The Office of Management and Budget is refusing to release the first phase of a five-year economic plan completed by a Washington consultant under a $600,000 Interior Department grant.
Wednesday's Independent quotes Judith Michael of OMB as saying of the report by Consultants for Resources Evaluation, or CORE, "That's a confidential document." The newspaper said Michael did not respond to its faxed list of questions about the plan.
A spokesman for the Interior Department also refused to release the plan, telling the Independent, "I don't think the Department of Interior should be commenting on a contract that the Virgin Islands government has selected."
Though Gov. Charles W. Turnbull made no reference to the CORE contract or report in his State of the Territory message when he said he plans to draft a five-year economic plan, Juel Molloy, his chief of staff, said Turnbull does intend to "look at all ideas on the table. I'm very confident that he will consider the recommendations of the group."
The Interior Department grant was intended to help the Virgin Islands develop a long-range plan to cut government spending and increase revenues. CORE has been working on the plan for about a year and a half, according to the Independent.
BEACHJAM '99
Latin legend, Tito Puente will be the headliner for a host of other well-known national, international and local entertainers performing at spectacular Magens Bay on Martin Luther King Day.
The gates will open at 7 a.m. with music and entertainment beginning at 9 a.m.
For full details of the event go to the St. Thomas Source Music page under Arts/Entertaiment on the menu.
The gates will open at 7 a.m. with music and entertainment beginning at 9 a.m.
For full details of the event go to the St. Thomas Source Music page under Arts/Entertaiment on the menu.
MARCIA REED HENDRICKS OPENING RECEPTION
Visiting from Massachusetts, Reed Hendricks is no stranger to the Virgin Islands. The island of St. John has been a second home for Reed Hendricks over the past 4 years, where she has shared her talent in numerous workshops for adults and children, and exhibited her paintings in several galleries.
For full details of her show and her work go to Arts/Entertainment on St. Thomas Source Menu – Showcase section.
For full details of her show and her work go to Arts/Entertainment on St. Thomas Source Menu – Showcase section.
HEARTY CONGRATS ON A GREAT NEW WEBSITE
Great stuff! I have just looked over your new website and I must send you hearty congrats. This is a well-laid out, informative vehicle for news about our precious Virgin Islands and all of the wonderful people who live on our islands.
For a Thomian living in Miami, but who still keeps in touch with multiple visits every year, this is a wonderful addition to the torn and tattered Daily News, one week late!
I have passed along your website address to about 100+ other Thomian friends both on and off the Rock, and I know that when we all get together in Key West for the 4th annual St. Thomian Bacchanal, everyone will be
chatting up this site.
So good work, good news and GOOD LUCK!
P.S. What was that government boat doing in Tortola?? Somebody have a beach party, and we wern't invited? Maybe it was a trade mission. Hmmm.
Patrick Deery
Miami
For a Thomian living in Miami, but who still keeps in touch with multiple visits every year, this is a wonderful addition to the torn and tattered Daily News, one week late!
I have passed along your website address to about 100+ other Thomian friends both on and off the Rock, and I know that when we all get together in Key West for the 4th annual St. Thomian Bacchanal, everyone will be
chatting up this site.
So good work, good news and GOOD LUCK!
P.S. What was that government boat doing in Tortola?? Somebody have a beach party, and we wern't invited? Maybe it was a trade mission. Hmmm.
Patrick Deery
Miami
WHY WERE V.I. GOVERNMENT BOATS IN BVI?
Over the Christmas holiday I had the opportunity to go sailing through our beautiful waters and visit the British Virgin Islands. At West End where we chose to clear Customs, I was surprised to see one of the Virgin Islands' navy boats docked.
To my understanding the Fire Runner and Tampo One, as they have been christened, are meant to move material between the three U.S. Virgin Islands. Unless I am completely out of the loop, the last time I checked, Tortola was definitely a British island.
I hope that someone, anyone, can let me know what the Fire Runner was doing in the BVI. Government work, or some favor for a friend?
For a government in fiscal crisis, I am surprised and outraged that money, time and fuel may have been wasted in this fashion.
I hope that someone can shed some light on the Fire Runner's activities. Who is charge around here?
Thomas B. Brunt IV
St. Thomas
To my understanding the Fire Runner and Tampo One, as they have been christened, are meant to move material between the three U.S. Virgin Islands. Unless I am completely out of the loop, the last time I checked, Tortola was definitely a British island.
I hope that someone, anyone, can let me know what the Fire Runner was doing in the BVI. Government work, or some favor for a friend?
For a government in fiscal crisis, I am surprised and outraged that money, time and fuel may have been wasted in this fashion.
I hope that someone can shed some light on the Fire Runner's activities. Who is charge around here?
Thomas B. Brunt IV
St. Thomas
TWO HEADS ARE BETTER THAN ONE
This is the time of year when we decide to change our lives for the better. However, it doesn't have to be a lonely effort.
Research confirms that we are much more effective when we have support.
Experiments have shown that dieters who operate on a "buddy" system lose more weight and are more successful at keeping it off. The success of AA and other "12-step" programs is based partly on having someone to call on for moral support night or day. And psychology experiments confirmed that having even one person who shares your views gives you increased determination and
motivation.
Whether you are starting a new business, a new diet, a novel or any other undertaking, how can you get the support you need from friends and family?
Here are five ways:
1. Be clear about how you feel about your new venture. If family members or others treat it as something of a joke, sit down with them and tell them how much it means to you and that you'd appreciate it if they'd treat it with respect.
2. Ask for support-and be specific. What kind of support do you need? Would it help if your spouse took the kids out for an afternoon every week to give you study time? Could your kids take on some chores to give you more free time? Could a colleague teach you some new computer skills? Decide what you need and ask for it.
3. Involve others in your new effort. Share your dreams and progress with your family and friends.
4. Respect other people's passions. If you want respect for what you're doing, show other people the same consideration. If you respect their priorities and interests, they're more likely to respect yours.
5. If your friends don't respect your efforts, get new friends. This may sound harsh, but as we change, sometimes we need to find new friends who share our current interests. In classes and special-interest groups you'll find like-minded people.
The motto behind the workshops I teach is, "The best way to predict the future
is to create it."
That was said by Alan Kay and he was talking about technology, but the same applies to our lives. Decide what you want, and go
for it, step-by-step.
I hope this column will help you. If you have
questions or suggestions for column topics, please send them to me via e-mail, at
FutureUK@aol.com.
Editor's note: Jurgen Wolff is the editor and publisher of "Brainstorm," the creativity newsletter, and teaches the "Create Your Future" workshop. For a free copy of Brainstorm, e-mail your mailing address to FutureUK@aol.com.
(c) Jurgen Wolff 1999
Research confirms that we are much more effective when we have support.
Experiments have shown that dieters who operate on a "buddy" system lose more weight and are more successful at keeping it off. The success of AA and other "12-step" programs is based partly on having someone to call on for moral support night or day. And psychology experiments confirmed that having even one person who shares your views gives you increased determination and
motivation.
Whether you are starting a new business, a new diet, a novel or any other undertaking, how can you get the support you need from friends and family?
Here are five ways:
1. Be clear about how you feel about your new venture. If family members or others treat it as something of a joke, sit down with them and tell them how much it means to you and that you'd appreciate it if they'd treat it with respect.
2. Ask for support-and be specific. What kind of support do you need? Would it help if your spouse took the kids out for an afternoon every week to give you study time? Could your kids take on some chores to give you more free time? Could a colleague teach you some new computer skills? Decide what you need and ask for it.
3. Involve others in your new effort. Share your dreams and progress with your family and friends.
4. Respect other people's passions. If you want respect for what you're doing, show other people the same consideration. If you respect their priorities and interests, they're more likely to respect yours.
5. If your friends don't respect your efforts, get new friends. This may sound harsh, but as we change, sometimes we need to find new friends who share our current interests. In classes and special-interest groups you'll find like-minded people.
The motto behind the workshops I teach is, "The best way to predict the future
is to create it."
That was said by Alan Kay and he was talking about technology, but the same applies to our lives. Decide what you want, and go
for it, step-by-step.
I hope this column will help you. If you have
questions or suggestions for column topics, please send them to me via e-mail, at
FutureUK@aol.com.
Editor's note: Jurgen Wolff is the editor and publisher of "Brainstorm," the creativity newsletter, and teaches the "Create Your Future" workshop. For a free copy of Brainstorm, e-mail your mailing address to FutureUK@aol.com.
(c) Jurgen Wolff 1999
BEACHJAM '99
The line up of music and talent for BeachJam '99 makes the event a total Caribbean experience, according to producer, Steve Bornn.
Admission to BeachJam '99 is $15 for adults, $10 for senior citizens, $8 for students with ID and is free to children under 12. Shuttles will be running all day from roadside parking sites providing free transportation to the beach.
Gates open at 7 a.m with entertainment beginning at 9 a.m.
Tickets outlets: Modern Music (all locations), Cuzzins Restaruant, Color of Joy, Connections in St. John, Parrot Fish Music (STT & STX)and Pier 69 in St. Croix
For line-up and more information on the event go to St. Thomas Source Arts/Entertainment – Music section.
Admission to BeachJam '99 is $15 for adults, $10 for senior citizens, $8 for students with ID and is free to children under 12. Shuttles will be running all day from roadside parking sites providing free transportation to the beach.
Gates open at 7 a.m with entertainment beginning at 9 a.m.
Tickets outlets: Modern Music (all locations), Cuzzins Restaruant, Color of Joy, Connections in St. John, Parrot Fish Music (STT & STX)and Pier 69 in St. Croix
For line-up and more information on the event go to St. Thomas Source Arts/Entertainment – Music section.
GWEN BRADY REPORTEDLY OUT; SIMMONDS IS IN
Gwendolyn Brady, director of Banking and Insurance, "is still on staff," according to Lt. Gov. Gerard Luz James II, although some sources say her days are numbered because of her ties to the former administration.
James would say only that "some changes will be made, which is most natural in the political arena."
Brady was a key official in the Lieutenant Governor's Office under James' predecessor, Kenneth E. Mapp. She is married to Attorney General Julio A. Brady.
Meanwhile, the new lieutenant governor confirmed he has appointed Nathan Simmonds as his chief of staff and indicated he will retain attorney Deverita Sturdivant to assist with banking and insurance issues.
Simmonds has worked at the Legislature for "16 to 18 years," much of that time as post auditor. That position is one of the most important to the Legislature as the Post Audit Division analyzes the administration's proposed annual budget, advises senators on virtually every financial matter, prepares the Legislature's own annual budget and generally serves as the right arm of the Senate Finance Committee.
James, a former senator, said he had been impressed by Simmonds' work.
"I have found him to be competent as well as capable," he said. "I think he would be more than an asset to me."
Besides Banking and Insurance, the lieutenant governor has oversight of the Tax Assessor's Office, Corporate Office and various financial services. James indicated he will take his time assessing all the areas.
"It will be a continual and slow process as we put people in place," he said.
James would say only that "some changes will be made, which is most natural in the political arena."
Brady was a key official in the Lieutenant Governor's Office under James' predecessor, Kenneth E. Mapp. She is married to Attorney General Julio A. Brady.
Meanwhile, the new lieutenant governor confirmed he has appointed Nathan Simmonds as his chief of staff and indicated he will retain attorney Deverita Sturdivant to assist with banking and insurance issues.
Simmonds has worked at the Legislature for "16 to 18 years," much of that time as post auditor. That position is one of the most important to the Legislature as the Post Audit Division analyzes the administration's proposed annual budget, advises senators on virtually every financial matter, prepares the Legislature's own annual budget and generally serves as the right arm of the Senate Finance Committee.
James, a former senator, said he had been impressed by Simmonds' work.
"I have found him to be competent as well as capable," he said. "I think he would be more than an asset to me."
Besides Banking and Insurance, the lieutenant governor has oversight of the Tax Assessor's Office, Corporate Office and various financial services. James indicated he will take his time assessing all the areas.
"It will be a continual and slow process as we put people in place," he said.
TWO 14-YEAR-OLDS SHOT NEAR HIGH SCHOOL
Two 14-year-old students — one male, one female– were reportedly "caught in the crossfire" of a shootout Tuesday across from Charlotte Amalie High School as school was ending about 3:15 p.m.
The girl was shot twice in the abdomen and the upper left side, according to newspaper and radio reports. The boy, reportedly a student at Addelita Cancryn Junior High School, was shot once in the left side, according to Police Capt. Adelbert Molyneaux.
The shooting appears to stem from altercations between feuding youths from neighborhood "posses" from Oswald Harris Court and Hospital Ground.
A 16-year-old male was taken into custody Tuesday in connection with the shooting, but no formal charges have been lodged, according to the Independent.
Jeanette Smith, principal of CAHS, told the Daily News she is "fed up with the housing feuds."
Smith said Tuesday's shooting was a continuation of a stabbing incident the day before at Cancryn.
Smith said some of the students involved in the incident had been recommended for dismissal because of their involvement in similar incidents. The recommendations, however, were not approved, she said.
Smith said the Education Department needs a plan to separate the minority of troublemakers from the larger student body to protect those who are in school to get an education.
The surge in youth violence — including the killing of two young men in St. Croix since the new year began — has many in the community concerned. The Daily News reported Tuesday that in the last three years, 30 people under the age of 25 have been killed in the Virgin Islands; 28 of the victims were males and 28 of the killings were from gunfire.
The girl was shot twice in the abdomen and the upper left side, according to newspaper and radio reports. The boy, reportedly a student at Addelita Cancryn Junior High School, was shot once in the left side, according to Police Capt. Adelbert Molyneaux.
The shooting appears to stem from altercations between feuding youths from neighborhood "posses" from Oswald Harris Court and Hospital Ground.
A 16-year-old male was taken into custody Tuesday in connection with the shooting, but no formal charges have been lodged, according to the Independent.
Jeanette Smith, principal of CAHS, told the Daily News she is "fed up with the housing feuds."
Smith said Tuesday's shooting was a continuation of a stabbing incident the day before at Cancryn.
Smith said some of the students involved in the incident had been recommended for dismissal because of their involvement in similar incidents. The recommendations, however, were not approved, she said.
Smith said the Education Department needs a plan to separate the minority of troublemakers from the larger student body to protect those who are in school to get an education.
The surge in youth violence — including the killing of two young men in St. Croix since the new year began — has many in the community concerned. The Daily News reported Tuesday that in the last three years, 30 people under the age of 25 have been killed in the Virgin Islands; 28 of the victims were males and 28 of the killings were from gunfire.
JONES ASKS GERS TO INVEST IN V.I. GOVERNMENT
Sen. David Jones proposed Tuesday that the Government Employees Retirement System put $10 million in a "blocked" account that would generate interest and create a $10
million note available for trading.
Jones suggested GERS place $10 million in a trading bank and then use its existence to generate funds, according to the V.I. Independent.
Jones said those funds could be used to make retroactive payments to V.I. government employees, pay vendors and make income tax refunds.
GERS board members were noncommittal about the proposal, the paper said. Alphonso Nibbs, GERS legal counsel, said this was not the kind of investment the system usually gets into.
Board Chairwoman Corine King said members would discuss Jones' proposal further with staff and administration officials before proceeding.
Jones said he based his proposal on Gov. Charles W. Turnbull's bleak assessment Monday of the territory's fiscal condition.
In his State of the Territory address, Turnbull said the territory's long-term debt tops $1 billion, and the shortfall in the General Fund this fiscal year totals $246 million.
Turnbull did not give a total owed for retroactive salary increases but said his administration inherited debts of $66 million in vendor payments, $24 million in delayed tax refunds, $69 million owed to various funds "due to questionable and unauthorized borrowing practices," and $21 million in prior years' obligations.
million note available for trading.
Jones suggested GERS place $10 million in a trading bank and then use its existence to generate funds, according to the V.I. Independent.
Jones said those funds could be used to make retroactive payments to V.I. government employees, pay vendors and make income tax refunds.
GERS board members were noncommittal about the proposal, the paper said. Alphonso Nibbs, GERS legal counsel, said this was not the kind of investment the system usually gets into.
Board Chairwoman Corine King said members would discuss Jones' proposal further with staff and administration officials before proceeding.
Jones said he based his proposal on Gov. Charles W. Turnbull's bleak assessment Monday of the territory's fiscal condition.
In his State of the Territory address, Turnbull said the territory's long-term debt tops $1 billion, and the shortfall in the General Fund this fiscal year totals $246 million.
Turnbull did not give a total owed for retroactive salary increases but said his administration inherited debts of $66 million in vendor payments, $24 million in delayed tax refunds, $69 million owed to various funds "due to questionable and unauthorized borrowing practices," and $21 million in prior years' obligations.
