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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President Clinton Supports Rum Tax Increase
The Governor says President Clinton supports an increase in the amount of the Rum Tax that is returned to the Territory. And the delegate says she has word from the White House that the 1999 budget will include a lifting of the cap on the rum excise tax so we will get a full $13.50 per proof gallon. The boost in the rum tax return would amount to about 8 million dollars per year in addition to the 46 million the government gets now from rum tax.
Today’s Photo: St. Croix Rum Factory
Current Conditions in Paradise:
Temperature: 91 Degrees at 11 AM Skies: Sunny, Occasional Cloud Chance of Showers: Slight to 10%: Water Temp: Perfect Beach and Swimming Conditions: Sooo Perfect Sailing and Diving Conditions: World Class! Drinks: Ready
The Senate Minority Holds Conference
The minority senators held a press conference yesterday presenting their version of the first half of the legislative season. They are pointing out the successes of the minority and the programs that were stopped by the other senators.
Governor Signs for Police
The Governor says that he has signed all the required papers to release checks to the Police. The money to pay for new cars and uniforms is in process. Following last weeks demonstration, the Governor said he signed over a million dollars worth of contracts for police equipment.
Governor Schneider and Elrod Hendricks Open Baseball
The baseball season got a kickoff on Saturday as the Governor and Orioles Coach Elrod Hendricks opened the 1998 season. The Governor said that Hendricks was an excellent role model for our youth.
St. John Road Work to Begin
St. John is getting another road repaved. This time it is Jacob’s Ladder road from Pine Peace to Chocolate Hole. The Governor signed the contract for 1.7 million dollar. The project is set to begin immediately with sections to wait until the water line is complete. The Daily News has an editorial asking why we have to do this now and not in mid summer or later?
Welfare to Work Meeting
Virgin Islands Housing Authority has launched an aggressive new program to help HUD Section 8 participants become independent. There is a special ceremony today at Frenchman’s Reef at 11:00 AM – for the St. Thomas participants.
Governor Works on Solid Waste
The Governor also met with his solid waste disposal management committee. Thirteen companies have asked to bid on a solid waste treatment system. The formal RFP is scheduled to go out to them on Feb 1st. While we are on solid waste, all companies that haul waste should contact the Dept. of Public Works to renew their permits.
Virgin Islands Workers Union and Magen’s Bay Agree
Virgin Islands Worker’s Union comments the Magen’s Bay Authority for concluding a new contract with the Authority workers. They agreed on a 10% wage increase retroactive to January 1997 and a 5% increase in 1999 and 2000.
Governor Approves Teacher’s Contract
Governor Schneider has approved the collective bargaining agreement between the Government and the St. Thomas-St. John Federation of Teachers and the St. Croix Federation of Teachers. The contract covers terms of employment for the years 1991 through 1995. The negotiated salaries for 1991 through 1993 have been implemented however the salary increases for 1993 through 1995 have yet to be funded.
Emancipation Activities Begin This Weekend
Saturday will be the first day of the Emancipation Commemoration. Everything begins with a traditional Virgin Islands Breakfast in Emancipation Garden at 8:30 AM and there’s a march from Market Square to Emancipation Garden at 9:00 AM. The Governor will speak at 10 and introduce the members of the Emancipation 150 Commemoration Commission. On Sunday the Governor will kick off Emancipation year at Cruz Bay Bandstand at 4:30 PM –
Water Island Report
WOW! A Note from Sandy Meyers thanking the Good News Guy for announcing the gathering of artists on Water Island last evening. A very big event.