Oct. 4, 2001 – More than 175 adults and children have already taken advantage of a V.I. Housing Authority class in computer literacy and job readiness — topics combined in a single course but with two specialists teaching.
VIHA officials hope now that many of those individuals will return for the new round of classes, beginning and advanced, that will start Wednesday at four St. Thomas housing communities.
Two of the sites — the Evelyn Webster Learning Center in Paul M. Pearson Gardens and a newly opened facility in Oswald E. Harris Court — provide access for residents with disabilities. The other sites for the classes are in the Michael J. Kirwan Terrace and Estate Tutu Apartments communities.
The classes are free to residents. Sessions will be held on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Registration forms are available through Community Services specialists in each community. Additional information is available from Jacqueline Joseph at 777-8442, ext. 7394.
POLICE REPORT FURTHER DROP IN BURGLARY CASES
Oct. 4, 2001 – For the second month in a row, Police Lt. Rene Garcia announced a sizable drop in the number of burglaries reported on St. John. In September, he said, the number fell 67 percent from August.
A month earlier, he had said that the number of reports in August represented a drop of 42 percent from the July figures.
Garcia, the Police Department's St. John zone commander, declined to provide the actual numbers of burglaries reported. And he said he did not have figures from 2000 to compare on a same-month basis.
One person was arrested on burglary charges last month, he said.
The sharp declines for August and September came after a wave of burglaries, mainly of vacation villas, had been reported in the spring and early summer.
While St. John is continually short of police officers, Garcia said, personnel from the Community Oriented Policing Unit on St. Thomas assisted St. John officers in patrols and stakeouts during September.
He declined to say how many officers are assigned to St. John, but he said criminals know when the island is short staffed. "They take advantage of that," he said. But he said the recent statistics show that, although it is short staffed, the Police Department will not allow criminals to take over the islands.
Garcia also said reports of felonies on St. John were down 19 percent in September from the August level. Last month, he reported that the August figures had shown a drop of 41 percent from July. Again, actual numbers of cases reported and comparisons with the same months a year earlier were not available. Felonies include crimes such as assault, rape and murder.
A month earlier, he had said that the number of reports in August represented a drop of 42 percent from the July figures.
Garcia, the Police Department's St. John zone commander, declined to provide the actual numbers of burglaries reported. And he said he did not have figures from 2000 to compare on a same-month basis.
One person was arrested on burglary charges last month, he said.
The sharp declines for August and September came after a wave of burglaries, mainly of vacation villas, had been reported in the spring and early summer.
While St. John is continually short of police officers, Garcia said, personnel from the Community Oriented Policing Unit on St. Thomas assisted St. John officers in patrols and stakeouts during September.
He declined to say how many officers are assigned to St. John, but he said criminals know when the island is short staffed. "They take advantage of that," he said. But he said the recent statistics show that, although it is short staffed, the Police Department will not allow criminals to take over the islands.
Garcia also said reports of felonies on St. John were down 19 percent in September from the August level. Last month, he reported that the August figures had shown a drop of 41 percent from July. Again, actual numbers of cases reported and comparisons with the same months a year earlier were not available. Felonies include crimes such as assault, rape and murder.
POLICE SAY DEPARTMENT VEHICLE WAS BROAD-SIDED
Oct. 4, 2001 – A Police Department maintenance employee was hospitalized for injuries sustained when the Chevy Blazer police vehicle he was driving flipped over in a collision at the Golden Grove intersection Thursday, a department official said.
Cedric Knight "was trapped in the vehicle after it was broad-sided and flipped on its side" mid-morning Thursday, Deputy Chief Novelle Francis said. St. Croix Rescue personnel and paramedics from Emergency Medical Services used the Jaws of Life to extricate Knight from the vehicle, Francis said.
"Knight was hospitalized overnight for observation after he was transported to the Juan F. Luis Hospital by ambulance," he said.
Knight was struck by an oncoming vehicle as he was proceeding through the intersection, Francis said. The deputy chief declined to discuss further specifics of the case, which he said was under investigation by the Traffic Bureau. No information was available concerning the other vehicle involved in the collision.
Cedric Knight "was trapped in the vehicle after it was broad-sided and flipped on its side" mid-morning Thursday, Deputy Chief Novelle Francis said. St. Croix Rescue personnel and paramedics from Emergency Medical Services used the Jaws of Life to extricate Knight from the vehicle, Francis said.
"Knight was hospitalized overnight for observation after he was transported to the Juan F. Luis Hospital by ambulance," he said.
Knight was struck by an oncoming vehicle as he was proceeding through the intersection, Francis said. The deputy chief declined to discuss further specifics of the case, which he said was under investigation by the Traffic Bureau. No information was available concerning the other vehicle involved in the collision.
STILLER'S A MODEL OF ABSURDITY IN 'ZOOLANDER'
Oct. 4, 2001 – "Zoolander" is not the next "Jurassic Park" sequel, although it's assuredly escapist fare. It's the tale of Derek Zoolander (Ben Stiller), an appealing airhead of a blond male supermodel.
If you like Stiller, you will be in clover. He wrote, directed and produced the movie, in addition to casting himself in the title role. What more could you ask? Quite a bit, according to many in the corps of the nation's film reviewers who have pronounced the picture "stretched beyond wearability," among other things.
But all is not lost. Jon Voight is said to be a "crack up" as Zoolander's stern coal-miner father. And one charitable reviewer said the movie is not without "a few moments of genuinely inspired absurdity." Depending on the depth of the inspiration, and the quality of the popcorn, this alone could make it worth a couple of spare hours' time.
Now, the plot: The unwitting, or unwitted, Zoolander suddenly finds himself playing the dupe of an evil fashion cartel that brainwashed him into trying to kill the prime minister of Malaysia, thus ensuring continuance of the sweat shops and child labor so important to today's read-to-wear industry. How did a humble coal miner's son find himself in a pickle like this? Well, he is blond. But there's the rub, as well: How can poor Zoolander think fast enough to thwart the nasty cartel when he apparently has trouble thinking at any speed at all? The open-endedness of it all leaves something for most of us to relate to. And isn't that what one is supposed to do with movies?
"Zoolander" runs 1 hour and 45 minute and is rated PG-13 for sexual content and drug references. It's playing at Market Square East.
If you like Stiller, you will be in clover. He wrote, directed and produced the movie, in addition to casting himself in the title role. What more could you ask? Quite a bit, according to many in the corps of the nation's film reviewers who have pronounced the picture "stretched beyond wearability," among other things.
But all is not lost. Jon Voight is said to be a "crack up" as Zoolander's stern coal-miner father. And one charitable reviewer said the movie is not without "a few moments of genuinely inspired absurdity." Depending on the depth of the inspiration, and the quality of the popcorn, this alone could make it worth a couple of spare hours' time.
Now, the plot: The unwitting, or unwitted, Zoolander suddenly finds himself playing the dupe of an evil fashion cartel that brainwashed him into trying to kill the prime minister of Malaysia, thus ensuring continuance of the sweat shops and child labor so important to today's read-to-wear industry. How did a humble coal miner's son find himself in a pickle like this? Well, he is blond. But there's the rub, as well: How can poor Zoolander think fast enough to thwart the nasty cartel when he apparently has trouble thinking at any speed at all? The open-endedness of it all leaves something for most of us to relate to. And isn't that what one is supposed to do with movies?
"Zoolander" runs 1 hour and 45 minute and is rated PG-13 for sexual content and drug references. It's playing at Market Square East.
AD CLUB PANEL TO PONDER WHAT LIES AHEAD
Oct. 4, 2001 – "The Next 12 Months" is the topic for discussion at the next meeting of the Advertising Club of the Virgin Islands, a luncheon scheduled for noon Tuesday at The Pointe at Villa Olga on St. Thomas.
WSTA Radio owner and show host Addie Ottley will moderate a panel discussion centered on how local businesses are dealing with the impact of the events of Sept. 11. Terry Robinson of The Draughting Shaft, Zona Corbin of Little Switzerland, Alexander Treml of Alexander's Restaurant and Randy Kneedler of Caribbean Auto Mart will be the panelists.
"While business tries to return to normal in the chaotic aftermath of the terrorist attacks of last month, advertisers and their clients are scrambling to assess the business environment, what consumers want and what messages are appropriate," an Ad Club release announcing the meeting stated. "The business landscape has changed, and we all must change with it."
The release added, "The goal may be to return to business as usual, but companies are discovering that isn't yet possible — and wonder if it ever will be." The goal for the advertising profession, it said, will be to determine how Americans feel about many matters "and join their reality so we can be of value and service to our audiences."
The luncheon cost is $25 for Ad Club members and $30 for non-members. Reservations are required by noon Monday, and they may be made by calling 776-4747.
WSTA Radio owner and show host Addie Ottley will moderate a panel discussion centered on how local businesses are dealing with the impact of the events of Sept. 11. Terry Robinson of The Draughting Shaft, Zona Corbin of Little Switzerland, Alexander Treml of Alexander's Restaurant and Randy Kneedler of Caribbean Auto Mart will be the panelists.
"While business tries to return to normal in the chaotic aftermath of the terrorist attacks of last month, advertisers and their clients are scrambling to assess the business environment, what consumers want and what messages are appropriate," an Ad Club release announcing the meeting stated. "The business landscape has changed, and we all must change with it."
The release added, "The goal may be to return to business as usual, but companies are discovering that isn't yet possible — and wonder if it ever will be." The goal for the advertising profession, it said, will be to determine how Americans feel about many matters "and join their reality so we can be of value and service to our audiences."
The luncheon cost is $25 for Ad Club members and $30 for non-members. Reservations are required by noon Monday, and they may be made by calling 776-4747.
'DON'T SAY' THE CRITICS DIDN'T TELL YOU SO
Oct. 4, 2001 – Michael Douglas is once again cast in a Serious Role, this time around as a frenzied psychiatrist in "Don't Say a Word."
Gone is the wonderboy of "Wonderboys," the carefree, pot-smoking college professor who has knocked up the college chancellor. Alack and alas.
The reason for the frenzy of Dr. Nathan Conrad (Douglas) is that his young daughter has been kidnapped and he must retrieve a crucial piece of information from Elisabeth (Brittany Murphy), a disturbed and violent young woman, in order to find the girl. Conrad is known for his expertise in dealing with troubled teens.
The upscale, uptown doctor has a 10-hour deadline by which to extract the information from the recalcitrant and hostile Elisabeth. As if this weren't enough to glue you to the edge of your seat, the generous writers have thrown in a jewel heist, an attractive wife immobilized in bed with one leg in a cast, and a troublesome young female detective.
If one plots, fails … well, you get it. The critics seem less than overwhelmed by the burgeoning plot lines, but they do say, "Don't blame the actors."
"Don't Say a Word" was directed by Gary Fleder. It's almost two hours long rated R with reason — violence, gruesome images and language. It's at Market Square East.
Gone is the wonderboy of "Wonderboys," the carefree, pot-smoking college professor who has knocked up the college chancellor. Alack and alas.
The reason for the frenzy of Dr. Nathan Conrad (Douglas) is that his young daughter has been kidnapped and he must retrieve a crucial piece of information from Elisabeth (Brittany Murphy), a disturbed and violent young woman, in order to find the girl. Conrad is known for his expertise in dealing with troubled teens.
The upscale, uptown doctor has a 10-hour deadline by which to extract the information from the recalcitrant and hostile Elisabeth. As if this weren't enough to glue you to the edge of your seat, the generous writers have thrown in a jewel heist, an attractive wife immobilized in bed with one leg in a cast, and a troublesome young female detective.
If one plots, fails … well, you get it. The critics seem less than overwhelmed by the burgeoning plot lines, but they do say, "Don't blame the actors."
"Don't Say a Word" was directed by Gary Fleder. It's almost two hours long rated R with reason — violence, gruesome images and language. It's at Market Square East.
'DON'T SAY' THE CRITICS DIDN'T TELL YOU SO
Oct. 4, 2001 – Michael Douglas is once again cast in a Serious Role, this time around as a frenzied psychiatrist in "Don't Say a Word."
Gone is the wonderboy of "Wonderboys," the carefree, pot-smoking college professor who has knocked up the college chancellor. Alack and alas.
The reason for the frenzy of Dr. Nathan Conrad (Douglas) is that his young daughter has been kidnapped and he must retrieve a crucial piece of information from Elisabeth (Brittany Murphy), a disturbed and violent young woman, in order to find the girl. Conrad is known for his expertise in dealing with troubled teens.
The upscale, uptown doctor has a 10-hour deadline by which to extract the information from the recalcitrant and hostile Elisabeth. As if this weren't enough to glue you to the edge of your seat, the generous writers have thrown in a jewel heist, an attractive wife immobilized in bed with one leg in a cast, and a troublesome young female detective.
If one plots, fails … well, you get it. The critics seem less than overwhelmed by the burgeoning plot lines, but they do say, "Don't blame the actors."
"Don't Say a Word" was directed by Gary Fleder. It's almost two hours long rated R with reason — violence, gruesome images and language. It's at Market Square East on St. Thomas.
Gone is the wonderboy of "Wonderboys," the carefree, pot-smoking college professor who has knocked up the college chancellor. Alack and alas.
The reason for the frenzy of Dr. Nathan Conrad (Douglas) is that his young daughter has been kidnapped and he must retrieve a crucial piece of information from Elisabeth (Brittany Murphy), a disturbed and violent young woman, in order to find the girl. Conrad is known for his expertise in dealing with troubled teens.
The upscale, uptown doctor has a 10-hour deadline by which to extract the information from the recalcitrant and hostile Elisabeth. As if this weren't enough to glue you to the edge of your seat, the generous writers have thrown in a jewel heist, an attractive wife immobilized in bed with one leg in a cast, and a troublesome young female detective.
If one plots, fails … well, you get it. The critics seem less than overwhelmed by the burgeoning plot lines, but they do say, "Don't blame the actors."
"Don't Say a Word" was directed by Gary Fleder. It's almost two hours long rated R with reason — violence, gruesome images and language. It's at Market Square East on St. Thomas.
CRECENCIA MARIA BENJAMIN MARTIN SERVICES
Crecencia Maria Benjamin Martin, age 90, passed away Wednesday, Oct. 3. Her funeral sevices will take place at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 9, at St. Ann's Catholic Church at 10 a.m. with viewing beginning at 9 a.m. Internment will be at Kingshill Cemetery.
She is survived by her daughter Deborah J. Rodger; son Roy I. Martin; seven grandchildren; six great grandchildren; sister Winifred Benjamin Smith; and other relatives and friends too numerous to mention.
Arrangements are entrusted to James Memorial Funeral Home, Inc.
She is survived by her daughter Deborah J. Rodger; son Roy I. Martin; seven grandchildren; six great grandchildren; sister Winifred Benjamin Smith; and other relatives and friends too numerous to mention.
Arrangements are entrusted to James Memorial Funeral Home, Inc.
IRENA ADINA THOMAS-FRANCIS FUNERAL FRIDAY
Funeral services for Irana Adina Thomas-Francis, age 79, will take place at 11 a.m. om Friday, Oct. 5 at St. Luke's A.M.E. Church with viewing beginning at 12 a.m. Internment will take place at Kingshill Cemetery.
She is survived by children Cleopha Crystal Telemaque and Calvert Clarke; step children Claude A. Fredericks I, Olga Fredericks-Reifer, Opal Fredericks-Farrel and Alphancine Webster; four grandchildren; sisters Jean Thomas-Frances and Juliet Thomas Brooks; brother Walter H. Thomas; and many other friends and relatives too numerous to mention.
Arrangements are entrusted to James Memborial Funeral Home, Inc.
She is survived by children Cleopha Crystal Telemaque and Calvert Clarke; step children Claude A. Fredericks I, Olga Fredericks-Reifer, Opal Fredericks-Farrel and Alphancine Webster; four grandchildren; sisters Jean Thomas-Frances and Juliet Thomas Brooks; brother Walter H. Thomas; and many other friends and relatives too numerous to mention.
Arrangements are entrusted to James Memborial Funeral Home, Inc.
CARIBBEAN DEMOCRATIC ALLIANCE CLUB BANQUET
The Caribbean Democratic Alliance Club of St. Croix will hold a Recognition Banquet held for its officers at 7 p.m. on Nov. 3, at the Midland Restaurant.
The Club will also honor individuals for their contributions to the Democratic Party and to the people of the Virgin Islands; former Governor Alexander Farrelly, former Senator Sidney Lee, former Senator St. clair Williams, mr. John Barzey, Mrs. Gloria Bell, Mr. Wadsworth Dickenson, Mr. Francisco Melemdez and Ms. Jamil Russel.
The Club will also honor individuals for their contributions to the Democratic Party and to the people of the Virgin Islands; former Governor Alexander Farrelly, former Senator Sidney Lee, former Senator St. clair Williams, mr. John Barzey, Mrs. Gloria Bell, Mr. Wadsworth Dickenson, Mr. Francisco Melemdez and Ms. Jamil Russel.
