Security regulations at the West Indian Co. dock will be strictly enforced to protect against any potential terrorist activity.
Last week Saddam Hussein ordered attacks against United States and British concerns as retaliation for the bombing of Iraq. This could leave cruise ships in a vulnerable position, according to WICO officials.
Effective immediately, identification will be required for anyone entering the dock area. Parking will also be prohibited in the dock area, and visitors will only be able to board ships if they're on "official business."
The Independent's story on WICO's announcement said Coast Guard regulations are already in place. Lt. Blake Welborn of the Coast Guard's Marine Safety Detachment said there is a closely monitored security zone at the dock but the threat of terrorism calls for review of that process.
Welborn said V.I. ports have gotten lax about letting delivery people on the dock based on familiarity. That will stop under the increased security.
WICO President Ed Thomas told WVWI that the practice of allowing locals to tour the ships also will be discontinued for the foreseeable future.
The Coast Guard "Passenger Terminal Security Act" requires cruise ships and ports to set up safety standard to prevent terrorism, Welborn said.
Most ships already have adequate internal security, he said. WICO's stepped-up security measures will add to that.

Four public schools will be a little prettier next year, thanks to Gottlieb's Quickway Service Center in Contant.
Owner Leroy Gottlieb needs to remove more than 30 areca palms to build his new NAPA auto parts store next door, according to the Independent.
But rather than destroy the trees, Gottlieb is donating them to the Anti-Litter and Beautification Commission.
The commission in turn is giving most of the trees to four schools — Bertha C. Boschulte Middle School and Ulla Muller, Kirwan Terrace and Joseph Gomez Elementary Schools.
"These schools have existing student groups who have demonstrated an ability and desire to take care of plants," said Geraldine Smith, executive director of the beautification commission.
The commission is also donating two larger areca palms to the Chamber of Commerce to plant between the roadway and sidewalk in front of Chase Manhattan Bank.

The V.I. Police Department has joined the world of cyberspace with its own web site.
Police Commissioner Ramon S. Davila said the establishment of a web site was a continuation of the Police Department's open-door policy, according to the Independent.
The site provides 14 links to different areas, including a guest book section where visitors can leave messages.
It also has safety tips, instructions for obtaining a V.I. driver's license and advice on how to avoid car theft.
Davila said plans include providing traffic advisories, alerts of stolen vehicles and information on criminal suspects.
The site can be reached at http://www.vipd.gov.vi.

Sen. Roosevelt David announced Tuesday that after winning two legislative elections as an independent, he is committing himself to the Democratic Party.
David, already a registered Democrat, made his announcement to a roomful of Democratic supporters, legislative colleagues and Gov.-elect Charles Turnbull.
His announcement was heralded by Senate President Lorraine Berry; Jimmy O'Bryan, chairman of the V.I. Democratic Party; Senate President-elect Vargrave Richards; and Sen.-elect George Goodwin.
Turnbull said David's decision shows that "we're going to work together — the administration, the Legislature and the delegate — to bring about a brighter future."
In an interview after the press conference Turnbull said he wants the public to understand that the recent recommendations from his transition team are only preliminary. Among the recommendations: cut extraneous high-level positions, revise the tax laws, overhaul the Industrial Development Commission and focus more on overnight visitors than the in-and-out cruise-ship passengers.
"The final report will be given to me on Dec. 28 and after review, I will hold a news conference to discuss the final recommendations," Turnbull said.

With baby boomers reaching middle age, there is a lot of talk about and interest in menopause, the mid-life issue that confronts women, though I am not altogether certain that men don't face their own version.
One of the diseases that is of particular concern relative to this phase of life is osteoporosis.
Prevention is absolutely the best, most effective cure for osteoporosis. And prevention can begin at any time. Preferably, sooner rather than later.
Heredity is definitely a factor in the disease. If your mother or grandmother had it, your chances of getting it are increased.
Osteoporosis, which literally translated means porous bone, is identified primarily as a disease that affects post-menopausal women, but according to the latest information it is preventable.
Osteoporosis was first described in the 1940s but no significant research was done until the 1960s. And it wasn't until 1984, when the National Institutes of Health publicized the disease, that it was acknowledged as a significant threat to health. The NIH, at that time, also stated that bone loss could be reduced by hormone therapy, calcium intake, good nutrition and exercise.
A number of factors contribute to osteoporosis. The major factor is a reduction in calcium in the body, causing it to be leached from the bones. The bones act as a regulator for calcium, releasing into the system when it is required and acting as a dam when there is too much. Food and dietary supplements are the only source of calcium for the body, since the body does not produce calcium.
There is a hormone, calcitonin, that acts to preserve calcium in the bones. It is produced by the thyroid. As we get older there is a decline in the secretion of calcitonin and an increase in the production of PTH, another hormone that encourages the breakdown of bone tissue. And so, even though the body does have a mechanism for rebuilding bone, as this process begins to take place the body cannot keep up with the breakdown.
An interesting fact about osteoporosis is that Vitamin D plays a very important role in allowing the body to absorb calcium. It would seem that that gives those of us who live here in the tropics an automatic advantage. Vitamin D is converted by the liver and kidneys to a substance that promotes calcium absorption in the intestines.
Many more complicated processes contribute to the breakdown of bone as well. Estrogen and progesterone have definite effects on bone tissue. Interestingly, research indicates that obese or muscular women tend to have higher levels of estrogen and lower rates of osteoporosis.
Ethnic and geographic factors are also involved in incidence of osteoporosis. Small, fair-skinned Caucasian and Asian women are at a greater risk. Their bones are thinner; therefore they have less to lose and the lack of Vitamin D, produced by the sun on the skin, in more northern climates is thought to be a factor.
A number of other factors may also contribute to osteoporosis. Alcoholism, pancreatitis, diabetes and other conditions contribute heavily to bone breakdown.
The most noticeable effect of osteoporosis is the literal collapse of the vertebrae of the spine, causing a visible stooping over and loss of height as the bones break down more and more. This loss of height can be up to 8 inches in severe cases. Of course there are also the accompanying fractures.
So, what can we do to prevent this destructive disease?
To begin with, eat right and exercise. Being a vegetarian can be a plus in preventing osteoporosis, since excess protein drives calcium out of the bones. Also red meat is high in phosphorus, which blocks calcium from being taken in by the bones. And green leafy vegetables are high in calcium.
However, intake of calcium is only part of the solution. It must be able to be absorbed. There are a number of factors to be considered, the phosphorus issue for one.
Some dairy products that provide high calcium also are high in phosphorus and therefore negate the intake of calcium.
Exercise that puts stress on the bones increases their strength and stops loss down the line. The best exercises are those that require the spine and long bones to bear weight — running and walking. Also, as noted before, women who are muscular tend to suffer less from osteoporosis.
Weight-lifting not only builds muscle, but also causes the bones to bear weight. The NIH 1987 conference states that three to four hours weekly of weight-bearing exercise such as walking or jogging increases bone density in those under 30 and slows bone loss in those who are older.
Hormone therapy has traditionally been another form of treatment for this disease. However, some of the methods have had their own devastating side effects.
Some new information and treatments have been developed using progesterone as a substitute for the more toxic hormones. There are also herbal remedies for the more holistic approach. All of these should be discussed with a health professional before embarking on any form of treatment.
However, exercise and proper nutrition need no prescription. On the days when I am out there on the road wondering why I need to spend my time and energy running around like a fool, I remember that I am buying some insurance for the future.
Food, as opposed to calcium supplements, is by far the more effective and sure way to receive calcium into the system. But it does require a conscientious effort, especially for those who avoid dairy products.
Milk is still thought to be the best source, with goat's milk ranking very high. Yogurt, cheese, especially goat cheese, can also serve as good sources.
Among vegetables, broccoli, spinach, bok choy and dandelion greens are high in calcium. Almonds, sesame seeds and some tofu can also be used.
It is important, especially if you are a woman over 30, to begin to think about protecting yourself for the future with a plan for exercise and nutrition that will enhance your life today and offer a chance for a long, healthy and happy life.

Outgoing Gov. Roy L. Schneider is unlikely to sign any contracts for new government complexes, the Independent reported Tuesday.
The paper quoted Samuel Baptiste, acting commissioner of Property and Procurement, as saying his department is still "basically trying to address all the issues involved, and it's a long process."
Sen. Lorraine L. Berry and transition team head Juel Molloy had urged Schneider not to sign any contracts for a government complex during his final weeks in office.
Schneider put government complex projects out for bid last summer and three contractors have been selected for negotiations. The Independent identified them as Custom Builders for the St. Thomas complex; Hyde Park Perini for a Labor Department building on St. Croix; and Ensycon for other government offices on St. Croix.
Berry and Molloy said it would be inappropriate for the outgoing administration to enter multi-million-dollar contracts without funds being identified and without input from Gov.- elect Charles W. Turnbull.
Baptiste had said last week, "We have not closed, but if an agreement is reached before the new administration comes in, I'm sure they well be fully briefed."
Most officials agree on the need to centralize government offices. The existing situation with scattered locations and high rents is less than ideal, but plans now in the works need to be carefully reviewed, said Molloy, co-chair of the Turnbull-James transition team.
In August when the project was put out for bid, Dean Luke, who was then commission of Property and Procurement, said the government was paying $8.2 million in rent for its scattered sites. Property and Procurement estimates a turnkey office project — which would not require an initial outlay of public money — could save taxpayers $2 million a year in rent.
"It's certainly in the interest of the Turnbull-James administration to try and cut down on rental costs," said Molloy, adding the new administration would review all contracts.
Very little information about the complex has been given to the public. Berry voiced concern about reports that it will be in Sub Base — reports that previously generated strong public opposition — but Baptiste said other locations also are being considered. He did not identify them.

Local bankers have told Lt. Gov-elect G. Luz James II that major changes in the lieutenant governor's office and serious revision of Virgin Islands laws are needed to stimulate new business investment.
The territory operates under a banking code from 1965 that is antiquated and seriously impedes the process of conducting business in the Virgin Islands, according to members of the V.I. Bankers Association.
Recording a deed, which takes two or three days elsewhere, can take two to three weeks in St. Thomas, Gwen Adams, former Finance commissioner and now chief financial officer at Banco Popular, told WVWI on Monday.
Adams also said the tedious processes slow the flow of money into the V.I. treasury.
All 50 states operate under the Uniform Commercial Code, which was established to simplify and modernize the law governing commercial transactions.
"The V. I. is not in sync with the rest of the country," said Adams, urging passage of the UCC.
Adams said James was receptive to the bankers' concerns, but said he couldn't get a real handle on it until he is in office.

Mirror, mirror on the road,
During Georges down you blow'd.
Public Works, we've cut you slack.
It's time to put our mirrors back!
Lots of St. Thomas residents are screaming about potholes. And with good reason. Our roads are so rutted and pitted that they threaten our safety and our vehicles' structural soundness.
But we have another road-safety problem that no one has talked much about: the Public Works Department's failure to restore mirrors and road signs after Hurricane Georges.
The area around Mafolie Hotel offers a good — though decidedly not the only — example.
Before Georges, drivers turning south onto Mafolie Road from the road in front of the hotel had the benefit at that treacherous intersection of utilizing a round mirror that reflected hidden traffic coming up the hill. No more. Hurricane Georges blew it down.
That was more than three months ago. Surely it shouldn't take three months to replace roadside mirrors, stop signs and other safety devices that motorists depend on.
Please, Public Works. This is routine stuff — the nuts and bolts of your mission. We hope it won't take a devastating accident to spur you to action.

Senate President Lorraine L. Berry is submitting legislation to allow cruise ships to open their casinos while in port in St. Thomas — but only to their own passengers.
Berry said in a radio address that if cruise ships could open their casinos while docked here, they would stay later. And if ships stayed longer, stores could stay open and passengers would have more time to shop and enjoy local food and entertainment.
When ships dock in Frederiksted, they are allowed to open their casinos and often stay in port later as a result.
Berry said she submitted the bill now so it would be ready for public hearings when the 23rd Legislature convenes in January.
Casino gambling is prohibited by law in St. Thomas and St. John. Groundbreaking was held last week for St. Croix's first casino.

WAY DOWN IN BOVONI
(to Away in A Manger)
Way down in Bovoni, the potholes are deep
The dump fires burn brightly round Roy and his sheep
The Pigs go to slaughter with nary a care
Just happy to die on The Bridge To Nowhere
Oh, long may your legacy live, Shepherd Roy
The Bridge That Goes Nowhere…our pride and our joy!
We love thee, oh Bridge, you will long be our friend
Although you have neither begining nor end
AMERICA'S CUP
(to I Saw 3 Ships)
I saw a ship come sailing in
On Christmas Day, On Christmas Day
I saw a ship come sailing in
On Christmas Day in the Morning
And what was in the ship I saw?
On Christmas Day, On Christmas Day
Twas Peter Holmberg in a bra!
On Christmas Day in the morning
I asked dear Peter what was up
On Christmas Day, On Christmas Day
He said "My friends, I won the cup!"
On Christmas Day in the morning
He pointed to the bra with glee
On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day
With cup sized V for VICTORY!
On Christmas Day in the morning
Enjoy!
Doris Pomeranz
St. Thomas