ROTARY EAST
Rotary East will meet at the Ritz-Carlton with a demonstration by Professor Jackson's students of the Ja Goju Jitsu-Ryu Karate School.
ALL STARS STEEL BAND MEETING
All members are urged to attend the St. Thomas All Stars Steel Band at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 30, in the pan yard.
KIDS-N-BUSINESS ORIENTATION FOR PARENTS
Kids-N-Business will hold an orientation at Sts. Peter and Paul School for after-school sessions that will meet weekly Nov. 6 through May 8, 2002 to teach students ages 6-17 money management, business operations, computer and e-commerce skills and a foreign language. The youngsters will operate their own businesses. Parents must attend the orientation with their children. For details, call Jamila Harris at 714-2680.
KIDS-N-BUSINESS TO START WEEKLY SESSIONS
Oct. 27, 2001 – Kids-N-Business will hold an orientation session for youngsters and parents on Tuesday to introduce a program of weekly after-school sessions that will begin Nov. 6 and run through May 8, 2002.
In the program, students ages 6 through 17 will study the basics of money management and/or advanced money management, how to start and operate a business, computer and Internet skills for business operations and e-commerce, and a foreign language. "Kids start and operate their own businesses" in the program, founder Jamila Harris said.
Harris said the sessions are open to both youngsters who took part in the Kids-N-Business program last summer and those who did not.
The school year sessions will be held one day a week from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. at Sts. Peter and Paul School. The orientation will be at the school on Tuesday from 5 to 6 p.m. Parents must attend with their children, Harris said.
Kids-N-Business is part of the Harris Institute for Youth Entrepreneurship, which supports after-school and summer programs to teach children business-oriented operations, technology and communications skills. For more information, call Harris at 714-2680.
In the program, students ages 6 through 17 will study the basics of money management and/or advanced money management, how to start and operate a business, computer and Internet skills for business operations and e-commerce, and a foreign language. "Kids start and operate their own businesses" in the program, founder Jamila Harris said.
Harris said the sessions are open to both youngsters who took part in the Kids-N-Business program last summer and those who did not.
The school year sessions will be held one day a week from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. at Sts. Peter and Paul School. The orientation will be at the school on Tuesday from 5 to 6 p.m. Parents must attend with their children, Harris said.
Kids-N-Business is part of the Harris Institute for Youth Entrepreneurship, which supports after-school and summer programs to teach children business-oriented operations, technology and communications skills. For more information, call Harris at 714-2680.
V.I. ONE STEP CLOSER TO UCC COMPLIANCE
Oct. 27, 2001 – The Virgin Islands came one step closer to compliance with the national Uniform Commercial Code Friday.
Gov. Charles W. Turnbull approved two sections of the complex document last February in a bill passed by the Legislature but vetoed the third section. On Friday the Economic Development, Agriculture and Consumer Protection Committee approved a reworded version of the bill sent down by the governor — after amending the language he had submitted.
Turnbull had said he vetoed the third section of the bill because it "contains provisions for non-judicial enforcement of mortgages." He said the provisions could involve foreclosure without benefit of the judicial process.
On Friday, attorney Tom Bolt, chair of the V.I. Uniform Law Commission, reiterated what he had said in February: "This doesn't apply to real property. There is no way you can get non-judicial real estate foreclosure from Article 9." Bolt said passing the bill is important because failure to do so "will limit the amount of credit available to the V.I."
Cassan Pancham, Chase Manhattan Bank general manager and V.I. Bankers Association president, said the legislation "is of critical importance to the territory's economic status and ability to do business using the same commercial language as the rest of the American business world."
He told the lawmakers, "Since Sept. 11 the … recent economic news here has not been good. One of the most significant steps you can take is to adopt this bill. Time is of the essence … this legislation is historic. It is well crafted and keeps the wheels of commerce rolling. Let the V.I. participate in this important transition with the rest of the U. S."
Sen. Roosevelt David agreed. "The commercial codes in the V. I. are 50 years behind," he said. "The laws on our books are archaic. We need to stop the talk and just do it."
According to Pancham, "Literally every state in the country, as well as the District of Columbia, has already adopted this body of law." Without the standard, uniform, updated provisions of the code in place here, he said, "our people are being asked to run a race with their shoelaces tied together. It is a distinct, unnecessary, easily avoided disadvantage."
But Pancham also said language Turnbull had inserted in Article 9 of the bill "effectively eliminates repossession as an alternative" and "It simply has to come out of the bill."
It was taken out Friday by amendment, after which the measure passed unanimously. It will now move to the Rules Committee.
In other action, the committee approved a bill creating a commission to develop a comprehensive plan for aquaculture in the territory. "We want to generate a new industry in the V.I.," Senate President Almando "Rocky" Liburd said. "If we don't protect our environment now, there will be nothing left for our children."
Agriculture Commissioner Henry Schuster explained that "aquaculture involves not only fishing in the open sea, but also the farming of other seafood -– oysters, clams, lobsters, shrimp. Worldwide, aquaculture is a multibillion-dollar activity."
However, Schuster said, set-up costs for fish farming are high. "It takes a businessman to develop and finance fish farms, especially in tropical areas where diseases can develop quickly," he said.
Friday's session also addressed public-access communications. Sen. Adelbert Bryan, the committee chair, wanted to know why the government television channel isn't used to air legislative meetings. He told James
O'Bryan, the governor's public relations adviser, "You have that station doing nothing." Government House controls the channel, Bryan said, and "they can shut out any information they don't want people to hear."
The channel is operated within the Education Department.
Bryan called several communications executives, including Samuel Ebbesen, president of Innovative Telephone; Andrea Martin, general manager of Innovative Cable St. Thomas-St. John; and J'Ada Finch-Sheen, Innovative Group general counsel, to testify, as well as Walter Challenger, chair of the Public Services Commission.
In 1999, the PSC approved Government House control of two government-run television stations at the request of Turnbull. Under questioning by Bryan, Challenger said the PSC doesn't have the resources to ask the cable stations to establish public access channels.
Finch-Sheen said, "The government access channel does not have adequate television for 24 hours. My solution would be to have the executive branch and the Legislature share the channel."
O'Bryan said airing Senate meetings could interfere with programming that is geared toward classrooms. Bryan said he will push legislation that will force Government House to share the two channels.
The Senate committee also unanimously passed a bill to reduce gross receipts taxes by 50 percent for businesses involved in public works projects and contracts for such projects if they employ residents who have been in the territory for not less than five years.
A hearing on the status of the Yacht Haven Hotel and Marina redevelopment project, including a $5 million guarantee to the developer, was postponed because several of those called to testify were not available.
Committee members attending the hearing on St. Thomas were Sen. Bryan, David, Emmett Hansen II, Donald "Ducks" Cole and Norman Jn. Baptiste. Sens. Vargrave Richards and Celestino A. White Sr. were absent. Non-committee Sen. David Jones also attended.
Gov. Charles W. Turnbull approved two sections of the complex document last February in a bill passed by the Legislature but vetoed the third section. On Friday the Economic Development, Agriculture and Consumer Protection Committee approved a reworded version of the bill sent down by the governor — after amending the language he had submitted.
Turnbull had said he vetoed the third section of the bill because it "contains provisions for non-judicial enforcement of mortgages." He said the provisions could involve foreclosure without benefit of the judicial process.
On Friday, attorney Tom Bolt, chair of the V.I. Uniform Law Commission, reiterated what he had said in February: "This doesn't apply to real property. There is no way you can get non-judicial real estate foreclosure from Article 9." Bolt said passing the bill is important because failure to do so "will limit the amount of credit available to the V.I."
Cassan Pancham, Chase Manhattan Bank general manager and V.I. Bankers Association president, said the legislation "is of critical importance to the territory's economic status and ability to do business using the same commercial language as the rest of the American business world."
He told the lawmakers, "Since Sept. 11 the … recent economic news here has not been good. One of the most significant steps you can take is to adopt this bill. Time is of the essence … this legislation is historic. It is well crafted and keeps the wheels of commerce rolling. Let the V.I. participate in this important transition with the rest of the U. S."
Sen. Roosevelt David agreed. "The commercial codes in the V. I. are 50 years behind," he said. "The laws on our books are archaic. We need to stop the talk and just do it."
According to Pancham, "Literally every state in the country, as well as the District of Columbia, has already adopted this body of law." Without the standard, uniform, updated provisions of the code in place here, he said, "our people are being asked to run a race with their shoelaces tied together. It is a distinct, unnecessary, easily avoided disadvantage."
But Pancham also said language Turnbull had inserted in Article 9 of the bill "effectively eliminates repossession as an alternative" and "It simply has to come out of the bill."
It was taken out Friday by amendment, after which the measure passed unanimously. It will now move to the Rules Committee.
In other action, the committee approved a bill creating a commission to develop a comprehensive plan for aquaculture in the territory. "We want to generate a new industry in the V.I.," Senate President Almando "Rocky" Liburd said. "If we don't protect our environment now, there will be nothing left for our children."
Agriculture Commissioner Henry Schuster explained that "aquaculture involves not only fishing in the open sea, but also the farming of other seafood -– oysters, clams, lobsters, shrimp. Worldwide, aquaculture is a multibillion-dollar activity."
However, Schuster said, set-up costs for fish farming are high. "It takes a businessman to develop and finance fish farms, especially in tropical areas where diseases can develop quickly," he said.
Friday's session also addressed public-access communications. Sen. Adelbert Bryan, the committee chair, wanted to know why the government television channel isn't used to air legislative meetings. He told James
O'Bryan, the governor's public relations adviser, "You have that station doing nothing." Government House controls the channel, Bryan said, and "they can shut out any information they don't want people to hear."
The channel is operated within the Education Department.
Bryan called several communications executives, including Samuel Ebbesen, president of Innovative Telephone; Andrea Martin, general manager of Innovative Cable St. Thomas-St. John; and J'Ada Finch-Sheen, Innovative Group general counsel, to testify, as well as Walter Challenger, chair of the Public Services Commission.
In 1999, the PSC approved Government House control of two government-run television stations at the request of Turnbull. Under questioning by Bryan, Challenger said the PSC doesn't have the resources to ask the cable stations to establish public access channels.
Finch-Sheen said, "The government access channel does not have adequate television for 24 hours. My solution would be to have the executive branch and the Legislature share the channel."
O'Bryan said airing Senate meetings could interfere with programming that is geared toward classrooms. Bryan said he will push legislation that will force Government House to share the two channels.
The Senate committee also unanimously passed a bill to reduce gross receipts taxes by 50 percent for businesses involved in public works projects and contracts for such projects if they employ residents who have been in the territory for not less than five years.
A hearing on the status of the Yacht Haven Hotel and Marina redevelopment project, including a $5 million guarantee to the developer, was postponed because several of those called to testify were not available.
Committee members attending the hearing on St. Thomas were Sen. Bryan, David, Emmett Hansen II, Donald "Ducks" Cole and Norman Jn. Baptiste. Sens. Vargrave Richards and Celestino A. White Sr. were absent. Non-committee Sen. David Jones also attended.
DINING'S A DELECTABLE INDULGENCE AT THE POINTE
Oct. 26, 2001- Villa Olga has long been one of my favorite haunts. It has one of the most beautiful pegged bars in the territory. The site on the end of the peninsula is well removed from the downtown hustle and bustle, and one is left to focus on one's companions and the food.
The establishment there today is The Pointe at Villa Olga. The word pointe comes from ballet and means that position of being on the toe — obviously referring to the restaurant's position "on the toe" of the peninsula.
The wine menu is well developed with some very nice items; prices appear to follow the 200 to 300 percent markup which restaurateurs feel is necessary to compensate them for providing a couple of glasses, a napkin and, maybe, a bucket of ice. Drinks are relatively generous and priced to compete with the finer establishments on the island and in Manhattan. If you have time to kill waiting for someone, the bartender is personable and conversation-worthy.
The Pointe has streamlined the old Chart House salad bar, added tapas and priced it as a side dish. The Caesar salad is very good and mixed in small quantities, which keeps it crisp. The raw items are plentiful, appear fresh but are not very exciting. The tapas are hard to pass up but a bit bland. The mozzarella is chewy and almost tasteless.
To go with the mixed greens is a choice of additives guaranteed to bring your taste buds to life. Almost spilling over the edge of the table beyond are a couple of spreads super rich in flavor that bring the bread to life.
Salad suggestion: Explore the entire buffet before making your selections, then mix and match a medley to your taste. (You may need to experiment a bit, as there are many items you most likely do not have on the shelf or in the fridge at home.)
Among the tapas, the stuffed eggplant is the highlight, with an array of flavorful olives next best. I do not know of another salad bar on the island that begins to compare with The Pointe's. There is something for everyone, including the heart-health experts.
Different breads — all four I tried are delicious — are offered at the salad line, along with pats of butter and bean/garlic spread. The spread is good and strong, so taste it before slathering it on. I particularly like the black bread, with its strong molasses flavor with random plump raisins.
Our table tried the swordfish, stuffed pork chop, and ribs. The meat portions are adequate to satisfy most eaters, and the rice has a very nice flavor. The pork chop is stuffed with a wonderful cheese mixture that brings the entree into the arena of ambrosia.
Dessert includes coffee/mocha mud pie with an Oreo crust, topped with chocolate sauce and mounded with whipped cream. If you are not yet overwhelmed by the quantity of food, you can go for the Cruzan-crusted reinvention of the mud pie. My companions and I decided servings of the "normal" pie would do us, and we were able to walk out of the establishment under our own power.
I was surprised at the number of Virgin Islands residents dining at The Pointe the night we were there. The food is plentiful, and the setting is one of the best. For us, the overall price per person came to about $45 for two small glasses of a less-expensive wine, the least expensive entree, salad bar and mud pie. This is relatively good for St. Thomas and very good given what you get.
For a better deal, you used to have to arrive early to order the "early bird special" dinners — salad bar, limited entree choices and dessert. But now the "specials" are available all evening, and they've added six more entrees. Any and all come complete with the same unsurpassable ambience, good service and superbly prepared food. It does it for me. Oh, yes: The restrooms are well designed, roomy and clean.
The Pointe is a participant in the Rotary East Dine Out Program. The 2001 book of coupons — which entitle the holder to a free second entree, drink, or dessert, depending on the establishment — is valid until Dec. 15. You can save the $15 cost at one sitting, and your money goes for a good cause — the Rotary's scholarship program for Eudora Kean High School students. For details, see "Coupon books let you dine well and do good".
The Pointe at Villa Olga
Ambience: 5 stars
Food: 5 stars
Service: 5 stars
Value: 5 stars
Frenchtown, southeast end of peninsula
(340) 774-4262
Dinner 5-10 p.m. daily
From the grill
Amex, Visa, MasterCard, Discover
The establishment there today is The Pointe at Villa Olga. The word pointe comes from ballet and means that position of being on the toe — obviously referring to the restaurant's position "on the toe" of the peninsula.
The wine menu is well developed with some very nice items; prices appear to follow the 200 to 300 percent markup which restaurateurs feel is necessary to compensate them for providing a couple of glasses, a napkin and, maybe, a bucket of ice. Drinks are relatively generous and priced to compete with the finer establishments on the island and in Manhattan. If you have time to kill waiting for someone, the bartender is personable and conversation-worthy.
The Pointe has streamlined the old Chart House salad bar, added tapas and priced it as a side dish. The Caesar salad is very good and mixed in small quantities, which keeps it crisp. The raw items are plentiful, appear fresh but are not very exciting. The tapas are hard to pass up but a bit bland. The mozzarella is chewy and almost tasteless.
To go with the mixed greens is a choice of additives guaranteed to bring your taste buds to life. Almost spilling over the edge of the table beyond are a couple of spreads super rich in flavor that bring the bread to life.
Salad suggestion: Explore the entire buffet before making your selections, then mix and match a medley to your taste. (You may need to experiment a bit, as there are many items you most likely do not have on the shelf or in the fridge at home.)
Among the tapas, the stuffed eggplant is the highlight, with an array of flavorful olives next best. I do not know of another salad bar on the island that begins to compare with The Pointe's. There is something for everyone, including the heart-health experts.
Different breads — all four I tried are delicious — are offered at the salad line, along with pats of butter and bean/garlic spread. The spread is good and strong, so taste it before slathering it on. I particularly like the black bread, with its strong molasses flavor with random plump raisins.
Our table tried the swordfish, stuffed pork chop, and ribs. The meat portions are adequate to satisfy most eaters, and the rice has a very nice flavor. The pork chop is stuffed with a wonderful cheese mixture that brings the entree into the arena of ambrosia.
Dessert includes coffee/mocha mud pie with an Oreo crust, topped with chocolate sauce and mounded with whipped cream. If you are not yet overwhelmed by the quantity of food, you can go for the Cruzan-crusted reinvention of the mud pie. My companions and I decided servings of the "normal" pie would do us, and we were able to walk out of the establishment under our own power.
I was surprised at the number of Virgin Islands residents dining at The Pointe the night we were there. The food is plentiful, and the setting is one of the best. For us, the overall price per person came to about $45 for two small glasses of a less-expensive wine, the least expensive entree, salad bar and mud pie. This is relatively good for St. Thomas and very good given what you get.
For a better deal, you used to have to arrive early to order the "early bird special" dinners — salad bar, limited entree choices and dessert. But now the "specials" are available all evening, and they've added six more entrees. Any and all come complete with the same unsurpassable ambience, good service and superbly prepared food. It does it for me. Oh, yes: The restrooms are well designed, roomy and clean.
The Pointe is a participant in the Rotary East Dine Out Program. The 2001 book of coupons — which entitle the holder to a free second entree, drink, or dessert, depending on the establishment — is valid until Dec. 15. You can save the $15 cost at one sitting, and your money goes for a good cause — the Rotary's scholarship program for Eudora Kean High School students. For details, see "Coupon books let you dine well and do good".
The Pointe at Villa Olga
Ambience: 5 stars
Food: 5 stars
Service: 5 stars
Value: 5 stars
Frenchtown, southeast end of peninsula
(340) 774-4262
Dinner 5-10 p.m. daily
From the grill
Amex, Visa, MasterCard, Discover
Editor's note: The Tottering Taster is a senior citizen dedicated to enjoying good food who periodically dines in local establishments to bring Source readers unsolicited assessments biased in favor of an ultimate eating-out experience. The individual uses a pseudonym so restaurant personnel will not be able to identify the reviewer and try to influence the review.
ANGELA ROBERTS FUNERAL PENDING
Angela Roberts, age 66, of Williams Delight, passed away on Monday, Oct. 22, at Gov. Juan F. Luis Hospital.
Funeral services are pending.
Professional arrangements are entrusted to James Memorial Funeral Home, Inc.
Funeral services are pending.
Professional arrangements are entrusted to James Memorial Funeral Home, Inc.
WALTON HESKETT LEOPOLD BARNES FUNERAL
Funeral services for Walton Heskett Leopold Barnes, age 72, have been set for 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 31, at Friedensfeld Moravian Church. Viewing will begin at 9 a.m. Internment will take place in Antigua at a later date.
He is survived by his wife Mary Barnes; daughters Judith, Salome, Maudlyn, Sheryl and Lorestine; sons Reginald, Henson and Jeremiah; 23 grandchildren; 14 greatgrandchildren, 6 sisters, 12 brothers; nieces and nephews too numerous to mention.
He is survived by his wife Mary Barnes; daughters Judith, Salome, Maudlyn, Sheryl and Lorestine; sons Reginald, Henson and Jeremiah; 23 grandchildren; 14 greatgrandchildren, 6 sisters, 12 brothers; nieces and nephews too numerous to mention.
WAPA PAYMENT ENVELOPES NEED RETURN ADDRESS
Oct. 26, 2001 – If you pay your electric and water bills by mail, it will be in your own best interest to use the payment envelope sent out with billings and to provide your name and address legibly in the "return address" area before posting your payment.
If you don't, according to a release from the Water and Power Authority, your envelope will require special scrutiny, and credit for your payment could be delayed.
"To ensure that each payment envelope or other correspondence is opened and processed promptly, our customers are asked to clearly label mail addressed to WAPA with a complete return name and address," the release, distributed to news media Friday evening, states.
WAPA has been in a "heightened state of security in order to secure the safety of its employees, customers and property" since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks on the mainland.
Now, because of the continuing threats nationwide of anthrax exposure through items sent by mail, WAPA personnel are "closely scrutinizing all incoming correspondence and packages," the release says. "Mail that appears suspicious understandably causes a great deal of concern to our employees. Regrettably, such mail may not be opened," and customers run the risk of their payments "not being promptly credited to their account."
If you don't, according to a release from the Water and Power Authority, your envelope will require special scrutiny, and credit for your payment could be delayed.
"To ensure that each payment envelope or other correspondence is opened and processed promptly, our customers are asked to clearly label mail addressed to WAPA with a complete return name and address," the release, distributed to news media Friday evening, states.
WAPA has been in a "heightened state of security in order to secure the safety of its employees, customers and property" since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks on the mainland.
Now, because of the continuing threats nationwide of anthrax exposure through items sent by mail, WAPA personnel are "closely scrutinizing all incoming correspondence and packages," the release says. "Mail that appears suspicious understandably causes a great deal of concern to our employees. Regrettably, such mail may not be opened," and customers run the risk of their payments "not being promptly credited to their account."
WAPA PAYMENT ENVELOPES NEED RETURN ADDRESS
Oct. 26, 2001 – If you pay your electric and water bills by mail, it will be in your own best interest to use the payment envelope sent out with billings and to provide your name and address legibly in the "return address" area before posting your payment.
If you don't, according to a release from the Water and Power Authority, your envelope will require special scrutiny, and credit for your payment could be delayed.
"To ensure that each payment envelope or other correspondence is opened and processed promptly, our customers are asked to clearly label mail addressed to WAPA with a complete return name and address," the release, distributed to news media Friday evening, states.
WAPA has been in a "heightened state of security in order to secure the safety of its employees, customers and property" since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks on the mainland.
Now, because of the continuing threats nationwide of anthrax exposure through items sent by mail, WAPA personnel are "closely scrutinizing all incoming correspondence and packages," the release says. "Mail that appears suspicious understandably causes a great deal of concern to our employees. Regrettably, such mail may not be opened," and customers run the risk of their payments "not being promptly credited to their account."
If you don't, according to a release from the Water and Power Authority, your envelope will require special scrutiny, and credit for your payment could be delayed.
"To ensure that each payment envelope or other correspondence is opened and processed promptly, our customers are asked to clearly label mail addressed to WAPA with a complete return name and address," the release, distributed to news media Friday evening, states.
WAPA has been in a "heightened state of security in order to secure the safety of its employees, customers and property" since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks on the mainland.
Now, because of the continuing threats nationwide of anthrax exposure through items sent by mail, WAPA personnel are "closely scrutinizing all incoming correspondence and packages," the release says. "Mail that appears suspicious understandably causes a great deal of concern to our employees. Regrettably, such mail may not be opened," and customers run the risk of their payments "not being promptly credited to their account."
