Dear Source:
Thank you for the ongoing series of articles in your Community/Data section concerning the government's Five Year Operating and Strategic Financial Plan.
For those of us who regularly visit the U.S.V.I. and who love it, it is distressing to see the grave financial problems which are beyond what this people-heavy government can pull out of by itself under the present economy.
I would hate for the fiscally irresponsible part of the problem to be "bailed out" by U.S. tax dollars without reform and waste being addressed first.
I do not know how a politician can get elected who will do what is needed, as it appears it would involve a number of lost jobs. Everyone wants theirs, and overall that is not the answer. Let's hope it is not too late.
We are looking forward to our visit in February for three weeks. We do feel for the U.S.V.I. and its dilemma, and because we visit yearly, it is also our dilemma.
Jack F. Townsend
Skokie, IL
FINAL ARGUMENTS HEARD IN GOODWIN LAWSUIT
Final arguments were heard Thursday afternoon in Sen. George Goodwin's lawsuit against the Board of Elections, but Territorial Court Judge Ishmael Meyers has yet to hand down a decision. The fate of the Senate's seventh seat still hangs in the balance somewhere between Goodwin and Sen. Lorraine Berry.
"I consider this two full days of testimony," he said at the conclusion of Thursday's five-hour hearing, which followed more than 10 hours on Wednesday.
"This case is very important to the people of the Virgin Islands," he said, noting he would write a short opinion on it. Meyers had said earlier that he hoped the case didn't run through Saturday because he wanted that day for writing.
Attorney General Iver Stridiron was called to the stand Thursday, along with Elections Board Chairwoman Rita Brady. Berry Chief of Staff James Francis and Elections Board Secretary Shawn Michael Malone also testified.
Brady said the types of challenges to ballots issued in the recent count were "unusual." They were selective, she noted, referring to last names and addresses. Specifically, she said ballots determined to contain French surnames or North Side addresses were singled out by Sen.-elect Celestino White. She also accused some of the ballot-watchers of "abominable" behavior.
Stridiron said the Elections Board performed in a "most professional manner," and went over each ballot carefully, putting aside the challenged ballots. He said that he saw no "abominable behavior," and that everyone behaved in a reasonable manner given the circumstances.
Stridiron defended his ruling that the 480 ballots not bearing postmarks be accepted as well as those with inner unsealed envelopes, providing the affidavits were properly signed.
Malone, Brady and Francis agreed with Stridiron's contention that the challenged ballots had been put aside and not mixed with the others as some witnesses had stated Wednesday.
In her closing statement, Goodwin attorney Shawn Maynard Hahnfeld said the absentee ballot count had violated the V.I. Code, which states that all absentee ballots must be postmarked no later than Nov. 7, election day.
She also contended that Goodwin would be deprived of his constitutional rights to carry out his position, and that the Elections Board purposely commingled the votes, making an accurate count impossible. Hahnfeld said there were more than enough votes to have turned the tide in her client's direction, but there was no way to determine that with the commingled votes.
She also questioned testimony about walk-in ballots received after Nov. 7, and the lack of distinction between walk-in and mailed ballots, which Elections Board officials had testified were not sorted out. She concluded that money could not cover the injury to her client of being deprived of serving the people, and asked the court to grant the "public's intent."
Kerry Drue, representing the Board of Elections, said it was the board's intent to protect the rights and will of the electorate. She cited numerous cases involving ballot disputes, saying the majority of the electorate takes precedence over strict election laws.
"The courts have ruled that not every irregularity warrants an invalid vote," she said. Drue answered each of the challenges Hahnfeld had brought up about the irregularities, mainly the unpostmarked ballots.
"The postmark is a technical nicety," she said.
She cited the testimony of White, Samuel, Nick Friday and Carla Joseph, who had testified for the plaintiff. "They all cited challenges, but not one of them took notes to back anything up," she said, and referred to the extensive notes taken and referred to by Brady.
In a final appeal to the court, Drue said, "To disenfranchise all those voters is too harsh. We have to listen to the voice of the voters."
Berry's attorney, Chad Messier, said the V.I. Code was ambiguous in the legislative intent about the postmarks, which states the ballots must be postmarked by election day. The intent was to get the votes in on time, not necessarily with a postmark. "They intended the people vote on or before election day," he said.
"All the votes that should be counted were counted," Messier said, "and no votes that shouldn't be counted were counted."
"What is in the public's interest, that the votes be thrown out?" he concluded. "One cannot punish an innocent voter who has done everything he believed right.
"The will of the people is paramount, and one out of every two voters voted for my client, Sen. Berry. Let's not fool ourselves. This is a political contest in a courtroom."
"I consider this two full days of testimony," he said at the conclusion of Thursday's five-hour hearing, which followed more than 10 hours on Wednesday.
"This case is very important to the people of the Virgin Islands," he said, noting he would write a short opinion on it. Meyers had said earlier that he hoped the case didn't run through Saturday because he wanted that day for writing.
Attorney General Iver Stridiron was called to the stand Thursday, along with Elections Board Chairwoman Rita Brady. Berry Chief of Staff James Francis and Elections Board Secretary Shawn Michael Malone also testified.
Brady said the types of challenges to ballots issued in the recent count were "unusual." They were selective, she noted, referring to last names and addresses. Specifically, she said ballots determined to contain French surnames or North Side addresses were singled out by Sen.-elect Celestino White. She also accused some of the ballot-watchers of "abominable" behavior.
Stridiron said the Elections Board performed in a "most professional manner," and went over each ballot carefully, putting aside the challenged ballots. He said that he saw no "abominable behavior," and that everyone behaved in a reasonable manner given the circumstances.
Stridiron defended his ruling that the 480 ballots not bearing postmarks be accepted as well as those with inner unsealed envelopes, providing the affidavits were properly signed.
Malone, Brady and Francis agreed with Stridiron's contention that the challenged ballots had been put aside and not mixed with the others as some witnesses had stated Wednesday.
In her closing statement, Goodwin attorney Shawn Maynard Hahnfeld said the absentee ballot count had violated the V.I. Code, which states that all absentee ballots must be postmarked no later than Nov. 7, election day.
She also contended that Goodwin would be deprived of his constitutional rights to carry out his position, and that the Elections Board purposely commingled the votes, making an accurate count impossible. Hahnfeld said there were more than enough votes to have turned the tide in her client's direction, but there was no way to determine that with the commingled votes.
She also questioned testimony about walk-in ballots received after Nov. 7, and the lack of distinction between walk-in and mailed ballots, which Elections Board officials had testified were not sorted out. She concluded that money could not cover the injury to her client of being deprived of serving the people, and asked the court to grant the "public's intent."
Kerry Drue, representing the Board of Elections, said it was the board's intent to protect the rights and will of the electorate. She cited numerous cases involving ballot disputes, saying the majority of the electorate takes precedence over strict election laws.
"The courts have ruled that not every irregularity warrants an invalid vote," she said. Drue answered each of the challenges Hahnfeld had brought up about the irregularities, mainly the unpostmarked ballots.
"The postmark is a technical nicety," she said.
She cited the testimony of White, Samuel, Nick Friday and Carla Joseph, who had testified for the plaintiff. "They all cited challenges, but not one of them took notes to back anything up," she said, and referred to the extensive notes taken and referred to by Brady.
In a final appeal to the court, Drue said, "To disenfranchise all those voters is too harsh. We have to listen to the voice of the voters."
Berry's attorney, Chad Messier, said the V.I. Code was ambiguous in the legislative intent about the postmarks, which states the ballots must be postmarked by election day. The intent was to get the votes in on time, not necessarily with a postmark. "They intended the people vote on or before election day," he said.
"All the votes that should be counted were counted," Messier said, "and no votes that shouldn't be counted were counted."
"What is in the public's interest, that the votes be thrown out?" he concluded. "One cannot punish an innocent voter who has done everything he believed right.
"The will of the people is paramount, and one out of every two voters voted for my client, Sen. Berry. Let's not fool ourselves. This is a political contest in a courtroom."
WILL NEW MAJORITY REACH BEYOND 'I' AND 'ME'?
Dear Source:
Reflections after Election 2000: I promised myself, win or lose, that I would resume my contributions to our Virgin Islands community after taking some time off for myself, family and friends. Days after the election, I found myself immersed in PTA work for my children's school and dealing with my business.
I do not view my loss as a personal loss; rather, as a loss for the hard-working-class people of St. Thomas, St. John and Water Island. I am disappointed at the outcome of the 2000 election. Apparently enough is not enough. A longtime resident put it to me this way: "Virgin Islanders love to endure pain."
I am not disappointed at losing; I gave it my best shot, addressed the issues and proposed solutions. To do any less would be to misrepresent my intentions. I did not take part in personal attacks. I hold in high regard several incumbents from both districts, Republicans and Democrats, who work hard to make the Virgin Islands a better place. Yet, a good majority of voters continues to believe that sweeping everything under the rug will solve the problems.
The new makeup of the 24th Legislature may put us one step forward to federal intervention. I foresee finger pointing and a lot of "I" and "me," and forget about "us." What has disturbed me the most are several telephone calls after the election from young couples with children, who said "We give up." When young Virgin Islanders give up and move off island in search of opportunity and stability, that is a sad message we send. We will continue to be a community in crisis; for anyone to think otherwise is to be blind to what is there to see.
To the members of the 24th Legislature, all I can say is, Prove me wrong! Address education, the economy and election reform! The challenges before these lawmakers are tremendous. I hope they are willing to tackle the problems and not raise smoke screens in hopes of avoiding hard decisions.
The crisis at the Joseph Gomez Elementary School polling place on election day was disheartening, to say the least. While many accepted the excuses given by the supervisor and Board of Elections, I do not accept any of them. Failure to implement changes in a timely manner before the election in the largest voting precinct shows bad judgment. A properly functioning board would ask for the resignation of the supervisor of elections but, let's face it, that will never happen. How could anyone expect to reduce the number of voting machines, staff and rooms available at the school and expect to accommodate the same or a larger voting public in a more efficient manner? The move defies logic. If I had to give the supervisor a grade, it would be an F.
So what happens next? The people must decide. Our teachers, police, firefighters and others in government service are unhappy. Do we leave dealing with all this up to the legislature, or do we the people continue to be vocal and demand that the members of the 24th Legislature address the issues? Just how we the voters in these islands choose to exercise our strength is ultimately left to no one but ourselves, and there is no easy escape route.
We as a community face many challenges. Already the administration is revising the fiscal year 2001 budget to reflect a $15 million decrease in projected revenues. I believe that actual revenues, come February 2001, will be a bigger shock. Passengers off the cruise ships are not spending. While we will receive record numbers of cruise visitors, I project government revenues will be down at least 30 percent. We are talking about a shortfall of millions of dollars that this community is not ready to face.
This government continues to lose opportunities to maximize the collection of revenues from existing sources. I don't blame the governor; he faces new challenges each day, and I believe he is trying to do his best. But the challenges before this community are daunting for any one person to deal with. He needs to surround himself with a few business people. The keys to our community's survival are the Five-Year Plan and a Tourism Department promotion policy that focuses on the overnight, "upper-income" American visitor.
Diversity of opinion should be respected and valued in our community. The "housing majority" that rules does not represent this diverse community. We are in for a roller coaster of a ride in the next few years.
Vinnie Mohanani
St. Thomas
Reflections after Election 2000: I promised myself, win or lose, that I would resume my contributions to our Virgin Islands community after taking some time off for myself, family and friends. Days after the election, I found myself immersed in PTA work for my children's school and dealing with my business.
I do not view my loss as a personal loss; rather, as a loss for the hard-working-class people of St. Thomas, St. John and Water Island. I am disappointed at the outcome of the 2000 election. Apparently enough is not enough. A longtime resident put it to me this way: "Virgin Islanders love to endure pain."
I am not disappointed at losing; I gave it my best shot, addressed the issues and proposed solutions. To do any less would be to misrepresent my intentions. I did not take part in personal attacks. I hold in high regard several incumbents from both districts, Republicans and Democrats, who work hard to make the Virgin Islands a better place. Yet, a good majority of voters continues to believe that sweeping everything under the rug will solve the problems.
The new makeup of the 24th Legislature may put us one step forward to federal intervention. I foresee finger pointing and a lot of "I" and "me," and forget about "us." What has disturbed me the most are several telephone calls after the election from young couples with children, who said "We give up." When young Virgin Islanders give up and move off island in search of opportunity and stability, that is a sad message we send. We will continue to be a community in crisis; for anyone to think otherwise is to be blind to what is there to see.
To the members of the 24th Legislature, all I can say is, Prove me wrong! Address education, the economy and election reform! The challenges before these lawmakers are tremendous. I hope they are willing to tackle the problems and not raise smoke screens in hopes of avoiding hard decisions.
The crisis at the Joseph Gomez Elementary School polling place on election day was disheartening, to say the least. While many accepted the excuses given by the supervisor and Board of Elections, I do not accept any of them. Failure to implement changes in a timely manner before the election in the largest voting precinct shows bad judgment. A properly functioning board would ask for the resignation of the supervisor of elections but, let's face it, that will never happen. How could anyone expect to reduce the number of voting machines, staff and rooms available at the school and expect to accommodate the same or a larger voting public in a more efficient manner? The move defies logic. If I had to give the supervisor a grade, it would be an F.
So what happens next? The people must decide. Our teachers, police, firefighters and others in government service are unhappy. Do we leave dealing with all this up to the legislature, or do we the people continue to be vocal and demand that the members of the 24th Legislature address the issues? Just how we the voters in these islands choose to exercise our strength is ultimately left to no one but ourselves, and there is no easy escape route.
We as a community face many challenges. Already the administration is revising the fiscal year 2001 budget to reflect a $15 million decrease in projected revenues. I believe that actual revenues, come February 2001, will be a bigger shock. Passengers off the cruise ships are not spending. While we will receive record numbers of cruise visitors, I project government revenues will be down at least 30 percent. We are talking about a shortfall of millions of dollars that this community is not ready to face.
This government continues to lose opportunities to maximize the collection of revenues from existing sources. I don't blame the governor; he faces new challenges each day, and I believe he is trying to do his best. But the challenges before this community are daunting for any one person to deal with. He needs to surround himself with a few business people. The keys to our community's survival are the Five-Year Plan and a Tourism Department promotion policy that focuses on the overnight, "upper-income" American visitor.
Diversity of opinion should be respected and valued in our community. The "housing majority" that rules does not represent this diverse community. We are in for a roller coaster of a ride in the next few years.
Vinnie Mohanani
St. Thomas
AMY G. MATTHIAS FLEMING SERVICES FRIDAY
Amy "Cousin Amy" G. Matthias Fleming of 1-A Est. Tutu died Wednesday, Dec. 6. She was 80.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, Dec. 15 at the Moravian Memorial Church, with a viewing beginning at 9 a.m.
Burial will be at Moravian Cemetery.
She is survived by her husband, Tilbert Fleming; son, Carl Fleming; daughters, Blanche Nurse Hodge, Angela Fleming Jean-Baptiste, Ingrid Fleming-Benjamin, and Maxine Fleming; sisters, Verna Matthias Julius, Vernice Matthias, Aina Matthias George, Marnita Matthias Testamark, and Marly Matthias Sewer; brother, Cornelius Matthias; daughter-in-law, Jennifer King Fleming; brothers-in-law, Dennis Julius, Alberto, and Ecedro Fleming; sisters-in-law, Violet Fleming, Louise Frett, Evelyn Matthias, and Delores Matthias.
She is also survived by adopted daughters, Winifred Francis, Carol Jurgen, Cheryl Shulterbrand Plaskett, Cheryln Shulterbrand Hodge, Elena Holder, and Jennifer Harrigan Donovan; special nieces, Joyce Correa, Faye Robinson, and Myra Julius; grandchildren, Denise, Debra, Dorian, Antonio, Lisa, Michael, Pleshette, Jermaine, Carla, Anthony, Sergio, Azuray, Rhea, Alisande, and Kirk; great- grandchildren, Cheena, Zeleste, Shaki, Aaron, Anisa, Karmari, Belisha, Steve, Emanl, Genice, Eniqua, Equan, Alexis, R.L., Morgan, Demi-Sheri,Ashley, Sergio, Dhara, Wyniqua, and Kyrelle.
Funeral arrangements are in the care of Creque's Funeral Home.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, Dec. 15 at the Moravian Memorial Church, with a viewing beginning at 9 a.m.
Burial will be at Moravian Cemetery.
She is survived by her husband, Tilbert Fleming; son, Carl Fleming; daughters, Blanche Nurse Hodge, Angela Fleming Jean-Baptiste, Ingrid Fleming-Benjamin, and Maxine Fleming; sisters, Verna Matthias Julius, Vernice Matthias, Aina Matthias George, Marnita Matthias Testamark, and Marly Matthias Sewer; brother, Cornelius Matthias; daughter-in-law, Jennifer King Fleming; brothers-in-law, Dennis Julius, Alberto, and Ecedro Fleming; sisters-in-law, Violet Fleming, Louise Frett, Evelyn Matthias, and Delores Matthias.
She is also survived by adopted daughters, Winifred Francis, Carol Jurgen, Cheryl Shulterbrand Plaskett, Cheryln Shulterbrand Hodge, Elena Holder, and Jennifer Harrigan Donovan; special nieces, Joyce Correa, Faye Robinson, and Myra Julius; grandchildren, Denise, Debra, Dorian, Antonio, Lisa, Michael, Pleshette, Jermaine, Carla, Anthony, Sergio, Azuray, Rhea, Alisande, and Kirk; great- grandchildren, Cheena, Zeleste, Shaki, Aaron, Anisa, Karmari, Belisha, Steve, Emanl, Genice, Eniqua, Equan, Alexis, R.L., Morgan, Demi-Sheri,Ashley, Sergio, Dhara, Wyniqua, and Kyrelle.
Funeral arrangements are in the care of Creque's Funeral Home.
SUNSHINE MARKET BURNS, INVESTIGATION UNDERWAY
An early morning blaze Thursday at Sunshine Supermarket took firefighters about three hours to contain and caused the roof of the store’s warehouse to collapse.
According to St. Croix Fire Chief Roberto Santos, firefighters received a report of a fire at the store at about 2 a.m. Thursday. When five units from Grove Place, Frederiksted and Peter's Rest arrived, flames were visible from the southeast corner of the building.
The fire was controlled by 20 firefighters at about 5:15 a.m., Santos said.
"The fire was contained to the warehouse area, which sustained substantial damage because part of the roof collapsed due to the intensity of the fire," Santos said. He added that no injuries were reported to either firefighters or civilians.
Fire Service arson investigators along with V.I. Police Department forensic investigators were at the store Thursday afternoon trying to determine the cause of the blaze.
"It’s an ongoing investigation. We have not yet determined the cause of the fire," Santos said. He said he could not speculate as to whether arson was suspected.
The supermarket’s phone number was busy throughout Thursday afternoon and calls to Sunshine Mall owner Hatim Yusuf were not returned.
Sunshine Mall is anchored by a Kmart store on one end and the supermarket on the other, with a mix of vacant and leased stores in between. Last month, Sunshine Supermarket was confronted by the opening of a $4 million Plaza Extra supermarket just a few miles down the road.
According to St. Croix Fire Chief Roberto Santos, firefighters received a report of a fire at the store at about 2 a.m. Thursday. When five units from Grove Place, Frederiksted and Peter's Rest arrived, flames were visible from the southeast corner of the building.
The fire was controlled by 20 firefighters at about 5:15 a.m., Santos said.
"The fire was contained to the warehouse area, which sustained substantial damage because part of the roof collapsed due to the intensity of the fire," Santos said. He added that no injuries were reported to either firefighters or civilians.
Fire Service arson investigators along with V.I. Police Department forensic investigators were at the store Thursday afternoon trying to determine the cause of the blaze.
"It’s an ongoing investigation. We have not yet determined the cause of the fire," Santos said. He said he could not speculate as to whether arson was suspected.
The supermarket’s phone number was busy throughout Thursday afternoon and calls to Sunshine Mall owner Hatim Yusuf were not returned.
Sunshine Mall is anchored by a Kmart store on one end and the supermarket on the other, with a mix of vacant and leased stores in between. Last month, Sunshine Supermarket was confronted by the opening of a $4 million Plaza Extra supermarket just a few miles down the road.
FLU SHOTS AVAILABLE IN THE TERRITORY
Flu shots are readily available in the territory, according to acting Health Commissioner Dr. Lucien A. Moolenaar.
A release from Government House on Thursday night said that "unlike mainland communities, the Virgin Islands Department of Health has experienced no delays in obtaining the flu vaccine."
There have been delays in distribution of the flu vaccine on the mainland because of problems in manufacturing, though it was reported Thursday in the New York Times that "about two-thirds of this year's 75 million doses of influenza vaccine have been distributed in the United States."
The Times also said only two states were reporting outbreaks of the flu – Kentucky and Texas – with only sporadic outbreaks elsewhere.
The release did not indicate if any cases had been reported in the V.I.
Moolenar said the Health Department had been providing flu shots since late October and would continue to make them available to anyone who wanted them until May 2001.
The shots are being administered for free at the Roy L. Schneider Hospital on St. Thomas, the Myrrah Keating Clinic on St. John and the Charles Harwood Complex on St. Croix. They are available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, according to Government House spokesperson, James O'Bryan.
According to the Centers for Disease Control's website, those at highest risk for complications from the flu are:
– People aged 65 years and older.
– Residents of nursing homes and other chronic-care facilities with residents of any age who have chronic medical conditions.
– Adults and children aged 6 months and older who have chronic pulmonary or cardiovascular disease, including asthma.
– Adults and children aged 6 months and older who have required regular medical follow-up or hospitalization during the past year because of chronic metabolic diseases (including diabetes mellitus), kidney dysfunction, blood disorders (hemoglobinopathies) or immune system problems (immunocompromised e.g. HIV infection, immunosuppressed by medication, chemotherapy or radiation therapy).
– Children and teen-agers (aged 6 months to 18 years) who are receiving long-term aspirin therapy and therefore might be at risk for developing Reye Syndrome after influenza infection.
– Women who will be in the second or third trimester of pregnancy during the influenza season.
Moolenaar urged high-risk people to get their flu shots, adding the department had already been active in providing free shots to the elderly in long-term care and residential homes and to people who cannot afford to pay for them. Hemodialysis patients and clients with other serious illnesses were given the flu shots too, he said.
Shots are also available at the HIV and STD Clinic, East End Health Center and Frederiksted, Health Center and the Myrrah Keating Smith Health Center from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
A release from Government House on Thursday night said that "unlike mainland communities, the Virgin Islands Department of Health has experienced no delays in obtaining the flu vaccine."
There have been delays in distribution of the flu vaccine on the mainland because of problems in manufacturing, though it was reported Thursday in the New York Times that "about two-thirds of this year's 75 million doses of influenza vaccine have been distributed in the United States."
The Times also said only two states were reporting outbreaks of the flu – Kentucky and Texas – with only sporadic outbreaks elsewhere.
The release did not indicate if any cases had been reported in the V.I.
Moolenar said the Health Department had been providing flu shots since late October and would continue to make them available to anyone who wanted them until May 2001.
The shots are being administered for free at the Roy L. Schneider Hospital on St. Thomas, the Myrrah Keating Clinic on St. John and the Charles Harwood Complex on St. Croix. They are available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, according to Government House spokesperson, James O'Bryan.
According to the Centers for Disease Control's website, those at highest risk for complications from the flu are:
– People aged 65 years and older.
– Residents of nursing homes and other chronic-care facilities with residents of any age who have chronic medical conditions.
– Adults and children aged 6 months and older who have chronic pulmonary or cardiovascular disease, including asthma.
– Adults and children aged 6 months and older who have required regular medical follow-up or hospitalization during the past year because of chronic metabolic diseases (including diabetes mellitus), kidney dysfunction, blood disorders (hemoglobinopathies) or immune system problems (immunocompromised e.g. HIV infection, immunosuppressed by medication, chemotherapy or radiation therapy).
– Children and teen-agers (aged 6 months to 18 years) who are receiving long-term aspirin therapy and therefore might be at risk for developing Reye Syndrome after influenza infection.
– Women who will be in the second or third trimester of pregnancy during the influenza season.
Moolenaar urged high-risk people to get their flu shots, adding the department had already been active in providing free shots to the elderly in long-term care and residential homes and to people who cannot afford to pay for them. Hemodialysis patients and clients with other serious illnesses were given the flu shots too, he said.
Shots are also available at the HIV and STD Clinic, East End Health Center and Frederiksted, Health Center and the Myrrah Keating Smith Health Center from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
WATER INTERRUPTION SCHEDULED
The Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority has scheduled a water interruption for the J. Antonio Jarvis Elementary School and Jah Yard intersection of Hospital Grounds on Saturday, Dec. 16, from 9 a.m. to 5p.m. to connection sections of the new Hospital Ground Line to the main Hospital Grounds Water Line.
The Jah Yard section of Hospital Grounds will be the only area affected by the interruption, according to a release from WAPA.
The Jah Yard section of Hospital Grounds will be the only area affected by the interruption, according to a release from WAPA.
WAPA DIGGING TRENCH IN SUB BASE
Beginning immediately, the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority will be installing electrical ducts and manholes from the L'Escargot intersection in Sub Base to the Public Works Department to accommodate underground high voltage cables.
The project is expected to be completed by Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2001.
The trenching is part of a hazard-mitigation project to place transmission lines underground from the Krum Bay Power Plant to the Roy L. Schneider Hospital, according to a release Thursday from WAPA spokeswoman Patricia Blake Simmonds
WAPA cautioned the public to follow the directions of the flagmen, who will be directing traffic during the trenching period.
The project is expected to be completed by Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2001.
The trenching is part of a hazard-mitigation project to place transmission lines underground from the Krum Bay Power Plant to the Roy L. Schneider Hospital, according to a release Thursday from WAPA spokeswoman Patricia Blake Simmonds
WAPA cautioned the public to follow the directions of the flagmen, who will be directing traffic during the trenching period.
HUMANE SOCIETY AND 'MAMA' DEBUT NEW WEB SITE
The Humane Society of St. Thomas now has its own Web site, courtesy of "Mama," the two-footed, six-foot-tall fuzzy dog almost everybody knows.
Not one to miss an event, the sartorially splendid Mama pops up at all occasions, especially holidays. She most recently delighted youngsters last Friday at the Havensight Mall's Annual Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony, and she has been a perennial winner in Blackbeard Castle's annual Easter Bonnet contest.
According to her owner, Joyce Huskey, Mama created the Web site as a contribution in memory of another "Mama," her real life beloved mastiff-pit bull mix who died in 1993 at 14 years old, and Mia, Mama's consort, a 140-pound Fila Brasiliero who died last year.
The site is multifaceted, with sections for current pets available for adoption, (with pictures), to flea market information, and a "fun page" where kids can download games. It also includes information on spaying, neutering and adoption programs and kennel adoption projects.
As irony would have it, Delta Thomas and Hubert Brumant of the Humane Society are very excited about the site but have not been able to see it yet, as the shelter's computer is "really old and not too good." But, they added, "Don't worry, we'll see it."
The shelter is supposed to receive $75,000 a year, but for the past two years, the funds have been unavailable.
Huskey, who wants to keep a low profile on the project, admitted she had wanted to do something for the shelter for a long time, and it finally occurred to her, "That's what, I can do—a Web site." Huskey has her own design company, Insight Graphics, where she designs Web pages, so she simply put her expertise to work. She hopes the site will interest children and help educate them in caring for animals.
So if you want to know of any special upcoming events at the shelter or find any really hot bargains at the flea market or, most importantly, look for a new pet, just check the handy site. The pet listings and pictures are kept current. The shelter's telephone is 775-0599. Huskey can be reached at 775-1783.
Not one to miss an event, the sartorially splendid Mama pops up at all occasions, especially holidays. She most recently delighted youngsters last Friday at the Havensight Mall's Annual Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony, and she has been a perennial winner in Blackbeard Castle's annual Easter Bonnet contest.
According to her owner, Joyce Huskey, Mama created the Web site as a contribution in memory of another "Mama," her real life beloved mastiff-pit bull mix who died in 1993 at 14 years old, and Mia, Mama's consort, a 140-pound Fila Brasiliero who died last year.
The site is multifaceted, with sections for current pets available for adoption, (with pictures), to flea market information, and a "fun page" where kids can download games. It also includes information on spaying, neutering and adoption programs and kennel adoption projects.
As irony would have it, Delta Thomas and Hubert Brumant of the Humane Society are very excited about the site but have not been able to see it yet, as the shelter's computer is "really old and not too good." But, they added, "Don't worry, we'll see it."
The shelter is supposed to receive $75,000 a year, but for the past two years, the funds have been unavailable.
Huskey, who wants to keep a low profile on the project, admitted she had wanted to do something for the shelter for a long time, and it finally occurred to her, "That's what, I can do—a Web site." Huskey has her own design company, Insight Graphics, where she designs Web pages, so she simply put her expertise to work. She hopes the site will interest children and help educate them in caring for animals.
So if you want to know of any special upcoming events at the shelter or find any really hot bargains at the flea market or, most importantly, look for a new pet, just check the handy site. The pet listings and pictures are kept current. The shelter's telephone is 775-0599. Huskey can be reached at 775-1783.
MOTIVE SOUGHT IN SAVAN MURDER
Police reported no new developments Thursday afternoon in the shooting death investigation of a 22-year-old St. Thomas man who was gunned down Wednesday night in Savan.
VIPD spokeswoman Sgt. Annette Raimer said homicide investigators have not established a motive for the shooting nor have they recovered the weapon used in the shooting. Maculy Wheatley died at the hospital Thursday morning after undergoing emergency surgery for bullet wounds to the abdomen.
Police units responding to Savan around 6 p.m. to reports of gunshots found Wheatley lying on a General Gade roadway near the Red Ball Grocery. Raimer said investigators questioned a friend who transported Wheatley to the hospital almost immediately after the shooting.
Raimer urged anyone with information to contact the VIPD Major Crime Unit at 774-2196, the emergency number 911 or the confidential crime line at 777-8711.
VIPD spokeswoman Sgt. Annette Raimer said homicide investigators have not established a motive for the shooting nor have they recovered the weapon used in the shooting. Maculy Wheatley died at the hospital Thursday morning after undergoing emergency surgery for bullet wounds to the abdomen.
Police units responding to Savan around 6 p.m. to reports of gunshots found Wheatley lying on a General Gade roadway near the Red Ball Grocery. Raimer said investigators questioned a friend who transported Wheatley to the hospital almost immediately after the shooting.
Raimer urged anyone with information to contact the VIPD Major Crime Unit at 774-2196, the emergency number 911 or the confidential crime line at 777-8711.
