There were no buses rolling on St. John on Wednesday, six days after the island's 10 transit workers were all laid off as part of the Public Works Department's cutting of the Vitran work force in half territorywide.
And on St. Croix, where about 30 Vitran workers were laid off last week, it appeared that, as of Wednesday, only three buses were in operation on the island.
Figures were not immediately available for St. Thomas, but authorities had said earlier that five buses were on the road.
Meantime, the head of one of the unions representing the public transit workers said Wednesday that the government has violated its contract with the Vitran workers by unilaterally suspending all scheduled leave, including vacations.
Luis "Tito" Morales, president of the United Steelworkers Union local, which represents Vitran workers on St. Thomas and St. John, expressed outrage Wednesday at a memo put out two days earlier by Public Works Commissioner Harold Thompson Jr. "I received a memo from Harold Thompson dated the 15th of May saying he is suspending all leave, including all vacation leave," he said. "And that goes against the contract."
Thompson and Karen Andrews, the government's chief negotiator, have cited a rise in absenteeism within the pared-down Vitran work force. With St. John's transit services now in the hands of St. Thomas drivers, the dispute over authorized leave may continue to impact public transit on the smaller island.
Thompson couldn't be reached Wednesday for comment on the status of the buses or on whether drivers were calling in sick. Mandrew said he was "not aware" of any sickout on St. Croix.
Because Vitran service on St. John just began in 1997, the employees hired for St. John had some of the least seniority in the union. So, when Turnbull administration officials decided to reduce the public transit work force by 62, the whole St. John crew was among the first to be laid off.
In announcing the coming layoffs several weeks ago, Thompson had said the cutbacks in personnel would reduce the number of buses serving St. Croix to five from seven and shrink the daily hours of operation to 14 from 16.
But as of Wednesday, Ralph Mandrew, president of the V.I. Workers Union, which represents Vitran employees on St. Croix, said, "The five buses they committed aren't running. There are three buses as far as I know."
Administration officials said the layoffs and cuts in service were needed because fare box revenues could not cover salaries, benefits, parts, fuel and other expenses of operating the public transit service. Vitran is approximately $12 million in the red despite V.I. government subsidies of $1.8 million per district. The officials note that the government is mandated to provide additional routes on St. John and to operate transportation for the disabled under the federal Americans with Disabilities Act, but these operations are unfunded.
Union leaders, meanwhile, say Vitran is foundering because of Public Works mismanagement. Mandrew said the current situation of fewer buses on the road than what was promised is a case in point.
"The question is," he said, "is the management sincere?"
Residents and workers in Cruz Bay stood at the roadside Wednesday trying to catch rides from passing motorists. One man standing near the Starfish Market said he had arrived on the 10 a.m. ferry from St. Thomas hoping to hop a bus for a quick trip to work in Coral Bay. Having met the unpleasant surprise of no bus service, he said he would be getting to work very late.
"It's unfair," he said.
Roberts had said she hoped to have the system back in smooth running order by the start of this week. But scheduling a commuting work force from St. Thomas and having to deal with the lack of a mechanic to service the St. John buses have posed serious setbacks.
Two of the laid-off St. John drivers are being kept on stand-by to substitute for late- arriving or no-show drivers drivers from St. Thomas. But it was mechanical problems that kept the sole bus scheduled to be in service on Wednesday parked instead in the Public Works yard at Gifft Hill.
"St. John is not working," Roberts said flatly Wednesday. "And it will not work as long as we don't have a mechanic."
ILLEGAL ALIENS PICKED UP IN FISH BAY, MANDAHL
Two groups of illegal immigrants landed by the light of the moon at almost the same time Wednesday morning on the south shore of St. John and the north shore of St. Thomas.
Twelve persons identified as Chinese nationals, all claiming origins from the People's Republic of China, were sighted in Estate Mandahl on St. Thomas around 3 a.m.. Meantime, police on St. John received a report around 4:15 a.m. of a landing in Fish Bay by another group whose members were later identified as five Chinese and 11 Haitians.
Immigration and Naturalization Service agents arrived in Cruz Bay to pick up the individuals detained by police at Zone D Command. As the group of men and women were led out handcuffed in pairs, they looked like a visiting group of college students — most in their 20s, neatly dressed in casual clothing, some wearing backpacks.
Those on St. Thomas were also picked up and taken into custody by Immigration and Naturalizaton Service authorities.
Ivan Ortiz, spokesman for the INS office in San Juan, said two of those detained in the Wednesday morning round-ups were minors.
Illegal entry by Chinese nationals on St. John has been ongoing since the early 1990s. What was unusual this time was the landing site, in residential Fish Bay on the island's south shore.
Ortiz said authorities in the Virgin Islands were still processing the detainees late Thursday afternoon. An appearance in District Court will likely be arranged by Friday, he said.
Twelve persons identified as Chinese nationals, all claiming origins from the People's Republic of China, were sighted in Estate Mandahl on St. Thomas around 3 a.m.. Meantime, police on St. John received a report around 4:15 a.m. of a landing in Fish Bay by another group whose members were later identified as five Chinese and 11 Haitians.
Immigration and Naturalization Service agents arrived in Cruz Bay to pick up the individuals detained by police at Zone D Command. As the group of men and women were led out handcuffed in pairs, they looked like a visiting group of college students — most in their 20s, neatly dressed in casual clothing, some wearing backpacks.
Those on St. Thomas were also picked up and taken into custody by Immigration and Naturalizaton Service authorities.
Ivan Ortiz, spokesman for the INS office in San Juan, said two of those detained in the Wednesday morning round-ups were minors.
Illegal entry by Chinese nationals on St. John has been ongoing since the early 1990s. What was unusual this time was the landing site, in residential Fish Bay on the island's south shore.
Ortiz said authorities in the Virgin Islands were still processing the detainees late Thursday afternoon. An appearance in District Court will likely be arranged by Friday, he said.
ILLEGAL ALIENS PICKED UP IN MANDAHL, FISH BAY
Two groups of illegal immigrants landed by the light of the moon at almost the same time Wednesday morning on the south shore of St. John and the north shore of St. Thomas.
Twelve persons identified as Chinese nationals, all claiming origins from the People's Republic of China, were sighted in Estate Mandahl on St. Thomas around 3 a.m.. Meantime, police on St. John received a report around 4:15 a.m. of a landing in Fish Bay by another group whose members were later identified as five Chinese and 11 Haitians.
Immigration and Naturalization Service agents arrived in Cruz Bay to pick up the individuals detained by police at Zone D Command. As the group of men and women were led out handcuffed in pairs, they looked like a visiting group of college students — most in their 20s, neatly dressed in casual clothing, some wearing backpacks.
Those on St. Thomas were also picked up and taken into custody by Immigration and Naturalizaton Service authorities.
Ivan Ortiz, spokesman for the INS office in San Juan, said two of those detained in the Wednesday morning round-ups were minors.
Illegal entry by Chinese nationals on St. John has been ongoing since the early 1990s. What was unusual this time was the landing site, in residential Fish Bay on the island's south shore.
Ortiz said authorities in the Virgin Islands were still processing the detainees late Thursday afternoon. An appearance in District Court will likely be arranged by Friday, he said.
Twelve persons identified as Chinese nationals, all claiming origins from the People's Republic of China, were sighted in Estate Mandahl on St. Thomas around 3 a.m.. Meantime, police on St. John received a report around 4:15 a.m. of a landing in Fish Bay by another group whose members were later identified as five Chinese and 11 Haitians.
Immigration and Naturalization Service agents arrived in Cruz Bay to pick up the individuals detained by police at Zone D Command. As the group of men and women were led out handcuffed in pairs, they looked like a visiting group of college students — most in their 20s, neatly dressed in casual clothing, some wearing backpacks.
Those on St. Thomas were also picked up and taken into custody by Immigration and Naturalizaton Service authorities.
Ivan Ortiz, spokesman for the INS office in San Juan, said two of those detained in the Wednesday morning round-ups were minors.
Illegal entry by Chinese nationals on St. John has been ongoing since the early 1990s. What was unusual this time was the landing site, in residential Fish Bay on the island's south shore.
Ortiz said authorities in the Virgin Islands were still processing the detainees late Thursday afternoon. An appearance in District Court will likely be arranged by Friday, he said.
TURNBULL MEETS WITH HEALTH ASSESSMENT TEAM
While in Washington this week, Gov. Charles W. Turnbull joined Delegate Donna Christian-Christensen at a meeting of a team she assembled in January to assess Virgin Islands health care system and infrastructure needs.
Among the topics discussed by the Health Infrastructure/Resource Development Team on Tuesday, according to a Government House press release, were the high incidence of HIV/AIDS infection and mental problems in the territory.
According to a release from Christensen's Washington office, two major issues were discussed — "the structure and compliance of community health centers" and the needs of mental health and substance abuse programs.
"The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration at HHS recently concluded an assessment in the territory and will be making specific, critical recommendations to the Department of Health," Christensen's release stated. That agency, it added, "is putting measures in place to provide our government with resources to fill the void that exists in the treatment of the mentally ill."
The release said the team, consisting mainly of HHS personnel and headed by Dr. Marilyn Gaston, assistant surgeon general, first met and toured the Virgin Islands in January. It will make a return visit on May 31-June 1 to work with local health officials to address the islands' health care needs.
The team has recommended the development of a territorial health plan and the establishment of a community health coalition "that will bring consumers, providers, payers and others into the planning and implementation of health services," the release stated.
Christensen said the "most important thing" about Tuesday's meeting was that "we could see progress" since the January meeting. "I am glad that the governor was able to join us," she said, "because on certain issues he is the only one who can make the requisite decisions."
The delegate, who is also a physician, organized the team after conducting a series of hearings on health needs in the territory in January. Its purpose is "to explore ways in which the federal government can better assist the territory," her release said.
Among the topics discussed by the Health Infrastructure/Resource Development Team on Tuesday, according to a Government House press release, were the high incidence of HIV/AIDS infection and mental problems in the territory.
According to a release from Christensen's Washington office, two major issues were discussed — "the structure and compliance of community health centers" and the needs of mental health and substance abuse programs.
"The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration at HHS recently concluded an assessment in the territory and will be making specific, critical recommendations to the Department of Health," Christensen's release stated. That agency, it added, "is putting measures in place to provide our government with resources to fill the void that exists in the treatment of the mentally ill."
The release said the team, consisting mainly of HHS personnel and headed by Dr. Marilyn Gaston, assistant surgeon general, first met and toured the Virgin Islands in January. It will make a return visit on May 31-June 1 to work with local health officials to address the islands' health care needs.
The team has recommended the development of a territorial health plan and the establishment of a community health coalition "that will bring consumers, providers, payers and others into the planning and implementation of health services," the release stated.
Christensen said the "most important thing" about Tuesday's meeting was that "we could see progress" since the January meeting. "I am glad that the governor was able to join us," she said, "because on certain issues he is the only one who can make the requisite decisions."
The delegate, who is also a physician, organized the team after conducting a series of hearings on health needs in the territory in January. Its purpose is "to explore ways in which the federal government can better assist the territory," her release said.
DHP&R EYEING POSSIBLE NEW FEDERAL FUNDING
Landmark legislation cleared the House of Representatives last week that could provide funding for parks, wildlife habitat, recreational facilities and historic sites in the territory.
The Conservation and Reinvestment Act was approved overwhelmingly in Congress and now heads to the Senate. The goal of the bill is to strengthen national, state and territorial efforts to protect natural and historic sites and to expand efforts to protect ocean and coastal resources.
If the proposal clears the Senate, hundreds of thousands of dollars will be available annually for local governments to rehabilitate recreation areas and facilities, said Delegate to Congress Donna Christian-Christensen.
Christensen said funding from the proposed legislation could be used by the V.I. government to fulfill a mandate issued late last year by a Territorial Court judge that ordered the Turnbull administration to develop a management plan for its Camp Arawak property on St. Croix. The Camp Arawak property contains historic structures and artifacts, is the site of an educational camp and sits near a barrier reef.
"That would be another area that would be eligible for spending," Christensen said.
The administration, however, contends it doesn’t have the minimum $500,000 estimated to restore the historic structures or maintain the property as a recreational site.
The funding could also be used to purchase land adjacent to Magens Bay on St. Thomas, Christensen said.
Ira Hobson, commissioner of the Department of Housing, Parks and Recreation, said he has been in contact with Christensen to identify areas in the territory, including Camp Arawak, that would qualify for funding. He noted, however, that allocations are made based on population.
Both Hobson and Christensen stressed that outlines of what the local government wants to do must be in place before funds are requested. In addition to the Camp Arawak master plan and a plan for a sports complex on St. Croix, Hobson said his department has developed a five-year plan to improve recreational facilities throughout the territory.
"When you don’t have a plan you can’t go to the federal government for funding," Hobson said.
If approved by the Senate in its present form, the Conservation and Reinvestment Act will provide annual dedicated funding nationally for the following:
* Impact Assistance and Coastal Preservation $1 billion
* Land and Water Conservation Fund Revitalization $900 million
* Wildlife Conservation and Restoration Fund $350 million
* Urban and Recreation Recovery $125 million
* Historic Preservation Fund $100 million
* Federal and Indian Lands Restoration $200 million
* Conservation Easements and Species Recovery $150 million
* Payment-in-Lieu of Taxes and Refuge Revenue Sharing $200 million
Christensen said that in order for the territory to capitalize on the possible funding, specific projects need to be identified. In addition to the obvious conservation projects like Magens and Camp Arawak, she said recreational areas in the territory’s housing communities need to be looked at as well.
"Since funding would be available on an annual basis we need to prioritize," she said.
Meanwhile, Hobson said that for the first time since 1994, his department will receive $50,000 from the Land and Water Conservation Fund for areas such as Cramers Park, D.C. Canegata and Bordeaux.
"I’m going to try to make this money work as best possible," he said.
The Conservation and Reinvestment Act was approved overwhelmingly in Congress and now heads to the Senate. The goal of the bill is to strengthen national, state and territorial efforts to protect natural and historic sites and to expand efforts to protect ocean and coastal resources.
If the proposal clears the Senate, hundreds of thousands of dollars will be available annually for local governments to rehabilitate recreation areas and facilities, said Delegate to Congress Donna Christian-Christensen.
Christensen said funding from the proposed legislation could be used by the V.I. government to fulfill a mandate issued late last year by a Territorial Court judge that ordered the Turnbull administration to develop a management plan for its Camp Arawak property on St. Croix. The Camp Arawak property contains historic structures and artifacts, is the site of an educational camp and sits near a barrier reef.
"That would be another area that would be eligible for spending," Christensen said.
The administration, however, contends it doesn’t have the minimum $500,000 estimated to restore the historic structures or maintain the property as a recreational site.
The funding could also be used to purchase land adjacent to Magens Bay on St. Thomas, Christensen said.
Ira Hobson, commissioner of the Department of Housing, Parks and Recreation, said he has been in contact with Christensen to identify areas in the territory, including Camp Arawak, that would qualify for funding. He noted, however, that allocations are made based on population.
Both Hobson and Christensen stressed that outlines of what the local government wants to do must be in place before funds are requested. In addition to the Camp Arawak master plan and a plan for a sports complex on St. Croix, Hobson said his department has developed a five-year plan to improve recreational facilities throughout the territory.
"When you don’t have a plan you can’t go to the federal government for funding," Hobson said.
If approved by the Senate in its present form, the Conservation and Reinvestment Act will provide annual dedicated funding nationally for the following:
* Impact Assistance and Coastal Preservation $1 billion
* Land and Water Conservation Fund Revitalization $900 million
* Wildlife Conservation and Restoration Fund $350 million
* Urban and Recreation Recovery $125 million
* Historic Preservation Fund $100 million
* Federal and Indian Lands Restoration $200 million
* Conservation Easements and Species Recovery $150 million
* Payment-in-Lieu of Taxes and Refuge Revenue Sharing $200 million
Christensen said that in order for the territory to capitalize on the possible funding, specific projects need to be identified. In addition to the obvious conservation projects like Magens and Camp Arawak, she said recreational areas in the territory’s housing communities need to be looked at as well.
"Since funding would be available on an annual basis we need to prioritize," she said.
Meanwhile, Hobson said that for the first time since 1994, his department will receive $50,000 from the Land and Water Conservation Fund for areas such as Cramers Park, D.C. Canegata and Bordeaux.
"I’m going to try to make this money work as best possible," he said.
BAHA'I ACTIVIST JOHN RUSHFORD DIES IN ISRAEL
John Rushford, affectionately known as "Twiggy," died after a brief illness Sunday, May 14, in Haifa, Israel. He had worked in the Baha'i community's International Teaching Center in Haifa for the last 14 years.
Rushford, a long-time St. Thomas resident, was the former husband of Realtor April Newland. He is survived by his wife, Serena, and a large circle of friends, both on St. Thomas and in Haifa. The local Baha'i community is planning a memorial service, with details to be announced.
Rushford, a long-time St. Thomas resident, was the former husband of Realtor April Newland. He is survived by his wife, Serena, and a large circle of friends, both on St. Thomas and in Haifa. The local Baha'i community is planning a memorial service, with details to be announced.
SEWAGE DISCHARGES CONTINUE AT FIGTREE
Discharges of millions of gallons of sewage into the sea from the out-of-commission Figtree Pump Station continue even though a federal judge ordered the spills to be stopped nine days ago.
In a release Tuesday, Public Works Commissioner Harold Thompson said critical electrical parts needed to get the pump station operational have been installed, but off-island technicians have yet to arrive to make the needed calibrations.
Thompson said the technicians were due to arrive from Atlanta Tuesday, but "circumstances" did not permit. The experts are now scheduled to arrive Wednesday.
On April 28, District Court Judge Thomas Moore ordered the Figtree Pump Station bypasses be stopped no later than May 8. He also laid out dates when the installation of pumps and other crucial equipment must take place.
V.I. government and federal attorneys have until May 19 to agree to final deadlines set by Moore to address a myriad of problems with Public Works’ wastewater system on St. Croix.
From that date, unless changes are made, the Figtree station must be fully operational with its full complement of pumps, back-up power and other equipment by June 30. By the same date, the LBJ station must have a number of fixes made, including all three of its pumps in operation.
Moore also calls for a series of repairs to the wastewater treatment plant so it can receive and treat inflows, the latest date being June 16. Moore has threatened jail time for public officials if the repairs aren’t made by the final deadline dates.
The delay with stopping the discharges at the Figtree station is because parts needed to repair it had to come from England, according to Thompson.
Thompson also said that by using a temporary pump at the LBJ station, sewage discharges over Long Reef have been stopped. Moore, however, noted that during peak hours or during heavy rains, the pump cannot handle flows and some discharges occur.
Thompson said Tuesday that a sewer line break near East Airport Road and the Melvin Evans Highway was repaired last Saturday.
In a release Tuesday, Public Works Commissioner Harold Thompson said critical electrical parts needed to get the pump station operational have been installed, but off-island technicians have yet to arrive to make the needed calibrations.
Thompson said the technicians were due to arrive from Atlanta Tuesday, but "circumstances" did not permit. The experts are now scheduled to arrive Wednesday.
On April 28, District Court Judge Thomas Moore ordered the Figtree Pump Station bypasses be stopped no later than May 8. He also laid out dates when the installation of pumps and other crucial equipment must take place.
V.I. government and federal attorneys have until May 19 to agree to final deadlines set by Moore to address a myriad of problems with Public Works’ wastewater system on St. Croix.
From that date, unless changes are made, the Figtree station must be fully operational with its full complement of pumps, back-up power and other equipment by June 30. By the same date, the LBJ station must have a number of fixes made, including all three of its pumps in operation.
Moore also calls for a series of repairs to the wastewater treatment plant so it can receive and treat inflows, the latest date being June 16. Moore has threatened jail time for public officials if the repairs aren’t made by the final deadline dates.
The delay with stopping the discharges at the Figtree station is because parts needed to repair it had to come from England, according to Thompson.
Thompson also said that by using a temporary pump at the LBJ station, sewage discharges over Long Reef have been stopped. Moore, however, noted that during peak hours or during heavy rains, the pump cannot handle flows and some discharges occur.
Thompson said Tuesday that a sewer line break near East Airport Road and the Melvin Evans Highway was repaired last Saturday.
TURNBULL URGES HAMPTON GRADS TO BE LEADERS
HAMPTON, VA. – Gov. Charles Turnbull, a graduate of Hampton University, told the 938 graduates of the school at its 130th Annual Commencement Exercises Sunday that it is their destiny to serve as leaders.
"Here you have received a world-class education and you are equipped to become leaders," Turnbull said at the ceremony held May 14.
The graduation address was a family affair for Turnbull. His nephew, Jamal Wells, received a bachelor's degree in architecture. Turnbull told the audience the definition of a leader according to his fellow Hamptonian and well-known educator in the Virgin Islands, Ruth Beagles, "Leaders explain reality, interpret the present and paint a picture of the future." Turnbull, who received his undergraduate degree from HU in 1958 and his master's degree from HU in 1959, said much of what he is today is a direct result of the faculty, administration and staff at HU who guided him.
"You stand on the shoulders of others who stood before you," Turnbull said. "Go forth and continue to make us proud."
A leader in the radio world, Tom Joyner of ABC's radio network's "The Tom Joyner Morning Show" received a honorary degree, doctor of humane letters. HU President William R. Harvey said Joyner was presented with the degree because of his commitment to African-American college students and HBCUs through the Tom Joyner Foundation. Joyner and many members of his family are graduates of HBCUs.
"HBCUs are part of my DNA," he said. "Set an example. Go out and recruit for your school and other HBCUs."
The Edward L. Hamm Sr. Distinguished Teaching Awards were presented to E. Nina Butts, assistant professor of health, physical education and recreation and Dr. Willie Darby, associate professor of chemistry. The Provost Innovative Teaching Award was presented to Dr. Zina McGee, associate professor of sociology.
The Outstanding Alumni-at-Large Awards were presented to Anne LeVonne Baird-Bridges of Roxboro, N.C., who works at the U.S. Department of Labor, and Dr. Regina Milteer-Rock, a medical director in Falls Church, Va. The Outstanding Twenty-Year Alumnus Award was presented to Brett Pulley, senior editor at Forbes Magazine and a native of Washington, D.C.
"Here you have received a world-class education and you are equipped to become leaders," Turnbull said at the ceremony held May 14.
The graduation address was a family affair for Turnbull. His nephew, Jamal Wells, received a bachelor's degree in architecture. Turnbull told the audience the definition of a leader according to his fellow Hamptonian and well-known educator in the Virgin Islands, Ruth Beagles, "Leaders explain reality, interpret the present and paint a picture of the future." Turnbull, who received his undergraduate degree from HU in 1958 and his master's degree from HU in 1959, said much of what he is today is a direct result of the faculty, administration and staff at HU who guided him.
"You stand on the shoulders of others who stood before you," Turnbull said. "Go forth and continue to make us proud."
A leader in the radio world, Tom Joyner of ABC's radio network's "The Tom Joyner Morning Show" received a honorary degree, doctor of humane letters. HU President William R. Harvey said Joyner was presented with the degree because of his commitment to African-American college students and HBCUs through the Tom Joyner Foundation. Joyner and many members of his family are graduates of HBCUs.
"HBCUs are part of my DNA," he said. "Set an example. Go out and recruit for your school and other HBCUs."
The Edward L. Hamm Sr. Distinguished Teaching Awards were presented to E. Nina Butts, assistant professor of health, physical education and recreation and Dr. Willie Darby, associate professor of chemistry. The Provost Innovative Teaching Award was presented to Dr. Zina McGee, associate professor of sociology.
The Outstanding Alumni-at-Large Awards were presented to Anne LeVonne Baird-Bridges of Roxboro, N.C., who works at the U.S. Department of Labor, and Dr. Regina Milteer-Rock, a medical director in Falls Church, Va. The Outstanding Twenty-Year Alumnus Award was presented to Brett Pulley, senior editor at Forbes Magazine and a native of Washington, D.C.
FUTURE LEADERS TO ASSEMBLE ON STT
The University of the Virgin Islands convenes its 6th Annual Summer Institute for Future Global Leaders in the Caribbean on the Thomas campus on Monday, May 22, 2000.
Forty-five young leaders from regional universities and colleges, as well as several mainland institutions, will undertake a two-week crash course, commencing on Tuesday May 23, designed to prepare them to guide the Caribbean into the 21st century as part of the new, global community.
"It is with great pleasure that I welcome participants to the 6th Annual Summer Institute for Future Global Leaders in the Caribbean," said Dr. Solomon Kabuka, chairman of UVI's Business Division and director of the Summer Institute. "It is my hope that during the intensive two-week session these academic achievers and leaders from their respective educational institutions will engage in vigorous discourse to shape their roles as future leaders in this region." This year's theme is, "Educating Global Leaders for the New Economy." According to Kabuka, most of the learning will focus on how to prepare leaders to be effective in an environment of e-commerce, wireless communication and the Internet.
Institute participants represent both UVI campuses, Morehouse University and
Clark Atlanta University in Georgia, Howard University in Washington, D.C., Tuskegee University in Alabama, Lincoln University in Pennsylvania, H. Lavity Stoutt Community College in the British Virgin Islands, Tennessee State University, Universite des Antilles et de la Guyane in Martinique, Mount Allison University in Canada, InterAmerican University, Universite Quisqueya and the University of Puerto Rico system in Puerto Rico and all three campuses of the University of the West Indies.
UVI President Dr. Orville Kean will welcome the program's participants and open the institute on Tuesday, May 23, at 8:30 a.m. in the Chase Auditorium. "As the University of the Virgin Islands hosts this Summer Institute for the year 2000, I encourage these participants to forge ahead with a single goal – to acquire the leadership competencies required to successfully advance the interests of the region in the global economy of the 21st century," Dr. Kean said.
His Excellency Dr. Patrick Lewis, Antigua and Barbuda Ambassador to the United Nations (U.N.), will present the opening keynote lecture on "Perspectives on Global Leadership in the Caribbean," at 9 a.m. on Tuesday May 23 in the Chase Auditorium. Ambassador Lewis, a former assistant professor of history at the University of Cincinnati and a former history professor, director of ethnic studies and a former member of the board of trustees of Hampton Institute, has been ambassador to the U.N. since 1995.
In addition to Lewis and several UVI professors, Dr. Carlyle Corbin, U.S.V.I. Representative for External Affairs; Dr. Fred Constant, Vice President for International Affairs, Universite des Antilles et de la Guyane (Martinique); Dr. Ben Newhouse, Dean of the School of Business at Tuskegee University and Dr. Brent Johnson, Director of Graduate Business Programs at Clark Atlanta University are among the seasoned academicians and practitioners who will comprise the Summer Institute faculty. Summer Institute alumnae, Tanginika S. Cuasurd (1995) and Diana Richardson (1999) will provide case studies on developing and implementing a leadership prospectus.
The leadership for tomorrow segment of the program is headed by UVI Vice President for Student Life and Development and Assistant Professor Dr. Ronald Harrigan.
The culture and communication unit, led by Dr. Gilbert Sprauve, professor of modern languages at UVI, examines ways Caribbean leaders address the challenges of global communication. Sprauve will lecture on the essentials of Spanish and French for global leaders and Dr. Vincent Cooper, professor of English and linguistics at UVI, will lecture on the essentials of Japanese for global leaders.
The UVI Summer Institute for Future Global Leaders in the Caribbean – which is held each May and is open to college juniors, seniors and first-year graduates – gets support each year from international, regional and local organizations and universities. For more information, call (340) 693-1309.
Forty-five young leaders from regional universities and colleges, as well as several mainland institutions, will undertake a two-week crash course, commencing on Tuesday May 23, designed to prepare them to guide the Caribbean into the 21st century as part of the new, global community.
"It is with great pleasure that I welcome participants to the 6th Annual Summer Institute for Future Global Leaders in the Caribbean," said Dr. Solomon Kabuka, chairman of UVI's Business Division and director of the Summer Institute. "It is my hope that during the intensive two-week session these academic achievers and leaders from their respective educational institutions will engage in vigorous discourse to shape their roles as future leaders in this region." This year's theme is, "Educating Global Leaders for the New Economy." According to Kabuka, most of the learning will focus on how to prepare leaders to be effective in an environment of e-commerce, wireless communication and the Internet.
Institute participants represent both UVI campuses, Morehouse University and
Clark Atlanta University in Georgia, Howard University in Washington, D.C., Tuskegee University in Alabama, Lincoln University in Pennsylvania, H. Lavity Stoutt Community College in the British Virgin Islands, Tennessee State University, Universite des Antilles et de la Guyane in Martinique, Mount Allison University in Canada, InterAmerican University, Universite Quisqueya and the University of Puerto Rico system in Puerto Rico and all three campuses of the University of the West Indies.
UVI President Dr. Orville Kean will welcome the program's participants and open the institute on Tuesday, May 23, at 8:30 a.m. in the Chase Auditorium. "As the University of the Virgin Islands hosts this Summer Institute for the year 2000, I encourage these participants to forge ahead with a single goal – to acquire the leadership competencies required to successfully advance the interests of the region in the global economy of the 21st century," Dr. Kean said.
His Excellency Dr. Patrick Lewis, Antigua and Barbuda Ambassador to the United Nations (U.N.), will present the opening keynote lecture on "Perspectives on Global Leadership in the Caribbean," at 9 a.m. on Tuesday May 23 in the Chase Auditorium. Ambassador Lewis, a former assistant professor of history at the University of Cincinnati and a former history professor, director of ethnic studies and a former member of the board of trustees of Hampton Institute, has been ambassador to the U.N. since 1995.
In addition to Lewis and several UVI professors, Dr. Carlyle Corbin, U.S.V.I. Representative for External Affairs; Dr. Fred Constant, Vice President for International Affairs, Universite des Antilles et de la Guyane (Martinique); Dr. Ben Newhouse, Dean of the School of Business at Tuskegee University and Dr. Brent Johnson, Director of Graduate Business Programs at Clark Atlanta University are among the seasoned academicians and practitioners who will comprise the Summer Institute faculty. Summer Institute alumnae, Tanginika S. Cuasurd (1995) and Diana Richardson (1999) will provide case studies on developing and implementing a leadership prospectus.
The leadership for tomorrow segment of the program is headed by UVI Vice President for Student Life and Development and Assistant Professor Dr. Ronald Harrigan.
The culture and communication unit, led by Dr. Gilbert Sprauve, professor of modern languages at UVI, examines ways Caribbean leaders address the challenges of global communication. Sprauve will lecture on the essentials of Spanish and French for global leaders and Dr. Vincent Cooper, professor of English and linguistics at UVI, will lecture on the essentials of Japanese for global leaders.
The UVI Summer Institute for Future Global Leaders in the Caribbean – which is held each May and is open to college juniors, seniors and first-year graduates – gets support each year from international, regional and local organizations and universities. For more information, call (340) 693-1309.
RESOURCES COMMITTEE HEARING ON THE INTERNET
The House Resources Committee hearing on Hearing on HR 3999, legislation sponsored by Committee Chairman Don Young to clarify the process for the adoption of a local constitution Virgin Islands and Guam, will be broadcast live on the committee's website at www.house.gov/resources immediately following a legislative markup at 11 a.m.
Delegate to Congress Donna M. Christian Christensen will give the opening statement for the Democratic members of the Resources committee. Governor Charles W. Turnbull, Senate President Vargrave Richards, ICM Territorial State Chair Raymond Richards, and Republican National Committeeman Holland Redfield will testify on behalf of the Virgin Islands. U.S. Department of Interior Assistant Secretary for Policy, Management and Budget John Berry will testify on behalf of the Administration.
Delegate to Congress Donna M. Christian Christensen will give the opening statement for the Democratic members of the Resources committee. Governor Charles W. Turnbull, Senate President Vargrave Richards, ICM Territorial State Chair Raymond Richards, and Republican National Committeeman Holland Redfield will testify on behalf of the Virgin Islands. U.S. Department of Interior Assistant Secretary for Policy, Management and Budget John Berry will testify on behalf of the Administration.
