HOLD ONTO THE NIGHT- THE JUNIOR-SENIOR PROM 2000
by Dean G. Williams
An evening of glamour, glitz and formality is right around the corner. The Junior Class of 2001 pesents Hold onto the night- the Junior/Senior Prom 2000. This year ‘s gala event will commence at 7 p.m. Saturday May 27 at the Wyndham Sugar Bay Beach Club and Resort Grand Ballroom.
The evening will begin at 7 p.m. with a social hour along with the distribution of class memorabilia. Following will be the opening remarks and dinner.
The evening flows from there into the 2000 Prom Queen announcement and first
dance. The ten contestants vying for the title of Prom Queen are Chimere
Allen, Pauline Chinnery, Charnelle Harrigan, Monique Mahoney, Laurel Maduro,
Annie Pena, Shirra Rabsatt, Kishma Richards, Makeba Rollins, and Nicole
Turnbull.
The evening continues until 2 a.m. with another social hour and dancing. Remember as you grace the Grand Ballroom at Wyndam on May 27 with your presence, hold onto the night.
It is a night all of us should remember for as long as we live.
Single tickets to the Prom are $45 for preferred homerooms, $50 for
non-preferred homerooms, and $85 per couple. Buy your tickets early before they run out.
TIPS FOR THE JUNIOR/SENIOR PROM 2000
1. Dress for the prom is strictly formal, so females wear dresses that are
elegant and classy, and males should wear a three piece suit.
2. Don’t drink any alcoholic beverages before driving, or after the prom.
Drinking is bad for your health and is not permitted. We are a drug free
school.
3. It is wise to head home after the prom. If you do go out after the prom,
call your parents and let them know your whereabouts. Even then, set your
time limits.
4. Prom is a night to remember, but do not spend too much money on your
attire.
5. Some would prefer to go to the Prom alone, but asking a good friend to
escort you into the ballroom wouldn’t be a bad idea.
6. In case your date stands you up, walk with some extra cash to catch a
taxi home. That way you wouldn’t be stranded.
IF THERE IS A MAJOR EARTHQUAKE IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS, WHAT DO YOU THINK WILL HAPPEN IN YOUR DISTRICT?
Here is the winning essay for St Thomas that won the VITEMA contest about earthquake preparedness.
by Addisnette Williams
If there were to be a major earthquake in the Virgin Islands, I think my district, the district of St. Thomas, would experience major destruction.
St. Thomas would face destruction such as rock slides, crumbling buildings, tsunamis, and fires. There will also be isolation from the outside world. A major earthquake for the Virgin Islands would be classified as a 6.5 or higher. The Virgin Islands is not in the position to handle such a major earthquake. This would be a terrible time for the Virgin Islands, and it would be very hard to recover.
First of all, there are many many houses that are built on hills. Some of the hills are very steep. In the event of a major earthquake, there would be many rock slides. This would result in houses and cars falling down hills. This would claim lives that were not taken by the earthquake itself. People would be killed if they are not found under the rubble in time.
Additionally, many of the buildings in these Virgin Islands are built to withstand hurricanes. Therefore buildings are built with cement. Cement buildings are easily destroyed in the wake of an earthquake. The heavy cement would crack and crumble to the ground taking everyone and everything along with it. These buildings are not built flexibly to move if the earth
moves. I do not even think the old historical buildings that stand tall on our streets, can survive a major earthquake. These buildings in the Virgin Islands are already weak from the many hurricanes that have hit us. They would crumble as to the ground as the ground shakes.
Also, the Virgin Islands are completely surrounded by water. If a major earthquake were to hit us and the epicenter of the quake is located in the sea, a tsunami would threaten these islands. This could cause a real problem. If a tsunami were to hit in the aftermath of an earthquake, it could tear down any remaining structures and claim more lives. There are
many buildings that are situated on the waterfront. They include tourist shops, businesses, houses, and even the prison. If a tsunami were to hit, the prisoners would have to be let out, so that they could seek safety.
What would happen to those prisoners if they survived the earthquake? It would be hard for people to get to safety because of the damaged roads and the debris that would be lying around. Land and places that are already designated as flood zones would be hit hard by the tsunami. One can expect buildings, cars, people, or anything that is in the tsunamiÆs path to be
pulled into the sea. Marine life, the coast of the island, and the mangrove trees would be severely damaged.
Moreover, the islands display thick foliage which may cause brush fire. Gas lines and electrical wires would be loose after an earthquake. As a result, fires are to be expected because of the loose lines. The bush around, would just feed the fire and make it grow. Explosions might occur, making fires larger and more abundant. Also, the debris would get in the way of those
trying to escape or trying to put the fire out.
Isolation from the the outside world is sure to happen. Just like in any other natural disaster that has caused destruction, the loss of communication with anyone by phone, Internee, or television for a couple of days or weeks according to the damage done. There will be a major need for food, shelter, and clothing. There is one thing that can be counted on though. Everyone will be working together as one to help each other. No matter the race, age, or sex, someone is willing to help another. This is the only good thing that ever comes out of a disaster, the opportunity to work with a neighbor or even a perfect stranger.
Preparation for an earthquake is essential. Earthquakes happen unexpectedly and can be strong or weak. One should always be prepared for an earthquake. To avoid loss of life in an earthquake, earthquake drills should be common place. Earthquake safety should be taught in the preschools all the way to the senior citizens home. These drills should be done frequently and
publicly. Also, buildings should be designed to better withstand earthquakes. This would mitigate the damage done to the buildings. To avoid fires, excessive bush should be cut down. These are just some of the ideas that I have,that I think would make life a little better after an earthquake. These are my feelings regarding how St. Thomas would fare if there were to be a major earthquake.
