The Roy L. Schneider Hospital on St. Thomas and the Myrah Keating Smith Community Health Center on St. John are hosting various activities to mark National Hospitals Week and National Nurses Week, both being observed May 7-13.
The theme for the local observances is "Touching the Future with Care."
Activities throughout the week will include a religious program, an open house, employee recognition for years of service, a fashion show and auction and a dinner dance. While most of the observances focus on employees and their families, all are open to the public.
The first event will be a religious service on Monday at 10 a.m. in the Schneider Hospital lobby.
On Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. the lobby will be the scene of an "open house" featuring exhibits of laboratory services and other aspects of health care.
On Wednesday at 10 a.m., the hospital's first-ever ceremony to recognize employees of long standing will be held. Certificates will be presented to those with 30, 25, 20, 15, 10 and 5 years of service. The program will also include announcement of the employee of the year, supervisor of the year, physician of the year and nurse of the year. In addition, certificates will be presented to graduates of the hospital's recent customer service relations course who were not on duty on the day that presentations were first made. All of those employees recognized this day will be treated to lunch.
Friday evening will bring an event for nurses — a cocktail sip, fashion show and auction at Palms Court Harbourview Hotel, beginning at 6:30 p.m.
The week's observances will conclude on Saturday with a dinner dance, also at Palm Courts Harbourview, honoring the four employees of the year. It will feature music by the Starlites and a silent auction of jewelry and weekend getaways. Tickets are $25.
On St. John, Keating Clinic administrator Erica McDonald said special in-house events are planned throughout Thursday. They include recognition of staff members with long years of service, honoring an employee about to retire, announcing the employee of the year and a luncheon for employees. While no formal "open house" is planned, McDonald said, "This would be a good day for people who haven't been to see the clinic before to stop by."
For more information, call the Schneider Hospital at 776-8311, ext. 2273, or the Keating clinic at 693-8900.
IF ST. JOHN VITRAN FAILS, HOW ABOUT VARTRAN?
With layoffs scheduled to take effect Thursday for St. John's entire Vitran work force except for the one supervisor, a local transportation business is looking into a private-sector approach to preserve public transit on the island if all else fails.
Varlack Ventures, one of the two companies operating public ferry service between St. John and St. Thomas, already operates bus service on St. John — the public school buses. General manager Delrise Varlack said she had reservations about taking on a public transit system on land, given the company's experiences with the government in operating public ferry service. However, she acknowledged talking last week with attorney Derek Hodge about the possibility.
Company president Rodney Varlack reportedly told Sen. Almando "Rocky" Liburd that he would develop a contingency plan to preserve the island's three-year-old bus service.
Meantime, Public Works Commissioner Harold Thompson Jr. reportedly told Liburd he would do all he could to keep the St. John buses running, in spite of the Turnbull administration mandate to cut Vitran operations in half.
The whole St. John crew stands to be laid off because the United Steelworkers Union, representing public transit workers, has a last-hired, first-fired contract provision on layoffs.
Permanent St. John Vitran service began only two years ago. So, union leaders said, St. John drivers, mechanics and maintenance workers, having been hired last, would be subject to layoff first.
St. Thomas employees with greater seniority would be offered the St. John jobs, they said — but only if they agreed to move to the smaller island.
St. Thomas Vitran workers have reacted negatively to both the idea of relocating and the thought of displacing their fellow workers on St. John.
Told of the Varlack initiative, Steelworkers president Luis "Tito" Morales said private transit workers would have to undergo training to operate Vitran buses. He also said the buses would likely remain the property of the V.I. government.
However, Delrise Varlack said her school bus drivers already have received specialized training approved by the federal government.
During a meeting on Tuesday, May 2, of the St. John Transportation Advisory Committee, Morales said Vitran, currently run by Public Works, had fared much better under the private management of the Manassah Bus Co. in years past. He said government failure to secure available federal transportation funds and fulfill other obligations to Manassah ultimately scuttled the operation.
To save the system, Morales has said, management of Vitran should be taken away from Public Works. Rather than have the transit system turned over again to a private company, however, he would like to see the creation of a V.I. Transit Authority which would be solely responsible for bus operations.
Varlack Ventures, one of the two companies operating public ferry service between St. John and St. Thomas, already operates bus service on St. John — the public school buses. General manager Delrise Varlack said she had reservations about taking on a public transit system on land, given the company's experiences with the government in operating public ferry service. However, she acknowledged talking last week with attorney Derek Hodge about the possibility.
Company president Rodney Varlack reportedly told Sen. Almando "Rocky" Liburd that he would develop a contingency plan to preserve the island's three-year-old bus service.
Meantime, Public Works Commissioner Harold Thompson Jr. reportedly told Liburd he would do all he could to keep the St. John buses running, in spite of the Turnbull administration mandate to cut Vitran operations in half.
The whole St. John crew stands to be laid off because the United Steelworkers Union, representing public transit workers, has a last-hired, first-fired contract provision on layoffs.
Permanent St. John Vitran service began only two years ago. So, union leaders said, St. John drivers, mechanics and maintenance workers, having been hired last, would be subject to layoff first.
St. Thomas employees with greater seniority would be offered the St. John jobs, they said — but only if they agreed to move to the smaller island.
St. Thomas Vitran workers have reacted negatively to both the idea of relocating and the thought of displacing their fellow workers on St. John.
Told of the Varlack initiative, Steelworkers president Luis "Tito" Morales said private transit workers would have to undergo training to operate Vitran buses. He also said the buses would likely remain the property of the V.I. government.
However, Delrise Varlack said her school bus drivers already have received specialized training approved by the federal government.
During a meeting on Tuesday, May 2, of the St. John Transportation Advisory Committee, Morales said Vitran, currently run by Public Works, had fared much better under the private management of the Manassah Bus Co. in years past. He said government failure to secure available federal transportation funds and fulfill other obligations to Manassah ultimately scuttled the operation.
To save the system, Morales has said, management of Vitran should be taken away from Public Works. Rather than have the transit system turned over again to a private company, however, he would like to see the creation of a V.I. Transit Authority which would be solely responsible for bus operations.
KIDS RUN THE STREETS
The 2nd Annual "The Children Run Christiansted" was the final tune-up event before the St. Croix International Triathlon.
The runners, 13 years old and under, sprinted through the historic streets of Christiansted from the Florence Williams Public Library to the Hendricks Market on Company Street. Travis Morton was the first place finisher, improving on his 9th place finish last year. His time for the 520 meter course was 1 minute and 39 seconds.
Shelby Cruz was the first place female. She improved on her third place finish of last year with a time of 1:42. She was the second place finisher overall. K'Kendai Goodwin was the second place male in 1:43; and Aaron Getilucci was third in 1:49. Yasmin Mannan was the second place female in 2:02 and Cisisel Holloway was close behind for third in 2:05.
Age Group Winners:
10 to 13 Male
1. Travis Morton 1:39.36; 2. J'Kendai Goodwin 1:52.25; 3. Aaron Gitilucci 1:49.52
10 to 13 Female 1. Shelby Cruz 1:42.17; 2. Digna Wshington 2:07.27; 3. Britta Victor 2:07.8
8 to 9 Male
1. Jnuru Goodwin 1:52.25; 2. Barrett Botkin 2:06.08; 3. Noah Tobias 2:08.69
8 to 9 Female
1. Yasmin Mannan 2:02.46; 2. Cissel Holloway 2:05.10; 3. Johntel Green 2:19.71
7 and Under Male
1. Alex Bradbury 2:23.16; 2. John Henry Greene 2:25.48; 3. Jelani Rollins 2:30.72
7 and Under Female
1. Jsshra Goodwin 2:1;9.30; 2. Camila Sanchez 2:39.19; 3. Madline Duggin 2:51.67
The Finishers Male:
1.Travis Morton 139.36; 2. J'Kendai Goodwin 1:43.29; 3. Aaron Getilucci 1:49.1:49.52; 4. Jnuru Goodwin 1:52.25; 5. Calvin Spascent 1:57.83; 6. Barrett Botkin 2:06.08; 7. Noah Tobias 2:08.69; 8. Jameil Harris 2:21.99; 9. Alex Bradbury 2:23.16; 10. John Henry Greene 2:25.48; 11. Jelani Rollins 2:30.72; 12. No Name 13. Billy Gibbons 2:37.85; 14. No Name 15. Oran Gustitis 2:46.49; 16. No Name; 17. No Name; 18. No Name; 19. Oamari Rollins 3:13.90; 20. Alex Hensley 3:29.93; 21. No Name; 22. Alex Lewit 4:25.84; 23. Alexander Washington 4:32.11
The Finishers Female:
1. Shelby Cruz 1:42.17; 2. Yasmin Mannan 2:02.46; 3. Cisisel Holloway 2:05.10; 4. Digna Washington 2:07.27; 5. Britta Victor 2:07.80; 6. Morganne Meaney 2:12.30; 7. Jsshra Goodwin 2:19.30 8. Johntel Greene 2:19.77; 9. Sandra Hart 2:20.74; 10. Amanda Atkinson 2:31.89; 11. No Name; 12. Camila Sanchez 2:39.19; 13. No Name; 14. No Name; 15. Madeleine Duggan 2:51.67; 16. Marissa Washington 2:54.33; 17. Megan Grant 2:55.33; 18. Angelicia Dascent 2:58.41; 19. Gisselle Hart 3:00.56; 20. No Name 21. Jennifer Hensley3:17.62; 22. Manuela Sanchez 3:23.20;
The runners, 13 years old and under, sprinted through the historic streets of Christiansted from the Florence Williams Public Library to the Hendricks Market on Company Street. Travis Morton was the first place finisher, improving on his 9th place finish last year. His time for the 520 meter course was 1 minute and 39 seconds.
Shelby Cruz was the first place female. She improved on her third place finish of last year with a time of 1:42. She was the second place finisher overall. K'Kendai Goodwin was the second place male in 1:43; and Aaron Getilucci was third in 1:49. Yasmin Mannan was the second place female in 2:02 and Cisisel Holloway was close behind for third in 2:05.
Age Group Winners:
10 to 13 Male
1. Travis Morton 1:39.36; 2. J'Kendai Goodwin 1:52.25; 3. Aaron Gitilucci 1:49.52
10 to 13 Female 1. Shelby Cruz 1:42.17; 2. Digna Wshington 2:07.27; 3. Britta Victor 2:07.8
8 to 9 Male
1. Jnuru Goodwin 1:52.25; 2. Barrett Botkin 2:06.08; 3. Noah Tobias 2:08.69
8 to 9 Female
1. Yasmin Mannan 2:02.46; 2. Cissel Holloway 2:05.10; 3. Johntel Green 2:19.71
7 and Under Male
1. Alex Bradbury 2:23.16; 2. John Henry Greene 2:25.48; 3. Jelani Rollins 2:30.72
7 and Under Female
1. Jsshra Goodwin 2:1;9.30; 2. Camila Sanchez 2:39.19; 3. Madline Duggin 2:51.67
The Finishers Male:
1.Travis Morton 139.36; 2. J'Kendai Goodwin 1:43.29; 3. Aaron Getilucci 1:49.1:49.52; 4. Jnuru Goodwin 1:52.25; 5. Calvin Spascent 1:57.83; 6. Barrett Botkin 2:06.08; 7. Noah Tobias 2:08.69; 8. Jameil Harris 2:21.99; 9. Alex Bradbury 2:23.16; 10. John Henry Greene 2:25.48; 11. Jelani Rollins 2:30.72; 12. No Name 13. Billy Gibbons 2:37.85; 14. No Name 15. Oran Gustitis 2:46.49; 16. No Name; 17. No Name; 18. No Name; 19. Oamari Rollins 3:13.90; 20. Alex Hensley 3:29.93; 21. No Name; 22. Alex Lewit 4:25.84; 23. Alexander Washington 4:32.11
The Finishers Female:
1. Shelby Cruz 1:42.17; 2. Yasmin Mannan 2:02.46; 3. Cisisel Holloway 2:05.10; 4. Digna Washington 2:07.27; 5. Britta Victor 2:07.80; 6. Morganne Meaney 2:12.30; 7. Jsshra Goodwin 2:19.30 8. Johntel Greene 2:19.77; 9. Sandra Hart 2:20.74; 10. Amanda Atkinson 2:31.89; 11. No Name; 12. Camila Sanchez 2:39.19; 13. No Name; 14. No Name; 15. Madeleine Duggan 2:51.67; 16. Marissa Washington 2:54.33; 17. Megan Grant 2:55.33; 18. Angelicia Dascent 2:58.41; 19. Gisselle Hart 3:00.56; 20. No Name 21. Jennifer Hensley3:17.62; 22. Manuela Sanchez 3:23.20;
ROTARY II TO HOST GUY MITCHELL
Rotary II St. Thomas will host guest speaker Guy Mitchell, chief of the Criminal Division of the Attorney General's Office.
Mitchell will speak about the mentor ship program "Hoops Brothers."
The meeting will be held at 12:15 p.m. Wednesday, May 10 at Mahogany Run.
For more information, contact Susan MacFarland-Helton at 776-0677.
Mitchell will speak about the mentor ship program "Hoops Brothers."
The meeting will be held at 12:15 p.m. Wednesday, May 10 at Mahogany Run.
For more information, contact Susan MacFarland-Helton at 776-0677.
SUNDAY SOAK-OUT IS CARNIVAL'S REAL LAST LAP
After the fireworks are over, after Carnival Village takes its midnight bow for the year, there's one more opportunity for revelers from home and abroad to celebrate culture, friendship and fun.
The annual soak-out at Magens Bay cannot be found on any schedule put out by the V.I. Carnival Committee. But every year on the Sunday after the Saturday Adults' Parade and fireworks, hundreds of Carnival participants and spectators spill onto the sand and fill the party sheds at the beach. Calypso and soca fill the air, as does the sound of the annual seaside steelpan tramp led by members of the Territorial Court Rising Stars Youth Steel Orchestra.
This year about a hundred people surrounded the small pan-around-the neck troupe as its members marched through the surf playing a tune by the late Trinidadian composer Aldwyn Roberts, the Lord Kitchener. Two women led the way holding between them the Virgin Islands flag.
Ivah Chesterfield, a pannist with the St. Thomas All Stars, was among the spectators. He said it's been 10 or 11 years since the first soak-out tramp, and that it's something he enjoys especially since it's a chance to let someone else play the music for a while.
Glenn "Kwabena" Davis grinned as he scratched out the rhythm on an ornate gourd. "Boy, am I glad we're having this last lap," he said. Adding to the band were a flute, a saxophone, a police whistle blown in staccato and an artfully played beer bottle.
For a Puerto Rican band leader named Vito, the beach party was an extra treat after the Carnival parade, an event he said he's come over to see for the past 17 years. "I love it, I never miss," he said.
Bathers stopped and stood to watch the tramp march by. Moments after it passed, some little boys raced away after a soccer ball. Across the road at one of the party sheds, a group of Virgin Islands ex-patriots home for the holidays danced the Electric Slide to the music of Xpress Band. Childhood friends, now middle-aged, they reminisced as their children and grandchildren met second and third cousins and started making Carnival memories of their own.
The annual soak-out at Magens Bay cannot be found on any schedule put out by the V.I. Carnival Committee. But every year on the Sunday after the Saturday Adults' Parade and fireworks, hundreds of Carnival participants and spectators spill onto the sand and fill the party sheds at the beach. Calypso and soca fill the air, as does the sound of the annual seaside steelpan tramp led by members of the Territorial Court Rising Stars Youth Steel Orchestra.
This year about a hundred people surrounded the small pan-around-the neck troupe as its members marched through the surf playing a tune by the late Trinidadian composer Aldwyn Roberts, the Lord Kitchener. Two women led the way holding between them the Virgin Islands flag.
Ivah Chesterfield, a pannist with the St. Thomas All Stars, was among the spectators. He said it's been 10 or 11 years since the first soak-out tramp, and that it's something he enjoys especially since it's a chance to let someone else play the music for a while.
Glenn "Kwabena" Davis grinned as he scratched out the rhythm on an ornate gourd. "Boy, am I glad we're having this last lap," he said. Adding to the band were a flute, a saxophone, a police whistle blown in staccato and an artfully played beer bottle.
For a Puerto Rican band leader named Vito, the beach party was an extra treat after the Carnival parade, an event he said he's come over to see for the past 17 years. "I love it, I never miss," he said.
Bathers stopped and stood to watch the tramp march by. Moments after it passed, some little boys raced away after a soccer ball. Across the road at one of the party sheds, a group of Virgin Islands ex-patriots home for the holidays danced the Electric Slide to the music of Xpress Band. Childhood friends, now middle-aged, they reminisced as their children and grandchildren met second and third cousins and started making Carnival memories of their own.
PARK SEEKING INPUT ON PLANNED HERITAGE CENTER
The V.I. National Park is about to embark on a public "environmental review process" preliminary to the creation of a new Environmental Heritage Center.
The process is expected to take 120 to 150 days. By September, National Park Supt. Russell Berry said, the National Park Service expects to reach decisions on the location and program and design concepts for the center.
According to Berry, the center is "to provide an educational opportunity for local youth and park visitors to learn the importance of preserving and protecting the extraordinary natural environment and cultural heritage" of the park.
Based upon strong local community support, the National Park Service has succeeded in having $3 million for construction of the center included in President Clinton's 2000-2002 biennium budget.
"While a very preliminary concept has been developed for budget purposes," an NPS release stated, "public input is needed on the center's location, functions and capacity, as well as any environmental, social and economic issues associated with its construction and operation."
A public meeting to discuss these and other issues relating to the center is scheduled for Monday, May 22, from 5 to 7 p.m. in the Legislature Building in Cruz Bay. Park officials will make a brief presentation on the planning process and review existing information concerning the center, then open discussion to answer questions and seek community input.
Another opportunity for community input will be a newsletter/questionnaire that will be circulated on St. John and St. Thomas and published by the Source, as well as posted on the Web sites of the V.I. National Park (www.nps.gov/viis) and the Friends of the National Park (www.friendsvinp.org). NPS officials also will make presentations to groups with an interest in the project and plan to conduct interviews with "key stakeholders." Any group wishing to host a presentation should call Jim Owens at 693-8950, ext. 228, to make arrangements.
Berry said the primary purpose of the center will be to provide local youth with hands-on educational activities in the areas of recent history, ancient history, relationship to the land and relationship to the sea. Park chief of interpretation Paul Thomas said the goal is "to provide the best possible setting and facility for the park to teach the importance of preserving and protecting the archeological, cultural, terrestrial and marine resources for this and future generations."
The process is expected to take 120 to 150 days. By September, National Park Supt. Russell Berry said, the National Park Service expects to reach decisions on the location and program and design concepts for the center.
According to Berry, the center is "to provide an educational opportunity for local youth and park visitors to learn the importance of preserving and protecting the extraordinary natural environment and cultural heritage" of the park.
Based upon strong local community support, the National Park Service has succeeded in having $3 million for construction of the center included in President Clinton's 2000-2002 biennium budget.
"While a very preliminary concept has been developed for budget purposes," an NPS release stated, "public input is needed on the center's location, functions and capacity, as well as any environmental, social and economic issues associated with its construction and operation."
A public meeting to discuss these and other issues relating to the center is scheduled for Monday, May 22, from 5 to 7 p.m. in the Legislature Building in Cruz Bay. Park officials will make a brief presentation on the planning process and review existing information concerning the center, then open discussion to answer questions and seek community input.
Another opportunity for community input will be a newsletter/questionnaire that will be circulated on St. John and St. Thomas and published by the Source, as well as posted on the Web sites of the V.I. National Park (www.nps.gov/viis) and the Friends of the National Park (www.friendsvinp.org). NPS officials also will make presentations to groups with an interest in the project and plan to conduct interviews with "key stakeholders." Any group wishing to host a presentation should call Jim Owens at 693-8950, ext. 228, to make arrangements.
Berry said the primary purpose of the center will be to provide local youth with hands-on educational activities in the areas of recent history, ancient history, relationship to the land and relationship to the sea. Park chief of interpretation Paul Thomas said the goal is "to provide the best possible setting and facility for the park to teach the importance of preserving and protecting the archeological, cultural, terrestrial and marine resources for this and future generations."
FOREIGN MEN SWEEP TOP PLACES IN TRIATHLON
Foreign men showed their American counterparts how to win triathlons Sunday by taking the first seven places in the 2000 St. Croix International Triathlon. American females fared better, winning first and third places in the women's division.
By the time last year's winner, Jimmy Riccitello of Arizona, crossed the finish line in Christiansted Sunday morning, triathletes from Belgium, Argentina, Denmark, New Zealand and Canada were already cooling down after swimming, cycling and running under a blazing sun.
First place and a prize of $7,000 went to Belgium's Luc Van Lierde in his initial St. Croix appearance. Van Lierde, winner of the 1999 Hawaii Ironman, finished in 2 hours, 31 minutes and 39 seconds, 1 minute and 36 seconds more than the St. Croix record of 2:30:03 set in 1995 by Australia's Greg Welch.
Argentina's Oscar Galindez won $4,500 for finishing second, Denmark's Peter Sandvang finished third for $3,250, New Zealand's Peter Clode was fourth for $2,200, his fellow New Zealander Cameron Brown was fifth for $1,500, Canada's Jamie Cleveland was sixth for $1,350, and Denmark's Allan Mansson was seventh for $1,250.
Then, and only then, came Riccitello, who had beaten everyone else for the past two years in St. Croix.
Among the women, with the same allocation of prize money, Joanna Zeiger, a Ph.D. candidate at Johns Hopkins University in Maryland, narrowly beat Canada's Carol Montgomery to the finish line. Zeiger's time was 2:53:44, almost 10 minutes short of the record.
Defending champion Karen Smyers of Massachusetts was third, Susanne Nielson of Denmark fourth, and Lisa Bentley of Canada fifth.
Among the many local men competing was The Source's own Jamie Bate, who, in his first attempt at a full-length triathlon, predicted that his time would be close to four hours. Bate crossed the finish line at the fort in Christiansted as the electronic timer showed 3 hours and 59 minutes.
All the contestants swam 2 kilometers (1.2 miles), biked 55 kilometers (35 miles) and ran 12 kilometers (7.4 miles).
By the time last year's winner, Jimmy Riccitello of Arizona, crossed the finish line in Christiansted Sunday morning, triathletes from Belgium, Argentina, Denmark, New Zealand and Canada were already cooling down after swimming, cycling and running under a blazing sun.
First place and a prize of $7,000 went to Belgium's Luc Van Lierde in his initial St. Croix appearance. Van Lierde, winner of the 1999 Hawaii Ironman, finished in 2 hours, 31 minutes and 39 seconds, 1 minute and 36 seconds more than the St. Croix record of 2:30:03 set in 1995 by Australia's Greg Welch.
Argentina's Oscar Galindez won $4,500 for finishing second, Denmark's Peter Sandvang finished third for $3,250, New Zealand's Peter Clode was fourth for $2,200, his fellow New Zealander Cameron Brown was fifth for $1,500, Canada's Jamie Cleveland was sixth for $1,350, and Denmark's Allan Mansson was seventh for $1,250.
Then, and only then, came Riccitello, who had beaten everyone else for the past two years in St. Croix.
Among the women, with the same allocation of prize money, Joanna Zeiger, a Ph.D. candidate at Johns Hopkins University in Maryland, narrowly beat Canada's Carol Montgomery to the finish line. Zeiger's time was 2:53:44, almost 10 minutes short of the record.
Defending champion Karen Smyers of Massachusetts was third, Susanne Nielson of Denmark fourth, and Lisa Bentley of Canada fifth.
Among the many local men competing was The Source's own Jamie Bate, who, in his first attempt at a full-length triathlon, predicted that his time would be close to four hours. Bate crossed the finish line at the fort in Christiansted as the electronic timer showed 3 hours and 59 minutes.
All the contestants swam 2 kilometers (1.2 miles), biked 55 kilometers (35 miles) and ran 12 kilometers (7.4 miles).
FINANCE COMMITTEE TO REVIEW 5-YEAR PLAN
The Legislature's Finance Committee on Monday reviews the government's five-year strategic financial plan, which details various government reform recommendations and private sector initiatives aimed at reducing the government's $1.1 billion debt.
The plan was developed in response to Gov. Charles W. Turnbull's creation of an economic recovery task force and was drafted by its chairman, John P. de Jongh.
The plan proposes possible privatization and outsourcing of several state entities to boost revenue, including VITRAN, solid waste management, the Virgin Islands Lottery and government vehicle fleet management. It also suggests initiatives for the reorganization of central services and other governmental agencies.
The Finance Committee is chaired by Lorraine Berry. Also on the committee are Senators David Jones, Violet Anne Golden, Gregory Bennerson, Roosevelt David, George Goodwin and Alicia Hansen.
The meeting is slated to begin at 10 a.m.
The plan was developed in response to Gov. Charles W. Turnbull's creation of an economic recovery task force and was drafted by its chairman, John P. de Jongh.
The plan proposes possible privatization and outsourcing of several state entities to boost revenue, including VITRAN, solid waste management, the Virgin Islands Lottery and government vehicle fleet management. It also suggests initiatives for the reorganization of central services and other governmental agencies.
The Finance Committee is chaired by Lorraine Berry. Also on the committee are Senators David Jones, Violet Anne Golden, Gregory Bennerson, Roosevelt David, George Goodwin and Alicia Hansen.
The meeting is slated to begin at 10 a.m.
CLINIC TO OBSERVE HOSPITALS AND NURSES WEEK
The Myrah Keating Smith Community Health Center on St. John and the Roy L. Schneider Hospital on St. Thomas are hosting various activities to mark National Hospitals Week and National Nurses Week, both being observed May 7-13.
The theme for the local observances is "Touching the Future with Care."
Activities throughout the week will include a religious program, an open house, employee recognition for years of service, a fashion show and auction and a dinner dance. While most of the observances focus on employees and their families, all are open to the public.
On St. John, Keating Clinic administrator Erica McDonald said special in-house events are planned throughout Thursday. They include recognition of staff members with long years of service, honoring an employee about to retire, announcing the employee of the year and a luncheon for employees. While no formal "open house" is planned, McDonald said, "This would be a good day for people who haven't been to see the clinic before to stop by."
On St. Thomas, the first event will be a religious service on Monday at 10 a.m. in the Schneider Hospital lobby.
On Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. the lobby will be the scene of an "open house" featuring exhibits of laboratory services and other aspects of health care.
On Wednesday at 10 a.m., the hospital's first-ever ceremony to recognize employees of long standing will be held. Certificates will be presented to those with 30, 25, 20, 15, 10 and 5 years of service. The program will also include announcement of the employee of the year, supervisor of the year, physician of the year and nurse of the year. In addition, certificates will be presented to graduates of the hospital's recent customer service relations course who were not on duty on the day that presentations were first made. All of those employees recognized this day will be treated to lunch.
Friday evening will bring an event for nurses — a cocktail sip, fashion show and auction at Palms Court Harbourview Hotel, beginning at 6:30 p.m.
The week's observances will conclude on Saturday with a dinner dance, also at Palm Courts Harbourview, honoring the four employees of the year. It will feature music by the Starlites and a silent auction of jewelry and weekend getaways. Tickets are $25.
For more information, call the Schneider Hospital at 776-8311, ext. 2273, or the Keating clinic at 693-8900.
The theme for the local observances is "Touching the Future with Care."
Activities throughout the week will include a religious program, an open house, employee recognition for years of service, a fashion show and auction and a dinner dance. While most of the observances focus on employees and their families, all are open to the public.
On St. John, Keating Clinic administrator Erica McDonald said special in-house events are planned throughout Thursday. They include recognition of staff members with long years of service, honoring an employee about to retire, announcing the employee of the year and a luncheon for employees. While no formal "open house" is planned, McDonald said, "This would be a good day for people who haven't been to see the clinic before to stop by."
On St. Thomas, the first event will be a religious service on Monday at 10 a.m. in the Schneider Hospital lobby.
On Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. the lobby will be the scene of an "open house" featuring exhibits of laboratory services and other aspects of health care.
On Wednesday at 10 a.m., the hospital's first-ever ceremony to recognize employees of long standing will be held. Certificates will be presented to those with 30, 25, 20, 15, 10 and 5 years of service. The program will also include announcement of the employee of the year, supervisor of the year, physician of the year and nurse of the year. In addition, certificates will be presented to graduates of the hospital's recent customer service relations course who were not on duty on the day that presentations were first made. All of those employees recognized this day will be treated to lunch.
Friday evening will bring an event for nurses — a cocktail sip, fashion show and auction at Palms Court Harbourview Hotel, beginning at 6:30 p.m.
The week's observances will conclude on Saturday with a dinner dance, also at Palm Courts Harbourview, honoring the four employees of the year. It will feature music by the Starlites and a silent auction of jewelry and weekend getaways. Tickets are $25.
For more information, call the Schneider Hospital at 776-8311, ext. 2273, or the Keating clinic at 693-8900.
RISING STARS
Always inspiring, the Territorial Court Rising Stars may have led with a dragon's fire but the real soul moving fire still came from the rhythm of their steel pans.
