The Rock Collective will present the Rock Lounge, an open mike experience of poetry, music and visual art from 6 to 9 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 18, at Marisol Restaurant, Government Hill.
For more information contact Tiphanie Yanique at 513-2266.
DELEGATE, STAFF RETURN TO D.C. OFFICES
Nov. 5, 2001 – Delegate Donna Christian Christensen is back in her congressional office on the fifth floor of the Longworth House Office Building, but mail service to the Capitol remains suspended as a result of anthrax concerns.
In a release distributed Monday, Christensen said constituents can once again contact her staff by telephone at (202) 225-1790 or by fax at (202) 225-5517. The local office telephones are 774-4408 on St. Thomas and 778-5900 on St. Croix.
Christensen and her Washington, D.C., staff returned to their offices at 1510 Longworth on Monday after an absence of nearly three weeks due to anthrax threats on Capitol Hill. In the interim, members of Congress worked out of temporary space provided by the General Accounting Office.
"My staff and I are pleased to be back in our offices where we can resume normal operations," the delegate said in a release. She said her offices were found to be anthrax free. The three offices on the sixth and seventh floors that tested positive for anthrax have been sealed off until they can be decontaminated, the release stated.
"We still don't know when our mail service will be resumed, so I urge constituents to call or fax us with their concerns," Christensen said.
In a release distributed Monday, Christensen said constituents can once again contact her staff by telephone at (202) 225-1790 or by fax at (202) 225-5517. The local office telephones are 774-4408 on St. Thomas and 778-5900 on St. Croix.
Christensen and her Washington, D.C., staff returned to their offices at 1510 Longworth on Monday after an absence of nearly three weeks due to anthrax threats on Capitol Hill. In the interim, members of Congress worked out of temporary space provided by the General Accounting Office.
"My staff and I are pleased to be back in our offices where we can resume normal operations," the delegate said in a release. She said her offices were found to be anthrax free. The three offices on the sixth and seventh floors that tested positive for anthrax have been sealed off until they can be decontaminated, the release stated.
"We still don't know when our mail service will be resumed, so I urge constituents to call or fax us with their concerns," Christensen said.
6 PERCENT INFLATION PROJECTED IN V.I. THIS YEAR
Nov. 5, 2001 – Projections indicate that inflation in the territory will be nearly double that of the mainland this year, according to Lauritz Mills, director of the Economic Research Bureau.
"But we don't know what will happen now," she said, referring to the impact the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon will have on the figures.
Mills expects to see a 2001 inflation rate of 6 percent in the territory, compared to the projected rate on the mainland of 3.4 percent, the same as last year. She said the Virgin Islands is in the ballpark with Puerto Rico, which is projected to see a rate of 6.8 percent this year, up from 6.4 percent last year.
Since this is the first year the territory has kept track of inflation through the consumer price index, there are no figures for previous years available.
Mills is projecting that what cost the territory's residents $1 last January will cost $1.03 by the end of this year. She said it appears that costs are rising faster in the territory than on the mainland. V.I. retailers historically have complained of high costs of shipping and insurance and the requirements that they pay excise taxes on some goods and a 4 percent gross receipts tax on sales. However, Mills noted that a lack of competition also can drive up prices.
The Economic Research Bureau is tracking the costs of items in its "consumer price index basket" — for food and beverages, housing, apparel, transportation, medical care, recreation, education and communication. Overall, prices in the V.I. "basket" went up by 0.8 percent in September, compared with 0.1 percent in August. Prices for all other goods and services went up 0.9 percent in September after having decreased by 1.5 percent in August. The bureau attributed this difference to an increase in the cost of large household appliances.
In most categories in the consumer price index basket, the changes up and down were small. Medical costs went up 1.5 percent, which Mills said came about through increases in the costs of non-prescription drugs, medical lab fees, medical specialists and dental care. This increase came on the heels of a 1.7 percent increase the month before.
Food and beverage costs went up 0.7 percent in September. Mills said higher prices for fresh fruits and vegetables, meats, poultry, fish and eggs accounted for the increase. "They went up on the mainland, too," she said.
Mills said that when PriceSmart opened its doors on St. Thomas, food and beverage prices in other stores dropped initially because of the competition but have since inched back up.
Higher automobile insurance costs in September accounted for an increase of 0.5 percent in the transportation index after prices had dropped in each of the three preceding months.
The housing index remained unchanged in August and September.
The apparel index fell by 1.6 percent in September, following an increase of 0.3 percent in August.
The only large increase — 8.2 percent — in September came in the cost of recreation, which Mills said reflected seasonal prices changes. This followed an increase of 11.5 percent in August. Higher rental prices for equipment such as personal watercraft accounted for both increases, she said.
Mills said the Economic Research Bureau began collecting consumer price index data in January. Staff members visit a variety of stores once a month on St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix. "This was never done before," she said.
The bureau released its first monthly report in August. Mills said the reports can help residents keep track of prices trends. In the future, she said, the plan is to release reports on a quarterly basis. But in the interim, she added, available information will be accessible to people who need it.
"But we don't know what will happen now," she said, referring to the impact the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon will have on the figures.
Mills expects to see a 2001 inflation rate of 6 percent in the territory, compared to the projected rate on the mainland of 3.4 percent, the same as last year. She said the Virgin Islands is in the ballpark with Puerto Rico, which is projected to see a rate of 6.8 percent this year, up from 6.4 percent last year.
Since this is the first year the territory has kept track of inflation through the consumer price index, there are no figures for previous years available.
Mills is projecting that what cost the territory's residents $1 last January will cost $1.03 by the end of this year. She said it appears that costs are rising faster in the territory than on the mainland. V.I. retailers historically have complained of high costs of shipping and insurance and the requirements that they pay excise taxes on some goods and a 4 percent gross receipts tax on sales. However, Mills noted that a lack of competition also can drive up prices.
The Economic Research Bureau is tracking the costs of items in its "consumer price index basket" — for food and beverages, housing, apparel, transportation, medical care, recreation, education and communication. Overall, prices in the V.I. "basket" went up by 0.8 percent in September, compared with 0.1 percent in August. Prices for all other goods and services went up 0.9 percent in September after having decreased by 1.5 percent in August. The bureau attributed this difference to an increase in the cost of large household appliances.
In most categories in the consumer price index basket, the changes up and down were small. Medical costs went up 1.5 percent, which Mills said came about through increases in the costs of non-prescription drugs, medical lab fees, medical specialists and dental care. This increase came on the heels of a 1.7 percent increase the month before.
Food and beverage costs went up 0.7 percent in September. Mills said higher prices for fresh fruits and vegetables, meats, poultry, fish and eggs accounted for the increase. "They went up on the mainland, too," she said.
Mills said that when PriceSmart opened its doors on St. Thomas, food and beverage prices in other stores dropped initially because of the competition but have since inched back up.
Higher automobile insurance costs in September accounted for an increase of 0.5 percent in the transportation index after prices had dropped in each of the three preceding months.
The housing index remained unchanged in August and September.
The apparel index fell by 1.6 percent in September, following an increase of 0.3 percent in August.
The only large increase — 8.2 percent — in September came in the cost of recreation, which Mills said reflected seasonal prices changes. This followed an increase of 11.5 percent in August. Higher rental prices for equipment such as personal watercraft accounted for both increases, she said.
Mills said the Economic Research Bureau began collecting consumer price index data in January. Staff members visit a variety of stores once a month on St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix. "This was never done before," she said.
The bureau released its first monthly report in August. Mills said the reports can help residents keep track of prices trends. In the future, she said, the plan is to release reports on a quarterly basis. But in the interim, she added, available information will be accessible to people who need it.
V.I. JOBLESS NUMBERS SKYROCKET AFTER SEPT. 11
Nov. 5, 2001 – A total of 799 people have applied for unemployment benefits in the Virgin Islands since Sept. 11, compared to normal numbers of 25 to 50 per month, Labor Commissioner Cecil Benjamin said Monday.
"Most are attributed to layoffs in travel- related industries," he said.
Since the terrorist attacks on the mainland, the St. Thomas-St. John district has been harder hit than St. Croix, mainly because of having the bulk of the territory's tourism-related jobs, Benjamin said. St. Croix, with the huge Hovensa refinery and relatively little cruise ship business, has more industrial than tourism-sector workers.
There have been 509 applicants for benefits on St. Thomas and St. John and 290 on St. Croix, he said, with about a hundred businesses affected. Of these, he said, 22 are hotels and most of the others are small businesses such as restaurants that rely on island visitors.
Dave Barber, Labor Department supervisor of surveys and systems, said the V.I. unemployment rate for September (calculated from data gathered on Sept. 12 and therefore not reflecting the impact of the Sept. 11 attacks) stood at 7.6 percent overall — 9 percent on St. Croix and 6 percent on St. Thomas/St. John. He predicted the rate would rise for October and November.
The October statistics are expected to be available at the end of November.
"We're seeing only the beginning of what will follow Sept. 11," Barber said. He said workers laid off because of the territory's sudden tourism slump began applying for benefits on Sept. 17, six days after the attacks. "It got worse, and it has been downhill since then," he said. He noted that layoffs are normal in September as the number of visitors drops, but usually things start to pick up by October and November. "I don't think we'll see that usual upturn," he said.
Benjamin was more optimistic. He predicted that the situation will improve in three to six months, with noticeable improvements by January. "It's a temporary setback," he said.
Barber compared the situation to the months that followed Hurricane Marilyn in September 1995. Back then, unemployment rose to a high of 9.4 percent territorywide — 10.7 percent on St. Thomas/St. John, which was harder hit by the hurricane, and 7.5 percent on St. Croix.
The territory's employment situation was looking bright before Sept. 11, Barber said, with the number of persons employed this past September up by 1,250 over September 2000 figures. There were 1,400 more construction jobs and 500 more retail jobs compared with a year earlier. However, the September figures showed a loss of 290 jobs in manufacturing and 270 in the service industry.
Benjamin said the unemployment benefit in the Virgin Islands is $312 a week for up to 26 weeks — the same for all workers, no matter what their wages. He said that Congress is considering extending unemployment benefits for another 13 weeks.
"Most are attributed to layoffs in travel- related industries," he said.
Since the terrorist attacks on the mainland, the St. Thomas-St. John district has been harder hit than St. Croix, mainly because of having the bulk of the territory's tourism-related jobs, Benjamin said. St. Croix, with the huge Hovensa refinery and relatively little cruise ship business, has more industrial than tourism-sector workers.
There have been 509 applicants for benefits on St. Thomas and St. John and 290 on St. Croix, he said, with about a hundred businesses affected. Of these, he said, 22 are hotels and most of the others are small businesses such as restaurants that rely on island visitors.
Dave Barber, Labor Department supervisor of surveys and systems, said the V.I. unemployment rate for September (calculated from data gathered on Sept. 12 and therefore not reflecting the impact of the Sept. 11 attacks) stood at 7.6 percent overall — 9 percent on St. Croix and 6 percent on St. Thomas/St. John. He predicted the rate would rise for October and November.
The October statistics are expected to be available at the end of November.
"We're seeing only the beginning of what will follow Sept. 11," Barber said. He said workers laid off because of the territory's sudden tourism slump began applying for benefits on Sept. 17, six days after the attacks. "It got worse, and it has been downhill since then," he said. He noted that layoffs are normal in September as the number of visitors drops, but usually things start to pick up by October and November. "I don't think we'll see that usual upturn," he said.
Benjamin was more optimistic. He predicted that the situation will improve in three to six months, with noticeable improvements by January. "It's a temporary setback," he said.
Barber compared the situation to the months that followed Hurricane Marilyn in September 1995. Back then, unemployment rose to a high of 9.4 percent territorywide — 10.7 percent on St. Thomas/St. John, which was harder hit by the hurricane, and 7.5 percent on St. Croix.
The territory's employment situation was looking bright before Sept. 11, Barber said, with the number of persons employed this past September up by 1,250 over September 2000 figures. There were 1,400 more construction jobs and 500 more retail jobs compared with a year earlier. However, the September figures showed a loss of 290 jobs in manufacturing and 270 in the service industry.
Benjamin said the unemployment benefit in the Virgin Islands is $312 a week for up to 26 weeks — the same for all workers, no matter what their wages. He said that Congress is considering extending unemployment benefits for another 13 weeks.
12-YEAR-OLD BOY DIES OF GUNSHOT WOUND
Nov. 5, 2001 – A 12-year-old St. Thomas boy died Saturday in an apparent homicide. Deputy Police Chief Theodore Carty said that he died of what appeared to be a gunshot wound to the chest.
The body of Alphonso Blyden III was found on the floor at 2-43 St. Joseph and Rosendahl.
Carty said that the boy died at the scene at 9:15 p.m.
"He was visiting a friend," he said.
Carty said a witness at the scene who lived in the house said she found the boy lying on the floor after she heard a shot.
No one has been arrested in the case.
Alphonso is the territory's 20th homicide of the year, the 11th on St. Thomas.
Carty said he did not have an address for the youth and had no further information. He asked that anyone with information call the Police Department's Investigation Bureau at 715-5522.
The body of Alphonso Blyden III was found on the floor at 2-43 St. Joseph and Rosendahl.
Carty said that the boy died at the scene at 9:15 p.m.
"He was visiting a friend," he said.
Carty said a witness at the scene who lived in the house said she found the boy lying on the floor after she heard a shot.
No one has been arrested in the case.
Alphonso is the territory's 20th homicide of the year, the 11th on St. Thomas.
Carty said he did not have an address for the youth and had no further information. He asked that anyone with information call the Police Department's Investigation Bureau at 715-5522.
V.I. NATIONAL GUARD LISTS PERSONNEL ACTIONS
Nov. 5, 2001 – The V.I. National Guard has issued a listing of recent personnel actions for the Air Guard and the Army Guard. Included are award winners, new soldiers, promotions and retirees.
"Soldiers have to meet tough requirements and criteria to obtain promotions," said SSG. Karen D. Williams in a release.
The Soldier of the Year award, for example, results from monthly competitions through the year, said State Command Sgt. Maj. Earl Abramsen. Each of the more than 20 Virgin Islands commands have competitions, and then finalists are chosen to represent the V.I. National Guard at a national competition in Atlanta.
Three soldiers were at the most recent national competition: Spc. Myra Mueller, Sgt. 1st Class Jeremy Laurent, and Sgt. 1st Class Wayne Noel. Their specific local awards are in the listing that follows.
The competitions are good for the soldiers, said Abramsen, because they learn public speaking, and the national event is an opportunity to meet fellow Guard members from all over and share experience and ideas.
For the Air Guard:
Retiree: Command Chief Master Sgt. Charles Farrell – 25 years
New Soldiers:
Airman Basic Melanie Adams-Tutein
Airman Basic Aretha Ventura
Airman Basic Lerna Donawa
Airman 1st Class Angelina Crosby
Staff Sgt. Jean Thurland
Tech. Sgt. James Nase
Promotions To:
Tech. Sgt. Stephen Charles
Airman 1st Class Michael Shaw
For the Army Guard:
Awards – St. Croix:
Soldier of the Year 2000 – Spc. Myra Mueller
Non-commissioned Officer of the Year 2000 – Sgt. 1st Class Jeremy Laurent
AGR Soldier of the Year 2000 – Sgt 1st Class Wayne Noel
Awards – St. Thomas:
Maj. Gladys Turnbull – Army Commendation and Army Achievement Medals
Capt. Sally Petty – Army Commendation Medal
Capt. Caron Bailey – Army Achievement Medal
Sgt. 1st Class Justin Callwood – Army Commendation Medal
Retirees:
Chief Warrant Officer 3 Hugh Forte – 27 years
Sgt. 1st Class Juanita Fergus – 21 ½ years
Sgt. 1st Class Myrlin Hazlewood – 21 years
Staff Sgt. Wilfred Marcus – 24 years
Sgt. Jennifer Decastro – 21 years
Sgt. Ray Phillips – 21 years
New Soldiers:
Pvt. Zemony Sealey
Pvt. Joyce Richardson
Pvt. Laurie-Ann Dureay
Pvt. Lyshaniz Lugo
Pvt. Zurah Joseph
Pvt. George Plummer
Pvt. Kamiele Roach
Promotions To:
Capt. Gladys Pagan
Sgt. Terrance Aaron
Spc. Lorna Butler
Pfc. Leonard Richards
Warrant Officer Academy – Graduate:
Warrant Officer 1 Mervin Mills
"Soldiers have to meet tough requirements and criteria to obtain promotions," said SSG. Karen D. Williams in a release.
The Soldier of the Year award, for example, results from monthly competitions through the year, said State Command Sgt. Maj. Earl Abramsen. Each of the more than 20 Virgin Islands commands have competitions, and then finalists are chosen to represent the V.I. National Guard at a national competition in Atlanta.
Three soldiers were at the most recent national competition: Spc. Myra Mueller, Sgt. 1st Class Jeremy Laurent, and Sgt. 1st Class Wayne Noel. Their specific local awards are in the listing that follows.
The competitions are good for the soldiers, said Abramsen, because they learn public speaking, and the national event is an opportunity to meet fellow Guard members from all over and share experience and ideas.
For the Air Guard:
Retiree: Command Chief Master Sgt. Charles Farrell – 25 years
New Soldiers:
Airman Basic Melanie Adams-Tutein
Airman Basic Aretha Ventura
Airman Basic Lerna Donawa
Airman 1st Class Angelina Crosby
Staff Sgt. Jean Thurland
Tech. Sgt. James Nase
Promotions To:
Tech. Sgt. Stephen Charles
Airman 1st Class Michael Shaw
For the Army Guard:
Awards – St. Croix:
Soldier of the Year 2000 – Spc. Myra Mueller
Non-commissioned Officer of the Year 2000 – Sgt. 1st Class Jeremy Laurent
AGR Soldier of the Year 2000 – Sgt 1st Class Wayne Noel
Awards – St. Thomas:
Maj. Gladys Turnbull – Army Commendation and Army Achievement Medals
Capt. Sally Petty – Army Commendation Medal
Capt. Caron Bailey – Army Achievement Medal
Sgt. 1st Class Justin Callwood – Army Commendation Medal
Retirees:
Chief Warrant Officer 3 Hugh Forte – 27 years
Sgt. 1st Class Juanita Fergus – 21 ½ years
Sgt. 1st Class Myrlin Hazlewood – 21 years
Staff Sgt. Wilfred Marcus – 24 years
Sgt. Jennifer Decastro – 21 years
Sgt. Ray Phillips – 21 years
New Soldiers:
Pvt. Zemony Sealey
Pvt. Joyce Richardson
Pvt. Laurie-Ann Dureay
Pvt. Lyshaniz Lugo
Pvt. Zurah Joseph
Pvt. George Plummer
Pvt. Kamiele Roach
Promotions To:
Capt. Gladys Pagan
Sgt. Terrance Aaron
Spc. Lorna Butler
Pfc. Leonard Richards
Warrant Officer Academy – Graduate:
Warrant Officer 1 Mervin Mills
V.I. NATIONAL GUARD LISTS PERSONNEL ACTIONS
Nov. 5, 2001 – The V.I. National Guard has issued a listing of recent personnel actions for the Air Guard and the Army Guard. Included are award winners, new soldiers, promotions and retirees.
"Soldiers have to meet tough requirements and criteria to obtain promotions," said SSG. Karen D. Williams in a release.
The Soldier of the Year award, for example, results from monthly competitions through the year, said State Command Sgt. Maj. Earl Abramsen. Each of the more than 20 Virgin Islands commands have competitions, and then finalists are chosen to represent the V.I. National Guard at a national competition in Atlanta.
Three soldiers were at the most recent national competition: Spc. Myra Mueller, Sgt. 1st Class Jeremy Laurent, and Sgt. 1st Class Wayne Noel. Their specific local awards are in the listing that follows.
The competitions are good for the soldiers, said Abramsen, because they learn public speaking and communication, and the national event is an opportunity to meet fellow Guard members from all over and share experience and ideas.
For the Air Guard:
Retiree: Command Chief Master Sgt. Charles Farrell – 25 years
New Soldiers:
Airman Basic Melanie Adams-Tutein
Airman Basic Aretha Ventura
Airman Basic Lerna Donawa
Airman 1st Class Angelina Crosby
Staff Sgt. Jean Thurland
Tech. Sgt. James Nase
Promotions To:
Tech. Sgt. Stephen Charles
Airman 1st Class Michael Shaw
For the Army Guard:
Awards – St. Croix:
Soldier of the Year 2000 – Spc. Myra Mueller
Non-commissioned Officer of the Year 2000 – Sgt. 1st Class Jeremy Laurent
AGR Soldier of the Year 2000 – Sgt 1st Class Wayne Noel
Awards – St. Thomas:
Maj. Gladys Turnbull – Army Commendation and Army Achievement Medals
Capt. Sally Petty – Army Commendation Medal
Capt. Caron Bailey – Army Achievement Medal
Sgt. 1st Class Justin Callwood – Army Commendation Medal
Retirees:
Chief Warrant Officer 3 Hugh Forte – 27 years
Sgt. 1st Class Juanita Fergus – 21 ½ years
Sgt. 1st Class Myrlin Hazlewood – 21 years
Staff Sgt. Wilfred Marcus – 24 years
Sgt. Jennifer Decastro – 21 years
Sgt. Ray Phillips – 21 years
New Soldiers:
Pvt. Zemony Sealey
Pvt. Joyce Richardson
Pvt. Laurie-Ann Dureay
Pvt. Lyshaniz Lugo
Pvt. Zurah Joseph
Pvt. George Plummer
Pvt. Kamiele Roach
Promotions To:
Capt. Gladys Pagan
Sgt. Terrance Aaron
Spc. Lorna Butler
Pfc. Leonard Richards
Warrant Officer Academy – Graduate:
Warrant Officer 1 Mervin Mills
"Soldiers have to meet tough requirements and criteria to obtain promotions," said SSG. Karen D. Williams in a release.
The Soldier of the Year award, for example, results from monthly competitions through the year, said State Command Sgt. Maj. Earl Abramsen. Each of the more than 20 Virgin Islands commands have competitions, and then finalists are chosen to represent the V.I. National Guard at a national competition in Atlanta.
Three soldiers were at the most recent national competition: Spc. Myra Mueller, Sgt. 1st Class Jeremy Laurent, and Sgt. 1st Class Wayne Noel. Their specific local awards are in the listing that follows.
The competitions are good for the soldiers, said Abramsen, because they learn public speaking and communication, and the national event is an opportunity to meet fellow Guard members from all over and share experience and ideas.
For the Air Guard:
Retiree: Command Chief Master Sgt. Charles Farrell – 25 years
New Soldiers:
Airman Basic Melanie Adams-Tutein
Airman Basic Aretha Ventura
Airman Basic Lerna Donawa
Airman 1st Class Angelina Crosby
Staff Sgt. Jean Thurland
Tech. Sgt. James Nase
Promotions To:
Tech. Sgt. Stephen Charles
Airman 1st Class Michael Shaw
For the Army Guard:
Awards – St. Croix:
Soldier of the Year 2000 – Spc. Myra Mueller
Non-commissioned Officer of the Year 2000 – Sgt. 1st Class Jeremy Laurent
AGR Soldier of the Year 2000 – Sgt 1st Class Wayne Noel
Awards – St. Thomas:
Maj. Gladys Turnbull – Army Commendation and Army Achievement Medals
Capt. Sally Petty – Army Commendation Medal
Capt. Caron Bailey – Army Achievement Medal
Sgt. 1st Class Justin Callwood – Army Commendation Medal
Retirees:
Chief Warrant Officer 3 Hugh Forte – 27 years
Sgt. 1st Class Juanita Fergus – 21 ½ years
Sgt. 1st Class Myrlin Hazlewood – 21 years
Staff Sgt. Wilfred Marcus – 24 years
Sgt. Jennifer Decastro – 21 years
Sgt. Ray Phillips – 21 years
New Soldiers:
Pvt. Zemony Sealey
Pvt. Joyce Richardson
Pvt. Laurie-Ann Dureay
Pvt. Lyshaniz Lugo
Pvt. Zurah Joseph
Pvt. George Plummer
Pvt. Kamiele Roach
Promotions To:
Capt. Gladys Pagan
Sgt. Terrance Aaron
Spc. Lorna Butler
Pfc. Leonard Richards
Warrant Officer Academy – Graduate:
Warrant Officer 1 Mervin Mills
GOOD HOPE'S MERYL BRADY WINS WRITING AWARD
Nov. 5, 2001 – Good Hope School senior Meryl Brady has won an award for achievement in writing, continuing a seven-year tradition at the school.
For seven years in a row, a Good Hope student has won this award from the National Council of Teachers of English. These awards are given to fewer than 900 students throughout the United States.
The Virgin Islands has two winners this year, the other one being Monique Toussaint of Charlotte Amalie High School.
To earn the award, Meryl said in a telephone interview, she had to "stay after school" one afternoon and write a timed two-hour essay on a subject given to her with no advance notice. Her topic was "Heroes," specifically in the modern world. She was judged on writing skill and creativity.
Meryl was recently named a semifinalist in the 2002 Merit Scholarship competition, which gives her the opportunity to compete next spring for 8,000-plus awards worth a total of $32 million.
Meryl, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Brady, is a honor roll student, a National Honor Society member, and has served as a class officer for two years. She is a member of the Good Hope School Mentor Program.
She'll be going to college and plans to become an English or a Spanish teacher.
She is also interested in drama, and has been seen at the school both backstage and onstage. This year she was stage manager for the play recently presented.
And just in case she has time left over from all that, she plays tennis, too.
For seven years in a row, a Good Hope student has won this award from the National Council of Teachers of English. These awards are given to fewer than 900 students throughout the United States.
The Virgin Islands has two winners this year, the other one being Monique Toussaint of Charlotte Amalie High School.
To earn the award, Meryl said in a telephone interview, she had to "stay after school" one afternoon and write a timed two-hour essay on a subject given to her with no advance notice. Her topic was "Heroes," specifically in the modern world. She was judged on writing skill and creativity.
Meryl was recently named a semifinalist in the 2002 Merit Scholarship competition, which gives her the opportunity to compete next spring for 8,000-plus awards worth a total of $32 million.
Meryl, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Brady, is a honor roll student, a National Honor Society member, and has served as a class officer for two years. She is a member of the Good Hope School Mentor Program.
She'll be going to college and plans to become an English or a Spanish teacher.
She is also interested in drama, and has been seen at the school both backstage and onstage. This year she was stage manager for the play recently presented.
And just in case she has time left over from all that, she plays tennis, too.
NPS PROGRAM TO GIVE DIRECTIONS TO PARK, TOWN
Nov 5, 2001 – Plans are afoot to improve signs, pedestrian walkways and the transportation system in Cruz Bay with help from the Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance Program of the National Park Service.
Acting park planner Jim Owens said that two or three staff members from that program will work on St. John in December and January to help develop plans for those areas of concern.
Improvements to Cruz Bay such as signage are the focus of St. John's Gateway Planning Council, a group developed by park management and island administrator Julien Harley to take advantage of National Park Service support available to assist park gateway communities. Cruz Bay is one of nine communities and organizations in the NPS Southeast Region to receive such help.
Ideally, Owens said, the same signage style should be used throughout Cruz Bay and the park itself. "The intent is not to overwhelm the community with signs," he noted. The signs would guide visitors to Cruz Bay facilities such as shopping, banks and the park Visitors Center, well as through the park. With a plan, he said, it takes a minimal number of signs to accomplish that goal.
Kate Campbell, saying such signs are needed, added her hope that they would direct visitors to all shopping areas, not just a few. "As long as it's fair," she said.
She said Cruz Bay and the rest of St. John need signs that work. Many posted now are unclear, she said, and many residents don't know the route numbers on maps and give directions like "Go by the tall tree and take a left at the Dumpster."
As far as pedestrian traffic, Owens said Cruz Bay suffers from narrow sidewalks — and in some places no sidewalks. Both situations make it difficult for those on foot to find their way safely around town.
The Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance team also will tackle long- and short-term solutions for improving the transportation system in Cruz Bay. The traffic flow needs work and parking is a major headache.
"It's dog eat dog when it comes to parking," Campbell said. Government officials urge residents and visitors to use the parking lot adjacent to the tennis courts near the fire station, she said, but even there it's hard to find a space.
Other parking areas around Cruz Bay fill up early. Campbell said the seven spaces in front of Lemon Tree Mall, home of Pink Papaya, typically are taken up from early morning by cars owned by commuters to St. Thomas or people who work elsewhere in Cruz Bay.
Campbell said the situation is especially frustrating for her when she has to transport large numbers of boxes to her store and can't find anywhere nearby to park her car.
The NPS team also will work on developing a "gateway" concept for the Cruz Bay ferry dock and the park entrances. "At most national parks, you know you're entering a national park. Here, you hardly know it," Owens said. He said the entrances will not have actual gates but will feature some design element that signals entry to the park.
The National Park Service is not providing direct funding to the V.I. National Park for the project. Instead, it is funding the Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance Program staff who will work on St. John.
The team is made up of experts in technical design and planning. Chris Abbett, who heads the program in the NPS Southeast Region, first visited St. John in March to lay groundwork for the project. He said the staff will be able to assist by conducting public workshops, providing educational materials, identifying potential funding sources and developing community-based visions and strategic plans.
Acting park planner Jim Owens said that two or three staff members from that program will work on St. John in December and January to help develop plans for those areas of concern.
Improvements to Cruz Bay such as signage are the focus of St. John's Gateway Planning Council, a group developed by park management and island administrator Julien Harley to take advantage of National Park Service support available to assist park gateway communities. Cruz Bay is one of nine communities and organizations in the NPS Southeast Region to receive such help.
Ideally, Owens said, the same signage style should be used throughout Cruz Bay and the park itself. "The intent is not to overwhelm the community with signs," he noted. The signs would guide visitors to Cruz Bay facilities such as shopping, banks and the park Visitors Center, well as through the park. With a plan, he said, it takes a minimal number of signs to accomplish that goal.
Kate Campbell, saying such signs are needed, added her hope that they would direct visitors to all shopping areas, not just a few. "As long as it's fair," she said.
She said Cruz Bay and the rest of St. John need signs that work. Many posted now are unclear, she said, and many residents don't know the route numbers on maps and give directions like "Go by the tall tree and take a left at the Dumpster."
As far as pedestrian traffic, Owens said Cruz Bay suffers from narrow sidewalks — and in some places no sidewalks. Both situations make it difficult for those on foot to find their way safely around town.
The Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance team also will tackle long- and short-term solutions for improving the transportation system in Cruz Bay. The traffic flow needs work and parking is a major headache.
"It's dog eat dog when it comes to parking," Campbell said. Government officials urge residents and visitors to use the parking lot adjacent to the tennis courts near the fire station, she said, but even there it's hard to find a space.
Other parking areas around Cruz Bay fill up early. Campbell said the seven spaces in front of Lemon Tree Mall, home of Pink Papaya, typically are taken up from early morning by cars owned by commuters to St. Thomas or people who work elsewhere in Cruz Bay.
Campbell said the situation is especially frustrating for her when she has to transport large numbers of boxes to her store and can't find anywhere nearby to park her car.
The NPS team also will work on developing a "gateway" concept for the Cruz Bay ferry dock and the park entrances. "At most national parks, you know you're entering a national park. Here, you hardly know it," Owens said. He said the entrances will not have actual gates but will feature some design element that signals entry to the park.
The National Park Service is not providing direct funding to the V.I. National Park for the project. Instead, it is funding the Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance Program staff who will work on St. John.
The team is made up of experts in technical design and planning. Chris Abbett, who heads the program in the NPS Southeast Region, first visited St. John in March to lay groundwork for the project. He said the staff will be able to assist by conducting public workshops, providing educational materials, identifying potential funding sources and developing community-based visions and strategic plans.
ASSOCIATION SPONSORS TOWN MEETING ON GERS
Oct. 30, 2001 – A town meeting to address concerns about the Government Employees Retirement System will be held Wednesday, Nov. 7, at 6 p.m. at Palm Court Harbor View.
The informational meeting is sponsored by the Association of Concerned Native Virgin Islanders. Government employees, retirees and the general public are invited, according to a release from the association.
On the agenda are: an update of the GERS pension fund; the role of the GERS board of directors; the financial instability facing investments due to the September 11th event; existing or potential legislation that may adversely affect the pension fund.
Invited panelists include GERS administrator Laurence Bryan, assistant administrator Cecilia Harrigan, chief financial officer Willis Todman, GERS board chairman Carver Farrow and retirees such as former senator Hugo Dennis and former director of Personnel Victor Ebbesen Sr.
ACNVI president Zysca L. Williams will extend a welcome, and the moderator will be Rhudel A. George, chairman of business and economic development for the association. Questions and suggestions will be accepted. Free hors d'oeuvres will be served.
The informational meeting is sponsored by the Association of Concerned Native Virgin Islanders. Government employees, retirees and the general public are invited, according to a release from the association.
On the agenda are: an update of the GERS pension fund; the role of the GERS board of directors; the financial instability facing investments due to the September 11th event; existing or potential legislation that may adversely affect the pension fund.
Invited panelists include GERS administrator Laurence Bryan, assistant administrator Cecilia Harrigan, chief financial officer Willis Todman, GERS board chairman Carver Farrow and retirees such as former senator Hugo Dennis and former director of Personnel Victor Ebbesen Sr.
ACNVI president Zysca L. Williams will extend a welcome, and the moderator will be Rhudel A. George, chairman of business and economic development for the association. Questions and suggestions will be accepted. Free hors d'oeuvres will be served.
