Feb. 26, 2002 – Two teams from St. Croix showed off their academic muscles in taking the top spots at the territory's 2002 Science Bowl competition.
Country Day School was the victor and Good Hope School came in second in the regional competition over the weekend. St. Thomas teams — Antilles School and Charlotte Amalie High School — placed third and fourth, respectively. CAHS played host to the two-day contest, where two teams at a time answered questions in elimination rounds. A total of eight schools took part.
CAHS and Sts. Peter and Paul High School shared the Sportsmanship Award.
The Science Bowl is sponsored by the Water and Power Authority. WAPA's executive director, Joseph Thomas, presented the Country Day team with a new computer for the school. The Good Hope students won a television set and a VCR for their school and an educational field trip.
At the awards ceremony, Thomas urged the students to plan for a future at home in the Virgin Islands as scientists and engineers. He said he wants to make it WAPA's priority to increase opportunities for young people interested in technological careers.
Education Commissioner Ruby Simmonds also asked the Science Bowl contestants to consider careers in teaching, so as to guarantee that the territory would always have the talent it needs to meet the challenges of the future.
Also taking part in this year's Science Bowl competition were teams from All Saints Cathedral School, Central High School and St. Croix Educational Complex.
Country Day will represent the Virgin Islands at the National Science Bowl, which is scheduled for May in Chevy Chase, Maryland.

Feb. 25, 2002 – Well-known St. Croix resident Malcolm K. Plaskett died Sunday in Washington, D.C. He was 58.
"He was Derek Hodge's right-hand man," said Gregory L. Davila, spokesman for Lt. Gov. Gerard Luz James II.
Plaskett served for eight years as special assistant to Hodge, who was lieutenant governor in the Alexander Farrelly administration. Plaskett also was a member of the Elections Board, the Economic Development Commission and the Territorial Committee of the Democratic Party.
"Members of the Plaskett family were staunch Democrats, particularly Raymond and Malcolm, who were driving forces witin the Unity Party, a precursor to what is now the Democratic Party," James said in a press release. He said Plaskett was recognized as a "consummate parliamentarian" and was well-versed in labor relations.
James said that Plaskett also was a civic-minded person — a dedicated member of Caribbean Light Lodge No. 101, Free and Accepted Masons, as well as of the Gentlemen of Jones.
Delegate Donna Christian Christensen remembered him as a classmate, friend and adviser. "I will miss his counsel and his friendship," she said.
James said that Plaskett grew up on Hill Street in Christiansted behind St. Mary's Catholic School. Plaskett's family stretches far and wide. In addition to his wife, Corine, and his daughter, Nikki, he is survived by many other family members, including Planning and Natural Resources Commissioner Dean C. Plaskett, a nephew.
Information on services was not immediately available.

Feb. 25, 2002 – A St. Thomas man has gone to court to challenge new changes in the territory's electioneering law.
Hiram Abiff has filed a lawsuit in District Court on behalf of himself, his wife and son — and, he says, the voters of the Virgin Islands. "To me, the whole thing violates the law on freedom of speech, freedom of association and freedom of the press," he said in a telephone interview.
The bill bans political campaigning after 2 a.m. on election days. It was passed by the Legislature in December but vetoed by the governor last month; then the Senate overrode the veto. Lawmakers who supported its passage said they did so to discourage the raucous atmosphere that has greeted voters as they approach polling places.
But Abiff said, "It's a tradition in the Virgin Islands when election day comes to go down to the polls and scream your lungs out and who win, win and who lose, lose."
Abiff said he is suing the Legislature but also is directing a challenge to the Board of Elections supervisor, the attorney general and the Police commissioner as the agents who oversee, uphold and enforce the law.
Board of Elections Supervisor John Abramson said he had seen a copy of Abiff's lawsuit but hadn't yet spoken to the board's legal counsel. "He's taken us to court. I don't have any comment," he said.

Feb. 25, 2002 – The Virgin Islands Elections System's programming staff, technicians and administrator got 16 hours of training over the weekend in the use of its new Guardian software system.
The software, which is certified by both the Federal Election Commission and the National Association of Election Directors, will provide the Virgin Islands system with an internal audit paper trail which randomly records votes.
The Ballot Image Retention feature, as it's called, serves to augment the recount process. Until now, a recount has entailed processing the same cartridges used in the original count, which always yielded the same number. The BIR would be a backup for the cartridges.
The Guardian system software also:
– Runs the voting machines.
– Lays out ballots.
– Reads the cartridges as they come out of the machines.
– Tallies the cartridges and gives a printout of the results.
Elections supervisor John Abramson Jr. said the software purchase was made out of necessity. "We had a DOS-based system and Guardian, the sole manufacturer of our current voting machines, switched to a Windows-based system," he explained. "If we didn't acquire the software, our machines would have become obsolete."
The $350,000 purchase includes upgrade kits, installation, and software for 140 machines. Guardian services more than a hundred state, county and other government jurisdictions.
Abramson has scheduled followup training including a mock-election exercise for the third week of July. "I'm pleased that we're able to get a very early start in the preparation of the voting machines for the 2002 elections," he said.

All interested persons are hereby notified that in accordance with Section 717 Chapter 12 of Title 29, Virgin Islands Code, as amended, dealing with the Economic Development Commission, a Public Hearing on the following applications for tax exemption will be held on Thursday March 7, 2002 at 10:00 a.m. at the Casino Control Commission Hearing Room, Orange Grove, St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands.
NAME: ……………………………………..TYPE: …………………LOCATION:
1.IFW St. Croix Group, LLLP, *DSB-Economic, Financial or Management Service (New), St Croix, V.I
2.Alliance Management Partners, LLC , *DSB Economic, Scientific or Management Service (New), St Croix, V.I.
3. Leach & Garner Company V.I., Inc., Jewelry Manufacturing & Management Cnsulting (New), St. Croix, V.I.

4. Leeward Islands Lottery Holding Company * DSB-Management Consulting & Business Management (New), St. Thomas V.I.
5. Passage Maker, LLC d/b/a/ Mermaid Fast Ferries, Transportation & Tours (New), St. Croix, V.I.
6. Golden Resort, LLLP, Hotel/Timeshare Resort (New), St. Croix, V.I.
Any person, firm or corporation interested in the approval or disapproval of the applications may appear and be heard, provided that a written statement is submitted to the Chief Executive Officer of the Economic Development Commission at least one day prior to the hearing at P.O. Box 3499 Christiansted, St. Croix USVI 00822, (Phone) 773-6499 (Fax) 773-7701 .

Nadine T. Marchena
Acting Chief Executive Officer

* Designated Service Business

Feb. 25, 2002 – A parent or a public agency wanting to file a complaint concerning the Education Department's Office of Special Education must fill out a form, state office director Belinda West O'Neal said Monday.
While the department issued a press release on Friday advising the public of "changes to procedures" for filing a complaint, West O'Neal said the procedures have not changed, but Education sends such notices several tmies a year to remind parents and agencies of the requirement.
A parent or a public agency now may initiate a due process hearing and/or file a formal complaint by completing a new form, according to an Education Department release. Complaints may relate to identification, evaluation or educational placement of a child with a disability, or to the provision of a free, appropriate public education.
For assistance regarding the new procedures, parents should contact Belinda West O'Neal, territorial director of special education, by calling 774-4399 or by stopping by the special education office in the Frostco building adjacent to the One Stop center on Harwood Highway.

Feb. 25, 2002 – The St. Croix Landmarks Society hopes to attract serious collectors of rare West Indian furniture as well as people who've just always wanted a piece of Caribbean history for their homes to its 19th annual Antiques Auction on March 10.
The event begins at 1 p.m. at the Whim Plantation Museum
There will be opportunities to preview the auction items from 5 to 7 p.m. on March 9 and from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on March 10. An antiques and collectibles flea market also will be held starting at 10 a.m. on March 10.
And at 4 p.m. on March 9, author Michael Connor will speak about his recent book, "Caribbean Elegance — Exotic Furniture from the Sugar Islands."
"We have something for everyone," events director Susan Wall said. The items that will go on the auction block include antique furniture, original artwork, Waterford crystal, a West Indian mahogany pedestal game table, a mahogany four-poster bed, an 1890 rag doll made on St. Croix, an ivory jewel box and several wood furniture items made by the late Fletcher Pence of St. Croix LEAP.
For a look at these and other auction items, visit the Landmarks Society's website Landmarks Auction section.
Tourism Commissioner Pamela Richards said the auction is an opportunity for both residents and visitors to purchase Caribbean art as well as antiques. "The furnishings that are for sale are a unique reflection of our rich history, talented craftsmanship and Caribbean elegance," she said.
The pieces come from St. Croix, St. Thomas, Nevis, Puerto Rico and Grenada. Most are being sold on consignment for owners on those islands, with the Landmark's Society retaining a portion of the price.
Wall said that Jeff Jeffers of Garth's Art and Antiques in Cleveland, Ohio, will serve as the auctioneer. "It's a very respected firm," she said.
For more information, call the Landmarks Society at 772-0598.

Feb. 25, 2002 – Well-known St. Croix resident Malcolm K. Plaskett died Sunday in Washington, D.C.
"He was Derek Hodge's right-hand man," said Gregory L. Davila, spokesman for Lt. Gov. Gerard Luz James II.
Plaskett served for eight years as special assistant to Hodge, who was lieutenant governor in the Alexander Farrelly administration. Plaskett also was a member of the Elections Board, the Economic Development Commission and the Territorial Committee of the Democratic Party.
"Members of the Plaskett family were staunch Democrats, particularly Raymond and Malcolm, who were driving forces witin the Unity Party, a precursor to what is now the Democratic Party," James said in a press release. He said Plaskett was recognized as a "consummate parliamentarian" and was well-versed in labor relations.
James said that Plaskett also was a civic-minded person — a dedicated member of Caribbean Light Lodge No. 101, Free and Accepted Masons, as well as of the Gentlemen of Jones.
Delegate Donna Christian Christensen remembered him as a classmate, friend and adviser. "I will miss his counsel and his friendship," she said.
James said that Plaskett grew up on Hill Street in Christiansted behind St. Mary's Catholic School. Plaskett's family stretches far and wide. In addition to his wife, Corine, and his daughter, Nikki, he is survived by many other family members, including Planning and Natural Resources Commissioner Dean C. Plaskett, a nephew.
Information on services was not immediately available.

Feb. 25, 2002 – Sitting on the ground around a police car at the St. John police station sally port on Monday morning, 16 young Chinese people who entered the country illegally on Sunday night looked glumly out through the grillwork at passersby.
The five men and 11 women who all appeared to be in their 20s and early 30s were picked up near Annaberg Plantation after police received a call at 10:30 p.m. Sunday. It was believed that they arrived by boat.
U.S. Immigration and Naturalization officers arrived at mid-morning to take them to St. Thomas for an appearance in U.S. District Court. In most cases of this type, the illegal aliens are charged with illegal entry.
"The Chinese usually turn themselves in," Ivan Ortiz, INS spokesman in Puerto Rico, said. He said that they are usually held in a Virgin Islands jail while they await a hearing. If they apply for political asylum, they will be transferred to a mainland detention center.
The U.S. Virgin Islands in general, and St. John in particular, has seen numerous illegal aliens landing on its beaches. Most are Chinese or Haitian, but a smattering of Colombians and people from the Middle East also make their way here, Ortiz said. The Chinese often come from Fujian Province, where they pay up to $50,000 for the trip with the goal of reaching the U.S. mainland.
Ortiz said about 500 to 600 illegal aliens a year have been arriving in the territory. He said that Puerto Rico sees some 2,000 people a year trying to enter illegally, mainly from the Dominican Republic. And nearly two million a year try to cross the border from Mexico to the southwestern United States.

Feb. 25. 2002 – The island of Puerto Rico is just a hop, skip and a jump from here, but the Ballet Concierto de Puerto Rico, in ballet terms, made a grand jete, or a great leap, and landed on the stage of the Reichhold Center for the Arts in a technically pleasing, creditable performance Saturday night.
"Latinissimo" was the piece of the evening, featuring the fiery music of the legendary Tito Puente, el Rey del Timbal (loosely, "the King of the Drums"). The pulse of the Latin beat ably set the rhythm and percussion for the dance. Seeing the classical ballet steps being done to this hot Latin music took a bit of getting used to, but once one was acclimated, it worked.
This internationally acclaimed troupe of 20-odd dancers is well rehearsed and possesses the most important elements in classical dance — strong technique, good body placement and well-articulated feet. This was my first exposure to the company, and I'm pleased to say these talented dancers did justice to the choreography. There's no mistaking the influence of American Ballet Theatre, a prime factor in the career of Lolita San Miguel, founder and artistic director of Ballet Concierto.
The romantic bolero "Sabor a Mi" was effectively interrupted by Lara Berrios, Orlando Viamontes and Lyulma Rivera. Partnering switcharoos were scattered throughout "Latinissimo," which is credited with three different choreographers. They had lots of fun with Gloria Estefan's "Conga," featuring six female dancers and one male, Alexis O'Farril, who was a standout throughout the evening — as well as with the section with seven male dancers and one female. Several of the nine sections in the piece displayed interesting and inventive movement.
Through its yearly Choreographers Festival and Encounter of Caribbean Choreographers, Ballet Concierto has developed its exploration of contemporary themes here in the region. Of choreographic note were the grand battement, or high kick, and a rather unusual move in classical ballet of the lifting and twirling the ballerina upside down, as with a baton.
The big toe-tapper in the first dance was the ending with the recorded sounds of Ricky Martin, a Puerto Rico native and current celebrity pitchman, belting out his megahit "Living la Vida Loca." Both men and women had good control on their pirouettes and made excellent use of their well-stretched and limber bodies.
There was a sameness to the tone of the presentations, probably due to the choice of the two pieces offered. Fortunately, the dancers exhibited good acting and dance technique, which did much to lift the heaviness of the second offering, "Carmen," danced to the brilliant and well-known music of George Bizet.
Carmen, danced by Amparo Rodriquez, Roberto Lopez as Don Jose, and Jose Rodriguez as Escamillo portrayed the ill-fated leading characters in the tragic story. ABT is well known for its full-length ballets, a tradition evidently honored by Ballet Concierto. I would love to see this company tackle "Swan Lake," "Sleeping Beauty," "Giselle" or even the romantic "Don Quixote." These ballets are staples in the ABT repertoire and would no doubt work well for this group.
There were some obvious problems with the theater's technical operation. We waited in darkness for a short while during "Carmen," and the beautifully danced pas de trois just before Carmen is killed by her soldier lover was so poorly lighted that parts of the dance were performed in near darkness. Better use of the follow spot and improved lighting plots would have made a world of difference.
Overall, there were some bright moments and flashes of excellent dancing spread out over the two- hour performance with a 15-minute intermission.
I feel compelled to make this added note on the subject of time: Arriving late to the theater is rude and shows disrespect to other members of the audience — and, more importantly, to the performers, who have spent many days, months and years and long hard-working hours to prepare for this evening. Theatergoers the world over know that you are supposed to be in your seat at the appointed hour, which requires a little attention to time management.
Latecomers climbing all over you, mashing your toes, and distracting your attention from the stage make it impossible to really appreciate the theatrical experience. Yes, just in case you didn't know it, the audience that sits and watches and listens also is a part of the performance. Your applause is the response to the dancers' choreographed artistic movement and performance.
Lateness is more pronounced at the Reichhold than at many other venues because those in their seats can see and hear folks coming into the open amphitheater setting. Elsewhere, patrons arriving late are not seated during performances but are made to wait until the first pause or intermission before they are permitted to take their seats.
Droves of latecomers strolling in after 8 p.m. — to as late as 9 p.m. for a curtain time called an hour earlier — is unacceptable. The art of classical dance, most commonly called ballet, is rooted in very strict discipline, something audiences here would do well to emulate.
Meanwhile, hats off to Lolita San Miguel, her principal dancers, soloists and corps de ballet. Since they are based in nearby Puerto Rico, let's encourage Reichhold director David Edgecombe to arrange an encore!

Editor's note: Lee Vanterpool, a Government House public information officer, is a former dancer with New York City Ballet.