Aug. 14, 2001 – Despite some economic belt-tightening on the mainland, St. John has had a very good summer season, hoteliers, restaurant owners and retailers report.
"We're just a little bit below last year," Brian Young, general manager at Caneel Bay Resort, said. Occupancy was nearly 80 percent for July, he said, just a hair below what the posh resort saw last year.
At the other end of the amenity spectrum, Maho Bay Camps recorded an occupancy rate around 50 percent for the entire summer. Resident manager Victor Nunnally said that was about the same as last summer. He said hard economic times on the mainland don't impact Maho as much as they do pricier resorts. Most Maho Bay summer visitors are middle-class families with incomes in the $30,000 to $60,000 range.
In the hope of boosting its occupancy rate, Maho tried a small marketing ploy that has paid off. Nunnally said that Maho now has signage at the Cyril E. King Airport, a move that results in four or five guests calling every day from the airport to book a tent.
While Caneel Bay patrons tend to be well heeled, they are watching their dollars all the same. Young said that guests who willing spend what it takes for the room will pinch on spending at the resort gift shop and on things like wine. For example, "Instead of an $80 bottle of wine, they'll buy one for $40 or just a couple of glasses," he said.
Visitors from all walks of economic life have been spending plenty at St. John shops.
"It's been unusually good and exceeds our expectations," Kate Campbell, owner of the Pink Papaya gift shop in Cruz Bay, said. She pegged the summer success on day visitors from St. Thomas as well as people staying at the Westin Resort for conventions and other group events.
At the Bougainvillea boutiques at the Westin and in Mongoose Junction, sales have been strong. Manager Sana Rogers gave some credit for that to the Italians and South Americans who flock to St. John in August.
Italy just about closes down each August while the residents head elsewhere for vacation, she said. And it's winter in the southernmost parts of South America, which encourages residents to head north to a warmer climate. "It's like a little mini-season in the middle of summer," Rogers said as about 20 people were crowding her Mongoose Junction shop.
Visitors dropping big bucks at island shops also spend for meals, but locals also help the summer bottom line. "The locals wait for it to slow down," Chris Meyer, who owns the Lime Inn, said. She said she also sees lots of families who spend a week or two at one of the island's vacation villas coming in for lunch and dinner.
In Coral Bay, business has been a bit better than last summer at Skinny Legs Bar and Restaurant, owner Doug Sica said. The bulk of his business comes from visiting families who tell him they picked St. John for their vacation because it's cheaper to rent a house on the island than it is at shore resorts on the mainland East Coast.
Plus, here "they can see their feet in the water," Sica added, referring to the fact that Atlantic Ocean water off the East Coast tends to be murky and cold.
Bob Shinners, who owns Low Key Watersports, said this summer and all summers are good for his business. He said visitors attracted by lower summer accommodations rates tend to be more active. "They do more diving and less shopping," he said.
Shinners, Campbell and Nunnally all pointed out that the territory escaped a major hurricane last year, which kept bad news out of the mainland papers and may have encouraged vacationers to give St. John a try.
SENATOR WANTS INQUIRY ON PSC CONSULTANT
Aug. 15, 2001 — Sen. Adlah "Foncie" Donastorg is calling on the V.I. attorney general to investigate whether a consultant hired by the V.I. Public Services Commission has a conflict of interest.
In May, the PSC board, headed by Chairman Walter Challenger, hired AUS Consultants to conduct rate investigations of Innovative Telephone (formerly Vitelco) and the Water and Power Authority. Donastorg contends that AUS once did work for Vitelco, which, he said, constitutes a conflict of interest.
Donastorg also noted that AUS' president, Edward Salmon, was forced to retire as a commissioner on the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities in 1996. Salmon’s ouster was related to dinners he accepted from lawyers representing companies the New Jersey BPU regulated.
"What’s even more disturbing is that (Salmon) was involved in a breach of ethics that’s all too similar to the problems we have experienced here," Donastorg said in a statement Tuesday. "And if AUS has nothing to hide, why did they continue to avoid answering questions about their past work for Vitelco?"
In an earlier interview with The Source, AUS Chief Executive Officer Joseph Brennan said his company did consult for Vitelco, albeit nearly a decade ago. He also said AUS consulted for the government on other issues as well.
Donastorg also wants Attorney General Iver Stridiron to investigate the way the PSC board selected AUS. At the PSC’s May meeting where AUS was approved, the three commission members present voted to appoint the firm to conduct the rate investigations even though the seven-member board needs four people to make a quorum.
Commission member Desmond Maynard had been present at the start of that meeting but stormed out shortly after it began, in protest of hiring of AUS.
At the PSC’s June meeting, Challenger called for a re-vote because the board’s past actions “created an assumption of illegality."
He and fellow PSC members Patrick Williams, Alecia Wells and Luther Renee voted unanimously to approve AUS, which, according to Challenger has already begun working for the commission.
But, Challenger said, because AUS has been working "ad hoc" with no contract, no information is available about the work it has been asked to do, the work it has completed or how much it is costing the commission.
"AUS has been specially selected by the PSC in order to present the commission and Vitelco in the most favorable light possible," Donastorg wrote to Stridiron. "As the territory’s chief law enforcement officer, I know you understand . . . the importance of ensuring a fair and thorough rate investigation."
Donastorg wants Stridiron to order the PSC to hire a neutral consultant.
"This is a clear conflict of interest and I hope the attorney general will take appropriate action," he said. "AUS has been paid by the PSC to scrutinize Vitelco, which may even include scrutinizing work they themselves performed for the utility."
Gov. Charles Turnbull last month nominated five members to the PSC board. One of the five, Alric Simmonds, Turnbull's deputy chief of staff, would replace Challenger. Challenger's term expired June 2, 1999.
Donastorg voiced skepticism about the timing of Turnbull’s nominations. He said he found it disturbing that Turnbull only appointed new members after AUS was hired.
"Was this a conspiracy?" Donastorg asked. "We know the PSC was so desperate to hire AUS Consultants that it acted without a quorum. It’s not unreasonable to believe that nominations were withheld until the rate investigation had been dispensed with."
In May, the PSC board, headed by Chairman Walter Challenger, hired AUS Consultants to conduct rate investigations of Innovative Telephone (formerly Vitelco) and the Water and Power Authority. Donastorg contends that AUS once did work for Vitelco, which, he said, constitutes a conflict of interest.
Donastorg also noted that AUS' president, Edward Salmon, was forced to retire as a commissioner on the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities in 1996. Salmon’s ouster was related to dinners he accepted from lawyers representing companies the New Jersey BPU regulated.
"What’s even more disturbing is that (Salmon) was involved in a breach of ethics that’s all too similar to the problems we have experienced here," Donastorg said in a statement Tuesday. "And if AUS has nothing to hide, why did they continue to avoid answering questions about their past work for Vitelco?"
In an earlier interview with The Source, AUS Chief Executive Officer Joseph Brennan said his company did consult for Vitelco, albeit nearly a decade ago. He also said AUS consulted for the government on other issues as well.
Donastorg also wants Attorney General Iver Stridiron to investigate the way the PSC board selected AUS. At the PSC’s May meeting where AUS was approved, the three commission members present voted to appoint the firm to conduct the rate investigations even though the seven-member board needs four people to make a quorum.
Commission member Desmond Maynard had been present at the start of that meeting but stormed out shortly after it began, in protest of hiring of AUS.
At the PSC’s June meeting, Challenger called for a re-vote because the board’s past actions “created an assumption of illegality."
He and fellow PSC members Patrick Williams, Alecia Wells and Luther Renee voted unanimously to approve AUS, which, according to Challenger has already begun working for the commission.
But, Challenger said, because AUS has been working "ad hoc" with no contract, no information is available about the work it has been asked to do, the work it has completed or how much it is costing the commission.
"AUS has been specially selected by the PSC in order to present the commission and Vitelco in the most favorable light possible," Donastorg wrote to Stridiron. "As the territory’s chief law enforcement officer, I know you understand . . . the importance of ensuring a fair and thorough rate investigation."
Donastorg wants Stridiron to order the PSC to hire a neutral consultant.
"This is a clear conflict of interest and I hope the attorney general will take appropriate action," he said. "AUS has been paid by the PSC to scrutinize Vitelco, which may even include scrutinizing work they themselves performed for the utility."
Gov. Charles Turnbull last month nominated five members to the PSC board. One of the five, Alric Simmonds, Turnbull's deputy chief of staff, would replace Challenger. Challenger's term expired June 2, 1999.
Donastorg voiced skepticism about the timing of Turnbull’s nominations. He said he found it disturbing that Turnbull only appointed new members after AUS was hired.
"Was this a conspiracy?" Donastorg asked. "We know the PSC was so desperate to hire AUS Consultants that it acted without a quorum. It’s not unreasonable to believe that nominations were withheld until the rate investigation had been dispensed with."
SENATOR WANTS INQUIRY ON PSC CONSULTANT
Aug. 15, 2001 — Sen. Adlah "Foncie" Donastorg is calling on the V.I. attorney general to investigate whether a consultant hired by the V.I. Public Services Commission has a conflict of interest.
In May, the PSC board, headed by Chairman Walter Challenger, hired AUS Consultants to conduct rate investigations of Innovative Telephone (formerly Vitelco) and the Water and Power Authority. Donastorg contends that AUS once did work for Vitelco, which, he said, constitutes a conflict of interest.
Donastorg also noted that AUS' president, Edward Salmon, was forced to retire as a commissioner on the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities in 1996. Salmon’s ouster was related to dinners he accepted from lawyers representing companies the New Jersey BPU regulated.
"What’s even more disturbing is that (Salmon) was involved in a breach of ethics that’s all too similar to the problems we have experienced here," Donastorg said in a statement Tuesday. "And if AUS has nothing to hide, why did they continue to avoid answering questions about their past work for Vitelco?"
In an earlier interview with The Source, AUS Chief Executive Officer Joseph Brennan said his company did consult for Vitelco, albeit nearly a decade ago. He also said AUS consulted for the government on other issues as well.
Donastorg also wants Attorney General Iver Stridiron to investigate the way the PSC board selected AUS. At the PSC’s May meeting where AUS was approved, the three commission members present voted to appoint the firm to conduct the rate investigations even though the seven-member board needs four people to make a quorum.
Commission member Desmond Maynard had been present at the start of that meeting but stormed out shortly after it began, in protest of hiring of AUS.
At the PSC’s June meeting, Challenger called for a re-vote because the board’s past actions “created an assumption of illegality."
He and fellow PSC members Patrick Williams, Alecia Wells and Luther Renee voted unanimously to approve AUS, which, according to Challenger has already begun working for the commission.
But, Challenger said, because AUS has been working "ad hoc" with no contract, no information is available about the work it has been asked to do, the work it has completed or how much it is costing the commission.
"AUS has been specially selected by the PSC in order to present the commission and Vitelco in the most favorable light possible," Donastorg wrote to Stridiron. "As the territory’s chief law enforcement officer, I know you understand . . . the importance of ensuring a fair and thorough rate investigation."
Donastorg wants Stridiron to order the PSC to hire a neutral consultant.
"This is a clear conflict of interest and I hope the attorney general will take appropriate action," he said. "AUS has been paid by the PSC to scrutinize Vitelco, which may even include scrutinizing work they themselves performed for the utility."
Gov. Charles Turnbull last month nominated five members to the PSC board. One of the five, Alric Simmonds, Turnbull's deputy chief of staff, would replace Challenger. Challenger's term expired June 2, 1999.
Donastorg voiced skepticism about the timing of Turnbull’s nominations. He said he found it disturbing that Turnbull only appointed new members after AUS was hired.
"Was this a conspiracy?" Donastorg asked. "We know the PSC was so desperate to hire AUS Consultants that it acted without a quorum. It’s not unreasonable to believe that nominations were withheld until the rate investigation had been dispensed with."
In May, the PSC board, headed by Chairman Walter Challenger, hired AUS Consultants to conduct rate investigations of Innovative Telephone (formerly Vitelco) and the Water and Power Authority. Donastorg contends that AUS once did work for Vitelco, which, he said, constitutes a conflict of interest.
Donastorg also noted that AUS' president, Edward Salmon, was forced to retire as a commissioner on the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities in 1996. Salmon’s ouster was related to dinners he accepted from lawyers representing companies the New Jersey BPU regulated.
"What’s even more disturbing is that (Salmon) was involved in a breach of ethics that’s all too similar to the problems we have experienced here," Donastorg said in a statement Tuesday. "And if AUS has nothing to hide, why did they continue to avoid answering questions about their past work for Vitelco?"
In an earlier interview with The Source, AUS Chief Executive Officer Joseph Brennan said his company did consult for Vitelco, albeit nearly a decade ago. He also said AUS consulted for the government on other issues as well.
Donastorg also wants Attorney General Iver Stridiron to investigate the way the PSC board selected AUS. At the PSC’s May meeting where AUS was approved, the three commission members present voted to appoint the firm to conduct the rate investigations even though the seven-member board needs four people to make a quorum.
Commission member Desmond Maynard had been present at the start of that meeting but stormed out shortly after it began, in protest of hiring of AUS.
At the PSC’s June meeting, Challenger called for a re-vote because the board’s past actions “created an assumption of illegality."
He and fellow PSC members Patrick Williams, Alecia Wells and Luther Renee voted unanimously to approve AUS, which, according to Challenger has already begun working for the commission.
But, Challenger said, because AUS has been working "ad hoc" with no contract, no information is available about the work it has been asked to do, the work it has completed or how much it is costing the commission.
"AUS has been specially selected by the PSC in order to present the commission and Vitelco in the most favorable light possible," Donastorg wrote to Stridiron. "As the territory’s chief law enforcement officer, I know you understand . . . the importance of ensuring a fair and thorough rate investigation."
Donastorg wants Stridiron to order the PSC to hire a neutral consultant.
"This is a clear conflict of interest and I hope the attorney general will take appropriate action," he said. "AUS has been paid by the PSC to scrutinize Vitelco, which may even include scrutinizing work they themselves performed for the utility."
Gov. Charles Turnbull last month nominated five members to the PSC board. One of the five, Alric Simmonds, Turnbull's deputy chief of staff, would replace Challenger. Challenger's term expired June 2, 1999.
Donastorg voiced skepticism about the timing of Turnbull’s nominations. He said he found it disturbing that Turnbull only appointed new members after AUS was hired.
"Was this a conspiracy?" Donastorg asked. "We know the PSC was so desperate to hire AUS Consultants that it acted without a quorum. It’s not unreasonable to believe that nominations were withheld until the rate investigation had been dispensed with."
ART GALLERY OFFERS A TASTEFUL EXPERIENCE
Aug. 14, 2001 – A repast for the body and a feast for the eyes. That's what's on the menu for a unique luncheon to be held Thursday at the Blue Turtle Gallery on Government Hill just above Post Office Square.
The event will open the first showing at the gallery of work by St. John artist Janet Cook-Rutnik. On view for the first time will be four of her newest Goddess Series collages and recently composed works on paper "which deal with traditional island themes in a new abstract way," according to the artist.
The "Taste of Art" luncheon will be a la carte from the Caribbean menu of Marisol Restaurant next door and will feature food and drink specials. Seating will be both inside the gallery and in the courtyard. Hours are 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and reservations are recommended.
Cook-Rutnik, arguably the artist with greatest national and international exposure currently working in the Virgin Islands, also has a show hanging through Sept. 13 at Alexander's Cafe in Frenchtown. Additionally, her work may be seen at the Frames of Mind gallery in Cruz Bay and at her studio at Guavaberry Farms on St. John.
A representative body of her work, including earlier Goddess pieces, may been seen as well at her web site, www.cookrutnikART.vi. For background on the artist, see the earlier Source story "Alexander's to feature Cook-Rutnik artwork".
The Blue Turtle Gallery is owned by Lucinda Schutt, an artist who lived and worked for many years on St. John before moving to St. Thomas. For luncheon reservations, call the gallery at 774-9440. To contact Cook-Rutnik, call 776-6809.
The event will open the first showing at the gallery of work by St. John artist Janet Cook-Rutnik. On view for the first time will be four of her newest Goddess Series collages and recently composed works on paper "which deal with traditional island themes in a new abstract way," according to the artist.
The "Taste of Art" luncheon will be a la carte from the Caribbean menu of Marisol Restaurant next door and will feature food and drink specials. Seating will be both inside the gallery and in the courtyard. Hours are 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and reservations are recommended.
Cook-Rutnik, arguably the artist with greatest national and international exposure currently working in the Virgin Islands, also has a show hanging through Sept. 13 at Alexander's Cafe in Frenchtown. Additionally, her work may be seen at the Frames of Mind gallery in Cruz Bay and at her studio at Guavaberry Farms on St. John.
A representative body of her work, including earlier Goddess pieces, may been seen as well at her web site, www.cookrutnikART.vi. For background on the artist, see the earlier Source story "Alexander's to feature Cook-Rutnik artwork".
The Blue Turtle Gallery is owned by Lucinda Schutt, an artist who lived and worked for many years on St. John before moving to St. Thomas. For luncheon reservations, call the gallery at 774-9440. To contact Cook-Rutnik, call 776-6809.
HOTEL ASSOC. GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING
The St. Thomas/St. John Hotel Association will hold a general membership meeting at 5:45 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 17, at the Westin Resort, St. John.
The ferry peparts the waterfront dock at 4:45 p.m. and departs the Westin dock at 8:15 p.m.
The transportation fee is $10 per person round trip.
The ferry peparts the waterfront dock at 4:45 p.m. and departs the Westin dock at 8:15 p.m.
The transportation fee is $10 per person round trip.
HOTEL ASSOC. GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING
The St. Thomas/St. John Hotel Association will hold its General Membership meeting at 5:45 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 17, at the Westin Resort, St. John.
The ferry departs the waterfront dock at 4:45 p.m., departs Westin dock at 8:15 p.m. The transportation fee is $10 per person round trip.
The ferry departs the waterfront dock at 4:45 p.m., departs Westin dock at 8:15 p.m. The transportation fee is $10 per person round trip.
HOTEL ASSOC. GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING
The St. Thomas/St. John Hotel Association will hold its general membership meeting at 5:45 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 17, at the Westin Resort, St. John.
The ferry departs the waterfront dock at 5:45 p.m., departs the Westin Dock at 8:15 p.m.
The transportation fee is $10 per person round trip.
The ferry departs the waterfront dock at 5:45 p.m., departs the Westin Dock at 8:15 p.m.
The transportation fee is $10 per person round trip.
HOTEL ASSOC. MEMBERSHIP MEETING
The St. Thomas/St. John Hotel Association will hold its general membership meeting at 5:45 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 17, at the Westin Resort, St. John.
The ferry will depart the waterfront dock at 4:45 p.m. and departs the Westin Dock at 8:15 p.m. The transportation fee is $10 per person round trip.
The ferry will depart the waterfront dock at 4:45 p.m. and departs the Westin Dock at 8:15 p.m. The transportation fee is $10 per person round trip.
.10 SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE
The V.I. Board of Education announces the availability of 10 scholarships for theachers who are residents of St. John who wish to take a course in History of the Virgin Islands or Special Education on the island of St.John Virgin Islands. The course will be offered from 9 to 11:40 a.m. the Fall Semester on Saturdays.
Call Mrs. Evandney V.T. Hodge at774-4546.
Call Mrs. Evandney V.T. Hodge at774-4546.
SOUNDS OF JOY TO INCLUDE HARMONY DEM
Aug. 14, 2001 – The Friday night music scene at The Color of Joy will be livelier than ever this week, with the folk group Harmony Dem "joining the fray," as gallery/gift shop owner Corinne Van Rensselaer puts it.
Rest assured: There's no fray here. It's all very harmonious.
Harmony Dem currently is a trio, consisting of Polly Watts, Fred Watts and Don Edwards. They have been singing and playing together on St. Thomas for 12 years, and their combined years of residence on the island total almost 100! Formed in the aftermath of Hurricane Hugo in 1989, the ensemble has maintained its appeal with strong harmonies supported by acoustic instruments including guitar, bass, autoharp, harmonica, steelpan, fiddle and mandolin.
Its repertoire is "Americana" — folk, rock, reggae, gospel, calypso, Cajun and blues tunes. A fixture for years of October Sunday Festivals, Chili Cook-Offs, and Arts Alive and Agricultural Fairs, the group had a regular gig at the old Barnacle Bill's and now performs frequently at Molly Molones. Its music "speaks to all ages and types of people — anyone who enjoys tapping their toes and singing along," Van Rensselaer says.
The end-of-week / start-of-weekend get-together will feature complimentary wine, cheese and crackers as usual on the American Yacht Harbor Marlin Deck at the scenic-side entrance to The Color of Joy. Hours are 6 to 8 p.m. Sally Smith will be there hosting the live entertainment as usual, too, with her own keyboard and vocal contributions.
For additional information, call 775-4020.
Rest assured: There's no fray here. It's all very harmonious.
Harmony Dem currently is a trio, consisting of Polly Watts, Fred Watts and Don Edwards. They have been singing and playing together on St. Thomas for 12 years, and their combined years of residence on the island total almost 100! Formed in the aftermath of Hurricane Hugo in 1989, the ensemble has maintained its appeal with strong harmonies supported by acoustic instruments including guitar, bass, autoharp, harmonica, steelpan, fiddle and mandolin.
Its repertoire is "Americana" — folk, rock, reggae, gospel, calypso, Cajun and blues tunes. A fixture for years of October Sunday Festivals, Chili Cook-Offs, and Arts Alive and Agricultural Fairs, the group had a regular gig at the old Barnacle Bill's and now performs frequently at Molly Molones. Its music "speaks to all ages and types of people — anyone who enjoys tapping their toes and singing along," Van Rensselaer says.
The end-of-week / start-of-weekend get-together will feature complimentary wine, cheese and crackers as usual on the American Yacht Harbor Marlin Deck at the scenic-side entrance to The Color of Joy. Hours are 6 to 8 p.m. Sally Smith will be there hosting the live entertainment as usual, too, with her own keyboard and vocal contributions.
For additional information, call 775-4020.
