A federal grand jury on St. Croix indicted an Immigration and Naturalization Service inspector Friday on six counts of accepting bribes and falsifying documents.
The indictment alleges that Antonio Setorie, 37, accepted bribes in return for providing illegal aliens with falsely made stamps that gave the individuals resident alien status, according to U.S. Attorney James Hurd Jr. The offenses took place on St. Croix last March 8 and 10 and in October 1999 and involved six illegal aliens, Hurd said.
An investigation into the matter began in April after several aliens were arrested for having unauthorized resident alien stamps in their passports, Hurd said.
The probe leading to Setorie’s arrest was the second bribery-related investigation carried out in the territory in the last year by the U.S. Justice Department’s Office of Inspector General. The other led to the 1999 indictment of Sam Samad on St. Thomas for attempting to bribe an INS officer. Samad is currently awaiting sentencing.
The federal Office of Inspector General is responsible for investigating suspected criminal activity among U.S. Justice Department personnel.
Setorie faces three counts of accepting bribes and three counts of fraud and misuse of visas and permits. The bribery charges carry a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison while the fraud charges carry a maximum of 10 years. Both offenses are also punishable by a maximum fine of $250,000.
Following his arrest and a hearing before a U.S. magistrate judge, Setorie was conditionally released pending trial, Hurd said.
FOG CANCELS BEER'S CHANCE
St. Thomas Olympic hopeful Ben Beer needed to gain only three points on the Austrian sailor to qualify for the 2000 Sydney Olympics Thursday night, but Friday's last two races of the Finn Gold Cup in Weymouth England were canceled due to thick fog. The seven races sailed through Thursday were used to determine the world champion, and the selection of nine countries to go to the Olympics.
Beer had achieved his best result, a 32nd placing, in the last race. He only needed to finish two places ahead of his closest rival in Friday's races to win an Olympic berth for the U.S. Virgin Islands. As a measure of the level of competition at the Gold Cup, the United States qualified for the Olympics with a 25th place overall finish. European sailors dominate the international competition with 18 of 26 Olympic spots filled by European countries.
The winner of the Gold Cup was Mateusz Kusznierewicz of Poland, Olympic gold medal winner in 1996, also world champion in 1998.
Subject to confirmation from the International Sailing Federation, the following nine countries (with their final positions) qualified for the Olympics at the Gold Cup: Turkey(10), Hungary (22), Denmark (23), USA (25), Brazil (31), Russia (45), Spain (50), Estonia (52), Austria (56).
There is still a chance that Beer will be going to Sydney. The Olympic Qualifying Committee has three wild card selections which will be allocated over the next few weeks. Although the basis for selection as a wild card is not clear, combining geographic diversity and ability seems to be one criterion. This would make the U.S. Virgin Islands, China, and Japan top choices for the wild card selection.
Beer had achieved his best result, a 32nd placing, in the last race. He only needed to finish two places ahead of his closest rival in Friday's races to win an Olympic berth for the U.S. Virgin Islands. As a measure of the level of competition at the Gold Cup, the United States qualified for the Olympics with a 25th place overall finish. European sailors dominate the international competition with 18 of 26 Olympic spots filled by European countries.
The winner of the Gold Cup was Mateusz Kusznierewicz of Poland, Olympic gold medal winner in 1996, also world champion in 1998.
Subject to confirmation from the International Sailing Federation, the following nine countries (with their final positions) qualified for the Olympics at the Gold Cup: Turkey(10), Hungary (22), Denmark (23), USA (25), Brazil (31), Russia (45), Spain (50), Estonia (52), Austria (56).
There is still a chance that Beer will be going to Sydney. The Olympic Qualifying Committee has three wild card selections which will be allocated over the next few weeks. Although the basis for selection as a wild card is not clear, combining geographic diversity and ability seems to be one criterion. This would make the U.S. Virgin Islands, China, and Japan top choices for the wild card selection.
FOG CANCELS BEER'S CHANCE
St. Thomas Olympic hopeful Ben Beer needed to gain only three points on the Austrian sailor to qualify for the 2000 Sydney Olympics Thursday night, but Friday's last two races of the Finn Gold Cup in Weymouth England were canceled due to thick fog. The seven races sailed through Thursday were used to determine the world champion, and the selection of nine countries to go to the Olympics.
Beer had achieved his best result, a 32nd placing, in the last race. He only needed to finish two places ahead of his closest rival in Friday's races to win an Olympic berth for the U.S. Virgin Islands. As a measure of the level of competition at the Gold Cup, the United States qualified for the Olympics with a 25th place overall finish. European sailors dominate the international competition with 18 of 26 Olympic spots filled by European countries.
The winner of the Gold Cup was Mateusz Kusznierewicz of Poland, Olympic gold medal winner in 1996, also world champion in 1998.
Subject to confirmation from the International Sailing Federation, the following nine countries (with their final positions) qualified for the Olympics at the Gold Cup: Turkey(10), Hungary (22), Denmark (23), USA (25), Brazil (31), Russia (45), Spain (50), Estonia (52), Austria (56).
There is still a chance that Beer will be going to Sydney. The Olympic Qualifying Committee has three wild card selections which will be allocated over the next few weeks. Although the basis for selection as a wild card is not clear, combining geographic diversity and ability seems to be one criterion. This would make the U.S. Virgin Islands, China, and Japan top choices for the wild card selection.
Beer had achieved his best result, a 32nd placing, in the last race. He only needed to finish two places ahead of his closest rival in Friday's races to win an Olympic berth for the U.S. Virgin Islands. As a measure of the level of competition at the Gold Cup, the United States qualified for the Olympics with a 25th place overall finish. European sailors dominate the international competition with 18 of 26 Olympic spots filled by European countries.
The winner of the Gold Cup was Mateusz Kusznierewicz of Poland, Olympic gold medal winner in 1996, also world champion in 1998.
Subject to confirmation from the International Sailing Federation, the following nine countries (with their final positions) qualified for the Olympics at the Gold Cup: Turkey(10), Hungary (22), Denmark (23), USA (25), Brazil (31), Russia (45), Spain (50), Estonia (52), Austria (56).
There is still a chance that Beer will be going to Sydney. The Olympic Qualifying Committee has three wild card selections which will be allocated over the next few weeks. Although the basis for selection as a wild card is not clear, combining geographic diversity and ability seems to be one criterion. This would make the U.S. Virgin Islands, China, and Japan top choices for the wild card selection.
FOG CANCELS BEER'S CHANCE
St. Thomas Olympic hopeful Ben Beer needed to gain only three points on the Austrian sailor to qualify for the 2000 Sydney Olympics Thursday night, but Friday's last two races of the Finn Gold Cup in Weymouth England were canceled due to thick fog. The seven races sailed through Thursday were used to determine the world champion, and the selection of nine countries to go to the Olympics.
Beer had achieved his best result, a 32nd placing, in the last race. He only needed to finish two places ahead of his closest rival in Friday's races to win an Olympic berth for the U.S. Virgin Islands. As a measure of the level of competition at the Gold Cup, the United States qualified for the Olympics with a 25th place overall finish. European sailors dominate the international competition with 18 of 26 Olympic spots filled by European countries.
The winner of the Gold Cup was Mateusz Kusznierewicz of Poland, Olympic gold medal winner in 1996, also world champion in 1998.
Subject to confirmation from the International Sailing Federation, the following nine countries (with their final positions) qualified for the Olympics at the Gold Cup: Turkey(10), Hungary (22), Denmark (23), USA (25), Brazil (31), Russia (45), Spain (50), Estonia (52), Austria (56).
There is still a chance that Beer will be going to Sydney. The Olympic Qualifying Committee has three wild card selections which will be allocated over the next few weeks. Although the basis for selection as a wild card is not clear, combining geographic diversity and ability seems to be one criterion. This would make the U.S. Virgin Islands, China, and Japan top choices for the wild card selection.
Beer had achieved his best result, a 32nd placing, in the last race. He only needed to finish two places ahead of his closest rival in Friday's races to win an Olympic berth for the U.S. Virgin Islands. As a measure of the level of competition at the Gold Cup, the United States qualified for the Olympics with a 25th place overall finish. European sailors dominate the international competition with 18 of 26 Olympic spots filled by European countries.
The winner of the Gold Cup was Mateusz Kusznierewicz of Poland, Olympic gold medal winner in 1996, also world champion in 1998.
Subject to confirmation from the International Sailing Federation, the following nine countries (with their final positions) qualified for the Olympics at the Gold Cup: Turkey(10), Hungary (22), Denmark (23), USA (25), Brazil (31), Russia (45), Spain (50), Estonia (52), Austria (56).
There is still a chance that Beer will be going to Sydney. The Olympic Qualifying Committee has three wild card selections which will be allocated over the next few weeks. Although the basis for selection as a wild card is not clear, combining geographic diversity and ability seems to be one criterion. This would make the U.S. Virgin Islands, China, and Japan top choices for the wild card selection.
COMMUNITY MUST PULL TOGETHER TO STOP VIOLENCE
Dear Source,
Sprawled in the parking lot, a young man lies, staining the pavement with his blood.
The school’s nurse, after applying direct pressure for so long, tires and needs relief. I simultaneously tried to calm him as he continued to spurt blood with every angry outburst of "Why did he shoot me?"
I prayed at that moment, "please don’t let him die."
Another time, I held a young man’s head in my lap while applying direct pressure to a stab wound in his neck. Again, I prayed that he wouldn’t die.
In another scenario, I’m teaching a class and must stop when a student breaks down in tears because a friend, relative, boyfriend or neighbor was stabbed or shot.
The class cries, and I cry as well.
I have repeated this scenario too many times in my classroom. Just a few weeks ago a student of mine looked sad. When I asked why, she indicated that her cousin was shot while on the pay phone by Hometown Convenience Store. And I cried.
Now, Jason Carroll is dead. He was not a student at my school. Nevertheless, our lives had touched each other. Again I cried, not only for the killed by for the killers.
We can no longer cry individuals tears, saying how sad and terrible it is, attend a funeral, and go on with our lives.
We can no longer look away, not wanting to take responsibility.
These atrocities must stop!
However, they will only stop when we come together as a community, for it is the deafening inattention to these atrocities that cause them to continue.
We look away, not wanting to take responsibility for our part in what is happening around us. It’s time for us to do more than talk. It is time to come together and work to heal our hurting community. It’s time to create a community that fosters hope for all. Anyone who commits murder is a person without hope.
Many of our young men are angry, without hope, and misguided. Creating a sub-community of castaways is what has led to these killings. We are our brothers keepers.
James and Celia Carroll’s son, Jason, was our son, too. But for by the grace of God it could have been your son or my son.
Let’s come together and change this pitiful pattern in our community.
My students recently, asked me, "Why now, since others have died and nothing was done?"
My reply was that enough is enough; Jason Carroll can be the catalyst for change.
I'm pleading with the community to make a difference.
Persons interested in making a difference can contact me, Carolyn Davis at 775-5661.
Carolyn Davis
St. Thomas
Sprawled in the parking lot, a young man lies, staining the pavement with his blood.
The school’s nurse, after applying direct pressure for so long, tires and needs relief. I simultaneously tried to calm him as he continued to spurt blood with every angry outburst of "Why did he shoot me?"
I prayed at that moment, "please don’t let him die."
Another time, I held a young man’s head in my lap while applying direct pressure to a stab wound in his neck. Again, I prayed that he wouldn’t die.
In another scenario, I’m teaching a class and must stop when a student breaks down in tears because a friend, relative, boyfriend or neighbor was stabbed or shot.
The class cries, and I cry as well.
I have repeated this scenario too many times in my classroom. Just a few weeks ago a student of mine looked sad. When I asked why, she indicated that her cousin was shot while on the pay phone by Hometown Convenience Store. And I cried.
Now, Jason Carroll is dead. He was not a student at my school. Nevertheless, our lives had touched each other. Again I cried, not only for the killed by for the killers.
We can no longer cry individuals tears, saying how sad and terrible it is, attend a funeral, and go on with our lives.
We can no longer look away, not wanting to take responsibility.
These atrocities must stop!
However, they will only stop when we come together as a community, for it is the deafening inattention to these atrocities that cause them to continue.
We look away, not wanting to take responsibility for our part in what is happening around us. It’s time for us to do more than talk. It is time to come together and work to heal our hurting community. It’s time to create a community that fosters hope for all. Anyone who commits murder is a person without hope.
Many of our young men are angry, without hope, and misguided. Creating a sub-community of castaways is what has led to these killings. We are our brothers keepers.
James and Celia Carroll’s son, Jason, was our son, too. But for by the grace of God it could have been your son or my son.
Let’s come together and change this pitiful pattern in our community.
My students recently, asked me, "Why now, since others have died and nothing was done?"
My reply was that enough is enough; Jason Carroll can be the catalyst for change.
I'm pleading with the community to make a difference.
Persons interested in making a difference can contact me, Carolyn Davis at 775-5661.
Carolyn Davis
St. Thomas
ANTILLES BREAKS GROUND FOR NEW LIBRARY
"It's all just too big," said Debra Finch, gesturing in wonder at the Antilles School campus. Finch, first headmistress when the school started 50 years ago, was attending the groundbreaking Friday for the new school library.
Finch's sentiment was not shared by current Headmaster Mark Marin or anyone else at the ceremony, which marked the beginning of an even larger campus. "It's auspicious," said Marin "that on the 50th anniversary of the school, we are breaking ground for a new building." The school is celebrating its 50th anniversary this weekend.
Marin was joined at the podium by Gov. Charles W. Turnbull, former education commissioner, Cornelius B. Prior Jr, chairman of Antilles capital improvement campaign, and Elliott MacIver Davis, president of the board of trustees.
Marin read a letter from Ambassador Henry L. Kimelman, school benefactor and honorary board chairman, for whom both the new and old libraries are named. Kimelman extended apologies that he was not able to attend the ceremony because of personal matters in New York, but said he was there "in spirit."
Before the speakers all took digs in the ground with a bright gold be-ribboned shovel, Marin thanked Prior for his $1 million dollar contribution to "Imagine the Possibilities," the school's new capital improvement campaign, of which the library is the first stage.
Prior said, "the first $1 million was easy, but we need more." Marin said they have raised a lot more, almost $3.5 million of the estimated $6 million cost of the project, but, he said, "I want to make it clear that we aren't quite there yet."
The overcast rainy morning didn't throw a damper on the enthusiasm of the small but buoyant crowd. It was difficult to tell who was beaming more – architect Kevin Qualls or Lower School Headmistress Polly Watts.
Gazing at his renderings with a big smile, Qualls said "this has been in the works for a long time, way before Hurricane Marilyn." The drawings were hanging in a small tent in front of what will be the library, a graceful three-story structure. "I wanted to keep it simple, but flexible," Qualls said.
Watts said she couldn't say enough about what a good thing the library will be for the school, not only in itself, but "to give us some room, to free up some space which we desperately need for new classrooms."
The new library will have 25 computers on each floor, according to former fifth-grade teacher Mary Tyler, who is now the school's technical coordinator. The current library sees well over 100 students using the internet-connected computers each day. "It's a big job — I love it,"said Tyler, of her new responsibilities, "there's just so much going on."
Included in the capital project is a fine arts center and theater, which will be connected to the library by the Jackson Center, a covered amphitheater, and a courtyard for student activities. The complex will also have an art gallery.
In addition to this, the school will have a state-of-the-art sports complex with a covered multi-sport field house with bleachers, press booth, lockers and broadcast booth. Upstairs will house dance, aerobics, and martial arts classrooms.
An overhaul for the existing playing field is also in the works with a new irrigation system, bleachers, turf, PA system and electronic scoreboard.
Randy Knight of Knight Communications of the V.I. has contributed $500,000 toward the sports complex, after which Knight has pledged more support.
Marin anticipates the project will take three years, but, "by the time the kids get back to school in the fall we hope to have the steel structure up for the library." And, he announced, "we'll start pouring cement Monday."
Finch's sentiment was not shared by current Headmaster Mark Marin or anyone else at the ceremony, which marked the beginning of an even larger campus. "It's auspicious," said Marin "that on the 50th anniversary of the school, we are breaking ground for a new building." The school is celebrating its 50th anniversary this weekend.
Marin was joined at the podium by Gov. Charles W. Turnbull, former education commissioner, Cornelius B. Prior Jr, chairman of Antilles capital improvement campaign, and Elliott MacIver Davis, president of the board of trustees.
Marin read a letter from Ambassador Henry L. Kimelman, school benefactor and honorary board chairman, for whom both the new and old libraries are named. Kimelman extended apologies that he was not able to attend the ceremony because of personal matters in New York, but said he was there "in spirit."
Before the speakers all took digs in the ground with a bright gold be-ribboned shovel, Marin thanked Prior for his $1 million dollar contribution to "Imagine the Possibilities," the school's new capital improvement campaign, of which the library is the first stage.
Prior said, "the first $1 million was easy, but we need more." Marin said they have raised a lot more, almost $3.5 million of the estimated $6 million cost of the project, but, he said, "I want to make it clear that we aren't quite there yet."
The overcast rainy morning didn't throw a damper on the enthusiasm of the small but buoyant crowd. It was difficult to tell who was beaming more – architect Kevin Qualls or Lower School Headmistress Polly Watts.
Gazing at his renderings with a big smile, Qualls said "this has been in the works for a long time, way before Hurricane Marilyn." The drawings were hanging in a small tent in front of what will be the library, a graceful three-story structure. "I wanted to keep it simple, but flexible," Qualls said.
Watts said she couldn't say enough about what a good thing the library will be for the school, not only in itself, but "to give us some room, to free up some space which we desperately need for new classrooms."
The new library will have 25 computers on each floor, according to former fifth-grade teacher Mary Tyler, who is now the school's technical coordinator. The current library sees well over 100 students using the internet-connected computers each day. "It's a big job — I love it,"said Tyler, of her new responsibilities, "there's just so much going on."
Included in the capital project is a fine arts center and theater, which will be connected to the library by the Jackson Center, a covered amphitheater, and a courtyard for student activities. The complex will also have an art gallery.
In addition to this, the school will have a state-of-the-art sports complex with a covered multi-sport field house with bleachers, press booth, lockers and broadcast booth. Upstairs will house dance, aerobics, and martial arts classrooms.
An overhaul for the existing playing field is also in the works with a new irrigation system, bleachers, turf, PA system and electronic scoreboard.
Randy Knight of Knight Communications of the V.I. has contributed $500,000 toward the sports complex, after which Knight has pledged more support.
Marin anticipates the project will take three years, but, "by the time the kids get back to school in the fall we hope to have the steel structure up for the library." And, he announced, "we'll start pouring cement Monday."
DISABLED ST. CROIX BUS USERS THREATEN TO SUE
Public Works at the moment has one driver to take St. Croix users of the federally funded Vitran Plus transit service for the disabled to their destinations in the morning, but none to pick them up to return home in the afternoon.
This is just one issue that has disabled Vitran riders on the island threatening to sue the V.I. government and the Public Works Department if service doesn't improve in the next few weeks.
At a press conference Friday, Carmen Huertas, Catherine Henry, Lloyd "Sonny" Barnes, Oliver Thompkins and George Anderson –- all members of the Vitran Plus St. Croix Americans with Disabilities Act Advisory Committee -– said the service is unreliable at best and in violation of the law at worst.
Anderson, who chairs the committee, said the service has "deteriorated to the point where it’s almost nonexistent. . . We don’t know from one day to the next what the status of Vitran Plus is."
All five said at the press conference, called by Sen. Adelbert Bryan, that it is not uncommon to be picked up by Vitran Plus in the morning and then be left stranded at their destination when they are ready to return in the afternoon. Vitran Plus users must make reservations in advance to be picked up and pay $2 each way for the service.
According to Public Works transportation director Dudley Johns, recent layoffs and cutbacks at Vitran have impacted the Vitran Plus service. In a letter dated June 8 to V.I. Advocacy Inc., Johns said that currently only one of three Vitran Plus vehicles on St. Croix is on the road, with one morning and one afternoon driver employed. However, he added, the afternoon driver is off island and not expected back until next week.
"The problem is getting stranded after I’ve been dropped in a place," Huertas said, adding that about 25 people on St. Croix use the Vitran Plus service on a daily basis.
Barnes, who uses an electric wheelchair to get around, said that on more than one occasion he’s had to wait three hours before being picked up after work. He questioned how the territory's $150,000 in federal ADA funds is being used.
He said he's ready to sue the V.I. government "because they are violating the law and violating my rights. . . The only way to get things done is in front of a judge."
Anderson said if Public Works doesn't improve the service by July 7, the advisory committee will take the matter to court.
Bryan has charged that the administration is not channeling V.I. Lottery funds into the Disabled Persons Special Fund as it is legally required to do. Under 1986 legislation he sponsored, the first $100,000 generated by the lottery each fiscal year is to be deposited into the fund.
"It appears that the Virgin Islands government has failed to transfer the monies from the lottery sales to fund the Disabled Persons Special Fund," Bryan said in a June 13 letter to Gov. Charles Turnbull and Public Works Commissioner Harold Thompson Jr. The letter also noted that a recent $600,000 appropriation by the Senate to keep Vitran afloat until Sept. 30 was not being used to rehire laid-off drivers.
"These situations are in violation of territorial statutes, are unconscionable and abominable," he said. "It appears further that federal Americans with Disabilities Act statutes as applicable to the Virgin Islands are also being violated."
According to Thompson, Vitran is working to improve the Vitran Plus equipment and scheduling for the disabled. "We’re cognizant that, when we take away the service, we’re taking away their mobility," he said.
This is just one issue that has disabled Vitran riders on the island threatening to sue the V.I. government and the Public Works Department if service doesn't improve in the next few weeks.
At a press conference Friday, Carmen Huertas, Catherine Henry, Lloyd "Sonny" Barnes, Oliver Thompkins and George Anderson –- all members of the Vitran Plus St. Croix Americans with Disabilities Act Advisory Committee -– said the service is unreliable at best and in violation of the law at worst.
Anderson, who chairs the committee, said the service has "deteriorated to the point where it’s almost nonexistent. . . We don’t know from one day to the next what the status of Vitran Plus is."
All five said at the press conference, called by Sen. Adelbert Bryan, that it is not uncommon to be picked up by Vitran Plus in the morning and then be left stranded at their destination when they are ready to return in the afternoon. Vitran Plus users must make reservations in advance to be picked up and pay $2 each way for the service.
According to Public Works transportation director Dudley Johns, recent layoffs and cutbacks at Vitran have impacted the Vitran Plus service. In a letter dated June 8 to V.I. Advocacy Inc., Johns said that currently only one of three Vitran Plus vehicles on St. Croix is on the road, with one morning and one afternoon driver employed. However, he added, the afternoon driver is off island and not expected back until next week.
"The problem is getting stranded after I’ve been dropped in a place," Huertas said, adding that about 25 people on St. Croix use the Vitran Plus service on a daily basis.
Barnes, who uses an electric wheelchair to get around, said that on more than one occasion he’s had to wait three hours before being picked up after work. He questioned how the territory's $150,000 in federal ADA funds is being used.
He said he's ready to sue the V.I. government "because they are violating the law and violating my rights. . . The only way to get things done is in front of a judge."
Anderson said if Public Works doesn't improve the service by July 7, the advisory committee will take the matter to court.
Bryan has charged that the administration is not channeling V.I. Lottery funds into the Disabled Persons Special Fund as it is legally required to do. Under 1986 legislation he sponsored, the first $100,000 generated by the lottery each fiscal year is to be deposited into the fund.
"It appears that the Virgin Islands government has failed to transfer the monies from the lottery sales to fund the Disabled Persons Special Fund," Bryan said in a June 13 letter to Gov. Charles Turnbull and Public Works Commissioner Harold Thompson Jr. The letter also noted that a recent $600,000 appropriation by the Senate to keep Vitran afloat until Sept. 30 was not being used to rehire laid-off drivers.
"These situations are in violation of territorial statutes, are unconscionable and abominable," he said. "It appears further that federal Americans with Disabilities Act statutes as applicable to the Virgin Islands are also being violated."
According to Thompson, Vitran is working to improve the Vitran Plus equipment and scheduling for the disabled. "We’re cognizant that, when we take away the service, we’re taking away their mobility," he said.
MCBEAN TO HEAD V.I. NATIONAL GUARD IN TURMOIL
Amid accusations of sexual harassment, abuse of rank and the imminent retirement of its commander, the V.I. National Guard got a new acting adjutant general Friday when Gov. Charles W. Turnbull appointed Col. Cleave McBean to the post.
McBean, who is now assistant director of Veterans Affairs, will assume command after Maj. Gen. Jean Romney retires at the end of the month, according to Turnbull.
McBean will take over VING as the National Guard Bureau in Washington, D.C., is investigating allegations of sexual harassment in the local Air National Guard, which along with the Army National Guard makes up VING.
Capt. Osbert Potter, VING public information officer, told WSTX Radio on Friday that charges have been brought against Lt. Col. David Stickley, commander of the 285th Combat Communications Squadron, and Lt. Col. Wilfred Davis, the squadron’s executive support staff officer, alleging misuse of authority, discrimination and civil rights abuses.
"The results of that we will not know until the Air National Guard completes the investigation," Potter said.
Meanwhile, VING’s second-highest-ranking officer, Col. Edward Charles, has been on leave since March following accusations of sexual harassment, The V.I. Daily News reported. An investigation into those allegations is ongoing.
McBean’s active military career spans 25 years, including a tour in Vietnam. He enlisted in VING in 1977 as a sergeant and accepted a commission as a second lieutenant later that year.
He will serve as acting adjutant general until a permanent successor to Romney is appointed, Turnbull said.
A native of St. Thomas, McBean earned his bachelor's degree in business administration from the then-College of the Virgin Islands.
McBean, who is now assistant director of Veterans Affairs, will assume command after Maj. Gen. Jean Romney retires at the end of the month, according to Turnbull.
McBean will take over VING as the National Guard Bureau in Washington, D.C., is investigating allegations of sexual harassment in the local Air National Guard, which along with the Army National Guard makes up VING.
Capt. Osbert Potter, VING public information officer, told WSTX Radio on Friday that charges have been brought against Lt. Col. David Stickley, commander of the 285th Combat Communications Squadron, and Lt. Col. Wilfred Davis, the squadron’s executive support staff officer, alleging misuse of authority, discrimination and civil rights abuses.
"The results of that we will not know until the Air National Guard completes the investigation," Potter said.
Meanwhile, VING’s second-highest-ranking officer, Col. Edward Charles, has been on leave since March following accusations of sexual harassment, The V.I. Daily News reported. An investigation into those allegations is ongoing.
McBean’s active military career spans 25 years, including a tour in Vietnam. He enlisted in VING in 1977 as a sergeant and accepted a commission as a second lieutenant later that year.
He will serve as acting adjutant general until a permanent successor to Romney is appointed, Turnbull said.
A native of St. Thomas, McBean earned his bachelor's degree in business administration from the then-College of the Virgin Islands.
MCBEAN TO HEAD NATIONAL GUARD AMID TURMOIL
Amid accusations of sexual harassment, abuse of rank and the imminent retirement of its commander, the V.I. National Guard got a new acting adjutant general Friday when Gov. Charles W. Turnbull appointed Col. Cleave McBean to the post.
McBean, who is now assistant director of Veterans Affairs, will assume command after Maj. Gen. Jean Romney retires at the end of the month, according to Turnbull.
McBean will take over VING as the National Guard Bureau in Washington, D.C., is investigating allegations of sexual harassment in the local Air National Guard, which along with the Army National Guard makes up VING.
Capt. Osbert Potter, VING public information officer, told WSTX Radio on Friday that charges have been brought against Lt. Col. David Stickley, commander of the 285th Combat Communications Squadron, and Lt. Col. Wilfred Davis, the squadron’s executive support staff officer, alleging misuse of authority, discrimination and civil rights abuses.
"The results of that we will not know until the Air National Guard completes the investigation," Potter said.
Meanwhile, VING’s second-highest-ranking officer, Col. Edward Charles, has been on leave since March following accusations of sexual harassment, The V.I. Daily News reported. An investigation into those allegations is ongoing.
McBean’s active military career spans 25 years, including a tour in Vietnam. He enlisted in VING in 1977 as a sergeant and accepted a commission as a second lieutenant later that year.
He will serve as acting adjutant general until a permanent successor to Romney is appointed, Turnbull said.
A native of St. Thomas, McBean earned his bachelor's degree in business administration from the then-College of the Virgin Islands.
McBean, who is now assistant director of Veterans Affairs, will assume command after Maj. Gen. Jean Romney retires at the end of the month, according to Turnbull.
McBean will take over VING as the National Guard Bureau in Washington, D.C., is investigating allegations of sexual harassment in the local Air National Guard, which along with the Army National Guard makes up VING.
Capt. Osbert Potter, VING public information officer, told WSTX Radio on Friday that charges have been brought against Lt. Col. David Stickley, commander of the 285th Combat Communications Squadron, and Lt. Col. Wilfred Davis, the squadron’s executive support staff officer, alleging misuse of authority, discrimination and civil rights abuses.
"The results of that we will not know until the Air National Guard completes the investigation," Potter said.
Meanwhile, VING’s second-highest-ranking officer, Col. Edward Charles, has been on leave since March following accusations of sexual harassment, The V.I. Daily News reported. An investigation into those allegations is ongoing.
McBean’s active military career spans 25 years, including a tour in Vietnam. He enlisted in VING in 1977 as a sergeant and accepted a commission as a second lieutenant later that year.
He will serve as acting adjutant general until a permanent successor to Romney is appointed, Turnbull said.
A native of St. Thomas, McBean earned his bachelor's degree in business administration from the then-College of the Virgin Islands.
MCBEAN TO HEAD V.I. GUARD AMID TURMOIL
Amid accusations of sexual harassment, abuse of rank and the imminent retirement of its commander, the V.I. National Guard got a new acting adjutant general Friday when Gov. Charles W. Turnbull appointed Col. Cleave McBean to the post.
McBean, who is now assistant director of Veterans Affairs, will assume command after Maj. Gen. Jean Romney retires at the end of the month, according to Turnbull.
McBean will take over VING as the National Guard Bureau in Washington, D.C., is investigating allegations of sexual harassment in the local Air National Guard, which along with the Army National Guard makes up VING.
Capt. Osbert Potter, VING public information officer, told WSTX Radio on Friday that charges have been brought against Lt. Col. David Stickley, commander of the 285th Combat Communications Squadron, and Lt. Col. Wilfred Davis, the squadron’s executive support staff officer, alleging misuse of authority, discrimination and civil rights abuses.
"The results of that we will not know until the Air National Guard completes the investigation," Potter said.
Meanwhile, VING’s second-highest-ranking officer, Col. Edward Charles, has been on leave since March following accusations of sexual harassment, The V.I. Daily News reported. An investigation into those allegations is ongoing.
McBean’s active military career spans 25 years, including a tour in Vietnam. He enlisted in VING in 1977 as a sergeant and accepted a commission as a second lieutenant later that year.
He will serve as acting adjutant general until a permanent successor to Romney is appointed, Turnbull said.
A native of St. Thomas, McBean earned his bachelor's degree in business administration from the then-College of the Virgin Islands.
McBean, who is now assistant director of Veterans Affairs, will assume command after Maj. Gen. Jean Romney retires at the end of the month, according to Turnbull.
McBean will take over VING as the National Guard Bureau in Washington, D.C., is investigating allegations of sexual harassment in the local Air National Guard, which along with the Army National Guard makes up VING.
Capt. Osbert Potter, VING public information officer, told WSTX Radio on Friday that charges have been brought against Lt. Col. David Stickley, commander of the 285th Combat Communications Squadron, and Lt. Col. Wilfred Davis, the squadron’s executive support staff officer, alleging misuse of authority, discrimination and civil rights abuses.
"The results of that we will not know until the Air National Guard completes the investigation," Potter said.
Meanwhile, VING’s second-highest-ranking officer, Col. Edward Charles, has been on leave since March following accusations of sexual harassment, The V.I. Daily News reported. An investigation into those allegations is ongoing.
McBean’s active military career spans 25 years, including a tour in Vietnam. He enlisted in VING in 1977 as a sergeant and accepted a commission as a second lieutenant later that year.
He will serve as acting adjutant general until a permanent successor to Romney is appointed, Turnbull said.
A native of St. Thomas, McBean earned his bachelor's degree in business administration from the then-College of the Virgin Islands.
