June 24, 2001 – New York police detectives apparently came close to their quarry last week in the ongoing search for the prime suspect in a May 10 triple murder which left a St. John resident and another person with longtime island connections dead and a St. John businesswoman wounded.
According to New York newspaper and Associated Press accounts, police had tracked prime suspect Sean Salley, 19, to New Orleans, where his mother resides and where he picked up $50 last that had been wired to him.
Police "thought they had a chance to nab him this week when someone wired him money," the New York Post reported Thursday. "But since there were 100 spots where Salley could pick up the dough, he was able to collect the cash on Tuesday without being spotted."
Police have described Salley, an African-American, as 5 feet 9 and 155 pounds, with braided hair and a round scar under his left eye.
Investigators theorized that the money may have been for a bus or train ticket, the New York Daily News reported.
Andre Smith is alleged to have been Salley's accomplice in the killing of three people and the wounding of two others in a walk-up apartment five stories above the popular Carnegie Deli in Manhattan's theater district. Smith was arrested on May 23 and has been indicted on second-degree murder and robbery charges.
According to the Post, Smith, 32, said in a confession that he "saw Sean walk over calmly to each one and shoot each one once in the back of their heads." Smith denied having fired any shots. A surveillance camera on a stairway landing in the building recorded images of the two assailants arriving and leaving within less than six minutes.
The shootings took place in the residence of Jennifer Stahl, a onetime actress who according to authorities ran a high-end marijuana retail sales operation as well as a small recording studio in her four-room flat. She, St. John resident Charles "Trey" Helliwell, and New York musician Stephen King were killed. Rosemond Dane, a 15-year St. John resident who owns three Cruz Bay shops, and New York hair stylist Anthony Veader were wounded.
The other four victims were visiting Stahl, a frequent Virgin Islands visitor who was once married to Wendell Callwood, son of Jost Van Dyke entrepreneur Foxy Callwood, when the two assailants came to the apartment, allegedly to rob Stahl. Authorities have said the four were innocent victims who were just in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Also last week, Philip King, father of Stephen King, traveled to New York to retrieve some of his son's personal effects and meet with police. The Daily News, in a front-page story on Friday, said he will push for the death penalty for the triggerman.
Longtime Manhattan District Attorney Robert Morgenthau has not asked for the death penalty in any first-degree murder case he has prosecuted since the state of New York restored capital punishment in 1995, the Daily News said.
POLL: TOO LITTLE KNOWN ABOUT TAX WINDFALL
June 23, 2001 – A total of 38 percent of last week's V.I. Source poll participants were about equally divided three ways in their views of the government plan to allocate a major share of a projected $100 million tax windfall for government employees' salary increases.
– 13 percent thought it was good news for the territory as a whole.
– 11 percent thought it was good news, but the Senate majority should not have approved the bill without a hearing on the measure.
– 14 percent thought it was good news for government workers, but some of the money could have been better spent to benefit the territory as a whole.
However, by far the largest group of respondents — 47 percent — said they were skeptical that a major new revenue stream to fund the allocations exists, or that it can be sustained. This viewpoint held across all three Source papers — 48 percent for St. Thomas, 46 percent for St. Croix and 45 percent for St. John.
And another 15 percent territorywide said they couldn't form an opinion without knowing more about the plan.
The latter two responses — representing a total of 62 percent of this week's poll participants — also reflect views expressed by the non-majority members of the 24th Legislature, who walked out of the special session on June 15 when they realized that no hearing would take place before the issue was put to a vote.
Both of these groups thus are allied with the 11 percent who responded that a hearing should have taken place. That makes a total of 73 percent saying, in essence, that the community would have been better served if lawmakers (on the public's behalf) had asked questions about the governor's plan and had taken testimony from the financial officers in the administration who had gone to the Legislature that day prepared to testify.
The number of poll respondents was 368 overall — 232 on St. Thomas, 125 on St. Croix and 11 on St. John. Here is the question and the responses broked down by numbers of votes on St. Thomas, St. Croix and St. John, with the total percentage in parentheses:
Which of the following best represents your views concerning the governor's plan, approved by the Senate majority last Friday (June 15), to use a major share of the projected $100 million increase in tax revenues to give government workers overdue salary raises?
1. It's good news for the territory as a whole.
STT 30, STX 16, STJ 1 = 13 percent
2. It's good news for all, but the Senate majority should not have approved the bill without holding a hearing for legislators to question administration financial officials about details of the plan.
STT 26, STX 14, STJ 0 = 11 percent
3. It's good news for government workers, but at least part of the "found" money should be used in other ways that would better serve the territory as a whole.
STT 27, STX 21, STJ 3 = 14 percent
4. I am skeptical that such a major new revenue stream is there, or that it can be sustained.
STT 111, STX 57, STJ 5 = 47 percent
5. I can't form an opinion without knowing more about the plan.
STT 38, STX 17, STJ 2 = 15 percent
– 13 percent thought it was good news for the territory as a whole.
– 11 percent thought it was good news, but the Senate majority should not have approved the bill without a hearing on the measure.
– 14 percent thought it was good news for government workers, but some of the money could have been better spent to benefit the territory as a whole.
However, by far the largest group of respondents — 47 percent — said they were skeptical that a major new revenue stream to fund the allocations exists, or that it can be sustained. This viewpoint held across all three Source papers — 48 percent for St. Thomas, 46 percent for St. Croix and 45 percent for St. John.
And another 15 percent territorywide said they couldn't form an opinion without knowing more about the plan.
The latter two responses — representing a total of 62 percent of this week's poll participants — also reflect views expressed by the non-majority members of the 24th Legislature, who walked out of the special session on June 15 when they realized that no hearing would take place before the issue was put to a vote.
Both of these groups thus are allied with the 11 percent who responded that a hearing should have taken place. That makes a total of 73 percent saying, in essence, that the community would have been better served if lawmakers (on the public's behalf) had asked questions about the governor's plan and had taken testimony from the financial officers in the administration who had gone to the Legislature that day prepared to testify.
The number of poll respondents was 368 overall — 232 on St. Thomas, 125 on St. Croix and 11 on St. John. Here is the question and the responses broked down by numbers of votes on St. Thomas, St. Croix and St. John, with the total percentage in parentheses:
Which of the following best represents your views concerning the governor's plan, approved by the Senate majority last Friday (June 15), to use a major share of the projected $100 million increase in tax revenues to give government workers overdue salary raises?
1. It's good news for the territory as a whole.
STT 30, STX 16, STJ 1 = 13 percent
2. It's good news for all, but the Senate majority should not have approved the bill without holding a hearing for legislators to question administration financial officials about details of the plan.
STT 26, STX 14, STJ 0 = 11 percent
3. It's good news for government workers, but at least part of the "found" money should be used in other ways that would better serve the territory as a whole.
STT 27, STX 21, STJ 3 = 14 percent
4. I am skeptical that such a major new revenue stream is there, or that it can be sustained.
STT 111, STX 57, STJ 5 = 47 percent
5. I can't form an opinion without knowing more about the plan.
STT 38, STX 17, STJ 2 = 15 percent
PUERTO RICO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
The Puerto Rico Symphony Orchestra will perform for the third successive season at 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 3 at the Reichhold Center for the Arts, in co-production with Birch Forum.
The 76-member orchestra will present a classical concert with special guests to be announced.
Individual show ticket prices are:
Puerto Rico Symphony — $60 covered, $30 uncovered.
Two subscription series packages are available, with seating either in the covered section or in the open air.
The Foundation Series is for all six presentations. It's priced at $247 for the covered seats and $160 for the outside ones, in both cases representing a savings of 10 percent off individual ticket prices.
The Create-Your-Own Series allows patrons to choose any four or more performances and get up to 5 percent off individual ticket prices.
To obtain further information and to make credit card purchases, call the Reichhold Center box office at 693-1559. Hours are Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
According to marketing manager Dionne Carty, the Reichhold Center web site will have the new season information posted shortly, along with an interactive online box office function for ordering tickets using a major credit card. Keep checking www.reichholdcenter.com to see when the new information is up.
The 76-member orchestra will present a classical concert with special guests to be announced.
Individual show ticket prices are:
Puerto Rico Symphony — $60 covered, $30 uncovered.
Two subscription series packages are available, with seating either in the covered section or in the open air.
The Foundation Series is for all six presentations. It's priced at $247 for the covered seats and $160 for the outside ones, in both cases representing a savings of 10 percent off individual ticket prices.
The Create-Your-Own Series allows patrons to choose any four or more performances and get up to 5 percent off individual ticket prices.
To obtain further information and to make credit card purchases, call the Reichhold Center box office at 693-1559. Hours are Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
According to marketing manager Dionne Carty, the Reichhold Center web site will have the new season information posted shortly, along with an interactive online box office function for ordering tickets using a major credit card. Keep checking www.reichholdcenter.com to see when the new information is up.
SPYRO GYRA AT REICHHOLD
The 2001-2002 season opens with a performance by the acclaimed contemporary jazz ensemble Spyro Gyro at 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 13, at the Reichhold Center for the Arts.
Known for its fusion of jazz, Latin, Caribbean and R&B, Spyro Gyra is celebrating it's 25th year.
Individual show ticket prices are:
Spyro Gyra — $55 covered, $35 uncovered.
Two subscription series packages are available, with seating either in the covered section or in the open air.
The Foundation Series is for all six presentations. It's priced at $247 for the covered seats and $160 for the outside ones, in both cases representing a savings of 10 percent off individual ticket prices.
The Create-Your-Own Series allows patrons to choose any four or more performances and get up to 5 percent off individual ticket prices.
To obtain further information and to make credit card purchases, call the Reichhold Center box office at 693-1559. Hours are Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
According to marketing manager Dionne Carty, the Reichhold Center web site will have the new season information posted shortly, along with an interactive online box office function for ordering tickets using a major credit card. Keep checking www.reichholdcenter.com to see when the new information is up.
Known for its fusion of jazz, Latin, Caribbean and R&B, Spyro Gyra is celebrating it's 25th year.
Individual show ticket prices are:
Spyro Gyra — $55 covered, $35 uncovered.
Two subscription series packages are available, with seating either in the covered section or in the open air.
The Foundation Series is for all six presentations. It's priced at $247 for the covered seats and $160 for the outside ones, in both cases representing a savings of 10 percent off individual ticket prices.
The Create-Your-Own Series allows patrons to choose any four or more performances and get up to 5 percent off individual ticket prices.
To obtain further information and to make credit card purchases, call the Reichhold Center box office at 693-1559. Hours are Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
According to marketing manager Dionne Carty, the Reichhold Center web site will have the new season information posted shortly, along with an interactive online box office function for ordering tickets using a major credit card. Keep checking www.reichholdcenter.com to see when the new information is up.
IT'S ONE SHOW AFTER ANOTHER AT ST. JOHN FEST
June 23, 2001 – After some false starts — a rain cancellation, electrical problems and scheduling miscues — St. John Festival-goers got a double feature Friday at the Winston Wells Ball Field with the 6 p.m. Senior Talent and Variety Show and the 9 p.m. rescheduled Calypso Show.
A small but appreciative crowd was on hand at 6 p.m. to cheer on the senior citizens as they performed, modeled and introduced 2001 contestants for the Ms. V.I. Senior America title. The show, initially set for 7 p.m., had been moved back an hour to accommodate the Calypso Show that had been postponed from June 16 because of rain.
Senior America showtime
Representing the seniors were nine women at least 60 years of age who had participated in previous Senior America pageants or are competing this year.
In the talent segment, Ida White, Ms V.I. Senior America 1999, wooed the audience with an up-tempo dance to the music "Let's Get Physical." Ida Blyden, Ms. Popularity 2000, sang an a capella version of "His Eye Is on the Sparrow," 2000 runner-up Rita King did an interpretation of Judy Garland's "Walk Up the Avenue" dressed as a tramp, and Delita O'Connor sang the gospel number "Step Between the White Lines."
Following intermission, Margarita Hodge, 2000 first runner-up, sang and danced a merengue to the accompaniment of the GT Band. Ina Lee, 1999 first runner-up, followed with a rendition of Pearl Bailey's "It Takes Two to Tango." Jane Johannes, Ms. Congeniality 2000, closed out the talent segment with a calypson song and dance.
The St. John Quadrille Dancers, appearing as guest artists, won enthusiastic applause for their three dances of the Danish era.
In the fashion show of casual and evening wear that followed, White strutted in a three-piece denim outfit, Johannes was alluring in a red dress, and Blyden appeared in a two-piece peach tunic dress. Gertrude Samuel, a 2001 contestant, wore a two-piece cream outfit, and Daphne Wright, another 2001 contestant, appeared in black. Rita King showed off a black- and white-striped jacket with a black skirt, and Lee was regal in African attire. Hodge made the final fashion statement in a two-piece gray and black ensemble.
On with the Calypso Show
Immediately following the seniors show, the much-awaited Calypso Show began as the crowd swelled the ball field almost to capacity.
Trinidadian Tommy Joseph, the affable and always humorous master of ceremonies, started things off with barbs at the current V.I. governor and Legislature. Once the calypsonians took the stage, the feel of carnival was in the air, as Imagination Brass from St. Thomas provided band music.
Waggy from St. Croix opened the show with his two favorites, "Card" and "Sex As a
Weapon." Next, Tumba from St. Thomas sang about the woes of lost love with "No Return" and "All Alone." Reigning and three-peat St. Thomas Calypso Monarch Whadablee was a crowd favorite with his popular tunes "More Money" and "The Hypocrites." Two female attractions, Calypso Sis and Pat Ragguette, followed with songs about the Virgin Islands' socio-political state of affairs. Ragguette is one of the lead singers in St. Croix's popular Xpress Band.
During intermission, the much-heralded Caribbean Ritual Dancers thrilled the audience with their expertise performing the limbo. Three men from the audience invited onto the stage to perform provided an added attraction as they held their own with the dancers.
King Durby of St. Croix opened the second half, bemoaning the state of the political ship of state. He was followed by St. John's own Might T and Singing Sandra.
The rain that threatened as the music continued and the crowd stayed on well past midnight couldn't stop the calypso show this time.
A small but appreciative crowd was on hand at 6 p.m. to cheer on the senior citizens as they performed, modeled and introduced 2001 contestants for the Ms. V.I. Senior America title. The show, initially set for 7 p.m., had been moved back an hour to accommodate the Calypso Show that had been postponed from June 16 because of rain.
Senior America showtime
Representing the seniors were nine women at least 60 years of age who had participated in previous Senior America pageants or are competing this year.
In the talent segment, Ida White, Ms V.I. Senior America 1999, wooed the audience with an up-tempo dance to the music "Let's Get Physical." Ida Blyden, Ms. Popularity 2000, sang an a capella version of "His Eye Is on the Sparrow," 2000 runner-up Rita King did an interpretation of Judy Garland's "Walk Up the Avenue" dressed as a tramp, and Delita O'Connor sang the gospel number "Step Between the White Lines."
Following intermission, Margarita Hodge, 2000 first runner-up, sang and danced a merengue to the accompaniment of the GT Band. Ina Lee, 1999 first runner-up, followed with a rendition of Pearl Bailey's "It Takes Two to Tango." Jane Johannes, Ms. Congeniality 2000, closed out the talent segment with a calypson song and dance.
The St. John Quadrille Dancers, appearing as guest artists, won enthusiastic applause for their three dances of the Danish era.
In the fashion show of casual and evening wear that followed, White strutted in a three-piece denim outfit, Johannes was alluring in a red dress, and Blyden appeared in a two-piece peach tunic dress. Gertrude Samuel, a 2001 contestant, wore a two-piece cream outfit, and Daphne Wright, another 2001 contestant, appeared in black. Rita King showed off a black- and white-striped jacket with a black skirt, and Lee was regal in African attire. Hodge made the final fashion statement in a two-piece gray and black ensemble.
On with the Calypso Show
Immediately following the seniors show, the much-awaited Calypso Show began as the crowd swelled the ball field almost to capacity.
Trinidadian Tommy Joseph, the affable and always humorous master of ceremonies, started things off with barbs at the current V.I. governor and Legislature. Once the calypsonians took the stage, the feel of carnival was in the air, as Imagination Brass from St. Thomas provided band music.
Waggy from St. Croix opened the show with his two favorites, "Card" and "Sex As a
Weapon." Next, Tumba from St. Thomas sang about the woes of lost love with "No Return" and "All Alone." Reigning and three-peat St. Thomas Calypso Monarch Whadablee was a crowd favorite with his popular tunes "More Money" and "The Hypocrites." Two female attractions, Calypso Sis and Pat Ragguette, followed with songs about the Virgin Islands' socio-political state of affairs. Ragguette is one of the lead singers in St. Croix's popular Xpress Band.
During intermission, the much-heralded Caribbean Ritual Dancers thrilled the audience with their expertise performing the limbo. Three men from the audience invited onto the stage to perform provided an added attraction as they held their own with the dancers.
King Durby of St. Croix opened the second half, bemoaning the state of the political ship of state. He was followed by St. John's own Might T and Singing Sandra.
The rain that threatened as the music continued and the crowd stayed on well past midnight couldn't stop the calypso show this time.
GATES FOUNDATION TO ASSIST V.I. LIBRARIES
June 23, 2001 — The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation is set to provide computers and software to the U.S. Virgin Islands as part of its new Public Library Program for U.S. territories.
The announcement from the foundation, established by Microsoft computer software billionaire Bill Gates and his wife, came after Senate President Almando "Rocky" Liburd requested help last March in suppling the territory’s libraries with computer equipment, software and Internet connectivity.
In response to Liburd’s request, the foundation, which has operated a library program on the mainland since 1997, announced that it will launch a similar program in the U.S. territories this month.
Along with computer hardware and software, the program includes training and technical assistance to the employees of the Division of Libraries, Archives and Museums within the Planning and Natural Resources Department.
Information about a program timeline, grant applications and qualifications will be sent to Liburd’s office next week, the announcement said.
According to the Gates Foundation web site, the Library Program works through state partnerships and cooperative relationships among the Library Program, state library agencies, schools of library and information science, and local public libraries within a state. Grant support includes broad funding for hardware, technical assistance and training to public libraries throughout the state.
The first partnership was awarded in October 1997 to the Alabama Public Library Service, to work closely with the Library Program and to act as the pilot program for future state funding.
The announcement from the foundation, established by Microsoft computer software billionaire Bill Gates and his wife, came after Senate President Almando "Rocky" Liburd requested help last March in suppling the territory’s libraries with computer equipment, software and Internet connectivity.
In response to Liburd’s request, the foundation, which has operated a library program on the mainland since 1997, announced that it will launch a similar program in the U.S. territories this month.
Along with computer hardware and software, the program includes training and technical assistance to the employees of the Division of Libraries, Archives and Museums within the Planning and Natural Resources Department.
Information about a program timeline, grant applications and qualifications will be sent to Liburd’s office next week, the announcement said.
According to the Gates Foundation web site, the Library Program works through state partnerships and cooperative relationships among the Library Program, state library agencies, schools of library and information science, and local public libraries within a state. Grant support includes broad funding for hardware, technical assistance and training to public libraries throughout the state.
The first partnership was awarded in October 1997 to the Alabama Public Library Service, to work closely with the Library Program and to act as the pilot program for future state funding.
ST. CROIX POLICE OFFICER REPORTED MISSING
June 23, 2001 – The Police Department is searching for one of its own. Wendell "Lazee" Williams, 47, an 18-year veteran of the force, has been missing since last week, according to a report in The Avis.
Deputy Police Chief Novelle Francis said Williams has been missing since at least June 17.
Williams, of Peter's Rest on St. Croix, is described as a black male, about 5 feet 9 inches tall, weighing 150 pounds. Family members last saw him when he and his sister drove another relative to the Henry R. Rohlsen Airport, the newspaper quoted Fancis as saying.
Williams had been due to report to the Ancilmo Marshall Command for duty on the night shift of June 14, but failed to appear.
After a relative alerted police to Williams' disappearance about 5:30 p.m. Thursday, police began investigating immediately. Francis and members of Williams' family described Williams as "very responsible" and said they were baffled by his disappearance.
Williams' black Suzuki Vitara, license plate number CBB-164, was also reported as missing. There was an unsubstantiated report of the car being spotted at the St. Croix airport.
Anyone with information about Williams is asked to call the Criminal Investigation Bureau at 778-4950 or emergency number 911.
Deputy Police Chief Novelle Francis said Williams has been missing since at least June 17.
Williams, of Peter's Rest on St. Croix, is described as a black male, about 5 feet 9 inches tall, weighing 150 pounds. Family members last saw him when he and his sister drove another relative to the Henry R. Rohlsen Airport, the newspaper quoted Fancis as saying.
Williams had been due to report to the Ancilmo Marshall Command for duty on the night shift of June 14, but failed to appear.
After a relative alerted police to Williams' disappearance about 5:30 p.m. Thursday, police began investigating immediately. Francis and members of Williams' family described Williams as "very responsible" and said they were baffled by his disappearance.
Williams' black Suzuki Vitara, license plate number CBB-164, was also reported as missing. There was an unsubstantiated report of the car being spotted at the St. Croix airport.
Anyone with information about Williams is asked to call the Criminal Investigation Bureau at 778-4950 or emergency number 911.
US CUSTOMS EXPLORERS CANCEL SUMMER CLASSES
June 23, 2001 – The US Customs Explorers has canceled law enforcement training for the summer because students will be going away on summer vacation, group adviser Gloria Lambert, a senior U.S. Customs inspector, said Friday.
The group, aged 14 to 21, is sponsored by the Boy Scouts of America and run by the U.S. Customs Service. The Explorers are made up of young people interested in careers in law enforcement.
Some weekend training will be available, Lambert said, but regular courses won't resume until Sept. 8. For further information, call 774-4554 for Lambert or Ralph Dasant.
The group, aged 14 to 21, is sponsored by the Boy Scouts of America and run by the U.S. Customs Service. The Explorers are made up of young people interested in careers in law enforcement.
Some weekend training will be available, Lambert said, but regular courses won't resume until Sept. 8. For further information, call 774-4554 for Lambert or Ralph Dasant.
WATER CUT TO 6 HOURS A DAY UNTIL WEDNESDAY
June 22, 2001 – The Water and Power Authority announced Friday afternoon that it will be rationing potable water service on St. John until Wednesday.
Service to customers connected through the distribution system will be restricted to 6 to 9 a.m. and 3 to 6 p.m. daily, and water haulers will be limited to one load per company.
According to a WAPA release, officials expect the St. John potable water supply to return to normal by Wednesday.
The release said there has been difficulty "meeting water production demand and adding to storage on St. John." Officials believe a defective intake system in WAPA's reverse osmosis supplemental water production plant is at fault.
"An inspection of the system is in progress to determine the location and extent of the damage so that it can be repaired," the release stated. Meantime, WAPA is adding to its water storage capacity "to ride through the period" while the system is down for repairs.
The St. John desalination unit is expected to replenish storage and increase water production by Wednesday, it said.
Service to customers connected through the distribution system will be restricted to 6 to 9 a.m. and 3 to 6 p.m. daily, and water haulers will be limited to one load per company.
According to a WAPA release, officials expect the St. John potable water supply to return to normal by Wednesday.
The release said there has been difficulty "meeting water production demand and adding to storage on St. John." Officials believe a defective intake system in WAPA's reverse osmosis supplemental water production plant is at fault.
"An inspection of the system is in progress to determine the location and extent of the damage so that it can be repaired," the release stated. Meantime, WAPA is adding to its water storage capacity "to ride through the period" while the system is down for repairs.
The St. John desalination unit is expected to replenish storage and increase water production by Wednesday, it said.
RED HOOK UPGRADE GETS $1.5M FEDERAL GRANT
June 22, 2001 – The U.S. Commerce Department has approved a $1.5 million grant to the V.I. Port Authority for the construction of a new pier, passenger ferry dock, roll on/roll off cargo area and parking lot at Red Hook.
Delegate Donna Christian Christensen announced the grant in a brief release late Friday afternoon that provided no elaboration.
A Government House release issued on June 7 said Gov. Charles W. Turnbull had secured an agreement between the Public Finance Authority, whose board he chairs as governor, and the Port Authority on funding for the new Red Hook marine terminal as well as the long-awaited Enighed Pond cargo facility on St. John. It said the agreement would expedite the start of construction on both projects.
The agreement provides for the PFA to advance funding to the Port Authority in the form of a bridge loan, with the money to be reimbursed from a federal highway funds bond issue.
The overall proceeds from the bonds, known as GARVEE bonds, will be used to fund a number of projects authorized by the 23rd Legislature. "GARVEE" stands for Grant Anticipation Revenue Vehicle. The bonds are backed by future annual grants from the Federal Highway Administration. According to government officials, the territory has been receiving about $12 million a year in such federal transportation funds.
GARVEE bonds represent a way for jurisdictions to access funding without incurring more debt, by leveraging funds available through the federal Transportation Efficiency Act for the 21st Century, known as TEA-21. The Public Finance Authority would issue the bonds.
Under the FHA rules, "these bonds cannot be issued until all the projects to be funded are ready for construction," the June 7 Government House release stated, and for this reason it was expected that the bonds would not be floated until "late in the current year." Earlier, officials had said the bond issue would occur in September.
The June 7 release cited Amadeo Francis, PFA director of administration, as saying the state of planning was sufficiently far along that the Port Authority could begin construction work "within the next two to three months."
The Enighed Pond and Red Hook upgrades have long been seen as a tandem project, and it was not immediately clear why the Commerce Department grant is for the St. Thomas work only.
The volume of passenger, vehicular and cargo traffic between Red Hook and Cruz Bay has increased sharply in recent years, and no one disputes the need for expanded facilities on both islands.
Port Authority planner Darlin Brin said in January of this year that the agency could begin accepting bids on the $16 million Enighed Pond project within three months. He said the Port Authority had secured permits from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Coastal Zone Management Commission, but still had to go through a federal environmental review.
Some 16 months ago, Port Authority executive director Gordon Finch said the agency was ready to put up its half of the funding for the bi-island project. There was talk at that time of using a part of the proceeds from the anticipated sale of an 80 percent interest in the Water and Power Authority to Southern Energy for the Enighed project.
Delegate Donna Christian Christensen announced the grant in a brief release late Friday afternoon that provided no elaboration.
A Government House release issued on June 7 said Gov. Charles W. Turnbull had secured an agreement between the Public Finance Authority, whose board he chairs as governor, and the Port Authority on funding for the new Red Hook marine terminal as well as the long-awaited Enighed Pond cargo facility on St. John. It said the agreement would expedite the start of construction on both projects.
The agreement provides for the PFA to advance funding to the Port Authority in the form of a bridge loan, with the money to be reimbursed from a federal highway funds bond issue.
The overall proceeds from the bonds, known as GARVEE bonds, will be used to fund a number of projects authorized by the 23rd Legislature. "GARVEE" stands for Grant Anticipation Revenue Vehicle. The bonds are backed by future annual grants from the Federal Highway Administration. According to government officials, the territory has been receiving about $12 million a year in such federal transportation funds.
GARVEE bonds represent a way for jurisdictions to access funding without incurring more debt, by leveraging funds available through the federal Transportation Efficiency Act for the 21st Century, known as TEA-21. The Public Finance Authority would issue the bonds.
Under the FHA rules, "these bonds cannot be issued until all the projects to be funded are ready for construction," the June 7 Government House release stated, and for this reason it was expected that the bonds would not be floated until "late in the current year." Earlier, officials had said the bond issue would occur in September.
The June 7 release cited Amadeo Francis, PFA director of administration, as saying the state of planning was sufficiently far along that the Port Authority could begin construction work "within the next two to three months."
The Enighed Pond and Red Hook upgrades have long been seen as a tandem project, and it was not immediately clear why the Commerce Department grant is for the St. Thomas work only.
The volume of passenger, vehicular and cargo traffic between Red Hook and Cruz Bay has increased sharply in recent years, and no one disputes the need for expanded facilities on both islands.
Port Authority planner Darlin Brin said in January of this year that the agency could begin accepting bids on the $16 million Enighed Pond project within three months. He said the Port Authority had secured permits from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Coastal Zone Management Commission, but still had to go through a federal environmental review.
Some 16 months ago, Port Authority executive director Gordon Finch said the agency was ready to put up its half of the funding for the bi-island project. There was talk at that time of using a part of the proceeds from the anticipated sale of an 80 percent interest in the Water and Power Authority to Southern Energy for the Enighed project.
