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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Water Island Hotel Demolition Began
Demolition has begun during the past week on the old Water Island Hotel.
The buildings that comprise the hotel were damaged in Hurricane Hugo. Because the master lease from the Department of Interior was about to expire and because they owner could not get permits to rebuild the hotel, it was allowed to fall into ruins. There was no effort after Hugo to rebuild the facility which was the only hotel on Water Island.
It deteriorated for a decade waiting for someone to assume responsibility for the building. After Hurricane Marilyn and after the transfer of the island from the Department of Interior to the Territorial Government steps began to have the Department of Interior pay to demolish the hotel.
The Department of Interior began taking bids on the demolition approximately one year ago. The work was to have begun last June and be complete by December.
Over the last week, the demolition of the smaller buildings began and over the weekend the two thirds of the main hotel building was reduced to rubble. Thus far 8 of the original hotel buildings have been demolished with the rest of the main building scheduled to come down today and tomorrow. The whole process is expected to take approximately two months with the removal of the asbestos panels in the old catchment being the most difficult part of the task. This material requires special handling, though it is not a high asbestos material and does not shred into dangerous asbestos dust.
The process of removing the debris has not begun and there are still issues regarding where this debris is going to go. At this time, the debris is being removed to the old water island Dump as part of the Department of Interior’s contract and the territorial government is responsible for final removal of the debris to another location.
Today’s Photo: Demolition of Water Island Hotel
Today’s Photo: Monster Eats Water Island Hotel
Current Conditions in Paradise:
Temperature: 81 Degrees at 3 PM Skies: Sunny, Occasional Cloud Chance of Showers: Slight to 20%: Water Temp: Perfect Whale Watch: 2 Whales spotted in Virgin Islands Waters Beach and Swimming Conditions: Perfect Sailing and Diving Conditions: World Class! Drinks: Ready for You!
New Queen at CAHS
Saturday was the day of the CAHS Queen Pageant and it was a contest with tight competition and many talents on display. April Milliner is second runner up, Tracia Boynes came in first runner up and Simone Edwards was crowned the new queen of CAHS.
Lieutenant Governor Mapp Press Conference
The Lieutenant Governor held a press conference today. Among the topics, he addressed CIGNA order, the government health insurance program and corporate franchise taxes. The good news is the Blue Cross Blue Shield is now the insurer of all Government Workers and the CIGNA policy is now over. He also announced that any insurance broker who has been convicted of a crime will not be allowed to sell insurance in the Territory.
New Police Command Dedicated Saturday
The Leander Jergen Police Command in Cruz Bay St. John was dedicated on Saturday. The Governor spoke of new beginnings and Ramon Davila said the new building will boost morale for St. John police. Senator Almando “Rocky” Liburd pointed out that this is a new beginning for St. John the beginning of what promises to be a renaissance as there are many other major projects in the works.
Carnival Queen Contest
The contestants for the 1998 Carnival Queen have been announced: Acia Ebony Brathwaite is being sponsored by Bluebeard’s Castle. Rashida Hodge is being sponsored by Windward Passage . Ashley Ruth Ulla Moolenaar is sponsored by Wyndham Sugar Bay Resort and Browne’s Construction. Devaney Blyden is sponsored by African Pride. Owanna Lans is being sponsored by Renaissance Grand Beach Resort and Terriya Thomas is being sponsored by St. Thomas St. John Chamber of Commerce. The Queen contest is scheduled for April 18th at 8:00 PM at Lionel Roberts Stadium
Prince and Princess Contest
The Prince and Princess Competition contestants are also announced: Asia Hill and Orlando Amaro are sponsored by Diamond International. Chenee Brooks and Richie Welsh Jr. are sponsored by Schumann and Associates. Annalise Setorie and Dimitri Maduro are sponsored by Advance Office Supplies and Krizia Gonzalez and Michael Toussaint Jr. are sponsored by Boolchands.
Music Fest Bands
The bands in the Music Fest are as follows: Fusion, Massachusetts!, Cool Session, Positive Image, Caribbean-4, Seventeen Plus, Imaginations and Jam Band. The Music fest is scheduled for April 4th at 8:00 PM at Lionel Roberts Stadium
K- Mart is Expanding
Commissioner of Labor Carmelo Riviera says that the planned expansion of K-Mart into the old Woolworth location means new jobs for St. Thomas and he is insuring that K-Mart hires local managers and sales staff. There are approximately 150 new jobs coming with this new K-Mart. And here’s more jobs news. The Commissioner says that the summer youth employment program is coming and there are internships for students who have good grades and are ready for on-the-job training. Call LIFT at 773-1994
New Television Series Coming to St. Croix
There is a casting call on St. Croix on Monday of this coming week for local extras in the pilot for a new television show called Walking on Sunshine. The show is a weekly television series and if the pilot is good the show will film all summer on St. Croix. This is being produced for Fox television. The first audition is Sunday April 5th from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM at the Christiansted Gazebo.
MSI Calypso Contest Coming
MSI is announcing this years Calypso Competition for all Calypsonians who have original lyrics, melody and title. There are entry forms at MSI, World Wide Travel Parrot Fish Records and Athlete’s Foot. This years prize is $2500 and a trip to New York City. The deadline is April 8th
Rolex Regatta is Coming
There are less than two weeks to go to the Rolex Regatta at the St. Thomas Yacht Club People are coming from as far as Britain and Australia to compete in the Rolex regatta. And again this year it is a chance to showcase the perfect sailing conditions in the Virgin Islands.
NOAA to study Coastal Zone Management
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration will evaluate the Virgin Islands Coastal Zone Management Program during the week of March 30th to April 3rd. NOAA will hold public hearings on St. John March 30th at 6:30 PM at the Legislature Building.
Water Island Report
Real News today! It is exhausting. I actually had to get out of bed to do the news today. Maybe by tomorrow the excitement will have died down.