Administration officials and labor leaders locked horns before the Senate Labor and Veterans Affairs Committee Monday night on St. Thomas at a hearing called to look for ways to avert the layoff of half the Vitran work force at the end of the day Wednesday.
After four and a half hours of discussion, no agreement was in sight. Barring any last-minute developments, more than 60 Vitran workers will lose their jobs, and bus service on St. Thomas, St. Croix and St. John will be curtailed.
In the last two weeks, Vitran workers on St. Thomas and St. John have offered to forgo sick-leave, holiday and overtime pay. Those on St. Croix have proposed doing the same plus going to a four-day week as well.
Public Works Department and other Turnbull administration officials had not responded publicly to the concessions prior to the hearing, and they weren't buying it Monday night.
Government chief labor negotiator Karen Andrews told the committee she had received no written proposal of concessions from the union, only a verbal proposal last week. She said the government would review a written proposal and meet with union leaders at a later date.
Tensions ran high at the committee hearing, as labor leaders claimed government mismanagement had ruined the transportation service. But administration officials, citing Vitran's $12.7 million deficit, responded that there are insufficient funds for the government "to cover the cost of Vitran operations."
"The Vitran employees are victims of bad management, there is no doubt about it," Ralph Mandrew, president of the V.I. Workers Union, told the senators, administration representatives and an audience of Vitran employees. He had announced the worker concessions on St. Croix at a press conference two weeks earlier.
Committee chair Roosevelt David said the current crisis underscores the need to privatize Vitran, a move proposed to the Senate Finance Committee earlier in the day by the Turnbull administration's economic recovery task force. Vice chair Gregory Bennerson agreed. "The first resolution that has to be done is get this Vitran out of the government's hands," he said.
CHS, TWIRLERS ENTRIES TAKE CARNIVAL PRIZES
It was pretty much the consensus that everybody was a winner at this year's V.I. Carnival, with old and new entries from St. Thomas, St. Croix, St. John and even Water Island enchanting the throngs along the parade route in both the Children's and Adults' Parades.
But some must by decision of the judges be more winning than others. And on Monday afternoon the Carnival Judging Committee announced its choices. Each category had a "winner." In some cases, there were also (following the winner), first place and second place finishers. The official results:
Adults' Parade
The road march winner was — guess what? — Jam Band's "Inspection Lane." First place behind them went to the Imaginations' "Not a Man Move 'Til Morning."
In the Adults' Parade, the winning floupe with more then 300 participants was Elskoe and Associates with "Tout Mon Ca-dence."
In floupes of 100 to 300 members, the winner was Hugga Bunch with "All Chiefs, No Indians." First place, behind them, went to the Infernos' "Fire 'n' Ice: The End of an Epoch."
In floupes of fewer than 100 participants, the winner was Water Island's first-ever entry, the Water Island Civic Association's "Paradise Pirates."
In troupes of more than 100, the winner was the Fun Lovers' "Amazing Space." Behind them, in first place, was a new group making its debut, Intrigue.
In troupes of 50 to 100, the winner was the Gypsy band with "Fireworks." Taking first place behind them was the Jesters' "Millennium Mash-Up."
For troupes of fewer than 50 members, the winner was "Party Lovers." First place went to the St. Croix Central High School entry, "Y2K True Colors on the Horizon." And second place went to "Splendor of Sunset (Radiant Sun)."
Among majorette groups, Stunts & Twirlers was the winner, with the St. Croix Majorettes taking first place and the Charming Twirlers second place.
In the judging of stilt-dancing groups, the winner was the John McCleverty Virgin Islands Traditional Mocko Jumbies. First place went to Mocko Jumbie Jamboree with "New Millennium," and second place went to the St. Thomas Mystical Mocko Jumbies.
Among individual entries, the winner was Cherry Bonelli's "Umbrella Com Center On-line Again Y2K." In first place was Bim King's "In a Nut Shell."
And in the "traditional" category, the winner was the St. Thomas Tropical Masqueraders (Clown), while first place went to the Traditional Indians.
Children's Parade
In the floupes category, the winner was Class Is Class Too. Taking first place behind them was the new Tall Tales Theater and Arts Company's "Circus 2000." The group is made up of special needs and other students from several public and private schools. Second place went to the Montessori Meteors with "Jump Up and Sway, It's Carnival for Y2K."
Among troupes of more than 50 members, the winner was the Fun Lovers' "Millennium Bugs." Taking first behind them was the University of the Virgin Islands and Kirwan Terrace entry. And in second was the Joseph Sibilly School "Sun Rays."
For troupes of under 50, the winner was the Sun Children's "Celestial Dreams." First place went to "Even the Birds Join the Fray for Carnival Y2K." Second went to the Soca Munchkins.
The winning float was an entry from Future World Pre-School.
The winning mocko jumbie group was the Antilles Mocko Jumbie Bacchanal "Jumps and Sways for Carnival Y2K."
Among majorette entries, the winner was the St. Croix Majorettes, with Charming Twirlers next in first place, and Stunts & Twirlers in second place.
In the "traditional" category, the winner was the Tropical Masqueraders (Clowns), with the Traditional Indians following in first place.
But some must by decision of the judges be more winning than others. And on Monday afternoon the Carnival Judging Committee announced its choices. Each category had a "winner." In some cases, there were also (following the winner), first place and second place finishers. The official results:
Adults' Parade
The road march winner was — guess what? — Jam Band's "Inspection Lane." First place behind them went to the Imaginations' "Not a Man Move 'Til Morning."
In the Adults' Parade, the winning floupe with more then 300 participants was Elskoe and Associates with "Tout Mon Ca-dence."
In floupes of 100 to 300 members, the winner was Hugga Bunch with "All Chiefs, No Indians." First place, behind them, went to the Infernos' "Fire 'n' Ice: The End of an Epoch."
In floupes of fewer than 100 participants, the winner was Water Island's first-ever entry, the Water Island Civic Association's "Paradise Pirates."
In troupes of more than 100, the winner was the Fun Lovers' "Amazing Space." Behind them, in first place, was a new group making its debut, Intrigue.
In troupes of 50 to 100, the winner was the Gypsy band with "Fireworks." Taking first place behind them was the Jesters' "Millennium Mash-Up."
For troupes of fewer than 50 members, the winner was "Party Lovers." First place went to the St. Croix Central High School entry, "Y2K True Colors on the Horizon." And second place went to "Splendor of Sunset (Radiant Sun)."
Among majorette groups, Stunts & Twirlers was the winner, with the St. Croix Majorettes taking first place and the Charming Twirlers second place.
In the judging of stilt-dancing groups, the winner was the John McCleverty Virgin Islands Traditional Mocko Jumbies. First place went to Mocko Jumbie Jamboree with "New Millennium," and second place went to the St. Thomas Mystical Mocko Jumbies.
Among individual entries, the winner was Cherry Bonelli's "Umbrella Com Center On-line Again Y2K." In first place was Bim King's "In a Nut Shell."
And in the "traditional" category, the winner was the St. Thomas Tropical Masqueraders (Clown), while first place went to the Traditional Indians.
Children's Parade
In the floupes category, the winner was Class Is Class Too. Taking first place behind them was the new Tall Tales Theater and Arts Company's "Circus 2000." The group is made up of special needs and other students from several public and private schools. Second place went to the Montessori Meteors with "Jump Up and Sway, It's Carnival for Y2K."
Among troupes of more than 50 members, the winner was the Fun Lovers' "Millennium Bugs." Taking first behind them was the University of the Virgin Islands and Kirwan Terrace entry. And in second was the Joseph Sibilly School "Sun Rays."
For troupes of under 50, the winner was the Sun Children's "Celestial Dreams." First place went to "Even the Birds Join the Fray for Carnival Y2K." Second went to the Soca Munchkins.
The winning float was an entry from Future World Pre-School.
The winning mocko jumbie group was the Antilles Mocko Jumbie Bacchanal "Jumps and Sways for Carnival Y2K."
Among majorette entries, the winner was the St. Croix Majorettes, with Charming Twirlers next in first place, and Stunts & Twirlers in second place.
In the "traditional" category, the winner was the Tropical Masqueraders (Clowns), with the Traditional Indians following in first place.
'INSPECTION LANE' WIPES UP THE ROAD MARCH
It was pretty much the consensus that everybody was a winner at this year's V.I. Carnival, with old and new entries from St. Thomas, St. Croix, St. John and even Water Island enchanting the throngs along the parade route in both the Children's and Adults' Parades.
But some must by decision of the judges be more winning than others. And on Monday afternoon the Carnival Judging Committee announced its choices. Each category had a "winner." In some cases, there were also (following the winner), first place and second place finishers. The official results:
Adults' Parade
The road march winner was — guess what? — Jam Band's "Inspection Lane." First place behind them went to the Imaginations' "Not a Man Move 'Til Morning."
In the Adults' Parade, the winning floupe with more then 300 participants was Elskoe and Associates with "Tout Mon Ca-dence."
In floupes of 100 to 300 members, the winner was Hugga Bunch with "All Chiefs, No Indians." First place, behind them, went to the Infernos' "Fire 'n' Ice: The End of an Epoch."
In floupes of fewer than 100 participants, the winner was Water Island's first-ever entry, the Water Island Civic Association's "Paradise Pirates."
In troupes of more than 100, the winner was the Fun Lovers' "Amazing Space." Behind them, in first place, was a new group making its debut, Intrigue.
In troupes of 50 to 100, the winner was the Gypsy band with "Fireworks." Taking first place behind them was the Jesters' "Millennium Mash-Up."
For troupes of fewer than 50 members, the winner was "Party Lovers." First place went to the St. Croix Central High School entry, "Y2K True Colors on the Horizon." And second place went to "Splendor of Sunset (Radiant Sun)."
Among majorette groups, Stunts & Twirlers was the winner, with the St. Croix Majorettes taking first place and the Charming Twirlers second place.
In the judging of stilt-dancing groups, the winner was the John McCleverty Virgin Islands Traditional Mocko Jumbies. First place went to Mocko Jumbie Jamboree with "New Millennium," and second place went to the St. Thomas Mystical Mocko Jumbies.
Among individual entries, the winner was Cherry Bonelli's "Umbrella Com Center On-line Again Y2K." In first place was Bim King's "In a Nut Shell."
And in the "traditional" category, the winner was the St. Thomas Tropical Masqueraders (Clown), while first place went to the Traditional Indians.
Children's Parade
In the floupes category, the winner was Class Is Class Too. Taking first place behind them was the new Tall Tales Theater and Arts Company's "Circus 2000." The group is made up of special needs and other students from several public and private schools. Second place went to the Montessori Meteors with "Jump Up and Sway, It's Carnival for Y2K."
Among troupes of more than 50 members, the winner was the Fun Lovers' "Millennium Bugs." Taking first behind them was the University of the Virgin Islands and Kirwan Terrace entry. And in second was the Joseph Sibilly School "Sun Rays."
For troupes of under 50, the winner was the Sun Children's "Celestial Dreams." First place went to "Even the Birds Join the Fray for Carnival Y2K." Second went to the Soca Munchkins.
The winning float was an entry from Future World Pre-School.
The winning mocko jumbie group was the Antilles Mocko Jumbie Bacchanal "Jumps and Sways for Carnival Y2K."
Among majorette entries, the winner was the St. Croix Majorettes, with Charming Twirlers next in first place, and Stunts & Twirlers in second place.
In the "traditional" category, the winner was the Tropical Masqueraders (Clowns), with the Traditional Indians following in first place.
But some must by decision of the judges be more winning than others. And on Monday afternoon the Carnival Judging Committee announced its choices. Each category had a "winner." In some cases, there were also (following the winner), first place and second place finishers. The official results:
Adults' Parade
The road march winner was — guess what? — Jam Band's "Inspection Lane." First place behind them went to the Imaginations' "Not a Man Move 'Til Morning."
In the Adults' Parade, the winning floupe with more then 300 participants was Elskoe and Associates with "Tout Mon Ca-dence."
In floupes of 100 to 300 members, the winner was Hugga Bunch with "All Chiefs, No Indians." First place, behind them, went to the Infernos' "Fire 'n' Ice: The End of an Epoch."
In floupes of fewer than 100 participants, the winner was Water Island's first-ever entry, the Water Island Civic Association's "Paradise Pirates."
In troupes of more than 100, the winner was the Fun Lovers' "Amazing Space." Behind them, in first place, was a new group making its debut, Intrigue.
In troupes of 50 to 100, the winner was the Gypsy band with "Fireworks." Taking first place behind them was the Jesters' "Millennium Mash-Up."
For troupes of fewer than 50 members, the winner was "Party Lovers." First place went to the St. Croix Central High School entry, "Y2K True Colors on the Horizon." And second place went to "Splendor of Sunset (Radiant Sun)."
Among majorette groups, Stunts & Twirlers was the winner, with the St. Croix Majorettes taking first place and the Charming Twirlers second place.
In the judging of stilt-dancing groups, the winner was the John McCleverty Virgin Islands Traditional Mocko Jumbies. First place went to Mocko Jumbie Jamboree with "New Millennium," and second place went to the St. Thomas Mystical Mocko Jumbies.
Among individual entries, the winner was Cherry Bonelli's "Umbrella Com Center On-line Again Y2K." In first place was Bim King's "In a Nut Shell."
And in the "traditional" category, the winner was the St. Thomas Tropical Masqueraders (Clown), while first place went to the Traditional Indians.
Children's Parade
In the floupes category, the winner was Class Is Class Too. Taking first place behind them was the new Tall Tales Theater and Arts Company's "Circus 2000." The group is made up of special needs and other students from several public and private schools. Second place went to the Montessori Meteors with "Jump Up and Sway, It's Carnival for Y2K."
Among troupes of more than 50 members, the winner was the Fun Lovers' "Millennium Bugs." Taking first behind them was the University of the Virgin Islands and Kirwan Terrace entry. And in second was the Joseph Sibilly School "Sun Rays."
For troupes of under 50, the winner was the Sun Children's "Celestial Dreams." First place went to "Even the Birds Join the Fray for Carnival Y2K." Second went to the Soca Munchkins.
The winning float was an entry from Future World Pre-School.
The winning mocko jumbie group was the Antilles Mocko Jumbie Bacchanal "Jumps and Sways for Carnival Y2K."
Among majorette entries, the winner was the St. Croix Majorettes, with Charming Twirlers next in first place, and Stunts & Twirlers in second place.
In the "traditional" category, the winner was the Tropical Masqueraders (Clowns), with the Traditional Indians following in first place.
'INSPECTION LANE' WIPES UP THE ROAD MARCH
It was pretty much the consensus that everybody was a winner at this year's V.I. Carnival, with old and new entries from St. Thomas, St. Croix, St. John and even Water Island enchanting the throngs along the parade route in both the Children's and Adults' Parades.
But some must by decision of the judges be more winning than others. And on Monday afternoon the Carnival Judging Committee announced its choices. Each category had a "winner." In some cases, there were also (following the winner), first place and second place finishers. The official results:
Adults' Parade
The road march winner was — guess what? — Jam Band's "Inspection Lane." First place behind them went to the Imaginations' "Not a Man Move 'Til Morning."
In the Adults' Parade, the winning floupe with more then 300 participants was Elskoe and Associates with "Tout Mon Ca-dence."
In floupes of 100 to 300 members, the winner was Hugga Bunch with "All Chiefs, No Indians." First place, behind them, went to the Infernos' "Fire 'n' Ice: The End of an Epoch."
In floupes of fewer than 100 participants, the winner was Water Island's first-ever entry, the Water Island Civic Association's "Paradise Pirates."
In troupes of more than 100, the winner was the Fun Lovers' "Amazing Space." Behind them, in first place, was a new group making its debut, Intrigue.
In troupes of 50 to 100, the winner was the Gypsy band with "Fireworks." Taking first place behind them was the Jesters' "Millennium Mash-Up."
For troupes of fewer than 50 members, the winner was "Party Lovers." First place went to the St. Croix Central High School entry, "Y2K True Colors on the Horizon." And second place went to "Splendor of Sunset (Radiant Sun)."
Among majorette groups, Stunts & Twirlers was the winner, with the St. Croix Majorettes taking first place and the Charming Twirlers second place.
In the judging of stilt-dancing groups, the winner was the John McCleverty Virgin Islands Traditional Mocko Jumbies. First place went to Mocko Jumbie Jamboree with "New Millennium," and second place went to the St. Thomas Mystical Mocko Jumbies.
Among individual entries, the winner was Cherry Bonelli's "Umbrella Com Center On-line Again Y2K." In first place was Bim King's "In a Nut Shell."
And in the "traditional" category, the winner was the St. Thomas Tropical Masqueraders (Clown), while first place went to the Traditional Indians.
Children's Parade
In the floupes category, the winner was Class Is Class Too. Taking first place behind them was the new Tall Tales Theater and Arts Company's "Circus 2000." The group is made up of special needs and other students from several public and private schools. Second place went to the Montessori Meteors with "Jump Up and Sway, It's Carnival for Y2K."
Among troupes of more than 50 members, the winner was the Fun Lovers' "Millennium Bugs." Taking first behind them was the University of the Virgin Islands and Kirwan Terrace entry. And in second was the Joseph Sibilly School "Sun Rays."
For troupes of under 50, the winner was the Sun Children's "Celestial Dreams." First place went to "Even the Birds Join the Fray for Carnival Y2K." Second went to the Soca Munchkins.
The winning float was an entry from Future World Pre-School.
The winning mocko jumbie group was the Antilles Mocko Jumbie Bacchanal "Jumps and Sways for Carnival Y2K."
Among majorette entries, the winner was the St. Croix Majorettes, with Charming Twirlers next in first place, and Stunts & Twirlers in second place.
In the "traditional" category, the winner was the Tropical Masqueraders (Clowns), with the Traditional Indians following in first place.
But some must by decision of the judges be more winning than others. And on Monday afternoon the Carnival Judging Committee announced its choices. Each category had a "winner." In some cases, there were also (following the winner), first place and second place finishers. The official results:
Adults' Parade
The road march winner was — guess what? — Jam Band's "Inspection Lane." First place behind them went to the Imaginations' "Not a Man Move 'Til Morning."
In the Adults' Parade, the winning floupe with more then 300 participants was Elskoe and Associates with "Tout Mon Ca-dence."
In floupes of 100 to 300 members, the winner was Hugga Bunch with "All Chiefs, No Indians." First place, behind them, went to the Infernos' "Fire 'n' Ice: The End of an Epoch."
In floupes of fewer than 100 participants, the winner was Water Island's first-ever entry, the Water Island Civic Association's "Paradise Pirates."
In troupes of more than 100, the winner was the Fun Lovers' "Amazing Space." Behind them, in first place, was a new group making its debut, Intrigue.
In troupes of 50 to 100, the winner was the Gypsy band with "Fireworks." Taking first place behind them was the Jesters' "Millennium Mash-Up."
For troupes of fewer than 50 members, the winner was "Party Lovers." First place went to the St. Croix Central High School entry, "Y2K True Colors on the Horizon." And second place went to "Splendor of Sunset (Radiant Sun)."
Among majorette groups, Stunts & Twirlers was the winner, with the St. Croix Majorettes taking first place and the Charming Twirlers second place.
In the judging of stilt-dancing groups, the winner was the John McCleverty Virgin Islands Traditional Mocko Jumbies. First place went to Mocko Jumbie Jamboree with "New Millennium," and second place went to the St. Thomas Mystical Mocko Jumbies.
Among individual entries, the winner was Cherry Bonelli's "Umbrella Com Center On-line Again Y2K." In first place was Bim King's "In a Nut Shell."
And in the "traditional" category, the winner was the St. Thomas Tropical Masqueraders (Clown), while first place went to the Traditional Indians.
Children's Parade
In the floupes category, the winner was Class Is Class Too. Taking first place behind them was the new Tall Tales Theater and Arts Company's "Circus 2000." The group is made up of special needs and other students from several public and private schools. Second place went to the Montessori Meteors with "Jump Up and Sway, It's Carnival for Y2K."
Among troupes of more than 50 members, the winner was the Fun Lovers' "Millennium Bugs." Taking first behind them was the University of the Virgin Islands and Kirwan Terrace entry. And in second was the Joseph Sibilly School "Sun Rays."
For troupes of under 50, the winner was the Sun Children's "Celestial Dreams." First place went to "Even the Birds Join the Fray for Carnival Y2K." Second went to the Soca Munchkins.
The winning float was an entry from Future World Pre-School.
The winning mocko jumbie group was the Antilles Mocko Jumbie Bacchanal "Jumps and Sways for Carnival Y2K."
Among majorette entries, the winner was the St. Croix Majorettes, with Charming Twirlers next in first place, and Stunts & Twirlers in second place.
In the "traditional" category, the winner was the Tropical Masqueraders (Clowns), with the Traditional Indians following in first place.
HURRICANES STILL UNDEFEATED
The Antilles Hurricanes Female Junior Varsity Softball team remained undefeated as they beat Cancryn for the second time Monday by a score of 18 to 8.
The winning pitcher was Sophie Newbold. The loosing pitcher was Jahmeeka Petersen.
Antilles' Andi Bailey was 3 for 3 with 5 RBIs. Rachael Gargano was 3 for 4
with 2 HRs and 5 RBIs. Aysha Gregory was 2 for 3 with 2 RBIs. Scaha Gumbs
of Cancryn hit an amazing "over the fence" home run in the first inning.
The winning pitcher was Sophie Newbold. The loosing pitcher was Jahmeeka Petersen.
Antilles' Andi Bailey was 3 for 3 with 5 RBIs. Rachael Gargano was 3 for 4
with 2 HRs and 5 RBIs. Aysha Gregory was 2 for 3 with 2 RBIs. Scaha Gumbs
of Cancryn hit an amazing "over the fence" home run in the first inning.
VIRUS COPYCATS ARE ABOUT; DELETE IF IN DOUBT
Virgin Islands Internet users were finding a warning posted on the home pages of their servers Monday about the "love bug" computer virus.
Technicians working for three of the major Internet service providers in the territory were unwilling to say that they had heard of any problems from their subscribers as a result of the mysterious e-mail that shows up in in-boxes as "ILOVEYOU." However, one local resident described his encounter.
Broadcaster Alex Randall, the "Good News Guy" of WSTA, said he was checking his e- mail at the radio station on Thursday morning and found a message from abroad. "I consider myself a relatively computer-savvy person, with close to 20 years experience," Randall said. "I got an e-mail from an old friend that I thought was sending me a love letter."
Within 20 minutes after he opened the LOVELETTER attachment, Randall said, his hard drive began working at a furious pace. A few minutes later, he said, he found his photo files had been wiped out.
Meantime, local Internet technicians say, some local copycat activity is in evidence. Love bug-like viruses are showing up in the guise of the popular pass-around jokes labeled "Funny" or "Funny Joke." Bernard Ottley Jr., a VI PowerNet support technician, said one of the latest copycat viruses comes through the e-mail labeled "Happy Mother's Day."
Brandon Hatcher at VIAccess advised Internet users not to open any suspicious electronic mail. "Just delete it," he said. If such messages continue showing up in your mailbox, he said, you should identify the source and order an electronic block against any subsequent mail from that sender.
Hotmail, for example, has a category you can click that says "do not accept any more mail from this source." Call your server for instructions if you do not have the information on your home page.
Cyber-researchers said last week that the love bug had infected some 600,000 computers worldwide, even as anti-virus software manufacturers were rushing out inoculations. A California research company, Computer Economics Inc., said 45 million people received the infected e-mail on Thursday.
The ultimate advice for the wary: If you think something you've gotten in the e-mail is a safe message from a friend but aren't sure, download it onto a floppy disk, not onto your hard drive.
Technicians working for three of the major Internet service providers in the territory were unwilling to say that they had heard of any problems from their subscribers as a result of the mysterious e-mail that shows up in in-boxes as "ILOVEYOU." However, one local resident described his encounter.
Broadcaster Alex Randall, the "Good News Guy" of WSTA, said he was checking his e- mail at the radio station on Thursday morning and found a message from abroad. "I consider myself a relatively computer-savvy person, with close to 20 years experience," Randall said. "I got an e-mail from an old friend that I thought was sending me a love letter."
Within 20 minutes after he opened the LOVELETTER attachment, Randall said, his hard drive began working at a furious pace. A few minutes later, he said, he found his photo files had been wiped out.
Meantime, local Internet technicians say, some local copycat activity is in evidence. Love bug-like viruses are showing up in the guise of the popular pass-around jokes labeled "Funny" or "Funny Joke." Bernard Ottley Jr., a VI PowerNet support technician, said one of the latest copycat viruses comes through the e-mail labeled "Happy Mother's Day."
Brandon Hatcher at VIAccess advised Internet users not to open any suspicious electronic mail. "Just delete it," he said. If such messages continue showing up in your mailbox, he said, you should identify the source and order an electronic block against any subsequent mail from that sender.
Hotmail, for example, has a category you can click that says "do not accept any more mail from this source." Call your server for instructions if you do not have the information on your home page.
Cyber-researchers said last week that the love bug had infected some 600,000 computers worldwide, even as anti-virus software manufacturers were rushing out inoculations. A California research company, Computer Economics Inc., said 45 million people received the infected e-mail on Thursday.
The ultimate advice for the wary: If you think something you've gotten in the e-mail is a safe message from a friend but aren't sure, download it onto a floppy disk, not onto your hard drive.
VIRUS COPYCATS ARE ABOUT; DELETE IF IN DOUBT
Judi Shimel
Virgin Islands Internet users were finding a warning posted on the home pages of their servers Monday about the "love bug" computer virus.
Technicians working for three of the major Internet service providers in the territory were unwilling to say that they had heard of any problems from their subscribers as a result of the mysterious e-mail that shows up in in-boxes as "ILOVEYOU." However, one local resident described his encounter.
Broadcaster Alex Randall, the "Good News Guy" of WSTA, said he was checking his e- mail at the radio station on Thursday morning and found a message from abroad. "I consider myself a relatively computer-savvy person, with close to 20 years experience," Randall said. "I got an e-mail from an old friend that I thought was sending me a love letter."
Within 20 minutes after he opened the LOVELETTER attachment, Randall said, his hard drive began working at a furious pace. A few minutes later, he said, he found his photo files had been wiped out.
Meantime, local Internet technicians say, some local copycat activity is in evidence. Love bug-like viruses are showing up in the guise of the popular pass-around jokes labeled "Funny" or "Funny Joke." Bernard Ottley Jr., a VI PowerNet support technician, said one of the latest copycat viruses comes through the e-mail labeled "Happy Mother's Day."
Brandon Hatcher at VIAccess advised Internet users not to open any suspicious electronic mail. "Just delete it," he said. If such messages continue showing up in your mailbox, he said, you should identify the source and order an electronic block against any subsequent mail from that sender.
Hotmail, for example, has a category you can click that says "do not accept any more mail from this source." Call your server for instructions if you do not have the information on your home page.
Cyber-researchers said last week that the love bug had infected some 600,000 computers worldwide, even as anti-virus software manufacturers were rushing out inoculations. A California research company, Computer Economics Inc., said 45 million people received the infected e-mail on Thursday.
The ultimate advice for the wary: If you think something you've gotten in the e-mail is a safe message from a friend but aren't sure, download it onto a floppy disk, not onto your hard drive.
Virgin Islands Internet users were finding a warning posted on the home pages of their servers Monday about the "love bug" computer virus.
Technicians working for three of the major Internet service providers in the territory were unwilling to say that they had heard of any problems from their subscribers as a result of the mysterious e-mail that shows up in in-boxes as "ILOVEYOU." However, one local resident described his encounter.
Broadcaster Alex Randall, the "Good News Guy" of WSTA, said he was checking his e- mail at the radio station on Thursday morning and found a message from abroad. "I consider myself a relatively computer-savvy person, with close to 20 years experience," Randall said. "I got an e-mail from an old friend that I thought was sending me a love letter."
Within 20 minutes after he opened the LOVELETTER attachment, Randall said, his hard drive began working at a furious pace. A few minutes later, he said, he found his photo files had been wiped out.
Meantime, local Internet technicians say, some local copycat activity is in evidence. Love bug-like viruses are showing up in the guise of the popular pass-around jokes labeled "Funny" or "Funny Joke." Bernard Ottley Jr., a VI PowerNet support technician, said one of the latest copycat viruses comes through the e-mail labeled "Happy Mother's Day."
Brandon Hatcher at VIAccess advised Internet users not to open any suspicious electronic mail. "Just delete it," he said. If such messages continue showing up in your mailbox, he said, you should identify the source and order an electronic block against any subsequent mail from that sender.
Hotmail, for example, has a category you can click that says "do not accept any more mail from this source." Call your server for instructions if you do not have the information on your home page.
Cyber-researchers said last week that the love bug had infected some 600,000 computers worldwide, even as anti-virus software manufacturers were rushing out inoculations. A California research company, Computer Economics Inc., said 45 million people received the infected e-mail on Thursday.
The ultimate advice for the wary: If you think something you've gotten in the e-mail is a safe message from a friend but aren't sure, download it onto a floppy disk, not onto your hard drive.
VIRUS COPYCATS ARE ABOUT; DELETE IF IN DOUBT
Virgin Islands Internet users were finding a warning posted on the home pages of their servers Monday about the "love bug" computer virus.
Technicians working for three of the major Internet service providers in the territory were unwilling to say that they had heard of any problems from their subscribers as a result of the mysterious e-mail that shows up in in-boxes as "ILOVEYOU." However, one local resident described his encounter.
Broadcaster Alex Randall, the "Good News Guy" of WSTA, said he was checking his e- mail at the radio station on Thursday morning and found a message from abroad. "I consider myself a relatively computer-savvy person, with close to 20 years experience," Randall said. "I got an e-mail from an old friend that I thought was sending me a love letter."
Within 20 minutes after he opened the LOVELETTER attachment, Randall said, his hard drive began working at a furious pace. A few minutes later, he said, he found his photo files had been wiped out.
Meantime, local Internet technicians say, some local copycat activity is in evidence. Love bug-like viruses are showing up in the guise of the popular pass-around jokes labeled "Funny" or "Funny Joke." Bernard Ottley Jr., a VI PowerNet support technician, said one of the latest copycat viruses comes through the e-mail labeled "Happy Mother's Day."
Brandon Hatcher at VIAccess advised Internet users not to open any suspicious electronic mail. "Just delete it," he said. If such messages continue showing up in your mailbox, he said, you should identify the source and order an electronic block against any subsequent mail from that sender.
Hotmail, for example, has a category you can click that says "do not accept any more mail from this source." Call your server for instructions if you do not have the information on your home page.
Cyber-researchers said last week that the love bug had infected some 600,000 computers worldwide, even as anti-virus software manufacturers were rushing out inoculations. A California research company, Computer Economics Inc., said 45 million people received the infected e-mail on Thursday.
The ultimate advice for the wary: If you think something you've gotten in the e-mail is a safe message from a friend but aren't sure, download it onto a floppy disk, not onto your hard drive.
Technicians working for three of the major Internet service providers in the territory were unwilling to say that they had heard of any problems from their subscribers as a result of the mysterious e-mail that shows up in in-boxes as "ILOVEYOU." However, one local resident described his encounter.
Broadcaster Alex Randall, the "Good News Guy" of WSTA, said he was checking his e- mail at the radio station on Thursday morning and found a message from abroad. "I consider myself a relatively computer-savvy person, with close to 20 years experience," Randall said. "I got an e-mail from an old friend that I thought was sending me a love letter."
Within 20 minutes after he opened the LOVELETTER attachment, Randall said, his hard drive began working at a furious pace. A few minutes later, he said, he found his photo files had been wiped out.
Meantime, local Internet technicians say, some local copycat activity is in evidence. Love bug-like viruses are showing up in the guise of the popular pass-around jokes labeled "Funny" or "Funny Joke." Bernard Ottley Jr., a VI PowerNet support technician, said one of the latest copycat viruses comes through the e-mail labeled "Happy Mother's Day."
Brandon Hatcher at VIAccess advised Internet users not to open any suspicious electronic mail. "Just delete it," he said. If such messages continue showing up in your mailbox, he said, you should identify the source and order an electronic block against any subsequent mail from that sender.
Hotmail, for example, has a category you can click that says "do not accept any more mail from this source." Call your server for instructions if you do not have the information on your home page.
Cyber-researchers said last week that the love bug had infected some 600,000 computers worldwide, even as anti-virus software manufacturers were rushing out inoculations. A California research company, Computer Economics Inc., said 45 million people received the infected e-mail on Thursday.
The ultimate advice for the wary: If you think something you've gotten in the e-mail is a safe message from a friend but aren't sure, download it onto a floppy disk, not onto your hard drive.
TASK FORCE ADVICE IN ONE WORD: PRIVATIZE
Under a five-year economic recovery plan presented to the Senate Finance Committee Monday on St. Thomas, the government would get out of the business of operating buses, running the V.I. Lottery and managing its fleet of vehicles and the territory's solid waste.
And the decision could be made to reduce the work week for some government employees and lay off others.
Through privatization and contracting out for services, the government would both cut its expenditures and increase its revenues, according to the report from the administration's Economic Recovery Task Force.
John de Jongh Jr. chaired the task force, created last year by Gov. Charles W. Turnbull, which drafted the plan. In testimony Monday, he warned the committee that the government faces such dire consequences as federal government intervention, cessation of investment, capital flight and default on payroll if it continues business as usual.
"Privatization is the buzzword in this plan," Sen. Violet Anne Golden, a member of the task force, said.
The plan "makes a compelling case that the fiscal crisis of the U.S. Virgin Islands cannot be ignored," Finance Committee chair Lorraine Berry said in a release issued by her office following the hearing.
The Five-Year Strategic and Financial Operating Plan set forth in the 300-page task force report recommends a three-pronged strategy:
– Reduce and control government spending,
– Increase revenue collections to control the deficit short term, and
– Implement private-sector initiatives to increase government revenues in the medium to long term.
In addition to moving Vitran, the lottery, solid waste management and management of the government fleet into the public sector, the plan also contains initiatives for other government agencies and for the reorganization of central services.
It recommends the creation of an Economic Development Authority. Turnbull has proposed to create such an entity, merging existing agencies such as the Industrial Development Commission, the Government Development Bank and the Small Business Development Agency.
According to deJongh, the government's accumulated deficit stood at $305 million at the end of fiscal year 1999. He said it will grow to at least $335 million and perhaps to more than $800 million, depending on the degree of implementation of the recommended measures. In the best-case scenario, the task force projects a budget surplus of $11.4 million for fiscal year 2004, he said.
Rudolph Krigger Sr., assistant to the governor for fiscal and economic policy, and two officials of Core International, the administration consulting firm that produced the plan, also testified. Krigger said the plan entails difficult decisions that will have to be made in order to improve the territory's economic outlook over the next five years. Among them are measures to reduce the government work week, reduce the size of the public payroll and lay off government workers, he said. Privatization in specified areas must occur, he added.
Further, Krigger said, "Attitudes within the territory must be amended in order to entice businesses to come to the community."
Core president Vinod Shrivastava stressed in his testimony that endorsement of privatization wherever possible is necessary to foster the growth of the private sector, according to Berry's release.
The task force recommended implementation of the measures over the next two years.
Berry noted that the administration's fiscal year 2001 budget is due to be submitted to the Legislature this month. The release from her office stated that, given "the historic problem of enforcement and implementation of recommendations," she asked Krigger whether the task force recommendations would "be visible" in the FY 2001 budget." The response, according to the release, was that "recommendations are continuously being implemented and will be seen" in the forthcoming budget.
The plan was originally to have been presented to the Finance Committee on April 18 but was delayed to April 27 at Government House request. Then Shrivastava asked that it be delayed a second time, saying he needed more time to prepare his presentation. It was then rescheduled for Monday.
Committee members present in addition to Berry and Golden were Senators Gregory Bennerson, Roosevent David, George Goodwin and David Jones. Sen. Alicia "Chucky" Hansen asked to be excused. Non-committee members present included Senators Donald "Ducks" Cole, Norman Jn Baptiste, Almando "Rocky" Liburd and Vargrave Richards.
And the decision could be made to reduce the work week for some government employees and lay off others.
Through privatization and contracting out for services, the government would both cut its expenditures and increase its revenues, according to the report from the administration's Economic Recovery Task Force.
John de Jongh Jr. chaired the task force, created last year by Gov. Charles W. Turnbull, which drafted the plan. In testimony Monday, he warned the committee that the government faces such dire consequences as federal government intervention, cessation of investment, capital flight and default on payroll if it continues business as usual.
"Privatization is the buzzword in this plan," Sen. Violet Anne Golden, a member of the task force, said.
The plan "makes a compelling case that the fiscal crisis of the U.S. Virgin Islands cannot be ignored," Finance Committee chair Lorraine Berry said in a release issued by her office following the hearing.
The Five-Year Strategic and Financial Operating Plan set forth in the 300-page task force report recommends a three-pronged strategy:
– Reduce and control government spending,
– Increase revenue collections to control the deficit short term, and
– Implement private-sector initiatives to increase government revenues in the medium to long term.
In addition to moving Vitran, the lottery, solid waste management and management of the government fleet into the public sector, the plan also contains initiatives for other government agencies and for the reorganization of central services.
It recommends the creation of an Economic Development Authority. Turnbull has proposed to create such an entity, merging existing agencies such as the Industrial Development Commission, the Government Development Bank and the Small Business Development Agency.
According to deJongh, the government's accumulated deficit stood at $305 million at the end of fiscal year 1999. He said it will grow to at least $335 million and perhaps to more than $800 million, depending on the degree of implementation of the recommended measures. In the best-case scenario, the task force projects a budget surplus of $11.4 million for fiscal year 2004, he said.
Rudolph Krigger Sr., assistant to the governor for fiscal and economic policy, and two officials of Core International, the administration consulting firm that produced the plan, also testified. Krigger said the plan entails difficult decisions that will have to be made in order to improve the territory's economic outlook over the next five years. Among them are measures to reduce the government work week, reduce the size of the public payroll and lay off government workers, he said. Privatization in specified areas must occur, he added.
Further, Krigger said, "Attitudes within the territory must be amended in order to entice businesses to come to the community."
Core president Vinod Shrivastava stressed in his testimony that endorsement of privatization wherever possible is necessary to foster the growth of the private sector, according to Berry's release.
The task force recommended implementation of the measures over the next two years.
Berry noted that the administration's fiscal year 2001 budget is due to be submitted to the Legislature this month. The release from her office stated that, given "the historic problem of enforcement and implementation of recommendations," she asked Krigger whether the task force recommendations would "be visible" in the FY 2001 budget." The response, according to the release, was that "recommendations are continuously being implemented and will be seen" in the forthcoming budget.
The plan was originally to have been presented to the Finance Committee on April 18 but was delayed to April 27 at Government House request. Then Shrivastava asked that it be delayed a second time, saying he needed more time to prepare his presentation. It was then rescheduled for Monday.
Committee members present in addition to Berry and Golden were Senators Gregory Bennerson, Roosevent David, George Goodwin and David Jones. Sen. Alicia "Chucky" Hansen asked to be excused. Non-committee members present included Senators Donald "Ducks" Cole, Norman Jn Baptiste, Almando "Rocky" Liburd and Vargrave Richards.
TASK FORCE ADVICE IN ONE WORD: PRIVATIZE
Jon Hayes
Under a five-year economic recovery plan presented to the Senate Finance Committee Monday, the government would get out of the business of operating buses, running the V.I. Lottery and managing its fleet of vehicles and the territory's solid waste.
And the decision could be made to reduce the work week for some government employees and lay off others.
Through privatization and contracting out for services, the government would both cut its expenditures and increase its revenues, according to the report from the administration's Economic Recovery Task Force.
John de Jongh Jr. chaired the task force, created last year by Gov. Charles W. Turnbull, which drafted the plan. In testimony Monday, he warned the committee that the government faces such dire consequences as federal government intervention, cessation of investment, capital flight and default on payroll if it continues business as usual.
"Privatization is the buzzword in this plan," Sen. Violet Anne Golden, a member of the task force, said.
The plan "makes a compelling case that the fiscal crisis of the U.S. Virgin Islands cannot be ignored," Finance Committee chair Lorraine Berry said in a release issued by her office following the hearing.
The Five-Year Strategic and Financial Operating Plan set forth in the 300-page task force report recommends a three-pronged strategy:
– Reduce and control government spending,
– Increase revenue collections to control the deficit short term, and
– Implement private-sector initiatives to increase government revenues in the medium to long term.
In addition to moving Vitran, the lottery, solid waste management and management of the government fleet into the public sector, the plan also contains initiatives for other government agencies and for the reorganization of central services.
It recommends the creation of an Economic Development Authority. Turnbull has proposed to create such an entity, merging existing agencies such as the Industrial Development Commission, the Government Development Bank and the Small Business Development Agency.
According to deJongh, the government's accumulated deficit stood at $305 million at the end of fiscal year 1999. He said it will grow to at least $335 million and perhaps to more than $800 million, depending on the degree of implementation of the recommended measures. In the best-case scenario, the task force projects a budget surplus of $11.4 million for fiscal year 2004, he said.
Rudolph Krigger Sr., assistant to the governor for fiscal and economic policy, and two officials of Core International, the administration consulting firm that produced the plan, also testified. Krigger said the plan entails difficult decisions that will have to be made in order to improve the territory's economic outlook over the next five years. Among them are measures to reduce the government work week, reduce the size of the public payroll and lay off government workers, he said. Privatization in specified areas must occur, he added.
Further, Krigger said, "Attitudes within the territory must be amended in order to entice businesses to come to the community."
Core president Vinod Shrivastava stressed in his testimony that endorsement of privatization wherever possible is necessary to foster the growth of the private sector, according to Berry's release.
The task force recommended implementation of the measures over the next two years.
Berry noted that the administration's fiscal year 2001 budget is due to be submitted to the Legislature this month. The release from her office stated that, given "the historic problem of enforcement and implementation of recommendations," she asked Krigger whether the task force recommendations would "be visible" in the FY 2001 budget." The response, according to the release, was that "recommendations are continuously being implemented and will be seen" in the forthcoming budget.
The plan was originally to have been presented to the Finance Committee on April 18 but was delayed to April 27 at Government House request. Then Shrivastava asked that it be delayed a second time, saying he needed more time to prepare his presentation. It was then rescheduled for Monday.
Committee members present in addition to Berry and Golden were Senators Gregory Bennerson, Roosevent David, George Goodwin and David Jones. Sen. Alicia "Chucky" Hansen asked to be excused. Non-committee members present included Senators Donald "Ducks" Cole, Norman Jn Baptiste, Almando "Rocky" Liburd and Vargrave Richards.
Under a five-year economic recovery plan presented to the Senate Finance Committee Monday, the government would get out of the business of operating buses, running the V.I. Lottery and managing its fleet of vehicles and the territory's solid waste.
And the decision could be made to reduce the work week for some government employees and lay off others.
Through privatization and contracting out for services, the government would both cut its expenditures and increase its revenues, according to the report from the administration's Economic Recovery Task Force.
John de Jongh Jr. chaired the task force, created last year by Gov. Charles W. Turnbull, which drafted the plan. In testimony Monday, he warned the committee that the government faces such dire consequences as federal government intervention, cessation of investment, capital flight and default on payroll if it continues business as usual.
"Privatization is the buzzword in this plan," Sen. Violet Anne Golden, a member of the task force, said.
The plan "makes a compelling case that the fiscal crisis of the U.S. Virgin Islands cannot be ignored," Finance Committee chair Lorraine Berry said in a release issued by her office following the hearing.
The Five-Year Strategic and Financial Operating Plan set forth in the 300-page task force report recommends a three-pronged strategy:
– Reduce and control government spending,
– Increase revenue collections to control the deficit short term, and
– Implement private-sector initiatives to increase government revenues in the medium to long term.
In addition to moving Vitran, the lottery, solid waste management and management of the government fleet into the public sector, the plan also contains initiatives for other government agencies and for the reorganization of central services.
It recommends the creation of an Economic Development Authority. Turnbull has proposed to create such an entity, merging existing agencies such as the Industrial Development Commission, the Government Development Bank and the Small Business Development Agency.
According to deJongh, the government's accumulated deficit stood at $305 million at the end of fiscal year 1999. He said it will grow to at least $335 million and perhaps to more than $800 million, depending on the degree of implementation of the recommended measures. In the best-case scenario, the task force projects a budget surplus of $11.4 million for fiscal year 2004, he said.
Rudolph Krigger Sr., assistant to the governor for fiscal and economic policy, and two officials of Core International, the administration consulting firm that produced the plan, also testified. Krigger said the plan entails difficult decisions that will have to be made in order to improve the territory's economic outlook over the next five years. Among them are measures to reduce the government work week, reduce the size of the public payroll and lay off government workers, he said. Privatization in specified areas must occur, he added.
Further, Krigger said, "Attitudes within the territory must be amended in order to entice businesses to come to the community."
Core president Vinod Shrivastava stressed in his testimony that endorsement of privatization wherever possible is necessary to foster the growth of the private sector, according to Berry's release.
The task force recommended implementation of the measures over the next two years.
Berry noted that the administration's fiscal year 2001 budget is due to be submitted to the Legislature this month. The release from her office stated that, given "the historic problem of enforcement and implementation of recommendations," she asked Krigger whether the task force recommendations would "be visible" in the FY 2001 budget." The response, according to the release, was that "recommendations are continuously being implemented and will be seen" in the forthcoming budget.
The plan was originally to have been presented to the Finance Committee on April 18 but was delayed to April 27 at Government House request. Then Shrivastava asked that it be delayed a second time, saying he needed more time to prepare his presentation. It was then rescheduled for Monday.
Committee members present in addition to Berry and Golden were Senators Gregory Bennerson, Roosevent David, George Goodwin and David Jones. Sen. Alicia "Chucky" Hansen asked to be excused. Non-committee members present included Senators Donald "Ducks" Cole, Norman Jn Baptiste, Almando "Rocky" Liburd and Vargrave Richards.
