LEGISLATIVE CALENDAR
Week Beginning Mon., November 1.
Monday, November 1.
Liberty Day, (D. Hamilton Jackson Day).

Tuesday, November 2.
10:00 a.m. Committee on Finance. Senate Chambers, St. Thomas.
AGENDA.
Bill No. 23-0114 – To appropriate monies for salaries and expenses of the University of the Virgin Islands for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2000 and for other purposes.
Bill No 23-0115 – To appropriate funds from the Government Insurance Fund for Operating expenses of the Department of Labor for the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 2000 and for Other purposes.
Bill No.23-0117 To provide for the lump-sum appropriation from the Indirect Cost Fund for salaries, operating expenses and for other purposes of the Office of Management and Budget and the Department of Finance for the fiscal Year October.
1, 1999 through Sept. 30, 2000
Bill No 23-0118 To provide an Appropriation from the Interest Revenue Fund for the Fiscal Year beginning October 1,1999 and ending Sept. 30,2000.
Bill No.23-0120- To provide appropriations from the Caribbean Basin Initiative Fund for fiscal year Oct. 1, 1999 to Sept. 30, 2000.
Bill No.23-0121 – To appropriate monies from the Special Road Fund for the year ending Oct. 1, 1999 through Sept. 30, 2000 and other purposes.
Bill No.23-0123 To appropriate funds to the Virgin Islands Taxicab Commission for the fiscal year October 1, 1999 through September 30. 2000 and for operating expenses
Bill No. 23-0124 – To provide an appropriation from the Fish and Game Fund for salaries, operating expenses and for other purposes of the Department of Planning and Natural Resources for the fiscal year Oct. 1 1999 through Sept. 30, 2000.
Bill No 23-0127 To provide an appropriation for operating expenses of the Department of Public Works from the Sewage System Fund of the Government of the Virgin Islands during the fiscal year Oct. 1, 1999 through Sept. 30, 2000.
Bill No.23-0153 To increase revenue contributions to the General Fund of the Treasury of the Virgin Islands and for other purposes.
Bill No.23-0163 – To amend Title 3 Section 718, Virgin Islands Code to provide for adjustments in retirement contributions.
Bill No.23-0164 – To amend Title 3, Section 171. Virgin Islands Code, to eliminate five holidays and recognize them as days of observation.
Bill No. 23-0170 – To place the Office of Collective Bargaining under the Division of Personal for budgetary purposes only.
Bill No. 23-0171 – To amend Title 3. Section 270. Virgin Islands Code, to provide for the placement of the Narcotics Strike Force under the Virgin Islands Police Department of budgetary purposes only.
To provide for the operation of the Government of the Virgin Islands for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2000
The Omnibus Authorization Act of 1999.
Wednesday, November 3.
10:00 a.m. Committee on Rules, Senate Chambers, St. Thomas.
AGENDA
Bill No.23-0099 To provide for an appropriation from the Tourism Advertising Revolving Fund to the Department of Housing, Parks and Recreation during the fiscal year October 1, 1999 through September 30, 2000
Bill No. 23-0l00 – To provide for the operating expenses of the Public Employees Relations Board and the Labor Management Committee.
Bill No. 23-0103 – To amend Section 3087, Title 33, chapter 111 Virgin Islands Code, "The St. Croix Capital Improvement Fund"
Bill No. 23-0105 – To amend Title 33, Chapter 111, Section 3091, Virgin Islands Code, "The Crisis Intervention Fund"
Bill No. 23-0107 – To amend Title 33, Chapter 89, Virgin Islands Code, to provide general authority not limited to any fiscal year, to sell delinquent property tax.
Bill No. 23-0108 – To clarify the status of certain employees of the Government Development Bank and for other purposes related thereto.
Bill No.23-0109 – To appropriate the sum of $12,800,000 from the Transportation Trust Fund as a contribution to the General Fund.
Bill No.23-0110 – To provide a contribution from the Union Arbitration Award and Government Employees Increment Fund to the General Fund for fiscal year October l, 1999 to September 30,2000.
Bill No.23-0111 – To provide a contribution from the Land Bank Fund to the General Fund for fiscal year October 1, 1999 to September 30, 2000
Bill No.23-0112 – To provide a contribution from the Industrial Development Fund to the Central Fund for fiscal year October 14, 1999 to Sept. 30, 2000.
Bill No.23-0113 – To provide an appropriation for operating expenses of the Business and Commercial Properties Removing Fund of the Government of the Virgin Islands during the fiscal year October 1, 1999 to September 30, 2000.
Bill No. 23-0114 – To appropriate monies for salaries and expenses of the University of the Virgin Islands for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2000 and for other purposes. (Pending Approval of the Committee on Finance)
Bill No 23-0115 – To appropriate funds from the Government Insurance Fund for Operating expenses of the Department of Labor for the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 2000 and for Other purposes. (Pending Approval of the Committee on Finance)
Bill No 23-0116 To provide for the lump-sum appropriation from the Health Revolving Fund for Fiscal Year October 1, 1999 through September 30, 2000.
Bill No.23-0117 To provide for the lump-sum appropriation from the Indirect Cost Fund for salaries, operating expenses and for other purposes of the Office of Management and Budget and the Department of Finance for the fiscal Year October 1, 1999 through Sept. 30, 2000. (Pending Approval of the Committee on Finance)
Bill No 23-0118 To provide an Appropriation from the Interest Revenue Fund for the Fiscal Year beginning October 1,1999 and ending Sept. 30,2000. (Pending Approval of the Committee on Finance)
Bill No. 23-0019 To provide appropriations from the Internal Revenue Matching Fund for the Fiscal Year Oct. 1, 1999 to September 30, 2000.
Bill No.23-0120- To provide appropriations from the Caribbean Basin Initiative Fund for fiscal year Oct. 1, 1999 to Sept. 30, 2000. (Pending Approval of the Committee on Finance)
Bill No.23-0121 – To appropriate monies from the Special Road Fund for the year ending Oct. 1, 1999 through Sept. 30, 2000 and other purposes. (Pending Approval of the Committee on Finance)
Bill No.23-0122 – To appropriate monies from the Anti-litter and Beautification Fund to the Department of Public Works for the fiscal year ending Sept. 30,2000 and for other purposes.
Bill No.23-0123 To appropriate funds to the Virgin Islands Taxicab Commission for the fiscal year October 1, 1999 through September 30. 2000 and for operating expenses. (Pending Approval of the Committee on Finance)
Bill No. 23-0124 – To provide an appropriation from the Fish and Game Fund for salaries, operating expenses and for other purposes of the Department of Planning and Natural Resources for the fiscal year Oct. 1 1999 through Sept. 30, 2000. (Pending Approval of the Committee on Finance)
Bill No 23-0125 – To provide an appropriation from the Natural Resource Reclamation Fund for salaries operating expenses and for other purposes of the Department of Planning and Natural Resources for the fiscal year Oct. 1, 1999 through Sept. 30, 2000.
Bill No.23-0126 To provide an appropriation from the Transportation Revolving Fund for salaries fringe benefits, supplies and other services and charges for the Department of Property and Procurement for the fiscal year Oct. 1, 1999 through Sept. 30, 2000 and for other purposes.
Bill No 23-0127 To provide an appropriation for operating expenses of the Department of Public Works from the Sewage System Fund of the Government of the Virgin Islands during the fiscal year Oct. 1, 1999 through Sept. 30, 2000. (Pending Approval of the Committee on Finance)
Bill No. 23-0128- To provide for the lump sum appropriation of funds from the Virgin Islands Air Protection Fund for salaries, operating expenses and far other purposes, of the operating permit program of the Department of Planning and Natural Resources fo
r the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 2000.
Bill No. 23-0129 To appropriate funds to the Public Services Commission for the fiscal year Oct. 1, 1999 to Sept. 30, 2000 for operating expenses.
Bill No.23-0130 To provide an appropriation from the interest earned on bond proceeds to the General Fund for fiscal year Oct. 1, 1999 to Sept. 30, 2000.
Bill No.23-0153 To increase revenue contributions to the General Fund of the Treasury of the Virgin Islands and for other purposes.(Pending Approval of the Committee on Finance)
Bill No.23-0163 – To amend Title 3 Section 718, Virgin Islands Code to provide for adjustments in retirement contributions. (Pending Approval of the Committee on Finance)
Bill No.23-0164 – To amend Title 3, Section 171. Virgin Islands Code, to eliminate five holidays and recognize them as days of observation. (Pending Approval of the Committee on Finance)
Bill No. 23-0170 – To place the Office of Collective Bargaining under the Division of Personal for budgetary purposes only. (Pending Approval of the Committee on Finance)
Bill No. 23-0171 – To amend Title 3. Section 270. Virgin Islands Code, to provide for the placement of the Narcotics Strike Force under the Virgin Islands Police Department of budgetary purposes only. (Pending Approval of the Committee on Finance)
To provide for the operation of the Government of the Virgin Islands for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2000 (Pending Approval of the Committee on Finance)
The Omnibus Authorization Act of 1999. (Pending Approval of the Committee on Finance)
Thursday November 4.
10:00 a.m. Legislative Session, Senate Chambers, St. Thomas
Consideration of Nominations
Michael Bornn for Commissioner, Department of Tourism- withdrawn
Frandelle Gerard as Director , Industrial Development Commission
Carol M. Burke, William Lomax, and Claude A. Molloy, Sr. Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority Board.
John Percy deJong, Jr. Board of Trustees GERS.
Consideration of the following Bills, if approved by the Rules Committee.
Bill No.23-0099 To provide for an appropriation from the Tourism Advertising Revolving Fund to the Department of Housing, Parks and Recreation during the fiscal year October 1, 1999 through September 30, 2000
Bill No. 23-0100 – To provide for the operating expenses of the Public Employees Relations Board and the Labor Management Committee.
Bill No. 23-0103 – To amend Section 3087, Title 33, chapter 111 Virgin Islands Code, "The St. Croix Capital Improvement Fund"
Bill No. 23-0105 – To amend Title 33, Chapter 111, Section 3091, Virgin Islands Code, "The Crisis Intervention Fund"
Bill No. 23-0107 – To amend Title 33, Chapter 89, Virgin Islands Code, to provide general authority not limited to any fiscal year, to sell delinquent property tax.
Bill No. 23-0108 – To clarify the status of certain employees of the Government Development Bank and for other purposes related thereto.
Bill No.23-0109 – To appropriate the sum of $12,800,000 from the Transportation Trust Fund as a contribution to the General Fund.
Bill No.23-0110 – To provide a contribution from the Union Arbitration Award and Government Employees Increment Fund to the General Fund for fiscal year October l, 1999 to September 30,2000.
Bill No.23-0111 – To provide a contribution from the Land Bank Fund to the General Fund for fiscal year October 1, 1999 to September 30, 2000
Bill No.23-0112 – To provide a contribution from the Industrial Development Fund to the Central Fund for fiscal year October 14, 1999 to Sept. 30, 2000.
Bill No.23-0113 – To provide an appropriation for operating expenses of the Business and Commercial Properties Revolving Fund of the Government of the Virgin Islands during the fiscal year October 1, 1999 to September 30, 2000.
Bill No. 23-0114 – To appropriate monies for salaries and expenses of the University of the Virgin Islands for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2000 and for other purposes.
Bill No 23-0115 – To appropriate funds from the Government Insurance Fund for Operating expenses of the Department of Labor for the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 2000 and for Other purposes.
Bill No 23-0116 To provide for the lump-sum appropriation from the Health Revolving Fund for Fiscal Year October 1, 1999 through September 30, 2000.
Bill No.23-0117 To provide for the lump-sum appropriation from the Indirect Cost Fund for salaries, operating expenses and for other purposes of the Office of Management and Budget and the Department of Finance for the fiscal Year October 1, 1999 through Sept. 30, 2000.
Bill No 23-0118 To provide an Appropriation from the Interest Revenue Fund for the Fiscal Year beginning October 1,1999 and ending Sept. 30,2000.
Bill No. 23-0019 To provide appropriations from the Internal Revenue Matching Fund for the Fiscal Year Oct. 1, 1999 to September 30, 2000.
Bill No.23-0120- To provide appropriations from the Caribbean Basin Initiative Fund for fiscal year Oct. 1, 1999 to Sept. 30, 2000.
Bill No.23-0121 – To appropriate monies from the Special Road Fund for the year ending Oct. 1, 1999 through Sept. 30, 2000 and other purposes.
Bill No.23-0122 – To appropriate monies from the Anti-litter and Beautification Fund to the Department of Public Works for the fiscal year ending Sept. 30,2000 and for other purposes.
Bill No.23-0123 To appropriate funds to the Virgin Islands Taxicab Commission for the fiscal year October 1, 1999 through September 30. 2000 and for operating expenses.
Bill No. 23-0124 – To provide an appropriation from the Fish and Game Fund for salaries, operating expenses and for other purposes of the Department of Planning and Natural Resources for the fiscal year Oct. 1 1999 through Sept. 30, 2000. (Pending Approval of the Committee on Finance)
Bill No 23-0125 – To provide an appropriation from the Natural Resource Reclamation Fund for salaries operating expenses and for other purposes of the Department of Planning and Natural Resources for the fiscal year Oct. 1, 1999 through Sept. 30, 2000.
Bill No.23-0126 To provide an appropriation from the Transportation Revolving Fund for salaries fringe benefits, supplies and other services and charges for the Department of Property and Procurement for the fiscal year Oct. 1, 1999 through Sept. 30, 2000 and for other purposes.
Bill No 23-0127 To provide an appropriation for operating expenses of the Department of Public Works from the Sewage System Fund of the Government of the Virgin Islands during the fiscal year Oct. 1, 1999 through Sept. 30, 2000.
Bill No. 23-0128- To provide for the lump sum appropriation of funds from the Virgin Islands Air Protection Fund for salaries, operating expenses and far other purposes, of the operating permit program of the Department of Planning and Natural Resources for the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 2000.
Bill No. 23-0129 To appropriate funds to the Public Services Commission for the fiscal year Oct. 1, 1999 to Sept. 30, 2000 for operating expenses.
Bill No.23-0130 To provide an appropriation from the interest earned on bond proceeds to the General Fund for fiscal year Oct. 1, 1999 to Sept. 30, 2000.
Bill No.23-0153 To increase revenue contributions to the General Fund of the Treasury of the Virgin Islands and for other purposes.
Bill No.23-0163 – To amend Title 3 Section 718, Virgin Islands Code to provide for adjustments in retirement contributions.
Bill No.23-0164 – To amend Title 3, Section 171. Virgin Islands Code, to eliminate five holidays and recognize them as days of observation.
Bill No. 23-0170 – To place the Office of Collective Bargaining under the Division of Personal for budgetary purposes only.
Bill No. 23-0171 – To amend Title 3. Section 270. Virgin Islands Code, to provide for the placement of the Narcotics Strike Force under the Virgin Islands Police Department of budgetary purposes only.
To provide for the operation of the Government of the Virgin Islands for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2000
The Omnibus Authorization Act of 1999.
Friday November 5.
10:00 a.m. Legislative Sess
ion, Senate Chambers, St. Thomas.
Continuation of Thursday's Agenda.

Especially for Halloween, the Reichhold Center for the Arts has booked as this weekend's "Cinema Sunday" offering a neoclassic film about that fearsome favorite of horror stories, Count Dracula.
Nosferatu the Vampyre is German director Werner Herzog's 1979 remake of the 1921 classic of the same name by also-German silent film director Friedrich Wilhelm Murnau. According to a number of cinema critics, that's pretty much where the similarity stops — except, of course, for the fact that both films are about the fabled neck romancer brought to never-ending not-quite-life in the 19th Century by novelist Bram Stoker.
Actually, Murnau got in hot water with the plagiarism patrol because he didn't credit Stoker with his story line, an error Herzog was careful not to repeat.
The story, critics have pointed out, is one that the viewer had best be familiar with before going to see Herzog's version, so as "to comprehend exactly what the disjointed scenes are referring to," as British reviewer Damian Cannon put it.
(As luck would have it, Pistarckle Theater is presenting a stage adaptation of Stoker's work this very weekend at Coral World. So if you haven't read the book, you could at least see the play before going to the flick.)
The story begins with the arduous journey of a recently married real estate agent, Jonathan Harker (played by Bruno Ganz), from The Netherlands to Transylvania to close a lucrative sale of some property in his hometown to the reclusive Count Dracula (portrayed by Klaus Kinski). Harker meets the emaciated count with long incisors and longer fingernails in the dark of night in the castle he calls home. In short order, Harker is trapped in the vampire's lair, fearing for his own life and that of his wife, Lucy (played by Isabelle Adjani), back home in the town in which the count plans to take up residence. Dracula makes his escape and heads by sea for his inevitable encounter with the sensual and ethereal Lucy. And. . . well, enough for now.
Interestingly, critics who like and who dislike Herzog's Nosferatu cite a number of the same elements in support of their viewpoints. Those who have panned the picture complain of the manipulative imagery, overly symbolic uses of light (or lack thereof) and music (Wagner and Popol Vuh) and characters who come across as caricatures. Those favorably impressed also cite the exquisite photography "eliciting an almost transcendental experience." And the picture won the 1979 Berlin International Film Festival award for best production design.
Both camps point out that the picture is not scary. "What you get is not a horror movie, since it lacks even the barest hint of unease, but a deconstruction of Dracula," Cannon writes in negative vein. "It is not especially frightening," another reviewer says in affirmation, adding, "This may discourage some Dracula fans, but to those who want a hypnotic, smart vampire film, this is the one to see." Herzog's handiwork, a DVD reviewer writes, is "a slow, deliberate and terrifying film that chills the viewer slowly like an encroaching fog," with Dracula at its center as "a pathetic creature that is to be both feared and pitied."
Character development and meaningful dialogue are not notable elements of Nosferatu. Cannon complains that the cast gets "little opportunity to more than appear the part, while being forced to go without either lines or activity." Still, Kinski wins plaudits for his incarnation of "the loneliness and sadness of a creature who. . . wants only to live, love and die like a human." And he won the 1979 German Film Award for best actor.
Cannon accuses Herzog of trying "to achieve the impossible: remaining true to the definitive film version of this story while taking the count into uncharted territory," and, he says, falling — and failing — somewhere in between. Nonetheless, he praises Herzog for "his intellectual rigor and daring approach to a familiar story."
The picture was filmed separately in German and in English. The version being shown for "Cinema Sunday" is in German with English subtitles.
So: Go to see this one for its artistic elements, not for thrills and chills. Show time Sunday is 7 p.m. The Reichhold gates open half an hour before that. Admission is $5. They sell popcorn, candy and soft drinks that you're allowed to take to your seat.

Dear Source,
Michael Bornn's appointment as Director of Tourism was the HOPE for the growth of our economy, the HOPE for the hotel industry, the HOPE for getting the U.S. Virgin Islands on the map in marketing, the HOPE for some sanity in IDC and most of all the HOPE that younger persons could play a role in the government of the U.S. Virgin Islands.
His appointment gave everyone cause to take a deep breath and relax a little – maybe there really was someone at government house making decisions that could make a difference. We finally had someone who was chosen for his ABILITY to do the job – not his political or familial connections.
Mr.. Bornn's dismissal causes serious concern about the decision making process at government house. Who was consulted? What considerations were given to the ramifications of another change in the management of the tourism department? What is the criteria for decision making, personnel appointments, long range planning? Do commissioners have to please the governor and move at his pace in order to keep their jobs? Does personality play a more important role than doing what is best for the people.
Good managers are thrilled when their appointees take initiatives that bring compliments from the people they serve. Good managers can have professional development conferences with staff members to hone style and modify policies not in agreement. Good managers don't shoot themselves in the foot.
We didn't vote for Gov. Turnbull so that he could be comfortable. We voted for him to make changes and do what is best for these islands. If he is the man of integrity, the man of vision and the real leader he purports to be, this time he is going to have to say, "I'm sorry Mr.. Bornn misunderstood me. I am very happy with his work and I will do all I can to allow him to continue. Sometimes he may be ahead of the rest of us. Sometimes we may not agree with each other's policies. Sometimes we may step on each other's toes. BUT always I know that both of us want what is best for the U.S. Virgin Islands."

Dear Source,
Michael Bornn's appointment as commissioner of Tourism was the HOPE for the growth of our economy, the HOPE for the hotel industry, the HOPE for getting the U.S. Virgin Islands on the map in marketing, the HOPE for some sanity in IDC and most of all the HOPE that younger persons could play a role in the government of the U.S. Virgin Islands.
His appointment gave everyone cause to take a deep breath and relax a little – maybe there really was someone at Government House making decisions that could make a difference. We finally had someone who was chosen for his ABILITY to do the job – not his political or familial connections.
Mr. Bornn's dismissal causes serious concern about the decision-making process at Government House. Who was consulted? What considerations were given to the ramifications of another change in the management of the Tourism Department? What are the criteria for decision making, personnel appointments, long-range planning? Do commissioners have to please the governor and move at his pace in order to keep their jobs? Does personality play a more important role than doing what is best for the people.
Good managers are thrilled when their appointees take initiatives that bring compliments from the people they serve. Good managers can have professional development conferences with staff members to hone style and modify policies not in agreement. Good managers don't shoot themselves in the foot.
We didn't vote for Gov. Turnbull so that he could be comfortable. We voted for him to make changes and do what is best for these islands.
If he is the man of integrity, the man of vision and the real leader he purports to be, this time he is going to have to say, "I'm sorry, Mr. Bornn misunderstood me. I am very happy with his work and I will do all I can to allow him to continue. Sometimes he may be ahead of the rest of us. Sometimes we may not agree with each other's policies. Sometimes we may step on each other's toes. BUT always I know that both of us want what is best for the U.S. Virgin Islands."
Carol Lotz
St. Thomas

There has been a change in speakers, but the November luncheon meeting of the Advertising Club of the Virgin Islands is still on.
Former acting Tourism Commissioner Michael Bornn was originally scheduled to be the guest speaker.
Instead, Richard Doumeng, president and Beverly Nicholson, executive director of the St. Thomas St. John Hotel & Tourism Association have been booked to speak on St. Thomas on Wednesday, Nov. 3, aboard Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines Grandeur of the Seas.
The St. Croix meeting will go on as scheduled aboard the impressive
Nordic Empress on Thursday, Nov. 4, with a representative from the Tourism Department as the speaker.
Reservations and payment for lunch must be made in advance. There will
be no exceptions after the cut off of noon on Nov. 1. The cost is $25 members,
$30 non-members.
Austin Advertising is accepting reservations and payment on St. Thomas.
Call 776-7828.
On St. Croix Caribbean Printing in Gallows Bay is accepting payment, with reservations accepted by Diane Butler at 778-5118.
Because of shipboard security boarding of the ships is by pre-paid pass
only. On St. Thomas guests should be at the Welcome Center at Havensight no later than 11:30 a.m. Wednesday.
On St. Croix guests will embark from the Port Authority Office, Ann Abramson Pier, 11:30 a.m. on Thursday. Photo IDs are necessary to board.
There will be no exceptions.

There has been a change in speakers, but the November luncheon meeting of the Advertising Club of the Virgin Islands is still on.
Former acting Tourism Commissioner Michael Bornn was originally scheduled to be the guest speaker.
Instead, Richard Doumeng, president and Beverly Nicholson, executive director of the St. Thomas St. John Hotel & Tourism Association have been booked to speak on St. Thomas on Wednesday, Nov. 3, aboard Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines Grandeur of the Seas.
The St. Croix meeting will go on as scheduled aboard the impressive
Nordic Empress on Thursday, Nov. 4, with a representative from the Tourism Department as the speaker.
Reservations and payment for lunch must be made in advance. There will
be no exceptions after the cut off of noon on Nov. 1. The cost is $25 members,
$30 non-members.
Austin Advertising is accepting reservations and payment on St. Thomas.
Call 776-7828.
On St. Croix Caribbean Printing in Gallows Bay is accepting payment, with reservations accepted by Diane Butler at 778-5118.
Because of shipboard security boarding of the ships is by pre-paid pass
only. On St. Thomas guests should be at the Welcome Center at Havensight no later than 11:30 a.m. Wednesday.
On St. Croix guests will embark from the Port Authority Office, Ann Abramson Pier, 11:30 a.m. on Thursday. Photo IDs are necessary to board.
There will be no exceptions.

Deborah Elizabeth Stevens and Dale Evan Hamilton were married on Friday 22 October 1999 on St. Thomas, Virgin Islands.
Ms. Stevens, formerly of Blairsville, GA, is Director of Annual Giving at The University of the Virgin Islands.
Mr. Hamilton, a longtime Virgin Islands resident, is owner of Leeward Cay Realty and is 1999 President of the Virgin Islands Territorial Association of Realtors.
The Hamiltons reside on St. Thomas.

We have to wonder at Gov. Charles W. Turnbull's thinking. We also have to wonder whom he's taking advice from.
The firing of acting Tourism Commissioner Michael Bornn was a very untimely and unfortunate move.
While we fully understand that Bornn was something of a loose cannon, and while we appreciate the need of the boss to have some control over his employees, we think that a more creative approach to Bornn's outspokenness might have been more productive.
This territory is in dire straits. Tourism is our only product. We have had three commissioners in the last 12 months and the one who seemed to have the overwhelming confidence of the public is now gone – right at the start of the 1999-2000 winter tourism season.
We hear the frustration and even rage of the community over this action everywhere we turn.
We feel the anxiety over what this means in terms of a sorely needed successful tourist season.
How can we come back from this blow to our image as a destination?
Who is going to replace this dynamic – albeit roguish – leader?
We are aware of the governor's penchant for vacillation. We could hope that he would change his mind on the Bornn issue. But even if he did, we don't think Bornn would come back. And we can't blame him.
When a private business owner fires an employee who refuses to abide by the employer's policy initiatives, that affects the employee, his family and the business owner.
But this is not a private business. This is the public sector and we've heard many, many politicos say you can't run expect the government to run like a business. In this case we must agree.
When you fire someone like Michael Bornn, someone who brought hope and encouragement to a depressed community, it affects the entire territory.
The governor said it himself: Bornn had the support of people who never agree on anything.
It is not Bornn who lost the confidence of the people in this scenario. It is the governor. Unfortunately, it is the people who will pay the price for the governor's ill-conceived move.

For the first time since 1994 Government House ended a fiscal year with a budget surplus.
According to Gov. Charles Turnbull’s Chief of Staff Juel Molloy, the Office of the Governor was $413,455 in the black at the end of FY99, which ended Sept. 30. For FY 99 the Office of the Governor received a $7.2 million appropriation by the Legislature but was actually allotted $6.4 million to operate the office. Final expenditures were just over $6 million.
Alvin Battiste, Government House director of Budget and Financial Management Operations, said the surplus is due to eliminating personal service contracts and a "substantial" reduction in the costs associated with the governor’s personal travel.
Molloy said that when the administration assumed office in January it discovered that former Gov. Roy Schneider overspent the first quarter allotment for Government House by paying lump sum payments to resigning employees. She said that process has been criticized by the Bureau of Audit and Control.
"The governor made clear from the first day in office that he wanted to set an example by having his office live within its means," Molloy said. "And he’s done just that."
She added that for the first time in five years an administration in Government House has completed a fiscal year without having to seek additional resources to cover expenditures that exceeded authorized levels.

Delegate to Congress Donna Christian Christensen joined fellow Democrats, including Minority Leader Dick Gephardt and the entire leadership of House Democratic Caucus, at a press briefing Thursday to support the inclusion of affordable prescription drugs in Medicare coverage for seniors.
The briefing was part of an on-going effort to modernize Medicare to provide older Americans with wider access to affordable medication.
"The seniors in my district are anxious to have this coverage in place. We should be ashamed as a Congress and a nation that we are unwilling to find the funds necessary to relieve our senior citizens from having to make the difficult and untenable choice between the medicine that they need or buying food," Christensen said.
Christensen visited senior centers in the territory in August to discuss President Clintion’s Medicare modernization initiative to provide affordable prescription drug coverage and get feedback from the seniors.
"It is time that we end this squeeze on our seniors meager incomes and provide the remedy that would allow them to live their golden years in peace of mind, security and health by seizing the opportunity when we are experiencing a record budget surplus to fix this problem," Christensen said.