Oct. 15, 2002 – The war of words between Innovative Communication Corp. and its striking telephone and cable employees continued through the weekend with a union rebuttal to ICC's full-page ad last week in the territory's two print daily newspapers.
The United Steelworkers Union, which represents the 310 Innovative employees on the picket lines, took out its own space in the papers to assert what it called misrepresentations by ICC "designed to cover up demands for drastic health care cuts and a two-tiered wage scale."
The Steelworkers said ICC is "deliberately deceiving" the public with claims that the union, in past negotiations, voted in favor of higher wage increases rather than increased pension benefits.
"It's a transparent attempt to create a smokescreen to hide the fact that, despite all the money Innovative is raking in, it's demanding to devastate our members' health care coverage and create a second tier of wages 15 percent lower than the current system," the Steelworkers' ad said.
Innovative said that it offered a wage increase of 10 percent over three years and an increase in pension benefits of 3.7 percent, or wage increases of 6 percent over three years and an increase in pension benefits of 7.41 percent, and that the union opted for the cash.
The union called Innovative's statement a falsification. "Innovative is doing enough harm to negotiations by demanding to double the deductibles on our members' health care, without engaging in deceiving double-talk about our commitment to pensions," the ad said.
The Steelworkers took issue with ICC's proposal to double workers' insurance deductibles -– to $200 for workers and $400 for employees' families. They said the company also demands a $200 deductible for workers' prescription drugs and $400 for family drug plans.
Despite the scathing advertisement, ICC spokesman Thomas Dunn said he is looking forward to a resolution when the parties sit down with a federal mediator to discuss their differences on Wednesday.
"Absolutely we're looking forward to a settlement," Dunn said. "We want to get back to work; we want our people to get back to work."
Since the strike began on Oct. 2, vandals have cut thousands of phone lines throughout the territory, affecting businesses, residents and government offices.
Dunn said the Monday holiday passed without incident, and all the violated lines are back in working order. "Right now we're in the process of doing regular repairs."
He said outside contractors were brought in to help pick up the slack with the union workers on strike, but he would not comment on how many or where they are from.
Calls to the Steelworkers Union on both St. Croix and St. Thomas were not returned Tuesday.

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Oct. 15, 2002 – Eighteen teams of two runners each took part in the annual V.I. Pace Runners Coastweeks Beach Relay race Saturday morning at Ha Penny Beach. Amalie Lockhart and Kewoon Steele of Educational Complex High School won the race, which consists of two legs of two miles each.
Their combined time was 26 minutes, 8 seconds. Second place went to Chad Sufrin and Davian Quinland of Central High School in 28:31; Jo Shim and Billy Bohlke took first place in the mixed category and third place overall in 28:38; John and Theresa Harper were second in the mixed category and fourth overall in 31:08.
The next race on the V.I. Pace Runners calendar is the 4-H Cross-Country Series race No. 2 on Wednesday at 4 p.m. UVI, St. Croix Campus.
For more information, call 340-777-0258 or log on on to http://virginislandspace.org.
Results Male Teams: 1. Amalie Lockhart/Kewoon Stelle, ECHS 26:08; 2. Chad Suffrin/Davian Quinland, CHS 28:31; 3. Andrew Petersen/Raffort Mathew, ECHS 32:59; Juan Giron/Frank Petersen, ECHS 33:24.
Results Female Teams: 1. Tiffiny Carrington/Jolene Edwards, CHS 37:43; 2. Julissa Copeman/Wanetta Kirby, CHS 37:43; 3. Tasia Eddy/Shelby Cruz, ECHS 39:58; 4. Melisa Smith/Samantha LaForce, ECHS 42:20; 5. Meoshan
Eddy/Marelle Sylvester, ECHS 43:13; 6. Josette Jeffers/Aminah Williams, ECHS 45:32; 7. Shamika Francis/Lulrika Echevarrio, ECHS 46:24; 8. Maria Arroyo/Tryphena Cuffy, ECHS 51:08; 9. Semoya Phillips/Allison Encarnacion 55:44.
Results Mixed Teams: 1. Jo Shim/Billy Bohlke 28:38; 2. John Harper/Theresa Harper, 31:03; 3. Barrymore Bailey/Makeshe Taylor, CHS 35:17; 4. Earthla Arthur/Stuart Ketcham, UVI 37:43.
Results Overall Teams: 1. Amalie Lockahrt/Kewoon Steele, ECHS 26:08; 2. Chad Suffrin/Davian Quinland, CHS 28:31; 3. Jo Shim/Billy Bohlke 28:38; 4. John Harper/Theresa Harper, 31:03; 5. Andrew Petersen/ Raffort Mathew, ECHS, 32:59; 6. Robert Giron/Frank Petersen, ECHS 33:24; 7. Barrymore Bailey/Makeshe Taylor, CHS 35:17; 8. Earthla Arthur/Stuart Ketcham, UVI 37:43; 9. TiffanyCarrington/Jolene Edwards, CHS 37:43; 10. Julissa Copeman/Wanetta Kirby, CHS 37:43; 11. Tasia Eddy/Shelby Cruz, ECHS 39:58; 12. Myra Muller/George Willocks, 40:43; 13. Melissa Smith/Samantha La Force, ECHS 42:20; 14. Meosha Eddy/Marelle Sylvester, ECHS 43:13; 15. Josette Jeffers/Aminah Williams, ECHS 45:32; 16. Shamika Francis/Lulrika Echevarrio, ECHS 46:24; 17. Maria Arroyo/Tryhpena Cuffy, ECHS 5:08; 18. Semoya Phillips/Allison Encarnacion, ECHS 55:44.

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Oct. 15, 2002 – Gov. Charles W. Turnbull joined the community on Tuesday in extending condolences to family and friends on the death of Kirk Grybowski, "a well-known community activist and longtime resident of the Virgin Islands," a Government House release stated.
The governor said Grybowski, who died on Oct. 8, "will long be remembered for his many years of community involvement, especially in the area of health, and more specifically his work with the territory's Emergency Medical Technicians and his contributions as director of the emergency medical program for the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The enthusiasm in which he addressed his work carried over in his community service and his love of helping others, which won him the respect of many throughout the territory."
Turnbull added, "On behalf of the people of the United States Virgin Islands, I extend heartfelt sympathies to his wife, Judith, his family and many friends. May God bless you with peace during this time of bereavement."

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NOTICE OF GENERAL ELECTION
Election System of the Virgin Islands
In accordance with Title 18 section 551 Virgin Islands Code, please be advised that the GENERAL ELECTION will be held on NOVEMBER 5, 2002. Polls will open at 7:00 A.M. and close at 7:00 P.M.
Polling Places are:
District of St. Croix
Florence A. Williams Library
D. Hamilton Jackson Terrace Community Center
Elena Christian Junior High School (Princesse)
Juanita Gardine Elementary School
St. Croix Central High School
Pearl B. Larsen Elementary School
John F. Kennedy Project Center
Lew Muckle Elementary School
Ricardo Richards Elementary School
Charles H. Emanuel Elementary School
Claude O. Markoe Elementary School
Alexander Henderson Elementary School
Eulalie Rivera Elementary School
St. Gerards Hall
Evelyn M. Williams Elementary School
District of St.Thomas-St. John
Oswald Harris Court Community Center
Charlotte Amalie High School
Winston Raymo Recreation Center
Leonard Dober Elementary School
Addelita Cancryn Junior High School
E. Benjamin Oliver Elementary School (A-E)
Joseph Gomez Elementary School (F-N)
Anna's Retreat Center (O-Z)
Ivanna Eudora Kean High School
Joseph Sibilly Elementary School
Bertha C. Boschulte Middle School
Ulla F. Muller Elementary School
Michael J. Kirwan Elementary School
Julius E Sprauve School
Guy Benjamin Elementary School
Candidates to be on the OFFICIAL BALLOT are:
Governor and Lieutenant Governor
1. Charles W. Turnbull and Vargrave A. Richards (Democrat)
2. Alicia "Chucky" Hansen and Thomas E. Donoghue (Independent)
3. Hernando Ike Williams and Jonathan Marius (Independent)
4. Lloyd L. Williams and Kelvin Gonzalez Sr. (Independent)
5. Dr. Cora Christian and Atty. George Hodge Jr. (Independent)
6. John de Jongh and Paul J. Arnold Sr. (Independent)
7. Gerard Luz James II and Attorney Maryleen Thomas (Independent)
8. Michael A. Bornn and Arnold M. Golden (Republican)
Senator At-Large
9. Wilma Marsh Monsanto (Republican )
10. Craig W. Barshinger (Democrat)
11. Almando "Rocky" Liburd ( ICM)
Senator, District of St. Croix
12. Reuben Fenton (Republican)
13. Steven Nisky (Independent )
14. Oneida Dione Granger (Independent)
15. Juan Figueroa-Serville (Democrat)
16. "Usie" Raymond Richards (ICM)
17. Atty. Ronald E. Russell (Democrat)
18. Ramon Benitez (Independent)
19. Luis A. Rodriquez (Independent)
20. Douglas E. Canton Jr. (Democrat)
21. Noel Loftus (Republican)
22. Nemmy Williams-Felix (Democrat)
23. Luther Felix Renee (Democrat)
24. Norman Jn Baptiste (Independent)
25. Robert Acosta (Republican)
26. David S. Jones (Democrat)
27. Emmett Hansen II (Independent)
28. Michael Thurland (Democrat)
29. Adelbert M. "Bert" Bryan (ICM)
30. Hope Gibson (Independent)
Senator, District St. Thomas-St. John
12. Riise E. Smith-Richards (Independent)
13. Ludrick Thomas (Independent)
14. Winthrop L. Maduro (Democrat)
15. Shawn-Michael Malone (Democrat)
16. Malik Sekou (Independent)
17. Roosevelt St. C. David (Democrat)
18. Kevin A. Rodriquez (Democrat)
19. Celestino A. White Sr. (Independent)
20. Nicholas "Nick" Friday (Independent)
21. Gilmore Estrill Sr. (Independent)
22. Alvin Williams (Independent)
23. Donald "Ducks" Cole (Independent)
24. Patricia Varlack (Independent)
25. Wayne "Factsman" Adams
26. Carlton "Ital" Dowe (Independent)
27. Lorraine L. Berry (Democrat)
28. Lawrence Larry Boschulte
29. Adlah Foncie Donastorg Jr (Independent)
30. Norma Pickard-Samuel (Independent)
31. Dwayne A. Benjamin (Independent)
32. Kevin R. Jennings (Republican)
33. Stephen "Smokey" Frett (Independent)
34. Louis P. Hill (Democrat)
Delegate – House of Representatives
1. Virdin C. Brown (ICM)
2. Garry A. Sprauve.(Independent)
3. Lilliana Belardo de O'Neal (Republican)
4. Donna M. Christensen (Democrat)
Board of Elections, District of St. Croix
1. Evelyn Messer James (Democrat)
2. Dodson K. James (Democrat)
3. David A. Benjamin (ICM)
4. Humberto O'Neal (Republican)
5. Rupert Ross Jr. (Democrat)
6. Raymond J. Williams (Independent)
Board of Elections, District of St. Thomas-St. John
1. Leon Alvin Powell (Republican)
2. Arturo Watlington Jr. (Democrat)
3. Thomas "Tom" Dunn (Democrat
4. George Blackhall (Republican)
Board of Elections, Resident of St. John
1. Donna F. Roberts (Independent)
2. Aubrey E. Bridgewater Jr. (Democrat)
Submitted by:
John Abramson Jr.
Supervisor of Elections

Oct. 15, 2002 – This week the territory will observe Disability Mentoring Week in honor of the more than 1 million people who have entered the labor force since the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act, allowing further contribution to society and their own fulfillment as taxpayers, consumers and workers.
Wednesday is Disability Mentoring Day in the Virgin Islands, and ancillary events will be coordinated by the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Disability Employment, the American Association of People with Disabilities and Work-Able Inc.
"The observance also points out that new generations of young people with disabilities are growing up in the Virgin Islands, graduating from high school, going to college and preparing to participate fully in the workplace," a Government House news release said. "They have the right to maximize their potential by making the most of their intellect, talents and abilities."
Young people in the territory with disabilities will spend part of the day gaining insight into career opportunities by shadowing employers and touring various workplaces.

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.

Oct. 15, 2002 – This week the territory will observe Disability Mentoring Week in honor of the more than 1 million people who have entered the labor force since the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act, allowing further contribution to society and their own fulfillment as taxpayers, consumers and workers.
Wednesday is Disability Mentoring Day in the Virgin Islands, and ancillary events will be coordinated by the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Disability Employment, the American Association of People with Disabilities and Work-Able Inc.
"The observance also points out that new generations of young people with disabilities are growing up in the Virgin Islands, graduating from high school, going to college and preparing to participate fully in the workplace," a Government House news release said. "They have the right to maximize their potential by making the most of their intellect, talents and abilities."
Young people in the territory with disabilities will spend part of the day gaining insight into career opportunities by shadowing employers and touring various workplaces.

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.

Oct. 15, 2002 – This week the territory will observe Disability Mentoring Week in honor of the more than 1 million people who have entered the labor force since the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act, allowing further contribution to society and their own fulfillment as taxpayers, consumers and workers.
Wednesday is Disability Mentoring Day in the Virgin Islands, and ancillary events will be coordinated by the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Disability Employment, the American Association of People with Disabilities and Work-Able Inc.
"The observance also points out that new generations of young people with disabilities are growing up in the Virgin Islands, graduating from high school, going to college and preparing to participate fully in the workplace," a Government House news release said. "They have the right to maximize their potential by making the most of their intellect, talents and abilities."
Young people in the territory with disabilities will spend part of the day gaining insight into career opportunities by shadowing employers and touring various workplaces.

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.

Oct. 15, 2002 – This week the territory will observe Disability Mentoring Week in honor of the more than 1 million people who have entered the labor force since the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act, allowing their fulfillment as taxpayers, consumers and workers.
Wednesday is Disability Mentoring Day in the Virgin Islands, and ancillary events will be coordinated by the U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment, the American Association of People with Disabilities and Work-Able Inc.
"The observance also points out that new generations of young people with disabilities are growing up in the Virgin Islands, graduating from high school, going to college and preparing to participate fully in the workplace," a Government House news release said. "They have the right to maximize their potential by making the most of their intellect, talents and abilities."
Young people with disabilities will spend part of the day gaining insight into career opportunities by shadowing employers and touring various workplaces.

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.

Oct. 15, 2002 – The territory will observe Disability Mentoring Week this week, in honor of the more than 1 million people who have entered the labor force since the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act, allowing their fulfillment as taxpayers, consumers and workers.
Wednesday is Disability Mentoring Day in the Virgin Islands, and ancillary events will be coordinated by the U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment, the American Association of People with Disabilities and Work-Able Inc.
"The observance also points out that new generations of young people with disabilities are growing up in the Virgin Islands, graduating from high school, going to college and preparing to participate fully in the workplace," a Government House news release said. "They have the right to maximize their potential by making the most of their intellect, talents and abilities."
Young people with disabilities will spend part of the day gaining insight into career opportunities by shadowing employers and touring various workplaces.

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.

Oct. 15, 2002 – This week the territory will observe Disability Mentoring Week in honor of the more than 1 million people who have entered the labor force since the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act, allowing further contribution to society and their own fulfillment as taxpayers, consumers and workers.
Wednesday is Disability Mentoring Day in the Virgin Islands, and ancillary events will be coordinated by the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Disability Employment, the American Association of People with Disabilities and Work-Able Inc.
"The observance also points out that new generations of young people with disabilities are growing up in the Virgin Islands, graduating from high school, going to college and preparing to participate fully in the workplace," a Government House news release said. "They have the right to maximize their potential by making the most of their intellect, talents and abilities."
Young people in the territory with disabilities will spend part of the day gaining insight into career opportunities by shadowing employers and touring various workplaces.

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.