Oct. 21, 2002 – Voters in the Virgin Islands can look forward to a faster check-in, and disabled voters will enjoy greater independence as they cast their ballots on election day, if the top official of the Elections System of the Virgin Islands gets his way on the use of federal funds recently approved to reform voting systems across the United States.
Supervisor of Elections John Abramson Jr. says he'd been studying the provisions of the Help America Vote Act prior to its passage recently by Congress. The act authorizes $3.8 billion to help states and territories modernize voting machines, upgrade voter lists and educate people about how to make their votes count.
How much federal election aid the territory will receive as its local share remains to be seen. Abramson said he expects to find out shortly.
For most of his eight-year term, Abramson has complained of the Elections System of the V.I. being underfunded. The new federal money won't reduce the cost of conducting local elections, he said, but it could help bring certain aspects of the balloting process into the 21st century.
Abramson said on Monday that he is looking forward to getting rid of the ledgers used to match voter signatures for identification purposes. In their place, he would like to install laptop computers that would accept voter registration cards the way store check-out systems process charge cards. With the swipe of a card, the voter's picture pops up on the computer screen, and identification is complete, he said.
Also under the Help America Vote Act, Abramson said, there will be funds to help disabled V.I. voters enjoy the privacy and independence other voters do. "Right now, we provide them with direct assistance," he said. "But under this system, for instance, if I was blind, and I could read Braille, I should be able to go into the booth alone and vote."
Most of all, he said, he would like to use some of the new federal funds to create a voter education campaign, thoroughly instructing voters on procedures, their rights as voters and the use of voting technology.
After spending days reviewing the volumes of text contained in the act, he said, he was pleased to see how advanced the local voting system already is. "Under the law, they want to have a paper trail," he said. "We're the only place in the nation that has had that, because we wanted to have something to verify what was on the cartridges that came from the voting machines."
(Abramson also issued a directive on Monday concerning electioneering on voting days. See "Electioneering policies released for territory".)
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.
CLUES, SUSPECTS LACKING IN INNOVATIVE VANDALISM
Oct. 21, 2002 – Those responsible for vandalizing telephone and cable-television lines on St. Thomas and St. Croix in recent weeks have managed to elude police, leaving few, if any, clues about their identity.
So said St. Croix Deputy Police Chief Angel Santos on Monday. He added that the public's assistance is essential to solving the crimes that have caused power losses to some 8,000 residential and business customers since Innovative Telephone and Innovative Cable-TV employees went on strike Oct. 2.
"Unfortunately, we have not been receiving much calls with information on the vandals," Santos said, although the police have heard many complaints from those without service. "People out there are tight lipped," he said.
Santos noted that police cannot assume the perpetrators are striking Innovative employees in the absence of evidence linking them to the vandalism. It is possible that someone is taking advantage of the situation, damaging the lines so that union members would be blamed, he said.
Whether the fault lies with any of the 310 United Steelworkers of America union members on strike or not, Santos said, police believe it's not just one individual responsible for the damage. "Because of the areas being hit and the reports generated," he said, "we can rightfully assume it is more than one person."
Santos encouraged anyone with information about the vandalism to come forward to police. These individuals "don't have to leave their names or anything," he said. "Just help us with what's going on."
The Chambers of Commerce of St. Thomas-St. John and St. Croix issued a joint statement imploring the vandals to stop their actions, calling the crimes theft. "They are stealing our ability to call the police, an ambulance, our doctor and the fire department," the statement, signed by the St. Croix Chamber's president, Frank Fox, said. "These thieves are stealing jobs, stealing government revenue and stealing opportunities."
Santos echoed Fox's sentiments. "It is no longer a luxury" to have a telephone at home, he said. "It's a matter of necessity with regards to the elderly, those sick at home or who live by themselves."
Innovative Telephone spokesman Thomas Dunn said phone line vandalism reached a high over the weekend, with more than 2,500 customers deprived of service. Late Friday night and early Saturday morning, service was cut to St. Croix's Southgate and Cotton Valley areas, he said, and St. Thomas's West End beyond the University of the Virgin Islands campus and at Bordeaux.
The company has managed to cut repair time to the vandalized lines to a few hours with the aid of workers hired to help out during the strike. As of Monday afternoon, Dunn said, there were no new reports of lines cut.
Attorney General Iver Stridiron said last week that such an offense is a federal and local crime, carrying a maximum penalty of around five years in jail.
Unionized Innovative workers remained on the picket lines Monday. Negotiations with federal mediators failed last Thursday after two days of talks. The labor dispute centers on union members' dissatisfaction with Innovative's proposed retirement and other benefits.
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.
So said St. Croix Deputy Police Chief Angel Santos on Monday. He added that the public's assistance is essential to solving the crimes that have caused power losses to some 8,000 residential and business customers since Innovative Telephone and Innovative Cable-TV employees went on strike Oct. 2.
"Unfortunately, we have not been receiving much calls with information on the vandals," Santos said, although the police have heard many complaints from those without service. "People out there are tight lipped," he said.
Santos noted that police cannot assume the perpetrators are striking Innovative employees in the absence of evidence linking them to the vandalism. It is possible that someone is taking advantage of the situation, damaging the lines so that union members would be blamed, he said.
Whether the fault lies with any of the 310 United Steelworkers of America union members on strike or not, Santos said, police believe it's not just one individual responsible for the damage. "Because of the areas being hit and the reports generated," he said, "we can rightfully assume it is more than one person."
Santos encouraged anyone with information about the vandalism to come forward to police. These individuals "don't have to leave their names or anything," he said. "Just help us with what's going on."
The Chambers of Commerce of St. Thomas-St. John and St. Croix issued a joint statement imploring the vandals to stop their actions, calling the crimes theft. "They are stealing our ability to call the police, an ambulance, our doctor and the fire department," the statement, signed by the St. Croix Chamber's president, Frank Fox, said. "These thieves are stealing jobs, stealing government revenue and stealing opportunities."
Santos echoed Fox's sentiments. "It is no longer a luxury" to have a telephone at home, he said. "It's a matter of necessity with regards to the elderly, those sick at home or who live by themselves."
Innovative Telephone spokesman Thomas Dunn said phone line vandalism reached a high over the weekend, with more than 2,500 customers deprived of service. Late Friday night and early Saturday morning, service was cut to St. Croix's Southgate and Cotton Valley areas, he said, and St. Thomas's West End beyond the University of the Virgin Islands campus and at Bordeaux.
The company has managed to cut repair time to the vandalized lines to a few hours with the aid of workers hired to help out during the strike. As of Monday afternoon, Dunn said, there were no new reports of lines cut.
Attorney General Iver Stridiron said last week that such an offense is a federal and local crime, carrying a maximum penalty of around five years in jail.
Unionized Innovative workers remained on the picket lines Monday. Negotiations with federal mediators failed last Thursday after two days of talks. The labor dispute centers on union members' dissatisfaction with Innovative's proposed retirement and other benefits.
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.
CLUES, SUSPECTS LACKING IN INNOVATIVE VANDALISM
Oct. 21, 2002 – Those responsible for vandalizing telephone and cable-television lines on St. Thomas and St. Croix over the last few weeks have managed to elude police, leaving few, if any, clues about their identity.
So said St. Croix Deputy Police Chief Angel Santos on Monday. He added that the public's assistance is essential to solving the crimes that have causes power losses to some 8,000 residential and business customers since Innovative Telephone and Innovative Cable-TV employees went on strike on Oct. 2.
"Unfortunately, we have not been receiving much calls with information on the vandals," Santos said, although the police have heard many complaints from those without service. "People out there are tight lipped," he said.
Santos noted that police cannot assume the perpetrators are striking Innovative employees in the absence of evidence linking them to the vandalism. It is possible that someone could be taking advantage of the situation, causing damage to the lines so that the union members would be blamed, he said.
Whether the fault lies with any of the 310 United Steelworkers of America union members on strike or not, Santos said, police believe it's not just one individual responsible for the damage. "Because of the areas being hit and the reports generated," he said, "we can rightfully assume it is more than one person."
Santos encouraged anyone with information about the vandalism to come forward to police. Such individuals "don't have to leave their names or anything," he said. "Just help us with what's going on."
The Chambers of Commerce of St. Thomas-St. John and St. Croix issued a joint statement imploring the vandals to stop their actions, calling the crimes theft. "They are stealing our ability to call the police, an ambulance, our doctor and the fire department," the statement, signed by the St. Croix Chamber's president, Frank Fox, said. "These thieves are stealing jobs, stealing government revenue and stealing opportunities."
Santos echoed Fox's sentiments. "It is no longer a luxury" to have a telephone at home, he said. "It's a matter of necessity with regards to the elderly, those sick at home or who live by themselves."
Innovative Telephone spokesman Thomas Dunn said phone line vandalism reached a high over the weekend, with more than 2,500 customers deprived of service. Late Friday night and early Saturday morning, service was cut to St. Croix's Southgate and Cotton Valley areas, he said, and St. Thomas's West End beyond the University of the Virgin Islands campus and at Bordeaux.
The company has managed to cut repair time to the vandalized lines to a few hours with the aid of workers hired to help out during the strike. As of Monday afternoon, Dunn said, there were no new reports of lines cut.
Attorney General Iver Stridiron said last week that such an offense is a federal and local crime, carrying a maximum penalty of around five years in jail.
Unionized Innovative workers remained on the picket lines Monday. Negotiations with federal mediators failed last Thursday after two days of talks. The labor dispute centers on union members' dissatisfaction with Innovative's proposed retirement and other benefits.
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.
So said St. Croix Deputy Police Chief Angel Santos on Monday. He added that the public's assistance is essential to solving the crimes that have causes power losses to some 8,000 residential and business customers since Innovative Telephone and Innovative Cable-TV employees went on strike on Oct. 2.
"Unfortunately, we have not been receiving much calls with information on the vandals," Santos said, although the police have heard many complaints from those without service. "People out there are tight lipped," he said.
Santos noted that police cannot assume the perpetrators are striking Innovative employees in the absence of evidence linking them to the vandalism. It is possible that someone could be taking advantage of the situation, causing damage to the lines so that the union members would be blamed, he said.
Whether the fault lies with any of the 310 United Steelworkers of America union members on strike or not, Santos said, police believe it's not just one individual responsible for the damage. "Because of the areas being hit and the reports generated," he said, "we can rightfully assume it is more than one person."
Santos encouraged anyone with information about the vandalism to come forward to police. Such individuals "don't have to leave their names or anything," he said. "Just help us with what's going on."
The Chambers of Commerce of St. Thomas-St. John and St. Croix issued a joint statement imploring the vandals to stop their actions, calling the crimes theft. "They are stealing our ability to call the police, an ambulance, our doctor and the fire department," the statement, signed by the St. Croix Chamber's president, Frank Fox, said. "These thieves are stealing jobs, stealing government revenue and stealing opportunities."
Santos echoed Fox's sentiments. "It is no longer a luxury" to have a telephone at home, he said. "It's a matter of necessity with regards to the elderly, those sick at home or who live by themselves."
Innovative Telephone spokesman Thomas Dunn said phone line vandalism reached a high over the weekend, with more than 2,500 customers deprived of service. Late Friday night and early Saturday morning, service was cut to St. Croix's Southgate and Cotton Valley areas, he said, and St. Thomas's West End beyond the University of the Virgin Islands campus and at Bordeaux.
The company has managed to cut repair time to the vandalized lines to a few hours with the aid of workers hired to help out during the strike. As of Monday afternoon, Dunn said, there were no new reports of lines cut.
Attorney General Iver Stridiron said last week that such an offense is a federal and local crime, carrying a maximum penalty of around five years in jail.
Unionized Innovative workers remained on the picket lines Monday. Negotiations with federal mediators failed last Thursday after two days of talks. The labor dispute centers on union members' dissatisfaction with Innovative's proposed retirement and other benefits.
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.
CLUES, SUSPECTS LACKING IN INNOVATIVE VANDALISM
Oct. 21, 2002 – Those responsible for vandalizing telephone and cable-television lines on St. Thomas and St. Croix over the last few weeks have managed to elude police, leaving few, if any, clues about their identity.
So said St. Croix Deputy Police Chief Angel Santos on Monday. He added that the public's assistance is essential to solving the crimes that have causes power losses to some 8,000 residential and business customers since Innovative Telephone and Innovative Cable-TV employees went on strike on Oct. 2.
"Unfortunately, we have not been receiving much calls with information on the vandals," Santos said, although the police have heard many complaints from those without service. "People out there are tight lipped," he said.
Santos noted that police cannot assume the perpetrators are striking Innovative employees in the absence of evidence linking them to the vandalism. It is possible that someone could be taking advantage of the situation, causing damage to the lines so that the union members would be blamed, he said.
Whether the fault lies with any of the 310 United Steelworkers of America union members on strike or not, Santos said, police believe it's not just one individual responsible for the damage. "Because of the areas being hit and the reports generated," he said, "we can rightfully assume it is more than one person."
Santos encouraged anyone with information about the vandalism to come forward to police. Such individuals "don't have to leave their names or anything," he said. "Just help us with what's going on."
The Chambers of Commerce of St. Thomas-St. John and St. Croix issued a joint statement imploring the vandals to stop their actions, calling the crimes theft. "They are stealing our ability to call the police, an ambulance, our doctor and the fire department," the statement, signed by the St. Croix Chamber's president, Frank Fox, said. "These thieves are stealing jobs, stealing government revenue and stealing opportunities."
Santos echoed Fox's sentiments. "It is no longer a luxury" to have a telephone at home, he said. "It's a matter of necessity with regards to the elderly, those sick at home or who live by themselves."
Innovative Telephone spokesman Thomas Dunn said phone line vandalism reached a high over the weekend, with more than 2,500 customers deprived of service. Late Friday night and early Saturday morning, service was cut to St. Croix's Southgate and Cotton Valley areas, he said, and St. Thomas's West End beyond the University of the Virgin Islands campus and at Bordeaux.
The company has managed to cut repair time to the vandalized lines to a few hours with the aid of workers hired to help out during the strike. As of Monday afternoon, Dunn said, there were no new reports of lines cut.
Attorney General Iver Stridiron said last week that such an offense is a federal and local crime, carrying a maximum penalty of around five years in jail.
Unionized Innovative workers remained on the picket lines Monday. Negotiations with federal mediators failed last Thursday after two days of talks. The labor dispute centers on union members' dissatisfaction with Innovative's proposed retirement and other benefits.
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.
So said St. Croix Deputy Police Chief Angel Santos on Monday. He added that the public's assistance is essential to solving the crimes that have causes power losses to some 8,000 residential and business customers since Innovative Telephone and Innovative Cable-TV employees went on strike on Oct. 2.
"Unfortunately, we have not been receiving much calls with information on the vandals," Santos said, although the police have heard many complaints from those without service. "People out there are tight lipped," he said.
Santos noted that police cannot assume the perpetrators are striking Innovative employees in the absence of evidence linking them to the vandalism. It is possible that someone could be taking advantage of the situation, causing damage to the lines so that the union members would be blamed, he said.
Whether the fault lies with any of the 310 United Steelworkers of America union members on strike or not, Santos said, police believe it's not just one individual responsible for the damage. "Because of the areas being hit and the reports generated," he said, "we can rightfully assume it is more than one person."
Santos encouraged anyone with information about the vandalism to come forward to police. Such individuals "don't have to leave their names or anything," he said. "Just help us with what's going on."
The Chambers of Commerce of St. Thomas-St. John and St. Croix issued a joint statement imploring the vandals to stop their actions, calling the crimes theft. "They are stealing our ability to call the police, an ambulance, our doctor and the fire department," the statement, signed by the St. Croix Chamber's president, Frank Fox, said. "These thieves are stealing jobs, stealing government revenue and stealing opportunities."
Santos echoed Fox's sentiments. "It is no longer a luxury" to have a telephone at home, he said. "It's a matter of necessity with regards to the elderly, those sick at home or who live by themselves."
Innovative Telephone spokesman Thomas Dunn said phone line vandalism reached a high over the weekend, with more than 2,500 customers deprived of service. Late Friday night and early Saturday morning, service was cut to St. Croix's Southgate and Cotton Valley areas, he said, and St. Thomas's West End beyond the University of the Virgin Islands campus and at Bordeaux.
The company has managed to cut repair time to the vandalized lines to a few hours with the aid of workers hired to help out during the strike. As of Monday afternoon, Dunn said, there were no new reports of lines cut.
Attorney General Iver Stridiron said last week that such an offense is a federal and local crime, carrying a maximum penalty of around five years in jail.
Unionized Innovative workers remained on the picket lines Monday. Negotiations with federal mediators failed last Thursday after two days of talks. The labor dispute centers on union members' dissatisfaction with Innovative's proposed retirement and other benefits.
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.
ELECTIONEERING POLICIES RELEASED FOR TERRITORY
Oct. 20, 2002 – Supervisor of Elections John Abramson Jr. said the following campaigning policies for election day in the territory will be strictly enforced by the V.I. Police Department.
He said Title 18 section 556 of the V.I. Code regarding electioneering sets the following guidelines:
In the St. Thomas-St. John District no electioneering will be allowed within 1,000 feet of the main entrance or gate of any polling place.
In the St. Croix District no electioneering will be allowed within 25 feet of the main entrance or gate of any polling place.
"All campaign workers shall adhere to the current policy governing dress code for campaign workers. No person within a polling area, for any reason other than to cast their personal vote, is prohibited from electioneering, which includes, but is not limited to, distribution of campaign material or paraphernalia, wearing of campaign or candidate attire or paraphernalia, (including, but not limited to: hats, T-shirts, buttons, pins) campaign or candidate oratory, display of campaign flags, banners, signs or posters."
According to Abramson, voters going into polling places to cast their votes are not restricted from wearing campaign materials.
For more information, contact the Office of the Supervisor of Elections at 774-3107, 776-6335 or 773-1021.
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.
He said Title 18 section 556 of the V.I. Code regarding electioneering sets the following guidelines:
In the St. Thomas-St. John District no electioneering will be allowed within 1,000 feet of the main entrance or gate of any polling place.
In the St. Croix District no electioneering will be allowed within 25 feet of the main entrance or gate of any polling place.
"All campaign workers shall adhere to the current policy governing dress code for campaign workers. No person within a polling area, for any reason other than to cast their personal vote, is prohibited from electioneering, which includes, but is not limited to, distribution of campaign material or paraphernalia, wearing of campaign or candidate attire or paraphernalia, (including, but not limited to: hats, T-shirts, buttons, pins) campaign or candidate oratory, display of campaign flags, banners, signs or posters."
According to Abramson, voters going into polling places to cast their votes are not restricted from wearing campaign materials.
For more information, contact the Office of the Supervisor of Elections at 774-3107, 776-6335 or 773-1021.
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.
ELECTIONEERING POLICIES RELEASED FOR TERRITORY
Oct. 20, 2002 – Supervisor of Elections John Abramson Jr. said the following campaigning policies for election day in the territory will be strictly enforced by the V.I. Police Department.
He said Title 18 section 556 of the V.I. Code regarding electioneering sets the following guidelines:
In the St. Thomas-St. John District no electioneering will be allowed within 1,000 feet of the main entrance or gate of any polling place.
In the St. Croix District no electioneering will be allowed within 25 feet of the main entrance or gate of any polling place.
"All campaign workers shall adhere to the current policy governing dress code for campaign workers. No person within a polling area, for any reason other than to cast their personal vote, is prohibited from electioneering, which includes, but is not limited to, distribution of campaign material or paraphernalia, wearing of campaign or candidate attire or paraphernalia, (including, but not limited to: hats, T-shirts, buttons, pins) campaign or candidate oratory, display of campaign flags, banners, signs or posters."
According to Abramson, voters going into polling places to cast their votes are not restricted from wearing campaign materials.
For more information, contact the Office of the Supervisor of Elections at 774-3107, 776-6335 or 773-1021.
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.
He said Title 18 section 556 of the V.I. Code regarding electioneering sets the following guidelines:
In the St. Thomas-St. John District no electioneering will be allowed within 1,000 feet of the main entrance or gate of any polling place.
In the St. Croix District no electioneering will be allowed within 25 feet of the main entrance or gate of any polling place.
"All campaign workers shall adhere to the current policy governing dress code for campaign workers. No person within a polling area, for any reason other than to cast their personal vote, is prohibited from electioneering, which includes, but is not limited to, distribution of campaign material or paraphernalia, wearing of campaign or candidate attire or paraphernalia, (including, but not limited to: hats, T-shirts, buttons, pins) campaign or candidate oratory, display of campaign flags, banners, signs or posters."
According to Abramson, voters going into polling places to cast their votes are not restricted from wearing campaign materials.
For more information, contact the Office of the Supervisor of Elections at 774-3107, 776-6335 or 773-1021.
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.
ELECTIONEERING POLICIES RELEASED FOR TERRITORY
Oct. 20, 2002 – Supervisor of Elections John Abramson Jr. said the following campaigning policies for election day in the territory will be strictly enforced by the V.I. Police Department.
He said Title 18 section 556 of the V.I. Code regarding electioneering sets the following guidelines:
In the St. Thomas-St. John District no electioneering will be allowed within 1,000 feet of the main entrance or gate of any polling place.
In the St. Croix District no electioneering will be allowed within 25 feet of the main entrance or gate of any polling place.
"All campaign workers shall adhere to the current policy governing dress code for campaign workers. No person within a polling area, for any reason other than to cast their personal vote, is prohibited from electioneering, which includes, but is not limited to, distribution of campaign material or paraphernalia, wearing of campaign or candidate attire or paraphernalia, (including, but not limited to: hats, T-shirts, buttons, pins) campaign or candidate oratory, display of campaign flags, banners, signs or posters."
According to Abramson, voters going into polling places to cast their votes are not restricted from wearing campaign materials.
For more information, contact the Office of the Supervisor of Elections at 774-3107, 776-6335 or 773-1021.
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.
He said Title 18 section 556 of the V.I. Code regarding electioneering sets the following guidelines:
In the St. Thomas-St. John District no electioneering will be allowed within 1,000 feet of the main entrance or gate of any polling place.
In the St. Croix District no electioneering will be allowed within 25 feet of the main entrance or gate of any polling place.
"All campaign workers shall adhere to the current policy governing dress code for campaign workers. No person within a polling area, for any reason other than to cast their personal vote, is prohibited from electioneering, which includes, but is not limited to, distribution of campaign material or paraphernalia, wearing of campaign or candidate attire or paraphernalia, (including, but not limited to: hats, T-shirts, buttons, pins) campaign or candidate oratory, display of campaign flags, banners, signs or posters."
According to Abramson, voters going into polling places to cast their votes are not restricted from wearing campaign materials.
For more information, contact the Office of the Supervisor of Elections at 774-3107, 776-6335 or 773-1021.
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.
JOAN FARRELLY: LETTER TO DE JONGH LEGITIMATE
Oct. 21, 2002 – The widow of Gov. Alexander A. Farrelly on Monday repudiated accusations by Democratic State Chair James O'Bryan Jr. challenging the legitimacy and origin of a January letter written to candidate for governor John de Jongh Jr. by her late husband.
"Let me assure you," Joan Farrelly stated, "that the letter was written by Alexander Farrelly."
After thanking the people of the territory for their "support, prayers and outpouring of love" since the death on Sept. 10 of the two-term Democratic governor, Mrs. Farrelly described her desire to clarify "numerous statements made relative to the letter written by my dear husband and published by Mr. de Jongh."
She said that although she had tried to stay out of the gubernatorial campaign, remaining silent "has become impossible in light of the fact that questions have arisen concerning the validity of the letter."
Gov. Charles W. Turnbull, who is running for a second term, is doing so under the banner of the Democratic Party, as Farrelly had done in both of his successful gubernatorial campaigns. De Jongh is running as an independent.
De Jongh reproduced the Farrelly letter in paid advertisements last Thursday in the territory's two daily print newspapers in response to accusations by Turnbull that de Jongh had acted deceitfully when he was Gov. Farrelly's top adviser and that de Jongh had tried to subvert the Farrelly administration's purchase of The West Indian Co. from Danish interests.
Last week, de Jongh told the Source that it was Turnbull's accusatory words on the record in an Oct. 4 radio address that forced him to publish the Farrelly letter. (See "De Jongh refutes 'rumor' with Farrelly letter".)
Until that radio address, De Jongh said, he had chosen to ignore efforts by the governor's re-election campaign "to peddle this fabrication for quite some time."
In a prepared statement on Thursday after the ads appeared, O'Bryan, speaking for the Democratic Party and its district leadership, characterized as "very questionable" the origins of the Farrelly letter, which disputed Turnbull's accusations concerning de Jongh's role in the acquisition of WICO.
"Obviously, Gov. Farrelly's medical condition did not allow him to prepare such a letter," O'Bryan asserted in the release. He added, "A close examination of the signature shows no resemblance to the signature of a healthy Gov. Farrelly."
But in her short, strongly worded message on Monday, the former first lady insisted that the late governor's letter to de Jongh was authentic. "The letter speaks for itself and stands on its own," Mrs. Farrelly said Monday.
In the letter, the late governor had written to de Jongh that he, Farrelly, had "had your unequivocal support of the government's purchase of WICO … At no point did you attempt to thwart my decision or undermine my effort to purchase WICO."
The Farrelly letter further stated, "It is both untrue and malicious for anyone to say that you did any such thing or that I asked you to leave the government."
O'Bryan's press release suggested that the Farrelly letter had been "prepared and delivered for the late governor's signature by one of Mr. de Jongh's operatives."
A Government House insider, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said on Monday that Mrs. Farrelly had been under considerable pressure over the weekend from Turnbull and others associated with the governor re-election campaign not to go public with her response to O'Bryan's charges.
But early on Monday morning, Mrs. Farrelly used the facilities of WVWI Radio to issue her statement in both oral and written forms. She asked that the recording and text of her statement be distributed to all electronic and print media, to be embargoed until each outlet had been contacted. She did not take questions.
"I trust this will put the matter to rest," Mrs. Farrelly concluded her comments. "Although the official state mourning is ended, please understand that the family continues to mourn. There will be no further statements from me concerning this issue."
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.
"Let me assure you," Joan Farrelly stated, "that the letter was written by Alexander Farrelly."
After thanking the people of the territory for their "support, prayers and outpouring of love" since the death on Sept. 10 of the two-term Democratic governor, Mrs. Farrelly described her desire to clarify "numerous statements made relative to the letter written by my dear husband and published by Mr. de Jongh."
She said that although she had tried to stay out of the gubernatorial campaign, remaining silent "has become impossible in light of the fact that questions have arisen concerning the validity of the letter."
Gov. Charles W. Turnbull, who is running for a second term, is doing so under the banner of the Democratic Party, as Farrelly had done in both of his successful gubernatorial campaigns. De Jongh is running as an independent.
De Jongh reproduced the Farrelly letter in paid advertisements last Thursday in the territory's two daily print newspapers in response to accusations by Turnbull that de Jongh had acted deceitfully when he was Gov. Farrelly's top adviser and that de Jongh had tried to subvert the Farrelly administration's purchase of The West Indian Co. from Danish interests.
Last week, de Jongh told the Source that it was Turnbull's accusatory words on the record in an Oct. 4 radio address that forced him to publish the Farrelly letter. (See "De Jongh refutes 'rumor' with Farrelly letter".)
Until that radio address, De Jongh said, he had chosen to ignore efforts by the governor's re-election campaign "to peddle this fabrication for quite some time."
In a prepared statement on Thursday after the ads appeared, O'Bryan, speaking for the Democratic Party and its district leadership, characterized as "very questionable" the origins of the Farrelly letter, which disputed Turnbull's accusations concerning de Jongh's role in the acquisition of WICO.
"Obviously, Gov. Farrelly's medical condition did not allow him to prepare such a letter," O'Bryan asserted in the release. He added, "A close examination of the signature shows no resemblance to the signature of a healthy Gov. Farrelly."
But in her short, strongly worded message on Monday, the former first lady insisted that the late governor's letter to de Jongh was authentic. "The letter speaks for itself and stands on its own," Mrs. Farrelly said Monday.
In the letter, the late governor had written to de Jongh that he, Farrelly, had "had your unequivocal support of the government's purchase of WICO … At no point did you attempt to thwart my decision or undermine my effort to purchase WICO."
The Farrelly letter further stated, "It is both untrue and malicious for anyone to say that you did any such thing or that I asked you to leave the government."
O'Bryan's press release suggested that the Farrelly letter had been "prepared and delivered for the late governor's signature by one of Mr. de Jongh's operatives."
A Government House insider, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said on Monday that Mrs. Farrelly had been under considerable pressure over the weekend from Turnbull and others associated with the governor re-election campaign not to go public with her response to O'Bryan's charges.
But early on Monday morning, Mrs. Farrelly used the facilities of WVWI Radio to issue her statement in both oral and written forms. She asked that the recording and text of her statement be distributed to all electronic and print media, to be embargoed until each outlet had been contacted. She did not take questions.
"I trust this will put the matter to rest," Mrs. Farrelly concluded her comments. "Although the official state mourning is ended, please understand that the family continues to mourn. There will be no further statements from me concerning this issue."
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.
JOAN FARRELLY: LETTER TO DE JONGH LEGITIMATE
Oct. 21, 2002 – The widow of Gov. Alexander A. Farrelly on Monday repudiated accusations by Democratic State Chair James O'Bryan Jr. challenging the legitimacy and origin of a January letter written to candidate for governor John de Jongh Jr. by her late husband.
"Let me assure you," Joan Farrelly stated, "that the letter was written by Alexander Farrelly."
After thanking the people of the territory for their "support, prayers and outpouring of love" since the death on Sept. 10 of the two-term Democratic governor, Mrs. Farrelly described her desire to clarify "numerous statements made relative to the letter written by my dear husband and published by Mr. de Jongh."
She said that although she had tried to stay out of the gubernatorial campaign, remaining silent "has become impossible in light of the fact that questions have arisen concerning the validity of the letter."
Gov. Charles W. Turnbull, who is running for a second term, is doing so under the banner of the Democratic Party, as Farrelly had done in both of his successful gubernatorial campaigns. De Jongh is running as an independent.
De Jongh reproduced the Farrelly letter in paid advertisements last Thursday in the territory's two daily print newspapers in response to accusations by Turnbull that de Jongh had acted deceitfully when he was Gov. Farrelly's top adviser and that de Jongh had tried to subvert the Farrelly administration's purchase of The West Indian Co. from Danish interests.
Last week, de Jongh told the Source that it was Turnbull's accusatory words on the record in an Oct. 4 radio address that forced him to publish the Farrelly letter. (See "De Jongh refutes 'rumor' with Farrelly letter".)
Until that radio address, De Jongh said, he had chosen to ignore efforts by the governor's re-election campaign "to peddle this fabrication for quite some time."
In a prepared statement on Thursday after the ads appeared, O'Bryan, speaking for the Democratic Party and its district leadership, characterized as "very questionable" the origins of the Farrelly letter, which disputed Turnbull's accusations concerning de Jongh's role in the acquisition of WICO.
"Obviously, Gov. Farrelly's medical condition did not allow him to prepare such a letter," O'Bryan asserted in the release. He added, "A close examination of the signature shows no resemblance to the signature of a healthy Gov. Farrelly."
But in her short, strongly worded message on Monday, the former first lady insisted that the late governor's letter to de Jongh was authentic. "The letter speaks for itself and stands on its own," Mrs. Farrelly said Monday.
In the letter, the late governor had written to de Jongh that he, Farrelly, had "had your unequivocal support of the government's purchase of WICO … At no point did you attempt to thwart my decision or undermine my effort to purchase WICO."
The Farrelly letter further stated, "It is both untrue and malicious for anyone to say that you did any such thing or that I asked you to leave the government."
O'Bryan's press release suggested that the Farrelly letter had been "prepared and delivered for the late governor's signature by one of Mr. de Jongh's operatives."
A Government House insider, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said on Monday that Mrs. Farrelly had been under considerable pressure over the weekend from Turnbull and others associated with the governor re-election campaign not to go public with her response to O'Bryan's charges.
But early on Monday morning, Mrs. Farrelly used the facilities of WVWI Radio to issue her statement in both oral and written forms. She asked that the recording and text of her statement be distributed to all electronic and print media, to be embargoed until each outlet had been contacted. She did not take questions.
"I trust this will put the matter to rest," Mrs. Farrelly concluded her comments. "Although the official state mourning is ended, please understand that the family continues to mourn. There will be no further statements from me concerning this issue."
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.
"Let me assure you," Joan Farrelly stated, "that the letter was written by Alexander Farrelly."
After thanking the people of the territory for their "support, prayers and outpouring of love" since the death on Sept. 10 of the two-term Democratic governor, Mrs. Farrelly described her desire to clarify "numerous statements made relative to the letter written by my dear husband and published by Mr. de Jongh."
She said that although she had tried to stay out of the gubernatorial campaign, remaining silent "has become impossible in light of the fact that questions have arisen concerning the validity of the letter."
Gov. Charles W. Turnbull, who is running for a second term, is doing so under the banner of the Democratic Party, as Farrelly had done in both of his successful gubernatorial campaigns. De Jongh is running as an independent.
De Jongh reproduced the Farrelly letter in paid advertisements last Thursday in the territory's two daily print newspapers in response to accusations by Turnbull that de Jongh had acted deceitfully when he was Gov. Farrelly's top adviser and that de Jongh had tried to subvert the Farrelly administration's purchase of The West Indian Co. from Danish interests.
Last week, de Jongh told the Source that it was Turnbull's accusatory words on the record in an Oct. 4 radio address that forced him to publish the Farrelly letter. (See "De Jongh refutes 'rumor' with Farrelly letter".)
Until that radio address, De Jongh said, he had chosen to ignore efforts by the governor's re-election campaign "to peddle this fabrication for quite some time."
In a prepared statement on Thursday after the ads appeared, O'Bryan, speaking for the Democratic Party and its district leadership, characterized as "very questionable" the origins of the Farrelly letter, which disputed Turnbull's accusations concerning de Jongh's role in the acquisition of WICO.
"Obviously, Gov. Farrelly's medical condition did not allow him to prepare such a letter," O'Bryan asserted in the release. He added, "A close examination of the signature shows no resemblance to the signature of a healthy Gov. Farrelly."
But in her short, strongly worded message on Monday, the former first lady insisted that the late governor's letter to de Jongh was authentic. "The letter speaks for itself and stands on its own," Mrs. Farrelly said Monday.
In the letter, the late governor had written to de Jongh that he, Farrelly, had "had your unequivocal support of the government's purchase of WICO … At no point did you attempt to thwart my decision or undermine my effort to purchase WICO."
The Farrelly letter further stated, "It is both untrue and malicious for anyone to say that you did any such thing or that I asked you to leave the government."
O'Bryan's press release suggested that the Farrelly letter had been "prepared and delivered for the late governor's signature by one of Mr. de Jongh's operatives."
A Government House insider, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said on Monday that Mrs. Farrelly had been under considerable pressure over the weekend from Turnbull and others associated with the governor re-election campaign not to go public with her response to O'Bryan's charges.
But early on Monday morning, Mrs. Farrelly used the facilities of WVWI Radio to issue her statement in both oral and written forms. She asked that the recording and text of her statement be distributed to all electronic and print media, to be embargoed until each outlet had been contacted. She did not take questions.
"I trust this will put the matter to rest," Mrs. Farrelly concluded her comments. "Although the official state mourning is ended, please understand that the family continues to mourn. There will be no further statements from me concerning this issue."
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.
JOAN FARRELLY: LETTER TO DE JONGH LEGITIMATE
Oct. 21, 2002 – The widow of Gov. Alexander A. Farrelly on Monday repudiated accusations by Democratic State Chair James O'Bryan Jr. challenging the legitimacy and origin of a January letter written to candidate for governor John de Jongh Jr. by her late husband.
"Let me assure you," Joan Farrelly stated, "that the letter was written by Alexander Farrelly."
After thanking the people of the territory for their "support, prayers and outpouring of love" since the death on Sept. 10 of the two-term Democratic governor, Mrs. Farrelly described her desire to clarify "numerous statements made relative to the letter written by my dear husband and published by Mr. de Jongh."
She said that although she had tried to stay out of the gubernatorial campaign, remaining silent "has become impossible in light of the fact that questions have arisen concerning the validity of the letter."
Gov. Charles W. Turnbull, who is running for a second term, is doing so under the banner of the Democratic Party, as Farrelly had done in both of his successful gubernatorial campaigns. De Jongh is running as an independent.
De Jongh reproduced the Farrelly letter in paid advertisements last Thursday in the territory's two daily print newspapers in response to accusations by Turnbull that de Jongh had acted deceitfully when he was Gov. Farrelly's top adviser and that de Jongh had tried to subvert the Farrelly administration's purchase of The West Indian Co. from Danish interests.
Last week, de Jongh told the Source that it was Turnbull's accusatory words on the record in an Oct. 4 radio address that forced him to publish the Farrelly letter. (See "De Jongh refutes 'rumor' with Farrelly letter".)
Until that radio address, De Jongh said, he had chosen to ignore efforts by the governor's re-election campaign "to peddle this fabrication for quite some time."
In a prepared statement on Thursday after the ads appeared, O'Bryan, speaking for the Democratic Party and its district leadership, characterized as "very questionable" the origins of the Farrelly letter, which disputed Turnbull's accusations concerning de Jongh's role in the acquisition of WICO.
"Obviously, Gov. Farrelly's medical condition did not allow him to prepare such a letter," O'Bryan asserted in the release. He added, "A close examination of the signature shows no resemblance to the signature of a healthy Gov. Farrelly."
But in her short, strongly worded message on Monday, the former first lady insisted that the late governor's letter to de Jongh was authentic. "The letter speaks for itself and stands on its own," Mrs. Farrelly said Monday.
In the letter, the late governor had written to de Jongh that he, Farrelly, had "had your unequivocal support of the government's purchase of WICO … At no point did you attempt to thwart my decision or undermine my effort to purchase WICO."
The Farrelly letter further stated, "It is both untrue and malicious for anyone to say that you did any such thing or that I asked you to leave the government."
O'Bryan's press release suggested that the Farrelly letter had been "prepared and delivered for the late governor's signature by one of Mr. de Jongh's operatives."
A Government House insider, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Monday that Mrs. Farrelly had been under considerable pressure over the weekend from Turnbull and others associated with the governor's re-election campaign not to go public with her response to O'Bryan's charges.
But early Monday morning, Mrs. Farrelly used the facilities of WVWI Radio to issue her statement in both oral and written forms. She asked that the recording and text of her statement be distributed to all electronic and print media, to be embargoed until each outlet had been contacted. She did not take questions.
"I trust this will put the matter to rest," Mrs. Farrelly concluded her comments. "Although the official state mourning is ended, please understand that the family continues to mourn. There will be no further statements from me concerning this issue."
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.
"Let me assure you," Joan Farrelly stated, "that the letter was written by Alexander Farrelly."
After thanking the people of the territory for their "support, prayers and outpouring of love" since the death on Sept. 10 of the two-term Democratic governor, Mrs. Farrelly described her desire to clarify "numerous statements made relative to the letter written by my dear husband and published by Mr. de Jongh."
She said that although she had tried to stay out of the gubernatorial campaign, remaining silent "has become impossible in light of the fact that questions have arisen concerning the validity of the letter."
Gov. Charles W. Turnbull, who is running for a second term, is doing so under the banner of the Democratic Party, as Farrelly had done in both of his successful gubernatorial campaigns. De Jongh is running as an independent.
De Jongh reproduced the Farrelly letter in paid advertisements last Thursday in the territory's two daily print newspapers in response to accusations by Turnbull that de Jongh had acted deceitfully when he was Gov. Farrelly's top adviser and that de Jongh had tried to subvert the Farrelly administration's purchase of The West Indian Co. from Danish interests.
Last week, de Jongh told the Source that it was Turnbull's accusatory words on the record in an Oct. 4 radio address that forced him to publish the Farrelly letter. (See "De Jongh refutes 'rumor' with Farrelly letter".)
Until that radio address, De Jongh said, he had chosen to ignore efforts by the governor's re-election campaign "to peddle this fabrication for quite some time."
In a prepared statement on Thursday after the ads appeared, O'Bryan, speaking for the Democratic Party and its district leadership, characterized as "very questionable" the origins of the Farrelly letter, which disputed Turnbull's accusations concerning de Jongh's role in the acquisition of WICO.
"Obviously, Gov. Farrelly's medical condition did not allow him to prepare such a letter," O'Bryan asserted in the release. He added, "A close examination of the signature shows no resemblance to the signature of a healthy Gov. Farrelly."
But in her short, strongly worded message on Monday, the former first lady insisted that the late governor's letter to de Jongh was authentic. "The letter speaks for itself and stands on its own," Mrs. Farrelly said Monday.
In the letter, the late governor had written to de Jongh that he, Farrelly, had "had your unequivocal support of the government's purchase of WICO … At no point did you attempt to thwart my decision or undermine my effort to purchase WICO."
The Farrelly letter further stated, "It is both untrue and malicious for anyone to say that you did any such thing or that I asked you to leave the government."
O'Bryan's press release suggested that the Farrelly letter had been "prepared and delivered for the late governor's signature by one of Mr. de Jongh's operatives."
A Government House insider, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Monday that Mrs. Farrelly had been under considerable pressure over the weekend from Turnbull and others associated with the governor's re-election campaign not to go public with her response to O'Bryan's charges.
But early Monday morning, Mrs. Farrelly used the facilities of WVWI Radio to issue her statement in both oral and written forms. She asked that the recording and text of her statement be distributed to all electronic and print media, to be embargoed until each outlet had been contacted. She did not take questions.
"I trust this will put the matter to rest," Mrs. Farrelly concluded her comments. "Although the official state mourning is ended, please understand that the family continues to mourn. There will be no further statements from me concerning this issue."
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.
