Sept. 17, 2002 – Sewage problems at Golden Rock have prompted the Planning and Natural Resources Department to come out with an alert.
In a release issued late Monday, Planning and Natural Resources Commission Dean Plaskett advised residents to avoid storm runoff areas, including guts, puddles and drainage basins, and to keep their children out of those areas. Plaskett also urged people with compromised immune systems to avoid standing water in the area.
"That implies that the bacterial load is so high, it's deadly," said Bill Turner, executive director of the St. Croix Environmental Association. He said that on an island with a list of places with sewage woes, this one stands out.
Turner said crews covered the sewage-filled hole on Golden Rock Road with a metal plate.
"This is absolutely a catastrophe," Turner said, and the human and environmental impacts both are huge.
The problems appear to be two-fold. Public Works Commissioner Wayne Callwood pinned the problem on a blocked manhole at Harbor View Apartments owned by the apartment complex. Public Works is assisting with correcting the problem at Harbor View, he said in a release.
However, Turner said a major problem is a collapsed sewer line in front of Sugar Beach Condominiums. Harbor View and Sugar Beach are in the same area. Turner said crews covered the sewage-filled hole in the area of the collapsed line with metal plate.
Turner said that, to make matters worse, the Public Works Department does not have the pipe on hand needed to repair the line but already has begun digging a trench to replace the collapsed pipe. Digging the trench could send the sewage seaward through a storm drain, he said, but crews may have to make a choice between sewage in the ocean or sewage in someone's front yard.
Callwood, making no mention of a collapsed line in his release, said Public Works plans to replace the line with a larger one that can accommodate the increased flow sewage that has come with population growth in the area. He said intermittent sewage "bypasses" — sewage leaking into the road — will continue in the Sugar Beach area.
Public Works will use a sewer pump truck to clear the existing line while waiting for the pipes to be delivered, Callwood said in the release. He said crews will continue to use chlorine and a deodorizer to control the odor and disinfect the area.
Aaron Hutchins, Planning and Natural Resources Department water pollution control program supervisor, said on Tuesday that as of late Monday some work was done on repairs, but "lots needs to be done."
He was on his way out the door to inspect the area but said he would not be able to provide an update when he returned, since that information would have to come from the commissioner's office.
Turner said SEA has written to the U.S. Justice Department asking that sewage repairs on St. Croix be prioritized so that the worst problems are fixed first.
"This is an environmental justice issue," Turner said, adding that many of the people affected by the problem do not have the financial resources to move or spend nights in hotels to avoid the smell.
He said SEA can't file suit because St. Croix's sewage problems already are the subject of a U.S. District Court consent decree ordering the VI. government to fix the problems.
Turner said the collapsed line is just the latest in a series of sewage problems at Golden Rock since he took the SEA staff position a year ago.
In addition to the Golden Rock problem, Turner said, ongoing sewage problems exist at the Mon Bijou gut, and there are additional problems in Christiansted on Hospital Street, in front of the King Christian Hotel, in front of Crucian Gold on the boardwalk, and in front of the Scotia Bank building on King Street. He said Frederiksted also has sewage problems, including one right in front of the Legislature Building. And Campo Rico has frequent problems.
In the Mon Bijou case, Turned said, the sewage runs right behind two schools. "We have kids exposed to raw sewage," he said.
He said that except for repairs made to the sewage system in Gallows Bay and some improvements in the treatment plants, he has seen no progress. "There are very few places I'd swim on St. Croix," he said.
Public Works Commissioner Wayne D. Callwood was on St. Croix according to aides but could not be reached for comment.
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SOURCE A FINALIST FOR INTERNET NEWS AWARD
Sept. 16, 2002 – St. Thomas Source is a finalist in the 2002 Online Journalism Awards, presented by the Online News Association and the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism.
The finalists for the third annual Online Journalism Awards were announced Monday by the two organizations.
The competition, which honors excellence in Internet journalism, received 728 entries from 10 countries this year and was judged by a team of distinguished journalism leaders, according to a release from OJA.
In announcing the award finalists, Bruce Koon, president of ONA and executive news editor of Knight Ridder Digital, said, "We know the digital medium continues to grow as a news source for the public and therefore we anticipated many quality entries in this year's awards program. But the depth and diversity of the entries were even more outstanding than expected.
"That reflects an awful lot of hard work and commitment by online news teams and individuals, and accomplished in what are tough economic times. All journalists, regardless of where they ply their craft, should be proud of these efforts."
The Source is one of four finalists in the General Excellence category for independent Internet publications with under 200,000 unique visitors per month.
"This category honors a Web site with fewer than 200,000 unique visitors per month that successfully fulfills its editorial mission, effectively serves its audience, maximizes the unique abilities of the Web and represents the highest journalistic standards," according to the OJA release. The sites were judged on excellence of content, interactivity, multimedia, design, navigation and community tools.
"I am thrilled, naturally," Shaun A. Pennington, publisher of St. Thomas Source, said Monday night, "but I am not that surprised. We have an excellent product put together by a group of consummate professionals who have a complete commitment to this community and to ethical journalism. But I guess when you look at the list of finalists for these awards, it really is pretty awesome — wow!"
For the complete list of finalists, see the Online Journalism Awards Web site.
A two-step process was used to determine the finalists and the winners, which will be announced Oct. 18 in New York City.
First, a group of more than 100 international journalists, working remotely in teams of two, screened and narrowed the scores of entries in each category to a set of 5-10 nominees.
Then, these nominees were reviewed by the OJA final judges — 12 journalists with extensive experience in new and old mass media — who met at Columbia University last week to pick the finalists and the winners. The awards will be presented during the third national conference of the Online News Association, set for Oct. 18- 19 in New York.
Pennington said she plans to be there, "along with a few of the people who have been involved from the very beginning."
St. Thomas Source was launched on Jan. 15, 1999. This is the first time the newspaper has entered a journalism competition.
"We know we play a unique role in mass communication within the community we serve and that our readership has come to rely on us for unbiased, uncensored news coverage," Jean Etsinger, Source senior editor, said. "We thought it was time to see how we measured up in the journalism profession as a whole. Being named a finalist is very, very gratifying."
The final judges of this year's competition were:
– Bruce Koon, Knight Ridder Digital & ONA president
– Robert Anthony, freelance
– Dorian Benkoil, ABC News.com
– John Garcia, NBC
– Bernie Gwertzman, The New York Times
– Jamie Heller, The Wall Street Journal
– Scott Horner, Fort Lauderdale Sun_Sentinel
– Rich Jaroslovsky, Ziff Brothers Investments
– Walt Mossberg, The Wall Street Journal
– Lisa Napoli, freelance
– Steve Outing, The Poynter Institute
– Joe Weiss, Durham Herald_Sun
The Online Journalism Awards are among several major journalism awards administered by the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism. Others are the Pulitzer Prizes, the National Magazine Awards, the Alfred I. duPont-Columbia Awards for broadcast journalism, and the Maria Moors Cabot Prizes for inter-American understanding.
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 finalists for the third annual Online Journalism Awards were announced Monday by the two organizations.
The competition, which honors excellence in Internet journalism, received 728 entries from 10 countries this year and was judged by a team of distinguished journalism leaders, according to a release from OJA.
In announcing the award finalists, Bruce Koon, president of ONA and executive news editor of Knight Ridder Digital, said, "We know the digital medium continues to grow as a news source for the public and therefore we anticipated many quality entries in this year's awards program. But the depth and diversity of the entries were even more outstanding than expected.
"That reflects an awful lot of hard work and commitment by online news teams and individuals, and accomplished in what are tough economic times. All journalists, regardless of where they ply their craft, should be proud of these efforts."
The Source is one of four finalists in the General Excellence category for independent Internet publications with under 200,000 unique visitors per month.
"This category honors a Web site with fewer than 200,000 unique visitors per month that successfully fulfills its editorial mission, effectively serves its audience, maximizes the unique abilities of the Web and represents the highest journalistic standards," according to the OJA release. The sites were judged on excellence of content, interactivity, multimedia, design, navigation and community tools.
"I am thrilled, naturally," Shaun A. Pennington, publisher of St. Thomas Source, said Monday night, "but I am not that surprised. We have an excellent product put together by a group of consummate professionals who have a complete commitment to this community and to ethical journalism. But I guess when you look at the list of finalists for these awards, it really is pretty awesome — wow!"
For the complete list of finalists, see the Online Journalism Awards Web site.
A two-step process was used to determine the finalists and the winners, which will be announced Oct. 18 in New York City.
First, a group of more than 100 international journalists, working remotely in teams of two, screened and narrowed the scores of entries in each category to a set of 5-10 nominees.
Then, these nominees were reviewed by the OJA final judges — 12 journalists with extensive experience in new and old mass media — who met at Columbia University last week to pick the finalists and the winners. The awards will be presented during the third national conference of the Online News Association, set for Oct. 18- 19 in New York.
Pennington said she plans to be there, "along with a few of the people who have been involved from the very beginning."
St. Thomas Source was launched on Jan. 15, 1999. This is the first time the newspaper has entered a journalism competition.
"We know we play a unique role in mass communication within the community we serve and that our readership has come to rely on us for unbiased, uncensored news coverage," Jean Etsinger, Source senior editor, said. "We thought it was time to see how we measured up in the journalism profession as a whole. Being named a finalist is very, very gratifying."
The final judges of this year's competition were:
– Bruce Koon, Knight Ridder Digital & ONA president
– Robert Anthony, freelance
– Dorian Benkoil, ABC News.com
– John Garcia, NBC
– Bernie Gwertzman, The New York Times
– Jamie Heller, The Wall Street Journal
– Scott Horner, Fort Lauderdale Sun_Sentinel
– Rich Jaroslovsky, Ziff Brothers Investments
– Walt Mossberg, The Wall Street Journal
– Lisa Napoli, freelance
– Steve Outing, The Poynter Institute
– Joe Weiss, Durham Herald_Sun
The Online Journalism Awards are among several major journalism awards administered by the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism. Others are the Pulitzer Prizes, the National Magazine Awards, the Alfred I. duPont-Columbia Awards for broadcast journalism, and the Maria Moors Cabot Prizes for inter-American understanding.
Publisher's note : Like the St. Croix Source now? Find out how you can love us twice as much — and show your support for the islands' free and independent news voice … click here.
PUBLIC INVITED TO PAY LAST RESPECTS TO FARRELLY
Sept. 17, 2002 – The state funeral plans for Gov. Alexander A. Farrelly are finalized, according to a release from the Office of the Governor. The body will lie in state at Government House on St. Thomas for public viewing on Wednesday and Thursday, and the funeral Mass will be Friday morning at Sts. Peter and Paul Roman Catholic Cathedral in Charlotte Amalie.
Farrelly's body was to arrive in the Virgin Islands Tuesday afternoon, accompanied by the late governor's widow, Joan Harrigan Farrelly, other family members and Derek and Monique Hodge.
The body will lie in state on the second floor of Government House. Public viewing will be from noon to 8 p.m. on Wednesday and from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday. During those hours mourners can pay their respects and sign the memorial register.
On St. John, a memorial service will be conducted at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Battery.
On St. Croix, a memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday at Government House in Christiansted.
The funeral Mass will begin at 9:30 a.m. Friday at Sts. Peter and Paul , with interment to follow in Western Cemetery No. 1.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands for the Alexander A. Farrelly Milestone Fund. The foundation address is PO Box 11790, St. Thomas VI 00801. Checks should be made out to the foundation with a notation that the contribution is for the Farrelly Milestone Fund.
A memorial service was conducted in Washington, D.C., on Monday. Farrelly's lieutenant governor, Derek Hodge, delivered the eulogy, and he and his wife, Monique Sibilly Hodge, were the official representatives of Gov. Charles W. Turnbull at the service, held at St. Patrick's Catholic Church. Viewing and memorials preceded a 10 a.m. funeral Mass. A reception at the nearby Hyatt Hotel followed.
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.
Farrelly's body was to arrive in the Virgin Islands Tuesday afternoon, accompanied by the late governor's widow, Joan Harrigan Farrelly, other family members and Derek and Monique Hodge.
The body will lie in state on the second floor of Government House. Public viewing will be from noon to 8 p.m. on Wednesday and from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday. During those hours mourners can pay their respects and sign the memorial register.
On St. John, a memorial service will be conducted at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Battery.
On St. Croix, a memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday at Government House in Christiansted.
The funeral Mass will begin at 9:30 a.m. Friday at Sts. Peter and Paul , with interment to follow in Western Cemetery No. 1.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands for the Alexander A. Farrelly Milestone Fund. The foundation address is PO Box 11790, St. Thomas VI 00801. Checks should be made out to the foundation with a notation that the contribution is for the Farrelly Milestone Fund.
A memorial service was conducted in Washington, D.C., on Monday. Farrelly's lieutenant governor, Derek Hodge, delivered the eulogy, and he and his wife, Monique Sibilly Hodge, were the official representatives of Gov. Charles W. Turnbull at the service, held at St. Patrick's Catholic Church. Viewing and memorials preceded a 10 a.m. funeral Mass. A reception at the nearby Hyatt Hotel followed.
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.
HOME DEPOT IS RUMORED; OPPOSITION IS DEFINITE
Sept. 17, 2002 – While no one will confirm the persistent rumor that Home Depot is on its way to St. Thomas, a move is under way to keep the national chain out.
An entity called the Independent Retailers Group formed on island about six months ago to prevent Home Depot and other "big box" national stores from opening their doors on St. Thomas, Mike Perron of the Paint Depot said.
The group has invited Al Norman, who has successfully helped residents of 164 communities mobilize to keep out Wal- Mart, Home Depot and other similar stores, to speak on island. He'll do so at 6 p.m. on Thursday at the Learning and Communication Center in Royal Dane Mall in downtown Charlotte Amalie. The center is located behind Tavern on the Waterfront at street level.
Norman, who also is scheduled to make local radio addresses, is the author of "Slam-Dunking Wal-Mart," a primer on how to keep national chains out of your community, and editor of the "Sprawl-Busters Alert."
Norman got his start in Greenfield, Massachusetts, in 1993, when he led the fight to keep Wal-Mart out of his hometown. Since then, he has gained national attention through appearances on the television program "60 Minutes" and interviews in publications such as The Wall Street Journal. National Public Radio titled its feature on him "Store Wars."
For more background on Norman, visit his Sprawl-Busters Consultants Web site.
Enrique Rodriquez, who owns Rodriquez Auto Parts and Time Center True Value Hardware Store, said the Independent Retailers Group has about a dozen members. They signed on because they are able to provide financial support for a fight against national chains such as Home Depot, he said. Additionally, he said, other business owners support their efforts.
Perron said that while he is not against competition, huge chain stores such as Home Depot and Wal-Mart snuff out small local businesses. He said the chains keep undercutting prices of locally owned businesses until the small shops are forced to close. He also said that while the large chains promise jobs, they turn out to be less than full time.
Rodriquez said that the profits of the big chains will go off island. "We live here. Our profits stay here," he said. Also, he said, those national companies will not use local service providers such as advertising agencies and accountants.
Rodriquez also worried that the large off-island companies will get Economic Development Commission benefits not available to small businesses. He suggested that the V.I. government reduce excise and gross receipts taxes for local business so they can lower their prices.
While some local business owners are vowing to fight Home Depot's arrival, St. Thomas do-it-yourself-er Billy Walker has his arms wide open in welcome. "It's going to be fantastic," he said.
While he looks forward to lower prices, Walker also said that Home Depot carries a bigger selection than all of the existing building supply stores on St. Thomas combined. "Lots of stuff Home Depot carries, we don't get here," he said.
And, he said, with Island Block reportedly planning to shut its doors sometime in the near future, there will definitely be room for another player.
Walker also predicted that shoppers will easily be able to order merchandise they don't find on the Home Depot shelves.
David Holzman, who owns Innovative Builders on St. John, said he definitely would give Home Depot a try. "But I would compare prices and services with local business," he said.
Holtzman, too, mentioned that Home Depot offers a larger selection of items than local stores. However, he said, it remains to be seen if the St. Thomas Home Depot will be as large as those on the mainland.
The rumors keep flying, with the San Juan Star having reported this summer that the chain is coming to St. Thomas. Perron said it's definitely so — and that the facility will be located behind Cost-U-Less on Weymouth Rhymer Highway. "I've seen the blueprints," he said.
Don Harrison, public relations manager for Home Depot in Atlanta, said on Tuesday that he has no information about the chain opening a store on St. Thomas. "If a real estate deal is in negotiation, those conversations are proprietary," he said. "Real estate keeps its negotiations close to the vest."
Etienne Bertrand, who heads Lockhart Companies Inc., did not return a telephone call on Tuesday requesting comment. Last month, he denied that the company was negotiating a deal with Home Depot for its property near Cost-U-Less.
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.
An entity called the Independent Retailers Group formed on island about six months ago to prevent Home Depot and other "big box" national stores from opening their doors on St. Thomas, Mike Perron of the Paint Depot said.
The group has invited Al Norman, who has successfully helped residents of 164 communities mobilize to keep out Wal- Mart, Home Depot and other similar stores, to speak on island. He'll do so at 6 p.m. on Thursday at the Learning and Communication Center in Royal Dane Mall in downtown Charlotte Amalie. The center is located behind Tavern on the Waterfront at street level.
Norman, who also is scheduled to make local radio addresses, is the author of "Slam-Dunking Wal-Mart," a primer on how to keep national chains out of your community, and editor of the "Sprawl-Busters Alert."
Norman got his start in Greenfield, Massachusetts, in 1993, when he led the fight to keep Wal-Mart out of his hometown. Since then, he has gained national attention through appearances on the television program "60 Minutes" and interviews in publications such as The Wall Street Journal. National Public Radio titled its feature on him "Store Wars."
For more background on Norman, visit his Sprawl-Busters Consultants Web site.
Enrique Rodriquez, who owns Rodriquez Auto Parts and Time Center True Value Hardware Store, said the Independent Retailers Group has about a dozen members. They signed on because they are able to provide financial support for a fight against national chains such as Home Depot, he said. Additionally, he said, other business owners support their efforts.
Perron said that while he is not against competition, huge chain stores such as Home Depot and Wal-Mart snuff out small local businesses. He said the chains keep undercutting prices of locally owned businesses until the small shops are forced to close. He also said that while the large chains promise jobs, they turn out to be less than full time.
Rodriquez said that the profits of the big chains will go off island. "We live here. Our profits stay here," he said. Also, he said, those national companies will not use local service providers such as advertising agencies and accountants.
Rodriquez also worried that the large off-island companies will get Economic Development Commission benefits not available to small businesses. He suggested that the V.I. government reduce excise and gross receipts taxes for local business so they can lower their prices.
While some local business owners are vowing to fight Home Depot's arrival, St. Thomas do-it-yourself-er Billy Walker has his arms wide open in welcome. "It's going to be fantastic," he said.
While he looks forward to lower prices, Walker also said that Home Depot carries a bigger selection than all of the existing building supply stores on St. Thomas combined. "Lots of stuff Home Depot carries, we don't get here," he said.
And, he said, with Island Block reportedly planning to shut its doors sometime in the near future, there will definitely be room for another player.
Walker also predicted that shoppers will easily be able to order merchandise they don't find on the Home Depot shelves.
David Holzman, who owns Innovative Builders on St. John, said he definitely would give Home Depot a try. "But I would compare prices and services with local business," he said.
Holtzman, too, mentioned that Home Depot offers a larger selection of items than local stores. However, he said, it remains to be seen if the St. Thomas Home Depot will be as large as those on the mainland.
The rumors keep flying, with the San Juan Star having reported this summer that the chain is coming to St. Thomas. Perron said it's definitely so — and that the facility will be located behind Cost-U-Less on Weymouth Rhymer Highway. "I've seen the blueprints," he said.
Don Harrison, public relations manager for Home Depot in Atlanta, said on Tuesday that he has no information about the chain opening a store on St. Thomas. "If a real estate deal is in negotiation, those conversations are proprietary," he said. "Real estate keeps its negotiations close to the vest."
Etienne Bertrand, who heads Lockhart Companies Inc., did not return a telephone call on Tuesday requesting comment. Last month, he denied that the company was negotiating a deal with Home Depot for its property near Cost-U-Less.
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.
GERS FACING COLLAPSE, SENATORS TOLD AGAIN
Sept. 17, 2002 – The only way to save the Government Employees Retirement System from collapse is to increase contributions from both employees and their employers — government agencies and departments — according to GERS attorney Alphonse Nibbs.
GERS is near collapse because it is paying out more in benefits than it is collecting in contributions, Nibbs and Lawrence Bryan, system administrator, told the Senate Committee on Economic Development, Agriculture and Consumer Protection on Monday.
"It started two or three years ago," Bryan said.
Sen. Roosevelt David termed GERS "very close to death's door." "If this system collapses, the entire community will be devastated," he said, noting that he expects crime to increase if that happens. He accused fellow senators of taking the situation too lightly.
Nibbs, attorney for the GERS board of trustees, said the board has repeatedly brought the problem to the Senate's attention "The body stayed silent and has not acted appropriately to put forth the best solution for the people," he said.
Raymond James, GERS board vice chair, put the unfunded liability figure at $518 million, but fellow board member Yvonne Bowsky said the figure was closer to $800 million.
"If we don't act now, it will go higher," Sen. Emmett Hansen II said.
Bryan said GERS loans total $100.8 million. The system has made 6,273 personal loans totaling $62.9 million, 1,763 retiree loans totaling $9.3 million, 999 mortgage loans totaling $26.9 million, 31 land loans totaling $358,628, and 158 auto loans totaling $1.2 million. These loans account for 20.7 percent of the system's allocated operating expenses.
While several officials of the territory's banking community were invited to testify on their institutions' rates, points and closing costs, none showed up to do so.
"I think they have something to hide. They said they were going to be here," said Sen. Adelbert Bryan, the committee chair. When the banks want something, he said, their officers are quick to appear at Senate hearings.
Lloyd Williams said he had noticed a large number of mortgage foreclosures in the past few months. He said this was uncommon for the territory, and "someone should wave the flag and protect the consumer." He also said that mortgage rates nationally are as low as 4.7 percent, but the best he could find in the territory was two points higher than that.
Sen. Bryan said most of the territory's banks are "predatory lenders" because they receive various exemptions and benefits but don't reinvest in the community. He had particularly harsh words for V.I. Community Bank, because it receives Economic Development Commission tax breaks. "They should have lower rates," he said.
The committee heard from Ken Kenion of the finance company Commoloco. He said that the number of finance companies in the territory has dropped from four to one because the maximum interest rate allowed at such companies is capped at 19.5 percent. He said loans made through finance companies locally stand at $30 million.
The senators heard audio testimony from Lt. Gov. Gerard Luz James II. Speaking to the committee via the Legislature Building telecommunications system, James said that banks want a financial services act, and that this is in the works. He said the V.I. Banking Board received the document last week.
Committee members present for the session were Sens. Bryan, David, Hansen and Vargrave Richards. Not present were Donald "Ducks" Cole, Norman Jn Baptiste and Celestino A. White Sr.
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.
GERS is near collapse because it is paying out more in benefits than it is collecting in contributions, Nibbs and Lawrence Bryan, system administrator, told the Senate Committee on Economic Development, Agriculture and Consumer Protection on Monday.
"It started two or three years ago," Bryan said.
Sen. Roosevelt David termed GERS "very close to death's door." "If this system collapses, the entire community will be devastated," he said, noting that he expects crime to increase if that happens. He accused fellow senators of taking the situation too lightly.
Nibbs, attorney for the GERS board of trustees, said the board has repeatedly brought the problem to the Senate's attention "The body stayed silent and has not acted appropriately to put forth the best solution for the people," he said.
Raymond James, GERS board vice chair, put the unfunded liability figure at $518 million, but fellow board member Yvonne Bowsky said the figure was closer to $800 million.
"If we don't act now, it will go higher," Sen. Emmett Hansen II said.
Bryan said GERS loans total $100.8 million. The system has made 6,273 personal loans totaling $62.9 million, 1,763 retiree loans totaling $9.3 million, 999 mortgage loans totaling $26.9 million, 31 land loans totaling $358,628, and 158 auto loans totaling $1.2 million. These loans account for 20.7 percent of the system's allocated operating expenses.
While several officials of the territory's banking community were invited to testify on their institutions' rates, points and closing costs, none showed up to do so.
"I think they have something to hide. They said they were going to be here," said Sen. Adelbert Bryan, the committee chair. When the banks want something, he said, their officers are quick to appear at Senate hearings.
Lloyd Williams said he had noticed a large number of mortgage foreclosures in the past few months. He said this was uncommon for the territory, and "someone should wave the flag and protect the consumer." He also said that mortgage rates nationally are as low as 4.7 percent, but the best he could find in the territory was two points higher than that.
Sen. Bryan said most of the territory's banks are "predatory lenders" because they receive various exemptions and benefits but don't reinvest in the community. He had particularly harsh words for V.I. Community Bank, because it receives Economic Development Commission tax breaks. "They should have lower rates," he said.
The committee heard from Ken Kenion of the finance company Commoloco. He said that the number of finance companies in the territory has dropped from four to one because the maximum interest rate allowed at such companies is capped at 19.5 percent. He said loans made through finance companies locally stand at $30 million.
The senators heard audio testimony from Lt. Gov. Gerard Luz James II. Speaking to the committee via the Legislature Building telecommunications system, James said that banks want a financial services act, and that this is in the works. He said the V.I. Banking Board received the document last week.
Committee members present for the session were Sens. Bryan, David, Hansen and Vargrave Richards. Not present were Donald "Ducks" Cole, Norman Jn Baptiste and Celestino A. White Sr.
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.
SOURCE A FINALIST FOR INTERNET NEWS AWARD
Sept. 16, 2002 – St. Thomas Source is a finalist in the 2002 Online Journalism Awards, presented by the Online News Association and the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism.
The finalists for the third annual Online Journalism Awards were announced Monday by the two organizations.
The competition, which honors excellence in Internet journalism, received 728 entries from 10 countries this year and was judged by a team of distinguished journalism leaders, according to a release from OJA.
In announcing the award finalists, Bruce Koon, president of ONA and executive news editor of Knight Ridder Digital, said, "We know the digital medium continues to grow as a news source for the public and therefore we anticipated many quality entries in this year's awards program. But the depth and diversity of the entries were even more outstanding than expected.
"That reflects an awful lot of hard work and commitment by online news teams and individuals, and accomplished in what are tough economic times. All journalists, regardless of where they ply their craft, should be proud of these efforts."
The Source is one of four finalists in the General Excellence category for independent Internet publications with under 200,000 unique visitors per month.
"This category honors a Web site with fewer than 200,000 unique visitors per month that successfully fulfills its editorial mission, effectively serves its audience, maximizes the unique abilities of the Web and represents the highest journalistic standards," according to the OJA release. The sites were judged on excellence of content, interactivity, multimedia, design, navigation and community tools.
"I am thrilled, naturally," Shaun A. Pennington, publisher of St. Thomas Source, said Monday night, "but I am not that surprised. We have an excellent product put together by a group of consummate professionals who have a complete commitment to this community and to ethical journalism. But I guess when you look at the list of finalists for these awards, it really is pretty awesome — wow!"
For the complete list of finalists, see the Online Journalism Awards Web site.
A two-step process was used to determine the finalists and the winners, which will be announced Oct. 18 in New York City.
First, a group of more than 100 international journalists, working remotely in teams of two, screened and narrowed the scores of entries in each category to a set of 5-10 nominees.
Then, these nominees were reviewed by the OJA final judges — 12 journalists with extensive experience in new and old mass media — who met at Columbia University last week to pick the finalists and the winners. The awards will be presented during the third national conference of the Online News Association, set for Oct. 18- 19 in New York.
Pennington said she plans to be there, "along with a few of the people who have been involved from the very beginning."
St. Thomas Source was launched on Jan. 15, 1999. This is the first time the newspaper has entered a journalism competition.
"We know we play a unique role in mass communication within the community we serve and that our readership has come to rely on us for unbiased, uncensored news coverage," Jean Etsinger, Source senior editor, said. "We thought it was time to see how we measured up in the journalism profession as a whole. Being named a finalist is very, very gratifying."
The final judges of this year's competition were:
– Bruce Koon, Knight Ridder Digital & ONA president
– Robert Anthony, freelance
– Dorian Benkoil, ABC News.com
– John Garcia, NBC
– Bernie Gwertzman, The New York Times
– Jamie Heller, The Wall Street Journal
– Scott Horner, Fort Lauderdale Sun_Sentinel
– Rich Jaroslovsky, Ziff Brothers Investments
– Walt Mossberg, The Wall Street Journal
– Lisa Napoli, freelance
– Steve Outing, The Poynter Institute
– Joe Weiss, Durham Herald_Sun
The Online Journalism Awards are among several major journalism awards administered by the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism. Others are the Pulitzer Prizes, the National Magazine Awards, the Alfred I. duPont-Columbia Awards for broadcast journalism, and the Maria Moors Cabot Prizes for inter-American understanding.
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 finalists for the third annual Online Journalism Awards were announced Monday by the two organizations.
The competition, which honors excellence in Internet journalism, received 728 entries from 10 countries this year and was judged by a team of distinguished journalism leaders, according to a release from OJA.
In announcing the award finalists, Bruce Koon, president of ONA and executive news editor of Knight Ridder Digital, said, "We know the digital medium continues to grow as a news source for the public and therefore we anticipated many quality entries in this year's awards program. But the depth and diversity of the entries were even more outstanding than expected.
"That reflects an awful lot of hard work and commitment by online news teams and individuals, and accomplished in what are tough economic times. All journalists, regardless of where they ply their craft, should be proud of these efforts."
The Source is one of four finalists in the General Excellence category for independent Internet publications with under 200,000 unique visitors per month.
"This category honors a Web site with fewer than 200,000 unique visitors per month that successfully fulfills its editorial mission, effectively serves its audience, maximizes the unique abilities of the Web and represents the highest journalistic standards," according to the OJA release. The sites were judged on excellence of content, interactivity, multimedia, design, navigation and community tools.
"I am thrilled, naturally," Shaun A. Pennington, publisher of St. Thomas Source, said Monday night, "but I am not that surprised. We have an excellent product put together by a group of consummate professionals who have a complete commitment to this community and to ethical journalism. But I guess when you look at the list of finalists for these awards, it really is pretty awesome — wow!"
For the complete list of finalists, see the Online Journalism Awards Web site.
A two-step process was used to determine the finalists and the winners, which will be announced Oct. 18 in New York City.
First, a group of more than 100 international journalists, working remotely in teams of two, screened and narrowed the scores of entries in each category to a set of 5-10 nominees.
Then, these nominees were reviewed by the OJA final judges — 12 journalists with extensive experience in new and old mass media — who met at Columbia University last week to pick the finalists and the winners. The awards will be presented during the third national conference of the Online News Association, set for Oct. 18- 19 in New York.
Pennington said she plans to be there, "along with a few of the people who have been involved from the very beginning."
St. Thomas Source was launched on Jan. 15, 1999. This is the first time the newspaper has entered a journalism competition.
"We know we play a unique role in mass communication within the community we serve and that our readership has come to rely on us for unbiased, uncensored news coverage," Jean Etsinger, Source senior editor, said. "We thought it was time to see how we measured up in the journalism profession as a whole. Being named a finalist is very, very gratifying."
The final judges of this year's competition were:
– Bruce Koon, Knight Ridder Digital & ONA president
– Robert Anthony, freelance
– Dorian Benkoil, ABC News.com
– John Garcia, NBC
– Bernie Gwertzman, The New York Times
– Jamie Heller, The Wall Street Journal
– Scott Horner, Fort Lauderdale Sun_Sentinel
– Rich Jaroslovsky, Ziff Brothers Investments
– Walt Mossberg, The Wall Street Journal
– Lisa Napoli, freelance
– Steve Outing, The Poynter Institute
– Joe Weiss, Durham Herald_Sun
The Online Journalism Awards are among several major journalism awards administered by the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism. Others are the Pulitzer Prizes, the National Magazine Awards, the Alfred I. duPont-Columbia Awards for broadcast journalism, and the Maria Moors Cabot Prizes for inter-American understanding.
Publisher's note : Like the St. John Source now? Find out how you can love us twice as much — and show your support for the islands' free and independent news voice … click here.
PUBLIC INVITED TO PAY LAST RESPECTS TO FARRELLY
Sept. 17, 2002 – The state funeral plans for Gov. Alexander A. Farrelly are finalized, according to a release from the Office of the Governor. The body will lie in state at Government House on St. Thomas for public viewing on Wednesday and Thursday, and the funeral Mass will be Friday morning at Sts. Peter and Paul Roman Catholic Cathedral in Charlotte Amalie.
Farrelly's body was to arrive in the Virgin Islands Tuesday afternoon, accompanied by the late governor's widow, Joan Harrigan Farrelly, other family members and Derek and Monique Hodge.
The body will lie in state on the second floor of Government House. Public viewing will be from noon to 8 p.m. on Wednesday and from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday. During those hours mourners can pay their respects and sign the memorial register.
On St. John, a memorial service will be conducted at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Battery.
On St. Croix, a memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday at Government House in Christiansted.
The funeral Mass will begin at 9:30 a.m. Friday at Sts. Peter and Paul , with interment to follow in Western Cemetery No. 1.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands for the Alexander A. Farrelly Milestone Fund. The foundation address is PO Box 11790, St. Thomas VI 00801. Checks should be made out to the foundation with a notation that the contribution is for the Farrelly Milestone Fund.
A memorial service was conducted in Washington, D.C., on Monday. Farrelly's lieutenant governor, Derek Hodge, delivered the eulogy, and he and his wife, Monique Sibilly Hodge, were the official representatives of Gov. Charles W. Turnbull at the service, held at St. Patrick's Catholic Church. Viewing and memorials preceded a 10 a.m. funeral Mass. A reception at the nearby Hyatt Hotel followed.
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.
Farrelly's body was to arrive in the Virgin Islands Tuesday afternoon, accompanied by the late governor's widow, Joan Harrigan Farrelly, other family members and Derek and Monique Hodge.
The body will lie in state on the second floor of Government House. Public viewing will be from noon to 8 p.m. on Wednesday and from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday. During those hours mourners can pay their respects and sign the memorial register.
On St. John, a memorial service will be conducted at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Battery.
On St. Croix, a memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday at Government House in Christiansted.
The funeral Mass will begin at 9:30 a.m. Friday at Sts. Peter and Paul , with interment to follow in Western Cemetery No. 1.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands for the Alexander A. Farrelly Milestone Fund. The foundation address is PO Box 11790, St. Thomas VI 00801. Checks should be made out to the foundation with a notation that the contribution is for the Farrelly Milestone Fund.
A memorial service was conducted in Washington, D.C., on Monday. Farrelly's lieutenant governor, Derek Hodge, delivered the eulogy, and he and his wife, Monique Sibilly Hodge, were the official representatives of Gov. Charles W. Turnbull at the service, held at St. Patrick's Catholic Church. Viewing and memorials preceded a 10 a.m. funeral Mass. A reception at the nearby Hyatt Hotel followed.
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.
HOME DEPOT IS RUMORED; OPPOSITION IS DEFINITE
Sept. 17, 2002 – While no one will confirm the persistent rumor that Home Depot is on its way to St. Thomas, a move is under way to keep the national chain out.
An entity called the Independent Retailers Group formed on island about six months ago to prevent Home Depot and other "big box" national stores from opening their doors on St. Thomas, Mike Perron of the Paint Depot said.
The group has invited Al Norman, who has successfully helped residents of 164 communities mobilize to keep out Wal- Mart, Home Depot and other similar stores, to speak on island. He'll do so at 6 p.m. on Thursday at the Learning and Communication Center in Royal Dane Mall. The center is located behind Tavern on the Waterfront at street level.
Norman, who also is scheduled to make local radio addresses, is the author of "Slam-Dunking Wal-Mart," a primer on how to keep national chains out of your community, and editor of the "Sprawl-Busters Alert."
Norman got his start in Greenfield, Massachusetts, in 1993, when he led the fight to keep Wal-Mart out of his hometown. Since then, he has gained national attention through appearances on the television program "60 Minutes" and interviews in publications such as The Wall Street Journal. National Public Radio titled its feature on him "Store Wars."
For more background on Norman, visit his Sprawl-Busters Consultants Web site.
Enrique Rodriquez, who owns Rodriquez Auto Parts and Time Center True Value Hardware Store, said the Independent Retailers Group has about a dozen members. They signed on because they are able to provide financial support for a fight against national chains such as Home Depot, he said. Additionally, he said, other business owners support their efforts.
Perron said that while he is not against competition, huge chain stores such as Home Depot and Wal-Mart snuff out small local businesses. He said the chains keep undercutting prices of locally owned businesses until the small shops are forced to close. He also said that while the large chains promise jobs, they turn out to be less than full time.
Rodriquez said that the profits of the big chains will go off island. "We live here. Our profits stay here," he said. Also, he said, those national companies will not use local service providers such as advertising agencies and accountants.
Rodriquez also worried that the large off-island companies will get Economic Development Commission benefits not available to small businesses. He suggested that the V.I. government reduce excise and gross receipts taxes for local business so they can lower their prices.
While some local business owners are vowing to fight Home Depot's arrival, St. Thomas do-it-yourself-er Billy Walker has his arms wide open in welcome. "It's going to be fantastic," he said.
While he looks forward to lower prices, Walker also said that Home Depot carries a bigger selection than all of the existing building supply stores on St. Thomas combined. "Lots of stuff Home Depot carries, we don't get here," he said.
And, he said, with Island Block reportedly planning to shut its doors sometime in the near future, there will definitely be room for another player.
Walker also predicted that shoppers will easily be able to order merchandise they don't find on the Home Depot shelves.
David Holzman, who owns Innovative Builders on St. John, said he definitely would give Home Depot a try. "But I would compare prices and services with local business," he said.
Holtzman, too, mentioned that Home Depot offers a larger selection of items than local stores. However, he said, it remains to be seen if the St. Thomas Home Depot will be as large as those on the mainland.
The rumors keep flying, with the San Juan Star having reported this summer that the chain is coming to St. Thomas. Perron said it's definitely so — and that the facility will be located behind Cost-U-Less on Weymouth Rhymer Highway. "I've seen the blueprints," he said.
Don Harrison, public relations manager for Home Depot in Atlanta, said on Tuesday that he has no information about the chain opening a store on St. Thomas. "If a real estate deal is in negotiation, those conversations are proprietary," he said. "Real estate keeps its negotiations close to the vest."
Etienne Bertrand, who heads Lockhart Companies Inc., did not return a telephone call on Tuesday requesting comment. Last month, he denied that the company was negotiating a deal with Home Depot for its property near Cost-U-Less.
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.
An entity called the Independent Retailers Group formed on island about six months ago to prevent Home Depot and other "big box" national stores from opening their doors on St. Thomas, Mike Perron of the Paint Depot said.
The group has invited Al Norman, who has successfully helped residents of 164 communities mobilize to keep out Wal- Mart, Home Depot and other similar stores, to speak on island. He'll do so at 6 p.m. on Thursday at the Learning and Communication Center in Royal Dane Mall. The center is located behind Tavern on the Waterfront at street level.
Norman, who also is scheduled to make local radio addresses, is the author of "Slam-Dunking Wal-Mart," a primer on how to keep national chains out of your community, and editor of the "Sprawl-Busters Alert."
Norman got his start in Greenfield, Massachusetts, in 1993, when he led the fight to keep Wal-Mart out of his hometown. Since then, he has gained national attention through appearances on the television program "60 Minutes" and interviews in publications such as The Wall Street Journal. National Public Radio titled its feature on him "Store Wars."
For more background on Norman, visit his Sprawl-Busters Consultants Web site.
Enrique Rodriquez, who owns Rodriquez Auto Parts and Time Center True Value Hardware Store, said the Independent Retailers Group has about a dozen members. They signed on because they are able to provide financial support for a fight against national chains such as Home Depot, he said. Additionally, he said, other business owners support their efforts.
Perron said that while he is not against competition, huge chain stores such as Home Depot and Wal-Mart snuff out small local businesses. He said the chains keep undercutting prices of locally owned businesses until the small shops are forced to close. He also said that while the large chains promise jobs, they turn out to be less than full time.
Rodriquez said that the profits of the big chains will go off island. "We live here. Our profits stay here," he said. Also, he said, those national companies will not use local service providers such as advertising agencies and accountants.
Rodriquez also worried that the large off-island companies will get Economic Development Commission benefits not available to small businesses. He suggested that the V.I. government reduce excise and gross receipts taxes for local business so they can lower their prices.
While some local business owners are vowing to fight Home Depot's arrival, St. Thomas do-it-yourself-er Billy Walker has his arms wide open in welcome. "It's going to be fantastic," he said.
While he looks forward to lower prices, Walker also said that Home Depot carries a bigger selection than all of the existing building supply stores on St. Thomas combined. "Lots of stuff Home Depot carries, we don't get here," he said.
And, he said, with Island Block reportedly planning to shut its doors sometime in the near future, there will definitely be room for another player.
Walker also predicted that shoppers will easily be able to order merchandise they don't find on the Home Depot shelves.
David Holzman, who owns Innovative Builders on St. John, said he definitely would give Home Depot a try. "But I would compare prices and services with local business," he said.
Holtzman, too, mentioned that Home Depot offers a larger selection of items than local stores. However, he said, it remains to be seen if the St. Thomas Home Depot will be as large as those on the mainland.
The rumors keep flying, with the San Juan Star having reported this summer that the chain is coming to St. Thomas. Perron said it's definitely so — and that the facility will be located behind Cost-U-Less on Weymouth Rhymer Highway. "I've seen the blueprints," he said.
Don Harrison, public relations manager for Home Depot in Atlanta, said on Tuesday that he has no information about the chain opening a store on St. Thomas. "If a real estate deal is in negotiation, those conversations are proprietary," he said. "Real estate keeps its negotiations close to the vest."
Etienne Bertrand, who heads Lockhart Companies Inc., did not return a telephone call on Tuesday requesting comment. Last month, he denied that the company was negotiating a deal with Home Depot for its property near Cost-U-Less.
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.
ASVAB SCHEDULED FOR KEAN STUDENTS
Sept. 17, 2002 – The ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) has been sceduled for Sept. 14-26 for Ivanna Eudora Kean High School students in grades 10 through 12.
Testing will be held at the V.I. National Guard Armory in Estate Nazareth from 7:45 a.m. to 12 noon each day. The testing schedule is as follows:
Tuesday, Sept. 24 – 10th grade students
Wednesday, Sept. 25 -11th grade students
Thursday, Sept. 26 – 12th grade students
All students are encouaged to take the ASVAB and not only those who are looking toward a military career. The ASVAB assists students in their overall career exploration and is useful in being comfortable with taking these types of tests.
Interested students are encouraged to register with their counselors immediately.
I>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.
Testing will be held at the V.I. National Guard Armory in Estate Nazareth from 7:45 a.m. to 12 noon each day. The testing schedule is as follows:
Tuesday, Sept. 24 – 10th grade students
Wednesday, Sept. 25 -11th grade students
Thursday, Sept. 26 – 12th grade students
All students are encouaged to take the ASVAB and not only those who are looking toward a military career. The ASVAB assists students in their overall career exploration and is useful in being comfortable with taking these types of tests.
Interested students are encouraged to register with their counselors immediately.
I>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.
GED TESTING SITES ON ST. CROIX
Sept. 17. 2002 – Registration for the pre-GED and GED (General Educational Development), is being held between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. at the following sites: Athalie Petersen and Florence A. Williams Public Libraries, the Adult Education Center in La Grande Princesse, and the Department of Education headquarters in Christiansted.
The next pre-GED exam is scheduled for 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 24, at the Adult Education Center. Only individuals who have passed the pre-GED will be allowed to register for the GED.
For more information contact Ms. Molloy at 773-1095, ext. 258.
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 next pre-GED exam is scheduled for 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 24, at the Adult Education Center. Only individuals who have passed the pre-GED will be allowed to register for the GED.
For more information contact Ms. Molloy at 773-1095, ext. 258.
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.
