Oct. 23, 2002 – A two-day conference opening Thursday on St. Thomas was initially intended to address qualifications for special education teachers. But it has been expanded in scope to the overall certification of teachers in the public schools.
Education officials say one-third of the territory's public school teachers are certified. Under the new federal No Child Left Behind Act, all teachers are to have the appropriate licenses and certification by 2006.
"The purpose of the conference is to develop standards for licensing general and special education teachers," said Alscess Lewis-Brown, Education Department personnel director. The department's teacher certification manual is to be reviewed.
Lewis-Brown said she hopes the conference, at the Holiday Inn Windward Passage Hotel, will give decision makers a better understanding of the certification process. Organizers also want to build a shared understanding about the needs of children with disabilities as expressed in No Child Left Behind, she said.
The Board of Education has responsibility for teacher certification, and its executive director, Evadney Hodge, says a lot of work must be done to ensure that the other two-thirds of public school teachers meet the criteria that will be required of them in the next four years.
She said an assessment under way involves the review of teachers' college transcripts in order to gain insights into the kinds of course work they may need in order to progress in the licensing process.
The board also is looking at various means of achieving its goals. Hodge said the University of the Virgin Islands offers practice tests that teachers can take as a form of self-assessment — in terms of general knowledge, subject knowledge and effective teaching methods.
Hodge said the board is talking with UVI about holding summer institutes for teachers to complete their course work for certification. Many teachers have not taken a course in V.I. history, "and that has been a requirement since 1999," she noted.
Education Department officials have been working for a year to develop a manual that would spell out the needs and requirements for teacher certification. Hodge said the manual is still a work in progress, one that will likely need revision. "It began as a special education initiative," she said, "but as we began to work on it, we decided to expand it to include general education."
Along with addressing issues relating to the qualifying of teachers for different subjects and different education levels, the manual looks at certification procedures in other parts of the country and includes copies of documents used by other school systems in conferring certification.
It also looks at the process the board might use to issue teacher endorsements. "Endorsements allow teachers to be transferred from one area of need to another," Brown said.
Publisher's note : Like the St. Thomas Source now? Find out how you can love us twice as much — and show your support for the islands' free and independent news voice … click here.
FOOD STAMP CARD CONVERSION IS PROCEEDING
Oct. 23, 2002 – Food stamp recipients in Frederiksted should report to the Human Services office at their scheduled times to be processed for conversion to the department's Electronic Benefit Transfer program, which is replacing traditional paper coupons with debit cards.
The processing had been delayed but is back on schedule, according to a release distributed Wednesday evening by the Human Services Department. The release said all persons who had been scheduled for conversion processing on Wednesday should instead report to the office, located on Prince Street, on Thursday.
For more information, call Ermin Boschulte at 774-2399
Publisher's note : Like the St. Croix Source now? Find out how you can love us twice as much — and show your support for the islands' free and independent news voice … click here.
The processing had been delayed but is back on schedule, according to a release distributed Wednesday evening by the Human Services Department. The release said all persons who had been scheduled for conversion processing on Wednesday should instead report to the office, located on Prince Street, on Thursday.
For more information, call Ermin Boschulte at 774-2399
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.
WINE DOWN TO SHOWCASE FOUR ARTISTS' WORK
Oct. 23, 2002 – Artwork by four Virgin Islanders represented by the Camille Pissarro Gallery will be featured on Friday evening at the October Da Da Wine Down at Café Amici in Riise's Alley.
The artists are Jane Aiken, Cathy Carlson, Paul Lafaille and Leah Norton.
Aiken, who has a degree in fine arts and worked as an artist and interior designer for more than 30 years, moved to St. Croix in 1998 to take up painting full time. Her watercolors depict larger-than-life flora that reflect her passion and spirit via the brilliant colors and light of the Caribbean. She offers classes in several mediums at her studio in Christiansted.
Carlson studied at the Art Students League in New York but did not pursue her artistic interests full time until she retired after 25 years of teaching math. The light, air, sea and people of the islands attracted her back many times after her first visit in the early 1970s and led her to take up permanent residence in 1991 and embark on her second career. She had worked earlier in oil, pen and ink, and water media, but decided to focus on the oil medium here.
Lafaille, a longtime island resident, is originally from California, where he studied art. He works in a variety of mediums — pastel, acrylic and wood — producing not only beautiful paintings but sculpted pieces as well.
Norton moved to St. Thomas in 1979 and made hair ornaments with shells and silk flowers at the old MountainTop. In 1988, she moved to California, where she studied wire wrapping; in August, she returned to St. Thomas with a reputation as one of the top wire wrappers in the nation, known for her corkscrew earrings. Her fun jewelry items made with precious metal wire and semiprecious stones include ear sliders, ear cuffs and a golf bag pendant.
The month's wine tasting will be of Concannon wines, presented by West Indies Corp.
Open to the public, each Wine Down, typically held on the final Friday of the month, combines the exhibition of local art (with an opportunity to meet the artists), the sampling of fine wines (with a seminar in their appreciation) and good old-fashioned socializing with free finger food, a cash bar and door prizes of artwork, wine and dining certificates.
Wine Down hours are 5 to 8 p.m.
There is a $10 fee for the optional wine tasting and seminar, which will be in progress throughout the evening as long as supplies are available. For more information, call Café Amici at 776-5670.
Publisher's note : Like the St. Thomas Source now? Find out how you can love us twice as much — and show your support for the islands' free and independent news voice … click here.
The artists are Jane Aiken, Cathy Carlson, Paul Lafaille and Leah Norton.
Aiken, who has a degree in fine arts and worked as an artist and interior designer for more than 30 years, moved to St. Croix in 1998 to take up painting full time. Her watercolors depict larger-than-life flora that reflect her passion and spirit via the brilliant colors and light of the Caribbean. She offers classes in several mediums at her studio in Christiansted.
Carlson studied at the Art Students League in New York but did not pursue her artistic interests full time until she retired after 25 years of teaching math. The light, air, sea and people of the islands attracted her back many times after her first visit in the early 1970s and led her to take up permanent residence in 1991 and embark on her second career. She had worked earlier in oil, pen and ink, and water media, but decided to focus on the oil medium here.
Lafaille, a longtime island resident, is originally from California, where he studied art. He works in a variety of mediums — pastel, acrylic and wood — producing not only beautiful paintings but sculpted pieces as well.
Norton moved to St. Thomas in 1979 and made hair ornaments with shells and silk flowers at the old MountainTop. In 1988, she moved to California, where she studied wire wrapping; in August, she returned to St. Thomas with a reputation as one of the top wire wrappers in the nation, known for her corkscrew earrings. Her fun jewelry items made with precious metal wire and semiprecious stones include ear sliders, ear cuffs and a golf bag pendant.
The month's wine tasting will be of Concannon wines, presented by West Indies Corp.
Open to the public, each Wine Down, typically held on the final Friday of the month, combines the exhibition of local art (with an opportunity to meet the artists), the sampling of fine wines (with a seminar in their appreciation) and good old-fashioned socializing with free finger food, a cash bar and door prizes of artwork, wine and dining certificates.
Wine Down hours are 5 to 8 p.m.
There is a $10 fee for the optional wine tasting and seminar, which will be in progress throughout the evening as long as supplies are available. For more information, call Café Amici at 776-5670.
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.
1,200 POUNDS OF RECALLED TURKEY TO BE DESTROYED
Oct. 23, 2002 – Concern about contamination from potentially deadly food-borne bacteria led Licensing and Consumer Affairs agents to seize 1,200 pounds of packaged deli meat on St. Croix this week.
The 53 boxes of Block and Barrel Regular Turkey and Smoked Deli-Turkey are scheduled to be destroyed on Thursday, according to DLCA's director of consumer protection, Alli Paul. LCA agents also removed packages of Wampler Foods Turkey Pastrami from a supermarket shelf. "That particular brand has been recalled for possible Listeria contamination," he said on Wednesday.
A Christiansted distributor had delivered 306 pounds of the recalled turkey to 14 St. Croix stores, restaurants, hotels and food-service providers, according to a Licensing and Consumer Affairs release. It said 55 cases of meat that the distributor still had in stock would be destroyed.
Paul said enforcement officers also were searching stores and food-service pantries on St. Thomas for more of the suspect pountry products but as of Wednesday had not found any. "The problem is that some companies get supplies directly from wholesalers in Miami," he said.
Listeria, bacteria technically called lysteria monocytogenes, affect the central nervous system and are the cause of the illness listeriosis. It can be transmitted from pregnant women to their unborn babies. According to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, up to 2,500 cases are reported each year in the United States, resulting in up to 500 deaths. People with compromised immune systems and children are especially susceptible to the illness.
Symptoms of listeriosis include high fever, severe headache, nausea and stiffness in the neck. Paul said he has received no reports of listeria-related illness from local health officials.
Consumers who think they may have purchased some of the pre-cooked deli meat should look on the package for the plant number P1351 stamped inside the U.S. Department of Agriculture inspection marker. Anyone who finds they have some of the suspect meat should return it to the place of purchase.
In addition to the Block and Barrel and Wampler brands, the suspect poultry products are sold under the brand names Bonos, Golden Acre and Reliance as well as some private labels. The products include turkey and other poultry that is sold packaged, freshly sliced or made into sandwiches at deli counters, the LCA release said.
The contaminated turkey found on St. Croix was distributed by Pilgrim's Pride in Franconia, Pennsylvania. The company also does business under the name Wampler Foods Inc. Paul said a notice dated Oct. 12 said that 27.4 million pounds of meat product from that distributor was subject to recall.
For answers to common questions about Listeria and listeriosis, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention "Listeriosis" Web site.
Publisher's note : Like the St. Croix Source now? Find out how you can love us twice as much — and show your support for the islands' free and independent news voice … click here.
The 53 boxes of Block and Barrel Regular Turkey and Smoked Deli-Turkey are scheduled to be destroyed on Thursday, according to DLCA's director of consumer protection, Alli Paul. LCA agents also removed packages of Wampler Foods Turkey Pastrami from a supermarket shelf. "That particular brand has been recalled for possible Listeria contamination," he said on Wednesday.
A Christiansted distributor had delivered 306 pounds of the recalled turkey to 14 St. Croix stores, restaurants, hotels and food-service providers, according to a Licensing and Consumer Affairs release. It said 55 cases of meat that the distributor still had in stock would be destroyed.
Paul said enforcement officers also were searching stores and food-service pantries on St. Thomas for more of the suspect pountry products but as of Wednesday had not found any. "The problem is that some companies get supplies directly from wholesalers in Miami," he said.
Listeria, bacteria technically called lysteria monocytogenes, affect the central nervous system and are the cause of the illness listeriosis. It can be transmitted from pregnant women to their unborn babies. According to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, up to 2,500 cases are reported each year in the United States, resulting in up to 500 deaths. People with compromised immune systems and children are especially susceptible to the illness.
Symptoms of listeriosis include high fever, severe headache, nausea and stiffness in the neck. Paul said he has received no reports of listeria-related illness from local health officials.
Consumers who think they may have purchased some of the pre-cooked deli meat should look on the package for the plant number P1351 stamped inside the U.S. Department of Agriculture inspection marker. Anyone who finds they have some of the suspect meat should return it to the place of purchase.
In addition to the Block and Barrel and Wampler brands, the suspect poultry products are sold under the brand names Bonos, Golden Acre and Reliance as well as some private labels. The products include turkey and other poultry that is sold packaged, freshly sliced or made into sandwiches at deli counters, the LCA release said.
The contaminated turkey found on St. Croix was distributed by Pilgrim's Pride in Franconia, Pennsylvania. The company also does business under the name Wampler Foods Inc. Paul said a notice dated Oct. 12 said that 27.4 million pounds of meat product from that distributor was subject to recall.
For answers to common questions about Listeria and listeriosis, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention "Listeriosis" Web site.
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.
BORNN/GOLDEN RESPOND TO GUBERNATORIAL FORUM
1. How important is a comprehensive land and water use plan, and why has the territory been unable in more than 20 years of effort to enact one? What will it take to change this, and what, if anything, will you do bring about such change?
A comprehensive land and water use plan is indeed very important for each island in the Territory of the Virgin Islands. A comprehensive plan for the Virgin Islands as a territory seems practically impossible to be agreed upon by the territorial politicians and should be pursued by each island for itself, in compliance with law and with the guidance of planners and professionals employed by the government. Spot zoning is illegal and must be stopped. Bornn and Golden have been longtime supporters of planned growth. Green areas, environmentally and historically significant areas should be acquired by the Virgin Island Government or preserved for the future.
2. How important is private and public sector partnering, and how can such partnering best be accomplished in order to be most effective in addressing economic and social problems in the territory?
Private and public sector partnering is most important. Government's role is to develop an environment and atmosphere to grow the private sector. Government should do only what the private sector can not. The government and private sector must work together to grow the entire Virgin Islands. One must first take corruption out of the system, then operate government as efficiently as possible then joint venture with private concerns to deliver service and product to the community. We must create a level playing field whereby effective and fair partnerships can be created and not merely line the pockets of political cronies.
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?
We spend $9,000 per student in the public school system. Money is not the problem, it is management. Site based management must be enacted whereby principals are empowered and held accountable to operate schools. The confusion between the Board and the Department of Education is a major problem. The Board must set policies and standards and the Department of Education implement the policies and standards. Additional problems include political hiring of principals and superintendents, rather than by merit, and the lack of an effective testing system. Testing is a positive tool for students and teachers, not a burden. The lack of adequate supplies and school maintenance are other pressing problems. The Bornn / Golden team will codify the Board / Department of Education relationship to ensure compliance and install site-based management to solve the problems on a school by school basis. Principals know more about their schools' problems and solutions than any governor, commissioner or superintendent.
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?
The Virgin Islands spends 800 million dollars in local and federal money annually for 108,000 people. That is $8,000 for every man, woman and child in the Virgin Islands. We do not have a revenue problem, we have an expense and management problem. By eliminating corruption, installing decentralized government and hiring based on merit rather than political affiliation, the Bornn / Golden team will create an efficient government. Millions of dollars will be saved to meet our pressing economic and social needs. In addition, by growing the economy including overnight tourism, Home Porting, Cruzan Rum, Hovensa, developing aqua farming, healthcare and the retirement industry, expanding agriculture, the financial and captive insurance industries we will generate millions to amortize the staggering debt. Bonds will be floated only to build and to develop capital projects not to pay operating expenses. I will convince others by merely not authorizing bonds for anything other than capital projects.
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?
To arrive at the most viable solution to the Territory's solid waste disposal problem requires more than to ask a layman what it is. Each island has a solid waste problem. Garbage separation by generators of garbage, mulching, aluminum can collection, paper and cardboard collection, gassification and other garbage reduction plans all offer partial solutions. Cost is a critical factor. The CWT deal must be scrapped. A new process must be started as soon as possible and all solutions evaluated on a level playing field to obtain a cost effective, environmentally friendly solution.
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?
We must first recognize that each island has a sewage problem. The federal government funded much of the design and construction of the sewage systems on each island. Certain requirements were imposed, for example, sewer disposal laws and rules and regulations that comply with the federal laws and rules were required to be put into effect. Sewer connections, where lines are available, are mandatory, and a sewer users fee, adequate to maintain, operate, repair and replace the system, had to be developed. Operation of sewage systems must be handled by qualified, certified sewer plan operators. If Public Works cannot operate each system in compliance with federal and local laws, it should request qualifications of available operators and then request proposals calculating annual operating costs. Each island's solutions may be different. St. Croix needs secondary treatment to utilize the wastewater in the agriculture industry. Secondary treatment in St. Thomas may not be as viable. Once again a level playing field must be created and all solutions evaluated and the most cost effective, environmentally friendly solution implemented. Federal money is available to implement a solution.
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?
The economy of the Virgin Islands is in fact a St. Thomas / St. John economy and a St. Croix economy. St. Thomas tourism, government and commercial economy generally operates independent of the St. Croix industrial, agricultural and tourism economy. Crime is affecting each island's economy and must be rapidly brought under control. St. Croix is in a state of depression and St. Thomas is faltering as well. St. john is progressing, but creating a state of haves and have-nots. Tourism is still our foundation. Service must be improved. Advertising and marketing must be improved and increased. Airlift must be attracted. The financial industry offers great potential and must be marketed more aggressively utilizing the office of the Governor. Local small business must be developed. It is great to attract new residents and business owners to the islands, but if we do not entice and encourage our existing residents to get into business we will create a society of haves and have-nots and social chaos will follow. The Bornn / Golden platform emphasizes 7 growth industries for the Virgin Islands.
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?
Corruption is pervasive. The government is completely immersed in corruption. We can best begin to address this problem by simply taking the Inspector General's Reports (both federal and local) and start prosecuting where criminal activities are indicated. We can also demand compliance with the laws of the Virgin Islands, the Personnel Merit System for employment, rather than "political" contracts, and property and procuremen t laws for purchasing and contracting. Equal treatment under the laws must be a standard and prosecuting of all offenses equal, with tough enforcement must be the routine. Full cooperation with all federal law enforcement agencies will be routine.
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?
The Government Employee Retirement System (GERS) situation has gotten so far out of hand that the solution will be as painful as the actual bankruptcy. The Government must begin paying down the un-funded liability in annual amounts of not less than $30,000,000.00 per year. A second tier plan must be created for all new career employees, not as generous as the present plan, less costly to government and to employees. Non-career unclassified, political employees may be offered a plan that can be transported to other employment when temporary service is completed. This should be at a significantly lower cost to government.
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 most viable solution to government spending exceeding revenues is that the Governor hire a hard-nosed Budget Director and a competent Commissioner of Finance to strictly adhere to the letter of the law, reporting all violating Certifying Officers who authorize expenditures when no funds are appropriated or allotted. Years in jail and heavy fines are provided for by law.
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?
Alignments between majority and minority blocks in a legislature are normal phenomena, as when the majority is Democrat or Republican the other is minority. Those in the majority lead in the organizing of the Legislature. A diligent minority assures full debate and full consideration of subject matter. The fact that the Executive and Legislative majority are of different affiliations (example the USA presently) even further guarantees the citizens full and good review of all matters. All public servants and respect of individuals will be maintained and even demanded.
A comprehensive land and water use plan is indeed very important for each island in the Territory of the Virgin Islands. A comprehensive plan for the Virgin Islands as a territory seems practically impossible to be agreed upon by the territorial politicians and should be pursued by each island for itself, in compliance with law and with the guidance of planners and professionals employed by the government. Spot zoning is illegal and must be stopped. Bornn and Golden have been longtime supporters of planned growth. Green areas, environmentally and historically significant areas should be acquired by the Virgin Island Government or preserved for the future.
2. How important is private and public sector partnering, and how can such partnering best be accomplished in order to be most effective in addressing economic and social problems in the territory?
Private and public sector partnering is most important. Government's role is to develop an environment and atmosphere to grow the private sector. Government should do only what the private sector can not. The government and private sector must work together to grow the entire Virgin Islands. One must first take corruption out of the system, then operate government as efficiently as possible then joint venture with private concerns to deliver service and product to the community. We must create a level playing field whereby effective and fair partnerships can be created and not merely line the pockets of political cronies.
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?
We spend $9,000 per student in the public school system. Money is not the problem, it is management. Site based management must be enacted whereby principals are empowered and held accountable to operate schools. The confusion between the Board and the Department of Education is a major problem. The Board must set policies and standards and the Department of Education implement the policies and standards. Additional problems include political hiring of principals and superintendents, rather than by merit, and the lack of an effective testing system. Testing is a positive tool for students and teachers, not a burden. The lack of adequate supplies and school maintenance are other pressing problems. The Bornn / Golden team will codify the Board / Department of Education relationship to ensure compliance and install site-based management to solve the problems on a school by school basis. Principals know more about their schools' problems and solutions than any governor, commissioner or superintendent.
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?
The Virgin Islands spends 800 million dollars in local and federal money annually for 108,000 people. That is $8,000 for every man, woman and child in the Virgin Islands. We do not have a revenue problem, we have an expense and management problem. By eliminating corruption, installing decentralized government and hiring based on merit rather than political affiliation, the Bornn / Golden team will create an efficient government. Millions of dollars will be saved to meet our pressing economic and social needs. In addition, by growing the economy including overnight tourism, Home Porting, Cruzan Rum, Hovensa, developing aqua farming, healthcare and the retirement industry, expanding agriculture, the financial and captive insurance industries we will generate millions to amortize the staggering debt. Bonds will be floated only to build and to develop capital projects not to pay operating expenses. I will convince others by merely not authorizing bonds for anything other than capital projects.
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?
To arrive at the most viable solution to the Territory's solid waste disposal problem requires more than to ask a layman what it is. Each island has a solid waste problem. Garbage separation by generators of garbage, mulching, aluminum can collection, paper and cardboard collection, gassification and other garbage reduction plans all offer partial solutions. Cost is a critical factor. The CWT deal must be scrapped. A new process must be started as soon as possible and all solutions evaluated on a level playing field to obtain a cost effective, environmentally friendly solution.
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?
We must first recognize that each island has a sewage problem. The federal government funded much of the design and construction of the sewage systems on each island. Certain requirements were imposed, for example, sewer disposal laws and rules and regulations that comply with the federal laws and rules were required to be put into effect. Sewer connections, where lines are available, are mandatory, and a sewer users fee, adequate to maintain, operate, repair and replace the system, had to be developed. Operation of sewage systems must be handled by qualified, certified sewer plan operators. If Public Works cannot operate each system in compliance with federal and local laws, it should request qualifications of available operators and then request proposals calculating annual operating costs. Each island's solutions may be different. St. Croix needs secondary treatment to utilize the wastewater in the agriculture industry. Secondary treatment in St. Thomas may not be as viable. Once again a level playing field must be created and all solutions evaluated and the most cost effective, environmentally friendly solution implemented. Federal money is available to implement a solution.
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?
The economy of the Virgin Islands is in fact a St. Thomas / St. John economy and a St. Croix economy. St. Thomas tourism, government and commercial economy generally operates independent of the St. Croix industrial, agricultural and tourism economy. Crime is affecting each island's economy and must be rapidly brought under control. St. Croix is in a state of depression and St. Thomas is faltering as well. St. john is progressing, but creating a state of haves and have-nots. Tourism is still our foundation. Service must be improved. Advertising and marketing must be improved and increased. Airlift must be attracted. The financial industry offers great potential and must be marketed more aggressively utilizing the office of the Governor. Local small business must be developed. It is great to attract new residents and business owners to the islands, but if we do not entice and encourage our existing residents to get into business we will create a society of haves and have-nots and social chaos will follow. The Bornn / Golden platform emphasizes 7 growth industries for the Virgin Islands.
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?
Corruption is pervasive. The government is completely immersed in corruption. We can best begin to address this problem by simply taking the Inspector General's Reports (both federal and local) and start prosecuting where criminal activities are indicated. We can also demand compliance with the laws of the Virgin Islands, the Personnel Merit System for employment, rather than "political" contracts, and property and procuremen t laws for purchasing and contracting. Equal treatment under the laws must be a standard and prosecuting of all offenses equal, with tough enforcement must be the routine. Full cooperation with all federal law enforcement agencies will be routine.
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?
The Government Employee Retirement System (GERS) situation has gotten so far out of hand that the solution will be as painful as the actual bankruptcy. The Government must begin paying down the un-funded liability in annual amounts of not less than $30,000,000.00 per year. A second tier plan must be created for all new career employees, not as generous as the present plan, less costly to government and to employees. Non-career unclassified, political employees may be offered a plan that can be transported to other employment when temporary service is completed. This should be at a significantly lower cost to government.
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 most viable solution to government spending exceeding revenues is that the Governor hire a hard-nosed Budget Director and a competent Commissioner of Finance to strictly adhere to the letter of the law, reporting all violating Certifying Officers who authorize expenditures when no funds are appropriated or allotted. Years in jail and heavy fines are provided for by law.
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?
Alignments between majority and minority blocks in a legislature are normal phenomena, as when the majority is Democrat or Republican the other is minority. Those in the majority lead in the organizing of the Legislature. A diligent minority assures full debate and full consideration of subject matter. The fact that the Executive and Legislative majority are of different affiliations (example the USA presently) even further guarantees the citizens full and good review of all matters. All public servants and respect of individuals will be maintained and even demanded.
'BROWN SUGAR' FEATURES HIP HOP ROMANCE
Oct. 23, 2002 – "Brown Sugar" opens in a documentary-style format with hip hop artists like De La Soul, Big Daddy Kane, Russell Simmons and Doug E. Fresh answering the question: When did you fall in love with hip hop music? For the movie's main characters, Sidney (Sanaa Lathan) and Dre (Taye Diggs), this moment came in 1984, when as teenagers they found an endless source of strength from the music and each other.
Fifteen years later, Sidney and Dre continue their love affair with music – Sidney as the editor of Gotham hip hop magazine XXL and Dre as an executive at Millennium Records – yet their close friendship seems to be missing one important aspect of intimacy. Both have found romance with others, yet sparks between them indicate that true love may have been found only in each other.
Romantic tensions rise when Dre turns to Sidney, instead of his wife, Reese (Nicole Ari Parker), with his disillusionment of Millennium Records. Sidney is Dre's confidante, and Dre shares with her his plans to start his own label, Brown Sugar, after Millennium refuses to sign the talented MC Chris (Mos Def) but opts to take on a gimmicky black and white rap duo called Ren and Ten.
Initially dedicated to her work rather than a personal life, Reese is warned by her best friend Francine (Queen Latifah) that she is turning into a character from a Terry McMillan novel. After interviewing a basketball star, Kelby (Boris Kodjoe), Reese gets things started romantically and the two become engaged, yet it is clear that no one can oust Dre from her heart. It's not long before Dre and Sidney's significant others become threatened by their friendship and everything comes to a head.
Film critic Angel Cohn says that director Rick Famuyiwa's "Brown Sugar" is similar in several respects to his debut, "The Wood," which also featured Diggs, Lathan and a wedding. "But the dialogue is snappy and hip, and the film makes a real effort to add some unexpected twists to the otherwise formulaic story," Cohn says.
Roger Ebert of the Chicago Sun-Times commends the film's thoughtful and sincere characters. "'Brown Sugar,' which charts romantic passages in these lives, is a romantic comedy, yes, but one with characters who think and talk about their goals, and are working on hard decisions," he writes.
"Brown Sugar" is as much a tribute to hip hop as it is a celebration of friendship and love.
The 1 hour and 48 minute film is rated PG-13 for sexual content and language.
It opens Thursday at Market Square East on St. Thomas.
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.
Fifteen years later, Sidney and Dre continue their love affair with music – Sidney as the editor of Gotham hip hop magazine XXL and Dre as an executive at Millennium Records – yet their close friendship seems to be missing one important aspect of intimacy. Both have found romance with others, yet sparks between them indicate that true love may have been found only in each other.
Romantic tensions rise when Dre turns to Sidney, instead of his wife, Reese (Nicole Ari Parker), with his disillusionment of Millennium Records. Sidney is Dre's confidante, and Dre shares with her his plans to start his own label, Brown Sugar, after Millennium refuses to sign the talented MC Chris (Mos Def) but opts to take on a gimmicky black and white rap duo called Ren and Ten.
Initially dedicated to her work rather than a personal life, Reese is warned by her best friend Francine (Queen Latifah) that she is turning into a character from a Terry McMillan novel. After interviewing a basketball star, Kelby (Boris Kodjoe), Reese gets things started romantically and the two become engaged, yet it is clear that no one can oust Dre from her heart. It's not long before Dre and Sidney's significant others become threatened by their friendship and everything comes to a head.
Film critic Angel Cohn says that director Rick Famuyiwa's "Brown Sugar" is similar in several respects to his debut, "The Wood," which also featured Diggs, Lathan and a wedding. "But the dialogue is snappy and hip, and the film makes a real effort to add some unexpected twists to the otherwise formulaic story," Cohn says.
Roger Ebert of the Chicago Sun-Times commends the film's thoughtful and sincere characters. "'Brown Sugar,' which charts romantic passages in these lives, is a romantic comedy, yes, but one with characters who think and talk about their goals, and are working on hard decisions," he writes.
"Brown Sugar" is as much a tribute to hip hop as it is a celebration of friendship and love.
The 1 hour and 48 minute film is rated PG-13 for sexual content and language.
It opens Thursday at Market Square East on St. Thomas.
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.
'BROWN SUGAR' FEATURES HIP HOP ROMANCE
Oct. 23, 2002 – "Brown Sugar" opens in a documentary-style format with hip hop artists like De La Soul, Big Daddy Kane, Russell Simmons and Doug E. Fresh answering the question: When did you fall in love with hip hop music? For the movie's main characters, Sidney (Sanaa Lathan) and Dre (Taye Diggs), this moment came in 1984, when as teenagers they found an endless source of strength from the music and each other.
Fifteen years later, Sidney and Dre continue their love affair with music – Sidney as the editor of Gotham hip hop magazine XXL and Dre as an executive at Millennium Records – yet their close friendship seems to be missing one important aspect of intimacy. Both have found romance with others, yet sparks between them indicate that true love may have been found only in each other.
Romantic tensions rise when Dre turns to Sidney, instead of his wife, Reese (Nicole Ari Parker), with his disillusionment of Millennium Records. Sidney is Dre's confidante, and Dre shares with her his plans to start his own label, Brown Sugar, after Millennium refuses to sign the talented MC Chris (Mos Def) but opts to take on a gimmicky black and white rap duo called Ren and Ten.
Initially dedicated to her work rather than a personal life, Reese is warned by her best friend Francine (Queen Latifah) that she is turning into a character from a Terry McMillan novel. After interviewing a basketball star, Kelby (Boris Kodjoe), Reese gets things started romantically and the two become engaged, yet it is clear that no one can oust Dre from her heart. It's not long before Dre and Sidney's significant others become threatened by their friendship and everything comes to a head.
Film critic Angel Cohn says that director Rick Famuyiwa's "Brown Sugar" is similar in several respects to his debut, "The Wood," which also featured Diggs, Lathan and a wedding. "But the dialogue is snappy and hip, and the film makes a real effort to add some unexpected twists to the otherwise formulaic story," Cohn says.
Roger Ebert of the Chicago Sun-Times commends the film's thoughtful and sincere characters. "'Brown Sugar,' which charts romantic passages in these lives, is a romantic comedy, yes, but one with characters who think and talk about their goals, and are working on hard decisions," he writes.
"Brown Sugar" is as much a tribute to hip hop as it is a celebration of friendship and love.
The 1 hour and 48 minute film is rated PG-13 for sexual content and language.
It opens Thursday at Diamond Cinemas on St. Croix.
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.
Fifteen years later, Sidney and Dre continue their love affair with music – Sidney as the editor of Gotham hip hop magazine XXL and Dre as an executive at Millennium Records – yet their close friendship seems to be missing one important aspect of intimacy. Both have found romance with others, yet sparks between them indicate that true love may have been found only in each other.
Romantic tensions rise when Dre turns to Sidney, instead of his wife, Reese (Nicole Ari Parker), with his disillusionment of Millennium Records. Sidney is Dre's confidante, and Dre shares with her his plans to start his own label, Brown Sugar, after Millennium refuses to sign the talented MC Chris (Mos Def) but opts to take on a gimmicky black and white rap duo called Ren and Ten.
Initially dedicated to her work rather than a personal life, Reese is warned by her best friend Francine (Queen Latifah) that she is turning into a character from a Terry McMillan novel. After interviewing a basketball star, Kelby (Boris Kodjoe), Reese gets things started romantically and the two become engaged, yet it is clear that no one can oust Dre from her heart. It's not long before Dre and Sidney's significant others become threatened by their friendship and everything comes to a head.
Film critic Angel Cohn says that director Rick Famuyiwa's "Brown Sugar" is similar in several respects to his debut, "The Wood," which also featured Diggs, Lathan and a wedding. "But the dialogue is snappy and hip, and the film makes a real effort to add some unexpected twists to the otherwise formulaic story," Cohn says.
Roger Ebert of the Chicago Sun-Times commends the film's thoughtful and sincere characters. "'Brown Sugar,' which charts romantic passages in these lives, is a romantic comedy, yes, but one with characters who think and talk about their goals, and are working on hard decisions," he writes.
"Brown Sugar" is as much a tribute to hip hop as it is a celebration of friendship and love.
The 1 hour and 48 minute film is rated PG-13 for sexual content and language.
It opens Thursday at Diamond Cinemas on St. Croix.
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.
'BROWN SUGAR' FEATURES HIP HOP ROMANCE
Oct. 23, 2002 – "Brown Sugar" opens in a documentary-style format with hip hop artists like De La Soul, Big Daddy Kane, Russell Simmons and Doug E. Fresh answering the question: When did you fall in love with hip hop music? For the movie's main characters, Sidney (Sanaa Lathan) and Dre (Taye Diggs), this moment came in 1984, when as teenagers they found an endless source of strength from the music and each other.
Fifteen years later, Sidney and Dre continue their love affair with music – Sidney as the editor of Gotham hip hop magazine XXL and Dre as an executive at Millennium Records – yet their close friendship seems to be missing one important aspect of intimacy. Both have found romance with others, yet sparks between them indicate that true love may have been found only in each other.
Romantic tensions rise when Dre turns to Sidney, instead of his wife, Reese (Nicole Ari Parker), with his disillusionment of Millennium Records. Sidney is Dre's confidante, and Dre shares with her his plans to start his own label, Brown Sugar, after Millennium refuses to sign the talented MC Chris (Mos Def) but opts to take on a gimmicky black and white rap duo called Ren and Ten.
Initially dedicated to her work rather than a personal life, Reese is warned by her best friend Francine (Queen Latifah) that she is turning into a character from a Terry McMillan novel. After interviewing a basketball star, Kelby (Boris Kodjoe), Reese gets things started romantically and the two become engaged, yet it is clear that no one can oust Dre from her heart. It's not long before Dre and Sidney's significant others become threatened by their friendship and everything comes to a head.
Film critic Angel Cohn says that director Rick Famuyiwa's "Brown Sugar" is similar in several respects to his debut, "The Wood," which also featured Diggs, Lathan and a wedding. "But the dialogue is snappy and hip, and the film makes a real effort to add some unexpected twists to the otherwise formulaic story," Cohn says.
Roger Ebert of the Chicago Sun-Times commends the film's thoughtful and sincere characters. "'Brown Sugar,' which charts romantic passages in these lives, is a romantic comedy, yes, but one with characters who think and talk about their goals, and are working on hard decisions," he writes.
"Brown Sugar" is as much a tribute to hip hop as it is a celebration of friendship and love.
The 1hour and 48 minute film is rated PG-13 for sexual content and language.
It opens Thursday at Market Square East.
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.
Fifteen years later, Sidney and Dre continue their love affair with music – Sidney as the editor of Gotham hip hop magazine XXL and Dre as an executive at Millennium Records – yet their close friendship seems to be missing one important aspect of intimacy. Both have found romance with others, yet sparks between them indicate that true love may have been found only in each other.
Romantic tensions rise when Dre turns to Sidney, instead of his wife, Reese (Nicole Ari Parker), with his disillusionment of Millennium Records. Sidney is Dre's confidante, and Dre shares with her his plans to start his own label, Brown Sugar, after Millennium refuses to sign the talented MC Chris (Mos Def) but opts to take on a gimmicky black and white rap duo called Ren and Ten.
Initially dedicated to her work rather than a personal life, Reese is warned by her best friend Francine (Queen Latifah) that she is turning into a character from a Terry McMillan novel. After interviewing a basketball star, Kelby (Boris Kodjoe), Reese gets things started romantically and the two become engaged, yet it is clear that no one can oust Dre from her heart. It's not long before Dre and Sidney's significant others become threatened by their friendship and everything comes to a head.
Film critic Angel Cohn says that director Rick Famuyiwa's "Brown Sugar" is similar in several respects to his debut, "The Wood," which also featured Diggs, Lathan and a wedding. "But the dialogue is snappy and hip, and the film makes a real effort to add some unexpected twists to the otherwise formulaic story," Cohn says.
Roger Ebert of the Chicago Sun-Times commends the film's thoughtful and sincere characters. "'Brown Sugar,' which charts romantic passages in these lives, is a romantic comedy, yes, but one with characters who think and talk about their goals, and are working on hard decisions," he writes.
"Brown Sugar" is as much a tribute to hip hop as it is a celebration of friendship and love.
The 1hour and 48 minute film is rated PG-13 for sexual content and language.
It opens Thursday at Market Square East.
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.
HOUSING RECEIVES YOUTHBUILD GRANT
Oct. 23, 2002 – The V.I. Housing Authority will receive a $696,453 grant from the Housing and Urban Development's Community Planning and Development department's Youthbuild program.
According to a release from Delegate to Congress Donna Christian Christensen, the Youthbuild Implementation program hopes to increase academic, leadership and vocational skills of trainees. Thirty participants will learn on-site construction skills to build approximately 176 new homes and rehabilitate 64 existing homes.
VIHA, the V.I. Departments of Labor, Education and Human Services, the U.S. Department of Justice, Michaels Development Co., Apex Construction, and William Carr and Associates have established a partnership commitment to continue to provide resources to support this program.
All residents between 16 and 24 that are interested in participating are encouraged to contact their housing manager's office for more information.
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.
According to a release from Delegate to Congress Donna Christian Christensen, the Youthbuild Implementation program hopes to increase academic, leadership and vocational skills of trainees. Thirty participants will learn on-site construction skills to build approximately 176 new homes and rehabilitate 64 existing homes.
VIHA, the V.I. Departments of Labor, Education and Human Services, the U.S. Department of Justice, Michaels Development Co., Apex Construction, and William Carr and Associates have established a partnership commitment to continue to provide resources to support this program.
All residents between 16 and 24 that are interested in participating are encouraged to contact their housing manager's office for more information.
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.
HOUSING RECEIVES YOUTHBUILD GRANT
Oct. 23, 2002 – The V.I. Housing Authority will receive a $696,453 grant from the Housing and Urban Development's Community Planning and Development department's Youthbuild program.
According to a release from Delegate to Congress Donna Christian Christensen, the Youthbuild Implementation program hopes to increase academic, leadership and vocational skills of trainees. Thirty participants will learn on-site construction skills to build approximately 176 new homes and rehabilitate 64 existing homes.
VIHA, the V.I. Departments of Labor, Education and Human Services, the U.S. Department of Justice, Michaels Development Co., Apex Construction, and William Carr and Associates have established a partnership commitment to continue to provide resources to support this program.
All residents between 16 and 24 that are interested in participating are encouraged to contact their housing manager's office for more information.
Publisher's note : Like the St. John Source now? Find out how you can love us twice as much — and show your support for the islands' free and independent news voice … click here.
According to a release from Delegate to Congress Donna Christian Christensen, the Youthbuild Implementation program hopes to increase academic, leadership and vocational skills of trainees. Thirty participants will learn on-site construction skills to build approximately 176 new homes and rehabilitate 64 existing homes.
VIHA, the V.I. Departments of Labor, Education and Human Services, the U.S. Department of Justice, Michaels Development Co., Apex Construction, and William Carr and Associates have established a partnership commitment to continue to provide resources to support this program.
All residents between 16 and 24 that are interested in participating are encouraged to contact their housing manager's office for more information.
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.
