US Virgin Islands
[singlepic id=4817 w=180 h=40 mode=web20 float=left]Good morning! This is Alex Randall with Good News Headlines
Louis Ible Jr. Takes the MSI Calypso of the Year Award Today
The Winner of the MSI Calypso of the Year Award was announced yesterday. The winner is In One Y-ear and Out the Next by Louis Ible Jr. He won the prize, the big money and a 21 day trip all over the Caribbean. 04/21/97 10:36 AM
Current Conditions in Paradise:
Temperature: 80 Degrees Water Temp: 71 Degrees Skies: Crystal Clear, Occasional Cloud Beach: Perfect Swimming: Perfect Diving: Perfect Sailing: Perfect Drinks: Ready
Leo and Carmen’s Village Opened Last Night.
At 6:00 PM – Carnival village opened last night with all the kids rides and Carnival village set up and running. The Lashing Dogs and Emphasis Band entertained. Mob of old friends who lingered around the village sipping drinks and enjoying the food. On hand was her highness Queen Taisha Gomes. Senate Governor Schneider, President Lorraine Berry and people galore.
The Governor and Congressmen complete tour.
The Gov. has been taking a group of Congressmen on a tour of federal projects in the Virgin Islands. The Governor told them about programs that will increase government revenues – like drawing mega-ships to our ports, finishing projects like Government House and the Molasses Pier on St. Croix, and hotel/casinos are expected to help. He urged quick action on the Omnibus Territories Act – we need the commission to study the economy. The Congressmen are in Puerto Rico looking at more federal projects.
Tax Refunds are Coming
Good news from the Dept. of Finance, a new batch of checks has been processed which represents the 750,000 dollars in payments of tax refunds from previous years. Another batch is scheduled to go out today, and will continue as funds become available. The official announcement is rich with words like could and should but it doesn’t actually say “The check is in the mail.”
Dept. of Labor got 1.4 million
Carmelo Riviera announced that the Dept. of Labor received a 1.4 million dollar grant for this year to provide job search, and job placement services to the community. The grant covers applicant assessment and referral, counseling, testing and research on occupations and the labor market. This is a federal grant under the Wagner-Pysner Act and it is all federal dollars.
More Money News
Government checks are getting bigger – not more money, bigger checks. The new checks are a time and money saver for the government, the new form that includes the checks and the mailer in one easy envelope. Be careful with the new form, don’t rip the check opening the envelope. 04/22/97 9:41 AM
Also on Carnival
VITRAN will run buses late for Carnival. Its all part of the plan to reduce drunk driving. Through about 12:30 there will be busses on most routes except the Northside, airport and Bordeaux routes. The Dept. of Public Works wants you to survive Carnival. Don’t drink and drive. Please, if you need a designated driver, Tyrone Martin says he’ll drive you home. UVI has canceled all classes on Wednesday April 26th on both island campuses. Chase Bank branches will all close tomorrow at noon. On Thursday, the waterfront branch has shortened hours from 10:00 AM – to 3:00 PM – all other branches are open. Friday and Saturday all Chase Bank branches are closed. Also all Dept. of Health Clinics on all islands are closed Thursday and Friday
Bryan to Honor two anniversaries.
Senator Bryan is crafting legislation to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the 1848 Slave Rebellion and the 120th anniversary of the 1878 Labor Revolt known as the Fireburn. Bryan says both events have important anniversaries next year and they deserve to be celebrated properly. 04/22/97 9:43 AM
Senator Donastorg Says “Save the Bay for Earth Day”
Senator Fonsie Donastorg is focusing on Magen’s Bay for Earth Day. His is organizing a group to do projects to Save Magen’s Bay. Donastorg says that the forests need work, the sheds need to be replaced and it is time to focus on the Earth right here in St. Thomas
Sore Spot Report – What Happened to Subbase
When a sore spot goes away it is such a relief. The building that housed Frank’s Bakery and Subbase Electrical that was damaged in Bertha – well, that building is gone. It is amazing how much better Subbase looks with that wreck gone. Frank’s Bakery has a new lease and a new Frank’s Bakers building is coming.04/22/97 9:26 AM
St. John and Coral Bay Report
Senator Almando Rocky Liburd reported on last nights Community meeting in St. John. The topics were the new clinic for Coral Bay, the fire station for the east end, which roads were slated for repair, and the plans to create a culture zone without noise pollution. Liburd says the plans for the new center were on display for too little time and there has been no input from the community here.
Water Island Report
Nothing happened on Water Island. The grass is greener on the north side of St. Thomas.
We have a Clown who is a Winner
Rosa Allende is a professional clown. She just got back from the Annual Convention of Clowns in Sturbridge Massachusetts. 600 clowns. Imagine 600 Bozo’s, Clarabell’s, Tramp’s, Ronald McDonalds and Koko the Clowns. Well of the 600 Clowns, St. Croix’s own Rose Allende came in second – of 600 clowns and Miss Photogenic too. See, even in clowning around we have winners.