Wednesday, February 26, 1997

US Virgin Islands

[singlepic id=4817 w=180 h=40 mode=web20 float=left]Good morning! This is Alex Randall with Good News Headlines


 

We Have Six National Merit Finanlists,

We have six national merit finalists in our schools. Of the hundreds of thousands of High School seniors nationwide only 14,000 are chosen as finalists in the National Merit Scholarship Competition. Our six finalists among the top one half or one percent of High School students scholars. The six are Nehemiah (Ny-a-mia) Prince George Gleason and Margaret Dawiskiba (Da-wisk-i-ba) all of St. Croix. From St. Thomas, finalists include Nigel Griffin of Ivanna Eudora Kean School and Sara Smollett and Jared Shomo, both of the Antilles School. 02/26/97 7:36 AM

Gov. Schneider goes to see Tim Duncan play basketball

Governor Schneider paid a surprise visit to Wake Forrest University last night to see Virgin Islander Tim Duncan play his last home game at the head of the Wake Forrest Demon Deacon basketball Team. Schneider said he came to honor Tim for bringing honor to the Virgin Islands. 02/26/97 7:36 AM

Delegate Dr Donna Christian-Green Says “More for Medicare”

Delegate Dr Donna Christian-Green announced today that the budget Bill Clinton sent to Congress calls for a million dollar increase in Medicare funding for our islands in 1998. That’s an 18.5 % increase. Senator Liburd says this is a step in the right direction, but we are far from parity with other jurisdictions due to the federal caps. We still get about 10% of what a similar population in one of the states would receive. 02/25/97 3:43 PM

Schneider Nominates Luke

Governor Schneider has nominated Dean Luke to serve on the Public Employees Relations Board. His confirmation will come before the Senate now.

Virgin Islands on Today Show

The Virgin Islands got a lot of air time on Sunday’s Today show on NBC. They were talking about how the airfare wars are making some real travel deals. They talked about Cheney Bay Beach Resort, St. Croix and Bolongo Bay resort Doubletree Sapphire Beach and Wyndham Sugar Bay all on St. Thomas. The hotels have reported an increase in calls for reservations. That’s Martin PR working for us. 02/25/97 12:32 PM

Liston Davis Says Education Making Changes

Liston Davis responded to an editorial in the Daily News by saying the Department of Education is operating under a much reduced budget. Many administrators have been returned to the classroom and the Dept. is actively examining how to have the Principals do their own supplies acquisition. He says they are looking into ways to downsize the Department of Education, but a lay-off is a last resort. 02/25/97 4:02 PM

Senator Fonsie: Open for Business on Saturday!

Senator Donastorg says he is going to make himself more available to the people who work all day five days a week and can’t get to their representative during the work week. Senator Fonsie is going to hold open office hours every Saturday from 9:00 AM to noon. He is making appointments 774-4518 02/26/97 7:45 AM

Coming Up Tomorrow:

  • Home owners – If you have building permit requests at the Department of Planning and Natural Resources – please pick up your permits. Did you know the building permit is void if you don’t begin work within 120 days Call 778-2994 to check on the status of your permit. 
  • Committee on Finance postponed this evenings hearings on the Commuter Incentive Tax Senator Petrus is launching his Bread and Butter Campaign tonight at Oswald Harris Court this evening at 6:30 PM 
  • Friday is the last day to apply for health permits and health cards. All food vendors, food handlers, day care centers, bakers and wholesalers must apply for their health certificates by Friday. 
  • There’s a whale watch coming up on Sunday. EAST is taking the 77 foot catamaran out to look for the annual migration of whales through out sea waters. The trip leaves American Yacht Harbor dock at 8:30 AM Call 776-1976 
  • Do you want to learn how to buy a home, or get a mortgage. There’s a Home Buyers Training Session coming up on St. Croix beginning March 20th at the Lagoon Complex Frederikstead. Call 772-3180. 
  • The Red Cross is going to hold their annual Red Cross Ball on March 22nd at Fr. The lavish black tie event is expected to outdo last years event. 779-2933. 
  • Delta Sigma Theta Sorority announced that they have 11 young ladies to vie for the title Little Miss Delta and the scholarships. The pageant is coming up March 23 at the Reichhold Center.

Gjessing to be Honored

Virgin Islands Humanities Council will honor the late Frederick Gjessing with the 1997 Humanities Award. Gjessing is noted for his life long dedication to the preservation of our architectural heritage. He was a hard worker for historic preservation. The award will be presented to his family members at a lecture and reception at Frenchman’s Reef on March 7th That’s Good news for the memory of Frederick Gjessing.

Man of the Year

Who will be the Man of the Year? Rotary 2 will host its 17 annual Man of The Year Luncheon today at noon at Frenchman’s Reef. Past winners include Vinni Mohannani, Juel Mallloy, Addie Ottley, Ron DeLugo, and Alexander Farrely.