TW_08.10.15_Edition - St. John Tradewinds News
Transcription
TW_08.10.15_Edition - St. John Tradewinds News
Off-Season Publishing Begins. Next Issue: Aug. 24-Sept. 6 August 10-23, 2015 © Copyright 2015 Second Round of Property Tax Bills Issued Page 7 Sean Downes, 19, Charged in Assault on Farrell, Faced Similar Charges in Florida Commissioner Designee Henry Defends DPNR’s Pesticide Supervision Before Poisoning Page 9 New Coalition Forms To Address Mental Health in V.I. Page 6 Initiative To Build Coral Bay Tennis Court Aims To Even Score at 30-All Page 9 Did Conflict of Interest Protect Terminix in St. John Condo Poisoning of Family? Page 3 St. John Tradewinds News Photo by Tom Oat Seagulls Stroll on Solid Sargassum The heavy mat of Sargassum seaweed along the shore of Coral Bay is solid enough to support a flock of seagulls, difficult for small boats to traverse and very aromatic. Story and more photos on Page 5 Moravian Church Official Responds To Floating Dock Issue in Coral Bay Page 2 Letters: Pgs 14-16 2 St. John Tradewinds, August 10-23, 2015 Moravian Church Responds To Coral Bay Dock Issue St. John Tradewinds Coral Bay — The Moravian Church Virgin Islands Conference (Moravian Church) is advising the public that as a result of a recent Coastal Zone Management (CZM) citation for unauthorized and unpermitted floating docks erected on its property at Parcel No. 10, Estate Emmaus No. 2, Coral Bay Quarter, St. John, the Moravian Church, as the property owner, has taken several actions necessary to secure its property and avoid further liability. “The floating docks that were erected on the Church’s Coral Bay property were not constructed or authorized by the Moravian Church Virgin Islands Conference. The Church has since posted signs on its property at Coral Bay advising the public of restrictions on the use of the property. There are a number of abandoned vessels, illegally parked cars and other items on the Church’s property that must be removed immediately,” stated Eulencine Christopher, Superintendent of the Moravian Church VI Conference. More than 30 years ago, the Moravian Church built a small concrete dock at Coral Bay which residents of Coral Bay and the public at large are welcomed to use without any compensation. The Church is respectfully requesting the cooperation and patience of the public, particularly, the residents of St. John who use the dock. “In the best interest of the Church and the public, the Registration is underway for the fall term at the University of the Virgin Islands. New student registration will be August 19-20, 2015, and late registration will be on August 21, 2015. Classes begin on August 24 and end on December 3. A limited number of courses can be taken on St. John through videoconferencing technology at UVI’s St. John Academic Center. Also, senior citizen residents of the United States Virgin Islands may enroll in regularly scheduled courses at the University of the Virgin Islands free of charge during the late registration period. To qualify, seniors must be at least 60 years of age, as verified by the senior citizen ID card issued by the United States Virgin Islands Department of Human Services, and be a resident of the United States Virgin Islands for at least one year. To enroll or for further information, contact UVI’s registration office at 693-1160, or visit the Academic Center located on the third floor of the Marketplace across from WAPA. Free Children’s Books at St. John Rotary Club Book Expo on August 11 St. John Tradewinds News Photo by Judi Shimel A new and improved dock extention floats beside Coral Bay dinghy dock. Moravian Church VI Conference is seeking to resolve the matter of the unauthorized floating docks and is actively engaged in communications with CZM to ensure its compliance with all relevant codes and applicable regulations,” stated Eulencine Christopher, Superintendent. The Moravian Church VI Con- ference publicly acknowledges the generosity and support of the St. John community, especially the residents of Coral Bay and the boating community. Please contact the Moravian Church Virgin Islands Conference at (340) 713-1055 or at [email protected] should you have any questions or concerns. Tradewinds Publishing llc The Community Newspaper Since 1972 Publisher MaLinda Nelson [email protected] Editor Tom Oat [email protected] writers Amy Roberts, Judi Shimel, Raven Philips Contributors Yelena Rogers, Andrew Rutnik, Jack Brown, Mares Crane, Bob Malacarne, Bill Stelzer Register for Fall 2015 Classes at UVI NEWSLINE (340) 776-6496 www.tradewinds.vi [email protected] Subscriptions U.S. & U.S.V.I. only $90.00 per year email: [email protected] ADVERTISING [email protected] Third Class PERMIT U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 3 St. John, VI 00831 MAILING ADDRESS Tradewinds Publishing LLC P.O. Box 1500 St. John, VI 00831 Circulation Call the newsline to be added as a newsstand outlet © Copyright 2015 All rights reserved. No reproduction of news stories, letters, columns, photographs or advertisements allowed without written permission from the publisher. Families and children with a love for reading are invited to a book expo on the second floor of The Marketplace on Tuesday, August 11 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.. Books for children of all ages will be available for easy picking and at no charge. Small treats and refreshments will be provided by Starfish Market. The expo is a St. John Rotary Club initiative accompanied by the Virgin Islands Department of Education. Books for children of all ages will be available for easy picking and at no charge. The books were donated from Better World Books, an online bookselling corporation that donates books and percentages of its profits to literacy programs around the world. The Rotary Club has received more than 9,000 books and has begun to disseminate them at various locations such as schools and libraries. Passport Office Closed Until Sept. 10 Lieutenant Governor Osbert E. Potter advises the public that the St. John Passport Acceptance Office will be closed from August 20 until September 10. The St. John Passport Office will resume normal business hours 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Thursday beginning on September 17. The St. John Passport Office temporary closure will not affect the St. Thomas and/or St. Croix offices business hours. St. John customers may utilize the St. Thomas Passport Office for service from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. For more information, contact the Passport Office at 340-7744024 in St. Thomas and 340-773-6449 in St. Croix. Festival Parade Winners Announced Floupes 1st Place: Caneel Bay 2nd Place: The Westin “Sounds of Freedom” Troupes 1st Place: Hugga Bunch 2nd Place: Infernos 3rd Place: What a Party Mocko Jumbies 1st Place: Tortola 2nd Place: Love City Mocko Jumbies Majorettes 1st Place: STT Majorettes 2nd Place: STJ Majorettes Traditional 1st Place: King Shaka Zulu Nation 2nd Place: Traditional Indians St. John Tradewinds, August 10-23, 2015 3 Commissioner-designee Henry Defends DPNR’s Pesticide Supervision Before Poisoning By TOM OAT St. John Tradewinds ST. THOMAS — The prior management of Terminix St. Thomas exterminating company by the father of a top V.I. Department of Planning and Natural Resources (DPNR) official for almost a decade into sometime in 2014 has no impact on the DPNR investigation into the company’s pesticide poisoning of a visiting family of four on St. John in March 2015 with a banned agricultural insecticide, according to V.I. Department of Planning and Natural Resources (DPNR) Commissioner-designee Atty. Dawn Henry Esq. A Terminix St. Thomas employee confirmed in a telephone call from St. John Tradewinds in July that Hans Oriol, father of DPNR Coastal Zone Management director J.P. Oriol, had left the St. Thomas Terminix company sometime in 2014. The connection, listed on a professional web site, was reported in the July 20 St. John Tradewinds after DPNR spokesperson Jamal Nielson did not return a telephone request for comment. “Terminex (sic.) International USVI, LLC will be held fully accountable for its actions in exposing the community to substances that it knows or should have known were banned from use in the Territory,” Commissioner Henry stated in a press release shortly after the poisoning incident. “Our prayers and thoughts are with the Esmond family and we pray for their full recovery.” Atty. Henry, who is among the recently-confirmed Mapp Administration cabinet members, was extremely professional and courteous in responding to questions from St. John Tradewinds in a protracted telephone interview on August 7 concerning her department’s role in the supervision of the use of toxic pesticides by V.I. exterminating companies which preceded the near-fatal poisoning of a visiting family of four in a St. John condominium in March. “It had no consequence in how Terminix was treated,” the DPNR commissioner-designee averred. “Terminix did not receive preferential treatment,” “It is of no importance; it is of no consequence,” Atty. Henry reiterated. “The department did not act any differently” because of the Oriol familial connections, according to the commissioner-designee. “Terminix was not being treated any differently,” Atty. Henry re-emphasized. “The public should have no concern that Mr. Oriol’s dad used to be” the general manager of Terminix St. Thomas. Abusive DPNR Spokesperson St. John Tradewinds contacted Atty. Henry after DPNR spokesperson Nielson harangued this reporter for questioning the role of DPNR CZM director J.P. Oriol, who served temporarily as acting DPNR Commissioner in 2014 while his father was manager of Did Conflict of Interest Protect Terminix in St. John Condo Poisoning of Family? There was no mention of any personal connection between Terminix and the DPNR’s J.P. Oriol by the DPNR spokesperson in the aftermath of the poisoning. Oriol’s possible connection to Terminix has not been raised by the attorney representing the family. The DPNR spokesperson did not return calls Friday July 17 seeking clarification on any possible connection between DPNR’s Oriol and the former manager of Terminix. – St. John Tradewinds, July 20, 2015 But Official Complains Vociferously DPNR Spokesperson Nielson Won’t Talk About DPNR Friend’s Tie to Terminix St. John Tradewinds News Photo File After being poisoned by Methyl Bromide, the visiting Esmond family requests that their privacy is respected, according to their attorney. No updates on the family’s condition have been issued. Terminix St. Thomas. (See related story.) Nielson, a self-professed “close personal friend” of J.P. Oriol failed to return a telephone request for information on the familial connection from St. John Tradewinds before the story was published. “DPNR inspected the Terminix offices on St. Thomas on March 23, 2015, and interviewed the employees of Terminex (sic.) International USVI, LLC,” according to a DPNR press release issued by Nielson shortly after the poisoning. “DPNR confirmed that Terminix possessed Methyl Bromide and learned of other locations where Terminex used the banned Methyl Bromide products. Consequently, DPNR issued a Stop Use Order to Terminix in St. Thomas and on St. Croix.” In light of the on-going DPNR and federal Environmental Protection Agency investigations into the poisoning, St. John Tradewinds did not seek additional comment from Commissioner-designee Henry on the poisoning incident itself, including DPNR supervision of the Terminix possession of what Nielson’s press release at the time referred to as a “banned” agricultural pesticide. Family Attorney Asks Privacy Shortly after the family was exposed to the heavily-regulated, toxic agricultural pesticide, the attorney for the family, James Maron of Maryland, informed St. John Tradewinds that he would have no further public comment on the incident or the condition of family of four, a doctor, school administrator and their two teenage sons and asked that their privacy be respected. The mother, a physician, was reported to be undergoing physical therapy after suffering the least serious exposure to the toxic agricultural pesticide Continued on Page 19 By TOM OAT St. John Tradewinds V.I. Department of Planning and Natural Resources (DPNR) long-time spokesperson Jamal Nielson wouldn’t return telephone requests from St. John Tradewinds for comment on any connection between former DPNR acting commissioner J.P. Oriol and the Terminix St. Thomas exterminating company when contacted for a story in the July 20 edition of Tradewinds about Terminix’s pesticide poisoning of a family of four at a condominium on St. John. (See related story on this page) But Nielson, who professes to be a close friend and professional associate of J.P Oriol, the Director of DPNR’s Coastal Zone Management who served as acting DPNR Commissioner for an extended period in 2014 at the end of the deJongh Administration, did subsequently call St. John Tradewinds after the story was published questioning J.P. Oriol’s connection to his father Hans Oriol’s management of Terminix St. Thomas during his time as acting commissioner— leaving no message. Continued on Page 18 Rain Data Index (Courtesy of Rafe Boulon) Business Directory ..............20 Church Directory .................18 Classified Ads .....................21 Community Calendar ..........16 Crossword Puzzle ...............20 Cryptoquip ...........................19 Letters ............................14-16 On the Market .....................13 Real Estate ....................22-23 at Trunk Bay JULY 2015 0.69 Inches Average JULY 3.49 Inches Total Y-t-D 11.38 Inches (half of that was an abnormally wet February) Average Y-T-D 21.11 Inches April - July 2015 - 2.33” April - July Avg. - 14.17” Thursday, Aug. 20th 4 St. John Tradewinds, August 10-23, 2015 SCHOOL PHYSICALS NOW AVAILABLE Talking Trash and Preserving Paradise With St. John Valet Waste Services Complimentary Backpacks with each school physical for first 200 students* *One gift per child. While supplies last. We are available for school physicals at Red Hook Family Practice Mon-Fri•8am-5pm with Special Saturday hours by appointment only: July 25, August 1, 8, 15 & 22•8am-12pm Call 775-2303 to reserve your appointments. They will book quickly! Red Hook Family Medical Group By Raven Phillips St. John Tradewinds CRUZ BAY — An entirely new and incredibly green approach to trash pickup will be making its way to St. John. St. John Valet Waste Services, a trash and recycling pickup service operated by Adam English, Davy Turner, and Eric Whaite; aims to provide waste removal in a consistent, hassle-free, and satisfactory manner. The service offers trash pickup from a location selected by the customer, directly to the St. John transfer facility on specified dates. “Our process take pressure off of both our customers and the dumpsters scattered along the island. We’ll even include a free trash receptacle” explained Adam English. Items they will pick up include but is not limited to general trash, couches and other furniture, electronic wastes, and appliances. A partnership with the Island Green Living Association (IGLA) enables St. John Valet Waste Services to easily handle recyclables as well. Recyclables will picked up from customers and delivered to IGLA recycling center, instead of a landfill. “We will work alongside IGLA and grow our capabilities as IGLA’s recycling efforts expand beyond cans, into plastic, glass, paper, etc.” a flyer for the business states. Those who sign up for trash pickup will receive recyclable pickup for free. Though the business only launched recently, it is a yearlong dream that has finally come to fruition. “We worked on it for a year,” said Adam English. “we wanted to make sure we were completely ready, so preparation somewhat delayed things”. “We aim to provide a service that is both needed and wanted on the island. We hope that it will leave a long-term positive impact by increasing recycling efforts and green living.” For more information you can visit stjvaletwaste. com New Travel + Leisure Award Showcases St. John In association with St. Thomas Radiology Associates Red Hook Family Practice now offers Ultrasound Services at Red Hook Plaza for the convenience of St. John residents and visitors. Medicare and Most Insurance Plans Accepted Wednesdays 9am-12pm & Fridays 1pm-4pm Call 775-2303 for an appointment today. RHFMG-Ultrasound TW ad 8.15.indd 1 St. John Tradewinds Readers of one of the world’s leading travel publication, Travel + Leisure, ranked St. John as one of the World’s Best Islands in the magazine’s World’s Best Awards 2015. St. John received a Number Four ranking in the list, garnering an 83.37 Travel + Leisure rating. The award is a result of a survey conducted by Travel + Leisure that asks readers to rate islands based on the following criteria: natural attractions/beaches, activities/sights, restaurants/food, people/friendliness and value. “We are so proud to see St. John recognized by Travel + Leisure for a World’s Best Award,” said Commissioner of Tourism Beverly Nicholson-Doty. “It is clear that St. John’s pristine beaches and natural surroundings are appreciated by our visitors. We value the confidence both travelers and the media have placed in our Territory and along with our partners we will continue striving to create memorable vacation experiences for our visitors to enjoy.” St. John’s beauty was on full display with events last week. The fourth annual Chaotic Kayak Race occurred Sunday, August 2. The event pits local and visiting kayakers against each other with races from Op- 8/5/15 7:14 PM St. John Tradewinds News Photo by Tom oat Caneel Bay, above, is one of many “pristine beaches” on St. John that are “appreciated” by visitors. penheimer Beach. Funds raised are donated to Team River Runner’s 2015 Wounded Veterans program. One of the island’s most popular annual events, the Love City Triathlon, Aquathon and SUPathon, will return Sunday, September 6 at 7 a.m. at Maho Bay. The race runs through Virgin Islands National Park-protected land and water and is open to visitors and locals. St. John Tradewinds, August 10-23, 2015 5 St. John Tradewinds News Photo by Tom oat The heavy mat of Sargassum on the shore of Coral Bay, above, has dried in places to be inpregnable. Sargassum Solution Sought for Coral Bay By JUDI SHIMEL St. John Tradewinds CORAL BAY — The director of the Coral Bay Community Council (CBCC) is encouraged to see local and federal agencies taking action against the sargassum build-up troubling the territory and wants them to turn their attention to heavily-impacted Coral Bay. CBCC has been relaying concerns from area residents about the brown mats of seaweed that release a powerful stench as they decompose in the sun, according to organization Director Sharon Coldren. The Department of Planning and Natural Resources (DPNR) acknowledged that the agency, along with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, is starting to direct clean up efforts. However, DPNR Public Relations Director Jamal Neilsen said those efforts are only taking place in one area so far. St. John officials have taken steps to corral the migrating marine vegetation in the past. Last November crews from the Department of Public Works, joined by day workers, tackled a carpet of sargassum covering Cruz Bay Beach in front of Wharfside Village. Coral Bay Deserves Attention Coral Bay hasn’t received that kind of attention yet, Coldren pointed out. “CBCC has been relaying citizen concerns about the continuous influx of Sargassum seaweed and the associated hydrogen sulfide smell and environmental degradation to shoreline seagrass and coral habitats, as well as the human and economic consequences to the shoreline rental villa business,” Coldren said. How bad is the problem? DPNR’s Neilsen said the odor of decomposing sargassum has been bad enough for DPNR workers at the Division of Fish and Wildlife in Red Hook, St. Thomas, to be excused from work on certain days. “EPA and DPNR have stepped up to look more fully at the consequences and perhaps do something about it,” Coldren said. Coldren urged residents of Coral Bay and other parts of St. John to take pictures and send comments about their sargassum experiences to Jim Casey at the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on St. Thomas and to DPNR’s Director of Environment Protection Norman Williams. Happy Hour Daily 3 to 5pm all Wines $5/Glass & Food Specials Casual italian Dining anD CoCktails at WharfsiDe Village oVerlooking Cruz Bay harBor 340- 777-6273 reservations Not required 6 St. John Tradewinds, August 10-23, 2015 V.I. Agencies Collaborate To Regulate Private Vacation Room Rental Operation St. John Tradewinds ST. JOHN — The Commissioners of Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs and the Department of Tourism along with the Director of the Bureau of Internal Revenue recently met to discuss the regulation of vacation room rentals in the Virgin Islands and collection of associated room taxes. The industry, which is quickly growing in the V.I., is estimated at nearly $25 billion in the United States alone. Including Europe that figure grows into the $85 billion dollar range, according to government figures. The industry includes villas, timeshares, condominiums, and bed and breakfast as well as hotel room rentals. While there is currently no legislation in the Virgin Islands Code that regulates the industry in a holistic manner, the agency heads said they see the need to apprise stakeholders and interested parties in the industry of their obligations under existing Virgin Islands law. Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs Commissioner Devin Carrington stated that individuals and entities involved in vacation room rentals must apply in writing to and obtain from the Commissioner of Licensing and Consumer Affairs the proper license to engage in or conduct such business. Licensure is but part of the larger scheme of proper regulation of the industry for the benefit of the consumer, said Carrington. Non-compliance is a violation that shall result in a citation, the commissioner stated. Director Marvin Pickering of the Bureau of Internal Revenue reminds stakeholders and interested parties of the obligation to pay a hotel room occupancy tax as well as income and gross receipt taxes on rental income as required by statute. Hotels, villas, timeshare owners and any one else renting any lodging for a period of less than 90 days, are all reminded that the hotel room tax is 10 percent of that room rental. Nicohlson Doty stated that compliance with the obligation for a business license only accrues to the benefit of the industry as a whole as proper regulation of the industry helps ensure that our visitors enjoy a most memorable experience in the Virgin Islands. Proper regulation of accommodations can only translate into a more rich and rewarding stay and the prospect of a return visit or word of mouth new visitors, stated the commissioner. The commissioner also reminded vacation room rental stakeholders and interested partie that the hotel room tax, which is deposited into the Tourism Advertising Revolving Fund, is used exclusively for advertising the Virgin Islands as a tourist destination. New Coalition Forms To Address Mental Health in Virgin Islands By JUDI SHIMEL St. John Tradewinds CRUZ BAY — A new group of advocates forming in the Virgin Islands to raise awareness of the issue of mental health conducted the first meeting of the Mental Health Outreach core team on August 6. The new group wants to shed light on what has, until now, been a neglected subject, according to Attorney Archie Jennings, the chief attorney working with the Disability Rights Center of the Virgin Islands, who was among those attending the charter meeting of the outreach team. A small group of St. John residents will continue the discussion Monday, Aug. 10, at Nazareth Lutheran Church, as part of a scheduled meeting of island clergy members. Representatives of St. John Rotary, the Family Resource Center, volunteers working with the homeless and members of the faith community are expected to share some of particular challenges and needs on St. John. One of the goals will be to create a five-year strategic plan for improving mental health services and resources in the territory, team member Johanna Bermudez said. The group also discussed comments and suggestions they have received so far about ways to connect with residents and get them thinking about what it means to live with mental illness in the Virgin Islands. “If there are people out there, pushing for change, this is the time to get out there and tell their stories,” Jennings said. Mental Health Outreach is a separate organization from DRCVI, Jennings explained, adding the groups hope to collaborate over common themes. Advocates hope their outreach efforts will culminate in policy suggestions they can present to lawmakers and other leaders in government. St. Thomas Sea View Nursing Home To Close By Judi Shimel St. John Tradewinds ST. THOMAS — An agreement between the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and owners of Sea View Nursing Home will lead to the closure of the only skilled nursing home in the Virgin Islands by January 2016. Closing Sea View came about as part of a settlement between nursing home owners and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. In exchange, Sea View owners agreed to end legal action challenging a decertification notice issued by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. The deal was announced July 30, the day Sea View was scheduled to receive its final reimbursement from CMS for reimbursement of cost for services provided to 31 patients still receiving care at the facility in Estate Bovoni. Now, with the settlement in place, Medicare and Medicaid reimbursements can continue through June 30, 2016. Penalties and fines totaling $16,050 imposed on Sea View were also revoked. Those fines were assessed following a series of unfavorable inspections in September 2013, in March 2014, Sept. 2014 and April 2015. Sea View owners have agreed to notify patients and their caregivers about the facility’s pending closure and to fully cooperate with the V.I. Government in arranging transfer for its residents. Because of its role as the local agency overseeing Medicare and Medicaid programs, the Department of Human Services is leading efforts on behalf of Gov. Kenneth Mapp. St. Johnians have long relied on Sea View to care for sick and elderly relatives who could no longer be cared for at home. 20% OFF ROBERT CRANE The coupon covers auTo services of: ARCHITECT, A.I.A. www.stjohnweddingplanner.com www.katilady.com 340-693-8500 Wedding Consulting Travel Coordination Accommodations KatiLady - since 1997 P.O. BOX 370 CRUZ BAY, ST. JOHN U.S.V.I. 00831 $20 OFF alignmenTs (340) 776-6356 crane Caravan auto ServiCeS (340)779-4800 The repair shop (340)779-4803 •Brake service •shocks & struts •suspension •Water pumps •Transmission flush •alternators/ starters •radiators •fuel induction service •coolant service Coupon must be present at time of purchase and only redeemable at The Repair Shop. Coupon does not apply to special order parts—only for stock parts. It is also not valid in conjunction with other specials and is on installation parts only. Coupon does not include shop supplies or disposal fees. Tires excluded. expires 06/30/2015. St. John Tradewinds, August 10-23, 2015 7 Beautifying America’s Paradise Providing Service for Over 20 Years Huge Discount on volume sales Happy Holidays! Coral Bay Garden Center Open TuesdaySunday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tel: 693-5579 St. John Tradewinds News Photo by Judi Shimel On-line Property Tax System Set: Gov. Kenneth Mapp and Lt. Governor Osbert Potter announced the start of a new on-line property tax payment system at Government House on Aug. 4. The introduction of the new payment system coincided with disbursement of a second round of property tax bills for 2015 on Aug. 1. Second Round of Property Tax Bills Issued By JUDI SHIMEL St. John Tradewinds ST. THOMAS — Virgin Islands property owners can expect to see new tax bills in the mail after the second round of tax bills was issued Aug. 1. Lt. Gov. Osbert Potter introduced a new online property tax payment system to make the payment process more palatable for residents. Easing the pain of paying two tax bills in one year is also on the mind of the 31st Legislature, where Sen. President Neville James says a measure has been proposed to forestall late payment penalties. Potter announced the new payment system at a press conference Aug. 5 at Government House. The electronic payment system, he said, is designed to help taxpayers avoid long lines they often find when paying in person. “We have worked hard in reaching this particular milestone, to avoid the long lines that you have been subject to in the past,” he said. The Office of the Tax Assessor, which issues property bills, operates under the direction of the territory’s lieutenant governor. The online portal to make payments can be found at propertytax. vi.gov. Taxpayers who access the portal are also able to check their payment history. A receipt confirmation is sent by email to the payer Property owners paying taxes through escrow accounts can use the online system by authorizing the bank to use that method, according to Regina Watson, spokesperson for Potter. The VI government has been issuing two property tax bills per year in recent years in an effort to recapture revenues it could not collect in the early 2000s when taxpayers sued in federal court over the way bills were calculated. “No Surprise” However in 2014 there was only one bill issued and Sen. James said there should be no surprise that a second bill came out in 2015. The administration of Gov. Kenneth Mapp is anxious to get the tax collection process started, James said. For several weeks administration officials have been pressing lawmakers to approve their quest for revenue anticipation notes from the bond market. Revenues derived from collecting property taxes will retire the notes. “This is just borrowing money from the bank in anticipation of collecting money from the bank,” James said. But to ease the pressure on taxpayers, Sen. Marvin Blyden offered an amendment that would suspend late payment penalties for those paying after Oct. 1 if passed by the 31st Legislature. However, the senate president said late payers cannot expect late payments will go penalty free indefinitely. Gretchen Labrenz Amanda Arquit Margie Labrenz This week’s Feature Rendezview — This 4 bed, 3 1/2 bath beachfront villa is a perfect for newlyweds, families, small groups & is a 5 minute drive to Cruz Bay. Just below the villa is a short path to Hart Bay beach which is excellent for beachcombing & snorkeling. This fabulous villa offers a combination sophistication and romantic charm. Creating unforgettable vacations since 1996 toll free: 1-888-693-7676 tel: 340-693-7676 fax: 340-693-8923 www.islandgetawaysinc.com [email protected] open 6 d a y7s Nights . c l o sae Week d s u nber days Open 693. 7755 or w w w. latap astjohn. co m 8 St. John Tradewinds, August 10-23, 2015 St. John Students Complete Summer Tourism/Hospitality Job Program Dear Tradewinds Advertiser: Help s G Green Help us become more ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY. Please sign up to receive your invoices/ statements via email. Call: 776-6496 Email: [email protected] By Raven Phillips St. John Tradewinds ST. JOHN — Two young St. John ladies looked forward to their further education and professional careers as they marked the end of a six-week tourism program introduced by Senator-at-Large Almando “Rocky” Liburd and the Virgin Islands Hotel & Tourism Association on July 27. The tourism program was one of two programs that were intended to introduce students to important industries in the Virgin Islands. Participants undertook internships at different hotels and resorts. A second program involving the marine industry on St. Thomas wrapped up the following week “It is important that we offer summer jobs and internships in order to both teach young people about the working world and expose them to the various opportunities here in the Virgin Islands,” said program sponsor Sen. Liburd. “The students we selected demonstrated an interest in working in hospitality, however I trust the skills they obtain this summer will serve them in any career that they choose to pursue,” said Sen. Liburd of the tourism program students. The two selected St. John students, Larisma Maduro and Aariyah Athanase, worked at Caneel Bay Resort and Westin Resort respectively. Treated Like New Employees The two students were given no prior training and were treated like new employees. They were given an orientation and a plethora of seasoned employees to advise them. “I was in the accounting department where they are responsible for payroll, cash collections, payments, checks and balances, and etcetera” said 16-year-old Larisma Maduro, a Gifft Hill School junior. During her time at the opulent Caneel Bay Resort, Larisma enjoyed obtaining an abundance of practical skills and knowledge. “My favorite part about the job was the learning experience,” Larisma explained. “Sometimes my coworkers would pull me from certain tasks and teach me about their role in the department.” After six weeks with scarcely any issues, Larisma plans to enjoy the rest of her summer and to later apply the knowledge that she has accumulated to finding employment. “My plans are to enjoy the rest of my summer in the states, but when I come back I will use my experience from this program to find a job so that I can work after school and or on the weekends,” Larisma said. Interacting with Guests Meanwhile her counterpart Aariyah Athanase worked in guest services at the gorgeous Westin Resort. “I was placed in Guest Services because I wanted to be able to interact with the guests,” explained the 17-year-old graduate of Ivanna Eudora Kean High School. “When they heard of my artistic abilities, they placed me in Activities with the fun team,” she said. St. John Tradewinds News Photo File Larisma Maduro, above, worked at Caneel Bay Resort in their accounting department where she enjoyed the “learning experience.” “My main job was working in the Kids Club, but I also worked at the Pool Hut and would helped carry out the daily activities.” The program encouraged her to exit her comfort zone, Aariyah said. “I am a shy person, so the hardest thing for me was trying to open up with the guests down by the pool hut,” Aariyah explained. “Thankfully my supervisors and other employees helped by welcoming me and by giving me tips as to how to make the guests feel welcomed.” “As an artist, being able to communicate and making connections is a major part of my job,” she added. “Being part of the Fun Team forced me out of my shell and really exposed me to different people,” she admitted. “Even though I’m still shy, I’m not as timid as I used to be and can be more at ease when talking to new people.” Furthering Education Aariyah plans to further her education at the Savannah College of Art and Design in Savannah, Georgia, in September. “Until then I’m improving my skills as an artist and preparing to start my college experience,” she explained. “I intend to use the communication skills I obtained in my everyday life, so that I can begin making lasting impressions on others and creating connections that can last,” Aariyah concluded. “I look forward to going somewhere and meeting completely new people.” St. John Tradewinds, August 10-23, 2015 9 Sean Downes, 19, Charged in Assault on Farrell, Faced Similar Charges in Florida St. John Tradewinds ST. JOHN — A 19-yearold Florida man charged with the brutal late night assault on a popular St. John hospitality industry manager in Frank Powell Park was involved in a recent similar incident in West Palm Beach, Florida, in October 2014, according to an electronic media report in his wealthy hometown enclave. Sean Downes of Delray Beach, Florida, was released on bail and allowed to leave the U.S. Virgin Islands to return for trial after being arraigned in Territorial Court on Monday, July 20, for brutally beating long-time island entrepreneur and entertainer Tommy Farrell early Sunday morning, July 19, as part of a small group of young visitors. Farrell told St. John Tradewinds he approached the group in the park to ask them to stop vandalizing patio furniture at a closed outdoor restaurant in Frank Powell Park opposite the Cruz Bay ferry dock. The longtime St. John resident said he was punched in the head without warning and lost consciousness after the first blow. St. John Tradewinds News Photo Sean Downes From the multiple injuries to Farrell’s face visible in photos taken after the attack it is apparent that Farrell also was struck numerous times, apparently while unconscious. Farrell also complained of bump on the back of his head from hitting the ground when he was knocked unconscious and back injuries possibly from being kicked and beaten while unconscious on the ground. Downes was charged with aggravated battery in an eerily simiContinued on Page 19 Chef NATHAN GOULD POP UP SUPPER CLUB FEATURING THE ISLANDS FRESHEST LOCAL & WILD OFFERINGS FIVE COURSES PAIRED WITH LIBATIONS & WINE BY Jason Howard & Josh Rossiter $90 PER PERSON & WITH N/A PAIRINGS $70 PER PERSON RESERVATIONS REQUIRED Lounge Opens 5:30 pm SPACE IS LIMITED THIS Dinner Starts 5:30 pm EVENT WILL SELL OUT Closed Sundays QUICKLY! “Dine with Sunset Views on St. John” Live music Tuesday: Jazz with Broheem Saturday: Eddie Bruce November 25, 2014 6:30PM Photo credit @bluerockdesign Reservations Appreciated Full Bar Resort Casual Dress Credit Cards Accepted Gallows Point Resort (above lobby) Cruz Bay, St. John, VI tel:340-‐776-‐0001 | email:[email protected] www.ocean362.com | 362 gallows point rd Initiative To Build Coral Bay Tennis Court Aims To Even Island Score at 30-All By Raven Phillips St. John Tradewinds CORAL BAY — If a score was being kept on the amount of public tennis courts between Cruz Bay and Coral Bay, it would be 30-love. For those who are not versed in the terminology of tennis, this means that Cruz Bay has two courts, while Coral Bay has none. A recent initiative aims to correct this. Many of the avid tennis players who reside on St. John are banding together to have a tennis court established in Coral Bay. The ideal location is a four acre-parcel of land situated just uphill from the triangle. The land was intended for recreational use as per the wishes of the Marsh family, but it is currently being used as a public dump. “There should be tennis courts, basketball court, playgrounds, picnic tables, and more over there,” explained Caneel Hill tennis guru Steve Black. “The land has a gentle view of the harbor and it could become a focal point for families, our youth and Coral Bay visitors.” Cruz Bay Court Woes The initiative came to the forefront recently when a net pole broke on one of the courts in Cruz Bay and there was a lengthy delay in finding the pole and getting it repaired. “During that time only one court was available,” explained Black. “So, I urged Craig Newell to restart the effort for courts in Coral Bay by linking up with other players on the island.” Tennis enthusiast Craig Newell has busied himself with circulating flyers and petitions across the island. “Tennis is such a wonderful sport,” explained Newell. “It can help the youth develop a positive at- Selling? Buying? Renting Seeking? get ReSultS! St. John Tradewinds Classifieds e-mail: advertising@ tradewinds.vi or call 340-776-6496 Those interested are encouraged to sign the Coral Bay tennis court petition. titude and direction in life.” “All in all, this court can benefit everyone in Coral Bay,” Newell added. “Visitors and locals will no longer have to travel to the court all the way in Cruz Bay, the noisiest part of the island!” Funding for this project could be made available through the Capital Improvement Fund which former Senator at Large Craig Barshinger has indicated may contain as much as $5 million, according to Black. “Coral Bay has become a significant community on our island and deserves the amenities which communities commonly have,” said Black. “Tennis is great exercise; it’s demanding and challenging, and everyone who plays this sport feels better for the experience” Flyers and petitions for the initiative can be found at both Connections in Cruz Bay and Coral Bay. canines, cats & critters Our new location is 2.5 miles out of Cruz Bay on Centerline Road (next to Moses’ Laundromat) going on vacation? D o n’ t f o r g e t t o p l a n f o r y o u r p e t ’ s v a c a t i o n , t o o. Canines Cats and Critters Boarding Facility and Day Care Call 693-7780 for a reservation or tour today! boarding grooming pet supplies tel: 693-7780 l email: [email protected] 10 St. John Tradewinds, August 10-23, 2015 St. John Tradewinds News Photos Courtesy of Frends of VINP The Learn to Swim program at Trunk Bay is funded by Friends of Virgin Islands National Park. Learn to Swim student gives the day a thumbs up, above left. GuyerStevens and National Park Ranger Brannick’s son, above right, take a brief break from instruction Learning to Swim – One Tot at a Time By Katie Burke Special to St. John Tradewinds TRUNK BAY — On a beautiful summer day in Trunk Bay, more than 35 St John children take to the sea to learn a critical skill: how to swim. Over the course of a few weeks in July many of these future guardians of the island go from fearing putting their heads under water and wearing swim belts to splashing and diving for rings on the sandy bottom. The Learn to Swim program, funded by Friends of Virgin Islands National Park and managed by the National Park, is one of 21 programs and projects that Friends funds and facilitates around the Island. The Learn to Swim program has been running for decades. In fact, one proud parent watching his 6 year old learn with longtime volunteer instructor Lee Hoerner, recalls taking these very lessons as a boy with Oscar James and Ilva Wesselhoff. In fact, when he was in 6th grade, after his lessons, he started diving for conch and whelk to pay for his school uniform. “We used to come early and get chicken and French fries from Joe’s Diner before our lesson.” Years later, his older sons (now 24 and 25) attended and today his son Caleel happily grows more and more comfortable in the water thanks to the instruction of dedicated park ranger Laurel Brannick and Friends summer intern, Jasper Guyer-Stevens. Brannick says the kids come year after year. The Learn to Swim program works with any organized youth group. They try to accommodate everyone. They teach groups from camps and churches around St John and St Thomas and will work with stateside groups too. “These kids are future stewards of our coral reefs and beaches. How will they know to protect them if they don’t know what they are and see them for themselves?” Brannick thoughtfully asks. Thanks to the generous donors of Friends of Virgin Islands National Park, who raises over $500,000 per year to fund over 20 preservation, protection, and education projects around the island annually, this program is free for the kids to attend. The kickboards, swim belts, snorkels, masks, hoops, and rings are all paid for by Friends of the Park as well. Being comfortable in the ocean is the first step to discovering, valuing and protecting coral reefs and marine life. Ironically, many local families come from a culture in which elders don’t know how to swim. This program breaks down financial and educational barriers to give lessons that last a lifetime, may save lives, and will engage children in our environment. Hoerner understands this as she helps two of the kids become comfortable putting their faces underwater. She begins by dropping two plastic rings to the sand about two feet below and the kids reach down to grab them. Gradually she goes a little deeper and eventually the kids are dunking their heads underwater with their masks and retrieving the rings. They quickly make major progress, getting over that initial fear. They also overcome their fear of the small fish. GuyerStevens recounts a conversation with one of the new swimmers, “Ranger Laurel sends the kids swimming from the shallow waters to a little deeper waters, a distance only about 10-15 feet, this is sometimes the most some kids have ever swum – and one girl on the first day was scared of the fish she saw under water, but the next time around she told me how she wasn’t scared of them anymore! It was awesome to see the progress in such a short amount of time.” If you would like to support the Learnto-Swim program and help it grow, contact Karen Vahling, Friends development director, at [email protected] or call 779-4940. POISONING EMERGENCY? Expert, confidential advice from the health professionals at the Florida/USVI Poison Information Center. Wharfside Village, St. John • 340-776-0774 St. John Tradewinds, August 10-23, 2015 11 St. John Tradewinds News Photo Courtesy of Doug White Mini Moke “Cult Car” Past Meets Future With Classic 1967 Austin Mini Moke Conversion to Electric By Doug White Special to St. John Tradewinds ST. JOHN — The Mini Moke is a “cult car” with a worldwide following that celebrated its 50th Anniversary in 2014! The Mini Moke was designed and produced in England by BMC, British Motor Corporation, beginning in 1964. BMC had merged the Morris and Austin automobile companies in 1952 (and Jaguar in 1966) and 15,000 Mini Mokes were produced in England by Austin and Morris until 1969. The Mini Mokes were built on a Mini sub frame and powered by a front wheel drive, “A” Series, 890 cc. transversely-mounted Mini engine/gearbox unit. Mokes were produced in Australia from 1966-1983 and production moved to Portugal from 1983 to 1989. Moke’s were also produced in Italy from 1991 to 1993 when the last Moke was made. This worldwide production diversification means that Mini Mokes still exist all over the world today! And because of the popularity of the Mini Cooper, Mini parts for the Moke are still available! Let me be the first to say that I am sure some Mini Moke purist will think that I am a “philistine” for removing a 48 year old ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) and replacing it with a 20 HP electric AC motor and 11 kW lithium iron phosphate battery bank! And maybe I am, but here is my story. Fascination from 1970s My fascination with the Mini Moke started in the mid 1970s in Tortola, BVI where I was chartering my classic wooden ocean racing yawl “Stormy Weather” and needed a vehicle on land. A Moke was the first car I owned when I moved to the Caribbean. I loved having a Mini Moke! You could drive anywhere on the island, beaches, cow pastures, etc. and never get stuck! And of course if you did get stuck, you just pick the back end up and move it over a bit… and off you go. In those days one could drive into Road Town and leave keys and belongings in the car and never worry. Fast Forward 40 years. I am now a retired architect living on St. John and St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands, where life is easier for a U.S. citizen. I have been driving solarpowered (with PV modules on the roof) GEM (Global Electric Motors) NEV (Neighborhood Electric Vehicles) mini trucks for about 15 years. The GEMs are a 7 HP, 72 volt DC system with heavy lead acid batteries, which severely limit range and speed on our hilly terrain. The Virgin Islands has very regressive auto dealerships that do not sell electric cars or even hybrids! So, wanting to drive a zero emission vehicle that runs on sunshine, I decided to do a conversion! I wanted to make an “all island, go anywhere” electric vehicle (EV). Of Course, to start an EV conversion, one needs a donor vehicle. I asked myself. What is the best “island” car I have ever owned? And BOOM! A Mini Moke popped into my mind. Instantly I made the decision to make an electric Mini Moke! Continued on Page 17 Yelena Rogers Photography PO Box 554, St. John, VI 00831 340-774-4027 603-401-4757 www.facebook.com/yelena.rogers.photography U. S . V I RG I N I S L A N D S 501 (3) c NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION oreo is a wonderful 1 year old male who is very outgoing and affectionate. He does have some energy but loves to play with other dogs, and would make a wonderful addition to any family. PO BOX 429, ST. JOHN, VI . 774-1625 . ACROSS FROM LIBRARY 12 St. John Tradewinds, August 10-23, 2015 attention readers and advertisers: St. John Tradewinds has commenced its Legislation Submitted for Medical Cannabis Industry U.S. Virgin Islands Medical Cannabis Patient Care Act St. John Tradewinds Senator Nelson is happy to announce that on Wednesday, August 5, the language for BR# 15-0063, The USVI Medical Cannabis Patient Care Act, was submitted to Legal Counsel, answering the 10,000 + voters (56.6% margin) who supported the Medical Cannabis Referendum, that was placed on the November 2014 General Election ballot. After meeting with legislators, government officials, medical doctors and companies who are actively involved in the Medical Cannabis industry (in both Washington State and Colorado, April 2015), Senator Nelson was equipped with practical knowledge pertaining to the factors that are necessary to be addressed, in order to benefit the patients and local entrepreneurs. Senator Nelson expresses his appreciation and thanks all those who supported and assisted in getting the legislation to this point. Prior to being proformaed, the legislation can be found on Senator Nelson’s official Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/PositiveNelson. For more information please call 340-712-2210 and/or email [email protected]. Much Discussed at Coral Bay Yacht Club Meeting Off-Season Schedule OFF-SEASON ISSUES: August 10 th and 24th September 7th and 21st St. John Tradewinds News Photo Courtesy of CBYC The Coral Bay Yacht Club met in its usual spot, the backyard of Skinny’s Legs, for its monthly meeting on Tuesday, August 4th. This meeting was to discuss concerns about the Moravian Church Conference’s posted floating dock removal and the reduction in parking, and towing of vehicles — that will impact all boaters, KATS, charter boat businesses, residents and tourists enjoying the waters of Coral Bay. The Conference has been contacted and there is hope for a resolution. Also discussed were the four scholarships for local K-12 students being provided from the Flotilla funds, and what to do with the rest of the remaining funds. Over the years, well over $80,000 was raised and used for Guy Benjamin School which the government recently closed. In the years before benefiting the school, the annual fundraiser was held for Emmaus Church building repairs. Since it is hurricane season, members were urged to contact the owners of all nonactive boats at the dinghy dock to remove them and store safely them on land away from the shore. The Yacht Club volunteer participation in the CBCC NOAA marine debris removal project was also discussed and the timetable for the contractor, depending on permits being obtained. Ideas for a float in the Coral Bay Labor Day parade were also discussed. St. John Tradewinds, August 10-23, 2015 13 Cotton To The Peaceful Charm of Paper Moon By Raven Phillips St. John Tradewinds JOHNSON BAY — Tucked away in sleepy Coral Bay is a beautiful handcrafted stone and masonry villa named Paper Moon. The villa contains two bedrooms and two bathrooms resting on top of a 0.27 acre lot and is for sale for $848,000 according to Tammy Donnelly, broker/owner of 340 Real Estate. “A lot of thought and attention to detail has gone into the design and building of this unique villa. From the limestone kitchen counter tops, the sliding window from the kitchen to the outside dining table, beautiful Pitch Pine shelf tops, brick work, and cypress shut- ters just to mention a few” said Donnelly. The peaceful charm of the villa can be seen from the delicate kitchen, to the homely living room, to the lofty sleeping area. Located in a small waterfront gated neighborhood with paved roads and distinct valley views, the property has a small caretaker’s cottage on site along with expired plans for a second house on the property. The villa is of walking distance to the calm waters of Johnson Bay, where one can enjoy activities like swimming, snorkeling, and even kayaking. The property also features a hot tub for those who want to re- Kayak Races Raise More Than $57,000 for Team River Runner lax and enjoy the scenery from the privacy of a discreet patio. For more information on Paper Moon, call Donnelly at 340 Real Estate at (340) 779-4478 or on her cell phone at 340-643-6068. St. John Tradewinds News Photo Enjoy waterfront views of Johnson Bay from the gazebo. Pollution Solutions Recycle items to keep them out of the landfill and our environment! Practice recycling by: Dropping aluminum cans in the collection boxes at the waste bin sites Leaving car or boat batteries at Coral Bay Marine or Caravan Auto Parts St. John Tradewinds News Photos Courtesy of SJCF The community came out in full force to support the wounded veterans of Team River Runner on Sunday, August 2. Dropping old cell phones at AT&T stores Dropping ink cartridges at the CBCC office or Office Max 340-776-2099 www.coralbaycommunitycouncil.org Produced under a grant by the Rural Utilities Service, United States Department of Agriculture. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are solely the responsibility of the Coral Bay Community Council and do not necessarily represent the official views of the Rural Utilities Service. 14 St. John Tradewinds, August 10-23, 2015 Letters to St. John Tradewinds Legalizing Chaos It is because of our sinful nature that we take the wonderful things that God has made and we exploit them for our sordid gain. One of our well-meaning senators has begun to bring us into the world of legalizing marijuana. In his context, it will be used primarily for medicinal uses. My qualms are about the proposal itself; it’s about the bigger picture that’s unfolding here in the V.I. Our leaders in an attempt to secure new funding, are seeking to legalize questionable activities. We already know that there’s an alcohol problem. Prohibition tried to solve that, but it failed. So now, we have a legal way of losing our minds, self-control, families, businesses and lives. Added to this would be legalized marijuana and what’s next? A while back, a senator was thinking of introducing a bill that would legalize prostitution. Another elected official wants to add same-sex marriage to that list. How many of these legalization proposals are we going to try, knowing that they have failed? The United States is a test ground for new pursuits. We have seen government controlled gaming, taxes on liquor and cigarettes, and other initiatives fail to produce any worthwhile gains. They have resulted in more hardships on our minds, bodies, and pocketbooks. Our streets are already filled with illicit activities. Now some want to make them legal. We are not crazy folks. We are a society built upon hard work, strict moral principles and a friendly atmosphere. The problem is, our leaders are regurgitating old, tired and sinful practices that have caused many socities to fail. Our island leaders are lacking a vision, which is why they are running helter-skelter all over the place trying to find solutions. If we the people don’t rise up, our misguided leaders will send us down a path to legalize chaos. Emmanuel Prince St. John, VI Crossword Answers (Puzzle located on Page 20) Rymer’s Actions Violate Every Tenet of Chruch Principles As reported in the July 22nd edition of the St. John Tradewinds, the Coral Bay Floating dinghy dock, adjacent to the historic stone and concrete dock will be removed on Augusts 21st. So says a large sign posted next to the dock by a gentlemen named Mr. Samuel Rymer. He is the Property Manager for the Moravian Church VI Conference, so we must assume his actions were approved in advance by the Conference. The Coral Bay boaters have always had good relations with the local church. Many years ago, the first “Flotilla” organized by the Coral Bay Yacht Club raised in excess of $10,000 which was donated to the church to pay for needed repairs to the church buildings. The church subsequently invited the boaters to a thank you dinner. The Conference in 2006 granted a 99 year lease to developers then called TREX, now called Sirius, to build and develop a condominium and marina complex on the conference land abutting and on both sides of the dinghy dock. At recent public meetings, the Sirius spokesman stated that if the dinghy dock could no longer be used by local boaters and visitors due to construction, an alternative facility would be provided. He obviously understood the need for such a facility in Coral Bay, both for boaters and the economy overall. There was no indication that Sirius has a problem with the long standing current access situation. So why is Mr. Rymer going to remove the floating dock? This should be up to Sirius the lease holder. As there was no prior warning whatsoever to the community that Mr. Rymer was planning to remove the floating docks and I haven’t heard anything to date we can only wonder at his motivation. He has also blocked and eliminated some parking for the dock and apparently plans to do more. I’ve heard his explanation is that he is cleaning up the area in advance of the future Sirius development. Anyone familiar with the permitting process for that knows that the final approval will be many years in the future. And because Mr. Rymer’s actions violate every tenet of church principles, such as “love thy neighbor” and Do unto others...” I find it hard to believe the conference leadership knew what he was going to do in advance. I hope that ultimately common sense and reasonableness will prevail and that this major problem can be amicable resolved. The historic dinghy dock, with its necessary floating addition, is vitally important to all of Coral Bay. Phil Strenger Coral Bay homeowner and boater Straight Talk on Coral Bay Marina I am a sailor, a U.S. Navy trained ships engineer and also a physical oceanographer. I had a small company to do science for hire to commercial interests for shore-side building projects, ocean current regime studies and charts, wave refraction, sand migration, bathymetry, water quality and environmental impact studies and permit applications. Projects include sewage discharges, reverse osmosis discharges, gray water irrigation projects and etc. I am now retired. Traditional Harbor of Refuge Coral Bay and Hurricane Hole have traditionally been a refuge for me and other sailors to rest, work on our boats, re-provision and play with our friends. I am here because it is quiet, natural, friendly, and an altogether beautiful, old-fashioned Caribbean atmosphere. I enjoy talking to the type of tourists who come here to play. They like Coral Bay because it’s more like the real Caribbean: undeveloped, natural, peaceful, friendly, quiet and just fun. They are tired of these over-developed, super-commercial marinas and strip malls. Most everyone seeks nature and natural settings now. St. John is largely a national park. It is a small island. We want the land that is left for us to live on and enjoy to be kept in a more natural condition. We like the goats, donkeys and deer in the woods. It’s the traditional Caribbean we love; that’s why we like it and that’s why our growing flock of tour- ists come here. Coral Bay is a classic fun Caribbean village of peace and tranquil life. We work hard to preserve this, our cultural heritage. In this stressful, overdeveloped world, most people are searching for places like Coral Bay. When they finally find us, it’s like discovering gold. They then come back again and again. “At last,” they say, “a quiet, peaceful, friendly place to relax and get away from all the commercial, congested, noisy, tiresome places that all look the same.” This is a national park and Coral Bay is a traditional cultural treasure. We will do everything it takes to preserve it. “We don’t need much employment.” We don’t need much employment where we live. Enough small, local owned businesses are all we want and need. This place is “country,” and it most definitely needs to be preserved and respected. The idea of turning Coral Bay into a rich man’s parking lot is absolutely repugnant to us and our culture. Leave us alone and stop these greedy obnoxious developers with dollar signs in their eyes who buy and force their way in to take over. What they will destroy in doing this is much more valuable than money; it cannot be recovered. Coral Bay and its environment need to be zoned for homes and light businesses only, by law. This needs to be done right away; before another obnoxious deContinued on Page 16 St. John Tradewinds, August 10-23, 2015 15 Letters to St. John Tradewinds New Comment Period on Marina Impacting Park Resources Since the beginning of the year we have alerted you to the plans to build a very large marina in Coral Bay that will threaten the marine resources of Virgin Islands National Park and the Coral Reef National Monument. Many of you responded to our call to action and sent letters and emails to the US Army Corps of Engineers (ACoE). Due to some changes in the marina developer’s application for the project – which did not lessen any of the negative environmental or other impacts of the project – the ACoE issued a new public notice and public comment period for the project. Please follow this link to read the public notice: http://www. saj.usace.army.mil/Missions/Regulatory/PublicNotices/tabid/6072/Article/607770/saj-2004-12518-sp-jcm. aspx We remain particularly alarmed about environmental issues and the impact this development will have on nearby VI National Park lands and VI Coral Reef National Monument waters both at Hurricane Hole and to the south of St. John. There is also widespread concern about this development on social, economic, and environmental grounds. In addition, the viability of its location and its feasibility as a sustainable business is also called into question. You can read more about these concerns at www.savecoralbay.com Due to ACoE regulations only public comments responding to the new public comment period will be considered; so, if you share our concern about this project I again urge you to voice your opinion by responding to the US Army Corps of Engineers’ request for public comment. You can provide your comments by mail or electronically (see instructions below), but please do so as soon as possible – the deadline for receiving comments is August 24, 2015. We have included a form letter below for you to send or personalize. Some issues/talking points you may want to consider include: This marina would be a significant threat to nearby NPS-protected lands and waters. National Park land abuts the site of the proposed marina and the waters of Virgin islands Coral Reef National Monument are only a mile away as a gull flies and 1½ miles by water. Within Coral Harbour it would eliminate a minimum of nine acres of seagrass beds, create a sizeable obstruction to water flow in the bay, add an unknown amount and number of contaminants to the bay waters from all the vessels and generally lead to severe degradation of water quality. There are no physical barriers in the sea and the degradation of the waters of Coral Bay will have a negative impact on the waters of nearby Hurricane Hole and beyond. The National Monument contains significant biological flora and fauna, including several threatened and endangered species, which forage, breed, nest, rest, or calve in the waters. Humpback whales, pilot whales, four species of dolphins, brown pelicans, roseate terns, least terns, hawksbill sea turtles, leatherback sea turtles, and green sea turtles all use portions of the monument. Countless species of reef fishes, invertebrates, plants and algae utilize these submerged lands during their lives, and over 25 species of seabirds feed in the waters. Between the near shore nursery habitats and the shelf edge spawning sites, habitats in the monument play essential roles during specific developmental stages of reef associated species, including spawning migrations of many reef fish species and crustaceans. These are threatened by the marina and the development has given no consideration to the potential negative cumulative impacts to park and monument resources caused by significantly increased vessel traffic. Mitigation measures proposed by the developers, such as planting seagrass where there is none presently (and where they probably would not grow), and planting mangroves in an area unsuitable for mangroves, are simply not adequate. The Environmental Assessment prepared for this marina gives no consideration to impacts to the monument’s water quality, marine resources, wetlands (mangroves) coral reefs, sea grasses, fish, marine invertebrates, and species of concern protected by the Endangered Species Act. There is an opportunity to request a public hearing about the application for the marina. In your response to the US Army Corps of Engineers please request a public hearing, and give a reason such as the need for more information, or because of the public controversy. I urge you to voice your concerns about this marina. Even if you sent comments the last time, please respond again. In all cases please cc nomarina@ friendsvinp.org · Option 1: Send a personal email or letter on what this marina will mean to you and the national park that means so much to you. · Option 2: Resend the letter/email that you sent in response to the original call to action. · Option 3: Cut and paste the sample letter below and send as an email. Please feel free to revise/customize the letter as you see fit. Please treat this as a matter of urgency. Whether you send one sentence or a full page please register your concern now. Emails can be sent to: Mr. José A. Cedeño-Maldonado, Antilles Permits Section; Subject: Application SAJ-2004-12518 (SP-JCM) – Coral Bay Marina; To Address: [email protected]; cc Address: [email protected] Mail can be sent to: Mr. José A. Cedeño-Maldonado, Antilles Permits Section, 400 Fernández Juncos Avenue, San Juan, Puerto Rico 00901-3299, Please put “Application SAJ-2004-12518 (SP-JCM) – Coral Bay Marina” as the subject of the letter and fax a copy of the letter to 340-693-9973. Thank you for your concern regarding this threat to park and monument resources. Together we can make a difference. Joe Kessler, President Friends of the Virgin Islands National Park Island Green Building Association St. John Youth Coalition 16 St. John Tradewinds, August 10-23, 2015 Letters to St. John Tradewinds St. John Tradewinds welcomes notices of community-oriented, not-for-profit events for inclusion in this weekly listing. Call 776-6496, e-mail [email protected] or fax 693-8885. June 22-August 14 — Gifft Hill School will offer summer academic enrichment sessions for children ages 3 to 11 from June 22 to August 14. Qualified instructors will lead students in age-appropriate academic enrichment activities and field excursions that will enrich students’ understanding of classroom work. August 20 until September 10 — Lieutenant Governor Osbert E. Potter advises the public that the St. John Passport Acceptance Office will be closed from August 20 until September 10. The St. John Passport Office will resume normal business hours 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Thursday beginning on September 17. Tuesday, August 11 — Families and children with a love for reading are invited to a book expo on the second floor of The Marketplace on Tuesday, August 11 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.. Books for children of all ages will be available for easy picking and at no charge. Small treats and refreshments will be provided by Starfish Market. Friday, August 14 — The Office of Veterans Affairs began conducting office hours on the island of St. John on the second Friday of every month. Operating hours for the St. John office will be 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Battery in Cruz Bay. Sunday, September 6 — Grab your bike, lace up those running shoes and start training for the 16th Annual Love City Triathlon on Sunday, September 6 at 7 a.m. January 29-30, 2016 — “Broadway Comes to St. John” 2016 has been scheduled for Friday, January 29 and Saturday, January 30! The Value of Life It saddens my heart to know that some law officers would use extreme force to settle an issue. Their lives are in danger whether on or off duty due to the fact that they are to remain vigilant at all times. However, the oath that they swore to protect the innocent seems to be twisted around. Police officers are also human with a sense of fear of the unknown. A routine traffic stop or family squabble can turn violent in a second. The amount of stress that comes with the job can be overwhelming. That’s why good decisions during tense moment are critical to preserve the lives of all parties. It is unfortunate that recent events have pitted white officers against black suspects. Even more so, the victims are unarmed and running away to avoid conflict. So now, how do we address this issue? What else can we tell the public in their dealings with law officials? Or maybe our police departments need to give more vacation time, counseling sessions or evaluate the mental aptitude of their officers every few years. A nation that is already being torn apart because of past and present race issues is now a ticking time bomb. If we can’t trust the law enforcement agencies to protect and serve us, where else can we turn? On the surface, it appears to be a white vs. black issue; however it’s deeper than that. There are unseen forces attempting to destroy. Emmanuel Prince St. John, VI Iran Agreement Jeopardizes Security President Obama and Secretary Kerry put the United States and other countries in jeopardy by entering into an agreement with Iran which temporarily curbs its nuclear armaments program. They have either been duped or they are naïve or both. Both are more concerned about their legacies than the security of the world. Iran said it will place its nuclear development program on hold and allow inspection of its facilities, but Iran has had time to disperse and hide its 50 nuclear facilities. Under the nuclear agreement Iran can deny access by inspectors to undeclared sites and then the inspection process goes before a number of committees for resolution, which can take close to a month. This is enough time for Iran to move the equipment and materials. The agreement will allow lifting of economic sanctions which will immediately release $150 billion and cumulative trillions in subsequent years. This money will allow Iran to purchase armaments, which will be used to continue the destabilization of Middle East countries and the ongoing sponsorship of Islamic terrorism in the world. And don’t forget, Iran hates the U.S. The U.S. Congress should not approve this terrible agreement. Donald A. Moskowitz Londonderry, NH Straight Talk on Coral Bay Marina Alcholics Anonymous Meetings All meetings are now open. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday 6 p.m. Nazareth Lutheran Church, Cruz Bay; Thursday 7 a.m. Nazareth Lutheran Church, Cruz Bay; Sunday 9:45 a.m., Hawksnest Bay Beach; Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday 6 p.m. at Moravian Church, Coral Bay Narcotics Anonymous Meetings Narcotics Anonymous has open meetings from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. every Saturday at St. Ursula’s Church. Al-Anon Meetings For Al-Anon meeting location and times, please call (340) 642-3263 Continued from Page 14 veloper shows up with his “mega” this or “mega” that nonsense and tries to shove it down our throats. As an operational member of this earth’s oceancruising community, I’ll tell you this: we DO NOT like sitting in a marina. We will go to a dock to pick up fuel and water, and then maybe have lunch and drink a beer at the bar, but that’s it! Afterwards, we are out of there! The location of this proposed marina is in the roughest area of the bay. When the trade winds reach 18 knots, all the boats anchored or moored there are pitching and rolling. No one is going to stay tied up to a finger pier with a beautiful expensive yacht, and allow it to chafe and bang, no matter how many fenders one has rigged. I mean, get real! Then they want us to pay for this experience! Oh you bet! Developers “haven’t got a clue!” The people who proposed this marina are not seamen. They haven’t got a clue! Storms like Hurricane Hugo or Marilyn caused 10 to 15 ft. breaking seas on the whole west side of the bay. The rest of the bay was bad also, but not nearly as bad as that. That’s where all those wrecked boat came from. Most of them are not derelict; they are wrecks sunken by the storm. Those storms would have wiped this marina off the map, along with their strip mall which is to be built on low ground. Not only would they be flooded, but they would also be swept by the breaking seas. This project is the worst project that could ever happen to Coral Bay. “a refuge of nature and West Indian culture” The bottom line is; this small island is a national park and a refuge of nature and West Indian culture. St. John is no place to build these commercial mega projects. We don’t want it, and we won’t stand for it. Keep it simple, keep it small, and keep it culturally compatible in its design. Let nature have it. Isn’t that the point of being a national park? In the name of all that is beautiful, leave us alone. Stop this project now. Thank you, Capt. Daniel Walker Yacht “Manikoo” Coral Bay, St. John, VI St. John Tradewinds, August 10-23, 2015 17 St. John Tradewinds News Photos Courtesy of Doug White Solar Car Port, above, and 20 hp, 96 Volt AC Electric Motor, at right. Past Meets Future With Classic 1967 Austin Mini Moke Conversion to Electric Continued from Page 11 That, in my opinion, would be the perfect island car! I had seen a YouTube video of a classic VW Beetle conversion (another “cult car”) done by an EV conversion shop in southern California. I called them and asked if they might be interested in doing a Mini Moke conversion. “Funny you should ask,” They said. “We were just talking about it. We think a Mini Moke would make a good conversion, and we don’t think anyone has ever done one before. So, yes if you have patience (and money), we will do one.” Searching for Mokes So, my search for a Moke began! I had seen a Moke advertised online several months before and called the owner to see if it had been sold. Nope, not yet was the answer. It was a 1967 Austin Mini Moke and he was only the second owner. Luckily my cousin happened to live in the same town in Florida where it was located. He gave it a green light. The Moke was in remarkably good condition for its age, with only 21,000 miles on the odometer, having spent much of its life in storage in a barn, I was told. So sight unseen, but with a lot of faith, I bought it and shipped it to California for the conversion. The six months that I was told the conversion would take, slowly turned into a full year before I would see my Moke EV! Old ICE Goes to Fiji! Normally, when an existing vehicle is converted, only the engine is removed. The transmission is left in place and a metal plate is made to which the electric motor is bolted to the transmission. Well, the first lesson we learned is that the Moke’s transmission is actually below and integral with the engine. When the engine was removed, there was nothing to attach the electric motor to! The good news is that I was able to sell (recycle) the ICE on eBay to a Moke owner in Fiji! Based on my experience in driving NEVs and hybrids, I was able to give the EV shop very specific requirements for an all-island, go anywhere “Island EV.” The Virgin Islands are small, only 18 miles long, with lots of curves and steep hills (sea level to 1700 feet), so the Moke only needed a 40-50 mile range between charges, lots of power for the hills and a top speed of 40 mph. Island Specifications A Graziano differential was selected to which a 20 hp, 96 volt AC electric motor would be attached with the motor’s water cooled inverter/controller mounted above it. An 11 kW LiFePO4, 108 volt DC battery bank was installed in two custom aluminum, weatherproof battery boxes, one in the engine compartment just behind the grill and the other behind the backseat. The gas tank was removed to make room for the onboard 120 vac battery charger. The charging receptacle is located under the gas tank cap. I elected to use a 120 vac charging system, because, although slower than 240 v chargers, 120 volt outlets are readily available and there was no additional expense for an EV charger(s) and there are currently no public EV charging stations in the Virgin Islands. LiFePO4 batteries are a key component of EV conversions because they weight much less than lead acid batteries, have greater energy density and cycle life and can be discharged to 80 percent of capacity without damage. Their only current drawback is their high upfront cost! However, if you compare life cycle cost, they work out to about the same price as lead acid batteries. Key Components for Terrain Another key component for EVs in hilly terrain is the AC electric motor with regen capabilities. I had learned the advantages of regenerative breaking battery charging from driving my Toyota Prius hybrid. On our islands, 40 percent of driving is uphill, where in a hybrid, both the small ICE and electric motor do the work; 40 percent is downhill without the use of the ICE and the electric motor is recharging the batteries; 20 percent is on the flat running on the electric motor. Hybrids can cut your greenhouse gas emissions and gas usage by about 50 percent. However I was not satisfied with that. I wanted to “move my ass with no gas” and zero emissions! In summary, the Moke spent the first year of my ownership at the EV Conversion shop, another year in the V.I. fine-tuning the details, such as fabricating new drive shafts, replacing CV joints, repainting and replacing the top, etc. However in the end, I do believe that I have achieved my goal of creating a zero emission “perfect” island car that runs on sunshine. I charge it in my solar carport where it takes between 3 and 7 kWs to recharge, depending on battery state of charge over 5-6 hours. Generally I drive during the day and recharge it at night! Power, Driving Range and Speed! The power, driving range and speed are great! If anything it has too much power! It is wonderful and fun to drive a car that makes people involuntarily smile when they see it! And then, when they find out it runs on sunshine, WOW!! Why not create a sustainable local industry in the Virgin Islands to build electric Mini Mokes in the Virgin Islands and refurbish and convert older “island cars” like Suzukis and Jeeps into electric vehicles rather than sending them, at great cost, to scrap off-island and buying a new car. That money goes right off island and local dealers do not want to sell EVs anyway. Maybe auto dealers do not want to deal with EV’s because they require so little maintenance. They never need an oil change, new spark plugs, fuel filter, oil filter, muffler, etc.! The V.I. could create its own Electric Moke and conversion economy to provide skilled jobs and keep money recirculating on island! LONG LIVE THE MINI MOKE! 18 St. John Tradewinds, August 10-23, 2015 Church Directory Baha’i Community of St. John For Devotions and Study Circles, call 714-1641 7:30 p.m. Fridays; Study Circles 9 a.m. Sundays 776-6316, 776-6254 Bethany Moravian Church Sunday School 9 a.m., Divine Worship 10 a.m. Calvary Baptist Church 13 ABC Coral Bay, 776-6304 Sunday School 10 a.m., Sunday evening 6 p.m., Thursday 7 p.m. Christian Ministry Cinnamon Bay Beach Inter-Denominational, Sunday 8:30 a.m. Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Sun. 9 a.m., on St. Thomas . 776-2379 Sun., 5 p.m., STJ, Lumberyard Cruz Bay Baptist Church Sunday 11 a.m., 6 p.m. 776-6315 Emmaus Moravian Church Coral Bay, Divine Worship 8:30 a.m., 776-6713 Freshwater Church Freshwater Church St. John USVI Sunday Worship 10 am at Hawksnest Beach Follow us on Facebook, 340.514.6578 Jehovah’s Witness 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays; 7 p.m. Saturdays (Español), 10 a.m. Sundays, 340-715-053 Missionary Baptist Church 9:30 a.m. Sunday Services, 10:45 Worship, Tuesday 7 p.m. Bible Study 693-8884 Nazareth Lutheran Church Sunday 9 a.m., Sunday School 8 a.m. 776-6731 Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church Saturdays: 6 p.m.; Sundays: 7:30 & 9:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. in Coral Bay at the John’s Folly Learning Institute & 6 pm. in Spanish; Mondays: 12:15 p.m.; Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays: 7 a.m. & Fridays: 7 p.m. Call 776-6339 for more information. Prayer House of Faith Sunday Morning Service at 8 a.m; Bible Study at 7:30 p.m. on Mondays Prayer services at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesdays; 340-690-3820 St. John Methodist Church Sunday 10 a.m, 693-8830 Seventh Day Adventist Saturdays, 779-4477 St. John Pentecostal Church Sunday 11:05 a.m., 6:30 p.m.Tuesdays Prayer 7:30 p.m., Thursdays Bible Study 7:30 p.m. 779-1230 St. Ursula’s Episcopal Church Sunday Church Service, 9 a.m. Bible Class on Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m. 777-6306 Unitarian Universalist Fellowship 9:45 a.m. Sunday, 776-6332 DPNR Spokesperson Jamal Nielson Won’t Talk Continued from Page 3 When contacted by St. John Tradewinds on August 6 for comment for this story — in response to his earlier non-specific telephone message — Nielson was grossly unprofessional, rude and abusive in a screaming rant accusing St. John Tradewinds of printing incorrect information — while refusing to answer any questions about J.P. Oriol’s role in oversight of Terminix by DPNR prior to the incident while he was acting commissioner for an extended period of time. DPNR Spokesperson Hangs Up DPNR spokesperson Nielson wrongly accused St. John Tradewinds of misstating the obvious fact that J.P. Oriol was not acting commissioner at the time of the poisoning incident in March 2015, and angrily refused to answer any questions about J.P. Oriol’s involvement in DPNR’s oversight of Terminix of St. Thomas, which apparently was managed until sometime in late 2014 by J.P. Oriol’s father, Hans Oriol, according to Terminix employees contacted by St. John Tradewinds for the July story. The media “professional” screamed, yelled and threatened legal action — and then hung up. The July story dealt with an anonymous e-mail to St. John Tradewinds in which the letter writer incorrectly alleged that J.P. Oriol was acting commissioner when the poisoning occurred on March 2015. The article repeatedly noted that St. John Tradewinds had contacted Terminix and had been told the senior Oriol had left the company at an unspecified time in 2014. The July 20 St. John Tradewinds story also reported that there was no mention of any personal connection between Terminix and the DPNR’s J.P. Oriol by DPNR spokesperson Nielson in the aftermath of the poisoning. Spokesperson Is Mute The July 20 story also reported that DPNR spokesperson Nielson did not return calls on Friday, July 17, seeking clarification on any possible connection between DPNR’s Oriol and his father as the former manager of Terminix St. Thomas. Because of the DPNR spokesperson’s obstructive reticence at the time, St. John Tradewindss could not confirm from DPNR for the July 20 story that the highly-regulated chemicals were obtained or stored properly by Terminix St. Thomas during the senior Oriol’s time at the company and his son’s overlapping role as acting commissioner of DPNR before they were used improperly at the St. John condominiums. DPNR Commissioner designee Dawn Henry subsequently spoke directly with St. John Tradewinds to defend the agency’s monitoring of Terminix prior to the poisoning. (See related story on page 3.) “Special Treatment” Questioned The July 20 St. John Tradewinds story questioned whether the St. Thomas franchise of the Terminix exterminating company got preferential treatment before and after the poisoning of a New Jersey family at an Enighed condominium because the former general manager of the St. Thomas company was the father of the former acting commissioner and a senior official of the investigating V.I. environmental agency. J.P. Oriol’s possible connection to Terminix has not been raised by the attorney representing the fam- ily and St. John Tradewinds could not be determined if the lawyer for the family had already ascertained the father-son connection between the Terminix and DPNR Oriols. Family Attorney Asks Privacy Atty. James Moran, who is also a family friend of the victims, said after initial contacts that he would not be commenting further on the family’s recovery or health to respect their privacy. The family of four — a private school administrator and a medical doctor and their two teenage sons — were overcome in the early morning hours of March 20 at the unit they had rented at the Sirenusa condominiums overlooking Cruz Bay. The family members suffered varying degrees of exposure and serious neurological injuries, but their attorney spokesperson has informed the media that the family wanted privacy and would be making no comments on their recovery. There has been no public announcement by authorities of any enforcement action or charges being filed or the results of any federal or local investigations of the poisoning incident. An internet professional site did still list Hans Orial as general manager of the St. Thomas company in July, however, two telephone calls by St. John Tradewinds to Terminix confirmed that Hans Oriol had left the company “last year.” Pesticide Use Is Restricted The pesticide blamed for poisoning the family at the unit they had rented at the Sirenusa condominiums overlooking Cruz Bay was banned for any nonagricultural use and most pesticides for residential use are labeled with warnings against use in interconnected condominium units such as Sirenusa, according to professionals. In the family’s poisoning, a vacant unit connected to the family’s unit was treated with the dangerous chemical gas that spread to a connected condominium where the two teenage children were overcome late in the evening and the parents subsequently were overcome and suffered seizures. The chemical poisoning has caused severe nerve and or brain-damage to the family’s two teenage boys who are recovering slowly, according to St. John Tradewinds sources. The parents both are undergoing rehabilitation for similar injuries. There has been no public comment on the medical condition of the family members from their lawyer since the family was airlifted to the U.S. mainland for treatment in New Jersey. Gov. Kenneth Mapp serendipitously gave a detailed report on the medical conditions of the family in the midst of a recent press conference focusing on Government house fiscal matters in early July, but there has been no official information on any DPNR investigation, enforcement or legal action against Terminix. “In this case, though, the lack of oversight and punishment has led to a family totally torn apart,” an anonymous reader wrote St. John Tradewinds in July questioning the conflict of interest between the Oriol father and son. St. John Tradewinds, August 10-23, 2015 19 Sean Downes, 19, Charged in Assault on Farrell Continued from Page 9 lar assault on a stranger outside a private party in West Palm Beach, Florida, in September 2014, according to a police document provided by the internet news site operator and lawyer. Events at the party had “Sean Downs” facing felony battery charges and his alleged victim left with potentially permanent facial scarring and disfigurement. “As he turned away the suspect punched him in the left temple and he fell to the ground,” reads the West Palm Beach Police Department report published by the internet site.“Valencia (the victim’s friend and witness) said the victim was knocked out and the suspect kept hitting him on the ground.” “Valencia estimated the (sic) his friend was punched eight to ten times,” the police report continues. “The victim only remembers after that was waking up in Palm Beach Gardens Hospital emergency room.” Florida Prosecution Dropped The prosecution of the Florida case ceased in April when criminal charges apparently were dropped in a sealed settlement of the case in a legal maneuver allowed under Florida law, according Warren Reddich, the founder of West Boca News, an internet news site operator who is also a lawyer and “high-end” real estate broker in West Palm Beach. Florida law allows the accused to settle criminal actions privately, Redlich explained. The lawyer said he has filed a formal request for the public record of the prosecution and disposition of that case. (The original charging documents in that case also misspelled Downes name, a common tactic to obscure arrest records.) “Florida law allows people to buy their way out of a criminal charge,” Redlich explained to St. John Tradewinds. The lawyer has applied for a copy of the case file from the prosecutor. V.I. Territorial law apparently does not allow for a similar disposition of a criminal charge. Additional Charges Possible Downes was granted bail and was scheduled to leave the territory at the end of the week, according to Farrell. Downes was ordered to return to the V.I. for further court action on August 8, his victim reported. When or if Downes returns to the territory for the disposition of the charges against him, he may have to try to buy his way out of more than one criminal prosecution however. The alleged serial sucker-puncher also may face additional charges in a similar assault on a female employee of a popular Cruz Bay late-night spot and a male co-worker shortly before the park attack. In that incident, Downes is accused of punching the young woman in the face and kicking the male employee in the groin while being asked to leave the bar with several friends shortly before the attack on Farrell in nearby Frank Powell Park. The bar attack was captured on surveillance video that was being brought to V.I. Police Department to support additional charges against Downes, according to St. John Tradewinds sources, In V.I. Territorial Court on Monday, June 20, the charges against the three people initially charged in the attack on Farrell were changed, dropped and shuffled before only Downes was charged with simple assault. The ages of those arrested in the original police report and the charges were different in the delayed V.I. Police Department press release and the court record and subsequently were dropped, reduced or otherwise altered. Witnesses to Florida Incident According to the Sept. 21, 2014, incident reported filed by the Continued on Page 22 Henry Defends DPNR’s Pesticide Supervision Before Poisoning Continued from Page 3 when it was used in an adjoining condominium at the Sirenusa condominium complex in disregard of the explicit warnings about use of the controlled toxic chemical on residential facilities specifically those with conjoined ventilation systems. The father, a private school administrator, suffered more severe exposure while the couple’s two teenage sons were heavily exposed to the toxic pesticide and reported to be in comas after the family was airlifted to Maryland for treatment. Professional Response from Commissioner Commissioner-designee Henry professionally acknowledged the legal constraints imposed by the investigation into the near-fatal poisoning of the visiting family of four in a St. John condominium as she addressed questions from St. John Tradewinds about the inference of any connection between DPNR Coastal Zone Management (CZM) Director J.P. Oriol and his father, Hans Oriol, who was manager of the Terminix St. Thomas exterminating company for more than nine years according to his professional profile on the internet. A Terminix employee confirmed in a telephone call from St. John Tradewinds in July that Hans Oriel had left the St. Thomas Terminix company sometime in 2014. Commissioner designee Atty. Henry down played the importance of DPNR monitoring of the use of heavily-controlled substance prior to the poisoning of the family vacationing on St. John. “You can use it for some agricultural uses,” Commissioner-designee Henry told St. John Tradewinds of the hazardous chemical. “It is not illegal.” The DPNR official confirmed that the agency had “confiscated” the toxic agricultural chemical from a ”number” of exterminating companies in the territory after the poisoning on St. John. DPNR Has “No Liability” “We have no liability,” the Commissioner-designee reiterated. Commissioner-designee Henry confirmed that on March 20, 2015, the department received a call from the Virgin Islands Department of Health of a possible Methyl Bromide release at Sirenusa Residences on St. John, which caused a family vacationing in one of the units to be transported to the Roy Lester Schneider Hospital on St. Thomas, which was acknowledged in the March DPNR release. DPNR’s Division of Environmental Protection (DEP) immediately responded to the complaint and deployed staff to St. John to begin its investigation, according to the DPNR release. Consecutively, Jeff Garrison, Environmental Protection Agency-Region II, local representative was in contact with DPNR Commissioner Designee Henry, to launch a joint investigation, according to the DPNR statement from long-time spokesperson Jamal Nielson after the incident. “During the preliminary stages of the investigation, DPNR learned that the suspected Methyl Bromide release was connected to fumigation activities which Terminix International USVI, LLC, (Terminix) conducted in Unit J Lower at Sirenusa Residences on March 18, 2015,” the DPNR release continued. “On March 20, 2015, DPNR-DEP contacted Terminix to inquire about the fumigation activities on March 18, 2015, and confirmed that Terminix used Meth-O- Gas ® Q to fumigate the kitchen area in Unit J Lower at Sirenusa Residences on March 18, 2015.” DPNR officials ordered Terminix to “immediately stop using pesticides containing Methyl Bromide in the Territory” and to “ provide DPNR with all documentation relating to the purchase, use, and application of pesticide products containing Methyl Bromide over the last twelve months, to quarantine the subject pesticides, and to refrain from moving, destroying, altering or affecting the subject pesticides,” according to the DPNR March press release. Subsequently, DPNR and EPA took custody of the quarantined Methyl Bromide canister on St. Thomas and were collaborating to secure the quarantined canisters on St. Croix, according to the March statement. “During the weeks of March 23, 2015, and March 30, 2015, DPNR performed inspections at the other pest control companies throughout the Territory to determine whether those companies are using Methyl Bromide,” according to a DPNR press release. “As part of that inspection, DPNR conducted an inventory of the pesticide products in storage and requested that the companies provide Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) pertaining to all the pesticides used, stored or sold in the Territory containing Methyl Bromide.“ “DPNR discovered that two extermination companies on St. Croix were in possession of Methyl Bromide and one other company on St. Thomas,” DPNR reported at the time. “DPNR will determine from the companies’ records whether they have used the banned substance and, if so, when and where.” “This unfortunate incident poses a threat to the residents and visitors to the territory,” Commissioner Henry stated in a press release prepared by Nielson shortly after the poisoning incident. “It will not be treated lightly and the Department will take appropriate enforcement action. 20 St. John Tradewinds, August 10-23, 2015 St. John Tradewinds Business Directory Accommodations Landscaping Island Getaways 888-693-7676, islandgetawaysinc.com [email protected] Coral Bay Garden Center tel. 693-5579 fax 714-5628 P.O. Box 1228, STJ, VI 00831 Caribbean Villas & Resorts tel. 1-800-338-0987 or locally 340-776-6152 Suite St. John Villas/Condos tel. 1-800-348-8444 or locally at 340-779-4486 Architecture Crane, Robert - Architect, AIA tel. 776-6356 P.O. Box 370, STJ, VI 00831 Art Galleries Alfredo’s Landscaping tel. 774-1655 cell 513-2971 P.O. Box 91, St. John, VI 00831 Real Estate 340 Real Estate Company, LLC 340-643-6068 or 340-779-4478 [email protected] www.340realestateco.com Holiday Homes of St. John tel. 776-6776 fax 693-8665 P.O. Box 40, STJ, VI 00831 [email protected] Bajo el Sol Gallery Located in Mongoose Junction tel. 340-693-7070 Islandia Real Estate tel. 776-6666 fax 693-8499 P.O. Box 56, STJ, VI 00831 [email protected] Kimberly Boulon Fine Art Gallery Located at The Marketplace 340-693-8524 Restaurants Banking Fish Trap Restaurant and Seafood Market tel. 693-9994, Closed Mondays Firstbank Located in downtown Cruz Bay 340-776-6881 La Tapa Restaurant tel. 693-7755 Open 7 Days a Week Furniture Ocean 362 American Contemporary Cuisine For reservations, call 340-776-0001 Carlos Furniture - 340-693-0016 Located at Tutu Park Mall on STT Free delivery and setup to St. John Green Building Island Green Building Association check www.igbavi.org for Seminar Series info and ReSource Depot inventory Insurance PGU Insuracne Located at The Marketplace 776-6403; [email protected] Theodore Tunick & Company Phone 775-7001 / Fax 775-7002 www.theodoretunick.com Jewelry R&I Patton goldsmithing Located in Mongoose Junction 776-6548 or (800) 626-3445 [email protected] Skinny Legs “A Pretty OK Place” tel. 340-779-4982 www.skinnylegs.com Services C4th Custom Embroidery tel. 779-4047 Located in Coral Bay Wedding Services Weddings by Katilday www.stjohnweddingplanner.com 340-693-8500 - Consulting, Travel Coordination, Accommodations IT TAKES TWO ACROSS 1 Sighing word 5 Humiliate 10Sugar-name suffix 13Stretch (out) 19Billiards item 20Drive rudely (out) 21Flanders of “The Simpsons” 22Mambo music’s Tito 23Bicycle add-ons for tykes 26Make a new blueprint for 27Cut and Paste setting 28Give relief to 29Protein formed during blood clotting 30Sue Grafton’s “— for Ricochet” 31Sterile hand wear 35Three, in 6-Down 38PIN-taking dispenser 39“Hands off!” 40Microwaves, e.g. 41Stalled-car clip-ons 45Metalliferous rock 47“The Neverending Story” author Michael 48Related to earthquakes 49Hi- — monitor 50A little wet 52Edberg of tennis fame 54Horse rider’s attachments 59Dot in the sea, to José 63Part of Gr. Britain 64Entertainer Lollobrigida 66The older Obama girl 7Theme of this puzzle 6 73Asocial sort 74She had a show with Sonny 75“It’s — -brainer” 76Rogen of “Superbad” 77They look like footless socks 81Gymnast Olga 84“Ghost” co-star Demi 85Stylist’s goo 86Coastal 91In a crowd of 95Pal, casually 96Rink rentals 98Ignited again 100 Commercial charge 102 Cozy lodging 103 Tacit assents 104 Part of some made-up faces 107 Teeny bit 109 Little leaves on flowers 110 Old jazz singer Anita 111 Collective software clients 116 Bela of old horror films 117 They often surround titles 119 Wiped from the board 120 A/C abbr. 121 Broadway prizes 122 Luau favors 123 Blank out 124 Jet to JFK, once 125 Garments for Gaius 126 Ineffectual DOWN 1 Funny Johnson 2 Hog fat 3 Antioxidant-rich berry 4 Many Aspen outings 5 Sky ram 6 Old German capital 7 City of golf’s Masters 8 Albany-to-Baltimore dir. 9 Passé anesthetic 10Toddlers’ bodysuits 11Opt for 12Mag VIPs 13Parsley part 14Adobe dwelling 15Scold gently 16Pep up 17Done 18Lion’s locale 24Abbr. for people with only two names 25Aerie nesters 29Ornate 32Dark area in an eclipse 33Do — deed 34Dir. 45 degrees from 8-Down 35Dance club VIPs 36Regret a lot 37Big British record co. 38Brogue 42Middle of summer? 43Solemn acts 44Running times 46Subj. for some immigrants 50The “m” of “yes’m” 51Office sub 53E-I linkup 54Skin diver’s tube 55Flock noises 56“It’s —!” (“Untrue!”) 57Surrounded 58Military band 9“— turn up” 5 60Brogue, e.g. 61“What a ding-a- —!” 62Freshly 65Hard water 68Mass unit 69Realty unit 70Corn unit 71Congenital 72Verb counterparts 78Plunder, e.g. 79Eel types 80Rub down 82North fired by Reagan 83“Bad!” cluck 85Charges 87Off-the-wall sport? 88An Amerind 89Color of chili 90Suffix with govern 91Whelp yelp 92Put a ruler to 93Outlawed 94Get rid (of) 96Digital display 97Subsequent 99China shop ensemble 101 Defies openly 105 Skip, as a syllable 106 Hotel chain 107 Nail-biting 108 Ulna locale 112 Tofu bean, to Brits 113 Environs 114 Kind of milk 115 “To be,” in Latin 116 Fronted 117 NFL VIPs 118 Also St. John Tradewinds, August 10-23, 2015 21 For Rent Employment FOR RENT: GUINEA GROVE APARTMENTS One and two bedroom apartments with washer/ dryer, stove and refrigerator, across the street from Westin Resort. $1,150-1,700 per month. Contact Carolyn at St. John Properties 340/693-8485 Executive Director Job Posting Coral Bay Community Council (CBCC) Coral Bay 2 Bed/2 BATH $1650. Spacious open plan. Large rooms. Walking distance to Coral Bay Market and bus route. Partially furnished with covered deck. Shared W&D. Ron 715-853-9696 [email protected] One-acre lot for sale in estate adrian Paved Road – Underground Utilities For Sale by Owner Serious Inquiries Only Contact 340-228-3560 Commercial/Storage Space Available CBCC seeks a full-time Executive Director to provide hands-on management for all aspects of the organization, including fund-raising and communications, as well as working directly on projects. The Executive Director will also provide leadership, vision and direction. Must be highlymotivated to do good for the community of Coral Bay, have excellent office computer skills, organizational skills, be a self-starter and have financial, fundraising, and management experience. See the job description, including application instructions at: www.coralbaycommunitycouncil.org . Applications due: August 24th. CBCC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and has a Drug Free Workplace Policy. EXPERIENCED MAINTENANCE PERSON needed for full service real estate firm. Contact St. John Properties at 693-8485 Stay Up-to-Date: StJohnNews.com Life Us on Facebook: St. John Tradewinds Buying? Selling? Renting? seeking? call 340-776-6496 Email: [email protected] Get REsults! AMEX, DISCOVER, VISA & MASTERCARD Accepted Commercial Space For Sale EVERYTHING YOU NEED ON EVERY LEVEL GREAT PLACE TO SHOP, DINE AND WORK Come join us we have spaces available — Retail, Office or Storage 340-776-6455 PRIME COMMERCIAL SPACE in St. John Properties building. High pedestrian traffic area with road frontage and parking. Contact St. John Properties at 340/693-8485 or stop by to view. For Sale Trade Names, Logos & Domain Names St. John Magazine ST. Thomas Magazine www.stjohnmagazine.com www.stthomasmagazine.com www.stcroixmagazine.com Serious inquiries only $30,000 OBO Email: [email protected] st. thomas m a g a z i n e 22 St. John Tradewinds, August 10-23, 2015 Downes, 19, Charged in Assault on Farrell Charming and classic St. John beach house in Hart Bay, with pool and hot tub. $1,350,000 Caribbean Providing professional rental management and marketing services for St. John’s finest vacation villas and condominiums. For reservations or brochures 1-800-338-0987 Villas & Resor t s MANAGEMENT CO. For St. John business call 340-776-6152 View our villas at www. c a r i b b e a n v i l l a . c o m Lumberyard Complex P.O. Box 458 St. John USVI 00831 Continued from Page 19 West Palm Beach Police, which was filed several days after the attack and after the victim had received medical treatment. “He was treated there for two hours and left,” the police report said. “The victim’s face had four large bruising areas on his right cheek and forehead. There were also three cuts on the left side of his mouth that required sutures.” “It appears the cuts will leave permanent scarring or disfigurement on his face. He also has a (sic) injury to the back of his head as he fell backwards,” the report continued. “The victim and witness provided written statements,” the West Palm Beach Police Department report continued. “Based on the above facts the defendant Downes is charge(d) with one count of aggravated battery. This case was sent to the State Attorney’s office for a warrant request.” “The Sheriff’s records indicate this Mr. Downs is a resident of The Oaks, a gated community… ,” said the internet news site entrepreneur. “As best we can tell this is actually Sean D. Downes.” “If we are correct (we’re pretty sure but you can never be positive), his father Sean P. Downes is CEO of Universal Holdings, Inc. who received an eye-popping $9.4 million last year in executive compensation according to BusinessWeek at only 44 years old,” Redlich wrote St. John Tradewinds. “According to the probable cause affidavit, the younger Downes was at a house party with a bunch of teens, running around looking for a fight,” Redlich e-mailed in providing St. John Tradewinds with a copy of the purported official document. “When the victim was leaving, Downes confronted him to start a fight.” “The victim turned to leave and Downes then hit the victim in the left temple, knocking him out and to the ground,” Redlich added. “While the victim was unconscious on the ground, Downes continued punching him as many as ten times.” Add your home to our group and share the Catered To Vacation Homes advantages. EXECUTIVE OFFICES We still have room for 2 or 3 special villas with pools. FOR LEASE • Private Individual Offices • Air Conditioning • Utilities & Internet Included • Conference Area • On-Site Management Call (340) 690-6699 “The victim woke up in the ER, and had suffered four large bruises on his face, multiple cuts on the left side of his mouth requiring sutures and likely to leave substantial and permanent scars, and an additional injury on the back of his head where it hit the pavement,” Redlich related. Delayed Prosecution, Dropped Case “West Palm Beach police referred the matter to the State Attorney, who waited over 3 months before filing this case in court in early January,” the attorney continued. “Mr. Downes was booked Wednesday morning, minutes before his ‘first appearance’ court session began and released a few hours later on $3,000 bond.” “The timing suggests that he may have been represented by an attorney who surrendered him at the right time to make sure things moved smoothly,” Redlich wrote. “Court records do not yet indicate any attorney appearance, nor how the bond was posted.” The home address for the younger Downs listed in the blotter is owned by Lori Downes, who is divorced from the father, according to Redlich. The seven-bedroom, 7,000 square-foot residence was purchased for $1.4 million in 2013, according to the internet writer, real estate agent and lawyer. The date of birth for the arrested Sean Downs matches the newspaper showing Sean Downes birth in 1995 to parents Sean and Lori Downes, according to Redlich. Downes will turn 20 in August. It remains to be seen whether he returns to the USVI and his case is prosecuted before then or if he celebrates his birthday on St. John, St. Thomas or St. Croix. Atty. Redlich is the founder of West Boca News and a resident of West Boca Raton. He is a criminal defense and personal injury attorney in both Florida and New York, and also a real estate agent listing high-priced houses in West Boca Raton only. He can be reached by e-mail at [email protected] or by phone at 888-733-5299. • Consistently profitable rental histories • Complete management and maintenance • Convenient Marketplace office (Second Floor) • Extensive advertising program • Over 30 years of on-island experience • Award-winning website 800-424-6641 340-776-6641 FAX 693-8191 cateredto.com St. John Tradewinds, August 10-23, 2015 23 “The Company that gives back to St. John” Complete Real estate seRviCes • st. JoHN’s olDest Real estate FiRm • seRviNg st. JoHN FoR 55 YeaRs! Located at the Marketplace • (340) 776-6776 • (340) 774-8088 • [email protected] Toll Free: 1-800-905-6824 • www.HolidayHomesVI.com MLS 13-347 $475,000 CAROLINA EMMAUS FISH BAY GLUCKSBERG PR IC E MLS 14-520 $325,000 LOTS OF LAND LISTINGS!! from $ 54,678 HANSEN BAY hillside $ 75,000 FREEMAN’S GROUND from $ 79,500 SAUNDERS GUT from $ 89,000 CHOCOLATE HOLE MLS 15-261 $1,100,000 Unit 9C – 1x1.5 loft w/ private deck/patio, common beach, pool and spa. Restaurant & concierge svcs. on property. Walk to town! “STOWAWAY” MLS 15-131 $689,000 Cute UPPER DECK VILLAS CONDO w/ sea & pool views from deck. 2 bdrm + loft/2.5 bath for family options, + large storage room. MOTIVATED SELLERS!! from $ 99,000 VIRGIN GRAND ESTATES from $ 115,000 CALABASH BOOM from $ 130,000 CONCORDIA from $ 135,000 RENDEZVOUS & DITLEFF WA TE RF RO NT “SEA CLIFF” MLS 15-103 Cute cottage with sweeping water views in Calabash Boom. Lots of development potential from this 3½ acre site. MLS 14.487 $825,000 $749,000 “RAINBOW’S END” BATTERY HILL CONDO MLS 12-358 $449,000 from hillside from from $ $ $ $ 2X1, clean and colorfully decorated poolside condo is close to town w/ nicely manicured grounds. Seller says make an offer! 4x3 Island stone details, colorful décor, indoor pool & generous outdoor areas. Waterfront in Great Cruz Bay w/ stairs leading into the sea! “CARIBBEAN STYLE” PR V IC ID E EO RE DU CE D VID EO MLS 14-332 $1,250,000 A classic stone and tile roof exterior, with a modern, luxurious 2x2.5 interior plus pool and barb-que deck, overlooking Coral Bay! MLS 15-266 $1,975,000 Charming island stonework and hardwood floors in 5 bdrm, flexible floor plan home with pool in Chocolate Hole. Walk to beach! OWN A MONTH IN A LUXURY HOME L GALLOWS POINT CONDO “VILLA MADELINE” ”SPLASH” NA Caribbean cute and ready to be loved! Studio layout with king bed in a solid masonry building makes a great start on this .5 acre lot. MLS 15-116 $1,995,000 4x4.5 pool villa at Hart Bay. Exquisite construction, with interior stairway perfect for children, private. Lush landscaping. O “COQUI COTTAGE” Quiet neighborhood, 2 unit home (2x1 up Studio down), level parcel, pleasant view to Pillsbury Sound, lush gardening opportunities. RE DU CE D GIFFT HILL GEM MLS 14-455 $1,395,000 Mediterranean inspired, well built 3x4 pool & spa villa in Calabash Boom has easterly breezes, privacy & spectacular BVI views. WALK TO BEACH! “SEA WAVES” TI $1,795,000 “VILLA VENTOSA” MLS 13-454 $2,975,000 Classic modern home, 5x4.5 superbly designed & finished, 40 ft. pool, large verandas, indooroutdoor living in Virgin Grand Estates. AC MLS 14-233 $1,950,000 Hear the surf from this Pt. Rendezvous / South Shore views / 4x4 villa, masonry, great porches, gentle trade winds, island stonework, tastefully furnished. “KALORAMA” FR MLS 13-7 “VILLA LE VIRAGE” 1½ acre lot in Chocolate Hole. 3x3 main house, stone gsthouse, & small cottage. Spacious deck, 55x15 ft. lap pool & spa. PR IC BY E R $1 EDU 00 C K ED “STONE POST COTTAGE” MLS 15-259 $3,599,000 3X4, pool, spa, 1 ac. cul-de-sac in CATHERINEBERG borders National Park; stunning views of Cinnamon Beach & British Virgin Islands. PR IC VID E E RE O DU CE D MLS 14-333 $4,900,000 “CINNAMON BAY ESTATE” Ultimate privacy architecturally stunning Bali inspired 4x4.5 home, 1 ac. w/ pool, spa & sounds of surf! EXCELLENT rental income! WA TE RF RO NT MLS 11-385 $6,500,000 “BEACH GARDEN” Spectacular villa in prime Peter Bay area, 5x 5.5 with island stone, fine mahogany finishes, verandas, pool & waterfall. North Shore views. WA V TE IDE RF O RO NT VID EO “MERMAID FALLS” From $50,000 3 BR/3.5 BA or 4 BR/4.5 BA villa in upscale Virgin Grand Estates. 3,000 sq ft villas w/ STT & sunset views, pool, AC & more. SOME SELLER FINANCING!! 145,000 LOVANGO CAY South shore from 169,000 SABA BAY from 179,000 PETER BAY/NORTHSHORE from 199,000 WESTIN TIMESHARES from $ 250,000 $ 595,000 $ 995,000 $ 3,999/wk Search entire St. John MLS, view property videoS and newSLetter/SaLeS hiStory at www.hoLidayhoMeSvi.coM [email protected] • Approved supplier of real estate for the VI Economic Development Commission. Real Estate Office : 340.776.6666 | Fax: 340.693. 8499 | www.IslandiaRealEstate.com Sol Mate | $1,475,000 3 bed | 3.5 bath | 4,374 sqft Calabash Boom | $577,000 2 bed | 3 bath | 1,497 sqft Luminaria | $2,190,000 3 bed | 3.5 bath | 6,639 sqft Rivendell | $6,250,000 4 bed | 4.5 bath | 6,350 sqft Rainbow Beach | $2,195,000 5 bed | 4 bath | 3,800 sqft Tree-Top Hideaway| $399,999 4 bed | 3 bath | 2,040 sqft Rhapsody | $4,950,000 5 bed | 6 bath | 7,242 sqft Kokomo Cottage | $499,000 1 bed | 1 bath | 660 sqft Cruz Bay Unit #4 | $325,000 1 bed | 1 bath | 646 sqft Serving St. John for Over 50 Years 24 St. John Tradewinds, August 10-23, 2015 st. john tradewinds Hurricane Tracking Map Advertise Here Call 776-6496