Oct. 29, 2001 — A federal judge said Monday that he believes officials are making great progress toward bringing the two jails on St. Thomas up to constitutional standards.
Also on Monday, District Judge Stanley Brotman signed an order that will set up a bank account for all money that the U.S. Marshals Service and the Immigration and Naturalization Service turn over to the V.I. government for jail infrastructure.
Those funds now stand at about $500,000 a year but could double after the Sub Base Annex jail is completed later this year. The money will be earmarked for improvements and maintenance of the jails at the Criminal Justice Complex and the Sub Base Annex that could bring the facilities up to constitutional standards.
In the past, money from the two federal agencies has gone into the General Fund and has not been used to make court-ordered improvements to the jail, according to Horace Magras, Bureau of Corrections director.
"We've gone about 1,000 miles today," Brotman said Monday after signing the order to set up the separate account. "Everyone is looking for one thing — to put this jail back on a constitutional basis. I don't think it's too far away that I can sign this order to turn it back over to you."
The V.I. government has been under federal orders since 1994 to address unconstitutional prison conditions at the jail, housed on the third floor of the Alexander A. Farrelly Criminal Justice Complex on the St. Thomas waterfront, and the jail annex in Sub Base. Although major progress has been made over the years — such as addressing the extreme overcrowding that plagued the downtown jail in the past — Brotman found the V.I. government in contempt of court earlier this year for not taking the steps necessary to bring the jails up to minimum standards.
On Monday, Brotman led Gov. Charles W. Turnbull and other top officials on a tour of the two jails and later held a court hearing on the progress that has been made and what still needs to be done. Brotman said he was pleased for the most part with what he's seen, and that he hopes to relinquish his oversight of the jail system in the near future.
"I'm impressed with the aesthetics of the jail," he said, adding that it was cleaner than before and that the guards seemed more disciplined and professional than in the past.
Attorney General Iver Stridiron said the separate bank account will allow prison officials to address pressing needs such as paying for inmates' medicines, carrying out maintenance work and improving fire safety, all of which have been ongoing problems.
Magras said it may be possible to make the additional improvements necessary to get the court order lifted within a year.
But while the judge and prison officials seemed enthusiastic about the progress, Eric Balaban of the American Civil Liberties Union's National Prison Project, which represents inmates in their case against the V.I. government, said improvements have taken far too long.
"This is a minor step. What's lacking here is will," Balaban said, noting that the Virgin Islands prison case is by far the smallest that the ACLU is involved in, and yet, after seven years of court orders, the jails still are under the oversight of the District Court.
"This should have been resolved years ago," he said. "It's an embarrassment."
Balaban said he hoped prison officials would now take seriously their responsibility for getting the jails up to constitutional standards. He noted that Turnbull and other officials are still under a contempt of court order.
Much of Monday's hearing centered on issues of improving fire safety at the Criminal Justice Complex, improving ventilation and taking steps to ensure that inmates get their medicines.
PATRICE JOHNSON NAMED PR DIRECTOR AT UVI
Oct. 29, 2001 – Patrice K. Johnson has been appointed to the position of Public Relations Director for the University of the Virgin Islands.
Johnson is a graduate of Hampton University and the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism.
Prior to coming to the Virgin Islands, she worked as a reporter for Gannett Suburban Newspapers in White Plains, N.Y and the Stamford Advocate in Stamford, Conn.
In the Virgin Islands, Johnson was employed as a reporter and editor at the V.I. Daily News before accepting a position at UVI, as public relations specialist.
As public relations director, Johnson will be responsible for managing public relations for the University's St. Croix and St. Thomas campuses.
Johnson is a graduate of Hampton University and the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism.
Prior to coming to the Virgin Islands, she worked as a reporter for Gannett Suburban Newspapers in White Plains, N.Y and the Stamford Advocate in Stamford, Conn.
In the Virgin Islands, Johnson was employed as a reporter and editor at the V.I. Daily News before accepting a position at UVI, as public relations specialist.
As public relations director, Johnson will be responsible for managing public relations for the University's St. Croix and St. Thomas campuses.
NYASHA MUTUNHU CROWNED MISS UVI
Oct. 29, 2001 – Nyasha Mutunhu, a junior psychology major on the St. Thomas campus of the University of the Virgin Islands, is the new Miss UVI 2001-2002. Mutunhu, 26, was crowned Saturday night, at the culmination of the Miss UVI Queen and Ambassadorial Pageant 2001 at the Reichhold Center for the Arts.
In addition to the Miss UVI crown, Mutunhu claimed the titles "Miss Photogenic," "Miss Intellect" and "Best Talent," for an original poem she performed.
Anika Nicholas, 22, a sophomore biology major on UVI's St. Croix campus, was selected as first runner-up and also won "Best Ambassadorial Presentation" and "Best Evening Wear."
Elementary education major Shanee King, 19, was named "Miss Popularity" and Owanna Lans, 20, a junior political science major, was awarded the "Miss Congeniality" title.
During the 3 hour-long pageant, Mutunhu, who was born in Wisconsin and raised in Zimbabwe, passionately expressed her views on topics ranging from discrimination to HIV/AIDS and America's response to the September 11th terrorist attacks.
Mutunhu has worked as an HIV/AIDS educator and was one of the youngest delegates to the International AIDS Conference last year in South Africa. She is chair of UVI's African Heritage Committee and was a resident coordinator for Upward Bound's summer program.
"I believe it is important that we, as UVI students, become as informed as possible about events taking place not only here in the territory, but around the world," Mutunhu said. "I feel honored to have been given the opportunity to represent the university at this time."
Mutunhu's academic adviser, UVI Associate Professor of Psychology Agatha Nelson has come to know not only Nyasha the student, but Nyasha the person.
"She's extremely gentle, thoughtful and intellectual," Nelson said. "She is very aware of what's going on around her and she's dedicated to making a difference."
As Miss UVI, Mutunhu will receive free tuition, room and board for the two semesters of her reign.
In addition to the Miss UVI crown, Mutunhu claimed the titles "Miss Photogenic," "Miss Intellect" and "Best Talent," for an original poem she performed.
Anika Nicholas, 22, a sophomore biology major on UVI's St. Croix campus, was selected as first runner-up and also won "Best Ambassadorial Presentation" and "Best Evening Wear."
Elementary education major Shanee King, 19, was named "Miss Popularity" and Owanna Lans, 20, a junior political science major, was awarded the "Miss Congeniality" title.
During the 3 hour-long pageant, Mutunhu, who was born in Wisconsin and raised in Zimbabwe, passionately expressed her views on topics ranging from discrimination to HIV/AIDS and America's response to the September 11th terrorist attacks.
Mutunhu has worked as an HIV/AIDS educator and was one of the youngest delegates to the International AIDS Conference last year in South Africa. She is chair of UVI's African Heritage Committee and was a resident coordinator for Upward Bound's summer program.
"I believe it is important that we, as UVI students, become as informed as possible about events taking place not only here in the territory, but around the world," Mutunhu said. "I feel honored to have been given the opportunity to represent the university at this time."
Mutunhu's academic adviser, UVI Associate Professor of Psychology Agatha Nelson has come to know not only Nyasha the student, but Nyasha the person.
"She's extremely gentle, thoughtful and intellectual," Nelson said. "She is very aware of what's going on around her and she's dedicated to making a difference."
As Miss UVI, Mutunhu will receive free tuition, room and board for the two semesters of her reign.
PATRICE JOHNSON NAMED PR DIRECTOR AT UVI
Oct. 29, 2001 – Patrice K. Johnson has been appointed to the position of Public Relations Director for the University of the Virgin Islands.
Johnson is a graduate of Hampton University and the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism.
Prior to coming to the Virgin Islands, she worked as a reporter for Gannett Suburban Newspapers in White Plains, N.Y and the Stamford Advocate in Stamford, Conn.
In the Virgin Islands, Johnson was employed as a reporter and editor at the V.I. Daily News before accepting a position at UVI, as public relations specialist.
As public relations director, Johnson will be responsible for managing public relations for the University's St. Croix and St. Thomas campuses.
Johnson is a graduate of Hampton University and the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism.
Prior to coming to the Virgin Islands, she worked as a reporter for Gannett Suburban Newspapers in White Plains, N.Y and the Stamford Advocate in Stamford, Conn.
In the Virgin Islands, Johnson was employed as a reporter and editor at the V.I. Daily News before accepting a position at UVI, as public relations specialist.
As public relations director, Johnson will be responsible for managing public relations for the University's St. Croix and St. Thomas campuses.
NYASHA MUTUNHU CROWNED MISS UVI
Oct. 29, 2001 – Nyasha Mutunhu, a junior psychology major on the St. Thomas campus of the University of the Virgin Islands, is the new Miss UVI 2001-2002. Mutunhu, 26, was crowned Saturday night, at the culmination of the Miss UVI Queen and Ambassadorial Pageant 2001 at the Reichhold Center for the Arts.
In addition to the Miss UVI crown, Mutunhu claimed the titles "Miss Photogenic," "Miss Intellect" and "Best Talent," for an original poem she performed.
Anika Nicholas, 22, a sophomore biology major on UVI's St. Croix campus, was selected as first runner-up and also won "Best Ambassadorial Presentation" and "Best Evening Wear."
Elementary education major Shanee King, 19, was named "Miss Popularity" and Owanna Lans, 20, a junior political science major, was awarded the "Miss Congeniality" title.
During the 3 hour-long pageant, Mutunhu, who was born in Wisconsin and raised in Zimbabwe, passionately expressed her views on topics ranging from discrimination to HIV/AIDS and America's response to the September 11th terrorist attacks.
Mutunhu has worked as an HIV/AIDS educator and was one of the youngest delegates to the International AIDS Conference last year in South Africa. She is chair of UVI's African Heritage Committee and was a resident coordinator for Upward Bound's summer program.
"I believe it is important that we, as UVI students, become as informed as possible about events taking place not only here in the territory, but around the world," Mutunhu said. "I feel honored to have been given the opportunity to represent the university at this time."
Mutunhu's academic adviser, UVI Associate Professor of Psychology Agatha Nelson has come to know not only Nyasha the student, but Nyasha the person.
"She's extremely gentle, thoughtful and intellectual," Nelson said. "She is very aware of what's going on around her and she's dedicated to making a difference."
As Miss UVI, Mutunhu will receive free tuition, room and board for the two semesters of her reign.
In addition to the Miss UVI crown, Mutunhu claimed the titles "Miss Photogenic," "Miss Intellect" and "Best Talent," for an original poem she performed.
Anika Nicholas, 22, a sophomore biology major on UVI's St. Croix campus, was selected as first runner-up and also won "Best Ambassadorial Presentation" and "Best Evening Wear."
Elementary education major Shanee King, 19, was named "Miss Popularity" and Owanna Lans, 20, a junior political science major, was awarded the "Miss Congeniality" title.
During the 3 hour-long pageant, Mutunhu, who was born in Wisconsin and raised in Zimbabwe, passionately expressed her views on topics ranging from discrimination to HIV/AIDS and America's response to the September 11th terrorist attacks.
Mutunhu has worked as an HIV/AIDS educator and was one of the youngest delegates to the International AIDS Conference last year in South Africa. She is chair of UVI's African Heritage Committee and was a resident coordinator for Upward Bound's summer program.
"I believe it is important that we, as UVI students, become as informed as possible about events taking place not only here in the territory, but around the world," Mutunhu said. "I feel honored to have been given the opportunity to represent the university at this time."
Mutunhu's academic adviser, UVI Associate Professor of Psychology Agatha Nelson has come to know not only Nyasha the student, but Nyasha the person.
"She's extremely gentle, thoughtful and intellectual," Nelson said. "She is very aware of what's going on around her and she's dedicated to making a difference."
As Miss UVI, Mutunhu will receive free tuition, room and board for the two semesters of her reign.
SEABORNE WOULD LIKE TO ADD ST. JOHN SERVICE
Oct. 29, 2001 – Back in the old days — before Hurricane Hugo swept through in 1989, that is — St. John residents were able to bypass St. Thomas on trips to St. Croix and San Juan, taking the V.I. Seaplane Shuttle directly from Cruz Bay for those two destinations.
While Seaborne Airlines now connects St. Thomas, St. Croix and San Juan with its floatplanes, it does not serve St. John. Many people wish St. John service would return.
"It would be wonderful," said St. John resident Kathy McMurtrie, who travels frequently to St. Croix for her job with the Catholic Diocese of the Virgin Islands.
McMurtrie, like other St. John resident flying to St. Croix, must spend about half a day getting there. This doesn't leave that much time for business, so she must stay overnight.
The trip from St. John involves a ferry ride to either Red Hook or Charlotte Amalie, and then either a taxi ride from Red Hook to the Seaborne terminal on the Charlotte Amalie waterfront or to the Cyril E. King Airport, or a hike along the waterfront from the Charlotte Amalie ferry tie-up to the seaplane terminal.
Sen. Almando "Rocky" Liburd is a frequent flyer to St. Croix. Often on the go for committee meetings, he has to get up early at his St. John home to make an early plane to St. Croix. "Too damn early," he said.
As for tourists, any improvements in the transportation system would be welcome, said Caneel Bay Resort manager Brian Young.
Seaborne Airlines would like to expand service to St. John, its chief executive officer, Maurice Kurg, said. "We would do this sooner if we had the support of local agencies and the community," he added, noting that, for one thing, the airline needs a place to put a dock.
This leads us to the saga of why St. John doesn't already have seaplane service. After the Seaplane Shuttle went belly up following Hurricane Hugo, several companies vied for the right to lease the Port Authority seaplane terminals on St. Thomas and St. Croix. After a protracted process, with the successful leaseholders unable to get into the air, Seaborne slipped into the territory by running tours out of the privately owned Yacht Haven Marina using its float planes, which stay in the water, rather than lumbering up ramps onto land, as the amphibious aircraft of the Seaplane Shuttle and the old Antilles Airboats did.
Soon, Seaborne began scheduled service, and eventually the Port Authority awarded the company the lease on its seaplane terminals.
Meanwhile, the V.I. National Park, which owned the ramp in the Cruz Bay Creek where the Seaplane Shuttle's Grumman Goose and Mallard seaplanes emerged from the water, decided it didn't want what was essentially a small airport on its property.
Park Supt. John King said nothing has changed. In fact, the park plans to install a floating dock near the ramp to hold boats now tied up at its finger pier, located deep within the Creek. He said the park boundary runs about 50 feet offshore to a point where a couple of the park's moorings sit.
Kurg said Seaborne needs only a small space to put its dock and a ticket booth, with water to a depth of about three feet. But where that will be depends on what the company or the community can come up with.
Liburd dismissed worries about congestion and marine traffic. He said that the areas where the seaplanes land on St. Croix and St. Thomas are just as congested as Cruz Bay Harbor.
And Kurg said that marine traffic in the Creek — or Coral Bay, if the eastern end of the island should prove to be a better bet — would not cause problems. "The planes are extremely maneuverable," he said.
However, one former Seaplane Shuttle employee sees problems. St. Croix resident Matt Rodina said it was always difficult to land the Goose and Mallard seaplanes at St. John. "It's probably beyond the scope of the seaplane on floats," he said.
Liburd, however, vowed to work on finding a place for the Seaborne planes to land, as a means of improving services on St. John.
While Seaborne Airlines now connects St. Thomas, St. Croix and San Juan with its floatplanes, it does not serve St. John. Many people wish St. John service would return.
"It would be wonderful," said St. John resident Kathy McMurtrie, who travels frequently to St. Croix for her job with the Catholic Diocese of the Virgin Islands.
McMurtrie, like other St. John resident flying to St. Croix, must spend about half a day getting there. This doesn't leave that much time for business, so she must stay overnight.
The trip from St. John involves a ferry ride to either Red Hook or Charlotte Amalie, and then either a taxi ride from Red Hook to the Seaborne terminal on the Charlotte Amalie waterfront or to the Cyril E. King Airport, or a hike along the waterfront from the Charlotte Amalie ferry tie-up to the seaplane terminal.
Sen. Almando "Rocky" Liburd is a frequent flyer to St. Croix. Often on the go for committee meetings, he has to get up early at his St. John home to make an early plane to St. Croix. "Too damn early," he said.
As for tourists, any improvements in the transportation system would be welcome, said Caneel Bay Resort manager Brian Young.
Seaborne Airlines would like to expand service to St. John, its chief executive officer, Maurice Kurg, said. "We would do this sooner if we had the support of local agencies and the community," he added, noting that, for one thing, the airline needs a place to put a dock.
This leads us to the saga of why St. John doesn't already have seaplane service. After the Seaplane Shuttle went belly up following Hurricane Hugo, several companies vied for the right to lease the Port Authority seaplane terminals on St. Thomas and St. Croix. After a protracted process, with the successful leaseholders unable to get into the air, Seaborne slipped into the territory by running tours out of the privately owned Yacht Haven Marina using its float planes, which stay in the water, rather than lumbering up ramps onto land, as the amphibious aircraft of the Seaplane Shuttle and the old Antilles Airboats did.
Soon, Seaborne began scheduled service, and eventually the Port Authority awarded the company the lease on its seaplane terminals.
Meanwhile, the V.I. National Park, which owned the ramp in the Cruz Bay Creek where the Seaplane Shuttle's Grumman Goose and Mallard seaplanes emerged from the water, decided it didn't want what was essentially a small airport on its property.
Park Supt. John King said nothing has changed. In fact, the park plans to install a floating dock near the ramp to hold boats now tied up at its finger pier, located deep within the Creek. He said the park boundary runs about 50 feet offshore to a point where a couple of the park's moorings sit.
Kurg said Seaborne needs only a small space to put its dock and a ticket booth, with water to a depth of about three feet. But where that will be depends on what the company or the community can come up with.
Liburd dismissed worries about congestion and marine traffic. He said that the areas where the seaplanes land on St. Croix and St. Thomas are just as congested as Cruz Bay Harbor.
And Kurg said that marine traffic in the Creek — or Coral Bay, if the eastern end of the island should prove to be a better bet — would not cause problems. "The planes are extremely maneuverable," he said.
However, one former Seaplane Shuttle employee sees problems. St. Croix resident Matt Rodina said it was always difficult to land the Goose and Mallard seaplanes at St. John. "It's probably beyond the scope of the seaplane on floats," he said.
Liburd, however, vowed to work on finding a place for the Seaborne planes to land, as a means of improving services on St. John.
GET THEE TO PISTARKLE!
If we were in danger of forgetting what makes Shakespeare great, then "The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged)" should serve as a bizarrely poignant reminder. After all, at the bottom of it, the Bard is going after the human comedy whole hog. In that same spirit, "The Complete Works" goes after him — and us — chasing down the truly funny and the sublimely ridiculous.
Playwrights Adam Long, Daniel Singer and Jess Winfield manage to find a hearty belly laugh in every situation conceivable. Be it murder, suicide or basic potty humor (both W.S.’s and theirs), a moment does not go by in which the audience is not rolling in hysteria. Who could help themselves while witnessing all 17 Comedies condensed into a single play? Or the Histories as a football game?
The writing is tight and bouncy, the jokes quick and clear. No dead lines — each one finds its mark. And the audience is rewarded for staying with the cast members. Follow them through Freud and fourth down, and you will not be disappointed.
The cast members of "The Complete Works" deserve all praise that can be heaped upon them. Peter Schiron plays a great straight man to Scottie Brower’s sequentially manic Women of the Works, while Trudy Tucker slides from pseudo-serious artiste to cooking show "guest" with glib ease. This is a cast's show; the vaudevillian burden rests entirely upon the actors' shoulders, and they carry it admirably.
This is the best Pistarkle Theater has turned out in long memory, a show deserving of its extended run. They have raised the bar for themselves, and we can only hope the rest of the season soars as high. For those who make it over to Tillett Gardens, the time spent won't be "Love's Labour Lost."
Editor's note: Lane Sell is an Antilles School student.
"The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged)" continues Nov. 1, 2, 9, 10, 16 and 17 at 8 p.m. For reservations, call 775-7877.
Playwrights Adam Long, Daniel Singer and Jess Winfield manage to find a hearty belly laugh in every situation conceivable. Be it murder, suicide or basic potty humor (both W.S.’s and theirs), a moment does not go by in which the audience is not rolling in hysteria. Who could help themselves while witnessing all 17 Comedies condensed into a single play? Or the Histories as a football game?
The writing is tight and bouncy, the jokes quick and clear. No dead lines — each one finds its mark. And the audience is rewarded for staying with the cast members. Follow them through Freud and fourth down, and you will not be disappointed.
The cast members of "The Complete Works" deserve all praise that can be heaped upon them. Peter Schiron plays a great straight man to Scottie Brower’s sequentially manic Women of the Works, while Trudy Tucker slides from pseudo-serious artiste to cooking show "guest" with glib ease. This is a cast's show; the vaudevillian burden rests entirely upon the actors' shoulders, and they carry it admirably.
This is the best Pistarkle Theater has turned out in long memory, a show deserving of its extended run. They have raised the bar for themselves, and we can only hope the rest of the season soars as high. For those who make it over to Tillett Gardens, the time spent won't be "Love's Labour Lost."
Editor's note: Lane Sell is an Antilles School student.
"The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged)" continues Nov. 1, 2, 9, 10, 16 and 17 at 8 p.m. For reservations, call 775-7877.
MORE FEDERAL MONEY WON'T SOLVE V.I. PROBLEMS
Dear Source,
In response to Frank Schneiger's Op-ed piece "Make year of few tourists a year of change", the following questions come to mind:
1. Why is Mr. Schneiger's timeline for the decline of the Virgin Islands only going back 10 years? Any one who has lived in the Virgin Islands in the last 30 years can tell you that there have always been economic, social and political problems. As far as I can tell, all of these problems have been self-inflicted. From crooked government officials to racism toward anyone who wasn't born there, these problems existed long before 10 years ago, and probably longer than 30 years ago.
2. Why are not some of the solutions to these maladies within the control of the Virgin Island people? Are you, Mr. Schneiger, saying that Virgin Islands people are not capable of controlling their own destiny? The private sector has always had better, more effective ideas than the government, although most times when the private sector wants to effect change, many of the attempts are thwarted by government officials who seem to be jealous that they did not conceive of a good plan for attacking problems of the community. This is the way things have operated forever. The only way to stop this behavior is to end the electing of people who have only their own future and self-interests in mind. Will this ever happen?
3. Since when has the federal government been in the business of financing companies that are nonessential to the everyday life of its citizens? I can see helping airlines, utilities and some very large companies that the entire community relies upon for its very existence. But jewelry, liquor, and perfume shops? Give me a break. Stand on your own two feet for a change! Many small and large companies on the U.S. mainland are suffering as well! They are either closing or suffering through this period in the best way they can.
4. Why should the federal government get into the business of improving properties in the Virgin Islands? Especially if these properties have not been maintained in years? Why haven't these properties been kept in an upgraded condition all along? The responsibility for these projects should lie on the shoulders of the people of the Virgin Islands, not the federal government. Why have these projects suddenly become so important?
5. Mr. Schneiger writes, "It's time for both the federal government and local business and civic leaders to step up to the challenge, the feds with money and the private sector with planning, commitment and organization." I agree somewhat with this statement. Local business and civic leaders stepping up to the challenge is a good start. Why, though, is it time for the federal government to step up to the challenge? Has the United States government not bailed the Virgin Islands out many, many times? Has the Virgin Islands always paid loans back in a timely manner? Never, as far as I can see from the track record! One excuse or another is always available, and I for one want to stop throwing good money after bad.
The Virgin Islands has never had to prove it could stand fiscally on its own. Now would be an excellent time to start. The mainland United States is going through the same economic problems, and I have no doubt that we will overcome the adversity, even though there will be many casualties of the current recession. Just think of the pride that would be generated by doing the same thing in the Virgin Islands.
Eric K. Roeske
Watertown, Wis.
In response to Frank Schneiger's Op-ed piece "Make year of few tourists a year of change", the following questions come to mind:
1. Why is Mr. Schneiger's timeline for the decline of the Virgin Islands only going back 10 years? Any one who has lived in the Virgin Islands in the last 30 years can tell you that there have always been economic, social and political problems. As far as I can tell, all of these problems have been self-inflicted. From crooked government officials to racism toward anyone who wasn't born there, these problems existed long before 10 years ago, and probably longer than 30 years ago.
2. Why are not some of the solutions to these maladies within the control of the Virgin Island people? Are you, Mr. Schneiger, saying that Virgin Islands people are not capable of controlling their own destiny? The private sector has always had better, more effective ideas than the government, although most times when the private sector wants to effect change, many of the attempts are thwarted by government officials who seem to be jealous that they did not conceive of a good plan for attacking problems of the community. This is the way things have operated forever. The only way to stop this behavior is to end the electing of people who have only their own future and self-interests in mind. Will this ever happen?
3. Since when has the federal government been in the business of financing companies that are nonessential to the everyday life of its citizens? I can see helping airlines, utilities and some very large companies that the entire community relies upon for its very existence. But jewelry, liquor, and perfume shops? Give me a break. Stand on your own two feet for a change! Many small and large companies on the U.S. mainland are suffering as well! They are either closing or suffering through this period in the best way they can.
4. Why should the federal government get into the business of improving properties in the Virgin Islands? Especially if these properties have not been maintained in years? Why haven't these properties been kept in an upgraded condition all along? The responsibility for these projects should lie on the shoulders of the people of the Virgin Islands, not the federal government. Why have these projects suddenly become so important?
5. Mr. Schneiger writes, "It's time for both the federal government and local business and civic leaders to step up to the challenge, the feds with money and the private sector with planning, commitment and organization." I agree somewhat with this statement. Local business and civic leaders stepping up to the challenge is a good start. Why, though, is it time for the federal government to step up to the challenge? Has the United States government not bailed the Virgin Islands out many, many times? Has the Virgin Islands always paid loans back in a timely manner? Never, as far as I can see from the track record! One excuse or another is always available, and I for one want to stop throwing good money after bad.
The Virgin Islands has never had to prove it could stand fiscally on its own. Now would be an excellent time to start. The mainland United States is going through the same economic problems, and I have no doubt that we will overcome the adversity, even though there will be many casualties of the current recession. Just think of the pride that would be generated by doing the same thing in the Virgin Islands.
Eric K. Roeske
Watertown, Wis.
Editor's note: 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.
VIHA LANDLORD/AGENT CONFERENCE
The Virgin Islands Housing Authority advises the public of the 2nd Section 8 Landlord/Agents Conference to be held on St. Croix from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Gertrude's Restaurant.
The conference will provide an overview of the Section 8 Rental Assistance Program offered by the Authority. It will also provide an opportunity for additional property owners to offer rental units for families in need.
To register for the conference call the Section 8 office at 773-3525, ext. 405.
The VIHA Department of Section 8 Programs on St. Croix will be closed on Wednesday, Oct. 31 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. so the staff can participate. Any emergency inquiries can be made at the Central Office in Aureo Diaz Heights or by calling 773-3525.
The conference will provide an overview of the Section 8 Rental Assistance Program offered by the Authority. It will also provide an opportunity for additional property owners to offer rental units for families in need.
To register for the conference call the Section 8 office at 773-3525, ext. 405.
The VIHA Department of Section 8 Programs on St. Croix will be closed on Wednesday, Oct. 31 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. so the staff can participate. Any emergency inquiries can be made at the Central Office in Aureo Diaz Heights or by calling 773-3525.
STS. PETEER & PAUL ALUMS, TEACHERS, ADMINISTRATORS
All former students, teachers, administrators, famiy and friends of Sts. Peter & Paul School are invited to a Hoomecoming Mass at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 4, at Sts. Peter & Paul Cathedral.
Bishop George Murray, SJ, will be the Celebrant. After Mass there will be an opportunity to visit at a reception to be held in the Courtyard next to the Cathedral.
Bishop George Murray, SJ, will be the Celebrant. After Mass there will be an opportunity to visit at a reception to be held in the Courtyard next to the Cathedral.
