At a mid-morning news conference on St. Croix Wednesday, At-Large Sen. Almando "Rocky" Liburd is expected to announce the new leadership structure of the 24th Legislature. Among the changes: Legislative sources have confirmed that Sen. Adlah "Foncie" Donastorg, originally slated to be Finance Committee chairman, parted with the majority last week after a heated discussion over what he perceived as the coalition's desire to stall legislation reducing the size of the Senate.
Liburd will chair the news conference set for 10 a.m. at Gertrude's restaurant; he is expected to serve as president of the incoming Senate with St. Croix Sen. Adelbert "Bert" Bryan as vice-president and Sen.-elect Celestino White Sr. as majority leader.
With Donastorg out, the coalition is holding together a bare eight-member majority. The failure of the Senate leadership under Liburd to establish a 10-member, veto-proof majority may work to the advantage of the Turnbull administration, which has seen six Democrats end up in a minority coalition.
The Source first reported Monday another change: St. Thomas Sen.-elect Carlton "Ital" Dowe was named Rules Committee chairman, a position once set aside for Bryan. Sen. Alicia "Chucky" Hansen reportedly has assumed the Finance Committee chairmanship.
Other committee assignments include: Sen.-elect Norma Samuel to chair Labor and Veterans Affairs; Alicia Hansen to chair Economic Development and Consumer Protection; Dowe to chair Government Operations; and Sen. Donald "Ducks" Cole to chair Environmental Protection.
Several committee assignments will be made available to the minority senators, legislative sources said Tuesday.
Minority senators would include Donastorg and Sens. Lorraine Berry, David Jones, Vargrave Richards and Roosevelt David. Also slated to be in the minority bloc are Sens.-elect: Emmett Hansen II and Douglas Canton
UNION HEAD SAYS V.I. DIVERTING HEAD START MONIES
The president of the Virgin Islands Workers Union, Ralph Mandrew, is appealing to V.I. Delegate to Congress Donna Christian Christiansen for assistance in getting federal salary increases to more than 200 Head Start employees, and he suggested the V.I. government is using those federal dollars to cover its operating expenses.
Head Start employees in the territory are employed locally but paid by the federal government, which also provides cost of living increases and other salary adjustments. But according to Mandrew, the salary adjustments aren't happening.
He also accused the Office of Collective Bargaining of delaying the resumption of talks with his union. "My union has signed stipulations to negotiate increases for the workers for 1999-2000, but as yet no dates for negotiations have been announced," Mandrew said.
The federal government has also assured him that upwards of $14 million has been allocated to cover the salary increases for the years in question, Mandrew noted. The delays, he said, are endangering the federal Head Start program in the Virgin Islands.
"I intend to go to the regional director of the program to explain the situation but I have asked as a matter of courtesy the delegate to assist our cause," Mandrew said.
Mandrew on Monday said payment to the federally paid employees is being held up because it the local government is using the monies provided by the federal government to cover operational expenses of the cash strapped government. "While the Commissioner of Human Services is someone of compassion and would want to see these employees paid, I believe it is the posture of the government to stall the talks with the OCB to block the raises from taking effect," he said.
Mandrew said the Turnbull administration continues to place union demands and needs on the back burner. "I will not sit by and allow the government to stall on this issue because the federal government has paid and is paying the raises for these Head Start employees," he said.
He also expressed annoyance that at a time when employees cannot get their increases, they are being told that the cost of insurance coverage and other fringe benefits is increasing.
Head Start employees in the territory are employed locally but paid by the federal government, which also provides cost of living increases and other salary adjustments. But according to Mandrew, the salary adjustments aren't happening.
He also accused the Office of Collective Bargaining of delaying the resumption of talks with his union. "My union has signed stipulations to negotiate increases for the workers for 1999-2000, but as yet no dates for negotiations have been announced," Mandrew said.
The federal government has also assured him that upwards of $14 million has been allocated to cover the salary increases for the years in question, Mandrew noted. The delays, he said, are endangering the federal Head Start program in the Virgin Islands.
"I intend to go to the regional director of the program to explain the situation but I have asked as a matter of courtesy the delegate to assist our cause," Mandrew said.
Mandrew on Monday said payment to the federally paid employees is being held up because it the local government is using the monies provided by the federal government to cover operational expenses of the cash strapped government. "While the Commissioner of Human Services is someone of compassion and would want to see these employees paid, I believe it is the posture of the government to stall the talks with the OCB to block the raises from taking effect," he said.
Mandrew said the Turnbull administration continues to place union demands and needs on the back burner. "I will not sit by and allow the government to stall on this issue because the federal government has paid and is paying the raises for these Head Start employees," he said.
He also expressed annoyance that at a time when employees cannot get their increases, they are being told that the cost of insurance coverage and other fringe benefits is increasing.
TROUBLED ISLAND FINANCE WEIGHS FUTURE IN V.I.
The jobs of more than 20 employees of the Island Finance Company hang in the balance as the Puerto Rico-based company weighs its future in the U.S. Virgin Islands in light of increased delinquencies. Island Finance is one of several small-loan companies in the territory.
In a Nov. 16 memorandum to St. Croix employees, company official Jose Gonzalez stated the performance of the V.I. Island Finance companies is continuing to suffer. "We have lost nearly one-half of our outstanding receivables in the last two years," he said, noting that delinquencies are rising and overhead remains about the same.
Gonzalez also said the statutory cap on interest rates is a severe problem for the company. He told employees that the company is "looking for areas where we can improve our performance and to make the company profitable."
Island Finance is looking at several options including: the consolidation of branches, reducing the number of employees, implementing an incentive plan to try to boost originations, and seeking a change in the law to allow the company to raise its rates and increase income. The rates charged by the small-loan lending companies are regulated by Title 9 of the V.I. Code and compliance is monitored by the Office of the Lt. Governor.
Gonzalez's memo said no final decision has been made on which employees will have to be terminated. "These subjects will be discussed with the union on November 29," he said. He pointed to poor economic conditions on St. Croix as having brought the company to this point.
"We hope that the employees will work with the company to turn the situation around and enable the company to be profitable in the future," he concluded.
Although the memorandum was not directed to personnel on St. Thomas, Island Finance recently shut down its offices in Nisky Center.
The lending company has offices in St. Thomas, St. Croix, St. Maarten and Aruba.
In a Nov. 16 memorandum to St. Croix employees, company official Jose Gonzalez stated the performance of the V.I. Island Finance companies is continuing to suffer. "We have lost nearly one-half of our outstanding receivables in the last two years," he said, noting that delinquencies are rising and overhead remains about the same.
Gonzalez also said the statutory cap on interest rates is a severe problem for the company. He told employees that the company is "looking for areas where we can improve our performance and to make the company profitable."
Island Finance is looking at several options including: the consolidation of branches, reducing the number of employees, implementing an incentive plan to try to boost originations, and seeking a change in the law to allow the company to raise its rates and increase income. The rates charged by the small-loan lending companies are regulated by Title 9 of the V.I. Code and compliance is monitored by the Office of the Lt. Governor.
Gonzalez's memo said no final decision has been made on which employees will have to be terminated. "These subjects will be discussed with the union on November 29," he said. He pointed to poor economic conditions on St. Croix as having brought the company to this point.
"We hope that the employees will work with the company to turn the situation around and enable the company to be profitable in the future," he concluded.
Although the memorandum was not directed to personnel on St. Thomas, Island Finance recently shut down its offices in Nisky Center.
The lending company has offices in St. Thomas, St. Croix, St. Maarten and Aruba.
STX ELECTIONS BOARD TO HEAR RECOUNT PETITION
The St. Croix Board of Elections will hear Senate candidate Raymond "Usie" Richards’ petition for a recount of absentee ballots Tuesday afternoon.
In a letter Monday to Dodson James, chairman of the St. Croix Board of Elections, on which Richards sits, Richards said the board has three days to decide whether or not to grant the candidate’s request for a recount. On Monday, Richards said he expected a decision to be rendered by Wednesday.
On Tuesday morning, James said the board will meet at 2 p.m. "to make a fair and honest" decision on Richards’ request. James said that since Richards is both the petitioner and a board member he has been asked to attend the meeting. Richards’ dual roles presents a sort of "Catch-22" for the board, James said.
"There are some questions we need to ask" regarding the petition, James said, adding that Richards’ experience in election monitoring may have allowed him to see irregularities that other board members may have missed.
James also said that Richards’ role as a board member-candidate is also something that needs to be discussed.
"There needs to be more dialogue on the subject," he said.
At issue is whether the 25 votes that split the tie between Usie Richards and his cousin, Sen. Vargrave Richards, for the seventh St. Croix Senate seat are legitimate.
Usie Richards, who along with sitting on the St. Croix Elections Board chairs the Joint Boards of Elections, said that ballot-counting procedures adopted by the St. Croix board were not followed during Saturday’s absentee ballot count.
Usie Richards also requested two additional checks, including a review of all the people who voted by absentee ballots to determine whether they qualify and a re-tabulation of electronic cartridges used in voting machines. He said that would determine a reason for the difference between the order of the candidates on the night of the general election and the poll-by-poll printouts.
In a letter Monday to Dodson James, chairman of the St. Croix Board of Elections, on which Richards sits, Richards said the board has three days to decide whether or not to grant the candidate’s request for a recount. On Monday, Richards said he expected a decision to be rendered by Wednesday.
On Tuesday morning, James said the board will meet at 2 p.m. "to make a fair and honest" decision on Richards’ request. James said that since Richards is both the petitioner and a board member he has been asked to attend the meeting. Richards’ dual roles presents a sort of "Catch-22" for the board, James said.
"There are some questions we need to ask" regarding the petition, James said, adding that Richards’ experience in election monitoring may have allowed him to see irregularities that other board members may have missed.
James also said that Richards’ role as a board member-candidate is also something that needs to be discussed.
"There needs to be more dialogue on the subject," he said.
At issue is whether the 25 votes that split the tie between Usie Richards and his cousin, Sen. Vargrave Richards, for the seventh St. Croix Senate seat are legitimate.
Usie Richards, who along with sitting on the St. Croix Elections Board chairs the Joint Boards of Elections, said that ballot-counting procedures adopted by the St. Croix board were not followed during Saturday’s absentee ballot count.
Usie Richards also requested two additional checks, including a review of all the people who voted by absentee ballots to determine whether they qualify and a re-tabulation of electronic cartridges used in voting machines. He said that would determine a reason for the difference between the order of the candidates on the night of the general election and the poll-by-poll printouts.
DEADLINE MAY NOT DETER DRAKE'S SEAT VENDORS
The latest deadline for vendors at Drake's Seat to vacate has been set as Nov. 30 by a government task force, but there is no guarantee that will happen or that the V.I. government has the legal authority to force them off, according to an attorney representing vendors.
In response to a recommendation from a task force set up to look into possible solutions to the impasse that vendors must move by Nov. 30, attorney Clive Rivers said Tuesday that a proposed Long Bay location for vendors was unacceptable at present.
"Long Bay would be an option they would consider—if it's ready," he said. "Have you been there? It's nothing but bush and dirt and weeds."
The Department of Housing, Parks and Recreation, whose commissioner, Ira Hobson, was part of the task force, had agreed to lay down gravel and provide better taxi access at Long Bay, but Rivers said there was no telling how long it would take the government to improve the site.
According to Commissioner of Licensing and Consumer Affairs Andrew Rutnik, the recommendation is expected to be forwarded to Gov. Charles W. Turnbull Wednesday. But Rivers insisted that V.I. property law is on the side of the vendors and pointed to an earlier attempt by the government to remove vendors in 1987, which he said was thwarted in District Court.
The estate of the late Homer Wheaton owns the Drake's Seat land. The overlook was built in the 1950s after an easement was granted which the government says forbids commercial activity there.
In response to a recommendation from a task force set up to look into possible solutions to the impasse that vendors must move by Nov. 30, attorney Clive Rivers said Tuesday that a proposed Long Bay location for vendors was unacceptable at present.
"Long Bay would be an option they would consider—if it's ready," he said. "Have you been there? It's nothing but bush and dirt and weeds."
The Department of Housing, Parks and Recreation, whose commissioner, Ira Hobson, was part of the task force, had agreed to lay down gravel and provide better taxi access at Long Bay, but Rivers said there was no telling how long it would take the government to improve the site.
According to Commissioner of Licensing and Consumer Affairs Andrew Rutnik, the recommendation is expected to be forwarded to Gov. Charles W. Turnbull Wednesday. But Rivers insisted that V.I. property law is on the side of the vendors and pointed to an earlier attempt by the government to remove vendors in 1987, which he said was thwarted in District Court.
The estate of the late Homer Wheaton owns the Drake's Seat land. The overlook was built in the 1950s after an easement was granted which the government says forbids commercial activity there.
PORT AUTHORITY BOARD TO MEET WEDNESDAY
The governing board of the V.I. Port Authority will meet at 10 a.m. Wednesday in the conference room of the authority's Administration Building on St. Thomas.
The agenda for the meeting includes reports from the Property Committee and Projects Committee. The Projects report includes selection of an architectural/engineering firm for the Charlotte Amalie waterfront apron design.
The agenda for the meeting includes reports from the Property Committee and Projects Committee. The Projects report includes selection of an architectural/engineering firm for the Charlotte Amalie waterfront apron design.
YOUTH SOCCER SCORES FOR NOV. 17-18
Scores for St. Thomas Youth Soccer League.
GAMES FRIDAY, Nov. 17
GAME A – Antilles Gold vs. Youth Soccer, 0 – 2. Victoria Hamilton (2)-Youth Soccer
GAME B – Antilles Red vs. All Saints Green, 2 – 1. Antilles Red – Christo Dimopolous (2); All Saints Green – Justin King
GAME C – Youth Soccer vs. All Saints. 0 – 2 – All Saints – Jabari Velinor, Ashwin Chuguni
PLAYOFF GAMES SATURDAY, Nov. 18
QUARTERFINALS
GAME D – Montessori vs. Youth Soccer, 6-1. Montessori – Tylor Rice (1), Richard Smith (3), Mohamid Hamed (2); Youth Soccer – Tabari Davis.
GAME E – Sibilly vs. Dober, 0-2. Dober-Kenneth Francis (1), LaQuan Charleswell (1)
GAME H – All Saints Gold vs. Antilles Red, 4-1. All Saints Gold – Manuel Santana (2), Jabari Velinor (1), John McDonald (1); Antilles Red-Christos Dimopolous (1).
GAME I – Antilles Blue vs. Antilles White, 0-1. Antilles White – Zachary Nelthropp
SEMIFINALS
GAME F – Antilles White vs. Montessori, 2-1. Antilles White -Chase Egger (1), Ian Barrows (1); Montessori – Billal Ahmed
GAME G – Antilles Blue vs. All Saints, 1-2. Antilles Blue -Danielle Porter; All Saints – Jamilla Velinor, Ade Warrington
GAME J – Montessori (Winner of GAME D)
vs. Dober (Winner of GAME E), 2-0. Montessori – Mohammed Hamed, Adam Fuller
GAME K – Winner of GAME H vs. Winner of GAME I: All Saints Gold vs. Antilles White, 1-0. All Saints Gold – John McDonald
GAME L – "Montilles" (Montessori/Antilles combined team) vs. All Saints (winner of GAME C), 3-0. Montilles -Max Perkes, Madison Van Heurck, J. P. de Jongh
GAME M – Dober vs. Sibilly, 3-0. Dober – Jamie Brown , Jameil Powell, Robert Richards
FINALS
Friday, Nov. 24, 2000
Under 7: Antilles White vs. All Saints
Under 10: Montessori vs. All Saints Gold
Under 13: Montilles vs. Dober
GAMES FRIDAY, Nov. 17
GAME A – Antilles Gold vs. Youth Soccer, 0 – 2. Victoria Hamilton (2)-Youth Soccer
GAME B – Antilles Red vs. All Saints Green, 2 – 1. Antilles Red – Christo Dimopolous (2); All Saints Green – Justin King
GAME C – Youth Soccer vs. All Saints. 0 – 2 – All Saints – Jabari Velinor, Ashwin Chuguni
PLAYOFF GAMES SATURDAY, Nov. 18
QUARTERFINALS
GAME D – Montessori vs. Youth Soccer, 6-1. Montessori – Tylor Rice (1), Richard Smith (3), Mohamid Hamed (2); Youth Soccer – Tabari Davis.
GAME E – Sibilly vs. Dober, 0-2. Dober-Kenneth Francis (1), LaQuan Charleswell (1)
GAME H – All Saints Gold vs. Antilles Red, 4-1. All Saints Gold – Manuel Santana (2), Jabari Velinor (1), John McDonald (1); Antilles Red-Christos Dimopolous (1).
GAME I – Antilles Blue vs. Antilles White, 0-1. Antilles White – Zachary Nelthropp
SEMIFINALS
GAME F – Antilles White vs. Montessori, 2-1. Antilles White -Chase Egger (1), Ian Barrows (1); Montessori – Billal Ahmed
GAME G – Antilles Blue vs. All Saints, 1-2. Antilles Blue -Danielle Porter; All Saints – Jamilla Velinor, Ade Warrington
GAME J – Montessori (Winner of GAME D)
vs. Dober (Winner of GAME E), 2-0. Montessori – Mohammed Hamed, Adam Fuller
GAME K – Winner of GAME H vs. Winner of GAME I: All Saints Gold vs. Antilles White, 1-0. All Saints Gold – John McDonald
GAME L – "Montilles" (Montessori/Antilles combined team) vs. All Saints (winner of GAME C), 3-0. Montilles -Max Perkes, Madison Van Heurck, J. P. de Jongh
GAME M – Dober vs. Sibilly, 3-0. Dober – Jamie Brown , Jameil Powell, Robert Richards
FINALS
Friday, Nov. 24, 2000
Under 7: Antilles White vs. All Saints
Under 10: Montessori vs. All Saints Gold
Under 13: Montilles vs. Dober
24TH LEGISLATURE STILL SHAPING UP
The organization of the next Legislature will be explained Wednesday in a press conference called by Almando "Rocky" Liburd, the body’s tentative president.
But before any official announcement is made, it appears the 24th Legislature will be an "us-against-them" affair, with six Democrats on one side and, essentially, nine independents on the other. And the weight of the majority bloc may just fall on St. Croix Democratic sophomore Sen. Norman Jn. Baptiste, the only donkey in the majority nine-pack.
Liburd’s press conference is set for 10 a.m. at Gertrude’s Restaurant on St. Croix. He is expected to discuss Senate assignments and explain one change already made: taking the important Rules Committee away from majority Sen. Adelbert Bryan, the group's choice for Senate vice president, and giving it to freshman Carlton Dowe.
What may change the way the Senate operates for the next two years is the return of veteran Democratic Sens. Lorraine Berry and Vargrave Richards, who weren’t assured seats in the Legislature until absentee ballots were counted over the weekend. Richards is president of the 23rd Legislature and Berry chairs the Finance Committee.
Unless they can entice fellow Democrat Baptiste and one other independent to their side, Richards and Berry will be part of the non-majority bloc along with party mates Douglas Canton, Emmett Hansen II and Sens. David Jones and Roosevelt David.
"I’m looking forward to sitting down with the Democrats," Richards said. "Whatever problems we have we can settle. It is incumbent upon us to work together."
That being said, the mantra coming from the territory's top Democrat, Gov. Charles Turnbull, to freshman St. Croix Sen.-elect Canton is one of cooperation. Last week, Turnbull pledged to work with the Senate no matter how it organizes. Richards repeated that sentiment Monday.
"I think the public is looking forward to a team approach and stop the quibbling…," he said.
On Wednesday, Liburd, a moderate from the Independent Citizens Movement, is expected to announce fellow ICMer Bryan as Senate vice president; Sen. Celestino White, an independent, as the leader of the 24th Legislature’s majority; Sen. Adlah "Foncie" Donastorg, an independent, as chair of the Finance Committee; Sen. Alicia "Chucky" Hansen, an independent, as Economic Development Committee chairwoman; Sen. Donald Cole, an independent, as chair of the Planning and Environmental Protection Committee; and Jn. Baptiste, a sophomore Democrat, as chair of the Education Committee for the second year.
Dowe, an independent, is expected to head the Rules Committee while freshmen Norma Samuel hasn’t been assigned a position in the majority.
But before any official announcement is made, it appears the 24th Legislature will be an "us-against-them" affair, with six Democrats on one side and, essentially, nine independents on the other. And the weight of the majority bloc may just fall on St. Croix Democratic sophomore Sen. Norman Jn. Baptiste, the only donkey in the majority nine-pack.
Liburd’s press conference is set for 10 a.m. at Gertrude’s Restaurant on St. Croix. He is expected to discuss Senate assignments and explain one change already made: taking the important Rules Committee away from majority Sen. Adelbert Bryan, the group's choice for Senate vice president, and giving it to freshman Carlton Dowe.
What may change the way the Senate operates for the next two years is the return of veteran Democratic Sens. Lorraine Berry and Vargrave Richards, who weren’t assured seats in the Legislature until absentee ballots were counted over the weekend. Richards is president of the 23rd Legislature and Berry chairs the Finance Committee.
Unless they can entice fellow Democrat Baptiste and one other independent to their side, Richards and Berry will be part of the non-majority bloc along with party mates Douglas Canton, Emmett Hansen II and Sens. David Jones and Roosevelt David.
"I’m looking forward to sitting down with the Democrats," Richards said. "Whatever problems we have we can settle. It is incumbent upon us to work together."
That being said, the mantra coming from the territory's top Democrat, Gov. Charles Turnbull, to freshman St. Croix Sen.-elect Canton is one of cooperation. Last week, Turnbull pledged to work with the Senate no matter how it organizes. Richards repeated that sentiment Monday.
"I think the public is looking forward to a team approach and stop the quibbling…," he said.
On Wednesday, Liburd, a moderate from the Independent Citizens Movement, is expected to announce fellow ICMer Bryan as Senate vice president; Sen. Celestino White, an independent, as the leader of the 24th Legislature’s majority; Sen. Adlah "Foncie" Donastorg, an independent, as chair of the Finance Committee; Sen. Alicia "Chucky" Hansen, an independent, as Economic Development Committee chairwoman; Sen. Donald Cole, an independent, as chair of the Planning and Environmental Protection Committee; and Jn. Baptiste, a sophomore Democrat, as chair of the Education Committee for the second year.
Dowe, an independent, is expected to head the Rules Committee while freshmen Norma Samuel hasn’t been assigned a position in the majority.
24TH LEGISLATURE STILL SHAPING UP
The organization of the next Senate will be explained on Wednesday in a press conference called by Almando "Rocky" Liburd, the body’s tentative president.
But before any official announcement is made, it appears the 24th Legislature will be an "us-against-them" affair with Democrats on one side and, essentially, independents on the other. And the weight of the majority bloc may just weigh on St. Croix’s Democrat sophomore Sen. Norman Jn. Baptiste, the only donkey in the majority nine-pack.
Liburd’s press conference is set for 10 a.m. Wednesday at Gertrude’s Restaurant on St. Croix. He is expected to discuss Senate assignments and explain one change already made; taking the important Rules Committee away from Senate Vice President Sen. Adelbert Bryan and giving it to freshman Carlton Dowe.
But what may change the way the Senate operates for the next two years is the return of veteran Democrat Sens. Lorraine Berry and Vargrave Richards, who until Monday weren’t assured seats in the Legislature until absentee ballots were counted. Richards is the president of the 23rd Legislature and Berry is the Finance Committee chairwoman.
Unless they can entice fellow Democrat Baptiste and two other independents to their side, Richards and Berry will make up the non-majority bloc with party mates Douglas Canton, Emmett Hansen II and Sen. David Jones and Sen. Roosevelt David.
"I’m looking forward to sitting down with the Democrats," Richards said. "Whatever problems we have we can settle. It is incumbent upon us to work together."
That being said, the mantra coming from the top Democrat, Gov. Charles Turnbull, to freshman St. Croix Senator Elect Canton, is one of cooperation. Last week, Turnbull pledged to work with the Senate no matter how it organizes. That sentiment was repeated by Richards on Monday.
"I think the public is looking forward to a team approach and stop the quibbling…," he said.
On Wednesday, Liburd, a moderate from the Independent Citizens Movement, is expected to announce fellow ICMer Bryan as Senate vice president; Sen. Celestino White, an independent, as the leader of the 24th Legislature’s majority; Sen. Adlah "Foncie" Donastorg, an independent, as chair of the Finance Committee; Sen. Alicia "Chucky" Hansen, an independent, as Economic Development Committee chairwoman; Sen. Donald Cole, an independent, as chair of the Committee on Planning and Environmental Protection; Sen. Norman Jn. Baptiste, a sophomore Democrat, as chair of the Committee on Education for the second year.
Dowe, an independent, is expected to head the Rules Committee while freshmen Norma Samuel hasn’t been assigned a position in the majority.
But before any official announcement is made, it appears the 24th Legislature will be an "us-against-them" affair with Democrats on one side and, essentially, independents on the other. And the weight of the majority bloc may just weigh on St. Croix’s Democrat sophomore Sen. Norman Jn. Baptiste, the only donkey in the majority nine-pack.
Liburd’s press conference is set for 10 a.m. Wednesday at Gertrude’s Restaurant on St. Croix. He is expected to discuss Senate assignments and explain one change already made; taking the important Rules Committee away from Senate Vice President Sen. Adelbert Bryan and giving it to freshman Carlton Dowe.
But what may change the way the Senate operates for the next two years is the return of veteran Democrat Sens. Lorraine Berry and Vargrave Richards, who until Monday weren’t assured seats in the Legislature until absentee ballots were counted. Richards is the president of the 23rd Legislature and Berry is the Finance Committee chairwoman.
Unless they can entice fellow Democrat Baptiste and two other independents to their side, Richards and Berry will make up the non-majority bloc with party mates Douglas Canton, Emmett Hansen II and Sen. David Jones and Sen. Roosevelt David.
"I’m looking forward to sitting down with the Democrats," Richards said. "Whatever problems we have we can settle. It is incumbent upon us to work together."
That being said, the mantra coming from the top Democrat, Gov. Charles Turnbull, to freshman St. Croix Senator Elect Canton, is one of cooperation. Last week, Turnbull pledged to work with the Senate no matter how it organizes. That sentiment was repeated by Richards on Monday.
"I think the public is looking forward to a team approach and stop the quibbling…," he said.
On Wednesday, Liburd, a moderate from the Independent Citizens Movement, is expected to announce fellow ICMer Bryan as Senate vice president; Sen. Celestino White, an independent, as the leader of the 24th Legislature’s majority; Sen. Adlah "Foncie" Donastorg, an independent, as chair of the Finance Committee; Sen. Alicia "Chucky" Hansen, an independent, as Economic Development Committee chairwoman; Sen. Donald Cole, an independent, as chair of the Committee on Planning and Environmental Protection; Sen. Norman Jn. Baptiste, a sophomore Democrat, as chair of the Committee on Education for the second year.
Dowe, an independent, is expected to head the Rules Committee while freshmen Norma Samuel hasn’t been assigned a position in the majority.
ART IN THE GARDEN PREVIEW PARTY
A preview party of Art in the Garden will be from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 24 at St. George Village Botanical Garden.
Art in the Garden is a juried art show featuring original works by twenty local artists.
The preview will include complimentary hors d'oeuvres and a cash bar.
Admission is $10.
For more information call 692-2874.
Art in the Garden is a juried art show featuring original works by twenty local artists.
The preview will include complimentary hors d'oeuvres and a cash bar.
Admission is $10.
For more information call 692-2874.
