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* UMASS/AMHERST * 312066 0344 201 PRlNGFiELD, MASS. 56 0344 2017 2 ^^^^1 O ^^^^4- y^/ /annual Keport STACK 3 54-. 7^1 V81 THE GOVERNOR OF THE Vir2:in Islands TO THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR For the Fiscal Year EndedJune JO ^ ^957 1957 Annual Report THE GOVERNOR OF THE Virmn Islands TO THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR For the Fiscal Year EndedJune JOy IQ57 STACK 354.72^7 UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR FRED A. SEATON, Secretary VIRGIN ISLANDS Walter A. Gordon, Governor UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE, WASHINGTON, D. C. For sale by the Superintendent of Documents, U. S. Government Printing Office Washington 25, D. C. Price 25 cents Contents Page ADMINISTRATION ITS PROGRESS AND PROBLEMS 1 DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND LABOR 3 DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION 6 DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE 11 DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH 13 DEPARTMENT OF INSULAR AFFAIRS 23 DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY 29 DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS 31 DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL WELFARE 36 DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM AND TRADE 46 SELECTIVE SERVICE OPERATIONS 49 VIRGIN ISLANDS PLANNING BOARD 51 ST. CROIX 52 ST. JOHN _ ^ 5^ m Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2009 with funding from Boston Library Consortium IVIember Libraries http://www.archive.org/details/annualreportofgo1957virg Annual Report of the Governor of the Virgin Islands Walter A. Gordon, Governor ADMINISTRATION—ITS PROGRESS AND PROBLEMS CONDITIONS in all phases of government in the Virgin Islands of the United States showed improvement during fiscal year 1957. Reve- nues amounted to $3,690,539.29, an excess of $736,539.29 over estimates and an increase over fiscal year 1956 of $778,764.21. Principal gains were reflected in income tax, real property tax, customs duties, and trade and excise taxes. Cash balance in the general fund of the Treasury on June 30, 1957, amounted to $1,193,846.32, sufficient to cover all known outstanding obligations at the close of the fiscal year. For the first time in years, it was not necessary to borrow funds to finance the operations for the current fiscal year. For the first time, also, a balance sheet will be prepared giving full information as to the financial status of general fund and Federal appropriations. Esti- mated returns from matching funds for fiscal year 1957 should exceed $3,000,000. Our greatest problem was water shortage in St. Thomas due to an unusually severe drought starting in November 1956 and still continu- ing. Only 27.76 inches of rain fell during fiscal year 1957, which was 20 inches less than the previous year, and 17 inches below the annual average. It was necessary to haul from Puerto Rico to St. Thomas, over 33 million gallons of water by Navy barges, rented commercial barges and our own vessels. Fifty-eight million gallons of potable water were used during the year within the Charlotte Amalie potable water distribution area. The Waterfront Highway in St. Thomas was completed at a cost of approximately $600,000. An extensive highway program in St. Croix 2 -- REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS was started and many roads in the three islands received fair mainte- nance. Two large schools are under construction in St. Croix. The reconstruction of the marine barracks building in St. Thomas was completed for occupancy by the legislature of the Virgin Islands and various governmental agencies. Organization of the medical staffs, as the first step toward accredita- tion, was completed in the two insular hospitals. The polio vaccina- tion program for children of school age attained its peak and an adult polio vaccination program was launched during May of 1957. The Health Department participated in the first Carribbean conference on mental health held at Aruba, N. W. I. The Conunissioner of Health, Dr. Eric L. O'Neal, was named chairman of the committee to draft plans for a Caribbean federation of mental health. The Depart- ment of Health has recommended a plan for a residual spray program for the elimination of the Aedes Aegypti (yellow fever) mosquito in St. Thomas and St. John. Approximately 6,000 children attended public schools and 2,390 were enrolled in private and parochial schools throughout the terri- tory. A board of vocational education was appointed, and the voca- tional rehabilitation program began operation in March 1957. The Bureau of Libraries met requirements for participation in the Federal Library Service program. Through the efforts of the Youth Commis- sion, a Youth Center was opened in Cruz Bay, St. John. In the teacher-training program, 7 courses were offered during the 1956 sum- mer session of the Virgin Islands Experimental College and 3 courses during the school year. Approximatelj^ 753,720 school lunches were served. The Virgin Islands benefited from 1956 congressional acts broaden- ing Federal participation in Virgin Islands Social Welfare assistance programs, providing matching funds for parents of dependent chil- dren, and increasing the annual limitation on overall Federal partici- pation from $160,000 to $200,000. In the principal programs of the Department of Social Welfare, public assistance aided a caseload of 1,925 persons; the child welfare caseload averaged (monthly) 91 chil- dren in foster homes, 42 boys in the Training School, and 350 children receiving casework help. Three institutions for the aged cared for 60 residents. The Department of Public Safety initiated an in-service training program for the men in the Police Division under the direction and supervision of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Two-way radio communication linking the islands of St. Thomas, St. Croix and St. John, and radio-equipped motorized units have been installed. A centralized record bureau, a unified interisland traffic program and REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS -f 5 a unified criminal investigation bureau under the supervision of the Insular Cliief of Detectives is being perfected. Considerable atten- tion has been given to improving the fire-fighting system in the Virgin Islands, with plans being developed for both adequate training of personnel and the acquisition of new equipment. Preliminary statistics on tourist travel indicate a gratifying in- crease in both visitors and total tourist expenditures over the previous year. Air traffic showed a large gain and over 50 cruise ships called here during the winter months. The islands again played host to thousands of servicemen. Six hotel establishments opened or were reactivated during the year. Tourist shops also increased in number and enlargement of present facilities. The Virgin Islands carried out a promotional campaign through newspaper and magazine advertismg and the increased distribution of travel literature. The Department of Agriculture and Labor promoted, assisted and encouraged improvement of relations and services among producers, distributors and consumers of food products ; investigated causes and means of control of animal and plant diseases ; conducted a program for the vaccination of hogs which resulted in the control and near eradi- cation of hog cholera ; started a program for control of Brucelosis in cooperation with the Federal Government ; worked with management and labor to encourage improved relations; heard and ruled on all workmen compensation cases, and enforced safety methods in indus- try as well as enforcing the wage and hour and labor relations laws. Veterans were given assistance in all matters affecting them under the programs and benefits of the Veterans Administration. One development of overriding significance for the future stability and development of the Virgin Islands was the enactment into law on May 16, 1957, of the 5-volume Virgin Islands Code. For the first time in its history, the territory now has all its laws contained within the covers of one comprehensive code. Many uniform State laws have been adopted. This code will take effect as of September 1, 1957. The Government Secretary, the Honorable Charles K. Claunch, re- signed as of May 31, 1957, and that office remained vacant the remain- der of the fiscal year. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND LABOR Agriculture The experiment station on the island of St. Thomas continued to analyze the way in which the small farmers get maximum yields from their food crops. In addition to full-time technical assistance made available, vegetable seeds, insecticides, fungicides, dusts, and a 4 -f REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS number of medicines were sold to the farmers at relatively low costs. A sound and workable agricultural program for the island of St. Croix has been prepared. Through this program, the citizens of the Virgin Islands will derive the maximum benefit from the efforts of our local government in the field of agriculture. Labor ^ During the year just closed, the compensation officers received 416 injury reports. Under this section of the officers' activities, 330 cases were disposed of, involving medical costs or compensation for dis- ability in the various classifications listed hereunder, and issued 502 Orders awarding a total of $48,348.32. There are 86 cases on the dockets pending the submission of additional information. The ad- judication of the cases stated necessitated 543 public hearings, and cases where only minor medical attendance was involved were dis- posed of without formal hearings. A breakdown of the total money value awarded shows; Disability and medical claims Temporary total disability $10, 275. 16 Permanent partial disability 3, 457. 85 Permanent total disability 11, 076. 00 Death compensation 5, 000. 00 Medical attendance and hospitalization 13, 084. 31 Professional and clerical services 5, 455. 00 Total 48, 348. 32 During the course of the fiscal year, the safety inspectors made 1,402 inspections and were instrumental in the dissemination of advice and information regarding safety precautions to employees and em- ployers. There is every indication of the need for the continuity of the safety program until every worker in the field of industrial em- ployment realizes his obligation under the compensation laws, and his relationship to his fellow workers. A number of complaints concerning wages, hours of work, and other conditions affecting employment in the Virgin Islands were filed. Growing out of these complaints, back wages and overtime compensation were collected and paid to workers in the aggregate of $3,463.00. Office of Veterans Affairs Under this section of the Department's activities, the Director of Veterans Affairs processed 2,169 cases. These cases involved educa- REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS ^ 5 tional benefits, medical and dental treatments, unemployment com- pensation, applications for loans, GI insurance plan, disability pen- sion, disability compensation, and several other miscellaneous benefits. Of particular significance is the fact that approximately $129,700 was earned by Virgin Islands veterans in training allowances during the period under discussion. In addition to the handling of these cases, counseling services were provided veterans, their dependents and dependents of men on active duty with the Armed Forces. This office received splendid cooperation from the Veterans Admin- istration, San Juan, P. R., which has direct supervision of all our veterans in the Virgin Islands. Because of the fact that there are no facilities available for edu- cation beyond the senior high school level, the Virgin Islands veteran is placed in a less favorable position than his counterpart who resides within the continental limits of the United States. Since educational benefits, under existing law, are still available to many of our ex- servicemen, it has been recommended that an annual appropriation of at least $1,000 be made available, in order to provide transporta- tion expenses to the continent for those veterans whose opportunity for higher education is hampered by the high cost of transportation to the college or university of their choice. Jol) classification hy industries in the Virgin Islands—1956-51 Number of per- sons employed Wholesale establishments _ 102 Retail establishments 734 Construction 1,491 Newspaper publications 32 Amusements (theaters) 49 Bakeries 58 Transportation (airlines, trucking) 167 Banking ; 69 Communications 24 Hotels and guest houses 1, 016 Shipping 607 Auto repair and service stations 133 Manufacturing 830 Other 140 Total- 5,452 A special job opportunity survey for the Virgin Islands was started during the month of May. It is expected that this project will be completed during fiscal year 1958. Summary of Employment Service activities is as contained in the following table: 457761—58 2 6 > REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS New applications 1, 683 Counseling interviews 413 Employer visits 336 Promotional telephone contacts 730 GATB administered 49 Specific aptitude tests administered Proficiency tests administered 50 Placements (nonagricultural) 2, 809 Professional and clerical 294 Skilled and semiskilled 791 Unskilled 364 Service 972 Day work and casual 388 Placements (agricultural) 17 Claims activities Veterans claims New intrastate claims 102 Total weeks unemployment compensated 1, 685 Total weeks of partial unemployment compensated 48 Total amount of compensation paid $42, 266 Total number of exhaustions 33 Federal employee claims Total U. 0. F. E. claims 6 Total weeks unemployment compensated 58 Total weeks of partial unemployment Total amount of compensation paid $1, 465 Total number of exhaustions 2 DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION General Information Education is compulsory for all children between the ages of 51^ and 15. In the 3 islands there were 28 public schools in 1957, con- sisting of 5 kindergartens, 13 rural schools, 7 city elemental^ schools, 1 junior high school and 2 junior-senior high schools. Total enroll- ment in public schools was 6,192. The per capita cost (exclusive of school lunches, adult education, capital outlay, community services) was $137.30. The department received the sum of $1,048,500 from the general fund and $17,500 from other funds for its operations dur- ing the fiscal year. Total enrollment for 7 parochial schools was 2,032 and for 5 private schools 380. Eleven teachers were granted leave to continue their studies toward the bachelor's degree, and 2 toward the master's degree. Tests of mental maturity were administered to all grades in St. Thomas and to grades 1 to 3 in St. Croix. It is anticipated that this program will be completed during 1957-58 and results made available to teachers. REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS ^ 7 Schools participated in sucii community activities as Red Cross and Community Chest drives, carnival, transfer day, and Christmas cele- brations. In addition, special days and weeks were observed with appropriate programs. Of particular interest were school contribu- tions to better breakfast month, art exhibit at the St. Thomas Public Librar}' during May and June, mural of carnival parade which was v'-ent to Miss Gail Symon at the Silvermine Guild School of Art, and two musical programs which demonstrated pupil achievement, the results of teaching and cooperative effort. Parochial and private schools participated in many of these activities. At Christmas, the Continental Society for Virgin Islands Children made their usual contribution of gifts and candy to elementary schools and kindergartens. A workshop for all kindergarten teachers was carried on every Monday afternoon from September through December. This year for the first time a number readiness test was given to the kinder- garten children who were expected to enter the first grade in Septem- ber. This was a teacher-made test which covered most of the con- cepts with which we would expect the children to be familiar. The usual reading readiness test was administered. Results of both tests will be sent to the elementary schools. The renovation of school building-s in St. Thomas was planned and progress was made in the construction of two schools in St. Croix. Rural schools in St. Croix maintained school gardens and were ac- tive in 4-H Clubs. Through planned assembly programs, principals of many schools gave instruction and practice in desirable attitudes which are necessary to everyday living. The PTA of the Charlotte Amalie High School presented a Ham- mond organ to the school for use in the auditorium. Vocational rehabilitation became a functioning program during March 1957. Federal personnel, including the Director of the United States Office, the regional consultant, and a special consultant assigned to the Virgin Islands from April to May, gave much-needed assistance in getting this program started in a satisfactory manner. There were several vacancies in the Vocational Education Division. Definite progress was made in distributive education by the establish- ment of a laboratory and an evening class ; a plan for practical nurs- ing was submitted to the Board for Vocational Education; in addi- tion to the regular instructional program evening classes were offered in home economics ; trades and industrial students gained experiences by working on projects for Government agencies; the gaiidance coun- selor was responsible for successful career days and hobby exhibits ; 8 -f REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS agriculture was not offered in St. Croix this year because of our ina- bility to obtain an instructor. Messrs. Howard Jackson, Carl Tranum, Leopold Broome, Ove Olsen, Paul Joseph, and Mrs. Edith Bond were appointed by Gov- ernor Gordon in December 1956 to the Board for Vocational Educa- tion. This action enabled the Virgin Islands to qualify for the Fed- eral contribution. The annual convention of the Virgin Islands Vocational Associa* tion was held in St. Croix on May 24 to 25. The libraries have continued to develop. Of the book additions recorded for 1956-57 the St. Thomas Public Library had the largest number—717 volumes, of which 495 were gifts and 222 were pur- chases. The same proportion of additions were gifts in the 2 public libraries of St. Croix. Reorganization has reinstated a centralized library system in which the St. Thomas public library is again the center from which all activities are planned and effected. With unification came also expansion, not only for the reason of the planned extension of library service to rural areas, but also at headquarters so that the bulk of processing, organizing, and housing of material can be efficiently han- dled and made ready for distribution. The Insular Bureau of Recreation under the Department of Edu- cation commenced its 1956-57 program of activities with a 7-team Little League Baseball League which began in August and ended in September. In St. Thomas a full schedule of sport activities was conducted through the year. Shortly after the summer program a Softball and volleyball tournament for men was conducted. Tliese tournaments lasted from September to November. At the close of these seasons a basketball season started and ended in March. By reorganization of the business section and the addition of an audit clerk, a more orderly procedure was achieved in the processing of accounts so that by June, bills pending from previous fiscal years were paid and current bills were being scheduled for payment with greater rapidity. School lunch operations were improved by the establishment of a chillroom in St. Croix and the reorganization of the warehouse in St. Thomas. REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS > V Miscellaneous data Number of schools Public (including kindergartens) 28 Parochial , 7 Private 5 Total — 40 School enrollment (June 1957) : Public 6, 192 Parochial , 2, 032 Private 380. Total 8, 604 Public school enrollment Kindergarten 3214 Grades 1 through 6 :_ 8,981 Grades 7 through 9 1, 23a Grades 10 through 12 613 Ungraded ; 41 Total 6, 192 Average pupils per classroom teacher Rural elementary . 34 Urban elementary . 40 High school . 28 Average salary of teachers in public schools : Elementary $2, 569. 27 High school (academic) $3, 705. 65 Teacher training (exclusive of vocational) : College graduates 59 Normal school (2 years or more) 31 Less than 2 years college 73 Other , « 171 Source.of funds General fund _ — _— _ _ $1^ 043, 500 Lottery fund 17^ 5O0 Federal contributions to School lunch 35^ 85g Vocational education 20 000 Vocational rehabilitation q^ g82 Total funds available ^1^ 128 538 10 -f REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS Total obligations and expenditures Insular funds $1, 047, 465. 75 Federal funds 59, 788. 61 $1, 107, 254. 36 Expenditure per pupil exclusive of school lunch, adult education and community services $137. 30 Aid to college students $8, 500. 00 Average daily participation in school lunch program 1956-1957 4, 693 Number of meals served 836, 777 Note.—No figures are available on the value of school lunch commodities donated by the U. S. Department of Agriculture, therefore the cost per pupil participating in school Juncb could not be stated this year. Average cost per pupil {19^7 to 1957 inclusive) Year Totals 1956-57 '$137. 30 1955-56 ^ 141. 00 1954.-55 — ' 117. 86 1953-54 — 105. 12 1952-53 100. 44 1951-52 102. 15 1950-51 , 69. 67 1949-50 74. 66 1948-49 89. 51 1947-48 95. 46 1946-47 79. 46 1 These figures are for the entire Virgin Islands. Figures for other years are for the municipality of St. Thomas and St. John. Average monthly salaries of teachers according to certification and assignment St. Thomas and St. John College standard $313. 57 Normal standard 224. 15 High school standard 165. 69 Special service 254. 61 Special teacher Class A 294. 87 Second class 143. 08 Elementary and kindergarten teachers 200. 38 High school teachers 285. 48 Supervisors 385.90 Average salary per teacher .^—.r< 229. 22 REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS -- 11 Average monthly salaries of teachers according to certification and assignment— St. Croix Salary per Certification and assignment month Master's degree $377. 29 College 4-year 307. 43 College 3-year . 263. 54 College 2-year 219. 65 College 1-year . 184. 52 Special service 122. 50 High school graduate 161. 76 Average salary per teacher by years—Virgin Islands Dollars Years per month 1956-57 '$256. 29 1955-56 '235.11 1954-55 ' 189. 47 1953-54 171. 77 1952-53 163. 73 1951-52 127. 08 1950-51 127. 98 1949-50 123. 62 1948-49 105. 97 1947^8 100. 73 1946-^7 116. 23 1 These figures are for the entire "Virgin Islands. Figures for other years are for the municipality of St. Thomas and St. John. DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE There was a marked improvement in the functioning of the Depart- ment during the fiscal year 1957. Deficiencies reported in the audit report of the General Accounting Office for the fiscal year 1956 have been corrected and recommendations carried out insofar as has been practicable to do so. Adequate records have been, and are being established to provide effective control over and accountability for all funds, property, and other assets of the Government, and to carry out the requirements of section 18 of the Revised Organic Act which provides for a full dis- closure of the financial results of the Government's fiscal activities. Special attention was given to the in-service training of personnel of the Department, and the morale, and performance, of personnel during the fiscal year were maintained at a high level. Relationship with the general public, the departments, agencies and activities of the insular and the Federal Governments was maintained favorably through the year. New high levels were reached in Government income during the fiscal year 1957. Increased returns were reflected in nearly all revenue 12 ^ REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS items. Despite the effects of a 2-month tax holiday on business, tax revenues collected during fiscal year 1957 exceeded similar collections in the previous fiscal year by 26.56 percent, or $773,309.38. Principal sources of revenues and receipts were (a) taxes, (h) cus- toms duties, (c) income from Government operations and services, and (d) the Federal Government's matching fund contributions. Taxes amounting to $3,422,925.97 contributed the major share or 92.89 percent of revenues to the general fund of the Treasury of the Virgin Islands, the fund to which all revenues collected in the Virgin Islands are deposited, and the basis for the matching funds con- tributed by the Federal Government. In the field of tax revenues, the income tax accounted for $1,863,- 494.09, or 54.44 percent of all taxes collected. Taxes on business either direct or indirect, accounted for $1,068,799.60 or 31.22 percent ; customs duties, $222,000 or 6.49 percent; and real property taxes, $268,632.28 or 7.85 percent. Revenues from Government Services or Operations amounted to $262,158.49 or 7.11 percent of all revenues. Contributions of matching funds by the Federal Government for fiscal year 1957, based on fiscal year 1956 net revenues as approved by the Comptroller of the Virgin Islands, amounted to $2,469,426.17. Contributions of matching funds by the Federal Government for fiscal year 1958, based on the current fiscal year's (1957) net revenues as certified by the Comptroller of the Virgin Islands, will amount to $3,379,133.21, an increase of $909,707.04 or 36.84 percent over that of fiscal year 1956. During the fiscal year 1957, the Federal Government's contribution to grant-in-aid programs and other programs in which the Federal Government participates amounted to $563,381.56. As at June 30, 1957, the cash account of the general fund showed a cash surplus of $1,029,109.31 over known obligations of $164,737.01 outstanding at the close of the fiscal year. This is the first time in years that there has been sufficient monies in the general fund Treasury to finance the operations of the fund at the beginning of a fiscal year without recourse to deficit financing. Cash balances in the Federal appropriation matching single i (i) funds, the Federal appropriation essential public projects, triple i (iii) funds, and the various other special and nonbudgetary funds, also showed cash surpluses. All obligations incurred and expenditures made by the various de- partments, agencies, and activities of the Government during fiscal year 1957 were within the limits authorized and allotted, and no over- REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS ^ 13 obligation or overexpenditure of funds were made by any department, agency, or activity of the Government. Of the total amount of $4,738,209.95 expended from the general fund and the Federal appropriation single i (i) matching fund, $4,489,- 859.72 or 94.76 percent represented operating expenses of the various departments, agencies, and activities of the Government, and $248,- 350.23 or 5.24 percent represented overall general expenses of the Government as a whole. Of the amount of $4,489,859.72 expended for operating expenses, $1,202,443.57 or 26.78 percent was spent for health services; $992,- 328.83 or 22.10 percent for education; $800,652.25 or 17.84 percent for public works other than essential public projects ; $337,292.22 or 7.51 percent for public safety ; $385,670.09 or 8.59 percent for welfare services; $58,748.96 or 1.31 percent for the legislature; $56,226.66 or 1.25 percent for tourism ; and $656,497.04 or 14.62 percent for the other administrative and executive agencies of the Government. Expendi- tures for essential public projects during the fiscal year 1957 amounted to $1,887,666.68. As of June 30, 1957, the close of the fiscal year 1957, there were unliquidated encumbrances outstanding (obligations incurred during the fiscal year 1957 to be liquidated and paid during fiscal year 1958) totalling $892,797.37 and distributed as follows General fund $162,825. 91 Federal appropriation matching single i (i) fund 125,235.25 Federal appropriation essential public projects triple i (iii) fund 604, 736. 21 DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH The Health Department completed its second year as an integrated insular unit, created by Executive Order 9. Despite the many problems which have arisen from time to time as a result of integration, involving lines of administrative responsibility and authority, personnel policies and relationships, the Virgin Islands hold the unique position of being the first and possibly the only area under the United States flag where medical care, hospital services and public health services are integrated. Although only in its infancy, the experiment is proving successful, and could well form the pattern for other areas desirous of achieving integration. The second quarter of fiscal 1957 witnessed a change in the Office of the Commissioner of Health due to the resignation of the former incumbent. On October 3, 1957, the new Commissioner of Health took the oath of office and proceeded to evaluate the administrative 457761—58 3 14 -f REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS organization of the Department as presented under Executive Order 9. A.n executive officer was appointed in order to relieve the Commis- sioner of most of the details of administration. During the fourth quarter a reconnaissance management survey of the Health Department was conducted by a team of experts from the Central Office of the United States Public Health Service. The report of their findings and recommendations should provide a basis for reorganizing the Health Department. It is strongly recommended that the present fee schedule be com- pletely revamped, as it is in many cases too generalized and charges are out of line. Personnel functions within the Department have improved con- siderably during this period. Progress has been made, and there now exists better means of communication between the areas in the medical care program and the unit which coordinates personnel action within the Department. Bureau of Vital Records and Statistical Services The Virgin Islands was one of 29 States and 4 territories to be admitted as charter members of the marriage registration area, estab- lished by the United States Public Health Service on January 1, 1957. The marriage registration area system will provide uniform data on more than half of the marriages that occur in the nation and ad- ditional States will be added as the requirements for inclusion in the marriage registration are met. The information obtainable from the marriage registration area is needed for community planning and many other purposes. In 1956 the birth rate continued its upward trend with 971 live births and a birth rate of 32.3 per 1,000 estimated population as compared with 813 live births with a rate of 30.8 in 1955. For St. Croix the 1956 figures are 457 live births and a birth rate of 33.7; for St. Thomas they are 497 live births and a rate of 31.7. Of live births to St. John mothers, 9 occurred in St. Thomas but were credited to St. John, giving that island 17 live births and a birth rate of 21. In St. Croix 88.2 percent of all live births occurred in hospitals. The corresponding figure for St. Thomas is 99.4 percent. The upward trend in the death rate continued, there being 357 deaths with a rate of 11.9 per 1,000 estimated population in 1956. In 1955 there were 318 deaths with a rate of 10.7. The death rate has increased steadily since 1953, when we had our lowest recorded death rate of 9.8. The increase in the death rate occurred in all REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS ^ 15 islands. In St. Croix there was an increase from 183 deaths and a rate of 13.7 in 1955 to 201 deaths and a rate of 14.8 in 1956. In St. Thomas the increase was from 134 deaths and a rate of 8.7 in 1955 to 151 deaths and a rate of 9.6 in 1956. Deaths of St. John residents totaled 5 for a rate of 6.9. The leading: causes of death were Percent of all deaths Diseases of the heart Vascular lesions affecting central nervous system Certain diseases of early infancy Malignant neoplasms Accidents, poisonings and violence Number 16 -- REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS Though there was a slight improvement over 1955, the foetal death figures are still discouraging. In 1956 there were 37 foetal deaths and a rate of 38.1 per 1,000 live births, while in 1955 there were 39 and a rate of 42.5. The figures for St. Croix are 21 foetal deaths with a rate of 46, and for St. Thomas 16 with a rate of 32.2. The 297 marriages in 1956 constituted an appreciable increase over the 1955 figure of 223 marriages. The number of divorces also in- creased from 103 in 1955 to 129 in 1956. Of the marriages dissolved 65, or 50.4 percent, had been performed in the Virgin Islands. Population estimates as of July 1, 1956, are based upon natural in- crease with a slight adjustment for migration. For the Virgin Is- lands the estimate is 30,061 ; for St. Croix 13,557 ; for St. John 809 ; for St. Thomas 15,695. Summary of vital statistics, Virgin Islands and each Island, 1956 [Birth and death rates per 1,000 population. Infant and neonatal death rates and foetal death rates per 1,000 live births] REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS ^ 17 cal Care, was occupied successively by three different persons includ- ing the incumbent. The Medical Care Division's policy of maintaining a certain stand- ard of care and constantly attempting- to improve quality of service was formally recognized by adopting as its goal the attainment of at least the minimum requirements of the Joint Commission on Hospital Accreditation. This program has as its ultimate objective, accredita- tion of the two major medical institutions in the Virgin Islands. Great impetus was given to the implementation of that policy in the formal organization of the medical staffs of the Knud-Hansen Me- morial Hospital and the Charles Harwood Memorial Hospital, St. Thomas and St. Croix respectively, according to a pattern approved by the Joint Commission on Hospital Accreditation. That organi- zation attained recognized status by approval of the bylaws and rules and regulations of the Medical Staff by the Governor. The immedi- ate functioning of the vital committees of the medical staffs and the amount of work produced by those committees in the short time dur- ing which they have been functioning demonstrates the validity and effectiveness of such organization. The work of the Credentials Com- mittee in ascertaining professional qualifications of proposed new members of the staffs and determination of hospital privileges of all staff members according to proven ability, training and experience, is proving to be of incalculable value both to the efficiency of the Medi- cal Care program and to the protection of public welfare. St, Croix The medical director of the Charles Harwood Memorial Hospital returned in April from a full year of postgraduate work in cardiol- ogy at the Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Md. He has now attained board eligibility in the fields of internal medicine and cardiology. The medical staff of the Charles Harwood Memorial Hospital was formally organized according to a pattern approved by the Joint Commission on Hospital Accreditation. Six nurses received on-the-spot training in nurse-midwifery and qualified as nurse-midwives. This program was conducted under the auspices of the Maternal and Child Health Services—Division of Special Health Services. Special credit is due to the Chief of the Division of Special Health Services, the insular obstetrician, the nurse-midwifery consultant for the State of Arkansas, and the nursing educator for St. Thomas. Regrettably, the general nursing shortage precluded any immediate and exclusive assignment of these newly trained nurses to the mid- 18 -- REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS wifery program, despite the realization that their newly acquired skills needed to be preserved. This situation has, however, been ameliorated. The position of Public Health nursing supervisor was filled after liaving been vacant since the Spring of 1955. A Public Health nurse was also taken on and placed in charge of the Frederiksted District. The general health of the island of St. Croix during the past year has been satisfactory. There has been only one epidemic during that time. To a small degree early in the year and to a greater extent beginning in April, diarrhea affecting all age groups, but particularly infants and young children, was noted. Fifty-three cases were ad- mitted to the hospital and 3 died. All 3 deaths were in debilitated infants under 3 months of age and in 1 case a premature. The causative organism identified by stool culture was determined to be a pathogenic strain of Escherichia coli. In all probability the pro- longed drought with consequent draining of cisterns and using liter- ally the dregs and muck together with wholesale buying of water from questionable sources accounted in large measure for this out- break. Similar episodes of diarrhea had been noted whenever there was prolonged dry weather—and this year the dry weather was ex- tremely severe. At any rate with the coming of the first significant rain the epidemic subsided. There has been no increase in the incidence of filariasis noted de- spite the importation of laborers from regions where filariasis is endemic. Pulmonary tuberculosis has shown no increase in incidence. One new case of Hansen's disease was discovered and admitted to the Hansen's Home. King's Hill Home The King's Hill Home has benefited during the past year. As- phalt tile floors were laid, the walls were painted and the courtyard paved. These improve the appearance of the home greatly and made it considerably easier to maintain in a clean condition. Hansen's Home Because of the unsatisfactory conditions at the Hansen's Home in St. Croix, efforts were made to have all or some of the patients trans- ferred to the United States Public Health Service hospital in Car- ville. La. The Carville Hospital, however, is now accepting only those patients requiring restorative therapy. If the social stigma which still attaches to this disease could be ameliorated, it would be possible to return arrested cases to the com- REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS -f 19 munity. Similarly, the active cases requiring periodic treatment could perhaps be treated, as in the States, without being isolated in a special public institution. If progress in this direction cannot be made in the next year, steps will have to be taken to provide more suitable housing for the patients. St. John The position of nurse-midwife for the Calabash Boom Clinic was filled after having been vacant for 18 months. A nurse aide vacancy also was filled. In spite of these improvements, there is still a shortage of nursing personnel in St. John. Nursing service is not available during the night for patients who might be kept overnight in either of the clinics. It is hoped that adequate nursing coverage will be pro- vided during the ensuing fiscal year. Two new jeeps have been added to the service in order to solve the perplexing transportation problem. One of these vehicles was donated by Mr. Laurance Rockefeller for use of the doctor stationed at Cruz Bay. The equipment which was donated by Mr. Rockefeller for the Morris F. de Castro Clinic arrived during the year and is being used to good advantage. St. Thomas The Knud-Hansen Memorial Hospital, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, is one of the medical institutions operated tinder the Division of Medi- cal Care program. This institution which is the largest of those operating in the Virgin Islands, functions as a health center combin- ing the activities of a general hospital providing care to acutely ill as well as chronically ill patients and the activities of an active public health center offering preventive health services to the community at large. Knud-Hansen Hospital provides in-patient services for residents of both St. Thomas and St. John in all categories as well as hospitalization for both neuropsychiatric and tuberculosis patients from St. Croix, St. Thomas, and St. John. Originally designed to accommodate 116 beds for adults and 20 bassinets, the hospital actually has 125 beds for adults and children in addition to the 20 bassinets. The extra beds are to be found in the Pediatric Service, where the original plan of accommodating 18 children had to be revised to accommodate 26 patients. Knud-Hansen Hospital has a total staff of 137 persons, including 10 full-time salaried physicians and specialists; 25 registered graduate 20 -f REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS nurses and nurse midwives and 16 practical nurses. One hundred and thirty-three positions are permanent, 1 is temporary and 3 are emergency provisional in status. It is hoped that once the position of Chief of Medical Care is definitely established, there will evolve a Division of Medical Care Program based on services rendered within medical institutions and that such a program will clearly delineate the responsibilities, activi- ties, and functions of hospitals and their relationship to other health services. Medical Staff The organization of the medical staff was truly the achievement of the fiscal year. A formally organized medical staff established accord- ing to the standards set forth by the Joint Commission on Accredita- tion of Hospitals, had long been needed. A formulary has been prepared by the Pharmacy Committee and suggested pharmacy policies were drafted for the members' study and action. The Credentials Committee has been actively engaged in screening the credentials of physicians who applied for positions in the Health Department, as well as in reviewing the credentials of members currently on the staff in order to determine their qualifica- tions for privileges. Following the resignation of the previous Commissioner of Health and Chief of Surgery, the present Commissioner has also had to serve as Chief of Surgery without an additional surgeon on the staff. The position of Acting Chief of Medical Care was occupied successively by three different persons, including the present incumbent. In October, the services of a well-qualified and board-certified ophthalmologist was added to our staff. Nursing During 1957 the hospital faced the problem of an acute nursing shortage. This problem, which is a very real one, Avill require positive action for its solution. Various recommendations have been made from time to time: (1) the establishment of a nursing school in the Virgin Islands to be set up at Knud-Hansen Hospital; (2) the es- tablishment of a practical nurse training program under the auspices of vocational education; (3) the active recruitment and employment of trained nurses from abroad; (4) affiliating with a recognized training program in Puerto Eico; (5) exploring the Columbia Uni- versity sponsored 2-year college training program; (6) Government scholarships for high-school graduates. REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS -- 21 One objective for 1958 is to have a study of the nursing care pres- ently given to patients, such study to show the actual number of hours of nursing care per patient and to evaluate such care given against acceptable standards. Dietary Service A dietary committee comprised of the nutritionist, director of nursing service, kitchen manager, food service supervisor, fiscal officer and hospital administrator was formed. The members of this com- mittee have worked together to solve problems related to the dietary service and its relationship to nursing and administration. Insect Control The entire town of Charlotte Amalie is fogged on the average of twice a month with 5 percent DDT dissolved in fuel oil. It is hoped that in addition to reducing the population of the adult pest mosquito, this program will also reduce the incidence of Aedes Aegypti, the vector of dengue and yellow fever. A recent spot check of properties made with the Aegypti medical officer, field office for the Caribbean, indicates 100-percent infestation in St. Thomas. This mosquito is a potential menace that must be eliminated. Water Pollution Control Beaches and swimming areas in the Virgin Islands are free of pollution, since no domestic sewers discharge into these areas. The same thing camiot be said of the harbors of Charlotte Amalie and Christiansted. The harbor of Charlotte Amalie is presently being polluted from these sources 1. Bypasses on the interceptor along the waterfront which operate whenever the lift station cannot handle the load. 2. The sewer line from Bluebeard Castle Hotel which discharges into the Long Bay area. This sewer should be connected to the muni- cipal sewer on the Beltjen Road. 3. The open storm drains which are in reality open sewers running through the town to the sea. The harbor of Christiansted is being polluted mainly by rum dis- tillery operations. Pollution to a lesser degree is contributed by the open storm drains, the slaughterhouse at Gallows Bay, and the night- soil dump. 457761—58 4 22 -f REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS Notifiable diseases reported, July 1956-June 1957 Diseases St. Croix St. Thomas and St. John Total Virgin Islands Ascariasis Chancroid Dysentery, amoebic Dysentery, baciUary Gonorrhea --- Leprosy Meningococcus meningitis. Strongyloidosis Syphilis Trachoma. Trichuriasis Tuberculosis Typhoid fever IJnctnariasis Whooping cough 74 6 7 31 1 1 9 «162 327 2 1 4 2 115 101 2 14 40 67 2 2 9 228 2 442 8 2 7 2 « Of the 162 positive cases reported by St. Croix, 76 were among imported cane cutters. Statement of appropriations and/or allocations of the Vir{fin Islands Department of Health for the fiscal period July 1, 1956, to June 30, 1957 Source REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS -f 23 Virgin Islands Department of Health subsidiary accounts breakdown of hospital revenues, July 1, 1956, to June 30, 1957 Section or service Account No. St Thomas and St. John St. Croix Total Percent of gross revenues Percent of accounts receivable Room and board Operations Dental services Outside calls: Doctors Post partum Dni^s and medicines Physiotherapy X-ray services Ambulance service Laboratory fees Examinations All other Gross revenues earned Free services Net charges to aceoimts receiv- able Aceoimts receivable • -. Total collections Balance at end of fiscal year 1957. 7703 7704 7705 7706 7707 7708 7709 7710 7711 7712 7713 7714 770 7702 205 205 $109, 806. 00 12, 577. 00 6, 334. 20 3.00 6.00 36, 905. 05 3, 350. 00 13, 851. 00 96.00 24, 575. 60 17, 812. 50 10, 392. 89 235, 709. 24 187, 872. 59 47, 836. 65 (47, 836. 65) 40, 921. 12 6, 915. 53 $188, 400. 50 10, 940. 00 4,339.00 19, 131. 52 36. 50 7, 978. 85 1,164.00 12, 260. 20 7, 465. 00 21, 410. 50 273, 126. 07 225, 771. 50 47, 354. 57 (47, 354. 57) 26,311.37 21,043.20 $298, 206. 50 23, 517. 00 10, 673. 20 3.00 6.00 56, 036. 57 3, 386. 50 21,829.85 1,260.00 36, 835. 80 25, 277. 50 31, 803. 39 508, 835. 31 413, 644. 09 95, 191. 22 (95, 191. 22) 67, 232. 49 27, 958. 73 58.6 4.6 2.1 11 .7 4.3 .2 7.2 5 6.3 100 81.3 18.7 13.2 5.5 70.6 29.4 1 Fiscal year 1957, only. DEPARTMENT OF INSULAR AFFAIRS Division of Procurement and Supply The Procurement Section of the Department of Insular Affairs, Division of Procurement and Supply is responsible for the purchase of every type of merchandise used by the Government of the Virgin Islands. During the fiscal year 1957, the central warehouse maintained its steady growth, especially in assistance rendered to various depart- ments, in supplying from stock many items at prices below the current market prices in St. Thomas and in St. Croix. Service in St. Croix was greatly improved during the fiscal year. Inventory at the close of business June 30, 1957, amounted to $11,941.82. Total of stores requisitions processed during the fiscal year 1957 amounted to $38,492.07. Total expenditures during the same period amounted to $36,796.73. Division of Personnel May 26, 1957, marked the 10th anniversary of the Division of Per- sonnel. Although the law establishing the agency became effective on December 16, 1946, it was not until 6 months later that the agency was activated. A personnel office, because it affects individual salaries and classi- fications, is always under public scrutiny. There are always problems 24 4^ REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS to be solyed and improvements to be m^d© if tl\e nierit system is. to grow, to be effective, and to serve its purpose. The number of permanent positions in the Government Service have increased over the past 5 years. In 1953 there were 1,151; in 1957 there were 1,617—an increase of 40.5 percent. To do an effective job in processing all required transactions has demanded a heighten- ing of activities within the Division. A request has been made for an increase in staff which is being considered by the Administration. Government Employees Service Commission The Government Employees Service Commission held hearings of five appeals covering dismissal, demotion, and layoff. The recom- mendations of the Board were sustained by the Governor in 2 cases; 2 were reversed ; 1 is still pending. The Governor, upon the recom- mendation of the Government Employees Service Commission, re- quested all supervisory personnel to become familiar with the per- sonnel rules and regulations and the basic merit system law. Retirement Funds Retirement matters are still being handled by the Division of Per- sonnel. This includes (1) monthly and bimonthly payments to pen- sioners and annuitants, (2) processing of annuities to persons having rights under the respective retirement laws, and (3) processing of loans to persons having right to borrow. A new retirement law was prepared by the Public Administration Service, revised as directed, and presented to the legislature for con- sideration. It is anticipated that with further revision, a new law will be presented at the next session of the legislature. During fiscal year, 1957, 165 loans, totaling $21,435, were made from the St. Thomas retirement fund to employees having rights thereunder. Similarly, 63 loans, totaling $8,645, were made from the St. Croix retirement fund. Other Matters Social security matters are also handled within the Division of Per- sonnel. This involves particularly the (1) transmittal of all quar- terly reports to the Social Security Administration, (2) the review of outstanding social security numbers and the required followup, (3) the reporting on persons applying for benefits and who were or are employed by the Government of the Virgin Islands. REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS -f 25 Real Property Assessment Assessments of values of all property in the Virgin Islands for the calendar year 1956 were made during the period January 1957 to April 1957, and totaled $24,102,136.47. Of this amount, $3,265,208.87 represent tax-exempt property valuations. Total assessed real property taxes which will be collectible during fiscal year 1958 amount to $266,023.46. This represents an increase of $7,926.90 over the previous year's yield from real property taxes, the smallest recorded increase in real property taxes annually for many years, and in remarkably sharp contrast to the increase of $43,067.04 in fiscal year 1956. Virgin Islands Land Division The origin of the Virgin Islands Land Division goes back to the establisliment, in 1942, of the Homestead Commission for the munici- pality of St. Thomas and St. John. The Commission was charged with the responsibility for administering a homestead program in order to encourage the production of foodstuffs and vegetables in the islands. In 1945, the Home Loan Committee was created with the responsibility for administering a program designed to enable per- sons to borrow sums not in excess of $2,000 for the construction of homes. In the same year legislation was passed creating the Native Industry and Small Business Loan Committee. This committee ad- ministered a loan program which provided assistance to natives who wished to establish small business enterprises. The ordinances creat- ing the Natives Industries and Small Business Loan Committee and the Home Loan Committee were repealed in 1947 and the rsponsibility for exercising and administering their functions was vested in the Homestead Commission. The Homestead Commission of the munici- pality of St. Thomas and St. John continued to function until it was abolished by law in 1953, at which time the Municipal Land Authority was created. The Virgin Islands Land Authority was created by Executive Or- der 1, promulgated January 10, 1955, within the Department of Insu- lar Affairs. Simultaneous with its creation the same order abolished the then Municipal Land Authority of St. Thomas and St. John and the Homestead Commission for the municipality of St. Croix. Execu- tive Order 9, on the reorganization of the executive branch, promul- gated July 21, 1955, affected the status of the Land Authority in that in this order no mention was made of this agency. However, the lan- guage of the order with respect to those units within the Department of Insular Affairs was so written as to permit for conflicts in inter- 26 -f REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS pretation as to their true status. This matter was formally resolved by Executive action in May 1956. At that time the Governor estab- lished the Virgin Islands Land Division vrithin the Department of Insular Affairs with the responsibility for exercising and administer- ing all of the functions and duties heretofore the responsibility of its predecessors. Functions The functions of the Land Division include, but are not limited to the following (a) The acquisition, management and disposition of lands for home- steading within the Virgin Islands ; ( & ) The making of loans for the construction of housing (individual ownership) under all sections of the National Housing Act, as amended, in accordance with established procedures governing the filing and processing of applications, making of loans, and mortgaging of property ( as FHA mortgagee's) (c) The administration of a local home loan program involving construction loans to individuals not in excess of $4,000 and (d) The administration, collection, enforcement and liquidation of all funds, outstanding loans, agreements and obligations formerly covered under the Native Industries fund, the Home Loan fund and the St, Thomas and St. John's Homestead fund. (e) The preparation, control, maintenance and charge of the rec- ords and inventory of all real property, land and buildings of the Government of the Virgin Islands. (/) The preparation, control, maintenance and charge of the rec- ords and inventory of all real property, land and buildings, of the Fed- eral Government occupied or leased by the Government of the Virgin Islands. In order to promote and carry out the Land and Home develop- ment program, the Governor has been authorized to borrow, for and on behalf of the agency, sums not exceeding $150,000, from the public and trust funds. The loans made are repayable in full within a pe- riod of not to exceed 10 years and bear interest at the rate of 2 percent. In addition, the legislature has, from time to time, as a part of the annual appropriation budgets, and in separate money bills, made con- tributions to the agency to take care of its expenses, including the cost of land surveys, land subdivisions, and other related activities not inconsistent with program purposes, viz : special land purchases. With the creation of the Municipal Land Authority in 1953 there was also created a fund to be known as the "Homestead and Home REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS ^ 27 lx)an Fund." This is now an Enterprise and Revolving account (symbol X 1 14). All receipts of the agency are deposited in this account and the disbursements for home loans or for the purchase of land by the agency are also made from this fund. The Homestead Program The land and home development program administered by the Land Division encompasses the entire insular community. The Division, in the administration of the program, has as its stated purposes, "the taking of vigorous and immediate action to assist in the creation of new land owners, the utilization of land for the best public benefit under efficient and economic production plans, provide the means for resident families to acquire parcels of land on which to build their homes, and provide for the most efficient and economic enjoyment of land by the people of the Virgin Islands." Lands acquired by the Division for these purposes, through legislative and executive action or through purchase, cession, transfer, exchange, lease, inheritance, or donation, have been declared to be a public use. "Homestead" means a plot or plots of land improved by the building of a house or houses thereon and the production of livestock, agricultural and/or dairy products, or improvement of the land by the production of livestock, agricultural and/or dairy products alone; or plots for the building of private homes. Marked interest has been shown by veterans of World "War II and other residents of St. Croix in the contemplated disposition of lands at Estate Anna's Hope situated just outside the limits of the town of Christiansted, St. Croix. In this connection, the Division, with the assistance of the Federal Housing Administration, and in collabora- tion with the Office of Veteran's Affairs, Department of Agriculture and Labor, has continued to work assiduously to get the land sur- veyed and subdivided and into the hands of the veterans in order that they may avail themselves of construction loans from the Vet- erans Administration. The Public Works Department, St. Croix, has been doing the required work under force account arrangements. In addition, the Division has continued to handle any number of inquiries and referrals, with respect to the Insular homesteading program, from persons residing within the continental United States, and from the Territories and Canada. With the survey and subdivision of Estate Bordeaux and the upper portion of Estate Anna's Fancy in St. Thomas, this program will gain further impetus. It cannot be stated too emphatically that it is vitally important that these lands which are presently nonincome producing be made to produce income. 28 -f REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS The Home Loan Program The Land Division is charged with the responsibility of admin- istering a program having as its purpose the making of loans to qualified applicants for home construction. Under the program the Division may (1) make loans not in excess of $4,000 to any one person or family residing in the same house, provided that no loan shall exceed 75 percent of the estimated value of the property after construction, and (2) make loans for housing in accordance with the regulations of the Federal Housing Commissioner for Mutual Mortgage Insurance under all sections of the National Housing Act, as amended, as FHA mortgagee. No new loans were approved during the fiscal year just ended; however, installments on loans approved previously were granted in the amount of $1,917. A total of $10,999.34 was repaid on loans during the year. This amount represents both principal and in- terest. Two loans were canceled. There were 52 loan applications on file at the close of the fiscal year. Price and Rent Control Program The Price and Kent Control Program administered by the agency (Commission) has as its purpose the effective prosecution of a pro- gram affecting the interests of the citizens of St. Thomas and St. John, and St. Croix, through the control of prices on basic food commodities and general supplies, both locally produced and im- ported, and through the control of rental practices relating to the rental of housing and business accommodations thereby preventing undue increases in rent and unreasonable evictions. By Executive Order 1, promulgated January 10, 1955, the Commission was incorpo- rated into the Department of Insular Affairs. Since March 1955 and during fiscal year 1956 the full responsibility for conducting investi- gations, making findings of fact and promulgating orders has been that of the Director. The continuing need for the program which has not as yet been operative on the island of St. Croix, is reflected in the number of cases handled by the Commission in the District of St. Thomas and St. John during the fiscal year 1957. A total of 79 cases involving 1 or more conditions that obtain under the Price and Kent Control Law were handled. Of this total, 28 cases required the issuance of findings of fact and orders as of the end of the fiscal year. There were no appeals to orders issued by the price and rent control officer. In the field of price control, the agency continues to police prices established by local importers and retailers. The Commission, after REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS ^ 29 some study, permitted increases in the wholesale and retail price of locally manufactured carbonated beverages (in most classes) and per- mitted an increase in the retail price of locally pasteurized bottled milk. This latter increase affected only the District of St. Thomas and St. John. The weights and measures responsibility of the Com- mission was shifted by the legislative action to the Department of Agriculture and Labor. The Office of the Collector of Customs, by arrangement, continues to make available to the agency, schedules of imports of foodstuffs and general supplies. Alexander Hamilton Airport—St. Croix The following statistics were reported by the Airport Manager Awport traffic during fiscul year 1951 Landings and takeoffs Pan American World Airways 222 Caribbean Atlantic Airlines 1, 444 Nonschedules and private aircrafts 1, 400 Military aircraft 240 Total 3, 30a Incoming Outgoing Passengers, scheduled airlines . ^ 24, 471 25, 253 Passengers, nonscheduled and private planes 7, 200 2, 880 Passengers, military and government planes 960 960 DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY During the fiscal year 1956-57, the Department of Public Safety initiated an in-service training program for the men in the police divisions under the direction and supervision of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Classes were held in St. Thomas and St. Croix. This program will be conducted in January and July of each year. Additional arrangements have been made with the New York Police Academy wherein officers from the Virgin Islands may receive training in the field of criminal investigation, identification, finger-, printing and the related fields in criminal science. For the first time, two-way radio communications linking together the islands of St. Thomas, St. Croix, and St. John, were installed. Radio-equipped motorized units have added tremendously to the efficiency of the patrol divisions. Efforts are being made to unify the police of islands by having a centralized record bui*eau, a unified interisland traffic program, and a unified criminal investigation bureau under the direct supervision of an Insular Chief of Detectives. 30 REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS Law Enforcement For the fiscal year ended June 30, 1957, 973 criminal cases were reported to the police in St. Thomas, of which 328 were channeled through the Bureau of Criminal Investigation, and 645 cases were handled by our Foot Patrol Bureau. In the preceding fiscal year 1955-56, 649 criminal cases were reported, of which 265 were handled by the Criminal Bureau here and the remaining 384 disposed of by the Patrol Bureau. A comparison between the 1956 and 1957 reports shows that there was an increase of 324 cases in the latter year. On the island of St. Croix a study of law violations for the fiscal year 1956-57 reveals an amazing uniformity in the incidence of crime in all its phases. The most noticeable change is to be found in burglary, grand lar- ceny, and petit larceny. Motor Vehicle Registration In 1956-57 there were 4,104 units registered as compared with 3,533 in 1955-56, an increase of 571. It is estimated that in the en- suing fiscal year this number will climb to a figure 22 percent greater than the 1956-57 total. This bureau collected $76,425.43 in 1957 as against $62,183.35 in 1956 for the registration of vehicles and the sale of licenses. REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS ^ 31 rate. This is not unusual since the records in the United States show the same trend; fewer but larger fires amounting to greater losses. It does point out, however, the immediate need for new fire equip- ment and more paid firemen throughout the three islands. During the past year the fire station in St. John was activated. There is now a jeep fire truck, 500 g. p. m., with approximately 1,000 leet of new canvas fire hose, and a water tank mounted on a trailer which is towed by the jeep fire truck. The division continues to hold drills weekly. The immediate need is for a trained instructor to come in and conduct classes in advanced fire fighting for at least a period of 30 days or more. The fire service continues to make forward strides. Civil Defense A strong and efficient civil defense organization has been built up throughout the Virgin Islands. Although the importance of this agency is recognized in the islands, everyone connected with the pro- gram serves on a voluntary basis. Because of the annual threat of hurricanes in this area, and the not too remote possibility of these islands being struck by tidal waves, not to mention devastating earthquakes, both the police and fire divi- sions of this department have received slightly over $11,000 in match- ing funds for the purchase of radio equipment. As a result of these grants, an interisland communication system has been established between the three islands. This places them in immediate contact with each other, and in excellent position to trans- mit vital information to the respective divisions in times of emer- gency. DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS Water Supply jSt. Thomas.—The greatest problem encountered during the fiscal year was water shortage due to an unusually severe and prolonged drought starting in November 1956, and still continuing unbroken. There were only 27.76 inches of rain during the fiscal year, which is 20 inches less than last year, and 17 inches below the annual average. In order to overcome this shortage, it was necessary to import water from Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico, and haul in by Navy barge, rented commercial barges, and Government tug Carpeake and barge. A total of 33,180,300 gallons of water was hauled by all barges dur- ing the year. 32 -f REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS The Department was called upon to make truck deliveries of water to several hundreds of persons in the town and several trips were made in the country districts to relieve the plight of the residents in those areas. The tug Carpeake and Barge 1 made one trip to St. Jolm with approximately 40,000 gallons of water in order to relieve the situation there. The total gallons of potable water pmnped in the system was 58,- 199,570 gallons. Maximum storage was achieved on June 28, 1957, with a total of 4,746,240 gallons and the minimum being on January 3, 1957, a total of 327,000 gallons. The situation experienced with this year's drought has made the question of the island's water supply a very important matter which must be given serious consideration in planning for the future. St. Croix.—Routine maintenance of the potable water system was carried out. A total of 39 new connections were made, making a total of 227 connections to the system. Total gallons of water me- tered to consumers were 10,441,520 gallons. The average daily con- sumption of water was 64,425 gallons. The source of supply of this system comes from 5 wells—3 located in the Concordia District which supplies Christiansted, and 2 wells at Estate Prosperity which sup- plies Frederiksted. Sanitation St. Thomas.—^With the growth of the town of Charlotte Amalie, the demands for improvement in our garbage collection system is quite evident. During the year a total of 34,158 cubic yards of gar- bage was collected. Gradually the town of Charlotte Amalie is discontinuing the service of nightsoil removal and connecting instead to the sewer system, using salt water for flushing purposes. As of June 1957, there were a total of 255 subscribers, 20 of which were Government agencies, to the salt water supply system. Routine maintenance of the cemeteries was carried out. There was a total of 210 burials during the year. St. Croix.—The garbage removal system of St. Croix is relying upon trucks which are very old, and since the haul to the dump is about 10 miles, the equipment is placed under terrific strain. New trucks are urgently needed for this service. Wliile a substantial number of sewer lines were laid in the towns of Christiansted and Frederiksted, there are still quite a number of streets in Christiansted that do not have this service. As of June REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS -f 33 1957, there were 59 connections to the salt water system. The 2 hous- ing projects at Bassin Triangle (Christiansted) and the Marley (Frederiksted) were connected to the system. There are still 469 properties serviced by the nightsoil removal system, and the problem of relocating this dump to another site in the country is one that must be solved shortly. To the best of limited funds the cemeteries in St. Croix were main- tained. There were 142 burials in Christiansted and 73 in Fred- eriksted. Roads and Highways /St. Thomas.—During the fiscal year routine maintenance work was done on all the highways and roads in St. Thomas, culverts and ditches were kept clean and brush cut along the most used roads. The Crown Mountain Road was widened, two sections of the Fortuna Hill Road were repaired and given a bituminous surface treatment. St. Croix.—Repair and maintenance of all streets and roads in St. Croix was limited but most gravel roads were graded several times during the year. The storm of August 12, 1956 necessitated quite an expenditure of funds to clear all the roads, fill in washouts, and put the roads in a passable condition. None of the 40.4 miles of hard surfaced roads in the island could be seal-coated during the year and continual patching was therefore necessary. Public Buildings St. Thomas.—Routine maintenance and repair was given to all public buildings as funds would allow. St. Croix.—^With the exception of the bandstand in Christiansted, the work done on all buildings were more or less of a routine main- tenance nature. The bandstand at Christiansted was completely renovated. Utilities and inspections 34 -f REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS In St. Thomas revenues received from the following were: build- ing permits, $4,010 ; electrical permits, $644 ; salt water service to 306 connections, $14,190; surveys (including extracts from the records and furnishing of prints) , $1,346.12. The present lighting system in St. Croix is inadequate and it is hoped that additional lights will be added to the system within the coming fiscal year. Routine maintenance of the land records was kept in both St. Thomas and St. Croix. In addition, in St. Thomas, our surveying section laid out roads through a section of Estate Hospital Ground for the Land Division, surveyed reclaimed land for the Planning Board and performed 16 land surveys upon request of private indi- viduals. During the fiscal year, this Department discontinued the practice of performing surveys for private parties. Telephone St. Thomas.—^At the end of this fiscal year there were 2,000 tele- phone instruments in service. This represents an increase of 400 telephones over the year ending June 1956. Plans were initiated and equipment procured for a nonattended automatic dial exchange to serve the eastern end of the island, and to be located at Estate Tutu. St. Croix.—The work accomplished under this division during the year can be classified as general maintenance and repair and expansion. The total number of telephone instruments in service at the end of this fiscal year was 825 as against 733 for the fiscal year ending June 1956, an increase of 92 instruments. Harbor St. Thomas.—During the fiscal year there were 136 Government ships and 368 merchant ships callmg at this port. These ships aggre- gated 2,764,613 gross tons and paid pilotage in the amount of $31,225. The increase of 19 ships over the last year does not reflect the picture of progress so sharply as does the $4,443.50 in collections, which represents a gain of 16.5 percent. During tlie year pilot launch 2 was surveyed and stricken from our inventory. St. Croix.—During the year there were 882 arrivals and departures at Christiansted with a paid tonnage of $4,162.20 and wharfage col- lection of $9,547.42. In Frederiksted Harbor there were 187 arrivals REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS -f 35 and departures with a paid tonnage of $3,613.40 and a wharfage col- lection of $6,074.33. During the month of June 1957 the ports of Christiansted and Frederiksted were supplied with flood lights which will greatly im- prove the condition which existed for many years. Efforts are being made to have the projects for dredging the harbors of St. Thomas and Christiansted revitalized, and funds appropriated therefor. Essential Projects—St. Thomas During the fiscal year there were two major projects of construction undertaken in St. Thomas—^the reconstruction of the marine barracks which was started last fiscal year was completed and occupied by the Senate and the Department of Social Welfare, and the construction of our Waterfront Highway. This highway has relieved the con- gested traffic which is increasing daily, and has also added to the water front beauty of the island of St. Thomas. Essential Projects—St. Croix During the fiscal year the project of the construction of the Fred- eriksted CJonsolidated School and King's Hill School continued. An the close of the year, the Frederiksted Consolidated School was 60 percent complete, and the King's Hill School 42 percent complete. An ^'xtensive highway program was started, improvements were made to the Alexander Hamilton Airport, extensions were added to the potable water system, and the purchase of the much needed construction equipment was made possible. Allotments received Matching fund for operation of the Public Works Department $857, 000 General funds for emergency repairs to drainage system, including reimbursement to the Columbus Bay Corp 20, 000 Allotments received for essential piiblic projects ST. THOMAS 7-9-8069-57-ST-8A, marine barracks 40, 000 7-9-^069-57-ST-ll, extension Waterfront Highway 60,000 7-9-8069-57-ST-13, operation tug and barge 225, 000 7-9-8069-57-ST-26, repairs of building for use of veterinarian 5, 820 7-9-8069-57-ST-30, renovation former P. W. D. building 10, 000 7-9-8069-57-ST-32, borings and other investigations, potential water supply 7, 280 36 -f REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS ST. CROIX 6-9-806&-56-SC-10, roads, streets, highways, St. Croix 140, 000 7-9-8069-57-SC-lO, improvement to roads and highways, St. Croix 97, 000 7-9-8069-57-SC-16, topographic map, St. Croix 10, 000 7-9-8060-57-SC-18, extension and improvements, Alexander Hamilton Airport 120, 500 7-9-8069-57-SC-21, water project, small growers 14, 600 7-9-8069-57-SC-24, improvement to sewers 29,100 7-9-8069-57-SC-26, construction equipment 87,100 7-9-8069-57-SC-31, improvement to scenic road 20, 000 7-9-8069-57-SC-32, sidewalk, consolidated school, Christiansted 13, 600 ST. JOHN 7-9-8069-57-SJ-13, topographic map, St. John 3, 000 DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL WELFARE The Virgin Islands Board of Social Welfare This Board continued as a valuable arm of the operations of the Department. Significant was its continued study on the use of in- come of the public trust funds, out of which the Board submitted formal recommendations to the Governor at their conference with him in March 1957. The Board held its second public meeting December 11 to 12, 1956, on the island of St. Croix where members inspected several public and private institutions for the aged and for children administered by or associated with the Department. The meeting also included an open function at Government House, Christiansted, where the Board re- ceived many helpful suggestions for its work from the general public. The third regular meeting was held at Charlotte Amalie on Febru- ary 19, 1957, following which an inspection was made of the institu- tions for the aged on St. Thomas maintained by the Department and the Churches. The Virgin Islands Advisory Commission on Children and Youth The Board is now fully organized, having held its formal organi- zational meeting on November 16, 1956, when bylaws governing its operations were adopted and officers and committees elected for the first year. As provided for in the bylaws, the following standing committees were appointed at the organizational meeting : St. Thomas- St. John District Committee, St. Croix District Committee. This Board which, by Executive Order 9 of July 1955, replaced the old Insular Advisory Commission on Children and Youth as an REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS > 37 organization within the Department, gives good promise to serve a very important function in the operations of not only this Depart- ment, but other public and private groups concerned with the prob- lems of children and youth. Several meetings of the Commission, as well as of the District committees, have been held and there has been much interested planning and promotion of activities on behalf of youth. As its first major project, the Commission decided to place emphasis on efforts to secure the establishment of youth centers in the cities and towns of the islands. By the close of the fiscal year, one center had begun to operate in St. John and one in St. Thomas was nearly ready for its formal opening, but great difficulty was being experienced in finding quarters for the two centers planned for St. Croix. Aided Self-Care Housing for Aged Persons Attention is called to the pressing need for providing decent homes for indigent single persons. In this connection, the Department sub- mitted in its budget proposals for 1956-57 a request for special project funds to develop projects for providing modern aided self-care hous- ing for aged and handicapped persons. Public interest in this proposal was kept active throughout the year by discussions with the Virgin Islands Legislature and with the Social Welfare and Community Chest Boards. By resolution 75 (bill 508) the legislature has authorized its Committee on Health, Education, Welfare, Agriculture and Labor to make a study of and report on the subject to the next session of the legislature. A special committee appointed by the Community Chest to study needs in this area submitted to the Community Chest Board a detailed and favor- able report recommending among other things Community Chest sub- sidies to privately sponsored aided self-care homes. In the meantime, some progress in providing decent housing for aged persons should happily soon come about through the new 300- unit public housing project planned for St. Thomas. In accordance with new provisions of Federal law, a limited number of these units (probably sixteen 1-bedroom units in the new project planned) will be designed and set aside especially for aged persons. Boarding Home Care of the Aged This is another need to be met in developing a well-rounded pro- gram of care and services for the aged of our islands. Boarding homes are needed for aged persons so feeble that they are not able to 38 ^ REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS care themselves even vrith the assistance afforded by aided self-care homes such as are recommended in the preceding section. The special committee of the Community Chest appointed to study the need for aided self-care housing included in its report recom- mendations also for Chest subsidies for boarding homes. Work Projects From the appropriations provided the Department, the sum of $353.75 was used to furnish work in St. Thomas in times of urgent need for persons, who, because of handicaps, find it difficult to secure continued employment in the regular labor market. It is planned to develop a similar small program in St. Croix next fiscal year. The Cancer Program The deep X-ray equipment is still available at the Knud-Hansen Memorial Hospital at St. Thomas, but the radiologist resigned from the service during the year under report and has not yet been replaced. Therefore, it became necessary for the Department to reinstate the program for sending Virgin Islands patients for care at the Puerto Rico cancer league. During the year, the Department referred to the cancer clinic in Puerto Rico a total of 5 new cases (2 from St. Thomas and 3 from St. Croix). In addition there were several repeaters returning to the cancer league for continued treatment and followup. The Community Chest of St. Thomas The Community Chest is an entirely independent and voluntary public charity, but this Department lends a great deal of time and effort to its management and promotion. As an example, the com- missioner of social welfare has served for 20 years (and continues to serve) as the secretary-treasurer; all administrative work (except the salaried services of the assistant treasurer, not a member of the De- partment staff) is performed without extra compensation by mem- bers of the welfare staff, and much of the stationery and other office supplies are furnished without charge by this Department. The Corneiro Home, St. Thomas This shelter-type home provides only shelter facilities. Each resi- dent occupies a separate private room and each has the responsibility of providing his own furnishings, clothing, meals, and care. All are assistance recipients, and most of them receive services through the REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS -f 39 housekeeping aid program, and some through tlie Home Nursing- Service, sponsored by the Community Chest. With a total of 25 rooms available, 22 were occupied as of June 30, 195Y, 2 rooms were vacant, and 1 was equipped for and used from time to time for emergency admissions. During the year under re- port, 1 resident died, and there were 3 admissions. Aldershville, Frederiksted, St. Croix This shelter-type home containing 30 single rooms and 1 double room began with 16 residents on July 1, 1956, and closed the year with 21. Nine residents were admitted and 4 residents removed dur- ing the year. Under supervision of the public assistance division, a caretaker keeps the grounds and flushing toilets and other common facilities in good order, and assists feeble residents in their household chores. Public Assistance Standards of assistance : The standards of assistance remained the same as for the previous year. Assistance provided 100 percent of minimum needs as set forth in the standards. The existing standards, however, are at a very low level. Monthly grants in June 1957 aver- aged overall $13.88 per person as compared with $14.42 last June. But this reduction does not reflect any decrease in assistance stand- ards ; the chief cause therefor was the policy requiring that income and needs of responsible adults in each ADC case be considered in the budget and in the count of the number of persons included in the case. The assistance caseload in June 1957 was only 43 cases, or 3.8 per- cent greater than in June 1956, but the number of persons aided had risen from 1,746 to 1,935, an increase of 189, or 10.8 percent. The ADC increase of 186 persons represented almost the entire growth. More cases, 381, were added to the payrolls this year than the 311 added in 1955-56, but there were also more cases, 353, closed this year than the 272 closed in 1955-56, One reason for increase in the ADC num- ber of persons was the new policy of including all responsible adults in the case budgets. We are now making a study to determine other causes therefor. Federal legislation during 1956-57 improved in two respects the formula for Federal participation in public assistance. An addi- tional amount of Federal matching was authorized in cases of aid to dependent children, effective July 1, 1956, to provide aid for the care- taker (the responsible relative living with and caring for the chil- dren), and the annual maximum on Federal matching was lifted from 40 ^ REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS $160,000 per year to $200,000 per year. These amendments almost entirely eliminated last year's loss of $3,280 in Federal matching in the ADC program (this year only $47.76), and entirely eliminated last year's heavy loss of $13,641 of matching earned in excess of the $160,000 ceiling. Losses caused by all payments over Federal case maximums declined from $4,024 last year to $1,064 this year. Federal matching earned this year was $185,106 and all of it was received as this amount is below the Federal ceiling of $200,000. The amount received this year is more than twice the $92,078 earned in 1951-52, the first full year of the program. The local share of the total cost of the program is lower this year, $240,042, than last year, $245,252. This included a reduction in di- rect administrative costs but resulted principally from the improve- ments in Federal matching reported. By changing to an accrual in- stead of cash accounting basis and recomputing our public assistance accounts and returns back to 1954^55, we earned retroactively $4,229.14 in Federal matching which would otherwise have been lost. The percentage of caseload to population in the Virgin Islands this year was 7.3 percent. In St. Thomas it was 4.4 percent, in St. John 5.3 percent and St. Croix 10.6 percent. The proportion of St. Croix 10.6 percent is more than twice as high as in St. Thomas. Standards are uniform for both islands and close supervision is afforded both programs by the Insular Department to insure uniform application of all policies. The differences are accounted for by the greater eco- nomic distress in St. Croix, where employment opportunities are fewer, and earnings when employed are usually less, than in St. Thomas. Total assistance expenditures in the Virgin Islands in 1956-57, $324,781, are $12,183 (3.89 percent) above last year's figure, and are $70,080 or 27.5 percent more than the fiscal year 1954-55. During 1956-57, the Congress of the United States, after years of earnest representation by our Government and Department, passed legislation improving in two respects the formula for Federal par- ticipation in public assistance in the Virgin Islands originally es- tablished in the 1950 congressional legislation extending the program to our islands. The rate of Federal matching continues at $1 Federal to $1 local, but the following improvements in the formula became effective July 1, 1956. Federal matching far the caretaher in ADC.—An additional amount of Federal matching was authorized, in cases of aid to de- ])endent children in the Virgin Islands, effective July 1, 1956, to pro- vide for aid for the caretaker (the responsible relative living with REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS -- 41 and caring for the children) . Some additional Federal matching for aid to the caretaker has been available in continental United States for very many years, but this was not true in the Virgin Islands until now. The annual maximum on Federal matching lifted to $200p00.— When the program was extended to the Virgin Islands in 1950, Con- gress imposed an overall maximum of $160,000 per year on Federal matching which would be allowed to the Virgin Islands in the entire public assistance program. In the fiscal year 1956, Federal matching earned in the Virgin Islands assistance program totaled $173,604.26, despite the low match- ing rate ($1 Federal to $1 local) and the low matching maximums per case. But, with the overall ceiling of $160,000 then applicable, as explained in the preceding paragraph, $13,604.26 of the matching earned was lost to the Virgin Islands. Following earnest representations by the Government, including oral testimony by the Commissioner before the House Ways and Means Committee and the Senate Finance Committee, the House passed in 1955 an amendment lifting the maximum to $200,000 and the Senate passed in 1956 an amendment lifting the maximmn to $300,000. This latter figure was supported by the Departments of the Interior and of Health, Education and Welfare, and the Bureau of the Budget reported favorably thereon. But, in the Senate-House Conference, the House figure of $200,000 prevailed, effective 1 July 1956. Purposes, Limitations, and Policies of the Public Assistance Program The purpose of the program is to supplement the income or re- sources of needy individuals or families so that none may be forced to exist below a minimum level of living and to render social services which will enable the person or family to become wholly or partially self-supporting or will enable them to achieve as much self-care as possible. Aid to Dependent Children The ADC caseload showed a marked increase during the year under report, while all other categories remained practically constant, de- creasing or increasing only slightly. By June 1957, the total caseload covered 1,925 persons. 42 -f REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS Chart I—Comparison of caseloads, 1952 to 1957 (exclusive of emergency assistance) Number of persons in REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS ^ 43 medical appliances for clients not hospitalized are supplied by this Department, as needed, through vendor payments to suppliers (some paid through the pooled medical fund and some paid directly from the public assistance fund) Total cost of assistance program. Virgin Islands (combined assistance and administrative costs), fiscal year 1956-57 Category 44 ^ REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS (St. Croix, 38 ; St. Thomas, 69) children under care as compared to 78 children in 1956. Of this number, 36 (St. Croix, 15 ; St. Thomas, 21) were in free foster homes. Detention care was furnished 33 children (St. Croix, 10 ; St. Thomas, 23) for a total of 443 days. Establishment of adequate detention facilities in St. Croix and St. Thomas continues to be an urgent need. The Insular Training School for Boys, relocated in August 1955 at Estate Anna's Hope, St. Croix, achieved a heartening improvement in boy and staff morale. During the year a clearly defined assignment of property for use of the training school was made. This included land that will be used for the establishment of a school for girls. With the addition to the staff of a farmer-counselor, poultry, gardening and animal husbandry projects were successfully instituted. The Citizens Advisory Commission on Youth was reconstituted during the year. Its activities were concentrated on the establishment of youth centers in all three islands. One was established in St. John during May, with the St. Thomas and St. Croix centers scheduled to open during August 1957. The Federal Social Security Act of 1935 established a program of grant-in-aid to the States for public assistance to individuals and families, health and welfare services for mothers and children and a program of Old-Age and Survivors Insurance. The Virgin Islands child welfare program places great emphasis upon providing the kind of services that will promote security for children and will help them also to have a sense of belonging and a feeling of security so they may grow and develop in a normal manner. Primary emphasis is placed upon providing services to children living in their own homes. Other essential services, adoption care, foster family home care and institutional care, are provided the homeless, dependent, neglected or delinquent eMW or the child in danger ^of becoming delinquent. Functions of the Division Under title V of the Federal Social Security Act, Federal grant-in- aid funds are available to the Insular Department of Social Welfare for the purpose of establishing, extending, and strengthening services for children. The primary aim of all child welfare services is to work with the child in his home. Where it is necessary for a child to live away from his own home, he must be helped to return to that home in the shortest possible time consistent with his individual needs and the REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS ^ 45 conditions in his home, and he must be given every help to adjust and get along there. The following chart shows that the Division provided services directly to 592 different children, as compared with 376 last year, an increase of over 57 percent. Beginning the year with 262 children receiving service, there were at the end of the year 364 children receiving service, 164 of whom were living in their own homes. New cases accepted during year totaled 330 children. Caseload distribution hy district offices Children receiving service July 1, 1956 Children accepted for service during year Service discontinued during year Children receiving service June 30, 1957 Total number of diEEerent children receiving services during year. St. Croix 79 135 66 148 214 St. Thomas 183 195 162 216 378 Total 262 330 228 364 592 Whereatouts of children receiving service on June 30, 19S7 In home of parents.. In home of relatives In boarding homes_. In free foster homes. In institutions Elsewhere — Total St. Croix 148 St. Thomas 102 21 48 21 23 1 216 Total 164 43 71 36 42 364 Foster Family Home The foster home program continued to be one of the most active and encouraging phases of the activities of the Division. The total caseload expanded to 107 children in June 1957, as compared to 78 in June 1956. Of this total 36 were living in free homes and adoptive homes in June 1957. There were 18 children living in free homes in June 1956, and 17 in June 1955. A total of 136 children were pro- vided care under this program during the year, as compared with 105 in 1956, 111 in 1955 and 80 the previous year. Queen Louise Home, St. Croix The Queen Louise Home is operated by the Lutheran Church and provides long-term care to young children. Annually, for many years, the Division has administered a Government subsidy to the home's operation costs. This subsidy was discontinued on June 30, 1957, at the home's request as it was felt by the home that funds for board 46 -f REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS payments from the Department and from other sources were no\r adequate for support of the home. During the year conferences between oiRcials of the home and De- partment representatives reached agreement that the Division would provide casework services in the areas of admissions, casework services Ito resident children, community placement and after-care. This would enable the institution staff to spend more time in other phases of the institution program and operation. At year end plans were completed to institute the casework program by initiating a study of all children in residence and the development of a definite long range plan of care for them. DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM AND TRADE During the past fiscal year, the Department of Tourism and Trade continued to operate three offices with headquarters in St. Thomas,, a branch office in St. Croix, and a New York Information Office in that city. Three island hrochure.—A reprint of 50,000 copies of the new 3-island 16-page folder in color was made during the present fiscal year at the cost of $3,990.83. This printing was made possible by an additional approri^riation in November 1956, and thus increased our distribution to agency and airline offices in the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico, and to more efficiently service additional inquiries received. Plans to reissue the brochure with a new cover design were completed toward the end of the fiscal year, and provision for funds to finance this printing was included in the 1958 budget. Hotel and guest house rate sheets.—The demand for thousands of copies of the above information folder and the availability of funds enabled us during this fiscal year to issue a printed rather than a mimeographed rate sheet, which was first used covering all guest houses and including additional tourist information. Two thousand copies of the summer 1956 folder were printed and distributed. Five thousand winter rate schedules covering the fall and winter season of 1956-57 were printed and distributed ; 5,000 summer rate schedules for 1957 were also printed. In a number of cases reprints were necessary in order to meet the demand. Other tourist literature.—This office supplied, in addition to the printed hotel rate sheets mentioned above, mimeographed forms covering customs, professional directories, yachting facilities, prospec- tive resident sheets, church and school directories, etc. During this fiscal year plans were made to consolidate all the mimeographed ma- terial into a booklet form and plans for the design of this booklet were completely formulated and provided for in our 1958 budget. REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS ^ 47 Due to our greatly increased budget over the previous fiscal year and to savings effected in the other object classification items, it was possible to devote a total of $35,584.32 to an advertising and pro- motional program. The bulk of this advertising and promotional effort was spent in newspaper, regular, and trade magazine adver- tising. A study brought out that 90 percent of the inquiries received in three Virgin Islands offices could be directly traced to such adver- tising. In many instances, advertising was purposely geared to free publicity articles with the main thought in mind that such articles do not refer the reader to the direct organization and place where additional information may be secured. Such tie-in adver- tising has been most productive. The Virgin Islands continued to benefit greatly through the tre- mendous amount of free publicity it received in the press of the United States and in special articles and pictures appearing in national publications. Additional funds made it possible to sub- scribe to Burrells Clipping Service, and a survey of this service indicates that over 2,500 individual articles and stories appeared in over 300 publications in the United States. Much of this publicity Avas the result of the cooperation of this department with visiting writers, editors, and columnists and the promotion on the part of our New York office with Pan American World Airways, Eastern Air Lines, and Delta Air Lines in referring and recommending the Virgin Islands to travel editors, writers, etc. St. John received the greatest amount of publicity due to the large organization behind the Caneel Bay Development and the creation of the new National Park there. Representatives of our New York office attended a number of special travel shows in the East, particularly in the cities of Hart- ford, Boston, Philadelphia, and New York, in some cases in conjunc- tion and participating with the island of Puerto Rico. The Department, in connection with the Government Secretary's Office and the U. S. O., continued to play an important part in seeing that the personnel of the Army, Navy and Marine Corps visiting here were taken care of properly. Approximately 20,000 servicemen visited the Virgin Islands during the past fiscal year. Air transportation.—The Virgin Islands continued to be served directly by Caribbean Atlantic Airlines, Pan American World Air- ways, and British West Indian Airways during the past fiscal year. Caribbean Atlantic Airlines carried the largest number of pas- sengers of any airline calling regularly in the Virgin Islands. Pan American World Airways confined its entire Virgin Islands operation to St. Croix. While it was thought that this operation would result in many through passengers debarking at St. Croix and 48 ^ REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS traveling back to St. Thomas, actual operating conditions showed that almost all passengers deplaned in San Juan for transfer to St. Thomas via Caribair. British West Indian Airways continued its biweekly flights to St. Thomas. Eastern Air Lines, Pan American Airways, and Delta Air Lines were the great feeder lines. These three airlines have done an ex- cellent promotion job for the Virgin Islands in the United States, in many cases of which, this Department played a most cooperative role. The establishment by the Eastern Shipping Corp. of bimonthly service with the S. S. Evangeline between Miami and St. Thomas has again brought about regularly established surface transportation service, carrying 300 passengers and some general cargo. This service has proven extremely valuable particularly in the off months of the year, and is the first real surface link to the continental United States since the disbanding of the Bull Line Service 3 years ago. St. Thomas again broke all previous year's records in the number of cruise ships that visited here during the past fiscal year. A total of 48 ships carrying a total of 22,035 passengers visited during this period. The visits of these steamers is of major importance to the economy of St. Thomas, as the expenditures by cruise ship passengers represents a large portion of the total tourist revenue produced. The comparative figures shown below give a fair indication of the growth of tourist facilities in the Virgin Islands during the past year: REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS -f 49 penditure of 52 cents per visitor, produced $227 per visitor—by far the highest of any island in the Caribbean area. There follows a statistical analysis of tourist development progi^m Estimate of gross expenditures St. Thomas and St. John St. Croix Total Hotels and guesthouses 1 Retail tourist establishments Bars, restaurants, and nightclubs not Including hotels other tourist interests Total $5, 500, 000 4, 100, 000 600, 000 1, 000, 000 $820, 000 900,000 250,000 100, 000 11, 100, 000 2, 070, 000 $6, 320, OOO 6, 000, 000 750,000' 1, 100, OOO 13, 170, ooa Visitors to the Virgin Islands St. Thomas St. Croix Total Oaribair Cruise ships Pan American Armed services personnel. 51, 000 22, 035 20, 000 Total. 93, 035 21,000 4,200 2,000 27, 200 72,000 22, 035 4,200 22,000 120,235 The above figures do not include passengers visiting St. Thomas or St. Croix aboard cargo vessels of such companies as Alcoa, Delta, East Asiatic, or other similar services. Division of Trade While no actual division of the Department has been set up, nor are there any employees in this division, the Department, as a whole, has answered numerous inquiries regarding the establishment of new busi- nesses in the Virgin Islands. During the past fiscal year it has dis- tributed hundreds of copies of our tax exemption laws and answered,^ in detail, letters of interested parties addressed not only to the Depart- ment, but also to the Governor's Office and the Office of the Government Secretary. SELECTIVE SERVICE OPERATIONS The selective service law continued to be applied in the Virgin Islands in every aspect with approximately the same activity toward the furnishing of manpower to the armed services as in the previous year, but with a rapidly increasing effort being exerted toward accom- plishment of the processing of the records of Standby Reservists who became our responsibility through the Armed Forces Reserve Act of 50 REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS 1955. There was little change in the impact of the operation on the community, and by no means approached that which existed during the period immediately following September 1950 when drafting of regis- trants began locally under the Selective Service Act of 1948. Registration Registration is accomplished at the local board offices in Charlotte Amalie, Christiansted, and Frederiksted when the registrant presents himself according to law within 5 days after he has reached 18 years of age, or if an alien entering from outside the country, within 6 months of his entry generally. The public is frequently made aware of this requirement in the display of posters in the post office buildings and through occasional news releases. As of June 30, 1957, a total of 3,547 men were registered in the Virgin Islands, reflecting an increase of 263 during the year. In keeping with the present order of selection of registrants for induction, the age distribution of the total registration is tabulated below by board, and represents such inventory from a total population of approximately 27,000 persons in the Virgin Islands. Local board No. 54-1 Local board No. 54-2 Total 17 to 18 years of age 18 to 18).^ years of age IS}''^ years and above liable for service ' Classified available under 26 years Classified not available, or in service Over 26 years, liability extended 26 years and above, over age of lialjility for service. Total 1 54 1,291 (273) (1,016) (2) 581 1 49 1,273 (279) (991) (3) 297 2 103 2,564 878 1,927 1,620 3,547 < The law provides that certain registrants deferred after June 19, 1951, may have their liability extended until age 35. Included in the tabulation above, are 2 registrants not yet 18 years of age. These registrants fall within the provision that a person may register with parents' consent if he is a volunteer for immediate induction. Volunteers continue to be the prime source of manpower for in- duction. All inductees for the year were from the volunteer pool, which accordingly decreased in number by only 8, leaving a total of 54 volunteers available as of June 30, 1957. It is expected that at the present rate, volunteers will continue to be the prime source of in- ductees if the monthly calls are not mcreased considerably. The quota for the Virgin Islands was 53 as compared with 32 for the previous year. Fifty-nine men were inducted, all going to the Army, which was oversubscribed by only 11 percent. REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS ^ 51 Enlistments and reenlistments showed an overall marked decrease during the year, resulting in an excess of 18 separations above gains or service credits for the islands. Enlistments in the Air Force were the most active, whereas enlistments in the Army were drastically reduced. To some extent, the low Selective Service quotas are being reflected in the enlistment rates. Branch of service 52 -f REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS The Board worked in close coordination with the engineers on the construction of the Waterfront Boulevard. The coordinator of es- sential public projects in the Virgin Islands was also very coopera- tive and coordinated all projects with the Board as far as he was able. Airport facilities in St. Croix were discussed with the Board by the consulting engineering firm engaged on the project and as a result of the conferences, as well as the excellent cooperation and assistance of the coordinator of- essential- public projects, the Board was able to make recommendations to the proper authorities on the construction of the airport. During the last regular session of the legislature, bill 619 (act 213) was enacted and approved by the Governor. This bill provides "for the employment of a planning consultant and architect (draftsman) for the Virgin Islands Planning Board and for other purposes," Two qualified architects applied for this position. The architect will be charged with the designing of homes for low-income families in the Virgin Islands. It is hoped that the people in need of these services will avail themselves of the opportunity of being served by the architect employed with the Planning Board. It is recommended that a complete road survey for St. Thomas, St. Croix, and St. Jolm be made prior to preparation of any road programs. Under section 7 of this act, the Planning Board is directed to "an- nually prepare a 6-year financial program." To accomplish such a program, it will be necessary for each Department of the Govern- ment to prepare in detail their anticipated requirements, i. e., the expansion of existing facilities and new construction required. This should be available to the Planning Board in the form of an approved plan with detailed information on costs. ST. CROIX Centerline Road The hard-surfaced road, connecting the towns of Christiansted and Frederiksted on the islands of St. Croix, has been poorly maintained for several years. The crying need for better roads in St. Croix was recognized by the legislature during its last regular session, and the total amount of $237,000 was appropriated for major repair to the Centerline Road. The amount of $23,500 was spent for the purchase of necessary equipment, and $213,600 was allocated to actual road repair. Approximately 4 miles of this road have been widened and re- surfaced, despite innumerable difficulties encountered by the Depart- REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS -f 53 ment of Public Works in the procurement of bituminous emulsion in sufficient quantities to meet job requirements. Rum Production Sjome 321,907 wine gallons of rum were manufactured within the district during the period under review. Wine gallons St. Croix Sugar Cane Industries 125,303 A. H. Riise Distillers Corp 196,604 Total 321,907 Brugal & Co., Inc., has been engaged in the blending of liquors and has not been distilling during this period. Alexander Hamilton Airport After a series of meetings of the St. Croix Airport Committee with the consulting engineering firm and Civil Aeronautics Admin- istration officials, final plans have now been agreed upon for the airport terminal building and other facilities for improvement to the Alexander Hamilton Airport. Plans and specifications must now be put in final form by the architectural concern for approval by the Civil Aeronautics Administration in Washington, D. C. Administrative Assistant for St. Croix On April 23, 1957, Governor Gordon appointed Alva C. McFarlane as his Administrative Assistant for St. Croix to succeed Dr. D. C. Canegata, who resigned on March 1, 1957. Specific instructions as to the duties and responsibilities of this office have been given to the present incumbent by the Governor, in- eluding the authority to Investigate, suggest, and recommend to any division chief on the island or to any insular cabinet officer, measures which, in his opinion, might be taken to improve governmental service for the people of this district ; Be fully aware of all governmental activities on the island ; Advise the Governor of the progress or lack of progress on projects and activities, and of all suggestions to produce desired results; Serve as principal contact between the people of St. Croix and the Government of the Virgin Islands ; Attend regular monthly cabinet meetings ; Submit monthly written reports of activities. 54 4 REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS ST. JOHN There has been no change in administrative policy during the year. Relationship, between the various department heads and the Office of the Administrative Assistant has been good. With the regularly scheduled doctor's visits and the assignment of a regular nurse at the Calabash Boom Clinic, Coral Bay, full time service is now available. On the whole, the medical service now ren- dered has been much improved. Visits from the sanitation inspectors from St. Thomas have been regular. The law enforcement body remained unchanged. There were only minor offenses during the year. Also, there was no increase in the number of registered vehicles. A volunteer fire-fighting unit was organized, a station set up, and a jeep fire wagon was sent over from St. Thomas for use by the miit. A regular operator was also appointed to be in charge of the station and equipment. The prolonged drought which the islands are now undergoing is felt severely on St. John. Both the large reservoir and reserve cistern at Cruz Bay went dry, and water had to be hauled in from St. Thomas via the Government barge. This drought emphasizes strongly the need for more storage and catchment facilities. The Administrative Assistant is still without overland transporta- tion. However, provision was made for the purchase of a jeep during the next fiscal year. The motorboat, Cniz Bay, whicli is used for regu- lar travel between the islands, as well as for emergencies, is now under- going much needed extensive repairs. A direct telephone service was established between Cruz Bay, St. John, and Charlotte Amalie. This was made possible through the cooperation of the Power Division of the Virgin Islands Corporation, permitting use of its extra power cable across Pillsbury Sound to St. John. The installation was done by the Telephone Division of the Department of Public Works. This telephone is located in the Ad- ministrative Assistant's residence with an office extension. It is ex- pected that this service will be extended to include Caneel Bay in the near future. Since its installation, the service is proving invaluable. It is hoped that this temporary arrangement will serve as a nucleus for the establishment and expansion of the service on a more permanent basis. REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS -f 55 The radio telephone service between Cruz Bay and Coral Bay is still in operation and serves as the only means of quick communication between these points in event of emergency. National Park The St. John Virgin Islands National Park, which includes more than half of the land area on St. John, was dedicated on December 1, 1956. O