James Emanuel Stapleton, known to his friends as "Saga," died Tuesday, Jan. 30 at Juan F. Luis Hospital.
Funeral services are planned for 1 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 7 at St. Paul's Church, Prince St., Christiansted. A viewing will begin at noon.
Interment will be in the Kingshill Cemetery.
He is survived by his wife, Clydella Stapleton; mother, Rebecca Jones; daughters, Sandy Stapleton and Sanger Stapleton-Nicholas; sisters, Gloria Atterbury, Naomi Sweeney, Monalie Jones, and Shirley Jones; brothers, Everton, Charles, and Francis Jones; grandchildren, Wayne, Tacisha, Shawne, and Samuel Moving, Jahmarie Stapleton, Kevin, Keith, and Kemley Nicholas; brothers-in-law, John Horton, Emanuel Sweeney, and Anthony Boatswain; nieces, Gloria Stapleton, Sandra Ward, and Mitchell Atterbury; nephews, Ruel Sweeney, Shawn Christian, Jamal, Kelvin, and Warren; sons-in-law, Dave Nicholas and Wayne Mowing; special friends, Mary, Eulalie, Danziel, Rupertha, Caren, Hymme, and Ethian.
Funeral arrangements are in the care of Thomas Hyll Funeral Chapel.

Acting Public Works Commissioner Wayne Callwood has been nominated to be the next Public Works Commissioner, Government House announced Monday.
A veteran of the department for more than a dozen years, Callwood first took over the reins last year when Commissioner Harold G. Thompson fell ill and later passed away. Gov. Charles W. Turnbull forwarded Callwood's nomination, saying in the statement that he is confident Callwood will promote "positive change" in Public Works. The department has been virtually under siege over the past year or so, struggling to keep up with mandates from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the District Court regarding wastewater treatment and solid waste disposal in the territory.
Callwood holds a B.S. in civil engineering technology from Old Dominion University in Virginia. He has worked in the department as an engineering consultant, district engineer and assistant commissioner.

Antilles School celebrated the opening of The Henry L. Kimelman Library last evening, the first tangible result of its capital campaign, "Imagine the Possibilities," and honored the person who made it possible, Ambassador Henry L. Kimelman.
Ambassador Kimelman and his wife, Charlotte, have been friends of Antilles School from its creation in 1950, and are parents of three children who attended the school in its early days. They committed more than a million dollars in trusts and cash, which served as the foundation of the $1.1 million needed to build the state-of-the-art library.
Many other donors contributed to the cause as well; everyone was thanked at the dedication. Exciting, new gifts were also announced. Wireless World donated $50,000 for the Wireless World Network Operations Center on the third floor of the library, home to the hub of computer operations for the entire campus. Ambassador Kimelman produced another $100,000 check, repeating his feat of one year ago, when his generosity inspired giving by others to the library.
Guests explored the Lower School Library on the first floor before the ceremonies began on the second floor, home to the Middle and Upper School Library. Headmaster Mark C. Marin welcomed and thanked everyone, with special thanks extended to Ambassador and Mrs. Kimelman. Board President Elliott "Mac" Davis thanked all those who toil in the background, and asked each past and present member of the Board of Trustees to accept his gratitude and that of the school. St. Thomas-Water Island Administrator Louis Hill congratulated the school on behalf of Gov. Charles W. Turnbull and Nicholas Friday spoke on behalf of Senate President Almando "Rocky" Liburd.
In addition to announcing the gift from Wireless World, "Imagine the Possibilities" Campaign Chair Neil Prior thanked everyone who has contributed to the entire campaign. The campaign is a success, he said, because so many people have been so generous. He cited the generosity of Randy Knight, who was recognized for his commitment of $1 million dollars for the Knight Sports Center, the next project on the capital campaign's agenda. Antilles believes this facility, which will be available for use by all students on the island once it is complete, will have a major positive impact on the entire community.
Ambassador Kimelman accepted the thanks of everyone present with grace and wit. He first toasted Headmaster Marin, congratulating him on all the work he has done over a period of years to improve the quality of Antilles School and to make it available to a richly diverse student body. "You have brought the school to new heights," he said.
He toasted Jackie Marin as well for the work she has done for no compensation, listing and selling property that has been donated to the campaign. "The joy of our lives," Kimelman said, "is seeing this come to fruition. It is a great feeling to see this library dedicated to the children of the Virgin Islands."
Following the dedication of the Kimelman Library, the Stanley P. Lapin Storytime Center was also dedicated. A special warm, friendly area in the Lower School Library featuring bright colors and pillows, the center was named for Stanley P. Lapin, former President of St. Thomas-San Juan Telephone Company. The Lapin Center was made possible by a gift of $50,000 by Lapin's widow, Eileen, and son, Douglas, who came to the event from Santa Barbara and Paris, respectively.
"We wanted to memorialize my father and his dedication to children, his love for his grandchildren, and his belief in the importance of early childhood education." Douglas Lapin said. "We thank you for giving us the opportunity to create this special permanent place as a tribute to my father."
Stanley Lapin cared deeply about education and believed in the importance of early childhood education. "The Stanley P. Lapin Storytime Center is a perfect tribute to my father; we are very pleased to have made it possible and very pleased with the result," his son said.
The new facility ties together the Lower and Upper Schools physically and psychologically, more than tripling the space of the former Lower School Library and more than doubling the space of the former Upper School Library. The Kimelman Library will house 60 computers, and the third floor is also home to a much-needed classroom.

Justin Wheatley, a senior at Antilles School, has been named a candidate in the 2001 Presidential Scholars Program. The approximately 2,600 candidates were selected from nearly 2.8 million students expected to graduate from U.S. high schools in 2001.
Now in its 38th year, inclusion in the Presidential Scholars Program is one of the highest honors bestowed upon graduating high school seniors. Scholars are selected on the basis of superior academic and artistic achievements, leadership qualities, strong character and involvement in community and school activities.
The 2,6000 candidates were selected for their exceptional performance on the College Board SAT or the ACT Assessment. Further consideration will be based on essays, self-assessments, activities, recommendations and transcripts. A panel will select 500 semifinalists in April, and the White House Commission on Presidential Scholars will make final selection in May: one young man and woman from each state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and U.S. students living abroad or in territories.
A member of the Quiz Bowl and Science Bowl teams, Justin also plays volleyball and basketball for Antilles and has a role in the school's annual play, "Stage Doors" (which will be performed February 22-24). He has represented the territory all over the United States in math, science and Quiz Bowl competitions. He has also traveled to Jamaica as a member of the V.I. Junior Golf team and has spent several summers doing mission work as far away as Holland and as close as Nevis. In addition to sports, he enjoys reading and studying history. Justin hopes to attend Dartmouth College in New Hampshire and major in government.
Justin is the son of Maurice Wheatley, the general manager at A.H. Riise Ship Chandling, and Dawn Wheatley, a math teacher in the Upper School at Antilles. His three sisters, Anna, Nicole and Rebekah, also attend Antilles. His brother Travis, a graduate of Harvard University, lives in Virginia and will attend William and Mary Law School in August. His brother Tremain is a sophomore studying engineering at the University of Virginia. His grandparents are Calvin Wheatley and Angel Wheatley.

Police officer entrance exams will be administered on Monday, Feb. 26, at the Division of Personnel on St. Thomas and St. Croix, according to a statement from Joanne Barry, V.I. director of personnel.
All interested applicants are required to submit an application for employment along with a high school diploma, proof of U.S. citizenship, driver's license and Social Security card by Feb. 15. An exam admission card will be issued to all qualified candidates by Feb. 16.
All candidates must present the admission card, study guide and photo ID to take the exam.
For more information, call Kevin Rodriquez or Millicent Aubain on St. Thomas at 774-8588, or Zandra Petersen on St. Croix at 773-0341.

St. Thomas Women's Soccer teams played Sunday in their 2001 league opener. Games were held at the UVI field and started at 3 p.m. This league has 3 St. Thomas teams: the Strikers, Ivanna Eudora Kean Rays for Life and UWS (United We Stand) Queen Upsetters.
This league is expected to continue for several more weeks, with games scheduled every other week on Sunday afternoons at the UVI field. Play continues on Sunday, Feb. 18.
More than 50 spectators were on hand to watch the three teams play two games each. The results of the games are as follows:
1st game – Strikers vs. UWS Queens. 1-0 with goal in the first half by Maria van Huerck (a career first).
2nd game – Strikers vs. IEHS Rays for Life. 1-0 with goal from a penalty kick by new Strikers player Megan Thomas.
3rd game – IEKHS Rays for Life vs. Queens 1-1. First goal made in the first half by CAHS player for Queens Aleesha Lessy. Chantel Nelson from the Rays scored in the second half.
For more information on St. Thomas Women's Soccer contact Camille McKayle at 777-6599 or Tanya Ward Benjamin at 776-2105.

Dear Source:
While scanning the St. Thomas Source, I read a letter in the Open Forum section titled, "She Has Yet to See Tim Touting Tourism on TV". It appears that the Boston author has not seen the tourism ads, and questions if they are even airing in the Northeast. I'd like to provide the facts to clear up any misunderstanding:
During December 61 spots aired in Boston. These spots aired either Monday-Friday early morning or Sunday early evening/night-time. The buy was loaded with news programming as well as many perennial weekly favorites including "Good Morning America," "The Travel Channel," "Sports Extra, " and "The X-Files." The stations included: WBZ, WCVB, WFXT, WHDH, WLVI, NEW, TTC and ATT.
During January – March, 117 spots will air in Boston. These spots will follow the above format with these additional television programs: "ER, " "Simpsons, " "The Today Show" and "Friends. " The stations will include: WBZ, WCVB, WFXT, WHDH and WLVI.
A similar, albeit slightly lighter schedule aired in the New York City area.
The schedule was divided among four spots: The Tim Duncan Snorkeling spot on sports related programming, and the equal rotation of the three island-specific ads on all other programs.
We realize the importance of marketing our islands to the offshore community. We have a television and/or radio schedule airing in 17 markets and a national trade and consumer print plan throughout the year. This marketing plan has resulted in double-digit increases of tourists to our islands over the past six months!
Monique Sibilly-Hodge
Acting Commissioner of Tourism

Police on St. Thomas will rely on an autopsy to determine whether foul play was involved in the death of a woman whose body was found in a vehicle at Lindqvist Beach on Saturday afternoon. Officers were called when the unidentified woman was found dead in her parked car.
Members of the Caribbean Film and Video Association were conducting a daylong beach cleanup Saturday. Some of those involved said Sunday they had seen the woman in her vehicle but thought she may have been sleeping. It was not until late in the afternoon when someone noticed the woman was not breathing that authorities were called to the area.
Police sources confirmed that the autopsy, to be performed Monday, will determine the cause of death, but until then the investigation is continuing.

Swimming more than a mile, hopping on a bike for a 56-mile spin and taking a nice 13-mile jog – all in the same morning – may not be most people’s idea of a fun-filled vacation. But for hundreds of hardy souls it apparently is, because the upcoming St. Croix Half Ironman Triathlon is sold out.
Response for the annual May 6 spectacle – this year longer and tougher – was so overwhelming that Tom Guthrie, the St. Croix event director, was forced to turn away entrants last week – three months before the race.
With 650 age-group competitors and 60 to 70 professional racers, the 13th installment of the St. Croix race will be the largest yet. That’s not even counting the 75 to 100 entrants for a shorter sprint triathlon that takes place during the big event.
And because dozens of entries a day were coming in as the race neared capacity, Guthrie said he expects next year’s event to be even bigger. Last year’s shorter triathlon attracted about 350 competitors.
"We were doing 40 entrants a week," Guthrie said. "We could have done another 300 to 400 people."
The big draw for those doing the half Ironman are the qualifying slots for the biggest race of them all: the Hawaii Ironman Triathlon, the sport's revered world championship.
The big draw for St. Croix and those involved in the island’s tourism industry, however, are the thousands of people who will be on island, many for at least a week. The triathlon is turning out to be St. Croix’s – and the entire territory’s – single largest tourism-related event.
And if the race continues to grow in the upcoming years, which is likely because St. Croix event organizers have a five-year contract with Ironman, the island’s approximately 1,000 hotel rooms will be close to tapped.
"Next year we hope to increase our Hawaii slots," Guthrie said. "Housing permitting, I hope to have about 950 people. Can we take up every available hotel room? I hope so."
Acting Tourism Commissioner Pamela Richards said the government will contribute $150,000 to stage the race, which will cost several times more than that to hold. Richards added, however, that while she fully supports the triathlon, the funding is intended as seed money.
"Our position is we give funds to start up an event," Richards said.
Along with racers, who will pay $125 each for the honor of torturing themselves, and their families staying on island, St. Croix receives expanded exposure because the event is filmed by a production company and then televised on various networks in several countries.
For most of the life of the St. Croix race the distance has included a 1.25-mile (2 kilometer) swim, 34-mile (55 kilometer) ride and a 7.4-mile (12 kilometer) run. To be an Ironman qualifier, the ride had to increase to a total of 56 miles and the run to 13 miles. The swim distance will remain the same. An actual Ironman race consists of a 2.4-mile swim, 122-mile bike and a marathon-distance, 26.4-mile run.
Guthrie said the winning time for the male pro in the half Ironman will be in the neighborhood of four hours. Age groupers will be on the course for about six hours.
There are currently 21 events in the Ironman Triathlon series of races – either full-length races or half distances – leading up to the Ironman Triathlon World Championship on the island of Hawaii in October.
Besides being a qualifier for the Hawaii and the California Triathlons, the St. Croix race has been and will continue to be a qualifier for the Lake Placid Ironman and the Canadian Ironman. The local race will offer 30 spots for the Hawaii race, which will likely go to the top two finishers in each age group.
For the pros, the draw of St. Croix is the $50,000 purse, one of the largest in the sport. It is equally distributed between men and women through 10 places, with the first-place finishers walking away with $7,000.
For more information on the race, check out the official Web site at St. Croix Half Ironman Triathlon.

Dear Source:
Since my visits to St. Thomas this past year, I have made it a daily routine to read the Source for my enjoyment. Today I was shocked to read the article about the electronic voting system installed in the Legislative chamber. [Editor's note: See Feb. 2 story on the main page titled "$55K Senate voting system unused."]
I am a vice president of MTI, the company that manufactured and installed the electronic voting system. MTI was contacted early in 2000 by the executive director of the 23rd Legislature and was asked to send literature explaining the electronic voting systems offered by our company. That literature, fully explaining the system, was sent, and later in 2000 the 23rd Legislature contracted with MTI to build and install the system.
The system was built exactly to the specifications as listed in a contract prepared by the legal services of the Legislature and was installed later in the year. The installation date was delayed, and the contract date limitations were amended in written contractual form, as requested by the president of the 23rd Legislature. At the time of initial installation, a component had been damaged in shipping, and MTI returned in a few days to complete the installation. The installation was completed well before the deadline, and all system functions were operating at 100 percent of the contractual requirements.
The day following the completion of installation, MTI provided for a training session that a few individuals attended. One day of training is normal for an MTI system and is what was contracted. At MTI's expense, an MTI representative made another trip St. Thomas and two extra days of training were provided.
As mentioned, the system was designed to meet the exact specifications as stated in the contract supplied by the legislature. MTI went well beyond the contract and supplied several thousand dollars worth of components at its own expense that further enhanced the performance of the system. Therefore, for the statement to be made that the system is flawed is totally incorrect.
The system was designed with a "Request To Speak" system that follows the format of other "Request To Speak" systems that have been used by legislatures in the United States for many years. The main difference in the MTI system is that it is electronically advanced over other systems and provides for a very simple method of operation. In the Source article, a statement was made about the Senate president needing control of speaking requests. That is the normal process and is exactly how the system was designed. But, during the system installation, MTI was asked by legislature officials overseeing the installation to move the control of the "Request To Speak" to the person controlling the remainder of the system.
The voting function of the system is controlled by software that provides for an accurate and secure method of keeping records in both an electronic data format and a hard copy printout. That software is simple for the average person to use and is extremely versatile so that it can be configured to meet various styles of governing needs. If used properly, the new electronic voting system will provide for an enhanced meeting process and a secure method of keeping records for future reference by the legislature and, if allowed by the legislature, the general public.
Since the system has not been used, it is impossible for members of the 24th Legislature to know if it can meet their needs. Unless those needs are vastly different from other governing bodies, the system should perform well and enhance the legislative meeting processes. During the session where the system was presented to the senators, one senator stated that it was an "M.T.B." system. When asked what this meant, the response was, "made to behave."
The system does not have the ability to make anyone behave, and that is not what it was designed for. It can only provide for a meeting direction and that direction is judged and controlled by the Senate and the setup of the software by Senate representatives, not by the voting system.
MTI sincerely hopes that the Legislature of the Virgin Islands will use the new voting system and that the functions it offers, as requested at the time of purchase, will provide for the body's needs. We build each system to the requested specifications, and that is exactly what was done in this case. The decision to purchase the system was wise and a statement of progress by the 23rd Legislature. Legislatures throughout the United States have been using electronic voting systems for many years and will continue to upgrade their systems as new and better technologies become available. MTI builds each system using the latest technologies so that the system will provide for years of non-antiquated service. We are committed to provide the best possible system for those functions requested.
We want the people of the U.S. Virgin Islands to understand that their money was spent on a system that was designed to help provide for a more efficient governing process. Thank you.
John Byrd
Vice President, MTI