The National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of the Virgin Islands will meet at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 13, and 8 a.m. on Sunday, Oct. 14, at the Baha'i Center at 129 Contant, St. Thomas.
For more information call 340-774-3648, or email nsa@vi.bahai.org or visit the website at www.vi.bahai.org.
V.I. CODE CHANGE COULD CLOSE GUN LOOPHOLE
Dear Source:
Let's talk about the crime in the Virgin Islands and the solutions that our politicians have suggested to bring it under control.
We have heard the governor proclaim that he hates guns.
Those charged with combating crime have established a task force to be on the front line of waging the war against the epidemic of violent, gun-related crimes infecting our paradise. Project "Exile" was implemented with much hoopla.
The Legislature has sent a law to the governor that increases the penalties for illegal firearm possession. These measures are designed to eradicate illegal firearms in the territory.
Their intentions are honorable; however, the measures do nothing to close a gaping loophole in the V.I. Code that handcuffs the police from (l) stopping individuals suspected of possessing firearms, (2) conducting a search of that individual to determine whether or not they in fact are in possession of a firearm and, if they are, (3) determining if they have a license.
This loophole in the V.I. Code was exposed in August of 2000 by the Third Circuit Court of Appeals – the court that represents the next-to-last court of final appeal in the Virgin Islands, subordinate only to the Supreme Court of the United States – when it declared " … it is not a crime to possess a firearm in the Virgin Islands – even when standing in a crowd."
The court made the declaration in deciding that the police had violated a young man's constitutional right to privacy when, acting on an anonymous tip, they approached him and seized a Jennings Long Rifle .22-caliber semi-automatic pistol, model J-22, concealed in his clothing in the middle of the J'Ouvert Carnival celebration.
The Code currently states: "Whoever, unless otherwise authorized by law, has, possesses, bears, transports or carries either, actually or constructively, openly or concealed, any firearm, … loaded or unloaded, may be arrested without a warrant, and shall be sentenced to imprisonment of not less than six months nor more than three years and shall be fined not more than $5,000."
There lies the loophole. The police can only approach an individual when they have a reason to believe that he is committing a crime. The police, in stopping the young man, did not determine beforehand that he was not authorized by law to possess the firearm. Therefore, the court opined that they had no reason to approach him and search him. If he was authorized by law to possess a firearm, he was not committing a crime.
The V.I. Code should state "Whoever has, possesses, bears, transports or carries either, actually or constructively, openly or concealed, any firearm, … loaded or unloaded, may be arrested without a warrant, and shall be sentenced to imprisonment of not less than six months nor more than three years and shall be fined not more than $5,000." That language would make it a crime to be in possession of a firearm by everyone.
Those individuals lawfully in possession of a firearm, those authorized by law, e.g. peace officers, military personnel, and those private citizens who have been lawfully licensed by the Government to possess a firearm, should be granted an exemption from prosecution by the next paragraph.
If we are to take firearms out of the hands of those unlawfully in possession of them, we must amend our laws to make possession of a firearm a crime in the Virgin Islands.
Phillip Phipps
St. Thomas
Let's talk about the crime in the Virgin Islands and the solutions that our politicians have suggested to bring it under control.
We have heard the governor proclaim that he hates guns.
Those charged with combating crime have established a task force to be on the front line of waging the war against the epidemic of violent, gun-related crimes infecting our paradise. Project "Exile" was implemented with much hoopla.
The Legislature has sent a law to the governor that increases the penalties for illegal firearm possession. These measures are designed to eradicate illegal firearms in the territory.
Their intentions are honorable; however, the measures do nothing to close a gaping loophole in the V.I. Code that handcuffs the police from (l) stopping individuals suspected of possessing firearms, (2) conducting a search of that individual to determine whether or not they in fact are in possession of a firearm and, if they are, (3) determining if they have a license.
This loophole in the V.I. Code was exposed in August of 2000 by the Third Circuit Court of Appeals – the court that represents the next-to-last court of final appeal in the Virgin Islands, subordinate only to the Supreme Court of the United States – when it declared " … it is not a crime to possess a firearm in the Virgin Islands – even when standing in a crowd."
The court made the declaration in deciding that the police had violated a young man's constitutional right to privacy when, acting on an anonymous tip, they approached him and seized a Jennings Long Rifle .22-caliber semi-automatic pistol, model J-22, concealed in his clothing in the middle of the J'Ouvert Carnival celebration.
The Code currently states: "Whoever, unless otherwise authorized by law, has, possesses, bears, transports or carries either, actually or constructively, openly or concealed, any firearm, … loaded or unloaded, may be arrested without a warrant, and shall be sentenced to imprisonment of not less than six months nor more than three years and shall be fined not more than $5,000."
There lies the loophole. The police can only approach an individual when they have a reason to believe that he is committing a crime. The police, in stopping the young man, did not determine beforehand that he was not authorized by law to possess the firearm. Therefore, the court opined that they had no reason to approach him and search him. If he was authorized by law to possess a firearm, he was not committing a crime.
The V.I. Code should state "Whoever has, possesses, bears, transports or carries either, actually or constructively, openly or concealed, any firearm, … loaded or unloaded, may be arrested without a warrant, and shall be sentenced to imprisonment of not less than six months nor more than three years and shall be fined not more than $5,000." That language would make it a crime to be in possession of a firearm by everyone.
Those individuals lawfully in possession of a firearm, those authorized by law, e.g. peace officers, military personnel, and those private citizens who have been lawfully licensed by the Government to possess a firearm, should be granted an exemption from prosecution by the next paragraph.
If we are to take firearms out of the hands of those unlawfully in possession of them, we must amend our laws to make possession of a firearm a crime in the Virgin Islands.
Phillip Phipps
St. Thomas
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.
V.I. CODE CHANGE COULD CLOSE GUN LOOPHOLE
Dear Source:
Let's talk about the crime in the Virgin Islands and the solutions that our politicians have suggested to bring it under control.
We have heard the governor proclaim that he hates guns.
Those charged with combating crime have established a task force to be on the front line of waging the war against the epidemic of violent, gun-related crimes infecting our paradise. Project "Exile" was implemented with much hoopla.
The Legislature has sent a law to the governor that increases the penalties for illegal firearm possession. These measures are designed to eradicate illegal firearms in the territory.
Their intentions are honorable; however, these measures do nothing to close a gaping loophole in the V.I. Code that handcuffs the police from (l) stopping those individuals suspected of possessing firearms, (2) conducting a search of that individual to determine whether or not they in fact are in possession of a firearm and, if they are, (3) determining if they have a license.
This loophole in the V.I. Code was exposed in August of 2000 by the Third Circuit Court of Appeals – the court that represents the next-to-last court of final appeal in the Virgin Islands, subordinate only to the Supreme Court of the United States – when it declared " … it is not a crime to possess a firearm in the Virgin Islands – even when standing in a crowd."
The court made the declaration in deciding that the police had violated a young man's constitutional right to privacy when, acting on an anonymous tip, they approached him and seized a Jennings Long Rifle .22-caliber semi-automatic pistol, model J-22, concealed in his clothing in the middle of the J'Ouvert Carnival celebration.
The Code currently states: "Whoever, unless otherwise authorized by law, has, possesses, bears, transports or carries either, actually or constructively, openly or concealed, any firearm, … loaded or unloaded, may be arrested without a warrant, and shall be sentenced to imprisonment of not less than six months nor more than three years and shall be fined not more than $5,000."
There lies the loophole. The police can only approach an individual when they have a reason to believe that he is committing a crime. The police, in stopping the young man, did not determine beforehand that he was not authorized by law to possess the firearm. Therefore, the court opined that they had no reason to approach him and search him. If he was authorized by law to possess a firearm, he was not committing a crime.
The V.I. Code should state "Whoever has, possesses, bears, transports or carries either, actually or constructively, openly or concealed, any firearm, … loaded or unloaded, may be arrested without a warrant, and shall be sentenced to imprisonment of not less than six months nor more than three years and shall be fined not more than $5,000." That language would make it a crime to be in possession of a firearm by everyone.
Those individuals lawfully in possession of a firearm, those authorized by law, e.g. peace officers, military personnel, and those private citizens who have been lawfully licensed by the Government to possess a firearm, should be granted an exemption from prosecution by the next paragraph.
If we are to take firearms out of the hands of those unlawfully in possession of them, we must amend our laws to make possession of a firearm a crime in the Virgin Islands.
Phillip Phipps
St. Thomas
Let's talk about the crime in the Virgin Islands and the solutions that our politicians have suggested to bring it under control.
We have heard the governor proclaim that he hates guns.
Those charged with combating crime have established a task force to be on the front line of waging the war against the epidemic of violent, gun-related crimes infecting our paradise. Project "Exile" was implemented with much hoopla.
The Legislature has sent a law to the governor that increases the penalties for illegal firearm possession. These measures are designed to eradicate illegal firearms in the territory.
Their intentions are honorable; however, these measures do nothing to close a gaping loophole in the V.I. Code that handcuffs the police from (l) stopping those individuals suspected of possessing firearms, (2) conducting a search of that individual to determine whether or not they in fact are in possession of a firearm and, if they are, (3) determining if they have a license.
This loophole in the V.I. Code was exposed in August of 2000 by the Third Circuit Court of Appeals – the court that represents the next-to-last court of final appeal in the Virgin Islands, subordinate only to the Supreme Court of the United States – when it declared " … it is not a crime to possess a firearm in the Virgin Islands – even when standing in a crowd."
The court made the declaration in deciding that the police had violated a young man's constitutional right to privacy when, acting on an anonymous tip, they approached him and seized a Jennings Long Rifle .22-caliber semi-automatic pistol, model J-22, concealed in his clothing in the middle of the J'Ouvert Carnival celebration.
The Code currently states: "Whoever, unless otherwise authorized by law, has, possesses, bears, transports or carries either, actually or constructively, openly or concealed, any firearm, … loaded or unloaded, may be arrested without a warrant, and shall be sentenced to imprisonment of not less than six months nor more than three years and shall be fined not more than $5,000."
There lies the loophole. The police can only approach an individual when they have a reason to believe that he is committing a crime. The police, in stopping the young man, did not determine beforehand that he was not authorized by law to possess the firearm. Therefore, the court opined that they had no reason to approach him and search him. If he was authorized by law to possess a firearm, he was not committing a crime.
The V.I. Code should state "Whoever has, possesses, bears, transports or carries either, actually or constructively, openly or concealed, any firearm, … loaded or unloaded, may be arrested without a warrant, and shall be sentenced to imprisonment of not less than six months nor more than three years and shall be fined not more than $5,000." That language would make it a crime to be in possession of a firearm by everyone.
Those individuals lawfully in possession of a firearm, those authorized by law, e.g. peace officers, military personnel, and those private citizens who have been lawfully licensed by the Government to possess a firearm, should be granted an exemption from prosecution by the next paragraph.
If we are to take firearms out of the hands of those unlawfully in possession of them, we must amend our laws to make possession of a firearm a crime in the Virgin Islands.
Phillip Phipps
St. Thomas
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.
COLUMBUS DAY REGATTA IS A BEGINNER'S DREAM
Oct. 9, 2001 – Caribbean-perfect sailing conditions — 15-plus knots of breeze and bright blue skies — sandwiched between Hurricane Iris and Tropical Storm Jerry made for excellent racing over the weekend at the Columbus Day Regatta hosted by the St. Thomas Yacht Club.
In the final event of the 11-race series, St. John beginning Optimist dinghy sailor Hugo Roller III stole the show by handily beating all 19 other Optimist sailors from the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico, most of them older and more experienced Red, Blue and White Fleet sailors.
"I don't think this has ever been done in the history of the STYC," regatta director Shep Barrows said.
Hugo's explanation was: "I like to go where it isn't as crowded, so I sailed all the way to the right up to the windward mark." The move broke the young sailor free of the heavy current plus enabled him to catch a wind shift that propelled him out in front by a comfortable lead of 8 to 10 boat lengths. Once out in front, he pursued a smart tactical game plan.
"I knew just where I was going, but I was afraid the bigger kids were going to catch me," he said. Therefore, glancing at the closest competitor behind him, fellow St. Johnian Ryan Costanzo, 14, Hugo tacked when Ryan did, covering the Red Fleet sailor all the way to the finish line.
In the advanced Optimist Fleets, St. Thomas's Cy Thompson won the overall award, followed by Puerto Rico's Carlos Teixidor and St. Thomas's Taylor Canfield. "The competition was tough out there, especially Carlos," Cy said shortly before the awards presentation. When the sea spray settled, just 4 points separated the two.
By fleet, Cy was the winner in the Red Fleet (ages 13-15), Carlos captured first place in the Blue Fleet (ages 11 and 12), St. Thomas's Tyler Rice finished first in the White Fleet (ages 10 and under), and Hugo finished first in the Green Fleet (beginners).
In September, Hugo came in third in the Green Beginner Fleet at the International KATS Cup Regatta. "He's been sailing about a year," his father, Hugo Roller Jr., said. The two of them attended the Optimist Nationals in Barrington, Rhode Island, this summer, but Hugo Jr. added, "We really have to give a lot of credit to the St. John KATS [Kids and the Sea] program."
The annual regatta was started five years ago to foster more small-boat racing. In keeping with that concept, two new fleets, Laser and smaller-rigged Laser Radial, were added to the event last year.
"I really spanked the Radial Fleet. I couldn't compete with the big dogs, but I did take them down at least four times," Laser Radial Fleet winner Paul Stoeken of St. Thomas said. The "big dogs" included St. Thomas's Brett Clark, who smoked down the course at top speed in his standard-rigged Laser. "I haven't touched a Laser in four years," Clark said. "I've been doing a lot of snow boarding in the States instead. But my friends kept urging me to come out and race."
Laser Radial entries far outnumbered those in the standard-rigged fleet and saw lots of heavy competition within the class. "I haven't sailed Lasers for a while," Stoeken said, and for the first day he was asking Barrows for tips on tuning his rigging. "I guess you can say the coach was being coached," said Stoeken, who is junior sailing instructor at STYC.
Barrows and St. John's Ian Beam were hot on Stoeken's tail for much of the regatta. "It was certainly competitive out there," said Beam, who won Best Junior Laser Radial Sailor. St. John's Sarah Swan earned the Best Female Laser Radial Sailor award.
"It was really a great regatta. The conditions were great, and so was the competition," Barrows said at the awards ceremony.
In the final event of the 11-race series, St. John beginning Optimist dinghy sailor Hugo Roller III stole the show by handily beating all 19 other Optimist sailors from the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico, most of them older and more experienced Red, Blue and White Fleet sailors.
"I don't think this has ever been done in the history of the STYC," regatta director Shep Barrows said.
Hugo's explanation was: "I like to go where it isn't as crowded, so I sailed all the way to the right up to the windward mark." The move broke the young sailor free of the heavy current plus enabled him to catch a wind shift that propelled him out in front by a comfortable lead of 8 to 10 boat lengths. Once out in front, he pursued a smart tactical game plan.
"I knew just where I was going, but I was afraid the bigger kids were going to catch me," he said. Therefore, glancing at the closest competitor behind him, fellow St. Johnian Ryan Costanzo, 14, Hugo tacked when Ryan did, covering the Red Fleet sailor all the way to the finish line.
In the advanced Optimist Fleets, St. Thomas's Cy Thompson won the overall award, followed by Puerto Rico's Carlos Teixidor and St. Thomas's Taylor Canfield. "The competition was tough out there, especially Carlos," Cy said shortly before the awards presentation. When the sea spray settled, just 4 points separated the two.
By fleet, Cy was the winner in the Red Fleet (ages 13-15), Carlos captured first place in the Blue Fleet (ages 11 and 12), St. Thomas's Tyler Rice finished first in the White Fleet (ages 10 and under), and Hugo finished first in the Green Fleet (beginners).
In September, Hugo came in third in the Green Beginner Fleet at the International KATS Cup Regatta. "He's been sailing about a year," his father, Hugo Roller Jr., said. The two of them attended the Optimist Nationals in Barrington, Rhode Island, this summer, but Hugo Jr. added, "We really have to give a lot of credit to the St. John KATS [Kids and the Sea] program."
The annual regatta was started five years ago to foster more small-boat racing. In keeping with that concept, two new fleets, Laser and smaller-rigged Laser Radial, were added to the event last year.
"I really spanked the Radial Fleet. I couldn't compete with the big dogs, but I did take them down at least four times," Laser Radial Fleet winner Paul Stoeken of St. Thomas said. The "big dogs" included St. Thomas's Brett Clark, who smoked down the course at top speed in his standard-rigged Laser. "I haven't touched a Laser in four years," Clark said. "I've been doing a lot of snow boarding in the States instead. But my friends kept urging me to come out and race."
Laser Radial entries far outnumbered those in the standard-rigged fleet and saw lots of heavy competition within the class. "I haven't sailed Lasers for a while," Stoeken said, and for the first day he was asking Barrows for tips on tuning his rigging. "I guess you can say the coach was being coached," said Stoeken, who is junior sailing instructor at STYC.
Barrows and St. John's Ian Beam were hot on Stoeken's tail for much of the regatta. "It was certainly competitive out there," said Beam, who won Best Junior Laser Radial Sailor. St. John's Sarah Swan earned the Best Female Laser Radial Sailor award.
"It was really a great regatta. The conditions were great, and so was the competition," Barrows said at the awards ceremony.
Columbus Day Regatta Is A Beginner's Dream
Oct. 9, 2001 – Caribbean-perfect sailing conditions — 15-plus knots of breeze and bright blue skies — sandwiched between Hurricane Iris and Tropical Storm Jerry made for excellent racing over the weekend at the Columbus Day Regatta hosted by the St. Thomas Yacht Club.
In the final event of the 11-race series, St. John beginning Optimist dinghy sailor Hugo Roller III stole the show by handily beating all 19 other Optimist sailors from the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico, most of them older and more experienced Red, Blue and White Fleet sailors.
"I don’t think this has ever been done in the history of the STYC," regatta director Shep Barrows said.
Hugo’s explanation was: "I like to go where it isn’t as crowded, so I sailed all the way to the right up to the windward mark." The move broke the young sailor free of the heavy current plus enabled him to catch a wind shift that propelled him out in front by a comfortable lead of 8 to 10 boat lengths. Once out in front, he pursued a smart tactical game plan.
"I knew just where I was going, but I was afraid the bigger kids were going to catch me," he said. Therefore, glancing at the closest competitor behind him, fellow St. Johnian Ryan Costanzo, 14, Hugo tacked when Ryan did, covering the Red Fleet sailor all the way to the finish line.
In the advanced Optimist Fleets, St. Thomas’s Cy Thompson won the overall award, followed by Puerto Rico’s Carlos Teixidor and St. Thomas’s Taylor Canfield. "The competition was tough out there, especially Carlos," Cy said shortly before the awards presentation. When the sea spray settled, just 4 points separated the two.
By fleet, Cy was the winner in the Red Fleet (ages 13-15), Carlos captured first place in the Blue Fleet (ages 11 and 12), St. Thomas’s Tyler Rice finished first in the White Fleet (ages 10 and under), and Hugo finished first in the Green Fleet (beginners).
In September, Hugo came in third in the Green Beginner Fleet at the International KATS Cup Regatta. "He’s been sailing about a year," his father, Hugo Roller Jr., said. The two of them attended the Optimist Nationals in Barrington, Rhode Island, this summer, but Hugo Jr. added, "We really have to give a lot of credit to the St. John KATS [Kids and the Sea] program."
The annual regatta was started five years ago to foster more small-boat racing. In keeping with that concept, two new fleets, Laser and smaller-rigged Laser Radial, were added to the event last year.
"I really spanked the Radial Fleet. I couldn’t compete with the big dogs, but I did take them down at least four times," Laser Radial Fleet winner Paul Stoeken of St. Thomas said. The "big dogs" included St. Thomas’s Brett Clark, who smoked down the course at top speed in his standard-rigged Laser. "I haven’t touched a Laser in four years," Clark said. "I’ve been doing a lot of snow boarding in the States instead. But my friends kept urging me to come out and race."
Laser Radial entries far outnumbered those in the standard-rigged fleet and saw lots of heavy competition within the class. "I haven’t sailed Lasers for a while," Stoeken said, and for the first day he was asking Barrows for tips on tuning his rigging. "I guess you can say the coach was being coached," said Stoeken, who is junior sailing instructor at STYC.
Barrows and St. John’s Ian Beam were hot on Stoeken’s tail for much of the regatta. "It was certainly competitive out there," said Beam, who won Best Junior Laser Radial Sailor. St. John’s Sarah Swan earned the Best Female Laser Radial Sailor award.
"It was really a great regatta. The conditions were great, and so was the competition," Barrows said at the awards ceremony.
COLUMBUS DAY REGATTA IS A BEGINNER'S DREAM
Oct. 9, 2001 – Caribbean-perfect sailing conditions — 15-plus knots of breeze and bright blue skies — sandwiched between Hurricane Iris and Tropical Storm Jerry made for excellent racing over the weekend at the Columbus Day Regatta hosted by the St. Thomas Yacht Club.
In the final event of the 11-race series, St. John beginning Optimist dinghy sailor Hugo Roller III stole the show by handily beating all 19 other Optimist sailors from the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico, most of them older and more experienced Red, Blue and White Fleet sailors.
"I don't think this has ever been done in the history of the STYC," regatta director Shep Barrows said.
Hugo's explanation was: "I like to go where it isn't as crowded, so I sailed all the way to the right up to the windward mark." The move broke the young sailor free of the heavy current plus enabled him to catch a wind shift that propelled him out in front by a comfortable lead of 8 to 10 boat lengths. Once out in front, he pursued a smart tactical game plan.
"I knew just where I was going, but I was afraid the bigger kids were going to catch me," he said. Therefore, glancing at the closest competitor behind him, fellow St. Johnian Ryan Costanzo, 14, Hugo tacked when Ryan did, covering the Red Fleet sailor all the way to the finish line.
In the advanced Optimist Fleets, St. Thomas's Cy Thompson won the overall award, followed by Puerto Rico's Carlos Teixidor and St. Thomas's Taylor Canfield. "The competition was tough out there, especially Carlos," Cy said shortly before the awards presentation. When the sea spray settled, just 4 points separated the two.
By fleet, Cy was the winner in the Red Fleet (ages 13-15), Carlos captured first place in the Blue Fleet (ages 11 and 12), St. Thomas's Tyler Rice finished first in the White Fleet (ages 10 and under), and Hugo finished first in the Green Fleet (beginners).
In September, Hugo came in third in the Green Beginner Fleet at the International KATS Cup Regatta. "He's been sailing about a year," his father, Hugo Roller Jr., said. The two of them attended the Optimist Nationals in Barrington, Rhode Island, this summer, but Hugo Jr. added, "We really have to give a lot of credit to the St. John KATS [Kids and the Sea] program."
The annual regatta was started five years ago to foster more small-boat racing. In keeping with that concept, two new fleets, Laser and smaller-rigged Laser Radial, were added to the event last year.
"I really spanked the Radial Fleet. I couldn't compete with the big dogs, but I did take them down at least four times," Laser Radial Fleet winner Paul Stoeken of St. Thomas said. The "big dogs" included St. Thomas's Brett Clark, who smoked down the course at top speed in his standard-rigged Laser. "I haven't touched a Laser in four years," Clark said. "I've been doing a lot of snow boarding in the States instead. But my friends kept urging me to come out and race."
Laser Radial entries far outnumbered those in the standard-rigged fleet and saw lots of heavy competition within the class. "I haven't sailed Lasers for a while," Stoeken said, and for the first day he was asking Barrows for tips on tuning his rigging. "I guess you can say the coach was being coached," said Stoeken, who is junior sailing instructor at STYC.
Barrows and St. John's Ian Beam were hot on Stoeken's tail for much of the regatta. "It was certainly competitive out there," said Beam, who won Best Junior Laser Radial Sailor. St. John's Sarah Swan earned the Best Female Laser Radial Sailor award.
"It was really a great regatta. The conditions were great, and so was the competition," Barrows said at the awards ceremony.
In the final event of the 11-race series, St. John beginning Optimist dinghy sailor Hugo Roller III stole the show by handily beating all 19 other Optimist sailors from the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico, most of them older and more experienced Red, Blue and White Fleet sailors.
"I don't think this has ever been done in the history of the STYC," regatta director Shep Barrows said.
Hugo's explanation was: "I like to go where it isn't as crowded, so I sailed all the way to the right up to the windward mark." The move broke the young sailor free of the heavy current plus enabled him to catch a wind shift that propelled him out in front by a comfortable lead of 8 to 10 boat lengths. Once out in front, he pursued a smart tactical game plan.
"I knew just where I was going, but I was afraid the bigger kids were going to catch me," he said. Therefore, glancing at the closest competitor behind him, fellow St. Johnian Ryan Costanzo, 14, Hugo tacked when Ryan did, covering the Red Fleet sailor all the way to the finish line.
In the advanced Optimist Fleets, St. Thomas's Cy Thompson won the overall award, followed by Puerto Rico's Carlos Teixidor and St. Thomas's Taylor Canfield. "The competition was tough out there, especially Carlos," Cy said shortly before the awards presentation. When the sea spray settled, just 4 points separated the two.
By fleet, Cy was the winner in the Red Fleet (ages 13-15), Carlos captured first place in the Blue Fleet (ages 11 and 12), St. Thomas's Tyler Rice finished first in the White Fleet (ages 10 and under), and Hugo finished first in the Green Fleet (beginners).
In September, Hugo came in third in the Green Beginner Fleet at the International KATS Cup Regatta. "He's been sailing about a year," his father, Hugo Roller Jr., said. The two of them attended the Optimist Nationals in Barrington, Rhode Island, this summer, but Hugo Jr. added, "We really have to give a lot of credit to the St. John KATS [Kids and the Sea] program."
The annual regatta was started five years ago to foster more small-boat racing. In keeping with that concept, two new fleets, Laser and smaller-rigged Laser Radial, were added to the event last year.
"I really spanked the Radial Fleet. I couldn't compete with the big dogs, but I did take them down at least four times," Laser Radial Fleet winner Paul Stoeken of St. Thomas said. The "big dogs" included St. Thomas's Brett Clark, who smoked down the course at top speed in his standard-rigged Laser. "I haven't touched a Laser in four years," Clark said. "I've been doing a lot of snow boarding in the States instead. But my friends kept urging me to come out and race."
Laser Radial entries far outnumbered those in the standard-rigged fleet and saw lots of heavy competition within the class. "I haven't sailed Lasers for a while," Stoeken said, and for the first day he was asking Barrows for tips on tuning his rigging. "I guess you can say the coach was being coached," said Stoeken, who is junior sailing instructor at STYC.
Barrows and St. John's Ian Beam were hot on Stoeken's tail for much of the regatta. "It was certainly competitive out there," said Beam, who won Best Junior Laser Radial Sailor. St. John's Sarah Swan earned the Best Female Laser Radial Sailor award.
"It was really a great regatta. The conditions were great, and so was the competition," Barrows said at the awards ceremony.
IRIS SENDING 2 SHIPS TO ST. THOMAS WEDNESDAY
Oct. 9, 2001 – St. Thomas will be getting two extra cruise ship visits on Wednesday as a result of Hurricane Iris's movement across the Western Caribbean.
When the hurricane's approach threatened ports on the ships' normal itinerary, cruise line executives decided to reroute the two vessels and so informed The West Indian Co., according to a WICO release.
The Enchantment of the Seas is now scheduled to arrive at St. Thomas at 7 a.m. Wednesday from Fort Lauderdale, Fla., and to depart at 6 p.m. for San Juan.
The Grand Princess also is to arrive at 7 a.m. and is scheduled to depart at 5 p.m.
WICO also said that the Century, in port on Tuesday, would depart at 7 p.m.
When the hurricane's approach threatened ports on the ships' normal itinerary, cruise line executives decided to reroute the two vessels and so informed The West Indian Co., according to a WICO release.
The Enchantment of the Seas is now scheduled to arrive at St. Thomas at 7 a.m. Wednesday from Fort Lauderdale, Fla., and to depart at 6 p.m. for San Juan.
The Grand Princess also is to arrive at 7 a.m. and is scheduled to depart at 5 p.m.
WICO also said that the Century, in port on Tuesday, would depart at 7 p.m.
HOVENSA STEPS UP AS HERITAGE TRAIL SPONSOR
Oct. 9, 2001 – Hovensa will be the first site partner on the St. Croix Landmarks Society’s Heritage Trail, with the adoption of the Estate Anna's Hope ruins.
The giant oil refining company will sponsor the cleaning, landscaping and restoration of the ruins, one of the many historic sites along the 72-mile St. Croix Heritage Trail.
The announcement is part of Hovensa’s ongoing support of the St. Croix Landmarks Society, including being a major sponsor of the Heritage Trail, Nancy Finegood, society executive director, said. The company donated the funds to purchase the road signposts that identify the trail route.
The Landmarks Society and Hovensa are entering into the cooperative stewardship of the 3.5-acre Estate Anna’s Hope site located next to the Public Works Department facility on Centerline Road, Finegood said. The area was initially cleared last year with a grant from the Anti-Litter and Beautification Commission. The project will be ongoing for several years due to the condition of the site.
"The agreement with Hovensa will ensure the perpetual maintenance and further development of this historic site," Finegood said. "Future plans include signs and photographs interpreting the site’s history. It is hoped that the property owner, the Department of Human Services, will remain a partner in this effort."
A three-year site-development plan for Anna’s Hope will be drawn up with input from the landscaping firm Antilles Design Group, Heritage Trail staff, Hovensa’s Employee Planning and Outreach Committee, and Human Services.
Hovensa's president, Rene Sagebien, said he hopes to enlist the company's employees and contractors to volunteer their time to the project.
Finegood said she approached Hovensa about adopting the ruins and is happy the company will be helping to clean up the site. She said she hopes that other organizations will adopt sites and follow Hovensa’s lead in contributing to the community.
The Landmarks Society received $25,000 in funding for the Heritage Trail from the Federal Highway Administration through the Public Works Department. Part of the grant is funding several Heritage Trail publications, the St. Croix Heritage Trail's web site at www.stcroixheritagetrail.com, and the design and construction of several scenic pullovers and overlooks along the trail.
Meanwhile, the Landmarks Society has recently named Pedra Chaffers as new project coordinator for the Heritage Trail. She can be contacted at the Heritage Trail office at 69 King Street in Frederiksted. The telephone number is 713-8563.
The giant oil refining company will sponsor the cleaning, landscaping and restoration of the ruins, one of the many historic sites along the 72-mile St. Croix Heritage Trail.
The announcement is part of Hovensa’s ongoing support of the St. Croix Landmarks Society, including being a major sponsor of the Heritage Trail, Nancy Finegood, society executive director, said. The company donated the funds to purchase the road signposts that identify the trail route.
The Landmarks Society and Hovensa are entering into the cooperative stewardship of the 3.5-acre Estate Anna’s Hope site located next to the Public Works Department facility on Centerline Road, Finegood said. The area was initially cleared last year with a grant from the Anti-Litter and Beautification Commission. The project will be ongoing for several years due to the condition of the site.
"The agreement with Hovensa will ensure the perpetual maintenance and further development of this historic site," Finegood said. "Future plans include signs and photographs interpreting the site’s history. It is hoped that the property owner, the Department of Human Services, will remain a partner in this effort."
A three-year site-development plan for Anna’s Hope will be drawn up with input from the landscaping firm Antilles Design Group, Heritage Trail staff, Hovensa’s Employee Planning and Outreach Committee, and Human Services.
Hovensa's president, Rene Sagebien, said he hopes to enlist the company's employees and contractors to volunteer their time to the project.
Finegood said she approached Hovensa about adopting the ruins and is happy the company will be helping to clean up the site. She said she hopes that other organizations will adopt sites and follow Hovensa’s lead in contributing to the community.
The Landmarks Society received $25,000 in funding for the Heritage Trail from the Federal Highway Administration through the Public Works Department. Part of the grant is funding several Heritage Trail publications, the St. Croix Heritage Trail's web site at www.stcroixheritagetrail.com, and the design and construction of several scenic pullovers and overlooks along the trail.
Meanwhile, the Landmarks Society has recently named Pedra Chaffers as new project coordinator for the Heritage Trail. She can be contacted at the Heritage Trail office at 69 King Street in Frederiksted. The telephone number is 713-8563.
LEADERSHIP TO MEET ON POST-ATTACK REALITIES
Oct. 9, 2001 — The governor and local lawmakers will meet Tuesday at Government House on St. Croix to map out the economic future of the territory almost a month after terrorist attacks on the mainland threw the world into economic chaos, and about two weeks after the V.I. Senate passed the record-high 2002 budget.
Later Tuesday, the Senate Finance Committee will convene to discuss an economic stimulus package after taking testimony from the private sector. The Finance Committee meeting comes just weeks after the Senate passed a record $551 million budget with many senators, including committee chair Alicia "Chucky" Hansen, saying that the terrorist acts wouldn’t hold the process hostage.
Meanwhile, Gov. Charles W. Turnbull and Senate President Almando "Rocky" Liburd scheduled the 10 a.m. meeting Tuesday so that lawmakers and the executive branch can "assess the economic and security conditions of the territory" since the attacks on Sept. 11. The joint meeting is supposed to be the first of a series to "monitor the territory’s financial and security condition."
"These are very serious times and there is a need for all residents to be on the highest alert and for the executive and legislative branches of government to work in unison for the public good," Turnbull said in a statement.
Liburd also said the government had to unify to show residents that it is "taking steps to protect life and property."
Hansen, meanwhile, said her committee, meeting at 6 p.m. in the legislative chambers in Frederiksted, will bring together government, union and private sector officials to "formulate a comprehensive rescue package for the ailing economy" of the territory.
"This is no time to protect turf," Hansen said. "We must come together as one people to rescue our economy from the doldrums."
Later Tuesday, the Senate Finance Committee will convene to discuss an economic stimulus package after taking testimony from the private sector. The Finance Committee meeting comes just weeks after the Senate passed a record $551 million budget with many senators, including committee chair Alicia "Chucky" Hansen, saying that the terrorist acts wouldn’t hold the process hostage.
Meanwhile, Gov. Charles W. Turnbull and Senate President Almando "Rocky" Liburd scheduled the 10 a.m. meeting Tuesday so that lawmakers and the executive branch can "assess the economic and security conditions of the territory" since the attacks on Sept. 11. The joint meeting is supposed to be the first of a series to "monitor the territory’s financial and security condition."
"These are very serious times and there is a need for all residents to be on the highest alert and for the executive and legislative branches of government to work in unison for the public good," Turnbull said in a statement.
Liburd also said the government had to unify to show residents that it is "taking steps to protect life and property."
Hansen, meanwhile, said her committee, meeting at 6 p.m. in the legislative chambers in Frederiksted, will bring together government, union and private sector officials to "formulate a comprehensive rescue package for the ailing economy" of the territory.
"This is no time to protect turf," Hansen said. "We must come together as one people to rescue our economy from the doldrums."
UVI'S TYSON TO RECEIVE NATIONAL TEACHING AWARD
Oct. 8, 2001 – Dr. Velma Tyson, an associate professor of mathematics at the University of the Virgin Islands and chair of its Science and Mathematics Division on the St. Croix campus, has been named to receive a Millennium Award for Excellence in Teaching.
The award is sponsored by the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities in partnership with the Science and Technology Cluster of federal agencies. The White House Initiative was created by President Bill Clinton to strengthen historically black schools and increase their ability to participate in federally sponsored programs.
This year's honorees were to have received their awards at a ceremony in Washington, D.C., on Sept. 18, but the event was postponed following the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, a UVI release stated. A new date has not been announced.
Tyson followed a non-traditional route to become an educator. After raising three children, she earned a bachelor's degree in mathematics from UVI in 1980. She went on to complete her master's in school administration supervision in 1983 and received her Ph.D. in mathematics from the University of Iowa in 1995.
"I must say a great big thank you to so many UVI faculty members who helped in my development and professional growth," Tyson said. "I am really committed to doing my best for the university."
UVI President Orville Kean described Tyson as "a treasured UVI alumna" and as a faculty member who "has always exhibited the very highest academic and personal standards." He added, "We at UVI are very proud of Dr. Tyson and recognize her as a valued member of the UVI family."
Last year, Dr. Camille McKayle, associate professor of mathematics on the St. Thomas campus, was one of six recipients nationwide of the 2000 Millennum Award.
The award is sponsored by the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities in partnership with the Science and Technology Cluster of federal agencies. The White House Initiative was created by President Bill Clinton to strengthen historically black schools and increase their ability to participate in federally sponsored programs.
This year's honorees were to have received their awards at a ceremony in Washington, D.C., on Sept. 18, but the event was postponed following the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, a UVI release stated. A new date has not been announced.
Tyson followed a non-traditional route to become an educator. After raising three children, she earned a bachelor's degree in mathematics from UVI in 1980. She went on to complete her master's in school administration supervision in 1983 and received her Ph.D. in mathematics from the University of Iowa in 1995.
"I must say a great big thank you to so many UVI faculty members who helped in my development and professional growth," Tyson said. "I am really committed to doing my best for the university."
UVI President Orville Kean described Tyson as "a treasured UVI alumna" and as a faculty member who "has always exhibited the very highest academic and personal standards." He added, "We at UVI are very proud of Dr. Tyson and recognize her as a valued member of the UVI family."
Last year, Dr. Camille McKayle, associate professor of mathematics on the St. Thomas campus, was one of six recipients nationwide of the 2000 Millennum Award.
