Don't Stop The Carnival! Play Mas, Play Mas!!! That is exactly what the UVI Theatre has in store for the entire community. At 8 p.m. on March 24, 25, 26 and 27, a play entitled "Play Mas" will open in the UVI Little Theatre. The play, written by Trinidadian playwright Mustapha Matura, promises an evening filled with fun and merriment. Situated in Trinidad, "Play Mas" focuses on a relationship between an East Indian tailor and his Afro-Caribbean apprentice. A theme of the play that should hit home with Virgin Islanders deals with the important role that annual carnivals play in Caribbean culture. Regardless of limited funds or political disturbances, you can't stop carnival!
Don't Stop The Carnival! Come play mas with us March 24, 25, 26 and 27. General admission is $10 and tickets for student with identification are only $5. Tickets are on sale now at the following outlets: Dockside Bookstore, Education Station, Nisky Pharmacy, UVI's Humanities Building and the UVI Bookstore.
Remember, the UVI Theatre's Mas starts on time –– 8:00 pm sharp — in the UVI
Little Theatre on the second floor of the Class Room Administration Building on UVI's St. Thomas campus.

The University of the Virgin Islands' Humanities Division will kick off its first-ever Humanities Festival with an opening reception March 19 at the Reichhold Center for the Arts. Entitled, "The Humanities at the Threshold of the New Millennium," the week-long festival will consist of a series of lectures, scholarly presentations and performances featuring some of the Caribbean's most prolific scholars, poets, dramatists, artists and historians.
Beginning on Sunday, March 19, with a lecture on the "Arts and Articraft" — functional artwork such as decorative woodwork — and continuing through Sunday, March 26 with "Jazz on the Green" — a concert on the St. Thomas campus golf course performed by UVI music Professor Martin J. Lamkin and friends — UVI's Humanities Division will take the university community and the Virgin Islands community at large on an artistic journey of discovery.
UVI Humanities professors Gene Emanuel and Gilbert Sprauve are the Humanities Festival's coordinators. "This festival is a recognition of the enormous amount of talent in our midst," Emanuel said. "It promises to be one of the most exciting exhibits of the creative arts that the university has offered and that the community has seen."
While the majority of the festival's events will take place on UVI's St. Thomas campus, several events, such as a discussion with local artists and a literary workshop, will take place on the St. Croix campus.
The Humanities Festival will feature performances of the play, "Play Mas," by Trinidadian playwright Mustapha Matura. "Play Mas," will premiere as part of the Humanities Festival at 8 p.m. on Friday, March 24 in UVI's Little Theatre.
Among the notable scholars and artists who will be in attendance are Virgin Islanders Gus Edwards and Clement White. Edwards, director of the Film Study Program at the University of Arizona, is a playwright whose full-length plays include "Black Woman's Blues" and "Louie and Ophelia." Edwards also counts among his credits the feature film, "Go Tell it On the Mountain" and a PBS documentary on the Negro Ensemble Company. White, who will participate in a roundtable discussion with artists, is a foreign language specialist at the University of Rhode Island.
"It's a homecoming for some outstanding artists whose real worth will be seen during this week, when the Humanities will light up our great tropical home."
For further information, call Emanuel at 693-1348 or Sprauve at 693-1342.

The first University of the Virgin Islands Humanities Festival will open on March 19 with a reception at the Reichhold Center for the Arts. A week of activities will include lectures, scholarly presentations and performances featuring Caribbean scholars, poets, dramatists, artists and historians.
Titled "The Humanities at the Threshold of the New Millennium," the festival will feature a lecture on "Arts and Articraft" — functional artwork such as decorative woodwork — on the opening day.
It will conclude with a "Jazz on the Green" performance on Sunday, March 26, on the St. Thomas campus golf course by music faculty member Martin J. Lamkin "and friends."
According to a release, through the festival offerings, the Humanities Division "will take the university community and the Virgin Islands community at large on an artistic journey of discovery."
Humanities faculty members Gene Emanuel and Gilbert Sprauve are the festival coordinators. "This festival is a recognition of the enormous amount of talent in our midst," Emanuel said.
While most events will take place on the St. Thomas campus, several will be held on St. Croix, including a discussion with local artists and a literary workshop.
The opening night of the spring Little Theater production, "Play Mas" by Trinidadian playwright Mustapha Matura, will also be a part of the festival. Performances are set for at 8 p.m. on Friday through Sunday, March 24-27.
Among the scholars and artists coming to UVI for the festival are Virgin Islanders Gus Edwards and Clement White.
Edwards, director of the film study program at the University of Arizona, is a playwright whose works include "Black Woman's Blues" and "Louie and Ophelia." Among his cinema credits are the feature film "Go Tell it On the Mountain" and a PBS documentary on the Negro Ensemble Company.
White, who will participate in a round-table discussion with artists, is a foreign language specialist at the University of Rhode Island.
For further festival information, call Emanuel at 693-1348 or Sprauve at 693-1342.

As a result of the successful refinancing of bonds, the University of the Virgin Islands will continue with Phase 1 of a comprehensive capital improvement project that is part of a 10-year plan.
At the spring meeting of the UVI Board of Trustees on St. Croix Saturday, a resolution to go forward was unanimously approved.
The move will allow UVI to proceed with the completion of the Sports and Fitness Center on St. Thomas and the renovation of space on both campuses. Renovations will provide more classrooms, faculty offices, a new dining facility and a centralized administrative complex on the St. Thomas campus, according to a release from UVI.
On St. Croix, the renovations, in particular to the Evans Center, will result in additional classrooms and other academic space and provide for more walkways and better lighting.
Also passed unanimously at the meeting was a resolution to offer a bachelor of science degree in mathematics. According to the release, the undergraduate degree in math will support opportunities for students who want to pursue a doctorate or a career in teaching in math fields. The decision also supports programs under way with funding from a $3.5 million National Science Foundation grant UVI received last year.

As a result of successful refinancing of bonds the University of the Virgin Islands will continue with phase one of a comprehensive capital improvement project that is part of a ten-year project.
At the March meeting of the UVI Board of Trustees on St. Croix Saturday a resolution to go forward was unanimously approved.
The move will allow UVI to proceed with the completion of the Sports and Fitness Center on St. Thomas and the renovation of space on both campuses. Renovations will provide more classrooms, faculty offices, a new dining facility and a centralized administrative complex on the St. Thomas campus, according to a release from UVI
On St. Croix the renovations, in particular to the Evans Center, will result in additional classrooms and academic space and provide for more walkways and better lighting.
The other resolution passed unanimously at the meeting was to offer a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mathematics. According to the release the B.S. degree will further support opportunities for students who want to pursue a Ph.D. or career in teaching.
The decision also supports programs underway as part of the $3.5 million National Science Foundation grant UVI received last year.

Education Commissioner Ruby Simmonds may find herself between a rock and a hard place on the issue of school make-up days this year.
The law requires 180 days of instruction, but because of physical plant conditions, hurricanes and other problems, the requirement will not be met unless classes are held on days not originally planned as school days.
With only a few holidays remaining between now and June, a task force of education officials and representatives of teachers and other professionals chose Memorial Day as one make-up day.
The choice has stirred resentment. Veterans and their supporters are taking the decision as a sign of disrespect. At a weekend meeting, Simmonds tried to smooth over the situation with a detailed explanation of how the task force arrived at its decision.
"The decision was made after a review of the school calendar and we determined that there were few holidays to choose from," Simmonds said. "When we realized it was not sitting well with the veterans, we asked teachers to tailor their lesson plans for that day to the significance of Memorial Day and on those who have served in the Armed Forces."
Simmonds' assurance that holding classes on Memorial Day is no sign of disrespect failed to persuade Sen. Alicia "Chucky" Hansen, who promised action to force a reversal of the task force decision.
"I would suggest that Commissioner Simmonds take responsibility for this decision and reverse the decision," Hansen said. "The only one who can overrule (Simmonds) is the governor, Charles Turnbull."
Hansen threatened that if the decision is not reversed, she would personally "lead the fight to boycott every school in session that day."
If the sentiment of the veterans attending the Sunday meeting is any indication, Hansen’s position reflects their own.
Veterans Affairs Director Gregory Francis said the community feedback also appears to favor keeping Memorial Day as a holiday for everyone.
"I sincerely believe that the decision must be reconsidered and an alternate day be chosen as a make-up day be selected," Francis said. "This is not sitting well with veterans on all three islands."
There was no indication Monday whether the school system still plans to use Memorial Day as one of the make-up days needed.

Education Commissioner Ruby Simmonds may find herself between a rock and a hard place on the issue of school make-up days this year. The law requires 180 days of instruction, but because of physical plant conditions, hurricanes and other problems, the requirement will not be met unless classes are held on days not originally planned as school days.
With only a few holidays remaining between now and June, a task force of education officials and representatives of teachers and other professionals, chose Memorial Day as a make-up day.
The choice has stirred resentment. Veterans and their supporters are taking the decision as a sign of disrespect. At a weekend meeting, Simmonds tried to smooth the situation with a detailed explanation of how the task force arrived at its decision.
"The decision was made after a review of the school calendar and we determined that there were few holidays to choose from," she said. "When we realized it was not sitting well with the veterans, we asked teachers to tailor their lesson plans for that day to the significance of Memorial Day and on those who have served in the Armed Forces."
Simmonds' assurance that the need for school make-up days is no indication of disrespect failed to persuade Sen. Alicia "Chucky" Hansen, who promised action to force a reversal of the task force decision.
"I would suggest that Commissioner Simmonds take responsibility for this decision and reverse the decision. The only one who can overrule (Simmonds) is the governor, Charles Turnbull."
Hansen threatened that if the decision is not reversed, she would personally "lead the fight to boycott every school in session that day."
If the sentiment of the veterans attending the Sunday meeting is any indication, Hansen’s position reflects their own.
Veterans Affairs Director Gregory Francis said the community feedback also appears to favor keeping Memorial Day as a holiday for everyone. "I sincerely believe that the decision must be reconsidered and an alternate day be chosen as a make-up day. This is not sitting well with veterans on all three islands," Francis said.
There was no indication Monday whether the school system still plans to use Memorial Day as a make-up day.

Education Commissioner Ruby Simmonds has found herself between a rock and a hard place on the issue of school make-up days this academic year. The law requires 180 days of instruction, but because of physical plant conditions, hurricanes and other problems, the requirement will not be met unless classes are held on days not originally planned as school days.
With only a few holidays remaining between now and June, a task force of education officials and representatives of teachers and other professionals chose Memorial Day as a make-up day.
The choice has stirred resentment, with veterans and their supporters taking it as a sign of disrespect.
At a weekend meeting, Simmonds tried to smooth the situation with a detailed explanation of how the task force arrived at its decision. "The decision was made after a review of the school calendar and we determined that there were few holidays to choose from," she said.
She added, "When we realized it was not sitting well with the veterans, we asked teachers to tailor their lesson plans for that day to the significance of Memorial Day and those who have served in the armed forces."
Although Simmonds said the need for school make-up days is no indication of disrespect, Sen. Alicia "Chucky" Hansen promised action to force a reversal of the task force decision.
"I would suggest that Commissioner Simmonds take responsibility for this decision and reverse the decision," Hansen said, adding that only the governor can overrule the commissioner.
If the decision is not reversed, the senator said, she will "lead the fight to boycott every school in session that day."
If the sentiment of the veterans attending the Sunday meeting is any indication, Hansen’s position reflects their own.
V.I. Veterans Affairs Office director Gregory Francis said the community feedback also appears to favor keeping Memorial Day as a holiday for everyone. "I sincerely believe that the decision must be reconsidered and an alternate day be chosen as a make-up day," he said. "This is not sitting well with veterans on all three islands."
There was no indication Monday as to whether Simmonds was reviewing the decision further.

"Max," the island Chihuahua mix who was poisoned last Thursday by strychnine, is going home after a miraculous recovery, thanks to the efforts of his owner and two St. Thomas veterinarians.
The Chihuahua, which was brought to Imperial Animal Hospital clinging to life Thursday evening, was up and about, eating and drinking on his own and seemingly ready to head home to his owners, Monday afternoon.
Imperial's owner and chief veterinarian, Dr. David Nappier ,described the dog, which is about a year old, as "strong and good natured." In fact, Max's owners found him "as a stray and began caring for him. He's a wonderful pet," Nappier added.
Nappier, who has launched a public education campaign to inform residents about protecting their pets, was pleased by Max's recovery.
"He has just about recovered from the effects of strychnine and will perhaps lead out a normal dog life," he said, adding, "Max responded in a very positive way to the treatment received from Dr. (Jenny-Li) Hellsen."
Nappier said Max was treated with barbiturates to keep him sedated while the hydration process was under way.
"The hydration process we implemented facilitated the toxin to be flushed out of his system," he explained.
Nappier credited the owners with getting Max medical attention as quickly as possible to prevent further seizures that could have led to either heart muscle failure or respiratory failure.
It was a 72-hour process before Max was out of the woods.
"Much credit is to be given to Dr. Hellsen for the around-the-clock care she provided during the most critical period," Nappier said.
His best advice to pet owners if they suspect their pet has suffered the effects of poisoning is to get the animal as quickly as possible to a veterinarian to begin treatment. The affected animal should be wrapped in a towel or blanket to maintain body temperature and keep the animal from going into shock.
Persons seeking additional information on the recent rash of animal poisonings or on protecting their "cherished friends" can call Nappier at 774-7034 between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m.

Food: ***
Service: ***
Ambiance: *****
Value: ***
Looking for a pleasant place to enjoy a leisurely Sunday lunch break with a killer view and patrons you will at least recognize, if not know? Look no further, it is all available at Bryan's Bar and Grill on the Northside. Simply take the Hull Bay Road down the side of the mountain for a couple of miles to the airy Frenchie building on the right hand side of the road with a dozen parking places on the road and a half dozen more in the lot below the restaurant.
I began my repast with my favorite Sunday libation — good ole Bloody Mary. Now there are many ways to fix a Bloody Mary, mine was potent.
Really I enjoy the flavor of the tomato juice, Tabasco, Worcestershire, and Dill; more than the actual vodka. In fact, I will accept a Bloody made with Bullion and Clamato; spiked with rum, gin, tequila, or simply raw alcohol. The real test is how well the combination flavors the ice. A really successful drink calls for two ice refills, and takes a good half-hour to sip. Bryan's Bar uses those awful small plastic throwaway cups, and a decent shot of liquor leaves very little room for any type of mix.
Order the steak and eggs and you get a good-sized portion of creamy scrambled eggs and a nice piece of steak. The bagel and smoked salmon is just that, nothing more or less. The omelets were just fine, and I very much doubt anyone could go wrong with any item. My salmon quesadilla was most interesting with a couple of crepes pressed together with salmon, guacamole, and cheese pressed in between. The potatoes were inordinately good, and rounded out the meal well.
While the food is good, the building is large and airy, and there is a spacious deck for those who desire to optimize the enjoyment of our environment; Bryan's most notable feature is the view. Miniature islands and the Atlantic Ocean are a tough act to beat and Bryan's offers one of the better restaurant views on the island. A drink, lunch, or dinner; all seem just a little bit more enjoyable when taken on the deck at Bryan's.
Editor's note: The Tottering Taster is a Senior Citizen dedicated to enjoying good food. He will dine in local establishments a week and bring you a totally unsolicited assessment biased in favor of an ultimate experience. We are using a pseudonym so restaurateurs will not be able to identify the reviewer and try to influence the review.