Aug. 21, 2001 – When a U.S. Coast Guard inspector responded to a call and found an oil spill of unknown origin in Cruz Bay's cargo docking area Monday afternoon, he could not determine what caused it.
But in about 10 days he hopes to know where it came from — or at least where it didn't come from.
Petty Officer First Class Scott Howell, assigned to the Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit on St. Thomas, said he received a call about the spill in what's commonly called "the Creek" from Troy Williams, a V.I. National Park protection ranger, at 3:30 p.m. Monday. At the scene, Howell said, he found "30 gallons of black bilge waste oil" floating on the surface of the water in a corner between the barge ramp and the U.S. Customs dock. No one has claimed responsibility for it.
Howell decided to collect samples from the oil spill and of the engine oil from each of the five barges that were operating at the site on Monday — Auto Transit, Capt. Vic, General II, Pi'ti Bleu and Roanoke — for laboratory comparison.
He said the samples will be analyzed by the Coast Guard Marine Safety Laboratory in Groton, Conn., using a device called a gas chromatograph. The objective is to try to find among the five barge oil samples a "chemical finger-print matching that of the oil sample taken from the water."
Lt. John V. Reinert, supervisor of the St. Thomas Coast Guard unit, said he expects to have the test results "within 10 days." If the source of the oil spill is determined, he said, the guilty party can expect to receive a "bill for the cleanup and/or a fine of up to $27,500."
Reinert said the spill was cleaned up Monday in a voluntary operation directed by Cheryl Boynes-Jackson, vice president of Boyson Inc., which owns the Auto Transit, General II and Pi'ti Bleu. The volunteers utilized a Coast Guard stockpile of floating "oleophilic adsorbent rolls" to take up the oil from the water and hold it for disposal as hazardous waste. Reinert said assistance also was provided by Caneel Bay shipyard personnel.
CEMENT MIXER OVERTURNS ON ROADWAY
Aug. 21, 2001 – Police said a loaded cement mixer lost control and overturned on King Hill Road Tuesday morning.
According to Lt. Joseph Gumbs, St. John watch commander, the Majestic Construction truck, driven by Earl E. Dawson and containing "seven yards of cement," overturned around 10 a.m. Tuesday. No injuries were reported, and no other vehicles were involved, he said.
No information was available as to how extensively the truck was damaged. The police report attributed the accident to the truck having "lost power on hill." Cement trucks and other heavy vehicles rely on power-assisted brakes to control their speed while descending hills.
A witness, Torin Zielenski, said the accident occurred within V.I. National Park boundaries on a hill between Annaberg and Maho Bay. Zielenski, a member of the U.S. Coast Guard, said he and fellow Coast Guard member Scott Howell happened to be in the area and contained "the minimal hydraulic fluid spill" from the truck using some absorbent pads they had with them. No cement or diesel fuel was leaking from the truck, he said.
Gumbs said no citation was issued and that the accident remained under investigation.
According to Lt. Joseph Gumbs, St. John watch commander, the Majestic Construction truck, driven by Earl E. Dawson and containing "seven yards of cement," overturned around 10 a.m. Tuesday. No injuries were reported, and no other vehicles were involved, he said.
No information was available as to how extensively the truck was damaged. The police report attributed the accident to the truck having "lost power on hill." Cement trucks and other heavy vehicles rely on power-assisted brakes to control their speed while descending hills.
A witness, Torin Zielenski, said the accident occurred within V.I. National Park boundaries on a hill between Annaberg and Maho Bay. Zielenski, a member of the U.S. Coast Guard, said he and fellow Coast Guard member Scott Howell happened to be in the area and contained "the minimal hydraulic fluid spill" from the truck using some absorbent pads they had with them. No cement or diesel fuel was leaking from the truck, he said.
Gumbs said no citation was issued and that the accident remained under investigation.
SENATE PANEL SAYS NO TO BENNER BAY PROJECT
Aug. 21, 2001 – A Senate committee rejected a Coastal Zone Management permit for a 165-slip marina and hotel complex on St. Thomas's East End on Tuesday, despite the argument of the developers that it would be a key to revitalizating the territory's charter boat industry.
Opponents of the $30 million Benner Cove Marina project, including the Environmental Association of St. Thomas/St. John and the League of Women Voters, said the project would devastate an area of mangroves and one of the last remaining natural salt ponds on St. Thomas.
They cited scientific findings that the area is a vital nursery for juvenile fish, a nesting area for dozens of species of birds and an important settling pond to prevent pollution from damaging coral reefs in the area.
The proposal called for dredging the salt pond at Benner Bay to a depth of 8 feet and installing the 165 boat slips. Construction plans included an 85-room hotel, 64 apartment units, a restaurant and other amenities.
Irv Rubin, managing partner of the developer, Benner Cove Associates, said the project would cater to the charter boat industry, which has been in decline on St. Thomas for more than a decade. He told the senators that the construction plans would minimize the environmental impact and that the project would create more than 200 jobs.
"This marina would enable us to compete more aggressively with Tortola," Rubin said in reference to the thriving charter boat business in the British Virgin Islands. "This is a very win-win proposition."
But Sen. Alicla "Chucky" Hansen countered, "Destroying our natural resources is not the answer."
All seven members of the Planning and Environmental Protection Committee — Sens. Adelbert Bryan, Donald "Ducks" Cole, Roosevelt David, Adlah "Foncie" Donastorg, Carlton Dowe, Hansen and Celestino White — voted against granting a CZM permit for the project.
The senators followed the recommendation of Planning and Natural Resources Commissioner Dean Plaskett in doing so. They cited environmental objections as well as questions as to whether Benner Cove Associates had standing to apply for a permit to develop an ar aq ea that is owned by the trust of William and Priscilla Clarenbach, now deceased.
The developers had received a CZM permit to develop the marina in 1985, and then-Gov. Alexander A. Farrelly approved it. But the Senate denied the permit in 1987, an action that led to a long legal battle. Finally, last year, U.S. District Court Judge Raymond Finch ruled that the developers had not received a fair hearing before the Legislature and ordered that a new hearing be held on the matter.
In the years since the permit was first approved, scientific findings have emphasized the importance of salt ponds and mangrove lagoons to a healthy marine environment, and the mangrove lagoon at Benner Bay area has been designated a marine sanctuary.
Some opponents of the project, noting that boat chartering has been in decline locally since the 1980s, questioned the need for another marina. They noted the development of marinas at Red Hook and just west of the salt pond at Benner Bay, as well as the proposed rebuilding of the Yacht Haven Marina at Long Bay, saying those marinas could meet any additional needs of the industry.
Opponents of the $30 million Benner Cove Marina project, including the Environmental Association of St. Thomas/St. John and the League of Women Voters, said the project would devastate an area of mangroves and one of the last remaining natural salt ponds on St. Thomas.
They cited scientific findings that the area is a vital nursery for juvenile fish, a nesting area for dozens of species of birds and an important settling pond to prevent pollution from damaging coral reefs in the area.
The proposal called for dredging the salt pond at Benner Bay to a depth of 8 feet and installing the 165 boat slips. Construction plans included an 85-room hotel, 64 apartment units, a restaurant and other amenities.
Irv Rubin, managing partner of the developer, Benner Cove Associates, said the project would cater to the charter boat industry, which has been in decline on St. Thomas for more than a decade. He told the senators that the construction plans would minimize the environmental impact and that the project would create more than 200 jobs.
"This marina would enable us to compete more aggressively with Tortola," Rubin said in reference to the thriving charter boat business in the British Virgin Islands. "This is a very win-win proposition."
But Sen. Alicla "Chucky" Hansen countered, "Destroying our natural resources is not the answer."
All seven members of the Planning and Environmental Protection Committee — Sens. Adelbert Bryan, Donald "Ducks" Cole, Roosevelt David, Adlah "Foncie" Donastorg, Carlton Dowe, Hansen and Celestino White — voted against granting a CZM permit for the project.
The senators followed the recommendation of Planning and Natural Resources Commissioner Dean Plaskett in doing so. They cited environmental objections as well as questions as to whether Benner Cove Associates had standing to apply for a permit to develop an ar aq ea that is owned by the trust of William and Priscilla Clarenbach, now deceased.
The developers had received a CZM permit to develop the marina in 1985, and then-Gov. Alexander A. Farrelly approved it. But the Senate denied the permit in 1987, an action that led to a long legal battle. Finally, last year, U.S. District Court Judge Raymond Finch ruled that the developers had not received a fair hearing before the Legislature and ordered that a new hearing be held on the matter.
In the years since the permit was first approved, scientific findings have emphasized the importance of salt ponds and mangrove lagoons to a healthy marine environment, and the mangrove lagoon at Benner Bay area has been designated a marine sanctuary.
Some opponents of the project, noting that boat chartering has been in decline locally since the 1980s, questioned the need for another marina. They noted the development of marinas at Red Hook and just west of the salt pond at Benner Bay, as well as the proposed rebuilding of the Yacht Haven Marina at Long Bay, saying those marinas could meet any additional needs of the industry.
CRUCIANS CAN PULL TOGETHER FOR CHANGE
Dear Source,
After having read the "Source" for the last few weeks, I feel compelled to join the discussion on the future of St. Croix. My in-laws have made the island their home for some 30 years now. My wife and I will be moving from Raleigh, N.C. to St. Croix sometime next summer.
Many who hear this can't wait to ask "Why on earth are you doing that, St. Croix is going to #$*! in a handbasket!"
Well, having visited the island several times over the last decade, I STILL plan to move. St. Croix does need some major adjustments.
Jackie Donellie's commentary on the incompetence of people in leadership positions is hitting the nail on the head. Crucians that recognize this need to band together and get people involved in the issues that matter most to them. Some say ignorance is bliss but action needs to be taken.
Complaining about the squandering of money or the inability of an elected official to form a complete sentence will not effect change.
I think there is a large group of people who would like to do something but feel too "small" and don't know where to start.
My wife and I plan to get involved as much as possible after our move. Forming community/discussion groups and letting officials know how people feel on important issues is crucial.
St. Croix is a beautiful place and needs to be cared for. There is power in numbers and Crucians need to organize.
Rob Lewis
Raleigh, NC
After having read the "Source" for the last few weeks, I feel compelled to join the discussion on the future of St. Croix. My in-laws have made the island their home for some 30 years now. My wife and I will be moving from Raleigh, N.C. to St. Croix sometime next summer.
Many who hear this can't wait to ask "Why on earth are you doing that, St. Croix is going to #$*! in a handbasket!"
Well, having visited the island several times over the last decade, I STILL plan to move. St. Croix does need some major adjustments.
Jackie Donellie's commentary on the incompetence of people in leadership positions is hitting the nail on the head. Crucians that recognize this need to band together and get people involved in the issues that matter most to them. Some say ignorance is bliss but action needs to be taken.
Complaining about the squandering of money or the inability of an elected official to form a complete sentence will not effect change.
I think there is a large group of people who would like to do something but feel too "small" and don't know where to start.
My wife and I plan to get involved as much as possible after our move. Forming community/discussion groups and letting officials know how people feel on important issues is crucial.
St. Croix is a beautiful place and needs to be cared for. There is power in numbers and Crucians need to organize.
Rob Lewis
Raleigh, NC
TWO PARK BEACHES NO LONGER BARELY TOLERANT
Aug. 21, 2001 – While rangers are still encountering a few folks sun bathing au naturel at Salomon and Jumbie Beaches, most people have gotten the no-nudity message, V.I. National Park Supt. John King said Tuesday.
Over the years, the two beaches have been known for accepting sun bathing in the buff. Park officials would crack down periodically, but their efforts were short lived.
The most recent flap developed last spring, a few months after King's arrival in December 2000 as the new park superintendent.
The situation at Salomon Beach, in particular, had gotten articularly "creepy," King said, with people having sex on the beach. Others were soliciting for sex, he said, and "It did involve minors."
King took a phased approach to the problem. First, rangers simply asked people to put their clothes back on. Next, park officials said they would issue citations to offenders. About two months ago, rangers began issuing such citations — for violating the territory's law against nudity. To date, rangers have issued 10 such citations, eight at Salomon Beach and two at Jumbie Beach.
King said the no-nudity policy is in keeping with the park's family-friendly environment. "This is a national park," he said. "All sections of the park should be available to all people." At the same time, he acknowledged that there have been complaints about the no-nudity policy and its enforcement.
St. John resident Terry Conklin said the precedent was set years ago for using Salomon for nude bathing. "Suddenly it's an issue again," he said.
Conklin lost a U.S. District Court case after park officials filed a complaint against him about three years ago for nudity and failing to obey a lawful order at Salomon Beach. He still maintains that the park administration is wrong in its interpretation of the law.
"The code never intended to ban nudity when people are bathing," he said.
However, he is not about to take up the cause again now. "Too busy," he said.
Over the years, the two beaches have been known for accepting sun bathing in the buff. Park officials would crack down periodically, but their efforts were short lived.
The most recent flap developed last spring, a few months after King's arrival in December 2000 as the new park superintendent.
The situation at Salomon Beach, in particular, had gotten articularly "creepy," King said, with people having sex on the beach. Others were soliciting for sex, he said, and "It did involve minors."
King took a phased approach to the problem. First, rangers simply asked people to put their clothes back on. Next, park officials said they would issue citations to offenders. About two months ago, rangers began issuing such citations — for violating the territory's law against nudity. To date, rangers have issued 10 such citations, eight at Salomon Beach and two at Jumbie Beach.
King said the no-nudity policy is in keeping with the park's family-friendly environment. "This is a national park," he said. "All sections of the park should be available to all people." At the same time, he acknowledged that there have been complaints about the no-nudity policy and its enforcement.
St. John resident Terry Conklin said the precedent was set years ago for using Salomon for nude bathing. "Suddenly it's an issue again," he said.
Conklin lost a U.S. District Court case after park officials filed a complaint against him about three years ago for nudity and failing to obey a lawful order at Salomon Beach. He still maintains that the park administration is wrong in its interpretation of the law.
"The code never intended to ban nudity when people are bathing," he said.
However, he is not about to take up the cause again now. "Too busy," he said.
GUN-BILL SPONSOR WILLING TO ACCEPT CHANGES
Aug. 21, 2001 – Sen. Emmett Hansen II says he is willing to let Gov. Charles W. Turnbull make certain changes in his get-tough-on-guns bill, which the governor vetoed earlier this month, in order to get the legislation signed into law.
Hansen was off island on vacation when he learned of Turnbull's veto on Aug. 13. At the time, the senator declared that the Legislature would override the veto. But he has since sought Turnbull's counsel on the issue.
On Monday, in a letter to the governor, Hansen said, "While I am of the opinion that the measures contained within the bill are exactly what are needed to stem the rash of gun violence and gun smuggling in the V.I., I am aware that you do not share the same sentiment."
Turnbull had objected to a section of the Gun Control Act of 2001 dealing with forfeiture of property on which illegal weapons are found, terming it "Draconian." He said in his veto message that if the language about forfeiture were changed, he would sign the legislation.
The disputed portion of the bill as enacted by the Legislature states that real property and means of transportation would be subject to forfeiture, with said action, in turn, subject to judicial review.
Real property could be seized if any illegal, unauthorized or unlicensed firearm or ammunition were found to have been "stored, concealed or housed with the knowledge, consent or privity of the owner(s), or where through the exercise of due diligence the owner(s) should have known" of its being there.
Authorities similarly could seize any "conveyances," including motor vehicles, aircraft and seagoing vessels "which are used, or are intended for use, to transport, or in any manner to facilitate the transportation, sale, receipt, possession, or concealment" of illegal, unauthorized or unlicensed firearms. However, common carriers would be exempted "unless it shall appear that the owner or other person in charge of such conveyance was a consenting party or privy to a violation of this chapter."
The bill further provides that if the attorney general determines that a property owner did not know of, nor should he or she have known of, the unlawful use of the property, the property should be returned "upon request" to the owner. The bill provides for a court hearing to determine the legality of forfeitures.
On Aug. 14, speaking on the "Opening Doors" talk show on WVWI Radio, the governor said, "I told Sen. Hansen I would sign the bill, but then I saw the section about forfeiting property where illegal weapons were found, and I couldn't sign that." Turnbull said nobody should lose their home because "some culprit has hidden one illegal bullet in it."
He added, "I was going to sign the bill, but when I saw that part, I had to veto it."
Hansen at the time expressed astonishment at Turnbull's action. "We will override the veto," he said then, "The bill has 12 sponsors; they'll be fighting one another to override it." He said he had worked for months with representatives of the various V.I. law agencies in drafting the bill and that it had received a "most thorough review."
Attorney General Iver Stridiron has publically expressed concern about the forfeiture language, agreeing with the governor that it needs more study.
Hansen said Monday that he would await "clarifying language" from the governor. However, he added, should such language not be forthcoming by the time the Legislature goes into full session again in late September, "I will be left with no choice but to move for an override of the vetoed legislation. I hope it does not come to that."
Hansen was off island on vacation when he learned of Turnbull's veto on Aug. 13. At the time, the senator declared that the Legislature would override the veto. But he has since sought Turnbull's counsel on the issue.
On Monday, in a letter to the governor, Hansen said, "While I am of the opinion that the measures contained within the bill are exactly what are needed to stem the rash of gun violence and gun smuggling in the V.I., I am aware that you do not share the same sentiment."
Turnbull had objected to a section of the Gun Control Act of 2001 dealing with forfeiture of property on which illegal weapons are found, terming it "Draconian." He said in his veto message that if the language about forfeiture were changed, he would sign the legislation.
The disputed portion of the bill as enacted by the Legislature states that real property and means of transportation would be subject to forfeiture, with said action, in turn, subject to judicial review.
Real property could be seized if any illegal, unauthorized or unlicensed firearm or ammunition were found to have been "stored, concealed or housed with the knowledge, consent or privity of the owner(s), or where through the exercise of due diligence the owner(s) should have known" of its being there.
Authorities similarly could seize any "conveyances," including motor vehicles, aircraft and seagoing vessels "which are used, or are intended for use, to transport, or in any manner to facilitate the transportation, sale, receipt, possession, or concealment" of illegal, unauthorized or unlicensed firearms. However, common carriers would be exempted "unless it shall appear that the owner or other person in charge of such conveyance was a consenting party or privy to a violation of this chapter."
The bill further provides that if the attorney general determines that a property owner did not know of, nor should he or she have known of, the unlawful use of the property, the property should be returned "upon request" to the owner. The bill provides for a court hearing to determine the legality of forfeitures.
On Aug. 14, speaking on the "Opening Doors" talk show on WVWI Radio, the governor said, "I told Sen. Hansen I would sign the bill, but then I saw the section about forfeiting property where illegal weapons were found, and I couldn't sign that." Turnbull said nobody should lose their home because "some culprit has hidden one illegal bullet in it."
He added, "I was going to sign the bill, but when I saw that part, I had to veto it."
Hansen at the time expressed astonishment at Turnbull's action. "We will override the veto," he said then, "The bill has 12 sponsors; they'll be fighting one another to override it." He said he had worked for months with representatives of the various V.I. law agencies in drafting the bill and that it had received a "most thorough review."
Attorney General Iver Stridiron has publically expressed concern about the forfeiture language, agreeing with the governor that it needs more study.
Hansen said Monday that he would await "clarifying language" from the governor. However, he added, should such language not be forthcoming by the time the Legislature goes into full session again in late September, "I will be left with no choice but to move for an override of the vetoed legislation. I hope it does not come to that."
TALENT EXPLOSION
The V.I. Star Search International presents Talent Explosion at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 25, at the St. Croix Educational Complex.
The best local Reggae, Rap, Socca and R & B artists; Army, Tina Paradise, Sabbatical Ahda, Goldfish, Kazz, Vigilant, Danny Dread, Gravity Band, Renegade, Humble Ras, Versatile, Digital Band, King Paul, De Chaberts and the PAL dancers will be featured.
Tickets are $10 & $5.
The best local Reggae, Rap, Socca and R & B artists; Army, Tina Paradise, Sabbatical Ahda, Goldfish, Kazz, Vigilant, Danny Dread, Gravity Band, Renegade, Humble Ras, Versatile, Digital Band, King Paul, De Chaberts and the PAL dancers will be featured.
Tickets are $10 & $5.
PLEDGE PARTY BENEFIT FOR ANIMAL SHELTER
The Armstrong family is sponsoring a Pledge Party to benefit the St. Croix Animal Shelter at 6 to 9 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 9, at the Little Mermaid at the Buccaneer.
Tickets are $50 per person. There will be an Italian buffet, music and dancing, cash bar.
Please make your reservations with the concierge at The Buccaneer 773-2100.
Tickets are $50 per person. There will be an Italian buffet, music and dancing, cash bar.
Please make your reservations with the concierge at The Buccaneer 773-2100.
PLEDGE PARTY BENEFIT FOR ANIMAL SHELTER
The Armstrong family is sponsoring a Pledge Party to benefit the St. Croix Animal Shelter at 6 to 9 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 8, at the Little Mermaid at The Buccaneer. Tickets are $50 per person. There will be an Italian Buffet, music and dancing, cash bar.
Make your reservations with the concierge at The Buccaneer 773-2100.
Make your reservations with the concierge at The Buccaneer 773-2100.
FUNERAL SERVICES FOR JOSEPH VIGILANT
Joseph Vigilant, "Apo," age 91, formerly of Dominica, died Aug. 16, at the Juan Louis Hospital on St. Croix.
Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 24, at St. Ann's Catholic Church. First viewing will be held on Thursday, Aug. 23, second viewing at 12 noon prior to the service. Internment will be at Kingshill Cemetery.
Joseph Vigilant is survived by his brother Pierre Vivilant; sons Cyrion, Vernon, Vincent, McNeil, Lawrance, John, Julian, and Edmond Vivilant: daughters Bernadette Vigilant, Josephine Vigilant and Marie V. Esprit; 47 grandchildren; 30 great granchildren; 6 great grandchildren; nieces Augusta, Stella, Sara, Saraphine, Josephine,
Alice, Sally and Lisa Vigilant; nephews John, Joseph, Leonard, Thomas and Antoine Vigilant; son-in-law Desmond Esprit; sister-in-law Gertrude Vigilant; daughter-in-law Euthalie, Ana, Katie and Norma Vigilant; grandsons-in-law- Irenous Stanislaus, Xavier St. Rose, Alv Clarke and Kenroy Matthew; close friends Rupert Elvine, Harriet Gordon, Jeffrina Cenac, Gloria Edwards, Mary Valmond and Jemma Boland; many other relatives and friends to numerous to mention.
Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 24, at St. Ann's Catholic Church. First viewing will be held on Thursday, Aug. 23, second viewing at 12 noon prior to the service. Internment will be at Kingshill Cemetery.
Joseph Vigilant is survived by his brother Pierre Vivilant; sons Cyrion, Vernon, Vincent, McNeil, Lawrance, John, Julian, and Edmond Vivilant: daughters Bernadette Vigilant, Josephine Vigilant and Marie V. Esprit; 47 grandchildren; 30 great granchildren; 6 great grandchildren; nieces Augusta, Stella, Sara, Saraphine, Josephine,
Alice, Sally and Lisa Vigilant; nephews John, Joseph, Leonard, Thomas and Antoine Vigilant; son-in-law Desmond Esprit; sister-in-law Gertrude Vigilant; daughter-in-law Euthalie, Ana, Katie and Norma Vigilant; grandsons-in-law- Irenous Stanislaus, Xavier St. Rose, Alv Clarke and Kenroy Matthew; close friends Rupert Elvine, Harriet Gordon, Jeffrina Cenac, Gloria Edwards, Mary Valmond and Jemma Boland; many other relatives and friends to numerous to mention.
