Prosecution of recent government fraud cases, including one against a former governor, haven’t come about by chance. They are the work of a special task force gunning for public employees bilking the system.
While the Government Fraud and Corruption Task Force has been operating in relative anonymity since its inception last January, this week will see the unveiling of a public media campaign alerting Virgin Islanders of ways to report wrongdoers. The task force is a joint effort between the V.I. Justice Department and the V.I. Inspector General's Office and since last year has been funded by a $222,000 grant from the Law Enforcement Planning Commission, said Steven Van Beverhoudt, V.I. inspector general.
Van Beverhoudt said his office’s fiscal year 2001 budget is funded for two additional inspector positions. Additionally, the V.I. Justice Department is devoting a prosecutor, the former attorney general for the Marshall Islands, to fraud-busting.
The task force’s executive committee decides what cases to pursue, often generated from audit investigations already conducted by the IG’s office. By combining the efforts of the two agencies in a task force, Justice's prosecutors don’t have to carry out additional investigations.
"We’ve had a history of issuing reports that had potentially fraudulent implications and nothing was done about it," Van Beverhoudt said. "And this attorney general (Iver Stridiron) picked up on it."
In addition to prosecuting former Gov. Roy Schneider earlier this year for misuse of government funds following Hurricane Marilyn in 1995, which ended in Schneider reimbursing the government, the task force has gone after embezzlers in Justice’s own Paternity and Child Support Division, a Finance Department employee for allegedly pilfering computers and a cop from New York who investigators say was posing as an attorney.
And the investigations, both civil and criminal, will continue, Van Beverhoudt said, including the referral of a recent audit investigation of improprieties with overtime payments in the Health Department.
"We are active. We have cases ongoing," Van Beverhoudt said. "We just started this in January so we’re going through some growing pains and some of these cases take a long time to develop."

Just hours before the opening of public schools in the territory, the Education Department on Saturday learned that the water at Joseph Sibilly Elementary School, Charlotte Amalie High School and the department's Curriculum Center in Tutu is contaminated.
It is the second year in a row that water contamination has been discovered at Sibilly just before the first day of school.
Education Commissioner Ruby Simmonds said Sunday night that Caribbean Safe Water Labs advised that the water at Sibilly should not be consumed until additional samples are tested.
"The samples taken last week Wednesday and Thursday show low exceedances of methylene chloride and dibromomethane," Simmonds said, noting that levels of the contaminants were measured at .0005 milligrams per litre and .0032 milligrams per litre, respectively.
At CAHS, principal Jeanette Smith Barry was notified of test results on tap water in the high school's kitchen, where exceedances of .0032 milligrams per litre of xylene were recorded. Simmonds noted that the Superintendent's Office is housed at the Curriculum Center and plans have already been taken for staff to avoid consuming the water until further tests have been completed.
At the Sibilly School on Sunday night, she said efforts are focused on that campus and the James Madison Annex since those facilities will receive students Monday. "As soon as the notification was received, I convened a meeting to determine the extent of the problems," Simmonds said.
She said she met with Insular Superintendent Rosalia Payne, Sibilly Principal Dora Hill and Marcella Jennings of Caribbean Safe Water Labs. She said Jennings advised that changing the filters at the Sibilly School will correct the problems.
"The filters were changed on Sunday afternoon, but to ensure that the problem has been corrected, the department will ask the laboratory to retest the water on Tuesday before deciding to lift the restrictions on its use," Simmonds said.
Water coolers and bottled water have been delivered to Sibilly for use Monday. Access to the school's water supply has been shut off, and late Sunday evening Hill was making her way around the campus posting signs directing students not to use water from the taps.
According to information released Sunday night by the Education Department, the cisterns at the Sibilly campus and Monroe Annex were cleaned and sealed Aug. 25. New filters were installed and cisterns were filled one week later on Sept. 1. The samples for testing were drawn on Sept. 6, 7 and 8 by department staff and delivered to the lab.
The department was notified of possible contamination on Saturday by telephone, and copies of test results for the three facilities were received from the laboratory Sunday.
In August 1999, only days before school was to start, the Source reported that water at Sibilly School and the James Monroe annex was contaminated by volatile organic chemicals. Education Department officials had known of the contamination for months but failed to notify parents even after being ordered to do so by the V.I. Planning and Natural Resources Department.
After months of questions and hearings, the origin of the contamination last year was never pinned down.
Sunday night, Parent Teacher Association President Vinnie Mohanani said, "We were notified of the reports at midday Sunday by the commissioner's office."
He said he is satisfied that the department's corrective steps will ensure a smooth opening of school Monday. "I have been informed that the red flags which have been raised in the report can be corrected by replacing the water filters," he said.
"While I commend the department for its quick action in ensuring the safety of the faculty and staff, I urge parents of students to send a jug of water to school on Monday so that each child will have their own supply of water."
Mohanani said the presence of Simmonds and school administrators at the Sibilly campus Sunday showed their commitment to the children enrolled at the school.

St. Thomas has seen more than a gaggle of gooses, but now the island has its first pelican, motorized pelican that is, a bright blue-green object with great, big wheels.
The gooses were the once familiar amphibian aircraft flown by Antilles Airboats. The pelican is a British product similar to the U.S. amphibious duck landing craft used in World War 11.
Known as "Caribbean Pelican Rides," the craft provides a unique island tour from land and from sea. "It's the newest thing in the tourism business for towns on the water," said owner Sonia Nelthropp. A St. Thomas native, Nelthropp got the idea for the pelican last year in Boston where she had been living for the past 14 years.
"I was standing at a stoplight, when I saw this strange thing dripping water and seaweed lumbering down the street, filled with all these laughing people," she said. "And I decided right then that I had to find out about it."
She found the "thing's" office, "Ride the Duck," and had to stand in line for two hours to get a ride. While waiting she noticed the obvious popularity of the duck, and made a decision right then; St. Thomas has a spectacular harbor, no end of history, and, why not? Since she was planning to move back home anyway, the idea seemed almost preordained – an historical duck tour was just what the island needed, Nelthropp decided.
Armed with that ambition and some cash, she set out to buy her own duck and bring it home. What she wound up with is better than a duck. It's called a British Stalwart and is completely hydraulic. In fact, it was made especially for Nelthropp's pelican purposes, the only one of its kind. Though totally without grace, like its namesake, it can actually do 40 mph on land, and six knots in the water. However, as it waddles down Veterans Drive, it's closer to 10 mph.
The ride starts at the newly refurbished Kings Wharf, across from the Coast Guard station where Nelthropp has constructed an attractive kiosk which serves as the operations base. Nelthropp's sister, Claudia Keller, mans the operation from there as Nelthropp has a full time job as manager of solid waste at the Public Works department.
Keller, who recently retired from her computer consultant job in New York City, is obviously happy with her new surroundings, "What a change – I love it," she said. She is assisted by Glen Nelthropp, who is both operations manager and tour guide par excellence, and Tom McCoy, pelican captain. The pelican is named "Ruby D," after Nelthropp's mother.
Incidentally, in case you were wondering about those Senate parking spaces put in the municipal lot a couple months ago, the enterprising Nelthropp rented them for the Senate so she can utilize the parking spaces around her kiosk.
There's lots of excitement in the kiosk arranging for tours and answering the phone. There's a call from Myron Jackson of the St. Thomas Historical Society, who wants to take a tour and check out what historical buildings and architecture Nelthropp points out.
It looks like he's got everything covered as the awkward bird rumbles down Veterans Drive, "Water used to come right up here, and there were railroad tracks to take the cargo off the boats," he explains to the delight of the passengers the utter confusion of the other vehicular traffic. As the craft nears the Frenchtown Post Office, Nelthropp has to ask traffic to hold off so a sharp left turn can be executed into Frenchtown.
Traffic now becomes a greater concern as the pelican negotiates the narrow Frenchtown streets leading to Gregery Channel, and Nelthropp points out the local folklore, such as the late and venerated Bar Normandie, much to the amusement of some teenagers standing by.
Then comes the moment we've all been waiting for where the "Ruby D" splashes from the ramp into Crown Bay and becomes, voila, a water bird. It's not what one might call a graceful metamorphosis. But it works. Capt. McCoy dramatically takes his hands off the steering wheel which has instantly become useless. Now it's all gears, swim gears accompanied by window shield wipers.
With a mild chop in the water, the craft lumbers into East Gregery Channel and the tour picks up speed. Here, McCoy takes over the tour guide duties, "That's Signal Hill on Hassel Island where there used to be flags flown for whatever ship was entering the harbor . . . "
The ride then parallels the harbor where the buildings that were referred to earlier are now easier to see. McCoy points out Government House, the Crystal Palace, Villa Santana, the Danish Consulate, each with its own little description. The Native Sun looms ahead on its way to Tortola, and the pelican easily absorbs its wake. McCoy gives a wave to the Native Son captain and a confident look back and a grin to his passengers.
Finally, the "Ruby D" climbs up the ramp at the Kings Wharf, shakes off, and awaits her next passengers. Somehow, she doesn't get a fish though. Perhaps her beak can't hold more than her belly can, after all.
What to do if a storm threatens? The "Ruby D" and the kiosk, which is also on wheels, go to a safe home in a Sub Base warehouse.
Keller said until season starts, the ride will operate Mon. thru Thurs., and Sat. Though they schedule rides, two in the morning, and two in the afternoon, she said it's a good idea to call for reservations. Rates are $25 for adults and $20 for seniors, military personnel and students. There is a local discount. The phone is (340) 774-7808.

St. Thomas has seen more than a gaggle of gooses, but now the island has its first pelican, motorized pelican that is, a bright blue-green object with great, big wheels.
The gooses were the once familiar amphibian aircraft flown by Antilles Airboats. The pelican is a British product similar to the U.S. amphibious duck landing craft used in World War II.
Known as "Caribbean Pelican Rides," the craft provides a unique island tour from land and from sea. "It's the newest thing in the tourism business for towns on the water," said owner Sonia Nelthropp. A St. Thomas native, Nelthropp got the idea for the pelican last year in Boston where she had been living for the past 14 years.
"I was standing at a stoplight, when I saw this strange thing dripping water and seaweed lumbering down the street, filled with all these laughing people," she said. "And I decided right then that I had to find out about it."
She found the "thing's" office, "Ride the Duck," and had to stand in line for two hours to get a ride. While waiting she noticed the obvious popularity of the duck, and made a decision right then; St. Thomas has a spectacular harbor, no end of history, and, why not? Since she was planning to move back home anyway, the idea seemed almost preordained – an historical duck tour was just what the island needed, Nelthropp decided.
Armed with that ambition and some cash, she set out to buy her own duck and bring it home. What she wound up with is better than a duck. It's called a British Stalwart and is completely hydraulic. In fact, it was made especially for Nelthropp's pelican purposes, the only one of its kind. Though totally without grace, like its namesake, it can actually do 40 mph on land, and six knots in the water. However, as it waddles down Veterans Drive, it's closer to 10 mph.
The ride starts at the newly refurbished Kings Wharf, across from the Coast Guard station where Nelthropp has constructed an attractive kiosk which serves as the operations base. Nelthropp's sister, Claudia Keller, mans the operation from there as Nelthropp has a full time job as manager of solid waste at the Public Works department.
Keller, who recently retired from her computer consultant job in New York City, is obviously happy with her new surroundings, "What a change – I love it," she said. She is assisted by Glen Nelthropp, who is both operations manager and tour guide par excellence, and Tom McCoy, pelican captain. The pelican is named "Ruby D," after Nelthropp's mother.
Incidentally, in case you were wondering about those Senate parking spaces put in the municipal lot a couple months ago, the enterprising Nelthropp rented them for the Senate so she can utilize the parking spaces around her kiosk.
There's lots of excitement in the kiosk arranging for tours and answering the phone. There's a call from Myron Jackson of the St. Thomas Historical Society, who wants to take a tour and check out what historical buildings and architecture Nelthropp points out.
It looks like he's got everything covered as the awkward bird rumbles down Veterans Drive, "Water used to come right up here, and there were railroad tracks to take the cargo off the boats," he explains to the delight of the passengers the utter confusion of the other vehicular traffic. As the craft nears the Frenchtown Post Office, Nelthropp has to ask traffic to hold off so a sharp left turn can be executed into Frenchtown.
Traffic now becomes a greater concern as the pelican negotiates the narrow Frenchtown streets leading to Gregery Channel, and Nelthropp points out the local folklore, such as the late and venerated Bar Normandie, much to the amusement of some teenagers standing by.
Then comes the moment we've all been waiting for where the "Ruby D" splashes from the ramp into Crown Bay and becomes, voila, a water bird. It's not what one might call a graceful metamorphosis. But it works. Capt. McCoy dramatically takes his hands off the steering wheel which has instantly become useless. Now it's all gears, swim gears accompanied by window shield wipers.
With a mild chop in the water, the craft lumbers into East Gregery Channel and the tour picks up speed. Here, McCoy takes over the tour guide duties, "That's Signal Hill on Hassel Island where there used to be flags flown for whatever ship was entering the harbor . . . "
The ride then parallels the harbor where the buildings that were referred to earlier are now easier to see. McCoy points out Government House, the Crystal Palace, Villa Santana, the Danish Consulate, each with its own little description. The Native Sun looms ahead on its way to Tortola, and the pelican easily absorbs its wake. McCoy gives a wave to the Native Son captain and a confident look back and a grin to his passengers.
Finally, the "Ruby D" climbs up the ramp at the Kings Wharf, shakes off, and awaits her next passengers. Somehow, she doesn't get a fish though. Perhaps her beak can't hold more than her belly can, after all.
What to do if a storm threatens? The "Ruby D" and the kiosk, which is also on wheels, go to a safe home in a Sub Base warehouse, which they did a few weeks ago during Hurricane Debby.
Keller said until season starts, the ride will operate Mon. thru Thurs., and Sat. Though they schedule rides, two in the morning, and two in the afternoon, she said it's a good idea to call for reservations. Rates are $25 for adults and $20 for seniors, military personnel and students. There is a local discount. The phone is (340) 774-7808.

The weather was hot, the chili was hotter. But the beer was ice-cold, and that's all the encouragement the record-breaking crowd at the 16th annual Texas Society Chili Cook-Off needed.
At the stroke of noon, Chili Madness took over and Chiligula, the god of chili, smiled upon digestive tracts as the public dug into the best chili in the Virgin Islands after the judges had done their job.
Because of the high number of entries, judging was done in two rounds this year. The preliminary round narrowed the field to 15, and finalists were chosen from that list.
And when the day ended, the judges pronounced Louis Hull of Cardow the best chili chef in the Virgin Islands.
When asked how it felt to be No. 1, Hull said, "We be happy!" He now goes to the finals in the World Championship Chili Cook-Off in Terlingua, Texas, in November.
Dennis Murphy made his 11th annual appearance, placing fifth this year, with Sen. Berry's Berry Best Chili.
Frank Brittingham, who took home the first place prize four years ago, won twice this year with a father-son team. The No. 10 spot went to Lawrence Drinkwine for Molly Molone's Philly Chili and the No. 9 spot went to his dad, Paul Drinkwine, for Whale 0f A Tale Chili.
The Coast Guard entry, usually one of the liveliest, was subdued this year because Barbara McDonald, the legendary leader of the Coast Guard entry, left the island. However, she didn't take her recipe with her so the crew carried on.
The event is sanctioned by the International Chili Society, a not-for-profit organization devoted to promoting and improving the preparation and appreciation of true chili. Some local nonprofit organizations will benefit from the proceeds including Queen Louise Home for the Aged and St. Thomas Rescue.
For more on the International Chili Society, (click here.)
Winning entries and chefs were as follows:
1st: Cardow, Louis Hull
2nd: Red Throat Chili, Cecil Mallet of Texas
3rd: Cajun Kay's Chili, Kay Mallet of Texas
4th: Dumpsta Dog Chili, Georgeann Peters
5th: Sen. Berry's Berry Best Chili, Dennis Murphy
6th: Mongoose Chili, St. Croix, Ken Hall
7th: Miss Penelope's Chile, Kathy Vinetti
8th: Karl's Chili, Karl Sittig
9th: Whale of a Tale, Paul Drinkwine
10th: Molly Molone's Philly Chili, Lawrence Drinkwine

Life here in Sydney is what you'd expect with a city gearing up for the games. There is almost a buzz in the air as the games draw closer. Olympic stuff is everywhere: Olympic rings on the Harbour Bridge, Sydney Olympic logos on newspapers, billboards and TV commercials.
I went out on the water today with the Russian. We were the only ones out: It was blowing at least 28 to 30 knots with gusts to at least 35.
We went blasting out of the harbor on a broad reach just hauling butt and jumping in and out of the boat to try and keep her flat and fast, as the heavy wind turned the mast into some strange, curved modern art piece. It looked like some sort of contortionist model.
Blasting downwind as fast as you can and getting blasted with waves and water to the extent that you have to hold your breath while hanging on or just revert to swallowing a lot of water. All the time praying for the bottom mark to come so you can stop this out-of-control blasting from wave-top to wave-top.
Finally the bottom mark comes, and you breathe a sigh of relief as you turn upwind and drop your butt over the side. Every wave douses you with water, but at least you can start breathing, and breathe you do as your legs start to tense up and you shift from one to the other, and your arm is steering wildly through the waves as you remember to hike harder on those sore legs. Finally your legs and arms are hurting so much you start to pray for that top mark to come so that you can relax.
Yeah, right. I am not sure which is harder, but damn –- it sure is a lot of fun.
We had a great time until he broke his mast, so I took that as an omen and went in as well.

Life here in Sydney is what you'd expect with a city gearing up for the games. There is almost a buzz in the air as the games draw closer. Olympic stuff is everywhere: Olympic rings on the Harbour Bridge, Sydney Olympic logos on newspapers, billboards and TV commercials.
I went out on the water today with the Russian. We were the only ones out: It was blowing at least 28 to 30 knots with gusts to at least 35.
We went blasting out of the harbor on a broad reach just hauling butt and jumping in and out of the boat to try and keep her flat and fast, as the heavy wind turned the mast into some strange, curved modern art piece. It looked like some sort of contortionist model.
Blasting downwind as fast as you can and getting blasted with waves and water to the extent that you have to hold your breath while hanging on or just revert to swallowing a lot of water. All the time praying for the bottom mark to come so you can stop this out-of-control blasting from wave-top to wave-top.
Finally the bottom mark comes, and you breathe a sigh of relief as you turn upwind and drop your butt over the side. Every wave douses you with water, but at least you can start breathing, and breathe you do as your legs start to tense up and you shift from one to the other, and your arm is steering wildly through the waves as you remember to hike harder on those sore legs. Finally your legs and arms are hurting so much you start to pray for that top mark to come so that you can relax.
Yeah, right. I am not sure which is harder, but damn –- it sure is a lot of fun.
We had a great time until he broke his mast, so I took that as an omen and went in as well.

Life here in Sydney is what you'd expect with a city gearing up for the games. There is almost a buzz in the air as the games draw closer. Olympic stuff is everywhere: Olympic rings on the Harbour Bridge, Sydney Olympic logos on newspapers, billboards and TV commercials.
I went out on the water today with the Russian. We were the only ones out: It was blowing at least 28 to 30 knots with gusts to at least 35.
We went blasting out of the harbor on a broad reach just hauling butt and jumping in and out of the boat to try and keep her flat and fast, as the heavy wind turned the mast into some strange, curved modern art piece. It looked like some sort of contortionist model.
Blasting downwind as fast as you can and getting blasted with waves and water to the extent that you have to hold your breath while hanging on or just revert to swallowing a lot of water. All the time praying for the bottom mark to come so you can stop this out-of-control blasting from wave-top to wave-top.
Finally the bottom mark comes, and you breathe a sigh of relief as you turn upwind and drop your butt over the side. Every wave douses you with water, but at least you can start breathing, and breathe you do as your legs start to tense up and you shift from one to the other, and your arm is steering wildly through the waves as you remember to hike harder on those sore legs. Finally your legs and arms are hurting so much you start to pray for that top mark to come so that you can relax.
Yeah, right. I am not sure which is harder, but damn –- it sure is a lot of fun.
We had a great time until he broke his mast, so I took that as an omen and went in as well.

Promoters of a wildlife sanctuary for the outskirts of Cruz Bay took a step toward their goal Thursday night when they presented their proposal at a public hearing of the Coastal Zone Management Board.
Among the experts testifying for the proposal to declare three acres near Frank Bay a protected area was David Nellis of the VI Department of Fish and Wildlife.
"This is a small salt pond that has been favored by the residents of St. John for many years as sort of an urban wildlife sanctuary. It's small but is tremendously diverse in wildlife for its size," said Nellis.
He predicted the CZM board would base its consideration on similar sanctuaries already in existence on St. Thomas and St. Croix.
There were only two items on the agenda of the public hearing portion of the Thursday night hearing held at the Cruz Bay Legislature. The second matter focused on a proposed shopping center for Coral Bay.
Realtor John Ford asked the board to consider his application for development of a grocery store along Centerline Road near the Romeo Company Fire Service.
But board members began raising objections when representatives of the proposal began to waver on what sort of business would ultimately emerge.
After the meeting, CZM Director Janice Hodge said if Ford made an application for a grocery store he could expect the board to grant him use for the purpose he spelled out in his application.

Charlotte Morris is as good as her word. She declared after the first Critter Crawl in February, "We're already planning for the next one!"
And here it is, time to "mush and go" Sunday, Sept. 17, at the island's second Critter Crawl.
The race — really a fast-paced dog walk, or lope, or run, or crawl — is Morris's idea to raise money for the financially strapped St. Thomas Humane Society. Though the first event did raise money, Morris has high hopes for breaking that amount.
"We have experience now," Morris said, "and more people know about it."
The Crawl is held at the field behind the Roy L. Schneider Hospital, with registration from 3 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., and the race at 4 p.m. You can "rent" a dog from the Humane Society to walk with you, or bring your own, or walk alone.
It's $10 for adults and $5 for kids to enter, and the same amounts to take a dog with you. Or, if you want to bring your own dog, it's $5.
There are all sorts of categories for prizes: oldest, youngest and in-between. And this year's prizes are something special, Morris said. They include a feather follies bird presentation for your party valued at $250, gifts and dinners from all over the island and an appointment at Monica's Hair Studio at Crown Bay. But that's not all.
Morris has recently opened a pet-sitting business, and she is donating a weekend of free pet-sitting.
The Humane Society will bring puppies for adoption, as they did last year, but this year there's something extra — each of the island's veterinarians is donating a free heartworm test for the dogs or puppies adopted, as long as they are brought in within a week after the Crawl.
And, if all that isn't enough, everybody over 16 gets a free certificate for a week at Gold's Gym.
Dedicated to Dogs staff will conduct a dog obedience show. If memory serves from last time, some of the high-spirited dogs and a few owners could benefit from that. Morris said there are also special events organized for children.
"Almost all the puppies the shelter brought were adopted last time," she said, and she hopes to repeat that this time.