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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Senate Session Ends – Finally
The Senate met three days this week in a long session to deal with the budget. They passed a number of bills amid a slow debate filled session. They called for an inventory of all government owned property. They passed amendments to raise the taxes on cigarettes, cigars and kegs of beer. The also passed all the elements of the Omnibus Budget Act of this year. They lopped 7 million out of the Governor’s budget and assessed WICO, GERS and WAPA to pay contributions in lieyu of taxes. They also passed a bill to require the Governor to send all new contracts with government labor unions to the legislature before they take effect. The idea is to prevent wage hikes for which we do not have funds. They passed the St. John Hospital act to improve St. John medical services. They did not change the division of hospital funds in the health revolving account despite a long and rancorous debate on that fund. They also passed a special bill to fund the University and required that the funds be dispensed.
Current Conditions in Paradise:
Temperature: 82 Degrees at 9 AM Skies: Sunny, Occasional Cloud Chance of Showers: 20%: Water Temp: Perfect Beach and Swimming Conditions: Perfect Sailing and Diving Conditions: Perfect Drinks: Ready
Is this the year of gambling?
It may be if the Lottery commission approves video gaming. The games are like television sets that play card games, keno, bingo and other games. The Casino Commission says it has not trouble with video gaming. The projection is that starting in January there will be 1400 machines in bars, restaurants and night clubs. They may even come to Havensight St. Thomas and Cruz Bay St. John.
Delegate Christian-Green Says Omnibus Bill Scheduled for October.
The delegate has announced that the House Resources Committee will begin hearings on the Omnibus Territories Bill for October 8th. The bill includes the Presidential Economic Commission and the amendment to change the Governor’s powers while traveling. The bill also changes our bonds from priority to parity bonds.
Boy Scouts Getting Going
Boy Scouts are signing up boys and girls for Scouts. And Saturday October 4th at Sunshine Mall and at Nisky Center on St. Thomas there will be a one time program to introduce young people to scouting. If your young person is between 6 and 17 they can get a lot out of scouting.
Help Fight Sickle Cell Disease
Sickle Cell Disease Association is holding a fund raiser bake sale at Tutu Park Mall on Saturday the 27th at 9:30 AM – to 2- and the Lions Club will be there doing blood testing and cholesterol hearing and diabetes screening.
Coming Up:
The Virgin Islands Olympic Wrestling Federation will hold wrestling practice every Saturday at 4:00 PM – at the Ivanna Eudora Kean School Gym United Steel Workers of America have a meeting today at 3:00 PM at the Territorial Court Boulon Center St. John Charlotte Amalie Lions Clubs have a Walk-a-thon for “Health, Sight and Education”
Saturday is St. John Saturday with a host of activities all day. The Mighty Groover is live in concert at Fred’s in St. John at 7:30 PM – Saturday October 1 is the 119th anniversary of the Frederiksted Fireburn. A ceremony is planned for October 1 at Budhoe Park. October 1 is also the day the IRB will brief tax payers on outstanding real property taxes. They will be at the Territorial Court from 11:00 AM – to 2:00 PM –
Water Island Report
It’s Saturday. Roll over and go back to sleep. This was a very busy week for Water Island. The Chamber of Commerce doubled this week. The new Lunch Box eatery and the phone booth are our commercial base. We’ve got a new island slogan too. “Expect Nothing, We’ve Got It.”