Red Cross Disaster Services St. John will hold a meeting at St. Ursula's Multipurpose Center. All current disaster service volunteers are asked to attend as well as interested new volunteers. After the short meeting, Introduction to Disaster Services class will be held for all new volunteers.
For more information call 693-7375.
RED CROSS DISASTER GROUP TO MEET
Red Cross Disaster Services St. John will meet at St. Ursula's Multipurpose Center. All current disaster service volunteers are asked to attend as well as interested new volunteers. After the short meeting, Introduction to Disaster Services class will be held for all new volunteers.
For more information call 693-7375.
For more information call 693-7375.
RED CROSS DISASTER GROUP TO MEET AT ST. URSULA'S
Oct. 30, 2002 – Red Cross Disaster Services St. John will hold a meeting at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 7, at St. Ursula's Multipurpose Center. All disaster service volunteer are asked to attend as well as interested new volunteers. After the short meeting, Introduction to Disaster Services class will be held for all new volunteers.
For more information call 693-7375.
I>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.
For more information call 693-7375.
I>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.
BOSCHULTE 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 to bring about such change?
The successful implementation of any plan is to ensure that it is comprehensive. In my opinion the reason why the VI has not been successful with over 20 years of effort, is the limited involvement of the private sector. Although there is a planning office at DPNR the government has not produce a viable comprehensive plan. Problems are addressed in a reactive manner and therefore have prevented the government to properly plan. There should also be more involvement between the League of Women Voters, Environment Association of St. Thomas and the Government. My approach to this issue will be to introduce a bill that supports mandatory long and short-term plans with more involvement from the private sector, reinforced by the mandatory submission of annual progress reports that evaluate progress or the lack there of. These reports further are to be shared with the public via the media to ensure that all branches of government are held accountable for not just developing plans, but working the plans through to completion.
2. How important is private and public sector partnering, and how can such partnering best be accomplished in order to be more most effective in addressing economic and social problems in the territory?
Partnership between the private and public sectors is crucial if we are to survive as a Territory. The dismal state of our economy has revealed that neither the private nor the public sectors can achieve its maximum potential without the other. The government has a deficit and the economy is stagnating if not declining. Common sense indicates that unless both sides learn to work together as partners in strengthening our economy by implementing innovative programs that compliment and augment the other, neither will survive. We have been trying for far too long to coexist without recognizing that if we want to enjoy the fruits of a prosperous economy we must both be responsible for, and committed to planting the seeds of growth and prosperity together.
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 solved?
While the Virgin Islands is the only place I would ever want to live, it is time for us to stop divorcing ourselves from the rest of the world. The biggest problem I find with our educational system is that we continue to burden ourselves with old ideas and methods of educating our children. This refusal to join the rest of the world is a dangerous and unfair practice to our children. We can no longer operate separate and apart from the outside world. We first must establish higher standards for our students. We must research, benchmark, and compare our system to those that have been recognized as the best and set our sights on meeting and exceeding those standards. We must set standards for our teachers, students, and facilities of learning. Our children are our future. We must approach what they learn, how they learn and who teaches them as our most important priority. I will work hard to introduce bills that set standards whereby our students will be able to complete globally with the best, and whereas, our teachers are the most sought after teachers in the market
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?
I am not in agreement that we should float future bonds. Each of us knows that we cannot borrow our way out of debt. By obtaining bonds, we are creating a false illusion that we have funds; when in reality if the revenue is not generated when the bonds become due we are once again caught short and unable to meet our obligations. It's a dangerous game and a short-term solution to a longer-term problem. It allows us to continue to spend above our capacity to generate enough revenue to fund the daily operation of our government. It is equivalent to a band-aid fix. It is a method of covering a problem over, not correcting one. I believe that is it time for the GVI to find hard and realistic solutions to our revenue problems versus creative sources that prolong the inevitable. It is difficult for the public to weigh in on a subject that they have limited understanding of; therefore, my approach would be to inform others of my view through constantly educating the public. As a representative of those that put me in office I would not elect to persuade the voters of my view, but rather, provide them adequate and accurate information so that they can formulate their own choices and make informed decisions for themselves.
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?
The most viable solution to the territory's solid-waste disposal problems is force the decision, to immediately get the most qualified individuals working to solve our disposal problems. If in fact, the bidding process was conducted legally and within the guidelines of acquiring a qualified company that can provide services that the government is not in a position to provide, then by all means there is no reasonable explanation for not having the most qualified company in place.
6. What is the more viable solution to the territory's sewage/disposal problems? What will you do to advance the implementation of this solution?
I believe that the most viable solution would be to privatize the sewage disposal because the government does not have the skills, capacity or in-house expertise to eliminate this problem. To advance implementation of this solution I would seek to have legislation passed that would promote quick privatization of government services that are proven not to be effective or the core duties of government agencies.
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?
It is my opinion that the current economy of the Virgin Islands is stagnant if not severely declining. The effects of September 11, 2001, the war or terrorism, the impeding war with Iraq, plus high crime and cruise ships refusing to dock in St. Croix have all had negative impacts on the number of tourists visiting the Islands and the subsequent revenues realized from approximately 2 million tourists each year. Our best opportunity for growth is to find viable methods for diversifying our revenue streams. We can no longer depend solely on tourism to fund our economy, which is currently at 70 percent of our GDP. Our current industries are tourism, petroleum refining, watch assembly, rum distilling, construction, pharmaceuticals, textiles, and electronics. With the tourism comprising 70 percent of our fiscal budgets, we must look to other methods of generating revenue and expanding the other 30 percent of our industries by looking inward for what we do well and what we can offer the world as exports. Whether those exports be the traditional goods, or more modern high-tech services-the Virgin Islands must be more innovative in their methods of generating alternative means of revenue.
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?
I have heard that there is a lot of corruption within the GVI; however, these rumors have not be substantiated; therefore, it would be irresponsible of me to take a position on statements that have not been proven as factual. I do believe, however, that we need more protection for whistleblowers so when corruption is found to be present those individuals are not afraid to report suspected corruption and those individuals found guilty of illegal behaviors can be removed, fined or jailed.
9. What is the most viable solution to Government Employees Retirement System payouts exceeding revenues, and what will you do to advance the implementation of this solution?
By law, the government is obligated to pay Government Employees that have retired. It would be a breach of contract to not pay employees that were promised payment as a condition of working for a pre-determined number of years for a retirement benefit; therefore, it is little the GVI can do to absolve itself from this obligation to pay retirees. However, it must consider looking to slow the pace of those eligible for retirement over the next five to ten years. While this would not be the popular thing to do, it would be the most responsible thing to do. The GVI will not be able to bear the strain of the impending exodus of 40 percent or more of their current employees that are eligible for retirement within this current decade. If the GVI does not attempt to control the pace of retirements, the GERS will most certainly collapse under its own weight. My approach would be to introduce legislation that would increase the years and or the age of eligibility for retirement. I believe increasing the contribution for new employees and existing employees should be implemented to assist the GERS.
10. What is the most viable solution to government spending exceeding revenues, and what will you do to advance the implementation of this solution?
It is my opinion that the best solution to eliminate spending in excess of revenue is to begin by holding both branches of government administratively accountable for approving appropriations that are not in alignment with budget projections and for Department heads that spend in excess of quarterly allowances. While we currently have a law that is designed to hold elected official accountable for spending more than is available, this law is not enforced. In addition, there is no punishment for members of the Legislature that continue to pass appropriations for the release of funds that are not available. This is misleading to the public and encourages Departments to spend funding that may or may not be generated during the funding year; thus, continuing to build a larger and larger deficit for the GVI. Given the volatility of our major funding stream (tourism) the GVI consistently adds to the deficit by relying on revenue that is subjected to numerous unforeseen and unpredictable variables (i.e., hurricanes, war, terrorism, etc.). This practice must stop if we are ever to be able to start to decrease the deficit without massive cuts in personnel; which would place an additional burden on the government in other areas such as unemployment, welfare, and other assistance. The only viable solution is accountability, enforcement, and administrative penalties.
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 interests of the people of the Virgin Islands?
There is no way that any adversarial relationships could serve the best interest of the people of the Virgin Islands. This constant practice of "them" against "us" does not benefit the people. Getting any significant legislation passed is often difficult if not impossible. Good laws are often held hostage by constant disagreements and lack of working through key issues by both branches of government. The focus of both branches of government should be for serving the needs of the citizens. While the separation of powers is designed to ensure checks and balances in a democratic system; I do not believe that the system upon which our government is based was designed to foster an atmospheres of adversarial relationships, but rather was designed to ensure that all laws and policies enacted by government are in the best interest of the citizens.
The successful implementation of any plan is to ensure that it is comprehensive. In my opinion the reason why the VI has not been successful with over 20 years of effort, is the limited involvement of the private sector. Although there is a planning office at DPNR the government has not produce a viable comprehensive plan. Problems are addressed in a reactive manner and therefore have prevented the government to properly plan. There should also be more involvement between the League of Women Voters, Environment Association of St. Thomas and the Government. My approach to this issue will be to introduce a bill that supports mandatory long and short-term plans with more involvement from the private sector, reinforced by the mandatory submission of annual progress reports that evaluate progress or the lack there of. These reports further are to be shared with the public via the media to ensure that all branches of government are held accountable for not just developing plans, but working the plans through to completion.
2. How important is private and public sector partnering, and how can such partnering best be accomplished in order to be more most effective in addressing economic and social problems in the territory?
Partnership between the private and public sectors is crucial if we are to survive as a Territory. The dismal state of our economy has revealed that neither the private nor the public sectors can achieve its maximum potential without the other. The government has a deficit and the economy is stagnating if not declining. Common sense indicates that unless both sides learn to work together as partners in strengthening our economy by implementing innovative programs that compliment and augment the other, neither will survive. We have been trying for far too long to coexist without recognizing that if we want to enjoy the fruits of a prosperous economy we must both be responsible for, and committed to planting the seeds of growth and prosperity together.
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 solved?
While the Virgin Islands is the only place I would ever want to live, it is time for us to stop divorcing ourselves from the rest of the world. The biggest problem I find with our educational system is that we continue to burden ourselves with old ideas and methods of educating our children. This refusal to join the rest of the world is a dangerous and unfair practice to our children. We can no longer operate separate and apart from the outside world. We first must establish higher standards for our students. We must research, benchmark, and compare our system to those that have been recognized as the best and set our sights on meeting and exceeding those standards. We must set standards for our teachers, students, and facilities of learning. Our children are our future. We must approach what they learn, how they learn and who teaches them as our most important priority. I will work hard to introduce bills that set standards whereby our students will be able to complete globally with the best, and whereas, our teachers are the most sought after teachers in the market
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?
I am not in agreement that we should float future bonds. Each of us knows that we cannot borrow our way out of debt. By obtaining bonds, we are creating a false illusion that we have funds; when in reality if the revenue is not generated when the bonds become due we are once again caught short and unable to meet our obligations. It's a dangerous game and a short-term solution to a longer-term problem. It allows us to continue to spend above our capacity to generate enough revenue to fund the daily operation of our government. It is equivalent to a band-aid fix. It is a method of covering a problem over, not correcting one. I believe that is it time for the GVI to find hard and realistic solutions to our revenue problems versus creative sources that prolong the inevitable. It is difficult for the public to weigh in on a subject that they have limited understanding of; therefore, my approach would be to inform others of my view through constantly educating the public. As a representative of those that put me in office I would not elect to persuade the voters of my view, but rather, provide them adequate and accurate information so that they can formulate their own choices and make informed decisions for themselves.
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?
The most viable solution to the territory's solid-waste disposal problems is force the decision, to immediately get the most qualified individuals working to solve our disposal problems. If in fact, the bidding process was conducted legally and within the guidelines of acquiring a qualified company that can provide services that the government is not in a position to provide, then by all means there is no reasonable explanation for not having the most qualified company in place.
6. What is the more viable solution to the territory's sewage/disposal problems? What will you do to advance the implementation of this solution?
I believe that the most viable solution would be to privatize the sewage disposal because the government does not have the skills, capacity or in-house expertise to eliminate this problem. To advance implementation of this solution I would seek to have legislation passed that would promote quick privatization of government services that are proven not to be effective or the core duties of government agencies.
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?
It is my opinion that the current economy of the Virgin Islands is stagnant if not severely declining. The effects of September 11, 2001, the war or terrorism, the impeding war with Iraq, plus high crime and cruise ships refusing to dock in St. Croix have all had negative impacts on the number of tourists visiting the Islands and the subsequent revenues realized from approximately 2 million tourists each year. Our best opportunity for growth is to find viable methods for diversifying our revenue streams. We can no longer depend solely on tourism to fund our economy, which is currently at 70 percent of our GDP. Our current industries are tourism, petroleum refining, watch assembly, rum distilling, construction, pharmaceuticals, textiles, and electronics. With the tourism comprising 70 percent of our fiscal budgets, we must look to other methods of generating revenue and expanding the other 30 percent of our industries by looking inward for what we do well and what we can offer the world as exports. Whether those exports be the traditional goods, or more modern high-tech services-the Virgin Islands must be more innovative in their methods of generating alternative means of revenue.
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?
I have heard that there is a lot of corruption within the GVI; however, these rumors have not be substantiated; therefore, it would be irresponsible of me to take a position on statements that have not been proven as factual. I do believe, however, that we need more protection for whistleblowers so when corruption is found to be present those individuals are not afraid to report suspected corruption and those individuals found guilty of illegal behaviors can be removed, fined or jailed.
9. What is the most viable solution to Government Employees Retirement System payouts exceeding revenues, and what will you do to advance the implementation of this solution?
By law, the government is obligated to pay Government Employees that have retired. It would be a breach of contract to not pay employees that were promised payment as a condition of working for a pre-determined number of years for a retirement benefit; therefore, it is little the GVI can do to absolve itself from this obligation to pay retirees. However, it must consider looking to slow the pace of those eligible for retirement over the next five to ten years. While this would not be the popular thing to do, it would be the most responsible thing to do. The GVI will not be able to bear the strain of the impending exodus of 40 percent or more of their current employees that are eligible for retirement within this current decade. If the GVI does not attempt to control the pace of retirements, the GERS will most certainly collapse under its own weight. My approach would be to introduce legislation that would increase the years and or the age of eligibility for retirement. I believe increasing the contribution for new employees and existing employees should be implemented to assist the GERS.
10. What is the most viable solution to government spending exceeding revenues, and what will you do to advance the implementation of this solution?
It is my opinion that the best solution to eliminate spending in excess of revenue is to begin by holding both branches of government administratively accountable for approving appropriations that are not in alignment with budget projections and for Department heads that spend in excess of quarterly allowances. While we currently have a law that is designed to hold elected official accountable for spending more than is available, this law is not enforced. In addition, there is no punishment for members of the Legislature that continue to pass appropriations for the release of funds that are not available. This is misleading to the public and encourages Departments to spend funding that may or may not be generated during the funding year; thus, continuing to build a larger and larger deficit for the GVI. Given the volatility of our major funding stream (tourism) the GVI consistently adds to the deficit by relying on revenue that is subjected to numerous unforeseen and unpredictable variables (i.e., hurricanes, war, terrorism, etc.). This practice must stop if we are ever to be able to start to decrease the deficit without massive cuts in personnel; which would place an additional burden on the government in other areas such as unemployment, welfare, and other assistance. The only viable solution is accountability, enforcement, and administrative penalties.
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 interests of the people of the Virgin Islands?
There is no way that any adversarial relationships could serve the best interest of the people of the Virgin Islands. This constant practice of "them" against "us" does not benefit the people. Getting any significant legislation passed is often difficult if not impossible. Good laws are often held hostage by constant disagreements and lack of working through key issues by both branches of government. The focus of both branches of government should be for serving the needs of the citizens. While the separation of powers is designed to ensure checks and balances in a democratic system; I do not believe that the system upon which our government is based was designed to foster an atmospheres of adversarial relationships, but rather was designed to ensure that all laws and policies enacted by government are in the best interest of the citizens.
FEW CANDIDATES HAVE 'PUT IT IN WRITING'
We have been extremely disappointed, but not completely surprised, by the meager response to the Source forum for political candidates.
Our forum was announced in a front-page article on all three Source publications. It was kept at the top of the local news page for two days to make sure that no one could miss it. We also took the time to e-mail the information to as many candidates and friends of candidates as we could find.
After still not getting the response we had hoped for, we faxed the information again to as many candidates and their colleagues as we could find.
It appears that the majority of candidates for elective office – especially it seems the incumbents in the Virgin Islands still believe they can win an election based on pretty posters, good parties and meaningless and misleading slogans and sound bites.
We hope they are wrong.
We hope the electorate will reward those candidates who have offered solid proposals and made their positions clear – in writing – on the serious issues facing these islands so that they can be held accountable at a later date.
In lieu of numbered seats or districting, this is the best way we know to judge the potential effectiveness of candidates for elected office and, later, their performance as office-holders.
We hope the voting public agrees, and makes this a prime criterion when they cast their votes Nov. 5.
To read the responses of those candidates who have replied click here:.
Our forum was announced in a front-page article on all three Source publications. It was kept at the top of the local news page for two days to make sure that no one could miss it. We also took the time to e-mail the information to as many candidates and friends of candidates as we could find.
After still not getting the response we had hoped for, we faxed the information again to as many candidates and their colleagues as we could find.
It appears that the majority of candidates for elective office – especially it seems the incumbents in the Virgin Islands still believe they can win an election based on pretty posters, good parties and meaningless and misleading slogans and sound bites.
We hope they are wrong.
We hope the electorate will reward those candidates who have offered solid proposals and made their positions clear – in writing – on the serious issues facing these islands so that they can be held accountable at a later date.
In lieu of numbered seats or districting, this is the best way we know to judge the potential effectiveness of candidates for elected office and, later, their performance as office-holders.
We hope the voting public agrees, and makes this a prime criterion when they cast their votes Nov. 5.
To read the responses of those candidates who have replied click here:.
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.
FEW CANDIDATES HAVE 'PUT IT IN WRITING'
We have been extremely disappointed, but not completely surprised, by the meager response to the Source forum for political candidates.
Our forum was announced in a front-page article on all three Source publications. It was kept at the top of the local news page for two days to make sure that no one could miss it. We also took the time to e-mail the information to as many candidates and friends of candidates as we could find.
After still not getting the response we had hoped for, we faxed the information again to as many candidates and their colleagues as we could find.
It appears that the majority of candidates for elective office – especially it seems the incumbents in the Virgin Islands still believe they can win an election based on pretty posters, good parties and meaningless and misleading slogans and sound bites.
We hope they are wrong.
We hope the electorate will reward those candidates who have offered solid proposals and made their positions clear – in writing – on the serious issues facing these islands so that they can be held accountable at a later date.
In lieu of numbered seats or districting, this is the best way we know to judge the potential effectiveness of candidates for elected office and, later, their performance as office-holders.
We hope the voting public agrees, and makes this a prime criterion when they cast their votes Nov. 5.
To read the responses of those candidates who have replied click here.
Our forum was announced in a front-page article on all three Source publications. It was kept at the top of the local news page for two days to make sure that no one could miss it. We also took the time to e-mail the information to as many candidates and friends of candidates as we could find.
After still not getting the response we had hoped for, we faxed the information again to as many candidates and their colleagues as we could find.
It appears that the majority of candidates for elective office – especially it seems the incumbents in the Virgin Islands still believe they can win an election based on pretty posters, good parties and meaningless and misleading slogans and sound bites.
We hope they are wrong.
We hope the electorate will reward those candidates who have offered solid proposals and made their positions clear – in writing – on the serious issues facing these islands so that they can be held accountable at a later date.
In lieu of numbered seats or districting, this is the best way we know to judge the potential effectiveness of candidates for elected office and, later, their performance as office-holders.
We hope the voting public agrees, and makes this a prime criterion when they cast their votes Nov. 5.
To read the responses of those candidates who have replied click here.
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.
FEW CANDIDATES HAVE 'PUT IT IN WRITING'
We have been extremely disappointed, but not completely surprised, by the meager response to the Source forum for political candidates.
Our forum was announced in a front-page article on all three Source publications. It was kept at the top of the local news page for two days to make sure that no one could miss it. We also took the time to e-mail the information to as many candidates and friends of candidates as we could find.
After still not getting the response we had hoped for, we faxed the information again to as many candidates and their colleagues as we could find.
It appears that the majority of candidates for elective office – especially it seems the incumbents in the Virgin Islands still believe they can win an election based on pretty posters, good parties and meaningless and misleading slogans and sound bites.
We hope they are wrong.
We hope the electorate will reward those candidates who have offered solid proposals and made their positions clear – in writing – on the serious issues facing these islands so that they can be held accountable at a later date.
In lieu of numbered seats or districting, this is the best way we know to judge the potential effectiveness of candidates for elected office and, later, their performance as office-holders.
We hope the voting public agrees, and makes this a prime criterion when they cast their votes Nov. 5.
To read the responses of those candidates who have replied click here.
Our forum was announced in a front-page article on all three Source publications. It was kept at the top of the local news page for two days to make sure that no one could miss it. We also took the time to e-mail the information to as many candidates and friends of candidates as we could find.
After still not getting the response we had hoped for, we faxed the information again to as many candidates and their colleagues as we could find.
It appears that the majority of candidates for elective office – especially it seems the incumbents in the Virgin Islands still believe they can win an election based on pretty posters, good parties and meaningless and misleading slogans and sound bites.
We hope they are wrong.
We hope the electorate will reward those candidates who have offered solid proposals and made their positions clear – in writing – on the serious issues facing these islands so that they can be held accountable at a later date.
In lieu of numbered seats or districting, this is the best way we know to judge the potential effectiveness of candidates for elected office and, later, their performance as office-holders.
We hope the voting public agrees, and makes this a prime criterion when they cast their votes Nov. 5.
To read the responses of those candidates who have replied click here.
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.
KEMMLER MEMORIAL SERVICE SUNDAY
Oct. 30, 2002 — A memorial service for St. Thomas artist Jens-Peter Kemmler, 63, will be held at 3 p.m Sunday, Nov. 3 at the St. Thomas Reformed Church. Kemmler, known to most as "Peter," died Oct. 8 at Cedars Medical Center in Miami from complications associated with liver cancer, secondary to hepatitis C. He was cremated.
Kemmler, who had lived on St. Thomas since 1967, was born in Ebling, Germany (now part of Poland), and migrated to Michigan with his family at age 15. He was educated at the New York School of Interior Design and the Detroit Institute of Art.
Kemmler helped operate Café Brittany in Creque's Alley in the late 60s to mid 70s with Jerry Meyer, with whom he moved to the island. He worked for some cumulative 20 years at Cardow Jewelers in advertising & graphic design. He had previously worked at A.H. Riise, and for developer John Anderson, and had engaged in numerous free lance art and design projects over the years.
Kemmler is survived by two sisters, Margret Paas of Arizona, and Karin Weihs of Michigan; long-time companion Edward C. Jones; and close friends—including Judi Nagelberg, Gail Garrison, Merle "Mimi" Richards, Charles Smith, Greg Samuel, Daphne Gumbs, Al Wilson of New York; godson Kahlil Caesar; and the Friday evening "Movie Club" members— Brenda Iniama, Cathy Dorset, Martha Moron, Julie Armbruster (and Garrison). Other close friends include Jayne Winter, Frances Kunkel , and Jamila Harris.
Peter had many other friends — too numerous to list; fellow artists; co-workers at Cardow Jewelers; and several nieces and nephews. Kemmler had been an active member of the Hugga Bunch Carnival Troupe for several years. He had also been passionately involved in several efforts concerned with the preservation of the environment and aesthetic in St. Thomas.
Donations may be made in his name to the School of Visual Arts and Careers in lieu of flowers. Please contact Phebe Schwartz, director, at 776-4566 or 775-2739 for further details. Mailing address: POB 600193, St. Thomas, VI 00801.
Kemmler, who had lived on St. Thomas since 1967, was born in Ebling, Germany (now part of Poland), and migrated to Michigan with his family at age 15. He was educated at the New York School of Interior Design and the Detroit Institute of Art.
Kemmler helped operate Café Brittany in Creque's Alley in the late 60s to mid 70s with Jerry Meyer, with whom he moved to the island. He worked for some cumulative 20 years at Cardow Jewelers in advertising & graphic design. He had previously worked at A.H. Riise, and for developer John Anderson, and had engaged in numerous free lance art and design projects over the years.
Kemmler is survived by two sisters, Margret Paas of Arizona, and Karin Weihs of Michigan; long-time companion Edward C. Jones; and close friends—including Judi Nagelberg, Gail Garrison, Merle "Mimi" Richards, Charles Smith, Greg Samuel, Daphne Gumbs, Al Wilson of New York; godson Kahlil Caesar; and the Friday evening "Movie Club" members— Brenda Iniama, Cathy Dorset, Martha Moron, Julie Armbruster (and Garrison). Other close friends include Jayne Winter, Frances Kunkel , and Jamila Harris.
Peter had many other friends — too numerous to list; fellow artists; co-workers at Cardow Jewelers; and several nieces and nephews. Kemmler had been an active member of the Hugga Bunch Carnival Troupe for several years. He had also been passionately involved in several efforts concerned with the preservation of the environment and aesthetic in St. Thomas.
Donations may be made in his name to the School of Visual Arts and Careers in lieu of flowers. Please contact Phebe Schwartz, director, at 776-4566 or 775-2739 for further details. Mailing address: POB 600193, St. Thomas, VI 00801.
STRIKE ISSUES: 'MISCONDUCT' CHARGES, NEW HIRING
Oct. 29, 2002 – Despite some progress in recent days regarding wage, pension and insurance issues, representatives of Innovative Telephone/Innovative Cable TV and the United Steelworkers Union walked away from the bargaining table short of a resolution that would end the four-week work stoppage.
Two bones of contention now separate the entities, according to an Innovative Telephone release issued Tuesday:
– Innovative's contention that employees who have "engaged in unlawful strike misconduct," as Innovative Telephone's president, Samuel Ebbesen, put it in the release, face disciplinary action by the company.
– What Innovative described as the union's insistence as a condition of returning to work that "permanent replacement workers" hired by Innovative to maintain operations during the strike be terminated.
Without specifying what constitutes "unlawful strike misconduct," Ebbesen said the company has rejected the Steelworkers' request for amnesty. "Employees must be held accountable for their actions, even during a strike," he said.
At a Steelworkers' meeting Tuesday afternoon on St. Croix, union local leader Fred Joseph said Ebbesen's reference to "misconduct" referred to allegations by company officials that union members heckled Innovative brass from the picket lines and that a union member slashed the tires of an Innovative executive's vehicle.
Joseph said Innovative is demanding that several union members alleged by the company to have taken part in these activities remain off the job on suspension while the rest of the union returns to work. He denied the company's statement that "the Steelworkers asked that the company grant 'amnesty' to their members who engaged in unlawful strike misconduct."
"How could we ask for amnesty for something we never did?" Joseph said. "We don't want amnesty; we want our people back at work."
As to the issue of replacement workers, Joseph said the company has hired 10 to 20 new employees to take the place of striking union members. Innovative Telephone spokesman Thomas J. Dunn declined to comment on the matter last week; he could not be reached for comment on Tuesday evening.
For at least two weeks, The Virgin Islands Daily News, which is owned by Innovative Communication Corp., the parent company as well of Innovative Telephone and Innovative Cable TV, has been running blind advertisements for customer service representatives and technicians. When called about the advertisement, a receptionist said the positions were at Innovative.
"The company has the right to hire new employees," Joseph said. "But we have the right to stay out until all our people go back in."
The replacement hires will not be fired, Ebbesen said, making a point of saying that they are Virgin Islanders, as opposed to personnel brought in from off island. "These workers have applied to us for permanent employment; we hired them and we will not fire them," he said in the release.
Joseph again took issue with Innovative's interpretation of the Steelworkers' stand. He said the union does not necessarily want the new hires fired.
But, "What about the 315 people who have worked there — many of them for years?" he said, referring to the strikers. "Don't they have any loyalty to us?"
He said the international level of the Steelworkers union is mounting a "corporate campaign" to look into Innovative's business practices.
Meanwhile, the Senate Economic Development, Agriculture and Consumer Protection Committee is to take testimony on the strike this week. The committee, chaired by Sen. Adelbert Bryan, is to convene Thursday on St. Croix and Friday on St. Thomas to examine the issues which led to the strike and to consider whether the phone company is in compliance with its 1998 tax benefits certificate from the Industrial (now Economic) Development Commission.
Joseph said union members plan to attend the Senate hearings in force and that those on St. Croix will march to the Legislature building from the Frederiksted post office on Thursday morning.
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Two bones of contention now separate the entities, according to an Innovative Telephone release issued Tuesday:
– Innovative's contention that employees who have "engaged in unlawful strike misconduct," as Innovative Telephone's president, Samuel Ebbesen, put it in the release, face disciplinary action by the company.
– What Innovative described as the union's insistence as a condition of returning to work that "permanent replacement workers" hired by Innovative to maintain operations during the strike be terminated.
Without specifying what constitutes "unlawful strike misconduct," Ebbesen said the company has rejected the Steelworkers' request for amnesty. "Employees must be held accountable for their actions, even during a strike," he said.
At a Steelworkers' meeting Tuesday afternoon on St. Croix, union local leader Fred Joseph said Ebbesen's reference to "misconduct" referred to allegations by company officials that union members heckled Innovative brass from the picket lines and that a union member slashed the tires of an Innovative executive's vehicle.
Joseph said Innovative is demanding that several union members alleged by the company to have taken part in these activities remain off the job on suspension while the rest of the union returns to work. He denied the company's statement that "the Steelworkers asked that the company grant 'amnesty' to their members who engaged in unlawful strike misconduct."
"How could we ask for amnesty for something we never did?" Joseph said. "We don't want amnesty; we want our people back at work."
As to the issue of replacement workers, Joseph said the company has hired 10 to 20 new employees to take the place of striking union members. Innovative Telephone spokesman Thomas J. Dunn declined to comment on the matter last week; he could not be reached for comment on Tuesday evening.
For at least two weeks, The Virgin Islands Daily News, which is owned by Innovative Communication Corp., the parent company as well of Innovative Telephone and Innovative Cable TV, has been running blind advertisements for customer service representatives and technicians. When called about the advertisement, a receptionist said the positions were at Innovative.
"The company has the right to hire new employees," Joseph said. "But we have the right to stay out until all our people go back in."
The replacement hires will not be fired, Ebbesen said, making a point of saying that they are Virgin Islanders, as opposed to personnel brought in from off island. "These workers have applied to us for permanent employment; we hired them and we will not fire them," he said in the release.
Joseph again took issue with Innovative's interpretation of the Steelworkers' stand. He said the union does not necessarily want the new hires fired.
But, "What about the 315 people who have worked there — many of them for years?" he said, referring to the strikers. "Don't they have any loyalty to us?"
He said the international level of the Steelworkers union is mounting a "corporate campaign" to look into Innovative's business practices.
Meanwhile, the Senate Economic Development, Agriculture and Consumer Protection Committee is to take testimony on the strike this week. The committee, chaired by Sen. Adelbert Bryan, is to convene Thursday on St. Croix and Friday on St. Thomas to examine the issues which led to the strike and to consider whether the phone company is in compliance with its 1998 tax benefits certificate from the Industrial (now Economic) Development Commission.
Joseph said union members plan to attend the Senate hearings in force and that those on St. Croix will march to the Legislature building from the Frederiksted post office on Thursday morning.
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.
ROUTE 30 CULVERT CONSTRUCTION BEGINS WEDNESDAY
Oct. 29, 2002 – The construction of a concrete box culvert off Route 30 at Lindbergh Bay will be ongoing beginning Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. until its completion Feb. 19, 2003.
Public Works Commissioner Wayne Callwood urged motorists to use alternate routes to expedite the project's completion.
"This mitigation work is necessary in order to alleviate the previous flooding condition that has plagued the Lindbergh Bay area," Callwood said.
Apex Construction Co. Inc. was awarded the $4.3 million contract, according to a department release.
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Public Works Commissioner Wayne Callwood urged motorists to use alternate routes to expedite the project's completion.
"This mitigation work is necessary in order to alleviate the previous flooding condition that has plagued the Lindbergh Bay area," Callwood said.
Apex Construction Co. Inc. was awarded the $4.3 million contract, according to a department release.
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.
