Nov. 2, 2001 – The two companies holding the government franchises for ferry service between St. Thomas and St. John want to drop most of their scheduled runs between Cruz Bay and Charlotte Amalie temporarily.
Transportation Services and Varlack Ventures made their case before the Public Services Commission, which regulates the service, Friday. However, the PSC lacked a quorum and could not act on the request.
The companies want to eliminate the 9:15 a.m., 11:15 a.m., 1:15 p.m. and 2:25 p.m. runs from Cruz Bay and the 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m., and 4 p.m. runs from Charlotte Amalie. They intend to keep the commuter runs — the 7:15 a.m. from Cruz Bay and the 5:30 p.m. from Charlotte Amalie — in place.
Service between Cruz Bay and Red Hook would not be affected.
On the downtown-to-downtown runs, "Business was slow. It started with the bombing," Transportation Services accounting clerk Jacqué Meade said, referring to the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon.
She said that fact coupled with the normally lower ridership during the slow season has meant that the trips have lost money for the companies this fall. "Sometimes there was only one or two people on the ferry," she said.
Keithley Joseph, PSC executive director, said the ferry companies indicated in their request that they would expect to resume full service by Dec. 1
Joseph said ferry company officials stated that ridership was down by 30 to 40 percent. He also said he expects the Senate to consider the governor's latest nominees to serve on the commission next week, and if they are approved, the commission will then be able to muster a quorum.
"In the meantime, the ferry companies cannot cut service," Joseph said.
The PSC by law has seven voting members; six are currently sitting but the terms of all six have expired. Five nominations submitted by Gov. Charles W. Turnbull have been approved by the Rules Committee and are awaiting full Senate action.
Kathy Demar, who manages vacation villas on St. John, said the 11:15 a.m. run from Cruz Bay has been popular with her departing guests who have afternoon planes to catch. Guests flying into St. Thomas often arrive on St. John on the 4 p.m. ferry from Charlotte Amalie.
If the cutbacks in service are approved, St. John vacationers would have the option of taking a ferry out of or into Red Hook, which would entail utilizing land transportation between Red Hook and Charlotte Amalie or the airport.
No one could be reached at Varlack Ventures for comment.
KING NOW SAYS HE'LL BE AT COMMITTEE MEETING
Nov. 2, 2001 – V.I. National Park Supt. John King will attend the Senate Committee of the Whole meeting Monday on St. John after all. King, who earlier this week said he wasn't going, had a change of heart after Senate President Almando "Rocky" Liburd pressured top National Park Service brass.
"Director Mainella agreed it was appropriate for us to attend," King said Friday, referring to NPS director Fran Mainella.
He said both he and NPS deputy director Patricia Hooks will be at the meeting, set for 6 p.m. at the Legislature Building in Cruz Bay.
Liburd called his colleagues to St. John on the heels of a stormy Oct. 25 meeting with King and St. John and St. Thomas taxi drivers. He had called that meeting to discuss park plans to begin imposing annual tour permit fees on taxi associations, independent drivers who take visitors on tours and taxi association members moonlighting on their own tours.
The park's new Commercial Services Plan, approved by the NPS Southeast Region director last summer and now being implemented, specifies that beginning Jan. 1, 2002, all businesses and individuals providing tour services for hire within the park must obtain a permit.
Park officials held a dozen open meetings beginning in December 1999 to give the public opportunities to ask questions and air concerns as the plan was being developed. Additionally, King's predecessor, former Supt. Russ Berry, met several times with representatives of St. John Taxi Services and the V.I. Taxi Association in an unsuccessful attempt to reach an agreement.
At the Oct. 25 meeting, the taxi drivers vehemently opposed the $300 a year they will have to pay starting Jan. 1. Taxi associations and tour companies will pay $750. Currently, all other operators of tours, including daysailing, kayaking and hiking, pay fees.
The drivers spent much of the meeting shouting at King and citing real and imagined wrongs done to them and the community over the park's 45 years on St. John.
On Friday, King said that if the Monday meeting is productive, it will not be a waste of time. But if it is a repeat of the Oct. 25 meeting, nothing will be accomplished.
Liburd said he will not allow any "disrespect" at the Committee of the Whole session. "Each person will be heard but in a professional manner," he said Friday. He said people with concerns will be allowed to put them on the record, but the senators will ask the questions.
For a summary of the plan, see "An overview of the Commercial Services Plan".
"Director Mainella agreed it was appropriate for us to attend," King said Friday, referring to NPS director Fran Mainella.
He said both he and NPS deputy director Patricia Hooks will be at the meeting, set for 6 p.m. at the Legislature Building in Cruz Bay.
Liburd called his colleagues to St. John on the heels of a stormy Oct. 25 meeting with King and St. John and St. Thomas taxi drivers. He had called that meeting to discuss park plans to begin imposing annual tour permit fees on taxi associations, independent drivers who take visitors on tours and taxi association members moonlighting on their own tours.
The park's new Commercial Services Plan, approved by the NPS Southeast Region director last summer and now being implemented, specifies that beginning Jan. 1, 2002, all businesses and individuals providing tour services for hire within the park must obtain a permit.
Park officials held a dozen open meetings beginning in December 1999 to give the public opportunities to ask questions and air concerns as the plan was being developed. Additionally, King's predecessor, former Supt. Russ Berry, met several times with representatives of St. John Taxi Services and the V.I. Taxi Association in an unsuccessful attempt to reach an agreement.
At the Oct. 25 meeting, the taxi drivers vehemently opposed the $300 a year they will have to pay starting Jan. 1. Taxi associations and tour companies will pay $750. Currently, all other operators of tours, including daysailing, kayaking and hiking, pay fees.
The drivers spent much of the meeting shouting at King and citing real and imagined wrongs done to them and the community over the park's 45 years on St. John.
On Friday, King said that if the Monday meeting is productive, it will not be a waste of time. But if it is a repeat of the Oct. 25 meeting, nothing will be accomplished.
Liburd said he will not allow any "disrespect" at the Committee of the Whole session. "Each person will be heard but in a professional manner," he said Friday. He said people with concerns will be allowed to put them on the record, but the senators will ask the questions.
For a summary of the plan, see "An overview of the Commercial Services Plan".
FERRY FIRMS ASK TO HALT MOST TOWN-TO-TOWN RUNS
Nov. 2, 2001 – The two companies holding the government franchises for ferry service between St. Thomas and St. John want to drop most of their scheduled runs between Cruz Bay and Charlotte Amalie temporarily.
Transportation Services and Varlack Ventures made their case Friday before the Public Services Commission, which regulates the service. However, the PSC lacked a quorum and could not act on the request.
The companies want to eliminate the 9:15 a.m., 11:15 a.m., 1:15 p.m. and 2:25 p.m. runs from Cruz Bay and the 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m., and 4 p.m. runs from Charlotte Amalie. They intend to keep the commuter runs — the 7:15 a.m. from Cruz Bay and the 5:30 p.m. from Charlotte Amalie — in place.
Service between Cruz Bay and Red Hook would not be affected.
On the downtown-to-downtown runs, "Business was slow. It started with the bombing," Transportation Services accounting clerk Jacqué Meade said, referring to the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon.
She said that fact coupled with the normally lower ridership during the slow season has meant that the trips have lost money for the companies this fall. "Sometimes there was only one or two people on the ferry," she said.
Keithley Joseph, PSC executive director, said the ferry companies indicated in their request that they would expect to resume full service by Dec. 1.
Joseph said ferry company officials stated that ridership was down by 30 percent to 40 percent. He also said he expects the Senate to consider the governor's latest nominees to serve on the commission next week, and if they are approved, the commission will then be able to muster a quorum.
"In the meantime, the ferry companies cannot cut service," Joseph said.
The PSC by law has seven voting members; six are currently sitting but the terms of all six have expired. Five nominations submitted by Gov. Charles W. Turnbull have been approved by the Rules Committee and are awaiting full Senate action.
Kathy Demar, who manages vacation villas on St. John, said the 11:15 a.m. run from Cruz Bay has been popular with her departing guests who have afternoon planes to catch. Guests flying into St. Thomas often arrive on St. John on the 4 p.m. ferry from Charlotte Amalie.
If the cutbacks in service are approved, St. John vacationers would have the option of taking a ferry out of or into Red Hook, which would entail utilizing land transportation between Red Hook and Charlotte Amalie or the airport.
No one could be reached at Varlack Ventures for comment.
Transportation Services and Varlack Ventures made their case Friday before the Public Services Commission, which regulates the service. However, the PSC lacked a quorum and could not act on the request.
The companies want to eliminate the 9:15 a.m., 11:15 a.m., 1:15 p.m. and 2:25 p.m. runs from Cruz Bay and the 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m., and 4 p.m. runs from Charlotte Amalie. They intend to keep the commuter runs — the 7:15 a.m. from Cruz Bay and the 5:30 p.m. from Charlotte Amalie — in place.
Service between Cruz Bay and Red Hook would not be affected.
On the downtown-to-downtown runs, "Business was slow. It started with the bombing," Transportation Services accounting clerk Jacqué Meade said, referring to the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon.
She said that fact coupled with the normally lower ridership during the slow season has meant that the trips have lost money for the companies this fall. "Sometimes there was only one or two people on the ferry," she said.
Keithley Joseph, PSC executive director, said the ferry companies indicated in their request that they would expect to resume full service by Dec. 1.
Joseph said ferry company officials stated that ridership was down by 30 percent to 40 percent. He also said he expects the Senate to consider the governor's latest nominees to serve on the commission next week, and if they are approved, the commission will then be able to muster a quorum.
"In the meantime, the ferry companies cannot cut service," Joseph said.
The PSC by law has seven voting members; six are currently sitting but the terms of all six have expired. Five nominations submitted by Gov. Charles W. Turnbull have been approved by the Rules Committee and are awaiting full Senate action.
Kathy Demar, who manages vacation villas on St. John, said the 11:15 a.m. run from Cruz Bay has been popular with her departing guests who have afternoon planes to catch. Guests flying into St. Thomas often arrive on St. John on the 4 p.m. ferry from Charlotte Amalie.
If the cutbacks in service are approved, St. John vacationers would have the option of taking a ferry out of or into Red Hook, which would entail utilizing land transportation between Red Hook and Charlotte Amalie or the airport.
No one could be reached at Varlack Ventures for comment.
DOZENS OF V.I. PLANT SPECIES ARE ENDANGERED
Nov. 2, 2001 – While endangered animals like the leatherback turtle and the tree boa get lots of attention, more than four dozen Virgin Islands plants that are also on the federal government's "endangered and threatened" list barely merit a mention when the subject of disappearing species comes up.
"But they're part of our natural heritage. We have vegetation communities here that are not on other islands," said Toni Thomas, natural resources agent at the University of the Virgin Islands Cooperative Extension Service.
While they have intrinsic value in that they contribute to the planet's biodiversity, these rare plants also could turn out to be just what the doctor ordered. Thomas said scientists may find that any one of them has medicinal value.
She said she received a call from a scientist at Florida A&M University inquiring about the St. Thomas prickly ash, a plant on the federal endangered list.
According to Thomas, a study found that a relative of that plant may cure sickle cell anemia. Unfortunately, an area in St. Thomas known to harbor the prickly ash plant is in the midst of development. She said there are laws against cutting down endangered plants, but no one appears to take heed.
Rafe Boulon, chief of resources management for the V.I. National Park, added that when plants are growing on private land, it's hard to prevent their demise. Between ongoing development and plant collectors who clean out whole areas, many of the species are disappearing at a rapid rate, he said.
In particular, "orchids and cacti are attractive to people," Thomas noted.
Boulon said all of the territory's orchids are endangered. He said another plant, Thomas' lidflower, which grows on Bordeaux Mountain on St. John and is on the federal endangered species list, is fast disappearing thanks to rooting pigs. "There's only a few left in the world," he said.
Foraging goats also decimate areas with endangered or threatened plants, Boulon added. And plant species not native to the area often take over, crowding out the natives.
Many other plant species not on the "endangered and threatened" list also are in danger of extinction, Thomas said, but because not much work has been done on the subject, they are not included. "There hasn't been a full inventory on St. Thomas since the 1920s," she said, whereas more research has been done on St. John because of the presence of the national park.
Boulon said that two species on the list, Solanum concarpum and Agave eggersiana, which grows only on St. Croix, are just about at the edge of extinction. "There's not a whole lot left," he said.
Another, Galactia eggersii, which Boulon described as a vine with a scimitar-shaped flower, also is in trouble.
Dear to Boulon's heart on the endangered list is the Lignum vitae, a tree of unusually hard wood long used locally to make household items.
Another rare specimen, Woodburyana, grows only on the eastern end of St. John. When development began in the area about a decade ago, land buyers agreed in their deed covenants to transplant patches of the plant that stood where houses were planned. "They cut through the densest stands when they cut roads," Boulon said.
For a full list of both plant and animal species on the federal and local endangered lists, visit the UVI Cooperative Extension Service's endangered species web page.
"But they're part of our natural heritage. We have vegetation communities here that are not on other islands," said Toni Thomas, natural resources agent at the University of the Virgin Islands Cooperative Extension Service.
While they have intrinsic value in that they contribute to the planet's biodiversity, these rare plants also could turn out to be just what the doctor ordered. Thomas said scientists may find that any one of them has medicinal value.
She said she received a call from a scientist at Florida A&M University inquiring about the St. Thomas prickly ash, a plant on the federal endangered list.
According to Thomas, a study found that a relative of that plant may cure sickle cell anemia. Unfortunately, an area in St. Thomas known to harbor the prickly ash plant is in the midst of development. She said there are laws against cutting down endangered plants, but no one appears to take heed.
Rafe Boulon, chief of resources management for the V.I. National Park, added that when plants are growing on private land, it's hard to prevent their demise. Between ongoing development and plant collectors who clean out whole areas, many of the species are disappearing at a rapid rate, he said.
In particular, "orchids and cacti are attractive to people," Thomas noted.
Boulon said all of the territory's orchids are endangered. He said another plant, Thomas' lidflower, which grows on Bordeaux Mountain on St. John and is on the federal endangered species list, is fast disappearing thanks to rooting pigs. "There's only a few left in the world," he said.
Foraging goats also decimate areas with endangered or threatened plants, Boulon added. And plant species not native to the area often take over, crowding out the natives.
Many other plant species not on the "endangered and threatened" list also are in danger of extinction, Thomas said, but because not much work has been done on the subject, they are not included. "There hasn't been a full inventory on St. Thomas since the 1920s," she said, whereas more research has been done on St. John because of the presence of the national park.
Boulon said that two species on the list, Solanum concarpum and Agave eggersiana, which grows only on St. Croix, are just about at the edge of extinction. "There's not a whole lot left," he said.
Another, Galactia eggersii, which Boulon described as a vine with a scimitar-shaped flower, also is in trouble.
Dear to Boulon's heart on the endangered list is the Lignum vitae, a tree of unusually hard wood long used locally to make household items.
Another rare specimen, Woodburyana, grows only on the eastern end of St. John. When development began in the area about a decade ago, land buyers agreed in their deed covenants to transplant patches of the plant that stood where houses were planned. "They cut through the densest stands when they cut roads," Boulon said.
For a full list of both plant and animal species on the federal and local endangered lists, visit the UVI Cooperative Extension Service's endangered species web page.
ECONOMIC FUTURE IS TOPIC OF NOV. 10 PRESENTATION
Nov. 2, 2001 – Delegate Donna Christian Christensen has signed on as one of the participants in a Nov. 10 round-table discussion of the territory's economic future that's being sponored by the V.I. Democratic Action Club and organized by Sen. Lorraine Berry.
At the free, public program, to be held at the Holiday Inn Windward Passage Hotel on St. Thomas, Christensen will explain how the economic stimulus package currently before Congress would affect the Virgin Islands
A dozen other voices representing the territory's private, public and academic sectors will take part in the discussions. Berry's objective for them is to come up with ideas to counteract the debilitating effects on the local economy since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.
"We can't rely on tourism any longer," Berry said, noting that not only hotels but restaurants, retail shops and the whole V.I. economy are suffering. "We have to diversify the economy. We have to come up with ideas to encourage businesses to locate in the Virgin Islands. My hope is that bringing these stakeholders together will develop direction, give us some ideas about where we are going."
Berry said Gov. Sila Calderon in Puerto Rico "already has gotten an economic stimulus package to the legislature which has been signed into law to get things going to bolster their economy." She added, "It's amazing to me, because I don't know of anything we have done."
Puerto Rico's new legislation includes tax exemptions for time shares and support for businesses involved in technology and research, Berry said. Expressing strong support for the University of the Virgin Islands proposal to develop a research and technological park, she added, "It's the way we have to go — bring technological companies here."
When she chaired the Senate Finance Committee in the 23rd Legislature, Berry said, the committee spearheaded legislation calling for reform of the territory's industrial development program. The result was the creation of the Economic Development Authority, which she said has attracted new technological and financial firms to the territory.
"We have to find more ways to encourage companies to relocate," Berry stressed.
She has said that in addition to offering tax incentives to attract investment, the territory must focus on meeting the technological infrastructure needs of those businesses and on preparing Virgin Islanders for jobs of the future.
In addition to Christensen, those taking part in the round table will be John deJongh Jr., president, St. Thomas-St. John Chamber of Commerce; Carmelo Rivera, president, St. Croix Chamber of Commerce; Richard Doumeng, president, St. Thomas-St. John Hotel and Tourism Association; Wendell Snider, presideint, St. Croix Hotel and Tourism Association; Susan Chandler, president, V.I. Charter Yacht League; Richard Moore, economist; Simon Jones-Hendrickson, UVI economics professor; Neil Weiss, businessman; Bruce Tizes, chief executive, Galt Capital; Juanita Young, comptroller, Globalvest Management Co.; Marjorie Roberts, tax attorney; and Dean Plaskett, chair, Economic Development Authority board.
Berry said she's still looking for a moderator for the discussion. She said she has ruled herself out, so as to "depoliticize" the position.
The presentation is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 10. There's no advance registration. A raffle will be held to raise funds to cover the cost of the room and the refreshments that will be served. For more information, call 693-3507.
At the free, public program, to be held at the Holiday Inn Windward Passage Hotel on St. Thomas, Christensen will explain how the economic stimulus package currently before Congress would affect the Virgin Islands
A dozen other voices representing the territory's private, public and academic sectors will take part in the discussions. Berry's objective for them is to come up with ideas to counteract the debilitating effects on the local economy since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.
"We can't rely on tourism any longer," Berry said, noting that not only hotels but restaurants, retail shops and the whole V.I. economy are suffering. "We have to diversify the economy. We have to come up with ideas to encourage businesses to locate in the Virgin Islands. My hope is that bringing these stakeholders together will develop direction, give us some ideas about where we are going."
Berry said Gov. Sila Calderon in Puerto Rico "already has gotten an economic stimulus package to the legislature which has been signed into law to get things going to bolster their economy." She added, "It's amazing to me, because I don't know of anything we have done."
Puerto Rico's new legislation includes tax exemptions for time shares and support for businesses involved in technology and research, Berry said. Expressing strong support for the University of the Virgin Islands proposal to develop a research and technological park, she added, "It's the way we have to go — bring technological companies here."
When she chaired the Senate Finance Committee in the 23rd Legislature, Berry said, the committee spearheaded legislation calling for reform of the territory's industrial development program. The result was the creation of the Economic Development Authority, which she said has attracted new technological and financial firms to the territory.
"We have to find more ways to encourage companies to relocate," Berry stressed.
She has said that in addition to offering tax incentives to attract investment, the territory must focus on meeting the technological infrastructure needs of those businesses and on preparing Virgin Islanders for jobs of the future.
In addition to Christensen, those taking part in the round table will be John deJongh Jr., president, St. Thomas-St. John Chamber of Commerce; Carmelo Rivera, president, St. Croix Chamber of Commerce; Richard Doumeng, president, St. Thomas-St. John Hotel and Tourism Association; Wendell Snider, presideint, St. Croix Hotel and Tourism Association; Susan Chandler, president, V.I. Charter Yacht League; Richard Moore, economist; Simon Jones-Hendrickson, UVI economics professor; Neil Weiss, businessman; Bruce Tizes, chief executive, Galt Capital; Juanita Young, comptroller, Globalvest Management Co.; Marjorie Roberts, tax attorney; and Dean Plaskett, chair, Economic Development Authority board.
Berry said she's still looking for a moderator for the discussion. She said she has ruled herself out, so as to "depoliticize" the position.
The presentation is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 10. There's no advance registration. A raffle will be held to raise funds to cover the cost of the room and the refreshments that will be served. For more information, call 693-3507.
PAIR OF SAVAN FIRES UNDER INVESTIGATION
Nov. 2, 2001 – Investigation is continuing into the origin of two fires in the historic Savan area of downtown St. Thomas.
Fire Services officials were out Thursday sifting through the burned remains of the two abandoned buildings, one on Levkoi Strade and the other on Hill Street.
Fire erupted about midday Wednesday, sending a plume of smoke high into the air over the historic downtown neighborhood before firefighters were able to bring the blaze under control. At times, licks of orange flame could be seen in the Lekvoi Strade structure, which was part wood, part masonry.
Firefighters from the downtown station responded to the scene and began dousing the burning building with water from several fire trucks. It was believed that the fire started in the building on Levkoi Strade, spread through some brush and then traveled upward toward the other structure on Hill Street.
Fire Chief Merwin Potter said the fire trucks had little difficulty getting through the winding, narrow roads of Savan and had enough water pressure and supply to battle both fires. He said he expected the investigation to be wrapped up by the end of the week.
Fire Services officials were out Thursday sifting through the burned remains of the two abandoned buildings, one on Levkoi Strade and the other on Hill Street.
Fire erupted about midday Wednesday, sending a plume of smoke high into the air over the historic downtown neighborhood before firefighters were able to bring the blaze under control. At times, licks of orange flame could be seen in the Lekvoi Strade structure, which was part wood, part masonry.
Firefighters from the downtown station responded to the scene and began dousing the burning building with water from several fire trucks. It was believed that the fire started in the building on Levkoi Strade, spread through some brush and then traveled upward toward the other structure on Hill Street.
Fire Chief Merwin Potter said the fire trucks had little difficulty getting through the winding, narrow roads of Savan and had enough water pressure and supply to battle both fires. He said he expected the investigation to be wrapped up by the end of the week.
CAHS CLASS OF '95 HAS A BLUE-AND-GOLD WEBSITE
Nov. 2, 2001 – Shermillia Edmeade and Ulani Pilgrim, two graduates of Charlotte Amalie High School Class of '95, decided to start a website to keep in touch with classmates here and elsewhere. In two months, the blue-and-gold site, which features lots of pictures, has had more than 1300 visitors, and a number of class members have posted bios.
The site's front page features a photo of the alma mater. Quick clicks take a viewer to the guestbook where one can read comments and add a message, a photo gallery which seeks contributions, "Flashback pictures" so graduates' kids can check out how Mom or Dad looked at the senior prom; and, sadly, a memorial page with four names.
While the guestbook is crowded with messages, fewer classmates have posted their "bios," and Pilgrim and Edmeade want to spread the word and urge classmates to let their peers know what they've been up to since 1995.
Webmasters Edmeade and Pilgrim say the idea came about when other sites, such as highschoolalumni.com and classmates.com, started charging fees for contacting classmates.
"We decided we needed something of our own," they said in an email response. The two of them do the work on the site, with suggestions from classmates. The blue-and-gold theme has been used throughout the colorful site.
Classmates' comments in the guestbook are approving and grateful. Comments have come from Texas, Florida, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Houston, New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts – and the Virgin Islands. "I was starting to wonder if I was the lone survivor of the Class of '95," said one member.
The site's front page features a photo of the alma mater. Quick clicks take a viewer to the guestbook where one can read comments and add a message, a photo gallery which seeks contributions, "Flashback pictures" so graduates' kids can check out how Mom or Dad looked at the senior prom; and, sadly, a memorial page with four names.
While the guestbook is crowded with messages, fewer classmates have posted their "bios," and Pilgrim and Edmeade want to spread the word and urge classmates to let their peers know what they've been up to since 1995.
Webmasters Edmeade and Pilgrim say the idea came about when other sites, such as highschoolalumni.com and classmates.com, started charging fees for contacting classmates.
"We decided we needed something of our own," they said in an email response. The two of them do the work on the site, with suggestions from classmates. The blue-and-gold theme has been used throughout the colorful site.
Classmates' comments in the guestbook are approving and grateful. Comments have come from Texas, Florida, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Houston, New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts – and the Virgin Islands. "I was starting to wonder if I was the lone survivor of the Class of '95," said one member.
PEOPLE AND A MACHINE WILL CLEAN HULL BAY BEACH
Nov. 2, 2001 – Northside Civic Organization and Hull Bay Hideaway are sponsoring a Hull Bay Beach cleanup starting at 7 a.m. Nov. 11
At the last cleanup, 18 truckloads of items that don't belong on the beach were carted away – including pieces of roofs, sunken boats and cars, said Ann Durante-Arnold of the Northside organization.
That event, several months ago, was the first comprehensive cleanup since Hurricane Marilyn, and Arnold doesn't anticipate those "big ticket" items in this cleanup.
A number of groups and individuals have made donations, which has allowed the organizers to hire Beachy Clean to come in after the people do their work.
Using a machine with several levels of fine screening, they will sift the sand to remove smokers' butts, broken glass, and similar small debris. Hull Bay has more granular sand than some other V.I. beaches, said Arnold, but the firm's various screens can handle the problem.
Caribbean Landscaping will be at the site to advise volunteers on appropriate tree pruning. Organizers also hope some divers will come to take charge of cleaning up the nearshore waters.
They still need a donation of garbage bags. And, of course, on the 11th, all volunteers with some time, shovels, rakes and gloves are needed.
The Northside Civic Organization hopes Hull Bay cleanups will be held every six months.
Other activities of the organization, Arnold said, include a Nov. 25th meeting on roads, sewers, tot lots and property at Hull Bay that was donated for a park. Officials from V.I. Public Works and Housing, Parks and Recreation departments have been invited to attend to discuss those matters.
At the last cleanup, 18 truckloads of items that don't belong on the beach were carted away – including pieces of roofs, sunken boats and cars, said Ann Durante-Arnold of the Northside organization.
That event, several months ago, was the first comprehensive cleanup since Hurricane Marilyn, and Arnold doesn't anticipate those "big ticket" items in this cleanup.
A number of groups and individuals have made donations, which has allowed the organizers to hire Beachy Clean to come in after the people do their work.
Using a machine with several levels of fine screening, they will sift the sand to remove smokers' butts, broken glass, and similar small debris. Hull Bay has more granular sand than some other V.I. beaches, said Arnold, but the firm's various screens can handle the problem.
Caribbean Landscaping will be at the site to advise volunteers on appropriate tree pruning. Organizers also hope some divers will come to take charge of cleaning up the nearshore waters.
They still need a donation of garbage bags. And, of course, on the 11th, all volunteers with some time, shovels, rakes and gloves are needed.
The Northside Civic Organization hopes Hull Bay cleanups will be held every six months.
Other activities of the organization, Arnold said, include a Nov. 25th meeting on roads, sewers, tot lots and property at Hull Bay that was donated for a park. Officials from V.I. Public Works and Housing, Parks and Recreation departments have been invited to attend to discuss those matters.
HALLOWEEN NOW; CARNIVALS NEXT?
We may as well steel ourselves for the unthinkable now.
Applying the "common sense and sound judgment" that he says should prevail, Gov. Charles W. Turnbull will have no choice but to cancel the soon-coming Crucian Christmas Festival and quite possibly the 50th anniversary V.I. Carnival in the spring as well. And if the nationwide terrorism crisis isn't under control by next summer, the St. John Festival (a.k.a. July Fourth Celebration) may also have to go.
That is the only "common sense and sound judgment" conclusion one can reach from the governor's decision on Oct. 24 to direct the commissioner of Education to order the Joseph Sibilly School principal to tell the Parent Teacher Association and the parents and guardians of all the pupils that the annual PTA Halloween party, set for Oct. 26, was canceled.
The party, on the school grounds under the direction and supervision of parents, teachers, the principal and other adult volunteers, has been one of the biggest annual events at the school for years — and the major vehicle for the PTA to raise funds for school projects. Dozens of volunteers had put in countless hours over at least a month preparing for the event, which traditionally features such attractions as children's games and contests; hamburgers, hot dogs and sodas; music; and, of course, a haunted house.
Quarter by quarter and dollar by dollar, the prices for these indulgences have added up to $2,000 to $3,000 each year, according to PTA president Sam Charles. Not much by Education Department budget standards, but ask anyone with experience at the school, and they'll tell you the money has gone to good use. Like getting the Joseph Sibilly Sun Rays steelband back in business after Hurricane Marilyn mashed up the drums and flooded the storeroom, for instance. There was no Education Department money to do that.
But, the governor pointed out in a release, these are times "when many persons are experiencing increasing fears and security concerns due to the acts of terrorism and biochemical attacks and threats." And, his release noted, "in recent years there have been numerous serious incidents and inappropriate and dangerous pranks surrounding Halloween activities." He said it was "better to err on the side of precaution than to run the risk of incidents or criminal acts that might escalate the anxieties and potential dangers Virgin Islanders are presently experiencing."
The governor also said he "fully endorses" the message put out earlier by Police Commissioner Franz Christian that this year Halloween partying and trick-or-treating should be downplayed "to prevent Halloween from becoming 'Devil's Day' as has been done in the past."
Hardly anyone would disagree with the view that children in this day and age should not be out on the streets alone going door to door in unfamiliar neighborhoods begging for candy on Halloween night — or any other night, for that matter. But that's a far cry from a well-planned, well-organized, well-supervised, and traditionally popular event on school property that serves multiple good purposes.
But what's done is done and cannot be undone, and it's time to look ahead.
Yet, memory persists — of the stabbings and shootings and, yes, the killings that have taken place at carnival events on more than one island in recent years, and of the annual escalation in domestic violence and alcohol abuse that occurs at those times of year.
Out of anxiety about such incidents and out of a belief that bacchanal is "Devil's Day" doings, whatever the time of year, many Virgin Islanders choose not to take part in carnival festivities. No one would question their right to make that choice. But neither would anyone suggest that perspective as a rationale for canceling the events and sending everyone else home for "family day" activities instead.
Until now.
Applying the "common sense and sound judgment" that he says should prevail, Gov. Charles W. Turnbull will have no choice but to cancel the soon-coming Crucian Christmas Festival and quite possibly the 50th anniversary V.I. Carnival in the spring as well. And if the nationwide terrorism crisis isn't under control by next summer, the St. John Festival (a.k.a. July Fourth Celebration) may also have to go.
That is the only "common sense and sound judgment" conclusion one can reach from the governor's decision on Oct. 24 to direct the commissioner of Education to order the Joseph Sibilly School principal to tell the Parent Teacher Association and the parents and guardians of all the pupils that the annual PTA Halloween party, set for Oct. 26, was canceled.
The party, on the school grounds under the direction and supervision of parents, teachers, the principal and other adult volunteers, has been one of the biggest annual events at the school for years — and the major vehicle for the PTA to raise funds for school projects. Dozens of volunteers had put in countless hours over at least a month preparing for the event, which traditionally features such attractions as children's games and contests; hamburgers, hot dogs and sodas; music; and, of course, a haunted house.
Quarter by quarter and dollar by dollar, the prices for these indulgences have added up to $2,000 to $3,000 each year, according to PTA president Sam Charles. Not much by Education Department budget standards, but ask anyone with experience at the school, and they'll tell you the money has gone to good use. Like getting the Joseph Sibilly Sun Rays steelband back in business after Hurricane Marilyn mashed up the drums and flooded the storeroom, for instance. There was no Education Department money to do that.
But, the governor pointed out in a release, these are times "when many persons are experiencing increasing fears and security concerns due to the acts of terrorism and biochemical attacks and threats." And, his release noted, "in recent years there have been numerous serious incidents and inappropriate and dangerous pranks surrounding Halloween activities." He said it was "better to err on the side of precaution than to run the risk of incidents or criminal acts that might escalate the anxieties and potential dangers Virgin Islanders are presently experiencing."
The governor also said he "fully endorses" the message put out earlier by Police Commissioner Franz Christian that this year Halloween partying and trick-or-treating should be downplayed "to prevent Halloween from becoming 'Devil's Day' as has been done in the past."
Hardly anyone would disagree with the view that children in this day and age should not be out on the streets alone going door to door in unfamiliar neighborhoods begging for candy on Halloween night — or any other night, for that matter. But that's a far cry from a well-planned, well-organized, well-supervised, and traditionally popular event on school property that serves multiple good purposes.
But what's done is done and cannot be undone, and it's time to look ahead.
Yet, memory persists — of the stabbings and shootings and, yes, the killings that have taken place at carnival events on more than one island in recent years, and of the annual escalation in domestic violence and alcohol abuse that occurs at those times of year.
Out of anxiety about such incidents and out of a belief that bacchanal is "Devil's Day" doings, whatever the time of year, many Virgin Islanders choose not to take part in carnival festivities. No one would question their right to make that choice. But neither would anyone suggest that perspective as a rationale for canceling the events and sending everyone else home for "family day" activities instead.
Until now.
Editor's note: Jean Etsinger is senior editor of the Source newspapers.
We welcome and encourage readers to keep the dialogue going by responding to Source commentary. Letters should be e-mailed with name and place of residence to source@viaccess.net.
'FRIDAY NIGHT ALTERNATIVE' DRAWS A CROWD
Nov. 2, 2001 – If the last "Friday Night Alternative" outside The Color of Joy gallery and boutique at American Yacht Harbor is any indication, the season is starting to heat up, musically speaking. And there's more to come again this weekend.
Joining house keyboard/vocals artist Sally Smith on Oct. 26 were Winnie Phillips on guitar, Rhett Simmonds on string bass, Christine Davis on flute, Phil Robinson on fiddle, Paul Deaton on drums, Rob Roy on sax. And, owner Corinne Van Rensselaer adds, "a very appreciative audience."
Smith and friends will be playing again Friday from 6 to 8 p.m. on the Marlin Deck overlooking the AYH docks in Red Hook, just steps from the ferry dock. There will be the usual complimentary wine, cheese and crackers and shopping options in the art gallery/boutique. "You can even drop off your own artwork for our custom framing," Van Rensselaer notes.
And this week, there's something new and different on display at The Color of Joy: a one-of-a-kind moko jumbie soft sculpture created by local folk artist Jane Clemo, who specializes in the genre. This one she has dubbed a "relief" figure, and it's got a distinctly patriotic look about it along with a special purpose.
It's to be raffled off at the end of November, with all proceeds going to a national relief organization to aid families of victims of the Sept. 11 terrorists attacks. Raffle tickets are $2 for one or $5 for three, and they're being sold through Thanksgiving. The raffle drawing will be at the Nov. 30 "Friday Night Alternative."
Something else to look for, tentatively by the end of November: that all-American symbol of credibility: a Friday Night Alternative T-shirt.
For further information, call 775-4020 or e-mail to The Color of Joy.
Joining house keyboard/vocals artist Sally Smith on Oct. 26 were Winnie Phillips on guitar, Rhett Simmonds on string bass, Christine Davis on flute, Phil Robinson on fiddle, Paul Deaton on drums, Rob Roy on sax. And, owner Corinne Van Rensselaer adds, "a very appreciative audience."
Smith and friends will be playing again Friday from 6 to 8 p.m. on the Marlin Deck overlooking the AYH docks in Red Hook, just steps from the ferry dock. There will be the usual complimentary wine, cheese and crackers and shopping options in the art gallery/boutique. "You can even drop off your own artwork for our custom framing," Van Rensselaer notes.
And this week, there's something new and different on display at The Color of Joy: a one-of-a-kind moko jumbie soft sculpture created by local folk artist Jane Clemo, who specializes in the genre. This one she has dubbed a "relief" figure, and it's got a distinctly patriotic look about it along with a special purpose.
It's to be raffled off at the end of November, with all proceeds going to a national relief organization to aid families of victims of the Sept. 11 terrorists attacks. Raffle tickets are $2 for one or $5 for three, and they're being sold through Thanksgiving. The raffle drawing will be at the Nov. 30 "Friday Night Alternative."
Something else to look for, tentatively by the end of November: that all-American symbol of credibility: a Friday Night Alternative T-shirt.
For further information, call 775-4020 or e-mail to The Color of Joy.
