With record levels of homicides gripping the territory, and a growing number of people expressing outrage and fear for their safety, we were alarmed to discover that Governor deJongh has stepped up security…for himself. New Government House Security Guards 1 and 2 New Government House Security Guards 3 and 4 New Government House Security...
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It was a costly lapse in judgment. During Tuesday’s Finance Department hearing, Sen. Terrance “Positive” Nelson verbally attacked the finance team for testimony he felt was inaccurate and evasive. Heated Exchange As a result, Governor John P. deJongh, Jr. issued a statement today authorizing representatives of his Administration to walk out of hearings if...
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On February 19, 2009, Virgin Islands Governor John P. deJongh, Jr. announced at a press conference that the Virgin Islands “will receive more than $244 million in economic benefits over a two-year period.” These funds were the allocation to the Virgin Islands from President Obama’s American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (ARRA). We were assured...
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As the fog continues to swirl around the ever changing explanations for the use of public funds to enhance Gov. John deJongh’s personal residence, only one thing is perfectly clear. Somebody’s lying. At issue is funding for a guardhouse, security fence and driveway at the Governor’s private residence. Documented expense to date – $337,091....
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It appears that before there was an $85,000 Guardhouse and a $98,000 Security Fence, there was a $156,000 driveway laid at Governor John P. deJongh, Jr.’s personal residence. Yes, we are serious. The attached documents show that in October, 2007, Darryl Smalls, then Commissioner Designee of the Department of Public Works, gave the notice...
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We’re going to get right to the point on this proposed 2010 fiscal year budget. What’s good for the goose should be good for the Governor, the Legislature, and the exempt government employees. In times of crisis, great statesmen lead by example. That’s a lesson apparently unlearned by those who have created this budget....
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The economic situation has forced Governor John deJongh, Jr. to tighten the financial belt of government spending for 2010. To that end, he has submitted a proposed fiscal 2010 budget that includes eight unpaid holidays for government employees but contains no salary or benefit cuts for members of the executive or legislative branches of...
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Government House is most distressed at Senator Donastorg’s assertions that public funds have been used inappropriately to renovate Governor John deJongh, Jr.’s private residence. So distressed, in fact, that Government House Communications Director Jean Greaux was compelled to respond by saying, “If Sen. Donastorg believes that he has evidence that such funds were used...
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We couldn’t help but notice that the VI Board of Education staff whips around in shiny new dual-exhaust air conditioned cars while students at John H. Woodson Junior High School suffer through the heat with only dual exhaust fans to move the stifling air. Makes you wonder where the financial priorities lie…. We’re just...
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Senator Donastorg Renews Call for Audit of the Legislature Majority Caucus Rejects Audit of the Legislature Roll Call on Rejection of Legislature Audit (BR09_0572) Bill Request #09-0572 – Legislature Audit Share on Facebook
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We are hoping Senator Barshinger can let us know what his priorities are. If the current fleet of Legislature vehicles are too costly to maintain, our senators should consider mileage allowance in these challenging times. The funds they would spend on these cars could go towards many other critical needs that our current revenues...
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Misplaced Priorities – The Remix Share on Facebook
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After reading the investigative report in The Virgin Islands Daily News concerning the improper behavior of the executives and the governing board of the Schneider Regional Medical Center in the district of St. Thomas/St. John I was dismayed but not surprised. Additionally the report and recommendation of the joint audit by the federal and...
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Hot off the press! Here’s the joint US & VI Inspector General audit of the Roy Lester Schneider Regional Medical Center. Schneider Regional Medical Center Audit Share on Facebook
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Guest Opinion by Dwane A. Callwood The U.S. Virgin Islands is in a State of Emergency. Anyone who would profess otherwise either is not in touch with the plight of the working class, or probably is a recipient of a lucrative tax-exemption deal. After decades of self-help backdoor deals, one-sided agreements, unfavorable deals, economic...
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More than half of the contributions Delegate to Congress Donna Christensen has received in the current election cycle are linked to a Washington contractor who is the subject of a federal inquiry.
According to an article today in the Washington Post, Christensen has received at least $37,000 from contractor Jeffrey Thompson, who is suspected of using “straw” or phantom donors to evade contribution limits that are set for candidates running for office. His operations have drawn the attention of Federal authorities.
According to the article, Thompson’s accounting firm Thompson, Cobb, Brazilio and Associates, has 189 contracts with the federal government, worth $17.1 million. The company has done some business in the Virgin Islands, auditing grant funds awarded by the U.S. Department of Education and the Federal Highway Administration. TCBA recently advertised for an accounting position based in Saint Thomas, Virgin Islands.
Recently, Christensen has urged the Federal Election Commission to investigate the election system of the Virgin Islands, citing public discontent with the way the Board of Elections in operating. Perhaps this current development will hasten their acceptance of her request.
As many of you heard recently, CIF President Michael Springer, at left, delivered the first in a series of radio announcements that will target specific issues and offer analysis on our most pressing concerns.
The feedback on the comments was extremely positive, so CIF will sponsor then as often as possible, and we thank those of you who have already donated! But airtime costs money and we're seeking your help.
If you'd like to help keep our voices on the air, please donate whatever you can using the PayPal button below. We thank you in advance for your support.
