US Virgin Islands
[singlepic id=4817 w=180 h=40 mode=web20 float=left]Good morning! This is Alex Randall with Good News Headlines
Senate in Special Session
The Governor has called the senate into a special session today. The original topic was the Governor’s proposal to swap land for taxes due. Late yesterday the Governor amended the agenda to include a proposal to house prison inmates off island. The Governor doesn’t want to parole hardened criminals and he has to reduce the prison population, so he is accelerating a proposal to negotiate for off-shore prison facilities. They are ready to transfer 75 inmates to Arizona, but need legislative authority. That comes up at 10:00 AM. Senator Frett is asking whether the Senate President will consider the Governors Tax bill or pre-empt it with one of the other tax bills. Frett is willing to withdraw his bill if the Senate takes up the Governor’s bill.
Current Conditions in Paradise:
Temperature: 84 Degrees Water Temp: 72 Degrees Skies: Cloudy Chance of Rain: 50%: Beach and Swimming : Perfect Sailing and Diving : Perfect Drinks: Ready
New Commissioners will be Sworn-in Tomorrow
There is a swearing in tomorrow at Government House. The new commissioners Wylie Whisonant and Dean Luke and Property and Procurement and Carmelo Riviera at Dept. of Labor and Juan Centano at the Bureau of Finance. That’s tomorrow. On Thursday The Governor will hold a press conference to deal with Hurricane and earthquake preparedness.
Hospital Roof Progress
The Hospital Roof is moving toward completion. After months of wondering whether the roof or the paint was more important, the hospital officials have signed the contracts to replace the air handler units on the roof clearing the way for the new roof to go on the hospital. The work is expected to take six months and they have had to plan to do it during possible hurricane conditions. At least there is progress to report.
Roadside Cleaning
Acting Commissioner of Public Works Lindel Williams says that there is a territory wide clean up of the roadsides all over the Virgin Islands. The public is advised to watch for the work crews and slow down. Also you are reminded not to litter, the fine is $250.
St. John Seniors
Senior Citizens need discount cards to ride the VITRAN Bus on St. John. See Edna Freeman at the Dept. of Human Services next to fire station in Cruz Bay. Seniors with fare cards can ride VITRAN for 55 cents.,
Hero of the Hour
The Caribbean Hotel Association holds an annual event to honor the top professionals in the hotel field all over the Caribbean . This years CHA’97 Caribbean Hotel Association American Express Awards Luncheon was held in Anguilla and among the honorees was Robert Mitchell the engineering supervisor at the Renaissance Grand Beach Resort who was honored as the Top Supervisor of the Year for 1997. That’s Robert Mitchell’s Good News.
New Postmaster
St. Thomas is getting a new postmaster Louis Austin Jackson of St. Croix will be installed as the New Postmaster and Virgin Islands Coordinator in an installation ceremony on Friday of this week at the Wyndham Sugar Bay Resort A pictorial cancellation will hallmark the day.
Public Hearings on State Plan for the Disabled.
The State Plan on Disabilities and rehabilitative Services is complete. There will be public hearings on June 25th at Flamboyant Gardens in St. Croix and on June 26th at the Legislative Conference Room in St. Thomas. If you are concerned with the disabled, come to public hearings, they are seeking your input in the state plan.
Tax Assessors Office is Moving.
On Thursday and Friday of this week the tax assessors office will be closed on Government hill and it will reopen on Monday June 30th at its new location on the second floor of Builder’s Emporium in Estate Thomas. The phone number will remain the same, 776-8505
Coming Up:
VITEMA Has an open house today at the AQ Building in Contant from 9:00 AM – to 4:00 PM -You can meet the staff and discuss disaster preparedness. Disaster materials will be available. Drop in even if you only have a few minutes. They have refreshments too Ivanna Eudora Kean School Class of 1997, your year books are here. They are at the school this week from 8:30 AM – to 1:00 PM – for $25. If you prepaid, please pick up your book. Excelsior Talent Productions is seeking ladies to view for the Title Miss Big and Beautiful. Call Ms Wilson at 775-1003 J. Antonio Jarvis School summer Camp is still accepting applications Call 774-4300
Water Island Report
Nothing happened on Water Island. We like it that way.
It’s your Good News! You tell us and we’ll tell everyone.