Dear Source,
For the past twenty years affordable housing has been a constant concern for young Virgin Islanders who have wanted return home. Many have come home, but many more end up leaving again because of the lack of affordable housing.
Before Hurricane Marilyn, the residents of PMP Gardens were using solar water heaters. Do you know since Hurricane Marilynn the solar water heaters were replaced by electric water heaters? If we are talking about improving the quality of life for all, why would Mr. Housing Senator, Celestino White, allow the residents of PMP Gardens to be forced into paying higher electric bills? For a family living on a fixed income, solar heating translates to a savings of $20 per month.
Instead the Housing Senator prides himself in rent reductions that have resulted in less/ reduced services and limited home ownership opportunities. How does that help prepare people to move from public housing to owning their homes? If residents were offered a plan to pay their rent of $600 and half went into an interest savings account, after a period of time families at some point would be able to purchase their own homes. How does lowering the rent in public housing encourage people to leave public housing? Doesn't this make living in public housing more appealing than buying a home?
If Sen. Carlton Dowe received contributions from members of Botany Bay Partners just for his vote, how much did Sen. White receive for special-ordering the vote to rezone Botany Bay from R-1 to R-3? Senator White disregarded the recommendation of the V.I. Planning and Natural Resources Department to grant Botany Bay Partners a variance; instead, he led the rezoning of Botany Bay. How come Sen. White did not use his political power to obtain a commitment from Botany Bay Partners to be a partner in building affordable homes for Virgin Islanders?
In other places in the United States and Puerto Rico where developers want to build resorts, hotels, etc., they know they must provide something to the community they are moving into. It can be a variety of things, such as: low/ middle income housing, community centers, schools, or other types of contributions. The creativity of the leaders and the community that will be affected by the development should be the ones deciding what is needed. Right now it seems that the contributions are going to "our leaders" and not to the benefit of the V.I. community.
I would like to know: What became of the $1.4 million deposited in the Housing Development fund that was to be used to subsidize the cost of constructing affordable housing? Where did the portion of annual property taxes used to replenish the fund since 199_ go?
How can things be so great when the Virgin Islands cannot provide shelter for Virgin Islanders, only more low-paying jobs?
Caroline Browne
St. Thomas
We welcome and encourage readers to keep the dialogue going by responding to Source commentary. Letters should be e-mailed with name and place of residence to source@viaccess.net.
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Tutu Park Mall is putting on a show: "Back to School – Apollo Style."
The Mall wants to help students earn money for the new school year. On Saturday, Aug. 17, at 2 p.m., audience applause will pick the winners in three groups – 5-11, 12-17, and 18 and up.
Students may win a $200 shopping spree. Register by Aug. 14.
For more details see the Source article in "Things To Do" section.

Aug. 5, 2002 – Tutu Park Mall on St. Thomas is putting on a show: "Back to School – Apollo Style."
The Mall wants to help students earn money for the new school year, said a release. On Saturday, Aug. 17, at 2 p.m. students will have the opportunity to earn back-to-school money performing their talents at the "Back to School Apollo Style" competition.
The event is modeled after the popular syndicated television show "It's Showtime at the Apollo." Competitors will try their luck at singing, dancing, performing stand-up comedy or original poems. They will have three to five minutes to convince the audience that their talent should garner them the grand prize, a $200 back-to-school shopping spree at Tutu Park Mall.
Students will be divided into three age groups: ages 5-11, ages 12-17 and ages 18 and up. At the end of the performance for each age group the audience will be asked to cheer for the student with the most talent. The student with the most audience applause will be named the winner.
Students interested in participating must stop by the mall management office next to Pearle Vision and complete an application. Space is limited, so early sign up is encouraged. In order to qualify, student identification must be presented during registration. Deadline to register is August 14th.
For more information please call 775-4658.
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August 5, 2002 – Tutu Park Mall is putting on a show: "Back to School – Apollo Style."
The Mall wants to help students earn money for the new school year, said a release. On Saturday, Aug. 17, at 2 p.m. students will have the opportunity to earn back-to-school money performing their talents at the "Back to School Apollo Style" competition.
The event is modeled after the popular syndicated television show "It's Showtime at the Apollo." Competitors will try their luck at singing, dancing, performing stand-up comedy or original poems. They will have three to five minutes to convince the audience that their talent should garner them the grand prize, a $200 back-to-school shopping spree at Tutu Park Mall.
Students will be divided into three age groups: ages 5-11, ages 12-17 and ages 18 and up. At the end of the performance for each age group the audience will be asked to cheer for the student with the most talent. The student with the most audience applause will be named the winner.
Students interested in participating must stop by the mall management office next to Pearle Vision and complete an application. Space is limited, so early sign up is encouraged. In order to qualify, student identification must be presented during registration. Deadline to register is August 14th.
For more information please call 775-4658.
Publisher's note : Like the St. Thomas Source now? Find out how you can love us twice as much — and show your support for the islands' free and independent news voice … click here.

The 15th Annual Night Out will be celebrated as part of "Virgin Islands Against Drugs, Crime and Violence Week" at Frenchtown Ballpark.
Guest speakers from law enforcement agencies will be present, as well as live DJ music, food and drinks for all.
Volunteers are need for the event. Contact Flemon Lewis at 774-6400 ext 207.

Aug. 5, 2002 – John de Jongh, candidate for governor in the November election, will speak at the Rotary Club East meeting on Wednesday, Aug. 7. The 6:30 p.m. meeting will be held at The Ritz-Carlton St. Thomas.

Aug. 5, 2002 – John de Jongh, candidate for Governor in the upcoming election, will speak at the Rotary Club East meeting on Wednesday, Aug. 7. The meeting will be held at The Ritz-Carlton St. Thomas, beginning at 6:30 p.m.
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Aug. 4, 2002 – Meatballs have been a key menu item in Virgin Islands cuisine dating to the Danish days. But times are changing, and tastes are, too; so, how about trying some vegetarian soy meatballs?
Danish meatballs, or frikadeller, are made with ground veal and pork, have club soda added to make them light, and are sautéed in a skillet.
Traditional local-style meatballs are all beef and rolled in flour before being deep-fried.
Vegetarian-style meatballs can be made from what is called texturized soy protein or TSP. The brand I chose was Smart Ground, made by Lightlife Foods, because it's tasty, healthful and easy to use.
Even if you're not a vegetarian, you might consider making your meatballs with soy. The Food and Drug Administration states that "25 grams of soy protein a day as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol may reduce the risk of heart disease." Soy also has been linked with the prevention of cancer.
What really makes the meatball recipe below tasty is the use of fresh island-grown herbs. The tomato sauce for the meatballs uses these herbs, too, in addition to fresh onion and garlic. Taken together, the dish is a double winner for taste and health.
Veggie Meatballs in Tomato Sauce
Veggie Meatballs:
1 package vegetarian ground beef substitute
1 egg white
1/4 cup wheat gluten
2 tablespoons dry breadcrumbs
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon fresh chopped basil
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
1 tablespoon fresh chopped oregano
1/4 teaspoon salt
Tomato Sauce:
1/2 medium onion, diced
1 to 2 tablespoons olive oil
2 to 3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup vegetable stock
2 bay leaves
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon fresh chopped basil
1 tablespoon fresh chopped oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt1/4 teaspoon black pepper
28-oz. can plum tomatoes or whole tomatoes, pureed
1/3 cup tomato paste
To make meatballs: Combine all ingredients. Mix well by hand or food processor for two minutes. Place 2 tablespoons of this mixture into the palm of your hand and roll to form a round ball. Place ball on a lightly oiled baking sheet. Continue making rolled balls until all the mixture is used up. Bake for 20 minutes, until lightly browned.
To make tomato sauce: In a saucepan, sauté onion in oil over medium heat for 5 minutes or until onion is soft. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Add stock, bay leaves, sugar, basil, oregano, salt and black pepper and cook for 4 minutes or to reduce liquid by half. Add tomatoes and tomato paste. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to simmering and cook for 10 minutes.
To serve: Place meatballs in tomato sauce.
Makes 8 servings. Per serving: 380 calories, 5 gms fat, no cholesterol, 223 mg sodium.

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Aug. 4, 2002 – Meatballs have been a key menu item in Virgin Islands cuisine dating to the Danish days. But times are changing, and tastes are, too; so, how about trying some vegetarian soy meatballs?
Danish meatballs, or frikadeller, are made with ground veal and pork, have club soda added to make them light, and are sautéed in a skillet.
Traditional local-style meatballs are all beef and rolled in flour before being deep-fried.
Vegetarian-style meatballs can be made from what is called texturized soy protein or TSP. The brand I chose was Smart Ground, made by Lightlife Foods, because it's tasty, healthful and easy to use.
Even if you're not a vegetarian, you might consider making your meatballs with soy. The Food and Drug Administration states that "25 grams of soy protein a day as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol may reduce the risk of heart disease." Soy also has been linked with the prevention of cancer.
What really makes the meatball recipe below tasty is the use of fresh island-grown herbs. The tomato sauce for the meatballs uses these herbs, too, in addition to fresh onion and garlic. Taken together, the dish is a double winner for taste and health.
Veggie Meatballs in Tomato Sauce
Veggie Meatballs:
1 package vegetarian ground beef substitute
1 egg white
1/4 cup wheat gluten
2 tablespoons dry breadcrumbs
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon fresh chopped basil
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
1 tablespoon fresh chopped oregano
1/4 teaspoon salt
Tomato Sauce:
1/2 medium onion, diced
1 to 2 tablespoons olive oil
2 to 3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup vegetable stock
2 bay leaves
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon fresh chopped basil
1 tablespoon fresh chopped oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt1/4 teaspoon black pepper
28-oz. can plum tomatoes or whole tomatoes, pureed
1/3 cup tomato paste
To make meatballs: Combine all ingredients. Mix well by hand or food processor for two minutes. Place 2 tablespoons of this mixture into the palm of your hand and roll to form a round ball. Place ball on a lightly oiled baking sheet. Continue making rolled balls until all the mixture is used up. Bake for 20 minutes, until lightly browned.
To make tomato sauce: In a saucepan, sauté onion in oil over medium heat for 5 minutes or until onion is soft. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Add stock, bay leaves, sugar, basil, oregano, salt and black pepper and cook for 4 minutes or to reduce liquid by half. Add tomatoes and tomato paste. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to simmering and cook for 10 minutes.
To serve: Place meatballs in tomato sauce.
Makes 8 servings. Per serving: 380 calories, 5 gms fat, no cholesterol, 223 mg sodium.

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Aug. 4, 2002 – Meatballs have been a key menu item in Virgin Islands cuisine dating to the Danish days. But times are changing, and tastes are, too; so, how about trying some vegetarian soy meatballs?
Danish meatballs, or frikadeller, are made with ground veal and pork, have club soda added to make them light, and are sautéed in a skillet.
Traditional local-style meatballs are all beef and rolled in flour before being deep-fried.
Vegetarian-style meatballs can be made from what is called texturized soy protein or TSP. The brand I chose was Smart Ground, made by Lightlife Foods, because it's tasty, healthful and easy to use.
Even if you're not a vegetarian, you might consider making your meatballs with soy. The Food and Drug Administration states that "25 grams of soy protein a day as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol may reduce the risk of heart disease." Soy also has been linked with the prevention of cancer.
What really makes the meatball recipe below tasty is the use of fresh island-grown herbs. The tomato sauce for the meatballs uses these herbs, too, in addition to fresh onion and garlic. Taken together, the dish is a double winner for taste and health.
Veggie Meatballs in Tomato Sauce
Veggie Meatballs:
1 package vegetarian ground beef substitute
1 egg white
1/4 cup wheat gluten
2 tablespoons dry breadcrumbs
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon fresh chopped basil
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
1 tablespoon fresh chopped oregano
1/4 teaspoon salt
Tomato Sauce:
1/2 medium onion, diced
1 to 2 tablespoons olive oil
2 to 3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup vegetable stock
2 bay leaves
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon fresh chopped basil
1 tablespoon fresh chopped oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt1/4 teaspoon black pepper
28-oz. can plum tomatoes or whole tomatoes, pureed
1/3 cup tomato paste
To make meatballs: Combine all ingredients. Mix well by hand or food processor for two minutes. Place 2 tablespoons of this mixture into the palm of your hand and roll to form a round ball. Place ball on a lightly oiled baking sheet. Continue making rolled balls until all the mixture is used up. Bake for 20 minutes, until lightly browned.
To make tomato sauce: In a saucepan, sauté onion in oil over medium heat for 5 minutes or until onion is soft. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Add stock, bay leaves, sugar, basil, oregano, salt and black pepper and cook for 4 minutes or to reduce liquid by half. Add tomatoes and tomato paste. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to simmering and cook for 10 minutes.
To serve: Place meatballs in tomato sauce.
Makes 8 servings. Per serving: 380 calories, 5 gms fat, no cholesterol, 223 mg sodium.

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