Sept. 26, 2002 – Private development could be threatening Magens Bay's eco-system and tourist appeal, and Magens Bay Authority board members are upset that they haven't been kept in the loop on the projects.
Edmund Penn, authority president, said on Thursday that he wants to send a message "loud and clear" that "Magens Bay is not against development … but wants to be involved. If we don't do it, this gradual encroachment will take over."
The occasion for Penn's remarks was an authority board meeting called specifically to address concerns about development along the bay, whose beach has been called one of the 10 most beautiful in the world.
Penn said he was disappointed that no one from the Planning and Natural Resources Department showed up for the meeting. "It's not because they didn't know about it," he said.
When DPNR approves a project, "they should make sure it isn't going to affect their neighbors," Penn said, adding, "We are their neighbors next door." He was referring to development projects on either side of the bay, one directly above the beach known as Little Magens — a beach that Penn said he considered a part of Magens Bay.
Bruce Tizes, owner of the property above Little Magens, said he wants to be a good neighbor and that he approves of what the Magens Bay Authority is trying to do, "so much that I want to live here."
But Julie Wright, a member of the board of the Environmental Association of St. Thomas-St. John, said when she walked Tizes' property and the waters adjacent to his property, she found a "significant amount of sediment coming off the site." Wright is also natural resources supervisor for the Cooperative Extension Service at the University of the Virgin Islands.
Bill Jowers, manager of Magens Bay, expressed another concern: the size of the project, which one cannot avoid noticing on the side of the hill. "Magens Bay Authority would have taken a more proactive approach … until it [the building] got lower and lower and lower," leaving Little Magens "a different place," Jowers said. He added, "I almost expected to see a jetty and a boathouse" spring up on the beach.
Tizes admitted that Little Magens is now "different" but said he would try to mitigate damage as much as possible.
He also said much of the sediment that appears to be washing into the bay comes from above his property, from a culvert adjacent to his property, and even from the Peterborg roadway.
Leo Francis, a Magens Bay Authority board member and engineer, agreed that much of the erosion and sediment is not coming srictly from the Tizes project.
Francis expressed dismay about the permitting process, saying, "I don't know why our local government allows people to build in a gut. We're allowing development in areas that shouldn't be developed." Then he told Tizes, "You are responsible as the owner of the site. You've got to take whatever means possible" to fix the problems.
Tizes said he understood and was more than willing to "get better advice" or use "better technology" to solve the run-off problem, adding he is "highly motivated to protect the environment."
In fact, Tizes revealed -– much to the surprise of most people in attendance — that he had made a substantial donation toward the Nature Conservancy's recent acquisition of 228 acres of land around and above Magens Bay for use as a nature preserve and wildlife refuge.
He was applauded for that, but also was reminded by Wright that silt fences do not serve as erosion-control devices.
Nicole Bollentini, EAST representative and aide to Sen. Adlah "Foncie" Donastorg, expressed concern that complaints of the run-off that she had referred to the Coastal Zone Management Committee had not been addressed by either CZM or DPNR -– the regulatory agencies responsible for oversight on building projects.
"The water quality in front of Little Magens has deteriorated," she said. "It looks like a lake bottom with all the sediment."
Penn said another project the authority was "kept in the dark" about is the Lovenlund Apartments development going in about one-half mile up the hill from the bay. "We have no knowledge of Lovenlund," he said.
Toni Thomas, also a natural resources agent with the Cooperative Extension Service, agreed with Wright that the silt fences on that project are not doing the job.
Steve Herzlieb, research analyst for UVI's Center for Marine and Environmental Studies, told Tizes that Magens Bay harbors rare and unusual coral "right in front of your property" — and showed him photographs to prove it.
Tizes said he knew: "I snorkel there."
At Tizes' request, Wright agreed to consult with him on how to manage his building site's erosion controls better.
The Magens Bay Authority board members at Thursday's meeting: Dayle Barry, Katina Coulianos, Francis, John Maduro and Penn.
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GOVERNOR APPROVES EDA BENEFIT APPLICATIONS
Sept. 26, 2002 – Under the newly revised Economic Development Authority, Gov. Charles W. Turnbull has approved 11 new applications for economic development benefits. The governor also granted an extension of benefits to one other company.
"This is a continuous effort on the part of this administration to promote the territory as business-friendly," Turnbull said, noting that of the 12 companies, nine are located on St. Croix.
Turnbull said these companies bring a variety of businesses to the islands, including inter-island ferry services, construction and operation of a five-star hotel/convention center, acquisitions of mortgage and home equity loans for sale in the secondary market, operation of various lottery schemes, and consulting services to clients outside the U.S. Virgin Islands.
"With these additional companies, I have approved over 60 new companies within the last two years, with the majority being located on St. Croix," Turnbull said.
The 12 companies represent a total investment of more than $114 million in the territory and will employ an estimated 450 people, with an annual salary total of approximately $12.3 million.
A list of the approved businesses was not released from Government House, with the reason given that the businesses themselves had not yet been notified.
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"This is a continuous effort on the part of this administration to promote the territory as business-friendly," Turnbull said, noting that of the 12 companies, nine are located on St. Croix.
Turnbull said these companies bring a variety of businesses to the islands, including inter-island ferry services, construction and operation of a five-star hotel/convention center, acquisitions of mortgage and home equity loans for sale in the secondary market, operation of various lottery schemes, and consulting services to clients outside the U.S. Virgin Islands.
"With these additional companies, I have approved over 60 new companies within the last two years, with the majority being located on St. Croix," Turnbull said.
The 12 companies represent a total investment of more than $114 million in the territory and will employ an estimated 450 people, with an annual salary total of approximately $12.3 million.
A list of the approved businesses was not released from Government House, with the reason given that the businesses themselves had not yet been notified.
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WAPA AIMING FOR RATE HIKES, BETTER DISTRIBUTION
Sept. 26, 2002 – The chair of the Water and Power Authority's governing board said on Thursday that WAPA is in good shape both in its finances and in the way its electrical and water systems are being run. But to keep the authority at its best, Carol Burke said, new revenues must be raised through rate increases, and efficiency must be improved in the water distribution system.
Burke detailed the rationale for these views in her State of the Authority report delivered at WAPA's monthly board meeting held a few days before the Oct. 1 start of a new fiscal year. "The operation and financial performance of the utility has been good as we continue to advance our efforts toward the maintenance of our investment grade credit rating," she said.
Listed among the signs of progress seen in Fiscal Year 2002: implementation of a new strategic business plan, reduction of outstanding debt owed by the V.I. government, completion of critical projects at the water and power production plants; new training programs for plant operators; and a request made to the Public Services Commission to adjust the base rate WAPA can charge its customers.
Burke also provided details about projects totaling $32 million completed in FY 2002, including critical maintenance work and the installation of underground feeders as part of a long-term disaster mitigation plan.
Further, "The authority significantly reduced its government receivables with over $32.4 million in payments on past-due accounts," she said. "Total government receivables, including the independent agencies, for water and electricity fell from $26,596,115 in Fiscal Year 2001 to $14,611 in Fiscal Year 2002."
For the first half of FY 2002, WAPA's day-to-day administration was under the direction of Joseph Thomas, who had taken over as executive director in May of 2001. One of his top priorities — and one that he attained — was getting various government agencies to pay their overdue utility bills, some of which stretched back over years and totaled millions of dollars.
Following conflicts with the board over protests by utility workers and allegations concerning expenses submitted by top executives, Thomas and the board agreed this past April to an amicable separation halfway through his two-year contract. Since then, Glenn Rothgeb has been serving as acting executive director.
More positive news was in the growh of electricity sales. WAPA went into FY 2002 projecting 2 percent growth; sales actually have increased by 4.2 percent over FY 2001, Burke said. And, she added, an anticipated shortfall of 10 percent in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks on the mainland a year ago never materialized. "In fact, total sales were within 99.64 percent of our pre-9/11 budget forecast," she said.
However, WAPA increased its spending for security by $1 million in FY 2002, in large part because of concerns for the protection of the nation's power plants in the aftermath Sept. 11, 2001.
Revenues from water sales dropped in both districts, but Burke told the board that monitoring of customers' water use has improved over the old system of master metering which allowed some people to use water without paying for it.
WAPA's economic outlook for FY 2003 remains good, Burke said, but much of her optimism hangs on decisions pending before the PSC, especially the request for an increase in base service rates, which is projected to bring in $12.3 million in new revenues. "The authority believes that the request is just and reasonable," she said, noting that the utility had not filed for an increase in the electricity base rate since 1994.
Burke said WAPA needs the anticipated revenues to support a $50 million parity bond to fund capital improvement projects designed to increase the reliability of the electrical system, and to refinance the electrical system's line of credit.
The utility will ask the PSC's permission to raise water rates in FY 2003, Burke said, justifying the request as a needed step in reducing losses along the territory's water distribution system.
In Fiscal Year 2003, the report stated, "the authority will be focusing on reduction of the line losses on the electrical and water systems. WAPA recognizes that the line losses are excessive, and their reduction will be placed on the highest priority."
The presentation of the annual report took place as the board met at the St. John Westin Resort. At the gathering, board members congratulated Burke for completing two years as chair of the body. The board is continuing to meet at the resort on Saturday, with election of officers among the items on its agenda.
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Burke detailed the rationale for these views in her State of the Authority report delivered at WAPA's monthly board meeting held a few days before the Oct. 1 start of a new fiscal year. "The operation and financial performance of the utility has been good as we continue to advance our efforts toward the maintenance of our investment grade credit rating," she said.
Listed among the signs of progress seen in Fiscal Year 2002: implementation of a new strategic business plan, reduction of outstanding debt owed by the V.I. government, completion of critical projects at the water and power production plants; new training programs for plant operators; and a request made to the Public Services Commission to adjust the base rate WAPA can charge its customers.
Burke also provided details about projects totaling $32 million completed in FY 2002, including critical maintenance work and the installation of underground feeders as part of a long-term disaster mitigation plan.
Further, "The authority significantly reduced its government receivables with over $32.4 million in payments on past-due accounts," she said. "Total government receivables, including the independent agencies, for water and electricity fell from $26,596,115 in Fiscal Year 2001 to $14,611 in Fiscal Year 2002."
For the first half of FY 2002, WAPA's day-to-day administration was under the direction of Joseph Thomas, who had taken over as executive director in May of 2001. One of his top priorities — and one that he attained — was getting various government agencies to pay their overdue utility bills, some of which stretched back over years and totaled millions of dollars.
Following conflicts with the board over protests by utility workers and allegations concerning expenses submitted by top executives, Thomas and the board agreed this past April to an amicable separation halfway through his two-year contract. Since then, Glenn Rothgeb has been serving as acting executive director.
More positive news was in the growh of electricity sales. WAPA went into FY 2002 projecting 2 percent growth; sales actually have increased by 4.2 percent over FY 2001, Burke said. And, she added, an anticipated shortfall of 10 percent in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks on the mainland a year ago never materialized. "In fact, total sales were within 99.64 percent of our pre-9/11 budget forecast," she said.
However, WAPA increased its spending for security by $1 million in FY 2002, in large part because of concerns for the protection of the nation's power plants in the aftermath Sept. 11, 2001.
Revenues from water sales dropped in both districts, but Burke told the board that monitoring of customers' water use has improved over the old system of master metering which allowed some people to use water without paying for it.
WAPA's economic outlook for FY 2003 remains good, Burke said, but much of her optimism hangs on decisions pending before the PSC, especially the request for an increase in base service rates, which is projected to bring in $12.3 million in new revenues. "The authority believes that the request is just and reasonable," she said, noting that the utility had not filed for an increase in the electricity base rate since 1994.
Burke said WAPA needs the anticipated revenues to support a $50 million parity bond to fund capital improvement projects designed to increase the reliability of the electrical system, and to refinance the electrical system's line of credit.
The utility will ask the PSC's permission to raise water rates in FY 2003, Burke said, justifying the request as a needed step in reducing losses along the territory's water distribution system.
In Fiscal Year 2003, the report stated, "the authority will be focusing on reduction of the line losses on the electrical and water systems. WAPA recognizes that the line losses are excessive, and their reduction will be placed on the highest priority."
The presentation of the annual report took place as the board met at the St. John Westin Resort. At the gathering, board members congratulated Burke for completing two years as chair of the body. The board is continuing to meet at the resort on Saturday, with election of officers among the items on its agenda.
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WAPA AIMING FOR RATE HIKES, BETTER DISTRIBUTION
Sept. 26, 2002 – The chair of the Water and Power Authority's governing board said on Thursday that WAPA is in good shape both in its finances and in the way its electrical and water systems are being run. But to keep the authority at its best, Carol Burke said, new revenues must be raised through rate increases, and efficiency must be improved in the water distribution system.
Burke detailed the rationale for these views in her State of the Authority report delivered at WAPA's monthly board meeting held a few days before the Oct. 1 start of a new fiscal year. "The operation and financial performance of the utility has been good as we continue to advance our efforts toward the maintenance of our investment grade credit rating," she said.
Listed among the signs of progress seen in Fiscal Year 2002: implementation of a new strategic business plan, reduction of outstanding debt owed by the V.I. government, completion of critical projects at the water and power production plants; new training programs for plant operators; and a request made to the Public Services Commission to adjust the base rate WAPA can charge its customers.
Burke also provided details about projects totaling $32 million completed in FY 2002, including critical maintenance work and the installation of underground feeders as part of a long-term disaster mitigation plan.
Further, "The authority significantly reduced its government receivables with over $32.4 million in payments on past-due accounts," she said. "Total government receivables, including the independent agencies, for water and electricity fell from $26,596,115 in Fiscal Year 2001 to $14,611 in Fiscal Year 2002."
For the first half of FY 2002, WAPA's day-to-day administration was under the direction of Joseph Thomas, who had taken over as executive director in May of 2001. One of his top priorities — and one that he attained — was getting various government agencies to pay their overdue utility bills, some of which stretched back over years and totaled millions of dollars.
Following conflicts with the board over protests by utility workers and allegations concerning expenses submitted by top executives, Thomas and the board agreed this past April to an amicable separation halfway through his two-year contract. Since then, Glenn Rothgeb has been serving as acting executive director.
More positive news was in the growh of electricity sales. WAPA went into FY 2002 projecting 2 percent growth; sales actually have increased by 4.2 percent over FY 2001, Burke said. And, she added, an anticipated shortfall of 10 percent in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks on the mainland a year ago never materialized. "In fact, total sales were within 99.64 percent of our pre-9/11 budget forecast," she said.
However, WAPA increased its spending for security by $1 million in FY 2002, in large part because of concerns for the protection of the nation's power plants in the aftermath Sept. 11, 2001.
Revenues from water sales dropped in both districts, but Burke told the board that monitoring of customers' water use has improved over the old system of master metering which allowed some people to use water without paying for it.
WAPA's economic outlook for FY 2003 remains good, Burke said, but much of her optimism hangs on decisions pending before the PSC, especially the request for an increase in base service rates, which is projected to bring in $12.3 million in new revenues. "The authority believes that the request is just and reasonable," she said, noting that the utility had not filed for an increase in the electricity base rate since 1994.
Burke said WAPA needs the anticipated revenues to support a $50 million parity bond to fund capital improvement projects designed to increase the reliability of the electrical system, and to refinance the electrical system's line of credit.
The utility will ask the PSC's permission to raise water rates in FY 2003, Burke said, justifying the request as a needed step in reducing losses along the territory's water distribution system.
In Fiscal Year 2003, the report stated, "the authority will be focusing on reduction of the line losses on the electrical and water systems. WAPA recognizes that the line losses are excessive, and their reduction will be placed on the highest priority."
The presentation of the annual report took place as the board met at the St. John Westin Resort. At the gathering, board members congratulated Burke for completing two years as chair of the body. The board is continuing to meet at the resort on Saturday, with election of officers among the items on its agenda.
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.
Burke detailed the rationale for these views in her State of the Authority report delivered at WAPA's monthly board meeting held a few days before the Oct. 1 start of a new fiscal year. "The operation and financial performance of the utility has been good as we continue to advance our efforts toward the maintenance of our investment grade credit rating," she said.
Listed among the signs of progress seen in Fiscal Year 2002: implementation of a new strategic business plan, reduction of outstanding debt owed by the V.I. government, completion of critical projects at the water and power production plants; new training programs for plant operators; and a request made to the Public Services Commission to adjust the base rate WAPA can charge its customers.
Burke also provided details about projects totaling $32 million completed in FY 2002, including critical maintenance work and the installation of underground feeders as part of a long-term disaster mitigation plan.
Further, "The authority significantly reduced its government receivables with over $32.4 million in payments on past-due accounts," she said. "Total government receivables, including the independent agencies, for water and electricity fell from $26,596,115 in Fiscal Year 2001 to $14,611 in Fiscal Year 2002."
For the first half of FY 2002, WAPA's day-to-day administration was under the direction of Joseph Thomas, who had taken over as executive director in May of 2001. One of his top priorities — and one that he attained — was getting various government agencies to pay their overdue utility bills, some of which stretched back over years and totaled millions of dollars.
Following conflicts with the board over protests by utility workers and allegations concerning expenses submitted by top executives, Thomas and the board agreed this past April to an amicable separation halfway through his two-year contract. Since then, Glenn Rothgeb has been serving as acting executive director.
More positive news was in the growh of electricity sales. WAPA went into FY 2002 projecting 2 percent growth; sales actually have increased by 4.2 percent over FY 2001, Burke said. And, she added, an anticipated shortfall of 10 percent in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks on the mainland a year ago never materialized. "In fact, total sales were within 99.64 percent of our pre-9/11 budget forecast," she said.
However, WAPA increased its spending for security by $1 million in FY 2002, in large part because of concerns for the protection of the nation's power plants in the aftermath Sept. 11, 2001.
Revenues from water sales dropped in both districts, but Burke told the board that monitoring of customers' water use has improved over the old system of master metering which allowed some people to use water without paying for it.
WAPA's economic outlook for FY 2003 remains good, Burke said, but much of her optimism hangs on decisions pending before the PSC, especially the request for an increase in base service rates, which is projected to bring in $12.3 million in new revenues. "The authority believes that the request is just and reasonable," she said, noting that the utility had not filed for an increase in the electricity base rate since 1994.
Burke said WAPA needs the anticipated revenues to support a $50 million parity bond to fund capital improvement projects designed to increase the reliability of the electrical system, and to refinance the electrical system's line of credit.
The utility will ask the PSC's permission to raise water rates in FY 2003, Burke said, justifying the request as a needed step in reducing losses along the territory's water distribution system.
In Fiscal Year 2003, the report stated, "the authority will be focusing on reduction of the line losses on the electrical and water systems. WAPA recognizes that the line losses are excessive, and their reduction will be placed on the highest priority."
The presentation of the annual report took place as the board met at the St. John Westin Resort. At the gathering, board members congratulated Burke for completing two years as chair of the body. The board is continuing to meet at the resort on Saturday, with election of officers among the items on its agenda.
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HOVENSA: LAYOFFS ARE RESOLVED; INSURANCE ISN'T
Sept. 26, 2002 – Hovensa, which furloughed some 1,045 workers employed by seven of its contractors on Sept. 13 when its liability insurance covering them expired, announced on Thursday that two of the companies are still without coverage but that rehiring of their employees by other firms is effectively addressing that problem.
At the same time, Hovensa spokesman Alex A. Moorhead said that because of reduced demand for its petroleum products and increases costs for heightened security since Sept. 11, 2001, the refinery has not made a profit since August of last year.
As far as the layoffs, all of the contractors except for Jacobs Industrial Maintenance Co. and V.I. Industrial Maintenance Corp. "have now secured general liability insurance coverage, and their employees have resumed work at the refinery," a Hovensa release stated.
The case of Jacobs-IMC is unique because a decision had been reached earlier to terminate the company's maintenance contract with Hovensa. The contract expires on Monday, and as far as Jacobs obtaining insurance now, "Hovensa believes this effort is hopeless," Moorhead said in the release, issued Thursday.
Therefore, he said, Hovensa "has begun focusing on getting Turner [Turner St. Croix Maintenance], the company that will replace Jacobs-IMC on Oct. 1, to begin hiring Jacobs-IMC employees."
Meanwhile, the laid-off V.I. Industrial Maintenance Corp. employees were hired earlier this week by two other companies that have general liability insurance, Pinnacle Services and Triangle Construction and Maintenance, Moorhead said. "Pinnacle previously has been providing services to Hovensa only in the operation of a training program at the St. Croix Vocational School to upgrade the skills of maintenance workers," he said.
The contractors whose workers were laid off two weeks ago and now are back on the job are Addison Construction, Best Construction, M&M Construction, Longview Inspection, and Triangle. Addison and M&M obtained insurance on Wednesday, according to Moorhead; the others had done so last week.
Four other contractors, CBI, St. Croix Basic, Turner and Wyatt V.I., secured their own replacement coverage before the three-year policy covering all Hovensa contractors expired, and their employees were not affected by the Sept. 13 layoffs.
Except for some Jacobs personnel, all of the employees of Hovensa maintenance contractors have resume work, Moorhead said, adding that he expects that by Tuesday, most of the Jacobs workers will have been hired by Turner.
A class-action lawsuit filed in Territorial Court last week charges that Hovensa used the insurance situation as an excuse to lay off 450 Jacobs-IMC employees three weeks before the company's contract expired. Attorney Lee Rohn asked the court to order Hovensa to pay severance and punitive damages to those workers.
The lawsuit also says that contractors previously have acted as "labor brokers" for Hovensa, transferring groups of workers from one company to another as old contracts expired and new ones took effect, with those workers being assured of continuing benefits and seniority. But when the Jacobs-IMC workers were sent home on Sept. 12 instead of Sept. 30 as expected, Rohn said, Hovensa told them they were not entitled to any more benefits. She said that violates V.I. labor law.
Insurance remains a problem
According to Moorhead, Hovensa's vice president for government affairs and community relations, while "the employment problem for the maintenance workers is over," the insurance availability problem remains. He said Turner's coverage is in effect for just 45 days and will expire at the end of October.
Hovensa had held a single liability policy covering its contractors since 1999 with American International Insurance of Puerto Rico. Moorhead said American did not state a reason for its decision not to renew the policy. However, local insurance industry executives have cited the high incidence of litigation and the excessive damages awarded by juries in the Virgin Islands as reasons that many carriers do not want to write policies in the territory.
Moorhead said American and other carriers approached by Hovenas "have expressed concern about the aggregate size of claims pending against the contractors" despite the fact that "the rate of injuries among contractors in the refinery has declined in recent years."
When Hovensa's efforts to replace the American policy were unsuccessful, refinery officials asked the contractors to try to arrange their own insurance. Moorhead has said Hovensa will reimburse the companies for the added costs they are incurring.
In Thursday's release, Moorhead said that "the cost to Hovensa of general liability insurance, including auto liability, on the operations of its maintenance contractors has increased more than 100 percent from last year's cost of approximately $5 million."
This economic setback is added to others, he said: a significant decline in demand for its petroleum products since Sept. 11, 2001, and an increase in its costs to maintain a higher level of security since the terrorists attacks.
"These factors are affecting all oil companies," Moorhead said. "However, most oil companies are engaged in both oil exploration and production as well as refining and are, therefore, often able to maintain a profit when their refining operations experience an operating loss."
Hovensa is involved solely in oil refining. The company is a joint venture of Hess Oil Virgin Islands Corp. and PDVSA, a local subsidiary of the giant state oil exploration and production company Petroleos de Venezuela.
In the last year, Hovensa has continuously sought to reduce operating costs where possible, Moorhead said, and to motivate its contractors to increase productivity and decrease operating costs.
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At the same time, Hovensa spokesman Alex A. Moorhead said that because of reduced demand for its petroleum products and increases costs for heightened security since Sept. 11, 2001, the refinery has not made a profit since August of last year.
As far as the layoffs, all of the contractors except for Jacobs Industrial Maintenance Co. and V.I. Industrial Maintenance Corp. "have now secured general liability insurance coverage, and their employees have resumed work at the refinery," a Hovensa release stated.
The case of Jacobs-IMC is unique because a decision had been reached earlier to terminate the company's maintenance contract with Hovensa. The contract expires on Monday, and as far as Jacobs obtaining insurance now, "Hovensa believes this effort is hopeless," Moorhead said in the release, issued Thursday.
Therefore, he said, Hovensa "has begun focusing on getting Turner [Turner St. Croix Maintenance], the company that will replace Jacobs-IMC on Oct. 1, to begin hiring Jacobs-IMC employees."
Meanwhile, the laid-off V.I. Industrial Maintenance Corp. employees were hired earlier this week by two other companies that have general liability insurance, Pinnacle Services and Triangle Construction and Maintenance, Moorhead said. "Pinnacle previously has been providing services to Hovensa only in the operation of a training program at the St. Croix Vocational School to upgrade the skills of maintenance workers," he said.
The contractors whose workers were laid off two weeks ago and now are back on the job are Addison Construction, Best Construction, M&M Construction, Longview Inspection, and Triangle. Addison and M&M obtained insurance on Wednesday, according to Moorhead; the others had done so last week.
Four other contractors, CBI, St. Croix Basic, Turner and Wyatt V.I., secured their own replacement coverage before the three-year policy covering all Hovensa contractors expired, and their employees were not affected by the Sept. 13 layoffs.
Except for some Jacobs personnel, all of the employees of Hovensa maintenance contractors have resume work, Moorhead said, adding that he expects that by Tuesday, most of the Jacobs workers will have been hired by Turner.
A class-action lawsuit filed in Territorial Court last week charges that Hovensa used the insurance situation as an excuse to lay off 450 Jacobs-IMC employees three weeks before the company's contract expired. Attorney Lee Rohn asked the court to order Hovensa to pay severance and punitive damages to those workers.
The lawsuit also says that contractors previously have acted as "labor brokers" for Hovensa, transferring groups of workers from one company to another as old contracts expired and new ones took effect, with those workers being assured of continuing benefits and seniority. But when the Jacobs-IMC workers were sent home on Sept. 12 instead of Sept. 30 as expected, Rohn said, Hovensa told them they were not entitled to any more benefits. She said that violates V.I. labor law.
Insurance remains a problem
According to Moorhead, Hovensa's vice president for government affairs and community relations, while "the employment problem for the maintenance workers is over," the insurance availability problem remains. He said Turner's coverage is in effect for just 45 days and will expire at the end of October.
Hovensa had held a single liability policy covering its contractors since 1999 with American International Insurance of Puerto Rico. Moorhead said American did not state a reason for its decision not to renew the policy. However, local insurance industry executives have cited the high incidence of litigation and the excessive damages awarded by juries in the Virgin Islands as reasons that many carriers do not want to write policies in the territory.
Moorhead said American and other carriers approached by Hovenas "have expressed concern about the aggregate size of claims pending against the contractors" despite the fact that "the rate of injuries among contractors in the refinery has declined in recent years."
When Hovensa's efforts to replace the American policy were unsuccessful, refinery officials asked the contractors to try to arrange their own insurance. Moorhead has said Hovensa will reimburse the companies for the added costs they are incurring.
In Thursday's release, Moorhead said that "the cost to Hovensa of general liability insurance, including auto liability, on the operations of its maintenance contractors has increased more than 100 percent from last year's cost of approximately $5 million."
This economic setback is added to others, he said: a significant decline in demand for its petroleum products since Sept. 11, 2001, and an increase in its costs to maintain a higher level of security since the terrorists attacks.
"These factors are affecting all oil companies," Moorhead said. "However, most oil companies are engaged in both oil exploration and production as well as refining and are, therefore, often able to maintain a profit when their refining operations experience an operating loss."
Hovensa is involved solely in oil refining. The company is a joint venture of Hess Oil Virgin Islands Corp. and PDVSA, a local subsidiary of the giant state oil exploration and production company Petroleos de Venezuela.
In the last year, Hovensa has continuously sought to reduce operating costs where possible, Moorhead said, and to motivate its contractors to increase productivity and decrease operating costs.
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.
HOVENSA: LAYOFFS ARE RESOLVED; INSURANCE ISN'T
Sept. 26, 2002 – Hovensa, which furloughed some 1,045 workers employed by seven of its contractors on Sept. 13 when its liability insurance covering them expired, announced on Thursday that two of the companies are still without coverage but that rehiring of their employees by other firms is effectively addressing that problem.
At the same time, Hovensa spokesman Alex A. Moorhead said that because of reduced demand for its petroleum products and increases costs for heightened security since Sept. 11, 2001, the refinery has not made a profit since August of last year.
As far as the layoffs, all of the contractors except for Jacobs Industrial Maintenance Co. and V.I. Industrial Maintenance Corp. "have now secured general liability insurance coverage, and their employees have resumed work at the refinery," a Hovensa release stated.
The case of Jacobs-IMC is unique because a decision had been reached earlier to terminate the company's maintenance contract with Hovensa. The contract expires on Monday, and as far as Jacobs obtaining insurance now, "Hovensa believes this effort is hopeless," Moorhead said in the release, issued Thursday.
Therefore, he said, Hovensa "has begun focusing on getting Turner [Turner St. Croix Maintenance], the company that will replace Jacobs-IMC on Oct. 1, to begin hiring Jacobs-IMC employees."
Meanwhile, the laid-off V.I. Industrial Maintenance Corp. employees were hired earlier this week by two other companies that have general liability insurance, Pinnacle Services and Triangle Construction and Maintenance, Moorhead said. "Pinnacle previously has been providing services to Hovensa only in the operation of a training program at the St. Croix Vocational School to upgrade the skills of maintenance workers," he said.
The contractors whose workers were laid off two weeks ago and now are back on the job are Addison Construction, Best Construction, M&M Construction, Longview Inspection, and Triangle. Addison and M&M obtained insurance on Wednesday, according to Moorhead; the others had done so last week.
Four other contractors, CBI, St. Croix Basic, Turner and Wyatt V.I., secured their own replacement coverage before the three-year policy covering all Hovensa contractors expired, and their employees were not affected by the Sept. 13 layoffs.
Except for some Jacobs personnel, all of the employees of Hovensa maintenance contractors have resume work, Moorhead said, adding that he expects that by Tuesday, most of the Jacobs workers will have been hired by Turner.
A class-action lawsuit filed in Territorial Court last week charges that Hovensa used the insurance situation as an excuse to lay off 450 Jacobs-IMC employees three weeks before the company's contract expired. Attorney Lee Rohn asked the court to order Hovensa to pay severance and punitive damages to those workers.
The lawsuit also says that contractors previously have acted as "labor brokers" for Hovensa, transferring groups of workers from one company to another as old contracts expired and new ones took effect, with those workers being assured of continuing benefits and seniority. But when the Jacobs-IMC workers were sent home on Sept. 12 instead of Sept. 30 as expected, Rohn said, Hovensa told them they were not entitled to any more benefits. She said that violates V.I. labor law.
Insurance remains a problem
According to Moorhead, Hovensa's vice president for government affairs and community relations, while "the employment problem for the maintenance workers is over," the insurance availability problem remains. He said Turner's coverage is in effect for just 45 days and will expire at the end of October.
Hovensa had held a single liability policy covering its contractors since 1999 with American International Insurance of Puerto Rico. Moorhead said American did not state a reason for its decision not to renew the policy. However, local insurance industry executives have cited the high incidence of litigation and the excessive damages awarded by juries in the Virgin Islands as reasons that many carriers do not want to write policies in the territory.
Moorhead said American and other carriers approached by Hovenas "have expressed concern about the aggregate size of claims pending against the contractors" despite the fact that "the rate of injuries among contractors in the refinery has declined in recent years."
When Hovensa's efforts to replace the American policy were unsuccessful, refinery officials asked the contractors to try to arrange their own insurance. Moorhead has said Hovensa will reimburse the companies for the added costs they are incurring.
In Thursday's release, Moorhead said that "the cost to Hovensa of general liability insurance, including auto liability, on the operations of its maintenance contractors has increased more than 100 percent from last year's cost of approximately $5 million."
This economic setback is added to others, he said: a significant decline in demand for its petroleum products since Sept. 11, 2001, and an increase in its costs to maintain a higher level of security since the terrorists attacks.
"These factors are affecting all oil companies," Moorhead said. "However, most oil companies are engaged in both oil exploration and production as well as refining and are, therefore, often able to maintain a profit when their refining operations experience an operating loss."
Hovensa is involved solely in oil refining. The company is a joint venture of Hess Oil Virgin Islands Corp. and PDVSA, a local subsidiary of the giant state oil exploration and production company Petroleos de Venezuela.
In the last year, Hovensa has continuously sought to reduce operating costs where possible, Moorhead said, and to motivate its contractors to increase productivity and decrease operating costs.
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At the same time, Hovensa spokesman Alex A. Moorhead said that because of reduced demand for its petroleum products and increases costs for heightened security since Sept. 11, 2001, the refinery has not made a profit since August of last year.
As far as the layoffs, all of the contractors except for Jacobs Industrial Maintenance Co. and V.I. Industrial Maintenance Corp. "have now secured general liability insurance coverage, and their employees have resumed work at the refinery," a Hovensa release stated.
The case of Jacobs-IMC is unique because a decision had been reached earlier to terminate the company's maintenance contract with Hovensa. The contract expires on Monday, and as far as Jacobs obtaining insurance now, "Hovensa believes this effort is hopeless," Moorhead said in the release, issued Thursday.
Therefore, he said, Hovensa "has begun focusing on getting Turner [Turner St. Croix Maintenance], the company that will replace Jacobs-IMC on Oct. 1, to begin hiring Jacobs-IMC employees."
Meanwhile, the laid-off V.I. Industrial Maintenance Corp. employees were hired earlier this week by two other companies that have general liability insurance, Pinnacle Services and Triangle Construction and Maintenance, Moorhead said. "Pinnacle previously has been providing services to Hovensa only in the operation of a training program at the St. Croix Vocational School to upgrade the skills of maintenance workers," he said.
The contractors whose workers were laid off two weeks ago and now are back on the job are Addison Construction, Best Construction, M&M Construction, Longview Inspection, and Triangle. Addison and M&M obtained insurance on Wednesday, according to Moorhead; the others had done so last week.
Four other contractors, CBI, St. Croix Basic, Turner and Wyatt V.I., secured their own replacement coverage before the three-year policy covering all Hovensa contractors expired, and their employees were not affected by the Sept. 13 layoffs.
Except for some Jacobs personnel, all of the employees of Hovensa maintenance contractors have resume work, Moorhead said, adding that he expects that by Tuesday, most of the Jacobs workers will have been hired by Turner.
A class-action lawsuit filed in Territorial Court last week charges that Hovensa used the insurance situation as an excuse to lay off 450 Jacobs-IMC employees three weeks before the company's contract expired. Attorney Lee Rohn asked the court to order Hovensa to pay severance and punitive damages to those workers.
The lawsuit also says that contractors previously have acted as "labor brokers" for Hovensa, transferring groups of workers from one company to another as old contracts expired and new ones took effect, with those workers being assured of continuing benefits and seniority. But when the Jacobs-IMC workers were sent home on Sept. 12 instead of Sept. 30 as expected, Rohn said, Hovensa told them they were not entitled to any more benefits. She said that violates V.I. labor law.
Insurance remains a problem
According to Moorhead, Hovensa's vice president for government affairs and community relations, while "the employment problem for the maintenance workers is over," the insurance availability problem remains. He said Turner's coverage is in effect for just 45 days and will expire at the end of October.
Hovensa had held a single liability policy covering its contractors since 1999 with American International Insurance of Puerto Rico. Moorhead said American did not state a reason for its decision not to renew the policy. However, local insurance industry executives have cited the high incidence of litigation and the excessive damages awarded by juries in the Virgin Islands as reasons that many carriers do not want to write policies in the territory.
Moorhead said American and other carriers approached by Hovenas "have expressed concern about the aggregate size of claims pending against the contractors" despite the fact that "the rate of injuries among contractors in the refinery has declined in recent years."
When Hovensa's efforts to replace the American policy were unsuccessful, refinery officials asked the contractors to try to arrange their own insurance. Moorhead has said Hovensa will reimburse the companies for the added costs they are incurring.
In Thursday's release, Moorhead said that "the cost to Hovensa of general liability insurance, including auto liability, on the operations of its maintenance contractors has increased more than 100 percent from last year's cost of approximately $5 million."
This economic setback is added to others, he said: a significant decline in demand for its petroleum products since Sept. 11, 2001, and an increase in its costs to maintain a higher level of security since the terrorists attacks.
"These factors are affecting all oil companies," Moorhead said. "However, most oil companies are engaged in both oil exploration and production as well as refining and are, therefore, often able to maintain a profit when their refining operations experience an operating loss."
Hovensa is involved solely in oil refining. The company is a joint venture of Hess Oil Virgin Islands Corp. and PDVSA, a local subsidiary of the giant state oil exploration and production company Petroleos de Venezuela.
In the last year, Hovensa has continuously sought to reduce operating costs where possible, Moorhead said, and to motivate its contractors to increase productivity and decrease operating costs.
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'ONE HOUR PHOTO' COMES INTO FRIGHTENING FOCUS
Sept. 26, 2002 – At first glance, Robin Williams in "One Hour Photo" appears as a mild-mannered film-processing clerk, which, of course, he is anything but.
Behind the persona of Seymour Parrish, the friendly photo guy in a huge suburban SavMart, lurks the makings of a true monster, and a very lonely one.
Williams nurses his character along gently, giving us little nudges that all may not be quite right inside. Sy is a creature of habit, dining alone at a dismal café each evening and returning to his equally dismal apartment. Dismal and plain — that is, except for one wall covered in photographs.
Sy knows all about his customers: the lady who just takes pictures of her cats, the amateur porn artist — but especially the all-American family, the Yorkins, in whom he takes a more than proprietary interest. In fact, it is the Yorkin family's pictures that are all over his wall.
He begins to fancy himself spending holidays with them; he is dear old "Uncle Sy," and they adore him. As his secret fantasy unfolds, Sy begins to lose touch with reality. The lines begin to blur, and he begins, in fact, to insinuate himself into the lives of Nina Yorkin (Connie Nielsen), her husband, Will (Michael Vartan), and their young son, Jakob (Dylan Smith).
It's hard to dislike Williams, and it can take a while to accept him as a person who wasn't made with the right parts inside, such as compassion.
Several film critics comment on director Mark Romanek's use of cinematography. The first part of the picture is in muted tones; the visuals become more vibrant as Williams' character becomes more menacing. "Much of the film's atmosphere forms through the cinematography," Roger Ebert says.
Eleanor Ringel Gillespie in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution ponders the act of people taking pictures of one another. Is it, she wonders, because someone then can say, "I was here once, I was somebody"? She calls Romanek's work "a sobering meditation on why we take pictures."
Ebert says the movie "has been compared to 'American Beauty,' another film where resentment, lankiness and lust fester beneath the surface of suburban affluence." However, there's a difference between the two, he says. He describes Kevin Spacey's character in "American Beauty" as being haunted by needs that may be "frowned upon and even illegal," but are nonetheless "within the range of emotions we understand." In contrast, he says, Sy Parrish is "outside that range."
The 1 hour and 38 minute movie is rated R for sexual content and language.
It is playing at Diamond Cinemas.
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.
Behind the persona of Seymour Parrish, the friendly photo guy in a huge suburban SavMart, lurks the makings of a true monster, and a very lonely one.
Williams nurses his character along gently, giving us little nudges that all may not be quite right inside. Sy is a creature of habit, dining alone at a dismal café each evening and returning to his equally dismal apartment. Dismal and plain — that is, except for one wall covered in photographs.
Sy knows all about his customers: the lady who just takes pictures of her cats, the amateur porn artist — but especially the all-American family, the Yorkins, in whom he takes a more than proprietary interest. In fact, it is the Yorkin family's pictures that are all over his wall.
He begins to fancy himself spending holidays with them; he is dear old "Uncle Sy," and they adore him. As his secret fantasy unfolds, Sy begins to lose touch with reality. The lines begin to blur, and he begins, in fact, to insinuate himself into the lives of Nina Yorkin (Connie Nielsen), her husband, Will (Michael Vartan), and their young son, Jakob (Dylan Smith).
It's hard to dislike Williams, and it can take a while to accept him as a person who wasn't made with the right parts inside, such as compassion.
Several film critics comment on director Mark Romanek's use of cinematography. The first part of the picture is in muted tones; the visuals become more vibrant as Williams' character becomes more menacing. "Much of the film's atmosphere forms through the cinematography," Roger Ebert says.
Eleanor Ringel Gillespie in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution ponders the act of people taking pictures of one another. Is it, she wonders, because someone then can say, "I was here once, I was somebody"? She calls Romanek's work "a sobering meditation on why we take pictures."
Ebert says the movie "has been compared to 'American Beauty,' another film where resentment, lankiness and lust fester beneath the surface of suburban affluence." However, there's a difference between the two, he says. He describes Kevin Spacey's character in "American Beauty" as being haunted by needs that may be "frowned upon and even illegal," but are nonetheless "within the range of emotions we understand." In contrast, he says, Sy Parrish is "outside that range."
The 1 hour and 38 minute movie is rated R for sexual content and language.
It is playing at Diamond Cinemas.
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.
LIBRARIES' OPEN HOUSES TO SHOW OFF NEW RESOURCES
Sept. 25, 2002 – It's always "open house" for readers and information seekers at the Virgin Islands public libraries, but there will be special open houses for a special celebration at territory libraries on Oct. 3.
The Division of Libraries, Archives and Museums has received and installed the computers that were awarded to the public libraries through The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation grant of more than $71,000.
The primary aim of the grant is to establish access to the information technology resources through partnerships with state agencies and other public libraries, said a release from the V.I. Planning and Natural Resources Department.
Every public library in the territory is receiving six additional computers equipped with word processing, reference and children's programs. Software has been made available in Spanish, allowing the libraries to service the needs of both English- and Spanish-speaking communities. Programs such as Microsoft Word, Excel, Publisher, Access, Photo Draw, FrontPage, PowerPoint, Encarta Africana, Encarta World Encyclopedia, Encarta Dictionary and the "Magic School Bus" educational titles for children in Flight, On Mars, and In Space.
The open house schedule is as follows:
Oct. 3, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.:
Athalie M. Petersen Public Library, Frederiksted
Elaine I. Sprauve Public Library, Cruz Bay
Oct. 3, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.:
Enid M. Baa Public Library, Charlotte Amalie
Florence Williams Public Library, Christiansted
The public is invited to view and use the new programs. Staff members will be available to answer any questions the public may have and demonstrate how to properly use the new computers.
For addition information, contact Sharlene Harris, Director of Libraries, Archives and Museums, at 774-3407.
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 Division of Libraries, Archives and Museums has received and installed the computers that were awarded to the public libraries through The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation grant of more than $71,000.
The primary aim of the grant is to establish access to the information technology resources through partnerships with state agencies and other public libraries, said a release from the V.I. Planning and Natural Resources Department.
Every public library in the territory is receiving six additional computers equipped with word processing, reference and children's programs. Software has been made available in Spanish, allowing the libraries to service the needs of both English- and Spanish-speaking communities. Programs such as Microsoft Word, Excel, Publisher, Access, Photo Draw, FrontPage, PowerPoint, Encarta Africana, Encarta World Encyclopedia, Encarta Dictionary and the "Magic School Bus" educational titles for children in Flight, On Mars, and In Space.
The open house schedule is as follows:
Oct. 3, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.:
Athalie M. Petersen Public Library, Frederiksted
Elaine I. Sprauve Public Library, Cruz Bay
Oct. 3, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.:
Enid M. Baa Public Library, Charlotte Amalie
Florence Williams Public Library, Christiansted
The public is invited to view and use the new programs. Staff members will be available to answer any questions the public may have and demonstrate how to properly use the new computers.
For addition information, contact Sharlene Harris, Director of Libraries, Archives and Museums, at 774-3407.
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.
LIBRARIES' OPEN HOUSES TO SHOW OFF NEW RESOURCES
Sept. 26, 2002 – It's always "open house" for readers and information seekers at the Virgin Islands public libraries, but there will be special open houses for a special celebration at territory libraries on Oct. 3.
The Division of Libraries, Archives and Museums has received and installed the computers that were awarded to the public libraries through The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation grant of more than $71,000.
The primary aim of the grant is to establish access to the information technology resources through partnerships with state agencies and other public libraries, said a release from the V.I. Planning and Natural Resources Department.
Every public library in the territory is receiving six additional computers equipped with word processing, reference and children's programs. Software has been made available in Spanish, allowing the libraries to service the needs of both English- and Spanish-speaking communities. Programs such as Microsoft Word, Excel, Publisher, Access, Photo Draw, FrontPage, PowerPoint, Encarta Africana, Encarta World Encyclopedia, Encarta Dictionary and the "Magic School Bus" educational titles for children in Flight, On Mars, and In Space.
The open house schedule is as follows:
Oct. 3, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.:
Athalie M. Petersen Public Library, Frederiksted
Elaine I. Sprauve Public Library, Cruz Bay
Oct. 3, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.:
Enid M. Baa Public Library, Charlotte Amalie
Florence Williams Public Library, Christiansted
The public is invited to view and use the new programs. Staff members will be available to answer any questions the public may have and demonstrate how to properly use the new computers.
For addition information, contact Sharlene Harris, Director of Libraries, Archives and Museums, at 774-3407.
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 Division of Libraries, Archives and Museums has received and installed the computers that were awarded to the public libraries through The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation grant of more than $71,000.
The primary aim of the grant is to establish access to the information technology resources through partnerships with state agencies and other public libraries, said a release from the V.I. Planning and Natural Resources Department.
Every public library in the territory is receiving six additional computers equipped with word processing, reference and children's programs. Software has been made available in Spanish, allowing the libraries to service the needs of both English- and Spanish-speaking communities. Programs such as Microsoft Word, Excel, Publisher, Access, Photo Draw, FrontPage, PowerPoint, Encarta Africana, Encarta World Encyclopedia, Encarta Dictionary and the "Magic School Bus" educational titles for children in Flight, On Mars, and In Space.
The open house schedule is as follows:
Oct. 3, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.:
Athalie M. Petersen Public Library, Frederiksted
Elaine I. Sprauve Public Library, Cruz Bay
Oct. 3, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.:
Enid M. Baa Public Library, Charlotte Amalie
Florence Williams Public Library, Christiansted
The public is invited to view and use the new programs. Staff members will be available to answer any questions the public may have and demonstrate how to properly use the new computers.
For addition information, contact Sharlene Harris, Director of Libraries, Archives and Museums, at 774-3407.
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.
LIBRARIES' OPEN HOUSES TO SHOW OFF NEW RESOURCES
Sept. 26, 2002 – It's always "open house" for readers and information seekers at the Virgin Islands public libraries, but there will be special open houses for a special celebration at territory libraries on Oct. 3.
The Division of Libraries, Archives and Museums has received and installed the computers that were awarded to the public libraries through The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation grant of more than $71,000.
The primary aim of the grant is to establish access to the information technology resources through partnerships with state agencies and other public libraries, said a release from the V.I. Planning and Natural Resources Department.
Every public library in the territory is receiving six additional computers equipped with word processing, reference and children's programs. Software has been made available in Spanish, allowing the libraries to service the needs of both English- and Spanish-speaking communities. Programs such as Microsoft Word, Excel, Publisher, Access, Photo Draw, FrontPage, PowerPoint, Encarta Africana, Encarta World Encyclopedia, Encarta Dictionary and the "Magic School Bus" educational titles for children in Flight, On Mars, and In Space.
The open house schedule is as follows:
Oct. 3, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.:
Athalie M. Petersen Public Library, Frederiksted
Elaine I. Sprauve Public Library, Cruz Bay
Oct. 3, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.:
Enid M. Baa Public Library, Charlotte Amalie
Florence Williams Public Library, Christiansted
The public is invited to view and use the new programs. Staff members will be available to answer any questions the public may have and demonstrate how to properly use the new computers.
For addition information, contact Sharlene Harris, Director of Libraries, Archives and Museums, at 774-3407.
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 Division of Libraries, Archives and Museums has received and installed the computers that were awarded to the public libraries through The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation grant of more than $71,000.
The primary aim of the grant is to establish access to the information technology resources through partnerships with state agencies and other public libraries, said a release from the V.I. Planning and Natural Resources Department.
Every public library in the territory is receiving six additional computers equipped with word processing, reference and children's programs. Software has been made available in Spanish, allowing the libraries to service the needs of both English- and Spanish-speaking communities. Programs such as Microsoft Word, Excel, Publisher, Access, Photo Draw, FrontPage, PowerPoint, Encarta Africana, Encarta World Encyclopedia, Encarta Dictionary and the "Magic School Bus" educational titles for children in Flight, On Mars, and In Space.
The open house schedule is as follows:
Oct. 3, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.:
Athalie M. Petersen Public Library, Frederiksted
Elaine I. Sprauve Public Library, Cruz Bay
Oct. 3, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.:
Enid M. Baa Public Library, Charlotte Amalie
Florence Williams Public Library, Christiansted
The public is invited to view and use the new programs. Staff members will be available to answer any questions the public may have and demonstrate how to properly use the new computers.
For addition information, contact Sharlene Harris, Director of Libraries, Archives and Museums, at 774-3407.
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.
