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dateline: UVI February 28, 2006, vol xii, number 2 Events Calendar March 1 Child Protection Act Forum STT/STX March 3 Lecture by DA Prime Minister STX March 3 Class of 2006 Meeting STT March 4 Youth Leadership Forum STX March 5 Afternoon on the Green STT March 7-10 Student Spring Recess STT/STX March 7 Spring Break Get-Away STT March 12-18 Charter Week STT/STX March 14 Randall Robinson Lecture STT/STX March 16 Childhood Obesity Conference STT March 16,17 CLEP Exam STX March 17 MBA Comprehensive Exam STT/STX March 23 CLEP Exam STT March 25 Glen Washington at Reichhold STT The monthly newsletter of The University of the Virgin Islands When newly ap- pointed St. Croix Cam- pus Executive Adminis- trator Dr. Monique Guillory met with the St. Croix campus Physical Plant and Security em- ployees she expected to hear their concerns about UVI, instead they were more concerned about her – asking if she and her family in Louisiana weathered Hurricane Katrina OK. It is that spirit of caring and selflessness, and countless hours of hard work that were rewarded on Feb. 8 when UVI honored its Physical Plant and Security employ- ees. A total of 96 men and women on the St. Croix and St. Thomas campuses were acknowledged at the Recognition Day Ceremony which was videoconferenced between the two campuses. “I’ve seen many campuses across the Caribbean and the United States, but there is none, none, like the St. Croix cam- pus and the St. Thomas campus,” said Vincent Samuel, vice president for Finance and Administration and a long-time UVI ‘You are Appreciated’ UVI Tells Physical Plant & Security Staff employee. In a speech peppered with humor and anecdotes, Samuel spoke of the employ- ees’ integrity. “They’re such dedi- cated employees . . . and such good people,” he said. “There’s no- body that can appreci- ate you all more than I do. As I walk around campus I just admire you.” In her short time at UVI, Dr. Guillory realizes just how much everyone depends on the Physical Plant and Security staff when organizers attempted to plan and set up for the ceremony, and the luncheons that followed, without calling on any of the Physical Plant and Security employees for assis- tance. That proved to be tough. “We realized how much we depend on you,” Dr. Guillory said. “We do call on you and rely on you much more than we realize each day.” At luncheons following the ceremony the Physical Plant and Security employees were given certifi- cates of appreciation. It’s going to have food. It’s going to be fun. And you should be there. The 17th Annual Afternoon on the Green will be held from noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday, March 5, on the UVI St. Tho- mas campus golf course. This year’s theme is “Food, Fun – an Educational Mix – On the Green for 2006.” Afternoon on the Green Committee Chairwoman Gail Steele urges the entire community to attend the event. “It is an opportu- nity to enjoy great food and listen to wonderful local music,” she said. Entertainment will be provided by the Superior Court Ris- ing Stars Steel Orchestra. “Most cooks, whether novices or professionals, love people to enjoy their cooking. Green gives people the opportunity to present their favorite dishes, and for the public to enjoy the cook- ing of our island’s finest chefs,” Steele said. Enjoy a Fun Mix on the Green Sunday Green continued on next page Dina Ryan, right, a custodian in the Physical Plant on the St. Thomas campus poses with her daughter Clara at the Security and Physical Plant Recognition Day Ceremony. Physical Plant and Security employees stand to be recognized. dateline:UVI 2 John Brewer’s Bay St. Thomas, VI 00802 GET CONNECTED TO UVI news, activities and accomplishments at . . . www.uvi.edu dateline:UVI is a production of the UVI Public Relations Office. Contact us by telephone at (340) 693-1056 FAX: (340) 693-1055 GET CONNECTED TO UVI news, activities and accomplishments at . . . www.uvi.edu All food will be categorized as either main dishes, breads, soups, side dishes, seafood, native drinks or desserts. All of the dishes are offered for sampling at $2 a taste. While the event is mainly food driven, there will also be dis- play tables from UVI’s academic divisions along with represen- tatives from UVI’s recruitment office who will accept student applications on site. There will also be an array of children’s activities, including a special attraction by Kids Entertainment Company. Food is the key for Afternoon on the Green and more cooks are needed. To donate a dish call the UVI Institutional Advance- ment Office at 693-1040 and contribute your family’s favorite dish. Green Continued Never mind the back breaking work, lack of sufficient water, and other hard- ships that farmers in the territory face – agriculture was on grand display during President’s Day weekend at the 35th Annual Agriculture and Food fair held on St. Croix. This year the fair, which usually spans three days, was held for four days. And if that wasn’t enough, the opening day ended with a spectacular 15 minute fireworks display over the fair grounds. “This fair is the largest in the Carib- bean,” said V.I. Tourism Commissioner Pamela Richards, who was delighted with this year’s theme “Agriculture and Tourism: A Perfect Mix in 2006.” “Agriculture acts as a catalyst for other things, including tourism,” Richards said at the opening ceremony, listing agriculture-based ini- tiatives that would attract visitors. Those included living history farms. Customers are willing to pay more money for unique products and experi- ences, Richards said. While welcoming the expected 50,000 guests to the fair, Agriculture Commissioner Dr. Lawrence Lewis used his time to advo- cate on the behalf of agriculture. “Many of our farmers seem to be getting older and older,” he said, adding that recruiting young farmers is difficult. Dr. Lewis challenged current and poten- tial politicians to step up their support for agriculture on several fronts: “First of all, to buy additional land for ag- ricultural purposes.” He also called for more money and better infrastructure for agriculture. While the business of agriculture is serious, the opening ceremony took a competitive turn as presenter after presenter made bets on who would win the St. Thomas versus St. Croix Vienna Cake Contest. In the contest held later during the fair, the St. Croix competitors made a sweep, taking first, second and third places. The most coveted awards, farmers of the year, were awarded as follows: Crop Farmer of the Year – Oswald Jackson and Livestock Farm- ers of the Year – Dale and Yvette Browne. Top: Shopkeepers cut, package and weigh cheese in the Old Time Shop at the 35th An- nual Agriculture and Food Fair. Bottom: Senepol cattle from UVI’s Agriculture Experi- ment Station. St. Croix Hosts Largest Ag Fair in the Region