Dec. 20, 2001 – St. Croix took a step toward its third casino Wednesday when the Casino Control Commission voted to reserve a license for Robin Bay Associates’ 300-room, $500 million South Shore project.
Commission members granted Curtis Robinson, majority partner in Robin Bay Associates, a 24-month provisional license in which the developers must report to the commission every six months on the venture’s ongoing financial viability, permitting status and any major changes to the business plan. The approval was granted after the Division of Gaming Enforcement conducted a background investigation into Robinson and his partners.
Robinson, a Connecticut-based real estate developer with a casino background that includes the Foxwoods Resort and Casino in Mashantucket, Conn., said he has confidence in the massive plans Robin Bay Associates has for Seven Hills Casino and Resort, a 20,000 square foot facility to be located just east of Great Pond Bay. He said he has already sunk $3 million of his own money into the project.
"I saw this as a first-class opportunity," Robinson told the commission on Wednesday. "I’m willing to take a chance. I can invest $500 million anyplace in the world. But I want to do it here." He said the financing for the project should be closed sometime in the first quarter of 2002.
The first phase of the project could begin in about a year if the Legislature approves a zoning change for 615 acres near Great Pond Bay. That phase includes the 300-room hotel, the casino and 100 time-share units. Also planned are a convention center and an 18-hole golf course. Later phases are to include nearly 400 more rooms in an eco-lodge/spa facility and a beachfront hotel. Robinson said the initial phase would generate 300 construction jobs.
The overall plan is for what would be the largest resort-casino in the West Indies.
"I hope to be in the ground in the next 12 months," Robinson said. "That depends on the zoning." He added, "My thing is to develop all that land at some point."
Commission member Lloyd McAlpin said Robinson's proposal is the kind that could lift St. Croix from the "bottom of the barrel." He added, "We can’t turn our backs on investors like these."
In October, the Casino Control Commission reserved the first of the two allowed "Casino II" casino licenses for Golden Gaming Inc. of New Jersey. The other one is now reserved for Robin Bay Associates. The Casino Control Act allows for six casinos of varying sizes to be built on St. Croix. A Casino II facility must have a hotel of 300 to1,400 rooms and a casino of at least 10,000 square feet.
Paul Golden has purchased some 265 acres, also near Great Pond Bay, for his Golden Gaming 400-room hotel-casino project, which also includes an18-hole golf course.
The Divi Carina Bay Resort and Casino, the territory's first and only casino property to open, has been in operation since March 2000 and currently employs about 325 people.

Dec. 20, 2001 – Seemingly in hopes that the spirit of giving will carry over two days after Christmas, Gov. Charles W. Turnbull announced Wednesday that he is calling the Legislature into special session on Dec. 27 to consider three proposals:
– To authorize the issuance of revenue bonds and/or notes for various public and private capital projects.
– To approve a lump-sum budget for the operations of the executive branch for Fiscal Year 2002.
– To empower the chief executive to declare a state of economic emergency in the event of man-made catastrophes.
In his letter to Senate President Almando "Rocky" Liburd calling the special session, Turnbull cited "the importance of these recommended bills to the economy of the territory and to the fiscal operation of the departments and agencies of the government."
The bonds bill was originally sent to the Senate on Nov. 27. Turnbull said the measure represents not only money "for large projects and public housing but also tens of millions of dollars to be circulated in the economy of the territory as a whole and St. Croix in particular." A Government House release said the measure must be passed by Dec. 31 "in order not to lose much-needed tax benefits or money for major projects such as the Louis E. Brown development on St. Croix."
The lump-sum budget bill also is being resubmitted. The governor said it is needed to give departments and agencies "the flexibility to manage resources so they can more effectively and efficiently serve the needs of our people in tight financial times."
He warned that in the latter part of the current fiscal year, which began Oct. 1, departments and agencies "will find it difficult to respond to requests for services from residents due to the limitation of the government's financial resources."
The emergency declaration bill would expand the governor's emergency powers by authorizing the chief executive to declare a "state of economic emergency to counter any man-made catastrophes having a devastating [effect] on the economy."

St. Croix Landmarks Society will present a Listen and Learn Workshop at Good Hope School on Jan. 11, 2002, at 10 a.m.
Listen and Learn Workshops are open to school children and senior citizens free of charge. Please call 772-0598 to reserve a space.
Soprano Taina Kataja and tenor Frederick Urrey will be accompanied at the piano by Barbara Gonzales-Palmer. All three performers will be on St. Croix as part of the Music at Whim concert series, according to a release from the society. For more information about the musicians, visit the St. Croix Landmarks home page section on Concerts at Whim.

Dec. 19, 2001 – St. Croix Landmarks Society will present a Listen and Learn Workshop at Good Hope School on Jan. 11, 2002, at 10 a.m.
Listen and Learn Workshops are open to school children and senior citizens free of charge. Please call 772-0598 to reserve a space.
Soprano Taina Kataja and tenor Frederick Urrey will be accompanied at the piano by Barbara Gonzales-Palmer. All three performers, accomplished artists with international credits, will be on St. Croix as part of the Music at Whim concert series, according to a release from the society.
For more information about the musicians, visit the St. Croix Landmarks home page section on Concerts at Whim

Dec. 19, 2001 – This pre-holiday weekend's "Friday Night Alternative" in Red Hook will be a livelier-than-usual one, with the American Yacht Harbor management making it the annual Christmas party for the shopping complex and marina, too.
With house musician Sally Smith on keyboard and vocals, Joe Ramsay on saxophone and flute, "Mr. B" on drums, Jerry Harris on more vocals and a bass player to be announced, the emphasis will be on jazz, FNA host Corinne Van Rensselaer says. But, assuming everyone is in the mood, there'll be caroling, too, she adds, and "I am sure there will also be some guest artists joining the melee."
It all happens Friday — with extended hours from 6 to 9 p.m. — on the AHY Marlin Deck just outside The Color of Joy gallery and boutique.
For the kids (and anybody else who'd like to watch), "The Grinch That Stole Christmas" will be loaded into the VCR, courtesy of Red Hook Video. And for everyone there'll be complimentary refreshments — with holiday cheer thrown in for good measure.
And, oh, yes, FNA T-shirts and tickets for the artwork raffle of the month will be available for purchase. Proceeds from both will go toward keeping "Friday Night Alternative" up and running in the new year.

Dec. 19, 2001 – This pre-holiday weekend's "Friday Night Alternative" will be a livelier-than-usual one, with the American Yacht Harbor management making it the annual Christmas party for the shopping complex and marina, too.
With house musician Sally Smith on keyboard and vocals, Joe Ramsay on saxophone and flute, "Mr. B" on drums, Jerry Harris on more vocals and a bass player to be announced, the emphasis will be on jazz, FNA host Corinne Van Rensselaer says. But, assuming everyone is in the mood, there'll be caroling, too, she adds, and "I am sure there will also be some guest artists joining the melee."
It all happens Friday — with extended hours from 6 to 9 p.m. — on the AHY Marlin Deck just outside The Color of Joy gallery and boutique.
For the kids (and anybody else who'd like to watch), "The Grinch That Stole Christmas" will be loaded into the VCR, courtesy of Red Hook Video. And for everyone there'll be complimentary refreshments — with holiday cheer thrown in for good measure.
And, oh, yes, FNA T-shirts and tickets for the artwork raffle of the month will be available for purchase. Proceeds from both will go toward keeping "Friday Night Alternative" up and running in the new year.

December 19, 2001 – "A Little Bit of Old – and All That's New for Crucian Festival 2002," is the theme this year for the Crucian Christmas Festival, held on St. Croix.
The festival has been an island tradition since 1952.
A calendar of events is listed. The Source will update the listings as information is made available.
For further information on events, call the Festival office at 719-3379, or Fax 777-8136. The office is located in at the Village Mall in Barren Spot, upstairs in Suite 106. It is open Monday-Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Someone will be available until 7 p.m. to purchase the madras material, while the supply lasts, for the Grand Community Quadrille, scheduled for Jan. 1.
Who's who of Festival officers: Vera M. Falu, president; Lenise Hunt, vice president; Lawrence A. Bastian, treasurer; Norman Edwards, assistant treasurer; Antoinette Lenhardt, recording secretary; Deborah C. Johnson, corresponding secretary.
Debra Gaines is office manager.
DJ Myron will be on the reviewing stand for parades Jan. 4 and 5.
MCs throughout the Festival include: Mean Dean, George "Bagoon" O'Reilly, St. Claire Williams, Bad Company, Tony Santos, and Robert Luke.

Free Posters Available
The Festival office has a supply of free posters, made available by sponsor Wiesner Development Company. There's a limit of two per person, while supplies last.
Raffle
Raffle tickets, at $5 per chance or $50 for a book of 11 tickets, are on sale at the Festival office. Prize details below under Jan. 4.
Miss St. Croix Queen Pageant
Prince and Princess Presentation and Coronation
Sunday, Dec. 16, at 6 p.m. at Island Center.
Parade Marshals' meeting
Tuesday, Dec. 18, at 6 p.m. at Gertrude's.
For further information contact Davidson Charlemagne at 778-8371 or the Festival office.
Gloria Joseph's Food Fair
Friday, Dec. 21, at 11 a.m. at the Frederiksted Vegetable Market.
There'll be foods, arts, crafts, and entertainment. The schedule:
10-11 a.m. DJ Sax
11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Blinky and the Roadmasters & Frederiksted Masqueraders
1:30-2 p.m. DJ Sax
2-3 p.m. Steel Pan and Mocko Jumbies
3-5 p.m. Stanley & the 10 Sleepless Knights; Quadrille Dancers
5-7:30 p.m. Image Band
Bradley Christian at 719-4538 has further information.
Festival bands contract deadline
Friday, Dec. 21, at the Festival office
The Festival Entertainment Committee reminds all bands that are participating in the 2001-2002 Festival that contracts must be signed by Dec. 21. Festival office has further information.
Coney Island rides open
Friday, Dec. 21, at 7 p.m. at the Village site, Frederiksted
Calypso Monarch Elimination Tent
Friday, Dec. 21, at 8 p.m. at the Y2K Nite Club, Frederiksted.
Numerous Calypsonians compete for a spot in the final competition on Jan. 3, 2002. Come see and hear Princess Rosalyn, Lady Ann, Tumba, Llewellyn, Renegade, King Generic, Mighty Pat, Mighty Willow, Shari Diamond, King Paul, King Herring, Monarch, Lariel Gerard, Lady Rowena, and Wellington Pelle.
Tickets are $8 in advance, $10 at the door. Tickets are available at Ada's Creative Touch, Pancho's in Sunny Isle, Dawn's in Frederiksted, and the Festival Office.
"Bradley Christian Heritage Village" opens
Wednesday, Dec. 26, at 8 p.m. ribbon-cutting.
DJ Myron from 6 p.m.
Ricardo Richards Steel Band, 6-8 p.m.; Stanley and the Ten Sleepless Knights, 8-11 p.m.; Xpress Band, 11 p.m. to 3 a.m.
Reggae Night
Thursday, Dec. 27, from 6 p.m. at the Village.
DJ Junie from 6 p.m.
Midnight Band / various artists, 8 p.m.; Phranchize Band, 1-3 a.m.
Music at the Village
Friday, Dec. 28, from 6 p.m. at the Village.
V.I. Housing Steel Orchestra, 6-8 p.m.; Digital Band, 8-11 p.m.; China Dan, 11:30 p.m. to 3 a.m.
Greek Night: "Stepping Show with Sorors & Frats"
Saturday, Dec. 29, from 6 p.m. at the Village.
DJ Glamorous from 6 p.m.
Stroka Band, 8-11 p.m.; Image Band, 11 p.m.-3 a.m.
Junior Calypsonians Show With Xpress Band
Saturday, Dec. 29, 8 p.m. at Island Center.
Latin Night
Sunday, Dec. 30, from 6 p.m. at the Village.
DJ Brache from 6 p.m., with a show featuring Raphy Levitt andGrupo Kaos directly from Puerto Rico.
Liquid Sounds, 5-9:30 p.m.; Raphy Levitt, 10-12:30 p.m.; Grupo Kaos, 1-3 a.m.
New Year's Eve
Monday, Dec. 31, from 7 p.m. at the Village
DJ Johnny from 7 p.m.
Phranchize, 8-11 p.m.; Noel Band (Velma Cruz), 11:30 p.m.-2 am.; Wild fire, 2-4 a.m.
New Year's Tramp
Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2002, at 5 a.m.
Location of start, route, and finish to be announced later.
Cultural Night
Tuesday, Jan. 1, from 6 p.m. in the Village
DJ Komombo from 6 p.m.
Stanley and the Ten Sleepless Knights, 8 p.m., with the St. Croix Heritage Dancers.
Grand Community Quadrille Tribute to "Bradley Christian"
VIO, 11:30 p.m.-3 a.m.
Music at the Village
Wednesday, Jan. 2, from 6 p.m. in the Village
DJ Hammer from 6 p.m.
Xpress Band, 8 p.m.
King and Queen of the Band, 9 p.m.
Image Band, 10:30 p.m.; Jam Band, 12 a.m.; DJ Carl 3 a.m.-6 a.m.
Jou'vert Jam
Thursday, Jan. 3, at 4 a.m.
Location of start, route, and finish to be announced later.
Music at the Village
Thursday, Jan. 3, from 6 p.m. at the Village
DJ Junie from 6 p.m.
China Dan, 8-10 p.m.; Digital Band, 11:30 p.m.-3 a.m.
Calypso Monarch Competition
Thursday, Jan. 3, 8 p.m. at Island Center
MC – Bad Company & Sly J from 2DK, Antigua
Children's Parade
Friday, Jan. 4, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
DJ Stonchart, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Music at the Village
Friday, Jan. 4, at the Village
DJ Carl from 6 p.m.
Generation Band, 3-7 p.m.; New Direction (St. Vincent), 8-11 p.m.; Pyour Passion, 11:30 p.m.-3 a.m.
Raffle Drawing
Friday, Jan. 4, sometime during the evening, at the village
First prize: Carnival Destiny Cruise for two, including cruise fare and round-trip airfare from St. Croix to San Juan.
Second prize: Round-trip airfare for two from St. Croix to San Juan, good anytime.
Third prize: Round-trip airfare for two from St. Croix to St. Thomas, good anytime.
Travel arrangements are by Let's Travel.
Three Kings Day Parade
Saturday, Jan. 5, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
DJ Heart A Tak, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Music at the Village
Saturday, Jan. 5
DJ Komombo from 5 p.m.
Native Rhythms, 6-8 p.m.; Liquid Sounds, 9 -11 p.m.; VIO, 11:30 p.m.-3 a.m.
Music at the Village
Sunday, Jan. 6
DJ Johnny from 4 p.m.
Phranchize Band, 5-7:30 p.m.; VIO, 8-11 p.m.
"Last Lap"Burning Flames, 11:30 p.m.-3 a.m.
Local Calypso Show
Monday, Jan. 7
with Junior Calypsonians, Calypso Monarch backed by Xpress
DJ Myron from 6 p.m.
Xpress Band, from 8 p.m.
Village closes at midnight.
Themes for Festival 2002-2003 sought.
Deadline Jan. 15, 2002, at 5 p.m.
Just in case you've reached the end of this year's Festival and have come up with a great idea for next year's theme, The Festival is accepting themes for the Festival's 2002-2003 Golden Anniversary.
Next year's festival will culminate with the Grand Golden Jubilee Three Kings Day parade on Jan. 6, 2003.
Theme entries should be cultural/ historical and reflect the celebration of 50 years of Festival. All entries should be typewritten or in legible handwriting, or emailed to lbastian@islands.vi
To submit entry, send name, mailing address, telephone number and theme by mail to Crucian Christmas Festival Committee, Golden anniversary Committee, P. O. Box 8596, Sunny Isles, St. Croix, V.I. 00923.
The winning entry will be awarded at the Festival Awards Ceremony, to be announced at a later date. The winn
ing entry will receive a prize of $1,000, to be awarded by the V.I. Department of Tourism.

Dec. 19, 2001 – The Crucian Christmas Festival Committee, Golden Anniversary Committee, is accepting themes for the Festival's 2002-2003 Golden Anniversary.
The deadline is Jan. 15, 2002, at 5 p.m., according to a release from the Festival office.
Next year's festival will culminate with the Grand Golden Jubilee Three Kings Day parade on Jan. 6, 2003.
Theme entries should be cultural/ historical and reflect the celebration of 50 years of Festival. All entries should be typewritten or in legible handwriting, or emailed to lbastian@islands.vi
To submit entry, send name, mailing address, telephone number and theme by mail to:
Crucian Christmas Festival Committee
Golden anniversary Committee
P. O. Box 8596, Sunny Isles
St. Croix, V.I. 00923.
The winning entry will be awarded at the Festival Awards Ceremony, to be announced at a later date. The winning entry will receive a prize of $1,000, to be awarded by the V.I. Department of Tourism.

Editor's note: This is a copy sent to the Source of another letter sent to the governor regarding the rezoning of Botany Bay.
Dear Source,
I write as an interested party who has spent many days on Botany Bay looking at its inherent beauty and historical remains and being stirred by its inherent mystery and brooding qualities. I fished from its rocks and feared the pounding of the surf and deep waters around it. Because of its powerful draw, I lived through (and ignored) the melee of the Rastafarians harassing anyone foolish enough to descend to the beach since they were "farming" there.
My sons were born on St. Thomas and it will be their loss and all Virgin Islanders' loss and the shame of your administration if you do not exercise the power of the veto that was given to you by the voters of the Virgin Islands and force reconsideration of this legislatively killing blow to the history, heritage and integrity of the people past and present of St. Thomas. That there is no apparent "silver" involved in this decision on the part of the Legislature is at best confusing and at worst damning and a testament to the senators' shortsightedness.
To replace a site that is irreplaceable by encouraging the creation of a swimming pool and bar or worse is unthinkable and leads me to think that those involved have not even visited this strange and almost haunted place where almost certainly a past that we all need to learn from and respect is evident. Will ground zero ever be paved over and replaced by an entertainment center and forgotten? You all know the answer is "no." At Botany Bay, the idea of insult to those who went before us and left their mark for good and bad is as relevant as the thought of ignoring the murder of those innocent souls.
We all need to see, remember and learn from the historical evidence of the successes, mistakes and cruelties of our past, lest we be condemned to repeat them.
Ron Budsan
Pensacola, Fla.

Editor's note: 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.

Dec. 19, 2001 – There are more showers ahead, San Juan-based National Weather Service forecaster Miguel Sierra said on Wednesday, but don't look for anything like the monsoonish conditions that hit the territory last weekend. "Just showers and clouds," he said.
Wednesday night and Thursday will be partly cloudy with the occasional passing shower, Sierra said, but the weather will begin to deteriorate again on Friday.
While residents are glad for the rain that filled their cisterns, they aren't keen on a repeat of last weekend's thunder and lightening. "I had one dog in my face and another under the bed," St. John resident Lisa Durgin said. But, she added, this is the first time her cistern has filled since she moved into her house six years ago.
Durgin, unlike many other V.I. residents, hasn't seen mold grow on leather shoes in her closet or foliage grow rampant in her yard.
The lack of sun has taken its toll on solar hot water systems. Allen Glenn, who owns Cloud Nine Villas on St. John, said he got a call from one guest complaining that she didn't have any hot water. "But I don't make any guarantees for weather," he said.