary legislation to address these contracts, a funding source must first be identified," Liburd said.
However, thanks to a turn of events last week, that may be less of a challenge now.
The governor announced on Wednesday that a newly available source of revenue will be tapped "to partially fund currently negotiated salary increases for police officers." The money consists of proceeds from a settlement the government reached with an elderly couple who for 20 years fought against paying corporate taxes assessed by the Virgin Islands. (See "20-year pursuit of taxes to yield $10M payoff".)
The settlement, reached last week in California, is expected to bring more than $10 million into V.I. coffers in amounts and at intervals agreed upon. Government House spokesman James O'Bryan said the settlement represents a potential revenue stream for paying negotiated raises. "Now we have a clear idea as to where the funds can come from," he said.
Meanwhile, Drake said some pay increases for unionized workers have already been addressed. "There were some wage increase issues taken up under the general budget," he said.
The post auditor said he hopes to act quickly on Liburd's request, but the process will require time for research and review and then for Senate hearings.
Along with the request for funding, Turnbull sent Liburd an update on the status of the government's 30 collective bargaining agreements.
Negotiations with unions representing government employees have been ongoing for a number of weeks. Repeated efforts to obtain details from the administration's chief negotiator, Karen Andrews, on those pacts already agreed upon and ratified have been unsuccessful. Among these are agreements covering firefighters, their supervisors, the Law Enforcement Supervisors Union, and those workers under the Steelworkers-Master contract.
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.
