June 29, 2001 – A former employee in the Tourism Department's Chicago office was sentenced Friday to three months in prison followed by two years on probation for using government funds for personal expenditures.
Susan Riddle pleaded guilty in May to six counts of fraud. In the plea bargain, she admitted having diverted $1,893 in government funds over the course of four years as manager of the Chicago office.
A government audit determined that Riddle had more than $11,000 questionable expenditures, including first-class airline tickets for family members, car rentals, meals and home telephone bills. Most of the money allegedly came from funds accessed from a government account by automated teller machine.
Riddle also must pay $1,275 in fines and court costs and make restitution to the government of $1,893. The prosecution asked for more than $10,000 in restitution, but Holler ruled that Riddle could only be forced to repay the amount she pleaded guilty to having taken in a plea bargain.
At Riddle's request, Hollar gave her until Monday to begin serving her sentence. Riddle asked to have the weekend to make arrangements for the care of her three children.
The sentencing cames just a day after a former employee of the Virgin Islands Lottery pleaded guilty to embezzling $11,930 in lottery funds.
In sentencing Riddle, Territorial Court Judge Brenda Hollar noted that she was aware of at least five cases in the last year of government officials facing public corruption charges. "The court can not trivialize those cases," she said.
EX-TOURISM MANAGER GETS 3 MONTHS FOR FRAUD
June 29, 2001 – A former manager of the Tourism Department's Chicago office was sentenced Friday to three months in prison followed by two years on probation for using government funds for personal expenditures.
Susan Riddle pleaded guilty in May to six counts of fraud. In the plea bargain, she admitted having diverted $1,893 in government funds over the course of four years as manager of the Chicago office.
A government audit determined that Riddle had more than $11,000 questionable expenditures, including first-class airline tickets for family members, car rentals, meals and home telephone bills. Most of the money allegedly came from funds accessed from a government account by automated teller machine.
Riddle also must pay $1,275 in fines and court costs and make restitution to the government of $1,893. The prosecution asked for more than $10,000 in restitution, but Holler ruled that Riddle could only be forced to repay the amount she pleaded guilty to having taken in a plea bargain.
At Riddle's request, Hollar gave her until Monday to begin serving her sentence. Riddle asked to have the weekend to make arrangements for the care of her three children.
The sentencing cames just a day after a former employee of the Virgin Islands Lottery pleaded guilty to embezzling $11,930 in lottery funds.
In sentencing Riddle, Territorial Court Judge Brenda Hollar noted that she was aware of at least five cases in the last year of government officials facing public corruption charges. "The court can not trivialize those cases," she said.
Susan Riddle pleaded guilty in May to six counts of fraud. In the plea bargain, she admitted having diverted $1,893 in government funds over the course of four years as manager of the Chicago office.
A government audit determined that Riddle had more than $11,000 questionable expenditures, including first-class airline tickets for family members, car rentals, meals and home telephone bills. Most of the money allegedly came from funds accessed from a government account by automated teller machine.
Riddle also must pay $1,275 in fines and court costs and make restitution to the government of $1,893. The prosecution asked for more than $10,000 in restitution, but Holler ruled that Riddle could only be forced to repay the amount she pleaded guilty to having taken in a plea bargain.
At Riddle's request, Hollar gave her until Monday to begin serving her sentence. Riddle asked to have the weekend to make arrangements for the care of her three children.
The sentencing cames just a day after a former employee of the Virgin Islands Lottery pleaded guilty to embezzling $11,930 in lottery funds.
In sentencing Riddle, Territorial Court Judge Brenda Hollar noted that she was aware of at least five cases in the last year of government officials facing public corruption charges. "The court can not trivialize those cases," she said.
PATRIARCH OF RICHARDSON FAMILY IS DEAD
June 29, 2001 – Gaston Lionel "Nell" Richardson died the evening of Saturday, June 23, at St. Thomas Hospital. He was 85.
The patriarch of the Richardson clan on St. Thomas, he was born in New York City on Nov. 28, 1915, to Constant and Eunice Richardson. He attended school in French St. Martin and completed his schooling through adult education classes on St. Thomas.
He married Josephine Marie Mingo in 1934, and they became the parents of 10 children. He served in the U.S. Army in 1945, stationed in Puerto Rico. When he returned to civilian life, the couple and their first five children moved to the Virgin Islands. He worked for the Rockefellers at Caneel Bay Plantation on St. John, then later was employed by Cable and Wireless, often traveling to other Caribbean islands to install communication towers.
A master carpenter as well, Richardson refurbished many stores on Main Street, including those of Little Switzerland, the old Place Vandome and H. Stern Jewellers. He was also a musician, sailor, boat builder, fisherman, contractor and gardener. He built a sailboat from scratch at "Punto," or Ballast Island, a no-longer-extant outcropping between the old Antilles Airboats ramp, Hassel Island and the former Avery's Boathouse docks, and named it The Veteran. It was one of the vessels which pioneered the territory's yacht chartering industry, and its familiar blue sails were recognized throughout the bays and ports of St. Thomas, St. John and Tortola.
"Throughout the years," Richardson's son Henry said, he "never missed a good get-together. He was the life of the party, especially on the dance floor."
On Friday, Gov. Charles W. Turnbull issued a statement of condolence, saying that Richardson's family "can take great satisfaction in the knowledge that his life's work and efforts have not been in vain and that many of his children and grandchildren have made and continue to make solid contributions to the development of the territory."
Nine years ago, after Richardson suffered two major strokes, his family and friends aided in his therapy. During his last days he suffered a third stoke and was hospitalized for several weeks.
Viewing will be from 8 to 9 a.m. Monday, July 2, at John Thomas Funeral Home, with the funeral following at 10 a.m. in St. Ann's Chapel in Frenchtown.
The patriarch of the Richardson clan on St. Thomas, he was born in New York City on Nov. 28, 1915, to Constant and Eunice Richardson. He attended school in French St. Martin and completed his schooling through adult education classes on St. Thomas.
He married Josephine Marie Mingo in 1934, and they became the parents of 10 children. He served in the U.S. Army in 1945, stationed in Puerto Rico. When he returned to civilian life, the couple and their first five children moved to the Virgin Islands. He worked for the Rockefellers at Caneel Bay Plantation on St. John, then later was employed by Cable and Wireless, often traveling to other Caribbean islands to install communication towers.
A master carpenter as well, Richardson refurbished many stores on Main Street, including those of Little Switzerland, the old Place Vandome and H. Stern Jewellers. He was also a musician, sailor, boat builder, fisherman, contractor and gardener. He built a sailboat from scratch at "Punto," or Ballast Island, a no-longer-extant outcropping between the old Antilles Airboats ramp, Hassel Island and the former Avery's Boathouse docks, and named it The Veteran. It was one of the vessels which pioneered the territory's yacht chartering industry, and its familiar blue sails were recognized throughout the bays and ports of St. Thomas, St. John and Tortola.
"Throughout the years," Richardson's son Henry said, he "never missed a good get-together. He was the life of the party, especially on the dance floor."
On Friday, Gov. Charles W. Turnbull issued a statement of condolence, saying that Richardson's family "can take great satisfaction in the knowledge that his life's work and efforts have not been in vain and that many of his children and grandchildren have made and continue to make solid contributions to the development of the territory."
Nine years ago, after Richardson suffered two major strokes, his family and friends aided in his therapy. During his last days he suffered a third stoke and was hospitalized for several weeks.
Viewing will be from 8 to 9 a.m. Monday, July 2, at John Thomas Funeral Home, with the funeral following at 10 a.m. in St. Ann's Chapel in Frenchtown.
3 PRIMARY SCHOOLS HOLDING SUMMER SESSION
June 29, 2001 – Summer school for the elementary grades on St. Croix will begin Monday. Following are the locations and the schools they will serve:
Alexander Henderson School — Henderson and Claude O. Markoe pupils.
Evelyn M. Williams School — Williams, Eulalie Rivera, Alfredo Andrews and Charles H. Emanuel pupils.
Pearl B. Larsen School — Larsen, Juanita Gardine and Lew Muckle pupils.
Only students whose parents and guardians submitted application forms distributed at schools in the spring are eligible to attend the summer sessions.
Lunch is being provided, but students should bring their own drinking water. There will be no bus transportation service, and children must be picked up at 1 p.m. each school day.
Secondary summer school classes are already under way.
For further information, call St. Croix Supt. Terrence Joseph at 773-1095, or Leroy Trotman, deputy commissioner of Education for curriculum and instruction, at 774-0100, ext. 3042.
Alexander Henderson School — Henderson and Claude O. Markoe pupils.
Evelyn M. Williams School — Williams, Eulalie Rivera, Alfredo Andrews and Charles H. Emanuel pupils.
Pearl B. Larsen School — Larsen, Juanita Gardine and Lew Muckle pupils.
Only students whose parents and guardians submitted application forms distributed at schools in the spring are eligible to attend the summer sessions.
Lunch is being provided, but students should bring their own drinking water. There will be no bus transportation service, and children must be picked up at 1 p.m. each school day.
Secondary summer school classes are already under way.
For further information, call St. Croix Supt. Terrence Joseph at 773-1095, or Leroy Trotman, deputy commissioner of Education for curriculum and instruction, at 774-0100, ext. 3042.
REICHHOLD SEASON TICKETS AVAILABLE AUG. 6
June 29, 2001- Tickets for the Reichhold Center for the Arts 2001-02 season will go on sale Aug. 6.
The season at the theater on the University of the Virgin Islands St. Thomas campus opens on Oct. 13 with a concert by the contemporary jazz group Spyro Gyra. It will be followed by the third annual visit of the Puerto Rico Symphony Orchestra, a Birch Forum co-production, on Nov. 3; the "queen of salsa," Celia Cruz, on Jan. 26; Ballet Concierto de Puerto Rico, on Feb. 23; a reggae concert to be announced, in March; and the eighth annual STARfest local talent revue, on May 11/12 and 19/20.
The Reichhold offers two types of discounted subscription packages. The Foundation Series, for all six presentations, is $247 for covered seating and $160 in the open air, a savings of 10 percent off individual ticket prices. The "Create-Your-Own" Series allows patrons to choose any four or five performances and get 5 percent off the individual ticket prices.
In addition to discounted tickets, season subscribers will get invitations to meet-the-artist receptions. "This year, we are throwing two grand bashes, one for Spyro Gyra, who will be celebrating their 25th anniversary in music, and the other for Latin music queen Celia Cruz," Reichhold director David Edgecombe said. Only Reichhold subscribers and donors will be invited to these events, he said.
Individual show ticket prices are: Spyro Gyra — $55 covered/$35 open air; Puerto Rico Symphony — $60/$30; Celia Cruz — $65/$42; Ballet Concierto — $35/$25; Reggae Festival — $35/$28 uncovered; and STARfest — $25/$18.
Tickets also may be purchased for the two summer 2002 Caribbean Repertory Company play productions to be announced. All tickets for these performances are $15.
For details on tickets and information on becoming a Reichhold donor, call the Reichhold Center box office at 693-1559. Hours are Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The season at the theater on the University of the Virgin Islands St. Thomas campus opens on Oct. 13 with a concert by the contemporary jazz group Spyro Gyra. It will be followed by the third annual visit of the Puerto Rico Symphony Orchestra, a Birch Forum co-production, on Nov. 3; the "queen of salsa," Celia Cruz, on Jan. 26; Ballet Concierto de Puerto Rico, on Feb. 23; a reggae concert to be announced, in March; and the eighth annual STARfest local talent revue, on May 11/12 and 19/20.
The Reichhold offers two types of discounted subscription packages. The Foundation Series, for all six presentations, is $247 for covered seating and $160 in the open air, a savings of 10 percent off individual ticket prices. The "Create-Your-Own" Series allows patrons to choose any four or five performances and get 5 percent off the individual ticket prices.
In addition to discounted tickets, season subscribers will get invitations to meet-the-artist receptions. "This year, we are throwing two grand bashes, one for Spyro Gyra, who will be celebrating their 25th anniversary in music, and the other for Latin music queen Celia Cruz," Reichhold director David Edgecombe said. Only Reichhold subscribers and donors will be invited to these events, he said.
Individual show ticket prices are: Spyro Gyra — $55 covered/$35 open air; Puerto Rico Symphony — $60/$30; Celia Cruz — $65/$42; Ballet Concierto — $35/$25; Reggae Festival — $35/$28 uncovered; and STARfest — $25/$18.
Tickets also may be purchased for the two summer 2002 Caribbean Repertory Company play productions to be announced. All tickets for these performances are $15.
For details on tickets and information on becoming a Reichhold donor, call the Reichhold Center box office at 693-1559. Hours are Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
JUNE VEHICLE REGISTRATION EXTENDED TOJULY 6
June 29, 2001 – If your motor vehicle registration sticker expires in June and you haven't gotten to the inspection lane yet, relax. You've got an extra week.
On St. Thomas only, the Police Department has extended the deadline for June vehicle registration to Friday, July 6.
The action was taken because of the road work under way in the area of the Motor Vehicles Bureau in Sub Base, a release from the police commissioner's office said.
On St. Thomas only, the Police Department has extended the deadline for June vehicle registration to Friday, July 6.
The action was taken because of the road work under way in the area of the Motor Vehicles Bureau in Sub Base, a release from the police commissioner's office said.
PRINCESS KERLA AND COURT PUT ON A GOOD SHOW
June 29, 2001 – It took place 11 days after the originally scheduled date, but the St. John Festival Princess Show at the Winston Wells Ball Field on Thursday night was well worth the wait, most in the audience seemed to agree.
An exuberant crowd of 500 applauded, cheered, waved and chanted for their favorites among the three contestants vying for the 2001 princess crown.
Kerla Fessale, an 11-year-old student at Guy Benjamin School, proved to be the judges' favorite, winning Miss Congeniality, Most Photogenic, Best Sports Wear, Most Talented, Best Evening Wear and, finally, the title of 2001 Festival Princess. In her initial presentation, Kerla enthusiastically urged the audience to sit back and enjoy the show.
Competing with her were Shakwana Albert, a sixth grader at Prophecy Elementary School on St Thomas, and Alisha Powell, also a Prophecy student, who was named Miss Popularity.
Creativity was the order of the evening, and the focus on cultural heritage and personal empowerment made it much more than a beauty contest.
In the sports wear segment, Kerla presented what she called a tribute to the late race-car champion Dale Earnhardt, driving onto the stage in an electric cart and emerging dressed in a black racing suit with silver stripes. Shakwana appeared in a white fencing uniform, carrying a foil, while Alisha posed as a triathelete.
In the talent segment, Kerla portrayed a slave girl who toiled tirelessly while keeping her spirit strong. Wearing a white dress and turban, she danced to an African song which evolved into a dance of freedom as she shed her outer garb to reveal a leopard costume with headdress. Shakwana appeared as a native doll which came to life to celebrate Emancipation Day by dancing and playing steelpan. Alisha depicted a disenfranchised child who, separated from her parents, realized the importance of nurturing and preserving youth.
All three contestants wore evening wear fit for a fairytale. Kerla, a triplet, was accompanied by her two same-age brothers and modeled a white bouffant chiffon dress sparkling with more than 5,000 rhinestones. Shakwana was a vision in pale blue with accents of iridescent silver, and Alisha wore a fuchsia chiffon gown with sheer elbow-length gloves.
Between the segments, the Fusion Band and the 2001 V.I. Carnival junior calypso king and queen entertained the audience. The 2000 Festival prince and princess, siblings Imory and Lyia Tongue, took their final walk before the passing of the princess crown. There was no prince competition this year.
The princess competition was delayed due to illness of one of the contestants.
St. John Festival events continue through the Fourth of July. The Village, honoring Cheryl Boynes-Jackson, opens Friday. Tuesday will bring a Cultural Day in Cruz Bay Park and the first Mr. Emancipation competition at night in the ball park. The traditional parade is set to begin at 11a.m. Wednesday, with fireworks at 9 p.m. For the complete listing of events, see the Source St. John Festival schedule.
An exuberant crowd of 500 applauded, cheered, waved and chanted for their favorites among the three contestants vying for the 2001 princess crown.
Kerla Fessale, an 11-year-old student at Guy Benjamin School, proved to be the judges' favorite, winning Miss Congeniality, Most Photogenic, Best Sports Wear, Most Talented, Best Evening Wear and, finally, the title of 2001 Festival Princess. In her initial presentation, Kerla enthusiastically urged the audience to sit back and enjoy the show.
Competing with her were Shakwana Albert, a sixth grader at Prophecy Elementary School on St Thomas, and Alisha Powell, also a Prophecy student, who was named Miss Popularity.
Creativity was the order of the evening, and the focus on cultural heritage and personal empowerment made it much more than a beauty contest.
In the sports wear segment, Kerla presented what she called a tribute to the late race-car champion Dale Earnhardt, driving onto the stage in an electric cart and emerging dressed in a black racing suit with silver stripes. Shakwana appeared in a white fencing uniform, carrying a foil, while Alisha posed as a triathelete.
In the talent segment, Kerla portrayed a slave girl who toiled tirelessly while keeping her spirit strong. Wearing a white dress and turban, she danced to an African song which evolved into a dance of freedom as she shed her outer garb to reveal a leopard costume with headdress. Shakwana appeared as a native doll which came to life to celebrate Emancipation Day by dancing and playing steelpan. Alisha depicted a disenfranchised child who, separated from her parents, realized the importance of nurturing and preserving youth.
All three contestants wore evening wear fit for a fairytale. Kerla, a triplet, was accompanied by her two same-age brothers and modeled a white bouffant chiffon dress sparkling with more than 5,000 rhinestones. Shakwana was a vision in pale blue with accents of iridescent silver, and Alisha wore a fuchsia chiffon gown with sheer elbow-length gloves.
Between the segments, the Fusion Band and the 2001 V.I. Carnival junior calypso king and queen entertained the audience. The 2000 Festival prince and princess, siblings Imory and Lyia Tongue, took their final walk before the passing of the princess crown. There was no prince competition this year.
The princess competition was delayed due to illness of one of the contestants.
St. John Festival events continue through the Fourth of July. The Village, honoring Cheryl Boynes-Jackson, opens Friday. Tuesday will bring a Cultural Day in Cruz Bay Park and the first Mr. Emancipation competition at night in the ball park. The traditional parade is set to begin at 11a.m. Wednesday, with fireworks at 9 p.m. For the complete listing of events, see the Source St. John Festival schedule.
GERS PRE-RETIREMENT PLANNING WORKSHOP
The Government Employees' Retirement System invites members over 30 years of age to participate in a Pre-retirement Planning Workshop from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 11, in the GERS Conference Room in the GERS Building.
Learn more about your benefits: Social Security, legal rights, health insurance coverage, system benefits.
For additional information or to pre-register call 776-7703 ext 4202 or 4203. Seating is limited so register ealy. Pre-registration deadline is Monday, July 9.
Learn more about your benefits: Social Security, legal rights, health insurance coverage, system benefits.
For additional information or to pre-register call 776-7703 ext 4202 or 4203. Seating is limited so register ealy. Pre-registration deadline is Monday, July 9.
GERS PRE-RETIREMENT PLANNING WORKSHOP
The Government Employees' Retirement System invites members over 30 years of age to participate in a Pre-retirement Planning Workshop from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 11, in the GERS Building.
Learn about your benefits, Social Security, legal rights, health insurance coverage, system benefits and much more.
For additional information or to pre-register call 776-7703 ext 4202 or 4203. Seating is limited so register early. Pre-registration deadline is Monday, July 9.
Learn about your benefits, Social Security, legal rights, health insurance coverage, system benefits and much more.
For additional information or to pre-register call 776-7703 ext 4202 or 4203. Seating is limited so register early. Pre-registration deadline is Monday, July 9.
FIGHT ENDS IN FATAL SHOOTING IN CAMPO RICO
June 29, 2001 – An argument between two men in the Campo Rico area Thursday afternoon ended with one shooting the other dead.
At about 3 p.m. Thursday, police received a call reporting shots fired in Campo Rico, Deputy Police Chief Novelle Francis said. But by the time police reached the area, the individuals involved had left, he said.
About 90 minutes later, police were again summoned to the area and learned of the shooting of Shelton Bess, 24. They spoke to witnesses who said that Deray Seales had fired the shots.
Between the first call and the second, police said, Bess was taken to the Juan F. Luis Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at about 5 p.m. from a gunshot wound to the chest. Seales, 30, of Hannah's Rest, was taken into custody and charged with murder.
There were reports that the two men had been involved in a fistfight earlier in the day. After the fight was broken up, witnesses said, Seales went to his vehicle and drove away. He returned a short time later and fired two shots, one of which struck Bess.
Bess is the fifth person slain on St. Croix this year and the 12th in the territory. The last killing occurred on June 12, when Eduardo Marrero, 28, was shot and killed by a masked gunman as he sat in a car outside Quality Auto Parts in Castle Coakley. No one has been charged in that case.
At about 3 p.m. Thursday, police received a call reporting shots fired in Campo Rico, Deputy Police Chief Novelle Francis said. But by the time police reached the area, the individuals involved had left, he said.
About 90 minutes later, police were again summoned to the area and learned of the shooting of Shelton Bess, 24. They spoke to witnesses who said that Deray Seales had fired the shots.
Between the first call and the second, police said, Bess was taken to the Juan F. Luis Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at about 5 p.m. from a gunshot wound to the chest. Seales, 30, of Hannah's Rest, was taken into custody and charged with murder.
There were reports that the two men had been involved in a fistfight earlier in the day. After the fight was broken up, witnesses said, Seales went to his vehicle and drove away. He returned a short time later and fired two shots, one of which struck Bess.
Bess is the fifth person slain on St. Croix this year and the 12th in the territory. The last killing occurred on June 12, when Eduardo Marrero, 28, was shot and killed by a masked gunman as he sat in a car outside Quality Auto Parts in Castle Coakley. No one has been charged in that case.
