Stanley Hedrington and his partner, Jean Charlton, stood on the ramp of their commuter barge in Cruz Bay Tuesday greeting motorists.
"Welcome back," said one cheerful voice after another. The vessel, known then as the Tuglife, had ferried cars and trucks between Cruz Bay and Red Hook from last June until December. Then it literally disappeared overnight.
Now the barge is back — but with a different name, the Roanoke. With no fanfare, it resumed service over the weekend to a slow but enthusiastic reception.
"It's going," Hedrington said. "It's not as fast, considering the fact that everybody has to adjust."
Back in December, when the barge turned up missing, U.S. Coast Guard officials said the Tuglife had been repossessed by its owners in Florida because the Virgin Islands operators had fallen behind on their payments. Hedrington denied this. A few days later he left St. John on a mission to retrieve his vessel.
Now with barge again in Hedrington's possession, and what they say is a new set of investors, he and Charlton say the Tuglife is home to stay.
According to the local operators, Roanoke was the original name of the vessel. They said they restored the name last week while waiting for the Coast Guard to complete the change-of- ownership documentation.
However, Jim Ednes, a paralegal in the Coast Guard documentation office in Virginia, said the owners of the retrieved barge face possible fines of up to $10,000 a day if they change the name before the paperwork is done. "The vessel has to be currently documented," he said. "What has to be on the document has to be on the vessel."
The documentation office keeps records on the history of vessels registered by the Coast Guard, including ownership and any liens placed on a boat. There are liens against the barge, but Hendrington said he expected them to be dropped by next week.
Meanwhile, he said, the Roanoke, or the Tuglife, is operating seven days a week, with its first run departing from Red Hook at 6:15 a.m. and service every other hour until 6 p.m. The round-trip cost is $25 — the bargain rate Hedrington introduced last year, prompting his competition to lower their charges from as much as twice that amount.
HALF MILLION IN TOBACCO FUNDS ARRIVED IN APRIL
The V.I. coffers got an infusion of more than half a million dollars on April 17 as the "first annual payment" of the territory's portion of the multibillion-dollar national tobacco lawsuit settlement.
The payment was actually the third that the Virgin Islands has received, but the earlier wire-transfer deposits into a government bank account, on Dec. 14 and 31 of last year, constituted "initial payments," according to a press release issued by the V.I. Justice Department Tuesday.
Attorney General Iver Stridiron said he received word from the auditing firm of Pricewaterhouse Coopers of the April wire transfer of $592,395.62 to a government savings account at Banco Popular.
He said the total received to date is nearly $1.4 million of "the estimated $50 million to be received by the Virgin Islands over the next 25 years." However, he added, the April payment was less than the $615,000 anticipated. The reason, he said, was that "because of reporting and computer errors by the tobacco companies," overpayments were made in December to the states and territories that were party to the lawsuit being settled. The reduced April payment reflects adjustment to compensate for the overpayment.
Stridiron said he has been told that if the settling states and territories enact "model legislation related to tobacco sales reporting" by June 15, projected reductions in their annual share of the settlement proceeds "will be minimized." The Justice Department "will present a draft of the legislation to the governor for his consideration," he said.
The payment was actually the third that the Virgin Islands has received, but the earlier wire-transfer deposits into a government bank account, on Dec. 14 and 31 of last year, constituted "initial payments," according to a press release issued by the V.I. Justice Department Tuesday.
Attorney General Iver Stridiron said he received word from the auditing firm of Pricewaterhouse Coopers of the April wire transfer of $592,395.62 to a government savings account at Banco Popular.
He said the total received to date is nearly $1.4 million of "the estimated $50 million to be received by the Virgin Islands over the next 25 years." However, he added, the April payment was less than the $615,000 anticipated. The reason, he said, was that "because of reporting and computer errors by the tobacco companies," overpayments were made in December to the states and territories that were party to the lawsuit being settled. The reduced April payment reflects adjustment to compensate for the overpayment.
Stridiron said he has been told that if the settling states and territories enact "model legislation related to tobacco sales reporting" by June 15, projected reductions in their annual share of the settlement proceeds "will be minimized." The Justice Department "will present a draft of the legislation to the governor for his consideration," he said.
HALF MILLION IN TOBACCO FUNDS ARRIVES IN APRIL
The V.I. coffers got an infusion of more than half a million dollars on April 17 as the "first annual payment" of the territory's portion of the multibillion-dollar national tobacco lawsuit settlement.
The payment was actually the third that the Virgin Islands has received, but the earlier wire-transfer deposits into a government bank account, on Dec. 14 and 31 of last year, constituted "initial payments," according to a press release issued by the V.I. Justice Department Tuesday.
Attorney General Iver Stridiron said he received word from the auditing firm of Pricewaterhouse Coopers of the April wire transfer of $592,395.62 to a government savings account at Banco Popular.
He said the total received to date is nearly $1.4 million of "the estimated $50 million to be received by the Virgin Islands over the next 25 years." However, he added, the April payment was less than the $615,000 anticipated. The reason, he said, was that "because of reporting and computer errors by the tobacco companies," overpayments were made in December to the states and territories that were party to the lawsuit being settled. The reduced April payment reflects adjustment to compensate for the overpayment.
Stridiron said he has been told that if the settling states and territories enact "model legislation related to tobacco sales reporting" by June 15, projected reductions in their annual share of the settlement proceeds "will be minimized." The Justice Department "will present a draft of the legislation to the governor for his consideration," he said.
The payment was actually the third that the Virgin Islands has received, but the earlier wire-transfer deposits into a government bank account, on Dec. 14 and 31 of last year, constituted "initial payments," according to a press release issued by the V.I. Justice Department Tuesday.
Attorney General Iver Stridiron said he received word from the auditing firm of Pricewaterhouse Coopers of the April wire transfer of $592,395.62 to a government savings account at Banco Popular.
He said the total received to date is nearly $1.4 million of "the estimated $50 million to be received by the Virgin Islands over the next 25 years." However, he added, the April payment was less than the $615,000 anticipated. The reason, he said, was that "because of reporting and computer errors by the tobacco companies," overpayments were made in December to the states and territories that were party to the lawsuit being settled. The reduced April payment reflects adjustment to compensate for the overpayment.
Stridiron said he has been told that if the settling states and territories enact "model legislation related to tobacco sales reporting" by June 15, projected reductions in their annual share of the settlement proceeds "will be minimized." The Justice Department "will present a draft of the legislation to the governor for his consideration," he said.
HALF MILLION IN TOBACCO FUNDS ARRIVED IN APRIL
The V.I. coffers got an infusion of more than half a million dollars on April 17 as the "first annual payment" of the territory's portion of the multibillion-dollar national tobacco lawsuit settlement.
The payment was actually the third that the Virgin Islands has received, but the earlier wire-transfer deposits into a government bank account, on Dec. 14 and 31 of last year, constituted "initial payments," according to a press release issued by the V.I. Justice Department Tuesday.
Attorney General Iver Stridiron said he received word from the auditing firm of Pricewaterhouse Coopers of the April wire transfer of $592,395.62 to a government savings account at Banco Popular.
He said the total received to date is nearly $1.4 million of "the estimated $50 million to be received by the Virgin Islands over the next 25 years." However, he added, the April payment was less than the $615,000 anticipated. The reason, he said, was that "because of reporting and computer errors by the tobacco companies," overpayments were made in December to the states and territories that were party to the lawsuit being settled. The reduced April payment reflects adjustment to compensate for the overpayment.
Stridiron said he has been told that if the settling states and territories enact "model legislation related to tobacco sales reporting" by June 15, projected reductions in their annual share of the settlement proceeds "will be minimized." The Justice Department "will present a draft of the legislation to the governor for his consideration," he said.
The payment was actually the third that the Virgin Islands has received, but the earlier wire-transfer deposits into a government bank account, on Dec. 14 and 31 of last year, constituted "initial payments," according to a press release issued by the V.I. Justice Department Tuesday.
Attorney General Iver Stridiron said he received word from the auditing firm of Pricewaterhouse Coopers of the April wire transfer of $592,395.62 to a government savings account at Banco Popular.
He said the total received to date is nearly $1.4 million of "the estimated $50 million to be received by the Virgin Islands over the next 25 years." However, he added, the April payment was less than the $615,000 anticipated. The reason, he said, was that "because of reporting and computer errors by the tobacco companies," overpayments were made in December to the states and territories that were party to the lawsuit being settled. The reduced April payment reflects adjustment to compensate for the overpayment.
Stridiron said he has been told that if the settling states and territories enact "model legislation related to tobacco sales reporting" by June 15, projected reductions in their annual share of the settlement proceeds "will be minimized." The Justice Department "will present a draft of the legislation to the governor for his consideration," he said.
IF YOU'RE FOR THE WAPA DEAL, LET SENATORS KNOW
Vinnie Mohanani
Southern Energy and a V.I. government partnership? Yes, yes, yes!
I am all for it as a businessman, civic and community leader, and former candidate for the Legislature. I speak as a longtime resident who has had the opportunity to grow up here. It is high time we put the utilities in the hands of an enterprise that will look at the future needs of this community. In all the years I have lived here, it is obvious that the Water and Power Authority does not have the capability to meet the power and water needs of the Virgin Islands. Nor does it have the ability to meet the expected needs as the community grows.
Year after year, power outages, power surges and brown-outs have cost us money in damaged equipment or food spoilage. The residents and businesspeople continue to suffer. No one should expect WAPA to meet the future needs for power in these Islands if it has not been able to do so for the 29 years I have lived here.
I believe that opposition to change is taken by those who have no idea of the capabilities and resources that Southern Energy can contribute to a more efficient, reliable utility. The private sector cannot expand if the islands do not have the infrastructure to provide reliable water and power. Do you think Las Vegas or Atlantic City would have grown to be such attractions without adequate power or water? Let's face it, if WAPA were really a "cash cow," we would be able to fund many much-needed projects in our communities — and to meet our power and water needs.
While some may argue that WAPA only needs better management, the reality is that changes have not happened, and will not happen, in a time frame that makes a difference in our lifetime. Are those who oppose the deal truly against it because of there was no bidding process? Or do they just happen to be among the few who are gaining from having a tampered meter, or are they employees who are gaining from some dealings under the table?
What do we pass on to our children? Continued power outages? Or Southern Energy, which can and will provide a solution to our power outages and our future power and water needs so that we as a community can move on to tackle the next problem(s)?
It takes five minutes to contact a senator or a member of his or her staff to state your position on this matter. I urged residents from all four Islands to choose their form of communication — telephone, fax, e-mail or person-to-person — and make your voice heard saying that anything is better than the status quo. Do not take it for granted that the decision has already been made; let your voices be heard! If you support the Southern Energy/V.I. government partnership, let your elected officials know it.
In an election year, it comes down to numbers.Unfortunately, it is not what's best for the Virgin Islands but what will help our elected officials keep their jobs for the next two years that will determine how they vote on the WAPA issue. If legislators know or feel that a majority of voters supports the deal, that is the way they will vote. If they feel that a majority of voters is against the deal, that is the way they will vote.
Vinnie Mohanani
St. Thomas
Southern Energy and a V.I. government partnership? Yes, yes, yes!
I am all for it as a businessman, civic and community leader, and former candidate for the Legislature. I speak as a longtime resident who has had the opportunity to grow up here. It is high time we put the utilities in the hands of an enterprise that will look at the future needs of this community. In all the years I have lived here, it is obvious that the Water and Power Authority does not have the capability to meet the power and water needs of the Virgin Islands. Nor does it have the ability to meet the expected needs as the community grows.
Year after year, power outages, power surges and brown-outs have cost us money in damaged equipment or food spoilage. The residents and businesspeople continue to suffer. No one should expect WAPA to meet the future needs for power in these Islands if it has not been able to do so for the 29 years I have lived here.
I believe that opposition to change is taken by those who have no idea of the capabilities and resources that Southern Energy can contribute to a more efficient, reliable utility. The private sector cannot expand if the islands do not have the infrastructure to provide reliable water and power. Do you think Las Vegas or Atlantic City would have grown to be such attractions without adequate power or water? Let's face it, if WAPA were really a "cash cow," we would be able to fund many much-needed projects in our communities — and to meet our power and water needs.
While some may argue that WAPA only needs better management, the reality is that changes have not happened, and will not happen, in a time frame that makes a difference in our lifetime. Are those who oppose the deal truly against it because of there was no bidding process? Or do they just happen to be among the few who are gaining from having a tampered meter, or are they employees who are gaining from some dealings under the table?
What do we pass on to our children? Continued power outages? Or Southern Energy, which can and will provide a solution to our power outages and our future power and water needs so that we as a community can move on to tackle the next problem(s)?
It takes five minutes to contact a senator or a member of his or her staff to state your position on this matter. I urged residents from all four Islands to choose their form of communication — telephone, fax, e-mail or person-to-person — and make your voice heard saying that anything is better than the status quo. Do not take it for granted that the decision has already been made; let your voices be heard! If you support the Southern Energy/V.I. government partnership, let your elected officials know it.
In an election year, it comes down to numbers.Unfortunately, it is not what's best for the Virgin Islands but what will help our elected officials keep their jobs for the next two years that will determine how they vote on the WAPA issue. If legislators know or feel that a majority of voters supports the deal, that is the way they will vote. If they feel that a majority of voters is against the deal, that is the way they will vote.
Vinnie Mohanani
St. Thomas
VI-KING ARTHUR RULES OVER THE WARRIORS
Kenneth Arthur looked like a young Greg Maddux in leading the All Saints Vikings to their first baseball victory of the season, over the Wesleyan Warriors, 16-3, at the Kirwin Terrace ball park Monday evening.
The Vikings pitcher struck out 16 Warriors, holding them to three hits and three runs. The Warriors did not get a single hard hit off Arthur, who struck out 10 in a row, four in the fourth inning then the side in the fifth and the sixth.
For offense, the Vikings relied on catcher Alberto Callwood's perfect hitting as he went five for five at plate, including two home runs. Callwood hit one home run off a pitch intended to be a pitch out.
Vikings third baseman Brian McCoy and first baseman Jose Carillo each went three for five. McCoy also homered behind Callwood in the Vikings half of the sixth inning that put the game out of reach of the Warriors. Robert Clouden added two hits in four plate appearances in the Vikings' 16-hit attack.
The Vikings improved to 1-3 in varsity play as the Warriors dropped to 0-2 for the season.
The Vikings pitcher struck out 16 Warriors, holding them to three hits and three runs. The Warriors did not get a single hard hit off Arthur, who struck out 10 in a row, four in the fourth inning then the side in the fifth and the sixth.
For offense, the Vikings relied on catcher Alberto Callwood's perfect hitting as he went five for five at plate, including two home runs. Callwood hit one home run off a pitch intended to be a pitch out.
Vikings third baseman Brian McCoy and first baseman Jose Carillo each went three for five. McCoy also homered behind Callwood in the Vikings half of the sixth inning that put the game out of reach of the Warriors. Robert Clouden added two hits in four plate appearances in the Vikings' 16-hit attack.
The Vikings improved to 1-3 in varsity play as the Warriors dropped to 0-2 for the season.
Editor's note: Source sportswriter Steve Parris was the home plate umpire for this game.
POLICE, WICO, McDONALD'S TAKE SLOWPITCH TRIO
The Government and Industrial Coed Slowpitch Softball League came back into full swing Monday after its Carnival break with three games. Police beat Justice/Territorial Court, 16-7, in a battle of the Alexander Farrelly Complex inhabitants. West Indian Company went postal on Postal, winning 17-9. And McDonald's supersized the Ritz-Carlton, 9-5, in the nightcap.
Antonio Matthews led the Police from the mound and added a three-for-three performance at the plate. Teammates Victor McCullum went two for three and Kirk Thomas went three for five. Thomas had four RBI's, two coming on a home run in the fourth inning. Henry Thomas also hit a 2-run homerun in the first inning to aid the Police victory.
Although Lorne Victoria, Akil and Dale Brathwaite each went two for three at the plate, Justice/Territorial Court did itself great harm by committing nine errors. Ralph Francis was the losing pitcher.
In game two, WICO used a 19-hit barrage to subdue Postal., prevailing behind manager and shortstop Ezra Seals, who went three for four. John Narcisse picked up the victory.
Postal's Jennifer Jeffers went perfect at the plate with two hits in two at bats. Juan Rivera absorbed the lost.
In the final game, Glenroy Francis led off for McDonald's with a solo home run and went three for four at the plate. Teammate Rashawn Murraine went perfect at the plate, three for three, to help pitcher/manager Steve Hart win the game.
Ritz-Carlton's Domingo Gonzalez and Henry Baron between them accounted for seven of their team's nine hits. Wattley got the loss.
Antonio Matthews led the Police from the mound and added a three-for-three performance at the plate. Teammates Victor McCullum went two for three and Kirk Thomas went three for five. Thomas had four RBI's, two coming on a home run in the fourth inning. Henry Thomas also hit a 2-run homerun in the first inning to aid the Police victory.
Although Lorne Victoria, Akil and Dale Brathwaite each went two for three at the plate, Justice/Territorial Court did itself great harm by committing nine errors. Ralph Francis was the losing pitcher.
In game two, WICO used a 19-hit barrage to subdue Postal., prevailing behind manager and shortstop Ezra Seals, who went three for four. John Narcisse picked up the victory.
Postal's Jennifer Jeffers went perfect at the plate with two hits in two at bats. Juan Rivera absorbed the lost.
In the final game, Glenroy Francis led off for McDonald's with a solo home run and went three for four at the plate. Teammate Rashawn Murraine went perfect at the plate, three for three, to help pitcher/manager Steve Hart win the game.
Ritz-Carlton's Domingo Gonzalez and Henry Baron between them accounted for seven of their team's nine hits. Wattley got the loss.
TURNBULL APPLAUDS SUCCESSFUL CARNIVAL Y2K
Governor Charles W. Turnbull Monday said he is pleased to note that Carnival Y2K was a resounding success overall. In keeping with the spirit of the season, participants went all out in the lavish display of talent and design that we have become accustomed to for the annual celebration. "I want to extend a hearty thanks and appreciation to everyone who worked to make Carnival 2000 a resounding success. We were able to proceed in an orderly fashion without incidents, for which the entire community is grateful," Turnbull said.
The governor said he is also commending the various departments for their steadfast efforts to keep government services moving smoothly despite the long holiday period.
The Virgin Islands Police Department and all other law enforcement agencies were singled out for special mention. Turnbull said, "We are extremely happy to report that incidences of violence and public disturbances were kept to a bare minimum, in large part due to an increased police presence."
The governor also had high praise for the Departments of Public Works, Health, Planning and Natural Resources, Housing Parks and Recreation, WAPA and all other agencies that contributed to the success of Carnival 2000.
"Let me commend all the exciting participants that really bring the Carnival spirit alive," he said. Governor Turnbull said he is pleased to extend congratulations to the various winners and contestants in competition, to include the Carnival Queen and her Court, the Prince and Princess and their Court, parents, teachers, chaperones, and the V.1. Carnival Committee.
With its volunteer force, for all its effort in preparing the many events enjoyed by so many thousands this year. "Let us now look forward to planning for the success of Carnival 2001, and the Golden Jubilee Carnival 2002," Turnbull concluded.
The governor said he is also commending the various departments for their steadfast efforts to keep government services moving smoothly despite the long holiday period.
The Virgin Islands Police Department and all other law enforcement agencies were singled out for special mention. Turnbull said, "We are extremely happy to report that incidences of violence and public disturbances were kept to a bare minimum, in large part due to an increased police presence."
The governor also had high praise for the Departments of Public Works, Health, Planning and Natural Resources, Housing Parks and Recreation, WAPA and all other agencies that contributed to the success of Carnival 2000.
"Let me commend all the exciting participants that really bring the Carnival spirit alive," he said. Governor Turnbull said he is pleased to extend congratulations to the various winners and contestants in competition, to include the Carnival Queen and her Court, the Prince and Princess and their Court, parents, teachers, chaperones, and the V.1. Carnival Committee.
With its volunteer force, for all its effort in preparing the many events enjoyed by so many thousands this year. "Let us now look forward to planning for the success of Carnival 2001, and the Golden Jubilee Carnival 2002," Turnbull concluded.
2000 ST. THOMAS IAA
Here are the Varsity Baseball League standings as of May 10.
Team | Won | Lost | Pct. | GB |
Ivanna Eudora Kean | 3 | 0 | 1.000 | |
Antilles | 3 | 1 | .750 | 0.5 |
Charlotte Amalie | 1 | 2 | .333 | 2 |
All Saints | 1 | 3 | .250 | 2.5 |
Wesleyan Academy | 0 | 2 | .000 | 2.5 |
COED SLOWPITCH SOFTBALL LEAGUE STANDINGS
Watlington Division
——–Team—————-W—-L—-Pct.—-GB
1. UVI———————–5—-0—-1.000——-
2. National Guard————4—–1—–.800—–1
3. Health——————–4—–2—–.667—1.5
4. Tutu Park—————–4—–2—–.667—1.5
5. Police———————3—-2——.600—2
6. WICO———————-3—-2——.600—2
7. Justice/Terr’l Ct.————3—–3—–.500—2.5
8. Apex———————–2—–4—–.333—3.5
9. Fire———————–1—–5—–.167—4.5
10. Postal———————-0—–4——.000–4.5
11. IRB/Human Serv.————-0—–6——.000–5.5
Farrington Division
———–Team————–W—-L—-Pct.—-GB
1. Radio 1/AT&T————-4—–1——.800——-
2. Education—————–4—–1—–.800——-
3. ICC———————–3—–1—–.750—0.5
4. McDonalds—————–3—–1—–.750—0.5
5. Airport——————-4—–2—–.667—0.5
6. VIPA———————-3—–2—–.600—–1
7. WAPA———————-3—–2—–.600—–1
8. Crown Bay—————–1—–3—–.250—2.5
9. Cruise Ship Excur.——–1—–4—–.200—-3
10. Senate——————–0—–4—–.000—3.5
11. Ritz Carlton————-0—–5—–.000—-4
Tonight’s Games:
Justice/Terr’l Ct vs Fire
Apex vs WICO
First game starts at 7:00pm at Griffith Ballpark
——–Team—————-W—-L—-Pct.—-GB
1. UVI———————–5—-0—-1.000——-
2. National Guard————4—–1—–.800—–1
3. Health——————–4—–2—–.667—1.5
4. Tutu Park—————–4—–2—–.667—1.5
5. Police———————3—-2——.600—2
6. WICO———————-3—-2——.600—2
7. Justice/Terr’l Ct.————3—–3—–.500—2.5
8. Apex———————–2—–4—–.333—3.5
9. Fire———————–1—–5—–.167—4.5
10. Postal———————-0—–4——.000–4.5
11. IRB/Human Serv.————-0—–6——.000–5.5
Farrington Division
———–Team————–W—-L—-Pct.—-GB
1. Radio 1/AT&T————-4—–1——.800——-
2. Education—————–4—–1—–.800——-
3. ICC———————–3—–1—–.750—0.5
4. McDonalds—————–3—–1—–.750—0.5
5. Airport——————-4—–2—–.667—0.5
6. VIPA———————-3—–2—–.600—–1
7. WAPA———————-3—–2—–.600—–1
8. Crown Bay—————–1—–3—–.250—2.5
9. Cruise Ship Excur.——–1—–4—–.200—-3
10. Senate——————–0—–4—–.000—3.5
11. Ritz Carlton————-0—–5—–.000—-4
Tonight’s Games:
Justice/Terr’l Ct vs Fire
Apex vs WICO
First game starts at 7:00pm at Griffith Ballpark
