April 22, 2002 –– Thanks to a yea vote by the Senate, the local government's purchase of Lindqvist Beach may become a reality. Senators agreed Monday to spend $3.5 million "or as much thereof as may be necessary" from interest earned on bond proceeds to buy the prime beachfront property on St. Thomas's northeast coast.
The bill mandates that the beach be run by an authority similar to the one that operates Magens Bay beach.
The appropriation came under a Christmas tree bill that had been loaded up in the Rules Committee. It was approved 14-1 with Sen. Adelbert Bryan voting no. The majority agreed not to allow amendments, but that did not stop some senators from commenting.
"You have to take the good with the bad in a bill like this," Sen. Norma Pickard-Samuel said.
The bill appropriates $100,000 to Family Resource Center on St. Thomas from interest earned on bond proceeds and $100,000 to St. John's Safety Zone from the St. John Capital Improvement Fund so both can continue operations. Both agencies are in danger of closing for lack of money.
The St. John Capital Improvement Fund, intended to pay for construction projects on the island, also got hit for $9,975 so the Public Works Department could pay its bill to St. John heavy equipment operator Elvis Marsh and for $65,077 to pay Vanterpool Enterprises of St. Thomas for reconstruction of the John's Folly Learning Center on St. John.
The Anti-Litter and Beautification Fund, established to clean up the islands, took a big hit, too. Senators appropriated $105,000 or as much as necessary from this fund to rewire Kirwan Terrace Elementary School and install lights around the building's exterior, $2,000 to buy library books for Ivanna Eudora Kean High School and $15,000 to build a fence around Kean High.
The Land Bank Fund will ante up $50,000 or as much as necessary to the St. Thomas Cricket Association to repair its cricket field and $25,000 to Waseen Dominic to be used for the East End Cricket League.
Senators also tapped the General Fund. They appropriated $370,000 to rehabilitate Kean High, $25,000 to send Kean's steelband to a festival in Puerto Rico, $100,000 to install a wooden basketball floor in the new Bertha C. Boschulte Middle School gym, and $50,000 for Down Street People to run after-school and steelpan music programs.
They also appropriated $50,000 from the interest earned on bond proceeds to the V.I. Government Hospitals and Health Facilities Corp. to build a concrete foundation, floor and slab for an Emergency Medical Services training center behind Roy L. Schneider Hospital.
The bill appropriates $2 million from the fees paid by Hovensa and its partnership company, PDVSA VI Inc., in connection with the operation of the coker plant now under construction at the St. Croix refinery.
Of that $2 million, $800,000 will go for copy machines and maintenance contracts for each of the territory's public schools.
The bill appropriates $100,000 of the Hovensa money for scholarships for nursing students at the University of the Virgin Islands. After graduation, the nurses must work for the territory for as many years as they received scholarships or else pay the money back.
From the Hovensa payment, the Senators also allocated $100,000 to the Ingeborg Nesbitt Clinic in Frederiksted for drugs, $500,000 to the Health Department for its Medical Assistance Program, $250,000 or as much as necessary to the Human Services Department to develop and operate a senior transportation system, and $50,000 for medical supplies for public schools.
The bill also gives businesses a four-month amnesty period to pay penalties and interest owed the Labor Department and sets aside 30 percent of all roadside, gutter and cemetery-cleaning contracts for veterans.
Not all of these appropriations may make it to their intended targets. Historically senators over-appropriate — they approve more spending than revenues will cover — and thus leave the decision on which ones to fund to the governor and his budget director.
Nominations, honor resolutions approved
The rest of Monday's agenda focused on board nominations and honor bills, but the discussion descended to who was born where.
"All those buildings that have names of people not born in the Virgin Islands should be removed," Bryan said.
As expected, this garnered an outraged response from several of his colleagues, particularly those born on other Caribbean islands.
"We all make contributions. Let's stop being divisive and give honor where honor is due," said Sen. Norman Jn Baptiste, who was born on St. Lucia.
Sen. Donald "Ducks" Cole, a Nevis native, said that if the Senate followed Bryan's edict, names like St. Kitts native Elena Christian and Montserrat native E. Benjamin Oliver would have to be removed from the territory's schools.
The Senate approved the following nominations:
— Raphael R. Wesselhoft to the Anti-litter and Beautification Commission.
— Mary Alexander, Chaneel Callwood-Daniels and Charles Deyalsingh to the Virgin Islands Conservation District Board of Supervisors.
— Francis E. Jackson Jr. to the V.I. Government Hospitals and Health Facilities Corp.
— Robert O'Connor Jr. to a new term on the V.I. Port Authority board.
All of the senators voted yes on all nominations except for Bryan. He was absent for the vote on Alexander and voted no on those of Deyalsingh and Jackson.
Discussion of O'Connor's nomination prompted Sen. Roosevelt David to say he hoped O'Connor could speed up the process on the GARVEE bonds that are to be used to construct St. John's long-planned Enighed Pond commercial port and a new Red Hook marine terminal.
"There's some foot dragging at the Port Authority," David charged.
Senators also approved a bill to name the Savan Community Center after Romeo Malone. He was hailed as a lifelong Savan resident and author who helped many St. Thomas residents build homes by charging low fees for drawing house plans.
"I have done everything in my life for Savan," Malone said after the bill was approved. He said he and his mother once lived where the Savan Community Center is now located.
The senators also voted to honor Clarence Scipio for his work with senior citizens and in community programs.
They also voted to override Gov. Charles W. Turnbull's vetoes of certain sections of bills. One provides for candidate photos on ballots. Another gives doctors and insurance companies the right to apply for Economic Development Authority benefits. And another funds the removal of asbestos and the reconstruction of several houses at Frenchman's Hill on St. Thomas.
Housing Parks and Recreation Commissioner Ira Hobson said in a telephone interview that the houses were built 35 or 40 years ago by his department. He estimated it will cost $150,000 to $200,000 to remove the asbestos and reconstruct each house.
Publisher's note : Like the St. John Source now? Find out how you can love us twice as much — and show your support for the islands' free and independent news voice … click here.
SENATE EARMARKS FUNDS FOR LINDQVIST AND MORE
April 22, 2002 –– Thanks to a yea vote by the Senate, the local government's purchase of Lindqvist Beach may become a reality. Senators agreed Monday to spend $3.5 million "or as much thereof as may be necessary" from interest earned on bond proceeds to buy the prime beachfront property on St. Thomas's northeast coast.
The bill mandates that the beach be run by an authority similar to the one that operates Magens Bay beach.
The appropriation came under a Christmas tree bill that had been loaded up in the Rules Committee. It was approved 14-1 with Sen. Adelbert Bryan voting no. The majority agreed not to allow amendments, but that did not stop some senators from commenting.
"You have to take the good with the bad in a bill like this," Sen. Norma Pickard-Samuel said.
The bill appropriates $100,000 to Family Resource Center on St. Thomas from interest earned on bond proceeds and $100,000 to St. John's Safety Zone from the St. John Capital Improvement Fund so both can continue operations. Both agencies are in danger of closing for lack of money.
The St. John Capital Improvement Fund, intended to pay for construction projects on the island, also got hit for $9,975 so the Public Works Department could pay its bill to St. John heavy equipment operator Elvis Marsh and for $65,077 to pay Vanterpool Enterprises of St. Thomas for reconstruction of the John's Folly Learning Center on St. John.
The Anti-Litter and Beautification Fund, established to clean up the islands, took a big hit, too. Senators appropriated $105,000 or as much as necessary from this fund to rewire Kirwan Terrace Elementary School and install lights around the building's exterior, $2,000 to buy library books for Ivanna Eudora Kean High School and $15,000 to build a fence around Kean High.
The Land Bank Fund will ante up $50,000 or as much as necessary to the St. Thomas Cricket Association to repair its cricket field and $25,000 to Waseen Dominic to be used for the East End Cricket League.
Senators also tapped the General Fund. They appropriated $370,000 to rehabilitate Kean High, $25,000 to send Kean's steelband to a festival in Puerto Rico, $100,000 to install a wooden basketball floor in the new Bertha C. Boschulte Middle School gym, and $50,000 for Down Street People to run after-school and steelpan music programs.
They also appropriated $50,000 from the interest earned on bond proceeds to the V.I. Government Hospitals and Health Facilities Corp. to build a concrete foundation, floor and slab for an Emergency Medical Services training center behind Roy L. Schneider Hospital.
The bill appropriates $2 million from the fees paid by Hovensa and its partnership company, PDVSA VI Inc., in connection with the operation of the coker plant now under construction at the St. Croix refinery.
Of that $2 million, $800,000 will go for copy machines and maintenance contracts for each of the territory's public schools.
The bill appropriates $100,000 of the Hovensa money for scholarships for nursing students at the University of the Virgin Islands. After graduation, the nurses must work for the territory for as many years as they received scholarships or else pay the money back.
From the Hovensa payment, the Senators also allocated $100,000 to the Ingeborg Nesbitt Clinic in Frederiksted for drugs, $500,000 to the Health Department for its Medical Assistance Program, $250,000 or as much as necessary to the Human Services Department to develop and operate a senior transportation system, and $50,000 for medical supplies for public schools.
The bill also gives businesses a four-month amnesty period to pay penalties and interest owed the Labor Department and sets aside 30 percent of all roadside, gutter and cemetery-cleaning contracts for veterans.
Not all of these appropriations may make it to their intended targets. Historically senators over-appropriate — they approve more spending than revenues will cover — and thus leave the decision on which ones to fund to the governor and his budget director.
Nominations, honor resolutions approved
The rest of Monday's agenda focused on board nominations and honor bills, but the discussion descended to who was born where.
"All those buildings that have names of people not born in the Virgin Islands should be removed," Bryan said.
As expected, this garnered an outraged response from several of his colleagues, particularly those born on other Caribbean islands.
"We all make contributions. Let's stop being divisive and give honor where honor is due," said Sen. Norman Jn Baptiste, who was born on St. Lucia.
Sen. Donald "Ducks" Cole, a Nevis native, said that if the Senate followed Bryan's edict, names like St. Kitts native Elena Christian and Montserrat native E. Benjamin Oliver would have to be removed from the territory's schools.
The Senate approved the following nominations:
— Raphael R. Wesselhoft to the Anti-litter and Beautification Commission.
— Mary Alexander, Chaneel Callwood-Daniels and Charles Deyalsingh to the Virgin Islands Conservation District Board of Supervisors.
— Francis E. Jackson Jr. to the V.I. Government Hospitals and Health Facilities Corp.
— Robert O'Connor Jr. to a new term on the V.I. Port Authority board.
All of the senators voted yes on all nominations except for Bryan. He was absent for the vote on Alexander and voted no on those of Deyalsingh and Jackson.
Discussion of O'Connor's nomination prompted Sen. Roosevelt David to say he hoped O'Connor could speed up the process on the GARVEE bonds that are to be used to construct St. John's long-planned Enighed Pond commercial port and a new Red Hook marine terminal.
"There's some foot dragging at the Port Authority," David charged.
Senators also approved a bill to name the Savan Community Center after Romeo Malone. He was hailed as a lifelong Savan resident and author who helped many St. Thomas residents build homes by charging low fees for drawing house plans.
"I have done everything in my life for Savan," Malone said after the bill was approved. He said he and his mother once lived where the Savan Community Center is now located.
The senators also voted to honor Clarence Scipio for his work with senior citizens and in community programs.
They also voted to override Gov. Charles W. Turnbull's vetoes of certain sections of bills. One provides for candidate photos on ballots. Another gives doctors and insurance companies the right to apply for Economic Development Authority benefits. And another funds the removal of asbestos and the reconstruction of several houses at Frenchman's Hill on St. Thomas.
Housing Parks and Recreation Commissioner Ira Hobson said in a telephone interview that the houses were built 35 or 40 years ago by his department. He estimated it will cost $150,000 to $200,000 to remove the asbestos and reconstruct each house.
Publisher's note : Like the St. Croix Source now? Find out how you can love us twice as much — and show your support for the islands' free and independent news voice … click here.
The bill mandates that the beach be run by an authority similar to the one that operates Magens Bay beach.
The appropriation came under a Christmas tree bill that had been loaded up in the Rules Committee. It was approved 14-1 with Sen. Adelbert Bryan voting no. The majority agreed not to allow amendments, but that did not stop some senators from commenting.
"You have to take the good with the bad in a bill like this," Sen. Norma Pickard-Samuel said.
The bill appropriates $100,000 to Family Resource Center on St. Thomas from interest earned on bond proceeds and $100,000 to St. John's Safety Zone from the St. John Capital Improvement Fund so both can continue operations. Both agencies are in danger of closing for lack of money.
The St. John Capital Improvement Fund, intended to pay for construction projects on the island, also got hit for $9,975 so the Public Works Department could pay its bill to St. John heavy equipment operator Elvis Marsh and for $65,077 to pay Vanterpool Enterprises of St. Thomas for reconstruction of the John's Folly Learning Center on St. John.
The Anti-Litter and Beautification Fund, established to clean up the islands, took a big hit, too. Senators appropriated $105,000 or as much as necessary from this fund to rewire Kirwan Terrace Elementary School and install lights around the building's exterior, $2,000 to buy library books for Ivanna Eudora Kean High School and $15,000 to build a fence around Kean High.
The Land Bank Fund will ante up $50,000 or as much as necessary to the St. Thomas Cricket Association to repair its cricket field and $25,000 to Waseen Dominic to be used for the East End Cricket League.
Senators also tapped the General Fund. They appropriated $370,000 to rehabilitate Kean High, $25,000 to send Kean's steelband to a festival in Puerto Rico, $100,000 to install a wooden basketball floor in the new Bertha C. Boschulte Middle School gym, and $50,000 for Down Street People to run after-school and steelpan music programs.
They also appropriated $50,000 from the interest earned on bond proceeds to the V.I. Government Hospitals and Health Facilities Corp. to build a concrete foundation, floor and slab for an Emergency Medical Services training center behind Roy L. Schneider Hospital.
The bill appropriates $2 million from the fees paid by Hovensa and its partnership company, PDVSA VI Inc., in connection with the operation of the coker plant now under construction at the St. Croix refinery.
Of that $2 million, $800,000 will go for copy machines and maintenance contracts for each of the territory's public schools.
The bill appropriates $100,000 of the Hovensa money for scholarships for nursing students at the University of the Virgin Islands. After graduation, the nurses must work for the territory for as many years as they received scholarships or else pay the money back.
From the Hovensa payment, the Senators also allocated $100,000 to the Ingeborg Nesbitt Clinic in Frederiksted for drugs, $500,000 to the Health Department for its Medical Assistance Program, $250,000 or as much as necessary to the Human Services Department to develop and operate a senior transportation system, and $50,000 for medical supplies for public schools.
The bill also gives businesses a four-month amnesty period to pay penalties and interest owed the Labor Department and sets aside 30 percent of all roadside, gutter and cemetery-cleaning contracts for veterans.
Not all of these appropriations may make it to their intended targets. Historically senators over-appropriate — they approve more spending than revenues will cover — and thus leave the decision on which ones to fund to the governor and his budget director.
Nominations, honor resolutions approved
The rest of Monday's agenda focused on board nominations and honor bills, but the discussion descended to who was born where.
"All those buildings that have names of people not born in the Virgin Islands should be removed," Bryan said.
As expected, this garnered an outraged response from several of his colleagues, particularly those born on other Caribbean islands.
"We all make contributions. Let's stop being divisive and give honor where honor is due," said Sen. Norman Jn Baptiste, who was born on St. Lucia.
Sen. Donald "Ducks" Cole, a Nevis native, said that if the Senate followed Bryan's edict, names like St. Kitts native Elena Christian and Montserrat native E. Benjamin Oliver would have to be removed from the territory's schools.
The Senate approved the following nominations:
— Raphael R. Wesselhoft to the Anti-litter and Beautification Commission.
— Mary Alexander, Chaneel Callwood-Daniels and Charles Deyalsingh to the Virgin Islands Conservation District Board of Supervisors.
— Francis E. Jackson Jr. to the V.I. Government Hospitals and Health Facilities Corp.
— Robert O'Connor Jr. to a new term on the V.I. Port Authority board.
All of the senators voted yes on all nominations except for Bryan. He was absent for the vote on Alexander and voted no on those of Deyalsingh and Jackson.
Discussion of O'Connor's nomination prompted Sen. Roosevelt David to say he hoped O'Connor could speed up the process on the GARVEE bonds that are to be used to construct St. John's long-planned Enighed Pond commercial port and a new Red Hook marine terminal.
"There's some foot dragging at the Port Authority," David charged.
Senators also approved a bill to name the Savan Community Center after Romeo Malone. He was hailed as a lifelong Savan resident and author who helped many St. Thomas residents build homes by charging low fees for drawing house plans.
"I have done everything in my life for Savan," Malone said after the bill was approved. He said he and his mother once lived where the Savan Community Center is now located.
The senators also voted to honor Clarence Scipio for his work with senior citizens and in community programs.
They also voted to override Gov. Charles W. Turnbull's vetoes of certain sections of bills. One provides for candidate photos on ballots. Another gives doctors and insurance companies the right to apply for Economic Development Authority benefits. And another funds the removal of asbestos and the reconstruction of several houses at Frenchman's Hill on St. Thomas.
Housing Parks and Recreation Commissioner Ira Hobson said in a telephone interview that the houses were built 35 or 40 years ago by his department. He estimated it will cost $150,000 to $200,000 to remove the asbestos and reconstruct each house.
Publisher's note : Like the St. Croix Source now? Find out how you can love us twice as much — and show your support for the islands' free and independent news voice … click here.
SENATE EARMARKS FUNDS FOR LINDQVIST AND MORE
April 22, 2002 – Thanks to a yea vote by the Senate, the local government's purchase of Lindqvist Beach may become a reality. Senators agreed Monday to spend $3.5 million "or as much thereof as may be necessary" from interest earned on bond proceeds to buy the prime beachfront property on St. Thomas's northeast coast.
The bill mandates that the beach be run by an authority similar to the one that operates Magens Bay beach.
The appropriation came under a Christmas tree bill that had been loaded up in the Rules Committee. It was approved 14-1 with Sen. Adelbert Bryan voting no. The majority agreed not to allow amendments, but that did not stop some senators from commenting.
"You have to take the good with the bad in a bill like this," Sen. Norma Pickard-Samuel said.
The bill appropriates $100,000 to Family Resource Center on St. Thomas from interest earned on bond proceeds and $100,000 to St. John's Safety Zone from the St. John Capital Improvement Fund so both can continue operations. Both agencies are in danger of closing for lack of money.
The St. John Capital Improvement Fund, intended to pay for construction projects on the island, also got hit for $9,975 so the Public Works Department could pay its bill to St. John heavy equipment operator Elvis Marsh and for $65,077 to pay Vanterpool Enterprises of St. Thomas for reconstruction of the John's Folly Learning Center on St. John.
The Anti-Litter and Beautification Fund, established to clean up the islands, took a big hit, too. Senators appropriated $105,000 or as much as necessary from this fund to rewire Kirwan Terrace Elementary School and install lights around the building's exterior, $2,000 to buy library books for Ivanna Eudora Kean High School and $15,000 to build a fence around Kean High.
The Land Bank Fund will ante up $50,000 or as much as necessary to the St. Thomas Cricket Association to repair its cricket field and $25,000 to Waseen Dominic to be used for the East End Cricket League.
Senators also tapped the General Fund. They appropriated $370,000 to rehabilitate Kean High, $25,000 to send Kean's steelband to a festival in Puerto Rico, $100,000 to install a wooden basketball floor in the new Bertha C. Boschulte Middle School gym, and $50,000 for Down Street People to run after-school and steelpan music programs.
They also appropriated $50,000 from the interest earned on bond proceeds to the V.I. Government Hospitals and Health Facilities Corp. to build a concrete foundation, floor and slab for an Emergency Medical Services training center behind Roy L. Schneider Hospital.
The bill appropriates $2 million from the fees paid by Hovensa and its partnership company, PDVSA VI Inc., in connection with the operation of the coker plant now under construction at the St. Croix refinery.
Of that $2 million, $800,000 will go for copy machines and maintenance contracts for each of the territory's public schools.
The bill appropriates $100,000 of the Hovensa money for scholarships for nursing students at the University of the Virgin Islands. After graduation, the nurses must work for the territory for as many years as they received scholarships or else pay the money back.
From the Hovensa payment, the Senators also allocated $100,000 to the Ingeborg Nesbitt Clinic in Frederiksted for drugs, $500,000 to the Health Department for its Medical Assistance Program, $250,000 or as much as necessary to the Human Services Department to develop and operate a senior transportation system, and $50,000 for medical supplies for public schools.
The bill also gives businesses a four-month amnesty period to pay penalties and interest owed the Labor Department and sets aside 30 percent of all roadside, gutter and cemetery-cleaning contracts for veterans.
Not all of these appropriations may make it to their intended targets. Historically senators over-appropriate — they approve more spending than revenues will cover — and thus leave the decision on which ones to fund to the governor and his budget director.
Nominations, honor resolutions approved
The rest of Monday's agenda focused on board nominations and honor bills, but the discussion descended to who was born where.
"All those buildings that have names of people not born in the Virgin Islands should be removed," Bryan said.
As expected, this garnered an outraged response from several of his colleagues, particularly those born on other Caribbean islands.
"We all make contributions. Let's stop being divisive and give honor where honor is due," said Sen. Norman Jn Baptiste, who was born on St. Lucia.
Sen. Donald "Ducks" Cole, a Nevis native, said that if the Senate followed Bryan's edict, names like St. Kitts native Elena Christian and Montserrat native E. Benjamin Oliver would have to be removed from the territory's schools.
The Senate approved the following nominations:
— Raphael R. Wesselhoft to the Anti-litter and Beautification Commission.
— Mary Alexander, Chaneel Callwood-Daniels and Charles Deyalsingh to the Virgin Islands Conservation District Board of Supervisors.
— Francis E. Jackson Jr. to the V.I. Government Hospitals and Health Facilities Corp.
— Robert O'Connor Jr. to a new term on the V.I. Port Authority board.
All of the senators voted yes on all nominations except for Bryan. He was absent for the vote on Alexander and voted no on those of Deyalsingh and Jackson.
Discussion of O'Connor's nomination prompted Sen. Roosevelt David to say he hoped O'Connor could speed up the process on the GARVEE bonds that are to be used to construct St. John's long-planned Enighed Pond commercial port and a new Red Hook marine terminal.
"There's some foot dragging at the Port Authority," David charged.
Senators also approved a bill to name the Savan Community Center after Romeo Malone. He was hailed as a lifelong Savan resident and author who helped many St. Thomas residents build homes by charging low fees for drawing house plans.
"I have done everything in my life for Savan," Malone said after the bill was approved. He said he and his mother once lived where the Savan Community Center is now located.
The senators also voted to honor Clarence Scipio for his work with senior citizens and in community programs.
They also voted to override Gov. Charles W. Turnbull's vetoes of certain sections of bills. One provides for candidate photos on ballots. Another gives doctors and insurance companies the right to apply for Economic Development Authority benefits. And another funds the removal of asbestos and the reconstruction of several houses at Frenchman's Hill on St. Thomas.
Housing Parks and Recreation Commissioner Ira Hobson said in a telephone interview that the houses were built 35 or 40 years ago by his department. He estimated it will cost $150,000 to $200,000 to remove the asbestos and reconstruct each house.
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 bill mandates that the beach be run by an authority similar to the one that operates Magens Bay beach.
The appropriation came under a Christmas tree bill that had been loaded up in the Rules Committee. It was approved 14-1 with Sen. Adelbert Bryan voting no. The majority agreed not to allow amendments, but that did not stop some senators from commenting.
"You have to take the good with the bad in a bill like this," Sen. Norma Pickard-Samuel said.
The bill appropriates $100,000 to Family Resource Center on St. Thomas from interest earned on bond proceeds and $100,000 to St. John's Safety Zone from the St. John Capital Improvement Fund so both can continue operations. Both agencies are in danger of closing for lack of money.
The St. John Capital Improvement Fund, intended to pay for construction projects on the island, also got hit for $9,975 so the Public Works Department could pay its bill to St. John heavy equipment operator Elvis Marsh and for $65,077 to pay Vanterpool Enterprises of St. Thomas for reconstruction of the John's Folly Learning Center on St. John.
The Anti-Litter and Beautification Fund, established to clean up the islands, took a big hit, too. Senators appropriated $105,000 or as much as necessary from this fund to rewire Kirwan Terrace Elementary School and install lights around the building's exterior, $2,000 to buy library books for Ivanna Eudora Kean High School and $15,000 to build a fence around Kean High.
The Land Bank Fund will ante up $50,000 or as much as necessary to the St. Thomas Cricket Association to repair its cricket field and $25,000 to Waseen Dominic to be used for the East End Cricket League.
Senators also tapped the General Fund. They appropriated $370,000 to rehabilitate Kean High, $25,000 to send Kean's steelband to a festival in Puerto Rico, $100,000 to install a wooden basketball floor in the new Bertha C. Boschulte Middle School gym, and $50,000 for Down Street People to run after-school and steelpan music programs.
They also appropriated $50,000 from the interest earned on bond proceeds to the V.I. Government Hospitals and Health Facilities Corp. to build a concrete foundation, floor and slab for an Emergency Medical Services training center behind Roy L. Schneider Hospital.
The bill appropriates $2 million from the fees paid by Hovensa and its partnership company, PDVSA VI Inc., in connection with the operation of the coker plant now under construction at the St. Croix refinery.
Of that $2 million, $800,000 will go for copy machines and maintenance contracts for each of the territory's public schools.
The bill appropriates $100,000 of the Hovensa money for scholarships for nursing students at the University of the Virgin Islands. After graduation, the nurses must work for the territory for as many years as they received scholarships or else pay the money back.
From the Hovensa payment, the Senators also allocated $100,000 to the Ingeborg Nesbitt Clinic in Frederiksted for drugs, $500,000 to the Health Department for its Medical Assistance Program, $250,000 or as much as necessary to the Human Services Department to develop and operate a senior transportation system, and $50,000 for medical supplies for public schools.
The bill also gives businesses a four-month amnesty period to pay penalties and interest owed the Labor Department and sets aside 30 percent of all roadside, gutter and cemetery-cleaning contracts for veterans.
Not all of these appropriations may make it to their intended targets. Historically senators over-appropriate — they approve more spending than revenues will cover — and thus leave the decision on which ones to fund to the governor and his budget director.
Nominations, honor resolutions approved
The rest of Monday's agenda focused on board nominations and honor bills, but the discussion descended to who was born where.
"All those buildings that have names of people not born in the Virgin Islands should be removed," Bryan said.
As expected, this garnered an outraged response from several of his colleagues, particularly those born on other Caribbean islands.
"We all make contributions. Let's stop being divisive and give honor where honor is due," said Sen. Norman Jn Baptiste, who was born on St. Lucia.
Sen. Donald "Ducks" Cole, a Nevis native, said that if the Senate followed Bryan's edict, names like St. Kitts native Elena Christian and Montserrat native E. Benjamin Oliver would have to be removed from the territory's schools.
The Senate approved the following nominations:
— Raphael R. Wesselhoft to the Anti-litter and Beautification Commission.
— Mary Alexander, Chaneel Callwood-Daniels and Charles Deyalsingh to the Virgin Islands Conservation District Board of Supervisors.
— Francis E. Jackson Jr. to the V.I. Government Hospitals and Health Facilities Corp.
— Robert O'Connor Jr. to a new term on the V.I. Port Authority board.
All of the senators voted yes on all nominations except for Bryan. He was absent for the vote on Alexander and voted no on those of Deyalsingh and Jackson.
Discussion of O'Connor's nomination prompted Sen. Roosevelt David to say he hoped O'Connor could speed up the process on the GARVEE bonds that are to be used to construct St. John's long-planned Enighed Pond commercial port and a new Red Hook marine terminal.
"There's some foot dragging at the Port Authority," David charged.
Senators also approved a bill to name the Savan Community Center after Romeo Malone. He was hailed as a lifelong Savan resident and author who helped many St. Thomas residents build homes by charging low fees for drawing house plans.
"I have done everything in my life for Savan," Malone said after the bill was approved. He said he and his mother once lived where the Savan Community Center is now located.
The senators also voted to honor Clarence Scipio for his work with senior citizens and in community programs.
They also voted to override Gov. Charles W. Turnbull's vetoes of certain sections of bills. One provides for candidate photos on ballots. Another gives doctors and insurance companies the right to apply for Economic Development Authority benefits. And another funds the removal of asbestos and the reconstruction of several houses at Frenchman's Hill on St. Thomas.
Housing Parks and Recreation Commissioner Ira Hobson said in a telephone interview that the houses were built 35 or 40 years ago by his department. He estimated it will cost $150,000 to $200,000 to remove the asbestos and reconstruct each house.
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.
CASINO ADDS SPACE, PLACES TO PLAY AND AMENITIES
April 22, 2002 – The Divi Carina Bay Casino has added 91 slot machines, seven gaming tables and 15 new casino jobs in an expansion that has added 5,400 square feet to the facility.
The expansion also includes 140 parking spaces, a stock receiving area, additional guest restrooms, a second beverage station and a non-smoking section, Barbara Shattles, general manager, said.
"The improvements not only provide additional enjoyments for our patrons with more gaming and amenities but give our employees a better work environment," she said
Shattles said Divi "had a good season, but since 9-11 [the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks on the mainland] we've been affected by the tourism slowdown."
The executives of Treasure Bay VI Corp., which owns and operates the Divi Carina Bay Resort and Casino, are seeking to expand its market by promoting its advantage in being a U.S. gaming destination, Shattles said. She added that the local patron market has held strong.
"Folks are having a great time at the casino. Last week we had a large crowd," she said, with about a hundred women attending the third annual Women's Business Center conference. When the resort books conferences, the casino benefits from the added gaming patrons, she said.
Part of the expansion is to benefit the casino's higher rollers. "Our VIP's have been asking for a more private location," Shattles said. This is an area with slot machines and gaming tables that is tucked to the side of the main floor and will be roped off.
Fran Geocaris, advertising coordinator, said the casino is gradually adding more amenities for its more than 200 employees. "If a person only has a 15 minute break and has to wait three minutes for the elevator and five to get food, you've lost your break," she said, adding that things have "really improved."
The employees, which include dealers, security personnel and housekeeping staff, now have a new dining and break room that serves an expanded menu of hot lunches, salads and fresh-baked bread. "It's great. I love the break room," Clare Flavien, slot technician, said.
On the east side of the upper level, a new stock delivery area will make food items readily accessible for meal preparation. Previously, Shattles said, employees had to get food supplies from a storage area in the hotel part of the resort.
The Casino Control Commission's on-site office has been relocated from a ground floor area now used for other offices. Commission member Lloyd McAlpin said the additional slot machines will increase the government's revenues. "It looks like a real casino now," he said of the features and games. "It tells me that Divi is doing well."
McAlpin noted that the relocation of the commission's office places his inspectors right on the casino floor. That's what the law legalizing casino gaming on St. Croix requires, he said –"casino inspectors, who are our eyes and ears, throughout the facility operations."
From the opening of the casino on March 14, 2000, McAlpin said, the commission had shared a small, two-desk satellite office with the Division of Gaming Enforcement.
The casino management welcomes the relocation of the commission office because the inspectors help monitor their quality of service, Geocaris said. "They're always watching us," she said. "That's good, because we don't want to be non-compliant."
It's not only the commission that's watching what's going on. Shattles said the black ceiling light fixtures are part of an elaborate security system. She said the casino maintains 24-hour security outside in the parking lot, too. "I think we are one of the safest places on the island," she said. "Ladies meet here at the casino and feel safe."
Gerard Doward, security supervisor, said that security operations are basically the same now as they were before the expansion. "Just a little more manpower" is required to keep things running smoothly, he said.
Still to come in the renovations are a flag pole out in front of the casino, an employee gazebo and an expanded snack area. There will be ongoing projects until July, Shattles said.
The casino is open seven days a week. Hours are noon to 4 a.m. Sunday through Thursday and noon to 6 a.m. Fridays, Saturdays and holidays.
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The expansion also includes 140 parking spaces, a stock receiving area, additional guest restrooms, a second beverage station and a non-smoking section, Barbara Shattles, general manager, said.
"The improvements not only provide additional enjoyments for our patrons with more gaming and amenities but give our employees a better work environment," she said
Shattles said Divi "had a good season, but since 9-11 [the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks on the mainland] we've been affected by the tourism slowdown."
The executives of Treasure Bay VI Corp., which owns and operates the Divi Carina Bay Resort and Casino, are seeking to expand its market by promoting its advantage in being a U.S. gaming destination, Shattles said. She added that the local patron market has held strong.
"Folks are having a great time at the casino. Last week we had a large crowd," she said, with about a hundred women attending the third annual Women's Business Center conference. When the resort books conferences, the casino benefits from the added gaming patrons, she said.
Part of the expansion is to benefit the casino's higher rollers. "Our VIP's have been asking for a more private location," Shattles said. This is an area with slot machines and gaming tables that is tucked to the side of the main floor and will be roped off.
Fran Geocaris, advertising coordinator, said the casino is gradually adding more amenities for its more than 200 employees. "If a person only has a 15 minute break and has to wait three minutes for the elevator and five to get food, you've lost your break," she said, adding that things have "really improved."
The employees, which include dealers, security personnel and housekeeping staff, now have a new dining and break room that serves an expanded menu of hot lunches, salads and fresh-baked bread. "It's great. I love the break room," Clare Flavien, slot technician, said.
On the east side of the upper level, a new stock delivery area will make food items readily accessible for meal preparation. Previously, Shattles said, employees had to get food supplies from a storage area in the hotel part of the resort.
The Casino Control Commission's on-site office has been relocated from a ground floor area now used for other offices. Commission member Lloyd McAlpin said the additional slot machines will increase the government's revenues. "It looks like a real casino now," he said of the features and games. "It tells me that Divi is doing well."
McAlpin noted that the relocation of the commission's office places his inspectors right on the casino floor. That's what the law legalizing casino gaming on St. Croix requires, he said –"casino inspectors, who are our eyes and ears, throughout the facility operations."
From the opening of the casino on March 14, 2000, McAlpin said, the commission had shared a small, two-desk satellite office with the Division of Gaming Enforcement.
The casino management welcomes the relocation of the commission office because the inspectors help monitor their quality of service, Geocaris said. "They're always watching us," she said. "That's good, because we don't want to be non-compliant."
It's not only the commission that's watching what's going on. Shattles said the black ceiling light fixtures are part of an elaborate security system. She said the casino maintains 24-hour security outside in the parking lot, too. "I think we are one of the safest places on the island," she said. "Ladies meet here at the casino and feel safe."
Gerard Doward, security supervisor, said that security operations are basically the same now as they were before the expansion. "Just a little more manpower" is required to keep things running smoothly, he said.
Still to come in the renovations are a flag pole out in front of the casino, an employee gazebo and an expanded snack area. There will be ongoing projects until July, Shattles said.
The casino is open seven days a week. Hours are noon to 4 a.m. Sunday through Thursday and noon to 6 a.m. Fridays, Saturdays and holidays.
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RUNNERS READY FOR CARNIVAL MILE ON PARADE DAY
April 22, 2002 – "In the Spirit": 50 years of Carnival, 20 years of Carnival Mile.
Continuing the tradition, the St. Thomas Association of Roadrunners will host the 20th annual Carnival Mile. The event for runners, joggers and walkers of all ages is sponsored by Seaborne Airlines, with donations from Powerade / Dasani Water and Movado Watches.
As always, the one-mile run begins at 7:30 a.m. Carnival adult parade day, (Saturday, April 27 this year), at the Western Cemetery and proceeds east on Main Street to Roosevelt Park, opposite the entrance to Carnival Village.
Some of the runners who turn out for this event speak about what a "rush" it is to run up a Main Street devoid of vehicles, all the store doors closed, just that straight expanse eastward with early parade watchers already gathering and quite happy to offer cheers and advice to runners and walkers as they come along.
Pre-register at Players in Havensight Mall, Going Seanile in Royal Dane Mall, and evenings in the Carnival Village. (At the Village look for the STAR T-shirt.) Entry fees are $10 for adults, #5 for youth under 18, and $8 for STAR members.
Proceeds will go to the St. Thomas-St. John Chapter of the American Red Cross.
There will be late registration on race day, from 6 to 7 a.m. at the starting line area; all participants must pick up their numbers by 7:15 a.m.
Free T-shirts will be given to the first 150 registered participants; they'll be distributed at the finish. The overall winners will receive Movado watches, and the top three finishers in each of the six male and female age groups will get awards. The awards ceremony will take place in Roosevelt Park, right at the finish line.
Running by the Numbers
The standing records to beat:
–Men, 4 minutes: 27 seconds. Set in 1997 by Tim Luchinske.
–Women, 5:48. Set in 1997 by Xiamara Gomez and matched in 1998 by Evelise Gomez, sizzling sisters from St. Croix.
Last year's winners were Jabari Goodwin in 5:12 and Tyfia Lee in 6:10. Age 12 and under winners were Madison Van Heurck, 6:22, and Tynequa Lee, 6:56.
Running by the Finish Line
Race director Craig Marek mentioned a few names of runners you might see out in front and maybe even first across the finish line. The race belongs to no one person, although Addelita Cancryn Junior High School teacher Therese Hodge won it several times in the early years. St. Croix's Teddy Seymour and Marlon Williams have frequently been up front. Seymour placed second in the St. Croix "Run To Your Library" race last Saturday.
Likely winners, said Marek, might be Greg Johnson of St. Croix, who's very familiar with second place; Ruth Ann David, a past winner and always strong; Earthla Arthur of St. Croix, who won the "Run To Your Library race," any of a number of high school runners, from St. Croix and St. Thomas, who work the shorter distances; and "Charley" Charles, high schooler who's been very strong in some recent STAR races.
Wallace Williams reports from St. Croix that several of the young runners are off to the Penn Relays and will miss this race.
Maurice Kurg is running strong this year, but concentrating on triathlons. Dale Joseph, a past winner who trains local runners, might do it again. For the women, keep an eye on Billie Hodges, who runs consistently on St. Thomas' hilly northside, and Grace Tuma, who trains at longer distances and triathlons.
Whether you watch the Carnival Mile or join the crowd of racers, you'll see some of these people running by, celebrating the 20th running of the Carnival Mile "in the spirit."
For more information and assistance with registration contact Marek at 777-6093.
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.
Continuing the tradition, the St. Thomas Association of Roadrunners will host the 20th annual Carnival Mile. The event for runners, joggers and walkers of all ages is sponsored by Seaborne Airlines, with donations from Powerade / Dasani Water and Movado Watches.
As always, the one-mile run begins at 7:30 a.m. Carnival adult parade day, (Saturday, April 27 this year), at the Western Cemetery and proceeds east on Main Street to Roosevelt Park, opposite the entrance to Carnival Village.
Some of the runners who turn out for this event speak about what a "rush" it is to run up a Main Street devoid of vehicles, all the store doors closed, just that straight expanse eastward with early parade watchers already gathering and quite happy to offer cheers and advice to runners and walkers as they come along.
Pre-register at Players in Havensight Mall, Going Seanile in Royal Dane Mall, and evenings in the Carnival Village. (At the Village look for the STAR T-shirt.) Entry fees are $10 for adults, #5 for youth under 18, and $8 for STAR members.
Proceeds will go to the St. Thomas-St. John Chapter of the American Red Cross.
There will be late registration on race day, from 6 to 7 a.m. at the starting line area; all participants must pick up their numbers by 7:15 a.m.
Free T-shirts will be given to the first 150 registered participants; they'll be distributed at the finish. The overall winners will receive Movado watches, and the top three finishers in each of the six male and female age groups will get awards. The awards ceremony will take place in Roosevelt Park, right at the finish line.
Running by the Numbers
The standing records to beat:
–Men, 4 minutes: 27 seconds. Set in 1997 by Tim Luchinske.
–Women, 5:48. Set in 1997 by Xiamara Gomez and matched in 1998 by Evelise Gomez, sizzling sisters from St. Croix.
Last year's winners were Jabari Goodwin in 5:12 and Tyfia Lee in 6:10. Age 12 and under winners were Madison Van Heurck, 6:22, and Tynequa Lee, 6:56.
Running by the Finish Line
Race director Craig Marek mentioned a few names of runners you might see out in front and maybe even first across the finish line. The race belongs to no one person, although Addelita Cancryn Junior High School teacher Therese Hodge won it several times in the early years. St. Croix's Teddy Seymour and Marlon Williams have frequently been up front. Seymour placed second in the St. Croix "Run To Your Library" race last Saturday.
Likely winners, said Marek, might be Greg Johnson of St. Croix, who's very familiar with second place; Ruth Ann David, a past winner and always strong; Earthla Arthur of St. Croix, who won the "Run To Your Library race," any of a number of high school runners, from St. Croix and St. Thomas, who work the shorter distances; and "Charley" Charles, high schooler who's been very strong in some recent STAR races.
Wallace Williams reports from St. Croix that several of the young runners are off to the Penn Relays and will miss this race.
Maurice Kurg is running strong this year, but concentrating on triathlons. Dale Joseph, a past winner who trains local runners, might do it again. For the women, keep an eye on Billie Hodges, who runs consistently on St. Thomas' hilly northside, and Grace Tuma, who trains at longer distances and triathlons.
Whether you watch the Carnival Mile or join the crowd of racers, you'll see some of these people running by, celebrating the 20th running of the Carnival Mile "in the spirit."
For more information and assistance with registration contact Marek at 777-6093.
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.
DELEGATE RAPS BUSH MOVE TO CUT EPA FUNDING
April 22, 2002 – Delegate Donna Christian Christensen joined fellow Democrats Monday in decrying Bush administration moves to cut funding for Environmental Protection Agency programs.
The proposed cutbacks in the EPA's Clean Water Revolving Fund, Drinking Water State Revolving Fund, Beach Environmental Assessment and Coastal Health Act, and Watershed Program will have a negative impact on the Virgin Islands, which utilizes federal funding through the programs to meet its environmental mandates, Christensen said.
"This Earth Day is one of grave concern for all who care about our environment," she said in a release. "Taking the focus and the funding away from the programs that help us meet our environmental needs will reap negative returns for us all in the future."
Christensen is a member of the House Committee on Resources and the ranking member on its Subcommittee on Parks and Public Lands. She said that funding for National Park maintenance and the Land and Water Conservation Fund also are in danger of being cut from the federal budget.
"The downside of the Republican tax cuts is that many programs which assist jurisdictions like the Virgin Islands who have limited resources to take care of these issues on their own will suffer," Christensen said. "We rely on our environmental heritage to promote our tourism economy. Hopefully, there will be opportunities to mitigate the cuts and keep the funding in the spirit of Earth Day."
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 proposed cutbacks in the EPA's Clean Water Revolving Fund, Drinking Water State Revolving Fund, Beach Environmental Assessment and Coastal Health Act, and Watershed Program will have a negative impact on the Virgin Islands, which utilizes federal funding through the programs to meet its environmental mandates, Christensen said.
"This Earth Day is one of grave concern for all who care about our environment," she said in a release. "Taking the focus and the funding away from the programs that help us meet our environmental needs will reap negative returns for us all in the future."
Christensen is a member of the House Committee on Resources and the ranking member on its Subcommittee on Parks and Public Lands. She said that funding for National Park maintenance and the Land and Water Conservation Fund also are in danger of being cut from the federal budget.
"The downside of the Republican tax cuts is that many programs which assist jurisdictions like the Virgin Islands who have limited resources to take care of these issues on their own will suffer," Christensen said. "We rely on our environmental heritage to promote our tourism economy. Hopefully, there will be opportunities to mitigate the cuts and keep the funding in the spirit of Earth Day."
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.
DELEGATE RAPS BUSH MOVE TO CUT EPA FUNDING
April 22, 2002 – Delegate Donna Christian Christensen joined fellow Democrats Monday in decrying Bush administration moves to cut funding for Environmental Protection Agency programs.
The proposed cutbacks in the EPA's Clean Water Revolving Fund, Drinking Water State Revolving Fund, Beach Environmental Assessment and Coastal Health Act, and Watershed Program will have a negative impact on the Virgin Islands, which utilizes federal funding through the programs to meet its environmental mandates, Christensen said.
"This Earth Day is one of grave concern for all who care about our environment," she said in a release. "Taking the focus and the funding away from the programs that help us meet our environmental needs will reap negative returns for us all in the future."
Christensen is a member of the House Committee on Resources and the ranking member on its Subcommittee on Parks and Public Lands. She said that funding for National Park maintenance and the Land and Water Conservation Fund also are in danger of being cut from the federal budget.
"The downside of the Republican tax cuts is that many programs which assist jurisdictions like the Virgin Islands who have limited resources to take care of these issues on their own will suffer," Christensen said. "We rely on our environmental heritage to promote our tourism economy. Hopefully, there will be opportunities to mitigate the cuts and keep the funding in the spirit of Earth Day."
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 proposed cutbacks in the EPA's Clean Water Revolving Fund, Drinking Water State Revolving Fund, Beach Environmental Assessment and Coastal Health Act, and Watershed Program will have a negative impact on the Virgin Islands, which utilizes federal funding through the programs to meet its environmental mandates, Christensen said.
"This Earth Day is one of grave concern for all who care about our environment," she said in a release. "Taking the focus and the funding away from the programs that help us meet our environmental needs will reap negative returns for us all in the future."
Christensen is a member of the House Committee on Resources and the ranking member on its Subcommittee on Parks and Public Lands. She said that funding for National Park maintenance and the Land and Water Conservation Fund also are in danger of being cut from the federal budget.
"The downside of the Republican tax cuts is that many programs which assist jurisdictions like the Virgin Islands who have limited resources to take care of these issues on their own will suffer," Christensen said. "We rely on our environmental heritage to promote our tourism economy. Hopefully, there will be opportunities to mitigate the cuts and keep the funding in the spirit of Earth Day."
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.
DELEGATE RAPS BUSH MOVE TO CUT EPA FUNDING
April 22, 2002 – Delegate Donna Christian Christensen joined fellow Democrats Monday in decrying Bush administration moves to cut funding for Environmental Protection Agency programs.
The proposed cutbacks in the EPA's Clean Water Revolving Fund, Drinking Water State Revolving Fund, Beach Environmental Assessment and Coastal Health Act, and Watershed Program will have a negative impact on the Virgin Islands, which utilizes federal funding through the programs to meet its environmental mandates, Christensen said.
"This Earth Day is one of grave concern for all who care about our environment," she said in a release. "Taking the focus and the funding away from the programs that help us meet our environmental needs will reap negative returns for us all in the future."
Christensen is a member of the House Committee on Resources and the ranking member on its Subcommittee on Parks and Public Lands. She said that funding for National Park maintenance and the Land and Water Conservation Fund also are in danger of being cut from the federal budget.
"The downside of the Republican tax cuts is that many programs which assist jurisdictions like the Virgin Islands who have limited resources to take care of these issues on their own will suffer," Christensen said. "We rely on our environmental heritage to promote our tourism economy. Hopefully, there will be opportunities to mitigate the cuts and keep the funding in the spirit of Earth Day."
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 proposed cutbacks in the EPA's Clean Water Revolving Fund, Drinking Water State Revolving Fund, Beach Environmental Assessment and Coastal Health Act, and Watershed Program will have a negative impact on the Virgin Islands, which utilizes federal funding through the programs to meet its environmental mandates, Christensen said.
"This Earth Day is one of grave concern for all who care about our environment," she said in a release. "Taking the focus and the funding away from the programs that help us meet our environmental needs will reap negative returns for us all in the future."
Christensen is a member of the House Committee on Resources and the ranking member on its Subcommittee on Parks and Public Lands. She said that funding for National Park maintenance and the Land and Water Conservation Fund also are in danger of being cut from the federal budget.
"The downside of the Republican tax cuts is that many programs which assist jurisdictions like the Virgin Islands who have limited resources to take care of these issues on their own will suffer," Christensen said. "We rely on our environmental heritage to promote our tourism economy. Hopefully, there will be opportunities to mitigate the cuts and keep the funding in the spirit of Earth Day."
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.
2 ACCUSED OF TAKING TOO MANY, TOO SMALL CONCH
April 22, 2002 – Two men have been charged with harvesting more than 500 undersized conch to sell to restaurants that serve the mollusks as a delicacy.
Virgin Islands law prohibits a person from harvesting more than six full-sized conch a day. That law is meant to protect a conch fishery that has been over-harvested to near extinction in the waters around St. Thomas, according to Montclair Guishard, an enforcement officer with the Planning and Natural Resources Department.
A conch must be in a shell at least 9 inches long to be harvested legally from the sea floor, Guishard said. Investigators found that none of the sea animals recovered Friday was more than 5 inches long.
"Taking more than 500 is sick," Guishard said. Illegally harvesting undersized conch and taking more than the limit is common, he said, but he had never before seen a violator with so many.
On Monday, Territorial Court Judge Ishmael Meyers upheld the charges against George Wilson, 33, and Allen Gifford, 34. The two were arrested on Friday while they were shelling and cleaning the conch near Brewers Bay, according to court records.
A suspected accomplice, believed to be the captain of a small boat that was anchored nearby, got away, the documents stated.
The Virgin Islands supports an active commercial conch industry, according to Barbara Kojis, director of marine fisheries for DPNR. But most of the conch harvest now is around St. Croix, she said, because the the St. Thomas-St. John area has not recovered from over-harvesting.
Guishard said he believes the men planned to sell the conch to the operators of food booths in the V.I. Carnival Village, which is scheduled to open Monday night.
Wilson and Gifford are both free on $2,000 bail. If convicted, they face up to six months in prison for each conch illegally harvested.
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.
Virgin Islands law prohibits a person from harvesting more than six full-sized conch a day. That law is meant to protect a conch fishery that has been over-harvested to near extinction in the waters around St. Thomas, according to Montclair Guishard, an enforcement officer with the Planning and Natural Resources Department.
A conch must be in a shell at least 9 inches long to be harvested legally from the sea floor, Guishard said. Investigators found that none of the sea animals recovered Friday was more than 5 inches long.
"Taking more than 500 is sick," Guishard said. Illegally harvesting undersized conch and taking more than the limit is common, he said, but he had never before seen a violator with so many.
On Monday, Territorial Court Judge Ishmael Meyers upheld the charges against George Wilson, 33, and Allen Gifford, 34. The two were arrested on Friday while they were shelling and cleaning the conch near Brewers Bay, according to court records.
A suspected accomplice, believed to be the captain of a small boat that was anchored nearby, got away, the documents stated.
The Virgin Islands supports an active commercial conch industry, according to Barbara Kojis, director of marine fisheries for DPNR. But most of the conch harvest now is around St. Croix, she said, because the the St. Thomas-St. John area has not recovered from over-harvesting.
Guishard said he believes the men planned to sell the conch to the operators of food booths in the V.I. Carnival Village, which is scheduled to open Monday night.
Wilson and Gifford are both free on $2,000 bail. If convicted, they face up to six months in prison for each conch illegally harvested.
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.
2 ACCUSED OF TAKING TOO MANY, TOO SMALL CONCH
April 22, 2002 – Two men have been charged with harvesting more than 500 undersized conch to sell to restaurants that serve the mollusks as a delicacy.
Virgin Islands law prohibits a person from harvesting more than six full-sized conch a day. That law is meant to protect a conch fishery that has been over-harvested to near extinction in the waters around St. Thomas, according to Montclair Guishard, an enforcement officer with the Planning and Natural Resources Department.
A conch must be in a shell at least 9 inches long to be harvested legally from the sea floor, Guishard said. Investigators found that none of the sea animals recovered Friday was more than 5 inches long.
"Taking more than 500 is sick," Guishard said. Illegally harvesting undersized conch and taking more than the limit is common, he said, but he had never before seen a violator with so many.
On Monday, Territorial Court Judge Ishmael Meyers upheld the charges against George Wilson, 33, and Allen Gifford, 34. The two were arrested on Friday while they were shelling and cleaning the conch near Brewers Bay, according to court records.
A suspected accomplice, believed to be the captain of a small boat that was anchored nearby, got away, the documents stated.
The Virgin Islands supports an active commercial conch industry, according to Barbara Kojis, director of marine fisheries for DPNR. But most of the conch harvest now is around St. Croix, she said, because the the St. Thomas-St. John area has not recovered from over-harvesting.
Guishard said he believes the men planned to sell the conch to the operators of food booths in the V.I. Carnival Village, which is scheduled to open Monday night.
Wilson and Gifford are both free on $2,000 bail. If convicted, they face up to six months in prison for each conch illegally harvested.
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.
Virgin Islands law prohibits a person from harvesting more than six full-sized conch a day. That law is meant to protect a conch fishery that has been over-harvested to near extinction in the waters around St. Thomas, according to Montclair Guishard, an enforcement officer with the Planning and Natural Resources Department.
A conch must be in a shell at least 9 inches long to be harvested legally from the sea floor, Guishard said. Investigators found that none of the sea animals recovered Friday was more than 5 inches long.
"Taking more than 500 is sick," Guishard said. Illegally harvesting undersized conch and taking more than the limit is common, he said, but he had never before seen a violator with so many.
On Monday, Territorial Court Judge Ishmael Meyers upheld the charges against George Wilson, 33, and Allen Gifford, 34. The two were arrested on Friday while they were shelling and cleaning the conch near Brewers Bay, according to court records.
A suspected accomplice, believed to be the captain of a small boat that was anchored nearby, got away, the documents stated.
The Virgin Islands supports an active commercial conch industry, according to Barbara Kojis, director of marine fisheries for DPNR. But most of the conch harvest now is around St. Croix, she said, because the the St. Thomas-St. John area has not recovered from over-harvesting.
Guishard said he believes the men planned to sell the conch to the operators of food booths in the V.I. Carnival Village, which is scheduled to open Monday night.
Wilson and Gifford are both free on $2,000 bail. If convicted, they face up to six months in prison for each conch illegally harvested.
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.
