US Virgin Islands
[singlepic id=4817 w=180 h=40 mode=web20 float=left]Good morning! This is Alex Randall with Good News Headlines
Propane Gas Prices Will Fall
Senator Holland Redfield announced that the propane gas dealers on St. Thomas have agreed to a reduction in the price of propane gas effectively immediately. The average consumer will save about $15 to $20 per year with the new price reductions. Redfield also said he is continuing to work on the price of gasoline. 05/09/97 8:19 AM
Current Conditions in Paradise:
Temperature: 79 Degrees Water Temp: 71 Degrees Skies: Crystal Clear, Occasional Cloud Beach: Perfect Swimming: Perfect Diving: Perfect Sailing: Perfect Drinks: Ready
Senators Oppose VITELCO Tax Break
Three senators are calling for a review of the decision to give VITELCO a 100% tax break. Senators Frett, Petrus and Bryan are asking why this big established company is getting full relief from taxes when the IDC Law was to attract new business. Senator Frett says so many big companies get tax breaks, the only ones left paying taxes are the small businesses. That’s not fair.. Senator Petrus in a letter to the Gov. says “It is inconsistent and bad policy if on one hand we ask delinquent taxpayers to pay up or lose their property while on the other hand we tell Mr. Prosser he does not have to pay a dime.” 05/09/97 9:50 AM
Barbados Summit Grows
President Clinton is going to Barbados tomorrow and so are the heads of all the Caricom countries. The president asked Governor Schneider and Delegate Dr Donna Christian-Green to attend signaling that the US Virgin Islands is a full player in the Caribbean region. Also included will be the top leaders of Montserrat and the British Virgin Islands. 05/09/97 9:45 AM
FEMA Holds Funds
FEMA is holding the last of the Hurricane Marilyn loan because their calculations don’t justify any more money. The Virgin Islands Government’s estimated tax losses from the storm exceed its historic tax collection by 25 to 30%. It means FEMA doesn’t believe the loss figures from our government. 05/09/97 9:41 AM
Good News for Library
New grants for the Libraries. One grant will help the libraries on all islands put on summer programs for young children. The Sprauve Library on St. John got a grant to buy Audio CD’s for the circulating collection. And there are other grants from the Community Foundation for the Fishing Club of Cancaryn School, after school wood working classes and after school photography. That is your Community Foundation At work.
Partnership Laws Could Change
Attorney Tom Bolt is raising awareness of new legislation pending in the Senate that would change our Partnership laws. The Proposed Uniform Partnership Act would allow the creation of Limited Liability companies and would spur new business development in the Virgin Islands. Bolt says hearings are coming up May 12th and he wants all businesses owners to tell their senator their opinion of these proposed laws. 05/08/97 3:12 PM
Todman to Get State Dept. Award.
Ambassador Terrance Todman of the Virgin Islands is getting a new honor. The US State Dept. is giving Todman the Director General’s Cup – an honor bestowed upon a foreign service retiree who is active in foreign policy matters. Todman retired in 1993 after 41 years in the Foreign Service and was ambassador to Denmark, Chad, Guinea and Costa Rica. 05/08/97 9:55 AM
Saturday Food Drive
The Post Office is holding a food drive on Saturday. The letter carriers will be collecting non-perishable food for donation to the less fortunate in the community. You can put canned food in your mail box or bring food donations to the Post Office.
Hero of the Hour
It is Mother’s Day on Sunday and if you still don’t have something for Mom, consider this. Education Station has Dr. Wycherley Gumbs in on Saturday from 12:30 PM – to sign his new book of poems called Mother I Remember. This is a perfect Mother’s Day gift for your favorite Mother.
Water Island Report
Shane Alexander Hawes now has a birth certificate. This is the boy who was the first home birth on Water Island and Shane couldn’t get a birth certificate. Now the Commissioner of Health Dr. Poblete says he has met with the parents, and decided to issue the birth certificate.