Publication, 2016-12-13

86th year, No. 23811 TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2016 $1 86 A Pulitzer Prize-Winning Newspaper ST. CROIX ST. JOHN ST. THOMAS TORTOLA CELEBRATING THE PEOPLE, CULTURES AND HISTORY OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS SINCE 1930 Mini Page Pages 28-29 Tax hikes With government piggy bank empty Mapp turns to taxpayers for cash Unpaid vendor says trash haulers might stop collections Page 3 V.I. teams rack up golds in P.R. Back Page Centennial Countdown Sin taxes on alcohol, tobacco and soda and taxes on property and time-share owners would fund court-ordered back pay Page 5 Businesses to face spike in unemployment insurance rate to help V.I. government pay $69 million federal bill Page 2 Complex looks for win in Puerto Rico Back Page Digging up V.I.’s past Pages 10-11 Boat parade spreads Christmas cheer Page 24 www.virginislandsdailynews.com Twitter: @VIDailyNews www.facebook.com/virginislandsdailynews ISSN 2159-3019 2 The Virgin Islands Daily News VIRGIN ISLANDS Tuesday, December 13, 2016 V.I. businesses face higher unemployment taxes as territory struggles to pay down $69 million debt By BRIAN O’CONNOR Daily News Staff Territory business owners will pay four times the normal federal unemployment tax rate this year because of an unpaid government debt, documents show. The federal unemployment insurance tax rate is traditionally 6 percent on the first $7,000 an employee makes. However, the federal government usually offers a credit of 5.4 percent, meaning most employers actually pay about 0.6 percent, according to the IRS. States — and territories — with unemployment insurance programs meeting federal standards are required to meet their unemployment obligations. When a state can’t meet its unemployment obligations, it’s entitled to take loans from the Federal Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund. Federal documents show only one state and one jurisdiction — California and the U.S. Virgin Islands — are currently in that position. The territory owes $69,138,266.61 in loans, according to the U.S. Department of Treasury website. In fiscal year 2017, which began Oct. 1, the loans have accrued $294,349.15 in interest payments alone. The V.I. Labor Department is in charge of administering unemployment insurance. Labor Commissioner Catherine Hendry did not return a number of phone calls seeking comment. Government House spokeswoman Cherie Munchez would not comment, saying that Hendry would issue a prepared statement about the debt by Wednesday. Provisions of the Federal Unemployment Tax Act stipulate that in states or territories with outstanding balances in the fund, businesses are subject to a credit reduction, which is collected and directed toward the unpaid balance, according to Robert Pavosevich, Supervisor of the Actuarial Team in the Office of Unemployment Insurance’s Division of Fiscal and Actuarial Services in the Department of Labor. Virgin Islands business owners will pay the original 0.6 percent, plus an additional 1.8 percent caused by the unpaid balance, for a total of 2.4 percent, Pavosevich said. At the fully discounted rate, an employer would pay $42 for each employee earning $7,000. At the Virgin Islands rate, employers will have to pay $168. After two years with an unpaid balance, the discount decreases by 0.3 percent each year until the total discount disappears, Pavosevich said. “It’s capped at 6 percent,” Pavosevich said. At the full 6 percent, employers will have to pay $420 for each new employee earning $7,000 that comes on board. By law, that money can’t come out of the wages themselves and is paid out of the profits or losses that employers face, said Charles Engeman, an attorney who served on the Unemployment Insurance Advisory Council under the administration of Gov. John deJongh Jr. Without payment on the loan — or waivers or relief, which has happened three times since 2013 — the rate is scheduled to max out by 2028. That’s barring the imposition of step increases, which can happen if the state has an outstanding balance for a certain number of years, or if — as was the case in the tax year 2012 — step increases are piled on by other provisions of the law, which could move the unemployment tax rate up faster. “It looks like they’re not making much headway,” Pavosevich said, referring to the territory’s debt. The territory wasn’t alone in 2011, the first year the rate went up. In all, 20 states and the Virgin Islands received a 0.3 percent credit reduction that year, federal documents show. That’s in part because of the lingering effects of the Great Recession, said Bennett Chan, a lawyer who represents several businesses and has worked with the St. Thomas-St. John Chamber of Commerce in the past. In general terms, states collected more money than they paid out during the years leading up to the 2008 market collapse, creating large surpluses. Sometimes those surpluses were subject to financial raids. Other times — as was the case in the territory — the surpluses were used as a cause to reduce the amounts collected for unemployment insurance. When large-scale unemployment hit as a result of the recession, surpluses turned into deficits, Chan said. “A lot of states were blindsided by the Great Recession,” Chan said. “They also had big surpluses and never foresaw that there would be this sudden inflow in unemployment claims.” Territorial officials were late in reacting to bring the rate back up to address the issue, Chan said. “If we had done it earlier, we probably would have collected enough,” he said. “Now they want to make it up when times are hard.” In many cases, the government can’t say what each employer owes “ I don’t think there’s enough political willpower to do the kinds of thing necessary to fix the system. — Charles Engeman, an attorney who served on the Unemployment Insurance Advisory Council under the administration of Gov. John deJongh Jr. “ The business owners always bear the brunt of whatever deficiencies we have. We have to, at some point, find other sources of revenue for the government. Any time there’s any sort of additional tax burden, fee burden, licensing burden, it’s always a point of concern. — Kimberly McCollum, president of the St. Croix Chamber of Commerce or has paid in surplus, Engeman said. The system originally was set up so that employers faced a roller coaster, Engeman said. Each employer had a rate based on a three-year average. If an employer’s account paid out more in benefits than they contributed, the rate would go up to 5.4 percent. After three years, the employer’s rate would drop down to 0.1 percent, because at 5.4 percent, the rate exceeded likely contributions. At 0.1 percent, if anyone were laid off, it immediately moved the employer back to the 5.4 percent rate. Employers would oscillate between the 5.4 percent rate and the 0.1 percent rate. “It was 5.4 for many employers, and that’s what an average employer would pay out over the course of 17 years for one employee,” Engeman said. As a result, the unemployment insurance fund accumulated large surpluses. To reduce the surpluses, the V.I. Labor Department dropped the automatic increase based on a negative account, and lowered the minimum rate to 0. Less money came in, even as unemployment rates remained high and benefits remained expensive. A few steps could help move the system back to sound footing, Engeman said. For example, better record-keeping would help reduce delinquencies. Reducing unemployment insurance benefits and reducing the amount of time the unemployed are eligible for unemployment would both help. Verifying that those collecting unemployment are seeking employment, and generally reducing fraud also would help, Engeman said. “I don’t think there’s enough political willpower to do the kinds of thing necessary to fix the system,” he said. Chamber of Commerce officials on both islands decried any increase in taxes or fees for businesses. “Despite what the governor and the senators think, the economy of the Virgin Islands is not doing that well,” said Tom Brunt III, a member of the St. Thomas-St. John Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. Kimberly McCollum, president of the St. Croix Chamber of Commerce, said any increases to fees or taxes was worrying. “The business owners always bear the brunt of whatever deficiencies we have,” she said. “We have to, at some point, find other sources of revenue for the government. Any time there’s any sort of additional tax burden, fee burden, licensing burden, it’s always a point of concern.” The folly of the situation is compounded by the fact that business owners themselves aren’t allowed to file for unemployment if they lose their jobs, McCollum said. “You’re still paying unemployment taxes on what you’re paid, but you are not allowed to request compensation should you find yourself in a position to file for unemployment,” she said. — Contact Brian O’Connor at 340-714-9130 or email boconnor@ dailynews.vi. ISSN 2159-3019 Daily News Publishing Co. Inc. owned by VIDN Holdings, LLC publishes The Virgin Islands Daily News daily, except Sunday, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, at 9155 Estate Thomas, Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, VI 00802. First class postage paid at Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas. U.S.V.I USPS 144-180 POSTMASTER, send Form 3579, Notice of Address Change, to: Circulation Director, Daily News, 9155 Estate Thomas, St. Thomas, VI 00802. Contact us St. Thomas office The Daily News 9155 Estate Thomas St. Thomas, VI 00802 340-774-8772 St. Croix office The Daily News 1115 Strand Street Christiansted, VI 00820 340-714-9127 President Archie Nahigian 340-714-9105 archie@dailynews.vi 86 YEARS A Pulitzer Prize-Winning Newspaper ST. CROIX ST. JOHN ST. THOMAS TORTOLA © 2016 Daily News Publishing Co., Inc. Editor At Large J. Lowe Davis 340-714-9138 lowedavis@dailynews.vi Executive Editor Gerry Yandel 340-714-9106 gyandel@dailynews.vi Advertising 340-714-9103 customerservice @dailynews.vi Circulation 340-714-9101 circulation@dailynews.vi Classifieds and Legal Ads 340-714-2222 classifieds @dailynews.vi News 340-714-9106 notices@dailynews.vi Sports 340-714-9117 bkiser@dailynews.vi Opinions letters@dailynews.vi Announcements notices@dailynews.vi Subscriptions MAIL, BUSINESS AND RESIDENTIAL DELIVERY: 714-9101 ONLINE SUBSCRIPTIONS: dailynews.vi SUBSCRIPTION RATES: One dollar daily. Other subscription rates available on request. The publisher reserves the right to change subscription rates during the term of a subscription with 30 days notice. The notice may be made by mail to the subscriber, by notice contained in the newspaper itself or otherwise. Subscription changes may be implemented by changing the duration of the subscription. Tuesday, December 13, 2016 VIRGIN ISLANDS The Virgin Islands Daily News 3 Work stoppage threat gets Waste Management to table By JONATHAN AUSTIN Daily News Staff A Waste Management Authority contractor had planned a work stoppage this week because the Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority owes vendors a lot of money and they can’t keep working for nothing. However, discussions with administrators at Waste Management led Peter Caproni, owner of Your Environmental Services Inc., to say he’s holding off on urging garbage collection vendors to stop work on Wednesday. “I’m not intent on messing up our communities,” said Caproni, whose company picks up the bin sites on St. John. “We’ve created a dialogue. I am a fair person,” Caproni said. “I want to listen to what they have to say. It seems as though they’re going to put together an offer.” Caproni had told The Daily News on Monday he was announcing a work stoppage beginning Wednesday. He said he and other haulers were going to stop emptying scores of bins across St. Thomas and St. John because Waste Management had failed to pay them for weeks or months. Caproni said he has worked 26 years in trash removal and roll on/ By BRIAN O’CONNOR Daily News Staff Police officials dismissed this week multiple complaints filed by a former employee against high-ranking members of the V.I. Police Department. The complaints are all filed by Lynne Harrison, the former director of the Police Training Bureau. In one such complaint, Harrison alleges Deputy Commissioner Curtis Griffin Jr. was “receiving compensation when absence from employment without proper leave documentation,” and “payroll fraud/embezzlement — falsifying timekeeping records, or when employees are not working while on the job.” In a letter attached to the claim, Harrison says that from August 2016 to the present, Griffin received compensation while not reporting for duty at the department. “In addition, he has not left forwarding contact information to those under his supervision and often was not available during contact attempts occurring during normal working hours,” Harrison wrote. “Griffin was available only via VIPD email which was delayed or not deliverable, thus leaving him ineffective and not suitable to be classified as working telecommuting.” Griffin dismissed the complaints roll off services in the territory. He said his company empties “all the rear load bins on St. John,” and does emergency Waste Management Authority work on St. Thomas. Contacted by The Daily News, Waste Management Authority executives were unaware Caproni and possibly two other haulers were walking off the job. Roger Merritt Jr., the newly hired executive director of the agency, said Monday evening he wants to meet with all the contracted haulers to see what they are owed and come up with a plan to get them paid. “I understand that the haulers need to get paid,” Merritt said. “We need to ensure we are able to make timely payments.” Caproni said he is willing to listen, but the answer has to be that the Waste Management Authority comes up with payment for services already rendered. “The solution is, you pay your bills on time,” he said. Patrick Charles, one of the vendors Caproni mentioned, said Monday that he has “reasons to be on board” with a work stoppage, though he couldn’t make such a decision alone. “I realize that he is upset,” Charles said, referring to Caproni. “It is time for anybody to get upset. I’m in agreement with him.” Charles said his firm empties bins on St. Thomas and hauls trash from Waste Management Authority collection sites in a number of government housing communities. Regarding how much Waste Management owes him, Charles replied: “It depends on what you call a lot. They’re two months behind, now.” Caproni wouldn’t say how much Waste Management owes him in total. “It’s a big amount of money,” he said. “I’m fed up with the whole thing.” Caproni said he estimated that Waste Management owes various vendors millions of dollars. The Waste Management Authority’s inability to pay vendors has been a topic during Senate testimony over the years. Steve Aubin, who was interim executive director of the Waste Management Authority for most of 2016, against him, and said he welcomed an investigation. “I want them to investigate because I’m hoping — when all is done — I’m hoping that maybe I can sue her for slander,” he said. “I have nothing to hide.” Harrison’s letter calls for Griffin to be investigated. “While his explanation of absence has been reported as a long term medical procedure, due to the extraordinary length of absence, previous absences, and non-contact information, a full investigation is warranted to insure the people of the Virgin Islands have not been deprived of its funds due to improper payroll deductions or notifications,” she wrote. The complaint was one of 10 filed after Harrison lost her job as director of the police department’s Training Bureau, according to copies furnished by Harrison. She filed a citizen’s complaint after her termination alleging that Police Commissioner Delroy Richards Sr. had violated department policy and that he had ignored requests for the correction of a violation. Harrison also filed a complaint alleging Griffin’s administrative assistant, Le-Reeda Lake, was absent on sick leave for four weeks without prior notice; that special assistant to the commissioner Capt. Mary Duggan had potentially disclosed confidential department information to a third-party vendor for personal gain, and had used threatening behavior to create a hostile work environment, and that she had obstructed Harrison’s performance of her duties. Harrison further alleged that Lt. Maria Colon-Jones had disrupted a training presentation, and she said her termination was retaliatory for asking for sick leave to be treated for Zika. Harrison said that she eventually fled the Virgin Islands in fear of her life and that the police department still owes her $5,000 in back pay, Harrison said. Harrison said Monday she’s submitted her complaints to Gov. Kenneth Mapp. “I was the director of training and was fired without cause,” she said. “I had filed several complaints.” Harrison said she requested 10 days of medical treatment off-island to combat a Zika infection on Oct. 18. “Two hours later, I was terminated,” she said. Documents provided by Harrison show she was suspended without pay on Oct. 18, and terminated on Oct. 28. Griffin said that while he was undergoing cardio rehab in Florida, he started hearing about issues involving told the Senate Finance Committee in July that the contractors needed to be paid. “It is clear that the contractors are bearing the brunt while trying to provide critical services in hopes of payment by the authority as soon as possible,” he said. Aubin ran the agency after the retirement of May Adams Cornwall until Merritt was hired last month. “The financial condition of the Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority is dire and requires immediate attention and relief,” Aubin told senators in July. “The authority’s available cash to pay its contractors/vendors timely is critically limited, resulting in delayed payments to its contractors/vendors; growing accounts payable, which is currently on the order of $10 million for its major contractors/ vendors; and non-compliance at the Anguilla and Bovoni landfills with court ordered mandates.” An example of the outstanding Harrison. Ultimately, Richards made the decision to terminate Harrison, Griffin said. “Subsequent to her termination, she started sending complaints,” he said. “She said she heard that while I was away I was practicing law and not really sick.” Harrison wasn’t his supervisor, and wasn’t aware of how the accumulated sick time was being used, Griffin said. “She submitted so many complaints against so many people,” he said. “It’s obvious that it’s frivolous.” The complaints have not yet resulted in an internal investigation, Richards said. “I found she was too much of a distraction for us to move forward with the actions as required of us by the mandates of our consent decree,” Richards said about his decision to terminate Harrison. Harrison had failed to submit to a department background check in a timely manner, Richards said. “The department brought her in on an interim basis initially, and then she was asked to comply with the package that we provided in order to conduct a background investigation,” he said. “She offered resistance. She believed she could complete her own timeline.” Harrison said she had asked for 10 obligations owed by Waste Management has been highlighted for the last two years in Senate testimony during the budget process. For Fiscal Year 2016, the agency noted it owed vendor Gem’s Construction $200,000 from fiscal year 2012 to pay for garbage collection services on the island of St. Thomas. The Waste Management Authority noted that it was “unable to identify a revenue source” to pay Gem’s for the years-old debt. During testimony on the Fiscal Year 2017 budget, Waste Management again listed $200,000 owed to Gem’s Construction for garbage collection on St. Thomas. However, Waste Management officials said the $200,000 was owed from the 2011 fiscal year. No one from Gem’s Construction was available for comment Monday afternoon. Merritt said he believes the Waste Management Authority can address the overdue debt owed to the vendors. “I think we can. We’ve got to get a plan in hand and get them paid. If they provide a service, they should get paid,” he said. — Contact Jonathan Austin at 340-714-9104 or email jaustin@ dailynews.vi. Police: Ex-employee filing ‘frivolous’ complaints against top cops “ The solution is, you pay your bills on time. — Peter Caproni, owner of Your Environmental Services Inc. days to secure her college transcripts. “My email specifically says I am not saying I don’t want a background check,” she said. Richards said he ultimately directed Harrison’s complaints to the legal department, but he said Harrison continued to send letters and emails. A response from the department’s legal counsel provided by Harrison says simply that Harrison couldn’t use the citizen’s complaint process to complain about things that happened while she was the director of the Training Bureau, and that each complaint will be closed as it is received. “In some of her letters and emails, she appeared very threatening,” Richards said. “In one of her emails she wrote ‘You are sicker than a tree branch that’s going to be cut down very soon.’ It’s one ignorance after another.” Harrison disputes that characterization. “I’m very professional,” she said. Griffin was on legitimate sick leave when he was in Florida, Richards said. “He was being treated and he entered into a program in Florida,” he said. “The woman is on a witch hunt all over.” — Contact Brian O’Connor at 340-714-9130 or email boconnor@ dailynews.vi. 4 The Virgin Islands Daily News VIRGIN ISLANDS Tuesday, December 13, 2016 Police say woman tried to smuggle pot into prison By BRIAN O’CONNOR Daily News Staff A Mon Bijou woman tried to sneak two bags of marijuana into Golden Grove, police said. Sherifa Petersen, 27, faces a single charge of introducing contraband into prison, and was free on $10,000 bail about six hours later, according to her arrest record. V.I. police arrested Petersen on Friday afternoon about 1:47 p.m., after corrections officers discovered By BRIAN O’CONNOR Daily News Staff the marijuana hidden in the personal belongings of inmate Omari Gordon, according to Petersen’s arrest log. Rick Mullgrav, Director of the Bureau of Corrections, said corrections officers discovered the marijuana during a routine search. Petersen “was bringing a package for her companion, and I will say her companion, because I’m not sure what the relationship was there,” Mullgrav said. “She was coming to visit, and she brought some drugs.” Corrections officers told police The 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals will sit this week in the federal courthouse on St. Thomas. Judges Kent Jordan, Michael Chagares and Thomas Hardiman will hear a range of appellate cases, ranging from a local prisoner challenging his detention as unconstitutional to an estate battle over an inheritance in which two separate federal cases were merged into one. The judges fly in from Philadelphia to hear argument on issues they decide at a later date. Appellate court argument is based around rapid-fire questions from the empaneled judges, unlike civil or criminal court, which frequently is dominated by long exchanges between they had smelled marijuana in a pair of black Jordan sneakers Petersen was bringing to Gordon, according to a VIPD press release. When corrections officers pulled apart the sneakers, they discovered two small plastic bags of marijuana, according to the press release. Any material that ends up in the hands of prisoners is thoroughly searched as a matter of routine, Mullgrav said. “We search any item that goes to the inmates,” he said. “Generally attorneys and witnesses. The appellant attorney gets four minutes to make a case, followed by four minutes from the appellee, followed by four minutes of rebuttal from the appellant attorney, though judges’ questions can sometimes turn four minutes into eight. For example, Ronald Gillette, incarcerated in 2008 on multiple counts of aggravated rape and unlawful sexual speaking, it’s pretty thorough.” Gordon, 32, has been in jail since police charged him with firstdegree attempted murder and firstdegree assault following a Nov. 29 shooting on St. Croix, authorities have said. Gordon’s name also matches that of a man charged in 2010 with the murder of 19-year-old Kendal Wood. Gordon’s trial languished in the Superior Court on St. Croix for almost three years, and he was most recently granted a continuance in 2013. contact against two children, is seeking an appeal on a motion denying his release from custody. Gillette’s attorney, Joseph DiRuzzo III, began on Monday by making his case that the motion, ordered by Chief District Court Judge Wilma Lewis, constituted a final judgement and thus was worthy of an appeal. DiRuzzo sought a three-judge panel to overturn Lewis’s order. It didn’t take long for Jordan to ask a question. “How can it be a final order if there are still claims in the case, if you’re still seeking relief, which you are?” he said. DiRuzzo had a response. “The denial of a three-judge panel effectively throws Mr. Gillette out of court,” he said. He started to add to this, but Jordan cut him off. “There are claims for relief, they still exist,” he said. “I’m struggling to see how this is a final judgement.” Orders relating to the change in the reduction of a prison population essentially rely on three-judge panels to be valid, DiRuzzo said. Prison orders issued by a single judge are subject to challenge on appeal, DiRuzzo said. “I would submit that three-judge courts are desirable in confrontations between state and federal power,” he said. Kimberly Salisbury was the Assistant Attorney General arguing for the appellee. Her job on Monday was to tell three federal judges that it wasn’t their job to decide Gillette’s case. “This particular order is just simply not final,” she said, at one point. The disposition of the murder case involving Gordon couldn’t be immediately ascertained Monday evening. Gordon had been released on electronic monitoring and house arrest pending trial in 2013, according to court documents at the time. He was being held on $500,000 bail in his most recent arrest, police said. — Contact Brian O’Connor at 340-714-9130 or email boconnor@ dailynews.vi. Federal judges from Philadelphia in the Virgin Islands to hear cases Pick 3 (Dec. 12) Morning 1st prize 5 5 4 Midday 1st prize 8 7 0 Sunset 1st prize 3 9 8 Evening 1st prize 0 3 7 Caribbean Lottery Pick 4 (Dec. 12) Morning 1st prize 4 3 6 2 Midday 1st prize 2 3 0 4 Sunset 1st prize 8 0 9 6 Evening 1st prize 7 5 8 0 However, Hardiman had a question. If there was an order short of Gillette’s release that could make the prison resolve the Eighth Amendment violations that put the prison under a federal consent decree for decades to resolve, Lewis or another judge could still make the determination. The prison has completed only 14 percent of the new consent decree ordered in 2013 according to testimony. “What would that order look like?” Hardiman asked. Salisbury struggled with an answer. Jordan tried to steer the argument back to the facts of the case. “Does the fact that a 2013 consent decree superseded and replaced the original, does it mean the three decades of prior noncompliance is to be ignored?” he said. “You’re not even a fifth of the way completed. At what point is enough enough?” Complying with the consent decree will take time, Salisbury said. “According to the Bureau of Corrections, we’re not there yet,” she said. Chagares jumped in, and compared Golden Grove Adult Correctional Facility to a luxury cruise liner. “It’s like your big cruise ships out in the bay,” he said. “It takes a long time to turn around. But this is a really long time.” Hearings will continue today before the Third Circuit at the DeLugo Federal Building on St. Thomas at 9 a.m. Another session is set for Thursday starting at 10:30 a.m. — Contact Brian O’Connor at 340-714-9130 or email boconnor@ dailynews.vi. Mega Millions (Dec. 9) Next draw: Tonight 19 27 47 67 68 Mega Ball: 1 Powerball (Dec. 10) Next draw: Wednesday 12 21 32 44 66 Powerball: 15 Tuesday, December 13, 2016 VIRGIN ISLANDS The Virgin Islands Daily News 5 Mapp turns to new taxes in accepting court ruling on 8% government pay cut By JONATHAN AUSTIN Daily News Staff Gov. Kenneth Mapp said Monday he believes the territory must accept a federal court ruling that found a 2011 government employee pay cut unconstitutional. “After reviewing the case with the attorney general and reviewing the case with our financial team, I really am of the mind that the government of the Virgin Islands should make good on this claim,” Mapp said. He said he wants the Legislature to sign on to a plan to pay the claim and address other issues by approving increased sin taxes, taxes on time-share occupants, and changes that set a minimum tax for property owners who claim tax credits. He said the lawsuit judgement is valued at $65 million. “We will include all workers affected by the cut. In unions, all unions, and out of unions,” Mapp said. The territory had asked the full 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to reconsider the judgement, which was penned by three of the court’s judges. The court rejected that request Monday. The governor made his comments during a press conference Monday morning on St. Croix. The conference originally had been scheduled for Friday on St. Thomas, but was delayed for no stated reason. Mapp also announced he has invoked public exigency authority to fast track road repairs in the territory. He described public exigency as “sort of a public emergency” declaration that should allow the government to more quickly award repair contracts for roadways that have deteriorated following extensive rainfall. Mapp said he has consulted with federal authorities and hopes to access existing highway project funds “to use them to get the primary road system and secondary road system repaired.” He said the work will be done under existing federal road requirements, meaning they include proper drainage, sidewalks, striping and other elements, “all compliant with federal highway and DOT standards.” Regarding the 3rd Circuit ruling on the 8 percent cuts enacted through the V.I. Economic Stability Act of 2011, Mapp said the territory could pay off the amounts due to employees in two years if plaintiffs in the case give the government time to make good. He said the payments can be satisfied if new tax collections from what he called the Virgin Islands Enhancement and Economic Recovery Act, which must be approved by the Senate, total at least $80 million. He said alcohol and tobacco in the Virgin Islands is sorely undertaxed, and 40 million bottles of beer are sold each year in the territory. Additional tax also would be charged on distilled alcohol and wine. “In addition, we are seeking at least $12 per carton tax on cigarette and tobacco products in the territory,” as well as “a sugar tax on carbonated sweet beverages,” Mapp said. Mapp suggested most of the millions of beers are consumed by tourists, so the tax would target visitors who enjoy the territory and should contribute to maintaining its infrastructure. “If you felt that was too expensive, then stop drinking beer. That’s healthy. That’s a benefit,” Mapp said, referring to locals who drink alcohol. Mapp is also seeking a tax on timeshare occupants, and wants to require that any resident claiming credits on property taxes pay a minimum annual property tax of $360. He said the additional tax revenue could also provide $18 million to pay worker’s compensation debts to medical providers, hospitals and injured workers in the territory. Mapp said Monday that “as of today,” he was not prepared to call the Legislature back into session to address his proposal. Senate Majority Leader Sammuel Sanes said Monday he hopes more revenue could be generated through the reopening of the St. Croix oil refinery to pay some of what Mapp wants. “We shouldn’t rely so much on taxation. Right now, people of the Virgin Islands are facing a financial burden. Now we want to tax them more. That is not appealing to me at all,” he said. “There are some good points” to the governor’s suggestions, Sanes said. “I see his point. I can understand where he is coming from,” he said. Lame duck Sen. Clifford Graham said Monday that the promise to repay government workers back for the pay cut won’t be enough to convince legislators to support Mapp’s proposal. “The governor has sent us his version of the deficit reduction strategy,” Graham said. There are parts that senators will support, and “some we definitely would not be in favor of,” he said. Graham said paying back the government employees should be a priority. “Are they Number 1 on the priority list? I think there are more critical issues now,” Graham said. Graham said he is not sure whether the 31st Legislature will consider Mapp’s approvals before it stands down this month. “I am willing and able to work until my last day,” he said. “I am not sure the calendar will afford us the time to do so.” — Contact Jonathan Austin at 340- 714-9104 or email jaustin@dailynews. vi. Senate Agenda Today The Homeland Security, Justice and Public Safety Committee will meet at 9 a.m. in the Lawaetz Conference Room on St. Croix to get an update on the V.I. Police Department, the V.I. Corrections Bureau and the V.I. Health Department. Wednesday The Finance Committee will meet at 9 a.m. in the Ottley Legislative Hall on St. Thomas to consider a bill relating to the International Banking Center Regulatory Act and a bill reappropriating $2 million of Luis Hospital appropriations for the use of the HVAC project. Thursday The Rules and Judiciary Committee will meet at 9 a.m. in Ottley Legislative Hall on St. Thomas to consider bills that include a bill to increase the Emergency Services Surcharge from $1 to $2; a bill providing for the disposition of proceeds from the rental or sale of housing units acquired in the Limetree Bay Terminals operating agreement to a bill regarding the establishment of credit unions and their oversight; and a bill creating the V.I. Risk-Based Capital for Insurers Act. Friday No meetings. Governor’s Agenda Today No appearances scheduled. Government House did not provide Gov. Kenneth Mapp’s agenda.¶

6 The Virgin Islands Daily News VIRGIN ISLANDS Tuesday, December 13, 2016 Oswald Harris Court raid yields 2 marijuana arrests By SUZANNE CARLSON Daily News Staff ST. THOMAS — A massive operation involving more than a dozen armed local and federal officers — while a helicopter circled overhead — at Oswald Harris Court on Friday evening yielded two marijuana arrests. Jose Squiabro, 42, and Yasim Ross, 31, both of Oswald Harris Court, were arrested as a result of the operation, according to court documents. Both were charged with possession of marijuana with intent to distribute and released Monday after posting $10,000 bond each. Arraignment for the two men is scheduled for Jan. 5. Friday’s operation shut down the housing community and caused alarm for residents around Estate Thomas, Long Bay and Centerline Road. More than a dozen armed officers secured the intersection around Building 9 in the housing community as a U.S. Customs and Border Protection helicopter flew overhead. None of the officers would say what they were doing, but they were dressed in tactical gear, some armed with long guns that appeared to be semi-automatic rifles, and officers wore body armor labeled as being from the Drug Enforcement Administration or police. Probable cause affidavits filed Monday against Squiabro and Ross shed light on the operation, known as “December Reign.” The operation is a joint effort by officers from Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Customs and Border Patrol, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Agency, the Justice Department, and the V.I. Police Department. It is meant to patrol St. Thomas housing communities, “due to the recent increase in gun violence in those areas,” according to the affidavit for Ross. At 4:45 p.m. Friday, officers approached a group of men around Building 20 and noticed Squiabro drop a partially smoked joint, according to the affidavit. Officers recovered the joint and 105 bags containing marijuana, according to the affidavit. The affidavit does not note how large the bags were or the total weight of marijuana Daily News file photo A U.S. Customs and Border Protection helicopter circles Estate Thomas on Friday evening as police on the ground secured the intersection around Building 9 at Oswald Harris Court housing community on St. Thomas. By SUZANNE CARLSON Daily News Staff ST. THOMAS — Federal agents arrested a crack cocaine dealer in Red Hook on Saturday as part of an ongoing investigation targeting armed drug trafficking, according to court documents. Tolomah Foy was arrested and charged with possession of crack cocaine with intent to distribute, according to an affidavit filed Monday by a special agent with the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, also known as the ATF. The arrest came as a result of operation “Total Recall,” an ATF initiative on St. Thomas that began in August and is ongoing, according to the affidavit. “This investigation focuses on the armed drug trafficking fueling violence which has resulted in over 48 recovered. Officers also recovered $1,045 in cash and a Samsung cell phone from Ross, both of which were returned to him, according to the affidavit. Squiabro’s criminal history includes a 1993 arrest for second-degree burglary, which was dismissed in 1997; a 1996 arrest for possession of stolen property, for which he was sentenced to a $500 fine, one year in jail suspended after six months, and two years’ probation; and a 2001 arrest for possession of an unlicensed firearm, for which there homicides to date,” according to the affidavit. Agents focused on armed drug traffickers operating in Red Hook, a commercial bar and restaurant district frequented by a large number of tourists, and have created cases against 10 subjects for federal firearm and narcotics violations so far, according to the affidavit. On Nov. 11, an undercover agent made a cold contact with Foy, also known as “T,” who led the agent behind Tap and Still and sold him approximately 3 grams of crack cocaine, according to the affidavit. The agent exchanged phone numbers with Foy and called him on Nov. 14 to arrange another transaction outside the Fresh Mart Grocery store. Foy asked the agent to instead meet him behind Tap and Still, where he sold him approximately 6 grams of crack cocaine for $200, according to the affidavit. On Nov. 17, Foy sold the was “no known disposition” listed in court documents. Similar to Squiabro’s arrest, at about 5:50 p.m. Friday, officers approached Ross and other men near the 1st Stop Gas Station in Estate Thomas, which is located south of Oswald Harris Court. When asked whether he had any illegal substances, Ross said, “yeah I have a little weed in my back pocket,” according to the affidavit. Officers found a total of 2.2 ounces of marijuana packaged in various plastic bags in Ross’ possession and arrested him, according to the affidavit. Ross’s criminal history includes a 2003 arrest for third-degree burglary; a June 2009 arrest for delaying and obstructing; a Sept. 2009 arrest for first-degree robbery, possession of a dangerous weapon, and unauthorized use of a vehicle; and he was arrested in January and charged with destruction of government property. Court documents list “no known disposition” for each of Ross’s prior arrests. — Contact Suzanne Carlson at 340-714-9122 or email scarlson@ dailynews.vi. Crack dealer arrested in Red Hook agent 9 grams of crack cocaine for $600 at the same location. On Friday, the agent exchanged text messages with Foy and arranged for another transaction, and on Saturday, agents recorded a phone call with Foy in which he agreed to sell approximately $1,500 worth of crack cocaine, according to the affidavit. The agent met with Foy at approximately 6:15 p.m. Saturday in the rear parking lot of Tap and Still, “consequently the ATF cover teams descended on scene and arrested Foy,” according to the affidavit. Agents retrieved 15 grams of crack cocaine from Foy on Saturday, and seized approximately a total of 32 grams of crack cocaine from Foy during the investigation, according to the affidavit. — Contact Suzanne Carlson at 340-714-9122 or email scarlson@ dailynews.vi. Tuesday, December 13, 2016 FOR THE RECORD The Virgin Islands Daily News 7 Man arrested in Arizona for armed jewelry store robbery By SUZANNE CARLSON Daily News Staff Police have extradited a man from Arizona and charged him in connection with the 2013 armed robbery of Gems and Gold Corner, according to V.I. Police spokeswoman Sakeeda Freeman. Ron Kuntz, 42, was arrested at 11:55 p.m. Saturday and charged with irst-degree robbery, second-degree robbery, grand larceny, irst-degree assault, third-degree assault, destruction of property, and aiding and abetting. Bail was set at $150,000. Kuntz and others were identiied as being responsible for the armed robbery in Drake’s Passage on Sept. 16, 2013, Freeman said. The robbery occurred just before 10 a.m. when a man entered the store and pulled a handgun from his waist, police said at the time. The robber told the owner, who was the only person in the store at the time, to get down and then broke out some of the glass cases in the store. Police did not say what the value of the goods taken was. Kuntz was apprehended and detained in Tempe, Ariz., after a routine trafic stop, and Arizona police discovered there was an outstanding warrant for Kuntz from the U.S. Virgin Islands, Freeman said. Kuntz waived extradition and was returned to St. Thomas to face charges, Freeman said. Freeman said Kuntz lives in Estate Tutu, but the V.I. Police arrest log listed his address as East Baseline Road in Phoenix, Ariz. Anyone with information about crime in the territory can contact the V.I. Police Department at 340- 774-2211, the Criminal Investigation Bureau at 340-714-9801, the anonymous tip service Crime Stoppers USVI at 1-800-222-8477, or 911. — Contact Suzanne Carlson at 340-714-9122 or email scarlson@ dailynews.vi. Cruise Ships Today, Dec. 13 Norwegian Escape (5,400) 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Havensight Carnival Glory (2,974) 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Havensight Carnival Magic (4,675) Noon to 8 p.m. Havensight Harmony of the Seas (6,780) 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Crown Bay Wednesday, Dec. 14 Norwegian Epic (4,100) 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Havensight Norwegian Gem (2,394) 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Havensight Regal Princess (3,560) 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Havensight Grandeur of the Seas (2,446) 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Inner harbor Eclipse (2,582) 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Crown Bay Oasis of the Seas (6,296) noon to 8 p.m. Crown Bay The police blotter is the V.I. Territorial Emergency Management Agency’s list of calls to 911 Emergency operators and the time they were reported. St. Croix Charged: Assault George Christopher, 62, of Mon Bijou was arrested at 10:30 a.m. Friday and charged with second-degree assault-domestic violence. Police said he choked a woman. No bail was set per the domestic violence statute. Charged: Fugitive from justice Everick Phillip, 31, of Mount Pleasant was arrested at 6:20 p.m. Sunday and charged with being a fugitive from justice. Police said he was wanted on a warrant out of Orange County, Fla. No bail was set. • • • Incidents in the police blotter included: Assault — 10:54 p.m. Sunday, Golden Grove; 3:16 p.m. Monday, Kingshill. Destruction of property — 12:32 a.m. Monday, Salt River; Police blotter 11:51 a.m. Monday, Strawberry Hill; 12:09 p.m. Monday, Salt River; 6:30 p.m. Monday, La Reine. Larceny — 11:17 a.m. Monday, Mutual Homes; 3:15 p.m. Monday, Richmond. Vehicle tampering — 8:59 a.m. Monday, Hannah’s Rest; 12:28 p.m. Monday, La Reine. St. Thomas Charged: Assault Anthony Picot, 31, of Smith Bay was arrested at 2:40 p.m. Saturday and charged with second-degree assault and disturbance of the peacedomestic violence. No bail was set per the domestic violence statute. Charged: Assault Kimberley Williams, 27, of Bovoni, was arrested at 5:50 a.m. Monday and charged with third-degree assault-domestic violence. No bail was set per the domestic violence statute. Charged: Assault A 17-year-old boy was arrested at 12:10 p.m. Monday in the area of the Lucinda Millin Home and charged with third-degree assault. He was released to the custody of his parents. • • • Incidents in the police blotter included: Assault — 4:32 a.m. Monday, Oswald Harris Court; 4:38 a.m. Monday, Bovoni; 11:50 a.m. Monday, Savan. Attempted burglary — 6:03 p.m. Monday, Mariendal. Destruction of property — 3:56 p.m. Monday, Port Authority. Larceny — 11:42 a.m. Monday, Mahogany Estate. Unlawful entry — 11:34 p.m. Sunday, Anna’s Retreat. Vehicle tampering — 11:34 a.m. Monday, Port Authority; 7:37 p.m. Monday, Zone C; 7:52 p.m. Monday, Zone C. St. John Incidents in the police blotter included: Larceny — 12:28 p.m. Monday, Zone D. Outside fire — 11:05 a.m. Monday, Zootenvaal. Vehicle fire — 2 a.m. Monday, Gerder Marsh Road; 2:43 a.m. Monday, Gerder Marsh Road. 8 The Virgin Islands Daily News DEATHS Tuesday, December 13, 2016 Ivan A. Frazer Muhammed Ivan A. Frazer Muhammed, also known as BKA Kitchel or Rock City, 80, of St. Thomas, died Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2016, at Schneider Regional Medical Center. He was born Oct. 6, 1936. His children and their children; daughter – Denise Frazer; Kneka Dewindt, Rick Lewis and Caprisha Richards; Ivan A. Frazer daughter – Cheryl Muhammed Frazer Jackson; Kevin Jackson Jr. and Chynelle Munnilal; daughter – Elise Frazer; Jaymel Leonard, Jalima Francis, Tiba Francis, Gyasi Francis, Jahmela Maduro, Jamari Maduro and Jarise Maduro; daughter – Rehenia Frazer-Phillip (Akiemba); Rehema (Alika) Jackson, Saitah Aubain, Sencelia Renolds, Quamid (Presidente) Asani and Shaeed Gumbs; daughter – Venise Frazer; daughter – Shenika Muhammed; Jason And Jahni Pemberton; son – Tyrone Frazer; Bajani Frazer, Taj Mahal Frazer, Tamar Frazer, Sohi Frazer, Jahti Frazer, Iibea Frazer; son – Keith Frazer; Jarell Frazer; son – Albert Frazer; son – Ivan Frazer Jr.; his siblings/sister – Rehenia Joshua and Blanche Frazer; and brother – Victor Frazer. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend the viewing at Christ Church Methodist on Friday, Dec. 16, 2016, at 9 a.m., followed by the service at 10 a.m. Interment is at Western Cemetery No. 3. Arrangements are under the care of Hurley Funeral Home and Cremation Center of St. Thomas, St. John, St. Croix, and Tortola. For directions and online condolences, please visit us at www.hurleydavis. com. Diana S. Richardson Services will be held Saturday for Diana S. Richardson, 38, of St. Thomas, who died Saturday, Nov. 26, 2016, at Schneider Hospital. The first viewing will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday at the Celestial Chapel of Hurley Funeral Home. The second viewing will be from 9 to 10 a.m. Saturday at Church of God of Prophecy in Estate Hoffman. The service will follow at 10 a.m. Diana S. Richardson Interment will be in Western Cemetery No. 2. She is survived by her mother, Sonia Richardson; father, Romeo Richardson; siblings, Romeo, Nancy, Sharon, Louise, Karen and Lydia; nephews and nieces, Ly’Dale, Jayziah, Kerrisa, Mokesha, Aaliyah and Kayla; great aunts, Isalene Clomel Shelford, Irene and Frances Hughes, Rita Joseph and Olivia Rievere; aunts, Verna Rollins, Claudette Prince, Janetta Gumbs, Juliette, Ena, Christibell and Violet Imogen Richardson; greatuncle, Melvyn Shelford; uncles, Egbert Hood, Aubrey, David and Elroy Prince, David, Wycliffe, McIntosh, Elkin and Sanford Richardson; cousins, Albert, Yves, Egbert Jr. and Tisha Hood, Kim Rollins, Patrick and Patricia Farrel, Toya Rollins, Latrema Simon, Jermaine, Aubrey Jr., David Jr. and Lanna Prince, Diana Williams, Janice, Jewel, and Joslyn Gumbs, Joanna Haley, Nigel, Davida, Daniella, David, Radoykah, Radimiroh, Radiquah, Rohan, Jan, Devaunie, Daeja, Moyagaye, Udlyn, Simone, Leonardo, Ashael, Elson, Elvin, Saniqua and Casey Richardson; the Shelford, Rollins, Nibbs, Maduro and Smith families; and many other extended family and friends too numerous to mention. Arrangements are by Hurley Funeral Home and Cremation Center of St. Thomas, St. John, St. Croix, and Tortola. For online condolences visit www. hurleydavisfuneralhome.com. Germain Petersen Services will be held Thursday for Germain Petersen, who died on December 6, 2016, at her residence. She was 61. The viewing will be from 8 to 9 a.m. in the Celestial Chapel at Hurley Funeral Home. The funeral Mass will follow at 10 a.m. at Our Lady of Perpetual Help. She will be cremated. Germain Petersen She is survived by her husband, Donald Petersen; children, Donald, David and Gina Petersen; daughter-in law, Dawn Petersen; grandchildren, Delano and Destini; brothers, Edward, Edmund and Edville Bryan; sisters, Jeanette Querrard, Joycelyn Harris and June Aubain; sister-in-law, Eleanor Chote; brothers-in-law, Daniel Petersen, Eddie Aubain and Alpha Harris; special family friends, Camille DeCosta and Gilbert Laban Jr.; and many more family and friends Arrangements are by Hurley Funeral Home and Cremation Center of St. Thomas and St. John. For online condolences visit www.hurleydavisfuneralhome.com. Catherine Ann Elizabeth Felix Services will be held Monday for Catherine Ann Elizabeth Felix, 93, who died on Dec. 5, 2016, at her residence. The first viewing will be from 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday at Hurley Funeral Home. The second viewing will be from 9 to 10 a.m. Monday at Saint Andrews Episcopal Church followed by the funeral service at 10 a.m. Interment will be in Eastern Cemetery. She is survived Catherine Ann Elizabeth Felix by her brother, William Fergus; sisters, Grace Duberry, Catherine Lizzie White, and Mary Allen; children, Noelise Noel, Glendor Christine Fagan, Catherine Matthew, Emeline Clauretta Felix, Nilda Hector, Elsie Weeks, Joseph Fergus and Winsley Felix Sr.; sons-in-Law, Patrick Hector and Thomas Noel; Grandchildren, Bernard and Robert Attidore; Derrick, Jadine, and Carolyn Allen, Jacqueline and Alicia Fagan; Neuvena Cuffy and Tashina Rogers; Tamika De La Cruz, Kyle and Nathan Felix; Wakima, Yakim, and George Baptiste III, Phillip, Kristal and Keanna Hector; Damali, Shanika, and Kareem Smith, and Geneiva Weeks; Joe-Ann, Joseph Jr., J. Daly, Ja’Den Fergus; Carl and Winsley Felix, Jr.; and many more great grandchildren, relatives and friends. Arrangements are by Hurley Funeral Home and Cremation Center of St. Thomas, St. John, St. Croix and Tortola. For directions and online condolences visit www.hurleydavisfuneralhome. com.¶

Tuesday, December 13, 2016 VIRGIN ISLANDS The Virgin Islands Daily News 9 Prosecutors: white powder letters contained hoodoo curse By SUZANNE CARLSON Daily News Staff A woman facing federal criminal charges for mailing letters containing white powder was attempting to place a hoodoo curse on her enemies, according to court documents filed by prosecutors in the case. Eugenia Winston, who is facing 32 counts of mailing threatening communications, placed “hotfoot” powder into envelopes containing subpoenas that she mailed to witnesses set to testify against her in a civil lawsuit against her former employer, Scotiabank, according to court documents. Hoodoo, also known as “rootwork,” is a traditional African American folk spirituality that developed from a number of West African spiritual traditions and beliefs. The detail came in prosecutors’ opposition to Winston’s motion to suppress all of her statements to authorities, which was filed Monday. Winston has been free on unsecured bond since Sept. 1, and her civil lawsuit against Scotiabank alleging employment discrimination and harassment has been placed on hold until the criminal case against her is resolved. At a detention hearing on Sept. 1, Federal prosecutor Chris Fisanick said Winston’s actions were a clear threat intended to terrorize the recipients of the letters, and made reference to the 2001 anthrax attacks. Postal Inspector Eric Oram said at the hearing that the substance was determined to be nontoxic and was likely baby powder, cornstarch, or a similar substance. Winston’s attorney, Assistant Federal Public Defender Gabriel Villegas, argued that Winston is the victim of an unfortunate misunderstanding, and she accidentally spilled body powder over and into the envelopes. However, Monday’s filing by federal prosecutors paints a slightly different picture of Winston’s Hoodoo, also known as “rootwork,” is a traditional African American folk spirituality that developed from a number of West African spiritual traditions and beliefs. actions. “Winston mailed over 30 envelopes that contained ‘hotfoot’ powder and subpoenas to various individuals in the Virgin Islands. Hotfoot powder is a hoodoo curse designed to prevent witnesses from appearing in court to testify,” according to the filing. “Hotfoot” powder is a hoodoo practice of mixing various ingredients — often some combination of cayenne pepper, Sulphur, copper sulphate, cornstarch and other elements — which is believed to drive away enemies. Commercial versions of the powder also are available for sale online. Recipients of Winston’s letters were mainly witnesses who might testify against Winston in her lawsuit against Scotiabank, and also included U.S. Magistrate Judge Ruth Miller, the legal counsel for Scotiabank and Winston’s former counsel in her suit against Scotiabank, according to prosecutors. Because the envelopes had a return address of the U.S. Courthouse on St. Thomas, “despite the fact that Winston was serving these subpoenas herself,” some of the envelopes that could not be delivered were returned to the courthouse and opened by staff there, according to prosecutors. “Believing the powder to be anthrax or some other deadly biological toxin, the United States Courthouse was evacuated and closed; the employees in the courthouse who were exposed to the powder were quarantined for hours,” according to the filing. The incident caused significant disruption at the courthouse and at the private law office of attorney Bennett Chan near the West Indian Co. cruise ship dock. “The purpose of lacing these envelopes with hotfoot powder was to instill fear and intimidation in the witnesses to prevent their testifying against Winston,” according to prosecutors’ filing. The filing does not indicate how authorities determined the substance in the envelopes was hotfoot powder or what ingredients were in the powder. Winston admitted to FBI investigators shortly after the envelopes were received that she was the sender. But Villegas has filed a motion to suppress all of her statements to law enforcement, saying she was not properly advised of her right to avoid self-incrimination. But prosecutors shot back in Monday’s filing, saying there is no evidence in a video-recorded interview with Winston that authorities did not properly advise her of her rights or attempt to intimidate her to give a statement in any way. Villegas wrote in his motion that “the videotaped interview speaks for itself.” However, prosecutors wrote that “the most cursory view of Winston’s video recorded interview with law enforcement agents establishes beyond cavil that Winston was never coerced, was properly and repeatedly advised of her rights, and consciously waived those rights,” according to Monday’s filing. “The first thirty seconds of the interview wholly defeats Winston’s meritless motion.” Winston is scheduled to go to trial on Jan. 11 before U.S. District Judge Juan Sanchez. — Contact Suzanne Carlson at 340-714-9122 or email scarlson@ dailynews.vi.¶

10 The Virgin Islands Daily News Tuesday, December 13, 2016 CENTENNIAL SCENE Archaeology in the Virgin Islands Virgin Islands laborers excavate pre-historic deposits at Magens Bay, St. Thomas. The Cuban Scientific Expedition to the Virgin Islands in 1951 was documented by archaeologists Oswaldo I. Morales Patiño, above, and Fernando Royo Guardia, and subsequently translated and annotated many years later for the Virgin Islands Archaeological Society in its Journal number 5 (1978) by Alfredo E. Figueredo. Morales Patiño was president of the National Board of Archaeology and Ethnology within the Ministry of Culture and Education from 1951-1955. During that same period, Royo Guardia served first as secretary and then treasurer. The visiting Cuban scientists were part of a commission formed, among other objectives, to study and identify possible routes through which prehistoric cultures may have reached Cuba, to seek evidence of the presence of common Cuban influences in Jamaica, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, and to ascertain the spread of Carib influence and identify the culture found by Columbus on St. Croix. Welcomed in the Virgin Islands by Gov. Morris de Castro, they visited and examined four sites. On St. Thomas, they judged the Magens Bay site to be Arawakan culture with a few Igneri specimens. Administrator Harry E. Taylor accompanied the visitors on St. Croix, where they viewed three more sites: Christiansted environs where they examined and collected a number of rimsherds and shell samples; the Salt River midden, with its French fort earthworks foundation, where they were able to excavate pottery, stone, shell and shell bead specimens; and Estate Richmond, where they viewed artifacts, including some Igneri pottery, obtained by the owners from Salt River and from an Indian site on the estate. According to Figueredo, the “importance of this work (by the Cubans) is not due solely to its reports of archaeological remains, however; it is also a historical document, offering us interesting information on the state of affairs, beliefs, and personalities of its time. The Cubans came during one of our minor dark ages — when archaeological work had come to a near standstill, and the history and historiography of the (Virgin Islands) … were in abject abandon.” Katheryne Brooks Kay-Willock, archaeologist with the Conservation and Cultural Affairs Department, studies the remains of what is believed to be 1,000-year-old skeleton located at Hull Bay beach in 1974 in St. Thomas, at a proposed condominium project. Photo courtesy of THE VIRGIN ISLANDS, OUR NEW POSSESSIONS The “ribbon-sealed” bottle, a P.F. Heering Company “Heering’s Cherry Cordial” bottle produced in the period 1835-1850, was recovered from the harbor in St. Thomas, where many such items have been discarded over the centuries. The Schenectady (New York) Gazette of Jan. 7, 1981, reported an upcoming lecture presentation to the National Bottle Museum Society in Ballston Spa, N.Y., on the “Buried Treasures of St. Thomas.” The newspaper reported that lecturer Gary T. Stephenson “recently returned from the Virgin Islands where he provided consulting services to an individual who has unearthed over 3,000 bottles from an old community dump. The collection dates back to 1700. ‘I have never seen so many bottles come out of one dig,’ said Stephenson, vice president of the museum society. Bottles in the collection come from Paris, London, Martinique, Canada, Germany and the U.S.A. They graphically illustrate the history of St. Thomas, showing evidence of worldwide trade and commerce. The St. Thomas collection is considered to be the fifth largest collection in the U.S.” Photo courtesy of VAGN PETERSEN’S DANISH BOTTLES Tuesday, December 13, 2016 The Virgin Islands Daily News 11 CENTENNIAL SCENE Fort Salé (formerly Fort Flamand) at the entrance to Salt River in St. Croix is the oldest intact colonial earthwork fort under United States authority. It is also believed to be the only extant earthwork fort in the entire Caribbean. Begun circa 1640 by the English, it was occupied in turn by the Dutch, then the French. The fortifications lie directly adjacent to the Columbus landing site and an ancient Taino ceremonial ball court and plaza. All these features are part of the National Park System’s Salt River Bay National Historic Park and Ecological Preserve, co-owned by and managed under an agreement with the government of the Virgin Islands. The Daily News of May 13, 1938, reported the 1934 discovery by Alvarez Julien of skeletal remains and pottery sherds on Water Island. Based upon the direct association of shells, stone implements and pottery in the area, Julien suspected the remains to be Carib Indian in origin. In 1936 he brought news of his find to the attention of J.C. Trevor, who was conducting field work on the Negroes of the Eastern Caribbean under his fellowship in anthropology at Northwestern University. The skeletal remains had been re-interred and while all could not be relocated, those that could were donated by Julien to Oxford University for further identification and study. Provisionally they were classified as pre-Columbian with further characteristics to be defined and confirmed. The images above and others appeared in the article “Skeletal Remains from the Virgin Islands” in the April 1938 issue of “Man, A Monthly Record of Anthropological Science,” published by the Royal Anthropological Institute of Great Britain and Ireland (Vol. XXXVIII, 47-65). According to The Daily News, Virgin Islands “Governor Lawrence Cramer gave permission for the material to be excavated and sent to England.” An old scale found on St. John and donated to Cruz Bay Museum on July 8, 1974, by Russel Dennem. Photo courtesy of ARCHAEOLOGICAL RECONNAISSANCE OF THE ISLAND OF ST. JOHN, UNITED STATES VIRGIN ISLANDS, PLATE VII Petroglyphs at Congo Cay, north of Cruz Bay off St. John. About the Images: Images provided by the Territorial Archives of the Government of the Virgin Islands, a unit of the Division of Libraries, Archives and Museums of the Department of Planning and Natural Resources. Additional images sourced as otherwise noted. For more information on the holdings of the Territorial Archives, contact Territorial Archivist Susan Lugo at 340-774-0630, or email susan.lugo@dpnr.vi.gov. 22 The Virgin Islands Daily News Tuesday, December 13, 2016 Founded Aug. 1, 1930, by J. Antonio Jarvis and Ariel Melchior Sr. Published by Daily News Publishing Co., Inc. Archie Nahigian, President Gerry Yandel, Executive Editor Ken E. Ryan, Production Director Onneka Challenger, Circulation Director What’s the speed limit on Magens Bay Road? Is it how fast you can run? What do the new Magen Bay signs mean? Public Works installed four of these signs on Magens Bay Road in November in response to the speeding problem. According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary the abbreviation of miles per hour is “mph” and there should be a number in front of mph designating the speed. On these signs, the number is omitted, so 86 A Pulitzer Prize-Winning Newspaper ST. CROIX ST. JOHN ST. THOMAS TORTOLA EDITORIAL BOARD J. Lowe Davis, Editor At Large Lisa Jamil, Advertising Director Juanita Young, Controller Lori Emery drivers have no idea what the speed limit is. St. Thomas is an international destination, and we have contemporary street signs that use symbols for walkers, joggers, bicycles etc. I know we can do better in the signage department on Magens Bay Road. — Lori Emery, St. Thomas ◆ See Your Views In Print ◆ The Daily News is always interested in publishing local views on topics of general interest, and we especially welcome commentary on issues affecting the Virgin Islands and its people, culture, businesses and government. Send Letters, Essays, Halos and Pitchforks, Cartoons or other original material about local issues of general interest to letters@dailynews.vi The Daily News’ opinions are expressed only in its editorials. The opinions expressed in columns, letters, cartoons and guest editorials are those of the particular author or artist. OPINIONS Where will Trump venture for his first state visit? Barbara Streisand and Lena Dunham may be some of the higher profile Trumpfugees leaving the country and heading to Justin Trudeau’s Canada. What is less certain is if a President Donald Trump will make Ottawa his first foreign port of call — a longstanding presidential and foreign policy tradition. Post-election, Trudeau quickly called to congratulate PEOTUS Trump on his victory and the Canadian tweeted, “(W)e agreed to meet soon to keep building the Canada-US relationship.” Trump may want to use the highvisibility first trip to do something other than affirm tradition and reflect the importance and strength of U.S.- Canadian ties. He may want to make a grand strategy statement, letting the world know that he is going to shakeup the global status quo. Calls to Taiwan, support for the Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte and meeting with Japan’s Shinzo Abe have already shaken up the foreign policy establishment’s rules for protocol, as well as approaches to human rights and global power relations. All this wellbefore Trump has even been sworn-in. Once in office, Ronald Reagan began the tradition of new U.S. presidents making Canada the first foreign presidential visit. George W. Bush notably broke from this tradition, making his first stop Mexico, a country he knew well. He also hoped his trip and Cinco de Mayo parties on the White House lawn would attract Latino voters to the Republican Party. Trump has already been to Mexico, met with President Pena Nieto, gotten a great presidential photo-op and made his talking points. It is unlikely he will be heading south of the border first. Making a splash abroad will likely require a large rally — similar or bigger than candidate Barack Obama’s visit to Berlin in the summer of 2008 — and may be chosen based on the right mix of pomp, circumstance, strategy and significance. If two big border nations are knocked out of the running for the primary reception of America’s new head of state, where might he go first? There are any number of early supporters in other countries who could be rewarded and elevated by a presidential visit. The scramble to send invitations to Trump Tower has already begun. U.K. Prime Minister Theresa May is considering an invitation on behalf of Queen Elizabeth II. Trump’s friendship with and preference for Brexit leader Nigel Farage as Britain’s next diplomatic envoy will require Trump to balance Buckingham Palace pageantry, the “special relationship,” Brexit forces and a potentially restive urban populace before deciding to touch down in London Town. Numerous foreign leaders supported Trump’s candidacy early on, mostly opposition politicians. A few, however, are running countries. They include Hungary’s Viktor Orban, North Korea’s Kim Jong Un, Zimbabwe’s Robert Mugabe and, of course, Russia’s Vladimir Putin. Rewarding them with an American inaugural visit would be revolutionary and could set in motion dramatic changes in how America’s global relations, alliances and power balancing is perceived and conducted. Big, bold, groundbreaking unprecedented moves were the hallmark of Trump’s campaign: Is there a reason to believe he would take a different approach to governing? Trump’s brand of politics is proudly unconventional — from his brand management business to his Fifth Avenue transition tower to his tweet-centric campaign. Where will he go? Japan, Russia, China, Italy, Germany, France — maybe even India, Australia or Argentina? Tipping favor toward any of the G8 member countries other than Canada for a “first visit” would create both new foreign policy opportunities and challenges. To avoid granting any nation the favor of a first foray, however, he may decide never to leave the country at all, requiring all foreign leaders visit him at Trump Tower, Mar-a-Lago, the Trump National Golf Club Bedminster … or maybe even the White House. — Markos Kounalakis is a senior fellow at Central European University and visiting fellow at the Hoover Institution. Contact him at markos@stanford.edu Employers should not impose religious views on employees In my opinion, Philadelphia Archbishop Charles Chaput is wrong in his view that religious liberty in the United States is under attack (Philadelphia Inquirer and Philly.com, Dec. 8, 2016). Religious institutions are free to believe and preach whatever they want. I think that what they are not free to do is impose those beliefs on their employees. For example, a Catholic-affiliated Markos Kounalakis Richard Carroll organization may believe that contraception is immoral, but I don’t think that organization should be allowed to block its female employees, who may or may not be Catholic, from access to contraception through its medical insurance plans. I worked for a Catholic organization (the Knights of Columbus) for 30 years. Its 600 employees — most of whom were non-Catholic women — had access to contraceptive coverage through the employer-provided health plan. Freedom of religion means freedom not to have your employer’s religious views imposed on you. — Richard Carroll, a part-time St. Thomas resident, is the former Associate General Counsel of the Knights of Columbus Tuesday, December 13, 2016 • Page 24 Lighted Boat Parade Boats festooned for Christmas wow spectators during the Lighted Boat Parade on Saturday along the Christiansted boardwalk on St. Croix. Above, the crew on Time Out waves to the crowd. Left, Santa makes an appearance. Top left, Live the Dash delivers a message of peace. Winning entries were: Sail Boats, first place, Time Out; Power Catamarans, first place, Adventure, second place, Gemini/Century; Power Boats Under 25 Feet, first place, Saorise, second, Checkmate; Power Boats 26-32 Feet, first place, Firefly; Power Boats 33-39 Feet, first place, Benita, second place, Golden Eagle; Power Boats 40 Feet, first place, Irie Feelin, second place, Milemark/Rotary; Power Boats 41+ Feet, first place, Reliance (SCUBA), second place, Renewed Interest; Best Lights, a tie between Living the Dream and the U.S. Coast Guard; Best Decorations, La Vie En Rose; Best Animation, Cat Chi; Best Music, Turn & Burn; Best Creativity, Live the Dash; and Best Boat Overall, Heineken Barge. Daily News photos by ROB JONES Send us your Island Life news, events and photos The Daily News is expanding its Island Life section. Do you have an event, a celebration, or a milestone, including a birth, graduation, wedding, retirement, award, honor or military accomplishment you’d like to share? Maybe you have a photo from around our islands you think our readers would like to see, whether it’s a beautiful sunset, a big catch or people just having fun in the sun. Help us celebrate our community by sending us your contributions to island-life@dailynews.vi. The possibilities are endless. Tribute to a V.I. leader The community paid tribute to the late Mulo Alwani on Friday with a memorial service gathering at the Mark C. Marin Center at Antilles School on St. Thomas. Alwani, the president of the India Association of the Virgin Islands and a longtime community leader, died on Nov. 19 in Miami after a bout with cancer. He was 79. Alwani, the former owner of Artistic Jewelers in Charlotte Amalie, had served on the Schneider Medical Center governing board and was a leader in the Rotary and the Masonic Lodge. He was remembered as the “godfather of the Indian community” as well as a friend and a mentor to many. Tuesday, December 13, 2016 ISLAND LIFE The Virgin Islands Daily News 25 Ulla F. Muller students attend a pep rally to roll out the school’s Positive Behavior Support and Interventions initiative on Nov. 30 on St. Thomas. Ulla F. Muller students pledge good behavior Ulla F. Muller Elementary School rolled out its Panther PRIDE Positive Behavior Support and Interventions (PBIS) initiative at a pep rally at the school on Nov. 30. The fun, high-energy event laid the groundwork to teach students the behaviors that make up a positive school environment. Administrators taught the students the core values of the school through PRIDE: P — positive behaviors, R – respect, I – individual responsibility, D – determination and E – excellence. Students held signs depicting the values while Muller cheerleaders and the Boys & Girls Club performed to rally around the cause. St. Thomas-St. John PBIS district coach Darian Torrice-Hairston, who is assigned to Ulla F. Muller Elementary, praised the event. “As the PBIS district coach for Ulla F. Muller Elementary School, I have certainly caught the Panther PRIDE! It was evident that the administration, staff and students exhibited their Positive Behavior, Respect, Individual Responsibility, Determination and Excellence. PBIS and its strategies are a priority at Muller and they are working hard to implement the program as it fits their school,” she said Following the rally, teachers will continue to instill the Panther PRIDE principles in students on a daily basis as well as demonstrate what Panther PRIDE looks in each area of the school. School staff will integrate the Panther PRIDE language into daily routines to encourage students to strive for excellence. The PBIS initiative is rooted in evidence-based practices meant to increase behavioral and academic outcomes by improving school climate, preventing problematic behavior, increasing learning time and promoting positive social skills. Up to five members from each school were selected to attend training facilitated by PBIS coaches from the state and district. School representatives were tasked with producing positive behavior values unique to their institutions and introduce them to teachers and students. The goal of the PBIS initiative is to focus on what the students do right, rather than on what they do wrong to help encourage the repetition of good behavior. As Muller Elementary continues to support its students through PBIS, additional phases of the initiative will be introduced, such as a positive reward system as well as ceremonies to celebrate student and staff success. With the help of the district coach, Muller’s in-house PBIS task force will guide the PBIS initiative to support the school. Central High School students that participated in this year’s “Close Up Washington” trip to Washington, D.C., include Ethaliah Henry, Jenna Malcomb, Nathan McGregor, Destiny Stout, Martisha Charles, Pellis Leonard, Franchel Rodriguez, Jayla Norman, Khaiel James and N’Quelle Golden. History teacher Ericka Hansen is the Close Up adviser. Students get ‘close up’ with democracy Students enrolled in the St. Croix Central High School Close Up organization recently returned from the nation’s capital where they attended the Close Up Washington flagship program. The group of 11 traveled Nov. 13-19 and joined with other Close Up high school chapters from across the country to learn about the American democratic process. Central High School history teacher and Close Up advisor Ericka Hansen took 10 students on the annual trip, which gives high school students and educators an inside look at their democracy in action. Using the nation’s capital as their living classroom, program participants get a “close up” view of government processes and places that make the district unique and functional. Students visited the Washington Monument, Martin Luther King Memorial, the Smithsonian, U.S. Capitol, Arlington National Cemetery, the White House and more. Students also participated in political discussions and met with members of Congress. The program provided social activities for the students in the evening. Founded in 1971, the Close Up organization has provided more than 825,000 students with educational tours about government and the political processes. Tuesday, December 13, 2016 ISLAND LIFE The Virgin Islands Daily News 27 Club gets facelift Crowley Caribbean Services went to the Oswald Harris Court neighborhood on St. Thomas recently on behalf of the Crowley Cares Foundation and spent time sprucing up the Boys and Girls Club. Crowley personnel from St. Thomas, St. Croix, and the states helped to clean up and paint the facility and donated furniture for the children to use for their arts and craft programs. The Crowley Cares Foundation allows employees to make monthly contributions, which the company matches, to nonprofit groups in the communities Crowley serves as a cargo carrier. Crowley also delivered a check to help the club purchase a laptop computer. In addition to the contributions, employees donate their time to community groups like the Boys and Girls Club. Students’ cultural calendar also marks V.I. centennial The Virgin Islands Cultural Contributors 2017 calendar is available at St. Croix Educational Complex for $12. The students of the St. Croix Educational Complex are working on a collaborative project to celebrate the upcoming centennial anniversary of the U.S. Virgin Islands. Called the Virgin Islands Cultural Contributors Calendar Creation and Theatrical Performance, the project consists of a 12-month calendar featuring 12 V.I. cultural contributors, accompanied by live interviews. Visual arts, drama and speech teachers Danica David and Sayeeda Carter are the directors of the project and are using students from their classes and the school’s Art Club to bring the vision to life. Art Club students will use photographs of selected participants to create mixed media portraits for the calendar. Simultaneously, Carter’s drama and speech students will conduct interviews with the participants that will be used to create brief write-ups to go along with the graphics. The cultural contributors were selected based on being natives of the Virgin Islands or residents for at least 15 years and also active contributors to the development of Virgin Islands’ culture through fine arts, education, literature, and history. The students will formally present the finished project at a reception that will feature an art exhibition and theatrical performances embracing V.I. culture and honoring the contributors. The event will take place at St. Croix Educational Complex in January. Calendars are available at the school in December for $12 each. The educator duo, David and Carter, developed the project so Virgin Islands students could learn about the individuals in their community that aid in the advancement of local culture. The calendar is expected to be produced annually. The project is sponsored by Rotary Club of St. Croix, Mid Isle and the Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands. Magazine reprint celebrates centennial To celebrate the centennial of the transfer of government from Denmark to the U.S., the St. Thomas-St. John Friends of Denmark Society announces the facsimile publication of a commemorative magazine printed by the society in 1967. The title is “50 Years: St. Thomas Friends of Denmark Society.” The chairperson of the magazine committee was Eldra L.M. Shulterbrandt. Articles by Omar Brown, Fred Gjessing, Bill La- Motta, Francesca Greve, Gertrude Dudley, Rabbi Sasso and Enid Baa are featured in the magazine. Eldra Schulterbrandt wrote “Quo Vadis” and Gov. Ralph Paiewonsky’s stirring “What is Virgin Islander,” is printed in full. The editor was Carlos Dowling, with design and layout by Ira Smith. Even the advertisements provide a peek at the islands’ past. The restoration of the initial magazine, including the mixed coloring of the pages, was made possible through digitalization by Bill and Frannie Newbold of Island Business Graphics. It’s an accurate reproduction of the original. The magazines are $25 and are available at the V.I. Children’s Museum, Frenchtown Museum and My Brother’s Workshop Bakery on Back Street downtown and in Red Hook at Chelsea Drug Store and Sandra’s Secretarial Service — Lock and Blade. Additional sites will be announced. Members of the society will also have copies to sell.¶

30 The Virgin Islands Daily News ISLAND LIFE Tuesday, December 13, 2016 St. Croix Arthur A. Richards Jr. High School Music Department presents Christmas Concert 2016 at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday in the school’s auditorium, featuring the Concert Band, Choir, Steel Band and cheerleaders. The Youth Band Dance Ensemble of St. Patrick’s School will make a special guest appearance. ••• John H. Woodson Junior High School invites parents, guardians, and the St. Croix community to its 2016 Christmas Concert, featuring the Concert Band and the Touch of Love Chorale in the school’s auditorium on Thursday at 7 p.m. The December PTA meeting will precede the concert at 5:30 p.m. ••• Torah scribe at synagogue The Hebrew Congregation of St. Thomas welcomes Sofer Rabbi Druin from 5 to 7 p.m. this evening. Druin is in St. Thomas to help the synagogue maintain its historic Torahs and invites you to come learn and ask about the work of the Torah scribe, a 300-yearold craft. For information email info@ synagogue.vi or call 340-774-4312. Holiday Happenings The second annual Holiday Fest will take place on Friday from 3 p.m. to midnight at Buddhoe Park, bandstand and Strand Street in Frederiksted. Come shop and make it a picture-perfect day with Santa Claus. Vendors are welcome. Contact 340- 778-1012, ext. 6200 or 6206 for more information. ••• The Tourism Department, in collaboration with the Frederiksted Economic Development Association, presents a Community Holiday Giveback with Sunset Jazz at Buddhoe Park on Friday from 5 to 8 p.m. For more information, go to visitusvi. com. St. Thomas Pistarckle Theater presents Briefs AARP meets on Saturday AARP St. Thomas Chapter 3138 has rescheduled its regular meeting from Dec. 24 to Saturday at 1:30 p.m. in the sun room at Schneider Hospital. The newly elected executive oficers and board members will be installed. Beer & Bacon Bacchanal Worldwide West and Island Vibes “The Nutcracker” at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday and at 2 p.m. on Sunday. For tickets visit www.pistarckletheater.com or call 340-775-7877. ••• Miracle on Main Street celebrates its 24th year on Friday in downtown Charlotte Amalie, featuring musicians, culinary delights and shopping. For more information, or to become a sponsor, contact the St. Thomas-St. John Chamber of Commerce at 340-776-0100 or email chamber.vi@gmail.com. ••• Sea View Nursing Home will host its annual Christmas Gala on Dec. 22 at the facility on St. Thomas. Cocktails begin at 6 p.m. and presentations will follow at 6:30 p.m. For more information, please contact Simone Edwards at 340-777-3303. Summer Camp invite you to a Beer & Bacon Bacchanal at The Shops at Yacht Haven Grande pool on Saturday from noon to 6 p.m. For more information on how to participate, volunteer or become a sponsor, call 340-626-3729, visit www. facebook.com/USVIcamp or email islandvibessummercamp@gmail. com. The St. John Singers will perform two holiday concerts with guest soprano Laura Strickling on Dec. 21 at Nazareth Lutheran Church in Cruz Bay and on Dec. 23 at Emmaus Moravian Church in Coral Bay. St. John Singers welcome guest soprano for holiday concerts The St. John Singers are celebrating their 35th anniversary with a special guest at two holiday concerts during the week preceding Christmas. Soprano Laura Strickling, who has a home on St. Thomas, will be performing with the choir at their annual concerts in Cruz Bay and Coral Bay on St. John. Strickling has been described as possessing “a lexible voice, crystalline diction, and warm presence” by a reviewer in the New York Times. She has received numerous awards for her performances of opera, classical and contemporary music. “We were very lucky to get her,” said Janice Ballard, who has directed the St. John Singers for the last ive years. “She was on St. Thomas and had only a four-day window between other engagements to sing with us.” The singers’ selections will include carols from around the world, and in keeping with the tradition, the audience will be invited to sing along with the choir on a medley of holiday songs. This year the choir will be accompanied on piano by Arboris de Jesus, a talented young musician who was born in Puerto Rico and raised on St. Thomas. She now studies music at Lawrence University. The St. John Singers concerts will be held on Dec. 21 at Nazareth Lutheran Church in Cruz Bay, and on Dec. 23 at Emmaus Moravian Church in Coral Bay. Both concerts will begin at 7:30 p.m. Tickets, which are available at the door, are $20. Children are admitted for free. Ravens-Patriots in AFC showdown Page 34 Alabama, Ohio State lead All-America team Page 33 Virgin Islands Daily News Sports Tuesday, December 13, 2016 STX Educational Complex takes win over P.R.’s Juncos Broncos V.I. swimmers take gold at P.R. Nationals By DAVID EDOLE Special to the Daily News ST. CROIX — The St. Croix Educational Complex High School’s tackle football exacted some revenge for the Virgin Islands, roughing up Puerto Rico’s Juncos Broncos, 20-8, on Saturday night. The Barracudas, behind the duo of Vernon Clarke and Cristian Perez, ran out to a 14-0 halftime lead. Scott Cofiell Clarke, Complex’s quarterback, called his own number in scoring on an 18-yard run. He then handed off to Perez, the Barricudas’ tailback, who scampered for a 12-yard score. The extra points were good by Roland Richards both rushing, but were awarded one point each. “We didn’t know that the National Federation of High Schools changed the rules on extra points,” said Educational Complex head coach Scott Cofiell. “The new rule is one point for a rushing and two for passing.” Complex poured it on in the second half when defensive end Antonio See BARRICUDAS, page 35 Photo courtesy SCOTT COFIELL St. Croix Educational Complex High School quarterback Vernon Clarke, center, hands off to tailback Cristian Perez during Saturday’s game against the Juncos Broncos at Pista Atletica Municipal de Juncos in Puerto Rico. The Barricudas went on to take a 20-8 victory over the Broncos. By BILL KISER Daily News Sports Editor Swimmers from two Virgin Islands swim teams brought home a combined 49 medals from the Puerto Rico Short Course National Championships, held Dec. 2-4 at the San Juan Natatorium. The St. Thomas Swim Association (STSA) team finished eighth overall in the Webster Bozzo combined team scoring, while the St. Croix Dolphins (SCD) came in 12th. Puerto Rico’s Bayamon Swimming Team won the overall team title. St. Thomas swimmers won 13 events, finished second in seven events and third in five others. St. Croix swimmers won in eight events, and finished second in eight others and third in eight events. St. Croix’s Webster Bozzo led all the Virgin Islands swimmers with five gold medals, posting the top times in the boys 15-16 division in the 100- and 200-meter backstroke, 100- and 200-meter freestyle, and the 200-meter individual medley. He also finished second in the 100-meter See SWIM, page 35¶

Tuesday, December 13, 2016 The Virgin Islands Daily News 35 BARRICUDAS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 36 Polanco picked up a fumble and returned it for score to push the Barricudas’ lead to 20-0. “Our defense played very well,” Cofiell said. “Aderemi Flores had an interception and had a couple of returns of 40 yards. Lejoni Williams was all over the field and led us in tackles.” The Broncos added a late touchdown from Diego Luna and twopoint conversion from Hernan Velez for the final score. “I was playing all my guys at that point,” Cofiell said. “I wanted to give everyone the experience of playing in Puerto Rico.” After the game, the Broncos set up a meet-and-greet between both team and an innovative idea came out of it. “They took care of us all weekend,” Cofiell said. “They gave us a place to stay and ground transportation. They even took us sightseeing of old San Juan before being dropped at the airport. “We invited them to come to St. Croix and play us during the Virgin Islands-Puerto Rico Friendship weekend; hopefully it could be a yearly thing. Either they come one year or we go, this was a positive experience for us.” “This was an amazing event,” Juncos head coach Manuel Santiago said. “We were very happy to host them and we enjoyed them, too. This was an excellent opportunity to open our relationship and we are working on coming to St. Croix in October.” St. Thomas schools Charlotte Amalie and Eudora Kean, the 2016 St. Thomas-St. John IAA champs, Photo courtesy SCOTT COFIELL The players and coaches from the St. Croix Educational Complex and Juncos Broncos football teams gather at midfield for a postgame photo after the Barricudas’ 20-8 win over the Broncos on Saturday at Pista Atletica Municipal de Juncos in Puerto Rico. played teams from Puerto Rico last month, losing to the Dorado Spartans and University Garden Dolphins, respectively, in games played at Lionel Roberts Stadium. “I think we should have a combined league with Puerto Rico,” Cofiell said. “We play one home and one away every year. Look, our ticket cost $150, that’s not much more than flying to St. Thomas. It could be done. But before we approach Puerto Rico, we would need a unified league between St. Thomas and St. Croix agreeing on stuff to make it happen. Then we could move on to Puerto Rico, They are not that far away. “They are more Puerto Rican teams than Virgin Islands teams. A mixed schedule will have to be created with a Caribbean champion between the winners of each league. People are really interested in playing in football. If we’re going to grow, we need to play good teams to get better and Puerto Rico has been playing a while.” The Puerto Rico High School Football League is presently comprised of seven teams — Antilles High School, Baldrich Comets, Parque Central Bluewaves, Parkville Steelers, Juncos Broncos, Dorado Spartans and the University Gardens Dolphins. SWIM CONTINUED FROM PAGE 36 individual medley and 50-meter backstroke. Mary Killman led St. Thomas with four gold medals, winning in the girls 19-under division in the 50-, 100- and 200-meter backstroke, and the 200-meter individual medley. She also finished third in the 50-meter freestyle. Killman also set meet records in two events, with her time of 30.09 seconds in the 50 backstroke shattering the old record by 1.24 seconds, and her time of 1 minute, 5.08 seconds in the 100 backstroke breaking a 14-year-old record by 1.14 seconds. St. Thomas’ Audrey Moore and Ky Odlum, and St. Croix’s Matthew Mays won three events each. Moore took gold in the girls 11-12 division’s 50- and 100-meter freestyle events, and teamed with Carter Maltby, Casey Vanderwall and Ana Pia Brunt to take the 200-meter freestyle relay. She also took seconds in the 200-meter freestyle and 200-meter individual medley, and teamed with Vanderwall, Maltby and Brunt to take second in the 200-meter medley relay. Moore also finished third in both the 400-meter freestyle and 100-meter individual medley. Odlum won in the boys 13-14 division in the 50-meter freestyle, 50-meter backstroke and 100-meter butterfly. He also finished second in the 50-meter butterfly, and third in the 100-meter individual medley. Mays won in the boys 17-18 division in the 100-meter individual medley, 200-meter backstroke and 200-meter individual medley. He also finished second in the 200-meter freestyle and 200-meter butterfly, and third in the 100-meter freestyle. Other gold medalists were St. Thomas’ Max Wilson (boys 11-12 200-meter backstroke), and STSA’s girls 9-10 200-meter freestyle and 200-meter medley relay teams, both composed of Gabriela Brunt, Fairley Maltby, Alex Otwell and Lindsay Barr.¶

2 The Virgin Islands Daily News VIRGIN ISLANDS Tuesday, December 13, 2016 V.l. businesses face higher unemployment taxes as territory struggles to pay down $69 million debt By BRIAN O’CONNOR Insurance’s Division of Fiscal and the automatic increase based on a Daily News Staff Actuarial Services in the Department 66 negative account, and lowered the of Labor. minimum rate to 0. Less money came Territory business owners will pay four times the normal federal unem- ployment tax rate this year because of an unpaid government debt, docu- ments show. The federal unemployment insur- ance tax rate is traditionally 6 per- cent on the first $7,000 an employee makes. However, the federal govern- ment usually offers a credit of 5.4 percent, meaning most employers ac- tually pay about 0.6 percent, accord- ing to the IRS. States and territories — with unemployment insurance programs meeting federal standards are re- quired to meet their unemployment obligations. When a state can’t meet its unemployment obligations, it’s entitled to take loans from the Fed- eral Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund. Federal documents show only one state and one jurisdiction Califor- nia and the U.S. Virgin Islands are currently in that position. The territory owes $69,138,266.61 in loans, according to the U.S. De- partment of Treasury website. In fiscal year 2017, which be- gan Oct. 1, the loans have accrued $294.349.15 in interest payments alone. The V.I. Labor Department is in charge of administering unemploy- ment insurance. Labor Commission- er Catherine Hendry did not return a number of phone calls seeking com- ment. Government House spokeswoman Cherie Munchez would not com- ment, saying that Hendry would issue a prepared statement about the debt by Wednesday. Provisions of the Federal Unem- ployment Tax Act stipulate that in states or territories with outstanding balances in the fund businesses are subject to a credit reduction, which is collected and directed toward the un- paid balance, according to Robert Pa- vosevich, Supervisor of the Actuarial Team in the Office of Unemployment Virgin Islands business owners will pay the original 0.6 percent, plus an additional 1.8 percent caused by the unpaid balance, for a total of 2.4 percent, Pavosevich said. At the fully discounted rate, an I don’t think there’s enough political willpower to do the kinds of thing necessary to fix the system. — Charles Engeman, an attorney who served on the Unemployment Insurance Advisory Council under the administration of Gov. John deJongh Jr. in, even as unemployment rates re- mained high and benefits remained expensive. A few steps could help move the system back to sound footing, Engeman said. For example, better employer would pay $42 for each ecord-keeping would help reduc employee earning $7,000. At the Vir- lelinquencies. Reducing unem- gin Islands rate, employers will have ployment insurance benefits and to pay $168. reducing the amount of time the After two years with an unpaid unemployed are eligible for unem- balance, the discount decreases by 0.3 percent each year until the total discount disappears, Pavosevich said. “It’s capped at 6 percent,” Pavosev- ich said. At the full 6 percent, employers will have to pay $420 for each new employee earning $7,000 that comes on board. By law, that money can’t The business owners always bear the brunt of whatever deficiencies we have. We have to, at some point, find other sources of revenue for the government. Any time there’s any sort of additional tax burden, fee burden, licensing burden, it’s always a point of concern. ployment would both help. Verify- ing that those collecting unemploy- ment are seeking employment, and generally reducing fraud also would help, Engeman said. “I don’t think there’s enough politi- cal willpower to do the kinds of thing necessary to fix the system,” he said. Chamber of Commerce officials come out of the wages themselves on both islands decried any increase and is paid out of the profits or losses that employers face, said Charles — Kimberly McCollum, president of the St. Croix Chamber of Commerce in taxes or fees for businesses. “Despite what the governor and Engeman, an attorney who served on the senators think, the economy of the Unemployment Insurance Advi- the Virgin Islands is not doing that sory Council under the administra- tion of Gov. John deJongh Jr. Without payment on the loan -¶

• or waivers or relief, which has happened three times since 2013 the rate is scheduled to max out by 2028. That’s barring the imposition of step in- creases, which can happen if the state has an outstanding balance for a cer- tain number of years, or if
• as was the case in the tax year 2012 - step increases are piled on by other provi- sions of the law, which could move the unemployment tax rate up faster. “It looks like they’re not making much headway,” Pavosevich said, re- ferring to the territory’s debt. The territory wasn’t alone in 2011, the first year the rate went up. In all, 20 states and the Virgin Islands re- ceived a 0.3 percent credit reduction that year, federal documents show. That’s in part because of the linger- ing effects of the Great Recession, said Bennett Chan, a lawyer who represents several businesses and has worked with the St. Thomas-St. John Chamber of Commerce in the past. In general terms, states collected more money than they paid out dur- ing the years leading up to the 2008 market collapse, creating large sur- pluses. Sometimes those surpluses were subject to financial raids. Other times — as was the case in the ter- ritory the surpluses were used as a cause to reduce the amounts col- lected for unemployment insurance. When large-scale unemployment hit as a result of the recession, surpluses turned into deficits, Chan said. “A lot of states were blindsided by the Great Recession,” Chan said. “They also had big surpluses and never foresaw that there would be this sudden inflow in unemployment claims.” Territorial officials were late in re- acting to bring the rate back up to ad- dress the issue, Chan said. “If we had done it earlier, we prob- ably would have collected enough, he said. “Now they want to make it up when times are hard.” In many cases, the government can’t say what each employer owes or has paid in surplus, Engeman said. The system originally was set up so that employers faced a roller coaster, Engeman said. Each employer had a rate based on a three-year average. If an em- ployer’s account paid out more in benefits than they contributed, the rate would go up to 5.4 percent. After three years, the employer’s rate would drop down to 0.1 percent, because at 5.4 percent, the rate exceeded likely contributions. At 0.1 percent, if anyone were laid off, it immediately moved the em- ployer back to the 5.4 percent rate. Employers would oscillate between the 5.4 percent rate and the 0.1 per- cent rate. “It was 5.4 for many employers, and that’s what an average employer would pay out over the course of 17 years for one employee,” Engeman said. As a result, the unemployment insurance fund accumulated large surpluses. To reduce the surpluses, the V.I. Labor Department dropped well.” said Tom Brunt III, a member of the St. Thomas-St. John Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. Kimberly McCollum, president of the St. Croix Chamber of Commerce, said any increases to fees or taxes was worrying. “The business owners always bear the brunt of whatever deficiencies we have,” she said. “We have to, at some point, find other sources of revenue for the government. Any time there’s any sort of additional tax burden, fee burden, licensing burden, it’s always a point of concern.” The folly of the situation is com- pounded by the fact that business owners themselves aren’t allowed to file for unemployment if they lose their jobs, McCollum said. “You’re still paying unemployment taxes on what you’re paid, but you are not allowed to request compensation hould you find vourself in a position o file for unemployment,” she said Contact Brian O’Connor at 340-714-9130 or email boconnor a dailvnews.vi. ISSN 2159-3019 Daily News Publishing Co. Inc. owned by VIDN Holdings, LLC publishes The Virgin Islands Daily News daily, except Sunday, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, at 9155 Estate Thomas, Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, VI 00802. First class postage paid at Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas. U.S.V.I USPS 144-180 POSTMASTER, send Form 3579, Notice of Address Change, to: Circulation Director, Daily News, 9155 Estate Thomas, St. Thomas, VI 00802. Contact us St. Thomas office The Daily News 9155 Estate Thomas St. Thomas, VI 00802 340-774-8772 St. Croix office The Daily News 1115 Strand Street Christiansted, VI 00820 340-714-9127 The Virgin Islands DAILY NEWS \ Pulitzer Prize-Winning Newspaper ST. CROIX © 2016 Daily News Publishing Co., Inc. President Executive Editor Archie Nahigian Gerry Yandel 340-714-9105 archie@dailynews.vi 340-714-9106 gyandel@dailynews.vi Editor At Large J. 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Tuesday, December 13, 2016 VIRGIN ISLANDS The Virgin Islands Daily News Work stoppage threat gets Waste Management to table By JONATHAN AUSTIN Daily News Staff roll off services in the territory. He said his company empties “all the rear load bins on St. John,” and does A Waste Management Authority contractor had planned a work stop- page this week because the Virgin Is- lands Waste Management Authority owes vendors a lot of money and they can’t keep working for nothing. However, discussions with adminis- trators at Waste Management led Peter Caproni, owner of Your Environmental Services Inc., to say he’s holding off on urging garbage collection vendors to stop work on Wednesday. “I’m not intent on messing up our communities,” said Caproni, whose company picks up the bin sites on St. John. “We’ve created a dialogue. I am a fair person; ” Caproni said. “I want to listen to what they have to say. It seems as though they’re going to put together an offer.” Caproni had told The Daily News on Monday he was announcing a work stoppage beginning Wednesday. He said he and other haulers were go- ing to stop emptying scores of bins across St. Thomas and St. John be- cause Waste Management had failed to pay them for weeks or months. Caproni said he has worked 26 years in trash removal and roll on/ emergency Waste Management Au- thority work on St. Thomas. The solution is, you pay your bills on time. — Peter Caproni, owner of Your Environmental Services Inc. Contacted by The Daily News, Waste Management Authority execu- tives were unaware Caproni and pos- sibly two other haulers were walking for anybody to get upset. I’m in told the Senate Finance Committee in agreement with him.” July that the contractors needed to be off the job. Charles said his firm empties bins Roger Merritt Jr., the newly hired on St. Thomas and hauls trash from paid. “It is clear that the contractors executive director of the agency, said Waste Management Authority collec- are bearing the brunt while trying to Monday evening he wants to meet tion sites in a number of government provide critical services in hopes of with all the contracted haulers to see housing communities. payment by the authority as soon as what they are owed and come up with Regarding how much Waste Man- possible,” he said. a plan to get them paid. agement owes him, Charles replied: Aubin ran the agency after the re- “I understand that the haulers need “It depends on what you call a lot. tirement of May Adams Cornwall un- to get paid,” Merritt said. “We need They’re two months behind, now.” to ensure we are able to make timely Caproni wouldn’t say how til Merritt was hired last month. “The financial condition of the payments.” much Waste Management owes Virgin Islands Waste Management Caproni said he is willing to lis- him in total. Authority is dire and requires im- ten, but the answer has to be that the “It’s a big amount of money,” he mediate attention and relief,” Aubin Waste Management Authority comes said. “I’m fed up with the whole told senators in July. “The author- up with payment for services already thing.” ity’s available cash to pay its con- rendered. Caproni said he estimated that “The solution is, you pay your bills Waste Management tractors/vendors timely is critically owes various limited, resulting in delayed pay- on time,” he said. vendors millions of dollars. ments to its contractors/vendors; Patrick Charles, one of the vendors The Waste Management Author- growing accounts payable, which Caproni mentioned, said Monday that ity’s inability to pay vendors has been is currently on the order of $10 he has “reasons to be on board” with a topic during Senate testimony over million for its major contractors/ a work stoppage, though he couldn’t the years. vendors; and non-compliance at the make such a decision alone. Steve Aubin, who was interim ex- Anguilla and Bovoni landfills with “I realize that he is upset,” Charles ecutive director of the Waste Man- court ordered mandates.” said, referring to Caproni. “It is time agement Authority for most of 2016, An example of the outstanding obligations owed by Waste Manage- ment has been highlighted for the last two years in Senate testimony during the budget process. For Fiscal Year 2016, the agency noted it owed vendor Gem’s Construction $200,000 from fiscal year 2012 to pay for gar- bage collection services on the island of St. Thomas. The Waste Management Authority noted that it was “unable to identify a revenue source” to pay Gem’s for the years-old debt. During testimony on the Fiscal Year 2017 budget, Waste Manage- ment again listed $200,000 owed to Gem’s Construction for garbage collection on St. Thomas. However, Waste Management officials said the $200,000 was owed from the 2011 fiscal year. No one from Gem’s Construction was available for comment Monday afternoon. Merritt said he believes the Waste Management Authority can address the overdue debt owed to the vendors. “I think we can. We’ve got to get a plan in hand and get them paid. If they provide a service, they should get paid,” he said.¶

• Contact Jonathan Austin at 340-714-9104 or email jaustin@ dailvnews.vi. Police: Ex-employee filing ‘frivolous’ complaints against top cops By BRIAN O’CONNOR Daily News Staff Police officials dismissed this week multiple complaints filed by a former employee against high-ranking mem- bers of the V.I. Police Department. The complaints are all filed by Lynne Harrison, the former director of the Police Training Bureau. In one such complaint, Harrison alleges Deputy Commissioner Curtis Griffin Jr. was “receiving compensa- tion when absence from employment without proper leave documentation,” and “payroll fraud/embezzlement
• falsifying timekeeping records, or when employees are not working while on the job.” In a letter attached to the claim, Harrison says that from August 2016 to the present, Griffin received com- pensation while not reporting for duty at the department. “In addition, he has not left for- warding contact information to those under his supervision and often was not available during contact attempts occurring during normal working hours,” Harrison wrote. “Griffin was available only via VIPD email which was delayed or not deliverable, thus leaving him ineffective and not suit- able to be classified as working tele- commuting. Griffin dismissed the complaints against him, and said he welcomed an investigation. “I want them to investigate be- cause I’m hoping
• when all is done
• I’m hoping that maybe I can sue her for slander,” he said. “I have noth- ing to hide.” Harrison’s letter calls for Griffin to be investigated. “While his explanation of absence has been reported as a long term med- ical procedure, due to the extraordi- nary length of absence, previous ab- sences, and non-contact information, a full investigation is warranted to in- sure the people of the Virgin Islands have not been deprived of its funds due to improper payroll deductions or notifications,” she wrote. The complaint was one of 10 filed after Harrison lost her job as direc- tor of the police department’s Train- ing Bureau, according to copies fur- nished by Harrison. She filed a citizen’s complaint after her termination alleging that Police Commissioner Delroy Richards Sr. had violated department policy and that he had ignored requests for the correction of a violation. Harrison also filed a complaint alleging Griffin’s administrative as- sistant, Le-Reeda Lake, was absent on sick leave for four weeks without prior notice; that special assistant to the commissioner Capt. Mary Dug- gan had potentially disclosed confi- dential department information to a third-party vendor for personal gain, and had used threatening behavior to create a hostile work environment, and that she had obstructed Harri- son’s performance of her duties. Harrison further alleged that Lt. Maria Colon-Jones had disrupted a training presentation, and she said her termination was retaliatory for asking for sick leave to be treated for Zika. Harrison said that she eventually fled the Virgin Islands in fear of her life and that the police department still owes her $5,000 in back pay, Harrison said. Harrison said Monday she’s sub- mitted her complaints to Gov. Ken- neth Mapp. “I was the director of training and was fired without cause,” she said. “I had filed several complaints.” Harrison said she requested 10 days of medical treatment off-island to com- bat a Zika infection on Oct. 18. “Two hours later, I was terminat- ed,” she said. Documents provided by Harrison show she was suspended without pay on Oct. 18, and terminated on Oct.

Griffin said that while he was un- dergoing cardio rehab in Florida, he started hearing about issues involving Harrison. Ultimately, Richards made the decision to terminate Harrison, Griffin said. “Subsequent to her termination, she started sending complaints,” he said. “She said she heard that while I was away I was practicing law and not really sick.” Harrison wasn’t his supervisor, and wasn’t aware of how the accumu- lated sick time was being used, Grif- fin said. “She submitted so many com- plaints against so many people,” he said. “It’s obvious that it’s frivolous.” The complaints have not yet re- sulted in an internal investigation, Richards said. “I found she was too much of a distraction for us to move forward with the actions as required of us by the mandates of our consent decree?’ Richards said about his decision to terminate Harrison. Harrison had failed to submit to a department background check in a timely manner, Richards said. “The department brought her in on an interim basis initially, and then she was asked to comply with the package that we provided in order to conduct a background investigation,” he said. “She offered resistance. She believed she could complete her own timeline.” days to secure her college transcripts. “My email specifically says I am not saying I don’t want a background check,” she said. Richards said he ultimately direct- ed Harrison’s complaints to the legal department, but he said Harrison continued to send letters and emails. A response from the department’s legal counsel provided by Harrison says simply that Harrison couldn’t use the citizen’s complaint process to complain about things that happened while she was the director of the Training Bureau, and that each com- plaint will be closed as it is received. “In some of her letters and emails, she appeared very threatening,” Richards said. “In one of her emails she wrote ‘You are sicker than a tree branch that’s going to be cut down very soon. It’s one ignorance after another.” Harrison disputes that charac- terization. “I’m very professional,” she said. Griffin was on legitimate sick leave when he was in Florida, Richards said. “He was being treated and he en- tered into a program in Florida,” he said. “The woman is on a witch hunt all over.” Contact Brian O’Connor at 340-714-9130 or email boconnor @ Harrison said she had asked for 10 dailynews.vi. HOUSE_OVERSIGHT_014500¶

4 The Virgin Islands Daily News VIRGIN ISLANDS Tuesday, December 13, 2016 Police say woman tried to smuggle pot into prison By BRIAN O’CONNOR Daily News Staff the marijuana hidden in the personal they had smelled marijuana in a pair speaking, it’s pretty thorough.” belongings of inmate Omari Gordon, of black Jordan sneakers Petersen according to Petersen’s arrest log. Gordon, 32, has been in jail was bringing to Gordon, according to since police charged him with first- A Mon Bijou woman tried to sneak two bags of marijuana into Golden Grove, police said. Sherifa Petersen, 27, faces a single charge of introducing contraband into prison, and was free on $10,000 bail about six hours later, according to her arrest record. V.I. police arrested Petersen on Friday afternoon about 1:47 p.m., after corrections officers discovered Rick Mullgrav, Director of the Bu- a VIPD press release. When correc- degree attempted murder and first- reau of Corrections, said corrections tions officers pulled apart the sneak- officers discovered the marijuana degree assault following a Nov. 29 ers, they discovered two small plastic shooting on St. Croix, authorities during a routine search. bags of marijuana, according to the have said. Petersen “was bringing a pack- age for her companion, and I will press release. Gordon’s name also matches that Any material that ends up in the of a man charged in 2010 with the say her companion, because I’m not hands of prisoners is thoroughly murder of 19-year-old Kendal Wood. sure what the relationship was there,” searched as a matter of routine, Mull- Gordon’s trial languished in the Su- The disposition of the murder case involving Gordon couldn’t be immediately ascertained Monday evening. Gordon had been released on elec- tronic monitoring and house arrest pending trial in 2013, according to court documents at the time. He was being held on $500,000 bail in his most recent arrest, police said. Mullgrav said. “She was coming to grav said. perior Court on St. Croix for almost visit, and she brought some drugs.’ “We search any item that goes to three years, and he was most recently Corrections officers told police the inmates,” ne said. “Generally granted a continuance in 2013.¶

• Contact Brian O’Connor at 340-714-9130 or email boconnor@ dailynews.vi. Federal judges from Philadelphia in the Virgin Islands to hear cases By BRIAN O’CONNOR Daily News Staff tate battle over an inheritance in which two separate federal cases were merged into one. The 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Ap- peals will sit this week in the federal courthouse on St. Thomas. Judges Kent Jordan, Michael Cha- gares and Thomas Hardiman will hear a range of appellate cases, ranging from a local prisoner challenging his detention as unconstitutional to an es- The judges fly in from Philadelphia to hear argument on issues they decide at a later date. Appellate court argument is based around rapid-fire questions from the empaneled judges, unlike civil criminal court, which frequently is dominated by long exchanges between attorneys and witnesses. The appellant attorney gets four min- utes to make a case, followed by four minutes from the appellee, followed by four minutes of rebuttal from the appel- lant attorney, though judges’ questions can sometimes turn four minutes into eight. For example, Ronald Gillette, incar- cerated in 2008 on multiple counts of aggravated rape and unlawful sexual contact against two children, is seeking an appeal on a motion denying his re- lease from custody. Gillette’s attorney, Joseph DiRuzzo IlI, began on Monday by making his case that the motion, ordered by Chief District Court Judge Wilma Lewis, constituted a final judgement and thus was worthy of an appeal. DiRuzzo sought a three-judge panel to overturn Lewis’s order. It didn’t take long for Jordan to ask Since 1985 NATURAL FOOD Grocery & Deli a question. “How can it be a final order if there are still claims in the case, if you’re still seeking relief, which you are?” he said. 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If there was an order short of Gil- lette’s release that could make the prison resolve the Eighth Amendment violations that put the prison under a federal consent decree for decades to resolve, Lewis or another judge could still make the determination. The pris- on has completed only 14 percent of the new consent decree ordered in 2013 according to testimony. “What would that order look like?” Hardiman asked. Salisbury struggled with an answer. Jordan tried to steer the argument back to the facts of the case. “Does the fact that a 2013 consent decree superseded and replaced the original, does it mean the three decades of prior noncompliance is to be ig- nored?” he said. “You’re not even a fifth of the way completed. At what point is enough enough?” Complying with the consent decree will take time, Salisbury said. “According to the Bureau of Correc- tions, we’re not there yet,” she said. Chagares jumped in, and compared Golden Grove Adult Correctional Fa- cility to a luxury cruise liner: “It’s like your big cruise ships out in the bay,” he said. “It takes a long time to turn around. But this is a really long time.” Hearings will continue today before the Third Circuit at the DeLugo Federal Building on St. Thomas at 9 a.m. An- other session is set for Thursday start- ing at 10:30 a.m. Contact Brian O’Connor at 340-714-9130 or email boconnor a dailvnews.vi. Caribbean Lottery STRAKER MOTORS 254 Estate Glynn, Northside Road, St. Croix 340-713-2277 www.strakermotors.com Pick 3 (Dec. 12) Morning 1st prize Midday 1st prize Sunset 1st prize Evening 1st prize 4 7 0 7 Pick 4 (Dec. 12) Morning 1st prize 4 3 6 2 Midday 1st prize 2 3 0 4 Sunset 1st prize 8 0 96 Evening 1st prize 7 5 80 Mega Millions (Dec. 9) Next draw: Tonight 19 27 47 67 68 Mega Ball: 1 Powerball (Dec. 10) Next draw: Wednesday 12 21 32 44 66 Powerball: 15 HOUSE_OVERSIGHT_014501

Tuesday, December 13, 2016 VIRGIN ISLANDS The Virgin Islands Daily News 5 Mapp turns to new taxes in accepting court ruling on 8% government pay cut By JONATHAN AUSTIN during a press conference Monday fied if new tax collections from what worker’s compensation debts to medi- cut won’t be enough to convince legis- Daily News Staff morning on St. Croix. The conference originally had been he called the Virgin Islands Enhance- ment and Economic Recovery Act, cal providers, hospitals and injured workers in the territory. lators to support Mapp’s proposal. “The governor has sent us his ver- Gov. Kenneth Mapp said Monday he believes the territory must accept a federal court ruling that found a 2011 government employee pay cut uncon- stitutional. “After reviewing the case with the at- torney general and reviewing the case with our financial team, I really am of the mind that the government of the Virgin Islands should make good on this claim,” Mapp said. He said he wants the Legislature to sign on to a plan to pay the claim and address other issues by approving in- creased sin taxes, taxes on time-share occupants, and changes that set a minimum tax for property owners who claim tax credits. He said the lawsuit judgement is val- ued at $65 million. “We will include all workers affected by the cut. In unions, all unions, and out of unions,” Mapp said. The territory had asked the full 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to recon- sider the judgement, which was penned by three of the court’s judges. The court rejected that request Mon- day. scheduled for Friday on St. Thomas, which must be approved by the Sen- Mapp said Monday that “as of to- sion of the deficit reduction strategy,” but was delayed for no stated reason. ate, total at least $80 million. day,” he was not prepared to call the Graham said. There are parts that Mapp also announced he has in- He said alcohol and tobacco in the Legislature back into session to ad- senators will support, and “some we voked public exigency authority to Virgin Islands is sorely undertaxed, dress his proposal. definitely would not be in favor of,” fast track road repairs in the territory. and 40 million bottles of beer are sold Senate Majority Leader Sammuel he said. He described public exigency as each year in the territory. “sort of a public emergency” declara- Additional Sanes said Monday he hopes more Graham said paying back the gov- tax also would be revenue could be generated through ernment employees should be a prior- tion that should allow the government charged on distilled alcohol and wine. the reopening of the St. Croix oil refin- to more quickly award repair contracts “In addition, we are seeking at least ery to pay some of what Mapp wants. ity. Are they Number 1 on the priorit) for roadways that have deteriorated $12 per carton tax on cigarette and “We shouldn’t rely so much on list? I think there are more critical is following extensive rainfall. tobacco products in the territory,” taxation. Right now, people of the sues now,” Graham said. Mapp said he has consulted with well as “a sugar tax on carbonated Virgin Islands are facing a financial Graham said he is not sure whether federal authorities and hopes to access sweet beverages,” Mapp said. burden. Now we want to tax them the 31st Legislature will consider existing highway project funds “to use Mapp suggested most of the mil- more. That is not appealing to me at Mapp’s approvals before it stands them to get the primary road system lions of beers are consumed by tour- all,” he said. down this month. and secondary road system repaired.” He ists, so the tax would target visitors “There are some good points” to the “I am willing and able to work until said the work will be done who enjoy the territory and should governor’s suggestions, Sanes said. “I my last day,” he said. “I am not sure under existing federal road require- contribute to maintaining its infra- see his point. I can understand where the calendar will afford us the time to ments, meaning they include proper structure. he is coming from,” he said. do so.” drainage, sidewalks, striping and other “If you felt that was too expensive, Lame duck Sen. Clifford Graham Contact Jonathan Austin at 340- elements, “all compliant with federal then stop drinking beer. That’s healthy. said Monday that the promise to repay 714-9104 or email jaustin @dailynews. highway and DOT standards.” That’s a benefit,” Mapp said, referring government workers back for the pay vi. Regarding the 3rd Circuit ruling on to locals who drink alcohol. the 8 percent cuts enacted through the Mapp is also seeking a tax on time- V.I. Economic Stability Act of 2011, share occupants, and wants to require Mapp said the territory could pay off that any resident claiming credits on the amounts due to employees in two property taxes pay a minimum annual years if plaintiffs in the case give the property tax of $360. government time to make good. He said the additional tax revenue Coming to Join the VI Dental Team! Pediatric Dentist The governor made his comments He said the payments can be satis- could also provide $18 million to pay Today The Homeland Security, Justice and Public Safety Committee will meet at 9 a.m. in the Lawaetz Con- ference Room on St. Croix to get an update on the V.I. Police Department, the V.I. Corrections Bureau and the V.I. Health Department. Wednesday The Finance Committee will meet at 9 a.m. in the Ottley Legislative Hall on St. Thomas to consider a bill relating to the International Banking Center Regulatory Act and a bill re- appropriating $2 million of Luis Hos- Senate Agenda pital appropriations for the use of the HVAC project. Thursday The Rules and Judiciary Com- mittee will meet at 9 a.m. in Ottley Legislative Hall on St. Thomas to consider bills that include a bill to in- crease the Emergency Services Sur- charge from $1 to $2; a bill providing for the disposition of proceeds from the rental or sale of housing units ac- quired in the Limetree Bay Terminals operating agreement to a bill regard- ing the establishment of credit unions and their oversight; and a bill creating the V.I. Risk-Based Capital for Insur- AL COHENS PLAZA, RAPHUNE HILL - MOM - FRE-SAM-GFM SAT - SUN: CLOSED - 175-1629 - 776-1629 colormarvNtgmail.com COME VISIT OUR Color Max STATE-OF-THE ART FULL COLOR DIGITAL LET US IT FOR TON PRINTING CENTER ers Act. Friday No meetings. Governor’s Agenda Today No appearances scheduled. Government House did not provide Gov. Kenneth Mapp’s agenda. 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6 The Virgin Islands Daily News VIRGIN ISLANDS Tuesday, December 13, 2016 Oswald Harris Court raid yields 2 marijuana arrests By SUZANNE CARLSON Daily News Staff ST. THOMAS¶

• A massive op- eration involving more than a dozen armed local and federal officers while a helicopter circled overhead at Oswald Harris Court on Fri- day evening yielded two marijuana arrests. Jose Squiabro, 42, and Yasim Ross, 31, both of Oswald Harris Court, were arrested as a result of the opera- tion, according to court documents. Both were charged with possession of marijuana with intent to distribute and released Monday after posting $10,000 bond each. Arraignment for the two men is scheduled for Jan. 5. Friday’s operation shut down the housing community and caused alarm for residents around Estate Thomas, Long Bay and Centerline Road. More than a dozen armed officers secured the intersection around Build- ing 9 in the housing community as a U.S. Customs and Border Protection helicopter flew overhead. None of the officers would say what they were do- ing, but they were dressed in tactical UDL LUMBER YARD Guara gear, some armed with long guns that appeared to be semi-automatic rifles, and officers wore body armor labeled as being from the Drug Enforcement Administration or police. Probable cause affidavits filed Monday against Squiabro and Ross shed light on the operation, known as “December Reign.’ The operation is a joint effort by officers from Homeland Security In- vestigations, U.S. Customs and Bor- der Patrol, the Bureau of Alcohol, To- bacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Agency, the Jus- tice Department, and the V.I. Police Department. It is meant to patrol St. Thomas housing communities, “due to the recent increase in gun violence in those areas,” according to the af- fidavit for Ross. At 4:45 p.m. Friday, officers ap- proached a group of men around Building 20 and noticed Squiabro drop a partially smoked joint, accord- ing to the affidavit. Officers recovered the joint and 105 bags containing marijuana, ac- cording to the affidavit. The affida- vit does not note how large the bags were or the total weight of marijuana RIDE THE VIEW SKYRIDE TO PARADISE POINT was “no known disposition” listed in court documents. Similar to Squiabro’s arrest, al about 5:50 p.m. Friday, officers ap- proached Ross and other men near the lst Stop Gas Station in Estate Thomas, which is located south of Oswald Harris Court. When asked whether he had any illegal substanc- es, Ross said, “yeah I have a little weed in my back pocket,” according to the affidavit. Officers found a total of 2.2 ounces of marijuana packaged in various plas- tic bags in Ross’ possession and arrest- ed him, according to the affidavit. Ross’s criminal history includes a 2003 arrest for third-degree burglary; a June 2009 arrest for delaying and Daily News file photo A U.S. Customs and Border Protection helicopter circles Estate Thomas on Friday evening as police on the ground secured the intersection around Building 9 at Oswald Harris Court housing community on St. Thomas. obstructing; a Sept. 2009 arrest for first-degree robbery, possession of a dangerous weapon, and unauthorized use of a vehicle; and he was arrested in January and charged with destruc- recovered. glary, which was dismissed in 1997; tion of government property. Officers also recovered $1,045 in a 1996 arrest for possession of stolen Court documents list “no known cash and a Samsung cell phone from property, for which he was sentenced to disposition” for each of Ross’s prior Ross, both of which were returned to a $500 fine, one year in jail suspended arrests. him, according to the affidavit. after six months, and two years’ proba- Contact Suzanne Carlson at Squiabro’s criminal history includes tion; and a 2001 arrest for possession of 340-714-9122 or email scarlson@ a 1993 arrest for second-degree bur- an unlicensed firearm, for which there dailynews.vi. Crack dealer arrested in Red Hook By SUZANNE CARLSON homicides to date,” according to the agent 9 grams of crack cocaine for Daily News Staff affidavit. $600 at the same location. Agents focused on armed drug On Friday, the agent exchanged ST. THOMAS — Federal agents arrested a crack cocaine dealer in Red Hook on Saturday as part of an ongoing investigation targeting armed drug trafficking, according to court documents. Tolomah Foy was arrested and charged with possession of crack cocaine with intent to distribute, ac- cording to an affidavit filed Monday by a special agent with the U.S. Bu- reau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, also known as the ATF. The arrest came as a result of oper- ation “Total Recall,” an ATF initiative on St. Thomas that began in August and is ongoing, according to the af- fidavit. “This investigation focuses on the armed drug trafficking fueling vio- lence which has resulted in over 48 traffickers operating in Red Hook, a text messages with Foy and ar- commercial bar and restaurant dis- ranged for another transaction, trict frequented by a large number and on Saturday, agents recorded of tourists, and have created cases a phone call with Foy in which he against 10 subjects for federal fire- agreed to sell approximately $1,500 arm and narcotics violations so far, worth of crack cocaine, according according to the affidavit. to the affidavit. On Nov. 11, an undercover agent The agent met with Foy at approxi- made a cold contact with Foy, also mately 6:15 p.m. Saturday in the rear known as “T,” who led the agent parking lot of Tap and Still, “con- behind Tap and Still and sold him sequently the ATF cover teams de- approximately 3 grams of crack co- scended on scene and arrested Foy,” caine, according to the affidavit. according to the affidavit. The agent exchanged phone num- Agents retrieved 15 grams of crack bers with Foy and called him on Nov. cocaine from Foy on Saturday, and 14 to arrange another transaction out- seized approximately a total of 32 side the Fresh Mart Grocery store. grams of crack cocaine from Foy dur- Foy asked the agent to instead meet ing the investigation, according to the him behind Tap and Still, where he affidavit. sold him approximately 6 grams of Contact Suzanne Carlson at crack cocaine for $200, according to 340-714-9122 or email scarlson@ the affidavit. On Nov. 17, Foy sold the dailynews.vi. 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Tuesday, December 13, 2016 FOR THE RECORD Man arrested in Arizona for armed jewelry store robbery By SUZANNE CARLSON bery in Drake’s Passage on Sept. 16, Kuntz waived extradition and was Daily News Staff 2013, Freeman said. returned to St. Thomas to face charg- The robbery occurred just before es, Freeman said. Police have extradited a man from Arizona and charged him in connec- tion with the 2013 armed robbery of Gems and Gold Corner, according to V.I. Police spokeswoman Sakeeda Freeman. Ron Kuntz, 42, was arrested at 11:55 p.m. Saturday and charged with first-degree robbery, second-de- gree robbery, grand larceny, first-de- gree assault, third-degree assault, de- struction of property, and aiding and abetting. Bail was set at $150,000. Kuntz and others were identified as being responsible for the armed rob- 10 a.m. when a man entered the store Freeman said Kuntz lives in Estate and pulled a handgun from his waist, Tutu, but the V.I. Police arrest log list- police said at the time. The robber ed his address as East Baseline Road told the owner, who was the only in Phoenix, Ariz. person in the store at the time, to get Anyone with information about down and then broke out some of the crime in the territory can contact glass cases in the store. the V.I. Police Department at 340- Police did not say what the value of 774-2211, the Criminal Investiga- the goods taken was. tion Bureau at 340-714-9801, the Kuntz was apprehended and de- anonymous tip service Crime Stop- tained in Tempe, Ariz., after a rou- pers USVI at 1-800-222-8477, or tine traffic stop, and Arizona police 911. discovered there was an outstanding warrant for Kuntz from the U.S. Vir- gin Islands, Freeman said. Contact Suzanne Carlson at 340-714-9122 or email scarison@ dailynews.vi. The police blotter is the V.I. Ter- ritorial Emergency Management Agency’s list of calls to 911 Emer- gency operators and the time they were reported. St. Croix Charged: Assault George Christopher, 62, of Mon Bijou was arrested at 10:30 a.m. Fri- day and charged with second-degree assault-domestic violence. Police said he choked a woman. No bail was set per the domestic violence statute. Charged: Fugitive from justice Everick Phillip, 31, of Mount Pleasant was arrested at 6:20 p.m. Sunday and charged with being a fu- gitive from justice. Police said he was wanted on a warrant out of Orange County, Fla. No bail was set. Incidents in the police blotter in- cluded: Assault - 10:54 p.m. Sunday, Golden Grove; 3:16 p.m. Monday, Kingshill. Destruction of property 12:32 a.m. Monday, Salt River; Police blotter 11:51 a.m. Monday, Strawberry Hill; 12:09 p.m. Monday, Salt River; 6:30 p.m. Monday, La Reine. Larceny — 11:17 a.m. Monday, Mutual Homes; 3:15 p.m. Monday, Richmond. Vehicle tampering — 8:59 a.m. Monday, Hannah’s Rest; 12:28 p.m. Monday, La Reine. St. Thomas Charged: Assault Anthony Picot, 31, of Smith Bay was arrested at 2:40 p.m. Saturday and charged with second-degree as- sault and disturbance of the peace- domestic violence. No bail was set per the domestic violence statute. Charged: Assault Kimberley Williams, 27, of Bovo- ni, was arrested at 5:50 a.m. Monday and charged with third-degree as- sault-domestic violence. No bail was set per the domestic violence statute. Charged: Assault A 17-year-old boy was arrested at 12:10 p.m. Monday in the area of the Lucinda Millin Home and charged with third-degree assault. He was released to the custody of his parents. Incidents in the police blotter in- cluded: Assault — 4:32 a.m. Monday, Os- wald Harris Court; 4:38 a.m. Mon- day, Bovoni; 11:50 a.m. Savan. Monday, Attempted burglary - 6:03 p.m. Monday, Mariendal. Destruction of property — 3:56 p.m. Monday, Port Authority. Larceny¶

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8 The Virgin Islands Daily News Ivan A. Frazer Muhammed Ivan A. Frazer Muhammed, also known as BKA Kitchel or Rock City, 80, of St. Thomas, died Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2016, at Schneider Regional Medical Center. He was born Oct. 6, 1936. His children and their children; daugh- ter - Denise Frazer; Kneka Dewindt, Rick Lewis and Caprisha Richards; daughter Cheryl Ivan A. Frazer Muhammed Frazer Jackson; Kev- in Jackson Jr. and Chynelle Munnilal; daughter - Elise Frazer; Jaymel Leon- ard, Jalima Francis, Tiba Francis, Gyasi Francis, Jahmela Maduro, Jamari Maduro and Jarise Maduro; daughter - Rehenia Frazer-Phillip (Akiemba); Re- hema (Alika) Jackson, Saitah Aubain, Sencelia Renolds, Quamid (Presidente) Asani and Shaeed Gumbs; daughter Venise Frazer; daughter - Shenika Mu- hammed; Jason And Jahni Pemberton; son Tyrone Frazer; Bajani Frazer, Taj Mahal Frazer, Tamar Frazer, Sohi Frazer, Jahti Frazer, libea Frazer; son Keith Frazer; Jarell Frazer; son - Al- bert Frazer; son - Ivan Frazer Jr.; his siblings/sister Rehenia Joshua and Blanche Frazer; and brother - Victor Frazer. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend the viewing at Christ Church Methodist on Friday, Dec. 16, 2016, at 9 a.m., followed by the ser- vice at 10 a.m. Interment is at Western Cemetery No. 3. Arrangements are under the care of Hurley Funeral Home and Crema- tion Center of St. Thomas, St. John, St. Croix, and Tortola. For directions and online condolenc- es, please visit us at www.hurleydavis. com. Diana S. Richardson Services will be held Saturday for Diana S. Richardson, 38, of St. Thom- as, who died Saturday, Nov. 26, 2016, at Schneider Hospital. The first viewing will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday at the Celestial Chapel of Hurley Funeral Home. The second view- ing will be from 9 to 10 a.m. Saturday at Church of God of Prophecy in Estate Hoffman. The ser- vice will follow at Diana S. Richardson 10 a.m. Interment will be in Western Cem- etery No. 2. She is survived by her mother, Sonia Coming to Join the VI Dental Team! Pediatric Dentist VI DENTAL CENTER St. Thomas Location: Foothills Professtional Bulding Suite 203 Call us! Make an Appointment! 340-776-6056 Dr. Flavia Tingling Dr. Tingling was born on the beauti-ful sunny Island Jamaica, bat short-ly thereafter relocated to the cold winters of Michigani The movp was promoted tu her father’s educational pursuit to become an Orthodontist at The Universay of wichigan Ann Ar-bor. Her mother became a dental hy-glenist when Dr. Tingling was in high school. After her completion of an undergraduate degree from the “Big House”. Dr. Tingling surprised every-one and followed the path of her DNA, by becoming a dentist! She then traded the cold winters of Ann Arbor for the bright lights of New York City! She was a fellow of General Dentistry at the Columbia University School of Dental and Oral Surgery, for 2 years. It was her exposure there that led her to pursue a specialty degree in Pediatrics. She completed her Pediatric Dentistry Resi-dency at St. Barabas Hospital - New York Presbyterian Weil Cor-nell. Bronx, New York. 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ПОДЕТ ВАТА vidental HEALTHY SMILE SOLUTIONS DEATHS Richardson; father, Romeo Richardson: siblings, Romeo, Nancy, Sharon, Louise, Aaliyah and Kayla; great aunts, Isalene Clomel Shelford, Irene and Hughes, Rita Joseph and Olivia Rievere; Janetta Gumbs, Juliette, Ena, Christibell and Violet Imogen Richardson; great- uncle, Melvyn Shelford; uncles, Egbert Tuesday, December 13, 2016 Rollins, Latrema Simon, Jermaine, Au- brey Jr., David Jr. and Lanna Prince, Di- ana Williams, Janice, Jewel, and Joslyn Gumbs, Joanna Haley, Nigel, Davida, Daniella, David, Radoykah, Radimiroh, Radiquah, Rohan, Jan, Devaunie, Daeja, Moyagaye, Udlyn, Simone, Leonardo, Ashael, Elson, Elvin, Saniqua and Casey Richardson; the Shelford, Rollins, Nibbs, Maduro and Smith families; and many other extended family and friends too nu- Arrangements are by Hurley Fu- neral Home and Cremation Center of St. Thomas, St. John, St. Croix, and hurleydavisfuneralhome.com. Germain Petersen at Our Lady of Per- She will be cremated. She is survived by her husband, Donald Petersen; children, Donald, Da- vid and Gina Petersen; daughter-in law, Dawn Petersen; grandchildren, Delano and Destini; brothers, Edward, Edmund and Edville Bryan; sisters, Jeanette Querrard, Joycelyn Harris and June Aubain; sister-in-law, Eleanor Chote; brothers-in-law, Daniel Petersen, Eddie Aubain and Alpha Harris; special fam- ily friends, Camille DeCosta and Gil- bert Laban Jr.; and many more family neral Home and Cremation Center of St. Thomas and St. John. For online condolences visit www.hurleydavisfu- Catherine Ann Elizabeth Felix Services will be held Monday for Catherine Ann Elizabeth Felix, 93, who died on Dec. 5, 2016, at her residence. to 5 p.m. Sunday at Hurley Funeral in Eastern Cemetery. by her brother, William Fergus; sisters, Clauretta Felix, Nilda Hector, Elsie Weeks, Joseph Fergus and Winsley Felix Sr.; sons-in-Law, Patrick Hector and Thomas Noel; Grandchil- dren, Bernard and Robert Attidore; Der- rick, Jadine, and Carolyn Allen, Jacque- line and Alicia Fagan; Neuvena Cuffy and Tashina Rogers; Tamika De La Cruz, and George Baptiste III, Phillip, Kristal and Keanna Hector; Damali, Shanika, and Kareem Smith, and Geneiva Weeks: Joe-Ann, Joseph Jr., J. Daly, Ja’Den Fergus; Carl and Winsley Felix, Jr.:; and many more great grandchildren, relatives neral Home and Cremation Center of For directions and online condolenc- es visit www.hurleydavisfuneralhome. 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Tuesday, December 13, 2016 VIRGIN ISLANDS Prosecutors: white powder letters contained hoodoo curse By SUZANNE CARLSON Daily News Staff A woman facing federal criminal charges for mailing letters contain- ing white powder was attempting to place a hoodoo curse on her ene- mies, according to court documents filed by prosecutors in the case. Eugenia Winston, who is facing 32 counts of mailing threatening communications, placed “hotfoot’ powder into envelopes containing subpoenas that she mailed to wit- nesses set to testify against her in a civil lawsuit against her former employer, Scotiabank, according to court documents. Hoodoo, work.” also known as “root- traditional African American folk spirituality that de- veloped from a number of West African spiritual traditions and be- liefs. The detail came in prosecutors’ opposition to Winston’s motion to suppress all of her statements to au- thorities, which was filed Monday. Winston has been free on unse- cured bond since Sept. 1, and her civil lawsuit against Scotiabank al- leging employment discrimination and harassment has been placed on hold until the criminal case against her is resolved. At a detention hearing on Sept. 1, Federal prosecutor Chris Fisanick said Winston’s actions were a clear threat intended to terrorize the re- cipients of the letters, and made ref- erence to the 2001 anthrax attacks. Postal Inspector Eric Oram said at the hearing that the substance was determined to be nontoxic and was likely baby powder, cornstarch, or a similar substance. Winston’s attorney, Assistant Federal Public Defender Gabriel Villegas, argued that Winston is the victim of an unfortunate mis- understanding, and she accidentally spilled body powder over and into the envelopes. However, Monday’s filing by federal prosecutors paints a slight- ly different picture of Winston’s Hoodoo, also known as “rootwork,” is a traditional African American folk spirituality that developed from a number of West African spiritual traditions and beliefs. actions. “Winston mailed over 30 en- velopes that contained “hotfoot’ powder and subpoenas to various individuals in the Virgin Islands. Hotfoot powder is a hoodoo curse designed to prevent witnesses from appearing in court to testify,” ac- cording to the filing. “Hotfoot” powder is a hoodoo practice of mixing various ingre- dients often some combination of cayenne pepper, Sulphur, copper sulphate, cornstarch and other ele- ments - which is believed to drive away enemies. Commercial ver- sions of the powder also are avail- able for sale online. Recipients of Winston’s letters were mainly witnesses who might testify against Winston in her law- suit against Scotiabank, and also in- cluded U.S. Magistrate Judge Ruth Miller, the legal counsel for Scotia- bank and Winston’s former counsel in her suit against Scotiabank, ac- cording to prosecutors. Because the envelopes had a return address of the U.S. Court- house on St. Thomas, “despite the fact that Winston was serving these subpoenas herself,” some of the en- velopes that could not be delivered were returned to the courthouse and opened by staff there, according to prosecutors. “Believing the powder to be an- thrax or some other deadly biologi- cal toxin, the United States Court- house was evacuated and closed; he employees in the courthouse ho were exposed to the powde were quarantined for hours,” ac- cording to the filing. le incident caused significa sruption at the courthouse and the private law office of attorney Bennett Chan near the West Indian Co. cruise ship dock. “The purpose of lacing these en- velopes with hotfoot powder was to instill fear and intimidation in the witnesses to prevent their testify ng against Winston,” according t prosecutors’ filing. The filing does not indicate how authorities determined the sub- tance in the envelopes was hotfoot powder or what ingredients were in the powder. Winston admitted to FBI in- vestigators shortly after the enve- lopes were received that she was the sender. But Villegas has filed a motion to suppress all of her state- ments to law enforcement, saying she was not properly advised of her right to avoid self-incrimination. But prosecutors shot back in Monday’s filing, saying there is no evidence in a video-recorded inter- view with Winston that authorities did not properly advise her of her rights or attempt to intimidate her to give a statement in any way. Villegas wrote in his motion that “the videotaped interview speaks for itself.” However, prosecutors wrote that “the most cursory view of Winston’s video recorded interview with law enforcement agents establishes be- yond cavil that Winston was never coerced, was properly and repeat- edly advised of her rights, and consciously waived those rights,” according to Monday’s filing. “The first thirty seconds of the interview wholly defeats Winston’s meritless motion.” Winston is scheduled to trial on an i chord Us. Distrito Judge Juan Sanchez. Contact Suzanne Carlson at 340-714-9122 or email scarlson@ dailynews.vi. IN STOCK PS4 - XBOX ONE S - WII U - VITA & NEW 3DS XL & CASES GAMES, ACCESSORIES, CONTROLLER. VITA SD CARDS, SPECIAL ORDERING AFTER REGISTRATION “Medicine Havensight Mall, Bldg 4, St. Thomas Shoppe®& (340) 776-1235 PHARMACY Open Monday - Saturday • 9am - 6pm The Virgin Islands Daily News 9 2312122, Inter Island Boat Services, In. 2 N2122 Ferry Schedule Tortola Departs Red Hook / St. John 7:15 a.m. / Non-Stop 8:00 a.m. / 8:30 a.m. 11:00 a.m. / 11:30 a.m. 3:00 p.m. / 3:30 p.m. 4:00 p.m. / 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. / Non-Stop 4:30 p.m. / 5:00 p.m. Day Mon - Sun Mon - Sun Mon - Sun Mon - Thurs, Sat Sun Mon - Sun Fri West End, Tortola 8:00 a.m. 9:15 a.m. 12:15 p.m. 4:15 p.m. 5:15 p.m. 5:30 p.m. Virgin Gorda Thursdays & Sundays Departs Red Hook, St. Thomas Departs St. John 8:00 a.m. 8:30 a.m. Departs Virgin Gorda 3:00 p.m. Anegada 1st Sunday of Month (by reservation only) Departs Red Book, St. Thomas Departs St. John Departs Anegada 7:30 a.m. 8:00 a.m. 4:00 p.m. Jost Van Dyke Departs Red Hook, St. Thomas 8:00 a.m. (Fri & Sun) 2:00 p.m. (Fri) 4:00 p.m. (Sun) 8:00 a.m. 3:00 p.m. Departs St. John Departs Jost Van Dyke 8:30 am. (Fri & Sun) 9:15 a.m. (Fri & Sun) 2:20 p.m. (Fri) 3:00 p.m. (Fri) 4:30 p.m. (Sun) 5:30 p.m. (Sun) Mon - Wed & Sat 8:30 a.m. 3:30 p.m. 9:15 a.m. 4:00 p.m. St. John: (340) 776-6597 B.V.I.: (284) 495-4166 St. Thomas: (340) 774-4727 Email: Interisland@islands.vi Website: www.interislandboatservices.vi Proof of citizenship required. Acceptable are Passports, Passport Cards or Belonger’s Cards. Check-in time is 1/2 hour before departure. Red Hook departs 1/2 hour before St. John. BVI taxes not included. Prices are subject to change. 2222 Inter Island Boat Services ANEGADA, BVI DAY TRIP! January 1st Adults $135 Children $90 *Departure taxes not included” Departs: Red Hook at 7:30am and St. John at 8:00am Returns from Anegada at 4:00pm For reservations, call us at: 340-776-6597 or 340-774-4727 www.interislandboatservices.com HOUSE_OVERSIGHT_014506¶

10 The Virgin Islands Daily News Tuesday, December 13, 2016 CENTENNIAL SCENE Archaeology in the Virgin Islands Virgin Islands laborers excavate pre-historic deposits at Magens Bay, St. Thomas. Photo courtesy of THE VIRGIN ISLANDS. OUR NEW POSSESSIONS The Cuban Scientific Expedition to the Virgin Islands in 1951 was documented by archaeologists Oswaldo I. Morales Patiño, above, and Fernando Royo Guardia, and subsequently translated and annotated many years later for the Virgin Islands Ar- chaeological Society in its Journal number 5 (1978) by Alfredo E. Figueredo. Morales Patiño was president of the National Board of Archaeology and Ethnology within the Ministry of Culture and Education from 1951-1955. During that same period, Royo Guardia served first as secretary and then treasurer. The visiting Cuban scien- tists were part of a commission formed, among other objectives, to study and identify possible routes through which prehistoric cultures may have reached Cuba, to seek evidence of the presence of common Cuban influences in Jamaica, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, and to ascertain the spread of Carib influence and identify the culture found by Colum- bus on St. Croix. Welcomed in the Virgin Islands by Gov. Morris de Castro, they visited and examined four sites. On St. Thomas, they judged the Magens Bay site to be Arawakan culture with a few Igneri specimens. Administrator Harry E. Taylor accompanied the visitors on St. Croix, where they viewed three more sites: Christiansted environs where they exam- ined and collected a number of rimsherds and shell samples; the Salt River midden, with its French fort earthworks foundation, where they were able to excavate pottery, stone, shell and shell bead specimens; and Estate Richmond, where they viewed artifacts, including some Igneri pottery, obtained by the owners from Salt River and from an Indian site on the estate. Ac- cording to Figueredo, the “importance of this work (by the Cubans) is not due solely to its reports of archaeological remains, however; it is also a historical document, offering us interesting information on the state of affairs, beliefs, and personalities of its time. The Cubans came during one of our minor dark ages - when archaeo- logical work had come to a near standstill, and the history and historiography of the (Virgin Islands) … were in abject abandon.” Katheryne Brooks Kay-Willock, archaeologist with the Conservation and Cultural Affairs Department, studies the remains of what is believed to be 1,000-year-old skeleton located at Hull Bay beach in 1974 in St. Thomas, at a proposed condominium project. The “ribbon-sealed” bottle, a P.F. Heering Company “Heering’s Cherry Cordial” bottle produced in the period 1835-1850, was recovered from the harbor in St. Thomas, where many such items have been discarded over the centuries. The Schenectady (New York) Gazette of Jan. 7, 1981, reported an upcoming lecture presentation to the Na- tional Bottle Museum Society in Ballston Spa, N.Y., on the “Bur- ied Treasures of St. Thomas.” The newspaper reported that lecturer Gary T. Stephenson “re- cently returned from the Virgin Islands where he provided con- sulting services to an individual who has unearthed over 3,000 bottles from an old community dump. The collection dates back to 1700. ‘I have never seen so many bottles come out of one dig, said Stephenson, vice president of the museum society. Bottles in the collection come from Paris, London, Mar- tinique, Canada, Germany and the U.S.A. They graphically illus- trate the history of St. Thomas, showing evidence of worldwide trade and commerce. The St. Thomas collection is considered to be the fifth largest collection in the U.S.” Photo courtesy of VAGN PETERSEN’S DANISH BOTTLES HOUSE_OVERSIGHT_014507¶

Tuesday, December 13, 2016 The Virgin Islands Daily News 11 CENTENNIAL SCENE Fort Salé Ancient Taino ceremonial ball court and plaza Columbus Landing Site November 14, 1493 Fort Salé (formerly Fort Flamand) at the entrance to Salt River in St. Croix is the oldest intact colonial earthwork fort under United States authority. It is also believed to be the only extant earthwork fort in the entire Caribbean. Begun circa 1640 by the English, it was occupied in turn by the Dutch, then the French. The fortifications lie directly adjacent to the Columbus landing site and an ancient Taino ceremonial ball court and plaza. All these features are part of the National Park System’s Salt River Bay National Historic Park and Ecological Preserve, co-owned by and managed under an agree- ment with the government of the Virgin Islands. The Daily News of May 13, 1938, reported the 1934 discov- ery by Alvarez Julien of skeletal remains and pottery sherds on Water Island. Based upon the direct association of shells, stone implements and pottery in the area, Julien suspected the remains to be Carib Indian in origin. In 1936 he brought news of his find to the atten- tion of J.C. Trevor, who was conducting field work on the Negroes of the Eastern Carib- bean under his fellowship in anthropology at Northwestern University. The skeletal remains had been re-interred and while all could not be relocated, those that could were donated by Julien to Oxford University for further identification and study. Provisionally they were classified as pre-Columbian with further characteristics to be defined and confirmed. The images above and others appeared in the article “Skel- etal Remains from the Virgin Islands” in the April 1938 issue of “Man, A Monthly Record of Anthropological Science,” pub- lished by the Royal Anthropo- logical Institute of Great Britain and Ireland (Vol. XXXVIII, 47-65). According to The Daily News, Virgin Islands “Governor Law- rence Cramer gave permission for the material to be excavated and sent to England.” An old scale found on St. John and donated to Cruz Bay Museum on July 8, 1974, by Russel Dennem. TWO SKULLS FROM THE VIRGIN ISLANDS. 1-3 male: g-d female : about one dint naturet ai-e Photo courtesy of ARCHAEOLOGICAL RECONNAISSANCE OF THE ISLAND OF ST. JOHN, UNITED STATES VIRGIN ISLANDS. PLATE VII Petroglyphs at Congo Cay, north of Cruz Bay off St. John. About the Images: Images provided by the Territorial Archives of the Government of the Virgin Islands, a unit of the Division of Libraries, Archives and Museums of the Department of Planning and Natural Resources. Additional images sourced as otherwise noted. For more information on the holdings of the Territorial Archives, contact Territorial Archivist Susan Lugo at 340-774-0630, or email susan.lugo@dpnr.vi.gov. HOUSE_OVERSIGHT_014508¶

22 The Virgin Islands Daily News The Virgin Islands DAILY NEWS A Pulitzer Prize-Winning Newspaper SI. ChoIX ST. JOHN ST. THOMAS TORTOLA Founded Aug. 1, 1930, by J. Antonio Jarvis and Ariel Melchior Sr. Published by Daily News Publishing Co., Inc. Archie Nahigian, President EDITORIAL BOARD Gerry Yandel, Executive Editor J. Lowe Davis, Editor At Large Ken E. Ryan, Production Director Lisa Jamil, Advertising Director Onneka Challenger, Circulation Director Juanita Young, Controller SLOW M.P..H. What’s the speed limit on Magens Bay Road? Is it how fast you can run? What do the new Magen Bay signs mean? Lori Emery Public Works installed four of these signs on Magens Bay Road in November in response to the speed- ing problem. According to the Merriam-Web- ster dictionary the abbreviation of miles per hour is “mph” and there should be a number in front of mph designating the speed. On these signs, the number is omitted, so drivers have no idea what the speed limit is. St. Thomas is an international destination, and we have contem- porary street signs that use symbols for walkers, joggers, bicycles etc. I know we can do better in the signage department on Magens Bay Road.¶

• Lori Emery, St. Thomas • See Your Views In Print • The Daily News is always interested in publishing local views on topics of general interest, and we especially welcome commentary on issues affecting the Virgin Islands and its people, culture, businesses and government. Send Letters, Essays, Halos and Pitchforks, Cartoons or other original material about local issues of general interest to letters@dailynews.vi The Daily News’ opinions are expressed only in its editorials. The opinions expressed in columns, letters, cartoons and guest editorials are those of the particular author or artist. OPINIONS Tuesday, December 13, 2016 Where will Trump venture for his first state visit? Barbara Streisand and Lena Dun- ham may be some of the higher profile Trumpfugees leaving the country and heading to Justin Trudeau’s Canada. What is less certain is if a President Donald Trump will make Ottawa his first foreign port of call a long- standing presidential and foreign policy tradition. Post-election, Trudeau quickly called to congratulate PEOTUS Trump on his victory and the Canadian tweet- ed, “(We agreed to meet soon to keep building the Canada-US relationship.” Trump may want to use the high- visibility first trip to do something other than affirm tradition and reflect the importance and strength of U.S.- Canadian ties. He may want to make a grand strategy statement, letting the world know that he is going to shake- up the global status quo. Calls to Taiwan, support for the Phil- ippines President Rodrigo Duterte and meeting with Japan’s Shinzo Abe have already shaken up the foreign policy establishment’s rules for protocol, as well as approaches to human rights and global power relations. All this well- before Trump has even been sworn-in. Once in office, Ronald Reagan be- gan the tradition of new U.S. presidents making Canada the first foreign presi- dential visit. George W. Bush notably broke from this tradition, making his first stop Mexico, a country he knew well. He also hoped his trip and Cinco de Mayo parties on the White House lawn would attract Latino voters to the Republican Party. Trump has already been to Mexico, met with President Pena Nieto, got- ten a great presidential photo-op and made his talking points. It is unlikely he will be heading south of the border first. Making a splash abroad will likely require a large rallv similar or bigger than candidate Barack Obama’s visit to Berlin in the summer of 2008
• and may be chosen based on the right mix of pomp, circumstance, strategy and significance. If two big border nations are knocked POST-GARETE TH REMEMBER WHEN WE REVERED AMERICANS WHO HAD THE RIGHT STUFF? NOT REALLY… NEWS JOHN GLENN 1921 - 2016 TIME AN OF THE TEAR Markos Kounalakis out of the running for the primary re- ception of America’s new head of state, where might he go first? There are any number of early sup- porters in other countries who could be rewarded and elevated by a presidential visit. The scramble to send invitations to Trump Tower has already begun. U.K. Prime Minister Theresa May is considering an invitation on behalf of Queen Elizabeth II. Trump’s friend- ship with and preference for Brexit leader Nigel Farage as Britain’s next diplomatic envoy will require Trump to balance Buckingham Palace pageantry, the “special relationship,” Brexit forces and a potentially restive urban populace before deciding to touch down in Lon- don Town. Numerous foreign leaders supported Trump’s candidacy early on, mostly opposition politicians. A few, however, are running countries. They include Hungary’s Viktor Orban, North Ko- rea’s Kim Jong Un, Zimbabwe’s Rob- ert Mugabe and, of course, Russia’s Vladimir Putin. Rewarding them with an American inaugural visit would be revolutionary and could set in motion dramatic changes in how America’s global relations, alliances and power balancing is perceived and conducted. Big, bold, groundbreaking unprec- edented moves were the hallmark of Trump’s campaign: Is there a reason to believe he would take a different ap- proach to governing? Trump’s brand of politics is proudly unconventional from his brand management business to his Fifth Avenue transition tower to his tweet-centric campaign. Where will he go? Japan, Russia, China, Italy, Germany, France
• may- be even India, Australia or Argentina? Tipping favor toward any of the G8 member countries other than Canada for a “first visit” would create both new foreign policy opportunities and challenges. To avoid granting any nation the favor of a first foray, however, he may decide never to leave the country at all, requiring all foreign leaders visit him at Trump Tower, Mar-a-Lago, the Trump National Golf Club Bedminster … or maybe even the White House. Markos Kounalakis is senior fellow at Central European University and visiting fellow at the Hoover Institution. Contact him at markos@stanford.edu Employers should not impose religious views on employees In my opinion, Philadelphia Arch- 30 years. Its 600 employees - most bishop Charles Chaput is wrong in Richard Carroll of whom were non-Catholic women his view that religious liberty in the had access to contraceptive cover- United States is under attack (Phila- delphia Inquirer and Philly.com, Dec. 8, 2016). Religious institutions are free to believe and preach whatever they want. I think that what they are not free to do is impose those beliefs on their employees. For example, a Catholic-affiliated organization may believe that contra- ception is immoral, but I don’t think that organization should be allowed to block its female employees, who may or may not be Catholic, from access to contraception through its medical insurance plans. I worked for a Catholic organiza- tion (the Knights of Columbus) for age through the employer-provided health plan. Freedom of religion means free- dom not to have your employer’s religious views imposed on you. Richard Carroll, a part-time St. Thomas resident, is the former Associate General Counsel of the Knights of Columbus HOUSE_OVERSIGHT_014509

Tuesday, December 13, 2016 • Page 24 Island Life Lighted Boat Parade Boats festooned for Christmas wow spectators during the Lighted Boat Parade on Saturday along the Christiansted boardwalk on St. Croix. Above, the crew on Time Out waves to the crowd. Left, Santa makes an appearance. Top left, Live the Dash delivers a message of peace. Winning entries were: Sail Boats, first place, Time Out; Power Catamarans, first place, Adventure, second place, Gemini/Century; Power Boats Under 25 Feet, first place, Saorise, second, Checkmate; Power Boats 26-32 Feet, first place, Firefly; Power Boats 33-39 Feet, first place, Benita, second place, Golden Eagle; Power Boats 40 Feet, first place, Irie Feelin, second place, Milemark/Rotary; Power Boats 41 + Feet, first place, Reliance (SCUBA), second place, Renewed Interest; Best Lights, a tie between Living the Dream and the U.S. Coast Guard; Best Decora- tions, La Vie En Rose; Best Animation, Cat Chi; Best Music, Turn & Burn; Best Creativity, Live the Dash; and Best Boat Overall, Heineken Barge. Daily News photos by ROB JONES Tribute to a V.I. leader Send us your Island Life news, events and photos The Daily News is expanding its Island Life section. Do you have an event, a celebration, or a milestone, including a birth, graduation, wedding, retirement, award, honor or military accomplishment you’d like to share? Maybe you have a photo from around our islands you think our readers would like to see, whether it’s a beautiful sunset, a big catch or people just having fun in the sun. Help us celebrate our community by sending us your contributions to island-life@dailynews.vi. The possibilities are endless. The community paid tribute to the late Mulo Alwani on Friday with a memorial service gathering at the Mark C. Marin Center at Antilles School on St. Thomas. Alwani, the president of the India Associa- tion of the Virgin Islands and a longtime community leader, died on Nov. 19 in Miami after a bout with cancer. He was 79. Alwani, the former owner of Artistic Jewelers in Charlotte Amalie, had served on the Schneider Medical Center governing board and was a leader in the Rotary and the Masonic Lodge. He was remem- bered as the “godfather of the Indian community” as well as a friend and a mentor to many. HOUSE_OVERSIGHT_014510¶

Tuesday, December 13, 2016 ISLAND LIFE The Virgin Islands Daily News 25 Ulla F. Muller students attend a pep rally to roll out the school’s Positive Be- havior Support and Interventions initiative on Nov. 30 on St. Thomas. Ulla F. Muller students pledge good behavior Ulla F. Muller Elementary School sis as well as demonstrate what Pan- rolled out its Panther PRIDE Positive ther PRIDE looks in each area of the Behavior Support and Interventions school. School staff will integrate the (PBIS) initiative at a pep rally at the Panther PRIDE language into daily school on Nov. 30. The fun, high-ener- routines to encourage students to strive gy event laid the groundwork to teach for excellence. students the behaviors that make up a The PBIS initiative is rooted in evi- positive school environment. dence-based practices meant to increase Administrators taught the students behavioral and academic outcomes by the core values of the school through improving school climate, preventing PRIDE: P positive behaviors, R problematic behavior, increasing learn- respect, I - individual responsibility, ing time and promoting positive social determination and E - excellence. skills. Up to five members from each Students held signs depicting the val- school were selected to attend training ues while Muller cheerleaders and the facilitated by PBIS coaches from the Boys & Girls Club performed to rally state and district. School representatives around the cause. were tasked with producing positive be- St. Thomas-St. John PBIS district havior values unique to their institutions coach Darian Torrice-Hairston, who is and introduce them to teachers and stu- assigned to Ulla F. Muller Elementary, dents. The goal of the PBIS initiative is praised the event. “As the PBIS dis- to focus on what the students do right, trict coach for Ulla F. Muller Elemen- rather than on what they do wrong to tary School, I have certainly caught help encourage the repetition of good the Panther PRIDE! It was evident that behavior. the administration, staff and students As Muller Elementary continues exhibited their Positive Behavior, Re- to support its students through PBIS, spect, Individual Responsibility, Deter- additional phases of the initiative will mination and Excellence. PBIS and its be introduced, such as a positive re- strategies are a priority at Muller and ward system as well as ceremonies to they are working hard to implement the celebrate student and staff success. program as it fits their school,” she said With the help of the district coach, Following the rally, teachers will Muller’s in-house PBIS task force continue to instill the Panther PRIDE will guide the PBIS initiative to sup- principles in students on a daily ba- port the school. Central High School students that participated in this year’s “Close Up Washington” trip to Washington, D.C., include Ethaliah Henry, Jenna Malcomb, Nathan McGregor, Destiny Stout, Martisha Charles, Pellis Leonard, Franchel Ro- driguez, Jayla Norman, Khaiel James and N’Quelle Golden. History teacher Ericka Hansen is the Close Up adviser. Students get ‘close up’ with democracy Students enrolled in the St. Croix and Close Up advisor Ericka Hansen morial, the Smithsonian, U.S. Capi- Central High School Close Up orga- took 10 students on the annual trip, tol, Arlington National Cemetery, the nization recently returned from the na- which gives high school students and White House and more. Students also tion’s capital where they attended the educators an inside look at their democ- participated in political discussions Close Up Washington flagship pro- racy in action. Using the nation’s capital and met with members of Congress. gram. The group of 11 traveled Nov. 13-19 and joined with other Close Up as their living classroom, program par- The program provided social activities ticipants get a “close up” view of gov- for the students in the evening. high school chapters from across the ernment processes and places that make Founded in 1971, the Close Up orga- country to learn about the American the district unique and functional. nization has provided more than 825,000 democratic process. Students visited the Washington students with educational tours about Central High School history teacher Monument, Martin Luther King Me- government and the political processes. F Forever Where We Express Your Emation Thraugh Hawer.. www.flowers.vi • (340) 774-9370 WER’S Frenchtown Plaza • across from the Frenchtown Post Office Wholesale & Retail All major credit cards accepted and worldwide deliveries HOUSE_OVERSIGHT_014511¶

Tuesday, December 13, 2016 ISLAND LIFE Club gets facelift The Positive PL Crowley Caribbean Services went to the Oswald Harris Court neighborhood on St. Thomas recently on behalf of the Crowley Cares Foundation and spent time sprucing up the Boys and Girls Club. Crowley personnel from St. Thomas, St. Croix, and the states helped to clean up and paint the facility and donated furniture for the children to use for their arts and craft programs. The Crowley Cares Foundation allows employees to make monthly contributions, which the company matches, to nonprofit groups in the communities Crowley serves as a cargo carrier. Crowley also delivered a check to help the club purchase a laptop computer. In addition to the contributions, employees donate their time to community groups like the Boys and Girls Club. Students’ cultural calendar also marks V.I. centennial The students of the St. Croix Educational Complex are work- ing on a collaborative project to celebrate the upcoming centen- nial anniversary of the U.S. Virgin Islands. Called the Virgin Islands Cul- tural Contributors Calendar Cre- ation and Theatrical Performance, the project consists of a 12-month Virgin Islands Coltural Contributors calendar featuring 12 V.I. cultural contributors, accompanied by live interviews. Visual arts, drama and speech teachers Danica David and Say- eeda Carter are the directors of the project and are using students from their classes and the school’s Art Club to bring the vision to life. Art Club students will use pho- tographs of selected participants to create mixed media portraits for the calendar. Simultaneously, Carter’s drama and speech stu- dents will conduct interviews with the participants that will be used to create brief write-ups to go along with the graphics. The cultural contributors were selected based on being natives of the Virgin Islands or residents for at least 15 years and also active contributors to the development of Virgin Islands’ culture through fine arts, education, literature, and history. The students will formally pres- 2017 CALENDAR The Virgin Islands Cultural Contribu- tors 2017 calendar is available at St. Croix Educational Complex for $12. ent the finished project at a recep- tion that will feature an art exhibi- tion and theatrical performances embracing V.I. culture and hon- oring the contributors. The event will take place at St. Croix Educa- tional Complex in January. Calen- dars are available at the school in December for $12 each. The educator duo, David and Carter, developed the project so Virgin Islands students could learn about the individuals in their community that aid in the advancement of local culture. The calendar is expected to be pro- duced annually. The project is sponsored by Ro- tary Club of St. Croix, Mid Isle and the Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands. The home of great looking TILES and even better looking sales people. LOL… FUE DOOR FACTORY WORTH EVERY STEP 340-776-8787 Sub Base, STT M-F 8:30-4:30 • S 8-1 floorfactory@ymail.com The Virgin Islands Daily News 27 Magazine reprint celebrates centennial To celebrate the centennial of the transfer of government from Den- mark to the U.S. the St. Thomas-St. John Friends of Denmark Society announces the facsimile publica- tion of a commemorative magazine printed by the society 111| 1967. The title is “50 Years: St. Thomas Friends of Denmark Society.” The chairperson of the maga- zine committee was Eldra L.M.¶

• 50

YEARS Shulterbrandt. Articles by Omar Brown, Fred Gjessing, Bill La- Motta, Francesca Greve, Gertrude Dudley, Rabbi Sasso and Enid Baa are featured in the magazine. Eldra TRIENDS, DENMARE Schulterbrandt wrote “Quo Vadis” and Gov. Ralph Paiewonsky’s stir- ring “What is Virgin Islander,” is printed in full. The editor was Carlos Dowling, with design and layout by Ira Smith. Even the advertisements provide a peek at the islands’ past. The restoration of the initial maga- zine, including the mixed coloring of the pages, was made possible through digitalization by Bill and Frannie Newbold of Island Business Graph- ics. It’s an accurate reproduction of the original. The magazines are $25 and are available at the V.I. Children’s Mu- seum, Frenchtown Museum and My Brother’s Workshop Bakery on Back Street downtown and in Red Hook at Chelsea Drug Store and Sandra’s Secretarial Service Lock and Blade. Additional sites will be an- nounced. Members of the society will also have copies to sell. WEDNESDAY LOCALS NITE TOP NOTCH AMAZING SUNSETS GREAT FOODS LIVE ENTERTAINMENT 6 - 9 PM RIDE VIEW SKYRIDE TO PARADISE POINT The Fortress Mall will help you look good, learn more, get lucky and much more with 20 businesses to visit. Fortress Storage Where you’re always welcome! Behind the hospital. 340-776-3678. fortressvi.com HOUSE_OVERSIGHT_014512¶

30 The Virgin Islands Daily News ISLAND LIFE St. Croix Arthur A. Richards Jr. High School Music Department pres- ents Christmas Concert 2016 at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday in the school’s auditorium, featuring the Concert Band, Choir, Steel Band and cheer- leaders. The Youth Band Dance En- semble of St. Patrick’s School will make a special guest appearance. John H. Woodson Junior High School invites parents, guardians, and the St. Croix community to its 2016 Christmas Concert, featur- ing the Concert Band and the Touch of Love Chorale in the school’s au- ditorium on Thursday at 7 p.m. The December PTA meeting will precede the concert at 5:30 p.m. Holiday Happenings The second annual Holiday Fest will take place on Friday from 3 p.m. to midnight at Buddhoe Park, band- stand and Strand Street in Frederik- sted. Come shop and make it a pic- ture-perfect day with Santa Claus. Vendors are welcome. Contact 340- 778-1012, ext. 6200 or 6206 for more intormation. The Tourism Department, 111 collaboration with the Frederiksted Economic Development Associa- tion, presents a Community Holiday Giveback with Sunset Jazz at Bud- dhoe Park on Friday from 5 to 8 p.m. For more information, go to visitusvi. conn “The Nutcracker” at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday and at 2 p.m. on Sun- day. For tickets visit www.pistarckle- theater.com or call 340-775-7877. Miracle on Main Street cel- ebrates its 24th year on Friday in downtown Charlotte Amalie, featur- ing musicians, culinary delights and shopping. For more information, or to become a sponsor, contact the St. Thomas-St. John Chamber of Com- merce at 340-776-0100 or email chamber.vi@gmail.com. Sea View Nursing Home will host its annual Christmas Gala on Dec. 22 at the facility on St. Thomas. Cocktails begin at 6 p.m. and pre- sentations will follow at 6:30 p.m. For more information, please contact Simone Edwards at 340-777-3303. Torah scribe at synagogue The Hebrew Congregation of St. Thomas welcomes Sofer Rabbi Druin from 5 to 7 p.m. this evening. Druin is in St. Thomas to help the synagogue maintain its historic Torahs and invites you to come learn and ask about the work of the Torah scribe, a 300-year- old craft. For information email infoa synagogue.vi or call 340-774-4312. St. Thomas Pistarckle Theater presents Briefs AARP meets on Saturday AARP St. Thomas Chapter 3138 has rescheduled its regular meeting from Dec. 24 to Saturday at 1:30 p.m. in the sun room at Schneider Hospital. The newly elected executive officers and board members will be installed. Beer & Bacon Bacchanal Worldwide West and Island Vibes Summer Camp invite you to a Beer & Bacon Bacchanal at The Shops at Yacht Haven Grande pool on Satur- day from noon to 6 p.m. For more information on how to participate, volunteer of become a sponsor, call 340-626-3729, visit facebook.com/USVIcamp WWW. or email islandvibessummercamp@gmail. com. Seasons Greetings! Merry Christmas! Feliz Navidad! Gallows Bay Upholstery WE’RE OPEN! Complete repair and refinishing of all upholstery furniture: Home • Office • Chairs • Sofas • Outdoor Furniture Boat & Marine • Cushions Custom Upholstery HILDA CAMACHO, Owner 5012 Starboard Street, Christiansted, St. Croix • (340) 719-4961 Tuesday, December 13, 2016 The St. John Singers will perform two holiday concerts with guest soprano Laura Strickling on Dec. 21 at Nazareth Lutheran Church in Cruz Bay and on Dec. 23 at Emmaus Moravian Church in Coral Bay. St. John Singers welcome guest soprano for holiday concerts The St. John Singers are celebrat- other engagements to sing with us.” ing their 35th anniversary with a The singers’ selections will include special guest at two holiday con- carols from around the world, and in certs during the week preceding Christmas. keeping with the tradition, the audi- ence will be invited to sing along Soprano Laura Strickling, who has with the choir on a medley of holiday a home on St. Thomas, will be per- songs. forming with the choir at their annual This year the choir will be accom- concerts in Cruz Bay and Coral Bay panied on piano by Arboris de Jesus, on St. John. a talented young musician who was Strickling has been described as born in Puerto Rico and raised on St. possessing “a flexible voice, crystal- Thomas. She now studies music at line diction, and warm presence” by a Lawrence University. reviewer in the New York Times. She The St. John Singers concerts has received numerous awards for her will be held on Dec. 21 at Naza- performances of opera, classical and reth Lutheran Church in Cruz Bay, contemporary music. and on Dec. 23 at Emmaus Mora- “We were very lucky to get her,” vian Church in Coral Bay. Both said Janice Ballard, who has directed concerts will begin at 7:30 p.m. the St. John Singers for the last five Tickets, which are available at the “She was on St. Thomas and hears. a Corday indow between door, are $20. Children are admit- ted for free. Tuesdays HAPPY HOUR Palms AT PELICAN COVE PalmsPelicanCove.com • STX 340.718.8920 HOUSE_OVERSIGHT_014513¶

Ravens-Patriots in AFC showdown Page 34 | Alabama, Ohio State lead All-America team Page 33 Tie Virgin Islands Daily News Sports Tuesday, December 13, 2016 ALEXANDER LENARD, M.D. BOARD CERTIFIED ORTHOPAEDIC SURGEON • Fellowship-Trained Spine Surgeon • Expertise in Trauma, Spine, and Spine Stenosis COG COMPREHE GIOUXE Surgery Center Accredited by the Accreditation Astociation for Ambulatory Health Care, Inc Visit our website at www.COGVl.com. ST. THOMAS/ ST. JOHN Foothills Professional Building (340) 779-2663 ST. CROIX Sunny Isle Medical Center (340) 718-2665 ANGUILLA TORTOLA STX Educational Complex takes win over P.R.’s Juncos Broncos By DAVID EDOLE Special to the Daily News ST. CROIX - The St. Croix Ed- ucational Complex High School’s tackle football exacted some revenge for the Virgin Is- lands, roughing up Puerto Rico’s Juncos Broncos, 20-8, on Saturday night. The Barracu- das, behind the duo of Vernon Clarke and Cris- tian Perez, ran Scott Cofiell out to a 14-0 half- time lead. Clarke, Complex’s quarterback, called his own number in scoring on an 18-yard run. He then handed off to Perez, the Barricudas’ tailback, who scampered for a 12-yard score. The extra points were good by Ro- land Richards both rushing, but were awarded one point each. “We didn’t know that the National Federation of High Schools changed the rules on extra points,” said Edu- cational Complex head coach Scott Cofiell. “The new rule is one point for a rushing and two for passing. Complex poured it on in the sec- ond half when defensive end Antonio See BARRICUDAS, page 35 Photo courtesy SCOTT COFIELL St. Croix Educational Complex High School quarterback Vernon Clarke, center, hands off to tailback Cristian Perez during Saturday’s game against the Juncos Broncos at Pista Atletica Municipal de Juncos in Puerto Rico. The Barricudas went on to take a 20-8 victory over the Broncos. V.l. swimmers take gold at P.R. Nationals By BILL KISER Daily News Sports Editor Swimmers from two Virgin Is- lands swim teams brought home a combined 49 medals from the Puer- Rico Short Course National Championships, held Dec. 2-4 at the San Juan Na- tatorium. The St. Thomas Swim Associa- tion (STSA) team finished overall eighth in the Webster Bozzo combined team scoring, while the St. Croix Dolphins (SCD) came in 12th. Puerto Rico’s Bayamon Swimming Team won the overall team title. St. Thomas swimmers won 13 events, finished second in seven events and third in five others. St. Croix swimmers won in eight events, and finished second in eight others and third in eight events. St. Croix’s Webster Bozzo led all the Virgin Islands swimmers with five gold medals, posting the top imes in the boys 15-16 division in the 100- and 200-meter backstroke, 100- and 200-meter freestyle, and the 200-meter individual medley. He also finished second in the 100-meter See SWIM, page 35 Cut this out! Drive with care. Guardian INSURANCE For your auto and home ST. THOMAS Guardian Building, Havensight 776-8050, Red Hook Plaza 774-6343 ST. CROIX Sunshine Mall 692-6600, Sunny Isle 719-2375 www.guardianinsurance.com HOUSE_OVERSIGHT_014514¶

Tuesday, December 13, 2016 The Virgin Islands Daily News 35 BARRICUDAS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 36 Polanco picked up a fumble and re- turned it for score to push the Bar- ricudas’ lead to 20-0. “Our defense played very well,” Cofiell said. “Aderemi Flores had an interception and had a couple of returns of 40 yards. Lejoni Williams was all over the field and led us in tackles.” The Broncos added a late touch- down from Diego Luna and two- point conversion from Hernan Velez for the final score. “I was playing all my guys at that point,” Cofiell said. “I wanted to give everyone the experience of playing in Puerto Rico.” After the game, the Broncos set up a meet-and-greet between both team and an innovative idea came out of it. “They took care of us all week- end,” Cofiell said. “They gave us a place to stay and ground transporta- tion. They even took us sightseeing of old San Juan before being dropped at the airport. “We invited them to come to St. Croix and play us during the Vir- gin Islands-Puerto Rico Friendship weekend; hopefully it could be a yearly thing. Either they come one year or we go, this was a positive ex- perience for us.” “This was an amazing event,” Juncos head coach Manuel Santiago said. “We were very happy to host them and we enjoyed them, too. This was an excellent opportunity to open our relationship and we are working on coming to St. Croix in October.” St. Thomas schools Charlotte Amalie and Eudora Kean, the 2016 St. Thomas-St. John IAA champs, Photo courtesy SCOTT COFIELL The players and coaches from the St. Croix Educational Complex and Juncos Broncos football teams gather at midfield for a postgame photo after the Barricudas’ 20-8 win over the Broncos on Saturday at Pista Atletica Municipal de Juncos in Puerto Rico. played teams from Puerto Rico last But before we approach Puerto Rico, ally interested in playing in football. If month, losing to the Dorado Spartans we would need a unified league be- we’re going to grow, we need to play and University Garden Dolphins, re- tween St. Thomas and St. Croix good teams to get better and Puerto spectively, in games played at Lionel agreeing on stuff to make it happen. Rico has been plaving a while.” Roberts Stadium. Then we could move on to Puerto The Puerto Rico High School Foot- “I think we should have a com- Rico, They are not that far away. ball League is presently comprised of bined league with Puerto Rico,” Co- “They are more Puerto Rican teams seven teams — Antilles High School, fiell said. “We play one home and one than Virgin Islands teams. A mixed Baldrich Comets, Parque Central away every year. Look, our ticket cost schedule will have to be created with Bluewaves, Parkville Steelers, Jun- $150, that’s not much more than fly- a Caribbean champion between the cos Broncos, Dorado Spartans and ing to St. Thomas. It could be done. winners of each league. People are re- the University Gardens Dolphins. RIDE VIEW SKYRIDE TO PARADISE POINT SWIM CONTINUED FROM PAGE 36 individual medley and 50-meter backstroke. Mary Killman led St. Thomas with four gold medals, winning in the girls 19-under division in the 50-, 100- and 200-meter backstroke, and the 200-meter individual medley. She also finished third in the 50-meter freestyle. Killman also set meet records in two events, with her time of 30.09 seconds in the 50 backstroke shatter- ing the old record by 1.24 seconds, and her time of 1 minute, 5.08 sec- onds in the 100 backstroke breaking a 14-year-old record by 1.14 seconds. Thomas’ Audrey Moore and Ky Odlum, and St. Croix’s Matthew Mays won three events each. Moore took gold in the girls 11-12 division’s 50- and 100-meter free- style events, and teamed with Carter Maltby, Casey Vanderwall and Ana Pia Brunt to take the 200-meter free- style relay. She also took seconds in the 200-meter freestyle and 200-me- ter individual medley, and teamed with Vanderwall, Maltby and Brunt to take second in the 200-meter med- ley relay. Moore also finished third in both the 400-meter freestyle and 100-meter individual medley. Odlum won in the boys 13-14 division in the 50-meter freestyle, 50-meter backstroke and 100-meter butterfly. He also finished second in the 50-meter butterfly, and third in the 100-meter individual medley. Mays won in the boys 17-18 di- vision in the 100-meter individual medley, 200-meter backstroke and 200-meter individual medley. He also finished second in the 200-meter freestyle and 200-meter butterfly, and third in the 100-meter freestyle. Other gold medalists were St. Thomas’ Max Wilson (boys 11-12 200-meter backstroke), and STSA’s girls 9-10 200-meter freestyle and 200-meter medley relay teams, both composed of Gabriela Brunt, Fair- ley Maltby, Alex Otwell and Lindsay Barr. Turnbull’s Funeral Home Our Family Dedicated to Serving Families, Since 1976 The Friendliest Professional Staff The largest Funeral Home Chapel • State of the Art Prep Room • Specialty Flower Shop- Providing a large selection of wreaths, fresh and silk flowers, professionally arranged floral tributes and cemetery Urns • The Largest Casket selection and customization capability. 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