EDA BOARD MEETING
The Economic Development Authority Board will meet at at 10 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 24, at the DPNR Conference Room on St. Croix.
VETERANS COUNSELING SCHEDULE
Counseling for veterans has been scheduled from 2 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 26, at the Veterans Affairs Office located at #2C Estate Contant on St. Thomas.
Counselor Teresa Barajas of the Veterans Affairs Regional Office in San Juan, Puerto Rico will answer questions on benefits, claims, pensions and compensation. For more information call 773-6663.
Counselor Teresa Barajas of the Veterans Affairs Regional Office in San Juan, Puerto Rico will answer questions on benefits, claims, pensions and compensation. For more information call 773-6663.
EDA BOARD MEETING
the Economic Development Authhority Board will meet at 10 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 24, at the DPNR Conference Room on the island of St. Croix.
EDA BOARD MEETING
The Economic Development Authority Board will meet at 10 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 24, in the DPNR Conference Room on the island of St. Croix.
VETERANS COUNSELING SCHEDULE
Counseling for veterans has been scheduled from 2 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 26, at the Veterans Affairs Office located at #2C Estate Contant.
Counselor Barajs of the Veterans Affairs Regional Office in San Juan, Puerto Rico will answer questions on benefits, claims, pensions and compensation.
For more information call 773-6663.
Counselor Barajs of the Veterans Affairs Regional Office in San Juan, Puerto Rico will answer questions on benefits, claims, pensions and compensation.
For more information call 773-6663.
SIGNS TO SAY IT'S SO: 'MILO' HAS REPLACED 'SMITH'
Sept. 20, 2001 – Plans are under way to dedicate Smith Bay Road, from the crest of Cassi Hill to Red Hook, as Emile "Milo" Francis Memorial Drive.
The road was officially renamed for Francis by Act No. 6229 signed into law in 1998, shortly after the death of the native musician, band leader and war veteran. But the law's provisions for putting up signs with the new name have never been carried out.
Sen. Celestino A. White Sr. said in a release that he is happy Public Works Commissioner Wayne Callwood "is now commissioning the signs and will hold an unveiling ceremony." White had written to Gov. Charles W. Turnbull that "as a lasting tribute to 'Milo,' it is important that his memory be preserved through this small tribute."
Francis formed his band Milo and the Kings in 1958 and observed a big 25th anniversary celebration in 1983. The band continues today under the name Milo's Kings.
Although the legislation paying tribute to Francis refers only to Smith Bay Road, members of Holy Family Catholic Church are concerned that the name Cassi Hill not be lost. Parishioner Wendy Rouse noted that the annual Pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Cassi Hill has been held since 1947. It was started two years after the end of World War II to pray for lasting peace and for protection against hurricanes, she said.
The origin of the name Cassi Hill is uncertain, but local historian Myron Jackson observed that "cassi" is a Caribbean vernacular term for prickly pear.
Other renamings on St. Thomas in honor of local figures that have occurred in deed have not had widespread effect in word — such as Julian Jackson Drive, still commonly called Harwood Highway; Valdemar Hill Sr. Drive, still referred to as Skyline Drive; and Lionel Pierre Berry Scenic Drive, still the east end of Crown Mountain Road to most. Maud Proudfoot Drive is posted, but to residents the stretch is still the bottom of the Mafolie Hill road.
In large part, residents also continue to call Rothschild Francis Square by its former generic name, Market Square. Those with long memories even refer to Addelita Cancryn Junior High School as "Wayne Aspinall," and J. Antonio Jarvis Elementary as "Lincoln School."
On the other hand, Cyril E. King Airport has become a part of the vernacular; nobody thinks of it as "Harry S. Truman" anymore. And Roy L. Schneider Hospital seems to have been accepted in place of "St. Thomas Hospital."
As for Smith Bay Road, information as to the derivation of "Smith" could not be found.
The road was officially renamed for Francis by Act No. 6229 signed into law in 1998, shortly after the death of the native musician, band leader and war veteran. But the law's provisions for putting up signs with the new name have never been carried out.
Sen. Celestino A. White Sr. said in a release that he is happy Public Works Commissioner Wayne Callwood "is now commissioning the signs and will hold an unveiling ceremony." White had written to Gov. Charles W. Turnbull that "as a lasting tribute to 'Milo,' it is important that his memory be preserved through this small tribute."
Francis formed his band Milo and the Kings in 1958 and observed a big 25th anniversary celebration in 1983. The band continues today under the name Milo's Kings.
Although the legislation paying tribute to Francis refers only to Smith Bay Road, members of Holy Family Catholic Church are concerned that the name Cassi Hill not be lost. Parishioner Wendy Rouse noted that the annual Pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Cassi Hill has been held since 1947. It was started two years after the end of World War II to pray for lasting peace and for protection against hurricanes, she said.
The origin of the name Cassi Hill is uncertain, but local historian Myron Jackson observed that "cassi" is a Caribbean vernacular term for prickly pear.
Other renamings on St. Thomas in honor of local figures that have occurred in deed have not had widespread effect in word — such as Julian Jackson Drive, still commonly called Harwood Highway; Valdemar Hill Sr. Drive, still referred to as Skyline Drive; and Lionel Pierre Berry Scenic Drive, still the east end of Crown Mountain Road to most. Maud Proudfoot Drive is posted, but to residents the stretch is still the bottom of the Mafolie Hill road.
In large part, residents also continue to call Rothschild Francis Square by its former generic name, Market Square. Those with long memories even refer to Addelita Cancryn Junior High School as "Wayne Aspinall," and J. Antonio Jarvis Elementary as "Lincoln School."
On the other hand, Cyril E. King Airport has become a part of the vernacular; nobody thinks of it as "Harry S. Truman" anymore. And Roy L. Schneider Hospital seems to have been accepted in place of "St. Thomas Hospital."
As for Smith Bay Road, information as to the derivation of "Smith" could not be found.
TOURISM BUDGET INSULTING
Dear Source,
Are we really serious about improving our local economic picture? I ask that question of our government officials after looking at the budget allocation for the various departments of our government. While the Governor’s proposed 3.1 million dollars to fund tourism, the finance committee saw it fit to cut that amount by almost 10% to 2.8 million.We as a community must stop looking at tourism promotion as expenditure but rather as an investment for improving this community’s future. The figure of 2.8 million represents only half a percent (.50%) of the total budget! I find it very disheartening as a member of this community to see another year go by with no serious effort to provide the financial resources to our Department of Tourism to succeed in promoting the U.S. Virgin Islands. No Tourism commissioner past, present, or future will succeed in doing the job with such a small budget. To make money you must spend money and, in saying so, our leaders must come up with a way to dedicate more money to promote tourism. Ideally a fixed percentage of 2.5% is a good start.
The tourism industry is just like a family car’s six-cylinder engine: all pistons must be working in harmony. Cruise ship arrivals represents just two pistons, overnight arrivals two, and the marine industry the other two. Imagine the revenue potential of all six pistons working to drive this economy. Where would our revenue projection be? 750 million? 900 million? The community could have it all, if it put the first piece of the puzzle in place.
In light of the recent attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, tourism worldwide has seen a downturn. Serious tourist destinations will need to spend, spend and spend to lure tourists back. Any delay in the start of the 2001-2002 season will have serious impact on the projected revenues of our government. We as an "American Paradise" have a big advantage over other Caribbean destinations in being uniquely American, and we need to promote our islands to Americans who will be looking to escape from the daily grinds of everyday living.
"Escape to America’s Paradise. The U.S. Virgin Islands." This should be our battle cry to fight back to restore our economy and restore lost jobs. This battle cry will not be heard if we cannot pay to get the word out to the nation and restore American’s faith in travel.
Some food for thought as we look forward.
Vinnie Mohanani
St. Thomas
Are we really serious about improving our local economic picture? I ask that question of our government officials after looking at the budget allocation for the various departments of our government. While the Governor’s proposed 3.1 million dollars to fund tourism, the finance committee saw it fit to cut that amount by almost 10% to 2.8 million.We as a community must stop looking at tourism promotion as expenditure but rather as an investment for improving this community’s future. The figure of 2.8 million represents only half a percent (.50%) of the total budget! I find it very disheartening as a member of this community to see another year go by with no serious effort to provide the financial resources to our Department of Tourism to succeed in promoting the U.S. Virgin Islands. No Tourism commissioner past, present, or future will succeed in doing the job with such a small budget. To make money you must spend money and, in saying so, our leaders must come up with a way to dedicate more money to promote tourism. Ideally a fixed percentage of 2.5% is a good start.
The tourism industry is just like a family car’s six-cylinder engine: all pistons must be working in harmony. Cruise ship arrivals represents just two pistons, overnight arrivals two, and the marine industry the other two. Imagine the revenue potential of all six pistons working to drive this economy. Where would our revenue projection be? 750 million? 900 million? The community could have it all, if it put the first piece of the puzzle in place.
In light of the recent attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, tourism worldwide has seen a downturn. Serious tourist destinations will need to spend, spend and spend to lure tourists back. Any delay in the start of the 2001-2002 season will have serious impact on the projected revenues of our government. We as an "American Paradise" have a big advantage over other Caribbean destinations in being uniquely American, and we need to promote our islands to Americans who will be looking to escape from the daily grinds of everyday living.
"Escape to America’s Paradise. The U.S. Virgin Islands." This should be our battle cry to fight back to restore our economy and restore lost jobs. This battle cry will not be heard if we cannot pay to get the word out to the nation and restore American’s faith in travel.
Some food for thought as we look forward.
Vinnie Mohanani
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.
CHILDREN TAKING A STAND 'TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE'
Sept. 21, 2001 – Alec, who's 6, and his sister Jewel, who's 4, have been hand-painting American flags at their home each evening this week. On Saturday, the children of Amy and Harold Tayler will have a makeshift lemonade stand set up with the 18 flags, lemonade, cookies and brownies for sale.
They also will be selling yellow ribbons, to be worn or displayed in honor of the children of the victims of last week's terrorist attacks on the U.S. mainland.
Every penny they collect will be turned over to the American Red Cross, to assist children of those who lost their lives in the attacks or in responding to them.
The youngsters will have their stand set up from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the shady area across from the main entrance to Mahogany Run on St. Thomas.
"Children can make a difference," Amy Tayler said, "if given opportunities."
They also will be selling yellow ribbons, to be worn or displayed in honor of the children of the victims of last week's terrorist attacks on the U.S. mainland.
Every penny they collect will be turned over to the American Red Cross, to assist children of those who lost their lives in the attacks or in responding to them.
The youngsters will have their stand set up from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the shady area across from the main entrance to Mahogany Run on St. Thomas.
"Children can make a difference," Amy Tayler said, "if given opportunities."
TOURISM BUDGET INSULTING
Dear Source,
Are we really serious about improving our local economic picture? I ask that question of our government officials after looking at the budget allocation for the various departments of our government. While the Governor’s proposed 3.1 million dollars to fund tourism, the finance committee saw it fit to cut that amount by almost 10% to 2.8 million.We as a community must stop looking at tourism promotion as expenditure but rather as an investment for improving this community’s future. The figure of 2.8 million represents only half a percent (.50%) of the total budget! I find it very disheartening as a member of this community to see another year go by with no serious effort to provide the financial resources to our Department of Tourism to succeed in promoting the U.S. Virgin Islands. No Tourism commissioner past, present, or future will succeed in doing the job with such a small budget. To make money you must spend money and, in saying so, our leaders must come up with a way to dedicate more money to promote tourism. Ideally a fixed percentage of 2.5% is a good start.
The tourism industry is just like a family car’s six-cylinder engine: all pistons must be working in harmony. Cruise ship arrivals represents just two pistons, overnight arrivals two, and the marine industry the other two. Imagine the revenue potential of all six pistons working to drive this economy. Where would our revenue projection be? 750 million? 900 million? The community could have it all, if it put the first piece of the puzzle in place.
In light of the recent attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, tourism worldwide has seen a downturn. Serious tourist destinations will need to spend, spend and spend to lure tourists back. Any delay in the start of the 2001-2002 season will have serious impact on the projected revenues of our government. We as an "American Paradise" have a big advantage over other Caribbean destinations in being uniquely American, and we need to promote our islands to Americans who will be looking to escape from the daily grinds of everyday living.
"Escape to America’s Paradise. The U.S. Virgin Islands." This should be our battle cry to fight back to restore our economy and restore lost jobs. This battle cry will not be heard if we cannot pay to get the word out to the nation and restore American’s faith in travel.
Some food for thought as we look forward.
Vinnie Mohanani
St. Thomas
Are we really serious about improving our local economic picture? I ask that question of our government officials after looking at the budget allocation for the various departments of our government. While the Governor’s proposed 3.1 million dollars to fund tourism, the finance committee saw it fit to cut that amount by almost 10% to 2.8 million.We as a community must stop looking at tourism promotion as expenditure but rather as an investment for improving this community’s future. The figure of 2.8 million represents only half a percent (.50%) of the total budget! I find it very disheartening as a member of this community to see another year go by with no serious effort to provide the financial resources to our Department of Tourism to succeed in promoting the U.S. Virgin Islands. No Tourism commissioner past, present, or future will succeed in doing the job with such a small budget. To make money you must spend money and, in saying so, our leaders must come up with a way to dedicate more money to promote tourism. Ideally a fixed percentage of 2.5% is a good start.
The tourism industry is just like a family car’s six-cylinder engine: all pistons must be working in harmony. Cruise ship arrivals represents just two pistons, overnight arrivals two, and the marine industry the other two. Imagine the revenue potential of all six pistons working to drive this economy. Where would our revenue projection be? 750 million? 900 million? The community could have it all, if it put the first piece of the puzzle in place.
In light of the recent attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, tourism worldwide has seen a downturn. Serious tourist destinations will need to spend, spend and spend to lure tourists back. Any delay in the start of the 2001-2002 season will have serious impact on the projected revenues of our government. We as an "American Paradise" have a big advantage over other Caribbean destinations in being uniquely American, and we need to promote our islands to Americans who will be looking to escape from the daily grinds of everyday living.
"Escape to America’s Paradise. The U.S. Virgin Islands." This should be our battle cry to fight back to restore our economy and restore lost jobs. This battle cry will not be heard if we cannot pay to get the word out to the nation and restore American’s faith in travel.
Some food for thought as we look forward.
Vinnie Mohanani
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.
TOURISM BUDGET INSULTING
Are we really serious about improving our local economic picture? I ask that question of our government officials after looking at the budget allocation for the various departments of our government. While the Governor’s proposed 3.1 million dollars to fund tourism, the finance committee saw it fit to cut that amount by almost 10% to 2.8 million.We as a community must stop looking at tourism promotion as expenditure but rather as an investment for improving this community’s future. The figure of 2.8 million represents only half a percent (.50%) of the total budget! I find it very disheartening as a member of this community to see another year go by with no serious effort to provide the financial resources to our Department of Tourism to succeed in promoting the U.S. Virgin Islands. No Tourism commissioner past, present, or future will succeed in doing the job with such a small budget. To make money you must spend money and, in saying so, our leaders must come up with a way to dedicate more money to promote tourism. Ideally a fixed percentage of 2.5% is a good start.
The tourism industry is just like a family car’s six-cylinder engine: all pistons must be working in harmony. Cruise ship arrivals represents just two pistons, overnight arrivals two, and the marine industry the other two. Imagine the revenue potential of all six pistons working to drive this economy. Where would our revenue projection be? 750 million? 900 million? The community could have it all, if it put the first piece of the puzzle in place.
In light of the recent attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, tourism worldwide has seen a downturn. Serious tourist destinations will need to spend, spend and spend to lure tourists back. Any delay in the start of the 2001-2002 season will have serious impact on the projected revenues of our government. We as an "American Paradise" have a big advantage over other Caribbean destinations in being uniquely American, and we need to promote our islands to Americans who will be looking to escape from the daily grinds of everyday living.
"Escape to America’s Paradise. The U.S. Virgin Islands." This should be our battle cry to fight back to restore our economy and restore lost jobs. This battle cry will not be heard if we cannot pay to get the word out to the nation and restore American’s faith in travel.
Some food for thought as we look forward.
Vinnie Mohanani
St. Thomas
The tourism industry is just like a family car’s six-cylinder engine: all pistons must be working in harmony. Cruise ship arrivals represents just two pistons, overnight arrivals two, and the marine industry the other two. Imagine the revenue potential of all six pistons working to drive this economy. Where would our revenue projection be? 750 million? 900 million? The community could have it all, if it put the first piece of the puzzle in place.
In light of the recent attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, tourism worldwide has seen a downturn. Serious tourist destinations will need to spend, spend and spend to lure tourists back. Any delay in the start of the 2001-2002 season will have serious impact on the projected revenues of our government. We as an "American Paradise" have a big advantage over other Caribbean destinations in being uniquely American, and we need to promote our islands to Americans who will be looking to escape from the daily grinds of everyday living.
"Escape to America’s Paradise. The U.S. Virgin Islands." This should be our battle cry to fight back to restore our economy and restore lost jobs. This battle cry will not be heard if we cannot pay to get the word out to the nation and restore American’s faith in travel.
Some food for thought as we look forward.
Vinnie Mohanani
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.
