As I read the stirring remarks from Lou Jordon, an EMT from the mainland, about the man that Kirk Grybowski was, about what Kirk gave to the world but more specifically to these islands, I was struck by the deafening silence from government officials.
Normally when a dedicated public servant of Kirk's ilk dies, the politicos are falling all over each other, trying to get their condolences and their names published.
Not this time. Why is that?
Kirk Grybowski gave 37 years of his life – more than half of it – to the Virgin Islands. He and his wife Judy spent those 37 years in service – mostly government service – to the people of these islands that they loved.
Those who knew Kirk knew the blows he was dealt in trying to offer Virgin Islanders a better quality of life. And to many who needed emergency services, he provided the very gift of life itself.
But after the blows ended, Kirk always got up, dusted himself off, grumbled a bit and went on to serve another day.
As those who have read Jordan's remarks can see, much of what he gave was on his own nickel and his own time.
Kirk didn't do it for the reward of driving a brand new government-issue SUV, or to get his name on a plaque or a parking space. He didn't do it to "get credit" – good thing, too, because he rarely got credit for much of what he did.
He did it because he loved people and life and these islands.
So, why the silence? Is it because he wasn't born here? Is it because he was a vocal opponent of nepotism, apathy, mediocrity, over-development and corruption?
Whatever the reason, a great cross-section of people here and abroad have voiced their great sorrow at the loss of this good man. We at the Source join them in that expression of grief over Kirk's death.

Editor's note: 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.

Oct. 12, 2002 – With a mandate by the Federal Aviation Administration to close the Anguilla Landfill only three months away, Gov. Charles Turnbull on Friday sent a bill to the 24th Legislature that would help fund an interim solution to St. Croix's waste-management woes.
In an Oct. 7 letter to Senate President Almando "Rocky" Liburd, Turnbull asked the Legislature to approve a $10 million appropriation from the General Fund to the Public Works Department, using the bulk of the money — $8.4 million — for start-up costs for a waste-transfer station.
The remaining $1.6 million would pay a federal Environmental Protection Agency fine for failure to comply with years-old mandates dealing with management of the landfill. EPA originally levied a $25 million fine against the VI government but settled for the lesser figure; however, the deadline to pay is by the end of October or the entire fine will be assessed.
The governor told Liburd that members of his administration would be available "to further explain the need for these important measures since no action was taken by the Legislature on my request for a technical amendment to the 2003 budget submission on this matter."
The executive branch has long pushed for the establishment of a semi-autonomous Waste Management Authority to deal with solid-waste and sewage issues throughout the territory. After the Senate's last regular session, Turnbull noted the "conspicuous absence" of the waste legislation at the top of another, Sept. 19, letter to Liburd outlining approved and vetoed bills.
The governor's proposed amendment would have tacked a less than 1 cent per pound surcharge on all goods imported to the territory, bringing in an estimated $20 million per year to fund solid-waste initiatives. The measure was sent to the Legislature on June 7, but senators have taken no action on it thus far.
Since 1993, the EPA ordered all dumps closed and replaced with sanitary landfills — a mandate Anguilla never fulfilled. Meanwhile, federal law dictates that no landfill shall be within 10,000 feet of an airport because of dangers to aircraft posed by foraging birds and dogs. The FAA's requirement that the Anguilla landfill be closed has been in effect since 1996.
In January, the V.I. government began looking for a company to deal with the island's daily 120 tons of trash until it formulates a long-term plan. This summer, the government selected Landfill Technologies Corp., a company that deals with waste collection, landfill operation and recycling in Puerto Rico.
The company will wrap, bale and store the trash in above-ground containers. But siting the facility at Anguilla hinges on FAA and EPA approval.
Turnbull's $8 million appropriation is still considerably less than earlier start-up cost estimates of $10 million to $15 million per year, with an additional $5 million per year in operating fees.
"The startup of the operations of an alternate temporary site for a waste-management system on the island of St. Croix is critical to the mitigation of health risks to the residents and the maintenance of an air portal for visitors," the bill reads.
The FAA has threatened sanctions against the Port Authority, which owns the property, if the landfill is not closed by the deadlines. VIPA's executive director, Gordon Finch, has said those fines could include stiff penalties, and at the very worst, decertification of the airport, which would essentially shut down operations there.
"I urge your expeditious consideration of this vital bill necessary to address the critical issues facing the waste management systems in the Virgin Islands," Turnbull said.
The Senate is not scheduled to meet next week.

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. 12, 2002 – With a mandate by the Federal Aviation Administration to close the Anguilla Landfill only three months away, Gov. Charles Turnbull on Friday sent a bill to the 24th Legislature that would help fund an interim solution to St. Croix's waste-management woes.
In an Oct. 7 letter to Senate President Almando "Rocky" Liburd, Turnbull asked the Legislature to approve a $10 million appropriation from the General Fund to the Public Works Department, using the bulk of the money — $8.4 million — for start-up costs for a waste-transfer station.
The remaining $1.6 million would pay a federal Environmental Protection Agency fine for failure to comply with years-old mandates dealing with management of the landfill. EPA originally levied a $25 million fine against the VI government but settled for the lesser figure; however, the deadline to pay is by the end of October or the entire fine will be assessed.
The governor told Liburd that members of his administration would be available "to further explain the need for these important measures since no action was taken by the Legislature on my request for a technical amendment to the 2003 budget submission on this matter."
The executive branch has long pushed for the establishment of a semi-autonomous Waste Management Authority to deal with solid-waste and sewage issues throughout the territory. After the Senate's last regular session, Turnbull noted the "conspicuous absence" of the waste legislation at the top of another, Sept. 19, letter to Liburd outlining approved and vetoed bills.
The governor's proposed amendment would have tacked a less than 1 cent per pound surcharge on all goods imported to the territory, bringing in an estimated $20 million per year to fund solid-waste initiatives. The measure was sent to the Legislature on June 7, but senators have taken no action on it thus far.
Since 1993, the EPA ordered all dumps closed and replaced with sanitary landfills — a mandate Anguilla never fulfilled. Meanwhile, federal law dictates that no landfill shall be within 10,000 feet of an airport because of dangers to aircraft posed by foraging birds and dogs. The FAA's requirement that the Anguilla landfill be closed has been in effect since 1996.
In January, the V.I. government began looking for a company to deal with the island's daily 120 tons of trash until it formulates a long-term plan. This summer, the government selected Landfill Technologies Corp., a company that deals with waste collection, landfill operation and recycling in Puerto Rico.
The company will wrap, bale and store the trash in above-ground containers. But siting the facility at Anguilla hinges on FAA and EPA approval.
Turnbull's $8 million appropriation is still considerably less than earlier start-up cost estimates of $10 million to $15 million per year, with an additional $5 million per year in operating fees.
"The startup of the operations of an alternate temporary site for a waste-management system on the island of St. Croix is critical to the mitigation of health risks to the residents and the maintenance of an air portal for visitors," the bill reads.
The FAA has threatened sanctions against the Port Authority, which owns the property, if the landfill is not closed by the deadlines. VIPA's executive director, Gordon Finch, has said those fines could include stiff penalties, and at the very worst, decertification of the airport, which would essentially shut down operations there.
"I urge your expeditious consideration of this vital bill necessary to address the critical issues facing the waste management systems in the Virgin Islands," Turnbull said.
The Senate is not scheduled to meet next week.

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. 12, 2002 – With a mandate by the Federal Aviation Administration to close the Anguilla Landfill only three months away, Gov. Charles Turnbull on Friday sent a bill to the 24th Legislature that would help fund an interim solution to St. Croix's waste-management woes.
In an Oct. 7 letter to Senate President Almando "Rocky" Liburd, Turnbull asked the Legislature to approve a $10 million appropriation from the General Fund to the Public Works Department, using the bulk of the money — $8.4 million — for start-up costs for a waste-transfer station.
The remaining $1.6 million would pay a federal Environmental Protection Agency fine for failure to comply with years-old mandates dealing with management of the landfill. EPA originally levied a $25 million fine against the VI government but settled for the lesser figure; however, the deadline to pay is by the end of October or the entire fine will be assessed.
The governor told Liburd that members of his administration would be available "to further explain the need for these important measures since no action was taken by the Legislature on my request for a technical amendment to the 2003 budget submission on this matter."
The executive branch has long pushed for the establishment of a semi-autonomous Waste Management Authority to deal with solid-waste and sewage issues throughout the territory. After the Senate's last regular session, Turnbull noted the "conspicuous absence" of the waste legislation at the top of another, Sept. 19, letter to Liburd outlining approved and vetoed bills.
The governor's proposed amendment would have tacked a less than 1 cent per pound surcharge on all goods imported to the territory, bringing in an estimated $20 million per year to fund solid-waste initiatives. The measure was sent to the Legislature on June 7, but senators have taken no action on it thus far.
Since 1993, the EPA ordered all dumps closed and replaced with sanitary landfills — a mandate Anguilla never fulfilled. Meanwhile, federal law dictates that no landfill shall be within 10,000 feet of an airport because of dangers to aircraft posed by foraging birds and dogs. The FAA's requirement that the Anguilla landfill be closed has been in effect since 1996.
In January, the V.I. government began looking for a company to deal with the island's daily 120 tons of trash until it formulates a long-term plan. This summer, the government selected Landfill Technologies Corp., a company that deals with waste collection, landfill operation and recycling in Puerto Rico.
The company will wrap, bale and store the trash in above-ground containers. But siting the facility at Anguilla hinges on FAA and EPA approval.
Turnbull's $8 million appropriation is still considerably less than earlier start-up cost estimates of $10 million to $15 million per year, with an additional $5 million per year in operating fees.
"The startup of the operations of an alternate temporary site for a waste-management system on the island of St. Croix is critical to the mitigation of health risks to the residents and the maintenance of an air portal for visitors," the bill reads.
The FAA has threatened sanctions against the Port Authority, which owns the property, if the landfill is not closed by the deadlines. VIPA's executive director, Gordon Finch, has said those fines could include stiff penalties, and at the very worst, decertification of the airport, which would essentially shut down operations there.
"I urge your expeditious consideration of this vital bill necessary to address the critical issues facing the waste management systems in the Virgin Islands," Turnbull said.
The Senate is not scheduled to meet next week.

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.

Lou Jordan, a member of the Emergency Medical Services community on the mainland and president of Emergency Training Associates, shared the following letter with the EMS community across the country upon learning of the death of Virgin Islander Kirk Grybowski. Jordan says the EMS community stateside, is sharing in the sorrow of the passing of Kirk Grybowski. "He was a very important part of our EMS family here in the continental United States," Jordan told the Source. "Unfortunately, many on the islands may not have realized just how well known and respected Kirk was, and will remain. It will take a special person to replace the void he leaves."
Friends……………………I miss you………………..
One of the problems with growing old is the inevitable loss of friends. It seems that in spite of our efforts to think young the sands of time settle, the clock of life ticks on and friends die.
While I have been blessed with many friends, and a number of them have passed on, I must admit that losing any of them does not make it easier. No matter how full your life the loss of a friend leaves a void, a distinct and separate void. It doesn't get easier, and the mixed emotions of sorrow and reflection on good memories are like uncontrollable counterweights on the opposite end of an emotional seesaw. The ups and downs just come and go. It doesn't get comfortable, just familiar.
Recently the Emergency Medical Services world and I lost a real friend. Kirk Grybowski, former director of EMS for the U.S. Virgin Islands, suffered a cardiac arrest while on vacation in Chicago. His wife Judy, a longtime professor and nursing icon at the National and International level, was at his side.
She called to tell me how hard the EMS crews that responded worked on him. Three crews put forth the best efforts possible, as did the receiving hospital – to no avail. It was apparently Kirk's time to move on. The crews never knew that they were working on the husband of a trained expert, under the most stressful situation she had ever faced. Her respect and praise of their efforts are assurances that everything possible was done. To these EMSers I send my "Thanks." You couldn't have given her any more peace than you did. There is no doubt in her mind that he got the best treatment possible. Your actions will forever serve to soften her loss.
Kirk was a well educated guy, he had multiple Masters degrees, but still was just one of the guys.
I met him in 1976 when he was trying to find out what EMS was and how he could develop a system in the Virgin Islands. Dr. R. Adams Cowley, the father of Shock Trauma and the Trauma Center concept, allowed me to work with Kirk for many years.
Taking a poorly organized and grossly under funded group of taxi drivers that also drove the ambulances based at an understaffed and under-equipped hospital, Kirk developed an EMS System for the US Virgin Islands that is among the best anywhere.
His spirit and belief was the biggest motivator in the early years, as he took classes and rode the ambulances right along with the new students.
Few knew the political battles Kirk fought in behalf of EMS, for he had political obstacles to overcome that make some of our stateside stories pale in comparison. Not being a "born here" native Virgin Islander, he routinely was subjected to political shenanigans that made progress next to impossible. Those of you familiar with small town or island politics know that relatives and friends are often the basis for positions and support, and performance or success are secondary.
But for 24 years Kirk never quit trying; he found ways to overcome the opposition time and time again, in a way that the politicos couldn't stand up to. He proved that EMS was needed and he showed the public the advances that had been made. Public opinion was on the side of EMS progress, and Kirk used each small success as the basis for the next step. Very soon nurses were leaving nursing to become EMTs. It is no stretch of the truth to say that long ago, the progress of EMS was a catalyst for the improvement in nursing in the Virgin Islands. I believe it was the best, and most productive case of " the tail wagging the dog " that I ever saw.
While Judy worked hard and successfully to get an accredited Nursing program in St. Thomas, Kirk moved EMS up to the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians Paramedic level. They were both dedicated to helping people.
Over the years they were even asked to go to Swaziland, Africa and other places to assist in establishing health clinics and emergency response teams for the impoverished people that had previously had nothing in the way of health care.
Their belief and dedication to making things better for others was obvious.
A long-time director of EMS, Kirk traveled to as many EMS-related meetings as he could, often paying out of his own pocket and taking his vacation time to do so. A frequent student at the National Fire Academy, he made friends from all corners of U.S. and the world.
He was thirsty for new ideas and information that would be of value to his efforts to support EMS in the Virgin Islands, other Islands of the Caribbean, and everywhere he traveled. He was a true ambassador of EMS.
While many at EMS national meetings would be strutting around in their fancy suits, Kirk would usually be found dressed casually and refusing to play the PC games.
On one occasion at a National Council of State EMS Training Coordinators meeting, Kirk and I roomed together. As we were getting ready for a formal dinner, he sent me down early telling me he would "catch up" with me, that he had "a surprise." Kirk appeared with the ceremonial regalia that he had been awarded by the King of Swaziland for his work in EMS. Beads feathers and all, this 6-foot-plus Polish giant in sandals made his entry. He spent the entire evening telling an enthralled audience about the EMS that was developing in many areas of South Africa.
Rather than another rubber chicken dinner, we all enjoyed that evening sharing the world of EMS in a global forum. We were pulled away from telling each other how great our individual states were, and began discussing problems and solutions. It was both enjoyable and refreshing, and we all saw ourselves as a part of something bigger than our own little fiefdom's. I believe he set a stage for sharing that broke the previous tradition of our patting each other on the back. And I believe he knew just what a difference he was making.
While there are many stories I could tell you about Kirk Grybowski, I won't. I just wanted to use this opportunity to let you know that an important EMS figure has left our ranks. And many of his friends will miss him. But we all are better off because of his quiet contributions, and some of his not-so-quiet ones as well.
While I know he was one special person, I hope that some of you will look around you and think of some of the people like Kirk, or unlike him, but special to EMS in their own way. You should look for someone in EMS that makes a difference, and take the time to let them know that you appreciate their efforts. We take our heroes for granted, or we don't take the time to realize that they exist.
And if you get to the promised land before me, look for a big smiling guy, wearing sandals, with a white EMS Star of Life helmet precariously perched on his big head. Say Hello for me, and take the time to talk with him. I am sure you will have found a friend. His name is Kirk.
Kirk and Judy visited just prior to their trip to Chicago……..as he left, I didn't realize it would be such a long goodbye…………but I am sure that a part of him lives on, as does a part of other friends of mine and yours. Remember the friends that are gone and cherish those that are here. Our memories add to the value of their lives and enrich ours.
Lou Jordan
President Emergency Training Associa tes
Maryland

Second of three parts
Oct. 11, 2002 – An old phrase that describes wasteful spending, "He throws his money around like a drunken sailor," has led me to label our current government's spending habits as "shore leave economics."
The government of the Virgin Islands has essentially wasted many good opportunities to repair many social, environmental and economic problems. Through wasteful spending, this government has caused potentially devastating damage to the territory. The solutions to our problems require political will, something that seems to be desperately lacking in the Virgin Islands.
On St. Croix, crimes are occurring at record rates. Hardly a week goes by that we do not read about a new murder on the island. Robbery and theft are hitting every corner of St. Croix, including the police commissioner's own house.
The obvious solution to this problem is to strengthen the police force. What has the government's response been? That is a very interesting question. It was interesting to read some of the spending proposals over the last two years. One of my favorites was a plan to spend $50,000 to bring Winnie Mandela to the Virgin Islands. Where is our government's political will?
As noted in the first of these three columns, we have solid waste and sewage problems. Sewage flows in the streets and guts of St. Croix. What was the government's response on these issues? Gov. Charles W. Turnbull recently waived the bidding process to obtain materials for sewage system repairs. Does he want us to believe that we are on the fast track to safety?
A gubernatorial candidate has revealed that the governor transferred funds from the Planning and Natural Resources Department to pay for "custom designed" elevators at Government House. It is apparent that, if anything, trusting this government to use funds wisely for the good of the people is a dangerous choice.
Where is our government's political will? I hear the weeping and whining that the Virgin Islands lacks resources. Bunk! If the government can afford to hire Winnie Mandela for a day, or build special elevators in the governor's palace, why can it not afford to clean up our garbage and fight crime? Again, I must ask, where is our government's political will?
I shudder to think what might happen if we gave this government even more money. I wonder whom we would hire next. Would we see any type of reform? Reform requires will, and it would seem as though that is all we lack. From what I have read, we do not need more resources. The only question left to answer is: How do we help our government acquire that political will?
I will address that in my third column.

Editor's note: Bill Turner, executive director of the St. Croix Environmental Association, was formerly a teacher and vice principal at the high school level in Puerto Rico.
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.

Second of three parts
Oct. 11, 2002 – An old phrase that describes wasteful spending, "He throws his money around like a drunken sailor," has led me to label our current government's spending habits as "shore leave economics."
The government of the Virgin Islands has essentially wasted many good opportunities to repair many social, environmental and economic problems. Through wasteful spending, this government has caused potentially devastating damage to the territory. The solutions to our problems require political will, something that seems to be desperately lacking in the Virgin Islands.
On St. Croix, crimes are occurring at record rates. Hardly a week goes by that we do not read about a new murder on the island. Robbery and theft are hitting every corner of St. Croix, including the police commissioner's own house.
The obvious solution to this problem is to strengthen the police force. What has the government's response been? That is a very interesting question. It was interesting to read some of the spending proposals over the last two years. One of my favorites was a plan to spend $50,000 to bring Winnie Mandela to the Virgin Islands. Where is our government's political will?
As noted in the first of these three columns, we have solid waste and sewage problems. Sewage flows in the streets and guts of St. Croix. What was the government's response on these issues? Gov. Charles W. Turnbull recently waived the bidding process to obtain materials for sewage system repairs. Does he want us to believe that we are on the fast track to safety?
A gubernatorial candidate has revealed that the governor transferred funds from the Planning and Natural Resources Department to pay for "custom designed" elevators at Government House. It is apparent that, if anything, trusting this government to use funds wisely for the good of the people is a dangerous choice.
Where is our government's political will? I hear the weeping and whining that the Virgin Islands lacks resources. Bunk! If the government can afford to hire Winnie Mandela for a day, or build special elevators in the governor's palace, why can it not afford to clean up our garbage and fight crime? Again, I must ask, where is our government's political will?
I shudder to think what might happen if we gave this government even more money. I wonder whom we would hire next. Would we see any type of reform? Reform requires will, and it would seem as though that is all we lack. From what I have read, we do not need more resources. The only question left to answer is: How do we help our government acquire that political will?
I will address that in my third column.

Editor's note: Bill Turner, executive director of the St. Croix Environmental Association, was formerly a teacher and vice principal at the high school level in Puerto Rico.
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.

Second of three parts
Oct. 11, 2002 – An old phrase that describes wasteful spending, "He throws his money around like a drunken sailor," has led me to label our current government's spending habits as "shore leave economics."
The government of the Virgin Islands has essentially wasted many good opportunities to repair many social, environmental and economic problems. Through wasteful spending, this government has caused potentially devastating damage to the territory. The solutions to our problems require political will, something that seems to be desperately lacking in the Virgin Islands.
On St. Croix, crimes are occurring at record rates. Hardly a week goes by that we do not read about a new murder on the island. Robbery and theft are hitting every corner of St. Croix, including the police commissioner's own house.
The obvious solution to this problem is to strengthen the police force. What has the government's response been? That is a very interesting question. It was interesting to read some of the spending proposals over the last two years. One of my favorites was a plan to spend $50,000 to bring Winnie Mandela to the Virgin Islands. Where is our government's political will?
As noted in the first of these three columns, we have solid waste and sewage problems. Sewage flows in the streets and guts of St. Croix. What was the government's response on these issues? Gov. Charles W. Turnbull recently waived the bidding process to obtain materials for sewage system repairs. Does he want us to believe that we are on the fast track to safety?
A gubernatorial candidate has revealed that the governor transferred funds from the Planning and Natural Resources Department to pay for "custom designed" elevators at Government House. It is apparent that, if anything, trusting this government to use funds wisely for the good of the people is a dangerous choice.
Where is our government's political will? I hear the weeping and whining that the Virgin Islands lacks resources. Bunk! If the government can afford to hire Winnie Mandela for a day, or build special elevators in the governor's palace, why can it not afford to clean up our garbage and fight crime? Again, I must ask, where is our government's political will?
I shudder to think what might happen if we gave this government even more money. I wonder whom we would hire next. Would we see any type of reform? Reform requires will, and it would seem as though that is all we lack. From what I have read, we do not need more resources. The only question left to answer is: How do we help our government acquire that political will?
I will address that in my third column.

Editor's note: Bill Turner, executive director of the St. Croix Environmental Association, was formerly a teacher and vice principal at the high school level in Puerto Rico.
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.

Oct. 11, 2002 – If a bill approved Thursday by the House Appropriations Committee successfully makes its way through both houses of Congress, the territory will get $500,000 to help with its wastewater treatment woes.
The money would come from the Environmental Protection Agency, Brian Modeste, an aide to Delegate Donna M. Christensen, said. It's included in a spending bill for the federal Departments of Veterans Affairs and Housing and Urban Development along with various independent agencies including the EPA.
The bill calls for the territory to get the same amount of money as last year, even though there is less funding available to parcel out now, Modeste said.
Under a consent decree entered in District Court in 1984 and amended in 1996, the government was to bring its sewage treatment system into compliance with federal standards by 2004. This deadline was extended in August until Feb 28, 2006, for St. Croix and Feb. 28, 2007, for 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.

Oct. 11, 2002 – If a bill approved Thursday by the House Appropriations Committee successfully makes its way through both houses of Congress, the territory will get $500,000 to help with its wastewater treatment woes.
The money would come from the Environmental Protection Agency, Brian Modeste, an aide to Delegate Donna M. Christensen, said. It's included in a spending bill for the federal Departments of Veterans Affairs and Housing and Urban Development along with various independent agencies including the EPA.
The bill calls for the territory to get the same amount of money as last year, even though there is less funding available to parcel out now, Modeste said.
Under a consent decree entered in District Court in 1984 and amended in 1996, the government was to bring its sewage treatment system into compliance with federal standards by 2004. This deadline was extended in August until Feb 28, 2006, for St. Croix and Feb. 28, 2007, for 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.