Oct. 31, 2002 – On the last day of April, Gov. Charles W. Turnbull fired Education Commissioner Ruby Simmonds after learning that the territory's appeal of the loss of accreditation of three high schools had been rejected.
Six months later, on the last day of October, and five days before Turnbull stands for re-election, the former commissioner, now Ruby Simmonds-Esannason, responded publicly for the first time to that action.
At a press conference Thursday afternoon, she laid the blame for the loss of accreditation squarely at Turnbull's feet.
The Commission on Secondary Schools of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools notified the Education Department last November that it was terminating the accreditation of Central, Charlotte Amalie and Ivanna Eudora Kean High Schools, effective last Dec. 31. The territory's fourth public high school, Educational Complex, has never been accredited. The action came after years of warnings, inspections and more warnings.
The department and the governor appealed the loss of accreditation, and on Feb. 28, Simmonds led a delegation of school officials to a hearing on the appeal. She and the others returned to the territory to say that they felt the hearing had been fair and that they were hopeful the decision would be reversed. However, at its semi-annual meeting at the end of April, the commission voted to uphold the November decision.
Simmonds-Esannason said on Thursday that she received a letter of four or five sentences from the governor informing her of her immediate termination. No explanation was included, she said. Now, after six months of hearing and reading references to herself as "having been fired by Turnbull," she said, she "decided that the public needed to know that being fired by Gov. Turnbull is not the most significant thing that occurred during my 33 years of public service."
In answer to reporters' questions, she denied having timed her public comments so close to election day so as to impact on Turnbull's re-election campaign. She said she had been off-island for several months, and this was the first time available to her since her return.
Simmonds-Esannason offered a narrative of her more than three years as Education commissioner, returning over and over to a steady refrain: The governor had not given her the support she needed to run the department. "He would not hire or promote key persons to work with me . . . in curriculum development, fiscal management and capital improvement," she said.
She described legislation she had supported which was geared to simplify and expedite hiring and purchasing for the schools, two areas in which the territory's shortcomings must be address as part of the new accreditation process. The Legislature passed the measure as part of the Omnibus Authorization Act of 2000, but the governor vetoed it.
"What you might not know, however," Simmonds-Esannason said Thursday, "is that I was chastised by the governor for supporting that same piece of legislation — which, ironically, was sponsored by his present running mate, Sen. Vargrave Richards."
The veto was subsequently overridden, but Simmonds-Esannason said her efforts to implement hiring were "met with opposition from Government House." Further legislation has since been passed, she noted, giving the schools more autonomy in hiring and spending.
Simmonds-Esannason concluded, "While I was the one sent home in the wake of the loss of accreditation, the role of the governor in this loss is absolutely clear … His failure to endorse legislation which would have empowered the Department of Education and his not allowing me to secure the necessary staff to assist with vital matters all resulted in the ultimate decision of the Middle States Association" to terminate the accreditation.
Some educators don't agree with Simmonds-Esannason' views on staffing. They say the Education Department is not short of, but overburdened with, staff. In an education forum led by Sen. Lorraine Berry in May, the University of the Virgin Islands released the findings of a study it had undertaken which basically called the department an unwieldy entity incapable of being operated efficiently.
The Education Department has been under the direction of an acting commissioner, Noreen Michael, who was Simmonds' second in command, since April 30. On Aug. 29, Turnbull submitted her nomination as commissioner to the Senate, and on Oct. 10 the Rules Committee approved the nomination.
Among those present at Thursday's press conference were several members of Simmonds-Esannason's family, some members of Turnbull's staff and former St. Thomas-St. John district schools superintendent Rosalia Payne, who also was fired by Turnbull this year. Juel Anderson, Education public relations officer, also was there. So was Alric Simmonds, Turnbull's deputy chief of staff, who sat at the back of the small room at Palms Court Harborview Hotel and declined afterward to comment on the former commissioner's statements.
However, Turnbull spoke for himself later in the afternoon. In a Government House release, he said: "The loss of accreditation of the three high schools, as well as the removal of Dr. Ruby Simmonds as commissioner of the Department of Education, is now history, and no useful purpose can be served by rehashing the issues surrounding the former commissioner's removal."
He concluded, "I continue to thank Dr. Simmonds for her years of service … and wish her well in all her future endeavors."
The governor had offered similar comments the day after he fired Simmonds, speaking at a Law Day luncheon hosted by Rotary Clubs and V.I. Bar Association luncheon. "I'm not going to bash anyone or say anything negative. I made a decision and I did what I felt was right to do," he said then. "The lady has been a senator and a professor of the university [of the Virgin Islands]. She has given much service to the community. Right now, it's just time to look ahead."
Asked by a reporter if she would consider assuming the post again under a different administration, Simmonds-Esannason replied, laughing, with a question of her own: "Is this Comedy Central?"
She declined to comment on her career plans. She said her current agenda is to spend more time with her family.
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FEW ANSWERS AT HEARING ON PHONE COMPANY
Oct. 31, 2002 – The intended star witnesses sent their regrets at the 11th hour, but that didn't stop the Senate Economic Development, Agriculture and Consumer Protection Committee from spending Thursday taking testimony on and discussing Innovative Telephone and its status as a tax-break beneficiary.
Among other things, the senators voted to subpoena officials of the phone company and of its parent company, Innovative Communication Corp., to appear at another hearing, which was set for Nov. 7. However, they decided to call off a session with an agenda identical to Thursday's that was scheduled for Friday on St. Thomas.
Members of the United Steelworkers of America, currently on strike against the phone company and Innovative Cable-TV, turned out en masse for the meeting. Its purpose was variously billed as being to look into the causes of the strike and the impasse in contract negotiations and/or to determine whether the phone company is in compliance with Economic Development Commission conditions of its tax-benefits certificate.
The committee had numerous questions about the company's tax-benefits status. But few answers were to be had, with Innovative counsel having sent the committee chair, Sen. Adelbert Bryan, a letter calling the hearing a "thinly disguised" attempt at getting involved in the labor dispute and stating that Innovative would not take part. (See "Innovative says Senate probe inappropriate".)
The EDC falls within the Economic Development Authority, and the authority's assistant chief executive officer, Nadine Marchena, upset both senators and Steelworkers throughout the hearing, as she could shed little light on Innovative's compliance record.
She said the lack of compliance officers made a comprehensive investigation into the matter difficult, but it should be completed by December. She said the probe covers the phone company's compliance history since 1997, when it was granted full exemption from property, gross receipts and excise taxes and 90 percent exemption from corporate income taxes in a controversial move of the Schneider administration. The tax exemption certificate was granted on June 30, 1997, and will expire on Sept. 30, 2003.
"I feel it's going to take another month and a half, provided all the information we need is there," Marchena said.
By law, the EDC is supposed to issue such reports yearly on all beneficiaries.
Innovative Telephone, formerly the V.I. Telephone Corp., or Vitelco, was given the tax breaks subject to its complying with the following conditions:
– Offer a capital investment of $100 million, excluding inventory.
– Employ at least 421 persons full-time, at least 80 percent of them Virgin Islanders.
– Provide employees health care, dental, life and accidental insurance; a 401k retirement plan; savings and employee stock-ownership plan.
– Provide ten $1,000 scholarships per year.
– Assist schools in the territory in gaining Internet access.
– Contribute $40,000 yearly to the Boys and Girls Club.
– Sponsor youth programs.
– Contribute $5,000 yearly to Little League Baseball on both St. Croix and St. Thomas.
Despite much talk about the company's alleged failure to comply with its provisions, Marchena said, only four formal complaints were filed with the EDC, and three of them are "under investigation."
Marchena testified that she could not discuss the specifics of the ongoing investigation. She said later that she was not sure which, if any, of the stipulations have been met.
This prompted Bryan to threaten legal action: The EDC "might be able to tell a judge in December why they failed to enforce these criteria," he said, adding that "the evidence is clear" that the phone company doesn't have 421 employees at present.
If Innovative Telephone is found to be in violation of tax-break conditions, the company could face fines or revocation, modification or suspension of its benefits, Marchena said.
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Among other things, the senators voted to subpoena officials of the phone company and of its parent company, Innovative Communication Corp., to appear at another hearing, which was set for Nov. 7. However, they decided to call off a session with an agenda identical to Thursday's that was scheduled for Friday on St. Thomas.
Members of the United Steelworkers of America, currently on strike against the phone company and Innovative Cable-TV, turned out en masse for the meeting. Its purpose was variously billed as being to look into the causes of the strike and the impasse in contract negotiations and/or to determine whether the phone company is in compliance with Economic Development Commission conditions of its tax-benefits certificate.
The committee had numerous questions about the company's tax-benefits status. But few answers were to be had, with Innovative counsel having sent the committee chair, Sen. Adelbert Bryan, a letter calling the hearing a "thinly disguised" attempt at getting involved in the labor dispute and stating that Innovative would not take part. (See "Innovative says Senate probe inappropriate".)
The EDC falls within the Economic Development Authority, and the authority's assistant chief executive officer, Nadine Marchena, upset both senators and Steelworkers throughout the hearing, as she could shed little light on Innovative's compliance record.
She said the lack of compliance officers made a comprehensive investigation into the matter difficult, but it should be completed by December. She said the probe covers the phone company's compliance history since 1997, when it was granted full exemption from property, gross receipts and excise taxes and 90 percent exemption from corporate income taxes in a controversial move of the Schneider administration. The tax exemption certificate was granted on June 30, 1997, and will expire on Sept. 30, 2003.
"I feel it's going to take another month and a half, provided all the information we need is there," Marchena said.
By law, the EDC is supposed to issue such reports yearly on all beneficiaries.
Innovative Telephone, formerly the V.I. Telephone Corp., or Vitelco, was given the tax breaks subject to its complying with the following conditions:
– Offer a capital investment of $100 million, excluding inventory.
– Employ at least 421 persons full-time, at least 80 percent of them Virgin Islanders.
– Provide employees health care, dental, life and accidental insurance; a 401k retirement plan; savings and employee stock-ownership plan.
– Provide ten $1,000 scholarships per year.
– Assist schools in the territory in gaining Internet access.
– Contribute $40,000 yearly to the Boys and Girls Club.
– Sponsor youth programs.
– Contribute $5,000 yearly to Little League Baseball on both St. Croix and St. Thomas.
Despite much talk about the company's alleged failure to comply with its provisions, Marchena said, only four formal complaints were filed with the EDC, and three of them are "under investigation."
Marchena testified that she could not discuss the specifics of the ongoing investigation. She said later that she was not sure which, if any, of the stipulations have been met.
This prompted Bryan to threaten legal action: The EDC "might be able to tell a judge in December why they failed to enforce these criteria," he said, adding that "the evidence is clear" that the phone company doesn't have 421 employees at present.
If Innovative Telephone is found to be in violation of tax-break conditions, the company could face fines or revocation, modification or suspension of its benefits, Marchena said.
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.
EDUCATION ON TRACK AND ON TIME WITH REPORTS
Oct. 31, 2002 – On the eve of a significant deadline in the territory's efforts to secure accreditation for its public high schools, education officials say the process is on track and the people involved are meeting their responsibilities.
By Nov. 1, the four school accreditation teams were scheduled to submit actions plans to the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. Education spokeswoman Juel Anderson said some of the teams have been meeting weekly to make sure their plans would be ready. "They just sent in to Middle States" the reports that were due, she said.
At Ivanna Eudora Kean High School, administrative officer Adelaide Gumbs said the 25 people making up the school accreditation team are relaxing their meeting schedule to once every two weeks now that their action plan is on its way. "We're looking at ways to curb student absentees and teacher absentees," she said. "It was a task, because sometimes you have to treat each case individually."
Reducing the number of school days missed by students and by teachers is one of the four main conditions imposed by Middle States. Increasing site-based management and ensuring an adequate pool of substitute teachers are also priorities.
Since Eudora Kean, Central and Charlotte Amalie High Schools lost accreditation last year, the Middle States Association has asked that the teams there take each school through the entire application and review process needed for a new school to meet accreditation standards. The fourth high school, Educational Complex, is seeking accreditation for the first time and is expected to adhere to the same timetable as the other three.
The next big deadline is in January, when site inspectors will make their first visit to the individual schools. Accreditation teams, working with the school superintendents and other top officials, are supposed to present their plans for ensuring an adequate substitute teacher pool.
In a statement released earlier this week, Noreen Michael, acting Education commissioner, refuted what she said was an inaccurate impression in a political advertisement concerning the Accreditation Institute held in September to make educational stakeholders aware of the work that lies ahead in the process. She said the ad "gives the impression that there was a lack of participation of territorial persons" at the institute.
In fact, Michael said, it "was a collaborative effort of public and private-sector interests" that involved Education Department administrators and teachers, Board of Education personnel, parents and community activists. "The two Middle States representatives were the key presenters of several work sessions" attended by up to 110 persons, she said, and participants said afterward that the institute gave them "a better understanding of their roles and responsibilities."
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.
By Nov. 1, the four school accreditation teams were scheduled to submit actions plans to the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. Education spokeswoman Juel Anderson said some of the teams have been meeting weekly to make sure their plans would be ready. "They just sent in to Middle States" the reports that were due, she said.
At Ivanna Eudora Kean High School, administrative officer Adelaide Gumbs said the 25 people making up the school accreditation team are relaxing their meeting schedule to once every two weeks now that their action plan is on its way. "We're looking at ways to curb student absentees and teacher absentees," she said. "It was a task, because sometimes you have to treat each case individually."
Reducing the number of school days missed by students and by teachers is one of the four main conditions imposed by Middle States. Increasing site-based management and ensuring an adequate pool of substitute teachers are also priorities.
Since Eudora Kean, Central and Charlotte Amalie High Schools lost accreditation last year, the Middle States Association has asked that the teams there take each school through the entire application and review process needed for a new school to meet accreditation standards. The fourth high school, Educational Complex, is seeking accreditation for the first time and is expected to adhere to the same timetable as the other three.
The next big deadline is in January, when site inspectors will make their first visit to the individual schools. Accreditation teams, working with the school superintendents and other top officials, are supposed to present their plans for ensuring an adequate substitute teacher pool.
In a statement released earlier this week, Noreen Michael, acting Education commissioner, refuted what she said was an inaccurate impression in a political advertisement concerning the Accreditation Institute held in September to make educational stakeholders aware of the work that lies ahead in the process. She said the ad "gives the impression that there was a lack of participation of territorial persons" at the institute.
In fact, Michael said, it "was a collaborative effort of public and private-sector interests" that involved Education Department administrators and teachers, Board of Education personnel, parents and community activists. "The two Middle States representatives were the key presenters of several work sessions" attended by up to 110 persons, she said, and participants said afterward that the institute gave them "a better understanding of their roles and responsibilities."
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.
EDUCATION ON TRACK AND ON TIME WITH REPORTS
Oct. 31, 2002 – On the eve of a significant deadline in the territory's efforts to secure accreditation for its public high schools, education officials say the process is on track and the people involved are meeting their responsibilities.
By Nov. 1, the four school accreditation teams were scheduled to submit actions plans to the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. Education spokeswoman Juel Anderson said some of the teams have been meeting weekly to make sure their plans would be ready. "They just sent in to Middle States" the reports that were due, she said.
At Ivanna Eudora Kean High School, administrative officer Adelaide Gumbs said the 25 people making up the school accreditation team are relaxing their meeting schedule to once every two weeks now that their action plan is on its way. "We're looking at ways to curb student absentees and teacher absentees," she said. "It was a task, because sometimes you have to treat each case individually."
Reducing the number of school days missed by students and by teachers is one of the four main conditions imposed by Middle States. Increasing site-based management and ensuring an adequate pool of substitute teachers are also priorities.
Since Eudora Kean, Central and Charlotte Amalie High Schools lost accreditation last year, the Middle States Association has asked that the teams there take each school through the entire application and review process needed for a new school to meet accreditation standards. The fourth high school, Educational Complex, is seeking accreditation for the first time and is expected to adhere to the same timetable as the other three.
The next big deadline is in January, when site inspectors will make their first visit to the individual schools. Accreditation teams, working with the school superintendents and other top officials, are supposed to present their plans for ensuring an adequate substitute teacher pool.
In a statement released earlier this week, Noreen Michael, acting Education commissioner, refuted what she said was an inaccurate impression in a political advertisement concerning the Accreditation Institute held in September to make educational stakeholders aware of the work that lies ahead in the process. She said the ad "gives the impression that there was a lack of participation of territorial persons" at the institute.
In fact, Michael said, it "was a collaborative effort of public and private-sector interests" that involved Education Department administrators and teachers, Board of Education personnel, parents and community activists. "The two Middle States representatives were the key presenters of several work sessions" attended by up to 110 persons, she said, and participants said afterward that the institute gave them "a better understanding of their roles and responsibilities."
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.
By Nov. 1, the four school accreditation teams were scheduled to submit actions plans to the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. Education spokeswoman Juel Anderson said some of the teams have been meeting weekly to make sure their plans would be ready. "They just sent in to Middle States" the reports that were due, she said.
At Ivanna Eudora Kean High School, administrative officer Adelaide Gumbs said the 25 people making up the school accreditation team are relaxing their meeting schedule to once every two weeks now that their action plan is on its way. "We're looking at ways to curb student absentees and teacher absentees," she said. "It was a task, because sometimes you have to treat each case individually."
Reducing the number of school days missed by students and by teachers is one of the four main conditions imposed by Middle States. Increasing site-based management and ensuring an adequate pool of substitute teachers are also priorities.
Since Eudora Kean, Central and Charlotte Amalie High Schools lost accreditation last year, the Middle States Association has asked that the teams there take each school through the entire application and review process needed for a new school to meet accreditation standards. The fourth high school, Educational Complex, is seeking accreditation for the first time and is expected to adhere to the same timetable as the other three.
The next big deadline is in January, when site inspectors will make their first visit to the individual schools. Accreditation teams, working with the school superintendents and other top officials, are supposed to present their plans for ensuring an adequate substitute teacher pool.
In a statement released earlier this week, Noreen Michael, acting Education commissioner, refuted what she said was an inaccurate impression in a political advertisement concerning the Accreditation Institute held in September to make educational stakeholders aware of the work that lies ahead in the process. She said the ad "gives the impression that there was a lack of participation of territorial persons" at the institute.
In fact, Michael said, it "was a collaborative effort of public and private-sector interests" that involved Education Department administrators and teachers, Board of Education personnel, parents and community activists. "The two Middle States representatives were the key presenters of several work sessions" attended by up to 110 persons, she said, and participants said afterward that the institute gave them "a better understanding of their roles and responsibilities."
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.
EDUCATION ON TRACK AND ON TIME WITH REPORTS
Oct. 31, 2002 – On the eve of a significant deadline in the territory's efforts to secure accreditation for its public high schools, education officials say the process is on track and the people involved are meeting their responsibilities.
By Nov. 1, the four school accreditation teams were scheduled to submit actions plans to the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. Education spokeswoman Juel Anderson said some of the teams have been meeting weekly to make sure their plans would be ready. "They just sent in to Middle States" the reports that were due, she said.
At Ivanna Eudora Kean High School, administrative officer Adelaide Gumbs said the 25 people making up the school accreditation team are relaxing their meeting schedule to once every two weeks now that their action plan is on its way. "We're looking at ways to curb student absentees and teacher absentees," she said. "It was a task, because sometimes you have to treat each case individually."
Reducing the number of school days missed by students and by teachers is one of the four main conditions imposed by Middle States. Increasing site-based management and ensuring an adequate pool of substitute teachers are also priorities.
Since Eudora Kean, Central and Charlotte Amalie High Schools lost accreditation last year, the Middle States Association has asked that the teams there take each school through the entire application and review process needed for a new school to meet accreditation standards. The fourth high school, Educational Complex, is seeking accreditation for the first time and is expected to adhere to the same timetable as the other three.
The next big deadline is in January, when site inspectors will make their first visit to the individual schools. Accreditation teams, working with the school superintendents and other top officials, are supposed to present their plans for ensuring an adequate substitute teacher pool.
In a statement released earlier this week, Noreen Michael, acting Education commissioner, refuted what she said was an inaccurate impression in a political advertisement concerning the Accreditation Institute held in September to make educational stakeholders aware of the work that lies ahead in the process. She said the ad "gives the impression that there was a lack of participation of territorial persons" at the institute.
In fact, Michael said, it "was a collaborative effort of public and private-sector interests" that involved Education Department administrators and teachers, Board of Education personnel, parents and community activists. "The two Middle States representatives were the key presenters of several work sessions" attended by up to 110 persons, she said, and participants said afterward that the institute gave them "a better understanding of their roles and responsibilities."
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.
By Nov. 1, the four school accreditation teams were scheduled to submit actions plans to the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. Education spokeswoman Juel Anderson said some of the teams have been meeting weekly to make sure their plans would be ready. "They just sent in to Middle States" the reports that were due, she said.
At Ivanna Eudora Kean High School, administrative officer Adelaide Gumbs said the 25 people making up the school accreditation team are relaxing their meeting schedule to once every two weeks now that their action plan is on its way. "We're looking at ways to curb student absentees and teacher absentees," she said. "It was a task, because sometimes you have to treat each case individually."
Reducing the number of school days missed by students and by teachers is one of the four main conditions imposed by Middle States. Increasing site-based management and ensuring an adequate pool of substitute teachers are also priorities.
Since Eudora Kean, Central and Charlotte Amalie High Schools lost accreditation last year, the Middle States Association has asked that the teams there take each school through the entire application and review process needed for a new school to meet accreditation standards. The fourth high school, Educational Complex, is seeking accreditation for the first time and is expected to adhere to the same timetable as the other three.
The next big deadline is in January, when site inspectors will make their first visit to the individual schools. Accreditation teams, working with the school superintendents and other top officials, are supposed to present their plans for ensuring an adequate substitute teacher pool.
In a statement released earlier this week, Noreen Michael, acting Education commissioner, refuted what she said was an inaccurate impression in a political advertisement concerning the Accreditation Institute held in September to make educational stakeholders aware of the work that lies ahead in the process. She said the ad "gives the impression that there was a lack of participation of territorial persons" at the institute.
In fact, Michael said, it "was a collaborative effort of public and private-sector interests" that involved Education Department administrators and teachers, Board of Education personnel, parents and community activists. "The two Middle States representatives were the key presenters of several work sessions" attended by up to 110 persons, she said, and participants said afterward that the institute gave them "a better understanding of their roles and responsibilities."
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.
WAPA BOARD PROBES UNAUTHORIZED LAND PURCHASE
Oct. 31, 2002 – The Water and Power Authority board met Thursday to discuss concerns over some $2.2 million used without its approval to buy land on St. Croix two years ago.
Carol Burke, board chair, said the property, adjacent to the Richmond power plant and commonly referred to as Devcon, was purchased from V.I.Cement and Building Products Inc. because it was suitable for plant expansion and the improvement of office facilities and security.
WAPA intended to relocate its garage and warehouse, currently housed in rented space, to the Devcon site. The problem is that authority administrators went ahead with the purchase before consulting the governing board.
The report of an internal audit investigation into the matter was given while the board was in executive session. What the board did, Burke said afterward, was hear from individual WAPA employees "who should've been involved, by nature of their job, in the transaction."
While the administrators' intentions were justified, she said, "the manner in which they carried it out, obligating the authority to $2.2 million without certain controls in place," was not.
She said the results of the internal audit report will be made public at the board's next meeting, set for Nov. 21.
Board member Andrew Rutnik, who also is commissioner of Licensing and Consumer Affairs, called the land purchase "very interesting" and said that additional actions out of step with board policy appear to have transpired.
He mentioned environmental liability concerns and WAPA's leasing out of some parts of the property for as little as $10 per year.
Burke also said the board did not discuss utility rate matters and that all current rates will remain in place for the time being.
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.
Carol Burke, board chair, said the property, adjacent to the Richmond power plant and commonly referred to as Devcon, was purchased from V.I.Cement and Building Products Inc. because it was suitable for plant expansion and the improvement of office facilities and security.
WAPA intended to relocate its garage and warehouse, currently housed in rented space, to the Devcon site. The problem is that authority administrators went ahead with the purchase before consulting the governing board.
The report of an internal audit investigation into the matter was given while the board was in executive session. What the board did, Burke said afterward, was hear from individual WAPA employees "who should've been involved, by nature of their job, in the transaction."
While the administrators' intentions were justified, she said, "the manner in which they carried it out, obligating the authority to $2.2 million without certain controls in place," was not.
She said the results of the internal audit report will be made public at the board's next meeting, set for Nov. 21.
Board member Andrew Rutnik, who also is commissioner of Licensing and Consumer Affairs, called the land purchase "very interesting" and said that additional actions out of step with board policy appear to have transpired.
He mentioned environmental liability concerns and WAPA's leasing out of some parts of the property for as little as $10 per year.
Burke also said the board did not discuss utility rate matters and that all current rates will remain in place for the time being.
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.
WAPA BOARD PROBES UNAUTHORIZED LAND PURCHASE
Oct. 31, 2002 – The Water and Power Authority board met Thursday to discuss concerns over some $2.2 million used without its approval to buy land on St. Croix two years ago.
Carol Burke, board chair, said the property, adjacent to the Richmond power plant and commonly referred to as Devcon, was purchased from V.I.Cement and Building Products Inc. because it was suitable for plant expansion and the improvement of office facilities and security.
WAPA intended to relocate its garage and warehouse, currently housed in rented space, to the Devcon site. The problem is that authority administrators went ahead with the purchase before consulting the governing board.
The report of an internal audit investigation into the matter was given while the board was in executive session. What the board did, Burke said afterward, was hear from individual WAPA employees "who should've been involved, by nature of their job, in the transaction."
While the administrators' intentions were justified, she said, "the manner in which they carried it out, obligating the authority to $2.2 million without certain controls in place," was not.
She said the results of the internal audit report will be made public at the board's next meeting, set for Nov. 21.
Board member Andrew Rutnik, who also is commissioner of Licensing and Consumer Affairs, called the land purchase "very interesting" and said that additional actions out of step with board policy appear to have transpired.
He mentioned environmental liability concerns and WAPA's leasing out of some parts of the property for as little as $10 per year.
Burke also said the board did not discuss utility rate matters and that all current rates will remain in place for the time being.
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.
Carol Burke, board chair, said the property, adjacent to the Richmond power plant and commonly referred to as Devcon, was purchased from V.I.Cement and Building Products Inc. because it was suitable for plant expansion and the improvement of office facilities and security.
WAPA intended to relocate its garage and warehouse, currently housed in rented space, to the Devcon site. The problem is that authority administrators went ahead with the purchase before consulting the governing board.
The report of an internal audit investigation into the matter was given while the board was in executive session. What the board did, Burke said afterward, was hear from individual WAPA employees "who should've been involved, by nature of their job, in the transaction."
While the administrators' intentions were justified, she said, "the manner in which they carried it out, obligating the authority to $2.2 million without certain controls in place," was not.
She said the results of the internal audit report will be made public at the board's next meeting, set for Nov. 21.
Board member Andrew Rutnik, who also is commissioner of Licensing and Consumer Affairs, called the land purchase "very interesting" and said that additional actions out of step with board policy appear to have transpired.
He mentioned environmental liability concerns and WAPA's leasing out of some parts of the property for as little as $10 per year.
Burke also said the board did not discuss utility rate matters and that all current rates will remain in place for the time being.
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.
WAPA BOARD QUESTIONS LAND ACQUSITION
Oct. 31, 2002 – The VI Water and Power Authority board of directors met Thursday morning to discuss concerns over some $2.2 million used – without the board's approval — to buy land on St. Croix two years ago.
Chairwoman Carol Burke said the property, adjacent to the Richmond power plant and commonly referred to as Devcon, is the site of the former VI Cement and Building Products Inc.
WAPA intended to relocate its garage and warehouse to Devcon, which are currently housed in rental buildings. But the utility's administration went ahead with the purchase before consulting the governing board, prompting an investigation by its members.
"What we did today is had individual employees of WAPA who should've been involved, by nature of their job, in the transaction," Burke said of the report, which was given during executive session.
She said the intentions of the authority's administration were justified, but questionable "was the manner in which they carried it out, obligating the authority to $2.2 million without certain controls in place."
She said the results of the internal audit report will be revealed at the board's next meeting Nov. 21.
Board member and Licensing and Consumer Affairs Commissioner Andrew Rutnick called the land purchases "very interesting" and noted that additional actions not out of step with board policy appear to have transpired.
He mentioned environmental liability concerns and WAPA's leasing some areas of the property for as low as $10 per year.
Burke said the board did not discuss rate issues, and utility rates will remain in place for the time being.
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.
Chairwoman Carol Burke said the property, adjacent to the Richmond power plant and commonly referred to as Devcon, is the site of the former VI Cement and Building Products Inc.
WAPA intended to relocate its garage and warehouse to Devcon, which are currently housed in rental buildings. But the utility's administration went ahead with the purchase before consulting the governing board, prompting an investigation by its members.
"What we did today is had individual employees of WAPA who should've been involved, by nature of their job, in the transaction," Burke said of the report, which was given during executive session.
She said the intentions of the authority's administration were justified, but questionable "was the manner in which they carried it out, obligating the authority to $2.2 million without certain controls in place."
She said the results of the internal audit report will be revealed at the board's next meeting Nov. 21.
Board member and Licensing and Consumer Affairs Commissioner Andrew Rutnick called the land purchases "very interesting" and noted that additional actions not out of step with board policy appear to have transpired.
He mentioned environmental liability concerns and WAPA's leasing some areas of the property for as low as $10 per year.
Burke said the board did not discuss rate issues, and utility rates will remain in place for the time being.
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.
'VIOLENCE DOESN'T STAND ALONE'
Dear St. Croix Source:
I have not visited my native island in the last three years and depend on your publication to keep me up-to-date on what's happening in the community.
Regretfully, I no longer log on to your website with alacrity, but with foreboding. Some days it seems like the names in the obituaries were taken right out of my high-school yearbook. Many of those names represent real people that sat next to me in a classroom, rode on the bus with me, and shared an experience with me; the experience of being a young person on St. Croix.
I'll refrain from going into the customary "we need to stop the violence" rant that usually follows outbursts of brutality to express my thoughts (I'm sure the politicos have already covered that ground). Not only is it an embarrassingly obvious statement devoid of a clear plan of action, but it implies that the violence is an entity that is not connected to other social and political failures. The violence is born out of a history of indifference and irresponsibility and does not stand alone.
Examining the problems of the Virgin Islands as a gestalt is the first step. Our well-educated leaders already know that improving the quality of education and creating job opportunities curbs violence, so why are our schools unaccredited, and our government officials chasing away companies that wish to invest in our economy?
The kakistocracy that parades itself as a government that cares for its people is extremely short-sighted and only interested in doing patchwork on the problems that weave through our community. If it's a big fire, then they'll just throw a small pail of water at it, and ignore the smouldering embers that caused the flame and will eventually spark a bigger one.
The hand-wringing only seems sincere when the almighty tourist dollar is being spent elsewhere because not even the fuzziest math can cover a decline in this area. However, the factors that contribute to high crime rates can take time to manifest themselves, so they are easily ignored until they end up in the headlines, and forgotten again as they are printed in the obituaries.
Let us lose the Panglossian naivete that inhibits change and meaningful dialogue to create an atmosphere that will produce young citizens who can compete in society and contribute to their community and make headlines for the right reasons.
Signed,
Melanie D. Petersen-Seales
San Diego, CA
I have not visited my native island in the last three years and depend on your publication to keep me up-to-date on what's happening in the community.
Regretfully, I no longer log on to your website with alacrity, but with foreboding. Some days it seems like the names in the obituaries were taken right out of my high-school yearbook. Many of those names represent real people that sat next to me in a classroom, rode on the bus with me, and shared an experience with me; the experience of being a young person on St. Croix.
I'll refrain from going into the customary "we need to stop the violence" rant that usually follows outbursts of brutality to express my thoughts (I'm sure the politicos have already covered that ground). Not only is it an embarrassingly obvious statement devoid of a clear plan of action, but it implies that the violence is an entity that is not connected to other social and political failures. The violence is born out of a history of indifference and irresponsibility and does not stand alone.
Examining the problems of the Virgin Islands as a gestalt is the first step. Our well-educated leaders already know that improving the quality of education and creating job opportunities curbs violence, so why are our schools unaccredited, and our government officials chasing away companies that wish to invest in our economy?
The kakistocracy that parades itself as a government that cares for its people is extremely short-sighted and only interested in doing patchwork on the problems that weave through our community. If it's a big fire, then they'll just throw a small pail of water at it, and ignore the smouldering embers that caused the flame and will eventually spark a bigger one.
The hand-wringing only seems sincere when the almighty tourist dollar is being spent elsewhere because not even the fuzziest math can cover a decline in this area. However, the factors that contribute to high crime rates can take time to manifest themselves, so they are easily ignored until they end up in the headlines, and forgotten again as they are printed in the obituaries.
Let us lose the Panglossian naivete that inhibits change and meaningful dialogue to create an atmosphere that will produce young citizens who can compete in society and contribute to their community and make headlines for the right reasons.
Signed,
Melanie D. Petersen-Seales
San Diego, CA
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.
UVI BULLETIN BOARD
UVI to Observe Liberty Day
Both campuses of UVI will be closed Friday, Nov. 1, in observance of Liberty Day.
Puerto Rico Symphony Orchestra to Perform Saturday
The Puerto Rico Symphony Orchestra returns to St. Thomas for a record fourth visit with an 8 p.m. performance Saturday, Nov. 2, at UVI's Reichhold Center for the Arts. Tickets are $65, $30 and $5. To place orders, call 693-1559. The performance is a co-production of the Reichhold Center and the Birch Forum. For more information, visit Reichhold's Web site at www.reichholdcenter.com
General Meeting Set for St. Thomas Campus Freshmen
The UVI Freshman Center on the St. Thomas campus has scheduled a general meeting for freshmen from noon to 1 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 4, in Room 302 of the CA building. Faculty and staff are asked to encourage freshmen to attend. For information, contact Vivian G. Bailey at 693-1226.
English Proficiency Exam Set November 14, Sign-up Deadline November 8
The UVI Enrollment Management Office has scheduled an English Proficiency Examination for 8:30 a.m. on Nov. 14. Individuals interested in taking the exam must register at the Enrollment Management Office on the second floor of the CA Building on UVI's St. Thomas campus. No walk-ins will be allowed. For more information, contact Lornetta Prince at 693-1152.
UVI Choir and Jazz Ensemble Plan Joint Concert
The music area of UVI's Humanities Division will present a joint concert, featuring the university’s Jazz Ensemble and Concert Choir at 8 p.m. on Nov. 9, in the cafeteria on the St. Thomas campus. Martin J. Lamkin will direct the Jazz Ensemble. Elvira O. Green will direct the choir.
A wide variety of music – ranging from patriotic music to Negro spirituals and the blues – will be offered. Familiar tunes such as "Hush! Somebody’s Callin’ my Name," featuring Detra Davis, "Mother To Son," featuring Dr. Adelle C. Bell, and the "Pledge to Our Flag," arranged by Dr. Lawrence Benjamin, will be performed by the choir. The Jazz Ensemble will perform blues compositions such as "Basin Street Blues" and "Slides Blues," and a ballad featuring Clayton Emanuel entitled "Blue." Also featured will be Danielle Greenaway singing "A Nightingale Sang in Berkley Square." The ensembles give joint performances of "Scandalize My Name" and "Joshua Fit The Battle of Jericho."
General admission is $6. Tickets can be purchased on the St. Thomas campus at the UVI Bookstore, UVI Humanities Division, and from Jazz Ensemble members.
'Ferry Boat Series' Set With BVI's Stoutt Community College
UVI's Athletics Department will inaugurate a "Ferry Boat Series" of inter-island sports events with the Athletics Department of Tortola's H. Lavity Stoutt Community College with volleyball matches and basketball games on Friday and Saturday, Nov. 15 and 16, at the UVI Sports and Fitness Center. The games are free and open to the public.
Women's volleyball matches will begin each night's action at 7:30 p.m. Basketball games between the UVI Buccaneers men's basketball team and the Stoutt College team will follow at 9 p.m. The series is expected to continue next year with the UVI squads traveling to Tortola. For details, call 693-1199.
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.
Both campuses of UVI will be closed Friday, Nov. 1, in observance of Liberty Day.
Puerto Rico Symphony Orchestra to Perform Saturday
The Puerto Rico Symphony Orchestra returns to St. Thomas for a record fourth visit with an 8 p.m. performance Saturday, Nov. 2, at UVI's Reichhold Center for the Arts. Tickets are $65, $30 and $5. To place orders, call 693-1559. The performance is a co-production of the Reichhold Center and the Birch Forum. For more information, visit Reichhold's Web site at www.reichholdcenter.com
General Meeting Set for St. Thomas Campus Freshmen
The UVI Freshman Center on the St. Thomas campus has scheduled a general meeting for freshmen from noon to 1 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 4, in Room 302 of the CA building. Faculty and staff are asked to encourage freshmen to attend. For information, contact Vivian G. Bailey at 693-1226.
English Proficiency Exam Set November 14, Sign-up Deadline November 8
The UVI Enrollment Management Office has scheduled an English Proficiency Examination for 8:30 a.m. on Nov. 14. Individuals interested in taking the exam must register at the Enrollment Management Office on the second floor of the CA Building on UVI's St. Thomas campus. No walk-ins will be allowed. For more information, contact Lornetta Prince at 693-1152.
UVI Choir and Jazz Ensemble Plan Joint Concert
The music area of UVI's Humanities Division will present a joint concert, featuring the university’s Jazz Ensemble and Concert Choir at 8 p.m. on Nov. 9, in the cafeteria on the St. Thomas campus. Martin J. Lamkin will direct the Jazz Ensemble. Elvira O. Green will direct the choir.
A wide variety of music – ranging from patriotic music to Negro spirituals and the blues – will be offered. Familiar tunes such as "Hush! Somebody’s Callin’ my Name," featuring Detra Davis, "Mother To Son," featuring Dr. Adelle C. Bell, and the "Pledge to Our Flag," arranged by Dr. Lawrence Benjamin, will be performed by the choir. The Jazz Ensemble will perform blues compositions such as "Basin Street Blues" and "Slides Blues," and a ballad featuring Clayton Emanuel entitled "Blue." Also featured will be Danielle Greenaway singing "A Nightingale Sang in Berkley Square." The ensembles give joint performances of "Scandalize My Name" and "Joshua Fit The Battle of Jericho."
General admission is $6. Tickets can be purchased on the St. Thomas campus at the UVI Bookstore, UVI Humanities Division, and from Jazz Ensemble members.
'Ferry Boat Series' Set With BVI's Stoutt Community College
UVI's Athletics Department will inaugurate a "Ferry Boat Series" of inter-island sports events with the Athletics Department of Tortola's H. Lavity Stoutt Community College with volleyball matches and basketball games on Friday and Saturday, Nov. 15 and 16, at the UVI Sports and Fitness Center. The games are free and open to the public.
Women's volleyball matches will begin each night's action at 7:30 p.m. Basketball games between the UVI Buccaneers men's basketball team and the Stoutt College team will follow at 9 p.m. The series is expected to continue next year with the UVI squads traveling to Tortola. For details, call 693-1199.
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.
