To the editor:
I read with great interest the article on Gov. Charles Turnbull's suggestion that all unions face retroactive cuts in order to receive their pay increases. Frankly, that is the most attainable suggestion that I have heard from his administration. Now that the suggestion has been made, Turnbull is faced with the daunting task of convincing Virgin Islanders why this will benefit them in the long term.
As the article clearly stated, the listing of retroactive monies as a debt is hampering the government's ability to float bonds and to borrow money. No surprise there. Most people understand the basic concept that it takes money to make money. Upon starting a business many entrepreneurs have to borrow money or tap investors for funding, using a "return on their investment" as collateral. On that note, who in their right mind would lend money to someone who is up to their eyeballs in debt and shows no signs of "a return on their investment"? NO ONE! This is the analogy Gov. Turnbull needs to use to drive his point home. Make it simple, break it down into dollars and cents.
I pity the ill-advised decision the local AFT made in rejecting Turnbull's offer. C'mon — shouldn't one prefer to be paid on the current pay scale? I would. Wouldn't one be upset that they will not receive monies promised? Yes, but a smart individual would still prefer to be paid on the current pay scale.
Virgin Islanders need to accept the fact that the government has no money and therefore cannot honor retroactive payment. The government owes tax refunds, they owe WAPA, they owe local vendors, they owe FEMA, they owe the U.S. Bureau of Prisons, and they cannot honor these debts because they have no money! Based on this observation, why do people continue to believe that they will receive their retroactive pay? Please, people, get your heads out of the clouds! And this is an election year: Be wary of any Senate "wannabes" who use "I will ensure that you will receive retroactive pay" as a platform. If you do hear this, dismiss that person immediately, because they're lying!
Virgin Islanders also need to understand that the government is not legally obligated to make retroactive payments. Why? Because retroactive payment, simply put, is a backlog of "cost of living" increases that were never made. So what? Let it go….
Stop viewing that retroactive check as lottery winnings. Put it behind you, and accept the only realistic offer that is going to be made, and the only one that will benefit these islands in the long term.
Sincerely yours,
Kim K. Wallace (former V.I. resident)
Baltimore

Dear Source:
I read with great interest the article on Gov. Charles Turnbull's suggestion that all unions face retroactive cuts in order to receive their pay increases. Frankly, that is the most attainable suggestion that I have heard from his administration. Now that the suggestion has been made, Turnbull is faced with the daunting task of convincing Virgin Islanders why this will benefit them in the long term.
As the article clearly stated, the listing of retroactive monies as a debt is hampering the government's ability to float bonds and to borrow money. No surprise there. Most people understand the basic concept that it takes money to make money. Upon starting a business many entrepreneurs have to borrow money or tap investors for funding, using a "return on their investment" as collateral. On that note, who in their right mind would lend money to someone who is up to their eyeballs in debt and shows no signs of "a return on their investment"? NO ONE! This is the analogy Gov. Turnbull needs to use to drive his point home. Make it simple, break it down into dollars and cents.
I pity the ill-advised decision the local AFT made in rejecting Turnbull's offer. C'mon — shouldn't one prefer to be paid on the current pay scale? I would. Wouldn't one be upset that they will not receive monies promised? Yes, but a smart individual would still prefer to be paid on the current pay scale.
Virgin Islanders need to accept the fact that the government has no money and therefore cannot honor retroactive payment. The government owes tax refunds, they owe WAPA, they owe local vendors, they owe FEMA, they owe the U.S. Bureau of Prisons, and they cannot honor these debts because they have no money! Based on this observation, why do people continue to believe that they will receive their retroactive pay? Please, people, get your heads out of the clouds! And this is an election year: Be wary of any Senate "wannabes" who use "I will ensure that you will receive retroactive pay" as a platform. If you do hear this, dismiss that person immediately, because they're lying!
Virgin Islanders also need to understand that the government is not legally obligated to make retroactive payments. Why? Because retroactive payment, simply put, is a backlog of "cost of living" increases that were never made. So what? Let it go….
Stop viewing that retroactive check as lottery winnings. Put it behind you, and accept the only realistic offer that is going to be made, and the only one that will benefit these islands in the long term.
Sincerely yours,
Kim K. Wallace (former V.I. resident)
Baltimore

Discover a New Dive Site!
We're going to find a new place to dive. Come with us while we try out two new sites. Who knows, we could find the new "Arches & Tunnels" or maybe locate another dolphin. Its going to be on Sunday, Sept. 3 and it is still only two dive passes or $55.
Lizard Rock II
If you missed the Lizard Rock Sunday dive here is another chance. We will be doing this wonderful north side dive site on 9/10. You may wish to bring lunch or a snack to have between dives as this 2 tank dive will meet at 8:00am and not return to the dock until 2 p.m.; 2 dive passes or $55 for locals. We will provide beverages and ice.
Remember to check the schedule – September is boat maintenance month.
AND IN OCTOBER…
First we have a picnic
It's a long lazy Sunday with two dives and a picnic. We supply ice and sodas. You bring your picnic and where we end up, nobody knows.
Sunday, Oct. 8
from 8 a.m. till ??
Then we carve Pumpkins… underwater.
You bring a buddy and a knife and we'll provide the pumpkins. Can you carve a great face… underwater? PRIZES! GREAT DIVING! And you can make a soggy pie (just kidding)
Saturday Afternoon,
Oct. 28 – 12:30 p.m. Meet
Oct. 29, 1867-2000
We commemorate the 133rd anniversary of the sinking of the RMS Rhone with a special trip…
Sunday, Oct. 29, 7 a.m.
Call 777-7804 for more information or check the website at www.sawyerdive.vi
Or you can email sawyerdive@islands.vi

Charlotte Amalie High School

Principal Jeannette Smith Barry announced Wednesday the orientation sessions for the new school year.
According to a release, attendance is mandatory, updated immunization records should be brought and students need to have $15 for identification cards and insurance. Students who already have ID will only have to pay $8 for the insurance.
All sessions, which are expected to last two hours, will be held in the schools auditorium.
Students in the following grades should attend on these days according to their last names:
9th graders, last names A to G, Monday, Sept. 11, 8:30 a.m.
9th graders, last names H to O, Tuesday, Sept. 12, 8:30 a.m.
9th graders, last names P to Z, Wednesday, Sept. 13, 8:30 a.m.
12th graders, last names A to Z, Thursday, Sept. 14, 8:30 a.m.
11th graders, last names A to Z, Thursday, Sept. 14, 1:00 p.m.
10th graders, last names A to K, Friday, Sept. 15, 8:30 a.m.
10th graders, last names L to Z, Friday, Sept 15, 1:00 p.m.
SIBILLY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Principal Dora S. Hill has released the dates of orientation sessions for kindergarten students attending the 2000-2001 school year and parents or guardians.
Students should attend according to their last names:
Last names A through L, Monday, Sept 11, 8 a.m. to12 p.m.
Last names M through Z, Tuesday, Sept 12, 8 a.m. to12 p.m.
Ivanna Eudora Kean High School
Principal Sinclair Wilkinson has released the dates of orientation meetings for all students for the 2000-2001 school year. Wilkinson asks that all Students report to the school's gymnasium in proper uniform accompanied by at least one parent or guardian.
In the release, Wilkinson also asked students to bring updated immunization cards and parents to bring at least $20 for various student fees. Past financial obligations for text books will also be expected.
Students in the following grades should report at these times:
12th grade, 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 5
9th grade, 8:30 a.m. Wednesday Sept. 6
10th grade, 8:30 a.m. Thursday Sept. 7
11th grade, 12:30 p.m. Thursday Sept 7
Bertha C. BoschulteMiddle School
Principal Carver Farrow has released the orientation schedule for students attending school this fall. In the release, Carver asks that all students report to the school campus dressed in proper uniform and accompanied by parents or guardians.
Students in the following grades should report on these dates – all meetings will be held at 5:30 p.m.:
6th grade, Wednesday, Sept. 6
7th grade, Thursday, Sept. 7
8th grade, Friday, Sept. 8
St. Thomas/St.John Education Personnel
District Superintendent Rosalia Payne has released the orientation schedule for school based personnel for the 2000-2001 school year. In the release, employees are asked to report to the following locations on these dates and times:
New teachers, Curriculum Center, 8 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 5
Education administration, Palms Court Harborview Hotel, 8 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 6
All school based personnel, Ivanna Eudora Kean High School Gym, 9 a.m. Friday, Sept 8

Carver asks that all students report to the school campus dressed in proper uniform and accompanied by parents or guardians. Students should report to the schools campus at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept 6.

Carver asks that all students report to the school campus dressed in proper uniform and accompanied by parents or guardians. Students should report to the schools campus at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept 7.

Carver asks that all students report to the school campus dressed in proper uniform and accompanied by parents or guardians. Students should report to the schools campus at 5:30 p.m. Friday, Sept8.

School buses in the territory are expected to roll for the reopening of school on Sept. 11, now that funding apparently has been identified to pay for the service.
Gov. Charles W. Turnbull is expected to announce by mid-day Friday that, after a meeting with members of the 23rd Legislature on Thursday morning, he has found the funds needed to operate the buses. Government House spokesman James O'Bryan said Turnbull will provide details in an address Friday.
The developments emerged from a meeting the governor called with Democratic senators to discuss budgetary matters, O'Bryan said. Senate President Vargrave Richards, who is out of the territory, was the only Democratic lawmaker not in attendance.
Sen. Gregory Bennerson, a Republican, also attended the meeting, O'Bryan said.
O'Bryan declined to say whether what has previously been described as $5.4 million for busing will be provided in the Fiscal Year 2001 budget in the form of a line-item appropriation that Turnbull will submit to the Senate. "The governor will have the full details on Friday," he responded.
Plans first to charge pupils for and then to cancel school bus service had caused emotions to run high in the community as lawmakers have scrambled in recent weeks to identify funding to continue bus service for the coming school year.
At least three senators have suggested that bond proceeds be used to cover the costs of the service.

School buses in the territory are expected to roll for the reopening of school on Sept. 11, now that funding apparently has been identified to pay for the service.
Gov. Charles W. Turnbull is expected to announce by mid-day Friday that, after a meeting with members of the 23rd Legislature on Thursday morning, he has found the funds needed to operate the buses. Government House spokesman James O'Bryan said Turnbull will provide details in an address Friday.
The developments emerged from a meeting the governor called with Democratic senators to discuss budgetary matters, O'Bryan said. Senate President Vargrave Richards, who is out of the territory, was the only Democratic lawmaker not in attendance.
Sen. Gregory Bennerson, a Republican, also attended the meeting, O'Bryan said.
O'Bryan declined to say whether what has previously been described as $5.4 million for busing will be provided in the Fiscal Year 2001 budget in the form of a line-item appropriation that Turnbull will submit to the Senate. "The governor will have the full details on Friday," he responded.
Plans first to charge pupils for and then to cancel school bus service had caused emotions to run high in the community as lawmakers have scrambled in recent weeks to identify funding to continue bus service for the coming school year.
At least three senators have suggested that bond proceeds be used to cover the costs of the service.