Oct. 31, 2002 – Attorneys for Innovative Telephone informed Sen. Adelbert Bryan on Wednesday that the company would not be sending its president or anyone else to testify today and tomorrow at meetings of the Economic Development, Agriculture and Consumer Protection Committee, which the senator chairs. Both sessions have the same agenda.
The company president, Samuel Ebbesen, and attorney J'Ada Finch Sheen, general counsel to Innovative Communication Corp., were among 18 persons "invited" by Bryan to appear before the committee at the Thursday session on St. Croix and the Friday session on St. Thomas. All the others represent government agencies or the United Steelworkers union.
In the letter, on ICC letterhead dated Oct. 30 and faxed to the Source on Thursday morning, attorneys Julio Brady of St. Croix and Jeffrey J. Fraser of the mainland noted that Bryan had described the purpose of the hearings in a press release as being "to conduct an investigation on issues surrounding the circumstances which led up to the labor dispute and subsequent federal mediation impasse."
However, they wrote, "this is not mentioned in your Notice of Committee Meeting" received by Innovative. Instead, they said, the notice stated the purpose as being "to conduct a complete investigation of the IDC [Industrial Development Commission, now Economic Development Commission] benefits issued to Innovative Telephone (Vitelco) in 1998 and to determine if this company is in full compliance with its IDC certificate."
Releases from the Legislature over the last two weeks have cited both purposes for the hearings.
Fraser has been representing Innovative in talks with the Steelworkers aimed at reaching agreement on a new contract and ending the union's four-week-old strike against the phone company and Innovative Cable TV. He and Brady said it was clear that Bryan's actual agenda "is to attempt to participate in the labor negotiations — or to be involved in them." This, they said, is inappropriate and, indeed, illegal, because "the resolution of labor-management disputes and/or negotiations are subjects dealt with by federal law" through the National Labor Relations Board and the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service.
Federal mediators were, in fact, called in two weeks ago and tried without success to bring about an agreement.
The ICC letter to Bryan further stated, "The fact that these 'emergency' meetings are taking place shortly before Election Day on Nov. 5 is also disturbing."
It called the hearings "an attempt to politicize" the impasse between Innovative and the union, adding that "various senators and members within the Department of Labor have attempted to use your emergency committee meetings as 'leverage' to resolve the labor dispute impasse."
ICC also suggested that Bryan might better "use your position to try to get people to stop breaking the law so that real progress can be made" in resolving the dispute.
Included with the two-page letter was a third page listing a number of criminal acts said to have been committed against the company since the strike began: the theft of a tool bag, attacks on a contractor and a customer, theft of keys from vehicles, assault of an employee, puncture of a tire, blocking of a warehouse entrance, disturbances in the St. Thomas cable television office, threats to various individuals including one to shoot and three to kill contractors, verbal abuse, striking a vehicle with an umbrella, placing a placard on the windshield and trying to open the driver's door of a moving vehicle, and entering company premises and a dispatch yard.
On Thursday morning, Bryan proceeded with the hearing on St. Croix, calling on those witnesses present to testify. A report of the hearing will be posted later Thursday.
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.
'FRIDAY NIGHT ALTERNATIVE' IS A 'REGULARS' THING
Oct. 31, 2002 – This weekend's "Friday Night Alternative" will feature the music of "the regulars" — and part of its appeal is that you never know which "regulars" will show up to jam on jazz, pop, blues, rock, reggae, old favorites and whatever with house keyboard and vocals artist Sally Smith.
It all happens from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday on the broad Marlin Deck overlooking the marina at American Yacht Harbor in Red Hook.
Along with music by Sally Smith, Marty Beechler and Friends, the evening will feature complimentary cheese and crackers plus wine for $2 and non-alcoholic beverages for $1.
The AYH organizers tout another aspect of the event, too: They say it brings out "the best audience in the islands."
The location on St. Thomas's East End just a few of minutes' walk away from the ferry dock and the barge landing makes it an easy stop for those heading to St. John at the end of the work week, too.
For more information, call Smith or Jennifer Schubert in the AYH office at 775-6454.
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.
It all happens from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday on the broad Marlin Deck overlooking the marina at American Yacht Harbor in Red Hook.
Along with music by Sally Smith, Marty Beechler and Friends, the evening will feature complimentary cheese and crackers plus wine for $2 and non-alcoholic beverages for $1.
The AYH organizers tout another aspect of the event, too: They say it brings out "the best audience in the islands."
The location on St. Thomas's East End just a few of minutes' walk away from the ferry dock and the barge landing makes it an easy stop for those heading to St. John at the end of the work week, too.
For more information, call Smith or Jennifer Schubert in the AYH office at 775-6454.
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.
'FRIDAY NIGHT ALTERNATIVE' IS A 'REGULARS' THING
Oct. 31, 2002 – This weekend's "Friday Night Alternative" will feature the music of "the regulars" — and part of its appeal is that you never know which "regulars" will show up to jam on jazz, pop, blues, rock, reggae, old favorites and whatever with house keyboard and vocals artist Sally Smith.
It all happens from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday on the broad Marlin Deck overlooking the marina at American Yacht Harbor in Red Hook.
Along with music by Sally Smith, Marty Beechler and Friends, the evening will feature complimentary cheese and crackers plus wine for $2 and non-alcoholic beverages for $1.
The AYH organizers tout another aspect of the event, too: They say it brings out "the best audience in the islands."
The location on St. Thomas's East End just a few of minutes' walk away from the ferry dock and the barge landing makes it an easy stop for those heading to St. John at the end of the work week, too.
For more information, call Smith or Jennifer Schubert in the AYH office at 775-6454.
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.
It all happens from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday on the broad Marlin Deck overlooking the marina at American Yacht Harbor in Red Hook.
Along with music by Sally Smith, Marty Beechler and Friends, the evening will feature complimentary cheese and crackers plus wine for $2 and non-alcoholic beverages for $1.
The AYH organizers tout another aspect of the event, too: They say it brings out "the best audience in the islands."
The location on St. Thomas's East End just a few of minutes' walk away from the ferry dock and the barge landing makes it an easy stop for those heading to St. John at the end of the work week, too.
For more information, call Smith or Jennifer Schubert in the AYH office at 775-6454.
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.
THE SOURCE ENDORSES DE JONGH FOR GOVERNOR
If the Virgin Islands has any hope of pulling itself out of its current morass of financial devastation, rampant corruption, an embarrassingly deficient infrastructure and a failing public education system, John de Jongh Jr. is the clear and necessary choice to be our next governor.
De Jongh's record, his intelligence, his commitment to public service and his broad experience are unmatched by any other candidate running for governor this year.
At 44, de Jongh has proven himself in all areas of public and private life. He has done it quietly and without a lot of fanfare. In fact, that may have worked to his disadvantage. When he entered the race, a surprising number of people didn't really know who John de Jongh was. We think they do now, and we think they like what they see.
John de Jongh is a breath of fresh air. First of all, he doesn't need this job. He is not a lifelong government employee, unable to make a living other than on the government dole, although he has lent his talent and time -– pro bono in many instances -– to the last several administrations. He’s also willing to take a risk. He did not take the safe course of waiting out the Turnbull administration's second term before making a run for governor. He saw what we see -– and fear: that another four years of draining the treasury, of apathy and self-interest, of blatant corruption, of unaccredited schools and spiraling crime, would destroy the islands’ future economic viability and social stability. So he left a secure, high-paying job in the private sector to offer his skill, experience and commitment to the people of the Virgin Islands.
In our view, de Jongh stands out among the candidates for governor this year on many fronts, but none more so than financial management.
De Jongh has the experience and expertise -– as no other candidate does -– to begin to address the Virgin Islands’ terrible fiscal condition.
He served two terms on the Industrial Development Commission, now the Economic Development Commission, during the Juan Luis administration. He was the youngest person ever to serve as Finance commissioner, which he did during the Alexander Farrelly administration. As Finance commissioner, de Jongh was also named executive director of the newly formed Public Finance Authority. He was 31 at the time. It was an unpaid position that he handled in addition to his Finance Department responsibilities.
Along with his experience locally, de Jongh, while working as a senior management consultant for a private-public finance advisory firm, helped develop five-year plans for Philadelphia; New Haven, Connecticut; and Washington, D.C. In fact, de Jongh authored most of the current administration's Five-Year Operating and Strategic Financial Plan at the behest of Charles W. Turnbull.
Unfortunately, Turnbull chose to ignore much of what his own plan recommended to solve the territory’s economic problems. And despite Turnbull's ongoing self-congratulations for paying long-overdue step increases, tax refunds and vendors’ bills — all positive actions — the reality behind that achievement is that Turnbull cashed in on one-time tax windfalls and borrowed more money — a lot more money — to accomplish that. So, with the V.I. debt at an all-time high and the attractiveness of V.I. government bonds extremely low, the chances of Turnbull being able to borrow enough to see us through another four years of waste, corruption, mismanagement and abuse are slim.
As for the rest of the competition, some very qualified people are running for governor this year. But de Jongh’s breadth and depth of experience in and out of government make him a standout choice. As a past president of the Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands, for example, he understands the complex issues facing the children and families of these islands, most especially a failing public education system and the intractable poverty that is the lot of too many of our citizens. As a past president of the St. Thomas-St. John Chamber of Commerce, de Jongh understands the need for a healthy business climate, and for businesses to operate fairly and responsibly.
For all these reasons, we endorse John de Jongh for governor without reservation. He offers the hope of new leadership, new approaches and new solutions to old, entrenched problems. And the beauty of his candidacy is that, for the first time in recent memory, we can vote for someone instead of just against someone else.
De Jongh's record, his intelligence, his commitment to public service and his broad experience are unmatched by any other candidate running for governor this year.
At 44, de Jongh has proven himself in all areas of public and private life. He has done it quietly and without a lot of fanfare. In fact, that may have worked to his disadvantage. When he entered the race, a surprising number of people didn't really know who John de Jongh was. We think they do now, and we think they like what they see.
John de Jongh is a breath of fresh air. First of all, he doesn't need this job. He is not a lifelong government employee, unable to make a living other than on the government dole, although he has lent his talent and time -– pro bono in many instances -– to the last several administrations. He’s also willing to take a risk. He did not take the safe course of waiting out the Turnbull administration's second term before making a run for governor. He saw what we see -– and fear: that another four years of draining the treasury, of apathy and self-interest, of blatant corruption, of unaccredited schools and spiraling crime, would destroy the islands’ future economic viability and social stability. So he left a secure, high-paying job in the private sector to offer his skill, experience and commitment to the people of the Virgin Islands.
In our view, de Jongh stands out among the candidates for governor this year on many fronts, but none more so than financial management.
De Jongh has the experience and expertise -– as no other candidate does -– to begin to address the Virgin Islands’ terrible fiscal condition.
He served two terms on the Industrial Development Commission, now the Economic Development Commission, during the Juan Luis administration. He was the youngest person ever to serve as Finance commissioner, which he did during the Alexander Farrelly administration. As Finance commissioner, de Jongh was also named executive director of the newly formed Public Finance Authority. He was 31 at the time. It was an unpaid position that he handled in addition to his Finance Department responsibilities.
Along with his experience locally, de Jongh, while working as a senior management consultant for a private-public finance advisory firm, helped develop five-year plans for Philadelphia; New Haven, Connecticut; and Washington, D.C. In fact, de Jongh authored most of the current administration's Five-Year Operating and Strategic Financial Plan at the behest of Charles W. Turnbull.
Unfortunately, Turnbull chose to ignore much of what his own plan recommended to solve the territory’s economic problems. And despite Turnbull's ongoing self-congratulations for paying long-overdue step increases, tax refunds and vendors’ bills — all positive actions — the reality behind that achievement is that Turnbull cashed in on one-time tax windfalls and borrowed more money — a lot more money — to accomplish that. So, with the V.I. debt at an all-time high and the attractiveness of V.I. government bonds extremely low, the chances of Turnbull being able to borrow enough to see us through another four years of waste, corruption, mismanagement and abuse are slim.
As for the rest of the competition, some very qualified people are running for governor this year. But de Jongh’s breadth and depth of experience in and out of government make him a standout choice. As a past president of the Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands, for example, he understands the complex issues facing the children and families of these islands, most especially a failing public education system and the intractable poverty that is the lot of too many of our citizens. As a past president of the St. Thomas-St. John Chamber of Commerce, de Jongh understands the need for a healthy business climate, and for businesses to operate fairly and responsibly.
For all these reasons, we endorse John de Jongh for governor without reservation. He offers the hope of new leadership, new approaches and new solutions to old, entrenched problems. And the beauty of his candidacy is that, for the first time in recent memory, we can vote for someone instead of just against someone else.
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.
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 SOURCE ENDORSES DE JONGH FOR GOVERNOR
If the Virgin Islands has any hope of pulling itself out of its current morass of financial devastation, rampant corruption, an embarrassingly deficient infrastructure and a failing public education system, John de Jongh Jr. is the clear and necessary choice to be our next governor.
De Jongh's record, his intelligence, his commitment to public service and his broad experience are unmatched by any other candidate running for governor this year.
At 44, de Jongh has proven himself in all areas of public and private life. He has done it quietly and without a lot of fanfare. In fact, that may have worked to his disadvantage. When he entered the race, a surprising number of people didn't really know who John de Jongh was. We think they do now, and we think they like what they see.
John de Jongh is a breath of fresh air. First of all, he doesn't need this job. He is not a lifelong government employee, unable to make a living other than on the government dole, although he has lent his talent and time -– pro bono in many instances -– to the last several administrations. He’s also willing to take a risk. He did not take the safe course of waiting out the Turnbull administration's second term before making a run for governor. He saw what we see -– and fear: that another four years of draining the treasury, of apathy and self-interest, of blatant corruption, of unaccredited schools and spiraling crime, would destroy the islands’ future economic viability and social stability. So he left a secure, high-paying job in the private sector to offer his skill, experience and commitment to the people of the Virgin Islands.
In our view, de Jongh stands out among the candidates for governor this year on many fronts, but none more so than financial management.
De Jongh has the experience and expertise -– as no other candidate does -– to begin to address the Virgin Islands’ terrible fiscal condition.
He served two terms on the Industrial Development Commission, now the Economic Development Commission, during the Juan Luis administration. He was the youngest person ever to serve as Finance commissioner, which he did during the Alexander Farrelly administration. As Finance commissioner, de Jongh was also named executive director of the newly formed Public Finance Authority. He was 31 at the time. It was an unpaid position that he handled in addition to his Finance Department responsibilities.
Along with his experience locally, de Jongh, while working as a senior management consultant for a private-public finance advisory firm, helped develop five-year plans for Philadelphia; New Haven, Connecticut; and Washington, D.C. In fact, de Jongh authored most of the current administration's Five-Year Operating and Strategic Financial Plan at the behest of Charles W. Turnbull.
Unfortunately, Turnbull chose to ignore much of what his own plan recommended to solve the territory’s economic problems. And despite Turnbull's ongoing self-congratulations for paying long-overdue step increases, tax refunds and vendors’ bills — all positive actions — the reality behind that achievement is that Turnbull cashed in on one-time tax windfalls and borrowed more money — a lot more money — to accomplish that. So, with the V.I. debt at an all-time high and the attractiveness of V.I. government bonds extremely low, the chances of Turnbull being able to borrow enough to see us through another four years of waste, corruption, mismanagement and abuse are slim.
As for the rest of the competition, some very qualified people are running for governor this year. But de Jongh’s breadth and depth of experience in and out of government make him a standout choice. As a past president of the Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands, for example, he understands the complex issues facing the children and families of these islands, most especially a failing public education system and the intractable poverty that is the lot of too many of our citizens. As a past president of the St. Thomas-St. John Chamber of Commerce, de Jongh understands the need for a healthy business climate, and for businesses to operate fairly and responsibly.
For all these reasons, we endorse John de Jongh for governor without reservation. He offers the hope of new leadership, new approaches and new solutions to old, entrenched problems. And the beauty of his candidacy is that, for the first time in recent memory, we can vote for someone instead of just against someone else.
De Jongh's record, his intelligence, his commitment to public service and his broad experience are unmatched by any other candidate running for governor this year.
At 44, de Jongh has proven himself in all areas of public and private life. He has done it quietly and without a lot of fanfare. In fact, that may have worked to his disadvantage. When he entered the race, a surprising number of people didn't really know who John de Jongh was. We think they do now, and we think they like what they see.
John de Jongh is a breath of fresh air. First of all, he doesn't need this job. He is not a lifelong government employee, unable to make a living other than on the government dole, although he has lent his talent and time -– pro bono in many instances -– to the last several administrations. He’s also willing to take a risk. He did not take the safe course of waiting out the Turnbull administration's second term before making a run for governor. He saw what we see -– and fear: that another four years of draining the treasury, of apathy and self-interest, of blatant corruption, of unaccredited schools and spiraling crime, would destroy the islands’ future economic viability and social stability. So he left a secure, high-paying job in the private sector to offer his skill, experience and commitment to the people of the Virgin Islands.
In our view, de Jongh stands out among the candidates for governor this year on many fronts, but none more so than financial management.
De Jongh has the experience and expertise -– as no other candidate does -– to begin to address the Virgin Islands’ terrible fiscal condition.
He served two terms on the Industrial Development Commission, now the Economic Development Commission, during the Juan Luis administration. He was the youngest person ever to serve as Finance commissioner, which he did during the Alexander Farrelly administration. As Finance commissioner, de Jongh was also named executive director of the newly formed Public Finance Authority. He was 31 at the time. It was an unpaid position that he handled in addition to his Finance Department responsibilities.
Along with his experience locally, de Jongh, while working as a senior management consultant for a private-public finance advisory firm, helped develop five-year plans for Philadelphia; New Haven, Connecticut; and Washington, D.C. In fact, de Jongh authored most of the current administration's Five-Year Operating and Strategic Financial Plan at the behest of Charles W. Turnbull.
Unfortunately, Turnbull chose to ignore much of what his own plan recommended to solve the territory’s economic problems. And despite Turnbull's ongoing self-congratulations for paying long-overdue step increases, tax refunds and vendors’ bills — all positive actions — the reality behind that achievement is that Turnbull cashed in on one-time tax windfalls and borrowed more money — a lot more money — to accomplish that. So, with the V.I. debt at an all-time high and the attractiveness of V.I. government bonds extremely low, the chances of Turnbull being able to borrow enough to see us through another four years of waste, corruption, mismanagement and abuse are slim.
As for the rest of the competition, some very qualified people are running for governor this year. But de Jongh’s breadth and depth of experience in and out of government make him a standout choice. As a past president of the Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands, for example, he understands the complex issues facing the children and families of these islands, most especially a failing public education system and the intractable poverty that is the lot of too many of our citizens. As a past president of the St. Thomas-St. John Chamber of Commerce, de Jongh understands the need for a healthy business climate, and for businesses to operate fairly and responsibly.
For all these reasons, we endorse John de Jongh for governor without reservation. He offers the hope of new leadership, new approaches and new solutions to old, entrenched problems. And the beauty of his candidacy is that, for the first time in recent memory, we can vote for someone instead of just against someone else.
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.
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.
THE SOURCE ENDORSES DE JONGH FOR GOVERNOR
If the Virgin Islands has any hope of pulling itself out of its current morass of financial devastation, rampant corruption, an embarrassingly deficient infrastructure and a failing public education system, John de Jongh Jr. is the clear and necessary choice to be our next governor.
De Jongh's record, his intelligence, his commitment to public service and his broad experience are unmatched by any other candidate running for governor this year.
At 44, de Jongh has proven himself in all areas of public and private life. He has done it quietly and without a lot of fanfare. In fact, that may have worked to his disadvantage. When he entered the race, a surprising number of people didn't really know who John de Jongh was. We think they do now, and we think they like what they see.
John de Jongh is a breath of fresh air. First of all, he doesn't need this job. He is not a lifelong government employee, unable to make a living other than on the government dole, although he has lent his talent and time -– pro bono in many instances -– to the last several administrations. He’s also willing to take a risk. He did not take the safe course of waiting out the Turnbull administration's second term before making a run for governor. He saw what we see -– and fear: that another four years of draining the treasury, of apathy and self-interest, of blatant corruption, of unaccredited schools and spiraling crime, would destroy the islands’ future economic viability and social stability. So he left a secure, high-paying job in the private sector to offer his skill, experience and commitment to the people of the Virgin Islands.
In our view, de Jongh stands out among the candidates for governor this year on many fronts, but none more so than financial management.
De Jongh has the experience and expertise -– as no other candidate does -– to begin to address the Virgin Islands’ terrible fiscal condition.
He served two terms on the Industrial Development Commission, now the Economic Development Commission, during the Juan Luis administration. He was the youngest person ever to serve as Finance commissioner, which he did during the Alexander Farrelly administration. As Finance commissioner, de Jongh was also named executive director of the newly formed Public Finance Authority. He was 31 at the time. It was an unpaid position that he handled in addition to his Finance Department responsibilities.
Along with his experience locally, de Jongh, while working as a senior management consultant for a private-public finance advisory firm, helped develop five-year plans for Philadelphia; New Haven, Connecticut; and Washington, D.C. In fact, de Jongh authored most of the current administration's Five-Year Operating and Strategic Financial Plan at the behest of Charles W. Turnbull.
Unfortunately, Turnbull chose to ignore much of what his own plan recommended to solve the territory’s economic problems. And despite Turnbull's ongoing self-congratulations for paying long-overdue step increases, tax refunds and vendors’ bills — all positive actions — the reality behind that achievement is that Turnbull cashed in on one-time tax windfalls and borrowed more money — a lot more money — to accomplish that. So, with the V.I. debt at an all-time high and the attractiveness of V.I. government bonds extremely low, the chances of Turnbull being able to borrow enough to see us through another four years of waste, corruption, mismanagement and abuse are slim.
As for the rest of the competition, some very qualified people are running for governor this year. But de Jongh’s breadth and depth of experience in and out of government make him a standout choice. As a past president of the Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands, for example, he understands the complex issues facing the children and families of these islands, most especially a failing public education system and the intractable poverty that is the lot of too many of our citizens. As a past president of the St. Thomas-St. John Chamber of Commerce, de Jongh understands the need for a healthy business climate, and for businesses to operate fairly and responsibly.
For all these reasons, we endorse John de Jongh for governor without reservation. He offers the hope of new leadership, new approaches and new solutions to old, entrenched problems. And the beauty of his candidacy is that, for the first time in recent memory, we can vote for someone instead of just against someone else.
De Jongh's record, his intelligence, his commitment to public service and his broad experience are unmatched by any other candidate running for governor this year.
At 44, de Jongh has proven himself in all areas of public and private life. He has done it quietly and without a lot of fanfare. In fact, that may have worked to his disadvantage. When he entered the race, a surprising number of people didn't really know who John de Jongh was. We think they do now, and we think they like what they see.
John de Jongh is a breath of fresh air. First of all, he doesn't need this job. He is not a lifelong government employee, unable to make a living other than on the government dole, although he has lent his talent and time -– pro bono in many instances -– to the last several administrations. He’s also willing to take a risk. He did not take the safe course of waiting out the Turnbull administration's second term before making a run for governor. He saw what we see -– and fear: that another four years of draining the treasury, of apathy and self-interest, of blatant corruption, of unaccredited schools and spiraling crime, would destroy the islands’ future economic viability and social stability. So he left a secure, high-paying job in the private sector to offer his skill, experience and commitment to the people of the Virgin Islands.
In our view, de Jongh stands out among the candidates for governor this year on many fronts, but none more so than financial management.
De Jongh has the experience and expertise -– as no other candidate does -– to begin to address the Virgin Islands’ terrible fiscal condition.
He served two terms on the Industrial Development Commission, now the Economic Development Commission, during the Juan Luis administration. He was the youngest person ever to serve as Finance commissioner, which he did during the Alexander Farrelly administration. As Finance commissioner, de Jongh was also named executive director of the newly formed Public Finance Authority. He was 31 at the time. It was an unpaid position that he handled in addition to his Finance Department responsibilities.
Along with his experience locally, de Jongh, while working as a senior management consultant for a private-public finance advisory firm, helped develop five-year plans for Philadelphia; New Haven, Connecticut; and Washington, D.C. In fact, de Jongh authored most of the current administration's Five-Year Operating and Strategic Financial Plan at the behest of Charles W. Turnbull.
Unfortunately, Turnbull chose to ignore much of what his own plan recommended to solve the territory’s economic problems. And despite Turnbull's ongoing self-congratulations for paying long-overdue step increases, tax refunds and vendors’ bills — all positive actions — the reality behind that achievement is that Turnbull cashed in on one-time tax windfalls and borrowed more money — a lot more money — to accomplish that. So, with the V.I. debt at an all-time high and the attractiveness of V.I. government bonds extremely low, the chances of Turnbull being able to borrow enough to see us through another four years of waste, corruption, mismanagement and abuse are slim.
As for the rest of the competition, some very qualified people are running for governor this year. But de Jongh’s breadth and depth of experience in and out of government make him a standout choice. As a past president of the Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands, for example, he understands the complex issues facing the children and families of these islands, most especially a failing public education system and the intractable poverty that is the lot of too many of our citizens. As a past president of the St. Thomas-St. John Chamber of Commerce, de Jongh understands the need for a healthy business climate, and for businesses to operate fairly and responsibly.
For all these reasons, we endorse John de Jongh for governor without reservation. He offers the hope of new leadership, new approaches and new solutions to old, entrenched problems. And the beauty of his candidacy is that, for the first time in recent memory, we can vote for someone instead of just against someone else.
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.
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.
'GREEK WEDDING' SLEEPER HIT OF THE YEAR
Oct. 31, 2002 – As "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" continues opening around the country, its filmmakers are enjoying outlandish and unexpected success. "Some of us were talking at the beginning about $20 or $25 million if we're lucky, but no one ever dreamed of hitting $100 million," Rob Schwartz, head of distribution for IFC Films, which released Greek Wedding, told USA Today in early September.
To date, "My Big Fat Greek Wedding," which cost only $5 million to make, has grossed more than $177 million, breaking all sorts of box office records since its limited release in April. Growing from 108 theaters then to 1,967 as of last weekend, the independent film owes much of its success to word of mouth.
Audiences love the movie, and demand is going strong. The film has broken local viewing records in at least one community, having played continuously for more than 15 weeks at the Pleasant Street Theater in Northhampton, Massachusetts.
So what's all the fuss about? Toula Portokalos (Nia Vardalos) is a frumpy 30-year-old hostess at her father's downtown Chicago Greek restaurant, Dancing Zorbas. Toula has three rules to life, the same three rules that govern all Greek women: to marry a Greek man, to have Greek children and to feed everyone until the day she dies. Her possible choices of husbands are limited, and her parents, Gus (Michael Constantine) and Maria (Lainie Kazan), are rushing her to marry.
Toula talks her father into letting her enroll in computer classes at a college, and she begins to blossom in Cinderella-like fashion. Before the switches jobs to work in the travel agency of her Aunt Voula (Andrea Martin), the man of her dreams enters Dancing Zorbas in the form of a non-Greek Prince Charming, Ian Miller (John Corbett).
Toula finally convinces her father to let her marry Ian, and melee kicks into high gear as Toula's extended family plans her "big, fat Greek wedding."
This year's sleeper hit is a romantic comedy that is surprising and delighting audiences everywhere. It's a feel-good film for the whole family, and the bigger the family, the better.
"My Big Fat Greek Wedding" is 1 hour and 35 minutes. It is rated PG for sensuality and language. The film opens today at Sunny Isle Theaters.
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.
To date, "My Big Fat Greek Wedding," which cost only $5 million to make, has grossed more than $177 million, breaking all sorts of box office records since its limited release in April. Growing from 108 theaters then to 1,967 as of last weekend, the independent film owes much of its success to word of mouth.
Audiences love the movie, and demand is going strong. The film has broken local viewing records in at least one community, having played continuously for more than 15 weeks at the Pleasant Street Theater in Northhampton, Massachusetts.
So what's all the fuss about? Toula Portokalos (Nia Vardalos) is a frumpy 30-year-old hostess at her father's downtown Chicago Greek restaurant, Dancing Zorbas. Toula has three rules to life, the same three rules that govern all Greek women: to marry a Greek man, to have Greek children and to feed everyone until the day she dies. Her possible choices of husbands are limited, and her parents, Gus (Michael Constantine) and Maria (Lainie Kazan), are rushing her to marry.
Toula talks her father into letting her enroll in computer classes at a college, and she begins to blossom in Cinderella-like fashion. Before the switches jobs to work in the travel agency of her Aunt Voula (Andrea Martin), the man of her dreams enters Dancing Zorbas in the form of a non-Greek Prince Charming, Ian Miller (John Corbett).
Toula finally convinces her father to let her marry Ian, and melee kicks into high gear as Toula's extended family plans her "big, fat Greek wedding."
This year's sleeper hit is a romantic comedy that is surprising and delighting audiences everywhere. It's a feel-good film for the whole family, and the bigger the family, the better.
"My Big Fat Greek Wedding" is 1 hour and 35 minutes. It is rated PG for sensuality and language. The film opens today at Sunny Isle Theaters.
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.
BOYFRIEND CHARGED IN DEATH OF CHAMONIE MILLER
Oct. 30, 2002 – Police on Wednesday arrested the boyfriend of a St. Croix woman whose body was found in her vehicle last August 50 feet under water in Krause Lagoon.
Homicide detectives on St. Croix arrested Kemore Boston, 32, shortly before 4:30 p.m. and charged him with the death of Chamonie Miller.
The arrest capped a nearly three-month investigation by the Criminal Investigation Bureau. Boston, a resident of Hannah's Rest, was taken into custody without incident on a warrant issued by Territorial Court Presiding Judge Maria Cabret.
Police Chief Novelle Francis said late Wednesday that details would be forthcoming Thursday at a mid-morning press conference. Attorney General Iver Stridiron, Police Commissioner Franz Christian, other Police Department officials and representatives of the U.S. Attorney's Office are expected to participate.
Boston, who goes by the names "Kemo" and "Big Dred," was held without bail pending an initial appearance on Thursday in Territorial Court.
While Francis declined to provide details about the circumstances that led to Boston's arrest, law-enforcement sources close to the investigation said the break in the case came when witnesses came forward to testify in support of evidence investigators had gathered.
Miller's body was found on Aug. 9 slumped behind the driver's seat of her late-model Ford Explorer. Divers found the vehicle submerged in Krause Lagoon on St. Croix's southwest shoreline. The discovery ended a five-day search for the Divi Carina Bay Casino employee, who had failed to return home after getting off work the night of Aug. 4.
The sport utility vehicle had sunk front end down in 50 feet of water off the lagoon dock, leading police to believe that it was run off the pier. Authorities have not said whether Miller was alive when the vehicle went into the water. Investigators believe that she and Boston got into a heated argument in the Castle Coakley area, where she had gone to pick him up. Boston, a Hovensa night-shift employee, did not work that night.
There have been unconfirmed reports that the weapon used to attack Miller was found in the SUV.
Miller failed to return home after finishing her Sunday night shift as a card dealer at the casino. She gave two co-workers a ride home from the Divi to Coakley Bay, about 10 minutes away. They were the last persons to report having see her.
An autopsy determined that Miller suffered blunt force trauma to her body.
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.
Homicide detectives on St. Croix arrested Kemore Boston, 32, shortly before 4:30 p.m. and charged him with the death of Chamonie Miller.
The arrest capped a nearly three-month investigation by the Criminal Investigation Bureau. Boston, a resident of Hannah's Rest, was taken into custody without incident on a warrant issued by Territorial Court Presiding Judge Maria Cabret.
Police Chief Novelle Francis said late Wednesday that details would be forthcoming Thursday at a mid-morning press conference. Attorney General Iver Stridiron, Police Commissioner Franz Christian, other Police Department officials and representatives of the U.S. Attorney's Office are expected to participate.
Boston, who goes by the names "Kemo" and "Big Dred," was held without bail pending an initial appearance on Thursday in Territorial Court.
While Francis declined to provide details about the circumstances that led to Boston's arrest, law-enforcement sources close to the investigation said the break in the case came when witnesses came forward to testify in support of evidence investigators had gathered.
Miller's body was found on Aug. 9 slumped behind the driver's seat of her late-model Ford Explorer. Divers found the vehicle submerged in Krause Lagoon on St. Croix's southwest shoreline. The discovery ended a five-day search for the Divi Carina Bay Casino employee, who had failed to return home after getting off work the night of Aug. 4.
The sport utility vehicle had sunk front end down in 50 feet of water off the lagoon dock, leading police to believe that it was run off the pier. Authorities have not said whether Miller was alive when the vehicle went into the water. Investigators believe that she and Boston got into a heated argument in the Castle Coakley area, where she had gone to pick him up. Boston, a Hovensa night-shift employee, did not work that night.
There have been unconfirmed reports that the weapon used to attack Miller was found in the SUV.
Miller failed to return home after finishing her Sunday night shift as a card dealer at the casino. She gave two co-workers a ride home from the Divi to Coakley Bay, about 10 minutes away. They were the last persons to report having see her.
An autopsy determined that Miller suffered blunt force trauma to her body.
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.
POLICE APPREHEND 24 ILLEGAL ALIENS ON ST. JOHN
Oct. 30, 2002 – Police picked up 24 illegal aliens, all of them adults, in three locations across St. John on Wednesday.
According to a release from Police Department headquarters on St. John, residents telephoned to report having seen groups of what appeared to be illegal aliens in Cruz Bay, Fish Bay and Catherineberg. The 24 persons taken into custody comprised 10 men and two women from China, six men and three women from Haiti, and three men from Colombia. All were believed to have arrived on island together.
The 24 were turned over to the Immigration and Naturalization Service for processing, joining an ongoing stream of illegal aliens who have found their way to St. John in the last few years. Most have been from China, with others coming from Haiti and elsewhere.
Many have come ashore on V.I. National Park land, but the group picked up on Wednesday didn't do so. Steve Clark, who heads enforcement activities at the park, said his staff did not have any information about them.
Late in August, a total of 58 illegal aliens arrived on St. John in four waves within a week.
Clark has said that the Chinese illegals typically come ashore with a map of the park such as those distributed at the Cruz Bay Visitor Center. Both Clark and Deputy Police Chief Angelo Hill have said that having to deal with the illegal aliens overburdens their staffs.
The INS does not get involved in apprehending aliens on St. John, although this is not the case in other jurisdictions. Its agents travel to the island from St. Thomas only to transport the individuals the INS facility on St. Thomas. Most are charged with illegal entry.
No further information could be obtained on the group picked up on Wednesday.
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.
According to a release from Police Department headquarters on St. John, residents telephoned to report having seen groups of what appeared to be illegal aliens in Cruz Bay, Fish Bay and Catherineberg. The 24 persons taken into custody comprised 10 men and two women from China, six men and three women from Haiti, and three men from Colombia. All were believed to have arrived on island together.
The 24 were turned over to the Immigration and Naturalization Service for processing, joining an ongoing stream of illegal aliens who have found their way to St. John in the last few years. Most have been from China, with others coming from Haiti and elsewhere.
Many have come ashore on V.I. National Park land, but the group picked up on Wednesday didn't do so. Steve Clark, who heads enforcement activities at the park, said his staff did not have any information about them.
Late in August, a total of 58 illegal aliens arrived on St. John in four waves within a week.
Clark has said that the Chinese illegals typically come ashore with a map of the park such as those distributed at the Cruz Bay Visitor Center. Both Clark and Deputy Police Chief Angelo Hill have said that having to deal with the illegal aliens overburdens their staffs.
The INS does not get involved in apprehending aliens on St. John, although this is not the case in other jurisdictions. Its agents travel to the island from St. Thomas only to transport the individuals the INS facility on St. Thomas. Most are charged with illegal entry.
No further information could be obtained on the group picked up on Wednesday.
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.
BERRY RESPONDS TO SOURCE SENATE FORUM
1. How important is a comprehensive land and water use plan, and why has the territory been unable in more than 20 years of effort to enact one? What will it take to change this, and what, if anything, will you do bring about such change?
A comprehensive land and water use plan is essential, especially to halt spot zoning wherein politicians have power to "grant favors". However, absent is the political will; several versions led to controversy among "power groups" wishing to maintain the status quo. Senators pay lip service to the proposed plan, but allow it to languish in committee, (its present fate); resting now in the Committee on Planning and Environmental Protection. The Source would do well to check "resting places" in previous Legislatures. Publicity thereon might spur Senators to take heed. One small step in the right direction: my bill creating a one-tier permitting process.
2. How important is private and public sector partnering, and how can such partnering best be accomplished in order to be most effective in addressing economic and social problems in the territory?
Private/public sector partnering is vitally essential. But the government must understand the private sector cannot be expected to solve all social problems, (a belief held by the private sector) and must be freed from onerous strictures that lead to inability to expand and do what they’re good at: that is to generate capital investments and jobs, and to do so under business/hospitable conditions. It, of course, has to pay fair and reasonable taxes. A private/public sector partnership assisted with my Economic Summit in 1999 and helped to develop consensus to implement the initiative recommended for the expansion of the tourism sector and the development of other industries compatible with an Island economy i.e. the reform of the EDA law and the Tax Reform Commission which were already enacted into laws; pending in the Legislature are the Technology Enterprise Act of 2002, The Tourism Authority, The Independent Bureau of Financial Services and its companion proposal The Financial Services Act of 2002.
3. What are the biggest problems in the public education system, and what will it take to solve them? What will you do toward getting them solve?
I sought advice from experts; therein mandating that UVI Study the problem and recommend solutions. It has done so and these must be implemented. A major observation was that the Department of Education is a political entity whose focus is more closely related to the goal of political governance than education. The biggest problem, of course, is that many of our children are not achieving. UVI’s recommendations should help in solving this; realigning, as it does, the balance between administration and teaching personnel, due to a reduction in the public school student population over the last ten years. Among changes that should be made: First off, "social promotions" should be forbidden.
4. How do you feel about floating future bonds to finance government initiatives, given the territory’s present bond indebtedness of more than $1 billion? What will you do to persuade others of your views?
No more bond issues at the present time, except for capital improvement that generate income. To persuade others? How about dramatic analysis and presentations by experts (especially the Department of Interior with vivid illustrations of what happens when a community goes bankrupt! The District of Columbia would be a good example.
5. What is the most viable solution to the Territory’s solid-waste disposal problems? What will you do to advance the implementation of this solution?
Some years ago, after conducting enormous research endeavors, I came up with a plan that would cost the government very little and recommended it to the then Administration. Nothing happened. I was given to understand many other plans had been formulated. Why not take all the plans, mandate that UVI study, analyze and come up with honest, objective solutions; submit a proposed plan – to the Department of Interior. Faced with an "honest-to-God-plan-and determination-to-clean-up-the-dump; it may well parcel out the $40 million required; or agree to assist should it be privatized and the VI finds itself facing penalties because it cannot provide the daily tonnage required by the private entrepreneur. In the meantime, the PWD and the Antilitter Commission should reduce solid waste disposal at the landfill by increasing recycling and composting where possible.
6. What is the most viable solution to the territory’s sewage disposal problems? What will you do to advance the implementation of this solution?
Some excellent presentations have been made to the lawmakers through the years. At least several seemed most viable. Political will prevented their implementation. In personal conversations with Interior officials years ago, they are open to assisting the Territory on massive projects impossible to implement by a territorial economy. Therefore, they may be persuaded if they are convinced this isn’t a boondoggle, pork-barrel project but finally a true, state-of-the-art professional project by professionals. In the meantime, we have to prioritize the rum revenue increase to up-grade and maintain our plants.
7. How do you assess the economy of the Virgin Islands at this time, and what do you see as its best hope for growth? What will you do to foster that growth?
On the surface, St. Thomas appears to be thriving (while St. Croix is despairing) but I feel this is deceptive; that the economy is soft, too dependent upon tourism. The passage of an unbalanced budget is also challenge … Sixty Million Dollars have been paid in salary increases with an estimated Thirty Million Dollars needed for pending bargaining units. We have to generate new revenues to sustain these obligations. We must revisit EDA Benefits to meet new demands of potential capital investment. Are we doing all we can to lure to our shores capital investment? Especially when legislation makes this feasible? i.e. EDA should seek the talent, the experts, in luring to our shores the exempt insurers industry. Other jurisdictions have hundreds of exempt insurers while we have only a handful despite passage of our exempt international insurer legislation. The Virgin Islands needs to target business sectors that it wants to develop and work cooperatively with the UVI and the territories high schools to ensure that today students are tomorrow employees/employers in the Virgin Islands. The implementation of the Research and Technology Park will be part of this initiative. The Virgin Islands also needs to review its corporate statute on an ongoing basis to ensure that we have a friendly business environment. The Virgin Islands also needs to review its tax incentives regularly to ensure that they are competitive. Push for adoption of my Autonomous Tourism Authority.
8. How pervasive is corruption within the local government, and how should this problem, if you consider it to be a problem, best be addressed?
Practically every day, someone contacts me to discuss corruption in government. I have discussed with our Office of Legal Counsel my proposal to establish an Autonomous Commission on Ethics and Corruption. I was the only Senate President to enpanel the Ethics Committee but found it lacking, indeed, leading me to feel an autonomous agency is the only way to go. I have supported legislation making the Office of the Attorney General elected by the people. I have sponsored legislation, which is pending, to grant the Inspector General’s Office prosecutorial powers to implement audit findings to safeguard the independence of the local Inspector General’s Office. Action should be taken against any Administration if it fails to comply when the Inspector General recommends legal action against wrongdoers.
9. What is the most viable solution to Government Employees Retirement System pay outs exceeding revenues, and what will you do to advance the implementation of these solutions?
We must implement the suggestions of actuaries and other experts employed by GERS. No one else should have any say – they are the ones who know if we are on the road to bankrupting the GERS – and bankruptcy would take place if outlay exceeds revenues. Forbid all legislation that raids the system. In fact, such sponsors should face an Autonomous Commission on Ethics and Corruption for surely it is unethical to gain votes on the backs of retirees who may be subjected to loss of their hard-earned financial security.
10. What is the most viable solution to government spending exceeding revenues, and what will you do to advance the implementation of this solution?
The government must abide by the law. I created the Select Committee on Government Accountability out of which emerged the monumental Financial Accountability Act. This mandates policies that curb waste and insure greater efficiency, a fix debt, an attrition program, and a BALANCED BUDGET based on verifiable receipts. If implemented, this legislation gives the administration all the tools and prerogatives it requires to run the government as one would run a business.
11. How do alignments between majority and minority blocs in the Legislature and adversarial relationships between the legislative and executive branches of government serve the best interest of the people of the Virgin Islands?
Traditionally, in fact I believe from the formation of the first Senate in Ancient Rome on to modern times (British Parliament), "the loyal opposition" has always been deemed to be the practical political means of maintaining a good balance – i.e. curbing the emergence of uncontrolled, power-mad factions, for example: It works in the Senate provided the Majority doesn’t abuse its’ power as in the current 24th Legislature. It certainly worked when I was Senate President! In the 24th Legislature the Majority/Minority alignment was extreme, based solely on funding, personal politics not on philosophy and experience; and with the intent to marginalize the Minority. They used unbridled power to strip the Minority down to a bear-bone-budget, the lowest in the history of the Legislature, which mandated releasing half of our employees. Also, assignment of Chairmanships and Committee Memberships was not made, for the most part, on experience, interest and ability. Major legislation remains undrafted or pending in the Legislature to reduce Minority effectiveness.
"An adversarial relationship" between the Senate and government house is more "tricky" to quantify. In the sixties when they were on the same page (catapulting us from a sleepy tropical outpost to a modern day economy) many good things happened; economically speaking. But with lack of a "loyal opposition … "they failed to see they laid the groundwork for a bloated bureaucracy and other ills. In the 24th Legislature however, adversarial relationship was again extreme as exhibited by some members of the Majority towards the Administration. The Attorney General along with many Commissioners and other officials, even Legislative employees, nominees and testifiers coming before the Legislature were insulted maligned, belittled and disrespected on many occasions. Many Majority Members are now re-packaging themselves, hoping the voters will forget that they exercised unbridled, unconscionable tyranny in the performance in their duties and they did so to a degree never before witnessed in a democratic Legislature.
A comprehensive land and water use plan is essential, especially to halt spot zoning wherein politicians have power to "grant favors". However, absent is the political will; several versions led to controversy among "power groups" wishing to maintain the status quo. Senators pay lip service to the proposed plan, but allow it to languish in committee, (its present fate); resting now in the Committee on Planning and Environmental Protection. The Source would do well to check "resting places" in previous Legislatures. Publicity thereon might spur Senators to take heed. One small step in the right direction: my bill creating a one-tier permitting process.
2. How important is private and public sector partnering, and how can such partnering best be accomplished in order to be most effective in addressing economic and social problems in the territory?
Private/public sector partnering is vitally essential. But the government must understand the private sector cannot be expected to solve all social problems, (a belief held by the private sector) and must be freed from onerous strictures that lead to inability to expand and do what they’re good at: that is to generate capital investments and jobs, and to do so under business/hospitable conditions. It, of course, has to pay fair and reasonable taxes. A private/public sector partnership assisted with my Economic Summit in 1999 and helped to develop consensus to implement the initiative recommended for the expansion of the tourism sector and the development of other industries compatible with an Island economy i.e. the reform of the EDA law and the Tax Reform Commission which were already enacted into laws; pending in the Legislature are the Technology Enterprise Act of 2002, The Tourism Authority, The Independent Bureau of Financial Services and its companion proposal The Financial Services Act of 2002.
3. What are the biggest problems in the public education system, and what will it take to solve them? What will you do toward getting them solve?
I sought advice from experts; therein mandating that UVI Study the problem and recommend solutions. It has done so and these must be implemented. A major observation was that the Department of Education is a political entity whose focus is more closely related to the goal of political governance than education. The biggest problem, of course, is that many of our children are not achieving. UVI’s recommendations should help in solving this; realigning, as it does, the balance between administration and teaching personnel, due to a reduction in the public school student population over the last ten years. Among changes that should be made: First off, "social promotions" should be forbidden.
4. How do you feel about floating future bonds to finance government initiatives, given the territory’s present bond indebtedness of more than $1 billion? What will you do to persuade others of your views?
No more bond issues at the present time, except for capital improvement that generate income. To persuade others? How about dramatic analysis and presentations by experts (especially the Department of Interior with vivid illustrations of what happens when a community goes bankrupt! The District of Columbia would be a good example.
5. What is the most viable solution to the Territory’s solid-waste disposal problems? What will you do to advance the implementation of this solution?
Some years ago, after conducting enormous research endeavors, I came up with a plan that would cost the government very little and recommended it to the then Administration. Nothing happened. I was given to understand many other plans had been formulated. Why not take all the plans, mandate that UVI study, analyze and come up with honest, objective solutions; submit a proposed plan – to the Department of Interior. Faced with an "honest-to-God-plan-and determination-to-clean-up-the-dump; it may well parcel out the $40 million required; or agree to assist should it be privatized and the VI finds itself facing penalties because it cannot provide the daily tonnage required by the private entrepreneur. In the meantime, the PWD and the Antilitter Commission should reduce solid waste disposal at the landfill by increasing recycling and composting where possible.
6. What is the most viable solution to the territory’s sewage disposal problems? What will you do to advance the implementation of this solution?
Some excellent presentations have been made to the lawmakers through the years. At least several seemed most viable. Political will prevented their implementation. In personal conversations with Interior officials years ago, they are open to assisting the Territory on massive projects impossible to implement by a territorial economy. Therefore, they may be persuaded if they are convinced this isn’t a boondoggle, pork-barrel project but finally a true, state-of-the-art professional project by professionals. In the meantime, we have to prioritize the rum revenue increase to up-grade and maintain our plants.
7. How do you assess the economy of the Virgin Islands at this time, and what do you see as its best hope for growth? What will you do to foster that growth?
On the surface, St. Thomas appears to be thriving (while St. Croix is despairing) but I feel this is deceptive; that the economy is soft, too dependent upon tourism. The passage of an unbalanced budget is also challenge … Sixty Million Dollars have been paid in salary increases with an estimated Thirty Million Dollars needed for pending bargaining units. We have to generate new revenues to sustain these obligations. We must revisit EDA Benefits to meet new demands of potential capital investment. Are we doing all we can to lure to our shores capital investment? Especially when legislation makes this feasible? i.e. EDA should seek the talent, the experts, in luring to our shores the exempt insurers industry. Other jurisdictions have hundreds of exempt insurers while we have only a handful despite passage of our exempt international insurer legislation. The Virgin Islands needs to target business sectors that it wants to develop and work cooperatively with the UVI and the territories high schools to ensure that today students are tomorrow employees/employers in the Virgin Islands. The implementation of the Research and Technology Park will be part of this initiative. The Virgin Islands also needs to review its corporate statute on an ongoing basis to ensure that we have a friendly business environment. The Virgin Islands also needs to review its tax incentives regularly to ensure that they are competitive. Push for adoption of my Autonomous Tourism Authority.
8. How pervasive is corruption within the local government, and how should this problem, if you consider it to be a problem, best be addressed?
Practically every day, someone contacts me to discuss corruption in government. I have discussed with our Office of Legal Counsel my proposal to establish an Autonomous Commission on Ethics and Corruption. I was the only Senate President to enpanel the Ethics Committee but found it lacking, indeed, leading me to feel an autonomous agency is the only way to go. I have supported legislation making the Office of the Attorney General elected by the people. I have sponsored legislation, which is pending, to grant the Inspector General’s Office prosecutorial powers to implement audit findings to safeguard the independence of the local Inspector General’s Office. Action should be taken against any Administration if it fails to comply when the Inspector General recommends legal action against wrongdoers.
9. What is the most viable solution to Government Employees Retirement System pay outs exceeding revenues, and what will you do to advance the implementation of these solutions?
We must implement the suggestions of actuaries and other experts employed by GERS. No one else should have any say – they are the ones who know if we are on the road to bankrupting the GERS – and bankruptcy would take place if outlay exceeds revenues. Forbid all legislation that raids the system. In fact, such sponsors should face an Autonomous Commission on Ethics and Corruption for surely it is unethical to gain votes on the backs of retirees who may be subjected to loss of their hard-earned financial security.
10. What is the most viable solution to government spending exceeding revenues, and what will you do to advance the implementation of this solution?
The government must abide by the law. I created the Select Committee on Government Accountability out of which emerged the monumental Financial Accountability Act. This mandates policies that curb waste and insure greater efficiency, a fix debt, an attrition program, and a BALANCED BUDGET based on verifiable receipts. If implemented, this legislation gives the administration all the tools and prerogatives it requires to run the government as one would run a business.
11. How do alignments between majority and minority blocs in the Legislature and adversarial relationships between the legislative and executive branches of government serve the best interest of the people of the Virgin Islands?
Traditionally, in fact I believe from the formation of the first Senate in Ancient Rome on to modern times (British Parliament), "the loyal opposition" has always been deemed to be the practical political means of maintaining a good balance – i.e. curbing the emergence of uncontrolled, power-mad factions, for example: It works in the Senate provided the Majority doesn’t abuse its’ power as in the current 24th Legislature. It certainly worked when I was Senate President! In the 24th Legislature the Majority/Minority alignment was extreme, based solely on funding, personal politics not on philosophy and experience; and with the intent to marginalize the Minority. They used unbridled power to strip the Minority down to a bear-bone-budget, the lowest in the history of the Legislature, which mandated releasing half of our employees. Also, assignment of Chairmanships and Committee Memberships was not made, for the most part, on experience, interest and ability. Major legislation remains undrafted or pending in the Legislature to reduce Minority effectiveness.
"An adversarial relationship" between the Senate and government house is more "tricky" to quantify. In the sixties when they were on the same page (catapulting us from a sleepy tropical outpost to a modern day economy) many good things happened; economically speaking. But with lack of a "loyal opposition … "they failed to see they laid the groundwork for a bloated bureaucracy and other ills. In the 24th Legislature however, adversarial relationship was again extreme as exhibited by some members of the Majority towards the Administration. The Attorney General along with many Commissioners and other officials, even Legislative employees, nominees and testifiers coming before the Legislature were insulted maligned, belittled and disrespected on many occasions. Many Majority Members are now re-packaging themselves, hoping the voters will forget that they exercised unbridled, unconscionable tyranny in the performance in their duties and they did so to a degree never before witnessed in a democratic Legislature.
