Local news

Speculation Rampant Over Vanished St. Thomas Real Estate Broker

BillCurry — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 00:10:34 -0400

She fled to Venezuela via Cuba ... or is living a posh life under federal witness protection. That’s just a taste of the rumors tempting St. Thomians in the wake of the sudden disappearance of St. Thomas real estate broker and businesswoman Rosemary Sauter.

Prosser Raises Bribery Issues in Bankruptcy Proceedings

BillCurry — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 23:19:35 -0400

Jeffrey Prosser, former owner and CEO of Innovative Telephone, indirectly raised a charge of bribery in the protracted bankruptcy proceedings relating to Prosser and his former corporate empire.

Unidentified Body Washes Up at Remote St. John Bay

BillCurry — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 21:49:34 -0400

A St. John resident discovered the body of an unidentified man Sunday at remote Privateer Bay on St. John. It appears the man was in the water for a "number of days."

Brief: Two Women Arrested for String of November Burglaries

BillCurry — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 21:35:50 -0400

Two young women were arrested Friday following the investigation into a series of November burglaries in Estate Green Cay, according to a news release issued Monday by the V.I. Police Department.

Not for Profit: PINNACLE

David McCracken — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 19:33:33 -0400

For the past two years, the PINNACLE family enrichment program has been touching parents and children by helping to resolve conflict and enrich lives with counseling and classes.

DeJongh Asks BVI to Hold Off on Boating Rules

David McCracken — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 15:46:23 -0400

Gov. John deJongh Jr. asked Thursday that the British Virgin Islands delay implementing recent commercial boating rules for a "reasonable period" until they can be tailored to fit U.S. and BVI conditions,according to a statement released Saturday.

Record Five Cruise Ships In a Week Call On St. Croix

David McCracken — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 22:03:49 -0400

St. Croix’s economy is getting an added boost this week as a record five ships call on the island, bringing thousands of cruise passengers to its shores to shop, dine, and explore all St. Croix has to offer, Tourism Department officials said in a statement.

Blood Drive Sputters Even as Health Fair Clicks

David McCracken — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 21:35:45 -0400

Close to 100 people got free health screenings at the fifth annual Health Fair and Blood Drive Saturday. But only a little more than a dozen people gave blood.

Hope Springs Anew at Little League Opening Day

David McCracken — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 21:02:03 -0400

At the opening ceremonies of the Elmo Plaskett West Little League Saturday afternoon, the future came marching into the stadium and stood in the arc of the infield, ready to go out and play ball.

Sewage Pumped Over Long Reef Again

David McCracken — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 23:48:45 -0400

The V.I. Waste Management Authority has been pumping sewage over Long Reef since 8 p.m. Thursday, and the Department of Planning and Natural Resources advises "caution" before swimming on Christiansted Harbor beaches this weekend.

DeJongh Slams Senate For Delaying Vote on Peace Officer Bill

David McCracken — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 23:19:29 -0400

By not voting on a bill giving peace officer status to federal agents working in the territory, senators are endangering the lives of local residents and thwarting the government's best efforts to combat crime, Gov. John deJongh Jr. said in a statement Friday.

Arrest Warrant Issued for Fugitive Realtor

David McCracken — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 22:58:13 -0400

Rosemary Sauter-Frett, the owner of the RE/MAX Dream Properties brokerage, is being hunted by local authorities, and if she has fled the territory could be the target of the FBI.

Local Hiring Quota Bill Debated By Legislature

David McCracken — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 22:47:48 -0400

A bill setting minimum percentages of local employees and management in all companies hired by the V.I. government got favorable testimony as to its intent, but there remained questions about its specifics, practicality and its constitutionality during committee hearings Friday.

Brief: Two Killed in Mutual Homes Shooting

David McCracken — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 22:01:53 -0400

Police are investigating the homicides of a 16-year-old and an adult male that occurred in the Mutual Homes Housing Community on Wednesday.

Farm to School Program OK'd in Senate Committee

David McCracken — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 21:47:54 -0400

The Senate Labor and Agriculture Committee unanimously approved a "Farm to School" bill to promote buying locally grown produce in the public schools Friday, after experts testified the bill had praiseworthy aims but duplicated existing programs and needed funding to be effective.

College Forum: UVI Can Play Major Role in Community Development

David McCracken — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 21:37:15 -0400

After brainstorming about how to make the University of the Virgin Islands better, members of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities, on island for their annual winter meeting, presented their recommendations Friday to UVI's president, faculty and staff.

St. Croix Church Group Reaches to Suffering Haitians

BillCurry — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 13:33:24 -0400

In an overwhelming response to help ongoing Haiti relief efforts, Seventh-Day Adventist Church members on St. Croix have collected more than $68,000 in two weeks. On Thursday, church officials presented the check to the Seventh-Day Adventist North Caribbean Conference headquarters in Castle Coakley.

Rotary Member Recounts Poignant Moments During Haiti Mission

BillCurry — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 00:12:15 -0400

Members and guests of the Rotary Club of St. Croix listened intently as featured speaker and club member Jason Henry spoke about the horrible sights, sounds and smells he experienced while in Haiti, where he volunteered at a makeshift outdoor medical clinic outside Port-au-Prince.

Morale Remains High for VING Troops in Kosovo

BillCurry — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 23:14:42 -0400

Helping to patrol streets, protect dignitaries and keep the peace in war-torn Kosovo, soldiers with the V.I. National Guard proudly shared their experiences Thursday through a live videoconference chat.

Cash-Strapped Universities Looking to Do More With Less

BillCurry — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 22:38:25 -0400

Colleges and universities across the country are being pushed by federal officials to do "much more, with much less," and this week about 200 academic leaders are gathering on St. Thomas to figure out how they can make it work.