Hugh R. James, age 73, of #69B La Grange, died Thursday, Jan. 25 at Juan F. Luis Hospital.
Funeral services are planned for noon Saturday, Feb. 3 at St. Patrick Catholic Church. A viewing will precede the service beginning at 11 a.m.
Burial will follow at Frederiksted Cemetery.
He is survived by his wife, Asta L. O'Bryan James; daughters, Almira and Valerie James; sons, Hugh Jr. and Halvor James; grandchildren, Zalika, Lateef, Tamika, Kaleef, Amandela, Malika, Jakeel, and Kashmir James; great-grandchild, Tia; sister, Gertrude Chinnery; brothers, Ralph, Elmer, and Orto James; sisters-in-law, Evelyn James, Iris James, Rita O'Bryan Jones, and Nancy O'Bryan; brothers-in-law, Rupert, Lloyd, Elliot, and Fitzgerald O'Bryan; special family members, Reuben James, Diron James, Stenfer James, Faye Boschulte, the Urgent family, Marla Matthew and family; close friends, Isaiah Daniel, Alfred Prentice, Francis Joseph, Morlon Sarauw, Ardinaldo Beckles, Julia (Bridgette) Lewis, "Ping", the Todman family; along with many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Funeral arrangements are in the care of James Memorial Funeral Home.

Don’t look for the U.S. Coast Guard to endorse a bill proposed in Congress that many in the territory believe would help revitalize the charter boat industry.
On Thursday, Delegate to Congress Donna Christian Christensen said she re-introduced her bill that would exempt small passenger vessels operating in U.S.V.I. waters from Coast Guard inspection. However, the Coast Guard brass in Washington fears it could compromise passengers' safety.
The bill would reverse a section of the Passenger Vessel Safety Act of 1993 that limits to six the number of paying passengers that may be carried aboard uninspected vessels weighing less than 100 gross tons. Many boats under 100 tons today have the capacity to carry eight or 10 guests.
Representatives of the local charter yacht industry say the six-passenger limit, or "six-pack" rule, has prompted most boat owners who can accommodate more passengers to relocate in the nearby British Virgin Islands.
"With the introduction of the six-pack rule exemption bill, I am once again announcing my intention to work with members of the Virgin Islands boating community to re-invigorate our boating industry," Christensen said.
Support from the Coast Guard command in Washington, D.C., however, isn’t likely. During a meeting of the V.I. Senate Finance Committee on Thursday regarding the marine industry, USCG Lt. Keith Pelletier, supervisor of marine safety on St. Croix, provided a statement saying that on a local level, the Coast Guard is not opposed to the six-pack waiver.
"Although we and our parent command, the Coast Guard Marine Safety Office in San Juan . . . provided positive comments regarding the proposed 12-pack amendment, the ability to change the existing law is above our level of authority," Pelletier wrote.
But in its official comments on Christiansen's bill, the Coast Guard said that allowing some small passenger boats to avoid inspections and stringent requirements would "reduce the public’s confidence in the safety" of the boats in question.
"This bill would reduce the margin of safety for charterers and passengers on the excepted vessels operating on waters of the Virgin Islands," the Coast Guard said. "Accordingly the Coast Guard cannot support its enactment."
Despite that opposition, which has been ongoing for three years, Christensen said she is optimistic about the bill’s chances.
"Because former Resources Committee Chairman, Don Young is now chairman of the Transportation Committee which will oversee the six-pack bill, our prospects for getting positive action it will be greatly enhanced," Christensen said. "Chairman Young visited the Virgin Islands last year. He is well aware of the challenges to our local economy and has pledged to do all he can to help us."
Meanwhile, the local Finance Committee, chaired by Alicia "Chucky" Hansen, heard testimony Thursday in St. Croix on the state of the territory’s marine industry. The industry has shrunk from a $100 million-a-year enterprise in the 1980s to about $30 million by 1993, according to a 1994 position paper by the V.I. Marine Industries Association.
Richard Difede, president of Gold Coast Yachts on St. Croix, said St. Croix is ideally suited to cater to the marine industry because of its location. However, he said a business-friendly attitude is needed to capitalize on the possibilities.
"It’s a huge economy that could be created," he said, noting that the marine industry in Florida’s Broward County generates some $4 billion a year.

A delegation of lawmakers from the U.S. Virgin Islands will ply the waters to the British Virgin Islands Friday morning for a meeting on fishing regulations that have kept local commercial fishermen out of BVI waters for years.
The contingent of senators is being led by Sen. Norma Samuel, secretary for intergovernmental and territorial affairs, and Sens. Donald "Ducks" Cole and Carlton Dowe. Harry Clinton of the Game Fishing Club will also attend Friday's negotiations.
Pickard said the meeting follows on the heels of recent public hearings convened by the Senate Finance Committee into the decline of the local marine industry. Samuel said that the initial public forums on the marine industry have "provided a wealth of information and we are acting upon it right away. Several measures are now being drafted to address the industry's concerns."
Samuel said the main item for discussion will be the issuance of game fishing licenses to USVI boats and those flagged in the United States. "Game fishing is a big business and a significant part of our economy," she said. "Unfortunately, the fish don't stay still or study borders."
She said there is a need to have V.I. boats get licenses in the BVI and their boats licensed in the territory.
She acknowledged that the negotiations will not be easy as the BVI is a possession of England and their rights must be respected. At the same time, Samuel said, "We are all brothers and sisters sharing from the same resources." She said she hoped a middle ground could be reached which will be satisfactory to fishermen and government leaders in both the British and U.S. Virgin Islands.

A delegation of lawmakers from the U.S. Virgin Islands will ply the waters to the British Virgin Islands Friday morning for a meeting on fishing regulations that have kept local commercial fishermen out of BVI waters for years.
The contingent of senators is being led by Sen. Norma Samuel, secretary for intergovernmental and territorial affairs, and Sens. Donald "Ducks" Cole and Carlton Dowe. Harry Clinton of the Game Fishing Club will also attend Friday's negotiations.
Samuel said the meeting follows on the heels of recent public hearings convened by the Senate Finance Committee into the decline of the local marine industry. Samuel said that the initial public forums on the marine industry have "provided a wealth of information and we are acting upon it right away. Several measures are now being drafted to address the industry's concerns."
Pickard said the main item for discussion will be the issuance of game fishing licenses to USVI boats and those flagged in the United States. "Game fishing is a big business and a significant part of our economy," she said. "Unfortunately, the fish don't stay still or study borders."
She said there is a need to have V.I. boats get licenses in the BVI and their boats licensed in the territory.
She acknowledged that the negotiations will not be easy as the BVI is a possession of England and their rights must be respected. At the same time, Samuel said, "We are all brothers and sisters sharing from the same resources." She said she hoped a middle ground could be reached which will be satisfactory to fishermen and government leaders in both the British and U.S. Virgin Islands.

A delegation of lawmakers from the U.S. Virgin Islands will ply the waters to the British Virgin Islands Friday morning for a meeting on fishing regulations that have kept local commercial fishermen out of BVI waters for years.
The contingent of senators is being led by Sen. Norma Samuel, secretary for intergovernmental and territorial affairs, and Sens. Donald "Ducks" Cole and Carlton Dowe. Harry Clinton of the Game Fishing Club will also attend Friday's negotiations.
Pickard said the meeting follows on the heels of recent public hearings convened by the Senate Finance Committee into the decline of the local marine industry. Samuel said that the initial public forums on the marine industry have "provided a wealth of information and we are acting upon it right away. Several measures are now being drafted to address the industry's concerns."
Samuel said the main item for discussion will be the issuance of game fishing licenses to USVI boats and those flagged in the United States. "Game fishing is a big business and a significant part of our economy," she said. "Unfortunately, the fish don't stay still or study borders."
She said there is a need to have V.I. boats get licenses in the BVI and their boats licensed in the territory.
She acknowledged that the negotiations will not be easy as the BVI is a possession of England and their rights must be respected. At the same time, Samuel said, "We are all brothers and sisters sharing from the same resources." She said she hoped a middle ground could be reached which will be satisfactory to fishermen and government leaders in both the British and U.S. Virgin Islands.

The Smith Bay Posse regrouped themselves Tuesday and Wednesday nights in the championship round of the Donald O. Senthill Softball League at Emile Griffith Park. The Posse beat the Marlins both nights to even the series at two games apiece, with 11-9 scores each evening.
On Tuesday, the Posse got their first lead of the series with six runs in the top of the third inning. However, the relentless Marlins answered with four runs of their own to go back on top, 7-6. The Posse was not to be denied, however, as they tied the score with one run in the top of the fourth inning.
The Posse defense kicked into gear as they held the Marlins scoreless in the bottom of the fourth and fifth innings. The Posse bats did answer with two runs in each of the fifth and sixth innings to retake the lead, 11-7. The Marlins responded with single runs in the sixth and seventh innings, but it was not enough.
Frankie Brathwaite emerged victorious for the Posse as Sandino Brito suffered the defeat for the Marlins. For the Posse, Kenneth "Cusu" Joseph was three for four, and Anson Larcheveaux was two for two. For the Marlins Miguel Guerreo was three for three with a solo home run in the sixth inning and Frankie Olea was two for three with a three-run homer in the third inning.
On Wednesday the Posse's defense was once again stellar as great defensive plays were made in the to keep the Marlins scoreless in the first two innings. Then the Posse quickly jumped out on top with two runs in the first and tagged on an additional three runs in the second inning. The Marlins bats came to life with three runs in the third inning and one additional run in the fourth inning to close the gap to one run, 5-4.
The Posse's offense once again rebounded with two runs in the fourth and four in the fifth innings. The Marlins were now down seven runs going into the top of the sixth inning. The Marlins then erupted for five runs, four of those scoring on a grand slam from Kacy Hendricks. This prompted the Posse's manager to remove starting pitcher Cyril Battiste and bring back Tuesday's winning pitcher Brathwaite. Brathwaite did just that as he got the Posse out of the inning and retired the side in the seventh inning.
Marlins pitcher Elvis Lewis picked up the lost. Battiste was rewarded with the victory as Brathwaite received a save. For the Marlins, Carlos David was three for three. For the Posse, Kirk Thomas was two for two.
The best of seven championship series is tied at 2-2. Game five of the championship series will be at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday night. The series will be aired live on WVWI, Radio One, 1000 AM.

The seesaw battles continued Tuesday and Wednesday nights at Emile Griffith Park in the Donald O. Senthill Softball League female championship games. Cummin 2 Cum won the marathon nine-inning game on Tuesday, 13-12. However, the Angels squeaked out a victory, 8-7, on Wednesday.
On Tuesday, neither team could pull away from the other. The Angels held a three-run lead after the third inning, 8-5. Cummin 2 Cum took a 9-8 lead with two two-run innings in the fifth and sixth innings.
The Angels were held scoreless for three innings, the fourth though sixth, then tied the game at 10 with two runs in the seventh. Both teams scored single runs in the eight inning. Cummin 2 Cum tapped on two runs in the top of the ninth inning to take a 13-11 lead. Angela Frett smashed a solo home run in the bottom of the ninth inning. However, the Angels were unable to score any more runs.
Geralda Williams pick up the victory in relief of Colette Morris for Cummin 2 Cum. Gail Joseph absorbed the loss for the Angels.
For Cummin 2 Cum, Lynnia Liburd was the offensive leader, going four for five at the plate including a two-run home run in the fifth inning. Gail Christopher contributed with three hits in four at bats. Syretta Jennings led the Angel's offense with a three for four performance.
On Wednesday, the Angels made some changes in the their lineup. Joycelyn Lee Bobb took the mound as Gail Joseph played first base and Chanika Brathwaite moved to shortstop. These moves made little difference in the defense. The Angels, who committed eight errors in game three, made a total of five in game four.
The Angels, who only got six hits, took advantage of the wildness of Cummin 2 Cum starting pitcher Morris. The walks allowed the Angels to score five runs in the top of the second inning. The Angels lead 7-3 after five innings.
The Angels added a valuable run in the top of the sixth inning. Cummin 2 Cum rallied back for three runs in the bottom of the inning and tagged on another run in the seventh.
However, Angels manager then called on Joseph to put out the fire as she came in to retire Cummin 2 Cum to end the game. Joseph got a save as Bobb received a win for Cummin 2 Cum. Morris took the loss.
Toni Whitehead continued her two for three performance in every game that she has played. For Cummin 2 Cum Morris was two for three and Christopher was two for four with two RBIs.
Cummin 2 Cum manager Allen "Soop" Brown's only commented after the game were "we were missing our shortstop, Laura Isaac. However, she'll be here for the next game. " Brown added, "The game was clos—anyone could have won this game."
The best-of-seven female championship series is now tied at 2-2. Game five of the championship series will be at 9:30 p.m. on Thursday night. The series will be aired live on WVWI, Radio One, 1000 AM.

An AT&T repair ship mended a shredded undersea cable Wednesday afternoon near Isla Verde off the coast of Puerto Rico, restoring telecommunications services on St. Thomas that had been interrupted since early Monday.
The outage hit local long-distance carriers Sprint and Telefonica Larga Distancia of the Virgin Islands and Internet service provider VIAccess. According to Clayton Perry, sales supervisor in the territory for TLD, service came back up around 3 p.m. Wednesday.
"As far as I know, none of the carriers have had any problems since then," Perry said Thursday afternoon.
Courtney Wynter, general manager of AT&T of the Virgin Islands, said Wednesday that AT&T assisted in the repair effort because it has the greatest resources in the region.
It is still unknown exactly how the cable was damaged. Some have suggested that an unexpected storm surge on Sunday, when seas off Puerto Rico were running at least 12 feet high, may have contributed.

NEWS FROM CHARLOTTE AMALIE HIGH SCHOOL
Hawks Squawks Staff
This school year, we at C.A.H.S. have come a long way on a journey far from ending. We started off a little shaky at first but we are on track once again and students, teachers, and administration are working hard together to make up for lost time. Our C.A.H.S. family is doing its best to make this school year as normal as possible.
Seniors were having some difficulties catching up for Introductory Night, but they came through with an amazing show. They are now planning for the next event, C.A.H.S.’s very own "Showtime at the Amallo." In fact, it is a replica of "Showtime at the Apollo." The same rules apply and it is considered to be one of the semi-major events of the school year. The high students are a bit rougher than the audience on television; but there are no hard feelings after the show and everyone usually has a very good time.
The show will be held in the CAHS auditorium AT 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 9. Everyone is welcome to attend. Tickets are $8 each.
The juniors are also very busy. They just recently elected their junior class officers. They are, Deon LeCointe as president, Addisnette Williams as vice-president, Charaine Skelton as public relations officer, Keneta Webster as treasurer, and Hadiya Silcott as secretary. The officers are planning to meet to start planning the Senior Prom and the entire Junior class is preparing for the Junior Show.
EXAM TIME at CHARLOTTE AMALIE HIGH SCHOOL
The time to take first semester exams is nearing for the students at the C.A.H.S. February is an unusual time to take exams in comparison to previous years, but this is due to the late school start and a teachers’ strike in mid-October. Exams are usually taken in the second week of January. Exams will be administered on the Feb. 13 and 14. C.A.H.S. Students should have already started to prepare for the final examinations to round out a fairly successful first semester. C.A.H.S. is now back on track after a struggle to get started and the nearing exams is proof of that. Exam dates may have been altered a bit, but students do not seem to be negatively affected by the slight change.
Also, on Feb. 19, the second semester will begin and students will go to their new classes. Students that have not yet gone to their guidance counselor for changes are encouraged to please do so now. It is record evaluation time and also the time when students may change incorrect schedules or make final decisions on elective classes.

The Virgin Islands received less than 70 percent of its normal rainfall in the past year. Official statistics from the National Weather Service in San Juan confirm earlier anecdotal reports of a very dry 2000.
The service gathers its information on the Virgin Islands from several sites on each of the three main islands where volunteers keep NWS-approved rain gauges, log the rainfall, and report the findings to regional headquarters. Staff in the San Juan office figure the average for each island based on the reports from the various sites.
Eloy Colon, a hydrologist in the San Juan office, shared his findings this week with The Source. According to his chart, the total rainfall last year on St. Thomas and nearby St. John was almost the same, 29.61 inches on St. Thomas and 29.27 inches on St. John. In each case, the amount represents just 64 percent of the average yearly rainfall.
On St. Croix, the total was slightly higher – 30.97 inches – and that represents 67 percent of the annual rainfall for that island.
March, which does not usually see heavy downpours, was the driest month last year. St. Croix and St. Thomas recorded less than an inch; St. John recorded just over, or 1.04 inches.
But even traditionally rainy months such as April and May saw more sunshine than pennies from heaven. All three islands logged fewer than two inches in April, a month in which Colon said the "normal" amount is three inches. And May's rainfall last year fell about a half-inch short of the normal 4.62 inches.
The NWS collects data from Red Hook, Cyril E. King Airport and Wintberg on St. Thomas; from Mt. Piliear, Estate Annally, Cotton Valley, East Hill, Estate deSight and the Henry Rohlsen Airport field house on St. Croix; and from Caneel Bay, Coral Bay and Cruz Bay on St. John.