US Virgin Islands
[singlepic id=4817 w=180 h=40 mode=web20 float=left]Good morning! This is Alex Randall with Good News Headlines
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President’s Budget – More for Virgin Islands
The Federal budget just submitted by President Clinton to the US Congress includes a modest increase in funds devoted to the Insular areas including the Virgin Islands. This is a balanced budget mind you, so our increase is someone else’s loss. So an increase is real news. The largest increase is advances on rum tax revenues. At this time about half the Office of Insular Affairs budget is for US territories, including Samoa, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam and The Virgin Islands.
Today’s Photo: E-mail heavily favors photos. OK, you win. Here’s Great Cruz Bay St. John
Current Conditions in Paradise:
Temperature: 87 Degrees at 1 PM Skies: Sunny, Occasional Cloud Chance of Showers: Slight to 10%: Water Temp: Perfect Beach and Swimming Conditions: Sooo Perfect Sailing and Diving Conditions: World Class! Drinks: Ready
Emancipation Commemoration Begins
The Emancipation Commemoration got started over the weekend on St. Thomas and St. John. The Governor announced the beginning of an effort to create a museum in Fort Frederik that will gather together all the historic materials about the African Diaspora. The Emancipation Commission also released its year long calendar of events relating to Emancipation. At the St. Thomas celebration, Governor Schneider said he has put the final touches on the deal with the two banks for 106 million dollars to pay tax refunds.
Insurance Coverage is Near
Health Insurance is up in the air. It is not clear this morning whether CIGNA Is still honoring its policies in the Virgin Islands. The Governor did not hold a press conference today to discuss the health insurance, but late word is that Government health insurance is in the works with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Pennsylvania. We’ll keep you posted.
Two Navy Ships Are Coming
We have two Navy ships coming to visit the Virgin Islands. On February 6th at 9:00 AM – we have USS Connoly visiting Cruz Bay St. John and also on February 6th was have the USS Gonzalez visiting Crown Bay
Bureau of Economic Research in Government Development Bank
There is an announcement here from the Bureau of Economic Research reminding everyone that they are now part of the Government Development Bank. Their new offices at #5 Norre Gade in the old Barclay’s Bank Building. They used to be part of the Dept. of Tourism and the phone number is 714-1700.
WIC on St. Thomas Moves
Starting today the Women’s Infant’s and Children’s Clinic that’s is usually in Foster Plaza, has moved to Tutu Park Mall instead.
Vegetarian Times Celebrates Native Son
Vegatarian Times Magazine is featuring a native son in a current issue. Marcellus Edwards is the son of Tutsi Edwards and the brother of Gus Edwards of St. Thomas. He is a chef in NY and he is gaining the attention of the world of fine cuisine and the magazine called Vegetarian Times is telling everyone about this native son’s new approach to food.
W-2Virgin Islands Due
Employers are reminded that they must give a Form W-2Virgin Islands to every employee before January 31st. Come on bookkeepers, this is your moment.
Academic Cotillion
Iota Phi Lambda Sorority is seeking young ladies with a Grade B Average or better to participate in the Gems of Excellence Academic Cotillion Contact your school councelor or senator Judy Gomez. At 693-3667
Water Island Report
It is Tortoise Day on Water Island. Somewhat like Groundhog day. If the tortoise comes out of its burrow (A Big IF) and if the tortoise sees its shadow – it goes back in its borrow for another snooze. See it’s always summer in the Virgin Islands and we don’t care how many weeks of winter there are where it is cold. Tulula Tortoise Says” There’s no end to Summer.”