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

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 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.

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. 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.

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. 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.

Supervisor of Elections John Abramson has issued the following notice advising Virgin Islands employers they must allow employees two hours off on Election Day to vote.
Pursuant to Title 18 Section 3 VIC all employee who are required to work on election day shall be entitled to two hours off from their jobs without loss of pay to vote in the general election. Employees are required to notify their employer before the general election of their intention to vote.
If for any reason there might be questions or the need for additional information, please feel free to contact my office at 773-1021 or 774-3107.

Oct. 31, 2002 – Anyone out to influence votes legally on election day can set up shop as close as 25 feet from polling places on St. Croix. But on St. Thomas and St. John, they have to stay 1,000 feet away.
That's the official word from John Abramson Jr., supervisor of elections, and he says it's legal.
Deciding how far campaigners must keep away from polling places falls to the Joint Boards of Elections, Abramson said on Wednesday.
Each district has a Board of Election consisting of seven members. The two boards together constitute the Joint Boards of Election.
The 975-foot discrepancy came about, Abramson said, because "each board has a right to make its own decisions" on matters strictly within its district. And, he added, "I execute what they say."
The joint boards decided in July to impose the 1,000 foot electioneering-free zone, and it was in effect for the first time for the Sept. 14 primary election. Previously, the cutoff had been 25 feet from polling places throughout the territory.
But the St. Croix board, after consulting with Attorney General Iver Stridiron, decided to revert to the old 25-foot standard, Abramson said.
St. Croix senatorial candidate Ronald Russell, a lawyer, challenged the 1000-foot rule prior to the primary, threatening to take the matter to court. Russell and his campaign manager, Melody Rames, also a lawyer, openly set up electioneering in keeping with the old 25-foot guideline, and Rames said they went unchallenged.
Abramson has since issued a release specifying the different guidelines. He said he could not comment on why the two district boards chose different perimeters, except to observe that St. Croix is geographically very different from St. Thomas. "Most of the polling places are at schools where there is lots of space," he said.
Under the 1,000-foot guideline, campaign supporters seeking to influence voters at Addelita Cancryn Junior High School will have to set up operations at a distance that will place them, to the west, beyond the Sea Chest store. Abramson said before the primary election that for anyone seeking to electioneer by Charlotte Amalie High School, the rule would put them, to the east, by the entrance to Roy L. Schneider Hospital.

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.

Oct. 31, 2002 – Anyone out to influence votes legally on election day can set up shop as close as 25 feet from polling places on St. Croix. But on St. Thomas and St. John, they have to stay 1,000 feet away.
That's the official word from John Abramson Jr., supervisor of elections, and he says it's legal.
Deciding how far campaigners must keep away from polling places falls to the Joint Boards of Elections, Abramson said on Wednesday.
Each district has a Board of Election consisting of seven members. The two boards together constitute the Joint Boards of Election.
The 975-foot discrepancy came about, Abramson said, because "each board has a right to make its own decisions" on matters strictly within its district. And, he added, "I execute what they say."
The joint boards decided in July to impose the 1,000 foot electioneering-free zone, and it was in effect for the first time for the Sept. 14 primary election. Previously, the cutoff had been 25 feet from polling places throughout the territory.
But the St. Croix board, after consulting with Attorney General Iver Stridiron, decided to revert to the old 25-foot standard, Abramson said.
St. Croix senatorial candidate Ronald Russell, a lawyer, challenged the 1000-foot rule prior to the primary, threatening to take the matter to court. Russell and his campaign manager, Melody Rames, also a lawyer, openly set up electioneering in keeping with the old 25-foot guideline, and Rames said they went unchallenged.
Abramson has since issued a release specifying the different guidelines. He said he could not comment on why the two district boards chose different perimeters, except to observe that St. Croix is geographically very different from St. Thomas. "Most of the polling places are at schools where there is lots of space," he said.
Under the 1,000-foot guideline, campaign supporters seeking to influence voters at Addelita Cancryn Junior High School will have to set up operations at a distance that will place them, to the west, beyond the Sea Chest store. Abramson said before the primary election that for anyone seeking to electioneer by Charlotte Amalie High School, the rule would put them, to the east, by the entrance to Roy L. Schneider Hospital.

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.

The V.I. Toastmasters Club 4040U will meet in the Conference Room of the St. Thomas/St. John Chamber of Commerce. Guests are welcome to attend.
For more information call 776-2035.

Oct. 31, 2002 – The V. I. Toastmasters Club 4040U will meet at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 6, in the Conference Room of the St. Thomas/St. John Chamber of Commerce. Guests are welcome.
For more information call 776-2035.

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 v… click A>.

Oct. 31, 2002 – Resurfacing work is under way on outdoor Housing Parks and Recreation Department sports courts at six recreational centers on St. Thomas and St. John.
Work has begun at Savan Park and the Alvin McBean Center and will follow shortly at the Winston Raymo Center, Smith Bay Ballpark and Tutu Valley Park on St. Thomas and at Pine Peace Park on St. John, according to a Government House release. Better Roads has been contracted for the projects.

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.