The Senate Health Committee unanimously approved legislation Friday that would make the organ donation process easier, and bring it into line with most other states.
Health officials testifying before the committee stressed the importance of the revised anatomical gift act. Amos Carty, general counsel for the Roy L. Schneider Hospital, said the act could help narrow the gap between the supply and demand of donated organs, according to the Daily News. Carty was representing Eugene Woods, the hospital's chief executive officer.
Dr. Ruth Watson, hospital medical director, was also in favor of the legislation. She told the committee the importance of revising the anatomical gift act was self-evident.
"Every donor has the potential of giving renewed life to those whose lives may depend on it," she said.
The legislation expands the list of people who can permit donation of an organ, unless the deceased refused a donation before his death. It also drops the requirement that documents permitting organ donations must be witnessed.
The proposal requires hospital staff to discuss organ donation and encourage consent by the family of any patient who is brain-dead and an eligible donor, according to the V.I. Independent.
The legislation, sponsored by Sen. Allie-Alllison Petrus, committee chair, was also strongly endorsed by a senior nursing student from the University of the Virgin Islands, Jennifer JnoBaptiste, who is working to increase community awareness about organ donation.
She said that in January, 66,983 patients were on the national Patient Waiting List for organ transplants, and 44,000 of them needed kidneys. The availability of organs is particularly important to minorities, she said, since "at least 49 percent of persons on the waiting list are people of color."
The act must now go to the Rules Committee before it comes back to the full senate for a vote.
In another matter, the committee tabled a bill to bring all professional mental health practitioners under an umbrella licensing board. Representatives of the Association of V. I. Psychologists and the National Association of Social Workers strongly objected to the bill, according to the Daily News, saying their standards are much more stringent that those of related fields.
Sen. Lorraine Berry, the bill's sponsor, remarked that the committee seemed to have gotten in the middle of a "turf war," but agreed to have the bill tabled to work out an agreement satisfactory to all groups. The bill, as it stands, is now postponed indefinitely.
HEALTH COMMITTEE OKS ORGAN DONATION CHANGES
The Senate Health Committee unanimously approved legislation Friday that would make the organ donation process easier, and bring it into line with most other states.
Health officials testifying before the committee stressed the importance of the revised anatomical gift act.
Amos Carty, general counsel for the Roy L. Schneider Hospital, said the act could help narrow the gap between the supply and demand of donated organs, according to the Daily News.
Carty was representing Eugene Woods, the hospital chief executive officer.
Dr. Ruth Watson, hospital medical director, was also in favor of the legislation. She told the committee that the importance of revising the anatomical gift act is self evident
"Every donor has the potential of giving renewed life to those whose lives may depend on it," she said.
The legislation expands the list of people who can permit donation of an organ, unless the deceased refused a donation before his death. It also drops the requirement that documents permitting organ donations must be witnessed.
The proposal requires hospital staff to discuss organ donation and encourage consent by the family of any patient who is brain dead and an eligible donor, according to the V.I. Independent.
The legislation, sponsored by Sen. Allie-Alllison Petrus, committee chair, was also strongly endorsed by a senior nursing student from the University of the Virgin Islands, Jennifer JnoBaptiste, who is working to increase community awareness about organ donation.
She said that in January, 66,983 patients were on the national Patient Waiting List for organ transplants, and 44,000 of them needed kidneys. She said availability of the organs is particularly important to minorities, since "at least 49 percent of persons on the waiting list are people of color."
The act must now go to the Rules Committee before it comes back to the full senate for a vote.
In another matter, the committee tabled a bill to bring all professional mental health practitioners under an umbrella licensing board. Representatives of the Association of V. I. Psychologists and the National Association of Social workers strongly objected to the bill, saying that their respective standards are much more stringent that those of related fields, according to the Daily News.
Sen. Lorraine Berry, the bill's sponsor, remarked that the committee seemed to have gotten in the middle of a "turf war," but agreed to have the bill tabled to work out an agreement satisfactory to all groups. The bill, as it stands, is now postponed indefinitely.
Health officials testifying before the committee stressed the importance of the revised anatomical gift act.
Amos Carty, general counsel for the Roy L. Schneider Hospital, said the act could help narrow the gap between the supply and demand of donated organs, according to the Daily News.
Carty was representing Eugene Woods, the hospital chief executive officer.
Dr. Ruth Watson, hospital medical director, was also in favor of the legislation. She told the committee that the importance of revising the anatomical gift act is self evident
"Every donor has the potential of giving renewed life to those whose lives may depend on it," she said.
The legislation expands the list of people who can permit donation of an organ, unless the deceased refused a donation before his death. It also drops the requirement that documents permitting organ donations must be witnessed.
The proposal requires hospital staff to discuss organ donation and encourage consent by the family of any patient who is brain dead and an eligible donor, according to the V.I. Independent.
The legislation, sponsored by Sen. Allie-Alllison Petrus, committee chair, was also strongly endorsed by a senior nursing student from the University of the Virgin Islands, Jennifer JnoBaptiste, who is working to increase community awareness about organ donation.
She said that in January, 66,983 patients were on the national Patient Waiting List for organ transplants, and 44,000 of them needed kidneys. She said availability of the organs is particularly important to minorities, since "at least 49 percent of persons on the waiting list are people of color."
The act must now go to the Rules Committee before it comes back to the full senate for a vote.
In another matter, the committee tabled a bill to bring all professional mental health practitioners under an umbrella licensing board. Representatives of the Association of V. I. Psychologists and the National Association of Social workers strongly objected to the bill, saying that their respective standards are much more stringent that those of related fields, according to the Daily News.
Sen. Lorraine Berry, the bill's sponsor, remarked that the committee seemed to have gotten in the middle of a "turf war," but agreed to have the bill tabled to work out an agreement satisfactory to all groups. The bill, as it stands, is now postponed indefinitely.
DPNR CHIEF ATTENDS CORAL REEF MEETING
The territory is in position to get $225,000 of a $1.3 million federal set-aside for coral reef conservation.
Dean Plaskett, commissioner of Planning and Natural Resources, said the territory could receive that money to develop a marine management plan and eventually a marine park.
Plaskett was in Washington, D.C., last week to attend a meeting of the U.S. Coral Reef Task Force. The Washington meeting was a followup to the Coral Reef Task Force’s gathering held on St. Croix in November.
At that conference, the task force adopted the National Action Plan to Conserve Coral Reefs. The plan makes recommendations for the federal government, states and territories to ensure sustainable coral reef ecosystems.
Last week, Plaskett said, the Virgin Islands was acknowledged for its plans to establish marine sanctuaries and a marine park system. Help in funding such plans will come from the federal government.
Congress has appropriated $6 million for fiscal year 2000 for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration for coral reef conservation. The Fish and Wildlife Service, National Park Service and Interior's Office of Insular Affairs have also received increased funding for coral reef protection in FY 2000.
NOAA and the Office of Insular Affairs will award approximately $1.3 million to support aspects of the All Islands Coral Reef Initiative Strategy. From that, Plaskett said, the Virgin Islands could see the $225,000.
He said DPNR is ready to work with the Park Service, the University of the Virgin Islands and non-governmental organizations to develop the territory's coral reef plan.
Dean Plaskett, commissioner of Planning and Natural Resources, said the territory could receive that money to develop a marine management plan and eventually a marine park.
Plaskett was in Washington, D.C., last week to attend a meeting of the U.S. Coral Reef Task Force. The Washington meeting was a followup to the Coral Reef Task Force’s gathering held on St. Croix in November.
At that conference, the task force adopted the National Action Plan to Conserve Coral Reefs. The plan makes recommendations for the federal government, states and territories to ensure sustainable coral reef ecosystems.
Last week, Plaskett said, the Virgin Islands was acknowledged for its plans to establish marine sanctuaries and a marine park system. Help in funding such plans will come from the federal government.
Congress has appropriated $6 million for fiscal year 2000 for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration for coral reef conservation. The Fish and Wildlife Service, National Park Service and Interior's Office of Insular Affairs have also received increased funding for coral reef protection in FY 2000.
NOAA and the Office of Insular Affairs will award approximately $1.3 million to support aspects of the All Islands Coral Reef Initiative Strategy. From that, Plaskett said, the Virgin Islands could see the $225,000.
He said DPNR is ready to work with the Park Service, the University of the Virgin Islands and non-governmental organizations to develop the territory's coral reef plan.
DPNR CHIEF ATTENDS CORAL REEF MEETING
The territory is in position to get $225,000 of a $1.3 million federal set-aside for coral reef conservation.
Dean Plaskett, commissioner of Planning and Natural Resources, said the territory could receive that money to develop a marine management plan and eventually a marine park.
Plaskett was in Washington, D.C., last week to attend a meeting of the U.S. Coral Reef Task Force. The Washington meeting was a follow-up to the Coral Reef Task Force’s gathering held on St. Croix last November.
At that conference, the task force adopted the National Action Plan to Conserve Coral Reefs. The plan makes recommendations for the federal government, states and territories to ensure sustainable coral reef ecosystems.
Plaskett said that at last week’s meeting, the Virgin Islands was acknowledged for its plans to establish marine sanctuaries and a marine park system. Help in funding such plans will come from the federal government.
Congress has appropriated $6 million for fiscal year 2000 for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration for coral reef conservation. The Fish and Wildlife Service, National Park Service and Interior's Office of Insular Affairs have also received increased funding for coral reef protection in FY 2000.
NOAA and the Office of Insular Affairs will award approximately $1.3 million to support aspects of the All Islands Coral Reef Initiative Strategy. From that, Plaskett said, the Virgin Islands could see the $225,000.
He said DPNR is ready to work with the Park Service, the University of the Virgin Islands and non-governmental organizations to develop the territory's coral reef plan.
Dean Plaskett, commissioner of Planning and Natural Resources, said the territory could receive that money to develop a marine management plan and eventually a marine park.
Plaskett was in Washington, D.C., last week to attend a meeting of the U.S. Coral Reef Task Force. The Washington meeting was a follow-up to the Coral Reef Task Force’s gathering held on St. Croix last November.
At that conference, the task force adopted the National Action Plan to Conserve Coral Reefs. The plan makes recommendations for the federal government, states and territories to ensure sustainable coral reef ecosystems.
Plaskett said that at last week’s meeting, the Virgin Islands was acknowledged for its plans to establish marine sanctuaries and a marine park system. Help in funding such plans will come from the federal government.
Congress has appropriated $6 million for fiscal year 2000 for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration for coral reef conservation. The Fish and Wildlife Service, National Park Service and Interior's Office of Insular Affairs have also received increased funding for coral reef protection in FY 2000.
NOAA and the Office of Insular Affairs will award approximately $1.3 million to support aspects of the All Islands Coral Reef Initiative Strategy. From that, Plaskett said, the Virgin Islands could see the $225,000.
He said DPNR is ready to work with the Park Service, the University of the Virgin Islands and non-governmental organizations to develop the territory's coral reef plan.
U.S. FUNDING SEEN TO DEVELOLP MARINE PLAN
The territory is in position to get $225,000 out of $1.3 million in federal funds earmarked for coral reef conservation, according to Planning and Natural Resources Commissioner Dean Plaskett.
Plaskett was in Washington, D.C., last week to attend a meeting of the U.S. Coral Reef Task Force. He said the territory could receive $225,000 in federal funds to develop a marine management plan and eventually a marine park.
The Washington meeting followed up on a task force conference on St. Croix last November at which a national action plan to conserve coral reefs was adopted. The plan recommends federal, state and territorial actions toward the sustainable growth of coral reef ecosystems.
At last week’s meeting, Plaskett said, Virgin Islands plans to establish marine sanctuaries and a marine park system were recognized. The federal government will help fund such plans, he said.
Congress has appropriated $6 million in National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration funds for coral reef conservation this fiscal year. The Fish and Wildlife Service, National Park Service and the Office of Insular Affairs have also received increased funding for coral reef protection.
NOAA and the Office of Insular Affairs will award approximately $1.3 million to support All Islands Coral Reef Initiative Strategy projects. Plaskett said the Virgin Islands could realize $225,000 of that amount. He said his department is ready to work with the National Park Service, the University of the Virgin Islands and non-governmental organizations to develop a territorial coral reef plan.
Plaskett was in Washington, D.C., last week to attend a meeting of the U.S. Coral Reef Task Force. He said the territory could receive $225,000 in federal funds to develop a marine management plan and eventually a marine park.
The Washington meeting followed up on a task force conference on St. Croix last November at which a national action plan to conserve coral reefs was adopted. The plan recommends federal, state and territorial actions toward the sustainable growth of coral reef ecosystems.
At last week’s meeting, Plaskett said, Virgin Islands plans to establish marine sanctuaries and a marine park system were recognized. The federal government will help fund such plans, he said.
Congress has appropriated $6 million in National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration funds for coral reef conservation this fiscal year. The Fish and Wildlife Service, National Park Service and the Office of Insular Affairs have also received increased funding for coral reef protection.
NOAA and the Office of Insular Affairs will award approximately $1.3 million to support All Islands Coral Reef Initiative Strategy projects. Plaskett said the Virgin Islands could realize $225,000 of that amount. He said his department is ready to work with the National Park Service, the University of the Virgin Islands and non-governmental organizations to develop a territorial coral reef plan.
HIGH OIL PRICES MEAN HIGHER WAPA BILLS
The high cost of oil may soon show up on the bills of V.I. Water and Power Autority customers. According to a WAPA release, the "levelized energy adjustment clause" on customers’ bills will likely go up by $14 in April, because of recent increases in the cost of oil.
The adjustment clause, which sets the level of fuel costs for six months, was approved by the V.I. Public Services Commission in 1981 to stabilize monthly changes in the cost of fuel passed on to WAPA customers.
"In general," the WAPA release states, "the LEAC is based on projected fuel costs and is to be adjusted for any prior period for the over- or under-payment of actual fuel costs."
The utility applied for a LEAC increase with the PSC in January but it hasn’t yet been applied to bills. For the past year WAPA has not passed on increased fuel costs, according to the release. Because of the undercollecting, the utility said it has eaten almost $12 million.
"The increase in fuel costs as a result of rising oil prices is not unique to WAPA or the Virgin Islands," the release states. "This is a global problem which can be seen in the almost $2 per gallon price at the gas pumps in the Virgin Islands and in the surcharges for fuel that have recently been added to the cost of airfares."
And, starting next month, to the bills of WAPA customers. According to the utility, the net effect of the increased fuel charge will be about $14 for residential customers who use an average of 474 kilowatt hours per month.
Commercial customers using an average of 1,283 kilowatt hours a month should see a $39 increase, while large power consumers using 23,908 kilowatt hours per month will see a $719 hike.
The adjustment will also show up on potable-water bills, in the form of a $6 increase for the average residential user.
The adjustment clause, which sets the level of fuel costs for six months, was approved by the V.I. Public Services Commission in 1981 to stabilize monthly changes in the cost of fuel passed on to WAPA customers.
"In general," the WAPA release states, "the LEAC is based on projected fuel costs and is to be adjusted for any prior period for the over- or under-payment of actual fuel costs."
The utility applied for a LEAC increase with the PSC in January but it hasn’t yet been applied to bills. For the past year WAPA has not passed on increased fuel costs, according to the release. Because of the undercollecting, the utility said it has eaten almost $12 million.
"The increase in fuel costs as a result of rising oil prices is not unique to WAPA or the Virgin Islands," the release states. "This is a global problem which can be seen in the almost $2 per gallon price at the gas pumps in the Virgin Islands and in the surcharges for fuel that have recently been added to the cost of airfares."
And, starting next month, to the bills of WAPA customers. According to the utility, the net effect of the increased fuel charge will be about $14 for residential customers who use an average of 474 kilowatt hours per month.
Commercial customers using an average of 1,283 kilowatt hours a month should see a $39 increase, while large power consumers using 23,908 kilowatt hours per month will see a $719 hike.
The adjustment will also show up on potable-water bills, in the form of a $6 increase for the average residential user.
HIGH OIL PRICES MEAN HIGHER WAPA BILLS
Starting in April, the high cost of oil may show up on the bills of V.I. Water and Power Autority customers to the tune of $14 a month.
According to a WAPA release, the Levelized Energy Adjustment Clause on customers’ bills will go up because of recent spikes in the cost of oil.
The LEAC, which sets the level of fuel costs for six months, was approved by the V.I. Public Services Commission in 1981 to stabilize the monthly changes in the cost of fuel passed on to WAPA customers.
"In general," the WAPA release states, "the LEAC is based on projected fuel costs and is to be adjusted for any prior period for the over- or underpayment of actual fuel costs."
The utility applied for a LEAC increase with the PSC in January but it hasn’t been applied to customers’ bills. For the past year WAPA hasn’t passed on the increased fuel cost to customers. Because of the under-collecting the utility has eaten almost $12 million, according to the release.
"The increase in fuel costs as a result of rising oil prices is not unique to WAPA or the Virgin Islands," the release states. "This is a global problem which can be seen in the almost $2 per gallon price at the gas pumps in the Virgin Islands and in the surcharges for fuel that have recently been added to the cost of airfares."
According to WAPA, the net affect of the increased fuel charge will be about $14 for residential customers who use an average of 474 kilowatt hours per month.
Commercial customers using an average of 1,283 kilowatt hours a month should see a $39 increase, while large power consumers using 23,908 kilowatt hours per month will see a $719 hike.
The increased LEAC will also show up on potable water bills in the form of a $6 increase for the average residential user.
According to a WAPA release, the Levelized Energy Adjustment Clause on customers’ bills will go up because of recent spikes in the cost of oil.
The LEAC, which sets the level of fuel costs for six months, was approved by the V.I. Public Services Commission in 1981 to stabilize the monthly changes in the cost of fuel passed on to WAPA customers.
"In general," the WAPA release states, "the LEAC is based on projected fuel costs and is to be adjusted for any prior period for the over- or underpayment of actual fuel costs."
The utility applied for a LEAC increase with the PSC in January but it hasn’t been applied to customers’ bills. For the past year WAPA hasn’t passed on the increased fuel cost to customers. Because of the under-collecting the utility has eaten almost $12 million, according to the release.
"The increase in fuel costs as a result of rising oil prices is not unique to WAPA or the Virgin Islands," the release states. "This is a global problem which can be seen in the almost $2 per gallon price at the gas pumps in the Virgin Islands and in the surcharges for fuel that have recently been added to the cost of airfares."
According to WAPA, the net affect of the increased fuel charge will be about $14 for residential customers who use an average of 474 kilowatt hours per month.
Commercial customers using an average of 1,283 kilowatt hours a month should see a $39 increase, while large power consumers using 23,908 kilowatt hours per month will see a $719 hike.
The increased LEAC will also show up on potable water bills in the form of a $6 increase for the average residential user.
RISING OIL PRICES BRINGING HIGHER WAPA BILLS
Because of rising fuel costs, Water And Power Authority residential customers will see an increase averaging about $14 per month in their electricity bills beginning in April.
And because of the increased fuel surcharge that will cause the increase, they will also see an average hike of $6 a month in their potable water bills.
According to a WAPA release, the Levelized Energy Adjustment Clause on customers’ bills will likely go up because of recent increases in the cost of oil. The clause, which sets the fuel cost level for six months at a time, has appeared on bills since it was approved by the Public Services Commission in 1981 to stabilize monthly changes in the cost of fuel passed on to WAPA customers.
In general, the WAPA release states, the level "is based on projected fuel costs and is to be adjusted for any prior period for the over- or under-payment of actual fuel costs."
The utility applied to the PSC for a level increase in January. For the past year, the release says, WAPA hasn’t passed increased fuel costs on to customers, and as a result has absorbed almost $12 million in losses.
"The increase in fuel costs as a result of rising oil prices is not unique to WAPA or the Virgin Islands," the release states. "This is a global problem which can be seen in the almost $2-per-gallon price at the gas pumps in the Virgin Islands and in the surcharges for fuel that have recently been added to the cost of airfares."
According to the utility, the increased fuel charge will mean an average increase of about $14 a month for residential electricity customers, based on average use of 474 kilowatt hours of electricity per month.
For commercial electricity customers, the release says, the average increase will be about $39 a month. Large power consumers could see an average increase of $719.
And because of the increased fuel surcharge that will cause the increase, they will also see an average hike of $6 a month in their potable water bills.
According to a WAPA release, the Levelized Energy Adjustment Clause on customers’ bills will likely go up because of recent increases in the cost of oil. The clause, which sets the fuel cost level for six months at a time, has appeared on bills since it was approved by the Public Services Commission in 1981 to stabilize monthly changes in the cost of fuel passed on to WAPA customers.
In general, the WAPA release states, the level "is based on projected fuel costs and is to be adjusted for any prior period for the over- or under-payment of actual fuel costs."
The utility applied to the PSC for a level increase in January. For the past year, the release says, WAPA hasn’t passed increased fuel costs on to customers, and as a result has absorbed almost $12 million in losses.
"The increase in fuel costs as a result of rising oil prices is not unique to WAPA or the Virgin Islands," the release states. "This is a global problem which can be seen in the almost $2-per-gallon price at the gas pumps in the Virgin Islands and in the surcharges for fuel that have recently been added to the cost of airfares."
According to the utility, the increased fuel charge will mean an average increase of about $14 a month for residential electricity customers, based on average use of 474 kilowatt hours of electricity per month.
For commercial electricity customers, the release says, the average increase will be about $39 a month. Large power consumers could see an average increase of $719.
2ND NIGHT'S PERFORMANCE OF 'JANKOMBUM'
The second of three performances of "Jankombum," a musical drama by Eddie Donoghue set in the Danish West Indies, will be presented by St. John's Carabana Ensemble Theater Company at the Reichhold Center for the Arts.
The play depicts life, love, jealousy and betrayal in the slave society, focusing on an educated free black who seeks to foment revolt among the slaves, and a mulatto teacher who marries a white missionary, bringing on the legal wrath of church authorities.
Tickets are $25, with all seating in the covered section. For outlets and reservations, call 693-1559.
The play depicts life, love, jealousy and betrayal in the slave society, focusing on an educated free black who seeks to foment revolt among the slaves, and a mulatto teacher who marries a white missionary, bringing on the legal wrath of church authorities.
Tickets are $25, with all seating in the covered section. For outlets and reservations, call 693-1559.
'JANKOMBUM' TO DEBUT AT THE REICHHOLD
The world premiere of "Jankombum," a musical drama by Eddie Donoghue set in the Danish West Indies, will be presented by St. John's Carabana Ensemble Theater Company at the Reichhold Center for the Arts.
The play depicts life, love, jealousy and betrayal in the slave society, focusing on an educated free black who seeks to foment revolt among the slaves, and a mulatto teacher who marries a white missionary, bringing on the legal wrath of church authorities.
Tickets are $25, with all seating in the covered section. For outlets and reservations, call 693-1559.
The play depicts life, love, jealousy and betrayal in the slave society, focusing on an educated free black who seeks to foment revolt among the slaves, and a mulatto teacher who marries a white missionary, bringing on the legal wrath of church authorities.
Tickets are $25, with all seating in the covered section. For outlets and reservations, call 693-1559.
