Aug. 26, 2002 – Organizers of a forum designed to raise public awareness about the danger of natural disasters drew about 60 emergency planners and emergency service volunteers to Frenchman's Reef Resort Friday.
The heightened hurricane activity seen in the Virgin Islands in the past decade led officials from V.I. Territorial Emergency Management Agency to team up with the University of the Virgin Islands's Small Business Development Center to bring the latest advice on protecting homes and businesses from hurricanes and floods.
Until the first of a string of catastrophic storms started showing up in the territory, the concern about hurricanes in the Virgin Islands was only one of passing interest, Roy Watlington, science professor, said. Watlington was one of a dozen panel speakers addressing the forum. A native Virgin Islander growing up in the '40s and '50s, Watlington said, "I really thought nothing natural happened here that was interesting."
But then Hurricane Hugo showed up in 1989, followed by Luis and Marilyn in 1995, Bertha and Hortense in 1996, Georges in 1998 and Hurricane Lenny in 1999. These storms brought hundreds of millions of dollars in damage to the territory. Since then the V.I. government has taken several steps to increase safety and reduce the risk of property damage.
But this year, VITEMA Deputy Director Clayton Sutton said, changing times had added new hazards to consider — earthquakes and tsunamis, also referred to as tidal waves. Presenters also addressed the possibility of man-made disasters brought on by acts of terrorism.
"I think [that because of] the cross section of information we got, everyone was able to get something. That was the intent of this particular forum. This year we wanted to make it an all-hazards forum," Sutton said.
VITEMA first started a campaign about four years ago to heighten public awareness about the chance that an earthquake of magnitude 7.0 or higher would strike the territory. The last one of that magnitude occurred in 1867 and, scientists say, with an estimated cycle of 100 years, the next big one is now close to 40 years overdue.
Because earthquakes occur suddenly, public awareness is the best form of emergency management, Watlington said. "The person who saves the day when you have an earthquake or a tsunami, unlike a hurricane, is the individual."
The Small Business Center helps put on the forums because, when disasters roll around, it's the SBDC that administers the local emergency disaster loan program, center director Warren Bush said. Among the topics of greatest interest is insurance.
Industry officials speaking at the forum said business and home owners who have proper insurance of the right types can recover quickly after a major storm or other disaster. But the cost of coverage makes the task of keeping insurance ever challenging, with rates increasing up to 200 percent since Hugo.
"Since Hurricane Hugo devastated the Virgin Islands … the cost of homeowners and commercial, home owners and property insurance has increased at an escalating pace," said attorney Glendina Matthew, a representative of the V.I. Office of Banking and Insurance. "The majority of insurance consumers, if not all consumers in the territory, find insurance unaffordable; thus many are unable to protect their properties, their home and businesses against hurricanes and earthquakes."
But this year, Matthew said property and casualty insurance is available and those who still want to buy policies can. Liability, property and casualty insurance are available, said David Ridgeway from the V.I. Insurance Association; but, he said, many businesses fail to take out the one kind of insurance that can help them recover quickly after a disaster.
"Businesses who don't buy business interruption coverage have the insurance to rebuild the building or repurchase the contents, but they don't have the funds to provide for the cash flow to retain their key employees and get through the bridge of the reconstruction period," he said.
Those who stand the greatest chance of recovery are those who can come to work the morning after, turn on the generator and open for business, and Rigdeway said insurance makes that possible.
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.
AWARENESS, INSURANCE ARE KEY DISASTER HELP
Aug. 26, 2002 – Organizers of a forum designed to raise public awareness about the danger of natural disasters drew about 60 emergency planners and emergency service volunteers to Frenchman's Reef Resort Friday.
The heightened hurricane activity seen in the Virgin Islands in the past decade led officials from V.I. Territorial Emergency Management Agency to team up with the University of the Virgin Islands's Small Business Development Center to bring the latest advice on protecting homes and businesses from hurricanes and floods.
Until the first of a string of catastrophic storms started showing up in the territory, the concern about hurricanes in the Virgin Islands was only one of passing interest, Roy Watlington, science professor, said. Watlington was one of a dozen panel speakers addressing the forum. A native Virgin Islander growing up in the '40s and '50s, Watlington said, "I really thought nothing natural happened here that was interesting."
But then Hurricane Hugo showed up in 1989, followed by Luis and Marilyn in 1995, Bertha and Hortense in 1996, Georges in 1998 and Hurricane Lenny in 1999. These storms brought hundreds of millions of dollars in damage to the territory. Since then the V.I. government has taken several steps to increase safety and reduce the risk of property damage.
But this year, VITEMA Deputy Director Clayton Sutton said, changing times had added new hazards to consider — earthquakes and tsunamis, also referred to as tidal waves. Presenters also addressed the possibility of man-made disasters brought on by acts of terrorism.
"I think [that because of] the cross section of information we got, everyone was able to get something. That was the intent of this particular forum. This year we wanted to make it an all-hazards forum," Sutton said.
VITEMA first started a campaign about four years ago to heighten public awareness about the chance that an earthquake of magnitude 7.0 or higher would strike the territory. The last one of that magnitude occurred in 1867 and, scientists say, with an estimated cycle of 100 years, the next big one is now close to 40 years overdue.
Because earthquakes occur suddenly, public awareness is the best form of emergency management, Watlington said. "The person who saves the day when you have an earthquake or a tsunami, unlike a hurricane, is the individual."
The Small Business Center helps put on the forums because, when disasters roll around, it's the SBDC that administers the local emergency disaster loan program, center director Warren Bush said. Among the topics of greatest interest is insurance.
Industry officials speaking at the forum said business and home owners who have proper insurance of the right types can recover quickly after a major storm or other disaster. But the cost of coverage makes the task of keeping insurance ever challenging, with rates increasing up to 200 percent since Hugo.
"Since Hurricane Hugo devastated the Virgin Islands … the cost of homeowners and commercial, home owners and property insurance has increased at an escalating pace," said attorney Glendina Matthew, a representative of the V.I. Office of Banking and Insurance. "The majority of insurance consumers, if not all consumers in the territory, find insurance unaffordable; thus many are unable to protect their properties, their home and businesses against hurricanes and earthquakes."
But this year, Matthew said property and casualty insurance is available and those who still want to buy policies can. Liability, property and casualty insurance are available, said David Ridgeway from the V.I. Insurance Association; but, he said, many businesses fail to take out the one kind of insurance that can help them recover quickly after a disaster.
"Businesses who don't buy business interruption coverage have the insurance to rebuild the building or repurchase the contents, but they don't have the funds to provide for the cash flow to retain their key employees and get through the bridge of the reconstruction period," he said.
Those who stand the greatest chance of recovery are those who can come to work the morning after, turn on the generator and open for business, and Rigdeway said insurance makes that possible.
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 heightened hurricane activity seen in the Virgin Islands in the past decade led officials from V.I. Territorial Emergency Management Agency to team up with the University of the Virgin Islands's Small Business Development Center to bring the latest advice on protecting homes and businesses from hurricanes and floods.
Until the first of a string of catastrophic storms started showing up in the territory, the concern about hurricanes in the Virgin Islands was only one of passing interest, Roy Watlington, science professor, said. Watlington was one of a dozen panel speakers addressing the forum. A native Virgin Islander growing up in the '40s and '50s, Watlington said, "I really thought nothing natural happened here that was interesting."
But then Hurricane Hugo showed up in 1989, followed by Luis and Marilyn in 1995, Bertha and Hortense in 1996, Georges in 1998 and Hurricane Lenny in 1999. These storms brought hundreds of millions of dollars in damage to the territory. Since then the V.I. government has taken several steps to increase safety and reduce the risk of property damage.
But this year, VITEMA Deputy Director Clayton Sutton said, changing times had added new hazards to consider — earthquakes and tsunamis, also referred to as tidal waves. Presenters also addressed the possibility of man-made disasters brought on by acts of terrorism.
"I think [that because of] the cross section of information we got, everyone was able to get something. That was the intent of this particular forum. This year we wanted to make it an all-hazards forum," Sutton said.
VITEMA first started a campaign about four years ago to heighten public awareness about the chance that an earthquake of magnitude 7.0 or higher would strike the territory. The last one of that magnitude occurred in 1867 and, scientists say, with an estimated cycle of 100 years, the next big one is now close to 40 years overdue.
Because earthquakes occur suddenly, public awareness is the best form of emergency management, Watlington said. "The person who saves the day when you have an earthquake or a tsunami, unlike a hurricane, is the individual."
The Small Business Center helps put on the forums because, when disasters roll around, it's the SBDC that administers the local emergency disaster loan program, center director Warren Bush said. Among the topics of greatest interest is insurance.
Industry officials speaking at the forum said business and home owners who have proper insurance of the right types can recover quickly after a major storm or other disaster. But the cost of coverage makes the task of keeping insurance ever challenging, with rates increasing up to 200 percent since Hugo.
"Since Hurricane Hugo devastated the Virgin Islands … the cost of homeowners and commercial, home owners and property insurance has increased at an escalating pace," said attorney Glendina Matthew, a representative of the V.I. Office of Banking and Insurance. "The majority of insurance consumers, if not all consumers in the territory, find insurance unaffordable; thus many are unable to protect their properties, their home and businesses against hurricanes and earthquakes."
But this year, Matthew said property and casualty insurance is available and those who still want to buy policies can. Liability, property and casualty insurance are available, said David Ridgeway from the V.I. Insurance Association; but, he said, many businesses fail to take out the one kind of insurance that can help them recover quickly after a disaster.
"Businesses who don't buy business interruption coverage have the insurance to rebuild the building or repurchase the contents, but they don't have the funds to provide for the cash flow to retain their key employees and get through the bridge of the reconstruction period," he said.
Those who stand the greatest chance of recovery are those who can come to work the morning after, turn on the generator and open for business, and Rigdeway said insurance makes that possible.
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.
3 GRADUATES GET $1,000 FROM MATCHED BOSTIC GIFT
Aug. 25, 2002 – Three St. Croix high school graduates have received financial assistance through the Colgate-Palmolive Company's matching gift program. The gift originated from Raphael T. Bostic, a Colgate employee whose donation of $1,375 to the school district was matched by the company for a total of $2,000.
Bostic, a senior production manager at Colgate, was on St. Croix recently to participate in his Christiansted High School Class of 1952 golden anniversary celebration. In his gift, he stipulates that three graduating seniors, other than the valedictorian and salutatorian, get $1,000 each to further their education, a release said.
The recipients are: Monica Tyson, a St. Croix Central High School graduate, who will attend Savannah State University; Neverson Bannis, St. Croix Educational Complex Vocational High School graduate, who will attend a DeVry University campus in the United States; and Nikisha Jn Baptiste, of St. Croix Educational Complex Academic High School, who will further her education at Xavier University.
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.
Bostic, a senior production manager at Colgate, was on St. Croix recently to participate in his Christiansted High School Class of 1952 golden anniversary celebration. In his gift, he stipulates that three graduating seniors, other than the valedictorian and salutatorian, get $1,000 each to further their education, a release said.
The recipients are: Monica Tyson, a St. Croix Central High School graduate, who will attend Savannah State University; Neverson Bannis, St. Croix Educational Complex Vocational High School graduate, who will attend a DeVry University campus in the United States; and Nikisha Jn Baptiste, of St. Croix Educational Complex Academic High School, who will further her education at Xavier University.
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.
TAMRA OLIVE SEES CAPITOL HILL IN ACTION
Aug. 25, 2002 – Tamra Olive comes to her senior year at Charlotte Amalie High School with a lot of new knowledge about what goes on in Washington, D.C. She spent 10 days in August at the National Young Leaders Conference, along with high school students from throughout the United States, interacting, working through issues, meeting Congressional members and staff, and seeing what happens in D.C. apart from Capitol Hill.
The students spent several hours with journalists from Fox News Channel, National Public Radio, The Washington Post, and CNN, hearing a panel and then discussing current events, journalistic ethics, news prioritization, and the inside scoop on careers in journalism.
"More young people should attend, it's exciting, and I really learned a lot," Tamra said
On the Hill, the students were welcomed to the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives, an honor usually reserved for members of Congress and their special guests, said a release.
In the chamber where the State of the Union Address takes place, the students were told by Tim Kennedy, staff member to U.S. Representative William Thornberry of Texas, in this room "our government has shaped the history of this country. Many pieces of legislation have been crafted and deals have been struck that have changed the course of our nation in this very room."
Kennedy concluded, "There is not a doubt in my mind that some of you here will take up the challenge of elected office."
Tamra, daughter of Laverne and Thomas Olive of St. Thomas, said she most enjoyed Capitol Hill, visiting the Supreme Court, the Library of Congress, and the Delegate's office and staff. Her future lies, however, she believes, in working in the criminal justice system, and she plans to start college studies after she graduates.
Sponsoring organization of the conference, Congressional Youth Leadership Council, was founded in 1985. Each year 7,000 outstanding select youth participate in 24 sessions of the conference.
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 students spent several hours with journalists from Fox News Channel, National Public Radio, The Washington Post, and CNN, hearing a panel and then discussing current events, journalistic ethics, news prioritization, and the inside scoop on careers in journalism.
"More young people should attend, it's exciting, and I really learned a lot," Tamra said
On the Hill, the students were welcomed to the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives, an honor usually reserved for members of Congress and their special guests, said a release.
In the chamber where the State of the Union Address takes place, the students were told by Tim Kennedy, staff member to U.S. Representative William Thornberry of Texas, in this room "our government has shaped the history of this country. Many pieces of legislation have been crafted and deals have been struck that have changed the course of our nation in this very room."
Kennedy concluded, "There is not a doubt in my mind that some of you here will take up the challenge of elected office."
Tamra, daughter of Laverne and Thomas Olive of St. Thomas, said she most enjoyed Capitol Hill, visiting the Supreme Court, the Library of Congress, and the Delegate's office and staff. Her future lies, however, she believes, in working in the criminal justice system, and she plans to start college studies after she graduates.
Sponsoring organization of the conference, Congressional Youth Leadership Council, was founded in 1985. Each year 7,000 outstanding select youth participate in 24 sessions of the conference.
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.
SWEDISH CITIZENS CAN VOTE AT THE V.I. CONSULATE
Aug. 25, 2002 – Swedish citizens in the Virgin Islands are advised that Swedish elections will be conducted between Aug. 16 and Sept. 1, 2002, according to a release from Honorary Swedish Consul Maria Tankenson Hodge.
Any Swedish citizen is entitled to vote in an election to the Swedish or European Parliament, as well as in a nationwide referendum, as long as he or she is at least 18 years of age on Election Day and has ever been entered in the Swedish population register. In addition, the citizen must be entered in the electoral roll. A Swedish citizen living abroad is automatically entered in the electoral roll if he or she has left the country within the past 10 years. Otherwise, the Tax Authority must be notified at least 30 days prior to the election that the citizen wishes to be entered in the roll.
Election material for eligible voters is available in the Virgin Islands at the offices of the Consul, 1340 Taarneberg, St. Thomas. This location is near the corner where Innovative Cable and Innovative Telephone are located.
Citizens may vote by mail, or in person at the consulate between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. weekdays through Aug. 30. Any Swedish citizen may feel free to call the Consul 774-6845 with any questions regarding these matters.
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.
Any Swedish citizen is entitled to vote in an election to the Swedish or European Parliament, as well as in a nationwide referendum, as long as he or she is at least 18 years of age on Election Day and has ever been entered in the Swedish population register. In addition, the citizen must be entered in the electoral roll. A Swedish citizen living abroad is automatically entered in the electoral roll if he or she has left the country within the past 10 years. Otherwise, the Tax Authority must be notified at least 30 days prior to the election that the citizen wishes to be entered in the roll.
Election material for eligible voters is available in the Virgin Islands at the offices of the Consul, 1340 Taarneberg, St. Thomas. This location is near the corner where Innovative Cable and Innovative Telephone are located.
Citizens may vote by mail, or in person at the consulate between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. weekdays through Aug. 30. Any Swedish citizen may feel free to call the Consul 774-6845 with any questions regarding these matters.
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.
SWEDISH CITIZENS CAN VOTE AT THE V.I. CONSULATE
Aug. 25, 2002 – Swedish citizens in the Virgin Islands are advised that Swedish elections will be conducted between Aug. 16 and Sept. 1, 2002, according to a release from Honorary Swedish Consul Maria Tankenson Hodge.
Any Swedish citizen is entitled to vote in an election to the Swedish or European Parliament, as well as in a nationwide referendum, as long as he or she is at least 18 years of age on Election Day and has ever been entered in the Swedish population register. In addition, the citizen must be entered in the electoral roll. A Swedish citizen living abroad is automatically entered in the electoral roll if he or she has left the country within the past 10 years. Otherwise, the Tax Authority must be notified at least 30 days prior to the election that the citizen wishes to be entered in the roll.
Election material for eligible voters is available in the Virgin Islands at the offices of the Consul, 1340 Taarneberg, St. Thomas. This location is near the corner where Innovative Cable and Innovative Telephone are located.
Citizens may vote by mail, or in person at the consulate between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. weekdays through Aug. 30. Any Swedish citizen may feel free to call the Consul 774-6845 with any questions regarding these matters.
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.
Any Swedish citizen is entitled to vote in an election to the Swedish or European Parliament, as well as in a nationwide referendum, as long as he or she is at least 18 years of age on Election Day and has ever been entered in the Swedish population register. In addition, the citizen must be entered in the electoral roll. A Swedish citizen living abroad is automatically entered in the electoral roll if he or she has left the country within the past 10 years. Otherwise, the Tax Authority must be notified at least 30 days prior to the election that the citizen wishes to be entered in the roll.
Election material for eligible voters is available in the Virgin Islands at the offices of the Consul, 1340 Taarneberg, St. Thomas. This location is near the corner where Innovative Cable and Innovative Telephone are located.
Citizens may vote by mail, or in person at the consulate between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. weekdays through Aug. 30. Any Swedish citizen may feel free to call the Consul 774-6845 with any questions regarding these matters.
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.
SWEDISH CITIZENS CAN VOTE AT THE V.I. CONSULATE
Aug. 25, 2002 – Swedish citizens in the Virgin Islands are advised that Swedish elections will be conducted between Aug. 16 and Sept. 1, 2002, according to a release from Honorary Swedish Consul Maria Tankenson Hodge.
Any Swedish citizen is entitled to vote in an election to the Swedish or European Parliament, as well as in a nationwide referendum, as long as he or she is at least 18 years of age on Election Day and has ever been entered in the Swedish population register. In addition, the citizen must be entered in the electoral roll. A Swedish citizen living abroad is automatically entered in the electoral roll if he or she has left the country within the past 10 years. Otherwise, the Tax Authority must be notified at least 30 days prior to the election that the citizen wishes to be entered in the roll.
Election material for eligible voters is available in the Virgin Islands at the offices of the Consul, 1340 Taarneberg, St. Thomas. This location is near the corner where Innovative Cable and Innovative Telephone are located.
Citizens may vote by mail, or in person at the consulate between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. weekdays through Aug. 30. Any Swedish citizen may feel free to call the Consul 774-6845 with any questions regarding these matters.
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.
Any Swedish citizen is entitled to vote in an election to the Swedish or European Parliament, as well as in a nationwide referendum, as long as he or she is at least 18 years of age on Election Day and has ever been entered in the Swedish population register. In addition, the citizen must be entered in the electoral roll. A Swedish citizen living abroad is automatically entered in the electoral roll if he or she has left the country within the past 10 years. Otherwise, the Tax Authority must be notified at least 30 days prior to the election that the citizen wishes to be entered in the roll.
Election material for eligible voters is available in the Virgin Islands at the offices of the Consul, 1340 Taarneberg, St. Thomas. This location is near the corner where Innovative Cable and Innovative Telephone are located.
Citizens may vote by mail, or in person at the consulate between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. weekdays through Aug. 30. Any Swedish citizen may feel free to call the Consul 774-6845 with any questions regarding these matters.
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.
END THE CROWN BAY IMPASSE, DEVELOP ST. CROIX PORT
Dear Source,
The political and economic mess the current government has created over Crown Bay development in Charlotte Amalie must be addressed.
Ten years ago the cruise-ship companies told us we needed a new docking facility at Crown Bay to accommodate the new class of vessel. But our government ignored their notice, just as it ignored the school-accreditation notice. The cruise lines thus came to the table and said, "Get out of the way. We will build it ourselves." They came to our town and divided our government into three: Port Authority over there, West Indies Company (WICO) over there and the governor over there.
Due to a lack of leadership, the simple infrastructure improvement of a cruise-ship dock has become a political and economic disaster.
But there remains a solution to the impasse:
1. The Port Authority should utilize its limited resources to develop St Croix's port facilities and to provide economic stimulus to the big island.
2. WICO should build and operate the Crown Bay cruise-ship docking facility.
3. A passenger terminal should be built with basic tourist amenities –such as a banking facility, food services, a taxi stand, a tourist information facility and a limited number of shops vending cultural items only.
But most important, the surrounding area must be landscaped and developed in a attractive manner to lure tourists and locals alike. Crown Bay could become a Virgin Islands destination that we all use, not just a facility for tourists or a place to locate a few more shops.
The dock and terminal should be financed by WICO.
The end result would be additional docking facilities for St. Thomas to maintain its position with the cruise-ship industry. It would be an attractive port for arriving tourists — not just more shops but a unique arrival facility. This would bring economic growth for small shopkeepers and vendors and reduce traffic congestion, with more ships arriving on the West End.
A unified government approach to the cruise-ship situation, with one agency dealing with the cruise lines, is the way to go. The Government Employees Retirement System mall investment must be protected and Main Street interests must be protected. At the same time, St. Croix cannot be ignored yet once again.
Michael Bornn
St. Thomas
Candidate for Governor
We welcome and encourage readers to keep the dialogue going by responding to Source commentary. Letters should be e-mailed with name and place of residence to source@viaccess.net.
Publisher's note : Like the St. Croix Source now? Find out how you can love us twice as much — and show your support for the islands' free and independent news voice … click here.
The political and economic mess the current government has created over Crown Bay development in Charlotte Amalie must be addressed.
Ten years ago the cruise-ship companies told us we needed a new docking facility at Crown Bay to accommodate the new class of vessel. But our government ignored their notice, just as it ignored the school-accreditation notice. The cruise lines thus came to the table and said, "Get out of the way. We will build it ourselves." They came to our town and divided our government into three: Port Authority over there, West Indies Company (WICO) over there and the governor over there.
Due to a lack of leadership, the simple infrastructure improvement of a cruise-ship dock has become a political and economic disaster.
But there remains a solution to the impasse:
1. The Port Authority should utilize its limited resources to develop St Croix's port facilities and to provide economic stimulus to the big island.
2. WICO should build and operate the Crown Bay cruise-ship docking facility.
3. A passenger terminal should be built with basic tourist amenities –such as a banking facility, food services, a taxi stand, a tourist information facility and a limited number of shops vending cultural items only.
But most important, the surrounding area must be landscaped and developed in a attractive manner to lure tourists and locals alike. Crown Bay could become a Virgin Islands destination that we all use, not just a facility for tourists or a place to locate a few more shops.
The dock and terminal should be financed by WICO.
The end result would be additional docking facilities for St. Thomas to maintain its position with the cruise-ship industry. It would be an attractive port for arriving tourists — not just more shops but a unique arrival facility. This would bring economic growth for small shopkeepers and vendors and reduce traffic congestion, with more ships arriving on the West End.
A unified government approach to the cruise-ship situation, with one agency dealing with the cruise lines, is the way to go. The Government Employees Retirement System mall investment must be protected and Main Street interests must be protected. At the same time, St. Croix cannot be ignored yet once again.
Michael Bornn
St. Thomas
Candidate for Governor
We welcome and encourage readers to keep the dialogue going by responding to Source commentary. Letters should be e-mailed with name and place of residence to source@viaccess.net.
Publisher's note : Like the St. Croix Source now? Find out how you can love us twice as much — and show your support for the islands' free and independent news voice … click here.
THERE IS A SOLUTION TO THE CROWN BAY IMPASSE
Dear Source,
The political and economic mess the current government has created over Crown Bay development in Charlotte Amalie must be addressed.
Ten years ago the cruise-ship companies told us we needed a new docking facility at Crown Bay to accommodate the new class of vessel. But our government ignored their notice, just as it ignored the school-accreditation notice. The cruise lines thus came to the table and said, "Get out of the way. We will build it ourselves." They came to our town and divided our government into three: Port Authority over there, West Indies Company (WICO) over there and the governor over there.
Due to a lack of leadership, the simple infrastructure improvement of a cruise-ship dock has become a political and economic disaster.
But there remains a solution to the impasse:
1. The Port Authority should utilize its limited resources to develop St Croix's port facilities and to provide economic stimulus to the big island.
2. WICO should build and operate the Crown Bay cruise-ship docking facility.
3. A passenger terminal should be built with basic tourist amenities –such as a banking facility, food services, a taxi stand, a tourist information facility and a limited number of shops vending cultural items only.
But most important, the surrounding area must be landscaped and developed in a attractive manner to lure tourists and locals alike. Crown Bay could become a Virgin Islands destination that we all use, not just a facility for tourists or a place to locate a few more shops.
The dock and terminal should be financed by WICO.
The end result would be additional docking facilities for St. Thomas to maintain its position with the cruise-ship industry. It would be an attractive port for arriving tourists — not just more shops but a unique arrival facility. This would bring economic growth for small shopkeepers and vendors and reduce traffic congestion, with more ships arriving on the West End.
A unified government approach to the cruise-ship situation, with one agency dealing with the cruise lines, is the way to go. The Government Employees Retirement System mall investment must be protected and Main Street interests must be protected. At the same time, St. Croix cannot be ignored yet once again.
Michael Bornn
St. Thomas
Candidate for Governor
We welcome and encourage readers to keep the dialogue going by responding to Source commentary. Letters should be e-mailed with name and place of residence to source@viaccess.net.
Publisher's note : Like the St. John Source now? Find out how you can love us twice as much — and show your support for the islands' free and independent news voice … click here.
The political and economic mess the current government has created over Crown Bay development in Charlotte Amalie must be addressed.
Ten years ago the cruise-ship companies told us we needed a new docking facility at Crown Bay to accommodate the new class of vessel. But our government ignored their notice, just as it ignored the school-accreditation notice. The cruise lines thus came to the table and said, "Get out of the way. We will build it ourselves." They came to our town and divided our government into three: Port Authority over there, West Indies Company (WICO) over there and the governor over there.
Due to a lack of leadership, the simple infrastructure improvement of a cruise-ship dock has become a political and economic disaster.
But there remains a solution to the impasse:
1. The Port Authority should utilize its limited resources to develop St Croix's port facilities and to provide economic stimulus to the big island.
2. WICO should build and operate the Crown Bay cruise-ship docking facility.
3. A passenger terminal should be built with basic tourist amenities –such as a banking facility, food services, a taxi stand, a tourist information facility and a limited number of shops vending cultural items only.
But most important, the surrounding area must be landscaped and developed in a attractive manner to lure tourists and locals alike. Crown Bay could become a Virgin Islands destination that we all use, not just a facility for tourists or a place to locate a few more shops.
The dock and terminal should be financed by WICO.
The end result would be additional docking facilities for St. Thomas to maintain its position with the cruise-ship industry. It would be an attractive port for arriving tourists — not just more shops but a unique arrival facility. This would bring economic growth for small shopkeepers and vendors and reduce traffic congestion, with more ships arriving on the West End.
A unified government approach to the cruise-ship situation, with one agency dealing with the cruise lines, is the way to go. The Government Employees Retirement System mall investment must be protected and Main Street interests must be protected. At the same time, St. Croix cannot be ignored yet once again.
Michael Bornn
St. Thomas
Candidate for Governor
We welcome and encourage readers to keep the dialogue going by responding to Source commentary. Letters should be e-mailed with name and place of residence to source@viaccess.net.
Publisher's note : Like the St. John Source now? Find out how you can love us twice as much — and show your support for the islands' free and independent news voice … click here.
THERE IS A SOLUTION TO THE CROWN BAY IMPASSE
Dear Source,
The political and economic mess the current government has created over Crown Bay development in Charlotte Amalie must be addressed.
Ten years ago the cruise-ship companies told us we needed a new docking facility at Crown Bay to accommodate the new class of vessel. But our government ignored their notice, just as it ignored the school-accreditation notice. The cruise lines thus came to the table and said, "Get out of the way. We will build it ourselves." They came to our town and divided our government into three: Port Authority over there, West Indies Company (WICO) over there and the governor over there.
Due to a lack of leadership, the simple infrastructure improvement of a cruise-ship dock has become a political and economic disaster.
But there remains a solution to the impasse:
1. The Port Authority should utilize its limited resources to develop St Croix's port facilities and to provide economic stimulus to the big island.
2. WICO should build and operate the Crown Bay cruise-ship docking facility.
3. A passenger terminal should be built with basic tourist amenities –such as a banking facility, food services, a taxi stand, a tourist information facility and a limited number of shops vending cultural items only.
But most important, the surrounding area must be landscaped and developed in a attractive manner to lure tourists and locals alike. Crown Bay could become a Virgin Islands destination that we all use, not just a facility for tourists or a place to locate a few more shops.
The dock and terminal should be financed by WICO.
The end result would be additional docking facilities for St. Thomas to maintain its position with the cruise-ship industry. It would be an attractive port for arriving tourists — not just more shops but a unique arrival facility. This would bring economic growth for small shopkeepers and vendors and reduce traffic congestion, with more ships arriving on the West End.
A unified government approach to the cruise-ship situation, with one agency dealing with the cruise lines, is the way to go. The Government Employees Retirement System mall investment must be protected and Main Street interests must be protected. At the same time, St. Croix cannot be ignored yet once again.
Michael Bornn
St. Thomas
Candidate for Governor
We welcome and encourage readers to keep the dialogue going by responding to Source commentary. Letters should be e-mailed with name and place of residence to source@viaccess.net.
Publisher's note : Like the St. Thomas Source now? Find out how you can love us twice as much — and show your support for the islands' free and independent news voice … click here.
The political and economic mess the current government has created over Crown Bay development in Charlotte Amalie must be addressed.
Ten years ago the cruise-ship companies told us we needed a new docking facility at Crown Bay to accommodate the new class of vessel. But our government ignored their notice, just as it ignored the school-accreditation notice. The cruise lines thus came to the table and said, "Get out of the way. We will build it ourselves." They came to our town and divided our government into three: Port Authority over there, West Indies Company (WICO) over there and the governor over there.
Due to a lack of leadership, the simple infrastructure improvement of a cruise-ship dock has become a political and economic disaster.
But there remains a solution to the impasse:
1. The Port Authority should utilize its limited resources to develop St Croix's port facilities and to provide economic stimulus to the big island.
2. WICO should build and operate the Crown Bay cruise-ship docking facility.
3. A passenger terminal should be built with basic tourist amenities –such as a banking facility, food services, a taxi stand, a tourist information facility and a limited number of shops vending cultural items only.
But most important, the surrounding area must be landscaped and developed in a attractive manner to lure tourists and locals alike. Crown Bay could become a Virgin Islands destination that we all use, not just a facility for tourists or a place to locate a few more shops.
The dock and terminal should be financed by WICO.
The end result would be additional docking facilities for St. Thomas to maintain its position with the cruise-ship industry. It would be an attractive port for arriving tourists — not just more shops but a unique arrival facility. This would bring economic growth for small shopkeepers and vendors and reduce traffic congestion, with more ships arriving on the West End.
A unified government approach to the cruise-ship situation, with one agency dealing with the cruise lines, is the way to go. The Government Employees Retirement System mall investment must be protected and Main Street interests must be protected. At the same time, St. Croix cannot be ignored yet once again.
Michael Bornn
St. Thomas
Candidate for Governor
We welcome and encourage readers to keep the dialogue going by responding to Source commentary. Letters should be e-mailed with name and place of residence to source@viaccess.net.
Publisher's note : Like the St. Thomas Source now? Find out how you can love us twice as much — and show your support for the islands' free and independent news voice … click here.
