It was a most revealing comment; a comment that highlighted a fatal flaw in the direction some of our “leaders” believe will be beneficial to the Virgin Islands.
Just before the conclusion of two days of hearings on the now approved Diageo deal – hearings that contained impassioned testimony for and against – Senator Hill took the opportunity to verbalize a view that reminds us of the central issue blocking Territorial unity. Read more »
The sudden public emergence of the Captain Morgan distillery plan and the urgency with which the Governor is attempting to push this initiative through the Legislature should raise red flags across the territory, particularly among the residents of St. Croix.
Let me be clear – I am a strong proponent of economic development in the Virgin Islands and will encourage and support any initiative that will genuinely benefit the residents and the community. Read more »
On Tuesday, the PSC board approved a 22.9-percent increase in the electric Levelized Energy Adjustment Clause (LEAC) rate and a 14.6 percent increase in the water LEAC rate. This action will raise the average monthly residential electric bill to $209.29 and the average residential water bill to $63.16 for a household using 2,400 gallons a month, according to the St. Thomas Source newspaper.
We are all aware of the global energy crisis – this is not a territory specific problem. But this is a multi-layered problem and the only option that was executed is one that places the financial burden on the backs of the residents of the territory – residents who are already struggling with the cost of other basics like food, recently shown to outpace urban mainland locations in cost. Read more »
Guest Opinion by Gonzalo Rivera
Eighteen months ago we went to the polls and elected a new governor and fifteen senators to represent us, yet today we are faced with the same challenges that existed at the time. Only difference between now and then is the fact that our representatives receive a bigger salary in exchange for increasing the number of people living in poverty.
The challenges related to families living below the poverty level, the escalating crime problem, the high cost of living to include the WAPA issue, the education of our children and accountability and transparency in government have all worsen. They voted to allow finance companies to charge more interests for unsecured loans. They set aside money to pay for illegal contracts for a second time and approved increases for government employees to pay more for their healthcare plan and medications. Read more »
What would candidate deJongh do to address our most pressing issue; the cost of living?
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To date, we have witnessed:
-Press releases and press conferences on the formation of committees and task force groups Read more »
out·ra·geous
3 a: going beyond all standards of what is right or decent; violent
Outrageous.
That’s the only word for the cold-blooded homicide that occurred at Gov. Juan Luis Hospital Wednesday morning.
Somehow, in the early morning hours, five armed, masked men entered the hospital, incapacitated a guard, threatened maintenance personnel and made their way to Shadrach Frett’s hospital room on the third floor – where they shot him to death. Read more »
Buckling under the pressure of the frequent rate increases? Impatient waiting for action from your government? Candidate deJongh’s reply in the October 31, 2006 VI Daily News Voter Guide: (click image below to view)
Talks only started on March 14th of 2008 , a whole year and 3 months after inauguration. We hope progress comes before “pressure bust pipe” but we’re not holding our breath.
Candidate Michael Springer is inviting the public to a Wine Tasting & Art Show. Click here for more info.
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It’s hard to remember the last time that the climate for change was a strong as it is this election year. It’s the mantra for the presidential campaigns and clearly resonates with a large segment of the population.
Here, in the Virgin Islands , it’s also a popular topic – but often the momentum ends with a spirited conversation and progress is difficult to achieve. Change must be managed and focused in those areas where it can be most effective. Change just for its own sake can actually have negative consequences if not carefully considered. Read more »
Guest Opinion by J. J. Estemac
As I continue to see the manifestation of lawlessness by all segments in our community; it becomes very apparent that the current administration has not made a dent in curbing the lawlessness, in spite their much publicized incidents of arrests. What we need is a concerted effort by the executive branch to take the lead, by example, in promoting compliance with our laws and ordinances. We are aware of several conditions where the “government” ( the executive branch in particular) is derelict. The administration has over one year in office, while many of us have been extremely patient, we now say enough is enough let us get on with fulfilling the promises made prior to election. It is time the administration show that it is serious in changing the climate of lawlessness, that is so pervasive in our community. I am conscious of the high degree of cynicism that exist but that does help correct our problems nor promote progress. Pride, unity, optimism and hard work does make a positive difference, it makes for progress. Read more »
There was chaos at the D.C. Canegata ballpark last week when gunmen pulled off an armed robbery at the Stop and Save Store just across the street.
The kids were in the middle of a game when the sound of gunfire rang out, and players and parents scattered, not knowing where the shots were coming from or, more critically, where they might land. Read more »
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.
