US Virgin Islands
[singlepic id=4817 w=180 h=40 mode=web20 float=left]Good morning! This is Alex Randall with Good News Headlines
Lessons from St. Kitts/Nevis for our Islands
The Prime Minister of St. Kitts/Nevis was in St. Croix Sunday and spoke on the issues of Nevis secession. The prime minister says the Constitution was not inclusive and denied representation to one island in the two island pair. While the government will not stop self determination, he said that whole international community came out in favor of constitutional reform instead of succession. He noted that all over the world countries are coming together into new large units rather than dividing into smaller ones. He had profound lessons for our islands on the status issue.
New Commissioner of Public Services
Governor Schneider appointed Alex Petersen as the new Commissioner of Public Services to succeed Patrick Williams. Petersen is a lawyer, community activist, and specialist in managing large facilities having worked in St. Croix Hospital and at the Alumina Plant.
Gun Fees Changed
Sen Watlington reports that he led the override of the Governors veto of new Gun licensing fees. Watlington came out in favor of the low fees on renewals of gun licenses since the guns were already owned by someone. And the law would not help curb gun ownership.
Housing Authority: Swift Action!
Vargrave Richards sent out a letter commending the Housing Authority for their swift repairs at the Whim Garden Home for the Elderly. He commended them starting a regular routine maintenance program for the folks there.
Senate Meetings
The Senate Finance Committee is meeting today at 10 AM in St. Croix to look into department requisitions, and leases. The Committee on Education is meeting this evening at 6:00 PM in the Boulon Center for public hearings on the status of the public schools. Tomorrow Senator Bryan’s committee will look at government bills and vendor payments that’s at 6 in Legislative Conference room in Frederikstead.
WAPAS Seeks skilled tree trimmers
WAPA says they want more local people to get the specialized training to trim trees around power lines. All the power lines have to be cleared for tree growth and it is a specialized skill. WAPA wants to help get more people trained in this skill to meet OSHA regulations. I hear a job training opportunity – that’s good news.
Attention all veterans:
Congressman Victor Frazer announced that the US Congress has passed several bills that include provisions for Veterans benefits. Now medical need will drive the access to outpatient treatment. He said it is the largest expansion of vets benefits since the Gulf War.
DLCA Exams
Dept. of Licensing reminds all candidates for the electricians exam that it is coming up on October 16th. The Land Surveyors Exam is coming up on October 25th and 26th.
Good News Weather:
Looks like Standard Paradise Conditions, clear, sunny, A chance of afternoon rain showers. High around 85-90 Winds East at 10 to 12 mph. We have no major storms on the horizon
Internet Seminar Coming Up.
What is the Internet, how do you use it. There’s a seminar coming up on October 21st that can tell you all about the Internet. For more information. Call Cobex Internet at 776-4800
Teach the Teachers
The Teachers have the Quest Program tomorrow and all public schools on St. Thomas are closed for the faculty to go for training. Peace Corp. School reminds you that kindergarten doesn’t start tomorrow, but on Thursday the 10th.
Debate on WTJX
WTJX will broadcast the Vice Presidential debates tomorrow evening right after Addie Ottley’s Face-to-Face program.
Finally This:
This week is Fire Prevention week. Did you know that the most deaths from smoking aren’t from lung disease, but due to household fires. If you smoke, do it where there’s an ashtray, or smoke outside or better still, quit. The fire you prevent may be your own.