Art lovers whose tastes go beyond the Caribbean's often excellent "representational" imagery — the beach scenes, cottages, market ladies, fishing boats, tropical blossoms and colorful fish frequently judged by their fidelity to photography — should make a point of getting to the Color of Joy just a ferry ride away in Red Hook for the show that opens Thursday, March 16.
Alexis St. John is the featured artist. And she does not do market ladies.
She does abstracts and semi-abstracts, describes many of them as "dreamscapes," and unabashedly acknowledges that she often uses imagery that is "intentionally amorphous, leaving room for the viewers to find their own interpretation."
In other words, she is not necessarily sending a particular message, and two people viewing the same work do not necessarily have to agree on what they perceive, let alone what they think about it. This is, let it be stated, a widely accepted — indeed, widely applauded approach to "art."
St. John has collectively titled the 13 acrylic on canvas paintings in her show "Lost in Dreams." The exhibit "will feature my more dreamlike paintings," the artist says. "Some will feature my little spirit beings. Some will be textured dreamscapes."
A three-year resident of St. Thomas, she says she seeks through her work to explore "the relationship between spiritual and material." She adds, "I often use symbols borrowed from varied cultures to help me do this. When I come across an idea I have no symbol for, I invent one."
St. John, the daughter of Cobex Internet Services owner Peter DeBlanc, came to St. Thomas to visit her family here, then decided to stay. "Although the subject of most of her work revolves around spiritual themes," Color of Joy owner Corinne Van Rensselaer says, "there is a distinct Caribbean influence which is revealed through the color and mood of the paintings."
The meet-the-artist reception, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday, is free and open to the public. The paintings in the show are priced from $200 to $675. The Color of Joy is located on the street level of the main American Yacht Harbor building in Red Hook. There will be complimentary refreshments and music by James Anderson ("Una Guitarra") on the deck overlooking the AYH docks just outside the gallery.
COLOR OF JOY SHOWCASING ART TO THINK ABOUT
Art lovers whose tastes go beyond the Caribbean's often excellent "representational" imagery — the beach scenes, cottages, market ladies, fishing boats, tropical blossoms and colorful fish frequently judged by their fidelity to photography — should make a point of getting to the Color of Joy for the show that opens Thursday, March 16.
Alexis St. John is the featured artist. And she does not do market ladies.
She does abstracts and semi-abstracts, describes many of them as "dreamscapes," and unabashedly acknowledges that she often uses imagery that is "intentionally amorphous, leaving room for the viewers to find their own interpretation."
In other words, she is not necessarily sending a particular message, and two people viewing the same work do not necessarily have to agree on what they perceive, let alone what they think about it. This is, let it be stated, a widely accepted — indeed, widely applauded approach to "art."
St. John has collectively titled the 13 acrylic on canvas paintings in her show "Lost in Dreams." The exhibit "will feature my more dreamlike paintings," the artist says. "Some will feature my little spirit beings. Some will be textured dreamscapes."
A three-year resident of St. Thomas, she says she seeks through her work to explore "the relationship between spiritual and material." She adds, "I often use symbols borrowed from varied cultures to help me do this. When I come across an idea I have no symbol for, I invent one."
St. John, the daughter of Cobex Internet Services owner Peter DeBlanc, came to St. Thomas to visit her family here, then decided to stay. "Although the subject of most of her work revolves around spiritual themes," Color of Joy owner Corinne Van Rensselaer says, "there is a distinct Caribbean influence which is revealed through the color and mood of the paintings."
The meet-the-artist reception, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday, is free and open to the public. The paintings in the show are priced from $200 to $675. The Color of Joy is located on the street level of the main American Yacht Harbor building in Red Hook. There will be complimentary refreshments and music by James Anderson ("Una Guitarra") on the deck overlooking the AYH docks just outside the gallery.
Alexis St. John is the featured artist. And she does not do market ladies.
She does abstracts and semi-abstracts, describes many of them as "dreamscapes," and unabashedly acknowledges that she often uses imagery that is "intentionally amorphous, leaving room for the viewers to find their own interpretation."
In other words, she is not necessarily sending a particular message, and two people viewing the same work do not necessarily have to agree on what they perceive, let alone what they think about it. This is, let it be stated, a widely accepted — indeed, widely applauded approach to "art."
St. John has collectively titled the 13 acrylic on canvas paintings in her show "Lost in Dreams." The exhibit "will feature my more dreamlike paintings," the artist says. "Some will feature my little spirit beings. Some will be textured dreamscapes."
A three-year resident of St. Thomas, she says she seeks through her work to explore "the relationship between spiritual and material." She adds, "I often use symbols borrowed from varied cultures to help me do this. When I come across an idea I have no symbol for, I invent one."
St. John, the daughter of Cobex Internet Services owner Peter DeBlanc, came to St. Thomas to visit her family here, then decided to stay. "Although the subject of most of her work revolves around spiritual themes," Color of Joy owner Corinne Van Rensselaer says, "there is a distinct Caribbean influence which is revealed through the color and mood of the paintings."
The meet-the-artist reception, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday, is free and open to the public. The paintings in the show are priced from $200 to $675. The Color of Joy is located on the street level of the main American Yacht Harbor building in Red Hook. There will be complimentary refreshments and music by James Anderson ("Una Guitarra") on the deck overlooking the AYH docks just outside the gallery.
CALYPSO, CONCH AND CRAFTS AT BOLONGO
Calypso, Conch and Crafts is the new concept at Bolongo Bay and the beginning of a unique relationship between business and the arts.
Starting Monday at Iggies Beach Bar, live calypso along with a mini arts and crafts fair will be featured in the afternoon.
"There's nowhere you can hear calypso in the daytime now," said Richard Doumeng, owner of Bolongo Bay Beach Club. "Our kitchen staff has created a variety of local food to go along with the music and art."
Doumeng has joined with Rhoda Tillet in creating the unique venture. Tillet will bring her displays from the Native Arts & Crafts Cooperative at Tillet Gardens to provide a sampling of what is available on the island for visitors and locals, alike.
Along with Tillet, known for years for the popular Tillet's Garden Art and Crafts Fairs, Doumeng has asked Dorothy Elskoe, president of the Committee to Revive our Culture, to participate.
"We jumped at the opportunity to bring items from our Native Arts & Crafts store," Elskoe said.
Tillet called Bolongo a special place. " It reminds me of the St. Thomas of the '70's," she said.
Starting Monday at Iggies Beach Bar, live calypso along with a mini arts and crafts fair will be featured in the afternoon.
"There's nowhere you can hear calypso in the daytime now," said Richard Doumeng, owner of Bolongo Bay Beach Club. "Our kitchen staff has created a variety of local food to go along with the music and art."
Doumeng has joined with Rhoda Tillet in creating the unique venture. Tillet will bring her displays from the Native Arts & Crafts Cooperative at Tillet Gardens to provide a sampling of what is available on the island for visitors and locals, alike.
Along with Tillet, known for years for the popular Tillet's Garden Art and Crafts Fairs, Doumeng has asked Dorothy Elskoe, president of the Committee to Revive our Culture, to participate.
"We jumped at the opportunity to bring items from our Native Arts & Crafts store," Elskoe said.
Tillet called Bolongo a special place. " It reminds me of the St. Thomas of the '70's," she said.
CALYPSO, CONCH AND CRAFTS AT BOLONGO BAY
Calypso, Conch and Crafts is the new concept at Bolongo Bay and the beginning of a unique relationship between business and the arts.
Starting Monday at Iggies Beach Bar, live calypso along with a mini arts and crafts fair will be featured in the afternoon.
"There's nowhere you can hear calypso in the daytime now," said Richard Doumeng, owner of Bolongo Bay Beach Club. "Our kitchen staff has created a variety of local food to go along with the music and art."
Doumeng has joined with Rhoda Tillet in creating the unique venture. Tillet will bring her displays from the Native Arts & Crafts Cooperative at Tillet Gardens to provide a sampling of what is available on the island for visitors and locals, alike.
Along with Tillet, known for years for the popular Tillet's Garden Art and Crafts Fairs, Doumeng has asked Dorothy Elskoe, president of the Committee to Revive our Culture, to participate.
"We jumped at the opportunity to bring items from our Native Arts & Crafts store," Elskoe said.
Tillet called Bolongo a special place. " It reminds me of the St. Thomas of the '70's," she said.
Starting Monday at Iggies Beach Bar, live calypso along with a mini arts and crafts fair will be featured in the afternoon.
"There's nowhere you can hear calypso in the daytime now," said Richard Doumeng, owner of Bolongo Bay Beach Club. "Our kitchen staff has created a variety of local food to go along with the music and art."
Doumeng has joined with Rhoda Tillet in creating the unique venture. Tillet will bring her displays from the Native Arts & Crafts Cooperative at Tillet Gardens to provide a sampling of what is available on the island for visitors and locals, alike.
Along with Tillet, known for years for the popular Tillet's Garden Art and Crafts Fairs, Doumeng has asked Dorothy Elskoe, president of the Committee to Revive our Culture, to participate.
"We jumped at the opportunity to bring items from our Native Arts & Crafts store," Elskoe said.
Tillet called Bolongo a special place. " It reminds me of the St. Thomas of the '70's," she said.
POLICE RELEASE INFORMATION ON BANK ROBBERY
Two men entered First Bank on Market Square at 10:52 a.m. Wednesday and robbed the bank of an undisclosed amount of money.
The men are both described as being black, between 20 and 22 years old and slender. One man was described as being between 5 feet 8 inches and 6 feet tall, the other between 5 feet 9 inches and 6 feet.
The release from Territorial Police Chief Jose Garcia said the two men entered the bank and while inside put on stocking masks. One man stood between the door and the counter holding a gun on people inside the bank and telling them to get on the ground. The other man jumped over the counter and took money, according to Garcia.
The two men then fled from the scene in a red Pontiac Firebird, according to an earlier report.
The Virgin Islands had three bank robberies in December, two on St. Thomas and one on St. Croix. Only one man — reportedly a Caucasion — was involved in those incidents, which appeared to be connected. A man picked up and arrested on St. John on minor charges may be a suspect in those earlier robberies, the Source reported in February.
The First Bank robbery is under investigation. No arrests have been made. Anyone with information is asked to call 774-3868, 774-4959 or 911.
The men are both described as being black, between 20 and 22 years old and slender. One man was described as being between 5 feet 8 inches and 6 feet tall, the other between 5 feet 9 inches and 6 feet.
The release from Territorial Police Chief Jose Garcia said the two men entered the bank and while inside put on stocking masks. One man stood between the door and the counter holding a gun on people inside the bank and telling them to get on the ground. The other man jumped over the counter and took money, according to Garcia.
The two men then fled from the scene in a red Pontiac Firebird, according to an earlier report.
The Virgin Islands had three bank robberies in December, two on St. Thomas and one on St. Croix. Only one man — reportedly a Caucasion — was involved in those incidents, which appeared to be connected. A man picked up and arrested on St. John on minor charges may be a suspect in those earlier robberies, the Source reported in February.
The First Bank robbery is under investigation. No arrests have been made. Anyone with information is asked to call 774-3868, 774-4959 or 911.
GUNMAN ROBS FIRST BANK
The Market Square branch of First Bank was robbed shortly before 11 a.m. Wednesday morning by a gun-toting man.
It was unclear how much money was taken from the bank, located just east of the bungalow at Rothschild Francis Square.
WVWI Radio One is quoting unnamed sources as saying the gunman entered the bank office but instead of proceeding to the teller area, pointed the gun at employees on the customer service platform just inside the main entrance.
Police sources told Radio One that the gunman fled in an early model, red Pontiac Firebird. There were no immediate reports of injuries.
Police were at the scene with agents of the V.I. Safe Streets Task Force, who will likely take the lead in the investigation.
Anyone with information should call emergency 911, the Police Investigation Bureau at 774-4050 or the Safe Streets Task Force at 776-9440.
It was unclear how much money was taken from the bank, located just east of the bungalow at Rothschild Francis Square.
WVWI Radio One is quoting unnamed sources as saying the gunman entered the bank office but instead of proceeding to the teller area, pointed the gun at employees on the customer service platform just inside the main entrance.
Police sources told Radio One that the gunman fled in an early model, red Pontiac Firebird. There were no immediate reports of injuries.
Police were at the scene with agents of the V.I. Safe Streets Task Force, who will likely take the lead in the investigation.
Anyone with information should call emergency 911, the Police Investigation Bureau at 774-4050 or the Safe Streets Task Force at 776-9440.
PEACE: FOR WOMEN, IT'S A LIFE AND DEATH ISSUE
Is it a cliché that suggests that women are "natural peacemakers"? Does this image stem from a perception of women in their roles as mothers, or does it reflect some truth common to all women?
Women are perceived as more compassionate, less threatening, more willing to listen, learn, and opt for reconciliation over force. Traditionally women have been acknowledged as peacemakers within the home, separating squabbling children with the paramount need to protect and cherish.
Now that women are playing much wider roles in society, gender-based assessment seems to show that women have something special to contribute to the larger realization of victory over violence, of the realization of peace.
Women have primarily been the victims of marital or partner conflict. Domestic violence is the leading cause of injury to women between the ages of 15 and 44. Every 21 days, on average, a woman is killed by domestic violence in the United States, according to the Bureau of Primary Health Care Database. Studies show that some 70 percent of murdered women are killed by current or former husbands or lovers.
But there is another significant threat to women by husbands and lovers — unprotected sex with men who have multiple partners. Women account for 50 percent of the cases of AIDS, according to the V.I. Health Department Office of HIV/AIDS Surveillance quarterly report of June 30, 1999.
Among women, nearly half — 47 percent — of the AIDS cases reported were attributed to heterosexual contact. Women are the fastest-growing population of AIDS cases.
While every abusive relationship tells an individual story that may differ in some respects from other relationships, the common pattern of abusive behavior centers around the issues of power, control and manipulation. How can we deal with deeply entrenched cultural mores and traditional gender roles? How can women break out of the cycle of being abused and misused?
My own view is that women need to be more empowered and to take more responsibility. We need institutions and practices that will create opportunities for women to understand and recognize that violence, sexual or otherwise, is unacceptable. We need women to take responsibility for the sexual act, for it is costing them their lives.
We need to create the confidence in women that love at any cost is not true love. We need to energize women to take their capabilities of managing work and family in a holistic way and to apply these capabilities to all aspects of their lives.
Women who still believe that staying quiet and submitting to male domination sexually and otherwise in the home is "keeping the peace" cannot hope to contribute to peace-building on a wider scale.
A young woman, my teenage daughter, suggested that women should produce images of peace and nonviolence which are as interesting and gripping as those of fighting and war.
An older woman, in a discussion on AIDS, stated that her anger at being helpless before her mate led her to act violently rather than responsibly, as she would have done if she were dealing with her children.
Women with decision-making authority in the home must find the courage to change their helplessness and seek assistance from organizations that can make a difference. Women who have decision-making authority in the media, the courts, the offices, the medical community, the Senate must utilize the same skills of understanding, communication and negotiation to bring about change in the institutions in which we work.
Let us be proud of who we are, accept and respect ourselves, and require the same respect of our partners when in their arms as we do in the other aspects of our lives. Let us join with youth in the pledge of victory over violence:
"I, [say your name], will value my own life.
"Recognizing that a lack of self-identity and hope for the future lies at the root of all violence, I will reach beyond my limitations, taking concrete steps each day to uncover my real potential.
"I will never give up on my dreams, even if they seem impossible.
"I will respect all life.
"Recognizing that violence comes in many forms, I will not isolate myself but will create an environment where others feel comfortable and can be themselves.
"I will see beyond the superficial differences and reflect on my own behavior.
"I will inspire hope in others.
"With courage, I will resolutely stand against violence, be it verbal, physical or passive, and teach others through my own example.
"I will support others and encourage them to follow their dreams."
Women are perceived as more compassionate, less threatening, more willing to listen, learn, and opt for reconciliation over force. Traditionally women have been acknowledged as peacemakers within the home, separating squabbling children with the paramount need to protect and cherish.
Now that women are playing much wider roles in society, gender-based assessment seems to show that women have something special to contribute to the larger realization of victory over violence, of the realization of peace.
Women have primarily been the victims of marital or partner conflict. Domestic violence is the leading cause of injury to women between the ages of 15 and 44. Every 21 days, on average, a woman is killed by domestic violence in the United States, according to the Bureau of Primary Health Care Database. Studies show that some 70 percent of murdered women are killed by current or former husbands or lovers.
But there is another significant threat to women by husbands and lovers — unprotected sex with men who have multiple partners. Women account for 50 percent of the cases of AIDS, according to the V.I. Health Department Office of HIV/AIDS Surveillance quarterly report of June 30, 1999.
Among women, nearly half — 47 percent — of the AIDS cases reported were attributed to heterosexual contact. Women are the fastest-growing population of AIDS cases.
While every abusive relationship tells an individual story that may differ in some respects from other relationships, the common pattern of abusive behavior centers around the issues of power, control and manipulation. How can we deal with deeply entrenched cultural mores and traditional gender roles? How can women break out of the cycle of being abused and misused?
My own view is that women need to be more empowered and to take more responsibility. We need institutions and practices that will create opportunities for women to understand and recognize that violence, sexual or otherwise, is unacceptable. We need women to take responsibility for the sexual act, for it is costing them their lives.
We need to create the confidence in women that love at any cost is not true love. We need to energize women to take their capabilities of managing work and family in a holistic way and to apply these capabilities to all aspects of their lives.
Women who still believe that staying quiet and submitting to male domination sexually and otherwise in the home is "keeping the peace" cannot hope to contribute to peace-building on a wider scale.
A young woman, my teenage daughter, suggested that women should produce images of peace and nonviolence which are as interesting and gripping as those of fighting and war.
An older woman, in a discussion on AIDS, stated that her anger at being helpless before her mate led her to act violently rather than responsibly, as she would have done if she were dealing with her children.
Women with decision-making authority in the home must find the courage to change their helplessness and seek assistance from organizations that can make a difference. Women who have decision-making authority in the media, the courts, the offices, the medical community, the Senate must utilize the same skills of understanding, communication and negotiation to bring about change in the institutions in which we work.
Let us be proud of who we are, accept and respect ourselves, and require the same respect of our partners when in their arms as we do in the other aspects of our lives. Let us join with youth in the pledge of victory over violence:
"I, [say your name], will value my own life.
"Recognizing that a lack of self-identity and hope for the future lies at the root of all violence, I will reach beyond my limitations, taking concrete steps each day to uncover my real potential.
"I will never give up on my dreams, even if they seem impossible.
"I will respect all life.
"Recognizing that violence comes in many forms, I will not isolate myself but will create an environment where others feel comfortable and can be themselves.
"I will see beyond the superficial differences and reflect on my own behavior.
"I will inspire hope in others.
"With courage, I will resolutely stand against violence, be it verbal, physical or passive, and teach others through my own example.
"I will support others and encourage them to follow their dreams."
WALTER SAILS AGAIN!
Well, rats! He sailed in this week, right into Lisa's life and right out of mine. Lisa is the girl in the picture right next to Uncle Walter (Cronkite). I am the one not in the picture.
It happened like this. Lisa was quietly tending her bar at Hook Line & Sinker, where I also am employed, I might add, and he and his wife simply strolled in for lunch. Just like that.
Now the thing is, Lisa was there and I was off attending other reportorial duties at a public utility hearing. Not that those hearings aren't a barrel of fun, mind you.
Lisa doesn't faze easily, an attribute I don't possess, so perhaps it's just as well I wasn't there. She did something I never would have thought of. She walked right over to their table and asked what they would like for lunch. Such imagination.
Then our boss, Ted Luscz, called Lisa and asked her to take a picture. Lisa demurred out of respect for Cronkite's privacy. However, Uncle Walt said, "Go right ahead. It's when they don't ask, that I'll have to worry."
And, so you see, it all had a happy ending, and I have a picture to treasure. I'll just cut Lisa out.
Cronkite, an avid sailor, is very fond of the U.S. and British Virgin Islands waters, and has sailed here for many years.
It happened like this. Lisa was quietly tending her bar at Hook Line & Sinker, where I also am employed, I might add, and he and his wife simply strolled in for lunch. Just like that.
Now the thing is, Lisa was there and I was off attending other reportorial duties at a public utility hearing. Not that those hearings aren't a barrel of fun, mind you.
Lisa doesn't faze easily, an attribute I don't possess, so perhaps it's just as well I wasn't there. She did something I never would have thought of. She walked right over to their table and asked what they would like for lunch. Such imagination.
Then our boss, Ted Luscz, called Lisa and asked her to take a picture. Lisa demurred out of respect for Cronkite's privacy. However, Uncle Walt said, "Go right ahead. It's when they don't ask, that I'll have to worry."
And, so you see, it all had a happy ending, and I have a picture to treasure. I'll just cut Lisa out.
Cronkite, an avid sailor, is very fond of the U.S. and British Virgin Islands waters, and has sailed here for many years.
TEACHERS UNION WANTS ANSWERS FROM SENATORS
With an eye toward the coming campaign for the fall elections, the St. Thomas-St. John Federation of Teachers is preparing to evaluate the district's senators.
The seven district senators of the 23rd Legislature and the at-large representative have been invited appear before the union membership on Wednesday, March 22, to respond to questions, particularly with regard to their views on education issues.
The objective is to determine "which lawmakers truly are concerned about our needs," union Public Education Committee chair Carol Callwood said. She said the union will decide which senators to back for re-election based on their positions. "It's a sorting-out process," she said. "We need to know first hand about our leaders' posture on the items that are near and dear to us."
Retroactive pay remains an issue of major concern, she said, but there are others, including the physical condition of schools, the general shortage of supplies and the desire for greater autonomy for the Board of Education. And student discipline is an issue on which teachers will expect the senators to take a stand, she said, given the recent job action at Charlotte Amalie High School over a disciplinary action.
Callwood will be a moderator posing questions to the senators. She said the public is encouraged to attend the session and pose questions.
The event is scheduled for 6 p.m. at the Palms Court Harbourview Hotel.
The seven district senators of the 23rd Legislature and the at-large representative have been invited appear before the union membership on Wednesday, March 22, to respond to questions, particularly with regard to their views on education issues.
The objective is to determine "which lawmakers truly are concerned about our needs," union Public Education Committee chair Carol Callwood said. She said the union will decide which senators to back for re-election based on their positions. "It's a sorting-out process," she said. "We need to know first hand about our leaders' posture on the items that are near and dear to us."
Retroactive pay remains an issue of major concern, she said, but there are others, including the physical condition of schools, the general shortage of supplies and the desire for greater autonomy for the Board of Education. And student discipline is an issue on which teachers will expect the senators to take a stand, she said, given the recent job action at Charlotte Amalie High School over a disciplinary action.
Callwood will be a moderator posing questions to the senators. She said the public is encouraged to attend the session and pose questions.
The event is scheduled for 6 p.m. at the Palms Court Harbourview Hotel.
AFT TO QUIZ, THEN RATE SENATORS
The St. Thomas-St. John Federation of Teachers is preparing to evaluate members of the 23rd Legislature.
The AFT has invited the seven St. Thomas-St. John district senators and at-large Sen. Almando "Rocky" Liburd to panel discussions next week to answer questions from union members and others who want to determine their commitment to education.
"The political action committee of the AFT is tasked with determining which lawmakers truly are concerned about our needs," said Carol Callwood, who chairs the union's committee on public education.
"This is about determining where the senators are on these sort of issues," she added.
Callwood said the union will decide which senators to back for re-election based on their positions.
"It's a sorting-out process," she said. "We need to know first-hand about our leaders' posture on the items that are near and dear to us."
Not all the issues of interest are related directly to the teachers' financial security.
While she acknowledged that the pay issue will be around for a long time, Callwood said other issues of concern include the physical condition of schools, the general shortage of supplies and added autonomy for the Board of Education.
"We need to know where their (senators) heads are on these critical issues," she said.
Callwood said teachers expect senators to take a stand on student discipline, given the recent job action at Charlotte Amalie High School over a disciplinary decision.
Callwood will be one of the moderators posing questions to the senators but she said all members of the public are invited to attend and pose questions.
The event will be held at 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 22, at the Palms Court Harbour View Hotel.
The AFT has invited the seven St. Thomas-St. John district senators and at-large Sen. Almando "Rocky" Liburd to panel discussions next week to answer questions from union members and others who want to determine their commitment to education.
"The political action committee of the AFT is tasked with determining which lawmakers truly are concerned about our needs," said Carol Callwood, who chairs the union's committee on public education.
"This is about determining where the senators are on these sort of issues," she added.
Callwood said the union will decide which senators to back for re-election based on their positions.
"It's a sorting-out process," she said. "We need to know first-hand about our leaders' posture on the items that are near and dear to us."
Not all the issues of interest are related directly to the teachers' financial security.
While she acknowledged that the pay issue will be around for a long time, Callwood said other issues of concern include the physical condition of schools, the general shortage of supplies and added autonomy for the Board of Education.
"We need to know where their (senators) heads are on these critical issues," she said.
Callwood said teachers expect senators to take a stand on student discipline, given the recent job action at Charlotte Amalie High School over a disciplinary decision.
Callwood will be one of the moderators posing questions to the senators but she said all members of the public are invited to attend and pose questions.
The event will be held at 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 22, at the Palms Court Harbour View Hotel.
