Nov. 7, 2001 – Senators took action Wednesday in response to the executive order Gov. Charles W. Turnbull made public Monday giving his top administrators — commissioners, assistant and deputy commissioners and division heads — salary increases of up to 50 percent.
Senate President Almando "Rocky" Liburd and Sen. Adelbert Bryan each wrote Turnbull detailing their objections to aspects of the executive order. Liburd told the governor the full Senate will meet next Tuesday on St. Thomas to review the order, "specifically to find out where the monies to fund these orders will come from."
Liburd noted, "During this year's budget hearings when your administration was before this body defending the 2002 Executive Budget, and, in particular, the $44 million to put the unionized government workers on step, no mention was ever made about funding for these [executive order] proposed increases."
Liburd asked that the Legislature be provided a breakdown of all costs associated with the order, and that the Finance commissioner, Personnel director, a representative from the governor and the lieutenant governor's offices and the director of the Office of Management and Budget be present on Nov. 13 to testify.
Bryan then made a motion that the administration officials be subpoenaed to appear before the Senate along with the requested material. The motion was approved on a 9-6 vote along majority/non-majority lines. Voting in favor were Sens. Bryan, Donald "Ducks" Cole, Carlton Dowe, Alicia "Chucky" Hansen, Emmett Hansen II, Liburd, Norman Jn. Baptiste, Norma Pickard-Samuel and Celestino A. White Sr. Opposing the motion were Sens. Lorraine Berry, Douglas Canton Jr., Roosevelt David, Adlah "Foncie" Donastorg, David Jones and Vargrave Richards.
In his letter, Bryan told Turnbull that his executive order did not follow procedures outlined in the Revised Organic Act of 1954. Bryan said a section of that act provides that any executive order issued by the governor "shall be reviewed by the Legislature within 15 days after issuance … It shall be referred to the appropriate legislative committee to determine whether such executive order conflicts with any applicable law and for recommendations for appropriate legislation."
Byran also expressed "utter disgust" with the way in which Turnbull's order was communicated. "Simply put, you found it more important to inform the Daily News of your actions before you follow the law … And notify the Legislature of your actions," he wrote. Bryan, Liburd and several other senators expressed astonishment in Tuesday's Senate session at having first heard of Turnbull's order in the print media.
Bryan warned the governor that he "will do all within my power to assure that no action is taken on these executive orders until the Legislature is satisfied that the intent of any appropriations made by this body was intended to increase the salaries of non-unionized and/or exempt employees … I am sure you are aware government funds for these raises must be appropriated by the Legislature."
He continued, "I suspect that your next move is to increase the salaries of the governor and lieutenant governor on the pretext that your subordinates will be receiving a salary higher than yours."
Speculation was rife on the radio and in the Senate chamber that the governor was going to increase the salaries for the two top officials. On Wednesday morning, WVWI Radio news director Jean Greaux stated without revealing his source that it was anticipated that the governor would increase his own salary to $100,000 from $80,000 and that of the lieutenant governor to $100,000 from the present $75,000. By law, such an increase would require legislative approval. Some government sources have said the Legislature might not give it.
ST. CROIX YACHT CLUB HOSTS ROUND ISLAND RACE
Nov. 7, 2001 – The 32nd annual around St. Croix yacht race will have its start at 9 a.m. Saturday from the waters off the Buccaneer Hotel in Christiansted. For the third year the race will be a two-day event, finishing on Sunday back at the Buccaneer.
The first leg will proceed upwind to Point Udall, round the point and start a downwind leg past Sandy Point, finishing off the south side of the Ann Abramson Pier in Frederiksted. A welcoming party will be held after the first day's race at the Saloon.
The second day's racing will begin at 9 a.m. from the pier and finish at the Buccaneer.
A release from the St. Croix Yacht Club explained the race was formerly a one-day event, but the destruction of many race boats in recent hurricanes left a fleet of mostly cruising boats, which travel far more slowly.
Race organizer Karen Stanton said last year's race had 17 cruiser/racers competing in very light winds. Some boats didn't come in until dark.
Stanton is hoping for 25 competitors over the weekend and winds of 10 to 15 knots.
She said it is not too late to sign up. The registration fee is $35. A skipper's meeting will be held at the club Friday night. No time was given. Call 773-9531 for more information.
The first leg will proceed upwind to Point Udall, round the point and start a downwind leg past Sandy Point, finishing off the south side of the Ann Abramson Pier in Frederiksted. A welcoming party will be held after the first day's race at the Saloon.
The second day's racing will begin at 9 a.m. from the pier and finish at the Buccaneer.
A release from the St. Croix Yacht Club explained the race was formerly a one-day event, but the destruction of many race boats in recent hurricanes left a fleet of mostly cruising boats, which travel far more slowly.
Race organizer Karen Stanton said last year's race had 17 cruiser/racers competing in very light winds. Some boats didn't come in until dark.
Stanton is hoping for 25 competitors over the weekend and winds of 10 to 15 knots.
She said it is not too late to sign up. The registration fee is $35. A skipper's meeting will be held at the club Friday night. No time was given. Call 773-9531 for more information.
ALPHONSO: 'SPIRITED, FRIENDLY, CONFIDENT, BOLD'
Nov. 7, 2001 – As the police investigation into the fatal shooting of a 12-year-old middle school student continued, teachers and schoolmates of Alphonso Blyden III were trying to come to grips with his death.
Blyden died Saturday of a gunshot wound to the chest while visiting at 2-43 St. Joseph and Rosendahl. He lived at Tutu High Rise and was a seventh grader at Bertha C. Boschulte Middle School.
"He was so spirited," said BCB teacher Cheryl Cooper, who led the four-member teaching team whose students included Alphonso. And, she added, he was inquisitive, a trait she especially admires in her students.
Cooper said counselors came to the school on Monday to help the students deal with their grief. The students were asked to come up with words to describe Alphonso.
"Style, friendly, flamboyant, very confident," Cooper began, ticking off words on the list compiled by the students. Their list also included "courageous" and "bold" — the latter a trait Cooper said held the youth in good stead with fellow students. She said they liked the fact that he spoke his mind, because they always knew where they stood with him.
Alphonso was tall, slim and handsome, Cooper said, and "He was always neat and had a monogram on his shirt."
Cooper said some students have been working on writing poems about their colleague, and some of them will be included in the funeral booklet for Alphonso.
Funeral services will be Tuesday, Nov. 13, at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church. Viewing will begin at 8 a.m., with services to follow at 9 a.m. Burial will be in Western Cemetery.
Deputy Police Chief Theodore Carty said Wednesday that the investigation into the shooting is continuing.
Blyden died Saturday of a gunshot wound to the chest while visiting at 2-43 St. Joseph and Rosendahl. He lived at Tutu High Rise and was a seventh grader at Bertha C. Boschulte Middle School.
"He was so spirited," said BCB teacher Cheryl Cooper, who led the four-member teaching team whose students included Alphonso. And, she added, he was inquisitive, a trait she especially admires in her students.
Cooper said counselors came to the school on Monday to help the students deal with their grief. The students were asked to come up with words to describe Alphonso.
"Style, friendly, flamboyant, very confident," Cooper began, ticking off words on the list compiled by the students. Their list also included "courageous" and "bold" — the latter a trait Cooper said held the youth in good stead with fellow students. She said they liked the fact that he spoke his mind, because they always knew where they stood with him.
Alphonso was tall, slim and handsome, Cooper said, and "He was always neat and had a monogram on his shirt."
Cooper said some students have been working on writing poems about their colleague, and some of them will be included in the funeral booklet for Alphonso.
Funeral services will be Tuesday, Nov. 13, at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church. Viewing will begin at 8 a.m., with services to follow at 9 a.m. Burial will be in Western Cemetery.
Deputy Police Chief Theodore Carty said Wednesday that the investigation into the shooting is continuing.
MORE GOVERNMENT SALARY RAISES ANNOUNCED
Nov. 7, 2001 – Less than 24 hours after announcing hefty salary hikes for commissioners, other top administrators and some non-unionized rank-and-file government workers, Gov. Charles W. Turnbull on Tuesday announced raises for four other groups of public employees.
In a Government House press release, he said that salaries for police officers and corporals will now range from $29,748 to $53,076 a year. Police personnel also may earn career incentives of 3 to 30 percent which would add another $892 to $15,923 a year to their salaries.
Registered nurses will now be paid salaries ranging from $35,000 to $78,000.
School administrators will get $51,271 to $80,517.
And assistant attorneys general will get $50,000 to $84,000.
In the release, the governor said that ratifying of all union contracts previously negotiated will be done on his watch. "The days of negotiating IOU's are over," he said.
The government's chief negotiator, Karen Andrews, was in an all-day meeting and could not be reached for further information.
In a Government House press release, he said that salaries for police officers and corporals will now range from $29,748 to $53,076 a year. Police personnel also may earn career incentives of 3 to 30 percent which would add another $892 to $15,923 a year to their salaries.
Registered nurses will now be paid salaries ranging from $35,000 to $78,000.
School administrators will get $51,271 to $80,517.
And assistant attorneys general will get $50,000 to $84,000.
In the release, the governor said that ratifying of all union contracts previously negotiated will be done on his watch. "The days of negotiating IOU's are over," he said.
The government's chief negotiator, Karen Andrews, was in an all-day meeting and could not be reached for further information.
ANTI-LITTER COMMISSION BOARD MEETING
The Anti-Litter and Beautification Commission Board of the St. Thomas/St. John District will meet in the Commission's Conference Room located on the first floor of the Easst End Boat Park Building, 6200 Frydenhoj, St. Thomas.
ANTI-LITTER COMMISSION BOARD MEETING
The Anti-Litter and Beautification Commission Board of the St. Thomas/St. John District will meet at 2 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 8, in the Commission's Conference Room located on the first floor of the East End Boat Park Building, 6200 Frydenhoj, St. Thomas.
DELEGATE URGES TOUR FEE FACTIONS TO TALK
Nov. 7, 2001 – Weighing in on the standoff between V.I. National Park officials and local taxi drivers over pending permit fees, Delegate Donna Christian Christensen has urged "all parties to pursue a rational approach to solving the problem."
Park Supt. John King said Wednesday that park authorities will attempt to get a group of tour operators and taxi drivers to come together to develop a workable plan that would satisfy both groups. "I'm hopeful we'll be able to strike some reasonable compromise," King said.
While some senators at a Monday Committee of the Whole meeting urged him to involve the Senate in reaching resolution with the taxi drivers, King said this will not happen. "It is not their prerogative to engage in policymaking for the national park," he said of the legislators.
The rift between park authorities and the taxi drivers developed after the announcement that the park will start charging taxi associations, land tour companies and taxi drivers who conduct independent tours an annual fee to take visitors into the park. The fees are to be imposed beginning Jan. 1.
Park officials held public meetings spanning 1½ years, received extensive media coverage on the plan and took to the airwaves to let people know about it. But many of the taxi drivers claim the move is unfair, saying they didn't know about the impending fees or that any fee is too much. At two recent public meetings on St. John — one called by Sen. Almando "Rocky" Liburd on Oct. 25 and a Senate Committee of the Whole meeting on Monday, the taxi drivers assailed park officials.
However, as Christensen points out in her most recent newsletter, the park is mandated by the National Park Concession Reform Act of 1998 to collect fees from all entrepreneurs who take visitors to the park. Other local tour operators, such as those that take people on daysails, hiking trips and kayak tours, already pay permit fees.
King said at both meetings with taxi drivers that he was willing to negotiate the fee, which now stands at $300 a year for independent tour drivers and drivers moonlighting from their associations and $750 for taxi associations and tour operators. No fee will be assessed drivers who transport passengers from point A to point B and are not considered to be conducting a tour.
Christensen said she though the fees are on the high side, considering the current economic conditions in the territory. However, King said they are on a par with what other tour operators pay. He said they are based on the volume of activity the tour operator does in the park and how much revenue the tours generate. He said small operations pay $300 to $350 a year, with the largest and busiest companies paying $750 a year.
King said the fees defray the cost of implementing the program. "This is not a money- making venture," he said.
Most taxi drivers will come under their taxi or tour association umbrella, King said, and will not need individual permits. He estimates that, when the dust settles on this issue, the park will issue only about 12 to 18 permits for land-based tours.
King also said he is willing to negotiate on what constitutes a "tour." Taxi drivers have said that while they are driving visitors from point A to point B, tourists tell them they want to stop at an overlook for a quick picture. King said one stop might be allowed without a tour permit, but multiple stops constitute a tour.
Christensen also urged independent taxi drivers to form a group so as to pay one group fee of $750 rather than $300 each. "This would be more cost effective to them in the long run," she said.
Park officials advocated the same thing earlier, but the taxi drivers weren't interested.
Park Supt. John King said Wednesday that park authorities will attempt to get a group of tour operators and taxi drivers to come together to develop a workable plan that would satisfy both groups. "I'm hopeful we'll be able to strike some reasonable compromise," King said.
While some senators at a Monday Committee of the Whole meeting urged him to involve the Senate in reaching resolution with the taxi drivers, King said this will not happen. "It is not their prerogative to engage in policymaking for the national park," he said of the legislators.
The rift between park authorities and the taxi drivers developed after the announcement that the park will start charging taxi associations, land tour companies and taxi drivers who conduct independent tours an annual fee to take visitors into the park. The fees are to be imposed beginning Jan. 1.
Park officials held public meetings spanning 1½ years, received extensive media coverage on the plan and took to the airwaves to let people know about it. But many of the taxi drivers claim the move is unfair, saying they didn't know about the impending fees or that any fee is too much. At two recent public meetings on St. John — one called by Sen. Almando "Rocky" Liburd on Oct. 25 and a Senate Committee of the Whole meeting on Monday, the taxi drivers assailed park officials.
However, as Christensen points out in her most recent newsletter, the park is mandated by the National Park Concession Reform Act of 1998 to collect fees from all entrepreneurs who take visitors to the park. Other local tour operators, such as those that take people on daysails, hiking trips and kayak tours, already pay permit fees.
King said at both meetings with taxi drivers that he was willing to negotiate the fee, which now stands at $300 a year for independent tour drivers and drivers moonlighting from their associations and $750 for taxi associations and tour operators. No fee will be assessed drivers who transport passengers from point A to point B and are not considered to be conducting a tour.
Christensen said she though the fees are on the high side, considering the current economic conditions in the territory. However, King said they are on a par with what other tour operators pay. He said they are based on the volume of activity the tour operator does in the park and how much revenue the tours generate. He said small operations pay $300 to $350 a year, with the largest and busiest companies paying $750 a year.
King said the fees defray the cost of implementing the program. "This is not a money- making venture," he said.
Most taxi drivers will come under their taxi or tour association umbrella, King said, and will not need individual permits. He estimates that, when the dust settles on this issue, the park will issue only about 12 to 18 permits for land-based tours.
King also said he is willing to negotiate on what constitutes a "tour." Taxi drivers have said that while they are driving visitors from point A to point B, tourists tell them they want to stop at an overlook for a quick picture. King said one stop might be allowed without a tour permit, but multiple stops constitute a tour.
Christensen also urged independent taxi drivers to form a group so as to pay one group fee of $750 rather than $300 each. "This would be more cost effective to them in the long run," she said.
Park officials advocated the same thing earlier, but the taxi drivers weren't interested.
AVONELLE T. RYAN FUNERAL SERVICES
Avonelle T. Ryan, age 53, formerly of Antigua but last resided at #120 Est. Catherine's Rest, passed away on Thursday, Nov. 1, at her residence.
Funeral services will take place at 1 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 11, at Central Seventh-Day Adventist Church in Grove Place with viewing beginning at 12 noon. Internment will take place at Kingshill Cemetery.
She is survived by her husband Desmond Ryan; father Renford Thomas; sisters Ivy-Jean Benjamin, Cecely Williams and Jean Calabrese; brothers Eustace Thomas and John Thomas; other relatives and friends too numerous to mention.
Professional arrangements are entrusted to James Memorial Home, Inc.
Funeral services will take place at 1 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 11, at Central Seventh-Day Adventist Church in Grove Place with viewing beginning at 12 noon. Internment will take place at Kingshill Cemetery.
She is survived by her husband Desmond Ryan; father Renford Thomas; sisters Ivy-Jean Benjamin, Cecely Williams and Jean Calabrese; brothers Eustace Thomas and John Thomas; other relatives and friends too numerous to mention.
Professional arrangements are entrusted to James Memorial Home, Inc.
CARNIVAL BEACH JAM AT BREWERS
Oct. 31, 2001 – The V.I. Carnival Committee continues its 50th anniversary celebration with a beach jam and fun day on Monday, Nov. 12, at Brewers Bay Beach and the Reichhold grounds from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Everyone is invited for a day of beach volleyball, sack races, old-time games, face painting and water sports, a release said.
Imaginations Brass and Big Lou Productions will provide live entertainment, and food and drink will be on sale.
For more information, call the committee office at 776-3112.
There will be no through traffic on the John Brewers Beach Road from 9 a.m. until the function has concluded, according to a Police Dept. release. It is suggested that vehicles traveling in and out of the Bordeaux and Fortuna areas use the alternative Estate Pearl-Crown Mountain routes. No parking will be allowed on the beach.
Everyone is invited for a day of beach volleyball, sack races, old-time games, face painting and water sports, a release said.
Imaginations Brass and Big Lou Productions will provide live entertainment, and food and drink will be on sale.
For more information, call the committee office at 776-3112.
There will be no through traffic on the John Brewers Beach Road from 9 a.m. until the function has concluded, according to a Police Dept. release. It is suggested that vehicles traveling in and out of the Bordeaux and Fortuna areas use the alternative Estate Pearl-Crown Mountain routes. No parking will be allowed on the beach.
ANTI-LITTER & BEAUTIFICATION COMMISSION BOARD
The Anti-Liter and Beautification Commission Board of the St. Thomas/St. John District will meet in the Commission's Conference Room located on the first floor of the Easst End Boat Park Building, 6200 Frydenhoj, St. Thomas.
