Oct. 13, 2002 – The biggest neighborhood Trick or Treat Bash will be at Tutu Park Mall from 1 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26, just before Halloween.
Mall stores will be filling goody bags for everyone in costume. Children under 12 must be accompanied by a parent.
The Sweet Kisses novelty store will be celebrating their two-year anniversary with the 2002 Spooky Costume Party. The Howling Costume Contest – with prizes — will take place every hour throughout the celebration.
DJ Creepy will spin groovy blood-chilling tunes to get everyone in the Halloween spirit
For more information call 775-4658
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VIHA TUTORIAL PROGRAM STARTS OCT. 21
Oct. 13, 2002 – The V.I. Housing Authority's 2002-2003 After School Tutorial Program will begin Monday, Oct. 21, in the following communities:
— Paul M. Pearson Gardens Community Center
— Oswald E. Harris Court, Ruth Dazle Community Center
— Michael J. Kirwan Terrace, Ramona Blade Community Center
— H.H. Bergs Home Community Center
— Estate Tutu Hi-Rise Community Center
— Knolls at Contant Community Center.
The Tutorial Program will be held four days weekly, Monday through Thursday, 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.
A reminder: all residents with a disability are invited to participate in all activities. Please call the community services office in your community so necessary accommodations can be provided.
Jennifer Lettsome-Tuckett, community services supervisor, at 777-8442, ext. 7396, and Jacqueline Joseph, at ext. 7394, have more information.
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.
— Paul M. Pearson Gardens Community Center
— Oswald E. Harris Court, Ruth Dazle Community Center
— Michael J. Kirwan Terrace, Ramona Blade Community Center
— H.H. Bergs Home Community Center
— Estate Tutu Hi-Rise Community Center
— Knolls at Contant Community Center.
The Tutorial Program will be held four days weekly, Monday through Thursday, 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.
A reminder: all residents with a disability are invited to participate in all activities. Please call the community services office in your community so necessary accommodations can be provided.
Jennifer Lettsome-Tuckett, community services supervisor, at 777-8442, ext. 7396, and Jacqueline Joseph, at ext. 7394, have more information.
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.
REGISTER FOR VIHA CLASSES TO START NOV. 4
Oct. 13, 2002 – The V.I. Housing Authority's Computer Literacy/Job Readiness Program is gearing up to start classes on Nov. 4 in several communities on St. Thomas. Residents who are interested and would like to continue in this program as invited to register.
The communities and schedules are:
— P.M. Pearson Gardens – 5:30-8:30 on Mondays, Wednesdays & Thursdays,
— O.E. Harris Court – 9 a.m.-noon Mondays, Wednesdays & Thursdays.
— M.J. Kirwan Terrace – 9 a.m.-noon Mondays & Tuesdays.
— Tutu Hi-Rise – 9 a.m.-noon Wednesdays and Fridays and 5:30-8:30 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.
— Knolls at Contant – 5:30-8:30 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.
Residents can obtain registration forms from the community service specialist in the respective community.
Residents with a disability are invited to participate in all activities. Contact the community services office in your community so that VIHA can provide the necessary accommodations.
For more information call Jennifer Lettsome-Tuckett, community services spervisor, at 777-8442 ext. 7396 or Jacqueline Joseph at extension 7394.
Publisher's note : Like the St. Thomas Source now? Find out how you can love us twice as much — and show your support for the islands' free and independent news voice … click here.
The communities and schedules are:
— P.M. Pearson Gardens – 5:30-8:30 on Mondays, Wednesdays & Thursdays,
— O.E. Harris Court – 9 a.m.-noon Mondays, Wednesdays & Thursdays.
— M.J. Kirwan Terrace – 9 a.m.-noon Mondays & Tuesdays.
— Tutu Hi-Rise – 9 a.m.-noon Wednesdays and Fridays and 5:30-8:30 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.
— Knolls at Contant – 5:30-8:30 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.
Residents can obtain registration forms from the community service specialist in the respective community.
Residents with a disability are invited to participate in all activities. Contact the community services office in your community so that VIHA can provide the necessary accommodations.
For more information call Jennifer Lettsome-Tuckett, community services spervisor, at 777-8442 ext. 7396 or Jacqueline Joseph at extension 7394.
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.
WAPA ACCEPTING OIL SPILL CLAIMS
Oct. 13, 2002 – The V.I. Water and Power Authority is accepting claims for damages after gallons of fuel oil leaked into the Christiansted harbor from its Richmond plant. The company is urging boaters or property owners who experienced damage because of Wednesday’s spill to submit claims for compensation to safety manager Vaughn Hendricks.
After a 48-hour clean-up operation using absorbent pads and containment booms, WAPA cleaned up approximately 20 gallons of oil that leaked onto the shoreline after torrential rains flooded a fuel oil separator Wednesday morning.
A debris-clogged trench caused the water level buildup that overflowed into the power plant, causing equipment malfunction. The fuel oil separator removes oil from the waste water before sending the distilled water out to sea.
Seaplane travelers could see the oil slick floating along an easterly current from the Richmond plant to the Kings Alley dock adjacent to Fort Christiansvaern. A rainbow colored film glistened in the evening setting sun.
At least one vessel experienced some damage. Mile-Mark Charter’s glass bottom boat had a chocolate-brown petroleum marking at sea level.
A WAPA press release on Friday stated that under the Oil Pollution Act of 1990, the Authority is responsible for the removal cost and damages resulting from the incident.
The Coast Guard, Department of Planning and Natural Resources and the National Response Team came to action Wednesday to assist WAPA’s First Strike Team, who had just completed mock exercises on spill management and oil spill response.
The training included wildlife rehabilitation, types of response equipment, public relations and safety plans.
Hollis Griffin, DPNR’s director of Environmental Protection, said he had examined the area around 2:30 p.m. on Thursday and it looked good. "The oil has dissipated and my staff is having a meeting with WAPA to discuss the results of the clean-up operation," Griffin said.
DPNR said it will continue to monitor the area to ensure that no more diesel or fuel oil is apparent.
Aaron Hutchins, DPNR supervisor of the Water Pollution Control Program, said, "There is still the boardwalk area and a storm drain next to the seaplane that we are checking. From my aspect, there is no dead fish or an impact on the wildlife."
Claimants are asked to mail formal requests for compensation to WAPA, attention Vaughn Hendricks, safety manager, P.O. Box 1009, Christiansted, St. Croix, VI 00821.
Hendricks call be reached at 773-2796 between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Monday through Friday.
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.
After a 48-hour clean-up operation using absorbent pads and containment booms, WAPA cleaned up approximately 20 gallons of oil that leaked onto the shoreline after torrential rains flooded a fuel oil separator Wednesday morning.
A debris-clogged trench caused the water level buildup that overflowed into the power plant, causing equipment malfunction. The fuel oil separator removes oil from the waste water before sending the distilled water out to sea.
Seaplane travelers could see the oil slick floating along an easterly current from the Richmond plant to the Kings Alley dock adjacent to Fort Christiansvaern. A rainbow colored film glistened in the evening setting sun.
At least one vessel experienced some damage. Mile-Mark Charter’s glass bottom boat had a chocolate-brown petroleum marking at sea level.
A WAPA press release on Friday stated that under the Oil Pollution Act of 1990, the Authority is responsible for the removal cost and damages resulting from the incident.
The Coast Guard, Department of Planning and Natural Resources and the National Response Team came to action Wednesday to assist WAPA’s First Strike Team, who had just completed mock exercises on spill management and oil spill response.
The training included wildlife rehabilitation, types of response equipment, public relations and safety plans.
Hollis Griffin, DPNR’s director of Environmental Protection, said he had examined the area around 2:30 p.m. on Thursday and it looked good. "The oil has dissipated and my staff is having a meeting with WAPA to discuss the results of the clean-up operation," Griffin said.
DPNR said it will continue to monitor the area to ensure that no more diesel or fuel oil is apparent.
Aaron Hutchins, DPNR supervisor of the Water Pollution Control Program, said, "There is still the boardwalk area and a storm drain next to the seaplane that we are checking. From my aspect, there is no dead fish or an impact on the wildlife."
Claimants are asked to mail formal requests for compensation to WAPA, attention Vaughn Hendricks, safety manager, P.O. Box 1009, Christiansted, St. Croix, VI 00821.
Hendricks call be reached at 773-2796 between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Monday through Friday.
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.
CONDOLENCES COME FROM FLORIDA
Dear Source,
I was very saddened to hear about the sudden death of Kirk Grybowski. My condolences to the community and especially to Judy and the boys and their families.
We were neighbors many years ago and I drove the boys to school many a morning.
I worked with Kirk at the Roy l. Schneider Hospital for many years. I saw him just recently when I was visiting on the island. He will be missed.
Sincerely,
Mikkie Belvedere
Florida
I was very saddened to hear about the sudden death of Kirk Grybowski. My condolences to the community and especially to Judy and the boys and their families.
We were neighbors many years ago and I drove the boys to school many a morning.
I worked with Kirk at the Roy l. Schneider Hospital for many years. I saw him just recently when I was visiting on the island. He will be missed.
Sincerely,
Mikkie Belvedere
Florida
PUBLIC SERVICE: ELECTED OR NON-ELECTED
Dear Source,
There seems to be a general impression that the only real way to serve the public is by being elected to an office. Many of us know that is an erroneous perception of public service. There are quite a number of us residents who are not elected to office but we are active in community service, whether as volunteers or paid public servants – and mostly, as volunteers.
We take our mission seriously by remaining committed to our task. So why are so many individuals choosing to run for public office, for an elected post in government? Many of them have no track record as public servants or even as community activists. But they present themselves as viable alternatives to the incumbents, making promises they know fully well they cannot fulfill. That is demagoguery.
Many choose to run as independent candidates, although they are registered in a political party. That in itself sends a red flag to my mind concerning those candidates that — despite being registered in a political party — chose to run as independents. That indicates to me a lack of loyalty, a lack of discipline and a lack of political convictions. Many of these candidates have no true track record of community service.
They offer solutions that reveal their dishonesty and/or ignorance. Some offer to reduce the price of gasoline, which we know is controlled by the marketplace and not by the Legislature. Others offer to resolve the crime problems by increasing the number of police officers, without taking in consideration the real problem of the organization, which is low morale due to inadequate leadership. Some offer to get back accreditation for our high schools without a plan for improving the academic standards of our school system. These same candidates are notorious for their absences from public hearings and other community forums where the public could be exposed to their ideas and leadership qualities. I believe if elected they also will be notorious for their absences from meetings.
It would be much to the candidates' and the voting public's advantage if candidates were to expose their ideas and leadership skills long before campaigning for office. My point here is that many of us have done and can do much to improve our community without being elected to office. What is the real motivating factor, money?
There are many areas in which persons who are willing and able to serve can do so without being elected to office. They can do volunteer service individually or with any number of the "non-governmental organizations" of our community. I believe that will be showing true patriotism, love for this community. With such a background of community service as part of a candidate’s dossier, most skeptical persons would be impressed.
In a democratic system the people get the government they elect and, some would say, what they deserve. In any case one thing is inescapable: we decide who we want to represent us. Therefore we should attempt to know as much about the candidates as possible to be sure they are the right ones to represent our values, our agenda. But we all should assume more responsibility in controlling our government by selecting and electing persons who have knowledge, integrity and goodwill.
Not all of us can be elected to office or want to be elected, but all of us can and should be active in our community affairs. We can and should look around our community to identify prospective candidates to represent us in government and not wait for candidates to come to us. We should support the candidates that we select to represent us on all levels, with our time, funds and ideas. Those of us who are affiliated with a political party should be active in the party, preparing prospective leaders for the party and the government.
J.J. Estemac
St. Thomas
We welcome and encourage readers to keep the dialogue going by responding to Source commentary. Letters should be e-mailed with name and place of residence to source@viaccess.net.
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.
There seems to be a general impression that the only real way to serve the public is by being elected to an office. Many of us know that is an erroneous perception of public service. There are quite a number of us residents who are not elected to office but we are active in community service, whether as volunteers or paid public servants – and mostly, as volunteers.
We take our mission seriously by remaining committed to our task. So why are so many individuals choosing to run for public office, for an elected post in government? Many of them have no track record as public servants or even as community activists. But they present themselves as viable alternatives to the incumbents, making promises they know fully well they cannot fulfill. That is demagoguery.
Many choose to run as independent candidates, although they are registered in a political party. That in itself sends a red flag to my mind concerning those candidates that — despite being registered in a political party — chose to run as independents. That indicates to me a lack of loyalty, a lack of discipline and a lack of political convictions. Many of these candidates have no true track record of community service.
They offer solutions that reveal their dishonesty and/or ignorance. Some offer to reduce the price of gasoline, which we know is controlled by the marketplace and not by the Legislature. Others offer to resolve the crime problems by increasing the number of police officers, without taking in consideration the real problem of the organization, which is low morale due to inadequate leadership. Some offer to get back accreditation for our high schools without a plan for improving the academic standards of our school system. These same candidates are notorious for their absences from public hearings and other community forums where the public could be exposed to their ideas and leadership qualities. I believe if elected they also will be notorious for their absences from meetings.
It would be much to the candidates' and the voting public's advantage if candidates were to expose their ideas and leadership skills long before campaigning for office. My point here is that many of us have done and can do much to improve our community without being elected to office. What is the real motivating factor, money?
There are many areas in which persons who are willing and able to serve can do so without being elected to office. They can do volunteer service individually or with any number of the "non-governmental organizations" of our community. I believe that will be showing true patriotism, love for this community. With such a background of community service as part of a candidate’s dossier, most skeptical persons would be impressed.
In a democratic system the people get the government they elect and, some would say, what they deserve. In any case one thing is inescapable: we decide who we want to represent us. Therefore we should attempt to know as much about the candidates as possible to be sure they are the right ones to represent our values, our agenda. But we all should assume more responsibility in controlling our government by selecting and electing persons who have knowledge, integrity and goodwill.
Not all of us can be elected to office or want to be elected, but all of us can and should be active in our community affairs. We can and should look around our community to identify prospective candidates to represent us in government and not wait for candidates to come to us. We should support the candidates that we select to represent us on all levels, with our time, funds and ideas. Those of us who are affiliated with a political party should be active in the party, preparing prospective leaders for the party and the government.
J.J. Estemac
St. Thomas
We welcome and encourage readers to keep the dialogue going by responding to Source commentary. Letters should be e-mailed with name and place of residence to source@viaccess.net.
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.
PUBLIC SERVICE: ELECTED OR NON-ELECTED
Dear Source,
There seems to be a general impression that the only real way to serve the public is by being elected to an office. Many of us know that is an erroneous perception of public service. There are quite a number of us residents who are not elected to office but we are active in community service, whether as volunteers or paid public servants – and mostly, as volunteers.
We take our mission seriously by remaining committed to our task. So why are so many individuals choosing to run for public office, for an elected post in government? Many of them have no track record as public servants or even as community activists. But they present themselves as viable alternatives to the incumbents, making promises they know fully well they cannot fulfill. That is demagoguery.
Many choose to run as independent candidates, although they are registered in a political party. That in itself sends a red flag to my mind concerning those candidates that — despite being registered in a political party — chose to run as independents. That indicates to me a lack of loyalty, a lack of discipline and a lack of political convictions. Many of these candidates have no true track record of community service.
They offer solutions that reveal their dishonesty and/or ignorance. Some offer to reduce the price of gasoline, which we know is controlled by the marketplace and not by the Legislature. Others offer to resolve the crime problems by increasing the number of police officers, without taking in consideration the real problem of the organization, which is low morale due to inadequate leadership. Some offer to get back accreditation for our high schools without a plan for improving the academic standards of our school system. These same candidates are notorious for their absences from public hearings and other community forums where the public could be exposed to their ideas and leadership qualities. I believe if elected they also will be notorious for their absences from meetings.
It would be much to the candidates' and the voting public's advantage if candidates were to expose their ideas and leadership skills long before campaigning for office. My point here is that many of us have done and can do much to improve our community without being elected to office. What is the real motivating factor, money?
There are many areas in which persons who are willing and able to serve can do so without being elected to office. They can do volunteer service individually or with any number of the "non-governmental organizations" of our community. I believe that will be showing true patriotism, love for this community. With such a background of community service as part of a candidate’s dossier, most skeptical persons would be impressed.
In a democratic system the people get the government they elect and, some would say, what they deserve. In any case one thing is inescapable: we decide who we want to represent us. Therefore we should attempt to know as much about the candidates as possible to be sure they are the right ones to represent our values, our agenda. But we all should assume more responsibility in controlling our government by selecting and electing persons who have knowledge, integrity and goodwill.
Not all of us can be elected to office or want to be elected, but all of us can and should be active in our community affairs. We can and should look around our community to identify prospective candidates to represent us in government and not wait for candidates to come to us. We should support the candidates that we select to represent us on all levels, with our time, funds and ideas. Those of us who are affiliated with a political party should be active in the party, preparing prospective leaders for the party and the government.
J.J. Estemac
St. Thomas
We welcome and encourage readers to keep the dialogue going by responding to Source commentary. Letters should be e-mailed with name and place of residence to source@viaccess.net.
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.
There seems to be a general impression that the only real way to serve the public is by being elected to an office. Many of us know that is an erroneous perception of public service. There are quite a number of us residents who are not elected to office but we are active in community service, whether as volunteers or paid public servants – and mostly, as volunteers.
We take our mission seriously by remaining committed to our task. So why are so many individuals choosing to run for public office, for an elected post in government? Many of them have no track record as public servants or even as community activists. But they present themselves as viable alternatives to the incumbents, making promises they know fully well they cannot fulfill. That is demagoguery.
Many choose to run as independent candidates, although they are registered in a political party. That in itself sends a red flag to my mind concerning those candidates that — despite being registered in a political party — chose to run as independents. That indicates to me a lack of loyalty, a lack of discipline and a lack of political convictions. Many of these candidates have no true track record of community service.
They offer solutions that reveal their dishonesty and/or ignorance. Some offer to reduce the price of gasoline, which we know is controlled by the marketplace and not by the Legislature. Others offer to resolve the crime problems by increasing the number of police officers, without taking in consideration the real problem of the organization, which is low morale due to inadequate leadership. Some offer to get back accreditation for our high schools without a plan for improving the academic standards of our school system. These same candidates are notorious for their absences from public hearings and other community forums where the public could be exposed to their ideas and leadership qualities. I believe if elected they also will be notorious for their absences from meetings.
It would be much to the candidates' and the voting public's advantage if candidates were to expose their ideas and leadership skills long before campaigning for office. My point here is that many of us have done and can do much to improve our community without being elected to office. What is the real motivating factor, money?
There are many areas in which persons who are willing and able to serve can do so without being elected to office. They can do volunteer service individually or with any number of the "non-governmental organizations" of our community. I believe that will be showing true patriotism, love for this community. With such a background of community service as part of a candidate’s dossier, most skeptical persons would be impressed.
In a democratic system the people get the government they elect and, some would say, what they deserve. In any case one thing is inescapable: we decide who we want to represent us. Therefore we should attempt to know as much about the candidates as possible to be sure they are the right ones to represent our values, our agenda. But we all should assume more responsibility in controlling our government by selecting and electing persons who have knowledge, integrity and goodwill.
Not all of us can be elected to office or want to be elected, but all of us can and should be active in our community affairs. We can and should look around our community to identify prospective candidates to represent us in government and not wait for candidates to come to us. We should support the candidates that we select to represent us on all levels, with our time, funds and ideas. Those of us who are affiliated with a political party should be active in the party, preparing prospective leaders for the party and the government.
J.J. Estemac
St. Thomas
We welcome and encourage readers to keep the dialogue going by responding to Source commentary. Letters should be e-mailed with name and place of residence to source@viaccess.net.
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.
PUBLIC SERVICE: ELECTED OR NON-ELECTED
Dear Source,
There seems to be a general impression that the only real way to serve the public is by being elected to an office. Many of us know that is an erroneous perception of public service. There are quite a number of us residents who are not elected to office but we are active in community service, whether as volunteers or paid public servants – and mostly, as volunteers.
We take our mission seriously by remaining committed to our task. So why are so many individuals choosing to run for public office, for an elected post in government? Many of them have no track record as public servants or even as community activists. But they present themselves as viable alternatives to the incumbents, making promises they know fully well they cannot fulfill. That is demagoguery.
Many choose to run as independent candidates, although they are registered in a political party. That in itself sends a red flag to my mind concerning those candidates that — despite being registered in a political party — chose to run as independents. That indicates to me a lack of loyalty, a lack of discipline and a lack of political convictions. Many of these candidates have no true track record of community service.
They offer solutions that reveal their dishonesty and/or ignorance. Some offer to reduce the price of gasoline, which we know is controlled by the marketplace and not by the Legislature. Others offer to resolve the crime problems by increasing the number of police officers, without taking in consideration the real problem of the organization, which is low morale due to inadequate leadership. Some offer to get back accreditation for our high schools without a plan for improving the academic standards of our school system. These same candidates are notorious for their absences from public hearings and other community forums where the public could be exposed to their ideas and leadership qualities. I believe if elected they also will be notorious for their absences from meetings.
It would be much to the candidates' and the voting public's advantage if candidates were to expose their ideas and leadership skills long before campaigning for office. My point here is that many of us have done and can do much to improve our community without being elected to office. What is the real motivating factor, money?
There are many areas in which persons who are willing and able to serve can do so without being elected to office. They can do volunteer service individually or with any number of the "non-governmental organizations" of our community. I believe that will be showing true patriotism, love for this community. With such a background of community service as part of a candidate’s dossier, most skeptical persons would be impressed.
In a democratic system the people get the government they elect and, some would say, what they deserve. In any case one thing is inescapable: we decide who we want to represent us. Therefore we should attempt to know as much about the candidates as possible to be sure they are the right ones to represent our values, our agenda. But we all should assume more responsibility in controlling our government by selecting and electing persons who have knowledge, integrity and goodwill.
Not all of us can be elected to office or want to be elected, but all of us can and should be active in our community affairs. We can and should look around our community to identify prospective candidates to represent us in government and not wait for candidates to come to us. We should support the candidates that we select to represent us on all levels, with our time, funds and ideas. Those of us who are affiliated with a political party should be active in the party, preparing prospective leaders for the party and the government.
J.J. Estemac
St. Thomas
We welcome and encourage readers to keep the dialogue going by responding to Source commentary. Letters should be e-mailed with name and place of residence to source@viaccess.net.
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.
There seems to be a general impression that the only real way to serve the public is by being elected to an office. Many of us know that is an erroneous perception of public service. There are quite a number of us residents who are not elected to office but we are active in community service, whether as volunteers or paid public servants – and mostly, as volunteers.
We take our mission seriously by remaining committed to our task. So why are so many individuals choosing to run for public office, for an elected post in government? Many of them have no track record as public servants or even as community activists. But they present themselves as viable alternatives to the incumbents, making promises they know fully well they cannot fulfill. That is demagoguery.
Many choose to run as independent candidates, although they are registered in a political party. That in itself sends a red flag to my mind concerning those candidates that — despite being registered in a political party — chose to run as independents. That indicates to me a lack of loyalty, a lack of discipline and a lack of political convictions. Many of these candidates have no true track record of community service.
They offer solutions that reveal their dishonesty and/or ignorance. Some offer to reduce the price of gasoline, which we know is controlled by the marketplace and not by the Legislature. Others offer to resolve the crime problems by increasing the number of police officers, without taking in consideration the real problem of the organization, which is low morale due to inadequate leadership. Some offer to get back accreditation for our high schools without a plan for improving the academic standards of our school system. These same candidates are notorious for their absences from public hearings and other community forums where the public could be exposed to their ideas and leadership qualities. I believe if elected they also will be notorious for their absences from meetings.
It would be much to the candidates' and the voting public's advantage if candidates were to expose their ideas and leadership skills long before campaigning for office. My point here is that many of us have done and can do much to improve our community without being elected to office. What is the real motivating factor, money?
There are many areas in which persons who are willing and able to serve can do so without being elected to office. They can do volunteer service individually or with any number of the "non-governmental organizations" of our community. I believe that will be showing true patriotism, love for this community. With such a background of community service as part of a candidate’s dossier, most skeptical persons would be impressed.
In a democratic system the people get the government they elect and, some would say, what they deserve. In any case one thing is inescapable: we decide who we want to represent us. Therefore we should attempt to know as much about the candidates as possible to be sure they are the right ones to represent our values, our agenda. But we all should assume more responsibility in controlling our government by selecting and electing persons who have knowledge, integrity and goodwill.
Not all of us can be elected to office or want to be elected, but all of us can and should be active in our community affairs. We can and should look around our community to identify prospective candidates to represent us in government and not wait for candidates to come to us. We should support the candidates that we select to represent us on all levels, with our time, funds and ideas. Those of us who are affiliated with a political party should be active in the party, preparing prospective leaders for the party and the government.
J.J. Estemac
St. Thomas
We welcome and encourage readers to keep the dialogue going by responding to Source commentary. Letters should be e-mailed with name and place of residence to source@viaccess.net.
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.
ATLANTA V.I. ASSOCIATION TO MEET OCT. 19
Oct. 12, 2002 – The V.I. Association of Atlanta monthly meeting will be held Saturday, Oct. 19, at 4979 Old National Highway, College Park, Georgia, from 4 to 6 p.m. (Please note the change in meeting site for this month.)
VIAA's Youth Group is back in action, so please bring children ages 6-16 to join.
Topics to be discussed include the Christmas toy and clothing drive, and the upcoming fun day and food sale, said a release from Annette Lemonn, president.
Virgin Islanders and friends living in the Metro-Atlanta are encourage to participate and attend. For more information about VIAA membership, call (404) 681-6395 or Josephine Aaron at (770) 322-7429.
A reminder: Submission deadline for The Tradewinds Newsletter is on meeting days. Please bring your articles, ShoutOuts, advertisements, recipes, poems, hymns and inspirational thoughts for insertion. Article submissions can also be made by email to viaanews@yahoo.com.
For more information about the organization, visit the Web site at www.theviaa.com
Activities to be marked on calendars:
–Quadrille Practice – Oct. 17, 2002 7 p.m. at the Zone
–VIAA Fall Costume Festival and Food Sale – Oct. 26,
11 a.m. – 7 p.m. at The Panyard, Fairlake Drive, Decatur, Georgia.
Directions:
From Downtown Atlanta: Take I-75/I-85 South to I-85 South. Go to Old National Hwy/ South Fulton Pkwy Exit. Go towards Old National Hwy. Make left on to Old National Hwy. The Zone Restaurant and Lounge is located on the right next to the Waffle House. (Turn right just before the Waffle House)
From Marietta: Take I-285 West to Old National/ South Fulton Pkwy exit. Go towards Old National Hwy. Make a right on to Old National Hwy. The Zone Restaurant and Lounge is located on the right next to the Waffle House. (Turn right just before the Waffle House)
From Stone Mountain Litihonia Area: Take I-285 South to Old National Hwy/ South Fulton Pkwy exit. Go towards Old National Hwy. Make left on to Old National Hwy. The Zone Restaurant and Lounge is located on the right next to the Waffle House. (Turn right just before the Waffle House)
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.
VIAA's Youth Group is back in action, so please bring children ages 6-16 to join.
Topics to be discussed include the Christmas toy and clothing drive, and the upcoming fun day and food sale, said a release from Annette Lemonn, president.
Virgin Islanders and friends living in the Metro-Atlanta are encourage to participate and attend. For more information about VIAA membership, call (404) 681-6395 or Josephine Aaron at (770) 322-7429.
A reminder: Submission deadline for The Tradewinds Newsletter is on meeting days. Please bring your articles, ShoutOuts, advertisements, recipes, poems, hymns and inspirational thoughts for insertion. Article submissions can also be made by email to viaanews@yahoo.com.
For more information about the organization, visit the Web site at www.theviaa.com
Activities to be marked on calendars:
–Quadrille Practice – Oct. 17, 2002 7 p.m. at the Zone
–VIAA Fall Costume Festival and Food Sale – Oct. 26,
11 a.m. – 7 p.m. at The Panyard, Fairlake Drive, Decatur, Georgia.
Directions:
From Downtown Atlanta: Take I-75/I-85 South to I-85 South. Go to Old National Hwy/ South Fulton Pkwy Exit. Go towards Old National Hwy. Make left on to Old National Hwy. The Zone Restaurant and Lounge is located on the right next to the Waffle House. (Turn right just before the Waffle House)
From Marietta: Take I-285 West to Old National/ South Fulton Pkwy exit. Go towards Old National Hwy. Make a right on to Old National Hwy. The Zone Restaurant and Lounge is located on the right next to the Waffle House. (Turn right just before the Waffle House)
From Stone Mountain Litihonia Area: Take I-285 South to Old National Hwy/ South Fulton Pkwy exit. Go towards Old National Hwy. Make left on to Old National Hwy. The Zone Restaurant and Lounge is located on the right next to the Waffle House. (Turn right just before the Waffle House)
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.
ATLANTA V.I. ASSOCIATION TO MEET OCT. 19
Oct. 12, 2002 – The V.I. Association of Atlanta monthly meeting will be held Saturday, Oct. 19, at 4979 Old National Highway, College Park, Georgia, from 4 to 6 p.m. (Please note the change in meeting site for this month.)
VIAA's Youth Group is back in action, so please bring children ages 6-16 to join.
Topics to be discussed include the Christmas toy and clothing drive, and the upcoming fun day and food sale, said a release from Annette Lemonn, president.
Virgin Islanders and friends living in the Metro-Atlanta are encourage to participate and attend. For more information about VIAA membership, call (404) 681-6395 or Josephine Aaron at (770) 322-7429.
A reminder: Submission deadline for The Tradewinds Newsletter is on meeting days. Please bring your articles, ShoutOuts, advertisements, recipes, poems, hymns and inspirational thoughts for insertion. Article submissions can also be made by email to viaanews@yahoo.com.
For more information about the organization, visit the Web site at www.theviaa.com
Activities to be marked on calendars:
–Quadrille Practice – Oct. 17, 2002 7 p.m. at the Zone
–VIAA Fall Costume Festival and Food Sale – Oct. 26,
11 a.m. – 7 p.m. at The Panyard, Fairlake Drive, Decatur, Georgia.
Directions:
From Downtown Atlanta: Take I-75/I-85 South to I-85 South. Go to Old National Hwy/ South Fulton Pkwy Exit. Go towards Old National Hwy. Make left on to Old National Hwy. The Zone Restaurant and Lounge is located on the right next to the Waffle House. (Turn right just before the Waffle House)
From Marietta: Take I-285 West to Old National/ South Fulton Pkwy exit. Go towards Old National Hwy. Make a right on to Old National Hwy. The Zone Restaurant and Lounge is located on the right next to the Waffle House. (Turn right just before the Waffle House)
From Stone Mountain Litihonia Area: Take I-285 South to Old National Hwy/ South Fulton Pkwy exit. Go towards Old National Hwy. Make left on to Old National Hwy. The Zone Restaurant and Lounge is located on the right next to the Waffle House. (Turn right just before the Waffle House)
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.
VIAA's Youth Group is back in action, so please bring children ages 6-16 to join.
Topics to be discussed include the Christmas toy and clothing drive, and the upcoming fun day and food sale, said a release from Annette Lemonn, president.
Virgin Islanders and friends living in the Metro-Atlanta are encourage to participate and attend. For more information about VIAA membership, call (404) 681-6395 or Josephine Aaron at (770) 322-7429.
A reminder: Submission deadline for The Tradewinds Newsletter is on meeting days. Please bring your articles, ShoutOuts, advertisements, recipes, poems, hymns and inspirational thoughts for insertion. Article submissions can also be made by email to viaanews@yahoo.com.
For more information about the organization, visit the Web site at www.theviaa.com
Activities to be marked on calendars:
–Quadrille Practice – Oct. 17, 2002 7 p.m. at the Zone
–VIAA Fall Costume Festival and Food Sale – Oct. 26,
11 a.m. – 7 p.m. at The Panyard, Fairlake Drive, Decatur, Georgia.
Directions:
From Downtown Atlanta: Take I-75/I-85 South to I-85 South. Go to Old National Hwy/ South Fulton Pkwy Exit. Go towards Old National Hwy. Make left on to Old National Hwy. The Zone Restaurant and Lounge is located on the right next to the Waffle House. (Turn right just before the Waffle House)
From Marietta: Take I-285 West to Old National/ South Fulton Pkwy exit. Go towards Old National Hwy. Make a right on to Old National Hwy. The Zone Restaurant and Lounge is located on the right next to the Waffle House. (Turn right just before the Waffle House)
From Stone Mountain Litihonia Area: Take I-285 South to Old National Hwy/ South Fulton Pkwy exit. Go towards Old National Hwy. Make left on to Old National Hwy. The Zone Restaurant and Lounge is located on the right next to the Waffle House. (Turn right just before the Waffle House)
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.
