Oct. 19, 2002 – Another homicide victim was added to the list as a St. Croix man succumbed to gunshot wounds after a friend rushed him to Juan F. Luis Hospital at approximately 11 p.m. Thursday night, which brings the territory’s number to 35 incidents in 2002.
Julio Rivera, 19, of Estate Humbug, died around 1:30 a.m. of a gunshot wound to the back that exited the chest. According to Lt. Greg Bennerson of the Criminal Investigation Unit, the victim was still alive and underwent emergency surgery, but did not recover from his injury.
Though numerous calls were received from residents reporting that gunshots rang out in their community, police said no witnesses have come forward with information on the incident, which took place in the Paradise housing community where the shooting is believed to have taken place.
Deputy Chief Angel Santos said that at this time the victim’s friend has indicated not being present at the scene of the shooting.
Bennerson is asking the public to come forward with information that can assist with the ongoing investigation by calling 778-2211 or 911.
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.
HUMBUG TEEN SUCCOMBS TO GUNSHOT WOUNDS
Oct. 19, 2002 – Another homicide victim was added to the list as a St. Croix man succumbed to gunshot wounds after a friend rushed him to Juan F. Luis Hospital at approximately 11 p.m. Thursday night, which brings the territory’s number to 35 incidents in 2002.
Julio Rivera, 19, of Estate Humbug, died around 1:30 a.m. of a gunshot wound to the back that exited the chest. According to Lt. Greg Bennerson of the Criminal Investigation Unit, the victim was still alive and underwent emergency surgery, but did not recover from his injury.
Though numerous calls were received from residents reporting that gunshots rang out in their community, police said no witnesses have come forward with information on the incident, which took place in the Paradise housing community where the shooting is believed to have taken place.
Deputy Chief Angel Santos said that at this time the victim’s friend has indicated not being present at the scene of the shooting.
Bennerson is asking the public to come forward with information that can assist with the ongoing investigation by calling 778-2211 or 911.
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.
Julio Rivera, 19, of Estate Humbug, died around 1:30 a.m. of a gunshot wound to the back that exited the chest. According to Lt. Greg Bennerson of the Criminal Investigation Unit, the victim was still alive and underwent emergency surgery, but did not recover from his injury.
Though numerous calls were received from residents reporting that gunshots rang out in their community, police said no witnesses have come forward with information on the incident, which took place in the Paradise housing community where the shooting is believed to have taken place.
Deputy Chief Angel Santos said that at this time the victim’s friend has indicated not being present at the scene of the shooting.
Bennerson is asking the public to come forward with information that can assist with the ongoing investigation by calling 778-2211 or 911.
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.
HUMBUG TEEN SUCCOMBS TO GUNSHOT WOUNDS
Oct. 19, 2002 – Another homicide victim was added to the list as a St. Croix man succumbed to gunshot wounds after a friend rushed him to Juan F. Luis Hospital at approximately 11 p.m. Thursday night, which brings the territory’s number to 35 incidents in 2002.
Julio Rivera, 19, of Estate Humbug, died around 1:30 a.m. of a gunshot wound to the back that exited the chest. According to Lt. Greg Bennerson of the Criminal Investigation Unit, the victim was still alive and underwent emergency surgery, but did not recover from his injury.
Though numerous calls were received from residents reporting that gunshots rang out in their community, police said no witnesses have come forward with information on the incident, which took place in the Paradise housing community where the shooting is believed to have taken place.
Deputy Chief Angel Santos said that at this time the victim’s friend has indicated not being present at the scene of the shooting.
Bennerson is asking the public to come forward with information that can assist with the ongoing investigation by calling 778-2211 or 911.
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.
Julio Rivera, 19, of Estate Humbug, died around 1:30 a.m. of a gunshot wound to the back that exited the chest. According to Lt. Greg Bennerson of the Criminal Investigation Unit, the victim was still alive and underwent emergency surgery, but did not recover from his injury.
Though numerous calls were received from residents reporting that gunshots rang out in their community, police said no witnesses have come forward with information on the incident, which took place in the Paradise housing community where the shooting is believed to have taken place.
Deputy Chief Angel Santos said that at this time the victim’s friend has indicated not being present at the scene of the shooting.
Bennerson is asking the public to come forward with information that can assist with the ongoing investigation by calling 778-2211 or 911.
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.
MERMAID FAST FERRY TO STAY AT GALLOWS BAY DOCK
Oct. 18, 2002 – The newest ferry company providing service between St. Thomas and St. Croix says it has worked out an arrangement that will guarantee continued operation at the Gallows Bay Dock.
Chris Elliott, general manager of Mermaid Fast Ferry Service, said a series of talks with officials of the V.I. Port Authority left him feeling he could keep his operations on the dock while a reconstruction project continued nearby. "We worked out a contingency plan so we wouldn't have to interrupt service at all," Elliott said.
This is the inaugural year for Mermaid, which Elliott said will run year round.
The companuy began providing service between Charlotte Amalie Harbor and Gallows Bay in September, but the pace of construction threatened to crowd the interisland ferry off the dock within a matter of weeks. Port Authority engineers have told the tenants using the dock they would have to move once the crews reached their berths.
"The dock has to be repaired. You cannot have a situation where you put people in danger," VIPA spokeswoman Shirley Smith said.
With construction crews headed toward its docking spot, Elliott said the Mermaid operation will shift further down the dock to an area where no construction is taking place. The move is expected to take place by next week, he said.
Construction project managers are also trying to accommodate other tenants, including Boston Harbor Cruises, which is planning to start its third season of fast ferry service between St. Thomas and St. Croix in November.
Kevin Matthews, operator of Boston Harbor, said he began talks with VIPA about the dock repairs four or five months ago. Matthews said he was working out a temporary arrangement to allow continued arrivals and departures in the Gallows Bay area.
"That construction's been scheduled for the past year and a half … when the Port Authority makes promises to us, they have always kept their promises," he said.
Fast ferry service has become popular with Virgin Islanders by bringing the cost of interisland travel down to $60 per round trip. Air fares run almost twice that.
Matthews expects a financially successful year, based on bookings from both Danish and U.S. mainland tour groups. "Last year's season was a success, based on group sales," he said.
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.
Chris Elliott, general manager of Mermaid Fast Ferry Service, said a series of talks with officials of the V.I. Port Authority left him feeling he could keep his operations on the dock while a reconstruction project continued nearby. "We worked out a contingency plan so we wouldn't have to interrupt service at all," Elliott said.
This is the inaugural year for Mermaid, which Elliott said will run year round.
The companuy began providing service between Charlotte Amalie Harbor and Gallows Bay in September, but the pace of construction threatened to crowd the interisland ferry off the dock within a matter of weeks. Port Authority engineers have told the tenants using the dock they would have to move once the crews reached their berths.
"The dock has to be repaired. You cannot have a situation where you put people in danger," VIPA spokeswoman Shirley Smith said.
With construction crews headed toward its docking spot, Elliott said the Mermaid operation will shift further down the dock to an area where no construction is taking place. The move is expected to take place by next week, he said.
Construction project managers are also trying to accommodate other tenants, including Boston Harbor Cruises, which is planning to start its third season of fast ferry service between St. Thomas and St. Croix in November.
Kevin Matthews, operator of Boston Harbor, said he began talks with VIPA about the dock repairs four or five months ago. Matthews said he was working out a temporary arrangement to allow continued arrivals and departures in the Gallows Bay area.
"That construction's been scheduled for the past year and a half … when the Port Authority makes promises to us, they have always kept their promises," he said.
Fast ferry service has become popular with Virgin Islanders by bringing the cost of interisland travel down to $60 per round trip. Air fares run almost twice that.
Matthews expects a financially successful year, based on bookings from both Danish and U.S. mainland tour groups. "Last year's season was a success, based on group sales," he said.
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.
MERMAID FAST FERRY TO STAY AT GALLOWS BAY DOCK
Oct. 18, 2002 – The newest ferry company providing service between St. Thomas and St. Croix says it has worked out an arrangement that will guarantee continued operation at the Gallows Bay Dock.
Chris Elliott, general manager of Mermaid Fast Ferry Service, said a series of talks with officials of the V.I. Port Authority left him feeling he could keep his operations on the dock while a reconstruction project continued nearby. "We worked out a contingency plan so we wouldn't have to interrupt service at all," Elliott said.
This is the inaugural year for Mermaid, which Elliott said will run year round.
The companuy began providing service between Charlotte Amalie Harbor and Gallows Bay in September, but the pace of construction threatened to crowd the interisland ferry off the dock within a matter of weeks. Port Authority engineers have told the tenants using the dock they would have to move once the crews reached their berths.
"The dock has to be repaired. You cannot have a situation where you put people in danger," VIPA spokeswoman Shirley Smith said.
With construction crews headed toward its docking spot, Elliott said the Mermaid operation will shift further down the dock to an area where no construction is taking place. The move is expected to take place by next week, he said.
Construction project managers are also trying to accommodate other tenants, including Boston Harbor Cruises, which is planning to start its third season of fast ferry service between St. Thomas and St. Croix in November.
Kevin Matthews, operator of Boston Harbor, said he began talks with VIPA about the dock repairs four or five months ago. Matthews said he was working out a temporary arrangement to allow continued arrivals and departures in the Gallows Bay area.
"That construction's been scheduled for the past year and a half … when the Port Authority makes promises to us, they have always kept their promises," he said.
Fast ferry service has become popular with Virgin Islanders by bringing the cost of interisland travel down to $60 per round trip. Air fares run almost twice that.
Matthews expects a financially successful year, based on bookings from both Danish and U.S. mainland tour groups. "Last year's season was a success, based on group sales," he said.
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.
Chris Elliott, general manager of Mermaid Fast Ferry Service, said a series of talks with officials of the V.I. Port Authority left him feeling he could keep his operations on the dock while a reconstruction project continued nearby. "We worked out a contingency plan so we wouldn't have to interrupt service at all," Elliott said.
This is the inaugural year for Mermaid, which Elliott said will run year round.
The companuy began providing service between Charlotte Amalie Harbor and Gallows Bay in September, but the pace of construction threatened to crowd the interisland ferry off the dock within a matter of weeks. Port Authority engineers have told the tenants using the dock they would have to move once the crews reached their berths.
"The dock has to be repaired. You cannot have a situation where you put people in danger," VIPA spokeswoman Shirley Smith said.
With construction crews headed toward its docking spot, Elliott said the Mermaid operation will shift further down the dock to an area where no construction is taking place. The move is expected to take place by next week, he said.
Construction project managers are also trying to accommodate other tenants, including Boston Harbor Cruises, which is planning to start its third season of fast ferry service between St. Thomas and St. Croix in November.
Kevin Matthews, operator of Boston Harbor, said he began talks with VIPA about the dock repairs four or five months ago. Matthews said he was working out a temporary arrangement to allow continued arrivals and departures in the Gallows Bay area.
"That construction's been scheduled for the past year and a half … when the Port Authority makes promises to us, they have always kept their promises," he said.
Fast ferry service has become popular with Virgin Islanders by bringing the cost of interisland travel down to $60 per round trip. Air fares run almost twice that.
Matthews expects a financially successful year, based on bookings from both Danish and U.S. mainland tour groups. "Last year's season was a success, based on group sales," he said.
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.
MERMAID FAST FERRY TO STAY AT GALLOWS BAY DOCK
Oct. 18, 2002 – The newest ferry company providing service between St. Thomas and St. Croix says it has worked out an arrangement that will guarantee continued operation at the Gallows Bay Dock.
Chris Elliott, general manager of Mermaid Fast Ferry Service, said a series of talks with officials of the V.I. Port Authority left him feeling he could keep his operations on the dock while a reconstruction project continued nearby. "We worked out a contingency plan so we wouldn't have to interrupt service at all," Elliott said.
This is the inaugural year for Mermaid, which Elliott said will run year round.
The companuy began providing service between Charlotte Amalie Harbor and Gallows Bay in September, but the pace of construction threatened to crowd the interisland ferry off the dock within a matter of weeks. Port Authority engineers have told the tenants using the dock they would have to move once the crews reached their berths.
"The dock has to be repaired. You cannot have a situation where you put people in danger," VIPA spokeswoman Shirley Smith said.
With construction crews headed toward its docking spot, Elliott said the Mermaid operation will shift further down the dock to an area where no construction is taking place. The move is expected to take place by next week, he said.
Construction project managers are also trying to accommodate other tenants, including Boston Harbor Cruises, which is planning to start its third season of fast ferry service between St. Thomas and St. Croix in November.
Kevin Matthews, operator of Boston Harbor, said he began talks with VIPA about the dock repairs four or five months ago. Matthews said he was working out a temporary arrangement to allow continued arrivals and departures in the Gallows Bay area.
"That construction's been scheduled for the past year and a half … when the Port Authority makes promises to us, they have always kept their promises," he said.
Fast ferry service has become popular with Virgin Islanders by bringing the cost of interisland travel down to $60 per round trip. Air fares run almost twice that.
Matthews expects a financially successful year, based on bookings from both Danish and U.S. mainland tour groups. "Last year's season was a success, based on group sales," he 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.
Chris Elliott, general manager of Mermaid Fast Ferry Service, said a series of talks with officials of the V.I. Port Authority left him feeling he could keep his operations on the dock while a reconstruction project continued nearby. "We worked out a contingency plan so we wouldn't have to interrupt service at all," Elliott said.
This is the inaugural year for Mermaid, which Elliott said will run year round.
The companuy began providing service between Charlotte Amalie Harbor and Gallows Bay in September, but the pace of construction threatened to crowd the interisland ferry off the dock within a matter of weeks. Port Authority engineers have told the tenants using the dock they would have to move once the crews reached their berths.
"The dock has to be repaired. You cannot have a situation where you put people in danger," VIPA spokeswoman Shirley Smith said.
With construction crews headed toward its docking spot, Elliott said the Mermaid operation will shift further down the dock to an area where no construction is taking place. The move is expected to take place by next week, he said.
Construction project managers are also trying to accommodate other tenants, including Boston Harbor Cruises, which is planning to start its third season of fast ferry service between St. Thomas and St. Croix in November.
Kevin Matthews, operator of Boston Harbor, said he began talks with VIPA about the dock repairs four or five months ago. Matthews said he was working out a temporary arrangement to allow continued arrivals and departures in the Gallows Bay area.
"That construction's been scheduled for the past year and a half … when the Port Authority makes promises to us, they have always kept their promises," he said.
Fast ferry service has become popular with Virgin Islanders by bringing the cost of interisland travel down to $60 per round trip. Air fares run almost twice that.
Matthews expects a financially successful year, based on bookings from both Danish and U.S. mainland tour groups. "Last year's season was a success, based on group sales," he 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.
BRYAN CALLS MEETINGS ON ICC/STEELWORKERS
Oct. 18, 2002 – The Senate is getting involved in the ongoing labor dispute between Innovative Telephone/Cable and the United Steelworkers of America, according to a press release from Sen. Adelbert Bryan.
Bryan called two emergency committee meetings yesterday to investigate the circumstances that led to the dispute and to Thursday's federal mediation impasse.
The senator invited Innovative Communication Corporation officials, representatives of the union, Attorney General Iver Stridiron, Labor Commissioner Cecil Benjamin and Economic Development Authority officials to meetings scheduled for next week.
ICC's 310 telephone and cable company employees went on strike more than two weeks ago after contract negotiations broke down. The dispute centers around retirement and benefit packages.
Since the workers began picketing, over 5,000 Virgin Islanders have lost phone or cable service due to vandalism of utility lines.
The first meeting is set for 10 a.m. Oct. 31 in the Legislative Conference Room on St. Croix. A second meeting will be held at 10 a.m. Friday at the Legislature on St. Thomas.
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.
Bryan called two emergency committee meetings yesterday to investigate the circumstances that led to the dispute and to Thursday's federal mediation impasse.
The senator invited Innovative Communication Corporation officials, representatives of the union, Attorney General Iver Stridiron, Labor Commissioner Cecil Benjamin and Economic Development Authority officials to meetings scheduled for next week.
ICC's 310 telephone and cable company employees went on strike more than two weeks ago after contract negotiations broke down. The dispute centers around retirement and benefit packages.
Since the workers began picketing, over 5,000 Virgin Islanders have lost phone or cable service due to vandalism of utility lines.
The first meeting is set for 10 a.m. Oct. 31 in the Legislative Conference Room on St. Croix. A second meeting will be held at 10 a.m. Friday at the Legislature on St. Thomas.
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.
BRYAN CALLS MEETINGS ON ICC/STEELWORKERS
Oct. 18, 2002 – The Senate is getting involved in the ongoing labor dispute between Innovative Telephone/Cable and the United Steelworkers of America, according to a press release from Sen. Adelbert Bryan.
Bryan called two emergency committee meetings yesterday to investigate the circumstances that led to the dispute and to Thursday's federal mediation impasse.
The senator invited Innovative Communication Corporation officials, representatives of the union, Attorney General Iver Stridiron, Labor Commissioner Cecil Benjamin and Economic Development Authority officials to meetings scheduled for next week.
ICC's 310 telephone and cable company employees went on strike more than two weeks ago after contract negotiations broke down. The dispute centers around retirement and benefit packages.
Since the workers began picketing, over 5,000 Virgin Islanders have lost phone or cable service due to vandalism of utility lines.
The first meeting is set for 10 a.m. Oct. 31 in the Legislative Conference Room on St. Croix. A second meeting will be held at 10 a.m. Friday at the Legislature 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.
Bryan called two emergency committee meetings yesterday to investigate the circumstances that led to the dispute and to Thursday's federal mediation impasse.
The senator invited Innovative Communication Corporation officials, representatives of the union, Attorney General Iver Stridiron, Labor Commissioner Cecil Benjamin and Economic Development Authority officials to meetings scheduled for next week.
ICC's 310 telephone and cable company employees went on strike more than two weeks ago after contract negotiations broke down. The dispute centers around retirement and benefit packages.
Since the workers began picketing, over 5,000 Virgin Islanders have lost phone or cable service due to vandalism of utility lines.
The first meeting is set for 10 a.m. Oct. 31 in the Legislative Conference Room on St. Croix. A second meeting will be held at 10 a.m. Friday at the Legislature 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.
BRYAN CALLS MEETINGS ON ICC/STEELWORKERS
Oct. 18, 2002 – The Senate is getting involved in the ongoing labor dispute between Innovative Telephone/Cable and the United Steelworkers of America, according to a press release from Sen. Adelbert Bryan.
Bryan called two emergency committee meetings yesterday to investigate the circumstances that led to the dispute and to Thursday's federal mediation impasse.
The senator invited Innovative Communication Corporation officials, representatives of the union, Attorney General Iver Stridiron, Labor Commissioner Cecil Benjamin and Economic Development Authority officials to meetings scheduled for next week.
ICC's 310 telephone and cable company employees went on strike more than two weeks ago after contract negotiations broke down. The dispute centers around retirement and benefit packages.
Since the workers began picketing, over 5,000 Virgin Islanders have lost phone or cable service due to vandalism of utility lines.
The first meeting is set for 10 a.m. Oct. 31 in the Legislative Conference Room on St. Croix. A second meeting will be held at 10 a.m. Friday at the Legislature on St. Thomas.
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.
Bryan called two emergency committee meetings yesterday to investigate the circumstances that led to the dispute and to Thursday's federal mediation impasse.
The senator invited Innovative Communication Corporation officials, representatives of the union, Attorney General Iver Stridiron, Labor Commissioner Cecil Benjamin and Economic Development Authority officials to meetings scheduled for next week.
ICC's 310 telephone and cable company employees went on strike more than two weeks ago after contract negotiations broke down. The dispute centers around retirement and benefit packages.
Since the workers began picketing, over 5,000 Virgin Islanders have lost phone or cable service due to vandalism of utility lines.
The first meeting is set for 10 a.m. Oct. 31 in the Legislative Conference Room on St. Croix. A second meeting will be held at 10 a.m. Friday at the Legislature on St. Thomas.
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.
VOICE RECITAL, TRIBUTES PART OF SUNDAY EVENT
Oct. 18, 2002 – Mezzo-soprano Elvira Green will give a voice recital Sunday at 6 p.m. at the Ss. Peter and Paul Roman Catholic Cathedral. Presented by Partners for Health, St. Thomas-St. John, the recital will feature two segments: "The Spirit of the Art of Song" and "The Art of the Negro Spiritual."
Green is a music professor at the University of the Virgin Islands and has received outstanding reviews for her operatic, recital and concert performances. Green has performed throughout the U.S., Canada, Europe, West Africa, Asia, Australia and the Caribbean.
She will be accompanied on piano by Dr. Patricia Johnson Trice, a founder and director of the Spiritual Renaissance Singers in Greensboro, N.C. Trice is the director of music at Providence Baptist Church in Greensboro.
Two outstanding citizens will also be honored. Partners for Health will pay tribute to Blanche Mary Sasso and Alwyn "Lad" Richards.
Sasso, 103, is being honored for her contributions to education and for the role she played in the creation of the V.I. flag.
Richards is the only surviving member of the original Community Band, and led the Lad Richards Combo while appearing in Las Vegas, Los Angeles and other U.S. cities. He has been entertaining for more than 60 years.
Partners for Health will provide donation envelopes at the recital Sunday to try to raise funds for the planned Cancer Center at Roy L. Schneider Hospital.
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.
Green is a music professor at the University of the Virgin Islands and has received outstanding reviews for her operatic, recital and concert performances. Green has performed throughout the U.S., Canada, Europe, West Africa, Asia, Australia and the Caribbean.
She will be accompanied on piano by Dr. Patricia Johnson Trice, a founder and director of the Spiritual Renaissance Singers in Greensboro, N.C. Trice is the director of music at Providence Baptist Church in Greensboro.
Two outstanding citizens will also be honored. Partners for Health will pay tribute to Blanche Mary Sasso and Alwyn "Lad" Richards.
Sasso, 103, is being honored for her contributions to education and for the role she played in the creation of the V.I. flag.
Richards is the only surviving member of the original Community Band, and led the Lad Richards Combo while appearing in Las Vegas, Los Angeles and other U.S. cities. He has been entertaining for more than 60 years.
Partners for Health will provide donation envelopes at the recital Sunday to try to raise funds for the planned Cancer Center at Roy L. Schneider Hospital.
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.
