Roadside THERE

"Roadside" HERE

78 degrees in Crown Bay St. Thomas under Mostly Clear Skies

78% humidity.

30.01 Barometric Pressure – rising.

East Wind at 13 MPH.  

Point 03 inches of rain  in the last 24 hours. We have had 2.37 inches of rain this year – so far.

Doppler radar shows: Widely Scattered Showers

Satellite photo shows: Mostly Clear Skies

The National Weather Service says: A generally fair weather pattern is expected to prevail across the Virgin Islands today as a mid to upper level high pressure ridge dominates the area. Partly Cloudy Skies with occasional rain showers. High of 82°F. Winds from the NE at 10-15 mph. Chance of rain 20%.

Next FULL moon is February 7

Cruise Ship News Summit and Crystal Symphony at Havensight Dock

Maasdam at Austin Monsanto Marine Terminal.

Silhouette in Frederiksted.

At the top of the news on Friday  February 3

First a lesson in rumors from the Professor of Communication at UVI.  In a community suffering high anxiety and uncertainty, rumors fly. The more ambiguous the situation, the more rumors fly.  Rumors conform to our expectations and fears. They are seldom true and frequently fall to the lowest levels of our fears and concerns.  They lose detail as the move from mouth to ear and mouth to ear. They sometimes pick up bits of information as individuals add tidbits to rumors that fit their expectations. Rumors serve to relieve the tension. They make us feel important; we know something that others have not heard. Rumors are generally false.

Yesterday a rumor flew around the Virgin Islands.  It was all over the talk shows and in many many conversations.  And it was false, baseless and founded upon no solid facts at all. An online blog called the DailyCall created a story saying the two Department of Justice prosecutors had accepted bribes. As the story swelled, the Governor and Attorney General were part of the story. At one point a story flew around saying a squad of federal agents had swarmed the Legislature and surrounded the building. The Governor was in handcuffs. All said without a shred of fact.

Government House called the story slanderous. Government House is asking a retraction of a story. The story as published, lacks any named sources, and heavily quotes – without attribution – from court documents filed by Jeffrey Prosser.  The story jumbles Prosser’s phone problems with the broadband initiative with the recent raid on Senator Williams office and makes it all sound like part of a massive conspiracy. A spokesperson for the US Department of Justice issued a statement “We are not aware of any facts supporting any allegations of bribery, one of many inaccurate and unsupported claims in this story”   The federal bankruptch court dismissed Prosser’s claims that were recycled in this story in the DailyCall. Government House Spokesperson, Jean Greaux added that the allegations were slanderous and that author had displayed “reckless disregard for the truth,” the grounds for establishing a slander case. When you hear a rumor, particularly a slanderous or scandalous rumor, ask if the source is credible. What are the facts? Are they confirmed by trusted sources. And don’t pass it along until you have verified the facts.

Meanwhile across town Governor de Jongh was meeting with officials of HOVENSA  Hess Corporation and PDVSA, to discuss the closure of the oil refinery – also the Territory’s largest private sector employer.  The topics were the closure of the oil refinery, their proposed use of the facility as an oil terminal and their obligations under the existing agreement.  And the economic impact on the Territory, and their obligation to provide fuel for WAPA.

Percival E. Clouden, the Chief Executive Officer says the Economic Development Authority is fast-tracking the creation of jobs for local residents after the government downsizing and the closure of HOVENSA. The EDA is working on bringing new jobs to the Virgin Islands. The Enterprise Zone Commission, the Lending Division, State Trade and Export Promotion Program and the State Small Business Credit Initiative teams are all reviewing their portfolios to assist with small business and new entrepreneurship.   The Business Continuity Team  is going to fast-track potential EDC beneficiaries already in the pipeline, aggressively pursue other businesses currently on the “hot list”  and fast-forward all ways to help residents become entrepreneurs, Call Economic Development Authority 714-1700 on St. Thomas and 773-6499 on St. Croix.

The Legislature is opening their offices on St John this evening at 6:00 p.m. After the formal opening, there will be a Town Meeting from 7 to 10:00 PM for the residents of St. John to raise issues with their Senators.

It's Carnival Time

78  degrees in Crown Bay St. Thomas under Mostly Clear Skies

77% humidity.

30.03  Barometric Pressure – rising.

East North East Wind at  19 MPH.  

Point 05 inches of rain  in the last 24 hours. We have had 2.28 inches of rain this year – so far.

Doppler radar shows: Widely Scattered Showers

Satellite photo shows: µ

The National Weather Service says: Overcast with rain showers. High of 82°F.  An area of high pressure to the north of our area is weakening. We should experience less of the gusty winds over the last couple of days. Widely scattered showers today with prevailing east-northeasterly trade winds at 10-15 mph.  Chance of rain 60%.

Next FULL moon is February 7

Cruise Ship News

Norwegian Gem Solstice and Explorer of the Seas  at Havensight Dock

Ruby Princess  at Austin Monsanto Marine Terminal:

At the top of the news on Thursday February 2 Groundhog Day 

This is groundhog day and up north Punxsutawney Phil emerged from his groundhog hole. Legend says, if he sees his shadow there will be six more weeks of winter. If he doesn’t, there will be an early spring. This year – Shadows- lots of shadows that means 6 more weeks of deep winter. Meteoroligst Tim McGill calls Punxsutawney Phil “a punk” when it comes to weather forecasting.  He has ONLY been right 39 percent of the time. The meteorologist says “We might as well ask a giraffe for stock picks–he could probably be just as accurate.”

Despite the common tongue-twister, woodchucks (Marmota monax) are burrowing creatures that usually stick to smaller plants.

The name woodchuck is likely derived from a Native American term Cree word “otchek” European settlers “substituted syllables that sounded more familiar and yet approximated the original sound” Woodchucks are not very good at moving timber, but “some will chew wood.”  In response to the question “How much wood could a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood,” one wildlife biologist reportedly found that the volume of an average woodchuck burrow is equal to about 700 pounds of wood.

Senator “Chucky” Hansen was calling on Washington. She held a joint telephone call with top officials of President Obama’s Cabinet from the Health and Human Services.  The call was a request for emergency assistance for the people of the Virgin Islands.  She says federal government is now in contact from other Virgin Islands agencies with regard to the issues raised.  She wants Washington officials to assess the programs available to the Virgin Islands to determine if there may be additional opportunities. 

The Senate Committee on Government Operation, Energy and Veterans Affairs held hearings on alternative energy options. UVI President Hall says the university needed to address energy cost containment and energy conservation. They recently completed projects on both campuses to improve energy use at the university. Counsel Iver Stridiron from Waste Management Authority spoke of solid waste is an energy resource. “All products which are used and reached its end of useful life have energy stored and can be used as an energy source.  And Karl Knight, of the energy office focused on utility-scale deployment of photovoltaic energy. He said there are three companies on the short list to provide WAPA with 10 megawatts of solar powered electricity.

Here comes Carnival 2012.  The 60^th anniversary Carnival. This one is going to be big. The preview in Emancipation Garden yesterday showed the promise of our 60^th anniversary. Department of Tourism is providing promotion and bringing journalists from national and international organizations. Carnival Village will honor Ze-a-thea “Patsy” Milliner. The Cultural Fair will honor Es-sa-li-ta Fleming. Longtime music educator Georgia Francis is the Children’s Parade marshal. Quadrille teacher Carlos Woods is the Adult parade Marshal.

Carnival will get going March 31 with a comedy show at Sugar Bay resort. Prince and Princess Show is April 1, the queen show is April 7.  Calypso revue is April 14 and Toddler derby and traditional games are Sunday April 15.  Culture night is April 18 and the Calypso competition is April 19.  Carnival Village opens April 20 and water sports are April 22. The tramps are on April 24 and Food Fair is April 25. J’Ouvert is April 26 and the parades are April 27 and 28. Fireworks on Saturday April 28.

The theme this year – “A celebration for the world to see. St. Thomas Carnival’s 60^th Anniversary.”

Falling Ice THERE

Falling Ice HERE

76  degrees in Crown Bay St. Thomas under Mostly Clear Skies

80% humidity.

30.05  Barometric Pressure – rising.

East Wind at  11 MPH.  

Point 01 inches of rain  in the last 24 hours. We have had 2.28 inches of rain this year – so far.

Doppler radar shows: Scattered showers right around the Virgin Islands this morning.

Satellite photo shows: general cloudiness in the area

The National Weather Service says: Overcast with rain showers in the morning, then partly cloudy with rain showers. High of 82°F. Winds from the NE will remain gusty with sustained winds of 20 miles per hour and gusts to 30 miles per hour. Chance of rain 40%.

Variably cloudy skies are expected today with the risk of mainly morning showers

Next FULL moon is February 7

Cruise Ship News:  Seven Ships – Freedom of the Seas Norwegian Epic, Carnival Glory and Disney Magic at Havensight.  Eurodam and Grand Princess at the Austin Monsanto Marine Terminal and St John has Club Med 2

At the top of the news on Wednesday February 1

Here comes the Transportation Security Administration with new advanced imaging technology that has just been installed at Cyril E. King Airport on St. Thomas. The equipment uses new software known as Automated Target Recognition. It detects metallic and non-metallic threats, including explosives, concealed under a passenger’s clothing. When a threat is detected a generic outline of a person will appear on a monitor. It is identical for all passengers. No more body images.  If no anomalies are detected, an “OK” appears on the screen.  The Transportation Security Administration is installing 575 AIT units at 130 U.S. airports including Cyril King Airport

NOAA Fisheries Service would like to remind the public there is a seasonal prohibition on fishing for or’ possession of red, black, tiger, yellowfin, and yellow edge grouper in Caribbean federal waters today through April 30. Also no person may fish for or possess any species of fish like finfish, mollusks, crustaceans, and all other marine animal and plant life within the Grarnmanik Bank. The only exceptions are for fishing highly migratory species like  bluefin, bigeye, yellow fin, albacore, and skipjack tunas; swordfish; sharks; white marlin. blue marlin, sailfish, and longbill spearfish.

Department of Tourism reps are at the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association’s Caribbean Marketplace in the Bahamas. They have more than 40 appointments with travel and media partners over two days. Of particular interest is a Master Class taught by TripAdvisor about online marketing strategies to help promote the growth of tourism.

Mrs. Monique Ferrell – whose maiden name was Douté is making Good News. On Friday, January 27 she was one of three Deputy Auditor Generals honored in an emotional and distinguished ceremony at Fort Myer in Northern Virginia, with the distinctive rank of Senior Executive Service (SES) in the U.S. Army Audit Agency.

She is known here as the 1981 Carnival Queen First Runner Up and she is a graduate of Sts. Peter and Paul School. She was one of three Deputy Auditor Generals honored by the U.S. Army Audit Agency.  She is a 26-year employee with the Army Audit Agency and the principal advisor to The Auditor General of the Army for auditing the Army’s major functional areas of human capital, force protection, force structure, reserve components, National Guard and Army Reserve. The rank of SES is similar in status to the military rank of general or admiral, and Ferrell has steadily charted her course through the agency since 1986. The consummate teacher and leader, Mrs. Ferrell offered a few words of encouragement and inspiration for Virgin Islands youth. “In the military environment, there is a term used called “combat multiplier”. It refers to the critical functions that make a mission successful. Well, every young person in the Virgin Islands should view education, and I mean education beyond a high school degree, as a ’combat multiplier.’ Education is the key to a successful future!”

The Governor

78  degrees in Crown Bay St. Thomas under Mostly Clear Skies

76% humidity.

30.05  Barometric Pressure – rising.

East Wind at  24 MPH.  

Point 04 inches of rain  in the last 24 hours. We have had 2.28 inches of rain this year – so far.

Doppler radar shows: Scattered showers

Satellite photo shows: band of showers passing our area

The National Weather Service says: Overcast with rain showers. High of 82°F. Winds from the NE at 15-25 mph. Chance of rain 70%.

Next FULL moon is February 7

Cruise Ship News:  Norwegian Sun, Carnival Dream, Carnival Freedom at Havensight Dock

Noordam and Oasis of the Seas at Austin Monsanto Marine Terminal:

At the top of the news on Tuesday January 31  

Governor John DeJongh delivered the annual State of the Territory address last evening. He said it is troubled: The loss of HOVENSA, the government’s fiscal problems; job terminations top the list of the territory’s woes. The Governor said HOVENSA’s closing was like a tsunami, it gives no warning and delivers immediate devastation. He is angry about the HOVENSA.  He had no warning.

Back in 2011 the Governor said that the territory had reached a tipping point. Last night he said it had tipped over.  The Governor’s demeanor was matter-of-fact. He methodically called out legislators, union leaders, environmentalists and private sector business leaders for nay saying, double crossing, magical thinking and failure to support the community.

The Governor singled out the Legislature for specific criticism, chiding them for not passing his austerity measures, giving the Government only part of the increase in Gross Receipts Tax he requested, approving borrowing without approving the means to pay back the loans.  While not naming any senators by name, he commended the few who voted with his proposals while asking those who voted against his plans to step up with their ideas and alternatives. 

Turning to the cost of energy, the governor admonished “those who think we can immediately transition from where we are to some magical new world of solar or wind or tidal-powered electrical generation on a scale that will support our economy.”  He called upon WAPA’s governing board to provide a detailed, specific and realistic action plan for infrastructure and management changes and improvements to bring down the cost of electricity.

On the positive side; the governor noted improvements in early childhood development, three new air carriers to the territory bringing 100,000 more passengers, streamlined procedures in licensing, $100 million to provide high speed Internet to everyone who wants it, new senior citizen housing on St. Thomas and a 30% drop in homicides in the last year.

Here come plans for a new Veterans park. The new park will be constructed in the grassy palm tree area near Lucinda Millin Home on the northeast side of the main road. The grass and palms are already in place. What is needed is a monument – the center piece of the park.  Here comes a contest February 1 to March 15 – ONLY young people can submit a plan, with a sketch that includes a theme or plaque or statues.  Students ONLY.  A panel of America Legion Hall members and COAST members will judge the entries and announce a winner on March 30^th.

Pirates at the Point

76  degrees in Crown Bay St. Thomas

74% humidity.

30.04  Barometric Pressure – rising.

East Wind at 23  MPH.  

Point 01 inches of rain  in the last 24 hours. We have had 1.81 inches of rain this year – so far.

Doppler radar shows: Cloudy skies with widely Scattered Showers

Satellite photo shows: front passing through

The National Weather Service says: Partly cloudy with rain showers in the morning, then mostly cloudy with rain showers. High of 77°F. Winds from the NNE at 10-20 mph. Chance of rain 40%.

Next FULL moon is February 7

Cruise Ship News: Ruby Princess  at Austin Monsanto Marine Terminal:

At the top of the news on Thursday January 26

The Community Foundation is releasing the 2011 USVI KIDS COUNT DATA BOOK. Good News and Hard news in the Kids Count report.  The data is from 2009, which is the last year for which the data is all compiled.

Bad news first.  30% of Virgin Islands families live beneath the poverty line – 35% on St Croix and 24% on St. Thomas. More than 55% of our children live in single parent homes and 8% live in a home without a relative, not father, nor mother nor grandparents. 73% of 7^th graders are reading below grade level, 12% of all babies are born to teen age mothers and 49% of our kids lack basic immunizations. The number of children in families getting TANF or SNAP or Women Infants and Children’s State Office benefits is on the  increase and the number of school meals served to our children is also up.

The Good News – Infant mortality rate on St. Thomas is 2.2 % much lower than the national average while the infant mortality rate on St Croix is slightly about average nationwide. Birth weight of our babies is improving and in 2009 is slightly better than the national average.  Median income is up from about 30,000 per year in 2007 up to 43 thousand in 2009. The teen High School  drop out rate is on a steady path of improvement – below 10% for the first time since data has been collected.

And the number of our youth who are earning a college degree is on a steady increase now at 7.6% – the highest since the data has been recorded. 65% are earning a High School  diploma, a slight decline.  What is worrisome is the percent of teen agers who are not in school or working – now almost 19% of the total of teenagers.

While the juvenile arrest rate has gotten slightly better from 2008, the book shows that approximately 673 out of every 100,000 youths, aged 10-17, are still being picked up for violent crimes.

One interesting trend is the decline in the number of children as a percent of the whole population.  As the Virgin Islands population ages, children are about 24% of the total – back in 1990, children were 34% of the whole population. The number of teen agers who die of all causes is down from all prior years – a trend that indicates the success of safety and health campaigns.

This is the 12th year that the Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands has presented its Kids Count data, which is done in conjunction with funding from the Annie E. Casey Foundation and partnerships with local nonprofit organizations, the V.I. Police Department, and other government departments such as Human Services, Education, and Health, which help provide the data.

Lieutenant Governor Gregory Francis auctioned the first of the properties in tax arrears.  No info on who bought or what was paid, but one on St John was sold at auction; seventeen acres at Frenchman’s Bay and three parcels in downtown Charlotte Amalie along with one in Frenchtown, and one in Fredenhoj. The owners have a year to come forward and pay the taxes and reclaim their property.

Good News Maker of the Day  is Antionette Boynes who is at the Univ of South Florida – she was inducted in the Phi Sigma Theta National Honor Society She is the daughter of Anthon and Yvette Boynes abd she is a grad of Ivanna Eudora Kean High School.  Now an honors student at the Univ of South Florida. Antionette Boynes you are making good news.