US Virgin Islands
[singlepic id=4817 w=180 h=40 mode=web20 float=left]Good morning! This is Alex Randall with Good News Headlines
Transfer Day – 80 Years Later
At the Transfer Day Ceremony Niels Helveg Petersen, the Danish Foreign Minister pointed out that the transfer was a historic milestone because it was a peaceful, civilized, negotiated transfer, it was the only transfer of sovereignty in Caribbean history that was not a result of war.
In Governor Schneider’s transfer day speech, he described a new West End emergency center that will open within a month in Bordeaux with emergency medical care, fire, police and ambulance service. The Governor also described plans to have the whole government computerized by fall. The Governor also wants all third graders to be computer literate by the year 2000. The Governor also called for an exchange program between Danish and Virgin Islands students.
Current Conditions in Paradise:
Temperature: 79 Degrees Water Temp: 70 Degrees Skies: Crystal Clear, Occasional Cloud Beach: Perfect Swimming: Perfect Diving: Perfect Sailing: Perfect Drinks: Ready
Senate Special Session
The Senate is meeting in special session to work on the nominees to the Parole Board, and a bill to allow the Government to withhold gross receipts tax on payment due to vendors. Thus far they have discussed the need to get a quorum on the parole board so they can release non-violent prisoners from our overcrowded jails. 04/01/97 7:33 AM
Marriott’s Frenchman’s Reef Closed – Temporary
Sad news: Marriott’s Frenchman’s Reef is closed. The good news is that Nick Pourzal (Purcell) kept his promise to his employees and found work for 90% of the staff who will be furloughed during the reconstruction. Many members of the staff will stay on board during reconstruction, others will work for the contractors, go to other Marriott facilities, or go to training classes. What a way to do business. Nick Pourzal you’re doing it right. 04/01/97 7:36 AM
INS Rules Change
The INS rules change today, but there is no deadline today, it has been extended to Sept 30 1997 when the rules change again. Be careful of lawyers promising to help legal immigrants – there are people claiming they can do all kinds of things. Be careful there are scam artists trying to prey on green card holders who are concerned about the rules. 04/01/97 11:36 AM
Pole Vaulting Good news
Every think about pole vaulting? Don’t have the gear. Well, no more. The Virgin Islands Track and Field Federation announced that they received a grant from the Olympic committee to build a pole vault pit at the Education Complex St. Croix. As soon as the CAHS track is complete, they will build a pole vault pit there too.
Coming Up:
The Raphael Wheatley Skill Center is offering a class of Auto-Marine and Diesel engines during the afternoons Monday thru Friday. Call 774-6277 5:30 PM – Independent Citizen’s Movement Political Party has an important meeting at 5:30 PM – at the Headquarters in downtown lower main street. The topic is the party’s future. Coming up on Saturday April 5th there is a Miller Lite and Marlboro Music Festival at Lionel Roberts Stadium with Jam Band, Harmonics, Emphasis, Imaginations Brass, Positive Image and the Violators Band.
McAulliffe Awards
The Christa McAuliffe Fellowship Awards have been selected. Two teachers, Vernice Hughes of the Lew Muckle School and Jose Rivera of the Education Complex St. Croix will each get grants of $30,000 to pursue their class plans in the coming year. Rivera will teach his classes about alternative energy, Hughes grant will support a class on Caribbean Links, an integrated approach to Learning with Thematic Units. That’s good news for both schools.
Using Local Heritage to teach Hospitality
VITAAL had a training workshop for service personnel. This one is different. The trainers reached into Virgin Islands culture and heritage to develop the hospitality training. For local workers, it is a reminder of the heritage, for the newcomer the class is about learning local culture as a vehicle to hospitality. Jacqueline Green from Concessions International at the King Airport took the class and came back to a new job, now she is the Director of First Impressions.
Vania Thomas – Miss Virgin Islands or Miss Universe?
Vania Thomas can win Miss Universe. But the contest is still coming up. She hasn’t won yet, but she could win, if we all help our Miss Virgin Islands. Vania needs support: financial, special attire and she needs us to organize a post card mailing program. Can we get 110,000 post cards donated so everyone can send her one? Call the Virgin Islands Lions Club 777-5577 03/27/97 3:46 PM
Water Island Report
Nothing happened on Water Island. It was a typical Water Island Day, nothing to note, nothing to announce. Hummm Same old boring paradise.