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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New Businesses in 1997
Here’s some great news. The Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs issued new businesses licenses to 551 new enterprises in 1997. 64 new retail shops, 73 trucking companies, 41 new commercial fishermen, 36 secretarial businesses, 48 vendors, 19 repair shops, 3 new lawyers and 1 new audiologist, We even got two new tattoo parlors. New business, that’s good news. Oh and this is just in, there is a 10% surtax for Virgin Islands corporations.
Current Conditions in Paradise:
Temperature: 83 Degrees at 11 AM Skies: Sunny, Occasional Cloud Chance of Showers: Slight to 20%: Water Temp: Perfect Beach and Swimming Conditions: Wonderful Sailing and Diving Conditions: World Class! Drinks: Ready for You!
Governor Press Conference
At the Governor’s press conference this morning Dato Tan Hock discussed his plans for the Yacht Haven Area. His architects are world class, they did the Ritz Carlton here and the new development will be a 200 million dollar investment with a 300 room hotel, 100 condo units, restaurants, a public park and promenade. The Governor said on St. Croix Hess need their merger deal to remain viable. There are 2000 new jobs for St. Croix with the new Coker plant. He said the new enterprise zones in Frederiksted and Christiansted will make a big difference to aid local businesses and attract new business to the area.
Enterprise zone legislation is on its way to the senate. The new proposed laws will include a reduction of gross receipts tax for business in the enterprise zone, a tax break for capital equipment purchases, a tax credit for new hires, and a tax break to banks who issue new loans for businesses in the enterprise zone. The Governor announced that the reconstruction of Lockhart school, Berthe C. Boschulte School and Peace Corp. will begin this summer. He also pointed to the boardwalk in Christiansted as a major project in the works. The Governor also said that this is not the time to raise the minimum wage unless there is a federal effort.
Governor Signs Tourism Contracts
The Governor announced that he has signed two agreements to boost tourism. The Hotel Association will get $50,000 to fund the cooperative agreement with American Airlines. He also signed a contract to implement a tourism development program in Europe. The Governor also approved contracts with the consultants and advisors to the Public Works Dept. for planning our highway construction.
Job Call
There are job openings in the Virgin Islands. The Job Service is looking for a Master Steel studder, a retail store manager, a master stone mason and Chef de Parte, Apple computer sales manager and a hotel reservations manager. Call the job service at 776-3700
Fire Service Plans Training
USDA Forest Service will be training the fire service on Monday March 16th to Thursday the 19th. On the 16th and 17th the training is mandatory for Groups A&D and on March 18 and 19th the training is mandatory for groups B&C St. Croix training comes up the next week.
Senate Voted on Blue Cross
The Senate approved the health insurance plan from Blue Cross for government workers. They argued over amendments, the prescription plan and whether CIGNA should be forced to stay. They approved the Blue Cross plan with Senators Bryan, Hansen and Frett voting no. They also approved prescription card plan and they passed a related insurance fund bill. They did not identify where the funds were coming from to pay for the Blue Cross Plan. The teachers staged a demonstration at the Senate during the session seeking their overtime pay and funds for school supplies.
CZM will hear Long Bay Request tonight
The Coastal Zone Management Commission will hold public hearings this evening to consider a request for a major permit to allow Public Works to complete the Lewis Lane Long Bay Road intersection and to construct a four lane road all the way to Havensight. That’s at the Legislature. Tonight at 6:00 PM
Four More Get a Roof
Four more houses are getting roof replacements under the Governor Home Protection Roof Program. The total value of these roofs is $441,110 of the 30 million dollar total.
Davis Cup Team
The Virgin Islands Davis Cup team is training for the games that are coming up on the 21st, but we get to see them in an exhibition game on March 18th at the Bucaneer Hotel.
Water Island Report
The crew who are scheduled to demolish the old hotel are on island and are expected to begin the removal of the hotel debris within a few days. Gosh, real news. I’ll have to get more.