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Virgin Islands News

BREAKING NEWS: Kareem gets 10 years! -
Kareem Durante will serve the next 10 years behind bars for robbery and aggravated burglary for his role in the 2007 armed robbery of Bat Cave restaurant. He was sentenced on Friday morning by Judge Rita Joseph-Olivetti.

Remarks by Karl Dawson PhD at investiture ceremony as fourth president of HLSCC -
I thank all of you for coming to join in this ceremony today. I think today’s event is very significant in the life of the institution and it is certainly very special to me personally. To be named to lead an institution with a mission that has such far-reaching impact on the lives of so many is a great honour and an awesome responsibility and I do not take it lightly.

Alleged rape victim pregnant; man charged -
Police have arrested and charged a 19-year-old man with rape on Thursday morning, BVI News understands. The virtual complainant is now five months pregnant.

HLSCC Alumni Profile: Sherrine N. Augustine -
During this year, H. Lavity Stoutt Community College is featuring profiles of past students as part of its 20th anniversary celebrations.

V.I. on Track To Meet July Deadline To Comply With Federal Sex Offender Law -

The Virgin Islands task force responsible for bringing the territory into compliance with the Sexual Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA) by July of this year is well on its way to accomplishing its goal.

The V.I. Department of Justice is also just a month away from revealing its new Web site, which will feature an online registry of local sex offenders.

The SORNA task force, which met for the fifth time last month, must bring the territory into “substantial compliance” with federal law, according to the act, or face a 10 to 15 percent loss of Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program funds.

The group is reviewing proposed legislation in order to rewrite Virgin Islands law, and is following a Model Tribal Sex Offender Registration Code provided by the Office of Sex Offender Sentencing, Monitoring, Apprehending, Registering and Tracking for use by Native American tribes in complying with federal law.

V.I. Women Speak Frankly to Halt Spread of HIV/AIDS -

Abstinence, being faithful and using condoms—all three were on the list of topics to help prevent HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases during a talk Wednesday at Per Ankh Center in Frederiksted.

Young Minds Dazzle During Good Hope Science Fair -

A St. Croix 10th-grader will be headed to California this spring to compete at an international science competition, after earning first place this week at the Good Hope School science fair.

Former Schneider CEO Arrested Again for Attempted Fraud -

Already convicted last year of lying on his government job application, Rodney E. Miller Sr. was arrested again this week for allegedly trying to back up his story by presenting false evidence during trial.

Brief: St. Thomas Man Convicted for J'ouvert Stabbing -

A St. Thomas man recently convicted for a stabbing after last year's J'ouvert celebrations is now facing up to 20 years in prison and a $13,000 fine.

Brief: Hovensa to Add Personnel in Coming Months -

The Hovensa oil refinery is getting ready to add 91 new employees to its payroll after June 7, according to a statement from the Labor Department.

Professional Fees Top $35 Million in One Part of Prosser Case Alone -

Professional fees for one segment of the Prosser bankruptcy case have exceeded $35 million, and U.S. Bankruptcy Court Judge Judith Fitzgerald has started the process of appointing a fee auditor to help her manage costs.

Taiwanese Couple Pleads Guilty in Black Coral Smuggling Operation -

Claiming a small victory on St. Thomas in the global war against the smuggling of exotic wildlife, the U.S. Department of Justice rested its case Thursday against a Taiwanese couple who were caught smuggling precious black coral from Asia to a local jewelry maker.

MOF and DPU work together to prepare fiscal framework for VI -
Thursday, March 11 – Employees from the Ministry of Finance and the Development Planning Unit (DPU) recently participated in an Expenditure Forecasting workshop, geared towards readying both departments to prepare a fiscal framework for the Virgin Islands.

NPT encourages public to share blooms for Saturday's Flower Show -
Thursday, March 11 –The National Parks Trust of the Virgin Islands is encouraging the public to share their blooms and plants for the 7th annual Flower Show slated to take place this Saturday, March 13 at the Joseph Reynold O’Neal Botanic Garden.

Annual FLower Show this Saturday, March 13 -
The National Parks Trust and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Labour are inviting the public to the 7th annual Flower Show this Saturday, March 13 at the Joseph Reynold O’Neal Botanic Garden.

Water bill payments -
The Water and Sewerage Department is informing its customers on the Sister Islands of the next payment collection date.

Thieves target Banco machine -
Police have confirmed that an money machine at Banco Popular was damaged as individuals were trying to pry it open over the weekend.

Mentally ill man accused of raping 9-y-o-girl caught – and shot -
ST. VINCENT - A mentally ill man who was wanted in connection with the rape of a minor on Monday is now in police custody.

Board of Elections Registering Voters on March 13 -

The St. Croix District Board of Elections will be in the Mini Mall in Sunny Isles conducting voter registration from 9 a.m. to noon, on Saturday.

Donastorg Arraignment Postponed -

An arraignment of veteran V.I. Sen. Adlah “Foncie” Donastorg on multiple assault and weapons charges was postponed until March 25, according to the V.I. Department of Justice.

VIWMA Cancels Meeting -

The Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority Board of Directors meeting that was scheduled for Friday, March 12, on St. John has been canceled.

V.I. Track Stars Define Greatness, Henry and Jones Number One in the World -

Laverne Jones and Tabarie Henry are redefining the meaning of “great Virgin Islands track runners” by achieving the status of number one in the world in their respective events, Henry in the 400-meter and Jones in the 60-meter.

911 Emergency Number Taken Off Hawksnest Sign -

A brand new V.I. National Park sign was installed last week at Hawksnest Beach, replacing a sign that was erected a few weeks ago which contained incorrect information.

The VINP sign formerly instructed beachgoers to call 911 in an emergency, despite the fact that there is no available landline at the beach, and calls to 911 from cell phones could be routed to Puerto Rico, resulting in a longer emergency response time.

Solar Power, Net Metering Taking Off in Territory -

Households using solar energy and selling their surplus power back to the V.I. Water and Power Authority through net metering have increased almost tenfold over the past two years. Now proven successful, the technology is poised to take off, WAPA Executive Director Hugo Hodge Jr. said Wednesday.

Senate Blocks Amendment, Passes Rum Cover-Over Extension -

The U.S. Senate Wednesday passed a bill extending the rum cover-over after blocking an amendment proposed by Florida Sen. George LeMieux (R) that would have radically altered the way the funds are allocated between the two territories.

Search for Missing Boater Called Off -

The U.S. Coast Guard Wednesday called off its search, pending further developments, for a boater missing since Monday in waters south of St. Croix.

Hovensa Donation to Give Island's Strays a "Lift" -

Hovensa on Wednesday donated a specially equipped vehicle to the St. Croix Animal Welfare Center to help transport stray, abandoned or abused animals on St. Croix.

V.I. Soldiers Featured in Army's Guantanamo Bay Magazine -

V.I. National Guard soldiers deployed in Cuba, are getting a taste of their 15 minutes of fame with recent profiles in the Guantanamo Joint Task Force magazine: The Wire. The last two editions of the magazine had page-length profiles of two of the territory's finest: Col. Caroline Adams and Spc. Keith Chambers.

Crime Stoppers Needs Your Help -

Crime Stoppers is asking your help to solve the following crimes. If you know something, please report it. Even information that seems insignificant may be just what law enforcement needs to solve these cases.

STAR Brings Back ULTRASPRINT - One Mile, Flat Out -

Some will remember a once a very popular footrace on St. Thomas, ULTRASPRINT, which has been returned to the race calendar of the St. Thomas Association of Roadrunners (STAR) for 2010 on March 14.

Education Will Fund Cost of Praxis II Exam for Teachers -

Education Human Resources Director Karen L. Blyden advises territorial public school teachers that the Department of Education will pay the test costs and associated fees for the April 24^th paper and pencil administration of the Praxis II exam.

UVI, DPNR Seek Public’s Input on Virgin Islands’ Wetlands -

The University of the Virgin Islands and the V.I. Department of Planning and Natural Resources (DPNR) want to know how the community uses the territory’s wetlands.

Enjoy the Water in Style and Comfort Aboard Angel’s Rest -

The houseboat Angel’s Rest offers one-of-a-kind day charters out of Coral Bay harbor. Guests can soak up the tropical sun on the top deck or stretch out on day bed and enjoy the view.

Maybe it’s the perfect Caribbean hues or the gingerbread detailing, but the first time anyone lays eyes on Angel’s Rest, a smile inevitably creeps across their face.

The floating lemon yellow and bright turquoise cottage in Coral Bay harbor was the brainchild of Peter Hoschl, who conceived of the idea years before he even bought the two 40-foot aluminum pontoons for the vessel.

“I always had this idea to build a comfortable pontoon boat,” said Hoschl, a veteran builder and sailor who had called St. John for more than two decades. “I saved money every year and kept planning this really islandly pontoon boat that I wanted to build. I’ve done charters for years but I wanted to do something that was different and was a real one-of-a-kind experience.”

Senate Moves on Property Tax Proposal, Holds Back on Borrowing -

Out of the three financing proposals submitted by the deJongh administration last week, senators moved forward Tuesday with a bill allowing property tax bills to go out at the 1998 levels, but held back on authorizing the government to borrow another $150 million to plug its projected fiscal year 2010 shortfall.

Senate Scales Back on Amendments During Full Session -

For the first time in a while, the Senate's full session agenda wrapped well before dark set in, and only one new appropriations amendment -- attempting to pull $250,000 from General Fund for outstanding expenses of the Fifth Constitutional Convention -- made it onto the designated Christmas tree bill.

First Lionfish Captured on St. John -

A quartet of V.I. National Park staff members Tuesday captured the first lionfish discovered on St. John. Rafe Boulon, the park's chief of resource management, said the fish was found east of Waterlemon Cay on the island's north side.

AT&T Cell Phone Service "Terrible," Coral Bay Residents Say -

Since the fall, AT&T cell phone service hasn't worked well in the Coral Bay area, several St. John residents said. "We've been paying for phone service and it's been just terrible," Coral Bay resident Phyllis Benton said.

Gifft Hill School Celebrates “World of Opportunity” at March 13 Gala Auction -

Guests will have a chance to bid on artwork like this piece by Denise Wright, above, as well as works by Aimee Trayser, Tristan Ewald and other local artists.

For almost a quarter of a century, St. John private school supporters have gathered once a year for a chance to win exotic trips, exciting water adventures and culinary delights — all while raising money to ensure the continuation of quality education on Love City.

On Saturday, March 13, the Gifft Hill School will host the 24th Annual Gala Dinner Auction themed “Open a World of Opportunity,” at the Westin Resort and Villas and the auction items are more enticing than ever.

The fun starts at 5:30 p.m. when attendees will have the chance to bid on the works of featured artists during the silent and art auction.

Grande Bay Rezone Request Gets Overwhelming Support at Hearing -

Bay Isle attorney Robert Messick, center, with Elita Kane, left, testifies on behalf of Grande Bay development at a V.I. Senate Committee of the Whole meeting.

The tide has undoubtedly turned for Grande Bay developer Bay Isle Associates, who has faced strong opposition and numerous lawsuits during the years-long construction process of the Cruz Bay luxury condominium development.

The developer’s request for rezoning of its 0.26-acre lot, 3Abc in Cruz Bay, from W-1 to R-4 was met with almost unanimous support from the numerous testifiers who crowded the St. John Legislature hall at a Thursday evening, March 4, hearing of the V.I. Senate.

The developer is seeking its rezoning due to proposed changes to Grande Bay’s building E. The building is currently built out as an empty shell. Bay Isle initially hoped the building would contain two dwelling units, as allowed under W-1; however, due to financial constraints, the developer now wants to construct six condos in building E — three two-bedrooms, and three one-bedrooms.

“Tentative” Post Office Site Rezoning Faces No Opposition at Hearing -

The packed St. John Legislature hall remained silent except for one lone voice of support at the Thursday evening, March 4, V.I. Senate hearing for the rezoning of a planned St. John post office site.

The Boynes family is seeking to have its 7,800 square foot parcel, located at 131 Estate Contant and Enighed, rezoned from R-4 to B-2 for the construction of a three-story building, with space to be leased to the U.S. Postal Service for a new post office for St. John.

Football Star Peyton Manning Recooperates from Superbowl Loss on St. John -

It seems that St. John beaches can heal all wounds, even internationally-inflicted ones to the ego.

After losing the Superbowl to the New Orleans Saints by a score of 31 to 17 on February 7 in a game watched by millions across the globe, Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning licked his wounds with a visit to Love City.

Meet Stuart Smith: Love City’s Principal Planner -

Stuart Smith

After three years in office, Governor John deJongh last week made good on his campaign promise to hire a planner to deal with Love City’s growing pains.

Dwindling parking, increasing congestion and over-burdened infrastructure have been a source of complaint for St. John residents for years. For the first time ever, there is now a government employee on the payroll whose job will be to try to correct past mistakes while planning for the future.

After a year-long process, Stuart Smith moved to the territory about two weeks ago from Wilmington, North Carolina, to become Principal Planner for the island of St. John.

SJHS Wows with New Publication St. John: Life in Five Quarters -

St. John history is now more vibrant, alive and accessible than ever thanks to the St. John Historical Society’s beautiful 215-page, stitch-binded publication.

St. John: Life in Five Quarters was officially unveiled last week to overwhelming support and encouragement.

A labor of love for about a year for four editors, Life in Five Quarters brings together 66 articles culled from the pages of the SJHS’s monthly newsletter. The group has been issuing a newsletter for the past 10 years, many of which are summaries of presentations from SJHS monthly meetings.

VIPD Commissioner Francis Gets Earful from St. John Residents -

A bike trail through the V.I. National Park and safety concerns at Calabash Boom topped the list of concerns St. John residents told V.I. Police Department Commissioner Novelle Francis on Tuesday, February 23.

Francis met with St. John residents in Cruz Bay at the VIPD’s Leander Jurgen Command between 9 a.m. and noon and then traveled to Coral Bay, where the territory’s top police brass met with citizens at the Coral Bay Community Council’s office until 3 p.m.

Love City residents took full advantage of the chance to have Francis’ ear, keeping him busy all day, according to VIPD spokesperson Melody Rames.

Biwater signs, OC Booted -

Premier and Minister for Finance Ralph T. O’Neal and Minister for Communications and Works, Julian Fraser, pictured here signing a contract with representatives from Biwater during a ceremony last Thursday at the Premier’s Conference Room. (Photo: Jasmine Perez/GIS)

In the absence of the private media, Government last Thursday exchanged signatures with Biwater S.A to provide water and fix sewerage problems on Tortola. The signing which took place about 8:30 am, brought to an end months of speculations and battle between Biwater and Ocean Conversion, which had submitted a proposal to extend their current contract with Government. Premier and Minister of Finance Ralph T. O’Neal signed the contract on behalf of the Government with Minister for Communications and Works Julian Fraser as his witness. The water contract has drawn fire from competitor Ocean Conversion and Opposition Leader, Dr. D Orlando Smith.

Water contract draws fire -

Ocean Conversion has expressed disappointment over the decision taken by government to sign with Biwater, calling the move as a step backwards in the development of the Territory.

Police canine sniff out dime bags -

Dime bags found in the Belle Vue area (Photo: Police) With the aid of K-9 dog, Ciro, police were able to recover over 100 grams of marijuana concealed in various ‘dime bags’ during two separate search operations conducted recently. On February 13, a team from Operation Crackdown along with K-9 Ciro was deployed to several hot spots in the Road Town area including Crablot, which is commonly called ‘the Ghetto’. The dog found the dime bags totalling 45.9 grams concealed under a home in the area.

Police recover unlicensed firearm -

Danny Pemberton enters the Magistrates Court Monday. A random Police stop search operation conducted last evening in the Duff Bottom area led to the recovery of another illegal firearm and the arrest of a Sea Cows Bay man.

Salute to Police -

Governor David Pearey along with Senior Government officials and officers for the annual Police Week observances which commenced with a church service at the Road Town Methodist Church last Sunday. See story page 6. (Photo: GIS)

Police officers of all ranks joined the Road Town Methodist Church congregation last Sunday to open a week of activities to mark this year’s Police Week celebrations, which are geared towards creating opportunities to strengthen police and community ties.

US tourist dies in bus accident -

The mangled remains of the bus involved in Tuesday’s accident.

The first fatal traffic accident for the year, which occurred on Windy Hill Road Tuesday morning, left one tourist dead and 20 others injured.

Initial inquiries indicate that twenty cruise ship passengers from the Caribbean Princess cruise ship were on a tour bus descending Windy Hill Road on Tortola when the driver struck an embankment causing the vehicle to overturn. Aaron Humphry, 24, of the United States, died as a result of injuries sustained from the accident. Seven passengers were taken to Peebles Hospital.

New offices for SD underway -

This upper floor is this building was the proposed site several years ago by the NDP administration for the Social Development Department. The lower floor is the Road Town Senior Citizens Centre.

On the heels of a recent sick-out by some staff of the Social Development Department as a silent protest against the existing working conditions at their current location, the Ministry of Health and Social Development signed a four-month contract that will see the completion of the department’s new offices.

Highway realignment works on hold -

Ministry officials, workers and landowner Mark Vanterpool (sitting on rock) on Saturday when work first commenced on the project.

Road works on the re-alignment of portions of the James Walter Francis Drive in preparation for the installation of traffic signals at the entrance to Wickham’s Cay II have been suspended. This may affect the three-month time estimate for the project.

New hospital gets needed help -

Left to Right - Deputy Premier Dancia Penn-Sallah, Premier Ralph T. O’Neal and Dr. Eric Parsons of InterHealth Canada signing the contract for the commissioning of the New Peebles Hospital. With the completion date for the New Peebles Hospital set for sometime next year, a consultancy firm has now been recruited to help enhance the services to be delivered by the new hospital and to ensure a smooth transition from the current location into the new building.
While there is still a suspension order on the mechanical, electrical and plumbing works of the new hospital, Government signed a contract with InterHealth Canada last Wednesday which will cover a range of consultancy services that will be provided by the firm from now until the hospital is fully completed.

Briefs -- -
Fake gun triggers police visit to school
School officials at Eulalie Rivera Elementary called 911 Wednesday afternoon to report that a student had a gun. That gun turned out to be a toy.

Cruise Ships -- -
Today, March 6
Adventure (3,840), 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Frederiksted

Setting the Record Straight -- -
Setting the Record Straight

Senate Agenda -- -
10 a.m. Today

Cruise ships -- -
Today, March 11
Explorer of the Seas (3,114), 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Havensight

Police Reports -- -
St. Thomas
Incidents reported Wednesday on the police blotter included:

Death -- -
Ralph George

Rudolph 'Rudy' Krigger, former Finance chief and government adviser, dies at 76 -- -
Services will be held Friday for Rudolph E. Krigger, known popularly as "Rudy," who died Feb. 23, 2010, at the age of 76.

Deaths -- -
Darien Smith
Services will be held Saturday for Darien Smith, who died Feb. 28, 2010.

Editorial -- Drawing the line between parenting and violence -
With a landmark death rate last year of 56 murders - a rate higher than Jamaica, Detroit, Trinidad, Baltimore, Bahamas, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, Philadelphia, Chicago, Miami, Houston, Los Angeles or New York, it's past time for us to examine why we have reached this epidemic proportion, and for each of us to accept our part in this phenomenal upswing in death by another's hand.

Editorial -- Government would be smart to take its cues from the private sector -
Executive Director Hugo Hodge of the V.I. Water and Power Authority and Executive Director May Adams Cornwall of the V.I. Waste Management Authority along with the V.I. Public Services Commission and the Virgin Islands Legislature should follow the example of the private sector on St. Thomas.Â

Senate should investigate and analyze Alpine deal -- -
This column is excerpted from an open letter to Sen. Shawn-Michael Malone:

Virgin Islands should invest in more local nurses -- -
While I applaud the effort being made to address our nursing problem, I strongly believe we need a long-term approach of investing and mentoring our own people.

Human Services trying to improve child care -- -
In response to concerns regarding the draft of the proposed rules and regulations for operating a child-care facility, the V.I. Human Services Department would like to clarify some misconceptions associated with the changes.

V.I. back pay issue should be off the table -- -
In January 2007, two months following the General Election of November 2006, Gov. John deJongh Jr. delivered his State of the Territory message to the 27th Legislature. During his presentation, he pledged to pay some $400 million in back pay to goverment workers that spanned a period of 20 years.

Helping children learn to love books -- -
The book is only eight pages long. It is made up of four words and sounds. It is about Mat and his friend Sam. It is the first book my son read by himself. He was so proud.

When will honesty prevail in V.I. politics? -- -
As I listen and watch our politicians perform, whether in a Senate session or in press conferences, and I see how their noses begin to grow, to stretch, I smile. It's the Pinocchio syndrome.

Where hope for the territory must begin -- -
One year ago, how were you? One year from now, how will you be?

Editorial -- Violent crime rate devastating to our islands' potential -
I am so frustrated every time I read the newspaper or listen to the evening news only to learn of another murder on St. Thomas.

Editorial -- Objective assessment supports Alpine Energy project -
The time has come to put aside fear-mongering and empty, inflammatory rhetoric and to examine objectively - from the perspective of reliable scientific principles - the Alpine Energy project.

Editorial -- How to win the 'war' on drugs -
Let me first say that we can never win the war on drugs, so the title is just a headline catching line used by many to give hope to those who believe it's possible.

- H A L O S - -- -
- H A L O S -

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