US Virgin Islands
[singlepic id=4817 w=180 h=40 mode=web20 float=left]Good morning! This is Alex Randall with Good News Headlines
Our Fishermen Will Have Access to the British Virgin Islands
Governor Schneider spoke with BVI Chief Minister OíNeal yesterday about our fishing rights in the British Virgin Islands. The Chief Minister pledged the British Virgin Islands will continue to issue fishing licenses to US fishermen, there will be no increase in the the license fees and no shots fired at visiting fishing vessels. The two top executives will also work on Customs clearance and allowing USVI fishermen sell their catch in the BVI.
Crime Commission Challenge
The Governor met with his Crime Commission yesterday. And charged them with their mission. Identify crime fighting initiatives that will work, review the Police Dept. equipment and manpower needs and develop a comprehensive crime and violence control plan. One student commissioner said he sees silly arguments at school erupt into violence. The Commission will address acts of violence in the schools. Their report is due in 30 days.
Town Meetings on Omnibus Territories Act.
Delegate Green has scheduled town meetings about the Omnibus Territories Act. This proposed law contains provisions that effect us; regarding the governorís powers when heís off island, the right to issue parity bonds and the Presidential commission to study our economy. The town meetings are January 28th on St. John at the Boulon Center, January 29th on St. Thomas at the Legislative Conference room, and January 30th at Curriculum Center Kingshill St. Croix
Roadside Maintenance Task Force
Dept. of Public Works is activating its task force for roadside maintenance. Lewis Hughes, George Phillips, Edwardo OíNeal, Alloy Neilson and Tyrone Martin are going to address patching, maintenance and resurfacing of our roads. Tyrone Martin also said heíd give up junk food for a week to contribute $100 to the Americaís Cup Challenge.
Sen. Hansen Wants to See Brown and Root Report
Senator Hansen is calling for the Governorís report on the hiring practices of Brown and Root. She wants her Committee on Labor to review the report and see what actions needs to be taken.
Tax Time: Good News!
It is tax time and the IRB doesn’ít have any tax forms. But computers to the rescue. The UVI Library has a CD-ROM computer disk from Washington with all the federal tax forms. The library can reproduce any tax forms you need.
Virgin Islands Humanities Council – Seeking Grant Applications
Virgin Islands Humanities Council is accepting draft applications for major grant funding. They are looking for proposals that focus on our history, our philosophy of life, our culture and social traditions and any public discussions of literature and history. Applications are due March 3rd.
Thanks for the Help
Mocko Jumbie Jamboree sends a big thank you to Smith Bay Texaco for sponsoring Anya Richards for the Adult parade. – Thanks Polyberg Texaco for sponsoring Jendai Richards. Call Gerry Cockrell to sponsor a kid 774-7057.
Coming Up:
- Farmers on St. Thomas are meeting today at the Legislative Conference room from 1 to 4 PM.
- The Dept of Agriculture will be listening to you. When you are at the bank today, pick up the E. Benjamin Oliver Band Boosters Club Birthday Calendar. Theyíre at all Chase branches.
- The Chamber of Commerce is hosting Business After Hours upstairs at Alexanderís from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM Sponsored by arasohn and Company.
Virgin Islands Americaís Cup Challenge Telethon
The Virgin Islands Americaís Cup Challenge Telethon on STA passed $30,000 yesterday. That is enough to put the Challenge over the top of their first million. The Virgin Islands Americaís Cup Challenge will showcase our spectacular islands and give new life to our marine industry. Call 774-9090 to make a pledge. Or visit Stars and Stripes in Crown Bay during the open house Monday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Donít miss the boat.
No Nukes in Caribbean!
Adlah Fonsie Donastorg announced that he had received confirmation that the Pacific Teal, the ship carrying the nuclear waste is going to take a course around the south end of Africa rather than traveling through our waters and the Panama Canal. While the nuclear waste is still being shipped, it will not be coming here. Donastorg thanked all of the groups and individuals who helped raise our voice of protest against this shipment.