After a quiet uneventful start to the hurricane season, Faye, Gustav
and Hanna have reminded us that we must always be prepared.
All 3 storms began as "waves" coming off the African coast that
never really got their acts together until they reached the Caribbean.
Faye didn't have the typical counter-clockwise spin until it was over
Puerto Rico and even then was still considered an "open" low pres-
sure system. Un-named until it was south of Hispaniola, Faye
never reached hurricane status. But as most Floridians will attest to
it didn't have to.
Gustav also was a un-named wave until it was close to Hispaniola.
Unfortunately, this storm chose a different route and pulled itself
together quickly. As a Cat.1 hurricane, it passed over the tree-less
tip of Haiti, causing over 50 deaths- mostly due to mudslides. Then
down-graded to a tropical storm, it meandered over Jamaica bring-
ing torential rain and flooding, but little wind damage. Then Gustav
quickly got its act together, blossoming to a Cat.4 hurricane and
making a beeline for Cuba. The western third of Cuba as well as La
Isla de Juventud were battered with 140-mile-per-hour winds and
much destruction has occurred. However, as of this press release,
no deaths have been reported- which says alot about Cuba's meth-
ods of removing people from harms way. As of this moment Gustav
is about to strike New Orleans as a Cat.3 hurricane. Our prayers
are with the residents there.
As of press-time, Hanna's story has yet to be written. Also a
meandering rainband from the African coast, Hanna stayed more to
the north of the West Indies. After being battered from multiple
directions by wind shear (to the point of being down-graded to a
depression), Hanna is hanging on as a tropical storm. The Turks &
Caicos Islands and the Bahama Islands are next to be threatened
by this storm.
As of this moment, there are 2 more low pressure systems in the
Atlantic basin to be concerned about. The first, which could be
named Ike at any moment, has moved slightly north and may only
be of marine shipping concerns. The second one has just moved
off the African coast and bears watching.
For continuing coverage, we would like to suggest these websites:
www.noaa.gov
www.bbc.co.uk/caribbean
www.jamaicaobserver.com
www.virginislandsdailynews.com
Caribbean News Vol.7#1|caribbean_news16.shtml|05-1-2010||ARAWAKROOTS NEWS
News from the Caribbean
Vol. 7; No. 1
April, 2009
ST. CROIX, US VIRGIN ISLANDS(VI DAILY NEWS-2/27/09)- A man fishing off St. Croix caught a Pacific Lionfish, raising concern among biologists that the voracious predator that can devastate coral reefs, may be establishing itself in territorial waters. It is the fifth one recovered off the coast of St. Croix in 4 months.
A predator with a voracious appetite for smaller reef fish, the lionfish is a native of the western Pacific. Recent studies done in the Bahamas showed drastic drops in the density of native fish species on coral reefs after lionfish appeared in the area. Lionfish radidly reproduce, disperse and establish themselves in new areas. They have spread throughout the Bahamas in less than 2 years. A single lionfish can reduce juvenile fish on a 4-square-meter reef by an average of 85%.
Scientists believe lionfish were introduced into the Atlantic in the 1990's through people releasing them- they are a popular aquarium fish- and through the ballasts of traveling vessels. The striking, striped fish with fan-like fins and venomous dorsal spines has thrived, spreading along the East coast of the US and into the Caribbean.
PORT-OF-SPAIN, TRINIDAD(AP-4/18/09)- US President Barack Obama made a splash on a stage of leaders from across the Americas and promised to offer them a new style of US politics: more pragmatism, less arrogance.
"We have at times been disengaged, and at times we sought to dictate our terms", Obama said. "But I pledge to you that we seek an equal partnership. There is no senior partner and junior partner in our relations."
Barack & Michelle Obama arrive in Trinidad.
Obama's drive to reshape the image of the US as a humble, cooperative partner is perhaps the most significant mission while in the Caribbean. Grappling with an economic swoon that has touched them all, the heads of 34 nations have gathered for the first time in almost 4 years to fashion a fresh agenda.
Obama's concessions came after reversals of decades-old policy toward Cuba. Cuba is not a participant at the summit, but the potential for a sudden upward shift is dominating attention. The summit itself is not expected to produce any major breakthroughs. The final document is an already locked-in declaration of joint efforts on the economy, energy and security. But Obama's mission is broader. It is to get the countries in this part of the world- a mix of emerging, hurting, tiny and overshadowed places- to believe the US is truly engaged.
ST. THOMAS, USVI(VI DAIL NEWS-4/4/09)- Government officials told senators that video gambling contractor Southland Gaming could owe the territory more than $20 million, based on unresoved disputes about how revenues to the government are calculated and unpaid taxes.
The video lottery terminals are all connected to a central computer system housed in Southland Gaming's offices. The system electronically tracks money put into the machines and winnings throughout the islands. The system also calculates how much money goes to the VI government and how much is kept by Southland. The VI Lottery does not have access to the computer system. Assistant Attorney General Paul Paquin- who serves as legal counsel to the Lottery Commission- told senators that the contract between the government and Southland is flawed. For example, the contract breaks down how much profit goes to Southland but not how much goes to the government.
Paquin said the Justice Dept. also believes Southland Gaming owes approximately $2 million in unpaid gross receipt taxes. A 2007 audit by the US Interior Dept. Office of the Inspector General found that the company should be paying gross receipt taxes, which it has not since beginning operations.
The contract took effect in 2003, after the 24th legislature in its last session voted to override Gov. Charles Turnbull's veto of legislation allowing the gambling machines on St. Thomas and St. John.
The contract lasted 5 years, but automatically renewed for a second 5-year term last July. It will automatically renew for a 3rd term in 2013. The contract can only be terminated 2 ways: if Southland Gaming decides not to renew it; or if the government finds that Southland has defaulted.
Throughout the hearing, senators expressed outrage about the vague language in the contract, the proliferation of the gambling machines, and the money the company may owe the government. Later this month the VI Lottery Commission will publish a request for bids to obtain a central computer system mirroring the one at Southland to provide more accountability for the government.
TORTOLA, BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS(AP-4/7/09)- More than 400,000 companies share a few local addresses in tha British Virgin Islands, where there incorporation papers are kept in a grey 2-story building. The vast majority have no employees on the islands. All conduct their business elsewhere and many avoid paying taxes back home.
And yet the BVI welcomes their business, which provides more than half of the government's revenue, making it one of the Caribbean's most prosperous places.
An estimated $7.3 trillion is stashed in offshore financial centers worldwide by corporations and wealthy individuals seeking to shield their operations and lessen their taxes. Now these havens are under scrutiny like never before.
Leaders of the G-20 meeting in London, warned that countries refusing to share tax information would face tough sanctions. Hammered by the financial meltdown, the world's richest countries say they are serving notice they won't tolerate shady offshore operations anymore. Some of the havens capitalise on secrecy. Others, like the BVI, provide incorporation registries so businesses can claim they are based in the islands and avoid taxes in the countries where the work is performed.
The amount of money involved in this global shell game is staggering. Between 30 and 40 percent of global trade is billed outside the country it actually takes place according to the Tax Justice Network. In the US alone, $100 billion in tax revenues is lost. The Boston Consulting Group estimates that $7.3 trillion flows through offshore financial centers.
The BVI government insists it cooperates with money laundering probes, but doesn't have much to share with investigators: financial records aren't required to be kept on the island and the incorporation paperwork need not include the identities of shareholders or directors.
ST. CROIX, USVI(VI DAILY NEWS-4/6/09)- Fishermen have harvested the seas around the Virgin Islands for hundreds of years to supply residents with a consistent, fresh local food source. Now however, the Caribbean Fisheries Management Council(CFMC) has made proposals that it says will protect fish stocks around the islands, but that fishermen say will push them over the brink financially.
Fishermen, scientists and administrators have known this day was coming for some time. The Magnusson Stevens Reauthorization Act of 2006 requires that catch limits be set by 2010 for species in federal fisheries that are subject to over-fishing. Annual catch limits must be set for all species in federal waters by 2011.
The CFMC has proposed action that will change regulations for taking silk, blackfin, vermillion, queen yellowfin and cardinal grouper; tiger, black and red snapper; queen conch and parrotfish. Fishing for Nassau grouper is already banned in the Virgin Islands.
What fishermen do not want is any more areas closed to fishing. Several permanent and seasonal closures already are in effect in territorial waters. Fishermen say they are concerned that any more closures will put a strain on any fisheries that are left open.
Already closed to fishermen are spawning aggregates of several species. These are set for times of the year when vast schools of fish congregate to breed in shallow offshore banks, making them vulnerable to fishing. The goal of the fisheries council is to find a sustainable optimal yield for a given fishery. This is defined as the maximum amount of a particular fish that can be extracted over time without decreasing the population of that species.
A group of local fishermen and community leaders has formed to create a set of regulatory proposals. These will be discussed during meetings May 6 on St. Thomas and May 7 on St. Croix. The public input will then be discussed and voted on by the CFMC at its next meeting on St. Croix on June 24th and 25th.
PORT-OF-SPAIN, TRINIDAD(AP-4/18/09)- Leaders of so-called Caribbean tax haven countries say they will ask US President Barack Obama to oppose a planned crackdown on offshore tax evasion that they consider a threat to their financial services industries. A proposed US law would make it harder for Americans to keep money in such places, and similar efforts in Europe have exerted pressure on offshore banks and corporate registries.
Obama has said he supports the Stop Tax Haven Abuse Act and was one of the bill's co-sponsors when he was still a US senator. The bill would make it harder to hide assets in more than 30 tax havens including Belize, Panama, the Bahamas and Antigua/Barbuda.
ST. THOMAS, USVI(VI DAILY NEWS-2/27/09)- Lt. Governor Gregory Francis publicly received his new passport card to drum up enthusiasm for the new form of identification that is a less expensive option to a full passport.
Since the 9/11 terrorist attacks, new laws were passed mandating that US citizens have passports to cross US borders. Previously international travel within North America- Canada, the Caribbean and Mexico- did not require a passport. So, the federal government is offering this option to those who travel by land or sea within the North American region. The cards are not good for international air travel. A passport is still required. In the territory, passport cards are a good option for residents who travel by ferry to the BVI.
A first-time applicant for the card will pay $45 and $35 for children. Renewals (every 10 years) are $20.
SANTO DOMINGO, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC(AP-4/9/09)- Gunmen killed 5 people in a raid to oust farmers from a contested parcel of coastal land in eastern Dominican Republic. Seven people were also injured in the shooting in Miches, a fishing village where the fast-developing tourism industry has sent real estate prices soaring.
Ownership of the property has been disputed for weeks between a farming community of about 150 people, which currently occupies and says it holds the title to the land and another party that police and prosecutors refuse to identify. Police have arrested 2 suspects.
Miches, on the northern coast between Samana and Punta Cana, is one of the Caribbean nation's fastest-growing tourist destinations. Once known as a stopping point for migrants making voyages to Puerto Rico, it now markets itself as a premier location for ecotourism. Tourism development over the past decade has produced other cases of poor people facing eviction from hot-selling property,
usually with dubious claims to the land.
The people of Miches say the raid began when 10 men arrived in the same vehicle and began shooting into the air. When some of the farmers took up machetes to defend themselves they were shot. Police say they have bolstered security in the area to prevent further clashes.
ST. JOHN'S, ANTIGUA(AP-3/14/09)- Antigua's ruling party will stay in power, but with a narrower margin in Parliament, following an election shadowed by US fraud allegations against R.Allen Stanford.
The United Progressive Party won 9 of the 17 seats, compared to 12 before the election. It was however, enough to keep Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer at his post. The Antigua Labor Party won 7 seats, with the remaining seat going to the Barbuda Peoples Movement. One of the seats went to former Prime Minister Lester Bird, who helped Stanford establish his business empire here.
The country has been struggling in recent weeks to deal with the fallout of US allegations that Stanford operated a massive Ponzi sceme through his Antiguan-based offshore bank. Spencer's government has seized some of Stanford's assets in hopes of keeping the businesses operating and preventing them from being seized to compensate investors.
PROVIDENCIALES, TURKS & CAICOS ISLANDS(AP-3/17/09)- Britain plans to dissolve the Cabinet and legislature of this territory following a corruption inquiry that found "clear signs of political amorality and immaturity", the London-appointed governor said. Gov. Gordon Wetherell also said an order has been drafted to suspend parts of the constitution and transfer the authority of government ministers to him.
The inquiry into the island territory located between Haiti and the Bahamas began last year after a Parliament report found complaints of rampant corruption, including claims that government officials misused public money and profited from the sale of government-owned land. The lead investigator could recommend criminal investigations in his final report.
PORT-AU-PRINCE, HAITI(AP-3/10/09)-Bill Clinton and UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon are trying to refocus international attention on Haiti with a visit that they hope will lure more aid to keep the impoverished country from sliding back into chaos. The former US president and the UN chief toured the run-down capital and met with officials who have been struggling with high food prices and a devastating series of storms during a period of relative political calm.
They were met at the airport by a delegation that included Haitian-born singer Wyclef Jean. The delegation stopped at a school in the rough Cite Soleil neighbourhood, once the site of violent clashes between gangs and UN peacekeepers, to view a food program for children. Clinton was pleased to see efforts such as the program, run by Jean's charity, Yele Haiti, and UN World Food Program. Clinton, who last visited Haiti in 2003, is popular for his past support of Jean-Bertrand Aristide, who was forced to flee following a violent uprising in 2004.
SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO(AP-3/14/09)- US authorities said they have seized more than $11 million worth of cocaine from a high-end yacht based in the BVI. US Customs reports finding the cargo on board the Black Sea in the Puerto Rican coastal town of Fajardo. The 248 bricks weighed 633 lbs.
The 54-foot Viking vessel is valued at $1.6 million and is registered to MDS Caribbean Seas Ltd. in the BVI. No company with that name is listed in the BVI phone book. Authorities have arrested 4 US citizens from Puerto Rico.
KINGSTON, JAMAICA(AP-3/1/09)- Jamaican regulators say they are forbidding all explicit references to sex and violence over the airwaves. The new rules from the island's broadcast commission ban any song or music video that depicts sexual acts or glorifies gun violence, murder, rape or arson.
The announcement follows a Feb. 6 ban that specifically targeted Dancehall tunes and videos depicting "daggering"- a dance style popular with Jamaican youth that features pelvic grinding simulating sex. The beat-driven fusion of rap and reggae known as dancehall music is hugely popular in Jamaica despite recurrent controversy over lyrics and the dance style.
SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO-(AP-3/1/09)- Sismologists say a light earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 4.5 rattled the US and British Virgin Islands. The seismic network of the University of Puerto Rico says the afternoon quake was centered about 66 miles from Anegada in the BVI.
Disaster officials had no reports of damage or injury from the undersea quake, which had a depth of 18 miles.
ST. JOHN, USVI(STJ TRADEWINDS-4/21/09)- A Tennessee man visiting St. John Didn't even make it to his rental villa before an attack by several young men in downtown Cruz Bay sent him to the emergency room with extensive injuries and an empty wallet.
The 54-year-old man arrived in Cruz Bay on the midnight ferry from Red Hook, St. Thomas. He then walked down the street looking for a taxi. However, the man was jumped, robbed and severely beaten on Easter Sunday morning, April 12. The beating left the tourist with a sprained leg and ankle, a fractured nose, a fractured left eye socket and a number of cuts and abrasions. He'll need reconstructive surgery on his eye socket.
While the attack was reportly caught on a surveillance camera, it is uncertain how clear of a recording it is. VI Police officials are investigating the incident and expect to make an arrest shortly.
"I'm recovering, but it's really unfortunate what happened", the Tennessee man said. "The police were very professional and everyone has been very compassionate. Despite my reservations about safety, my fears are being offset by all the responses I'm getting from people."
SPORTS:
PORT-OF-SPAIN, TRINIDAD(AP-3/11/09)- West Indies endured nervous moments to cling to a series-clinching draw against England with 8 wickets down on the final day of the 5th and final test at the Queen's Park Oval. The home team set a target of 240 to win off 66 overs, preferred to defend and just avoided defeat at 114-8.
West Indies won the 5-match series1-0 and regained the Wisden Cup for the first time since 2000. The series victory was West Indies first against an opponent since June 2004 when it defeated Bangladesh at home.
In a thrilling finale featuring 7 centuries, England declared twive at 546-6 and 237-6, while est Indies finished with 544 and 114-8. England lost the first test in Jamaica by an innings but was one wicket away from victory in the third test in Antigua and just 2 wickets away here.
Other highlights of the final Test:
West Indies captain Chris Gayle scored his 10th century on Day 3 as his team cruised past the follow-on target and reached 349-4 at stumps. Brendan Nash hit 70 not out and Shivnarine Chanderpaul 52 not out to share an unbroken stand of 146 for the 5th wicket that spanned the last session and a half and dulled England's attack. Nash arrived at his 4th Test half century off 98 balls while Chanderpaul took 142 deliveries to reach his landmark.
Chanderpaul cracks a 6.
Left-handers Chanderpaul and Nash completed defiant centuries on Day 4 to lead West Indies to within 2 runs of England's first innings total. Chanderpaul carried his 21st test century to a marathon, unbeaten 147 as he and Nash shared a record fifth-wicket stand of 234 that anchored the West Indies innings. The 34-year -old Chanderpaul, the reigning ICC Player of the Year, cracked 13 fours and a six off 361 balls in 522 minutes. The 31-year-old Nash, in his 7th test, hit a fine 109 which spanned 257 balls and 329 minutes and was decorated with 17 fours.
ST. THOMAS, USVI(VI DAILY NEWS-4/15/09)- The Leeward Islands have finally done it. After 6 years of taking the field at Addelita Cancryn cricket grounds, Leeward broke through and finally beat the Windward Islands. Windwards, needing 138 runs- 249 overall- to win with 3 wickets remaining, lost on strong bowling by Leewards, especially Garvin Tonge, who took 5 wickets in the second innings. Windwards managed 220 runs, 29 shy of victory.
Caribbean News-Vol.7#2|caribbean_news17.shtml|05-5-2010||ARAWAKROOTS NEWS
CARIBBEAN COMMUNITY NEWS
VOL. 7 #2
MAY, 2009
ST. THOMAS, US VIRGIN ISLANDS(VI DAILY NEWS-4/7/09)- A
memorial of flowers, brooms and a prayer mat in Mandela Circle
honors the life and memory of Dale Rogers- known to most people
as Bakimba- the man who spent nearly every day of the last 20
years sweeping the streets, picking up trash and transforming sim-
ple patches of dirt into works of art. Not everyone knew his name,
but everyone knew who he was. The instantly recognizable sight of
the slim, bearded man- broom in hand- tirelessly cleaning the streets
of St. Thomas was a daily event in many lives.
In his earlier years, he was a landscaper with the Dept.of Agriculture
and Gov. Cyril King used to personally call Bakimba to do the
grounds of Government House for big events with his trademark de-
signs and artistry. He was also a facilities manager at the Knud
Hansen Hospital, where he designed the landscaping.
In 1983 he was in a car accident that left him partially paralyzed and
in a coma for months. It was months before he was able to walk
again, shuffling along with help. Not long after that, he was sweep-
ing the house, only able to use 1 arm. It was his therapy. As he re-
gained his strength, he expanded his sweeping to the area around
Oswald Harris Court where he lived, and eventually to the entire
Estate Thomas area.
While most simply knew Bakimba as the man who swept Mandela
Circle, he was much more than that to his family and friends:
"People never felt sorry for him. They just knew there was some-
thing special about him", said Bakimba's daughter Damali. "The
Sweeper was just part of being a Muslim. He always used to say,
'cleanliness is close to godliness' ".
"He's such the epitome of a community person", said 1 St. Thomas
resident. "I admired him very much. I feel very sad for us as a com-
munity. Nobody's going to forget him"
ST. THOMAS, USVI (VI DAILY NEWS-3/12/09)- They gave Lionel Roberts Stadium a brand new coat of paint. They cleaned beaches. They spruced up schools across the island- painting, landscaping and adding mulch to playgrounds. And they painted and did some landscaping at a homeless shelter, a home for developmentally-challenged adults, and a senior citizen center.
Approximately 500 employees of Novo Nordisk disembarked from the Liberty of the Seas cruise ship and spread out across the island with a single purpose in mind- doing community service work. Novo Nordisk, a Danish pharmaceutical company that specializes in products to treat diabetes and hemophilia, recently awarded the VI government a 3-year grant to promote diabetes awareness and prevention in the territory.
At the stadium, Novo Nordisk also presented the Dept. of Human Services with 200 duffel bags- filled with pajamas, toiletries, school supplies, cameras and photo albums- for local foster children. At Sibilly Elementary School, the volunteers painted tables and playground equipment, put in new planters, added mulch to the playground- and then lunched with students in the cafeteria. After lunch, they joined students in a phys-ed class and played games with them.
ST. JOHN, USVI (STJ SUN TIMES-4/16/09)- St. John artist Livy Hitchcock has spent the last 10 years using her art to help heal the wounds left by the April 1999 shootings in Columbine, Colorado. In the days after the tragedy, Hitchcock resolved to help the survivors, the families of the 13 children who lost their lives in the attack. An artist since the age of 5, she put her skills as a portrait painter to use, reaching out to the families and offering to paint a portrait of the one they'd lost. A simple enough premise, but her offer of solace through art has grown into much more.
Now, a decade since the massacre, Hitchcock has completed portraits for 10 of the students. Each one is deeply personal, based both on photos of the student and on Hitchcock's interactions with the families. Each painting contains a portrait within a portrait. "Each portrait is done with the student as a young adult...combined with a young version of them and painted in a way that celebrates something unique about that particular child", said Hitchcock. She says the portraits she's completed have meant a great deal to the parents- "They say that they'll never forget what I did."
She may soon have some help in finding the remaining family members. Hitchcock was recently contacted by the therapist of one the first reporters to arrive at the high school on April 20, 1999, who is now suffering from Post Traunatic Stress Disorder. The therapist has encouraged him to help with Hitchcock's project as part of his therapy. However, Hichcock says, "It has to be the impetus of the parents. I'm also aware that even 10 years is not enough time for some people."
Livy Hitchcock.
She has just begun illustrating an allegorical book written by Dawn Anna, mother of Columbine victim, Laura Townsend. Hitchcock said, "I'll never really be done, in terms of how it has impacted my life".
ST. THOMAS, USVI (VI DAILY NEWS-4/23/09)- Ursula Krigger- known by many as "Aunt Sula"- turned 107 years old and is still sharp as a tack. She was born in St. Thomas on April 22, 1902 and still lives in the Neltjberg home she and her 7 siblings grew up in.
"Thank God for life", Aunt Sula said. "I feel so blessed." Despite the fact that she is completely blind from glaucoma and cannot leave her house, her state of mind, personality and spirit are as clear as ever.
Ms. Krigger experienced the events and changes in the Virgin Islands most only know from books including the transfer from Danish to U.S. rule in 1917, the granting of U.S citizenship in 1927 and the election of the first Virgin Islands governor in 1970. She was 15 during the transfer and didn't fully understand the significance of the event. "I didn't know what had happened", she said. "I just saw old Danish people cry when they pulled down the Danish flag and put up the American flag."
She said that back then people were well-behaved and polite to each other. "There was no money, but still we got along nicely."
ST. JOHN, USVI (STJ TRADEWINDS-3/1/09)- Due to the success of this year's St. John Arts Festival, it was extended 2 extra days in Franklin Powell Park in Cruz Bay. The event was concluded on its final day with a concert by reggae favorites Inner Visions and prizes to applaud exhibitors who supported the "Caribbean-made" theme in their dress and their exhibits as well as attending the full 5-day event.
First prize went to Sonia Sprauve. Two second prizes was awarded to Shenoi Bunge and Karen Mandelbaum/Sally Bolhous. Three 3rd prizes were awarded to Nzeeba Rabsatt, Alton Adams and Shirley & Laurie Gallagher.
Nzeeba Rabsatt.
ST. JOHN, USVI (VI DAILY NEWS-4/15/09)- It was a fresh beginning for a well-used structure. The site of the former Horace Mann Building, which was recently used as the John Folly Learning Institute is now the home of the St. John Montessori School.
"It is my pleasure to come home', stated renowned St. John educator Guy Benjamin, who taught at the Horace Mann School many years ago. "This was my first teaching position where I was boss."
The center, which teaches students from ages 2 1/2 to 5, will provide education to to those particularly at the east end of St. John where options are few.
ST. JOHN, USVI (STJ TRADEWINDS-3/16/09)- Celebrating Our Sons And Daughters Of Music, an event sponsored by the VI Culture Heritage Institute and the Council on the Arts, honored two St. John musicians who have dedicated their lives to the art.
Phillip "Grasshopper" Pickering, a founding member of the acclaimed reggae band INNER VISIONS, was fascinated with music at an early age. Following a stint in the military and collaborating in the band PROPHECY, Pickering settled into the groove which became Inner Visions. Glen Davis of the Cultural Heritage Division said, "Grasshopper's music has a positive influence on the Virgin Islands. It is his ambition to use music to remind mankind that love is the only solution to our social ills."
Growing up on a then sleepy St. John, Godfrey Smalls passed the time playing flute as a small boy in Coral Bay. As he grew up, his musical interest matured as well. By the time he was 17, the self-taught musician was a serious clarinet and saxophone player. Smalls, who still plays with the band he created in 1963- SMALLS & THE MERRYMAKERS- has collaborated with local musical luminaries Jamesie Brewster and The Mighty Groover. Myron Jackson stated, "Godfrey is an integral part of social and cultural activities in the Virgin Islands. His contributions have been recognized before and the St. John tradition bearer continues to give to the community."
This year's musical series is the third annual celebration of local musicians during VI History Month. In creating this year's theme, organizers focused on making historical local music relevant to todays youth.
ST. JOHN, USVI (ARAWAKROOTS NEWS-4/27/09)- Hundreds of people enjoyed an afternoon in the sun at Vie's Campground as the Coral Bay Yacht Club hosted the 12th "Almost Annual" Flotilla benifitting Guy Benjamin Elementary School. The event raised about $9,000 for the small Coral Bay school.
Sails dotted the horizon the day of the event as GBES students enjoyed a cruise on Coral Bay's tall ship "Silver Cloud", thanks to its captain, Elliot Hooper. Many CBYC members also took guests out on the morning sail, which turned into a happy "regatta" with boats firing cannons at each other, and then to the East End beach for a beach party and delicious food provided by local chefs.
"There was a great turn-out of people and boats, glorious hot sunshine accompanied by calm seas and gentle breezes for a leisurely sail", said CBYC's Clare Weaver. "In fact, there was such a good turn-out of school kids, we had to transport them to Vie's on 3 other sailboats besides SILVER CLOUD. It was a hugely successful day which was thoroughly enjoyed by all."
ST. JOHN, USVI (ARAWAKROOTS NEWS-5/1/09)- While most kids were relaxing on the beach during spring break, high school junior Christen Marsh was busy helping to construct a house for under-priviliged families in Guyana. She traveled to the small South American country with the National Association for the Prevention of Starvation(NAPS). The group of 16 stayed at a family's home.
"I had fun", said Ms. Marsh. "We helped build a house for 3 days and then went into the community and talked to the kids and taught them songs." She had plenty of support from St. John residents, many of whom donated funds to help cover her air fare to Guyana.
Christen Marsh(center) & other volunteers.
As Marsh, an honors student who graduated from Guy Benjamin Elementary School, ponders her future another NAPS trip is certainly possible. "I had a really good time and I think it made me a better person", Christen said.
Caribbean News Vol.7#3|caribbean_news18.shtml|07-1-2010||ARAWAKROOTS NEWS
CARIBBEAN ENVIRONMENTAL NEWS
Vol. 7; No.3
June 2009
ST. JOHN, USVI (VI DAILY NEWS- 3/31/09)- With a $2.25 million appropriation signed by President Barack Obama earlier this month, the V.I. National Park is getting closer to owning most of the land
on a hillside south of Maho Bay. It has remained pristine while the ownership and development rights have been sorted out in the terriitory's courts. In the 1960's, Harvey Monroe Marsh left the massive parcel of land in Maho Bay and Estate Usher's Cay to his 11 grandchildren. The heirs did not get specific parcels, but instead inherited 11 equal interests in the entire property.
The VI National Park purchased 3 of the interests in 1970. The Trust for Public Land, a national non-profit conservation organization, purchased 1 interest in 2003 and purchased 419 acres- 6 of the remaining interests- in 2007 for $19 million. When the trust purchased the land, the intention was to gradually sell it to the V.I. National Park as funds became available. The Trust is selling the land to the park for $9 million- about 47 cents on the dollar.
The territorial court finished partioning the land on March 11- meaning that the lines divvying up the property had been drawn and agreed upon. With the partition finished, the park can take control of the 3 shares it has owned on paper for nearly 4 decades, as well as the acreage it will be purchasing from the trust.
ST. THOMAS, USVI (VI DAILY NEWS- 2/28/09)- For 3 weeks, the U.S. EPA will study coral reefs around the US Virgin Islands using the EPA's ocean survey vessel, BOLD. The ship will conduct a series of scientific observations gathering data on the marine environment and reef ecosystems.
EPA scientists and divers will observe and analyze reefs at 60 locations around St. Thomas and St. John to create a record of existing coral conditions. Data from the studies will be used to develop water quality standards and to enhance the Virgin Islands coral reef monitoring program.
PORT OF SPAIN, TRINIDAD (AP- 4/11/09)- Trinidad and Tobago, the Caribbean's top exporter of oil and natural gas, plans to finance a renewable energy industry to help diversify its economy as falling oil prices slash public income. A government-appointed committee is researching wind, solar, wave and biofuel projects.
The twin-island nation is the top supplier of natural gas to the U.S.. But with petroleum prices falling, Trinidad will post an $880 million budget deficit, more than 10% of its budget. An alternative energy industry would also help Trinidad, a signatory to the Kyoto Protocol, reduce carbon emissions.
ST. THOMAS, USVI (VI DAILY NEWS- 3/27/09)- The St. Thomas Coastal Zone Management denied a developer's request for 2 major permits to build a residential and marina project at Mandahl Bay. Mandahl Bay Holdings sought the permits to build an 87-slip marina at the Mandahl Bay salt pond, 39 townhomes, 17 apartments and 48 condominiums, as well as a commercial center. The commercial center was slated to provide support services to a number of additional estate lots and residential units to be built on the hillside by the same developer.
In the CZM's recommendations to deny the permits, it stated the permit applications were inconsistent with the goals, policies and standards of the territory's environmental protection and development law. The permit application for the marina did no incorporate mitigation measures to lessen or eliminate adverse environmental impacts. The application did not back up the developer's claims that the project would provide social and economic benefits to the territory.
The CZM staff noted that "the salt pond at Mandahl Bay is the sole remaining wetland area on St. Thomas that is free from immediate development or other anthropogenic impacts."
ST. THOMAS, USVI (VI DAILY NEWS- 3/28/09)- The Senate Planning and Environmental Committee speedily approved a major coastal zone permit to allow a large high-end residential development on Thatch Cay with a 5-1 vote. This vote solidifies the permit, which was first approved by the St. Thomas Coastal Zone Management last May.
Ever since Thatch Cay LLC submitted its application for the permit, controversy about the project and plans has surrounded it. Thatch Cay is a rocky, undeveloped 230-acre island. The developers plan to build 101 homes and 24 support buildings. The project includes a community center, clubhouses, a yoga pavilion, spa, 2 dining areas, a 21-slip marina, 25 boat moorings and a helicopter landing area, among other amenities.
The committee's decision on this permit is likely to set the tone for future development proposals on other outlying cays, many of which remain undeveloped.
Senator Adlai Donastorg, the one dissenting voter, said that part of the reason for his vote was the environmental concerns the development poses. Another issue is the large docking area which includes a 7,104-sq-foot barge landing facility, a 7,875-sq-foot snorkling pier and 25-slip marina. It has been argued the area must first be re-zoned for a dock this large.
SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO (AP-4/23/09)- The U.S. EPA may add a paper and plastic bag factory in central Puerto Rico to its list of hazardous waste sites. Scientists say contamination from the Papelera Puertorriquena Inc. plant in the mountainous town of Utuado may have polluted soil and a river with industrial chemicals including ethyl acetate.
Businesses and homes surround the plant and several public schools are within a half mile. The Superfund list targets the most severe hazardous waste sites.
ST. THOMAS, USVI (VI DAILY NEWS- 3/3/09)- A bill to keep the Caneel Bay Resort in business after the property is transferred to the V.I. National Park, passed through the U.S. House of Representatives and is now under further consideration.
When Laurance Rockefeller donated more than 5,000 acres on St. John to the federal government in 1956 to create a national park, he kept 170 acres for his resort at Caneel Bay. Since 1983, the resort has been operating under a Retained Use Estate agreement which expires in 2023. The agreement lays out terms for the property's use and states that in 2023, the title for the Caneel property would be transferred to the national park and the land and resources incorporated into the park.
The bill- sponsored by V.I. Delegate to Congress Donna Christensen- authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to enter into a lease agreement with the resort owners. The legislation states that the lease cannot exceed 40 years. The ruins and historical structures located on the property would be maintained by the park. The general character of the resort must remain as it is. The resort cannot change in overall size, sell timeshares or increase the amount of guest accomodations. No new buildings, pools or golf facilities can be added.
ST. THOMAS, USVI (VI DAILY NEWS- 5/2/09)- The Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge is closing for the rest of the summer to protect the leatherback sea turtles that may hatch on the beaches there. The refuge has closed every year since 1995 during this time of year to ensure the safe hatching of the endangered turtles.
Leatherbacks begin nesting in late February, and the hatchlings will begin to emerge this month and can continue to hatch through August. The turtles hatch a few inches under the sand and stay there until dark, when they make their way to the surface and head toward the sea.
The refuge has a turtle watch program that allows groups to observe the nesting turtles and watch the hatchlings as they emerge from the sand. To make reservations for the program, contact the refuge office at (340) 773-4554. The beaches will reopen Sept. 5th.
COPENHAGEN, DENMARK (AP- 3/14/09)- Hundreds of leading scientists warned that global warming is accelerating beyond the worst predictions and threatening to trigger irreversable climate shifts on the planet. Saying there's no excuse for inaction, the nearly 2000 climate researchers meeting here urged policy makers to vigorously implement the economic and technological tools available to cut emmissions of greenhouse gases.
The climate change panel predicted in 2007 a sea level rise of 7 to 23 inches by the end of the century. But more recent research presented at the conference suggested that melting glaciers and ice sheets could help push sea levels up at least 20 inches and possibly as much as 39 inches.