Sept. 18, 2001 – Education Commissioner Ruby Simmonds said Tuesday that her announced refusal to appear at a Senate Education Committee hearing scheduled for Friday on St. Croix stems from Gov. Charles W. Turnbull's general directive to his department heads not to attend Senate meetings unless he gives the okay.
Sen. Norman Jn Baptiste, the committee chair, circulated copies of a letter he sent to Simmonds on Tuesday to the news media. In it, he told Simmonds that he was "duty bound to issue subpoenas to ensure that the people's business is conducted."
Later Tuesday, Simmonds called Jn. Baptiste's actions "politicking." "Politicians are good at stirring up the pot," she said.
Simmonds said that, according to a policy implemented by Turnbull in an Aug. 1 letter to Senate President Almando "Rocky" Liburd, the senator needed to write to the governor to request her presence. She said Jn. Baptiste failed to do so. "All he has to do is make a request," she said.
In his written reply to Simmonds' letter of refusal, Jn. Baptiste noted that, despite the governor's mandate, other commissioners and agency heads have appeared to testify at Senate hearings. He said the policy has never been enforced. "What is your motive here?" he asked Simmonds, noting that she had committed to attend a Finance Committee meeting on Saturday.
Simmonds' explanation is that all agency heads were told by the governor to attend budget hearings, which is what the Finance Committee session on Saturday is. "We're defending the budget," she said.
Jn. Baptiste said he scheduled the Education Committee session to get information about Education Department procurement practices, including contracts, staffing and equipment and supply needs. He also wants to know about projects financed under the Youth, Education and Training Endowment Fund. In his letter to Simmonds Tuesday, he said the meeting will be "geared towards righting the wrongs of our education system."
CASINO COMMISSION MEETING
The regular meeting of the Virgin Islands Casino Control Commission which was scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 19, has been rescheduled for 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 2, in the Commission's offices at #5 Orange Grove, Christiansted.
Items on the agenda will include discussion of the Divi Carina Bay Casino expansion plans, consideration of casino employee licenses, casino servicing entity licenses, authorization for the operation of new casino games and review of proposed regulation for new games.
The Commission will also discuss required preparation for the implementation of the newly enacted Internet Caming Act.
Items on the agenda will include discussion of the Divi Carina Bay Casino expansion plans, consideration of casino employee licenses, casino servicing entity licenses, authorization for the operation of new casino games and review of proposed regulation for new games.
The Commission will also discuss required preparation for the implementation of the newly enacted Internet Caming Act.
GERS PRE-RETIREMENT PLANNING WORKSHOP
The Government Employees' Retirement System invites members over 30 years of age to participate in a Pre-retirement Workshop at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 26, in GERS Conference Room, 3005, Orange Grove.
Learn about your benefits; Social Security, legal rights, health insurance coverage, securing your financial future, system benefits and more.
For additional information or to pre-register, call Mrs. Ann Forbes-Samuel at 773-5480. Seating is limited so register early. Pre-registration deadline is Friday, Sept. 21.
Learn about your benefits; Social Security, legal rights, health insurance coverage, securing your financial future, system benefits and more.
For additional information or to pre-register, call Mrs. Ann Forbes-Samuel at 773-5480. Seating is limited so register early. Pre-registration deadline is Friday, Sept. 21.
V.I. FACILITIES MAINTAINING STEPPED-UP SECURITY
Sept. 18, 2001 – In the wake of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, increased security remains in effect throughout the Virgin Islands at private-sector installations as well as governmental facilities and offices.
Two U.S. Coast Guard cutters arrived at St. Thomas several days ago, dispatched to escort cruise ships in and out of the Charlotte Amalie harbor. The procedure is "just a precaution," Coast Guard Lt. John Reinert said. "There have been no threats."
Reinert said Coast Guard officers have stepped up checks at the West Indian Co. and Crown Bay docks on St. Thomas. WICO remains on alert, spokesman Calvin Wheatley said, adding, "I don't know when it will be relaxed." He said he doesn't expect any attacks here, but the island needs to remain prepared.
Federal agents detained two people on Sunday at the WICO dock after they were spotted taking photographs in a restricted area. Wheatley said suppliers delivering provisions to the cruise ships must produce WICO-approved identification when asked. "We are carefully monitoring the presence of people along the dock," he said.
All of WICO's 60 employees already carried identification before the Sept. 11 attack, and the security staff knows them all, Wheatley said.
Alex Moorhead, vice president for government affairs and human relations at the Hovensa oil refinery on St. Croix, declined to provide any security details but said the refinery remained on alert. "It is causing a minimum of inconvenience to employees," he said, noting that employee bag searches were part of the security program before the attack.
Federal buildings on St. Thomas and St. Croix also remain on alert. Stanley Brown, who manages both buildings, said that staff moved into high alert on Sept. 11. "Nothing has changed," he said, declining to provide details.
James O'Bryan, Gov. Charles W. Turnbull's assistant for public affairs and policy initiatives, said security has been increased at key government buildings. He declined to give specifics but said that, in some instances, employees now must go through checkpoints.
While most agencies continue watching their backs, the V.I. National Park on St. John is not doing so. Supt. John King said the park closed the Visitor Center right after the attack but reopened it the next day. It is unlikely the park would be a target of any attack, he said.
King noted that certain other national parks such as those where the Statue of Liberty in New York and Independence Hall in Philadelphia are located remain under higher vigilance. "They are important symbols of our nation," he said.
No one could be reached for comment at the Water and Power Authority or
Innovative Telephone.
Two U.S. Coast Guard cutters arrived at St. Thomas several days ago, dispatched to escort cruise ships in and out of the Charlotte Amalie harbor. The procedure is "just a precaution," Coast Guard Lt. John Reinert said. "There have been no threats."
Reinert said Coast Guard officers have stepped up checks at the West Indian Co. and Crown Bay docks on St. Thomas. WICO remains on alert, spokesman Calvin Wheatley said, adding, "I don't know when it will be relaxed." He said he doesn't expect any attacks here, but the island needs to remain prepared.
Federal agents detained two people on Sunday at the WICO dock after they were spotted taking photographs in a restricted area. Wheatley said suppliers delivering provisions to the cruise ships must produce WICO-approved identification when asked. "We are carefully monitoring the presence of people along the dock," he said.
All of WICO's 60 employees already carried identification before the Sept. 11 attack, and the security staff knows them all, Wheatley said.
Alex Moorhead, vice president for government affairs and human relations at the Hovensa oil refinery on St. Croix, declined to provide any security details but said the refinery remained on alert. "It is causing a minimum of inconvenience to employees," he said, noting that employee bag searches were part of the security program before the attack.
Federal buildings on St. Thomas and St. Croix also remain on alert. Stanley Brown, who manages both buildings, said that staff moved into high alert on Sept. 11. "Nothing has changed," he said, declining to provide details.
James O'Bryan, Gov. Charles W. Turnbull's assistant for public affairs and policy initiatives, said security has been increased at key government buildings. He declined to give specifics but said that, in some instances, employees now must go through checkpoints.
While most agencies continue watching their backs, the V.I. National Park on St. John is not doing so. Supt. John King said the park closed the Visitor Center right after the attack but reopened it the next day. It is unlikely the park would be a target of any attack, he said.
King noted that certain other national parks such as those where the Statue of Liberty in New York and Independence Hall in Philadelphia are located remain under higher vigilance. "They are important symbols of our nation," he said.
No one could be reached for comment at the Water and Power Authority or
Innovative Telephone.
GERS PRE-RETIREMENT PLANNING WORKSHOP
The Government Empoyees' Retirement System invites members over 30 years of age to participate in a Pre-retirement Workshop at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 26, in GERS Conference Room, 3005 Orange Grove.
Learn more about your benefits: Social Security, legal rights, health insurance coverage, securing your financial future, system benefits, and much more.
For additional information or to pre-register, call Mrs. Ann Forbes-Samuel at 773-5480. Seating is limited so register early. Pre-registration deadline is Friday, Sept. 21.
Learn more about your benefits: Social Security, legal rights, health insurance coverage, securing your financial future, system benefits, and much more.
For additional information or to pre-register, call Mrs. Ann Forbes-Samuel at 773-5480. Seating is limited so register early. Pre-registration deadline is Friday, Sept. 21.
V.I. FACILITIES MAINTAINING STEPPED-UP SECURITY
Sept. 18, 2001 – In the wake of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, increased security remains in effect throughout the Virgin Islands at private-sector installations as well as governmental facilities and offices.
Two U.S. Coast Guard cutters arrived at St. Thomas several days ago, dispatched to escort cruise ships in and out of the Charlotte Amalie harbor. The procedure is "just a precaution," Coast Guard Lt. John Reinert said. "There have been no threats."
Reinert said Coast Guard officers have stepped up checks at the West Indian Co. and Crown Bay docks on St. Thomas. WICO remains on alert, spokesman Calvin Wheatley said, adding, "I don't know when it will be relaxed." He said he doesn't expect any attacks here, but the island needs to remain prepared.
Federal agents detained two people on Sunday at the WICO dock after they were spotted taking photographs in a restricted area. Wheatley said suppliers delivering provisions to the cruise ships must produce WICO-approved identification when asked. "We are carefully monitoring the presence of people along the dock," he said.
All of WICO's 60 employees already carried identification before the Sept. 11 attack, and the security staff knows them all, Wheatley said.
Alex Moorhead, vice president for government affairs and human relations at the Hovensa oil refinery on St. Croix, declined to provide any security details but said the refinery remained on alert. "It is causing a minimum of inconvenience to employees," he said, noting that employee bag searches were part of the security program before the attack.
Federal buildings on St. Thomas and St. Croix also remain on alert. Stanley Brown, who manages both buildings, said that staff moved into high alert on Sept. 11. "Nothing has changed," he said, declining to provide details.
James O'Bryan, Gov. Charles W. Turnbull's assistant for public affairs and policy initiatives, said security has been increased at key government buildings. He declined to give specifics but said that, in some instances, employees now must go through checkpoints.
While most agencies continue watching their backs, the V.I. National Park on St. John is not doing so. Supt. John King said the park closed the Visitor Center right after the attack but reopened it the next day. It is unlikely the park would be a target of any attack, he said.
King noted that certain other national parks such as those where the Statue of Liberty in New York and Independence Hall in Philadelphia are located remain under higher vigilance. "They are important symbols of our nation," he said.
No one could be reached for comment at the Water and Power Authority or
Innovative Telephone.
Two U.S. Coast Guard cutters arrived at St. Thomas several days ago, dispatched to escort cruise ships in and out of the Charlotte Amalie harbor. The procedure is "just a precaution," Coast Guard Lt. John Reinert said. "There have been no threats."
Reinert said Coast Guard officers have stepped up checks at the West Indian Co. and Crown Bay docks on St. Thomas. WICO remains on alert, spokesman Calvin Wheatley said, adding, "I don't know when it will be relaxed." He said he doesn't expect any attacks here, but the island needs to remain prepared.
Federal agents detained two people on Sunday at the WICO dock after they were spotted taking photographs in a restricted area. Wheatley said suppliers delivering provisions to the cruise ships must produce WICO-approved identification when asked. "We are carefully monitoring the presence of people along the dock," he said.
All of WICO's 60 employees already carried identification before the Sept. 11 attack, and the security staff knows them all, Wheatley said.
Alex Moorhead, vice president for government affairs and human relations at the Hovensa oil refinery on St. Croix, declined to provide any security details but said the refinery remained on alert. "It is causing a minimum of inconvenience to employees," he said, noting that employee bag searches were part of the security program before the attack.
Federal buildings on St. Thomas and St. Croix also remain on alert. Stanley Brown, who manages both buildings, said that staff moved into high alert on Sept. 11. "Nothing has changed," he said, declining to provide details.
James O'Bryan, Gov. Charles W. Turnbull's assistant for public affairs and policy initiatives, said security has been increased at key government buildings. He declined to give specifics but said that, in some instances, employees now must go through checkpoints.
While most agencies continue watching their backs, the V.I. National Park on St. John is not doing so. Supt. John King said the park closed the Visitor Center right after the attack but reopened it the next day. It is unlikely the park would be a target of any attack, he said.
King noted that certain other national parks such as those where the Statue of Liberty in New York and Independence Hall in Philadelphia are located remain under higher vigilance. "They are important symbols of our nation," he said.
No one could be reached for comment at the Water and Power Authority or
Innovative Telephone.
ACCUSED HOVENSA BOMB CALLER GOES TO COURT
Sept. 18, 2001 — The 28-year-old man accused of calling in a bomb threat to the Hovensa refinery a day after terrorist attacks on the mainland had actually worked for a subcontractor at the giant facility for a month.
Norman Rampersad Jr. appeared at an advice-of-rights hearing in U.S. District Court on Tuesday, a day after he was arrested by FBI agents for allegedly making a threatening phone call on Sept. 12 to Bechtel Corp., a Hovensa subcontractor. The call forced the refinery to shut down while a search was made for an explosive device.
Rampersad told U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeffrey Resnick that he had worked for Bechtel making $12.89 an hour for a month, but gave no reason why he made the alleged call.
Neither Assistant U.S. Attorney David Nissman nor the FBI said how Rampersad was identified as the caller. But as part of his bail conditions, Resnick ordered Rampersad to give up his cellular phone. Calls made from cellular phones can be tracked by triangulating the location of the base station and antenna nearest to the caller.
Resnick meanwhile, set bond at $25,000, but let Rampersad out on $2,000 bail. He will be in the third-party custody of his sister. Rampersad is not allowed to possess any type of weapon or make contact with Hovensa or any of its contractors.
"No phone calls with those companies whatsoever," Resnick said. "None. Period."
Resnick also ordered Rampersad to log all his calls, including the time, date, who he calls and for how long the call lasts until his trial, which has yet to be scheduled.
Rampersad was arrested for, among other things, maliciously conveying false information to damage and destroy real and personal property and to injure others by means of fire or explosion. He faces a maximum of up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Rampersad was also charged with transmission of threatening communication in interstate commerce to injure another person, which carries a maximum of five years in prison and a fine up to $250,000.
Norman Rampersad Jr. appeared at an advice-of-rights hearing in U.S. District Court on Tuesday, a day after he was arrested by FBI agents for allegedly making a threatening phone call on Sept. 12 to Bechtel Corp., a Hovensa subcontractor. The call forced the refinery to shut down while a search was made for an explosive device.
Rampersad told U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeffrey Resnick that he had worked for Bechtel making $12.89 an hour for a month, but gave no reason why he made the alleged call.
Neither Assistant U.S. Attorney David Nissman nor the FBI said how Rampersad was identified as the caller. But as part of his bail conditions, Resnick ordered Rampersad to give up his cellular phone. Calls made from cellular phones can be tracked by triangulating the location of the base station and antenna nearest to the caller.
Resnick meanwhile, set bond at $25,000, but let Rampersad out on $2,000 bail. He will be in the third-party custody of his sister. Rampersad is not allowed to possess any type of weapon or make contact with Hovensa or any of its contractors.
"No phone calls with those companies whatsoever," Resnick said. "None. Period."
Resnick also ordered Rampersad to log all his calls, including the time, date, who he calls and for how long the call lasts until his trial, which has yet to be scheduled.
Rampersad was arrested for, among other things, maliciously conveying false information to damage and destroy real and personal property and to injure others by means of fire or explosion. He faces a maximum of up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Rampersad was also charged with transmission of threatening communication in interstate commerce to injure another person, which carries a maximum of five years in prison and a fine up to $250,000.
FIRE SERVICES GETS U.S. GRANTS FOR UPGRADES
Sept. 18, 2001 – V.I. Fire Services recently received two federal grants totaling $395,528 to upgrade its response cabability, Ian Williams Sr., its director, said in a news release.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency provided $257,528 from the Firefighters Investment Response Grant fund, which is for equipment such as breathing devices, hoses, power tools, generators and professional first-aid kits.
A U.S. Agriculture Department wild land grant of $138,000 will help the department conduct training, purchase tools used to fight fires in what is termed wild land, and provide reliable water sources in rural areas.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency provided $257,528 from the Firefighters Investment Response Grant fund, which is for equipment such as breathing devices, hoses, power tools, generators and professional first-aid kits.
A U.S. Agriculture Department wild land grant of $138,000 will help the department conduct training, purchase tools used to fight fires in what is termed wild land, and provide reliable water sources in rural areas.
FIRE SERVICES GETS U.S. GRANTS FOR UPGRADES
Sept. 18, 2001 – V.I. Fire Services recently received two federal grants totaling $395,528 to upgrade its response cabability, Ian Williams Sr., its director, said in a news release.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency provided $257,528 from the Firefighters Investment Response Grant fund, which is for equipment such as breathing devices, hoses, power tools, generators and professional first-aid kits.
A U.S. Agriculture Department wild land grant of $138,000 will help the department conduct training, purchase tools used to fight fires in what is termed wild land, and provide reliable water sources in rural areas.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency provided $257,528 from the Firefighters Investment Response Grant fund, which is for equipment such as breathing devices, hoses, power tools, generators and professional first-aid kits.
A U.S. Agriculture Department wild land grant of $138,000 will help the department conduct training, purchase tools used to fight fires in what is termed wild land, and provide reliable water sources in rural areas.
FIRE SERVICES GETS U.S. GRANTS FOR UPGRADES
Sept. 18, 2001 – V.I. Fire Services recently received two federal grants totaling $395,528 to upgrade its response capability, Ian Williams Sr., its director, said in a news release.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency provided $257,528 from the Firefighters Investment Response Grant fund, which is for equipment such as breathing devices, hoses, power tools, generators and professional first-aid kits.
A U.S. Agriculture Department wild land grant of $138,000 will help the department conduct training, purchase tools used to fight fires in what is termed wild land, and provide reliable water sources in rural areas.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency provided $257,528 from the Firefighters Investment Response Grant fund, which is for equipment such as breathing devices, hoses, power tools, generators and professional first-aid kits.
A U.S. Agriculture Department wild land grant of $138,000 will help the department conduct training, purchase tools used to fight fires in what is termed wild land, and provide reliable water sources in rural areas.
