Trudy's Exquisite Hair Design will host Thursday's Business After Hours beginning at 5:30 p.m.
Trudy's is located downtown next to the V.I. Lottery Office.
All members, guests and potential members are invited to attend. Complimentary Hors d'oeuvres will be served along with the Chamber's famous $2 bar.
Business After Hours is sponsored regularly by the St. Thomas-St. John Chamber of Commerce.
'MISSION IMPOSSIBLE 2' IS HERE
When Brian DePalma's first feature film of the long-running TV series, "Mission Impossible" first came out in 1996 critics complained about an "impenetrable"plot.But it was big box office hit, anyhow.
In "Mission Impossible 2,"or "M:I-2," Director John Woo has the plot right there for all to see. The only problems seem to be too much plot, derived plot that is. Whether it's supposed to be obvious is the problem, according to critics.
Woo has woven scenes from past movies into the film, ironic or not. He directs citations to John Ford and The Third man, according to one reviewer, along with a motorcycle chase that morphs into a Western horseback ride, reminiscent of Mel Brooks.
No matter, with Tom Cruise at the helm as MI agent Ethan Hunt, things get moving. An Australian pharmaceutical company has developed a virulent virus called Chimera which can kill millions almost instantly. The virus has been seized by rogue agent Sean Ambrose (Dougray Scott), who is demanding big bucks for its return, (in fact, in a novel touch, he has demanded stock options).
Hunt's job: get him. Hunt is given a gorgeous jewel thief Nyah Nordhoff-Hall (Thandie Newton)
to assist him, using Ambrose's affection for Nyah as fuel. Cruise reportedly performed many of his own stunts in the movie, including the acting, which according to some, should have been left to someone else. Nonetheless, with Woo's direction and Cruise's charisma, what can you lose?
It is rated PG-13 for excessive violence and some sensuality.
It starts Thursday at Diamond Cinema in St. Croix.
In "Mission Impossible 2,"or "M:I-2," Director John Woo has the plot right there for all to see. The only problems seem to be too much plot, derived plot that is. Whether it's supposed to be obvious is the problem, according to critics.
Woo has woven scenes from past movies into the film, ironic or not. He directs citations to John Ford and The Third man, according to one reviewer, along with a motorcycle chase that morphs into a Western horseback ride, reminiscent of Mel Brooks.
No matter, with Tom Cruise at the helm as MI agent Ethan Hunt, things get moving. An Australian pharmaceutical company has developed a virulent virus called Chimera which can kill millions almost instantly. The virus has been seized by rogue agent Sean Ambrose (Dougray Scott), who is demanding big bucks for its return, (in fact, in a novel touch, he has demanded stock options).
Hunt's job: get him. Hunt is given a gorgeous jewel thief Nyah Nordhoff-Hall (Thandie Newton)
to assist him, using Ambrose's affection for Nyah as fuel. Cruise reportedly performed many of his own stunts in the movie, including the acting, which according to some, should have been left to someone else. Nonetheless, with Woo's direction and Cruise's charisma, what can you lose?
It is rated PG-13 for excessive violence and some sensuality.
It starts Thursday at Diamond Cinema in St. Croix.
MISSION IMPOSSIBLE 2 IS HERE
When Brian DePalma's first feature film of the long-running TV series, "Mission Impossible" first came out in 1996 critics complained about an "impenetrable"plot.But it was big box office hit, anyhow.
In "Mission Impossible 2,"or "M:I-2," Director John Woo has the plot right there for all to see. The only problems seem to be too much plot, derived plot that is. Whether it's supposed to be obvious is the problem, according to critics.
Woo has woven scenes from past movies into the film, ironic or not. He directs citations to John Ford and The Third man, according to one reviewer, along with a motorcycle chase that morphs into a Western horseback ride, reminiscent of Mel Brooks.
No matter, with Tom Cruise at the helm as MI agent Ethan Hunt, things get moving. An Australian pharmaceutical company has developed a virulent virus called Chimera which can kill millions almost instantly. The virus has been seized by rogue agent Sean Ambrose (Dougray Scott), who is demanding big bucks for its return, (in fact, in a novel touch, he has demanded stock options).
Hunt's job: get him. Hunt is given a gorgeous jewel thief Nyah Nordhoff-Hall (Thandie Newton)
to assist him, using Ambrose's affection for Nyah as fuel. Cruise reportedly performed many of his own stunts in the movie, including the acting, which according to some, should have been left to someone else. Nonetheless, with Woo's direction and Cruise's charisma, what can you lose?
It is rated PG-13 for excessive violence and some sensuality. It starts Thursday at Market Square East and Cinema One.
In "Mission Impossible 2,"or "M:I-2," Director John Woo has the plot right there for all to see. The only problems seem to be too much plot, derived plot that is. Whether it's supposed to be obvious is the problem, according to critics.
Woo has woven scenes from past movies into the film, ironic or not. He directs citations to John Ford and The Third man, according to one reviewer, along with a motorcycle chase that morphs into a Western horseback ride, reminiscent of Mel Brooks.
No matter, with Tom Cruise at the helm as MI agent Ethan Hunt, things get moving. An Australian pharmaceutical company has developed a virulent virus called Chimera which can kill millions almost instantly. The virus has been seized by rogue agent Sean Ambrose (Dougray Scott), who is demanding big bucks for its return, (in fact, in a novel touch, he has demanded stock options).
Hunt's job: get him. Hunt is given a gorgeous jewel thief Nyah Nordhoff-Hall (Thandie Newton)
to assist him, using Ambrose's affection for Nyah as fuel. Cruise reportedly performed many of his own stunts in the movie, including the acting, which according to some, should have been left to someone else. Nonetheless, with Woo's direction and Cruise's charisma, what can you lose?
It is rated PG-13 for excessive violence and some sensuality. It starts Thursday at Market Square East and Cinema One.
FBI: COP-CITIZEN CLASH 'NOT A FEDERAL MATTER'
After a brief review of a March incident involving an off-duty policeman, another police officer and a private citizen on St. John, FBI officials have decided not to conduct a full-scale civil rights investigation.
FBI San Juan bureau spokeswoman Sarah Lema said agents looking into the case could not find evidence of any federal civil rights violation against St. John villa rentals courtesy car driver Kelly Giggenbach.
The FBI looked into the case "from our own initiative, our own determination," Lema said. "We found they [the police] did not identify themselves as police officers."
The federal agency has the authority to investigate possible civil rights violations when there is evidence that police have abused their status as law-enforcement officials, Lema said. But since the officers did not identify themselves as police in this case, she said, they were not abusing their police powers at the time.
According to news media accounts, off-duty police officer Eugene Somersall confronted Giggenbach while she was involved in a dispute with taxi drivers over a parking space near the Cruz Bay dock. A Police Benevolent Association official who represented Somersall and Officer Lorraine Sprauve at a May 11 hearing before Police Chief Jose Garcia said when Somersall asked Giggenbach for her driver's license and motor vehicle registration, she walked away without responding.
A witness for Giggenbach told the police chief Somersall grabbed the woman by her breast and repeatedly bounced her against a car, then grabbed her by the throat to keep her from screaming. Six witnesses appearing at the hearing in defense of Somersall said no such altercation took place.
Sprauve was charged with failing to take police action.
"We're not saying it didn't happen," Lema said Tuesday of the alleged assault. "We're saying it's not a federal matter."
PBA officials said that, following the May 11 disciplinary hearing in his office, Garcia sent his recommendation to Police Commissioner Franz Christian that all charges be dropped against both Somersall and Sprauve.
On May 12, the day after the hearing, Garcia said it would be up to the commissioner to make the final determination on disciplinary charges. But PBA president Elroy Raymo said Wednesday that only rarely does the commissioner reverse a recommendation made by the police chief. As far as the union is concerned, Raymo said, the matter has been settled.
Christian released a statement in April promising full disclosure of the case after the hearing was over. Since the hearing nearly two weeks ago, he has made no comment.
FBI San Juan bureau spokeswoman Sarah Lema said agents looking into the case could not find evidence of any federal civil rights violation against St. John villa rentals courtesy car driver Kelly Giggenbach.
The FBI looked into the case "from our own initiative, our own determination," Lema said. "We found they [the police] did not identify themselves as police officers."
The federal agency has the authority to investigate possible civil rights violations when there is evidence that police have abused their status as law-enforcement officials, Lema said. But since the officers did not identify themselves as police in this case, she said, they were not abusing their police powers at the time.
According to news media accounts, off-duty police officer Eugene Somersall confronted Giggenbach while she was involved in a dispute with taxi drivers over a parking space near the Cruz Bay dock. A Police Benevolent Association official who represented Somersall and Officer Lorraine Sprauve at a May 11 hearing before Police Chief Jose Garcia said when Somersall asked Giggenbach for her driver's license and motor vehicle registration, she walked away without responding.
A witness for Giggenbach told the police chief Somersall grabbed the woman by her breast and repeatedly bounced her against a car, then grabbed her by the throat to keep her from screaming. Six witnesses appearing at the hearing in defense of Somersall said no such altercation took place.
Sprauve was charged with failing to take police action.
"We're not saying it didn't happen," Lema said Tuesday of the alleged assault. "We're saying it's not a federal matter."
PBA officials said that, following the May 11 disciplinary hearing in his office, Garcia sent his recommendation to Police Commissioner Franz Christian that all charges be dropped against both Somersall and Sprauve.
On May 12, the day after the hearing, Garcia said it would be up to the commissioner to make the final determination on disciplinary charges. But PBA president Elroy Raymo said Wednesday that only rarely does the commissioner reverse a recommendation made by the police chief. As far as the union is concerned, Raymo said, the matter has been settled.
Christian released a statement in April promising full disclosure of the case after the hearing was over. Since the hearing nearly two weeks ago, he has made no comment.
WIRING GETS OFFICIAL BLAME FOR WHARFSIDE FIRE
Faulty wiring caused the December 1999 fire at Wharfside Village, acting St. John fire marshal Glen Francis has ruled.
Francis said Tuesday that he made that determination based on the results of independent laboratory tests conducted by private investigators working with the insurance company covering the Cruz Bay shopping center.
Shortly after the Dec. 28 fire, sources close to the investigation said they believed the fire had been started by an electric fan. "The fan had an extension cord inside a conduit that was not supposed to be used," Francis said. "It's possible that heat built up in the area and led to the fire."
The night-time fire destroyed the second floor office of the Pusser's Restaurant. The Pusser's Company Store, a hallway and a living loft above the hallway sustained smoke and water damage. Two people living in the loft area escaped from a third-story window as firefighters arrived in the middle of the night to battle the blaze.
Meantime, Francis said, it may be impossible to determine the cause of a more recent fire – – one that destroyed a Jeep parked outside the offices of the St. John Tradewinds newspaper a week ago.
According to publisher Tom Oat, an emergency crew arrived shortly after he had closed the office around midnight on May 18. He said firefighters found two stacks of partially burned newspapers at the scene. The vehicle was completely destroyed.
Francis said officials at the Zulu Company fire station in Cruz Bay notified him of the incident but when he arrived on the scene he found the Jeep had been left in an unsecured area, making it impossible to conduct an investigation free from suspicion of evidence tampering.
Oat said officials pried open the hood an hour after putting out the fire and told him the blaze had not originated in the engine.
Francis said Tuesday that he made that determination based on the results of independent laboratory tests conducted by private investigators working with the insurance company covering the Cruz Bay shopping center.
Shortly after the Dec. 28 fire, sources close to the investigation said they believed the fire had been started by an electric fan. "The fan had an extension cord inside a conduit that was not supposed to be used," Francis said. "It's possible that heat built up in the area and led to the fire."
The night-time fire destroyed the second floor office of the Pusser's Restaurant. The Pusser's Company Store, a hallway and a living loft above the hallway sustained smoke and water damage. Two people living in the loft area escaped from a third-story window as firefighters arrived in the middle of the night to battle the blaze.
Meantime, Francis said, it may be impossible to determine the cause of a more recent fire – – one that destroyed a Jeep parked outside the offices of the St. John Tradewinds newspaper a week ago.
According to publisher Tom Oat, an emergency crew arrived shortly after he had closed the office around midnight on May 18. He said firefighters found two stacks of partially burned newspapers at the scene. The vehicle was completely destroyed.
Francis said officials at the Zulu Company fire station in Cruz Bay notified him of the incident but when he arrived on the scene he found the Jeep had been left in an unsecured area, making it impossible to conduct an investigation free from suspicion of evidence tampering.
Oat said officials pried open the hood an hour after putting out the fire and told him the blaze had not originated in the engine.
'MISS NANCY' AMONG SCHOOL VOLUNTEERS HONORED
Outstanding volunteers in the public schools of the St. Thomas-St. John District were recognized by the Education Department at an awards ceremony on May 10, according to a press release issued May 23. Those honored for their 1999-2000 academic year contributions were:
– Ritza DeGout, Sydney Flax and Ulla F. Muller as Lifetime Volunteers;
– Dennis McEvoy as Non-parent Male Volunteer (at the Leonard Dober School);
– Nancy A. "Miss Nancy" Gotwalt as Non-parent Female Volunteer (at the Julius E. Sprauve School);
– Vinod "Vinnie" Mohanani as Male Parent Volunteer (at the Joseph Sibilly School);
– Myrtle Severin as Female Parent Volunteer (at Dober School); and
Connor Ledee (1st grade, Sibilly School), Dillon Ledee (1st grade, Sibilly School), Alani Gregory (6th grade, Sibilly School) and Jamal Martin (6th grade, Lockhart School) as Student Volunteers.
– Ritza DeGout, Sydney Flax and Ulla F. Muller as Lifetime Volunteers;
– Dennis McEvoy as Non-parent Male Volunteer (at the Leonard Dober School);
– Nancy A. "Miss Nancy" Gotwalt as Non-parent Female Volunteer (at the Julius E. Sprauve School);
– Vinod "Vinnie" Mohanani as Male Parent Volunteer (at the Joseph Sibilly School);
– Myrtle Severin as Female Parent Volunteer (at Dober School); and
Connor Ledee (1st grade, Sibilly School), Dillon Ledee (1st grade, Sibilly School), Alani Gregory (6th grade, Sibilly School) and Jamal Martin (6th grade, Lockhart School) as Student Volunteers.
EDUCATION SAYS THANKS TO SCHOOL VOLUNTEERS
Outstanding volunteers in the public schools of the St. Thomas-St. John District were recognized by the Education Department at an awards ceremony on May 10, according to a press release issued May 23. Those honored for their 1999-2000 academic year contributions were:
– Ritza DeGout, Sydney Flax and Ulla F. Muller as Lifetime Volunteers;
– Dennis McEvoy as Non-parent Male Volunteer (at the Leonard Dober School);
– Nancy A. Gotwalt as Non-parent Female Volunteer (at the Julius E. Sprauve School);
– Vinod "Vinnie" Mohanani as Male Parent Volunteer (at the Joseph Sibilly School);
– Myrtle Severin as Female Parent Volunteer (at Dober School); and
Connor Ledee (1st grade, Sibilly School), Dillon Ledee (1st grade, Sibilly School), Alani Gregory (6th grade, Sibilly School) and Jamal Martin (6th grade, Lockhart School) as Student Volunteers.
– Ritza DeGout, Sydney Flax and Ulla F. Muller as Lifetime Volunteers;
– Dennis McEvoy as Non-parent Male Volunteer (at the Leonard Dober School);
– Nancy A. Gotwalt as Non-parent Female Volunteer (at the Julius E. Sprauve School);
– Vinod "Vinnie" Mohanani as Male Parent Volunteer (at the Joseph Sibilly School);
– Myrtle Severin as Female Parent Volunteer (at Dober School); and
Connor Ledee (1st grade, Sibilly School), Dillon Ledee (1st grade, Sibilly School), Alani Gregory (6th grade, Sibilly School) and Jamal Martin (6th grade, Lockhart School) as Student Volunteers.
PROSSER WINS APPLAUSE FOR POLITICAL CANDOR
It is hard for me to believe that I find myself supporting Jeffery Prosser, in light of being critical of his consolidation of economic wealth in the islands. However, to be fair, one must be willing to be supportive if one is critical. Therefore, I find myself saying kudos to Mr. Prosser for his recent remarks to the business community at the St. Thomas-St. John Chamber of Commerce annual meeting.
Mr. Prosser hit the nail on the head when he stated that the St. Thomas-St. John Chamber "probably has the ability to become the most politically powerful organization in the Virgin Islands." It is too bad that the members of the chamber board of directors do not realize it! The Chamber of Commerce has been "diplomatic" in order to be kind, in order not to ruffle any feathers in the political community. Cited your reason(s), but the truth is the truth.
I agree with Mr. Prosser's remarks that the business community is the key to solving the problems of this territory. After all, does it not make sense that the business community would want to take care of the goose that lays the golden eggs? Mr. Prosser continued, "the territory's private sector as a community seems to have lost its way by expressing a reluctance to speak out on vital issues. Instead, business leaders have allowed themselves to be terrorized by political leaders who have cleverly characterized businesses as the villains."
Yes, yes, yes, I could not agree more. Mr. Prosser, I wish I could shake your hand for speaking out!
As a small business owner, I do not carry the "muscle" that Mr. Prosser wields, but I am appreciative of any business person speaking up and taking a stand. I respect that. Now if only the majority of voters would see it in the same light. The business community in these islands is not the enemy. Rather, we are — or can be — a friend, if taken to task and asked to contribute our expertise to address our islands' woes.
Changes need to be made. If political, economic, and social changes can be made, and made soon, we have the ability to chart a course for recovery that will affect the lives of all residents — and, most importantly, the future generation, our children.
Vinnie Mohanani
St. Thomas
Mr. Prosser hit the nail on the head when he stated that the St. Thomas-St. John Chamber "probably has the ability to become the most politically powerful organization in the Virgin Islands." It is too bad that the members of the chamber board of directors do not realize it! The Chamber of Commerce has been "diplomatic" in order to be kind, in order not to ruffle any feathers in the political community. Cited your reason(s), but the truth is the truth.
I agree with Mr. Prosser's remarks that the business community is the key to solving the problems of this territory. After all, does it not make sense that the business community would want to take care of the goose that lays the golden eggs? Mr. Prosser continued, "the territory's private sector as a community seems to have lost its way by expressing a reluctance to speak out on vital issues. Instead, business leaders have allowed themselves to be terrorized by political leaders who have cleverly characterized businesses as the villains."
Yes, yes, yes, I could not agree more. Mr. Prosser, I wish I could shake your hand for speaking out!
As a small business owner, I do not carry the "muscle" that Mr. Prosser wields, but I am appreciative of any business person speaking up and taking a stand. I respect that. Now if only the majority of voters would see it in the same light. The business community in these islands is not the enemy. Rather, we are — or can be — a friend, if taken to task and asked to contribute our expertise to address our islands' woes.
Changes need to be made. If political, economic, and social changes can be made, and made soon, we have the ability to chart a course for recovery that will affect the lives of all residents — and, most importantly, the future generation, our children.
Vinnie Mohanani
St. Thomas
GOVERNMENT HOUSE REOPENING SET FOR JUNE 4
After nearly 30 months of renovations, St. Croix’s 258-year-old Government House will be unveiled on June 4.
Work crews began what turned out to be more than $13 million worth of renovations on the historic building two and a half years ago. The project was originally scheduled to be completed by March 1999, but Hurricane Georges in September 1998 and other setbacks slowed progress. In mid-August of last year workers discovered lead paint on interior walls, which took about a month to remove.
Four skeletons unearthed during the renovation work in the building courtyard will be reburied.
Ohanio Harris, special assistant to Gov. Charles W. Turnbull, said on Wednesday that the grand reopening will take place in the Hall of Mirrors ballroom, which can accommodate 500 people. After the celebration, the three-story building will be used for government work. The first floor will house the Office of the Lieutenant Governor and the second floor, the Office of the Governor. The third floor will be the governor’s residence on St. Croix.
"This will be a working building in addition to a residence of the governor," Harris said.
Earlier this week, Turnbull said that once the building is completed, he plans to spend up to three days at a time on St. Croix instead of making daytrips.
The renovated complex also has a conference room that can seat 26 people for Cabinet meetings, Harris said.
In an administration such as Turnbull’s with the Cabinet made up of mostly St. Croix residents, Harris said, the renovated building will assist "immensely in reducing" travel costs.
The June 4 celebration in the Hall of Mirrors is by invitation only, Harris said. However, he said, television monitors will be set up in the courtyard for those who wish to be close to the activities.
Work crews began what turned out to be more than $13 million worth of renovations on the historic building two and a half years ago. The project was originally scheduled to be completed by March 1999, but Hurricane Georges in September 1998 and other setbacks slowed progress. In mid-August of last year workers discovered lead paint on interior walls, which took about a month to remove.
Four skeletons unearthed during the renovation work in the building courtyard will be reburied.
Ohanio Harris, special assistant to Gov. Charles W. Turnbull, said on Wednesday that the grand reopening will take place in the Hall of Mirrors ballroom, which can accommodate 500 people. After the celebration, the three-story building will be used for government work. The first floor will house the Office of the Lieutenant Governor and the second floor, the Office of the Governor. The third floor will be the governor’s residence on St. Croix.
"This will be a working building in addition to a residence of the governor," Harris said.
Earlier this week, Turnbull said that once the building is completed, he plans to spend up to three days at a time on St. Croix instead of making daytrips.
The renovated complex also has a conference room that can seat 26 people for Cabinet meetings, Harris said.
In an administration such as Turnbull’s with the Cabinet made up of mostly St. Croix residents, Harris said, the renovated building will assist "immensely in reducing" travel costs.
The June 4 celebration in the Hall of Mirrors is by invitation only, Harris said. However, he said, television monitors will be set up in the courtyard for those who wish to be close to the activities.
PROSSER WINS APPLAUSE FOR POLITICAL CANDOR
It is hard for me to believe that I find myself supporting Jeffery Prosser, in light of being critical of his consolidation of economic wealth in the islands. However, to be fair, one must be willing to be supportive if one is critical. Therefore, I find myself saying kudos to Mr. Prosser for his recent remarks to the business community at the St. Thomas-St. John Chamber of Commerce annual meeting.
Mr. Prosser hit the nail on the head when he stated that the St. Thomas-St. John Chamber "probably has the ability to become the most politically powerful organization in the Virgin Islands." It is too bad that the members of the chamber board of directors do not realize it! The Chamber of Commerce has been "diplomatic" in order to be kind, in order not to ruffle any feathers in the political community. Cited your reason(s), but the truth is the truth.
I agree with Mr. Prosser's remarks that the business community is the key to solving the problems of this territory. After all, does it not make sense that the business community would want to take care of the goose that lays the golden eggs? Mr. Prosser continued, "the territory's private sector as a community seems to have lost its way by expressing a reluctance to speak out on vital issues. Instead, business leaders have allowed themselves to be terrorized by political leaders who have cleverly characterized businesses as the villains."
Yes, yes, yes, I could not agree more. Mr. Prosser, I wish I could shake your hand for speaking out!
As a small business owner, I do not carry the "muscle" that Mr. Prosser wields, but I am appreciative of any business person speaking up and taking a stand. I respect that. Now if only the majority of voters would see it in the same light. The business community in these islands is not the enemy. Rather, we are — or can be — a friend, if taken to task and asked to contribute our expertise to address our islands' woes.
Changes need to be made. If political, economic, and social changes can be made, and made soon, we have the ability to chart a course for recovery that will affect the lives of all residents — and, most importantly, the future generation, our children.
Vinnie Mohanani
St. Thomas
Mr. Prosser hit the nail on the head when he stated that the St. Thomas-St. John Chamber "probably has the ability to become the most politically powerful organization in the Virgin Islands." It is too bad that the members of the chamber board of directors do not realize it! The Chamber of Commerce has been "diplomatic" in order to be kind, in order not to ruffle any feathers in the political community. Cited your reason(s), but the truth is the truth.
I agree with Mr. Prosser's remarks that the business community is the key to solving the problems of this territory. After all, does it not make sense that the business community would want to take care of the goose that lays the golden eggs? Mr. Prosser continued, "the territory's private sector as a community seems to have lost its way by expressing a reluctance to speak out on vital issues. Instead, business leaders have allowed themselves to be terrorized by political leaders who have cleverly characterized businesses as the villains."
Yes, yes, yes, I could not agree more. Mr. Prosser, I wish I could shake your hand for speaking out!
As a small business owner, I do not carry the "muscle" that Mr. Prosser wields, but I am appreciative of any business person speaking up and taking a stand. I respect that. Now if only the majority of voters would see it in the same light. The business community in these islands is not the enemy. Rather, we are — or can be — a friend, if taken to task and asked to contribute our expertise to address our islands' woes.
Changes need to be made. If political, economic, and social changes can be made, and made soon, we have the ability to chart a course for recovery that will affect the lives of all residents — and, most importantly, the future generation, our children.
Vinnie Mohanani
St. Thomas
