The Reichold Art Center's Youth Theater took on a couple of tough projects this weekend and came out winners.
They produced two one-act plays, the first, "Aria Da Capo," by Edna St. Vincent Millay, the noted poet. The production is quite adult in theme, with elements of farce. It is lightly handled by the entire cast – both plays utilize the company's five senior actors. In less professional hands, the short drama could easily fall apart with its oblique and almost surreal dialog in the opening and closing scenes, which surround a middle scene depicting pettiness. However, the humor comes through adding perspective to the whole.
And regarding humor, "The Actor's Nightmare," the second play, comes through with all its wit intact. The "nightmare" in question concerns an actor finding himself on stage with no notion of whom or where he is, and being forced into parts ranging from Shakespeare's "Hamlet" to Noel Coward's comedy "Private Lives." George Silcott glories as the befuddled actor. As he stands on the stage at one point trying to make sense of his predicament, he resorts to reciting the Pledge of Allegiance followed by the alphabet song.
The student actors are both professional and awfully funny. This is their second season. Last year they wrote and produced their maiden effort "What if . . . " The current two plays require much more skill.
The group is gathered from local schools as well as UVI. Denise Humphries of the CAHS drama department assisted Director Andrew Weller in both productions. The students, under their supervision, also designed and made all the sets. According to Nina Farrell, a senior at CAHS, "dedication is everything. We learn so much; we learn to trust each other and ourselves, but it requires dedication and hard work." And its worth it, judging from the success of the group combined with their positive attitudes.
The other actors are Michelle Wiltshire, the youngest at 14, a student at All Saints Cathedral School; Daryl Dore, a sophomore at Wesleyan Academy; Ashley-Ruth Moolenaar who will be attending the University of Virginia this fall, and George Silcott, Jr., a recent CAHS graduate and a member of the group since its inception.
According to one parent, Gwen Moolenaar, "We have never had a group like this in St. Thomas. It's a unique opportunity for the students to learn by doing. The plays they work with have adult themes, and they are challenging. You won't see this company doing "Annie!"
Weller hasn't disclosed their fall season schedule as yet, but their current two shows will be a "hard act to follow."

With the recent spate of murders with guns on St. Thomas, it's time to consider legislation to stem the tide of emotional, retaliatory killing.
When asked why children all over America are killing each other, we always answer "because they can." The rampant availability of weapons of death makes it all too possible for an emotion-laden teenager to kill his rivals or tormentors—or anyone else.
In 1993 the state of Colorado passed some very tough juvenile crime laws that made possession of handguns by juveniles an automatic felony with mandatory sentencing.
In 1995, journalist Melvin Claxton won the Pulitzer Prize for the Daily News with his series on crime in the Virgin Islands, in which Claxton put together a 14-point formula to fight crime. One of Claxton's suggestions was to impose a mandatory prison sentence for gun possession by a juvenile.
In light of the recent murders on St. Thomas, Sen. Roosevelt David has revived his Bill 23-0038, which sought to ban assault weapons for some, but not all, people.
That's fine but we don't think his bill goes far enough. Why should anyone other than military personnel have assault weapons?
We also think legislation should be developed to ban all civilian handguns in the Virgin Islands.
We are small islands. We could control guns here. Handguns and assault weapons exist to kill people.
The statistics prove over and over that average citizens who own guns are much more likely to be shot, and with their own guns.
So, why not just remove the problem?
We could even take it a step further and get rid of all guns—except for law enforcement agencies– -in the Virgin Islands.
When was the last time you heard of someone going deer hunting here?
But at the very least, sensible juvenile crime legislation is absolutely necessary. Senators, spend your time on something that will actually make a difference. Give us a decent juvenile crime bill.

Committee on Finance
Budget Hearings
Wednesday, August 4, 1999- St. Thomas, Chambers

9:30 a.m. Budget Overview and Revenue Projections
-Director, Office of Management and Budget
-Commissioner, Department of Finance
-Director, Bureau of Internal Revenue
-Director, Bureau of Economic Research
-Office of the Tax Assessor

1:30 – 2:30 p.m. LUNCH BREAK

2:30 p.m. Fund Contributions Presentation by the Director of the Office of Management & Budget and the Commissioner of Finance
-Community Disaster Loans
-FEMA State Share Loans
-Internal Revenue Matching Fund
-Caribbean Basin Initiative Fund
-St. John Capital Improvement Fund
-St. Croix Capital Improvement Fund
-Interest Revenue Fund
-Interest Earned on Bond Proceeds Fund
-Industrial Development Fund
-Transportation Trust Fund
-Special Projects Fund
-Crisis Intervention Fund
-Land Bank Fund
-Insurance Guaranty Fund
-Hurricane Hugo Insurance Claims Fund
-Union Arbitration Award and Government Employees Increment Fund

4:30 p.m. Virgin Islands Lottery Commission – (Overview)

Committee on Finance
Budget Hearings
Thursday, August 5, 1999-St. Thomas Chambers

9:30 a.m. Office of Management and Budget
– Indirect Cost Fund

Miscellaneous Section of the Budget

1:30 – 2:30 p.m. LUNCH BREAK

2:30 p.m. Office of the Lieutenant Governor
-Commissioner of Insurance Fund

4:30 p.m. Virgin Islands Water & Power Authority – Overview

Friday, August 6, 1999-St. Thomas Chambers

9:30 a.m. Territorial Court of the Virgin Islands
Judicial Council
Territorial Public Defender

1:30 – 2:30 p.m. LUNCH BREAK

2:30 p.m. Department of Finance
-Government Insurance Fund
-Indirect Cost Fund
-Miscellaneous Section of the Budget

4:30 p.m. Public Finance Authority
– West Indian Company, Ltd.
Director, Capital Improvement Program -(Overview)
Committee on Finance
Budget Hearings
Monday, August 9, 1999-St. Thomas Chambers

9:30 a.m. Bureau of Internal Revenue

1:30 – 2:30 p.m. LUNCH BREAK

2:30 p.m. Virgin Islands Port Authority
4:30 p.m. Law Revision Commission
Commission on Uniform State Laws

Tuesday, August 10, 1999-St. Thomas Chambers

9:30 a.m. Department of Education
1:30 – 2:30 p.m. LUNCH BREAK

2:30 p.m. Board of Education

Board of Vocational Education
4:30 p.m. Bureau of Audit and Control
Committee on Finance
Budget Hearings

Wednesday, August 11, 1999-St. Thomas Chambers

9:30 a.m. University of the Virgin Islands
12:30 p.m. V.I. Cultural Heritage Institute

1:30 – 2:30 p.m. LUNCH BREAK

2:30 p.m. Department of Tourism
-Tourism Advertising Revolving Fund

4:00 p.m. Virgin Islands Hospitality Institute

4:30 p.m. Department of Licensing & Consumer Affairs
-Consumer Protection Revolving Fund
Virgin Islands Taxicab Commission
Public Services Commission
Thursday, August 12, 1999 -St. Thomas Chambers

9:30 a.m. Department of Human Services

1:30 – 2:30 p.m. LUNCH BREAK

2:30 p.m. Department of Justice
– Bureau of Corrections

4:30 p.m. V.I. Fire Services
Committee on Finance
Budget Hearings

Tuesday, August 17, 1999-St. Croix Leg. Con. Room

9:30 a.m. Juan Luis Hospital and Health Center
-St. Croix Hospital and Health Facilities Board
– Health Revolving Fund
V.I. Hospital and Health Facilities Corporation
1:30 – 2:30 p.m. LUNCH BREAK

2:30 p.m. Department of Labor
– Government Insurance Fund

Virgin Islands Wage Board

Public Employees Relations Board

Virgin Islands Labor Management Committee
4:30 p.m. Virgin Islands Casino Control Commission

Committee on Finance
Budget Hearings

Wednesday, August 18, 1999-St. Croix Leg. Con. Room

9:30 a.m. Department of Public Works
– Road Fund
-Sewer System Fund
-Anti-Litter & Beautification Fund-Roadside Maintenance Program
12:30 p.m. Office of Legal Services
1:30 – 2:30 p.m. LUNCH BREAK

2:30 p.m. Virgin Islands Election System
-Joint Boards of Elections
-Board of Elections – St. Thomas/St. John
-Board of Elections – St. Croix
-Supervisor of Elections

4:30 p.m. Office of the Adjutant General
-VITEMA

Thursday, August 19, 1999-St. Croix Leg. Con. Room

9:30 a.m. Department of Property and Procurement
-Business & Commercial Properties Revolving Fund
-Transportation Revolving Fund
-Central Warehouse Revolving Fund
-Insurance on Government Buildings

1:30 – 2:30 p.m. LUNCH BREAK

2:30 p.m. Department of Agriculture

4:30 p.m. Office of Veterans Affairs
Committee on Finance
Budget Hearings

Monday, August 23, 1999-St. Thomas Chambers

9:30 a.m. Department of Health
-Health Revolving Fund
12:30 p.m. Nurse Licensure Board
– Nurse Licensure Revolving Fund

1:30 – 2:30 p.m. LUNCH BREAK

2:30 p.m. Roy L. Schneider Hospital and Community Health Center
-St. Thomas/St. John Hospital Facilities Board
-Health Revolving Fund
V.I. Hospital and Health Facilities Corporation
4:30 p.m. Virgin Islands Public Television

Committee on Finance
Budget Hearings

Tuesday, August 24, 1999-St. Thomas Chambers

9:30 a.m. Office of the Governor

11:30 a.m. Division of Personnel
-Government Employees Services Commission
Insurance Board of Trustees
12:30 p.m. Chief Negotiator – Office of Collective Bargaining

1:30 – 2:30 p.m. LUNCH BREAK

2:30 p.m. Department of Planning & Natural Resources
-Natural Resources Reclamation Fund
-Fish & Game Fund
-Virgin Islands Air Protection Fund
-Virgin Islands Energy Office
-Virgin Islands Council on the Arts

4:30 p.m. Government Development Bank
-Industrial Development Commission
-Small Business Development Agency
Bureau of Economic Research

Committee on Finance
Budget Hearings

Wednesday, August 25, 1999- St. Thomas Chambers

9:30 a.m. Department of Housing, Parks & Recreation
-Homestead & Home Loan Fund
-Veterans Housing Fund
-Magens Bay Authority
-Virgin Islands Carnival Committee
-St. John Festival and Cultural Organization
-St. Croix Festival Committee

Virgin Islands Racing Commission (Overview)
-St. Thomas/St. John Horse Racing Commission
-St. Croix Horse Racing Commission
-Horse Racing Improvement Fund

Virgin Islands Housing Authority

Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority (Overview)

1:30 – 2:30 p.m. LUNCH BREAK

2:30 p.m. Virgin Islands Police Department
-Narcotics Strike Force
-Law Enforcement Planning Commission

4:30 p.m. Government Employees Retirement System – (Overview)

Committee on Finance
Budget Hearings

Friday, August 27, 1999-St. Thomas Chambers

9:30 a.m. Budget Review and Revenue Update
– Director, Office of Management and Budget
– Commissioner, Department of Finance
– Director, Bureau of Internal Revenue
– Director, Bureau of Economic Research
– Office of the Tax Assessor

1:30 – 2:30 p.m. LUNCH BREAK

2:30 p.m. Budget Review and Revenue Update – Continued

Committee on Finance
Budget Hearings
Wednesday, August 4, 1999– St. Thomas, Chambers
9:30 a.m. Budget Overview and Revenue Projections
-Director, Office of Management and Budget
-Commissioner, Department of Finance
-Director, Bureau of Internal Revenue
-Director, Bureau of Economic Research
-Office of the Tax Assessor
1:30 – 2:30 p.m. LUNCH BREAK
2:30 p.m. Fund Contributions Presentation by the Director of the Office of Management & Budget and the Commissioner of Finance
-Community Disaster Loans
-FEMA State Share Loans
-Internal Revenue Matching Fund
-Caribbean Basin Initiative Fund
-St. John Capital Improvement Fund
-St. Croix Capital Improvement Fund
-Interest Revenue Fund
-Interest Earned on Bond Proceeds Fund
-Industrial Development Fund
-Transportation Trust Fund
-Special Projects Fund
-Crisis Intervention Fund
-Land Bank Fund
-Insurance Guaranty Fund
-Hurricane Hugo Insurance Claims Fund
-Union Arbitration Award and Government Employees Increment Fund
4:30 p.m. Virgin Islands Lottery Commission – (Overview)
Committee on Finance
Budget Hearings
Thursday, August 5, 1999-St. Thomas Chambers
9:30 a.m. Office of Management and Budget
– Indirect Cost Fund
Miscellaneous Section of the Budget
1:30 – 2:30 p.m. LUNCH BREAK
2:30 p.m. Office of the Lieutenant Governor
-Commissioner of Insurance Fund
4:30 p.m. Virgin Islands Water & Power Authority – Overview
Friday, August 6, 1999-St. Thomas Chambers
9:30 a.m. Territorial Court of the Virgin Islands
Judicial Council
Territorial Public Defender
1:30 – 2:30 p.m. LUNCH BREAK
2:30 p.m. Department of Finance
-Government Insurance Fund
-Indirect Cost Fund
-Miscellaneous Section of the Budget
4:30 p.m. Public Finance Authority
– West Indian Company, Ltd.
Director, Capital Improvement Program -(Overview)
Committee on Finance
Budget Hearings
Monday, August 9, 1999-St. Thomas Chambers
9:30 a.m. Bureau of Internal Revenue
1:30 – 2:30 p.m. LUNCH BREAK
2:30 p.m. Virgin Islands Port Authority
4:30 p.m. Law Revision Commission
Commission on Uniform State Laws
Tuesday, August 10, 1999-St. Thomas Chambers
9:30 a.m. Department of Education
1:30 – 2:30 p.m. LUNCH BREAK
2:30 p.m. Board of Education
Board of Vocational Education
4:30 p.m. Bureau of Audit and Control
Committee on Finance
Budget Hearings
Wednesday, August 11, 1999-St. Thomas Chambers
9:30 a.m. University of the Virgin Islands
12:30 p.m. V.I. Cultural Heritage Institute
1:30 – 2:30 p.m. LUNCH BREAK
2:30 p.m. Department of Tourism
-Tourism Advertising Revolving Fund
4:00 p.m. Virgin Islands Hospitality Institute
4:30 p.m. Department of Licensing & Consumer Affairs
-Consumer Protection Revolving Fund
Virgin Islands Taxicab Commission
Public Services Commission
Thursday, August 12, 1999 -St. Thomas Chambers
9:30 a.m. Department of Human Services
1:30 – 2:30 p.m. LUNCH BREAK
2:30 p.m. Department of Justice
– Bureau of Corrections
4:30 p.m. V.I. Fire Services
Committee on Finance
Budget Hearings
Tuesday, August 17, 1999-St. Croix Leg. Con. Room
9:30 a.m. Juan Luis Hospital and Health Center
-St. Croix Hospital and Health Facilities Board
– Health Revolving Fund
V.I. Hospital and Health Facilities Corporation
1:30 – 2:30 p.m. LUNCH BREAK
2:30 p.m. Department of Labor
– Government Insurance Fund
Virgin Islands Wage Board
Public Employees Relations Board
Virgin Islands Labor Management Committee
4:30 p.m. Virgin Islands Casino Control Commission
Committee on Finance
Budget Hearings
Wednesday, August 18, 1999-St. Croix Leg. Con. Room
9:30 a.m. Department of Public Works
– Road Fund
-Sewer System Fund
-Anti-Litter & Beautification Fund-Roadside Maintenance Program
12:30 p.m. Office of Legal Services
1:30 – 2:30 p.m. LUNCH BREAK
2:30 p.m. Virgin Islands Election System
-Joint Boards of Elections
-Board of Elections – St. Thomas/St. John
-Board of Elections – St. Croix
-Supervisor of Elections
4:30 p.m. Office of the Adjutant General
-VITEMA
Thursday, August 19, 1999-St. Croix Leg. Con. Room
9:30 a.m. Department of Property and Procurement
-Business & Commercial Properties Revolving Fund
-Transportation Revolving Fund
-Central Warehouse Revolving Fund
-Insurance on Government Buildings
1:30 – 2:30 p.m. LUNCH BREAK
2:30 p.m. Department of Agriculture
4:30 p.m. Office of Veterans Affairs
Committee on Finance
Budget Hearings
Monday, August 23, 1999-St. Thomas Chambers
9:30 a.m. Department of Health
-Health Revolving Fund
12:30 p.m. Nurse Licensure Board
– Nurse Licensure Revolving Fund
1:30 – 2:30 p.m. LUNCH BREAK
2:30 p.m. Roy L. Schneider Hospital and Community Health Center
-St. Thomas/St. John Hospital Facilities Board
-Health Revolving Fund
V.I. Hospital and Health Facilities Corporation
4:30 p.m. Virgin Islands Public Television
Committee on Finance
Budget Hearings
Tuesday, August 24, 1999-St. Thomas Chambers
9:30 a.m. Office of the Governor
11:30 a.m. Division of Personnel
-Government Employees Services Commission
Insurance Board of Trustees
12:30 p.m. Chief Negotiator – Office of Collective Bargaining
1:30 – 2:30 p.m. LUNCH BREAK
2:30 p.m. Department of Planning & Natural Resources
-Natural Resources Reclamation Fund
-Fish & Game Fund
-Virgin Islands Air Protection Fund
-Virgin Islands Energy Office
-Virgin Islands Council on the Arts
4:30 p.m. Government Development Bank
-Industrial Development Commission
-Small Business Development Agency
Bureau of Economic Research
Committee on Finance
Budget Hearings
Wednesday, August 25, 1999– St. Thomas Chambers
9:30 a.m. Department of Housing, Parks & Recreation
-Homestead & Home Loan Fund
-Veterans Housing Fund
-Magens Bay Authority
-Virgin Islands Carnival Committee
-St. John Festival and Cultural Organization
-St. Croix Festival Committee
Virgin Islands Racing Commission (Overview)
-St. Thomas/St. John Horse Racing Commission
-St. Croix Horse Racing Commission
-Horse Racing Improvement Fund
Virgin Islands Housing Authority
Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority (Overview)
1:30 – 2:30 p.m. LUNCH BREAK
2:30 p.m. Virgin Islands Police Department
-Narcotics Strike Force
-Law Enforcement Planning Commission
4:30 p.m. Government Employees Retirement System – (Overview)
Committee on Finance
Budget Hearings
Friday, August 27, 1999-St. Thomas Chambers
9:30 a.m. Budget Review and Revenue Update
– Director, Office of Management and Budget
– Commissioner, Department of Finance
– Director, Bureau of Internal Revenue
– Director, Bureau of Economic Research
– Office of the Tax Assessor
1:30 – 2:30 p.m. LUNCH BREAK
2:30 p.m. Budget Review and Revenue Update – Continued

Governor Charles W. Turnbull will honor Red Cross volunteers at a reception to be held at Government House from 6 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, July 31.
The St. Thomas and St. John Chapter of the American Red Cross is celebrating 81 years of service in the Virgin islands. Its programs and services are delivered by more than 900 local volunteers.

Two acclaimed contemporary one-act dramas with elements of the absurd get an airing Saturday and Sunday (July 31 and Aug. 1) in performances by senior members of the Reichhold's Youth Theatre repertory company.
There are shows at 3 and 7 p.m. both days in the Little Theatre at the University of the Virgin Islands.
Five teenagers — Ashley Moolenaar, George Silcott Jr., Michelle Wiltshire, Darryl Dore and Nina Farrell — appear in the productions of Edna St. Vincent Millay's "Aria da Capo" and Christopher Durang's "The Actor's Nightmare."
The plays, written for adult audiences, have comic elements but deal with serious issues. While last weekend's RYT production, "We're Working on It," was aimed at kids, director Andrew Heller says the one-acts are suited for those 12 and older.
"Aria Da Capo" involves a play within a play. Two characters converse in surreal superficiality at the beginning and end. Two others, in the middle portion, act out a scenario of greed and distrust. (In case you're wondering, the title has nothing to do with the Mafia. It's a musical term for an operatic aria of three parts — the first and third the same with a contrasting middle segment.)
"The Actor's Nightmare" is about a character recognized by everyone else as a well- known actor but who is sure, himself, that he's someone else. Nonetheless, he's obliged to go onstage and perform in everything from Shakespeare's "Hamlet" to Noel Coward's "Private Lives."
Moolenaar, Silcott, Dore and Wiltshire have been involved in all four of the RYT young people's productions to date. Moolenaar also had a lead role in UVI's spring Little Theatre production of "Leocadia," with Silcott in a supporting part, and Silcott was featured in the three-character drama "My Children! My Africa!" last fall. Farrell joined the troupe in the spring and was involved in last weekend's show.
Reichhold's Youth Theatre was created a year ago as a summer program to give students exposure not just to acting but to all aspects of play production, from scriptwriting and set design to backstage operations. It continued as an afterschool program during the school year then resumed as a summer program — but this time with a separate, additional acting class for the older students. The results of this class are what audiences see this weekend — with younger RYT company members helping behind the scenes.
Tickets to all shows are $5 and they're available at the door.

In an effort to further stem financial losses before and after HOVENSA builds its coker unit, the company has hired one firm as its primary maintenance contractor.
The reorganization of HOVENSA’s maintenance operations with Jacobs Panamerican Corp., said HOVENSA Vice President Alex Moorhead, is not expected to impact maintenance contractors currently at the refinery.
"Rather than displacing any existing major contractor," Moorhead said in a statement Friday afternoon, "…Jacobs and Virgin Islands Industrial Maintenance Corp., the largest maintenance contractor at the refinery, are combining forces by forming a joint company to perform the duties of the refinery’s primary maintenance contractor."
Some maintenance tasks currently done by HOVENSA employees will be assigned to Jacobs. Moorhead added, though, that HOVENSA workers whose jobs will be eliminated in the reorganization will be offered similar positions with Jacobs or offered different jobs within HOVENSA.
HOVENSA employees who choose not to accept reassignment will have the option of severance benefits, Moorhead said.
He said the reorganization is being done to improve the company’s financial standing, specifically in the maintenance and reliability of petroleum processing equipment. Hiring Jacobs, with more than 50 years of experience in the industry, is a continuation of a reevaluation effort started when the St. Croix refinery was owned by Hess Oil of the Virgin Islands.
According to Moorhead, because HOVIC lost approximately $1.2 billion between 1991 and 1998, company officials began comparing the refinery with similar facilities, based on various economic performance factors.
While the refinery has made improvements, said HOVENSA president and chief operating officer Rene Sagebien, "there is still much more progress to be made for the refinery to place itself among the top U.S. refineries…"
Sagebien said without the coker, which will be able to process heavier-grade Venezuelan crude, HOVENSA is forced to process crude oil that is $2 to $4 per barrel more expensive than what the company’s competitors process.
The coker, however, will not be able to improve the refinery’s profitability if operating costs remain higher than competitors' because of maintenance costs and low mechanical reliability, Sagebien said. Hence the retention of Jacobs Panamerican.
"Jacobs will be responsible for managing the execution of all routine maintenance work and turnarounds," Sagebien said. "This change will become effective in early September."
Turnaround is the term used in the industry for the inspection and overhaul of a processing unit while it is temporarily shut down.
According to HOVENSA officials, Jacobs is currently performing maintenance at 51 refineries and petrochemical plants on the mainland and has performed major turnarounds at refineries in the Gulf states and California.

St. Croix businesswoman Anne Abramson and contractor Berthill Thomas have been indicted for a second time by a federal grand jury and charged with conspiracy, bribery concerning programs receiving federal funds, making false claims to the United States, making false statements within the jurisdiction of a federal agency and tax fraud.
In all, 15 counts were returned in the grand jury's second superseding indictment.
On Dec. 12, 1998, a grand jury handed down a 10-count indictment against the pair, which alleged, among other violations, that Thomas and Abramson conspired to corruptly give and accept money in exchange for Abramson hiring Thomas to repair a roof at the Department of Finance in St. Thomas.
Thomas was indicted on three counts but a jury could not reach a verdict on any of the charges against Abramson.
This week's indictment alleges two additional charges against Thomas and six new charges against Abramson. Both are charged with making a false claim and false statements to FEMA. Thomas is charged with submitting an inflated invoice for work he performed at the Arthur Richard Junior High School on St. Croix.
The indictment alleges Abramson violated territorial conflict-of-interest statutes and that she filed a false federal income tax return for the year 1996.
The maximum penalty for a conviction of bribery concerning programs receiving federal funds is 10 years incarceration and a $250,000 fine. The offenses of making false claims to the United States and making false statements within the jurisdiction of a federal agency carry maximum penalties of five years incarceration and $250,000 fines for each count of conviction.
The maximum penalty for the territorial conflict of interest offense is imprisonment for not less than one year nor more than five years; and/or a fine of $5,000 or a sum equal to any money gained from the violation, whichever is greater.

When the nomination of local businessman Michael Bornn as commissioner of the Department of Tourism was reported by St. Thomas Source on Wednesday, it brought a flurry of excitement to the public and private sectors, overwhelming support for Bornn and a wave of hope for the future of the territory.
Edward E. Thomas, president and CEO of The West Indian Company Ltd., said, "I'm delighted to know the governor has named Michael Bornn to be the next commissioner of tourism."
Thomas said he has known Bornn for a number of years and they have exchanged ideas on economics, economic development, tourism and related subjects. "I have already spoken to Michael and have pledged this company would give him 100 percent support so we can bring back a strong tourism product to the territory."
Joseph Aubain, president of St. Thomas-St. John Chamber of Commerce, said he was looking forward to working with Bornn. "He will bring a lot of enthusiasm, ideas and a positive direction to the islands. It will be an exciting opportunity for tourism."
Realtor William R. Otto of David Jones Real Estate was equally impressed with the nomination, saying, "Michael's business background and his willingness to work for the community and the people of the Virgin Islands will make him a very proactive commissioner. I look for a new, revitalized tourism department."
Even retailers hailed the nomination. Sunil Mohanani of Chalet D'or in downtown Charlotte Amalie said, "Michael is just what we need. He knows and understands this market and I will support him. It's a wonderful move."
On St. Croix, the news was received with equal enthusiasm. Noel Loftus, chairman of the St. Croix Chamber of Commerce, said that while Chamber board members have not yet taken an official position, he expects very little opposition at the next board meeting, on August 12.
"We have not yet met as a group," said Loftus, "but some directors have called me with a very favorable reaction to the news." Loftus noted that having someone from the private sector in the top seat at Tourism was very unusual."Personally, I'm ecstatic," he said. "I'm very favorably impressed with Mr. Bornn and look forward to working with him."
Sen. Lorraine Berry said Bornn was an excellent choice for many reasons. "He contacted me when he was nominated," she said. "He wanted me to know about it and wanted to be prepared for the budget hearing." The senator cited Bornn's background as his strong point. "He's very conscientious and already has many goals and objectives for the department. He has the background to fill his position as chairman of IDC and the Port Authority."
James Armour of Armour Enterprises was equally supportive of the nomination. He said Bornn was the best choice the governor could have made. "He's been here all his life, knows the islands well, participates in the community and just getting the America's Cup Challenge off the ground is reflective of his knowledge of tourism."
Sen. Berry also noted Bornn was an experienced traveler. "He's been exposed to how many other countries attract their visitors and he knows the marine industry needs to be maximized as a balance to tourism. He will bring a wealth of experience to the job."
Bornn is currently off island on his honeymoon. He assumes the position of
Acting Commissioner on August 9 and has assured Sen. Berry he will be prepared for the budget hearings on August 11.

Gov. Charles Turnbull left the territory Friday to meet with representatives of Beal Aeropsace in Dallas, and with federal officials in Washington, D.C.
Turnbull's first stop, however, will be the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity's 93rd Anniversary convention in Dallas, where he will be a guest speaker.
"Since I am a member and I am being honored, I felt it was quite necessary for me to accept this invitation," Turnbull said Friday in a statement.
After the convention, Turnbull added, he will meet with Beal officials to "convey the government's support for the establishment of the proposed Beal plant at a St. Croix location."
On August 3 and 4, Turnbull will be in the nation's capital discussing the territory's financial crisis with federal officials. He will return to the territory on August 5.