Catherine Lockhart-Mills, former Human Services commissioner, was named Woman of the Year at the League of Women Voters' annual Impact Awards Luncheon earlier this month.
The League will also used the event to acknowledge and celebrate 30 years in the Virgin Islands.
Lockhart-Mills has made her mark in the field of social welfare as the former commissioner of Human Services and continues to serve the community as deputy program director for High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA). Her dedicated service and impressive record earned her this year's Woman of the Year Impact Award, the League said.
The first organizational meeting of the League of Women Voters was held in April 1968. In April 1970 the ST. Thomas/St. John League received full league status. In November of that year, the St. Croix chapter voted to join the St. Thomas/St. John chapter.
In its 30 years here the League has had a significant impact on the lives of the people of the Virgin Islands. They have actively encouraged participation in the voting process, analyzed the territory's budget, co-sponsored the "Meet the Candidates" television forum every election year, filed the "Save the Long Bay" lawsuit and lobbied nationally for the right to vote, in committee, for the delegate to Congress.
PFA TAKES NO ACTION ON YACHT HAVEN LEASE
The Public Finance Authority has urged the West Indian Co. board to keep the door open to negotiations with Malaysian developer Tan Kay Hock for a new hotel and marina at Yacht Haven in Long Bay.
But the PFA did not, when it met Wednesday, approve a proposed lease for 7 acres of landfill in Long Bay for Tan to redevelop the derelict Ramada Yacht Haven Hotel, WVWI and the Independent reported.
Gov.-elect Charles W. Turnbull had issued a statement before the PFA board met saying he feared there might be a vote and strongly disapproved of such an action.
"Members of the PFA board may be held personally liable for…actions as members of a board if a court finds that their actions constituted gross negligence or willful wrongdoing," Turnbull said.
The PFA went into executive session to discuss the lease, but took no action. After the session Gov. Roy L. Schneider, chairman of the government-dominated five-member PFA board, called Turnbull's concerns premature.
Luis "Tito" Morales, Central Labor Council president, had threatened a class-action suit if a lease was signed.
"Anytime they pass a lease, we're going to court," he said.
Rudolph Krigger, Turnbull's chief of staff, said the new administration is not in a position to say how it will deal with the proposal.
"We have not met with the man," Krigger told the Independent. "The incoming governor has indicated he would like to have that opportunity and we want to leave the door open."
Tan's proposal for a $200 million project with a 300-room hotel, 114 condominiums and 600 boat slips — down from the original 750 — has generated some public opposition because of its scale and the fact that it would block the view from neighboring Paul M. Pearson Gardens.
The V.I. government bought the old Danish West Indian Co. Ltd. for $54 million in 1993 and turned the company's land holdings over to the Public Finance Authority.
The PFA, which thus became the West Indian Co.'s sole shareholder, then turned the property over to the WICO board, which controls the Long Bay land and landfill, among other assets.
The Government Employees Retirement System bought the Havensight Mall from the PFA for $32 million.
WICO, which is a public agency that operates much like a private corporation, manages both the dock and mall.
But the PFA did not, when it met Wednesday, approve a proposed lease for 7 acres of landfill in Long Bay for Tan to redevelop the derelict Ramada Yacht Haven Hotel, WVWI and the Independent reported.
Gov.-elect Charles W. Turnbull had issued a statement before the PFA board met saying he feared there might be a vote and strongly disapproved of such an action.
"Members of the PFA board may be held personally liable for…actions as members of a board if a court finds that their actions constituted gross negligence or willful wrongdoing," Turnbull said.
The PFA went into executive session to discuss the lease, but took no action. After the session Gov. Roy L. Schneider, chairman of the government-dominated five-member PFA board, called Turnbull's concerns premature.
Luis "Tito" Morales, Central Labor Council president, had threatened a class-action suit if a lease was signed.
"Anytime they pass a lease, we're going to court," he said.
Rudolph Krigger, Turnbull's chief of staff, said the new administration is not in a position to say how it will deal with the proposal.
"We have not met with the man," Krigger told the Independent. "The incoming governor has indicated he would like to have that opportunity and we want to leave the door open."
Tan's proposal for a $200 million project with a 300-room hotel, 114 condominiums and 600 boat slips — down from the original 750 — has generated some public opposition because of its scale and the fact that it would block the view from neighboring Paul M. Pearson Gardens.
The V.I. government bought the old Danish West Indian Co. Ltd. for $54 million in 1993 and turned the company's land holdings over to the Public Finance Authority.
The PFA, which thus became the West Indian Co.'s sole shareholder, then turned the property over to the WICO board, which controls the Long Bay land and landfill, among other assets.
The Government Employees Retirement System bought the Havensight Mall from the PFA for $32 million.
WICO, which is a public agency that operates much like a private corporation, manages both the dock and mall.
V.I. OWES MARTIN P.R. FIRM $1 MILLION
Martin Public Relations has curtailed its out-of-pocket expenditures because the V.I. government's unpaid bills total about $1 million.
Amy Atkinson, senior account supervisor at Martin, called the situation "quite abnormal," according to Thursday's Independent.
One result: The firm has not printed many of the promotional items it has produced for the V.I. government.
It has printed and sent out its regular newsletter to travel agents and travel professionals because it "is so critical to the promotion of the territory," Atkinson said.
Martin's contract with the V.I. government directs the Richmond, Va.-based firm to host travel writers and print and distribute written materials ranging from rate sheets to press releases to the newsletter. In November Martin P.R. hosted about a dozen travel writers and photographers to the territory.
The $1 million bill was uncovered by the transition team's economic committee.
The team said the Tourism Department is not only in debt, but it is also in disarray and seriously demoralized. A member of the team attributed the poor morale in the department to problems between staff and management.
Tourism Commissioner Wylie Whisonant said critics don't understand what it takes to run the department.
Earlier this week Martin PR announced that the V.I. tourism scene has appeared in publications as diverse as "Conde Nast Traveler" and "The Smithsonian," and has reached 140 million readers.
Martin's primary efforts have been directed at informing travel professionals and travelers that the U.S. Virgin Islands suffered no appreciable damage from Hurricane Georges in September.
Amy Atkinson, senior account supervisor at Martin, called the situation "quite abnormal," according to Thursday's Independent.
One result: The firm has not printed many of the promotional items it has produced for the V.I. government.
It has printed and sent out its regular newsletter to travel agents and travel professionals because it "is so critical to the promotion of the territory," Atkinson said.
Martin's contract with the V.I. government directs the Richmond, Va.-based firm to host travel writers and print and distribute written materials ranging from rate sheets to press releases to the newsletter. In November Martin P.R. hosted about a dozen travel writers and photographers to the territory.
The $1 million bill was uncovered by the transition team's economic committee.
The team said the Tourism Department is not only in debt, but it is also in disarray and seriously demoralized. A member of the team attributed the poor morale in the department to problems between staff and management.
Tourism Commissioner Wylie Whisonant said critics don't understand what it takes to run the department.
Earlier this week Martin PR announced that the V.I. tourism scene has appeared in publications as diverse as "Conde Nast Traveler" and "The Smithsonian," and has reached 140 million readers.
Martin's primary efforts have been directed at informing travel professionals and travelers that the U.S. Virgin Islands suffered no appreciable damage from Hurricane Georges in September.
TEACHERS UNION THREATENS TO SUE GERS
The St. Thomas-St. John teachers union has rejected the retirement system's justification of huge salary increases for 18 high-level personnel and is considering taking legal action to stop the pay hikes.
According to one official, the union may also demand the resignation of the Government Employees Retirement System board members in hopes that a new board would roll back the increases, the Daily News reported Wednesday.
Glen Smith, president of the St. Thomas-St. John Federation of Teachers, said union members consider the raises imprudent. They also regard the full-page ads that GERS has placed in local papers as awaste of money.
Also at issue, Smith said, are the retroactive wages owed to AFT members.
GERS employees are receiving large pay increases while AFT members are still owed retroactive wages.
The Legislature had considered borrowing from GERS to pay the retroactive wages, but dropped the idea because of repeated warnings that the retirement system was already overburdened.
According to one official, the union may also demand the resignation of the Government Employees Retirement System board members in hopes that a new board would roll back the increases, the Daily News reported Wednesday.
Glen Smith, president of the St. Thomas-St. John Federation of Teachers, said union members consider the raises imprudent. They also regard the full-page ads that GERS has placed in local papers as awaste of money.
Also at issue, Smith said, are the retroactive wages owed to AFT members.
GERS employees are receiving large pay increases while AFT members are still owed retroactive wages.
The Legislature had considered borrowing from GERS to pay the retroactive wages, but dropped the idea because of repeated warnings that the retirement system was already overburdened.
FUEL TANK COMPLIANCE DEADLINE PASSES
In 1988 the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency established standards for underground storage tanks and gave owners 10 years to comply. Dec. 22 was the deadline.
The EPA standards require USTs, as they're called, to be leak-proof and to have gauges to control overfilling and indicate spills or leakage. The regulation also requires the tanks to be excavated and a soil survey done to spot any leakage, according to Tuesday's newspapers.
One short-term option is available: Owners can close the tanks by draining all the fuel and closing them while they prepare to excavate and upgrade or close permanently.
Proof is required from an independent contractor that tanks have been properly shut down. Thereafter the owners have one year to complete the upgrade or close the tanks permanently by filling them with sand or other material, according to EPA spokeswoman Nina Habib Spencer.
The V.I. government has closed its tanks to avoid $11,000-a-day fines. But Samuel Baptiste, acting commissioner of Property and Procurement, said his greater concern is the possibility of leaks and the costly process of cleanup.
Cleanup costs are estimated at $125,000.
Spencer said this was the longest compliance deadline in EPA history. It was done to give owners ample time to make the substantial financial investment required to meet the regulations.
The Virgin Islands has 300 active tanks, according to the Independent, and EPA expects at least 70 percent to meet the new standards. Nationally, the EPA expects a compliance rate of about 75 percent at the 1.1 million USTs at more than 400,000 sites.
The EPA standards require USTs, as they're called, to be leak-proof and to have gauges to control overfilling and indicate spills or leakage. The regulation also requires the tanks to be excavated and a soil survey done to spot any leakage, according to Tuesday's newspapers.
One short-term option is available: Owners can close the tanks by draining all the fuel and closing them while they prepare to excavate and upgrade or close permanently.
Proof is required from an independent contractor that tanks have been properly shut down. Thereafter the owners have one year to complete the upgrade or close the tanks permanently by filling them with sand or other material, according to EPA spokeswoman Nina Habib Spencer.
The V.I. government has closed its tanks to avoid $11,000-a-day fines. But Samuel Baptiste, acting commissioner of Property and Procurement, said his greater concern is the possibility of leaks and the costly process of cleanup.
Cleanup costs are estimated at $125,000.
Spencer said this was the longest compliance deadline in EPA history. It was done to give owners ample time to make the substantial financial investment required to meet the regulations.
The Virgin Islands has 300 active tanks, according to the Independent, and EPA expects at least 70 percent to meet the new standards. Nationally, the EPA expects a compliance rate of about 75 percent at the 1.1 million USTs at more than 400,000 sites.
LABOR DEPARTMENT GOES ON-LINE
The V.I. Labor Department now has its own website that will make employment information accessible from anywhere in the world.
If you dial up www.vidol.org on your computer's URL line, you will be treated to Christmas music and a line-up of information about everything from former commissioners of Labor to links to national websites.
What you won't find are local job listings. Instead, under JOBS on the menu you will find a graphic indicating the site is under construction.
Labor Commissioner Carmen Rivera said the DOL is becoming a high-tech, new-information-age department, according to the Independent. But first, all the information must be entered into the system — a task that will hopefully be completed in 18 months, according to Rivera.
In the meantime, according to Stephanie Berry, PC trainer for the department, DOL staff members have received computer training and will receive more advanced instruction as the needs are determined. -30-
If you dial up www.vidol.org on your computer's URL line, you will be treated to Christmas music and a line-up of information about everything from former commissioners of Labor to links to national websites.
What you won't find are local job listings. Instead, under JOBS on the menu you will find a graphic indicating the site is under construction.
Labor Commissioner Carmen Rivera said the DOL is becoming a high-tech, new-information-age department, according to the Independent. But first, all the information must be entered into the system — a task that will hopefully be completed in 18 months, according to Rivera.
In the meantime, according to Stephanie Berry, PC trainer for the department, DOL staff members have received computer training and will receive more advanced instruction as the needs are determined. -30-
WICO STEPS UP DOCK SECURITY
Security regulations at the West Indian Co. dock will be strictly enforced to protect against any potential terrorist activity.
Last week Saddam Hussein ordered attacks against United States and British concerns as retaliation for the bombing of Iraq. This could leave cruise ships in a vulnerable position, according to WICO officials.
Effective immediately, identification will be required for anyone entering the dock area. Parking will also be prohibited in the dock area, and visitors will only be able to board ships if they're on "official business."
The Independent's story on WICO's announcement said Coast Guard regulations are already in place. Lt. Blake Welborn of the Coast Guard's Marine Safety Detachment said there is a closely monitored security zone at the dock but the threat of terrorism calls for review of that process.
Welborn said V.I. ports have gotten lax about letting delivery people on the dock based on familiarity. That will stop under the increased security.
WICO President Ed Thomas told WVWI that the practice of allowing locals to tour the ships also will be discontinued for the foreseeable future.
The Coast Guard "Passenger Terminal Security Act" requires cruise ships and ports to set up safety standard to prevent terrorism, Welborn said.
Most ships already have adequate internal security, he said. WICO's stepped-up security measures will add to that.
Last week Saddam Hussein ordered attacks against United States and British concerns as retaliation for the bombing of Iraq. This could leave cruise ships in a vulnerable position, according to WICO officials.
Effective immediately, identification will be required for anyone entering the dock area. Parking will also be prohibited in the dock area, and visitors will only be able to board ships if they're on "official business."
The Independent's story on WICO's announcement said Coast Guard regulations are already in place. Lt. Blake Welborn of the Coast Guard's Marine Safety Detachment said there is a closely monitored security zone at the dock but the threat of terrorism calls for review of that process.
Welborn said V.I. ports have gotten lax about letting delivery people on the dock based on familiarity. That will stop under the increased security.
WICO President Ed Thomas told WVWI that the practice of allowing locals to tour the ships also will be discontinued for the foreseeable future.
The Coast Guard "Passenger Terminal Security Act" requires cruise ships and ports to set up safety standard to prevent terrorism, Welborn said.
Most ships already have adequate internal security, he said. WICO's stepped-up security measures will add to that.
FOUR SCHOOLS TO GET GOTTLIEB'S PALMS
Four public schools will be a little prettier next year, thanks to Gottlieb's Quickway Service Center in Contant.
Owner Leroy Gottlieb needs to remove more than 30 areca palms to build his new NAPA auto parts store next door, according to the Independent.
But rather than destroy the trees, Gottlieb is donating them to the Anti-Litter and Beautification Commission.
The commission in turn is giving most of the trees to four schools — Bertha C. Boschulte Middle School and Ulla Muller, Kirwan Terrace and Joseph Gomez Elementary Schools.
"These schools have existing student groups who have demonstrated an ability and desire to take care of plants," said Geraldine Smith, executive director of the beautification commission.
The commission is also donating two larger areca palms to the Chamber of Commerce to plant between the roadway and sidewalk in front of Chase Manhattan Bank.
Owner Leroy Gottlieb needs to remove more than 30 areca palms to build his new NAPA auto parts store next door, according to the Independent.
But rather than destroy the trees, Gottlieb is donating them to the Anti-Litter and Beautification Commission.
The commission in turn is giving most of the trees to four schools — Bertha C. Boschulte Middle School and Ulla Muller, Kirwan Terrace and Joseph Gomez Elementary Schools.
"These schools have existing student groups who have demonstrated an ability and desire to take care of plants," said Geraldine Smith, executive director of the beautification commission.
The commission is also donating two larger areca palms to the Chamber of Commerce to plant between the roadway and sidewalk in front of Chase Manhattan Bank.
V.I. POLICE DEPARTMENT GOES ON-LINE
The V.I. Police Department has joined the world of cyberspace with its own web site.
Police Commissioner Ramon S. Davila said the establishment of a web site was a continuation of the Police Department's open-door policy, according to the Independent.
The site provides 14 links to different areas, including a guest book section where visitors can leave messages.
It also has safety tips, instructions for obtaining a V.I. driver's license and advice on how to avoid car theft.
Davila said plans include providing traffic advisories, alerts of stolen vehicles and information on criminal suspects.
The site can be reached at http://www.vipd.gov.vi.
Police Commissioner Ramon S. Davila said the establishment of a web site was a continuation of the Police Department's open-door policy, according to the Independent.
The site provides 14 links to different areas, including a guest book section where visitors can leave messages.
It also has safety tips, instructions for obtaining a V.I. driver's license and advice on how to avoid car theft.
Davila said plans include providing traffic advisories, alerts of stolen vehicles and information on criminal suspects.
The site can be reached at http://www.vipd.gov.vi.
ROOSEVELT DAVID NOW A FULL-FLEDGED DEMOCRAT
Sen. Roosevelt David announced Tuesday that after winning two legislative elections as an independent, he is committing himself to the Democratic Party.
David, already a registered Democrat, made his announcement to a roomful of Democratic supporters, legislative colleagues and Gov.-elect Charles Turnbull.
His announcement was heralded by Senate President Lorraine Berry; Jimmy O'Bryan, chairman of the V.I. Democratic Party; Senate President-elect Vargrave Richards; and Sen.-elect George Goodwin.
Turnbull said David's decision shows that "we're going to work together — the administration, the Legislature and the delegate — to bring about a brighter future."
In an interview after the press conference Turnbull said he wants the public to understand that the recent recommendations from his transition team are only preliminary. Among the recommendations: cut extraneous high-level positions, revise the tax laws, overhaul the Industrial Development Commission and focus more on overnight visitors than the in-and-out cruise-ship passengers.
"The final report will be given to me on Dec. 28 and after review, I will hold a news conference to discuss the final recommendations," Turnbull said.
David, already a registered Democrat, made his announcement to a roomful of Democratic supporters, legislative colleagues and Gov.-elect Charles Turnbull.
His announcement was heralded by Senate President Lorraine Berry; Jimmy O'Bryan, chairman of the V.I. Democratic Party; Senate President-elect Vargrave Richards; and Sen.-elect George Goodwin.
Turnbull said David's decision shows that "we're going to work together — the administration, the Legislature and the delegate — to bring about a brighter future."
In an interview after the press conference Turnbull said he wants the public to understand that the recent recommendations from his transition team are only preliminary. Among the recommendations: cut extraneous high-level positions, revise the tax laws, overhaul the Industrial Development Commission and focus more on overnight visitors than the in-and-out cruise-ship passengers.
"The final report will be given to me on Dec. 28 and after review, I will hold a news conference to discuss the final recommendations," Turnbull said.
