Oct. 14, 2002 – The University of the Virgin Islands is feeling the crunch of the territory's insurance crisis, according to reports presented at a UVI board of trustees meeting Saturday.
Property insurance costs soared in the Virgin Islands last year when several companies stopped writing coverage in the territory. Previously, UVI purchased $17 million worth of windstorm insurance and $79 million in earthquake and fire coverage, Vincent Samuel, associate vice president for administration and finance, said.
"Our strategy changed this year because of availability and cost," Samuel said. In the case of windstorm coverage, "That amount [$17 million] was not available to us this year," he said.
UVI purchased $12 million in windstorm and $79 million in fire and earthquake insurance coverage this year at a cost of $1.6 million, Samuel said. A consultant recommended that amount of coverage based on losses likely to be sustained in a Category 4 hurricane.
Still, "Twelve million in insurance cost $500,000 more than we paid last year for $17 million," said Malcolm Kirwan, UVI's former vice president for administration finance who has been named executive director of the university's new research and technology park.
Even with the increased insurance costs and despite a fourth-quarter allotment reduction of $1.1 million, UVI is in sound fiscal condition, according to Roy Jackson, the board's Finance Committee chair. "Throughout the last three quarters, we've received all anticipated allotments," he said. "There was a reduction in the fourth quarter, but that was across the board."
In that final quarter, Jackson said, all government agencies' allotments were reduced because of a shortfall in revenue collections. However, he said two additional allocations totaling $1.5 million that were not part of UVI's original budget appropriation will pick up the slack, and the university will end up receiving $385,170 above the Fiscal Year 2002 budgeted funds.
And, Jackson added, the university has managed to keep its purse strings tight this year, spending only 88 percent of its budgeted funds. There was a 23 percent increase in revenues and only a 17 percent increase in expenditures.
One area less under control that came up for discussion at the board meeting is UVI's public image. An article in The Avis several months ago reported that the entire Class of 2002 in the associate degree in nursing program on St. Croix had failed. Some board members expressed concern about the school's representation in the media in the wake of that article.
UVI President LaVerne Ragster said the article was inaccurate. She said four students enrolled in one required course failed, and that since then a mentoring program has been put in place.
Ragster said more control over what gets into the media is the answer. "The problem is, you have staff and students talking to the press and the press putting together a story that was not under our control," she said.
An accomplishment that reflects well on UVI is the implementation of money-saving energy- and water-conservation measures. Board member Henry Smock, who chairs the Building and Grounds Committee, reported that St. Croix's campus is almost 100 percent self-sufficient.
"The UVI staff is clearly doing more with less here; both campuses never looked better," he said.
A large portion of the three-hour public meeting was dedicated to discussion about a change in the UVI organizational chart. Ragster proposed to give more authority to the chancellor on each campus in an effort to streamline administrative functions. The suggestion was met with apprehension by several board members, and a follow-up meeting to vote on the measure was set for Nov. 9.
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UVI IN SOUND FISCAL SHAPE, TRUSTEES TOLD
Oct. 14, 2002 – The University of the Virgin Islands is feeling the crunch of the territory's insurance crisis, according to reports presented at a UVI board of trustees meeting Saturday.
Property insurance costs soared in the Virgin Islands last year when several companies stopped writing coverage in the territory. Previously, UVI purchased $17 million worth of windstorm insurance and $79 million in earthquake and fire coverage, Vincent Samuel, associate vice president for administration and finance, said.
"Our strategy changed this year because of availability and cost," Samuel said. In the case of windstorm coverage, "That amount [$17 million] was not available to us this year," he said.
UVI purchased $12 million in windstorm and $79 million in fire and earthquake insurance coverage this year at a cost of $1.6 million, Samuel said. A consultant recommended that amount of coverage based on losses likely to be sustained in a Category 4 hurricane.
Still, "Twelve million in insurance cost $500,000 more than we paid last year for $17 million," said Malcolm Kirwan, UVI's former vice president for administration finance who has been named executive director of the university's new research and technology park.
Even with the increased insurance costs and despite a fourth-quarter allotment reduction of $1.1 million, UVI is in sound fiscal condition, according to Roy Jackson, the board's Finance Committee chair. "Throughout the last three quarters, we've received all anticipated allotments," he said. "There was a reduction in the fourth quarter, but that was across the board."
In that final quarter, Jackson said, all government agencies' allotments were reduced because of a shortfall in revenue collections. However, he said two additional allocations totaling $1.5 million that were not part of UVI's original budget appropriation will pick up the slack, and the university will end up receiving $385,170 above the Fiscal Year 2002 budgeted funds.
And, Jackson added, the university has managed to keep its purse strings tight this year, spending only 88 percent of its budgeted funds. There was a 23 percent increase in revenues and only a 17 percent increase in expenditures.
One area less under control that came up for discussion at the board meeting is UVI's public image. An article in The Avis several months ago reported that the entire Class of 2002 in the associate degree in nursing program on St. Croix had failed. Some board members expressed concern about the school's representation in the media in the wake of that article.
UVI President LaVerne Ragster said the article was inaccurate. She said four students enrolled in one required course failed, and that since then a mentoring program has been put in place.
Ragster said more control over what gets into the media is the answer. "The problem is, you have staff and students talking to the press and the press putting together a story that was not under our control," she said.
An accomplishment that reflects well on UVI is the implementation of money-saving energy- and water-conservation measures. Board member Henry Smock, who chairs the Building and Grounds Committee, reported that St. Croix's campus is almost 100 percent self-sufficient.
"The UVI staff is clearly doing more with less here; both campuses never looked better," he said.
A large portion of the three-hour public meeting was dedicated to discussion about a change in the UVI organizational chart. Ragster proposed to give more authority to the chancellor on each campus in an effort to streamline administrative functions. The suggestion was met with apprehension by several board members, and a follow-up meeting to vote on the measure was set for Nov. 9.
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.
Property insurance costs soared in the Virgin Islands last year when several companies stopped writing coverage in the territory. Previously, UVI purchased $17 million worth of windstorm insurance and $79 million in earthquake and fire coverage, Vincent Samuel, associate vice president for administration and finance, said.
"Our strategy changed this year because of availability and cost," Samuel said. In the case of windstorm coverage, "That amount [$17 million] was not available to us this year," he said.
UVI purchased $12 million in windstorm and $79 million in fire and earthquake insurance coverage this year at a cost of $1.6 million, Samuel said. A consultant recommended that amount of coverage based on losses likely to be sustained in a Category 4 hurricane.
Still, "Twelve million in insurance cost $500,000 more than we paid last year for $17 million," said Malcolm Kirwan, UVI's former vice president for administration finance who has been named executive director of the university's new research and technology park.
Even with the increased insurance costs and despite a fourth-quarter allotment reduction of $1.1 million, UVI is in sound fiscal condition, according to Roy Jackson, the board's Finance Committee chair. "Throughout the last three quarters, we've received all anticipated allotments," he said. "There was a reduction in the fourth quarter, but that was across the board."
In that final quarter, Jackson said, all government agencies' allotments were reduced because of a shortfall in revenue collections. However, he said two additional allocations totaling $1.5 million that were not part of UVI's original budget appropriation will pick up the slack, and the university will end up receiving $385,170 above the Fiscal Year 2002 budgeted funds.
And, Jackson added, the university has managed to keep its purse strings tight this year, spending only 88 percent of its budgeted funds. There was a 23 percent increase in revenues and only a 17 percent increase in expenditures.
One area less under control that came up for discussion at the board meeting is UVI's public image. An article in The Avis several months ago reported that the entire Class of 2002 in the associate degree in nursing program on St. Croix had failed. Some board members expressed concern about the school's representation in the media in the wake of that article.
UVI President LaVerne Ragster said the article was inaccurate. She said four students enrolled in one required course failed, and that since then a mentoring program has been put in place.
Ragster said more control over what gets into the media is the answer. "The problem is, you have staff and students talking to the press and the press putting together a story that was not under our control," she said.
An accomplishment that reflects well on UVI is the implementation of money-saving energy- and water-conservation measures. Board member Henry Smock, who chairs the Building and Grounds Committee, reported that St. Croix's campus is almost 100 percent self-sufficient.
"The UVI staff is clearly doing more with less here; both campuses never looked better," he said.
A large portion of the three-hour public meeting was dedicated to discussion about a change in the UVI organizational chart. Ragster proposed to give more authority to the chancellor on each campus in an effort to streamline administrative functions. The suggestion was met with apprehension by several board members, and a follow-up meeting to vote on the measure was set for Nov. 9.
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GRAND RALLY & MUSIC FEST ON SUNDAY
Oct. 15, 2002 – The de Jongh/Arnold campaign presents a Grand Rally & Music Fest at Sion Farm Shopping Center (Wiesner Development Co.) from 2 p.m. to midnight.
International musical entertainment will be provided by DJ Brachie and New Vio International from the Virgin Islands, Grupo Karis from Puerto Rico, and the Sugar Band from St. Kitts. A special program will be held for kids.
Complimentary hors d'oeuvres will be provided and cold drinks will be on sale. De Jongh, Arnold and supporters will take center stage at 7:30 p.m., and the Rally speeches will be carried live on WRRA Radio from until 9:30 for those who can't attend.
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.
International musical entertainment will be provided by DJ Brachie and New Vio International from the Virgin Islands, Grupo Karis from Puerto Rico, and the Sugar Band from St. Kitts. A special program will be held for kids.
Complimentary hors d'oeuvres will be provided and cold drinks will be on sale. De Jongh, Arnold and supporters will take center stage at 7:30 p.m., and the Rally speeches will be carried live on WRRA Radio from until 9:30 for those who can't attend.
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.
GRAND RALLY & MUSIC FEST ON SUNDAY
Oct. 15, 2002 – On Sunday the de Jongh/Arnold campaign presents a Grand Rally & Music Fest at Sion Farm Shopping Center (Wiesner Development Co.) from 2 p.m. to midnight.
International musical entertainment will be provided by DJ Brachie and New Vio International from the Virgin Islands, Grupo Karis from Puerto Rico, and the Sugar Band from St. Kitts. A special program will be held for kids.
Complimentary hors d'oeuvres will be provided and cold drinks will be on sale. De Jongh, Arnold and supporters will take center stage at 7:30 p.m., and the Rally speeches will be carried live on WRRA Radio from until 9:30 for those who can't attend.
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.
International musical entertainment will be provided by DJ Brachie and New Vio International from the Virgin Islands, Grupo Karis from Puerto Rico, and the Sugar Band from St. Kitts. A special program will be held for kids.
Complimentary hors d'oeuvres will be provided and cold drinks will be on sale. De Jongh, Arnold and supporters will take center stage at 7:30 p.m., and the Rally speeches will be carried live on WRRA Radio from until 9:30 for those who can't attend.
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.
REICHHOLD'S EDGECOMBE IS SPEAKER AT ROTARY II
Oct. 14, 2002 – Rotary Club of St. Thomas II will meet at 12:15 p.m. on Wednesday at Marriott's Frenchman's Reef Beach Resort. Guest speaker David Edgecombe, director of the Reichhold Center for the Arts, will talk about the center and its upcoming season.
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DR EDGECOMB SPEAKER AT ROTARY II
Rotary Club of St. Thomas II will meet at Marriott's Frenchman's Reef Beach Resort. The guest speaker will be Dr. David Edgecomb, speaking on the Reichhold Center for the Arts and the upcoming season.
ORALDO A. WILSON FUNERAL AT CITY SEVENTHDAY
Oraldo A. Wilson, age 89, of #89 Annas Fancy, died Oct. 9, at Roy L. Schneider Hospital. His funeral will be at 10 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 18, at City Seventhday Adventist Church. viewing will be from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 17, at the Davis Funeral Home. viewing will also be from 9 to 10 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 18, at City Seventhday Adventist Church. Interment will be in Western Cemetery.
He is survived by daughters Erica Wilson-Maynard, Eldred Wilson, Valencia and Vivian Wilson; stepson Dunstan James; stepdaughters Cheryl Browne, Maizil James and Joycelyn Jackson; sister Aureola Bramble; brother Joseph Wilson; 18 grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren and many other relatives and friends too numerous to mention.
He is survived by daughters Erica Wilson-Maynard, Eldred Wilson, Valencia and Vivian Wilson; stepson Dunstan James; stepdaughters Cheryl Browne, Maizil James and Joycelyn Jackson; sister Aureola Bramble; brother Joseph Wilson; 18 grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren and many other relatives and friends too numerous to mention.
PEDESTRIAN KILLED ON VETERANS DRIVE
Oct. 14, 2002 – A pedestrian was struck and killed by a car at about 6 a.m. Monday while he was apparently crossing Veterans Drive.
The accident occurred in front of International Plaza. Police at the scene said it was not a hit and run, and that all persons involved in the accident were present. No further details were available at the time.
Police have not released the names of those involved.
The accident occurred in front of International Plaza. Police at the scene said it was not a hit and run, and that all persons involved in the accident were present. No further details were available at the time.
Police have not released the names of those involved.
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IMPERFECT FRUIT JUST RIGHT FOR PAPAYA BREAD
Oct. 13, 2002 – What do you do when the ripe papaya your mouth is watering for turns out to be a tasteless, non-sweet dud? Make Papaya Bread.
The papaya, native to North America but cultivated in semitropical zones around the world abounds in our own backyards. Green, unripe, papaya are cooked like summer squash and eaten as a vegetable. But ripe papaya, when the skin takes on a vivid yellow-gold color, makes sweet eating for fruit salads and dessert recipes.
My papaya, although blushed golden on the outside with a soft orange flesh, tasted like it still needed several days in the ripening process. Once cut though, I knew it would deteriorate fast. This fact, combined with my enjoyment of experimenting with new recipes on the weekends, enticed me to try Papaya Bread.
Basically, the batter for the recipe below is similar to other sweet breads like banana. The key, I discovered, was to puree the papaya until smooth. Mashing it left chunks that created holes when the bread baked. To satisfy my daughter's sweet tooth and my desired to sneak in a bit more nutrition, I added raisins. The result proved a deliciously sweet orange-brown bread which makes a great snack or breakfast fare.
Ripe Papaya Bread
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup butter
2 eggs
1 cup pureed ripe papaya
1/2 cup raisins
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon each of ground cinnamon, allspice and ginger
Cream sugar with butter until light. Add eggs and beat until fluffy. Add papaya and raisins and mix well. Sift flour with baking powder, soda, salt, cinnamon, allspice and ginger. Add to butter mixture. Pour batter into greased and floured 9-x-5-inch loaf pan. Bake at 325 degrees Fahrenheit for about 1 hour 5 minutes.
Makes 1 loaf of 16 slices. Per slice: 165 calories, 6 gms fat (34 percent fat calories), 42 mg cholesterol, 128 mg sodium.
Nutrition note: Papaya is a very good source of vitamins A and C.
Publisher's note : Like the St. Croix Source now? Find out how you can love us twice as much — and show your support for the islands' free and independent news voice … click here.
The papaya, native to North America but cultivated in semitropical zones around the world abounds in our own backyards. Green, unripe, papaya are cooked like summer squash and eaten as a vegetable. But ripe papaya, when the skin takes on a vivid yellow-gold color, makes sweet eating for fruit salads and dessert recipes.
My papaya, although blushed golden on the outside with a soft orange flesh, tasted like it still needed several days in the ripening process. Once cut though, I knew it would deteriorate fast. This fact, combined with my enjoyment of experimenting with new recipes on the weekends, enticed me to try Papaya Bread.
Basically, the batter for the recipe below is similar to other sweet breads like banana. The key, I discovered, was to puree the papaya until smooth. Mashing it left chunks that created holes when the bread baked. To satisfy my daughter's sweet tooth and my desired to sneak in a bit more nutrition, I added raisins. The result proved a deliciously sweet orange-brown bread which makes a great snack or breakfast fare.
Ripe Papaya Bread
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup butter
2 eggs
1 cup pureed ripe papaya
1/2 cup raisins
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon each of ground cinnamon, allspice and ginger
Cream sugar with butter until light. Add eggs and beat until fluffy. Add papaya and raisins and mix well. Sift flour with baking powder, soda, salt, cinnamon, allspice and ginger. Add to butter mixture. Pour batter into greased and floured 9-x-5-inch loaf pan. Bake at 325 degrees Fahrenheit for about 1 hour 5 minutes.
Makes 1 loaf of 16 slices. Per slice: 165 calories, 6 gms fat (34 percent fat calories), 42 mg cholesterol, 128 mg sodium.
Nutrition note: Papaya is a very good source of vitamins A and C.
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.
IMPERFECT FRUIT JUST RIGHT FOR PAPAYA BREAD
Oct. 13, 2002 – What do you do when the ripe papaya your mouth is watering for turns out to be a tasteless, non-sweet dud? Make Papaya Bread.
The papaya, native to North America but cultivated in semitropical zones around the world abounds in our own backyards. Green, unripe, papaya are cooked like summer squash and eaten as a vegetable. But ripe papaya, when the skin takes on a vivid yellow-gold color, makes sweet eating for fruit salads and dessert recipes.
My papaya, although blushed golden on the outside with a soft orange flesh, tasted like it still needed several days in the ripening process. Once cut though, I knew it would deteriorate fast. This fact, combined with my enjoyment of experimenting with new recipes on the weekends, enticed me to try Papaya Bread.
Basically, the batter for the recipe below is similar to other sweet breads like banana. The key, I discovered, was to puree the papaya until smooth. Mashing it left chunks that created holes when the bread baked. To satisfy my daughter's sweet tooth and my desired to sneak in a bit more nutrition, I added raisins. The result proved a deliciously sweet orange-brown bread which makes a great snack or breakfast fare.
Ripe Papaya Bread
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup butter
2 eggs
1 cup pureed ripe papaya
1/2 cup raisins
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon each of ground cinnamon, allspice and ginger
Cream sugar with butter until light. Add eggs and beat until fluffy. Add papaya and raisins and mix well. Sift flour with baking powder, soda, salt, cinnamon, allspice and ginger. Add to butter mixture. Pour batter into greased and floured 9-x-5-inch loaf pan. Bake at 325 degrees Fahrenheit for about 1 hour 5 minutes.
Makes 1 loaf of 16 slices. Per slice: 165 calories, 6 gms fat (34 percent fat calories), 42 mg cholesterol, 128 mg sodium.
Nutrition note: Papaya is a very good source of vitamins A and C.
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.
The papaya, native to North America but cultivated in semitropical zones around the world abounds in our own backyards. Green, unripe, papaya are cooked like summer squash and eaten as a vegetable. But ripe papaya, when the skin takes on a vivid yellow-gold color, makes sweet eating for fruit salads and dessert recipes.
My papaya, although blushed golden on the outside with a soft orange flesh, tasted like it still needed several days in the ripening process. Once cut though, I knew it would deteriorate fast. This fact, combined with my enjoyment of experimenting with new recipes on the weekends, enticed me to try Papaya Bread.
Basically, the batter for the recipe below is similar to other sweet breads like banana. The key, I discovered, was to puree the papaya until smooth. Mashing it left chunks that created holes when the bread baked. To satisfy my daughter's sweet tooth and my desired to sneak in a bit more nutrition, I added raisins. The result proved a deliciously sweet orange-brown bread which makes a great snack or breakfast fare.
Ripe Papaya Bread
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup butter
2 eggs
1 cup pureed ripe papaya
1/2 cup raisins
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon each of ground cinnamon, allspice and ginger
Cream sugar with butter until light. Add eggs and beat until fluffy. Add papaya and raisins and mix well. Sift flour with baking powder, soda, salt, cinnamon, allspice and ginger. Add to butter mixture. Pour batter into greased and floured 9-x-5-inch loaf pan. Bake at 325 degrees Fahrenheit for about 1 hour 5 minutes.
Makes 1 loaf of 16 slices. Per slice: 165 calories, 6 gms fat (34 percent fat calories), 42 mg cholesterol, 128 mg sodium.
Nutrition note: Papaya is a very good source of vitamins A and C.
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.
