The V.I. Port Authority board of directors gave the go ahead Wednesday for the approximately $9 million expansion of the Crown Bay dock.
A mainland engineering firm, Gee and Johnson, told board members that a feasability study using input from cruise ship captains, VIPA harbor pilots and computer simulations found that under certain wind conditions and with renovations the dock could be used by ships up to 950-feet long. Currently, the north side of the dock can accommodate ships 640 feet in length.
A reconfigured facility, including the addition of 1,000 feet of wharfage, will mean ships that now moor in the inner and outer harbor when the West Indian Company Ltd. dock at Havensight is full will have a place to comfortably berth, said VIPA Executive Director Gordon Finch.
He said the fact that the Florida Caribbean Cruise Association pitched in one-third of the $85,000 cost for the study – the remainder was paid by VIPA and WICO. – shows that if the dock is upgraded it will be used extensively.
"It gives an indication of the cruise lines’ interest in developing Crown Bay," he said.
The reconfiguration of the dock would allow it to accommodate 90 percent of the cruise ships now sailing the Caribbean, Finch said.
Because of wind, current and the proximity of other berthing facilities adjacent to the Crown Bay dock, the north side of the structure will not be able to accommodate the largest of the cruise ships. The south side, however, poses no restrictions, engineers said.
The board’s approval of the plan means a request for proposals will be circulated by VIPA on the dock renovations and a shopping center on land adjacent to the dock area. A time line for the project’s completion wasn’t given, but when it is finished, "We know we’re going to get significantly more calls . . . especially with a shopping center," said Finch. "It’s the kind of project that will present increased revenue for the Port Authority."

The 23rd Legislature is commemorating African Liberation Day Thursday with a cultural program scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. on the St. Thomas Legislature Building grounds.
The program, part of the wider observance of Virgin Islands African Heritage Week, will be a tribute to Julius K. Nyerere, president of Tanzania from 1961 to 1985. An educator, pan- Africanist and statesman, Nyerere died last year.
Nyerere "was an inspiration to many Africans and promoted Third World solidarity and cooperation," a release from the Legislature noted, and he "felt that regional federation was first and essential toward African unity."
This is the 10th year that African Liberation Day is being observed in the territory. Thursday's celebrations are to include performances by Addelita Cancryn Junior High School students, a step show by James Rhymer and Company, a performance by V.I. Calypso king Whadablee (St. Clair DeSilva), the raising of the pan-African nationalist flag and a fashion show of African wear.
In the release, Senate president Vargrave Richards urged residents "to commemorate the evolution of the Virgin Islands through our African heritage." Gov. Charles W. Turnbull in a release from Government House called on Virgin Islanders to "observe this week and join together in commemorative ceremonies to reflect upon our African heritage."
In designating Thursday as African Liberation Day and proclaiming May 22-26 as Virgin Islands African Heritage Week, Turnbull noted that the majority of the territory's population is of African descent and many Virgin Islanders' ancestors were taken away from their homeland and families and brought to the Caribbean by force.
"Because the culture and heritage of the Virgin Islands is largely due to this African heritage," the governor said, "it is appropriate that we should set aside time to remember our proud African heritage."

As I write this I am still shaken and saddened by Jason Carroll’s senseless killing on Main Street at high day. Why? Jason was only downtown doing something positive; he was looking for a summer job.
The media described the victim as a man. I more think of him as a child-man, an 18-year-old college freshman, on his way to becoming an adult-man who will now never see that day. His family has been unfairly and horrifically cheated of seeing Jason develop into the man he showed every promise of becoming from his school days that began at Montessori, continued at Antilles, and then at All Saints and ultimately was cut short at the University of the Virgin Islands. We, as well as they, will never know now what Jason would have done to make a difference in this crazy mixed up world of ours.
We as parents warn our children about staying away from dangerous or troubled places, but Main Street? High day? How can we warn our children about that? Looking for a job on Main Street as summer is upon us is as natural and normal as one can get.
It could have been my teenage daughter, who was also downtown yesterday after school picking up a job application for a summer job. By the Grace of God it was not. By coincidence, when I picked her up a few short blocks away from the scene of this ghastly killing, she was actually sitting on a park bench talking to Jason’s brother. He, unaware that his brother had been senselessly murdered a couple of hours before, (although the name Jason Carroll had already been broadcast by the media), was keeping her company until I came. She too is overwhelmed by this mindless act and cannot understand it.
I grew up on St. Thomas and I simply mourn the day when I and my friends roamed the island at will. It’s not like we are living in some terrifying inner city where run down buildings, poverty, gangs and crime abound and, I should add, this is not the first time that my daughter knew a youthful murder victim; this never happened to me on my island home where I was allowed to grow as child without these adult issues crowding me!
My heart goes out to the parents, brother and other family members of Jason. It is extremely difficult for me to comprehend the pain they must be suffering. It is ironic that Jason has a father who has dedicated his life to fighting crime. It is also ironic that his father’s boss, U. S. Attorney James Hurd, has been leading a team of concerned citizens to end the youth violence that we have seen more and more in the Virgin Islands. It is also amazing that when the Committee to End Youth Violence meets there are always empty seats in the room despite press releases inviting the community at large to the meeting.
What are we going to do? Can we do anything? I believe we can, but we must dedicate ourselves to strengthening the families that many of these youthful offenders come from. Take a look at the statistics of the youthful offenders being held in custody at the Youth Rehabilitation Center of the Department of Human Services (and learn from them):
• 76% are from single parent households
• 26% are drug users
• 58% are school dropouts
• 13% come from homes where there is substance abuse
We have got to ensure that we address these factors prevalent among our criminal youth in a concrete meaningful way so that Jason’s life will not have been in vain. Jason’s death should bring it all home to us. It could have happened to any of us who have children.
We must take action to stop the spiraling murder and violence youth rates. We need to do what we have never done before; develop a strong, well-thought out, innovative, creative plan that puts aside political and personal ambitions to improve our quality of life. We also need to:
• Find more effective ways of getting young people to delay pregnancies and limit their family sizes to one that they can adequately provide for.
• Get our male population to understand the responsibilities of fatherhood and to restrict the number of partners with whom they have children.
• Make prenatal and postnatal care widely available, user friendly and attractive to low income women to avoid low birth weight babies born with neurological deficits.
• Find a way to ensure that each child believes that she or he has a future and that avenues out of poverty exist and are readily accessible.
• Get our leaders to dedicate themselves to the eradication of childhood poverty and reduce funding for its symptoms and instead increase money to eradicate the causes of poverty.
• Find ways to ensure that children have proper child care and that the child care is affordable and accessible and helps to increase, not diminish their intelligence.
I ask each of you reading these words, please do your part to improve the Virgin Islands so that Jason’s death and those of all the other young people will not be in vain. To Jason’s family, my heart goes out to you and I wish I could make your awful burden lighter.
Editor’s note: Catherine Lockhart Mills of St. Thomas, a former Human Services commissioner, holds a master’s degree in social work. She is a regular columnist at The Source. You can send comments to her on the articles she writes or topics you would like her to address at source@viaccess.net

Our community is reeling in shock over another senseless shooting and everyone is grasping for answers.
The root causes of gun violence, which in the last month has left one young man paralyzed and another dead, are many.
Before we discuss one of those in another editorial, we want to push a couple of practical and immediate solutions and implore government officials and the community to move swiftly and surely toward addressing our very serious problems with violence.
The first has to do with guns. Without guns it is most likely that Jason Carroll would be alive and Geoff Kennedy, who was paralyzed one month ago by gunshot, would be walking around.
We must immediately tackle the problem of meaningful gun control legislation. One answer would be no concealed weapons. Everybody who carries a gun should have to display it by wearing a holster. This is the law in New Mexico.
Those citizens who feel it's their right to carry a gun, should be willing to make their beliefs visible. And punishment for carrying a concealed weapon should be severe and mandatory. Mandatory sentencing for crimes committed with guns and felony charges carrying serious punishment against minors and others who are found in possession of illegal firearms could also begin to address the immediate problem.
Next is an action that does not require legislation. Stepped up police patrols on Main Street and Back Street and beyond into the Savan area, must become a reality now. This is the path these predators have used for years to come and go as they prey upon the public.
We're talking a six block radius here. We see no reason it can't be patrolled. A quick radio call to a police officer patrolling the areas behind Main Street could result in the immediate apprehension of the offenders or in reverse could warn officers of suspicious activity.
This downtown policing problem has been talked about over and over, while Larry Davis was killed, Geoff Kennedy was paralyzed and Jason Carroll was murdered, to name only a few. Do it now.

All friends, former faculty and staff, current faculty and staff, former
parents and current parents and alumni from all over the world are invited
to join in the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the founding of
Antilles School.
The celebration starts with a welcoming reception at Jeni Smith's house at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday night June 15 for $25 per person. Friday night's party starts at 7:30 p.m. at Wyndham Sugar Bay with food and dancing. The cost is $50 a person. On Saturday night June 17 the celebrants will travel to Foxy's for a party beginning at 6:30 p.m. The charge will be $25 for a barbecue.
For those who need a ride a ferry will leave the Red Hook Dock at 3 p.m. and return at 11:30 p.m. The charge will be $35 for the round trip ferry.
For more information and to sign up for any or all events, call Joan
Amerling at Antilles School, 776-1600. Or email her at development@antilles.k12.vi.us

All friends, former faculty and staff, current faculty and staff, former
parents and current parents and alumni from all over the world are invited
to join in the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the founding of
Antilles School.
The celebration starts with a welcoming reception at Jeni Smith's house at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday night June 15 for $25 per person. Friday night's party starts at 7:30 p.m. at Wyndham Sugar Bay with food and dancing. The cost is $50 a person. On Saturday night June 17 the celebrants will travel to Foxy's for a party beginning at 6:30 p.m. The charge will be $25 for a barbecue.
For those who need a ride a ferry will leave the Red Hook Dock at 3 p.m. and return at 11:30 p.m. The charge will be $35 for the round trip ferry.
For more information and to sign up for any or all events, call Joan
Amerling at Antilles School, 776-1600. Or email her at development@antilles.k12.vi.us

All friends, former faculty and staff, current faculty and staff, former
parents and current parents and alumni from all over the world are invited
to join in the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the founding of
Antilles School.
The celebration starts with a welcoming reception at Jeni Smith's house at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday night June 15 for $25 per person. Friday night's party starts at 7:30 p.m. at Wyndham Sugar Bay with food and dancing. The cost is $50 a person. On Saturday night June 17 the celebrants will travel to Foxy's for a party beginning at 6:30 p.m. The charge will be $25 for a barbecue.
For those who need a ride a ferry will leave the Red Hook Dock at 3 p.m. and return at 11:30 p.m. The charge will be $35 for the round trip ferry.
For more information and to sign up for any or all events, call Joan
Amerling at Antilles School, 776-1600. Or email her at development@antilles.k12.vi.us

All friends, former faculty and staff, current faculty and staff, former
parents and current parents and alumni from all over the world are invited
to join in the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the founding of
Antilles School.
The celebration starts with a welcoming reception at Jeni Smith's house at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday night June 15 for $25 per person. Friday night's party starts at 7:30 p.m. at Wyndham Sugar Bay with food and dancing. The cost is $50 a person. On Saturday night June 17 the celebrants will travel to Foxy's for a party beginning at 6:30 p.m. The charge will be $25 for a barbecue.
For those who need a ride a ferry will leave the Red Hook Dock at 3 p.m. and return at 11:30 p.m. The charge will be $35 for the round trip ferry.
For more information and to sign up for any or all events, call Joan
Amerling at Antilles School, 776-1600. Or email her at development@antilles.k12.vi.us

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.

A common currency, language and internal political structures stand as the primary impediments to the economic unification of the Caribbean, regional academic leaders said Tuesday as the 6th annual Summer Institute for Future Global Leaders in the Caribbean got underway at the University of the Virgin Islands campus.
More than 45 students from colleges in the Caribbean, the United States and Canada, all with Caribbean heritage, are participating in the two-week conference which concludes Friday, June 12.
The institute grew out of the concern of Orville Kean, UVI president, and Solomon Kabuka, chairman of UVI's business division, for the economic, political and intellectual development of the Caribbean. Kean, who also is president of the Association of Caribbean Universities and Research Institutes (UNICA), opened the conference.
He said to the students, "If you do not think of yourselves as a work in progress, chances are there will be no progress." He continued, noting the Caribbean's commonality and common destiny, "We rise or sink together."
Keynote speaker, Patrick A. Lewis, ambassador of Antigua and Barbuda to the United Nations, said that "small island developing states are at a terrible disadvantage," without unification. "We are invisible countries because of our smallness," he said.
Participating in a panel discussion were Carlyle Corbin, USVI representative for external affairs, Fred Constant, vice president for international affairs of the Universite des Antilles in Martinique, Carl R. T. Camelia, of the University of the Netherlands Antilles in Curacao and Mervyn Alleyne, Secretary General of UNICA.
Camelia deplored the breakdown of unification within his own Netherlands Antilles, and noted the need for the entire Caribbean to "cede some sovereignty to gain unification." He said that CARICOM has been most successful, but not all countries are members. Puerto Rico and the USVI are associate members, he noted.
Corbin mentioned the "political plurality" that exists in the Caribbean. He said that by 2004 a free trade area of the Americas, a hemispheric grouping, would come into being and that the USVI and other Caribbean islands would be left out because they are outside of the Eastern customs trade zone. He said this must be addressed in a hemispheric initiative.
Alleyne commented on the language barrier in all the islands. He noted "it's no secret the French are still resentful that the world isn't using French, and Puerto Rico vastly prefers Spanish." Still, he said, these language barriers must be broached if the Caribbean is to integrate successfully for economic survival.
All of the participants agreed that a common currency would be another boon to an integrated Caribbean community. It was noted that even Ecuador in South America is now using the American dollar.
Local business leader Edward Thomas, CEO and chairman of the board of the West Indian Company Ltd., will speak at 9 a.m. Thursday on the developing Caribbean cruise ship industry for the new economy.