Choirs sounded, music abounded and a waning moon peeked out from beneath a brilliant rainbow to greet Christmas Day at 6 a.m. for the annual Challenge of the Carols at Emancipation Garden.
Eleven choirs marched in singing and swinging, willing the rainy weather away. They didn't quite succeed with the weather, but they did keep several hundred people happily humming along and sharing umbrellas.
This marked the 23rd celebration of a Virgin Islands tradition that, although neglected for a while, is now heartily revived. This year's performance was dedicated to the memory of Mercyla Leerdam, an active force in the musical program over many years past.
Keeping time with the resounding choirs, several local musicians wound through the crowd. Among them: Rusty Velleck of Sax Cymbals, the inimitable Nicky "Mighty Whitey" Russell, saxophonist Ladd Richards, Polly and Fred Watts of Harmony Dem and pianist Sally Smith. Keeping things warm was Smokey Frett's little stand where hot bush tea and cheese and bread were dispensed to the damp but spirited crowd.
In probably the most innovative means of fending off the weather, Al LaBorde of the Party/Hardy Carolers was seen ducking under his tambourine.
The Salvation Army Songsters and Voices of Love got things under way with Party/Hardy hard on their heels. The V.I. Pride Boys Choir was a big hit, and received honorable mention. Among other voices heard were those of the Bethel Baptist Church Choir, Merry Carolers, WHMM, the Charlotte Amalie High School JROTC Chorus, the Lucinda Millin Choir and the Public Works Chorale.
Last, and almost abandoned when time was running out, came Celestino White's Hapless/Hopeless Carolers, hot from a night serenading the island. All but the leader tramped onto the stage amid lots of drums, palm fronds and general good cheer, to the tune of "All We Santas." The final Santa, White, was then led in on a donkey wearing flowers and large sunglasses. He was the only member of the troupe who appeared not to be having a good time — the donkey, not White.
The final massed choir performance didn't quite happen, as most folks had apparently gotten wet enough by that time. However, the Voices of Love and the Party/Hardy Carolers prevailed.
Concluding this year's program was something new. Brother and sister Olabayo and Oluwaseyi Olaniyi from Nigeria presented Yoruba dancing and storytelling, backed by local drummers. Finally, the crowd joined in a tramp to Rothschild Francis "Market" Square.

When Virgin Islands sons and now successful New York musicians Ron Blake and Dion Parson formed their own band a couple of years ago, they picked a name with staying power: 21st Century. And they undertook its creation with the idea of promoting a kind of music that is almost certain to grow in popularity in the next hundred years — an integration of straight-ahead jazz with the calypso, reggae, soca and even scratch band rhythms of the Caribbean.
For Parson and Blake, this music comes comfortably, reflecting the roots of their Caribbean culture. ("We wanted to celebrate the richness of the Caribbean music as a vehicle for improvisation," Blake says.) Their first CD, titled simply "21st Century," and a couple of appearances the band has made in the territory are impressive evidence that they're on to something. On Tuesday, Dec. 28, they get the opportunity to bring it all home again when the New York-based group performs at Island Center.
Saxophonist Blake and drummer Parson have invited a younger St. Thomian making a name for himself internationally as a jazz musician, bassist Reuben Rogers, to play with the band for this gig — and on St. Thomas at the Reichhold Center for the Arts on Wednesday, Dec. 29 — and back here again on New Year's Eve for a private party hosted by Jeffrey Prosser.
The rest of the band for the Virgin Islands tour consists of James Weidman on piano, Alan Burroughs on guitar and Robert Thomas Jr. on percussion.
The program is bound to include a number of tracks from the CD, which features as guest artist saxophonist Gary Bartz, who met Blake and Parson in 1987 when he was a headliner at the Premier Virgin Islands Jazz Festival and the Virgin Islanders were college students sitting in on every gig at the fest that they could.
The album includes three original compositions by Parson ("Down de Road," "21st Century" and "D's Blues") and three others by Blake ("Avocado," "The Appointment" and "Grace-Ann"). The audience can also look forward to some previews of music on the band's second CD, "A Promise to the Future," recently recorded but not scheduled for release until next fall.
Concert time is 8 p.m. For tickets prices, outlets and charge-card purchases, call Island Center at 889-5272.

The third bank robbery in the territory in two weeks has law enforcement officials thinking that the same man is involved.
The Virgin Islands Community Bank in downtown Christiansted was robbed of an undisclosed amount of money at about 10:25 a.m. Friday, St. Croix Deputy Police Chief Novelle Francis said.
Friday’s heist was similar to two on St. Thomas earlier this month, Francis said.
On Friday, police received a call of an activated alarm from the VICB on King Street at about 10:25 and then a subsequent call confirming the robbery, Francis said.
Police responded and were given a description of the suspect by witnesses: a white male, between 5 foot 6 inches and 5 foot 8 inches tall with a slim build and weighing approximately 150 pounds. At the time of the robbery he was wearing a dark colored hat with a military insignia, white T-shirt and cream colored shorts.
Francis said the suspect walked into the bank, stood in line and then approached the next available teller.
"He then placed a plastic bag on top of the counter and handed (the teller) a note indicating he had a gun," Francis said. "He then walked out of the bank and he took off running."
Francis said no weapon was displayed and no injuries were reported.
Friday’s robbery was similar to the ones that occurred on St. Thomas’ waterfront at Chase Manhattan Bank on Dec. 10 and at ScotiaBank on Dec. 13.
The suspect police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation are seeking in both of those cases is a white male, 5 feet 6 inches tall. He was wearing a baseball cap, sunglasses, white T-shirt and khaki shorts at the time of the ScotiaBank robbery. The ScotiaBank suspect had a beard; the suspect who robbed Chase Manhattan Bank was clean-shaven and brandished a weapon.
In those robberies the suspect got away with $4,500 from Scotia and $16,000 from Chase.
"The descriptions from the St. Thomas robberies are very similar to this one," Francis said. "And the M.O. is very similar as here."
Francis urged anyone with information to call 911 or the Criminal Investigations Bureau at 778-2211.

The third bank robbery in the territory in less than a month has law enforcement officials thinking that the same man is involved.
The Virgin Islands Community Bank in downtown Christiansted was robbed of an undisclosed amount of money at approximately 10:25 a.m. Friday morning,
said St. Croix Deputy Police Chief Novelle Francis. Friday’s heist was similar to two that occurred on St. Thomas earlier this month, Francis said.
On Friday, police received a call of an activated alarm from the V.I.C.B. on King Street at about 10:25 and then a subsequent call confirming the robbery, Francis said.
Police responded and were given a description of the suspect by witnesses: a white male, between 5 foot 6 inches and 5 foot 8 inches tall with a slim build and weighing approximately 150 pounds. At the time of the robbery he was wearing a dark colored hat with a military insignia, white T-shirt and cream-colored shorts.
Francis said the suspect walked into the bank, stood in line and then approached the next available teller.
"He then placed a plastic bag on top of the counter and handed (the teller) a note indicating he had a gun," Francis said. "He then walked out of the bank and he took off running."
Francis said no weapon was displayed and no injuries were reported.
Friday’s robbery was similar to the ones that occurred on St. Thomas’
waterfront at Chase Manhattan Bank on Dec. 10 and at Scotia Bank on Dec. 13.
The suspect police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation are seeking in both of those cases is a white male, 5 feet, 6 inches tall. He was wearing a baseball cap, sunglasses, white T-shirt and khaki shorts at the time of the Scotia Bank robbery. The Scotia Bank suspect had a beard; the suspect who robbed Chase Manhattan Bank was clean-shaven and brandished a weapon.
In those robberies the suspect got away with $4,500 from Scotia Bank and $16,000 from Chase.
"The descriptions from the St. Thomas robberies are very similar to this
one," Francis said. "And the M.O. is very similar as here."
Francis urged anyone with information to call 911 or the Criminal
Investigations Bureau at 778-2211.

If you are planning to attend the Classics in the Garden concert by classical and flamenco guitarist Dennis Koster on Wednesday, Dec. 29, he asks that you be prepared to respect the intensity of concentration demanded by his art.
A note on the program states: "Please: No photography, videotaping, audiotaping or use of cellular phone or beepers during the concert. If you find it necessary to leave, please do so between numbers." Add to that, if you arrive late, please expect to wait to be seated between numbers as well.
Koster is internationally renowned as a rare musical amalgam — a master of both of the great Spanish guitar traditions. Guitar Review magazine's flamenco editor, Brook Zern, says Koster "has mastered both classical and flamenco like no other guitarist I've heard. He plays both styles brilliantly, without a hint of compromise."
As a teenager, Koster was first attracted to flamenco, the music accompanying the traditional Spanish dance featuring stamping feet, swirling skirts and clicking castanets. He studied under Mario Escudero, known as "the father of modern flamenco." Escudero had trained under Ramon Montoya, who took flamenco from the dance halls of Spain into the concert halls of the world. And after two decades of studying and performing, Koster was privileged to study with Augustin Castellon, better known as "Sabicas," the man recognized as the greatest flamenco virtuoso of all time.
In his 20s, Koster decided to take up classical guitar as well. He studied in Madrid and New York and made his classical debut at Carnegie Recital Hall in 1975, where his artistry inspired a New York Times critic to praise his "a brilliant, aptly fantastic performance."
In the classical realm, music for guitar must be transcribed from arrangements for other instruments. Koster found that he had an affinity for this, as well as for collaborating in the composing of new works. His Tillett Gardens program will open with three flamenco pieces, one of them his own work, followed by three Brahms pieces, one arranged by him. The third segment of the concert consists of works by Mozart, Beethoven and Tarrega. The performance will conclude with two of Koster's own flamenco compositions.
During the course of the evening, the audience will have the opportunity to hear Koster perform four traditional flamenco forms — granadinas, siguiriyas, soleares and bulerias.
A regular performer at New York concert halls as soloist and chamber artist, Koster recently toured to acclaim in Japan. He has taught for a decade at the American Institute of Guitar and is the author of a three-volume set of method manuals used by guitar teachers worldwide.
The concert begins at 8 p.m. Tickets are $25. A three-course dinner featuring Spanish cuisine is available before the performance in the garden complex. It's $30 excluding bar service and gratuity. Reservations are required for the dinner and recommended for the concert, as seating is reserved. To reserve or learn more, call 775-1929, fax to 775-9482 or e-mail to tillett@islands.vi.

When St. Thomas sons and now successful New York musicians Ron Blake and Dion Parson formed their own band a couple of years ago, they picked a name with staying power: 21st Century. And they undertook its creation with the idea of promoting a kind of music that is almost certain to grow in popularity in the next hundred years — an integration of straight-ahead jazz with the calypso, reggae, soca and even scratch band rhythms of the Caribbean.
For Parson and Blake, this music comes comfortably, reflecting the roots of their Caribbean culture. ("We wanted to celebrate the richness of the Caribbean music as a vehicle for improvisation," Blake says.) Their first CD, titled simply "21st Century," and a couple of appearances the band has made on St. Thomas are impressive evidence that they're on to something. On Wednesday, Dec. 29, they get the opportunity to bring it all home again when the New York-based group performs at the Reichhold Center for the Arts.
Saxophonist Blake and drummer Parson have invited another St. Thomian making a name for himself internationally as a jazz musician, bassist Reuben Rogers, to play with the band for this gig — and on St. Croix at Island Center the night before and back there again on New Year's Eve for a private party hosted by Jeffrey Prosser.
The rest of the band for the Virgin Islands tour consists of James Weidman on piano, Alan Burroughs on guitar and Robert Thomas Jr. on percussion. Joining the off-islanders as special guests on the Reichhold stage will be jazz chanteuse Cynthia Saunders, a regular vocalist with the Louis Taylor Trio; and the Caribbean Chorale Youth Choir under the direction of Lois Hassel- Habteyes.
The program is bound to include a number of tracks from the CD, which features as guest artist saxophonist Gary Bartz, who met Blake and Parson in 1987 when he was a headliner at the Premier Virgin Islands Jazz Festival and the St. Thomians were college students sitting in on every gig at the fest that they could.
The album includes three original compositions by Parson ("Down de Road," "21st Century" and "D's Blues") and three others by Blake ("Avocado," "The Appointment" and "Grace-Ann"). The audience can also look forward to some previews of music on the band's second CD, "A Promise to the Future," recently recorded but not scheduled for release until next fall.
Concert time is 8 p.m. Tickets are $25 in the covered section and $18 and $12 in the open air. For ticket outlets, charge-card purchases and more information, call the Reichhold box office at 693-1559.

With the season of love, joy and hope upon us, we find ourselves musing over our Christmas wish list.
If we could have anything we wanted, here is what we would ask for – from the great to the simple.
That all children in the territory be protected from rape, physical and emotional abuse and ignorance.
We would ask that the greed, corruption, fraud and abuse in government become a thing of the past – along with secrecy.
We would ask that every woman and man think and act everyday in some small way that would make the Virgin Islands a little bit better place to live for everyone.
Maybe it would be as simple as not honking a horn in the millisecond that the light turns green or as great as giving up a government car when there is a private vehicle sitting at home in the driveway.
It could be to turn down the volume just a little, or place garbage in a proper receptacle.
What if every pet owner leashed or confined their dogs and neutered all their pets?
We wish that love could replace fear in all our transactions and communications.
We realize this is perhaps an unrealistic wish list. But we have to begin somewhere.

A bequest from the estate of the late Gregers Malling-Holm will be used in the care of children at the Roy L. Schneider Hospital.
Malling-Holm, who at one time owned the land where Marriott Frenchman's Reef and Morning Star Resort Beach Resort are now, requested the gift been given to the hospital in memory of his daughter Elina Anita Malling-Holm who died at the tragically young age of 21, according to attorney Paul Hoffman, who is the attorney for the estate.
Eugene Woods, chief executive officer at the hospital, received the first payment of the total bequest of $100,000 Wednesday. A portrait of "Nini", as Elina was known to her friends, with a plaque, memorializing the gift, accompanied the check.
Woods said the gift would be put to good use in the care of children, adding that it was through the generous assistance of families like the Malling-Holms that the hospital would achieve its goal of providing the very best care to all on St. Thomas.

Sounds of the season: If you can't imagine celebrating Christmas Eve any way but with Imaginations Brass, head for Coral World tonight for the 16th annual Powerhouse Strivers ball. Party time is 11 p.m., and admission is $12 in advance (at Modern Music stores), "a little more" at the door. Those whose favorite big band is either Deep Unda Kova or The Starlites can find them performing at the same party tonight — "A Night of Elegant Fashion and Dance" at Palms Court Harbourview starting at 9 p.m. Tickets are $15 in advance (at Modern Musics, Island Laundries, the Music Shoppe, After Thoughts and at the hotel), $20 at the door.
Good mornin,' good mornin': One of the enduring traditions of Christmas, St. Thomas style, is the Challenge of the Carols in Emancipation Garden. It's a gathering of community choral groups — ten announced for this year, but there will probably be more — to sing sacred and secular songs of the season, including some massed music at the end. What makes it unique is that the whole thing gets going before dawn on Christmas morning — officially at 6 a.m. The practice has been to start things off with "echo caroling," as some choirs process into the park as others are converging on the site from various directions in town and the hills above.
The 1999 event is a tribute to the late Mercyla Leerdam, a mover and shaker in the program over the years. Albert Lynch has been tapped as this year's conductor of the massed choir. While an integral element of tradition is that it remain the same over time, this year's Challenge of the Carols will have a new twist. Brother and sister Olabayo and Oluwaseyi Olaniyi from Nigeria will present a program of Yoruba dancing, masquerading and storytelling, backed by local drummers. At the end, singers and audience alike are invited to join the dancers in a masquerade tramp from Emancipation Garden to Rothschild Francis "Market" Square. In the islands, of course, there was masquerading at Christmas long before the creation of formalized carnivals.
Christmas Caribbean Style: That's the title of the musical at the Reichhold Center Christmas night, and again on Dec. 26, and the name says it all. Last year, according to Reichhold director David Edgecombe, Josephine Thomas-Lewis approached him about the idea of producing such a local-traditions, local-talent show — and wouldn't take no for an answer. She took on the responsibilities of musical director, and they put together a program that drew a large and enthusiastic crowd last Dec. 23. So, naturally, they committed to another this year — and expanded it to a two-night stand.
"Christmas Caribbean Style" has a storyline involving a grandmother sharing the Caribbean customs of Christmas with her young grandchildren that links performances of music, mime, dance, rap and more. Many of the popular artists of the Reichhold's annual STARfest revues are taking part, including Landi Jackson, along with St. Thomas's own "three kings" — current and immediate past calypso monarchs Whadablee, Ras Regg and Louis Ible Jr. — plus a queen, St. Croix calypso champion Nikki Brooks. The 50-voice choir Caribbean Flayva and the five-member band Simon Sez are backing everybody else up.
Tickets are $15, $12 and $8. Call 693-1559 for reservations and charge-card purchases.
Between the holidays: Three concerts featuring off-island artists are on tap — the classical and flamenco guitar performances by Dennis Koster at Tillett Gardens on Wednesday, Dec. 29, and at the St. John School of the Arts on Thursday, Dec. 30, and, also on Wednesday, Dec. 29, the jazz concert at the Reichhold Center by the 21st Century band, formed by and featuring two St. Thomians, saxophonist Ron Blake and drummer Dion Parson (and for this performance including another native son, Reuben Rogers, on bass). You'll find separate stories about all of these under Things to do: .
Contemporary arty facts: The St. Thomas-St. John Arts Council is inviting members and friends to "see for yourself what everybody's talking about" in the art circles of St. John. It's hosting an "Arts After Dark" reception on Thursday, Dec. 30, at the St. John Community Foundation in Cruz Bay — which, of course, is where that show is hanging. That, being "The Colorful Men of Cruz Bay, St. John, 1993," the collection of 12 photo- collage portraits created by photographer-artist Constance Wallace.
Just about everyone has strong opinions in the controversy. At issue are freedom of expression on the one hand, and concern about holding up alleged drug dealers, some said to have been convicted, as objects of admiration on the other. First, let's make it clear that only a minority of Wallace's dozen subjects fall into this category by anyone's count — although none of the objectors have gone on the record in stating exactly which ones. When the exhibit was hung last week in the Sprauve Library in Cruz Bay in connection with the annual meeting of the Friends of the Library, Wallace was asked by library authorities to take down only those images of "convicted felons." Her response was that she had no knowledge of any of them having been convicted, and she left the show intact and the opening went on. Subsequently, she was asked to remove the whole show, and on Monday she did so. "I was invited; I can be disinvited," she said.
Wallace says she knew only two of her 12 subjects personally when she approached them in 1992 and 1993 to pose for a series of photo-collages she wanted to create "appreciating men's fashion and individuality." The longtime owner of The Clothing Studio, which features hand- painted fashions, she says, "I love clothes and am always looking at how people present themselves. For many years, I have appreciated the colorful, imaginative outfits I see on some local men in Cruz Bay." Those who've taken offense at some of the subjects represented argue that, especially in a library where children congregate regularly, it's inappropriate to hold those individuals up as objects of admiration. How the relocating of the show to the new offices of the St. John Community Foundation, in the Tradewinds Building, will affect their views remains to be seen.
The "Arts After Dark" reception is from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday. It's open to the public and admission is free. There will be complimentary hors d'oeuvres and a cash bar to benefit the foundation and the Arts Council, a not-for-profit, membership-based arts advocacy organization that's been around since the 1960s.
Wring out the old: A plethora of parties awaits anyone looking for things to do to welcome the new millennium (if that's how you're counting). Your choice of the public New Year's Eve offerings may be guided by how much money you have left after Christmas. The criterion for inclusion in what follows is a three-figure ticket ($99.99 doesn't make it; sorry, Molly's Molone's).
* For a multicultural celebration, the Interculture Network has a party for you: It's aboard the Captain Vic barge and will feature the Nigerian dancers and drummers taking part in the Challenge of the Carols along with Grupo Carabali, an Afro-Cuban band out of Puerto Rico. Other entertainment will include Puerto Rico's Local 12 DJ ensemble and DJ Virgo from Minneapolis, with Penny Wiggins, a V.I.-born comic from L.A., as emcee. This is a costumes- required affair and the price tag of $250 includes a buffet and an open bar. The boat leaves Red Hook at 8 p.m. and Cruz Bay at 8:30 and will swing back to Red Hook at 11 p.m. for a late-night pickup, and back again at 2 a.m. for an early drop-off. Tickets are being sold at the Modern Music and Just Cuts shops, or call 776-7774.
* The Westin Resor
t on St. John has been promising midnight fireworks in advertising for weeks, with two party options — $175 for an eight-course dinner in Cocoloba and $99 for an international buffet feast in the Beach Cafe.
* Now, on St. Thomas, the Renaissance Grand Beach and Wyndham Sugar Bay Resorts and the Agave Terrace restaurant at Point Pleasant are promoting midnight sky lights, too — the same ones, actually, which will be launched from a barge offshore by a company they've jointly hired. The Wyndham is an all-inclusive operation, and a reservations staff member confirmed that the only way the public can attend the "Fire and Ice Millennium Bash" on New Year's Eve (which will feature a "fire-breathing ice dragon," "exploding desserts" and dancing to the music of The Sun Kings and the Mas Band is by registering at the hotel. A 26-hour stay from noon Dec. 31 that includes the bash is $490 per couple. For Agave Terrace patrons, the fireworks come with a second-seating dinner from 8:30 to 10:30 p.m. with dancing to the music of Urge, priced at $145. For reservations, call 775-4142. At the Renaissance's "J'ouvert de Millennia," you can do an 8 p.m. gourmet buffet dinner plus poolside party with music by Milo's Kings and West Indian show for $225 (or you can just come at 10 p.m. for the party part for $99). For reservations, call 775-1510.
* Marriott's Frenchman's Reef Beach Resort has its traditional three-part party that starts with cocktails at 7:30 p.m., moves an hour later to the "Taste of the Reef Gala" featuring the specialty cuisines of the four resort restaurants, and winds up from 9:30 until with dancing to the music of The Starlites and Deep Unda Kova. This one's $230, gratuity included, and the dress code is "island formal." Call 776-8500 ext. 6500 for reservations.
* Zozo's Ristorante in Cruz Bay is doing two New Year's Eve seatings for a special menu dinner with coordinated wines for each of the six courses. The first, at 7 p.m., is $125; the second, at 8:30, is $150. Call 693-9200 to reserve.
* And then there's "Foxy's 2000 Barefoot Bacchanal" at the Callwood enclave on Jost Van Dyke. Most of the year, this is a boaties and tourists hang-out, home of the famed annual wooden boat races and good times at Foxy's Great Harbour bar. But Foxy is a mean marketing man, and he saw the millennium crossover for what it is: a magnificent marketing opportunity. He's put together "10 days of Millennial Madness" attractions of which you can take your pick. The most extravagant: On Wednesday, Dec. 29, for $165 plus $30 gratuity, there's the Old Havana Dinner and Cuban Fiesta featuring a gourmet meal, music by O2 and "our best Cuban cigars." (Since this is the British Virgin Islands, it's legal to sell and buy the real thing — although not to bring any back across the waters.) And New Year's Eve will being a seven-course "Millennium Feast" (including 3 a.m. breakfast) with a premium open bar and free admission (others pay $50) to the Outback, where there will be music by The Mighty Sparrow, Imaginations Brass and Nicky "Mighty Whitey" Russell. The price? $999 — but hey, that's for two. For reservations, call (284) 495-9258 or e-mail to foxysjvd@candwbvi.net.
Now, if you don't have a boat of your own, don't despair. Option A: For another $250 you can board the Spirit of St. Christopher big cat at American Yacht Harbor for a cruise to Jost. It leaves AYH at 3 p.m. Dec. 31 and returns at 4 a.m. or thereabouts Jan 1. Call 775-9500 for reservations. Option B: For $125 round trip, the Scarab power boats of Arriva Charters will be leaving every hour on the hour from noon to 10 p.m. on Dec. 31 for fast trips to Jost. You're on your own overnight, with the return trips starting at 1 p.m. Jan. 1 and going hourly "until." Call 714-2628 for reservations.
To be scene: Scene & Herd previews arts and entertainment events open to the public on St. Thomas and St. John. To have material considered for inclusion, submit it by Wednesday of each week for the following Friday's column by faxing to 776-4812, e-mailing to jetsinger@viaccess.net or calling 776-4812 and leaving a message for a call-back.

Sen. Gregory Bennerson has asked Internal Revenue Bureau director Claudette Farrington for a response to calls he says he has received about the status of overdue tax refunds for 1997 and 1998.
Although refunds from earlier years are being sent to taxpayers from funds generated by the government's recent $300 million bond issue, he said the 1997 and 1998 refunds are "still pending." He said he has learned that tax returns for which "the audits were completed months ago" are "still in audit status."
Further, Bennerson said, "It is my understanding" that the returns for 1997 and 1998 that claim "certain tax credits are being kicked out of the system."
If so, he said, "a solution must be found in an expedient manner."
Bennerson said representatives from Guam and IBM are in the territory and that it would seem prudent for the IRB director and her computer system programmer to consult with them about the issue, which he said affects thousands of taxpayers awaiting closure on overdue tax refunds.
"We are less than two weeks away from the 1999 tax season," Bennerson said.