Oct. 1, 2001 — Two 21-year-old inmates at the Golden Grove Adult Correctional Facility on St. Croix have been arrested for the murder of a fellow convict a week ago.
Miguel Lebron, 27, of St. Croix died after being stabbed in his cell on Sept. 22 by an assailant wielding a homemade weapon.
Louis Lopez and Juan Carlos Crispin were arrested for the crime over the weekend, according to V.I. Police Captain Jeremy Swan. He said both were charged with first-degree murder.
Both Lopez and Crispin are maximum-security prisoners, already serving life sentences.
Lebron, who was housed in the minimum-security section of Golden Grove, was nine years into a 13-year sentence for aggravated child abuse. He was awaiting a parole hearing at the time he was murdered.
Last week, V.I. Attorney General Iver Stridiron said that anyone convicted of the murder would be "exiled" to Wallens Ridge State Prison in Virginia. Wallens Ridge is a maximum-security facility where inmates are confined to their cells for up to 23 hours a day.
Golden Grove has a maximum-security wing, but it is a medium-security prison.
BEATING BREAST CANCER: EARLY DETECTION IS KEY
Sept. 28, 2001 – There were no clues in Valerie Francis's life to indicate she was at risk for breast cancer. She was only 33, and no one in her family had suffered the disease.
When her nipple began to leak, she went to her doctor. A biopsy indicated cancer.
"I was in shock," she said.
That was 11 years ago, and Francis is proof that you can survive breast cancer. As office manager at the V.I. Housing Finance Authority, wife to Joseph Francis Jr., and mother and stepmother to six children between the ages of 16 and 28 — Neema, Sharice, Shanelle, Tynisa, Deia, and Shara — she has a full and busy life.
As the nation observes October as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Francis reminds women that they can live normal lives after breast cancer treatment. "It's not a death sentence," she said.
Francis does what she can to help women recover. She volunteers as coordinator for the American Cancer Society's Reach to Recovery program, which sends volunteers into hospitals and homes to help see people through breast cancer treatment. "No one should have to face breast cancer alone," she said.
She also urges women to get an annual mammogram. While physicians recommend that women start having mammograms at age 40, Francis said she is a living example that breast cancer strikes women much younger.
According to information on the National Breast Cancer Awareness Month website, breast cancer is uncommon in women under 35. About 82 percent of cases are found in women 50 and older. The risk increases with age and is especially high for women 60 and older.
Estimates for the year 2001 are that 192,200 people across the county will be diagnosed with breast cancer. Of that number, 40,200 will die. Breast cancer is the second-most common cancer in women, after from skin cancer. For the entire population, it is right behind lung cancer as the leading cause of death.
While no statistics are available for the territory, information provided by the Roy L. Schneider Hospital's cancer registry through the American Cancer Society show that 30 women were diagnosed with breast cancer in 2000. This accounted for about 20 percent of all cancers treated at the hospital.
More than two million women in the United States have survived the disease, and the American Cancer Society says that having an annual mammogram can reduce the chance of its being fatal by 63 percent.
The society also says mortality for black women is higher than for white women — because blacks are less likely to have regular mammograms.
According to the National Breast Cancer Awareness Month web site, the number of breast cancers detected each year has increased over the last two decades. However, mortality has dropped, thanks to earlier detection. The average five-year survival rate stands at 97 percent when cancer is caught before it spreads beyond the breast. It drops to 21 percent when the disease reaches other organs.
There are other risk factors besides age:
– Women who have had breast cancer before or non-cancerous breast diseases may develop breast cancer.
– If your mother, sister, daughter or two or more close relatives had the disease, your risk is greater.
– If you have a family history of breast cancer, genetic testing may indicate whether you are at risk.
– If you got your first menstrual period before you turned 12, your risk is higher — because the more menstrual cycles you have over your lifetime, the more likely you are to get breast cancer.
– If you have no children or if you gave birth to your first children after age 25 to 30, you are at greater risk than those who gave birth earlier.
Lifestyle also counts when it comes to risk. Decreasing fat, increasing fiber, eating fresh fruits and vegetables, limiting alcohol, staying active and not smoking are all ways to decrease your risk.
However, seven out of 10 cancers occur in women with no risk factors.
Mammograms at half price
To help women on St. Thomas and St. John detect breast cancer before it's too late, St. Thomas Radiology Associates, in conjunction with the local chapter of the American Cancer Society, is offering mammograms for $90 — half the regular price — during October.
"Make your appointment as soon as possible," receptionist Rashaan George urged.
She said as of Sept. 28, appointments were already booked through the middle of October. For an appointment, call 774-0265.
Fern LaBorde, who serves as president of the St. Thomas-St. John chapter of the American Cancer Society, said she knows of no similar program on St. Croix.
It is suggested that women who are not post-menopausal should schedule their mammograms for a week after the date their period should begin. This is the time when the breasts are the least tender, medical personnel note.
Regular breast self-examination and an annual examination by a physician may detect lumps which could be cancerous, but they are not a substitute for a mammogram, which can detect minute lumps that may or may not be cancer, the experts say.
To raise money for the local American Cancer Society chapter, the organization will sponsor its fourth annual "Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk, Run, Roll" on Oct. 21. For details, see "Breast Cancer Walk, Run, Roll' is Oct. 21"
When her nipple began to leak, she went to her doctor. A biopsy indicated cancer.
"I was in shock," she said.
That was 11 years ago, and Francis is proof that you can survive breast cancer. As office manager at the V.I. Housing Finance Authority, wife to Joseph Francis Jr., and mother and stepmother to six children between the ages of 16 and 28 — Neema, Sharice, Shanelle, Tynisa, Deia, and Shara — she has a full and busy life.
As the nation observes October as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Francis reminds women that they can live normal lives after breast cancer treatment. "It's not a death sentence," she said.
Francis does what she can to help women recover. She volunteers as coordinator for the American Cancer Society's Reach to Recovery program, which sends volunteers into hospitals and homes to help see people through breast cancer treatment. "No one should have to face breast cancer alone," she said.
She also urges women to get an annual mammogram. While physicians recommend that women start having mammograms at age 40, Francis said she is a living example that breast cancer strikes women much younger.
According to information on the National Breast Cancer Awareness Month website, breast cancer is uncommon in women under 35. About 82 percent of cases are found in women 50 and older. The risk increases with age and is especially high for women 60 and older.
Estimates for the year 2001 are that 192,200 people across the county will be diagnosed with breast cancer. Of that number, 40,200 will die. Breast cancer is the second-most common cancer in women, after from skin cancer. For the entire population, it is right behind lung cancer as the leading cause of death.
While no statistics are available for the territory, information provided by the Roy L. Schneider Hospital's cancer registry through the American Cancer Society show that 30 women were diagnosed with breast cancer in 2000. This accounted for about 20 percent of all cancers treated at the hospital.
More than two million women in the United States have survived the disease, and the American Cancer Society says that having an annual mammogram can reduce the chance of its being fatal by 63 percent.
The society also says mortality for black women is higher than for white women — because blacks are less likely to have regular mammograms.
According to the National Breast Cancer Awareness Month web site, the number of breast cancers detected each year has increased over the last two decades. However, mortality has dropped, thanks to earlier detection. The average five-year survival rate stands at 97 percent when cancer is caught before it spreads beyond the breast. It drops to 21 percent when the disease reaches other organs.
There are other risk factors besides age:
– Women who have had breast cancer before or non-cancerous breast diseases may develop breast cancer.
– If your mother, sister, daughter or two or more close relatives had the disease, your risk is greater.
– If you have a family history of breast cancer, genetic testing may indicate whether you are at risk.
– If you got your first menstrual period before you turned 12, your risk is higher — because the more menstrual cycles you have over your lifetime, the more likely you are to get breast cancer.
– If you have no children or if you gave birth to your first children after age 25 to 30, you are at greater risk than those who gave birth earlier.
Lifestyle also counts when it comes to risk. Decreasing fat, increasing fiber, eating fresh fruits and vegetables, limiting alcohol, staying active and not smoking are all ways to decrease your risk.
However, seven out of 10 cancers occur in women with no risk factors.
Mammograms at half price
To help women on St. Thomas and St. John detect breast cancer before it's too late, St. Thomas Radiology Associates, in conjunction with the local chapter of the American Cancer Society, is offering mammograms for $90 — half the regular price — during October.
"Make your appointment as soon as possible," receptionist Rashaan George urged.
She said as of Sept. 28, appointments were already booked through the middle of October. For an appointment, call 774-0265.
Fern LaBorde, who serves as president of the St. Thomas-St. John chapter of the American Cancer Society, said she knows of no similar program on St. Croix.
It is suggested that women who are not post-menopausal should schedule their mammograms for a week after the date their period should begin. This is the time when the breasts are the least tender, medical personnel note.
Regular breast self-examination and an annual examination by a physician may detect lumps which could be cancerous, but they are not a substitute for a mammogram, which can detect minute lumps that may or may not be cancer, the experts say.
To raise money for the local American Cancer Society chapter, the organization will sponsor its fourth annual "Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk, Run, Roll" on Oct. 21. For details, see "Breast Cancer Walk, Run, Roll' is Oct. 21"
BEATING BREAST CANCER: EARLY DETECTION IS KEY
Sept. 28, 2001 – There were no clues in Valerie Francis's life to indicate she was at risk for breast cancer. She was only 33, and no one in her family had suffered the disease.
When her nipple began to leak, she went to her doctor. A biopsy indicated cancer.
"I was in shock," she said.
That was 11 years ago, and Francis is proof that you can survive breast cancer. As office manager at the V.I. Housing Finance Authority, wife to Joseph Francis Jr., and mother and stepmother to six children between the ages of 16 and 28 — Neema, Sharice, Shanelle, Tynisa, Deia, and Shara — she has a full and busy life.
As the nation observes October as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Francis reminds women that they can live normal lives after breast cancer treatment. "It's not a death sentence," she said.
Francis does what she can to help women recover. She volunteers as coordinator for the American Cancer Society's Reach to Recovery program, which sends volunteers into hospitals and homes to help see people through breast cancer treatment. "No one should have to face breast cancer alone," she said.
She also urges women to get an annual mammogram. While physicians recommend that women start having mammograms at age 40, Francis said she is a living example that breast cancer strikes women much younger.
According to information on the National Breast Cancer Awareness Month website, breast cancer is uncommon in women under 35. About 82 percent of cases are found in women 50 and older. The risk increases with age and is especially high for women 60 and older.
Estimates for the year 2001 are that 192,200 people across the county will be diagnosed with breast cancer. Of that number, 40,200 will die. Breast cancer is the second-most common cancer in women, after from skin cancer. For the entire population, it is right behind lung cancer as the leading cause of death.
While no statistics are available for the territory, information provided by the Roy L. Schneider Hospital's cancer registry through the American Cancer Society show that 30 women were diagnosed with breast cancer in 2000. This accounted for about 20 percent of all cancers treated at the hospital.
More than two million women in the United States have survived the disease, and the American Cancer Society says that having an annual mammogram can reduce the chance of its being fatal by 63 percent.
The society also says mortality for black women is higher than for white women — because blacks are less likely to have regular mammograms.
According to the National Breast Cancer Awareness Month web site, the number of breast cancers detected each year has increased over the last two decades. However, mortality has dropped, thanks to earlier detection. The average five-year survival rate stands at 97 percent when cancer is caught before it spreads beyond the breast. It drops to 21 percent when the disease reaches other organs.
There are other risk factors besides age:
– Women who have had breast cancer before or non-cancerous breast diseases may develop breast cancer.
– If your mother, sister, daughter or two or more close relatives had the disease, your risk is greater.
– If you have a family history of breast cancer, genetic testing may indicate whether you are at risk.
– If you got your first menstrual period before you turned 12, your risk is higher — because the more menstrual cycles you have over your lifetime, the more likely you are to get breast cancer.
– If you have no children or if you gave birth to your first children after age 25 to 30, you are at greater risk than those who gave birth earlier.
Lifestyle also counts when it comes to risk. Decreasing fat, increasing fiber, eating fresh fruits and vegetables, limiting alcohol, staying active and not smoking are all ways to decrease your risk.
However, seven out of 10 cancers occur in women with no risk factors.
Mammograms at half price
To help women on St. Thomas and St. John detect breast cancer before it's too late, St. Thomas Radiology Associates, in conjunction with the local chapter of the American Cancer Society, is offering mammograms for $90 — half the regular price — during October.
"Make your appointment as soon as possible," receptionist Rashaan George urged.
She said as of Sept. 28, appointments were already booked through the middle of October. For an appointment, call 774-0265.
Fern LaBorde, who serves as president of the St. Thomas-St. John chapter of the American Cancer Society, said she knows of no similar program on St. Croix.
It is suggested that women who are not post-menopausal should schedule their mammograms for a week after the date their period should begin. This is the time when the breasts are the least tender, medical personnel note.
Regular breast self-examination and an annual examination by a physician may detect lumps which could be cancerous, but they are not a substitute for a mammogram, which can detect minute lumps that may or may not be cancer, the experts say.
To raise money for the local American Cancer Society chapter, the organization will sponsor its fourth annual "Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk, Run, Roll" on Oct. 21. For details, see "Breast Cancer Walk, Run, Roll' is Oct. 21"
When her nipple began to leak, she went to her doctor. A biopsy indicated cancer.
"I was in shock," she said.
That was 11 years ago, and Francis is proof that you can survive breast cancer. As office manager at the V.I. Housing Finance Authority, wife to Joseph Francis Jr., and mother and stepmother to six children between the ages of 16 and 28 — Neema, Sharice, Shanelle, Tynisa, Deia, and Shara — she has a full and busy life.
As the nation observes October as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Francis reminds women that they can live normal lives after breast cancer treatment. "It's not a death sentence," she said.
Francis does what she can to help women recover. She volunteers as coordinator for the American Cancer Society's Reach to Recovery program, which sends volunteers into hospitals and homes to help see people through breast cancer treatment. "No one should have to face breast cancer alone," she said.
She also urges women to get an annual mammogram. While physicians recommend that women start having mammograms at age 40, Francis said she is a living example that breast cancer strikes women much younger.
According to information on the National Breast Cancer Awareness Month website, breast cancer is uncommon in women under 35. About 82 percent of cases are found in women 50 and older. The risk increases with age and is especially high for women 60 and older.
Estimates for the year 2001 are that 192,200 people across the county will be diagnosed with breast cancer. Of that number, 40,200 will die. Breast cancer is the second-most common cancer in women, after from skin cancer. For the entire population, it is right behind lung cancer as the leading cause of death.
While no statistics are available for the territory, information provided by the Roy L. Schneider Hospital's cancer registry through the American Cancer Society show that 30 women were diagnosed with breast cancer in 2000. This accounted for about 20 percent of all cancers treated at the hospital.
More than two million women in the United States have survived the disease, and the American Cancer Society says that having an annual mammogram can reduce the chance of its being fatal by 63 percent.
The society also says mortality for black women is higher than for white women — because blacks are less likely to have regular mammograms.
According to the National Breast Cancer Awareness Month web site, the number of breast cancers detected each year has increased over the last two decades. However, mortality has dropped, thanks to earlier detection. The average five-year survival rate stands at 97 percent when cancer is caught before it spreads beyond the breast. It drops to 21 percent when the disease reaches other organs.
There are other risk factors besides age:
– Women who have had breast cancer before or non-cancerous breast diseases may develop breast cancer.
– If your mother, sister, daughter or two or more close relatives had the disease, your risk is greater.
– If you have a family history of breast cancer, genetic testing may indicate whether you are at risk.
– If you got your first menstrual period before you turned 12, your risk is higher — because the more menstrual cycles you have over your lifetime, the more likely you are to get breast cancer.
– If you have no children or if you gave birth to your first children after age 25 to 30, you are at greater risk than those who gave birth earlier.
Lifestyle also counts when it comes to risk. Decreasing fat, increasing fiber, eating fresh fruits and vegetables, limiting alcohol, staying active and not smoking are all ways to decrease your risk.
However, seven out of 10 cancers occur in women with no risk factors.
Mammograms at half price
To help women on St. Thomas and St. John detect breast cancer before it's too late, St. Thomas Radiology Associates, in conjunction with the local chapter of the American Cancer Society, is offering mammograms for $90 — half the regular price — during October.
"Make your appointment as soon as possible," receptionist Rashaan George urged.
She said as of Sept. 28, appointments were already booked through the middle of October. For an appointment, call 774-0265.
Fern LaBorde, who serves as president of the St. Thomas-St. John chapter of the American Cancer Society, said she knows of no similar program on St. Croix.
It is suggested that women who are not post-menopausal should schedule their mammograms for a week after the date their period should begin. This is the time when the breasts are the least tender, medical personnel note.
Regular breast self-examination and an annual examination by a physician may detect lumps which could be cancerous, but they are not a substitute for a mammogram, which can detect minute lumps that may or may not be cancer, the experts say.
To raise money for the local American Cancer Society chapter, the organization will sponsor its fourth annual "Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk, Run, Roll" on Oct. 21. For details, see "Breast Cancer Walk, Run, Roll' is Oct. 21"
BREAST CANCER 'WALK, RUN, ROLL' IS OCT. 21
Sept. 30, 2001 – The St. Thomas-St. John chapter of the American Cancer Society will host its 4th annual "Making Strides against Breast Cancer Walk, Run, Roll" event on Sunday, Oct. 21, in Havensight. Registration for adults is $5 in advance and $8 the day of the event. For children and youths under age 18, it's $3.
The 2-mile course will start in the Port of $ale parking lot and make a double loop through the Havensight Mall, "first to the upper level and then down the ramp to the other side," Theresa Hodge said. She is the president of the event organizer, the St. Thomas Association of Road Runners.
The event is scheduled to get under way at 5 p.m. "after the cruise ships have left," Hodge said. Participants can register in advance at Players in Havensight Mall, The Comfort Zone in Port of $ale Mall and Going Seanile on the Charlotte Amalie waterfront, Hodge said. For those who don't do so, signup on Oct. 21 will be from 4 to 5 p.m.in the Port of $ale parking lot.
While "walking" and "running" should be self-evident, Hodge said the definition of "rolling" in this case is that participants may take part in wheelchairs and pushing strollers with infants. "Roller blades aren't allowed," she said.
Awards will be presented in seven age groups, for women and for men. They range from "12 and under" to "60 and older," Hodge said. Also, she noted, "Each finisher will get a commemorative medal." So far, there are no plans for a souvenir T-shirt, because so far there are no corporate sponsors, she said.
All proceeds will benefit the local American Cancer Society. Last year, about 180 people took part in the event, Hodge said.
For more information about participating in or about sponsoring the event, call Hodge at 775-6373.
The 2-mile course will start in the Port of $ale parking lot and make a double loop through the Havensight Mall, "first to the upper level and then down the ramp to the other side," Theresa Hodge said. She is the president of the event organizer, the St. Thomas Association of Road Runners.
The event is scheduled to get under way at 5 p.m. "after the cruise ships have left," Hodge said. Participants can register in advance at Players in Havensight Mall, The Comfort Zone in Port of $ale Mall and Going Seanile on the Charlotte Amalie waterfront, Hodge said. For those who don't do so, signup on Oct. 21 will be from 4 to 5 p.m.in the Port of $ale parking lot.
While "walking" and "running" should be self-evident, Hodge said the definition of "rolling" in this case is that participants may take part in wheelchairs and pushing strollers with infants. "Roller blades aren't allowed," she said.
Awards will be presented in seven age groups, for women and for men. They range from "12 and under" to "60 and older," Hodge said. Also, she noted, "Each finisher will get a commemorative medal." So far, there are no plans for a souvenir T-shirt, because so far there are no corporate sponsors, she said.
All proceeds will benefit the local American Cancer Society. Last year, about 180 people took part in the event, Hodge said.
For more information about participating in or about sponsoring the event, call Hodge at 775-6373.
YAM-BASED DISH TASTES GOOD AND TRAVELS WELL
Sept. 30, 2001 – A friend of mine from Jamaica has a little tattered notebook that sits on the sideboard in her kitchen. It contains a treasure of hand-written recipes passed down to her by her mother, grandmother and aunts. When she let me leaf through the book on a visit the other day, a recipe for Yam and Coconut Bake caught my attention as something the whole family would enjoy.
True yams — rather than sweet potatoes, which they are commonly mistaken for — grow abundantly throughout South and Central America, the Caribbean and parts of Asia and Africa. Depending on the variety, a yam's flesh may be purple, pink, yellow or off-white in color, with its skin ranging from blackish brown to tan. Yams have a higher natural sugar and moisture content than sweet potatoes, and they provide a fair source of vitamins A and C, the mineral potassium and dietary fiber.
At the market or store, select yams that are unblemished with tight unwrinkled skins. Store them in a cool, dark, dry place, but not in the refrigerator. They can stay good for a few weeks.
In the recipe that follows, the banana, orange juice and coconut all complement the sweet flavor of the yam, while the pecans add some crunch to the dish. Delicious served hot or cold, this recipe yields a dish that travels well and is a good one to take for picnics and potluck parties.
Yam and Coconut Bake
1 large yam or 2 small yams
1 ripe banana
1/4 cup orange juice
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon brown sugar
2 tablespoons chopped pecans
2 tablespoons flaked coconut
Wash the yam(s) well. Cut vertically into 1-inch thick ovals, place into a saucepan and cover with water. Bring water to a boil. Cook until yams are fork tender. Drain water. Let yams cool, and then peel. Spray a 1-quart casserole dish with nonstick coating. Place yams evenly in the bottom of the dish. Slice banana and layer slices over the yam. Stir together orange juice, salt and pepper. Pour this mixture over the yam and banana. Sprinkle brown sugar, pecans and coconut over top. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 25 to 30 minutes, until coconut is toasty brown. Serves 4.
Nutrition per serving: 170 calories, 3 gms fat (17 percent fat calories), no cholesterol, 215 mg sodium.
True yams — rather than sweet potatoes, which they are commonly mistaken for — grow abundantly throughout South and Central America, the Caribbean and parts of Asia and Africa. Depending on the variety, a yam's flesh may be purple, pink, yellow or off-white in color, with its skin ranging from blackish brown to tan. Yams have a higher natural sugar and moisture content than sweet potatoes, and they provide a fair source of vitamins A and C, the mineral potassium and dietary fiber.
At the market or store, select yams that are unblemished with tight unwrinkled skins. Store them in a cool, dark, dry place, but not in the refrigerator. They can stay good for a few weeks.
In the recipe that follows, the banana, orange juice and coconut all complement the sweet flavor of the yam, while the pecans add some crunch to the dish. Delicious served hot or cold, this recipe yields a dish that travels well and is a good one to take for picnics and potluck parties.
Yam and Coconut Bake
1 large yam or 2 small yams
1 ripe banana
1/4 cup orange juice
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon brown sugar
2 tablespoons chopped pecans
2 tablespoons flaked coconut
Wash the yam(s) well. Cut vertically into 1-inch thick ovals, place into a saucepan and cover with water. Bring water to a boil. Cook until yams are fork tender. Drain water. Let yams cool, and then peel. Spray a 1-quart casserole dish with nonstick coating. Place yams evenly in the bottom of the dish. Slice banana and layer slices over the yam. Stir together orange juice, salt and pepper. Pour this mixture over the yam and banana. Sprinkle brown sugar, pecans and coconut over top. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 25 to 30 minutes, until coconut is toasty brown. Serves 4.
Nutrition per serving: 170 calories, 3 gms fat (17 percent fat calories), no cholesterol, 215 mg sodium.
CDBG FUNDING, NEW INSURANCE PACKAGE ARE LAW
Sept. 30, 2001 – On Sunday, Gov. Charles W. Turnbull signed two bills passed by the 24th Legislature last week: one approving projects to be funded with $2.189 million in federal Community Development Block Grant money, and the other ratifying new medical and dental health insurance plans for government workers.
The Senate approved the 37 CDBG projects sought by the administration intact on Tuesay, after having decided on Sept. 10 to reject the proposed allocations and reprogram the distribution themselves.
The lawmakers unanimously approved the new insurance package Friday, 12-0, at a special session called by Turnbull for the purpose. The previous contract expired on Sunday, which is when the new coverage took effect.
Distribution of the CDBG money will benefit 18 projects on St. Thomas, 14 on St. Croix and five on St. John. The amounts of money are equal for both districts — $875,600 for St. Croix and $803,950 for St. Thomas plus $71,650 for St. John. For a list of the agencies and projects which are being funded, see the earlier Source story, "Governor seeks CDBG funds for 37 projects".
In a letter to Senate President Almando "Rocky" Liburd, Turnbull said he hopes the U.S. Housing and Urban Development Department, which provides CDBG funding, "will increase our share of the block grant monies or grant us special consideration for additional funding in the future."
In the new insurance package, medical coverage is through Connecticut General Life Insurance Co. (CIGNA), and medical coverage is with Metropolitan Life Insurance Co.
The measures provide "wider coverage" for government employees, a release from Government House stated. While the government will pay more for the new coverage than it did under the old plan, the release noted, "it will not pass along the cost to the employees." The governor proposed in his Fiscal Year 2002 budget and the Legislature approved the appropriation of $12 million to cover executive branch salary and health insurance premium increases.
The insurance contract is renewable for four years, the release said.
The Senate approved the 37 CDBG projects sought by the administration intact on Tuesay, after having decided on Sept. 10 to reject the proposed allocations and reprogram the distribution themselves.
The lawmakers unanimously approved the new insurance package Friday, 12-0, at a special session called by Turnbull for the purpose. The previous contract expired on Sunday, which is when the new coverage took effect.
Distribution of the CDBG money will benefit 18 projects on St. Thomas, 14 on St. Croix and five on St. John. The amounts of money are equal for both districts — $875,600 for St. Croix and $803,950 for St. Thomas plus $71,650 for St. John. For a list of the agencies and projects which are being funded, see the earlier Source story, "Governor seeks CDBG funds for 37 projects".
In a letter to Senate President Almando "Rocky" Liburd, Turnbull said he hopes the U.S. Housing and Urban Development Department, which provides CDBG funding, "will increase our share of the block grant monies or grant us special consideration for additional funding in the future."
In the new insurance package, medical coverage is through Connecticut General Life Insurance Co. (CIGNA), and medical coverage is with Metropolitan Life Insurance Co.
The measures provide "wider coverage" for government employees, a release from Government House stated. While the government will pay more for the new coverage than it did under the old plan, the release noted, "it will not pass along the cost to the employees." The governor proposed in his Fiscal Year 2002 budget and the Legislature approved the appropriation of $12 million to cover executive branch salary and health insurance premium increases.
The insurance contract is renewable for four years, the release said.
CDBG FUNDING, NEW INSURANCE PACKAGE ARE LAW
Sept. 30, 2001 – On Sunday, Gov. Charles W. Turnbull signed two bills passed by the 24th Legislature last week: one approving projects to be funded with $2.189 million in federal Community Development Block Grant money, and the other ratifying new medical and dental health insurance plans for government workers.
The Senate approved the 37 CDBG projects sought by the administration intact on Tuesay, after having decided on Sept. 10 to reject the proposed allocations and reprogram the distribution themselves.
The lawmakers unanimously approved the new insurance package Friday, 12-0, at a special session called by Turnbull for the purpose. The previous contract expired on Sunday, which is when the new coverage took effect.
Distribution of the CDBG money will benefit 18 projects on St. Thomas, 14 on St. Croix and five on St. John. The amounts of money are equal for both districts — $875,600 for St. Croix and $803,950 for St. Thomas plus $71,650 for St. John. For a list of the agencies and projects which are being funded, see the earlier Source story, "Governor seeks CDBG funds for 37 projects".
In a letter to Senate President Almando "Rocky" Liburd, Turnbull said he hopes the U.S. Housing and Urban Development Department, which provides CDBG funding, "will increase our share of the block grant monies or grant us special consideration for additional funding in the future."
In the new insurance package, medical coverage is through Connecticut General Life Insurance Co. (CIGNA), and life insurance coverage is with Metropolitan Life Insurance Co.
The measures provide "wider coverage" for government employees, a release from Government House stated. While the government will pay more for the new coverage than it did under the old plan, the release noted, "it will not pass along the cost to the employees." The governor proposed in his Fiscal Year 2002 budget and the Legislature approved the appropriation of $12 million to cover executive branch salary and health insurance premium increases.
The insurance contract is renewable for four years, the release said.
The Senate approved the 37 CDBG projects sought by the administration intact on Tuesay, after having decided on Sept. 10 to reject the proposed allocations and reprogram the distribution themselves.
The lawmakers unanimously approved the new insurance package Friday, 12-0, at a special session called by Turnbull for the purpose. The previous contract expired on Sunday, which is when the new coverage took effect.
Distribution of the CDBG money will benefit 18 projects on St. Thomas, 14 on St. Croix and five on St. John. The amounts of money are equal for both districts — $875,600 for St. Croix and $803,950 for St. Thomas plus $71,650 for St. John. For a list of the agencies and projects which are being funded, see the earlier Source story, "Governor seeks CDBG funds for 37 projects".
In a letter to Senate President Almando "Rocky" Liburd, Turnbull said he hopes the U.S. Housing and Urban Development Department, which provides CDBG funding, "will increase our share of the block grant monies or grant us special consideration for additional funding in the future."
In the new insurance package, medical coverage is through Connecticut General Life Insurance Co. (CIGNA), and life insurance coverage is with Metropolitan Life Insurance Co.
The measures provide "wider coverage" for government employees, a release from Government House stated. While the government will pay more for the new coverage than it did under the old plan, the release noted, "it will not pass along the cost to the employees." The governor proposed in his Fiscal Year 2002 budget and the Legislature approved the appropriation of $12 million to cover executive branch salary and health insurance premium increases.
The insurance contract is renewable for four years, the release said.
UNITED WAY 2002 WELL ON ITS WAY TO RECORD GOAL
Sept. 30, 2001 – By the time the United Way of St. Thomas-St. John 2002 campaign kickoff and appreciation breakfast was over Saturday morning, the agency had already reached more than a third of its highest-ever goal.
The event, held at the Ritz-Catlron St. Thomas Resort, was an occasion to highlight early contributions and pledges toward the campaign as well as to honor volunteers and contributors from the 2001 drive.
Susan Laura Lugo, 2002 Campaign chair, enthusiastically accepted kickoff contributions and pledges Saturday that added up to $234,000 toward the 2002 Campaign goal of $650,000. She called the kickoff donors "United Way's honor guard of community leaders and generous supporters." More than 60 companies and individuals came forward, and their commitments immediately pushed the traditional United Way "thermometer" to 36 percent.
The organization raised $531,000 in its 2001 campaign.
Scott Barber, president of the agency's board of directors, said, "United Way is pleased to be able to show our appreciation to those donors who gave so generously to last year's campaign and to the volunteers who worked so hard to make that campaign a success."
More than 300 individuals, businesses and private and public entities received awards for their contributions to and volunteer support of the United Way during the 2000-2001 fundraising campaign. S.L. Caesar was named Volunteer of the Year for his dual leadership role as 2000-2001 president and campaign chair.
The West Indian Co. and the law firm of Dudley, Topper & Feuerzeig were honored as Corporate Supporters of the Year for their contributions of $10,000 or more. Four firms received awards for Outstanding Corporate Support for gifts of $5,000 to$9,999: Caneel Bay Resort, Caribbean Atlantic Trading, Chase Manhattan Bank and Topa Equities.
The United Way campaign officially begins Monday and will conclude in January 2002. The money raised by the campaign will support the following St. Thomas and St. John not-for-profit services agencies:
American Red Cross, Carabana Ensemble Theater Company, Catholic Charities of the Virgin Islands, Civil Air Patrol, Downstreet People's Youth in Action, Dial-A-Ride St. John, Dial-A-Ride St. Thomas, Ebenezer Gardens, Fair Haven Camp, Friends of Volunteers in Public Schools, Girl Scout Council, Legal Services of the Virgin Islands, Lutheran Reformation Summer Program, St. Thomas Reformed Church Summer Program, Shaky Acres, V.I. Council of Boys Scouts of America and Victim Advocate Program.
The mission of the United Way of St. Thomas-St. John is to provide leadership, stimulate generosity, promote volunteerism and allocate resources to make the community a better place in which to live.
The event, held at the Ritz-Catlron St. Thomas Resort, was an occasion to highlight early contributions and pledges toward the campaign as well as to honor volunteers and contributors from the 2001 drive.
Susan Laura Lugo, 2002 Campaign chair, enthusiastically accepted kickoff contributions and pledges Saturday that added up to $234,000 toward the 2002 Campaign goal of $650,000. She called the kickoff donors "United Way's honor guard of community leaders and generous supporters." More than 60 companies and individuals came forward, and their commitments immediately pushed the traditional United Way "thermometer" to 36 percent.
The organization raised $531,000 in its 2001 campaign.
Scott Barber, president of the agency's board of directors, said, "United Way is pleased to be able to show our appreciation to those donors who gave so generously to last year's campaign and to the volunteers who worked so hard to make that campaign a success."
More than 300 individuals, businesses and private and public entities received awards for their contributions to and volunteer support of the United Way during the 2000-2001 fundraising campaign. S.L. Caesar was named Volunteer of the Year for his dual leadership role as 2000-2001 president and campaign chair.
The West Indian Co. and the law firm of Dudley, Topper & Feuerzeig were honored as Corporate Supporters of the Year for their contributions of $10,000 or more. Four firms received awards for Outstanding Corporate Support for gifts of $5,000 to$9,999: Caneel Bay Resort, Caribbean Atlantic Trading, Chase Manhattan Bank and Topa Equities.
The United Way campaign officially begins Monday and will conclude in January 2002. The money raised by the campaign will support the following St. Thomas and St. John not-for-profit services agencies:
American Red Cross, Carabana Ensemble Theater Company, Catholic Charities of the Virgin Islands, Civil Air Patrol, Downstreet People's Youth in Action, Dial-A-Ride St. John, Dial-A-Ride St. Thomas, Ebenezer Gardens, Fair Haven Camp, Friends of Volunteers in Public Schools, Girl Scout Council, Legal Services of the Virgin Islands, Lutheran Reformation Summer Program, St. Thomas Reformed Church Summer Program, Shaky Acres, V.I. Council of Boys Scouts of America and Victim Advocate Program.
The mission of the United Way of St. Thomas-St. John is to provide leadership, stimulate generosity, promote volunteerism and allocate resources to make the community a better place in which to live.
UVI BULLETIN BOARD
Spyro Gyra Travel Package
The Riechhold Center for the Arts is offering a travel package to attend the Spyro Gyra jazz concert. From St. Croix the package cost is $260 and from San Juan the cost is $280. The package includes, roundtrip airfare on Seabourne Airlines, one concert ticket, hotel accommodations, continental breakfast and ground transportation. To reserve your package, call 693-1563.
World Food Day food fair
"World Food Day" will take place Sunday, Oct. 14 on the St. Croix campus. To get applications for food vendor booths, call Evannie Jeremiah at 692 – 4094 or Sarah Smith at 692 – 4084. The deadline is Oct. 5.
UVI Annual Fund Kickoff
The UVI Annual Fund Drive 2001 – 2002 will hold a "Kick- Off" reception on St. Croix at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 2, in the Villa Morales Restaurant and on St. Thomas, at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 3,in the Petite Pump Room. All are welcome. Please rsvp by Friday, Sept. 28, at 693 – 1042 or 692 – 4023.
Agriculture Food Fair
The 20th annual Agriculture and Food Fair will be held on Saturday and Sunday Nov. 17 and 18 on the grounds of the Reichhold Center for the Arts. Applications are available and due by Friday, Oct. 12. If you need more information call 774 – 5182 or 693 1080.
UVI Fall Semester Concert
The UVI Music Department will hold a fall semester concert entitled "Let Freedom Ring" featuring UVI’s concert band under the direction of Professor Austin A. Venzen on Saturday, Oct. 20, at 8 p.m. at the Methodist Church in Market Square. Tickets are $5 and can be purchased from the UVI Bookstore, the UVI Humanities office and from UVI Band Members.
The Riechhold Center for the Arts is offering a travel package to attend the Spyro Gyra jazz concert. From St. Croix the package cost is $260 and from San Juan the cost is $280. The package includes, roundtrip airfare on Seabourne Airlines, one concert ticket, hotel accommodations, continental breakfast and ground transportation. To reserve your package, call 693-1563.
World Food Day food fair
"World Food Day" will take place Sunday, Oct. 14 on the St. Croix campus. To get applications for food vendor booths, call Evannie Jeremiah at 692 – 4094 or Sarah Smith at 692 – 4084. The deadline is Oct. 5.
UVI Annual Fund Kickoff
The UVI Annual Fund Drive 2001 – 2002 will hold a "Kick- Off" reception on St. Croix at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 2, in the Villa Morales Restaurant and on St. Thomas, at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 3,in the Petite Pump Room. All are welcome. Please rsvp by Friday, Sept. 28, at 693 – 1042 or 692 – 4023.
Agriculture Food Fair
The 20th annual Agriculture and Food Fair will be held on Saturday and Sunday Nov. 17 and 18 on the grounds of the Reichhold Center for the Arts. Applications are available and due by Friday, Oct. 12. If you need more information call 774 – 5182 or 693 1080.
UVI Fall Semester Concert
The UVI Music Department will hold a fall semester concert entitled "Let Freedom Ring" featuring UVI’s concert band under the direction of Professor Austin A. Venzen on Saturday, Oct. 20, at 8 p.m. at the Methodist Church in Market Square. Tickets are $5 and can be purchased from the UVI Bookstore, the UVI Humanities office and from UVI Band Members.
TURNOUT GOOD FOR COMMERCIAL BOATING SEMINAR
Sept. 29, 2001 – A "Who's Who" of Virgin Islands commercial boat owners and operators gathered Friday morning at the St. Thomas Ritz-Carlton Resort to meet with local and regional Coast Guard inspectors at an event billed as Small Passenger Vessel Industry Day 2001.
Hosted by the Coast Guard's Marine Safety Detachment on St. Thomas, it attracted nearly 90 individuals representing most of the 130 Coast Guard-inspected small commercial vessels in the territory. Cmdr. Joseph A Servidio, who commands the Marine Safety Office in San Juan, and his chief inspector, Lt. Cmdr. Elmer Emeric, flew to St. Thomas to take part.
Lt. John Reinert, supervisor of the St. Thomas detachment, told the gathering, "By bringing the small passenger vessel community together at venues like this one, we hope the regulations can be explained, questions can be answered and ideas can be heard." The day's presentation, he added, "was targeted at small commercial inspected-vessel operators, both domestic and international."
The fast-paced agenda included slide-show augmented presentations on the Coast Guard's long-standing requirements relating to safe, clean and responsible commercial boat operation. Also addressed in detail were the vessel-inspection cycles required of commercial boat owners and the maintaining of vessels in a continuous state of compliance. Participants were encouraged to ask questions throughout the morning in a constructive, informal give-and-take environment.
According to Servidio, "These types of dialogues, training sessions and industry meetings are among the best ways we can move away from a high-casualty boating environment."
Of special interest to many local commercial captains were amendments to the international Standard of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) commercial boating regulations that will come into full effect next February. These amendments require many local captains holding master's licenses and carrying passengers to and from the British Virgin Islands to obtain additional safety endorsements on those licenses.
Most notably affected will be the many public and private ferry boat owners and operators engaged in routine business between the U.S. and British Virgin Islands. Emeric said, "We will begin looking for these STCW license endorsements in February."
"Even if you anticipate wanting an STCW endorsement later on in the future," Servidio told his audience, "it would behoove you to go through the licensing process now, because after the February 2002 date, it will be more difficult and expensive to obtain." He explained that at present, for captains holding master's licenses and serving international routes, "there is a gap where there are only a limited number of things you have to do. Starting in February 2002, those will expand."
Reinert expressed satisfaction with the day's turnout, saying, "I think we are going to make this an annual event." He noted that there is no separate orientation planned for St. Croix, as "the inspected vessel community is not nearly as large as it is here in the St. Thomas/St. John area."
Hosted by the Coast Guard's Marine Safety Detachment on St. Thomas, it attracted nearly 90 individuals representing most of the 130 Coast Guard-inspected small commercial vessels in the territory. Cmdr. Joseph A Servidio, who commands the Marine Safety Office in San Juan, and his chief inspector, Lt. Cmdr. Elmer Emeric, flew to St. Thomas to take part.
Lt. John Reinert, supervisor of the St. Thomas detachment, told the gathering, "By bringing the small passenger vessel community together at venues like this one, we hope the regulations can be explained, questions can be answered and ideas can be heard." The day's presentation, he added, "was targeted at small commercial inspected-vessel operators, both domestic and international."
The fast-paced agenda included slide-show augmented presentations on the Coast Guard's long-standing requirements relating to safe, clean and responsible commercial boat operation. Also addressed in detail were the vessel-inspection cycles required of commercial boat owners and the maintaining of vessels in a continuous state of compliance. Participants were encouraged to ask questions throughout the morning in a constructive, informal give-and-take environment.
According to Servidio, "These types of dialogues, training sessions and industry meetings are among the best ways we can move away from a high-casualty boating environment."
Of special interest to many local commercial captains were amendments to the international Standard of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) commercial boating regulations that will come into full effect next February. These amendments require many local captains holding master's licenses and carrying passengers to and from the British Virgin Islands to obtain additional safety endorsements on those licenses.
Most notably affected will be the many public and private ferry boat owners and operators engaged in routine business between the U.S. and British Virgin Islands. Emeric said, "We will begin looking for these STCW license endorsements in February."
"Even if you anticipate wanting an STCW endorsement later on in the future," Servidio told his audience, "it would behoove you to go through the licensing process now, because after the February 2002 date, it will be more difficult and expensive to obtain." He explained that at present, for captains holding master's licenses and serving international routes, "there is a gap where there are only a limited number of things you have to do. Starting in February 2002, those will expand."
Reinert expressed satisfaction with the day's turnout, saying, "I think we are going to make this an annual event." He noted that there is no separate orientation planned for St. Croix, as "the inspected vessel community is not nearly as large as it is here in the St. Thomas/St. John area."
