Vance Monsanto Jr., a 23-year-old St. Thomas man wanted on murder charges in the territory, was arrested Thursday morning in Bridgeport, Conn., by FBI agents working with local police.
Monsanto has been wanted in connection with the July 1997 shooting of
Wayne Christopher following an argument near the wreck shop in Mariendahl. Uon his extradition to the territory, Monsanto will likely face first-degree murder and illegal weapons possession charges.
He had been on the run since last August when major crime detectives on St. Thomas obtained a warrant for his arrest.
Monsanto was arrested by an FBI Fugitive Task Force that acted on information that he was residing at an apartment complex in Bridgeport. He is expected to appear before a Superior Court judge for an initial hearing on extradition in the days ahead, according to criminal justice officials in Connecticut. In the Virgin Islands, prosecutors don't foresee any problems in having Monsanto returned to face murder and weapons charges.
The arrest Thursday marked the third time in a month that suspects wanted on murder charges have been arrested in other jurisdictions.

The governor's chief financial adviser, Rudolph Krigger Sr., says the budget process is moving along smoothly and the proposed spending plan should be sent to the Legislature as promised.
"Things are moving along and we feel that we will have a good budget," Krigger said Thursday. "But I want the public to understand that the budget is based on anticipated revenues. There is no intention to mislead or provide bogus information."
He cautioned that the forecasting of revenues from one year to another is not an exact science, so the budget numbers are subject to change, one way or the other.
Asked whether the administration will propose new taxes to counter the fall of in actual revenues for FY 2001, Krigger said that is difficult given the territory's poor economic condition.
"That is part of the fight in coming up with a balanced budget," he said.
Krigger discounted recommendations that the payroll be slashed as a cost-cutting measure. "Where are they going to go?" he asked, noting that mass layoffs will lead to civil unrest.
On another issue, Krigger confirmed statements made by a military spokesman in Puerto Rico this week that the territory could lose up to $4 million a year for every year that the Navy scales back its rest-and-relaxation port calls in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Navy spokesman Jeff Gordon said in published reports this week that the dramatically reduced training activity in nearby Vieques will mean fewer port calls for large ships and carriers.
"The military has always provided a significant infusion of funds into the economy," Krigger said. "When I was with the National Guard we projected that naval ships and military aircrafts brought in over $10 million a year. That's hard to replace when it suddenly is not there."

Promotional ceremonies were held Thursday at Government House on St. Thomas for V.I. National Guard Brig. Gen. Cleave Antonio McBean, the man the governor has tapped to replace retiring Adj. Gen. Jean Romney.
McBean's promotion came a day before he was slated to take over command of 900 soldiers and airman who make up the V.I. National Guard and Air National Guard.
In the brief ceremony attended by family, friends, well-wishers and fellow guardsmen, McBean's accomplished career in the military was highlighted as he was pinned with the brigadier general's single star.
McBean credited many persons along the way who helped him achieve success in his more than 29 years of military service. "There were General Rudy Francis, General Robert Moorhead, Al Heath and others that have contributed to my development," he said, adding, "I didn't arrive at this juncture by myself."
Gov. Charles W. Turnbull hailed McBean's accomplishments, describing him as the best qualified person for the job.
"I remember General McBean as a student at Charlotte Amalie High School when I was a teacher," Turnbull said. "He was always a hardworking, diligent and courteous person."
The governor also paid tribute to the late Gov. Melvin Evans, the territory's first elected governor, who, despite opposition and criticism, moved forward with the formation of the V.I. National Guard.
"He is to be credited for what was a difficult decision at that time," Turnbull said. "The V.I. National Guard has done us proud."
McBean's military assignments have included signal platoon leader, signal detachment leader, operation and training officer, battalion training officer, personnel officer, field service company commander, assistant commandant and senior instructor at the V.I. National Guard Academy, battalion executive officer, supply and service battalion commander, plans operations and military support officer, and deputy territorial area commander of the V.I. Army National Guard.
Romney, who was in attendance, spoke of what he considered the high point of his career. "My ascending to the position of adjutant general was perhaps the highlight of my career. But it did not come without hard work and dedication, qualities that were instilled in me when I joined the Army one year after graduating from high school," Romney said.
Change of command ceremonies will be held Friday in St. Croix, presided over by Romney, Turnbull and McBean.
Traditionally, a change of command was signaled by the outgoing commander passing the unit's flag to the officer assuming the command. This public gesture provided witness Thursday to the soldiers that their new leader was assuming the leadership position.

Promotional ceremonies were held Thursday at Government House on St. Thomas for V.I. National Guard Brig. Gen. Cleave Antonio McBean, the man the governor has tapped to replace retiring Adj. Gen. Jean Romney.
McBean's promotion came a day before he was slated to take over command of 900 soldiers and airman who make up the V.I. National Guard and Air National Guard.
In the brief ceremony attended by family, friends, well-wishers and fellow guardsmen, McBean's accomplished career in the military was highlighted as he was pinned with the brigadier general's single star.
McBean credited many persons along the way who helped him achieve success in his more than 29 years of military service. "There were General Rudy Francis, General Robert Moorhead, Al Heath and others that have contributed to my development," he said, adding, "I didn't arrive at this juncture by myself."
Gov. Charles W. Turnbull hailed McBean's accomplishments, describing him as the best qualified person for the job.
"I remember General McBean as a student at Charlotte Amalie High School when I was a teacher," Turnbull said. "He was always a hardworking, diligent and courteous person."
The governor also paid tribute to the late Gov. Melvin Evans, the territory's first elected governor, who, despite opposition and criticism, moved forward with the formation of the V.I. National Guard.
"He is to be credited for what was a difficult decision at that time," Turnbull said. "The V.I. National Guard has done us proud."
McBean's military assignments have included signal platoon leader, signal detachment leader, operation and training officer, battalion training officer, personnel officer, field service company commander, assistant commandant and senior instructor at the V.I. National Guard Academy, battalion executive officer, supply and service battalion commander, plans operations and military support officer, and deputy territorial area commander of the V.I. Army National Guard.
Romney, who was in attendance, spoke of what he considered the high point of his career. "My ascending to the position of adjutant general was perhaps the highlight of my career. But it did not come without hard work and dedication, qualities that were instilled in me when I joined the Army one year after graduating from high school," Romney said.
Change of command ceremonies will be held Friday in St. Croix, presided over by Romney, Turnbull and McBean.
Traditionally, a change of command was signaled by the outgoing commander passing the unit's flag to the officer assuming the command. This public gesture provided witness Thursday to the soldiers that their new leader was assuming the leadership position.

Promotional ceremonies were held Thursday at Government House on St. Thomas for V.I. National Guard Brig. Gen. Cleave Antonio McBean, the man the governor has tapped to replace retiring Adj. Gen. Jean Romney.
McBean's promotion came a day before he was slated to take over command of 900 soldiers and airman who make up the V.I. National Guard and Air National Guard.
In the brief ceremony attended by family, friends, well-wishers and fellow guardsmen, McBean's accomplished career in the military was highlighted as he was pinned with the brigadier general's single star.
McBean credited many persons along the way who helped him achieve success in his more than 29 years of military service. "There were General Rudy Francis, General Robert Moorhead, Al Heath and others that have contributed to my development," he said, adding, "I didn't arrive at this juncture by myself."
Gov. Charles W. Turnbull hailed McBean's accomplishments, describing him as the best qualified person for the job.
"I remember General McBean as a student at Charlotte Amalie High School when I was a teacher," Turnbull said. "He was always a hardworking, diligent and courteous person."
The governor also paid tribute to the late Gov. Melvin Evans, the territory's first elected governor, who, despite opposition and criticism, moved forward with the formation of the V.I. National Guard.
"He is to be credited for what was a difficult decision at that time," Turnbull said. "The V.I. National Guard has done us proud."
McBean's military assignments have included signal platoon leader, signal detachment leader, operation and training officer, battalion training officer, personnel officer, field service company commander, assistant commandant and senior instructor at the V.I. National Guard Academy, battalion executive officer, supply and service battalion commander, plans operations and military support officer, and deputy territorial area commander of the V.I. Army National Guard.
Romney, who was in attendance, spoke of what he considered the high point of his career. "My ascending to the position of adjutant general was perhaps the highlight of my career. But it did not come without hard work and dedication, qualities that were instilled in me when I joined the Army one year after graduating from high school," Romney said.
Change of command ceremonies will be held Friday in St. Croix, presided over by Romney, Turnbull and McBean.
Traditionally, a change of command was signaled by the outgoing commander passing the unit's flag to the officer assuming the command. This public gesture provided witness Thursday to the soldiers that their new leader was assuming the leadership position.

In Washington on Wednesday, the House Resources Committee unanimously passed a bill sponsored by Delegate Donna Christian Christensen aimed at reducing the number of senators in the V.I. legislature.
The bill, HR 2296, would amend the Revised Organic Act of the Virgin Islands and give the V.I. Legislature the authority to determine the size of its makeup and the number of members needed to constitute a quorum.
Christensen said she anticipated that the bill will be brought to the House floor for a vote "after the Fourth of July recess, in mid-July." She expressed optimism that the measure will be approved.
In a November referendum, voters in the territory will be able to express their preference for reducing the Senate from 15 to either 11 or 9 members, of for keeping the status quo.
The original reduction bill was spurred by efforts of V.I. Sen. Adlah "Foncie" Donastorg in 1998. It called for reducing the number of V.I. senators from 15 to nine. In an effort to keep territorial politicians from coming back to Congress in the future seeking a change to the Organic Act for further reductions, House Resources Committee chair Don Young advised that the exact number of senators be left open and that the number be determined by local law.
"It’s good news and I’m sure Sen. Donastorg is very happy," Christensen said. "I just hope the people of the Virgin Islands have a full discussion on the issue."

In Washington on Wednesday, the House Resources Committee unanimously passed a bill sponsored by Delegate Donna Christian Christensen aimed at reducing the number of senators in the V.I. legislature.
The bill, HR 2296, would amend the Revised Organic Act of the Virgin Islands and give the V.I. Legislature the authority to determine the size of its makeup and the number of members needed to constitute a quorum.
Christensen said she anticipated that the bill will be brought to the House floor for a vote "after the Fourth of July recess, in mid-July." She expressed optimism that the measure will be approved.
In a November referendum, voters in the territory will be able to express their preference for reducing the Senate from 15 to either 11 or 9 members, of for keeping the status quo.
The original reduction bill was spurred by efforts of V.I. Sen. Adlah "Foncie" Donastorg in 1998. It called for reducing the number of V.I. senators from 15 to nine. In an effort to keep territorial politicians from coming back to Congress in the future seeking a change to the Organic Act for further reductions, House Resources Committee chair Don Young advised that the exact number of senators be left open and that the number be determined by local law.
"It’s good news and I’m sure Sen. Donastorg is very happy," Christensen said. "I just hope the people of the Virgin Islands have a full discussion on the issue."

Attorney General Iver Stridiron said Thursday afternoon the Bureau of Corrections is on top of a situation that has developed involving two part-time nurses at the Golden Grove prison on St. Croix who have abandoned their jobs.
Stridiron, responding to reports that inmates were not being provided adequate medical attention, said his agency is processing termination NOPA's for the two nurses who walked of the job a few days ago. "When those personnel actions are signed, we will be able to hire replacement nurses," Stridiron said, adding that a contingency plan is in place to make sure prisoners receive their medications and adequate medical care.
He explained that a retired supervisory nurse is putting in three hours a day at the prison, "so the process of providing medicine is slower than usual," Stridiron said.
Another nurse is on vacation, he added, which has aggravated the situation.
But Stridiron said attempts are being made to put the supervisory nurse on contract so she can work more than three hours a day. "She wants to do it, but at the same time, we don't want to mess up her retirement benefits. We are working the fine points out," Stridiron said.
He also explained that as a result of the consent decree with the federal court, a medical consultant is presently evaluating the level of medical care being provided to inmates at both the St. Thomas and St. Croix prisons.

The head of the Police Department's Zone D Command says crowds congregating in this year's St. John Festival Village will find adequate police protection.
Police on island will have plenty of backup for crowd control and peacekeeping efforts between now and the end of the St. John celebration on the Fourth of July, Lt. Rene Garcia said. Officers from all three St. Thomas zone commands as well as the Crime Prevention, Special Operations, Juvenile and School Safety Bureaus will be on duty at various times, he said, as well as canine patrol personnel.
Garcia is serving his first watch over the village, having assumed leadership of the St. John command early this year. But he is doing it well aware of the violence that marred last year's traditionally friendly, small-village fete. In the final 24 hours of the 1999 festival, a 14-year-old boy was fatally shot and six individuals were injured in shooting and stabbing incidents – three at the start of J'Ouvert and three at the closing of the festival around midnight on July 4, which fell on a Saturday.
The violence that broke out at the start of last year's J'Ouvert jam was linked to the fact that a barge bearing all-night revelers docked in the early morning right beside the village as Jam Band was saying goodnight from the stage to its fans.
As one step toward avoiding that type of confrontation, festival organizers this year have repositioned the stage. Instead of being in the center of the village, with visitors able to move freely around it on all four sides, the raised platform has been pushed back against the U.S. Customs dock, cutting off foot traffic on that side.
St. John Festival Committee chair Leona Smith has vowed that there will be no repeat of last year's violence for Festival 2000.
Garcia said parents have to assume some responsibility for their minor children's involvement in the festivities. "We're advising parents not to send any juveniles up here in the village without any guidance," he said, noting that there will be Juvenile Bureau officers on duty at the site. Regular curfew laws will remain effect, meaning minors cannot legally be on the streets unaccompanied after 10 p.m.
To help police keep an eye on things, security cameras have been installed in and around the main activity areas near the Cruz Bay waterfront. Garcia said he personally inspected the surveillance system Thursday, before the official opening of the village.
Also, he said, agents from the Planning and Natural Resources Department's Marine Safety Division will be keeping a watch on the ports and harbors.
As crowds began to gather Thursday evening for the opening of Daniel's Court, this year's village that is dedicated to retired St. John police officer and community activist Harry Daniel, Smith said she was confident there will be no trouble. "We have the surveillance cameras, and we have the manpower" to keep things from getting out of control, she said.

There are so many light-hearted things to think about at this time of year – school's out, summer's here and the Emancipation Day / Independence Day holidays are approaching, with the St. John Festival in full swing.
But it's also hurricane season in the Virgin Islands, and the V.I. Territorial Emergency Management Agency and other entities want the public to give some serious thought to getting ready to face whatever comes this way.
On Wednesday night at the Cruz Bay Legislature Building, officials of VITEMA, the Lieutenant Governor's Office and the University of the Virgin Islands Small Business Development Center held the second in a series of disaster preparedness forums. According to Alvis Christian, VITEMA's deputy director for St. John, about 75 residents attended the first two forums, on St. Thomas and St. John, with a third scheduled for Thursday night on St. Croix.
"It's pretty good, given how close it is to festival," he said of the St. John/St. Thomas turn-out.
Representatives of the Division of Banking and Insurance, SBDC and the Planning and Natural Resources and Human Services Departments made presentations for the benefit of business owners. They went down a series of mental checklists of steps to take in getting ready for approaching storms and others to use in assessing their status in the event of a hurricane or earthquake.
Christian noted that the expertise available at the forum would not as readily be available in the aftermath of disaster because the same people would be occupied in relief efforts. "We give people a chance to meet them before, because what they do is give you broad information so you would know what to look for," he said.
Among the topics covered during the two-hour seminars were these recommendations of action to be taken long before the first tropical storm of the season approaches:
– Communications and other computer-based businesses should back up their hard drives and keep copies in a location other than their place of business. In the case of computers using modems, not only the computer equipment but also telephone systems should be equipped with surge protectors. That's because a power surge through a phone line can damage a computer through its modem.
– Business owners should take a photographic inventory of all their equipment, furnishings and other office or shop contents, and homeowners should do the same of their household effects. The photos should be wrapped in plastic or put in a waterproof container and stored in a secure location in case they are needed to back up insurance claims.
– Property owners should check with their insurance agent to see about discounts for buildings with properly set overhangs on the roof and shutters installed at the windows.
– Property owners should be aware that if a building was not noticeably damaged in the major storms of the last 11 years (since Hugo in 1989), the chances are good that the structure has been weakened. It would be wise to have a contractor inspect the building, and then to make any needed reinforcements.
– Business owners who do not already have business interruption insurance should consider acquiring it. The policies provide financial relief during periods of business loss or slowdown that result from natural disasters.
– Everyone should consider buying a generator. Virgin Islanders used to think of generators as optional investments, but after the passage of Hurricanes Hugo, Marilyn, Bertha, Georges and Lenny, presenters said, a generator may be thought of as a necessity, like a refrigerator or a stove.