Oct. 23, 2001 – The V.I. Women's Business Center in conjunction with the St. Thomas-St. John Chamber of Commerce will host its second annual E-Commerce summit on Thursday at St. Croix's Divi Carina Bay Resort.
The second annual event will be held at the Divi Carina Bay hotel and Casino on St. Croix from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. It will be followed by the Caribbean Women's Business Exposition on Friday and Saturday at Sunshine Mall.
According to Yvette deLaubanque, director of the WBC, the Center is cognizant of the fact that the advent of the Internet has contributed significantly to the change in the way business is conducted in the 21st century. Mindful of the unique geographic and cultural position of the U.S. Virgin Islands in relation to other Caribbean nations, and business opportunities offered in the US Virgin Islands, deLaubanque said the WBC is encouraging dialog not only within the territory but through out the region.
The town hall summit will be held on Thursday. There is a $25 registration fee and includes continental breakfast and lunch. The intent of this town hall summit is to bring together small Businesses, Industry experts, E-commerce and E-Business supporters and developers from the region with the WBC, other technical support organizations, and members of the community.
The Divi Carina Bay hotel and resort is offering a rate of $65 plus tax per night, from Oct. 24 – Oct. 28. To receive the special rate, deLaubanque said individuals must be registered for either the WBC E-Commerce Summit on Oct 25 or the Caribbean Business Exposition on Oct. 26 and 27.
Additionally, deLaubanque said that for people traveling between St. Thomas and St. Croix, Seaborne Airlines is offering a discounted rate of $55 one way if travel is done between 6 a..m. and 9 a.m. or after 4:30 p.m. Travel done at any other time will cost $50 one way. You must say that you are with the WBC to get this rate.
For more information, contact the Women's Business Center at 340-773-4995, by fax 340-713-8503 or via email at staff@wbcvi.org.

Here are the complete results of the fourth annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Two Mile Run/Walk.
1. Naheem Mason 11:56
2. Adam Thill 12:01
3. Isaak Aronson 12:09
4. Ruth Ann David 12:13
5. Peter Alter 12:32
6. Lucien Wallace 13:19
7. Lance Maanugum 13:41
8. Jeremy Ruben 13:59
9. Grace Tuma 14:00
10. Frank Jackson 14:03
11. Jay Buckley 14:22
12. Charley Charles 14:34
13. Elliott Davis 14:34.9
14. Stephanie Flaherty 14:38
15. David Jones 14:50
16. Adam Fuller 15:08
17. Holland Van Gores 15:24
18. Albert Charles 15:49
19. Joseph Brow 15:52
20. Jude Woodcock 15:59
21. Andrea Greaux 16:11
22. Ralph Isovitsch 16:12
23. Cheri Barton 16:26
24. Robin Munro 16:46
25. Amy Gurlea 16:48
26. Richard Lazares 17:11
27. Sam Marshan 17:12
28. Elizabeth Davis 17:13
29. Shawne Malone 17:25
30. Rian Barether 18:00
31. Michael Bornn 18:09
32. Ruth Baldwin 18:17
33. Johnny Lenahan 18:25
34. Wendy Swenson 18:26
35. Kathleen Morrissette 18:30
36. Monique Simon 18:30.7
37. Karen Rice 18:31
38. Nathaniel Fuller 18:33
39. Vincent Fuller 18:34
40. Cassandra Mallory 18:35
41. Nikole Baines 18:38
42. Jennifer Feverbacher 19:04
43. Bethany Evans 19:05
44. Debbie Davis 19:06
45. Karen Mo 19:27
46. Norma Charles 19:28
47. Tyler Rice 19:30
48. Christopher Rice 19:32
49.Margot Murray 19:37
50. Jonathan Fuller 19:38
51. Karen Oscar 19:56
52. Rachelle Shells 20:14
53. Debbie Murphy 20:19
54. Sandra Odiorne 20:29
55. Kira Gumbs 20:30
56. Gayle Deller 20:39
57. Carol Lenehan 20:49
58. Bridgette Bornn 21:40
59. Tiana Lindemann 21:41
60. Bradley Kappel 21:45
61. Dennis Murphy 21:46
62. Shameka Hobson 22:20
63. Lori Emery 22:21
64. Kerish Robles 22:22
65. Fredrick Hupprich 22:30
66. V. Ianthe Baynes 22:30
67. Keneth Thomas 23:48
68. Fern LaBorde 23:54
69. Vivienne Johnson 23:55
70. Austin Peevey 24:35
71. Dean Baines 24:39
72. Corey Cogan 24:44
73. Kathleen McElligott 23:15
74. Colette Cogan 25:19
75. Kevin Cogan 25:24
76. Frank McConnell 25:25
77. Jestina Hurst 25:26
78. Althea Lemon 25:24
79. Elliott Davis 26:20
80. Jeremy Sprauve 26:47
81. Frances Lenahan 26:48
82. Peggy McConnell 27:16
83. Nahthalie Kean 27:23
84. Quentin Sprauve 27:38
85. Jerilee Roberts 27.40
86. Penny Druce 27:53
87. Shannon Newland 28:00
88. April Newland 28:03
89. Kathleen McDermott 28:09
90. Libby Davis 28:19
91. Jane Benjamin-Sheen 28:21
92. Antonio Bachan 28:21
93. Sharon Hupprich 28:23
94. Khadija deLagarde 28:34
95. Cava Emanuel 28:44
96. Harry Lenahan 28:50
97. Kevin Lenahan 30:02
98. Michaela Sheen 30:13
99. Lynette Glasford 30:14
100. Joy Boyd 30:27
101. Chaltal Alphonse 30:37
102. Lateefah Evans 30:49
103. Martin Tuohy 30:55
104. Carol Tuohy 31:09
105. Jeanine Loya 31:11
106. Andrew Loya 31:26
107. Margot Bachman 31:27
108. Patricia M-Gruber 31:27.8
109. Caron Hamilton 31:28
110. Ayan Biscoe 31:48
111. Shermell Osborne 31:56
112. Rhett Simmonds 32:02
113. Bobbie Mathews 32:04
114. Lauren Thomas 32:05
115. Carol Rich 32:06
116. Rita Mootooveran 32:08
117. Josina Baly-Pole 32:10
118. Valdez Shelford 32:26
119. Asmae Forgus 32:28
120. Jane Rollins 32:29
121. Julianna VanGores 32:30
122. Audrianna VanGores 32:53
123. Sharon Parnell 32:55
124. Michelle VanGores 33:11
125. Helen Smollett 33:13
126. R Maria Brady 33:36
127. Mitzi Rubin 33:41
128. Helen Goldman 34:03
129. Ruby Simmonds 34:42
130. Avery Berry 34:47
131. Charlie Berry 34:56
132. Mayfields Hobson 35:46
133. Clayton Perry 36:13
134. Julie Wright 36:14
135. Bethany Bradford 36:45
136. Leo Sibilly 37:25
137. Chunekawa George 38:41
138. Jamila Thomas 38:43
139. Daniel Qualls 39:14
140. Kevin Qualls 39:15
141. Jonathon Qualls 39:18
142. Eleanor Qualls 39:19
143. Laurel Grigg 46:08
144. Rita Coll 53:00

Oct. 22, 2001 — As Congress readies homeland security legislation, Delegate to Congress Donna Christian Christensen met Monday with Gov. Charles Turnbull to gauge the territory’s preparedness for terrorist attacks.
The federal government has been studying the need for homeland defenses since 1998 with the U.S. Commission on National Security in the 21st Century, but the events of Sept. 11 brought the issue to the forefront. Following those attacks, President Bush nominated Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Ridge to head the National Homeland Security Agency.
On Monday, Turnbull briefed Christensen on what a Government House release called the territory’s "Homeland Security Task Force."
The new federal entity would integrate the combined defense-related efforts of, among other agencies, the Coast Guard, Customs, Border Patrol and FEMA, the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The Government House release didn’t say what agencies comprise the local task force.
At a Senate hearing Monday, V.I. Police Commissioner Franz Christian said the federal homeland security efforts would likely be linked to the territory through the V.I. National Guard.
Christiansen said she requested Monday’s meeting with Turnbull so she can lobby for the territory’s needs when federal funds become available for homeland security. She said legislation to fund homeland security is still being worked out in Congress.
"It’s so important at this time as Congress is considering bills and funding to improve homeland security … that I be fully aware of what the Virgin Islands’ needs are," Christensen said.
According to the Government House release, unnamed officials briefed the delegate and governor on funds available through the Law Enforcement Planning Commission "for the development of a strategic anti-terrorism plan and the purchase of vitally needed equipment to upgrade the capability of several law enforcement and medical responder agencies to address terrorist threats against the territory."
While the "represented agencies expressed confidence they were in relatively good shape to address biochemical emergencies, they expressed the need for additional training and the accompanying equipment," the release said.
Christensen said the territory needs to be included in any federal security effort.
"We have several areas of vulnerability that apply to the nation’s security," she said, apparently referring in part to the giant Hovensa oil refinery on St. Croix. "We want to make sure these are looked at and included in any planning."
Christensen noted that the local government’s response to recent threats and anthrax hoaxes has been "very good — certainly not any worse than many communities around the states. And maybe better than many."

Oct. 22, 2001 – Gov. Charles W. Turnbull gave preliminary approval two months ago for the Public Finance Authority's backing of a $10 million bond issue for the developers of the proposed Botany Bay resort to make improvements at the Bordeaux wastewater treatment plant.
In a letter dated Aug. 23, 2001, Turnbull informed George Dudley, the attorney for Botany Bay Partners, that the $10 million authorization had been tentatively approved. Turnbull, who as governor chairs Public Finance Authority board, directed Dudley to speak with PFA officials and the PFA attorney to finalize conditions for the authorization.
The approval does not mean the V.I. government will be making the loan. But it would give the government's backing for the Botany Bay developers to float a bond to finance the improvements at the treatment plant.
The federal Internal Revenue Service authorizes the V.I. government to back private-activity bonds worth about $30 million a year. These bonds must be for projects which are funded by private businesses but carry a public benefit — such as making infrastructure improvements to a wastewater treatment plant.
The $10 million tentatively approved for the Botany Bay project comes out of that $30 million annual authorization. The approval could help the Botany Bay partners secure a better financing deal for the project and would give them tax advantages.
The developers have proposed building a 5-star resort at Botany Bay, on St. Thomas's relatively undeveloped West End. The $169 million project would include dozens of timeshare units, condominiums and residential lots. As part of the plan, they propose upgrading the Bordeaux wastewater facility, installing pipes to connect the resort area with the facility and building a desalination plant.
In giving his tentative approval to backing the $10 million bond, Turnbull wrote that the allocation would be contingent on the developers' making water available to farmers in the area and to others in the community in case of emergencies such as fires.
Alain Longatte, project manager for the Botany Bay developers, called the proposal "a great opportunity to help the community to upgrade the West End sewage and water treatment plant." Along with upgrades to the treatment facility and its pumps and piping, the developers would build the desalination plant and provide water for farmers in Bordeaux and Fortuna, he said.
The proposed development has raised concerns about its impact on the environment and on pre-Columbian archeological sites at Botany Bay. The area currently is zoned for residential use, and public hearings on rezoning have yet to be held by the Department of Planning and Natural Resources or the Coastal Zone Management Committee.
Opponents of the project say that the governor's approval of the $10 million authorization indicates that the Turnbull administration supports the development, even though no public hearings have been held yet.
"This demonstrates support. When the principals seek financing, they'll show the government support as security," said Sen. Adlah "Foncie" Donastorg, who has stated that he would like to see the Botany Bay area preserved for public use. "DPNR and CZM are already under a great deal of pressure," he added.
Carla Joseph, president of the Environmental Association of St. Thomas-St. John, expressed concern earlier this year when Ira Mills, director of the Office of Management and Budget, described the Botany Bay project to the Senate Finance Committee as a key component of the territory's economic revitalization.
"Even your implied support for this project is inappropriate, given the lack of approved plans and the widespread opposition to any development in this beautiful and sensitive area," she wrote Turnbull in a letter dated Aug. 24, 2001.
Public hearings on the project have been postponed while the developers complete reports on the environmental impacts of the resort. Longatte said that a hydrology report and an archeological report concerning a proposed roadway were submitted to DPNR on Monday. The filing of those documents could lead to the scheduling of the first rezoning hearing, he said.

Oct. 22, 2001 – Top health and public safety officials told a Senate Committee of the Whole on Monday that the territory is reasonably well prepared to handle an anthrax threat — although the local testing capability is very limited.
There have been eight reported anthrax scares — all suspicious-looking envelopes — in the territory, according to Dean Plaskett, commissioner of Planning and Natural Resources, the lead agency for response to any anthrax threats. There also have been several hoaxes and false alarms, FBI Special Agent Michael Clark said at a Government House press conference Friday.
Dr. Mavis Matthew, acting commissioner of Health and the governor's recently announced nominee for the permanent position, told senators Monday on St. Thomas that there have been no reports of anthrax exposure in the Virgin Islands. She also said there are no testing facilities for the disease in the territory.
Plaskett said his agency has hazardous materials teams in place in both districts. The teams have full-body protection suits and breathing apparatus and are trained in the handling of weapons of mass destruction. Leonard Reed heads the St. Thomas-St. John team, and Carlos Farchette heads the St. Croix team.
Plaskett told the lawmakers his department works closely with the Police, Labor, Public Works and Human Services Departments and Fire Services, Emergency Medical Services and the hospitals under the umbrella of the V.I. Territorial Emergency Management Agency. He said he is working with the Law Enforcement Planning Commission to get funding for more equipment and protective suits.
"We want to instill confidence in the community that we have a plan in place and [are] ready to come forward with it," he said
Harold Baker, VITEMA director, said his agency's training program is ongoing and had expanded from storm mitigation to global threats including bioterrorism and cyber-terrorism before Sept. 11. "A response plan is in place," he said.
V.I. National Guard Maj. Gen. Cleave McBean is in charge of coordinating local efforts with the federal government's new Office of Homeland Security, Baker said.
Hospitals 'ready for bio-terrorism threat'
Thomas Robinson, chief executive of the Juan F. Luis Hospital and acting CEO of Roy L. Schneider Hospital said the hospitals "are ready for any bio-terrorism threat."
Lydia M. Thomas, director of risk management at Luis Hospital, said the facility is following the American Hospital Association guidelines and completing an extensive AHA checklist. She said hospital officials are attending meetings and teleconferences with the V.I. Justice Department and all of the agencies under VITEMA, as well as the office of the delegate to Congress.
Schneider Hospital has a decontamination facility but Luis Hospital does not, Thomas said. Hospital security has been increased with only one exit in use from 8 p.m to 6 a.m., she said.
Robinson submitted a detailed response and management plan for use in the Schneider Hospital emergency room with a patient exposed to a hazardous chemical or biological agent, along with an extensive readiness program from the AHA which both hospitals are implementing.
Much of what the officials had to say has been widely disseminated through local and national media, but the senators wanted to hear first hand. Concern about taking antibiotics came up several times.
Matthew and Robinson stressed the dangers of taking Cipro or any other antibiotic by persons who have not been exposed to anthrax. They said the territory's pharmacies have enough antibiotics on hand and have ordered more, should the need arise. Cipro is expensive, Matthew said, but another effective antibiotic is available at a fraction of the cost.
Matthew said the Health Department is establishing contact with the national Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta to access necessary services and CDC health advisories and protocols.
Local testing capabilities 'very limited'
She said testing to diagnose anthrax in the V.I. is very limited. "A gram stain can be performed, which can detect anthrax bacteria," she said. "Nasal swabs and blood cultures can be collected but must be shipped off island for analysis." She said. Florida's Department of Health laboratory is "CDC recommended to handle specimens from the V.I."
Making her second public appearance since being nominated as Health commissioner, Matthew spoke knowledgeably about the disease and the public reaction to it. "It is critical to separate fact from fear," she stated. "Anthrax is not contagious, because the bacteria do not produce spores while they are growing in an infected person."
She said the Health Department now has a hotline to respond to questions and concerns about possible contamination or other matters. The number is 776-8311, ext. 2148.
Police Commissioned Franz Christian detailed a multi-jurisdictional plan for combating terrorism and bio-terrorism threats. Referring to it as a "unified command," he said it includes local and federal agencies. The plan includes an alert system, starting with the 911 communication system. Christian and Plaskett both stressed the importance of those with concerns calling 911 first. The emergency response operator then will determine which agency should respond.
Christian said Fire Services and DPNR have joint roles in responding to and managing hazardous material and terrorism situations. Emergency Medical Services is responsible for triage (medical care prioritizing) and related activities. The police commissioner said he was "relatively confident" that with existing plans, the territory will be "in a good position to respond to and recover from any act of terrorism."
Sen. Carlton Dowe asked Robinson and Christian if new EMTs had yet been hired from the $400,000 the Legislature appropriated for that purpose last summer, and if new canine units had been purchased from the $20,000 allotted for that purpose. Dowe said another $200,000 had been appropriated for kennels and supplies. He told both officials to call the Office of Budget and Management and "get the money out of the pipeline."
Neither Robinson nor Christian responded to Dowe's comments.
Postmaster Louis Jackson said the public must watch out for suspicious mail — letters or packages with no return address, an address that is crudely lettered or typed, that has a strange odor or oily stains, that is excessive wrapped, or that carries such advisories as "personal" or "confidential." He said if someone receives an anthrax threat by mail, the material should immediately be isolated, the area should be cordoned off, and 911 should be called. And all persons handling the mail should immediately wash their hands.
Jackson said "reasonable measures" are in place to protect postal employees. He said gloves are provided to any employee requesting them, the U.S. Postal Service is working closely with other federal agencies, and a "mail security task force" has been established.
Mail security video available for free
The Postal Service is offering a free video on mail security to anyone requesting it. The video can be ordered online at the USPS web site, or by calling 1-800-STAMP24, Jackson said.
Sen. Lorraine Berry asked the hospital officers if they had read a report published last week in a print newspaper saying neither the Health Department nor VITEMA was prepared to respond to a biological attack. The hospital officials assured Berry that both hospitals now have infection disease specialists on staff.
Sen. Emmett Hansen II, noting the arrival of 48 undocumented Chinese aliens on St. John Sunday, asked the officials what preventive measures are being taken with regard to people entering the territory illegally. Baker said VITEMA is working with U.S. Customs and the Immigration and Natura lization Service on shoreline patrols.
Hansen then asked if someone could put an end to the persistent rumor he said he keeps hearing that "one of the 19 terrorists" involved in the Sept. 11 attacks "lived in the territory for some time." Baker replied, "No comment."
Senate President Almando "Rocky" Liburd asked the officials what funding they would need to complete their plans. "Let us know what we can help you with," he said. Robinson said he would have a list ready in five to seven days. Protocol dictates that it would go to Gov. Charles W. Turnbull first, he said, but he pledged to forward a copy to Liburd's office.
Thirteen senators attended the meeting. Sens. Vargrave Richards and Celestino A. White Sr. were excused.

Oct. 22, 2001 – A new class of 17 Police Department recruits has begun training, along with eight individuals from six other local law-enforcement bodies. The trainees are expected to graduate in about 24 weeks, Police Commissioner Franz Christian said Monday.
"We are not only training our own men and women in blue; we are including the training for two Deparment of Planning and Natural Resources enforcement officers, two V.I. Housing Authority police officers, two Department of Finance officers, one environmental health officer and one Territorial Court marshal," Christian said in a Government House release.
As soon as the current class completes its training, another will begin, Christian said. "The increase of police presence and the expert training of other law-enforcement agencies" is part of Gov. Charles W. Turnbull's directive to make crime fighting "one of the highest priorities" of the local government, he said.
Applications are being accepted in both the St. Thomas-St. John and St. Croix districts for additional trainees, he said.

Oct. 22, 2001 – It's time to get a flu shot for this year's protection against influenza, and the Health Department is making the process easy and free.
The Immunization Program will offer the free adult flu shots Friday at Roy L. Schneider Hospital, St. Thomas, and on Nov. 2 at Pueblo Ville La Reine, St. Croix, according to a release from the Health Department.
At the present time, said Beverly Blackwell, administrator of the program, the concentration is on persons at risk. This includes everyone over age 50, health care workers, hospital and nursing home residents, and persons with heart, lung or other persistent diseases, diabetes, asthma or other respiratory ailments.
"We also urge all those individuals who are in poor health or may have compromised immune systems to get vaccinated against the flu as well," said Blackwell.
Vaccine is also available at the Myrah Keating Clinic, and at other Health Department clinics as well.
As soon as an additional shipment of vaccine, expected the second week in November, arrives, Blackwell added, outreach campaigns will be conducted on all islands. This will enable the Immunization Program to meet its goal of offering free flu shots to all residents over the age of 18, she said.
Outreach schedules will be announced in the media throughout November and December.
For more information contact the program office at 776-8311, ext. 2151.

Oct. 23, 2001 – It's time to get this year's flu shot, and the Health Department is making the process easy and free.
The Immunization Program will offer the free adult flu shots Friday at Roy L. Schneider Hospital, St. Thomas, according to a release from the Health Department.
At the present time, said Beverly Blackwell, administrator of the program, the concentration is on persons at risk. This includes everyone over age 50, health care workers, hospital and nursing home residents, and persons with heart, lung or other persistent diseases, diabetes, asthma or other respiratory ailments.
"We also urge all those individuals who are in poor health or may have compromised immune systems to get vaccinated against the flu as well," said Blackwell.
Vaccine is also available at the Myrah Keating Clinic, and at other Health Department clinics as well.
As soon as an additional shipment of vaccine arrives, expected the second week in November, Blackwell added, outreach campaigns will be conducted on all islands. This will enable the Immunization Program to meet its goal of offering free flu shots to all residents over the age of 18, she said.
Outreach schedules will be announced in the media throughout November and December.
For more information contact the program office at 776-8311, ext. 2151.

Oct. 23, 2001 – It's time to get this year's flu shot, and the Health Department is making the process easy and free.
The Immunization Program will offer the free adult flu shots Nov. 2 at Pueblo Ville La Reine, St. Croix, according to a release from the Health Department.
At the present time, said Beverly Blackwell, administrator of the program, the concentration is on persons at risk. This includes everyone over age 50, health care workers, hospital and nursing home residents, and persons with heart, lung or other persistent diseases, diabetes, asthma or other respiratory ailments.
"We also urge all those individuals who are in poor health or may have compromised immune systems to get vaccinated against the flu as well," said Blackwell.
Vaccine is also available at the Myrah Keating Clinic, and at other Health Department clinics as well.
As soon as an additional shipment of vaccine arrives, expected the second week in November, Blackwell added, outreach campaigns will be conducted on all islands. This will enable the Immunization Program to meet its goal of offering free flu shots to all residents over the age of 18, she said.
Outreach schedules will be announced in the media throughout November and December.
For more information contact the program office at 776-8311, ext. 2151.

Dear Source,
I also was appalled to see Sen. Norma Pickard-Samuels' remarks. [See Source news story, "No Virgin Islanders for RLS Hospital CEO spot".]
Thinking like that is why the Virgin Islands is in so much trouble. I myself had a management position on St Thomas and had turned a company around that hadn't made money since its opening nine years ago because of the attitude of the local workers. When I started, a native V.I. worker came to me and said I would not get her to work because she did not have to; the government would back her up.
We wrote her up four times before having to let her go — and were not even allowed to present our case to the government, or the letters she had received when she was warned of her lack of work ethics and other work failures. Outside of the office, the judge told her lawyer not to worry; she would wrap up the case in her favor so they could go and pick up their children.
We were not allowed to produce any evidence, and her attorney stated that the reason she was terminated was that I was from the States and could not be trusted with the truth.
Norma, you need to look around and see what your attitude has done to your (local) people. The proof is in the pudding!
Now I am gone from that island, as it is too hard to survive the racism. But now the local St. Thomian who owns the buisness will not hire a local because of the situation — and her family goes back generations on St. Thomas.
Shame, Norma, shame!
Dave Belardi
Sarasota, Fla.

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