BERRY BLASTS MAPP FOR PFA AUDIT REMARKS

0
Oct. 29, 2002 – Sen. Lorraine Berry took aim at Kenneth Mapp, top administrator of the Public Finance Authority, on Monday, saying he had maligned the character of his predecessor, Amadeo Francis, and of Arnold van Beverhoudt, regional audit manager for the U.S. Interior Department's Office of Inspector General.
Mapp's remarks came last week in response to initial media coverage of the highly critical draft report of the inspector general's audit of the Public Finance Authority. (See "Audit faults PFA for management, spending ills".)
In her weekly radio address and in a telephone interview Monday, Berry expressed astonishment at Mapp's statements. "I am outraged," she said. "With the spotlight on him now because he did not respond to the findings within the audit time period process," he "proceeds to shred the reputations of Arnold van Beverhoudt and Amadeo Francis, who have long records of responsible and honorable service to the government."
Berry said she was "repulsed, actually revolted" by Mapp's contention that van Beverhoudt does "not understand the complexity of the investment market," among other assertions.
Following accounts of the draft report published in The Avis and reported by radio stations on Oct. 22, Mapp took to the airwaves to denounce the document as "fatally flawed and severely lacking in professional quality." Speaking on WVWI Radio, he said there was "no factual evidence" for the audit findings concerning school construction overruns, and that what overruns there have been "come nowhere close to $17 million."
The Avis quotes Mapp in an Oct. 23 article as saying that "if the inspector general continues with his reckless and irresponsible utterances on a fatally flawed report, we will hold him personally accountable for any closure on the completion of capital projects." He referred to the construction of the Enighed Pond commercial port and cargo dock on St. John and the related Red Hook marine terminal on St. Thomas.
Mapp also sought to discredit the input of Francis, cited repeatedly in the draft report. According to the document, Francis "concurred with the proposed recommendations and stated that the report accurately represented conditions" at the PFA during the period covered by the audit. Despite attempts by Francis "to alert responsible government officials of the instances of non-compliance with tax-related constraints on the use of bond proceeds, his warnings were essentially ignored," the report states.
On Jan. 30, the Legislature voted to award Francis the V.I. Medal of Honor and on Feb. 28, the PFA board voted to hire him back as a "transitory adviser" to what was then expected to be two persons who would assume his duties, as the board had decided to hire separate directors of finance and of administration. Francis, however, never signed the offered contract, and on March 22, Gov. Charles W. Turnbull, who chars the PFA board, announced that he had approved the contracting of former senator and lieutenant governor Kenneth Mapp to hold both positions, as Francis had done.
Berry said Mapp had every opportunity to comment on the report, starting with the preliminary draft sent to him on July 10, then a scheduled Aug. 6 meeting, followed by another on Aug. 13. She said Mapp "repeatedly failed to meet with van Beverhoudt for the scheduled appointments. At the same time, van Beverhoudt contacted Mr. Francis, who concurred with the report."
She continued: "Here we have a man of unimpeachable integrity [van Beverhoudt], who, in the course of doing his job, conducts the first audit of the PFA ever … In so doing, he brings to light numerous instances of apparent bond-proceeds mismanagement totaling millions of dollars."
Berry said she felt the community would be better served if the audit process were allowed to take its course, with government officials refraining from attempting to disguise the issues by attacking the credibility of others. The latter course, she said, only "adds to the perception of attempting to blanket the issue with a smokescreen, obviously forgetting the fact that PricewaterhouseCoopers audits the PFA financial statements annually. Therefore, the funding can be collaborated with the draft audit report."
Van Beverhoudt was in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday and could not be reached for comment. A staff member in his office said the PFA audit report is in the final stages, but a date for publication has not been confirmed.

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.

PUBLIC ASKED TO LET SEA KNOW OF OPEN SEWAGE

0
Oct. 29, 2002 – The St. Croix Environmental Association is embarking on a month-long project to keep track of where and when raw sewage is flowing outside of sewer lines on the island. Its success, an SEA official says, will depend on the cooperation of community members.
During the month of November, the association will be monitoring what are technically called "wastewater bypasses." SEA is taking on the task of recording and reporting as many such instances of flowing sewage as possible to assist the federal Environmental Protection Agency.
"We are asking the public to assist us in our monitoring efforts. We need help with three specific tasks," SEA executive director Bill Turner said Monday in a release.
First, he said, "We are requesting that any citizen who sees raw sewage flowing in any open area immediately call us to report it at 773-1989." He said callers need not identify themselves and that what SEA needs is simply the location of the flowing sewage and the time that the caller first noticed it.
Second, SEA would like to hear from anyone "noticing a foul smell" indicative of sewage in an area. This is because "frequently the bypass is in an area that is not directly visible" to residents or passersby, Turner said. Again, callers are asked to let the association know where and when the smell became noticeable.
Third, Turner said, SEA would like people with cameras to photograph any bypass areas that they can and make the images available to the association. Anyone doing so "will be entitled to the same confidentiality that callers receive," he said. Those taking pictures are asked to note the location and time that each photograph was taken, along with when the situation pictured first became apparent.
The objective of the monitoring program is to provide data to the EPA "that will document the most serious bypass problem areas on St. Croix," Turner said. "We hope that this information will lead to action to alleviate the burden on residents in these areas."

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.

WITH DAHLIA PENA, EXPECT A 'LOVELY' JAZZ VESPERS

0
Oct. 29, 2002 – Vocalist Dahlia Pena gets top billing for Sunday's Jazz Vespers November concert at the St. Croix Reformed Church. She'll be accompanied by Marcus Rabb on trumpet, Elvis Pedro on guitar, Marsvyn David on bass and Ken Afra Dailey on drums.
Pena's selections and stylings have a lovely theme: "Love Lost, Love Found … An Evening of Love Songs." The program will include romantic standards by Cole Porter, Henry Mancini and George Gershwin, among others.
A featured performer at the Divi Carina Bay Casino and at Harbour Night events, Pena is a native Crucian who has been strongly influenced by Nancy Wilson and Mahalia Jackson. She can be heard singing background vocals on several recordings produced by the studio of Ronnie Benjamin Jr.
Jazz Vespers presents family-oriented jazz programs in a smoke-free and alcohol-free environment on the first Sunday of each month. The timing — 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. — is to take advantage of the sunset views from inside the church sanctuary. Admission is free, too, although a free-will offering is taken. There are no reservations, and regular concertgoers know to get there early for the best seats.
Following the program, everyone is invited to mingle with the evening's artists and enjoy complimentary refreshments.
The St. Croix Reformed Church is located on the hill above the Kingshill post office. For more information, call Willard Fields at 719-3672 or Pastor Rod Koopmans at 778-0520; or send an e-mail to Jazz Vespers.
This second season of Jazz Vespers concerts is made possible in party by Owen Johnson Electric, Carringtons Inn, Beeston Hill Clinical Lab and The Blue Moon.
Coming concerts will feature guitarist Ronald Russell on Dec. 1, bassist/arranger/composer Marsvyn David on Jan. 5, and vocalist Claudette "Adjoa" Young-Hinds and Friends on Feb. 2.

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.

FINAL RESULTS OF THE 2002 PRIMARY ELECTIONS

0
Oct. 29, 2002 – Following are the final tabulations from the Office of the Supervisor of Elections of the Sept. 14 primary elections for the territory's three political parties, including absentee ballots and write-in votes. Within a category, candidates are listed from highest to lowest number of votes received.
In the case of party races for committee positions, the parties determine the number of seats; where an insufficient number of persons ran for these seats, the highest write-in- vote-getters also are considered elected.
Some write-in candidates' names also appeared elsewhere on the ballot; however, if a name is misspelled on a write-in vote, that vote is counted separately.
Democratic Party
Senator at Large

[The top vote getter will appear on the Nov. 5 ballot]
Senator at large
Craig W. Barshinger – St. Croix district 786 (762 + 24 absentee), St. Thomas-St. John district 481 (468 + 13 absentee). Total = 1,267
Harry Daniel – St. Croix district 481 (462 + 19 absentee), St. Thomas-St. John district 744 (708 + 36 absentee). Total = 1,225
Senator, St. Croix District
[The top seven vote getters will appear on the Nov. 5 ballot.]
Luther F. Renee – 1,208 (1,170 + 38 absentee)
Douglas E. Canton Jr. – 1,206 (1,162 + 44 absentee)
David S. Jones – 1,165 (1,135 + 30 absentee)
Ronald E. Russell – 1,137 (1,095 + 42 absentee)
Michael Thurland – 1,022 (976 + 46 absentee)
Nemmy Williams-Felix – 885 (853 + 32 absentee)
Juan Figueroa Serville – 807 (784 + 23 absentee)
Adele Allen – 2 (write-in)
1 write-in vote each: Dodson K. James, Keisha Byam, Trevor R. James, Nemmy Williams, Wayne James, Oneida Granger, Veronica Joseph, Emmeth Hansen II, Jeffrey Moorhead, Ira R. Hobson, "No Tourism, No Ship, No Vote"
1 absentee ballot write-in vote each: Keisha Bryan, Emmet Hansen, Valmy Thomas
Board of Elections, St. Croix
[The top three vote getters will appear on the Nov. 5 ballot.]
Rupert Ross Jr. – 823 (795 + 28 absentee)
Evelyn Messer James – 763 (726 + 37 absentee)
Dodson K. James – 655 (614 + 41 absentee)
Elizabeth "Betty" Lynch – 502 (475 + 27 absentee)
Carmen Marrero O'Reilly – 404 (387 + 17 absentee)
Emilio Rodriguez Jr. – 329 (318 + 11 absentee)
Dr. Adele D. Allen – 1 (write-in)
State Chair
[The top vote getter is elected.]
James A. O'Bryan – 715 (685 + 30 absentee)
Marylyn Stapelton – 487 (468 + 19 absentee)
Cecil Benjamin – 4 (write-in)
1 write-in vote each: Dr. Adele Allen, Dodson K. James, Carol Burke, No vote
District Chair, St. Croix
[The top vote getter is elected.]
Terrence T. Joseph – 1,032 (987 + 45 absentee)
Irving L. Struan Sr. – 221 (214 + 7 absentee)
Veronica Joseph – 3 (write-in)
1 write-in vote each: Mark Biggs, Sonia Boyce, David Malloy, Carol Burke, Natasha Williams Modeste, Collin Hodge
Territorial Committee, at Large
Gregory Francis – 679 (644 + 35 absentee)
Gloria Canegata Waterman – 665 (629 + 36 absentee)
Luis "Tito" Morales – 457 (438 + 19 absentee)
Carmen Gonzalez – 411 (388 + 23 absentee)
Omar B.U. Henry – 396 (377 + 19 absentee)
Cedric M. Prince – 334 (314 + 20 absentee)
Glen J. Smith – 317 (307 + 10 absentee)
Marylyn A. Stapleton – 308 (292 + 16 absentee)
Sirri Hamad – 190 (174 + 16 absentee)
Horace T. Brooks – 180 (172 + 8 absentee)
Veronica D. Joseph – 9 (write-ins)
Carol Burke – 9 (write-ins)
Robert Moorehead – 5 (write-ins)
Evenly Messer James – 5 (write-ins)
Dr. Adele Allen – 4 (write-ins)
Alsess L. Brown – 4 (write-ins)
Maria "Chi-Chi" Heywood – 4 (write-ins)
Terrance D. Joseph – 3 (write-ins)
Cenita "C: Heywood – 3 (write-ins)
Alric Simmonds – 3 (write-ins)
Ara Lockhart – 2 (write-ins)
Jamila Russell – 2 (write-ins)
1 write-in vote each: Keithly Joseph, Cecil Benjamin, Marc Biggs, Theodore Brow, Leroy Marchena, Mary Busenberg, Wanda Mills, Ulric Carrington Jr., Janis Melchior, Leslie Commissiong, Linda M. Creque, Ruth Moolenaar, Estrille, Nac, Rev. Malcolm Harris, Patricia O'Reilly, Collin Hoge, Keith Richards, Alan Richardson, Macelle E. Heywood, Angel Turnbull, Raymond T. James Esq., Aida White, Wayne James, Flourine Audaine Jones
Territorial Committee, St. Croix District
St. Claire N. Williams – 931 (887 + 44 absentee)
Rupert Ross Jr. – 778 (740 + 38 absentee)
Cenita "CC" Heywood – 531 (496 + 35 absentee)
David A. Molloy – 528 (498 + 30 absentee)
Sonia Boyce – 502 (472 + 30 absentee)
Raymond T. James Esq. – 389 (368 + 21 absentee)
Arthur C. Petersen Jr. – 349 (327 + 22 – absentee)
Colin "Massive" Hodge – 297 (277 + 20 absentee)
Paul Flemming – 213 (204 + 9 absentee)
Irving L. Straun Sr. – 170 (163 + 7 absentee)
Kearney R. Nichols – 151 (145 + 6 absentee)
Williams Modeste – 7 (write-ins)
Jamaila Russell – 3 (write-ins)
Marc Biggs – 2 (write-ins)
Carol Burke – 2 (write-ins)
1 write-in vote each: Cecil Benjamin, Robert Moorehead, Ira R. Hobson, Juan Figueroa Serville, Evelyn Messer James, Alric Simmonds, Florine Audain Jones
Republican Party of the Virgin Islands
State Chair

[The top vote getter is elected.]
James Oliver – 83 (72 + 11 absentee)
April M. Newland – 13 (12 + 1 absentee)
Lawrence "Larry" Boschulte – 12 (no absentee)
Wilma Marsh Monsanto – 7 (no absentee)
Territorial Committee, at Large
Julio A. Brady – 89 (79 + 10 absentee)
Gladys Orr – 62 (52 + 10 absentee)
Patricia Murphy – 60 (59 + 10 absentee)
Herbert Schoenbohm – 58 (53 + 5 absentee)
Hughetta Boulware – 52 (46 + 6 absentee)
Atty. Fred Vialet Jr. – 39 (36 + 3 absentee)
April M. Newland – 37 (no absentee)
Frank H. Davis – 28 (25 + 3 absentee)
Vincen "Beef Clendinen – 26 (no absentee)
Reynaldo Callwood – 21 (no absentee)
Leon Alvin Powell – 21 (20 + 1 absentee)
Noel Loftus – 6 (write-ins)
Susan Davis – 2 (write-ins)
Molly Mills – 2 (write-ins)
Humberto O'Neil – 2 (write-ins)
1 write-in vote each: Liliana Belardo O'neil, Jane Martin, Ana Davila, Manal Missar, Val Diaz, M. Molly, Arnold Golden, James Oliver, Kirk Grybowski, Tracy Pardo de Zela, Maria Santiago, Elhissa Runyon, Cornell Davidson Jr.
Territorial Committee, St. Croix District
Lilliana Belardo de O'Neil – 66 (57 + 9 absentee)
Reuben Fenton – 62 (58 + 4 absentee)
Humberto O'Neil – 57 (54 + 3 absentee)
Noel Loftus – 3 (write-ins)
Tracy Pardo de Zela – 3 (write-ins)
Val Diaz – 2 (write-ins)
Manal Missar – 2 (write-ins)
1 write-in vote each: Ana Davila, Philemon Fenton, Jose Luis Garcia, Maria Santiago, Arnold M. Golden, Cornell Davidson Jr.
Independent Citizens Movement Party
Territorial Committee, at Large

Virdin C. Brown – 16 (no absentee)
Gladys Todman – 11 (no absentee)
Juan A. Santiago – 10 (no absentee)
Levron Sarauw Sr. – 10 (no absentee)
Andre Ottley – 9 (no absentee)
Elise Vialet – 8 (no absentee)
Arthur Joseph – 4 (write-ins)
Maxine Moorhead – 2 (write-ins)
Bernadine Bailey – 2 (write-ins)
Doreen Barnes – 2 (write-ins)
Ludrick Thomas – 2 (write-ins)
Sonia Kelly – 2 (write-ins)
1 write-in each: Ariel Melchior, Julio Sprauve, Stephen Frett, Neil Watson, Craig Williams, Almando Liburd, Valerie William, Keith Massing
Territorial Committe, St. Croix District
David A. Benjamin – 15 (no absentee)
Mary L. Moorhead – 12 (no absentee)
Alexander A. Petersen Sr. – 12 (no absentee)
Wilmot A. Edwards – 11 (no absentee)
Serafin Suarez – 8 (no absentee)
Clifford Christian – 2 (write-ins)
Neil Watson – 2 (write-ins)
Jamal Nielsen – 2 (write-ins)
1 write-in vote each: Usie Richards, Arthur Joseph

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.

FINAL RESULTS OF THE 2002 PRIMARY ELECTIONS

0
Oct. 29, 2002 – Following are the final tabulations from the Office of the Supervisor of Elections of the Sept. 14 primary elections for the territory's three political parties, including absentee ballots and write-in votes. Within a category, candidates are listed from highest to lowest number of votes received.
In the case of party races for committee positions, the parties determine the number of seats; where an insufficient number of persons ran for these seats, the highest write-in- vote-getters also are considered elected.
Some write-in candidates' names also appeared elsewhere on the ballot; however, if a name is misspelled on a write-in vote, that vote is counted separately.
Democratic Party
Senator at Large

[The top vote getter will appear on the Nov. 5 ballot]
Senator at large
Craig W. Barshinger – St. Croix district 786 (762 + 24 absentee), St. Thomas-St. John district 481 (468 + 13 absentee). Total = 1,267
Harry Daniel – St. Croix district 481 (462 + 19 absentee), St. Thomas-St. John district 744 (708 + 36 absentee). Total = 1,225
Senator, St. Croix District
[The top seven vote getters will appear on the Nov. 5 ballot.]
Luther F. Renee – 1,208 (1,170 + 38 absentee)
Douglas E. Canton Jr. – 1,206 (1,162 + 44 absentee)
David S. Jones – 1,165 (1,135 + 30 absentee)
Ronald E. Russell – 1,137 (1,095 + 42 absentee)
Michael Thurland – 1,022 (976 + 46 absentee)
Nemmy Williams-Felix – 885 (853 + 32 absentee)
Juan Figueroa Serville – 807 (784 + 23 absentee)
Adele Allen – 2 (write-in)
1 write-in vote each: Dodson K. James, Keisha Byam, Trevor R. James, Nemmy Williams, Wayne James, Oneida Granger, Veronica Joseph, Emmeth Hansen II, Jeffrey Moorhead, Ira R. Hobson, "No Tourism, No Ship, No Vote"
1 absentee ballot write-in vote each: Keisha Bryan, Emmet Hansen, Valmy Thomas
Board of Elections, St. Croix
[The top three vote getters will appear on the Nov. 5 ballot.]
Rupert Ross Jr. – 823 (795 + 28 absentee)
Evelyn Messer James – 763 (726 + 37 absentee)
Dodson K. James – 655 (614 + 41 absentee)
Elizabeth "Betty" Lynch – 502 (475 + 27 absentee)
Carmen Marrero O'Reilly – 404 (387 + 17 absentee)
Emilio Rodriguez Jr. – 329 (318 + 11 absentee)
Dr. Adele D. Allen – 1 (write-in)
State Chair
[The top vote getter is elected.]
James A. O'Bryan – 715 (685 + 30 absentee)
Marylyn Stapelton – 487 (468 + 19 absentee)
Cecil Benjamin – 4 (write-in)
1 write-in vote each: Dr. Adele Allen, Dodson K. James, Carol Burke, No vote
District Chair, St. Croix
[The top vote getter is elected.]
Terrence T. Joseph – 1,032 (987 + 45 absentee)
Irving L. Struan Sr. – 221 (214 + 7 absentee)
Veronica Joseph – 3 (write-in)
1 write-in vote each: Mark Biggs, Sonia Boyce, David Malloy, Carol Burke, Natasha Williams Modeste, Collin Hodge
Territorial Committee, at Large
Gregory Francis – 679 (644 + 35 absentee)
Gloria Canegata Waterman – 665 (629 + 36 absentee)
Luis "Tito" Morales – 457 (438 + 19 absentee)
Carmen Gonzalez – 411 (388 + 23 absentee)
Omar B.U. Henry – 396 (377 + 19 absentee)
Cedric M. Prince – 334 (314 + 20 absentee)
Glen J. Smith – 317 (307 + 10 absentee)
Marylyn A. Stapleton – 308 (292 + 16 absentee)
Sirri Hamad – 190 (174 + 16 absentee)
Horace T. Brooks – 180 (172 + 8 absentee)
Veronica D. Joseph – 9 (write-ins)
Carol Burke – 9 (write-ins)
Robert Moorehead – 5 (write-ins)
Evenly Messer James – 5 (write-ins)
Dr. Adele Allen – 4 (write-ins)
Alsess L. Brown – 4 (write-ins)
Maria "Chi-Chi" Heywood – 4 (write-ins)
Terrance D. Joseph – 3 (write-ins)
Cenita "C: Heywood – 3 (write-ins)
Alric Simmonds – 3 (write-ins)
Ara Lockhart – 2 (write-ins)
Jamila Russell – 2 (write-ins)
1 write-in vote each: Keithly Joseph, Cecil Benjamin, Marc Biggs, Theodore Brow, Leroy Marchena, Mary Busenberg, Wanda Mills, Ulric Carrington Jr., Janis Melchior, Leslie Commissiong, Linda M. Creque, Ruth Moolenaar, Estrille, Nac, Rev. Malcolm Harris, Patricia O'Reilly, Collin Hoge, Keith Richards, Alan Richardson, Macelle E. Heywood, Angel Turnbull, Raymond T. James Esq., Aida White, Wayne James, Flourine Audaine Jones
Territorial Committee, St. Croix District
St. Claire N. Williams – 931 (887 + 44 absentee)
Rupert Ross Jr. – 778 (740 + 38 absentee)
Cenita "CC" Heywood – 531 (496 + 35 absentee)
David A. Molloy – 528 (498 + 30 absentee)
Sonia Boyce – 502 (472 + 30 absentee)
Raymond T. James Esq. – 389 (368 + 21 absentee)
Arthur C. Petersen Jr. – 349 (327 + 22 – absentee)
Colin "Massive" Hodge – 297 (277 + 20 absentee)
Paul Flemming – 213 (204 + 9 absentee)
Irving L. Straun Sr. – 170 (163 + 7 absentee)
Kearney R. Nichols – 151 (145 + 6 absentee)
Williams Modeste – 7 (write-ins)
Jamaila Russell – 3 (write-ins)
Marc Biggs – 2 (write-ins)
Carol Burke – 2 (write-ins)
1 write-in vote each: Cecil Benjamin, Robert Moorehead, Ira R. Hobson, Juan Figueroa Serville, Evelyn Messer James, Alric Simmonds, Florine Audain Jones
Republican Party of the Virgin Islands
State Chair

[The top vote getter is elected.]
James Oliver – 83 (72 + 11 absentee)
April M. Newland – 13 (12 + 1 absentee)
Lawrence "Larry" Boschulte – 12 (no absentee)
Wilma Marsh Monsanto – 7 (no absentee)
Territorial Committee, at Large
Julio A. Brady – 89 (79 + 10 absentee)
Gladys Orr – 62 (52 + 10 absentee)
Patricia Murphy – 60 (59 + 10 absentee)
Herbert Schoenbohm – 58 (53 + 5 absentee)
Hughetta Boulware – 52 (46 + 6 absentee)
Atty. Fred Vialet Jr. – 39 (36 + 3 absentee)
April M. Newland – 37 (no absentee)
Frank H. Davis – 28 (25 + 3 absentee)
Vincen "Beef Clendinen – 26 (no absentee)
Reynaldo Callwood – 21 (no absentee)
Leon Alvin Powell – 21 (20 + 1 absentee)
Noel Loftus – 6 (write-ins)
Susan Davis – 2 (write-ins)
Molly Mills – 2 (write-ins)
Humberto O'Neil – 2 (write-ins)
1 write-in vote each: Liliana Belardo O'neil, Jane Martin, Ana Davila, Manal Missar, Val Diaz, M. Molly, Arnold Golden, James Oliver, Kirk Grybowski, Tracy Pardo de Zela, Maria Santiago, Elhissa Runyon, Cornell Davidson Jr.
Territorial Committee, St. Croix District
Lilliana Belardo de O'Neil – 66 (57 + 9 absentee)
Reuben Fenton – 62 (58 + 4 absentee)
Humberto O'Neil – 57 (54 + 3 absentee)
Noel Loftus – 3 (write-ins)
Tracy Pardo de Zela – 3 (write-ins)
Val Diaz – 2 (write-ins)
Manal Missar – 2 (write-ins)
1 write-in vote each: Ana Davila, Philemon Fenton, Jose Luis Garcia, Maria Santiago, Arnold M. Golden, Cornell Davidson Jr.
Independent Citizens Movement Party
Territorial Committee, at Large

Virdin C. Brown – 16 (no absentee)
Gladys Todman – 11 (no absentee)
Juan A. Santiago – 10 (no absentee)
Levron Sarauw Sr. – 10 (no absentee)
Andre Ottley – 9 (no absentee)
Elise Vialet – 8 (no absentee)
Arthur Joseph – 4 (write-ins)
Maxine Moorhead – 2 (write-ins)
Bernadine Bailey – 2 (write-ins)
Doreen Barnes – 2 (write-ins)
Ludrick Thomas – 2 (write-ins)
Sonia Kelly – 2 (write-ins)
1 write-in each: Ariel Melchior, Julio Sprauve, Stephen Frett, Neil Watson, Craig Williams, Almando Liburd, Valerie William, Keith Massing
Territorial Committe, St. Croix District
David A. Benjamin – 15 (no absentee)
Mary L. Moorhead – 12 (no absentee)
Alexander A. Petersen Sr. – 12 (no absentee)
Wilmot A. Edwards – 11 (no absentee)
Serafin Suarez – 8 (no absentee)
Clifford Christian – 2 (write-ins)
Neil Watson – 2 (write-ins)
Jamal Nielsen – 2 (write-ins)
1 write-in vote each: Usie Richards, Arthur Joseph

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.

FINAL RESULTS OF 2002 PRIMARY ELECTIONS

0
Oct. 29, 2002 – Following are the final tabulations from the Office of the Supervisor of Elections of the Sept. 14 primary elections for the territory's three political parties, including absentee ballots and write-in votes. Within a category, candidates are listed from highest to lowest number of votes received.
In the case of party races for committee positions, the parties determine the number of seats; where an insufficient number of persons ran for these seats, the highest write-in- vote-getters also are considered elected.
Some write-in candidates' names also appeared elsewhere on the ballot; however, if a name is misspelled on a write-in vote, that vote is counted separately.
Democratic Party
Senator at Large

[The top vote getter will appear on the Nov. 5 ballot]
Senator at large
Craig W. Barshinger – St. Croix district 786 (762 + 24 absentee), St. Thomas-St. John district 481 (468 + 13 absentee). Total = 1,267
Harry Daniel – St. Croix district 481 (462 + 19 absentee), St. Thomas-St. John district 744 (708 + 36 absentee). Total = 1,225
Senator, St. Croix District
[The top seven vote getters will appear on the Nov. 5 ballot.]
Luther F. Renee – 1,208 (1,170 + 38 absentee)
Douglas E. Canton Jr. – 1,206 (1,162 + 44 absentee)
David S. Jones – 1,165 (1,135 + 30 absentee)
Ronald E. Russell – 1,137 (1,095 + 42 absentee)
Michael Thurland – 1,022 (976 + 46 absentee)
Nemmy Williams-Felix – 885 (853 + 32 absentee)
Juan Figueroa Serville – 807 (784 + 23 absentee)
Adele Allen – 2 (write-in)
1 write-in vote each: Dodson K. James, Keisha Byam, Trevor R. James, Nemmy Williams, Wayne James, Oneida Granger, Veronica Joseph, Emmeth Hansen II, Jeffrey Moorhead, Ira R. Hobson, "No Tourism, No Ship, No Vote"
1 absentee ballot write-in vote each: Keisha Bryan, Emmet Hansen, Valmy Thomas
Board of Elections, St. Croix
[The top three vote getters will appear on the Nov. 5 ballot.]
Rupert Ross Jr. – 823 (795 + 28 absentee)
Evelyn Messer James – 763 (726 + 37 absentee)
Dodson K. James – 655 (614 + 41 absentee)
Elizabeth "Betty" Lynch – 502 (475 + 27 absentee)
Carmen Marrero O'Reilly – 404 (387 + 17 absentee)
Emilio Rodriguez Jr. – 329 (318 + 11 absentee)
Dr. Adele D. Allen – 1 (write-in)
State Chair
[The top vote getter is elected.]
James A. O'Bryan – 715 (685 + 30 absentee)
Marylyn Stapelton – 487 (468 + 19 absentee)
Cecil Benjamin – 4 (write-in)
1 write-in vote each: Dr. Adele Allen, Dodson K. James, Carol Burke, No vote
District Chair, St. Croix
[The top vote getter is elected.]
Terrence T. Joseph – 1,032 (987 + 45 absentee)
Irving L. Struan Sr. – 221 (214 + 7 absentee)
Veronica Joseph – 3 (write-in)
1 write-in vote each: Mark Biggs, Sonia Boyce, David Malloy, Carol Burke, Natasha Williams Modeste, Collin Hodge
Territorial Committee, at Large
Gregory Francis – 679 (644 + 35 absentee)
Gloria Canegata Waterman – 665 (629 + 36 absentee)
Luis "Tito" Morales – 457 (438 + 19 absentee)
Carmen Gonzalez – 411 (388 + 23 absentee)
Omar B.U. Henry – 396 (377 + 19 absentee)
Cedric M. Prince – 334 (314 + 20 absentee)
Glen J. Smith – 317 (307 + 10 absentee)
Marylyn A. Stapleton – 308 (292 + 16 absentee)
Sirri Hamad – 190 (174 + 16 absentee)
Horace T. Brooks – 180 (172 + 8 absentee)
Veronica D. Joseph – 9 (write-ins)
Carol Burke – 9 (write-ins)
Robert Moorehead – 5 (write-ins)
Evenly Messer James – 5 (write-ins)
Dr. Adele Allen – 4 (write-ins)
Alsess L. Brown – 4 (write-ins)
Maria "Chi-Chi" Heywood – 4 (write-ins)
Terrance D. Joseph – 3 (write-ins)
Cenita "C: Heywood – 3 (write-ins)
Alric Simmonds – 3 (write-ins)
Ara Lockhart – 2 (write-ins)
Jamila Russell – 2 (write-ins)
1 write-in vote each: Keithly Joseph, Cecil Benjamin, Marc Biggs, Theodore Brow, Leroy Marchena, Mary Busenberg, Wanda Mills, Ulric Carrington Jr., Janis Melchior, Leslie Commissiong, Linda M. Creque, Ruth Moolenaar, Estrille, Nac, Rev. Malcolm Harris, Patricia O'Reilly, Collin Hoge, Keith Richards, Alan Richardson, Macelle E. Heywood, Angel Turnbull, Raymond T. James Esq., Aida White, Wayne James, Flourine Audaine Jones
Territorial Committee, St. Croix District
St. Claire N. Williams – 931 (887 + 44 absentee)
Rupert Ross Jr. – 778 (740 + 38 absentee)
Cenita "CC" Heywood – 531 (496 + 35 absentee)
David A. Molloy – 528 (498 + 30 absentee)
Sonia Boyce – 502 (472 + 30 absentee)
Raymond T. James Esq. – 389 (368 + 21 absentee)
Arthur C. Petersen Jr. – 349 (327 + 22 – absentee)
Colin "Massive" Hodge – 297 (277 + 20 absentee)
Paul Flemming – 213 (204 + 9 absentee)
Irving L. Straun Sr. – 170 (163 + 7 absentee)
Kearney R. Nichols – 151 (145 + 6 absentee)
Williams Modeste – 7 (write-ins)
Jamaila Russell – 3 (write-ins)
Marc Biggs – 2 (write-ins)
Carol Burke – 2 (write-ins)
1 write-in vote each: Cecil Benjamin, Robert Moorehead, Ira R. Hobson, Juan Figueroa Serville, Evelyn Messer James, Alric Simmonds, Florine Audain Jones
Republican Party of the Virgin Islands
State Chair

[The top vote getter is elected.]
James Oliver – 83 (72 + 11 absentee)
April M. Newland – 13 (12 + 1 absentee)
Lawrence "Larry" Boschulte – 12 (no absentee)
Wilma Marsh Monsanto – 7 (no absentee)
Territorial Committee, at Large
Julio A. Brady – 89 (79 + 10 absentee)
Gladys Orr – 62 (52 + 10 absentee)
Patricia Murphy – 60 (59 + 10 absentee)
Herbert Schoenbohm – 58 (53 + 5 absentee)
Hughetta Boulware – 52 (46 + 6 absentee)
Atty. Fred Vialet Jr. – 39 (36 + 3 absentee)
April M. Newland – 37 (no absentee)
Frank H. Davis – 28 (25 + 3 absentee)
Vincen "Beef Clendinen – 26 (no absentee)
Reynaldo Callwood – 21 (no absentee)
Leon Alvin Powell – 21 (20 + 1 absentee)
Noel Loftus – 6 (write-ins)
Susan Davis – 2 (write-ins)
Molly Mills – 2 (write-ins)
Humberto O'Neil – 2 (write-ins)
1 write-in vote each: Liliana Belardo O'neil, Jane Martin, Ana Davila, Manal Missar, Val Diaz, M. Molly, Arnold Golden, James Oliver, Kirk Grybowski, Tracy Pardo de Zela, Maria Santiago, Elhissa Runyon, Cornell Davidson Jr.
Territorial Committee, St. Croix District
Lilliana Belardo de O'Neil – 66 (57 + 9 absentee)
Reuben Fenton – 62 (58 + 4 absentee)
Humberto O'Neil – 57 (54 + 3 absentee)
Noel Loftus – 3 (write-ins)
Tracy Pardo de Zela – 3 (write-ins)
Val Diaz – 2 (write-ins)
Manal Missar – 2 (write-ins)
1 write-in vote each: Ana Davila, Philemon Fenton, Jose Luis Garcia, Maria Santiago, Arnold M. Golden, Cornell Davidson Jr.
Independent Citizens Movement Party
Territorial Committee, at Large

Virdin C. Brown – 16 (no absentee)
Gladys Todman – 11 (no absentee)
Juan A. Santiago – 10 (no absentee)
Levron Sarauw Sr. – 10 (no absentee)
Andre Ottley – 9 (no absentee)
Elise Vialet – 8 (no absentee)
Arthur Joseph – 4 (write-ins)
Maxine Moorhead – 2 (write-ins)
Bernadine Bailey – 2 (write-ins)
Doreen Barnes – 2 (write-ins)
Ludrick Thomas – 2 (write-ins)
Sonia Kelly – 2 (write-ins)
1 write-in each: Ariel Melchior, Julio Sprauve, Stephen Frett, Neil Watson, Craig Williams, Almando Liburd, Valerie William, Keith Massing
Territorial Committe, St. Croix District
David A. Benjamin – 15 (no absentee)
Mary L. Moorhead – 12 (no absentee)
Alexander A. Petersen Sr. – 12 (no absentee)
Wilmot A. Edwards – 11 (no absentee)
Serafin Suarez – 8 (no absentee)
Clifford Christian – 2 (write-ins)
Neil Watson – 2 (write-ins)
Jamal Nielsen – 2 (write-ins)
1 write-in vote each: Usie Richards, Arthur Joseph

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.

HILL RESPONDS TO SOURCE SENATE FORUM

0
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?
Comprehensive Land and Water Use Plan:
A Comprehensive Land and Waste Use Plan is the primary mechanism used by most jurisdictions to manage development and to prevent the negative effects of development on the natural and man made environment. It will allow us to outline long term planning for increased demand on the electrical supply, for proper management of solid waste, for the reorganizing of traffic patterns that will allow the efficient flow of traffic and make provisions for adequate parking of vehicles. A land and water plan will help identify areas that are ecologically significant and must be protected.
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? and 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?
Private and Public Sector Partnering and the Economy:

The best advertising for tourism in the territory is to showcase to the world a dignified quality of life, and enviable environment consisting of beautiful public parks and beaches and a safe and well maintained roadway system.
We must;
– Renovate Fort Christian into a world-class museum and charge a reasonable entrance fee.
– Develop the waterfront and attract more mega yachts.
– Revitalize the marine industry through collaboration with charter yacht league, the federal government and other stakeholders.
– Propose legislation to create a private/public partnership that will accomplish this.
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? and 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?
Solid Waste & Sewage Disposal:

The issue of waste disposal has plagued the residents of the Virgin Islands for many years. We are faced with the visible effects of litter in our neighborhoods and on our roadsides and the less visible contamination of soil and ground water by the improper disposal of sewage, solid waste, oil and toxic fluids.
We must;
– Establish a Waste Management Authority that will make the waste disposal system in the territory an environmental model for similar sized jurisdictions in the country, as well as the Caribbean region.
– The Anti-Litter and Beautification commission has started a recycling program on St. Thomas and I support their efforts, but we must do more. We generate approximately 285 tons of solid waste annually in the Virgin Islands. Approximately 35 percent of that is compostable green waste. This valuable resource can be used by an enterprising individual to start a composting business.

HOME DEPOT'S CUSTOMER SERVICE A CONCERN

0
Dear Source:
Heard that there is a possibility that Home Depot will be coming to St. Thomas where the old drive-in theatre used to be. If that is the case, I consider this to be a big mistake. I have been aware of consumer complaints regarding Home Depot's customer service on the Internet for years. I will, at the end of this letter, list the websites where I found these complaints. Personally, I myself had a bad experience with Home Depot that remains unresolved.
I grew up on St. Thomas, lived there all my life, and left when I was 29. I have been living in the Florida Keys for over 7 years since then. My husband and I first bought our house in '98, and had Home Depot put carpeting on our stairs inside of our house. After a few weeks we noticed the carpet was tearing apart already, so we called Home Depot in Marathon, which is the closest to our home, to have a service repairman look at the problem. They did send someone over, who after looking at the situation, promised to return and repair the problem or replace it. When several weeks passed by and still no one came, we called Home Depot to request that the problem be resolved. Again, we were promised the same, but with no results. We called several times after that. It has been 3 years since this incident, and no one has come from Home Depot despite our requests and their promises. Last month my husband and I went to Home Depot to request help one last time, and were told that the person who took care of that department quit one year ago, but they said they would take care of the situation. As of today, we still are waiting. 2 years ago I wrote to Home Depot's main offices to make a complaint in writing and got a letter assuring me that the problem would be resolved.
If Home Depot's customer service is failing here on the mainland, what will it will be like down there for the residents? Aside from all this, the business people of your community who have lived in St. Thomas for so many years and who provide services for your community will suffer greatly at the hands of a corporate giant that fails in its customer service. I hope this does not happen because I plan one day to live there again. I will list the websites for you to read.
www.consumeraffairs.com/homeowners/home_depot.htm
www.detnews.com/2002/business/0203/28/b01-451277.htm
www.complaints.com/june2001/compaintoftheday.june22.1.htm
Please read the information; you will be surprised if you don't already know about the many complaints.
Sincerely,
Gregory & Carlyne Scorza
Florida Keys

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.

HOME DEPOT SHOULD HAVE EQUAL OPPORTUNITY IN V.I.

0
Dear Source:
Okay, I heard what Patrick Bayard said, and he is what's wrong with the thinking behind the economy here in the V.I. He made a statement that this is a free country, then why should Home Depot have to be treated differently than anyone else? I have a question for Mr. Bayard: "When you opened your store did they make you pay for increasing the local traffic or the safety issues it would bring?" I'm sure when you opened your business you put some poor St. Thomian out of business who was working out of his house. So why do people like Bayard want something given to them for free, when a business like Home Depot would help the V.I. greatly? The benefits and opportunity of working for a company that size is far greater than that of working for the Sea Chest. They have full time employment and part time; they give you the choice, 401k,medical, room for advancement (Ace Hardware cant help you here); the ability to move throughout the U.S. working for Home Depot. There's only one Virgin Islands and only one New York, and Florida, and California. The one thing we will find out is how fair Mr. Bayard was with the people of the V.I. based on their loyalty when Home Depot opens.
Jim Richerson
St. Croix

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.

GRANGER RESPONDS TO SOURCE SENATE FORUM

0
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 change this, and what, if anything, will you do to bring about such change?
The comprehensive land and water use plan is vital because being an island we have limitations. Therefore, we must secure that we operate within a fashion that best optimizes both our land and water. The problem we run into is by having a fragile economy; there has been such a focus on economic development (hotel and business construction) that the implementation of a plan has been continuously postponed. Our laws must protect our land and water so that the decisions we make today will not have a negative impact on our environment.
2. How important is private and public sector partnering and how can such partnering best accomplished in order to be most effective in addressing economic and social problems in the territory.
With our government already operating in a deficit, we can no longer afford to be the sole source of funding for all of the programs and services we need to function as a healthy society. It will take the assistance of the private sector to help us address the economic and social problems we face in the territory. We must seek joint business ventures and establish coalitions so that "together" through partnership between the public and private sector we can bring back St. Croix’s sagging economy.
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?
Our teachers earn salaries that are at the bottom of the salary scale throughout the United Sates. Poor teachers = poor schools. Poor schools = poor productivity. Poor productivity = loss of accreditation. I would introduce/support the allocation of funding to be utilized for the increase of teachers salaries. I would also support that all monies allocated towards education be distributed directly to the principals for site-based management (SBM). SBM will assure that the needs of our schools are met first and that the monies allocated for schools reach the schools thereby supporting the improvement of our territory’s educational system.
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?
When I think of floating bonds, I am reminded that "what goes up must come down." How long do we think we can continue to float (out at sea) without heading towards shore? We must explore fiscal management and demonstrate responsible government. We cannot continue to rob Peter to pay Paul. Sooner or later both Peter and Paul will be broke. I support the need of external auditing services to make sure that we operate within a system of accountability. We must also seek partnerships with the private sector (see question No. 2) to assist us with funding initiatives that exceeds our financial limitations.
5. What is the most viable solution to the territory’s solid-waste disposal proem? What will you do to advance the implementation for this solution?
We must engage in a long-term waste management program in the form of recycling. Residence must separate their solid waste in receptacles that will allow glass, aluminum and paper to be recycled. Fines must be imposed for improper disposal measures. Even with an alternative landfill site, our waste will once again reach its capacity level. However, engaging in aggressive recycling measures can minimize the rate in which our solid waste accumulates. I would introduce/support legislation that would stiffen the fines for those who violate these recycling measures.
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?
Our sewage system has exhausted its life expectancy. There is only so much life in any system before it must be renovated. Putting new parts on an old system is counterproductive and wasteful. I would propose/support the allocation of funding to replace our current system and with a new modernized system that offers the technological advances that result in minimizing malfunctions.
7. How do you assess the economy of the Virgin Islands as this time, and what do you see as its best hope for growth? What will you do to foster that growth?
The economy of the Virgin Islands is tilted. If you look at St. Thomas/St. John, you get a very different economic picture in comparison to St. Croix. As a legislator representing the district of St. Croix, I would have to look at ways in which St. Croix’s economy could be stimulated. One key is to market St. Croix to the cruise ship industry "independent" of St. Thomas/St. John. This would allow St. Croix to promote our historical, agricultural and multicultural heritage, which makes our island unique.
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?
With our news media reporting on numerous stories regarding government corruption, no one can say that they are unaware of its existence. Now, we must look at how we as a territory deal with this problem. I believe that government employees must be held to the same level of accountability as the private sector. The prosecution of government employees who engage in corruptive activities must be aggressive and applied uniformly. If you do the crime, you must do the time. The laws must be comprehensive and not allow room for "slap on the wrist" punishment.
9. What is the most viable solution to Government Employees
Retirement System payouts exceeding revenues and what will you do to advance the implementations of this solution.

As a contributor to GERS I am very concerned that the funds that I have been contributing to the system will not be available upon my retirement. Therefore it should be understood that GERS is no "cash cow". I believe that the government has neglected to protect the resources in GERS. As a senator, I would propose/support legislation that would protect GERS revenues just as social security revenues are protected.
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 solution in government spending exceeding revenues rest in fiscal management and auditory measures of accountability. Only when you have a clear and accurate picture of what revenues you have, can you account for what you have to spend. Not knowing your budget limits leads to blind spending. This is exactly what has been taking place within government. Therefore auditory measures must be put in place so that all expenditures can be accounted for, utilizing a system of checks and balances that will assure that all departments and agencies operate within their budget limit.
11. How do alignments between majority and minority blocks 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.
Unfortunately the alignments between majority and minority blocks and the adversarial relationships between the legislative and executive branches of government do not serve the best interest of the people of the Virgin Islands. Part of our economic despair is directly linked to the adversarial relationships that exist between the executive and legislative branches of government and the majority and minority blocks. For the Bible says, "A house divided against itself cannot stand." Therefore, we must work together as a team (legislative branch, as well as executive branch) to improve the conditions in our territory.