ACTION ALERT - Demand Answers from WAPA

A fellow Virgin Islander, Alice Henry took the time to create a petition to demand that WAPA give us a plan for efficiency. We can all agree, these prices are ridiculous.

So, let's Answer the Call: Virgin Islands for the Virgin Islanders...those at home and those abroad!

http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/noleac/signatures.html

Everyone who has family in the VI - please sign the petition to assist in getting the powers that be to do something about the high cost of energy on the islands.

Is the VI Government Keeping WAPA in the Dark Ages, and Your Utility Bills High?

The payment, coupled with the work of the Administration in securing a line of credit for WAPA, is a significant step towards not only easing the cash flow crunch at the public utility but solidifying WAPA’s operational stability which may result in a reduction of rates to V.I. consumers.

-Virgin Islands Governor John deJongh

In an article entitled, "V.I. Coughs Up $17.5M for Debts to WAPA" the Source details a plan to pay some of the money owed to the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority (WAPA).

Now, I don't know how this is supposed to work. But, I would imagine that if you or I were behind in our bills our electricity would be cut. Apparently, the Virgin Islands Government has a different idea. They feel as though they could run up the bill and never pay...or allow payments to fall way behind.

(Funny though, we're discussing appropriation of $34 Million to open a private fish farm, but don't have the money to pay our bills. hmm.....)

And then, I read the comments by the Governor stating that paying the government's bill "may result in a reduction of rates to V.I. consumers." Uh, you think?

WAPA is already strapped for cash. With a $46 Million cash shortfall, it's hard to imagine that any repairs woujld be done to the antiquated facilities. WAPA's budget for FY2009 projects a net loss of $307,000! Under these circumstances, WAPA could be forced to raise rates even more.

To top it all off, Standard and Poor’s (S&P) has revised its outlook on WAPA to “negative” from “stable.” A negative rating will - of course - make it difficult for WAPA to receive any loans to meet its budget shortfalls. And, S&P has suggested that WAPA apply a fuel surcharge to compensate for rising fuel costs. This, as well, could force WAPA to raise its rates to you - the consumer.

All this, and the Government is not reliably paying its bills. All this, and the Government has no qualms passing along undue burden to Virgin Islanders?!

That burden is not simply felt in the pocket. It is also seen with the eyes...well, make that not seen. The Source reports:

The results have been evident over the past few weeks -- constant power outages and rolling blackouts continue on all three islands, as generating units continue to fail or have to get taken out for repairs.

We have been living with this for decades. If the wind blows to hard, the power goes out. If you sneeze on a Friday, the power goes out. If you watching your favorite show, the power goes out.

But, more money alone won't solve the problem. WAPA is also plagued by a problem of inefficiency. Again, we refer to The Source:

Projected revenues of $47.5 million are expected to fund $47.8 million worth of expenses...

As an organizational development consultant, I do strategic planning. And - as I would tell any Client, if ever your expenses are greater than your revenues there's a problem with the efficiency of provided services. Unlike other areas, there is only so much expansion to be done...there is an essentially fixed amount of customers who will need electricity. Unlike in the states, we cannot rely on "suburban sprawl." WAPA must work with the pool of customers it currently has. So, they must find a way to "do more with less," don't you think? If not, the only option is for Virgin Islanders to pay higher and higher rates. Is that what you want?

We must demand a plan!

Where else can you find a utility system so subpar? Yet while the people suffer from high priced, low quality service, the Government of the Virgin Islands shirks its responsibility to pay its bills. While the people can't enjoy a day of outtage free service, the Government of the Virgin islands has proposed no plan to rapidly enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of WAPA.

No one has determined to solve the problem. Don't you think that is a problem? I do.

But, this ain't about me: what do you think? Should there be a plan to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of WAPA's services? What should be in that plan?

Answer the Call: Virgin Islands for the Virgin Islanders...those at home and those abroad!

Territory First!

I learned something great from Senator John McCain. His campaign slogan is "Country First." And, recent discussion have caused me to think about what that means for us as Virgin Islanders.

Several people have asked me: "I'm a ______. What does it mean for me when you say: 'Virgin Islands for the Virgin Islanders?'"

Then, I recently had an argument with some members of the Virgin Islands Republican Party. Certain members had the audacity to be racially insensitive, and then intellectually oblivious. Instead of embracing the Virgin Islands Community, they choose to remain separate from the majority - confining themselves to a country club of sorts, organized for their own self benefit.

These are the types of people that are detrimental to progress in the Virgin Islands. These are the type who seek to benefit from the lack of structure in the Virgin Islands, and the ease of corruption. These are the type who use the Virgin Islands to rebuild from the failures of their path, in a location where they are not known. If that were not the case, they would gladly weave themselves into the fabric of Virgin Islands society, right? And, we must be on guard against their kind at every turn.

So, I am forced to think: "where must we draw the line?" I found myself beginning to understand why there's a debate over who is, and who isn't, a Virgin Islander. And, although I disagree, I also understand why folks are caught up trying to define a "Native Virgin Islander" in our Constitution. Yet, in all of that, I think I may have found a solution.

Let me be clear: this is not a White thing or a Black thing. It is not a Republican thing or a Democrat thing. This is not an issue of who is native and who is foreign.

The issue at hand is: who answers the call in defense of the Virgin Islands? Who thinks "Territory First?" Who is asserting our position as a free and independent people? By those actions we shall know who is - and who is not - a Virgin Islander.

What does it mean to be Territory First? It means that we see everything from the perspective of the Virgin Islands. Territory First implies that we always seek ways to advance the Virgin Islands either politically or economically. Being Territory First means that no matter our outlook, we all stand on the foundation of the Virgin Islands.

Regardless of where we're from...regardless of our ethnicity...regardless of our political affiliation, we must all tout the mantra of Territory First. So, ask those who wish to be leaders: "what will you do to advance the Virgin Islands?" Ask them: "what do you bring to the table to enhance life for Virgin Islanders?"

If they cannot answer those questions, we must reject them. They can feel free to live amongst us, but they ought not have any role in VI society. We should not frequent their businesses; we should not elect them into public office.

It's time that those of us - Black, White, Indian, Frenchie, native, transplant, Democrat and Republican, Christian, Muslim, Jew and Hindi - who care about the Virgin Islands step up in defense of our homeland before it's too late. Before the colonist-minded folks find a way to gentrify the Virgin Islands, we must stake our claim.

What has been your experience? Have you encountered people whom you know have no concern for the Virgin Islands? Do you know folks who only desire to serve their self-interests to the detriment of the VI? How does it make you feel? What do you think should be (could be) done?

Only through self-government can we secure the blessings of Liberty afforded by our homeland. And, only through a Constitution can we develop the framework that will fortify our stake in the Virgin Islands. Only we can do it...our ancestors are counting on YOU.


Answer the call: Virgin Islands for the Virgin Islanders...those at home and those abroad!

Holding Their Feet to the Fire

Other Peoples' Money. It is a hallmark of capitalism...find a way to accomplish a goal without using any of your own money - or at least, as little of it as possible.

That is not simply a principle for individual wealth, but it is also the formula for business success. The borrower always hopes to get the best deal. The lender always hope to get the best deal. For instance: home loans...borrowers thought they were getting the best deal by minimizing their monetary outlay through ARMs. Likewise, (predatory) lenders thought they were going to get the best deal through the influx of cash that would come in later years. My, how we were wrong!

There's much to be gleaned from the current economic crisis, and untold sums ($700 Billion and rising) it will cost the American Taxpayer to clean up a mess they didn't (really) create. Yet, we see in our own Virgin Islands preparations are being made that could put us on the same dastardly course.

As we've been discussing in previous posts (post 1, post 2, post 3), the Virgin Islands Legislature is considering a bill that would provide $34 Million of TAXPAYER funding to enable Crucian Holdings LLC to open their privately held fish farm on St. Croix. It became the duty of Virgin Islands Watch to investigate this issue and tell you what you need to know...tell you the things no other media source in the Virgin Islands will tell you.

Earlier today (Wednesday, 24th), I told you that Senator Jean-Baptiste's office would call me back. At that time, I highly doubted it: why would a Senator from the Virgin Islands call me - someone not living in the VI, especially on something so controversial? However, much to my surprise, I received a call from Senator Jean-Baptiste.

So, first - I want to applaud the Senator for stepping into the fire without fear. We spoke for about 40 minutes, and I peppered him with numerous questions on this bill. He answered all of my questions, even ignoring phone calls to continue our dialogue. By that action alone, I gather that he must mean well...for even I know: he didn't have to speak with me.

It seems an ideal time for the Virgin Islands to be looking at this issue. Here we have the Federal Government bailing out corporations by the hundreds of billions in taxpayer dollars. And, we're about to sing the same tune.

I framed the dialogue with Senator Jean-Baptiste with that as the back drop. Reminding him that Senator Barack Obama is against the bailout and that the Democratic Party has essentially called it a farce, I aske Senator Jean-Baptiste what he thought of the Federal bailouts. He called it the "metamorphosis of Corporate Welfare." He went on to say that it "sends the wrong message" for the government to be bailing out corporations. He called the policy "not something I support," and that it's "not the best option."

So - I asked, why is it proper for the Virgin Islands Government to be proping up corporations? And, the response was that those getting Federal bailouts "chose to do things the wrong way and are facing the consequences."

He went on to compare this situation to that of an individual applying for a home loan. Yet, when you or I apply for a home loan we will have to pass a test of credit worthiness. To his credit, Senator Jean-Baptiste said that his bill only authorizes the PFA to provide funding...it doesn't demand the provide the funding. Supposedly, the PFA will perform due dilligence to ensure CH's ability to pay. I asked Senator Jean-Baptiste if he would be willing to mandate that this process be open to the public - taking advantage of technology - and he was open to that. Nevertheless, we still must ask: what is their track record?

Crucian Holdings LLC had no website until after Virgin Islands Watch articles. They now have a web domain, but there is nothing on the site. However, through searching, I have found that Crucian Holdings LLC used the services of Fine Print Consulting Services, LLC to help their efforts. Fine Print Consulting is headed by Adlah "Foncie" Donastorg (former - and now returning - Senator). Does anyone else think this smells fishy?

But, that's a different story - may be more there...

Crucian Holdings LLC is headed by A. Bruce Weber and Peter Conforto. The duo appears to have numerous business holdings (here, here, & here - at least). These businesses seem somewhat successful.

So, I asked Senator Jean-Baptiste his rationale for this bill. He said that he looked at the world food situation, the capacity limits upon local fishermen, and the possible contamination of seafood imports from China. He said that those factors coupled with the need to "enhance agricultural projects" in the Virgin Islands made this seem like a good opportunity. As he said, he "is going to try to do something" to move the development of the Territory forward.

Yet, with all of these factors, it seems as if there would be numerous paths through which Crucian Holdings LLC (CH) could acquire the money they need. But, Senator Jean-Baptiste said that CH doesn't have the capital and so they are seeking a loan. Hunh?

It cannot be that they don't have the capital - I know that's what they said, but it must be (in the spirit of Other Peoples' Money) that they don't want to use their capital. Now, that is fine. But, if I understand loans correctly, the borrorwer is usually required to put up some collateral. What collateral are they putting up for this loan? Have we valued their business holdings? And, are their other holdings being used as collateral?

Again, according to Senator Jean-Baptiste, CH has stated that they will use a NOAA grant to repay the loan. My initial question to the Senator was, "if they can get a NOAA grant to repay the loan, why not get the grant instead of the loan?" Senator Jean-Baptiste replied that CH said that due to the Presidential & Congressional Elections, the process would take too long.

1) Why is that our problem?

2) Does the government stop functioning because of the elections?

I went to the NOAA Grants Management Division website. Here's what I found:

In fiscal year 2006 GMD processed 1,931 awards to support research and conservation initiatives coordinated by state and local governments, non-profits, and colleges and universities. GMD awarded funds totaling $1.036 billion to over 300 recipients. That's more than 25% of NOAA's annual budget committed to making progress in understanding the link between our global economy and our planet's environment.

So, 3) How does CH qualify for a NOAA grant? Aren't they a business? Are they conducting research and/or conservation initiatives? Are they a state or local government? Are they a non-profit, college or university?

Apparently, they lied to Senator Jean-Baptiste...unless one of them will contact us and tell us something different.

CH wants the farm as part of their "vertical integration" strategy. Such a strategy offers compelling benefits. Because of these benefits, they are ripe to harvest extraordinary profits. That being the case, why must we subsidize their endeavor? Most likely, if the $34 Million loan is approved, they will apply for EDC benefits. The profits they will accrue will effectively pimp the Virgin Islands.

Are you ready to be used?

What's worse: this vertical integration strategy includes CH taking the fish to market through a restaurant chain, "Crucian Cafe." If we are aware of the problem Ethiopia had with Starbucks (see here), we would understand the importance of this. How can CH profit from the use of the term "Crucian?" They will already be milking the Virgin Islands taxpayers, raping our land and resources, and benefitting from both their business model and our tax breaks for businesses. You mean to tell me we're supposed to give them free reign to profit off of our identity?!

Ridiculous!

All that said, I am grateful to Senator Norman Jean-Baptiste for his time and openness. I have invited him to visit the blog and leave his comments for further follow-up. He said that he is definitely willing to shelve this legislation should it become apparent that the people are against it, but he simply wanted to take a "brave and courageous stance" to do something.

To close our conversation, I asked if he would be willing to at least open the legislation up to require competitive bidding. He said that he is "amenable to this" and would not mind doing so...that it was something he "can embrace."

Look at your power! You have the ability to shape legislation!

So, it is left for us to decide. We must decide if there is any form of this legislation that we find acceptable.

For myself, I don't agree. If they want a loan they should get it from a bank. And, if the banks (who are in business to make money) refuse a loan, why should government do differently? Or, is the Virgin Islands Government about to get into the business of profiting from entrepreneurial ventures and thus, reduce your taxes?

I still say: NO DEAL!

What do you say?

Answer the call: Virgin Islands for the Virgin Islanders...those at home and those abroad!

It's Not Over! This Fish Farm Still Lives!

I just got off the phone with Senator Jean-Baptiste's office.

Apparently the article was a little misleading. First, I listed the wrong committee. The bill has been returned to the Committee on Economic Development & Agriculture. The Chair of that Committee is Senator James Webber III. His contact information is in the previous post on this topic. The sponsor of this bill is Senator Norman Jean-Baptiste. His number is 340.712.2305.

I was told (by Senator Webber's office) that there is a tentative date of October 15th, scheduled to redress this bill. For some reason, Senator Jn. Baptiste's office didn't know of this date until I told them!

Anyway, Senator Jn. Baptiste's office informed me that the bill is not dead. They said that the Senator will be working with his colleagues to address their concerns. His hope is to still pass this bill and use $34 Million of YOUR money to prop up a business that - at best estimates - will provide 300 jobs to the Virgin Islands. Honestly, if it's about the 300 jobs, it would be cheaper to take 300 people and give them $75 - $100 thousand each.

In my conversation with Sen. Jn. Baptiste's office, I said that it is ironic that at a time when the Federal Government is trying to "bail out" corporations with taxpayer funds, we in the Virgin Islands are trying to "prop up" a corporation with taxpayer funds! Isn't there something wrong with this?!

Not wanting to simply throw stones, I asked the lady in Sen. Jn. Baptiste's office how he justifies this expenditure. Lacking an answer, she - seemingly - stalled for time by saying that Senator Jn. Baptiste would call me back to explain. We'll see...

Let's force their hand!

All of you that still care about the Virgin Islands - DO THIS NOW!!!

Call Senator Norman Jean-Baptiste at 340.712.2305. Tell his office that you've been reading about this issue on Virgin Islands Watch and that you want him to answer my questions...because you are concerned!

Let us flood their office with phone calls until this bill dies!

This is our home, and only we can defend it!

Virgin Islands for the Virgin Islanders...those at home and those abroad!

You Did It! Congratulate Yourself...

It turns out that I'm not the only one who felt this crap was ridiculous! Thank God!!!

According to an Associated Press article, the Virgin Islands Legislature denied Crucian Holdings LLC's request for $34 Million dollars to start their fish farm on St. Croix. But, it ain't over!

We must remain vigilant! As the article says:

The Virgin Islands Senate voted 8-2 Thursday to send the loan request back to a committee. Senators questioned whether the fish farm could really pay back the loan in three years.

So, this mess is not over. And while Crucian Holdings LLC says they are "considering several options," I don't believe them...do you?

If it was absolutely over, would this issue be returning to committee? It seems as if this issue has returned to committee to answer the question as to "whether the fish farm could really pay back the loan in three years." So, it's safe to say that if Crucian Holdings LLC's lobbyist/attorney is able to prove that the loan will be repaid then the request may ultimately be granted.

But, you are Defenders of the Virgin Islands! And, you're not going to allow them to spend $34 Million dollars of your money to "prop up" this corporation...right?

Here's what we can do...

Get all of your friends to read this blog...in particular this posting, and the previous one on this issue. Through these two postings, everyone will have throrough information on this topic.

Then, call the Senate and let the Committee on Rules & the Judiciary know that you do not want them to approve this deal. Moreover, let them know that you demand they kill this bill. Remind them that this is an election year....

Here are the Senators on this Committee:

• Senator Carlton Dowe (Chair): 340.693.3507
• Senator James Webber III: 340.712.2222
• Senator Shawn-Michael Malone:340.693.3529
• Senator Ussie Richards (Senate President): 340.712.2320
• Senator Carmen Wesselhoft: 340.693.3546
• Senator Celestino White, Sr.: 340.693.3570
• Senator Alvin Williams: 340.693.3517

Call them and make your voices heard! Email your friends and convince them to make their voices heard! If we don't defend our homeland, no one will.

Virgin Islands for the Virgin Islanders...those at home and those abroad!

Why is it so Hard? Are we Incompotent?

September 17 - 23 marks Constitution Week in the United States. The purpose of Constitution Week is to focus on the purpose of the Founding Fathers of America, and the purpose they undertook in establishing a nation and promoting Liberty for All.

Now, we need not argue about the "birth defects" of the Nation. Yet, we should think about the applications for the Virgin Islands and for us as Virgin Islanders.

As President Bush said:

In the summer of 1787, delegates convened in Philadelphia to create "a more perfect Union" and craft the document that is the foundation of our country.

During Constitution Week, we ought to renew (or find) a commitment to the principles of Liberty. Without a Constitution, what is the foundation of the Virgin Islands? And while we argue about who is and who is not a "Native Virgin Islander," we are faced with the question: Does the Virgin Islands really exist? Are any of us Virgin Islanders?

Today, the true Native Virgin Islander no longer exists. All of us are transplants: some by choice, most in chains. And, while we argue our Country - our land - remains unfounded.

Before the US Constitution, the settlers were no more than subjects of the Crown. It was not until drafting the Declaration of Independence that they began the process of becoming American. And, not until drafting the US Constitution did they solidify their standing as Americans.

We have not declared a status. We have not drafted a founding document. So, who are we - really? We have only accepted a status given to us by our modern-day Crown, and capitulated to their prescribed framework for our existence. Can we be anything more than subjects?

Graphically, the "unique idea" of the Constitution is explained thus:

CREATOR

People

Government

But, what is our model in the Virgin Islands? With the Organic Act as the source of our existence, and a US Congressional declaration as to our "unincorporated" status, our model is effectively thus:

CREATOR

Government

People

Is there not something wrong with this?

Yet, here we are: convention #5 and nothing to show for it besides disunity.

Why is it so hard? Am I the only one who thinks this process should not be so complicated? For the remainder of Constitution Week, I hope to hear from you...

Answer the call: Virgin Islands for the Virgin Islanders...those at home and those abroad!