Dear Source,
I see things do not change. Once again, the government is wasting absurd amounts of money it does not have on something that is yet to even be functional.
I am speaking of the $700,000 spent on IBM to develop the Department of Tourism website, which is not yet working because the commissioner of the Department, Pamela Richards, claims they are waiting for money to pay the $50,000 a year IBM will get to host the site.
First of all, the sum is absolutely outrageous. I do not care how elaborate the site, even corporate giants rarely spend that kind of money to design a site. Secondly, $50,000 a year to host a site is almost unheard of. Thirdly, for far less, they could have hired a full-time web designer to devote all of his or her time solely to this project.
Fourth, this money could have stayed on the island. I do not care what Richards says, there are some excellent sites already devoted to the islands that have been designed by locals.
We shall see, when the site actually works, if it has been worth the expense. For $700K, it seems outrageous that we can't even have it up, if the first year’s hosting fee has been waived. If they did not have the money why did tourism commit to spending it? Oh yeah, that is the way of the V.I. Government..spend now, worry later.
The more things change, the more they stay the same.
A FORMER NATIVE
Leititia Brown
OUTLOOK 'POSITIVE' FOR INSURANCE AVAILABILITY
June 14, 2001 – Hopes are high for an increase in the availability of property and casualty insurance in the territory, according to Lt. Gov. Gerard Luz James, II, commissioner of Banking and Insurance.
James cited "positive developments" as a result of some networking at a conference of the Insurance Association Caribbean Inc. held in Antigua last week.
Maryleen Thomas, director of Banking and Insurance, and Martin Emanuel, banks and insurance examiner, represented the Virgin Islands at the conference. They reported positive discussions with several companies and agents.
An "A"-rated company expressed an interest in obtaining a license to write property insurance in the territory, according to a press release from the Lieutenant Governor's Office. "The company was supplied with the application documents and anticipates filing the application with supporting documents within the next two to three weeks," it stated.
Thomas and Emanuel "also worked out the final details with one of the companies that is interested in writing the [Bank of] Nova Scotia's forced-placed program," according to the release. The bank recently reported that its forced-place insurance provider was dropping coverage, leaving hundreds of homeowners without coverage.
Following a meeting between the V.I. representatives and one company already licensed to do business in the territory, "its representatives immediately started to explore reinsurance capacity with brokers at the conference, in order to increase the company's writing in the territory," the release said. And an agent representing another company licensed in the Virgin Islands indicated that company is willing to write more coverage — once it has adequate reinsurance.
James cited "positive developments" as a result of some networking at a conference of the Insurance Association Caribbean Inc. held in Antigua last week.
Maryleen Thomas, director of Banking and Insurance, and Martin Emanuel, banks and insurance examiner, represented the Virgin Islands at the conference. They reported positive discussions with several companies and agents.
An "A"-rated company expressed an interest in obtaining a license to write property insurance in the territory, according to a press release from the Lieutenant Governor's Office. "The company was supplied with the application documents and anticipates filing the application with supporting documents within the next two to three weeks," it stated.
Thomas and Emanuel "also worked out the final details with one of the companies that is interested in writing the [Bank of] Nova Scotia's forced-placed program," according to the release. The bank recently reported that its forced-place insurance provider was dropping coverage, leaving hundreds of homeowners without coverage.
Following a meeting between the V.I. representatives and one company already licensed to do business in the territory, "its representatives immediately started to explore reinsurance capacity with brokers at the conference, in order to increase the company's writing in the territory," the release said. And an agent representing another company licensed in the Virgin Islands indicated that company is willing to write more coverage — once it has adequate reinsurance.
TOURISM SPENDING TOO MUCH ON WEBSITE
Dear Source,
I see things do not change. Once again, the government is wasting absurd amounts of money it does not have on something that is yet to even be functional.
I am speaking of the $700,000 spent on IBM to develop the Department of Tourism website, which is not yet working because the commissioner of the Department, Pamela Richards, claims they are waiting for money to pay the $50,000 a year IBM will get to host the site.
First of all, the sum is absolutely outrageous. I do not care how elaborate the site, even corporate giants rarely spend that kind of money to design a site. Secondly, $50,000 a year to host a site is almost unheard of. Thirdly, for far less, they could have hired a full-time web designer to devote all of his or her time solely to this project.
Fourth, this money could have stayed on the island. I do not care what Richards says, there are some excellent sites already devoted to the islands that have been designed by locals.
We shall see, when the site actually works, if it has been worth the expense. For $700K, it seems outrageous that we can't even have it up, if the first year’s hosting fee has been waived. If they did not HAVE the money why did tourism commit to spending it? Oh yeah, that is the way of the V.I. Government..spend now, worry later.
The more things change, the more they stay the same.
A FORMER NATIVE
Leititia Brown
I see things do not change. Once again, the government is wasting absurd amounts of money it does not have on something that is yet to even be functional.
I am speaking of the $700,000 spent on IBM to develop the Department of Tourism website, which is not yet working because the commissioner of the Department, Pamela Richards, claims they are waiting for money to pay the $50,000 a year IBM will get to host the site.
First of all, the sum is absolutely outrageous. I do not care how elaborate the site, even corporate giants rarely spend that kind of money to design a site. Secondly, $50,000 a year to host a site is almost unheard of. Thirdly, for far less, they could have hired a full-time web designer to devote all of his or her time solely to this project.
Fourth, this money could have stayed on the island. I do not care what Richards says, there are some excellent sites already devoted to the islands that have been designed by locals.
We shall see, when the site actually works, if it has been worth the expense. For $700K, it seems outrageous that we can't even have it up, if the first year’s hosting fee has been waived. If they did not HAVE the money why did tourism commit to spending it? Oh yeah, that is the way of the V.I. Government..spend now, worry later.
The more things change, the more they stay the same.
A FORMER NATIVE
Leititia Brown
JAMES HOPEFUL ABOUT INCREASED CAPACITY
June 14, 2001 – Hopes are high for an increase in the availability of insurance coverage according to Lt. Gov. Gerard Luz James, II, commissioner of Banking and Insurance.
James cited "positive developments" as a result of some networking at the conference of the Insurance Association Caribbean, Inc. held in Antigua last week.
Attorney Maryleen Thomas, director of Banking and Insurance, and Martin Emanuel, Banks and Insurance examiner, represented the Virgin Islands at the conference.
They reported positive discussions with several companies and agents.
An "A" rated insurance company expressed an interest in obtaining a license to write property insurance in the territory, according to a press release from the lieutenant governor. "The company was supplied with the application documents and anticipates filing the application with supporting documents within the next two to three weeks."
Thomas and Emanuel "also worked out the final details with one of the companies that is interested in writing the (Bank of) Nova Scotia's forced placed program," according to the release. The bank recently reported that its forced place insurance provider was dropping coverage, leaving hundreds of homeowners without coverage.
Following a meeting between the V.I. representatives and one company already licensed to do business in the territory, "its representatives immediately started to explore reinsurance capacity with brokers at the conference, in order to increase the company's writing in the territory." And an agent representing another company licensed in the Virgin Islands indicated that company is willing to write more coverage once it has adequate reinsurance.
James cited "positive developments" as a result of some networking at the conference of the Insurance Association Caribbean, Inc. held in Antigua last week.
Attorney Maryleen Thomas, director of Banking and Insurance, and Martin Emanuel, Banks and Insurance examiner, represented the Virgin Islands at the conference.
They reported positive discussions with several companies and agents.
An "A" rated insurance company expressed an interest in obtaining a license to write property insurance in the territory, according to a press release from the lieutenant governor. "The company was supplied with the application documents and anticipates filing the application with supporting documents within the next two to three weeks."
Thomas and Emanuel "also worked out the final details with one of the companies that is interested in writing the (Bank of) Nova Scotia's forced placed program," according to the release. The bank recently reported that its forced place insurance provider was dropping coverage, leaving hundreds of homeowners without coverage.
Following a meeting between the V.I. representatives and one company already licensed to do business in the territory, "its representatives immediately started to explore reinsurance capacity with brokers at the conference, in order to increase the company's writing in the territory." And an agent representing another company licensed in the Virgin Islands indicated that company is willing to write more coverage once it has adequate reinsurance.
TURNBULL CALLS SPECIAL SESSION OF SENATE
June 14, 2001 — Gov. Charles Turnbull has called the Legislature into a special session on Friday so that it can approve a bill that would make $10 million available to pay salary increases to government employees and retirees. The bill also provides funding to cover school repairs, health insurance premiums and other costs.
Of the $100 million, $510,000 is needed to give "all government employees and eligible retirees salary increases and other benefits and provide incentives" to unions that waived retroactive raises owed to them by the government, Turnbull said in his transmittal letter to Senate President Almando "Rocky" Liburd on Wednesday. Turnbull added that the remaining salary increases and benefits for fiscal year 2002 will be contained in his fiscal year 2002 budget, which is late in being submitted to the Legislature. Turnbull has said the budget will be sent in mid-July.
The bill also seeks to appropriate $2.3 million to fund a summer maintenance and repair program for the territory’s public schools. Other aspects of the bill include:
– An appropriation of $13.6 million, or what is necessary, to fund the costs associated with increases in health insurance premiums and the deficit of the pharmaceutical plan.
– An appropriation of $350,000 to the Lieutenant. Governor’s Office to fund costs for a review property tax bills and to fund the Foreign Sales Corporation Task Force.
– An appropriation of $390,000 to the Public Works Department to reimburse funds advanced by it to pay for costs to clean up after Carnival.
– An appropriation of $400,000 for books and other supplies for the Summer Enrichment Program and the upcoming school year.
Of the $100 million, $510,000 is needed to give "all government employees and eligible retirees salary increases and other benefits and provide incentives" to unions that waived retroactive raises owed to them by the government, Turnbull said in his transmittal letter to Senate President Almando "Rocky" Liburd on Wednesday. Turnbull added that the remaining salary increases and benefits for fiscal year 2002 will be contained in his fiscal year 2002 budget, which is late in being submitted to the Legislature. Turnbull has said the budget will be sent in mid-July.
The bill also seeks to appropriate $2.3 million to fund a summer maintenance and repair program for the territory’s public schools. Other aspects of the bill include:
– An appropriation of $13.6 million, or what is necessary, to fund the costs associated with increases in health insurance premiums and the deficit of the pharmaceutical plan.
– An appropriation of $350,000 to the Lieutenant. Governor’s Office to fund costs for a review property tax bills and to fund the Foreign Sales Corporation Task Force.
– An appropriation of $390,000 to the Public Works Department to reimburse funds advanced by it to pay for costs to clean up after Carnival.
– An appropriation of $400,000 for books and other supplies for the Summer Enrichment Program and the upcoming school year.
TURNBULL CALLS SPECIAL SESSION OF SENATE
June 14, 2001 — Gov. Charles Turnbull has called the Legislature into a special session on Friday so that it can approve a bill that would make $10 million available to pay salary increases to government employees and retirees. The bill also provides funding to cover school repairs, health insurance premiums and other costs.
Of the $10 million, $510,000 is needed to give "all government employees and eligible retirees salary increases and other benefits and provide incentives" to unions that waived retroactive raises owed to them by the government, Turnbull said in his transmittal letter to Senate President Almando "Rocky" Liburd on Wednesday. Turnbull added that the remaining salary increases and benefits for fiscal year 2002 will be contained in his fiscal year 2002 budget, which is late in being submitted to the Legislature. Turnbull has said the budget will be sent in mid-July.
The bill also seeks to appropriate $2.3 million to fund a summer maintenance and repair program for the territory’s public schools. Other aspects of the bill include:
– An appropriation of $13.6 million, or what is necessary, to fund the costs associated with increases in health insurance premiums and the deficit of the pharmaceutical plan.
– An appropriation of $350,000 to the Lieutenant. Governor’s Office to fund costs for a review property tax bills and to fund the Foreign Sales Corporation Task Force.
– An appropriation of $390,000 to the Public Works Department to reimburse funds advanced by it to pay for costs to clean up after Carnival.
– An appropriation of $400,000 for books and other supplies for the Summer Enrichment Program and the upcoming school year.
Of the $10 million, $510,000 is needed to give "all government employees and eligible retirees salary increases and other benefits and provide incentives" to unions that waived retroactive raises owed to them by the government, Turnbull said in his transmittal letter to Senate President Almando "Rocky" Liburd on Wednesday. Turnbull added that the remaining salary increases and benefits for fiscal year 2002 will be contained in his fiscal year 2002 budget, which is late in being submitted to the Legislature. Turnbull has said the budget will be sent in mid-July.
The bill also seeks to appropriate $2.3 million to fund a summer maintenance and repair program for the territory’s public schools. Other aspects of the bill include:
– An appropriation of $13.6 million, or what is necessary, to fund the costs associated with increases in health insurance premiums and the deficit of the pharmaceutical plan.
– An appropriation of $350,000 to the Lieutenant. Governor’s Office to fund costs for a review property tax bills and to fund the Foreign Sales Corporation Task Force.
– An appropriation of $390,000 to the Public Works Department to reimburse funds advanced by it to pay for costs to clean up after Carnival.
– An appropriation of $400,000 for books and other supplies for the Summer Enrichment Program and the upcoming school year.
$46M HUGO LOAN CLOSER TO CANCELLATION
June 14, 2001 — The Turnbull administration’s effort to have the territory’s $46-million Hurricane Hugo disaster loan cancelled received a boost Wednesday as Congress hashed out next year’s budget.
The House Appropriations Committee approved a $3.5 million appropriation to cover the cost of cancelling the outstanding balance on the Hugo loan, said Gov. Charles Turnbull. The move by Congress follows a re-estimate of the current net value of the territory’s Hurricane Hugo Community Disaster Loan, which was given soon after the devastating storm struck in 1989.
The re-estimate was done under the Federal Credit Reform Act at the behest of the V.I. government.
If the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee next approves the re-estimate, the territory’s $46 million debt would be reduced by nearly 97 percent, leaving a new balance of just more than $1 million. Turnbull said the federal government has already shifted nearly $45 million into a special account to cover the cost of the writeoff. The $3.5 million will cover the re-estimated loan balance and interest.
"This is great and welcome news…," Turnbull said in a release. "We are beginning to dig our way out of our accumulated debt and to build a solid foundation for sustained economic recovery."
He thanked Rep. Joe Skeen (R-NM), chairman of the House Interior Appropriations Committee, who recommended the $3.5 million appropriation to the full committee last week.
Just as important to the cash-strapped V.I. government as the $3.5 million appropriation is the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s decision earlier this year to extend the suspension of debt payments on the Hugo loan through the end of the end of the fiscal year in September. That would keep the administration from having to pay out $8 million.
Meanwhile, the governor said he has ordered the V.I. Office of Management and Budget to prepare a petition to cancel the $150 million Hurricane Marilyn Community Disaster Loan, which will be submitted to the federal government this month. Marilyn pounded the territory in 1995.
The House Appropriations Committee approved a $3.5 million appropriation to cover the cost of cancelling the outstanding balance on the Hugo loan, said Gov. Charles Turnbull. The move by Congress follows a re-estimate of the current net value of the territory’s Hurricane Hugo Community Disaster Loan, which was given soon after the devastating storm struck in 1989.
The re-estimate was done under the Federal Credit Reform Act at the behest of the V.I. government.
If the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee next approves the re-estimate, the territory’s $46 million debt would be reduced by nearly 97 percent, leaving a new balance of just more than $1 million. Turnbull said the federal government has already shifted nearly $45 million into a special account to cover the cost of the writeoff. The $3.5 million will cover the re-estimated loan balance and interest.
"This is great and welcome news…," Turnbull said in a release. "We are beginning to dig our way out of our accumulated debt and to build a solid foundation for sustained economic recovery."
He thanked Rep. Joe Skeen (R-NM), chairman of the House Interior Appropriations Committee, who recommended the $3.5 million appropriation to the full committee last week.
Just as important to the cash-strapped V.I. government as the $3.5 million appropriation is the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s decision earlier this year to extend the suspension of debt payments on the Hugo loan through the end of the end of the fiscal year in September. That would keep the administration from having to pay out $8 million.
Meanwhile, the governor said he has ordered the V.I. Office of Management and Budget to prepare a petition to cancel the $150 million Hurricane Marilyn Community Disaster Loan, which will be submitted to the federal government this month. Marilyn pounded the territory in 1995.
FEW SUPPORT SUPERMARKET EXPANSION
June 13, 2001 – An attempt to rezone a 2-acre vacant lot at Mandela Circle to allow a proposed supermarket to circumvent the parameters of its current commercial zoning met with substantial dissension at a public hearing Wednesday.
Plessen Enterprises Inc. has applied for a change to B-1 (business district) zoning from C (commercial). However, at least one member of the Zoning Committee of the Department of Planning and Natural Resources said the B-1 zoning doesn't fit.
Randolph Boschulte said B-1 zoning is restricted to the central district town area, which would be Charlotte Amalie, Christiansted or Frederiksted.
Engineer Alton Adams, who represented Fathi Yusef, a principal of Plessen, at Wednesday's public hearing at DPNR, said he understood the B-1 zoning wasn't appropriate, but needed a way to get the request heard.
"I don't care what the zoning is," he said, adding he would settle for a variance, but wants Plessen to be granted permission to increase the footprint of the building from 50 percent of the lot to 62 percent. He also is seeking permission to increase the height of the proposed building from 36 feet to 40 feet. Commercial zoning restricts building to 50 percent of the lot.
Adams said he had already appealed to the Board of Land Use Appeals, which told him he needed to move the request to DPNR, hence the zoning change request.
Attorney Adriane Dudley, who sent a statement to the hearing that was read into the record, had another objection to the B-1 zoning, under which, she said, there is "no obligation to provide adequate parking" or landscaping.
Colette Monroe, speaking for the League of Women Voters of the Virgin Islands, said that at 40 feet the building would be the highest in the area, higher even than its neighbor, the former Ramada Yacht Haven Hotel.
Dudley also questioned the height issue, saying the building would likely be built on fill which would further add to the 40 feet.
Attorney Edith Bornn, who lives in Havensight and said she travels through Mandela Circle "five or six times a day," said the whole project should be cut back, not expanded. "It should be a third of the size," she said. "Normally I talk about beauty. This isn't about beauty. It's about life."
Bornn said she had witnessed several incidents involving large tractor trailers in the intersection that could not make the narrow turns on the first attempt.
However, Adams pointed out on the schematics for the project that the roadway would be widened, thus increasing traffic lanes from two to three.
Rodney Platzke, construction program manager on contract to the Public Works Department, said DPW has already purchased a strip of land adjacent to Plessen's property to construct a turning lane. It was also confirmed that Public Works intends to use land on the east side of the road near the Pueblo Supermarket to facilitate the roadway expansion.
Dudley pointed out the area is a major intersection for travelers. The expansion would mean "more vehicle traffic, less green space." Instead, she said, "It should be (an area) that brings pride."
Bornn called Mandela Circle a mistake and Dudley said a master plan needed to be developed for the intersection where most major routes in and out of town meet.
Plessen bought the property two years ago for $2 million from the Friends of the National Park. At the time Yusef said he hoped a new Plaza Extra would be built, "hopefully within the next two years."
It has sat empty since then.
Plessen Enterprises Inc. has applied for a change to B-1 (business district) zoning from C (commercial). However, at least one member of the Zoning Committee of the Department of Planning and Natural Resources said the B-1 zoning doesn't fit.
Randolph Boschulte said B-1 zoning is restricted to the central district town area, which would be Charlotte Amalie, Christiansted or Frederiksted.
Engineer Alton Adams, who represented Fathi Yusef, a principal of Plessen, at Wednesday's public hearing at DPNR, said he understood the B-1 zoning wasn't appropriate, but needed a way to get the request heard.
"I don't care what the zoning is," he said, adding he would settle for a variance, but wants Plessen to be granted permission to increase the footprint of the building from 50 percent of the lot to 62 percent. He also is seeking permission to increase the height of the proposed building from 36 feet to 40 feet. Commercial zoning restricts building to 50 percent of the lot.
Adams said he had already appealed to the Board of Land Use Appeals, which told him he needed to move the request to DPNR, hence the zoning change request.
Attorney Adriane Dudley, who sent a statement to the hearing that was read into the record, had another objection to the B-1 zoning, under which, she said, there is "no obligation to provide adequate parking" or landscaping.
Colette Monroe, speaking for the League of Women Voters of the Virgin Islands, said that at 40 feet the building would be the highest in the area, higher even than its neighbor, the former Ramada Yacht Haven Hotel.
Dudley also questioned the height issue, saying the building would likely be built on fill which would further add to the 40 feet.
Attorney Edith Bornn, who lives in Havensight and said she travels through Mandela Circle "five or six times a day," said the whole project should be cut back, not expanded. "It should be a third of the size," she said. "Normally I talk about beauty. This isn't about beauty. It's about life."
Bornn said she had witnessed several incidents involving large tractor trailers in the intersection that could not make the narrow turns on the first attempt.
However, Adams pointed out on the schematics for the project that the roadway would be widened, thus increasing traffic lanes from two to three.
Rodney Platzke, construction program manager on contract to the Public Works Department, said DPW has already purchased a strip of land adjacent to Plessen's property to construct a turning lane. It was also confirmed that Public Works intends to use land on the east side of the road near the Pueblo Supermarket to facilitate the roadway expansion.
Dudley pointed out the area is a major intersection for travelers. The expansion would mean "more vehicle traffic, less green space." Instead, she said, "It should be (an area) that brings pride."
Bornn called Mandela Circle a mistake and Dudley said a master plan needed to be developed for the intersection where most major routes in and out of town meet.
Plessen bought the property two years ago for $2 million from the Friends of the National Park. At the time Yusef said he hoped a new Plaza Extra would be built, "hopefully within the next two years."
It has sat empty since then.
ROAD RUNNERS HOST FATHER'S DAY RACE
The St. Thomas Association of Road Runners will hold their annual Father's Day Road Race at 7:30 a.m. Sunday, June 17, beginning at the Frenchtown ballpark.
Runners of all kinds are invited to participate in the two mile race that starts and finishes at the Frenchtown ballpark. Registration will begin at 7 a.m. The race will start promptly at 7:30 a.m.
Special prizes will be offered to top finishers, sponsored by the following businesses: Alexander's Cafe, Chickie's Place, Forever Flowers, Frenchtown Deli, The Grill, Hook, Line and Sinker, and The Look Spa.
Registration is $2.00 for STAR members, $4.00 for nonmembers.
For more information contact Jennie Wentworth at 776-8018.
Runners of all kinds are invited to participate in the two mile race that starts and finishes at the Frenchtown ballpark. Registration will begin at 7 a.m. The race will start promptly at 7:30 a.m.
Special prizes will be offered to top finishers, sponsored by the following businesses: Alexander's Cafe, Chickie's Place, Forever Flowers, Frenchtown Deli, The Grill, Hook, Line and Sinker, and The Look Spa.
Registration is $2.00 for STAR members, $4.00 for nonmembers.
For more information contact Jennie Wentworth at 776-8018.
ROAD RUNNERS HOST FATHER'S DAY RACE
June 13, 2001 — The St. Thomas Association of Road Runners will hold their annual Father's Day Road Race at 7:30 a.m. Sunday, beginning at the Frenchtown ballpark.
Runners of all kinds are invited to participate in this two mile race that starts and finishes at the Frenchtown ballpark.
Registration will begin at 7 a.m. The race will start promptly at 7:30 a.m.
Special prizes will be offered to top finishers, sponsored by the following businesses: Alexander's Cafe, Chickie's Place, Forever Flowers, Frenchtown Deli, The Grill, Hook, Line and Sinker, and The Look Spa.
Registration is $2.00 for STAR members, $4.00 for nonmembers.
For more information contact Jennie Wentworth at 776-8018.
Runners of all kinds are invited to participate in this two mile race that starts and finishes at the Frenchtown ballpark.
Registration will begin at 7 a.m. The race will start promptly at 7:30 a.m.
Special prizes will be offered to top finishers, sponsored by the following businesses: Alexander's Cafe, Chickie's Place, Forever Flowers, Frenchtown Deli, The Grill, Hook, Line and Sinker, and The Look Spa.
Registration is $2.00 for STAR members, $4.00 for nonmembers.
For more information contact Jennie Wentworth at 776-8018.
