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* UMASS/AMHERST * 312066 0344 2018 CiTY LIBRARY PRINGFIELD, iviASS. 1958 Annual Report THE GOVERNOR OF THE Virgin Islands TO THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR For the Fiscal Year EndedJune JO ^ ^95^ 1958 Annual Report THE GOVERNOR OF THE Virgin Islands TO THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR For the Fiscal Tear Ended June JO^ 1^5^ STTACK 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 PROGRESS OF THE ADMINISTRATION 1 OFFICE OF THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARY 4 DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND LABOR 9 DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION 11 DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE 16 DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH 20 DEPARTMENT OF PROPERTY AND PROCUREMENT 35 DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY 38 DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS 41 DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL WELFARE 46 DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM AND TRADE 56 SELECTIVE SERVICE 58 ST. CROIX^SPECIAL REPORT 60 ST. JOHN SPECIAL REPORT 61 MUNICIPAL COURTS , 62 Annual Report of the Governor of the Virgin Islands Walter A. Gordon, Governor PROGRESS OF THE ADMINISTRATION INCREASED stability in the operation of the Government was realized during fiscal year 1958. Revenues amounted to $4,161,- 389.25, an increase over fiscal year 1957 of $476,304.79, or 12.93 per- cent. Principal gains were reflected in income taxes. Cash balance in the Treasury of the Government of the Virgin Islands on June 30, 1958, amounted to $5,696,822.65. As was true during fiscal year 1957, it was once again not neces- sary to borrow funds to finance the operations of the government for the first months of the current fiscal year. Net worth of the Government of the Virgin Islands, as shown from a complete inven- tory, was $18,181,448.23. Estimated returns from matching funds for fiscal year 1958 should exceed $3,800,000. The water problem which plagued St. Thomas and St. John espe- cially during most of fiscal year 1957 abated somewhat during the period following March 1958 when the 18-month drought ended and unusual rains blessed the islands. During fiscal year 1958, 45.25 inches of rain fell as compared with only 27.76 the previous year. It was still necessary to haul from Puerto Rico to the Virgin Islands 39,349,600 gallons of water—25,917,400 gallons by govern- ment barge and 13,432,200 gallons by chartered vessels. However, toward the end of the period it was possible to accomplish all haul- ing of water with the government barge and tug Cavpeahe, thus obviating the necessity for renting Navy and commercial equipment. 1 2 -f REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS During the year, 58,459,070 gallons were used in the Charlotte Amalie-St. Thomas system. There continues to be an urgent need for additional water storage facilities in the island of St. Thomas. The present capacity of approximately 10 million gallons is totally inadequate to meet even the minimum needs of the fast-developing community. It would appear that ultimately salt water conversion facilities represent the only real solution to the perennial water problem of St. Thomas and St. John. In contrast, the potential natural water resources of the island of St. Croix are considerable. They only require proper development over the years ahead. With the expansion and construction of new homes in districts where there are very poor road conditions, there continues to be a need for more road construction. Due to limitations on insular funds, most repair and maintenance assignments on roads and highways, the extension of sewer system and potable water system were undertaken through (ii) projects. From similar funds, the work on the Centerline Road and Scenic Road, and other roads and streets in St. Croix, were accomplished. Extensive repairs were made to several old historic buildings. In 1957 the general health picture as presented by available statis- tics showed a slight improvement over 1956, due especially to the lowered mortality rate for St. Thomas, with little change in St. Croix. The Health Department completed its reorganization during fiscal year 1958. A comprehensive study of the Reconnaissance Management Survey was also completed. In addition, a revised State and Survey Plan for the construction of hospital and medical facilities, as applicable under the Hill-Burton Act, was submitted to the Surgeon General of the U.S. Public Health Service for approval. The Hampton Institute program for teacher training was con- tinued with the 1957 summer session in St. Croix. On June 2, three students from the Virgin Islands studying at Hampton Institute under this program were granted master of arts degrees. There were 5,921 pupils enrolled in the public schools and 2,261 enrolled in private and parochial schools. The vocational education program reactivated its agriculture program. A State plan for practical nurse training was submitted to the U.S. Office of Education for review and acceptance. Representation was made by the Commissioner of Social Welfare before the Congressional House Ways and Means Committee during fiscal year 1958 in support of bill H.R. 6656 to increase the annual limitation for public assistance from $200,000 to $300,000. The Department, through its Divisions of Public Assistance, Child Wel- fare, and Institutions and Special Programs, continues it social REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS -f 6 services in the communities. The Public Assistance Division redou- bled its efforts in rehabilitating employables and to establish eligi- bility on a sound basis. This has resulted in the reduction of 100 cases in the monthly caseload. The Child Welfare Division provided casework services to 632 children as compared with 592 in fiscal year 1957. The Community Chest, an effective nonprofit organiza- tion in St. Thomas, continues to provide services in areas of need where Federal and local government programs cannot serve, due either to a lack of funds or operational restrictions. This organi- zation spent $11,860.50 during fiscal year 1958. As a result of the passage of the Virgin Islands Code, the Divi- sion of Personnel and the Office of Real Property Assessment and Recording were transferred from the Department of Insular Affairs to the Office of the Government Secretary. On September 1, 1957, when the Virgin Islands Code went into effect, the Municipal Courts of the Virgin Islands replaced and took over the functions of the Police Courts. In addition to the exclusive jurisdiction granted by the Revised Organic Act of 1954, the new courts were given concurrent jurisdiction with the District Court of the Virgin Islands in all cases of misdemeanors regardless of the punishment and in all civil actions wherein the matter in contro- versy does not exceed the sum or value of $1,000. The Municipal Courts are also courts of record, made so by the provisions of the Virgin Islands Code. It has been a step in the right direction in increasing the jurisdiction exercised by the former Police Courts and establishing in their stead Municipal Courts, as these courts are in closest touch with human rights and liberties, and as a consequence are now in a position to serve the communities in a wider field. The Virgin Islands Code also separated the Municipal Courts from the administrative branch of government and placed them under the supervision of the Judge of the District Court and the Judicial Council of the Virgin Islands. As the Judge of the District Court is also Chairman of the Judicial Council, there is no result- ing division of authority. This change gives us the three separate branches of government on a Territorial level. A major accomplishment of the year was the enactment of the Virgin Islands Code, effective September 1, 1957, representing a revision, compilation, and codification of all the laws of the Virgin Islands into one well-organized and up-to-date Code. A Code Ad- visory Committee appointed by the Secretary of the Interior, and composed of distinguished members of the bench, bar, and Legis- lature, assisted by a special committee appointed by the Virgin Islands Bar Association, rendered an invaluable service in the 4 > REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS preparation of the Code. Published in five well-printed and bound volumes, fully annotated and indexed, the Code presents a ready means of reference for the Government, the courts, and the citizenry for enforcement of and compliance with the law of the land. Here- tofore, it was extremely difficult at times to determine applicable law, including old Danish laws and those passed by the former Colonial and Municipal Councils, the former Legislative Assembly and the Virgin Islands Legislature. It is applicable throughout the Virgin Islands. As one of the results of the enactment of the Virgin Islands Code, the Government of the Virgin Islands underwent major organizational changes for the second time in 3 years (the first, during fiscal year 1955, came as a result of the Revised Organic Act of 1954). Major administrative reorganization effected by the Virgin Islands Code and Executive orders issued during the period include (a) transfer of the Division of Personnel and the Office of Real Property Assessment and Recording from the Department of Insular Affairs to the Office of the Government Secretary, (h) re- designation of the Department of Property and Procurement, (c) transfer of the Municipal Courts from the Executive Branch to the Judicial Branch of the Government, (d) transfer of the Office of the Director of the Budget from the Department of Insular Affairs first to the Department of Finance and finally to the Office of the Governor, and (e) transfer of the Alexander Hamilton Airport in St. Croix from the Department of Insular Affairs to the Depart- ment of Public Works. OFFICE OF THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARY On May 31, 1957, Charles K. Claunch resigned the position of Government Secretary for the Virgin Islands. This position was vacant until December 23, 1957, when John D. Merwin, a native of the Virgin Islands, was appointed to fill the vacancy. During the interim, Joseph E. FitzPatrick, Budget Director, was designated Executive Assistant to the Government Secretary to carry on the ministerial functions of the office. In addition to the specific duties outlined in the revised Organic Act of the Virgin Islands, the Government Secretary is, among other things. Chairman of the Board of Tax Review, the Board of Control of Alcoholic Beverages, the Banking Board of the Virgin Islands, St. Croix Port Authority, and Inter-Virgin Islands Con- ference. He is the Chief Licensing Officer of the Virgin Islands, and on occasion he serves as Acting Commissioner for different departments. REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS ^ 5 Document Control and Licensing On January 1, 1958, Act No. 194 (bill No. 487) went into effect. This act standardized license fees for the Virgin Islands, and re- quired that all applications for licenses be filed with the Govern- ment Secretary's Office. It further provided more and better control over businesses operating in the three islands. During the fiscal period under review, 1,718 license applications were processed, result- ing in the collection of $40,301.13. Under existing procedures, all persons are required to forward appropriate fees with their appli- cations. This method of collection and processing has provided for more effective control. Insurance As Commissioner of Insurance, the Government Secretary is responsible for the administration of title 22 of the Virgin Islands Code relating to insurance. Prior to September 1, 1957, when the Virgin Islands Code became effective, the Commissioner's insurance operations were limited to companies resident in St. Thomas, in accordance with bill No. 69 of the Eighth Municipal Council of St. Thomas and St. John. Insurance companies operating in St. Croix were required to com- ply only with the provisions of the corporation laws. At the beginning of the calendar year 1958, companies in St. Croix were required to obtain certificates of authority, in accord- ance with the revised insurance laws. However, most of the com- panies operating in St. Croix were already registered in St. Thomas, and had already obtained such certificates of authority. Conse- quently, only five companies operating in St. Croix were added to the register of insurance companies. Corporations All corporate activity is now centralized in the Government Secre- tary's Office, in accordance with the provisions of the Virgin Islands Code which became effective September 1, 1957. Before this date, corporate activity of this Office was limited to companies organized or doing business in St. Thomas. The processing of corporate docu- ments of companies organized or doing business in St. Croix was done through the Office of the Administrative Assistant for St. Croix, after clearance through the Government Secretary's Office with the United States Attorney regarding the legal sufficiency of the documents. 495763—59 2 6 -f REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS During fiscal year 1958, the Government Secretary's Office issued 56 certificates of incorporation and 9 certificates of amendment. Also, seven corporations were dissolved, and eight were removed from the active list due to failure to pay annual license fees. Miscellaneous The Government Secretary grants authorization to ministers to perform civil-religious ceremonies within the Virgin Islands. Dur- ing 1958, 13 ministers were given authority to perform such cere- monies. The processing of notary public commissions likewise falls within the scope of activities of this Office. Commissions are issued for a 4-year period. At the beginning of the fiscal year there were four notaries public on the island of St. Croix, and nine on the island of St, Thomas. There are seven government notaries on the island of St. Thomas and six on St. Croix authorized to perform strictly governmental functions. The Virgin Islands Code provides that the Governor may commission not more than 25 notaries for the Virgin Islands, as compared with 20 previously authorized under the old law. It further provides for the appointment of not more than 20 government notaries for the Virgin Islands. Another function of this Office is the preparation of passports. Passport applications are submitted to this Office by the Clerk of the District Court and prepared for the Governor's signature. During the fiscal year 1958, 79 passports were issued, and there were 47 renewals and 2 amendments. Virgin Islands Board of Tax Review After an inactive status of over 2 years, the tax exemption program of the Virgin Islands was reactivated in January 1958. The Legis- lature enacted and the Governor approved on July 5, 1957, Act No. 224 (bill No, 479), the new tax exemption law of the Virgin Islands granting tax exemption and subsidies. The tax exemption program of the Virgin Islands is administered by the Virgin Islands Board of Tax Review comprising five members. The Government Secretary is Chairman of the Board by law. As of June 30, 1958, there were 41 businesses operating on permanent tax exemptions, employing 2,000 persons, and there were 37 businesses operating on temporary tax exemptions, employing a total of 1,000 employees. Upon the reactivation of the tax exemption program, the question of the payment of subsidies was resolved and 22 corporations received REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS -f 7 subsidy payments amounting to $684,500.47, divided into the follow- ing categories : 75 percent of income taxes paid $469, 766. 27 Custom duties paid by tax-exempt corporations 83, 264, 15 Taxes paid on income earned from purchase or sale of securities 131, 470. 05 Division of Personnel The new Virgin Islands Code designated the Government Secretary as the administrator of the merit system. This places many difficulties in that Office and within the Division of Personnel. The critical and frequent contact with employees and jobseekers, the need for quick action in day-to-day personnel administration, and the full-time na- ture of the work involved in personnel administration all seem to point to the necessity of delegating a definite and considerable degree of responsibility to an officer other than the Government Secretary. However, by placing the responsibility for personnel administra- tion at such a high level in the administrative structure, the added prestige, authority, and executive support for this facet of govern- ment operations will, undoubtedly, facilitate progress. The new pay plan.—By bill No. 690, Act No. 323, Second Legis- lature of the Virgin Islands of the United States, regular session, 1958, the Division of Personnel was given its fourth pay plan to administer, scheduled to be effective on July 1, 1958. This act contains several worthwhile features. These include (1) reestablished regular within-range increases for "satisfactory or better" services which were in effect previously, but were omitted from the 1955 plan; (2) a "longevity scale," new to Virgin Islands pay plans, to cover employees who may have reached the maximum of their pay range; (3) a new schedule covering pay to teachers and other professional personnel in the Department of Education; (4) higher entrance salaries for policemen and firemen; (5) initial- effect within-range increments recognizing prior satisfactory serv- ice; (6) new ranges in addition to the 12 established by the 1955 plan; and (7) provisions placing in the unclassified service members of the Governor's immediate staff. Social security.—The Federal Government no longer maintains a social security representative stationed in the Virgin Islands. As a result, employees or other persons must now await the biweekly visit of the representative from the main office in Puerto Rico to file their applications for social security numbers. The result is that many persons who have been employed by our Government must wait 2 to 4 weeks before receiving their social security number which is required before their names may be placed on the payroll. It 8 -- REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS appears advisable, therefore, to urge the reinstatement of a local social security representative in the Virgin Islands. GovemmeTit Employees Service Commission.—^During fiscal year 1958 the Government Employees Service Commission heard six ap- peal cases—one concerning placement on eligible lists, one concern- ing demotion, one concerning reallocation, and three concerning layoffs. Of these six cases, the Commission's recommendations were accepted by the Governor in two instances, disapproved in three, and accepted but amended by him in one instance. Foresight Foundation scholarship.—Staff members of the Divi- sion of Personnel continued to provide liaison services to Mrs. Euth A. Taussig, president of the Foresight Foundation, Inc. This or- ganization, with headquarters at 30 East 7lst Street, New York City, has been giving full-tuition scholarships to government em- ployees to attend colleges and universities since 1949. Since that time, at least one scholarship has been granted annually. This year, however, a greater number were granted. These scholarship awards are made as a memorial to the late Charles W. Taussig, who, through his work with the U.S. Department of State and the Caribbean Commission, developed a fondness for and interest in the progress of the Virgin Islands. Division of Real Property Assessment and Recording Assessments of values of real property in the Virgin Islands for the calendar year 1957 were made during the period January 1957 to May 1958. Total assessments of value amounted to $27,831,- 048.80. Due to the fact that the decision to reassess all land according to a definite formula was not made until February 1, the normal schedule of assessing real property was not feasible, and both the Tax Assessor for the islands of St. Thomas and St. John, and the District Tax Assessor for St. Croix were delayed in the completion of their relative tax rolls. The total estimated revenue to be derived from assessments during the coming fiscal year (based on the assessments made in 1958) is $347,889.49. This represents an increase of $81,866.03 over the previous year. Recorder of Deeds.—^The total number of documents submitted for recording between July 1, 1957 and June 30, 1958 was 2,431. The number exceeds that recorded in fiscal year 1957 by 111 docu- ments, and is 1,238 more than during the year 1953. The Division's office in St. Thomas was moved to the Library Building, which is not adequate to house satisfactorily the com- bined functions required by the Division. In St. Croix, the space REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS -f V allotted to the Division is still inadequate, since the library of the Recorder of Deeds has outgrown its physical space allotment. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND LABOR Experiment Station—St. Thomas The Agricultural Experiment Station located at Estate Dorothea on St. Thomas rendered invaluable service to and provided neces- sary facilities for the French farmers in the area. Frequent field trips were made by personnel at the station for the purpose of providing technical assistance to farmers. Informa- tion on soil improvement, terracing, treatment of diseased crops, and advice on improvement of crops was disseminated. Rainfall for the period was 51.90 inches. From records available at the station, it was observed that rainfall varies considerably from year to year, and is consistent only to the extent that most of the precipitation may be expected during the period July to December. St. Croix Agricultural Program It is important to mention that a sound and workable agricultural program has been initiated on the island of St. Croix. The objec- tives relating to this program are as follows: 1. To conduct a demonstration farm displaying best principles and practices for crops fitted to our soil, climate, economy, nutri- tional needs and tastes. 2. To make available to farmers a source of seeds, plants, ferti- lizers, insecticides, and fungicides, this service to be rendered on a self-liquidating, nonprofit basis. 3. To develop markets and assist farmers in the marketing of their products. 4. To assist farmers in the preservation of surplus products. 5. To make available to farmers slips and vegetable seedlings at a reasonable low cost. 6. To provide to our Government institutions, such as hospitals, school lunch programs, and institutions for the aged, all surplusage grown without any remunerative gain. 7. To provide a source of ornamental plants to assist in the beau- tification of the community. 8. To extend the growing season of vegetables through the intro- duction of irrigation practices and by the planting of late-maturing A'^arieties. 10 -- REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS Division of Labor Workmen's Compensation Administration.—The compensation of- ficers in the year under review received 339 injury reports. Under this section of the oflScers' activities 296 cases were disposed of, in- volving medical costs or compensation for disability in the various classifications listed hereunder, and there were issued 525 orders awarding a total of $48,993.77. The adjudication of the cases stated necessitated 230 public hearings, and cases where only minor medical attendance was involved were disposed of without formal hearings. A breakdown of the total money value awarded shows : Disability and medical claims : Temporary total disability $15, 040. 43 Permanent partial disability 8, 805. 05 Medical attendance and hospitalization 19, 918. 29 Professional and clerical services 5, 230. 00 Total 48, 993. 77 Fair Labor Standards Act.—The fiscal year witnessed a number of complaints concerning wages, hours of work, and other conditions affecting employment in the Virgin Islands. Growing out of these complaints, back wages and overtime compensation were collected and paid to workers in the aggregate of $2,528.10. Office of Veterans Affairs Under this section of the Department's activities, the Director of Veterans Affairs processed 2,957 cases. Several conferences were held with officials of the local and Federal Government, representa- tives of the district and central offices of the Veterans' Administra- tion in Puerto Rico and the United States, on matters pertaining to veterans benefits under existing laws. Approximately $185^000 was earned by Virgin Islands veterans in training allowances, medi- cal care, and other pension benefits. Employment Service Program The most important service rendered by the Virgin Islands Em- ployment Service was the placement of 2,811 workers on jobs. In addition, approximately 1,500 clearance orders for alien workers from nearby islands were processed. Employment Service counseling interviews were conducted. Approximately 275 orders for alien agricultural workers were processed by this office during the year. These supplemental workers REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS 4- H were used to plant and harvest sugarcane, and to work on small diversified farms. The Virgin Islands Employment Service completed a study of manpower requirements and employment opportunities. The data compiled on current employment, labor market characteristics, an- ticipated employment trends, vocational training requirements, and related economic indicators are presented and analyzed in a booklet "Job Opportunity Survey—March 1958." Summary of Employment Service activities is as contained in the following table: New applications. 1, 754 Counseling interviews 415 Employer visits . 336 Promotional telephone contacts 592 GATE'S administered . 130 Specific aptitude tests administered 113 Proficiency tests administered 100 Placements (nonagricultural) 2, 780 Professional and clerical 307 Skilled and semiskilled 637 Unskilled 719 Service 834 Daywork and casual 283 Placements (agricultural) 31 Claims activities Veterans claims: New intrastate claims 81 Total weeks unemployment compensated 1, 437 Total weeks partial unemployment compensated ; 58 Total amount of compensation paid ._ $36, 823. 50 Total number of final payments 36 Federal employee claims: New intrastate claims 51 Total weeks unemployment compensated 63 Total weeks partial unemployment compensated 5 . Total amount of compensation paid ^_ $1, 326. 00 Total number of final payments 2 TUG claims (new program, June 22, 1958) : New claims, TUC-UCV 5 Total weeks compensated : New claims, TUC-UCFE Total weeks compensated DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION The school year 1957-58 ended on a hopeful note as the realiza- tion of several long-range objectives was in sight. Dr. Andrew C. Preston was appointed Commissioner in March, and plans for im- proving and extending existing services were set in motion. Funds 12 -f REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS were appropriated for the Renovation of several elementary schools in St. Thomas and the new school buildings in St. Croix were near completion by the end of the fiscal year. The Department of Education was privileged to serve as host to six members of the National Manpower Council and the Joint Council on Economic Education, under the cochairmanship of Dr. Henry David and Dr. Moe Frankel. This group visited the Virgin Islands from January 11 to 25 upon the invitation of Gov. Walter A. Gordon and of Dr. Alonzo G. Moron, president of Hampton Institute. Teachers improved professionally and personally as a result of the lectures and subsequent discussions relative to the impact of manpower, womanpower, human resources, and scientific, technological, and economic development on the schools, the Nation, and the world. The Hampton Institute program for teacher training was con- tinued with the 1957 summer session in St. Croix, and courses in college algebra and tests and measurements were offered during the school year. On June 2, three students from the Virgin Islands were granted master of arts degrees upon completion of training under this program. It is anticipated that these persons will teach in our public schools next year. The year's outstanding achievement in the Elementary Division has been the subject outlines which are in the possession of all primary grade teachers. Elementary teachers are happy to have these outlines because they actively participated in the discussions and work which led to the preparation and compilation of the contents. Also, they feel more secure as they plan their teaching programs. While these outlines are neither detailed nor all inclu- sive, they attempt to set minimum requirements to be attained on each grade level. The Paul M. Pearson Gardens Kindergarten was opened in September, thus placing all kindergartens in adequate government- owned buildings. However, it has been necessary to continue the transportation of children pending construction of a kindergarten in the Savan area. The Director of Secondary Schools devoted much time to super- vision, planning for curriculum development and for improvement in other areas in the secondary schools of both islands. Many prob- lems resulting from inadequate teaching staff and lack of instruc- tional supplies and equipment plagued us at the beginning of the year. Some of these were partially solved later on, and it is hoped that they will be further diminished in 1958—59. REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS -f 13 During the fiscal year 1957-58, the vocational education program regained some of the ground it had lost in 1956-57. The agricul- tural program which had been suspended for the past 2 years due to inability to secure two qualified instructors was revived. An auto mechanics instructor was obtained for St. Thomas, and the course in St. Croix was extended to an all-day program. A State plan for practical nurse training was submitted, a building reno- vated, equipment requisitioned, and other preparations made to offer the course at the earliest possible date. Students of trade and industrial education classes obtained prac- tice while performing such needed jobs as rewiring the building for the Community Youth Center, the renovation of the Girls Home in St. Croix, and the building of a rural kindergarten in St. Thomas. The Bureau of Eecreation was able to secure six summer workers and later four regular permanent employees, thus assuring a con- tinuing program for the year. Major activities included baseball, volleyball, basketball, softball, tennis, cricket, soccer, and track and field events. Various age groups participated in two or more of these sports. The Bureau also served a large group of teenagers and adults who made daily use of the youth centers. Office space was allocated in the Government House in St. Croix to vocational rehabilitation in preparation for a counselor and clerk to devote full-time to the program in that island. Public libraries became eligible for Federal assistance after the approval of a State plan for the extension of library services to rural areas. Detailed information regarding enrollment, attendance, teaching staff, receipts, and expenditures is provided in the statistical sum- maries which follow: Teachers employed in public schools, Virgin Islands Year: Total 1947-48 102 1948-49 96 1949-50 116 1950-51 112 1951-52 111 1952-53 111 1953-54 114 1954-55 1 184 1965-56 1 215 1956-57 1 207 1957-58 1 214 ' These figures are for the entire Virgin Islands. Figures for other years are for the municipality of St. Thomas and St. John. 495763—59- 14 -f REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS Expenditures by years (1948 to 1958, inclusive), Virgin Islands Year: "^o^"' 1947-48 . $286, 553. 55 1948-49 - 324, 584. 47 1949-50 382, 776. 74 1950-51- 361,618.25 1951-52 387, 5&4. 43 1952-53 494, 309. 94 1953-54 505, 062. 55 1954-55 ' 862, 759. 16 1955-56 1 1,180, 397. 94 1956-57 - 1 1, 107, 254. 32 1957-58 1 1,286,009.36 1 These figures are for the entire Virgin Islands. Figures tor other years are for the municipality of St. Thomas and St. John. Average cost per pupil {1948 to 1958, inclusive), Virgin Islands Year: Total 1947-48 $95. 46 1948-49 89. 51 1949-50 74. 66 1950-51 - . 69. 67 1951-52 - 102. 15 1952-53 100.44 1953-54 105. 12 1954-55 1 117. 86 1955-56 1 141. 00 1956-57 1 137.30 1957-58 ' 151. 84 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, Virgin Islands Salary per Certification and assignment: month Master's degree $399. 06 College 4-year 309. 57 College 3-year 255. 30 College 2-year 223. 41 College 1-year 182. 77 Senior high school graduate 164. 58 Special service 260. 76 Special class A 319. 44 Second-class teachers .155. 00 Elementary and kindergarten teachers 222. 45 High school teachers 312. 35 Supervisors 420. 67 Average salary per teacher 265. 5 1 REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS > 15 Average salary per teacher by years, Virgin Islands Dollars per Year: ™p«<'* 1947-48 $100.73 1948-49 105. 97 1949-50 123. 62- 1950-51 127.98 1951-52 127.08 1952-53 -- 163. 73 1953-54 171. 77 1954-55 1 189. 47 1955-56 1 235. 11 1956-57 1 256. 29 1957-58 ' 263. 98 > These figures are for the entire Virgin Islands. Figures for other years are for the municipality of St. Thomas and St. John. Miscellaneous data Number of schools: Public (including kindergartens) 28 Parochial 8 Private 5 Total - 41 School enrollment (June 1958): Public 6, 391 Parochial 2, 077 Private 228 Total 8, 696 Public school enrollment: Kindergartens 312 Grades 1 through 6 4, 122 Grades 7 through 9 1, 382 Grades 10 through 12 575 Total 6, 391 Average pupils per classroom teacher: Rural elementary 32 Urban elementary 41 High school 32 Average salary of teachers in public schools: Elementary $2, 557. 54 High school (academic) $3, 734. 33 Teacher training (exclusive of vocational) : College graduates 81 Normal school (2 years or more) 45 Less than 2 years college 57 Other 7 Total . 190 16 > REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS Source of funds: General fund $1, 182, 600. OQ Matching single I fund 3,500.00 Lottery fund 22, 670. 00 Federal contributions to School lunch 34, 577. 00 Vocational education 40, 000. 00 Vocational rehabilitation 10, 393. 61 Rural libraries extension 20, 641. 00 Total funds available 1,314, 381. 61 Total obligations and expenditures: General fund 1, 184, 203. 66 Matching single I fund 2, 832. 52 Federal funds 101, 805. 66 Total 1,288,841. 84 Expenditures per pupil exclusive of school lunch, adult educa- tion, and community services $151. 84 Average daily participation in school lunch program, 1957-58 4, 620 Number of meals served 821, 312 Note.—No figures are available on the value of school lunch commodities donated by the U.S. Depart- ment of Agriculture; therefore, the cost per pupil participating in school lunch could not be stated this year DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE For the first time since the unification of the Government of the Virgin Islands into a single entity (and we believe for the first time in its history) , we are now able to furnish a statement of the financial condition of the Government of the Virgin Islands as a whole, listing its assets, liabilities, and net worth. Previous reports have only shown this information on a fund basis. It is gratifying to note that improvements in our accounting system, and' increased efficiency in our Accounting Division, made it possible to correct the previously existing deficiency and furnish this important and necessary information. As of June 30, 1958, the assets of the Government of the Virgin Islands amounted to $19,887,932.29 ; its liabilities, $1,706,484.06, and its net worth, $18,181,448.23. As at June 30, 1958, the balance of cash on hand and in the Treasury of the Government of the Virgin Islands amounted to $5,696,822.65. The general fund (the principal operating fund of the Govern- ment) showed a cash surplus of $1,160,488.73 over known obliga- tions outstanding of $401,090.71 at the close of the fiscal year. This is the second consecutive fiscal year that there has been sufl&cient money in the General Fund to finance the operations of REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS -f 17 the Government at the beginning of a fiscal year without recourse to deficit financing. Cash balances in the Federal Appropriation Matching Single "i" Fund, the Federal Appropriation Essential Public Projects Double "i" Fund, as well as the various other special and nonbudgetary funds, also showed surpluses. The high level of income reached in Government during the fiscal year 1957 was not only maintained but was surpassed in the fiscal year 1958. During the fiscal year 1958, revenues collected amounted to $4,161,389.25, an increase of $476,304.79, or 12.93 percent over simi- lar collections in the previous fiscal year. Principal sources of revenues and receipts were (a) taxes, (b) customs duties, (c) income from Government operations and serv- ices, and (d) the Federal Government's matching fund contri- butions. Taxes amounting to $3,872,616.17 constituted 93.06 percent of the revenues that accrued to the General Fund of the Treasury of the Virgin Islands. Of these tax revenues, the income tax accounted for $2,239,414.96, or 57.83 percent of all taxes collected. Taxes on business, either direct or indirect, accounted for $1,045,951.96, or 27.01 percent; customs duties, $295,000, or 7.62 percent; real prop- erty taxes, $278,587.49, or 7.19 percent; inheritance taxes, $13,304.82, or 1.98 percent, for tourism and trade; $96,635.60, or 1.77 percent, percent. Revenues from Government services or operations amounted to $288,773.08, or 6.94 percent of all revenues. Road Fund This fund was established by legislative enactment, and became effective on July 1, 1957. The enacting legislation provided that all taxes upon the sale of gasoline, and all fines imposed by the courts for violation of traffic laws, should be covered into the fund. During the fiscal year 1958, revenues collected and deposited into the Road Fund amounted to $155,271.88. Of this amount, $150,- 230.88 represented collections from taxes on the sale of gasoline, and $5,041 from the collection of fines imposed for the violation of traffic laws. Federal Matching Funds Contributions by the Federal Government of matching funds for the fiscal year 1958, based on fiscal year 1957 net revenues as ap- 18 ^ REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS proved by the Government Comptroller of the Virgin Islands, amounted to $3,379,133.21, an increase of $909,707.04, or 36.84 per- cent over matching funds received during the previous fiscal year. Eevenues collected during fiscal year 1958 that were subject to matching funds amounted to $4,027,888.05. Of this amount, $3,872,- 616.17 represented revenues applicable to the general fund, and $155,271.88 represented collection of revenues applicable to the Koad Fund. We have received no information as to the amount of net revenues that will be certified by the Comptroller based on these collections; however, it is estimated that certification should not be less than $3,800,000. Federal Contributions During the fiscal year 1958, the Federal Government's contribu- tion to grant-in-aid programs, and other programs in which the Federal Government participates, amounted to $656,575.06, an in- crease of $93,193.50, or 16.54 percent over the previous fiscal year. Government Expenditures All obligations incurred and expenditures made by the various departments, agencies, and activities of the Government during the fiscal year 1958 were within the limits authorized and allotted, and no overobligations or overexpenditures of funds were made by any department, agency, or activity of the Government. Of the total amount of $5,848,034.04 expended by the Govern- ment, $3,318,498.37 was expended from the General Fund; $2,279,- 038.93 from the Federal Appropriation Single "i" Matching Fund, and $250,496.74 from the Federal Appropriation Essential Public Projects Double "i" Fund. Of the total amount of $5,848,034.04 expended, $5,445,197.14, or 93.11 percent, was spent for operating expenses and $402,836.90, or 6.89 percent, for general expenses. Of the operating expenses of $5,445,197.14, $1,313,942.72, or 24.13 percent, was expended for health services; $1,075,665.72, or 19.76 percent, for education; $982,445.60, or 18.04 percent, for public works; $388,523.39, or 7.14 percent, for public safety; $409,307.94, or 7.52 percent, for welfare services; $74,805.04, or 1.37 percent, for the Legislature; $108,030.22, or 1.98 percent, for tourism and trade; $96,635.60, or 1.77 percent, for the Office of the Comptroller of the Virgin Islands; $681,067.28, or 12.51 percent, for other administrative and executive agencies of the Government; and $314,773.63, or 5.78 percent, for essential public works projects. REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS -f 19 Expenditures from the special and nonbudgetary funds of the Government during the fiscal year 1958 amounted to $2,391,302.06. Disbursements from the payroll and special deposit funds during the fiscal year 1958 amounted to $5,436,939.13. On June 30, 1958, there were unliquidated obligations outstanding (obligations incurred during the fiscal year 1958 to be liquidated and paid during fiscal year 1959) totaling $806,555.61 and distributed as follows : General fund. : $401, 090. 71 Federal Appropriation Matching Single "i" Fund 252, 545. 22 Federal Appropriation Double "i" Essential Projects Fund 152, 919. 68 Department's Operations, Programs, and Policies Improvement and progress continued in the functioning of the De- partment during fiscal 1958. An Internal Audit Section was established. This section will be responsible for carrying out financial audits of the various depart- ments, agencies, and activities of the Government, and such other special audits and surveys as may be required. It fulfills a longfelt need and its services should add considerably to the overall improve- ment and efficiency of the accounting functions of the Government. General ledgers have now been established and installed for all ap- propriation and fund accounts of the Government. The establish- ment and installation of these general ledgers removes one of the ma- jor sources of criticism of the accounting system of the Government and has made possible for the first time since the unification of the two municipalities the furnishing of full information on the financial transactions of the Government in accordance with the fiscal require- ments of the Eevised Organic Act. Deficiencies reported in the Audit Report of the Comptroller of the Virgin Islands for the fiscal year 1957 have been corrected and recommendations made therein have been carried out insofar as it has been practicable to do so. A contract was entered int(> with the IBM Corp. to use card- punching accounting equipment on a rental basis. The use of this type of accounting equipment in the Department will, it is believed, greatly improve and increase the efficiency of the accounting func- tions of the Department, as well as those of the other departments, agencies, and activities of the Government that may be able to make use of them. Special attention continues to be given to the in-service training of personnel of the Department and, with the installation of IBM equipment, this program will be intensified. 20 ^ REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH During fiscal 1958, the reorganization of the Health Department was accomplished. The functions of the Department have been distributed among three main Divisions (Hospitals and Medical Services, Public Health Services, and Veterinary Medicine) and the Office of the Commissioner of Health, which includes a Bureau of Business Management and a Bureau of Vital Records and Statisti- cal Services. This is considered the most important step in the establishment of a well-integrated program with well defined lines of authority. One of the outstanding administrative accomplishments during fiscal 1958 was a comprehensive study by the local staff of the reconnaissance management survey of the Health Department which was conducted by a team of experts from the U.S. Public Health Service. The implementation of a number of the recommendations which involve finances have been deferred for future action, and still others have been taken under advisement. The Health Department completed a revised State and survey plan for the construction of hospitals and medical facilities in the Virgin Islands. The revised State plan was submitted to the Sur- geon General of the U.S. Public Health Service for approval, in order that Hill-Burton funds allocated to the Virgin Islands for the construction of hospitals and medical facilities might be released. Under the Hill-Burton Act for the construction of hospitals and medical facilities (title VI of the Public Health Service Act, as amended) a total of $55,795.00 was allotted to the Virgin Islands during fiscal 1958 and 1959 for the above-mentioned purpose. Such construction is on a 2-to-l matching basis. Using this formula, the local government would be required to allocate $27,897, thereby making a total of $83,692 available for construction of hospitals and medical facilities during fiscal 1959. It is obvious that these funds are grossly inadequate to meet our entire needs, even on a priority basis. It does, however, represent a step in the right direc- tion. The 1958 State and survey plan is the first comprehensive report prepared on our present and future needs in the area of hospitals and medical facilities. Bureau of Vital Records and Statistical Services In 1957 the general health picture as presented by available statis- tics showed a slight improvement over 1956, due chiefly to the lowered mortality rate for St. Thomas, with little change in St. Croix. REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS > 21 With a total of 1,038 live births, the calendar year 1957 is the first in which live births exceeded 1,000 since 1944, when there were 1,080 live births. The birth rate was 34 per 1,000 estimated popu- lation. The figures by islands are as follows: St. Croix, 484 live births with a rate of 35.3; St. John, 20 live births with a rate of 24.4; St. Thomas, 530 live births with a rate of 33.4. In St. Croix, 86 percent of all live births occurred in hospitals; in St. John, 85 percent; and in St. Thomas, 99.3 percent. The 326 deaths in 1957 and the death rate of 10.7 per 1,000 esti- mated population are lower figures than in 1956 when the figures were 357 deaths and a rate of 11.9. They are still higher, however, than the lowest recorded figures of 1953 when there were 318 deaths and a rate of 9.8. In St. Croix there were 198 deaths with a rate of 14.4, as compared with 1956 when there were 201 deaths and a death rate of 14.8. In St. Thomas there were 125 deaths and a rate of 7.8, the lowest on record for this island. These figures are a marked improvement over 1956 when there were 151 deaths with a rate of 9.6. The St. John figures are 3 deaths and a rate of 3.6. These figures do not include one death which occurred in St. Thomas and was credited to St. Thomas. The age distribution and leading causes of death follow. It is encouraging to note that there was a decrease in the number of deaths under 45 years, while the figures for age groups over 44 years are almost identical with those for 1956. Age distribution Under 1 year 1 to 4 years. 5 to 14 years 15 to 24 years 25 to 44 years... 45 to 64 years 65 to 74 years 75 years and over Age unknown Number 22 -f REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS 52 in 1957. The 52 is still far higher than our lowest infant death rate of 41.3 in 1953 and considerably higher than the general infant death rate of 26.4 for the United States in 1957. For St. Croix the figures are 32 infant deaths and a rate of 66.1 per 1,000 live births for 1957 as against 33 infant deaths and a rate of 72.2 in 1956; for St. Thomas the figures are 21 infant deaths and a rate of 39.3 for 1957 as against 33 infant deaths and a rate of 66.4 in 1956; and for St. John, there was 1 infant death and a rate of 0.2 in 1957. No infant deaths were reported from St. John for 1956. There was a marked decrease in infant deaths and death rate for St. Thomas, and a small decrease for St. Croix. Of infant deaths, 57.4 were neonatal deaths (deaths under 28 days). St. Croix and St. Thomas each accounted for 15 with respective rates of 31 and 28.1. ' The leading causes of infant deaths were: Asphyxia and ateletosis... Prematurity Birth injury Pneumonia Congenital malformations. Number REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS -f 23 tion figures are unavailable. For the Virgin Islands the estimate is 30,530; for St. Croix 13,723; for St. John, 820; for St. Thomas, 15,987. Comparison of birth and death rates per 1,000 population, infant and neonatal death rates and fetal death rates per 1,000 live births for the calendar years 1966 and 1957 24 > REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS In the Bureau of Medical Social Services, tremendous progress was made in an area so vital to complete patient care. Also, the financial evaluation of patient families has been of tremendous aid and value to the Division in the operation of the medical fee schedule, and for the first time a reasonable and equitable adminis- tration of the fee schedule became possible. Unfortunately, the two medical social workers—one in St. Croix and one in St. Thomas resigned before the completion of the fiscal year. The reason for resignation in both cases was inadequate salary. One of the major achievements during fiscal year 1958 was the reorganization of the nursing staff and reallocation of positions in the Nursing Service, in conformity with decisions made by the Health Department and the Division of Personnel, jointly. This action has served to boost the morale of nursing personnel through- out the Virgin Islands. The upgrading of nursing positions has also served to attract more qualified individuals to seek employment in the Nursing Service, where a number of vacancies exist. A realistic approach was made to the perennial nursing shortage in the Virgin Islands by the passage by the Senate of bill No. 682 providing nursing scholarships for six students annually to study nursing in approved institi; tions abroad. The regulations govern- ing these scholarships provide that the recipients must return to the Virgin Islands upon completion of the prescribed course of study to render service equal to the number of years of scholarship aid granted. We are hopeful that this long-range program will even- tually alleviate our nursing shortage. Nursing Administration: The position of Assistant Director of Nursing Service was created and filled in both districts during the fiscal year. This position has direct responsibility for developing a program of in-service education for nursing personnel, both at the auxiliary and the professional level. In addition, the Assistant Director serves in the absence of the Director of Nursing Service during periods of leave. The need for an educational program on a continuing basis for the aids and orderlies has long been felt, and assistance in carrying on direction and supervision of the Nursing Service has been welcomed. A 60-hour comprehensive training course for all new aids and orderlies is well underway. Individual assignment sheets to empha- size individual and patient centered nursing care, and periodic per- formance progress evaluations are other tools currently established and in use. Standardization of trays and equipment throughout all clinical areas was the second big project. The medical-surgical u]iit was and is being used as a teaching and demonstration center. REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS ^ 25 A 24-hour report of patient's conditions and nursing care is being put into operation in the coming fiscal year. This report will show statistical and patient data of the entire day's happenings. Division of Public Health Services With the reorganization of the Department of Health which be- came effective on January 2, 1958, the Division of Special Health Services was changed to the Division of Public Health Services^r This change was effected in order to eliminate the impression cre- ated that other public health services are a function of some other di^dsion. This change was one of the recommendations contained in the "Reconnaissance Study of the Hospital and Health Programs of the Virgin Islands" by the United States Public Health Service team. At the same time, the Bureau of Health Education was transferred to this Division, and Chronic and Communicable Dis- eases were combined into one Bureau, thereby still maintaining nine bureaus under the Division of Public Health Services. These nine bureaus are Bureau of Chronic and Communicable Disease Control, Bureau of Dental Health Services, Bureau of Health Education, Bureau of Laboratories, Bureau of Maternal and Child Health and Crippled Children's Services, Bureau of Mental Health, Bureau of Nutrition, Bureau of Public Health Nursing, Bureau of Environmental Sanitation. The reorganization of the Department of Health initiated the most important step in the establishment of a well-organized pro- gram of services with well-defined lines of authority. The maternal-child health and crippled children's services, and most of the other public health programs are integrated with the medical care program which is principally centered in the hospitals. While many of the problems mentioned in earlier reports in regard to sanitation still exist, it can be noted that gradually the percentage of homes connected to the sewer system is increasing. Attention must now definitely be given to the completely unsatis- factory method of slaughtering animals in the municipally owned and operated slaughterhouses. It is to be hoped that the Division of Veterinary Medicine, recently created, will be able to effect some definite improvements in this field. During fiscal 1958, the primary objectives of the maternal and child health program were to improve health conditions for mothers and to reduce the infant mortality rate for the Virgin Islands. Prenatal clinics and well-baby clinics in the three islands were well attended and, as customary, care and services were adminis- 26 -f REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS tered to a sizable group of medically indigent patients who would not otherwise have obtained acceptable medical care. A total of 1,015 patients were enrolled in the 3 clinics, and there were 6,040 clinic visits, distributed as follows: Island St. Croix St. Thomas and St. John Total - Enrollment, prenatal cUnics 486 529 1,015 Number of clinic visits 2,866 3,174 6,040 A general pediatric clinic for all children is maintained daily at all the local services. Services consist of physical appraisal, diag- nostic services, treatment, and referral to specialty clinics. Total admissions to the clinic was 6,14:5. Well-baby clinics provide physical appraisal of growth and de- velopment; counsel and advice to mothers regarding infant care, immunization against diphtheria, tetanus, pertusis, and smallpox. Powdered milk (nonfat) is distributed to all indigent families for the use of the children. The main diseases diagnosed on pediatric cases admitted to the hospitals are as follows: St. Thomas: Gastroenteritis Bronchopneumonia Tonsillitis Bronchitis, acute Nasopharyngitis Anemia, secondary Tracheobronchitis, acute St. Croix: Gastroenteritis Nasopharyngitis Bronchitis Bronchopneumonia Tonsillitis Fractures Intestinal parasites Gastroenteritis is the leading cause of admissions in both islands. Among the contributory factors are poor sanitary conditions exist- ing in the crowded areas, inadequate water supply, and improper sewage disposal. The dental public health program in the Virgin Islands has expanded both in scope and services. Through the medium of health education, a greater public appreciation of the importance of dental care to the overall health of the individual has been aroused. Attendance at the various clinics increased considerably, and the regulations imposed upon attendance and appointments of cases worked well toward better dental care. The need for two full-time clinicians in the program is indicated due to the considerable demand for restorative and surgical work. REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS ^ 27 A total of 4,559 schoolchildren and 535 adults were treated in the dental clinics. The Bureau of Health Education continued its efforts toward achieving sound health attitudes and good health for all the people of the Virgin Islands, through the medium of radio programs, movie films, the press, the distribution of informational pamphlets and the Health Bulletin. Consultation to intradepartmental divisions of the Health Depart- ment, in addition to the Department of Education and community agencies and groups, constitutes one of the principal services of the Bureau. The Bureau also participated in the joint planning of programs with various health-related organizations. Public health nurses visit all schools in their districts on a weekly schedule. There are good working relationships between the nurses and the teachers. Teachers refer ill children needing first aid to the nurses when they visit the schools. First aid kits or even mini- mum supplies are lacking in most schools. The nurses take care of first aid with supplies from their own bags. Private workspace for the nurse is limited or lacking in many school buildings, especially in St. Thomas where the buildings are old and overcrowded. Several new school buildings have been built in St. Croix with an adequate workroom for the nurse included. The senior classes of the four high schools were given physical examinations that included chest X-rays, blood serology, hemoglobin, urinalysis, and stool examination for intestinal parasites. FoUowup work was done very well in St. Thomas, but St. Croix was badly handicapped for lack of staff help. For the fiscal year, nine cases of active tuberculosis were admitted to the hospital; seven patients were discharged as arrested and four died. Chest clinics for case finding and for supervision of arrested cases are held routinely twice a month in St. Thomas and once a month in St. Croix. Lack of an adequate referral and reporting system has handi- capped foUowup by public health nurses. A central register is being set up which should improve the total program. Facilities for domiciliary care are totally inadequate in all three islands. In St. Thomas two public health nursing aids, employed by the Community Chest and assigned to public health nursing, are giving such care in the home as baths, personal grooming, dressing of ulcers, instillation of eye drops, and accompanying feeble or senile 28 -f REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS patients to the clinic or hospital. On weekends and holidays the aids relieve public health nurses by giving routine care to diabetics. The public health nurses supervise and assign patients to the aids. A Central Register of Diabetic Cases is being compiled. There are over 200 diagnosed cases on the Register for the three islands. A few patients are given complete home care because of their condition. Public health nurses draw blood for blood sugar monthly, test urine and give insulin daily, and visit the patient with the physician monthly. A consultant nurse in children's services has the overall respon- sibility for the Nursing Service to the special clinics. She keeps a roster for each special clinic and assists the nurses with selection of clinic caseloads on the basis of priority of need. She attends all special clinics and makes home visits with public health nurses to selected cases. She carries on in-service education with public health and hospital nurses. During fiscal year 1958, the Bureau of Nutrition continued to provide a variety of services to other Health Department activities, promoted nutrition education in the elementary and secondary schools, participated in individual group instruction in Health De- partment clinics and in-service training, participated in meetings and other activities sponsored by community organizations and groups, and contributed articles to the press, radio and Health Bulletin on various aspects of nutrition. The staff of the Bureau of Mental Health now includes a Direc- tor, psychiatrist, psychological assistant, special educational and guidance counselor, and a secretary. This fact carries greater sig- nificance when it is known that recruitment activities are still underway to secure a psychiatric social worker, a clinical psychol- ogist, and an administrative assistant. During fiscal year 1958, we lost our clinical psychologist. The highlights of the year are briefly : The reorganization of the insular neuropsychiatric ward, research activities in the area of child development, the relationship of types of cultural background and the types of social relationship in a patient's life to the kind of mental illness he develops, the social causes of mental retardation in the Virgin Islands, and in-service training for professional staff. Emphasis has been placed on the planning in preparation for the Caribbean Mental Health Conference which will be held in St. Thomas in April 1959. This conference will be held jointly by Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. We are honored that the First Caribbean Mental Health Conference held in Aruba in 1957 REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS -f 29 accepted the invitation of the Governor of the Virgin Islands to hold the next meeting here. The primary responsibilities of the laboratory services of the Health Department are: First, to assist the medical staff in the diagnosis, prevention or treatment of disease; second, to assist other bureaus, particularly, the Bureau of Sanitation, in the analysis of environmental conditions; and third, to assist the Division of Veterinary Medicine in the diagnosis of animal diseases. During this fiscal year 1957-58, the Bureau of Laboratory Serv- ices completed a total of 87,876 examinations, which is 2,166 less than the previous high of 90,042 in 1956-57. However, the total number of specimens submitted of 56,540 was higher than any of the previous 4 years. ENVIRONMENTAL SANITATION Water Supply The Bureau of Sanitation maintains a weekly check on the potable water supply system on both islands. In St. Thomas the water is tested for bacteriological quality and chlorine residual. In St. Croix the only check is on chlorine residual. The cisterns of all business places and government buildings serving 50 or more people a day are chlorinated weekly in St. Thomas. Samples of water are also taken for bacteriological analysis. Average percent- age of samples contaminated for the year was 6 percent. Items 30 -f REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS properties in Charlotte Amalie. This antiquated and unsanitary method of sewage disposal is largely responsible for the great inci- dence of gastrointestinal diseases in the Virgin Islands. Sections 1523 and 1524, chapter 55, part VI, title 19, Virgin Islands Code, requires the connection of all houses within 60 feet of a sewer and 200 feet of salt-water line to the sewage system. Exempted, however, are superficiary houses and houses assessed at less than $1,000. In Charlotte Amalie 84 percent of the houses serviced by the night-soil system fall in this category. Christian- sted has a percentage of 46 percent, and Frederiksted 48 percent. These figures show that the night-soil system cannot be eliminated under the present law, unless a public works program for the con- struction of sanitary facilities is sponsored by the government. The Division of Veterinary Medicine is responsible for the in- spection of animals slaughtered for sale. The sanitation inspectors continued inspection throughout the year, however, because the Division of Veterinary Medicine could not provide the service. The inspectors are not trained in meat inspection; thus, the services provided were limited in scope. It is hoped that this fiscal year the function of meat inspection at the slaughterhouses will be taken over by the Division of Veterinary Medicine. The slaughterhouses on both islands are in need of repairs. Animals slaughtered were as follows: REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS -f 31 Routine inspections were made of 174 taverns, bars, restaurants, and other similar establishments in St. Thomas. Similar inspec- tions were carried out of 91 establishments in St. Croix. Items Fiscal 1958 St. Thomas St. Croix Restam-ant inspections . Shop inspections 902 66 504 Garbage and refuse collection, a service performed by the Public Works Department, was adequate in most areas during the year. Pileups occurred on weekends and holidays, however, and service to the back areas of town was generally slow. The indiscriminate placement of litter baskets and garbage cans for the storage of sweepings from the gutters encouraged the piling of garbage around the containers by residents of the areas. The Public Works Depart- ment was requested to remove baskets and cans from 19 such areas. In addition, they were requested to remove all gutter sweepings as the gutters were cleaned. The appearance of the town improved considerably after compliance with these requests. The space spray program for the control of the adult pest mos- quito was curtailed considerably in St. Thomas because of faulty operation of the TIFA fog generator. Replacement parts have been ordered for the motor for over 2 months but have not arrived as yet. This is an excellent illustration of the difficulty of oper- ating complicated equipment in areas great distances away from the manufacturer or distributor. In January 1958 a Dyna-Fog generator was secured for use in St. Croix. This machine has operated satisfactorily thus far. The towns of Christiansted and Frederiksted have been fogged nine times each for the control of the adult mosquito, the municipal dump twice, and the Charles Harwood Hospital once. It is planned to extend this service to the numerous villages in the country areas as soon as funds are available. The problem of Aedes Aegypti, the yellow fever and dengue mosquito, is still with us. This mosquito can be eliminated by a DDT residual spray program based on the application of 5 percent DDT to the walls and surroundings of every house at 3-month intervals for 1 year. Subsequent applications should be at 6-month intervals. Such a program would also reduce the number of pest mosquitoes, in addition to killing roaches, flies, ants, and other crawling insects. 32 -f REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS The Administrator of the British Virgin Islands stated at the Inter-Virgin Islands Conference held in Eoad Town, Tortola, on January 31, 1957, that the British Virgin Islands had received a World Health Organization grant for an Aedes Aegypti eradication campaign. Funds could not be released, however, until the Ameri- can Virgiii Islands started a similar program. However, no budget- ary provisions were made for this program. Pest-control services are provided the hospitals on St. Thomas and St. Croix. The hospitals on both islands were heavily infested with the German roach. The infestation on St. Thomas has been brought under control by a rigid schedule of spraying carried out with the cooperation of the hospital staff. In St. Croix the service has not been operated on a continuing and regulated schedule. There is a great need of a sanitary code for housing. The build- ing code does not differentiate between classes of buildings, and there are no zoning restrictions. It does not specify the area needed per person, the maximum occupancy per room, nor the sanitary facilities needed in a dwelling. The many overcrowded, substand- ard dwellings existing today will never be eliminated unless a housing ordinance is passed. The sanitary problems in St. John are becoming more complex as the population increases and more and more people visit the new National Park. Twenty-one visits were made to the island by sani- tation inspectors and six by the sanitary engineer. Although the number of inspections of the island has been doubled, adequate service is not being rendered. The workload has increased to the point where a resident sanitation inspector is required. There has been an increase in the requests for the installation of septic tanks and sewage-disposal facilities in Cruz Bay. The size of the lots in the town are in many instances too small for adequate installations. In some places the ground water table is high. During heavy rains the seepage pits fill up and overflow. These factors, in addition to the installation of paved streets in the shape of shallow gutters draining toward the beach, require the installation of sewerage system. REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS > 33 Statement of appropriations and/pr allocations, Virgin Islands, Department of Health, fiscal period July 1, 1957-June SO, 1958 Source 34 ^ REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS Allotments The Division of Hospitals and Medical Services was allocated $1,056,058 for operation of the institutions. This is the largest allocation of funds ever made for the operation of the medical care program in the history of the Virgin Islands. The Division of Public Health Services was allocated the amount of $336,641 for operation of public health activities of this Department. The Divi- sion of Veterinary Medicine was allocated the sum of $40,000 for its operations, and the Office of the Commissioner was allocated $147,184. St. Croix The general health on the island of St. Croix during the past year has been excellent. The epidemic of diarrhea which affected the island last year did not materialize this year. In addition, there were no epidemics of any kind. Near the end of the present fiscal year, several cases of whooping cough were discovered in the rural village of Slob. However, this showed no tendency to spread, most of the cases were rather mild, and there have been no deaths. The importation of immigrant labor from neighboring islands continued and again these laborers were subjected to examination after arrival. The percentage of persons found affected with filiari- asis showed a marked decrease over previous years, as did also the number of positive serological reactors. This, in all probability, represents the effect of treatment, since in many cases the same per- sons return to the island year after year. Perhaps the brightest spot in the activities of the Health Depart- ment in St. Croix has been the closing down of the Hansen's Home, which was accomplished April 30, 1958, when the last patient was discharged. For many years the Hansen's Home for leprosy patients has been the target of severe criticism, much of it well meaning, much of it publicity seeking. Much of the criticism was justified because the conditions there were far from desirable. With the close and effective cooperation of the Department of Social Welfare, arrangements were made for the placement of the patients as they met the conditions specified by law for medical discharges, and one by one the patients were released either to their own homes or to homes provided by the Department of Social Welfare. Adequate followup provisions were made and the whole program worked very smoothly. One of the significant accomplishments during the past fiscal year was the relocation of the Bureau of Public Health Nursing in REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS -f 35 Christiansted, newly renovated quarters located in a section of the former Christiansted Public Grammar School. The new office is centrally located and is easily accessible to expectant mothers and for conducting well-baby and post partum clinics. Significant Health Achievements During Fiscal 1958, St. Thomas-St. Croix-St. John Among the significant health accomplishments during fiscal 1958 were: 1. Mass vaccination of the population against smallpox as a result of cases isolated in neighboring British islands. 2. Extension of the polio vaccination program to the adult popu- lation up to and including age 40, 3. Better case-finding techniques in cancer disease, thereby result- ing in easier diagnosis and treatment. 4. Initiation of plans for the Second Caribbean Mental Health Conference to be held in St. Thomas, V.I., during April 1959. 5. Formation of the Virgin Islands Medical Society and its accept- ance for membership in the American Medical Association. DEPARTMENT OF PROPERTY AND PROCUREMENT The Code of Laws for the Virgin Islands, approved May 16, 1957, to take effect September 1, 1957, continued the previously estab- lished Department of Insular Affairs as an executive department, and redesignated it the Department of Property and Procurement. During the first half of fiscal year 1958, the Department was most seriously understaffed at the administrative as well as the clerical level. Throughout this period, the units of the former Department of Insular Affairs had functioned more or less independently, under directives from several "Acting Commissioners." However, effective January 2, 1958, a Commissioner was appointed. This Department has not yet had a full fiscal year of operation. Thus, much of its energy and activity has, of necessity, been directed to the tasks of organization, staffing, and orientation. Notwith- standing a late start, this report shows rewarding activity and accomplishment in several areas, with a clear indication of more significant achievements in the future. Land Division As of the close of the fiscal year, there were 835 applications for homestead land on file. One hundred fourteen of these were filed during the year. 36 -f REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS The Land Division is charged with responsibility for administer- ing a program of loans to qualified applicants for home construc- tion. Under the program the Division may (1) make loans not in excess of $8,000 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. As of the close of the fiscal year, there were 54 applications for construction loans on file with a potential value of approximately $189,000. It is noted here that the Division has repeatedly requested that the Home Loan Fund be funded. A request for a contribution of some $150,000 was made during the legislative session. It cannot be stressed too strongly, in view of the Administration's position in this area (home development) that there is immediate need for action in this phase of program operation. The price and rent control program administered by the Agency has as its purpose the effective prosecution of a program affecting the interests of the citizens of St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix, through the control of prices on basic food commodities and gen- eral supplies, and through the control of rentals of housing and business accommodations. A total of 47 cases involving one or more conditions that obtain under the price and rent control law were handled during the fiscal year. Property and Procurement The fiscal year 1958 saw many improvements made in the Divi- sion of Procurement and Supply, as follows : The employment of an administrative assistant, the relocation of the Printing Section to more adequate quarters, the relocation of our St. Croix office to an area suitable to its operations, and the purchase of many items of equipment which will increase the efficiency of the Division. Virgin Islands Planning Board Master plans for the Islands of St. Thomas and St. Croix are now public documents. In addition to maps and charts, the master plans consist of written reports designed to help interested residents of the islands, and public officials to understand the present situa- tion as well as the various recommendations included in the master plans. All of the above-mentioned information is on display at the REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS ^ 37 offices of the Virgin Islands Planning Board in St. Thomas and St. Croix, and at the disposal of the general public. Gen. Walter J. Eeed, Chairman of the Planning Board for quite some time, resigned from this position. General Reed was con- nected with the Planning Board for over 7 years, and his resigna- tion will be a great loss to the Board. His untiring energy and interest was an inspiration to all the other members. In the first special session of the Second Legislature of the Virgin Islands, bill No. 595 (Act 212) was passed on December 6, 1957, and approved by the Governor of the Virgin Islands on January 2, 1958, "to provide funds for a master plan for the island of St. John." Virgin Islands Housing and Urban Renewal Authority During the period covered by this report, the Housing Authority was engaged in the operation of 3 statutory low-rent housing proj- ects, comprised of 5 developments, totaling 460 dwelling units. In, St. Thomas, the Paul M. Pearson Gardens with 240 units and Berg Homes with 50 units, totaling 290 units. The D. Hamilton Jackson Terrace with 110 units and the Bassin Triangle with 26 units, along with the Marley Homes, a 34-unit development, make up the 170 family units in operation on the island of St. Croix. Significant developments occurring during the year included the preparation of development programs and the execution of annual contribution contracts covering 564 additional units of public hous- ing. Of this amount, 300 units will be built in Charlotte Amalie, and 264 units in the city of Christiansted, St. Croix. The Authority found itself involved in a long, drawn-out battle regarding the site for the 300-unit project in Charlotte Amalie. The issue was finally resolved and the Federal Government, represented by the Public Housing Administration, finally decided that because of the lower cost involved, and many other factors of importance, funds would be made available for building the project in the Sugar Estate area. Of great importance to the Authority was the opening of bids during the month of May 1958 for a 70-unit housing project for the city of Frederiksted. The lowest bid was received from the Metropolitan Construction Corp. of Puerto Eico, and while it was in excess of funds immediately available, it was felt that because of the element of competition in bidding, that there would be no serious difficulty in obtaining the additional funds necessary. Actual construction of the project is expected to get underway before the middle of September 1958. There is great need for this additional development in the city of Frederiksted, where at the present time 38 > REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS there are only 35 public housing dwelling units, all of the 2-bed- room type. The Authority now has one housing project in the development stage in each of the cities of the Virgin Islands, which total 634 apartments. When construction of these 3 developments is com- pleted, the total number of units under management will be 1,094 units. It is estimated that capital grant reservations to be requested from the Urban Renewal Authority will amount to (1) Barracks Yard area, St. Thomas, $193,000; (2) the Watergut area, Christian- sted, St. Croix, $464,000; and (3) Lagoon Street area, Frederiksted, St. Croix, $68,000. The applications for survey and planning funds, however, contemplate Federal advances of $25,250 for the Barracks Yard area ; $48,000 for the Watergut area, and $9,200 for the Lagoon Street project in Frederiksted. With the passage of the new Housing and Urban Renewal Author- ity Act, the Virgin Islands will now be qualified for certain types of Federal assistance to be used in the elimination and renewal of slum areas for which the Territory was not eligible heretofore. Objectives It is hoped that during the forthcoming fiscal year it may be pos- sible to staff and fully activate the Property Division. This Divi- sion will have jurisdiction over the motor pool. Its complete establishment and assumption of its authorized place in the Depart- mental structure will permit a realinement of duties and responsi- bilities among the various divisions of this Department. Within the Procurement Division, it is expected to increase and improve activity in the areas of inventory control and inspection. A manual, which will serve as the basis for this activity, has already been prepared. Objectives with regard to homestead and home loan programs include the surveying, subdividing, and allocating of all homestead lands now available. It is also planned, in cooperation with the appropriate officials, and as provided by the Virgin Islands Code, to implement and activate the Standards and Specifications Board. DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY After an interim of almost 2 years, a Commissioner was finally appointed and confirmed by the Legislature to head this Depart- ment when, on June 11, 1958, George A. Matthias, who had come up through the ranks of the Police Force over the years, was duly REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS 4- 39 qualified to serve as Commissioner of Public Safety. This appoint- ment has had a marked beneficial effect upon the progress being made toward developing an ever-improved police and fire service for the Virgin Islands. Subsequent well-earned promotions through- out the departments have contributed materially to an improved morale. Much emphasis in the Police Division is being placed on courtesy and greater service to the community. Richmond Penitentiary.—Considerable work has been done by the inmates of the penitentiary in connection with the various programs worked out for their rehabilitation. As a result, the vegetable farm has produced enough to supplement the prisoners' menu and leave a surplus that is distributed to the hospitals and other govern- mental institutions. Much interest has been developed in wood- working and other skills and trades. Many pieces of mahogany furniture have been produced. This program is contributing much toward readjustment of the inmates to community life. Lcm Enforcement.—The following figures reflect activities in this Division during this and the previous fiscal year: 40 -f REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS to 57. In St. Croix there was an increase from 59 to 69, and in St. John there were two small fires this year as against none last year. In St. Croix 30 of the fires were grass fires which destroyed approximately 282 acres of grazing areas, and 17 cane fires destroyed approximately 142 acres of sugarcane. The St. Thomas dollar value loss was much higher in the year just ended as compared to the previous year—^the sums being $11,800 for 1956-57 and $43,200 for 1957-58. In St. Croix, where the num- ber of fires were greater than in 1956-57, the value of the loss suffered was almost infinitesimal as compared to the previous year's. The St. John loss was also negligible. A program of fire drills throughout the Virgin Islands continues. Firetrucks presently in service are in very poor condition. On order are two new 500-gallon-per-minute firetrucks and one water tank truck for St. Croix and two 500-gallon-per-minute pumpers for St. Thomas. In St. John a new fire shed was built at Cruz Bay to house the equipment in that island, and an addition to it is pres- ently being undertaken to house the firetruck which will be sent from St. Thomas when the new equipment arrives. All of the public establishments, hotels, guesthouses, and theaters were inspected during the month of January, and a report of the necessary improvements was sent to the operators of these estab- lishments. The year just ended has been a very productive one for the Fire Service. Considerable progress has been made. CivU Defense.—During the 1958 fiscal year the Civil Defense Agency of the Virgin Islands, as an integral part of the Depart- ment of Public Safety, continued to develop and maintain coopera- tion with the Federal Civil Defense Administration, the Office of Defense Mobilization, other Federal agencies. The Civil Defense Agency is manned wholly by volunteer per- sonnel, some of whom, in staff positions, serve under appointments made by the Governor. An Operations Center was opened and physically housed at Fort Christian, St. Thomas. This center, staffed by key personnel of the Insular and Federal Governments, the American Red Cross, and Civil Defense Agency, coordinates all operations of the program. In cooperation with FCDA, ODM, and Department of Defense, and as an integral part of the national defense picture, the Virgin Islands participated in both Operation Alert 1957 and 1958. These exercises were designed to test the readiness of the Nation at local, State, and national levels to meet a direct nuclear attack on the United States, and to provide for training of governmental person- nel, auxiliaries, and the general public. All levels of government, REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS ^ 41 as well as the public, participated in both exercises. The results were most gratifying in that it showed an ever-increasing aware- ness of the need for an effective civil defense organization. Major efforts have been directed to developing the agency's poten- tial to meet emergencies resulting from natural causes, i.e., hurri- canes. To this end, emphasis has been placed on developing an interisland communications system. There has been some progress, but more needs to be done. Wildlife.—In an effort to preserve our wildlife from imminent extermination and so as to restore it to its former numbers for hunting, several hunting regulations were established this year. Recent surveys by our wildlife biologist and game warden for the Virgin Islands show that doves and pigeons especially required protection. Due to the fact that the deer population has suffered a vast reduc- tion, regulations were issued in an effort to increase its number. Doe deer cannot be taken for a period of 2 years commencing July 1, 1958. Only one buck may be taken per license per season—Octo- ber 1 to December 31, 1958. As a further precaution, and in order to adequately enforce the new regulations, several honorary game wardens were appointed by the Governor, at the request of the Commissioner of Public Safety. These men will aid in policing the hunting grounds and apprehending violators. DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS General The sum of $1,242,566.49 was received for the year to be appor- tioned between the three islands of St. Croix, St. Thomas, and St. John. From the above allotment the Department maintained roads and highways, garbage and rubbish removal service, operated the sewer and salt water system, potable water system, night-soil service, as well as the overall management and miscellaneous func- tions of the Department. Water Supply St. Thomas.—The potable water supply, as has been the case for the past few fiscal years, was the most vital problem of this Depart- ment. With the expansion of business and the steady increase in residents on the island, there is a definite need for an increased water supply to meet the need of the island. Fortunately, during this fiscal year, we had 45.25 inches of rainfall, which was about 42 -- REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS 0.49 inch above the annual average, and which made it possible to increase the amount of water in storage and avoid the critical con- dition that prevailed through most of fiscal year 1957. During the year we pumped 68,439,070 gallons of potable water. Our water barge No. 1 and Carpeake brought in a total of 25,917,400 gallons of water. During the early part of the year we were still forced to hire chartered vessels to help out with our water lifts. These chartered vessels brought in a total of 13,432,200 gallons of water, making a total of 39,349,600 gallons of water brought in by barges. This water cost approximately $176,623.04, which is about $1.13 per ton. Our potable water in storage reached a maximum of 9,092,520 gallons, or 45 days' supply, on May 5, 1958, and a minimum of 4,506,427 gallons, or 221/2 days' supply, on March 24, 1958. The minimum this year was practically equal to the maximum storage of fiscal year 1957. There is an ever-increasing demand for new connections to the system. At the end of the fiscal year there were pending 75 applicants. Forty-six new connections during the year made a total of 307 connections to the system. Total revenues brought in for the fiscal year was $81,737.05. St. Croix.—As a result of the prolonged drought, which lasted over 8 months, the demand on this supply was unusually great. The system, which is designed for a total delivery of 30,000 gallons per day, was required to put out 50,000 gallons daily. In the town of Christiansted, 6,033,672 gallons of water was consumed through meters, as against 4,102,300 gallons in Frederiksted, making a total of 10,135,972 gallons of water. Water drawn at public hydrants amounted to 10,173,031 gallons in Christiansted and 9,961,920 gal- lons in Frederiksted, making a total of 20,134,951 gallons. The total water pumped from wells were 16,206,703 gallons in Christian- sted, 14,064,220 gallons in Frederiksted, making a total of 30,270,923 gallons pumped. The water used for fire protection and for flushing purposes is pumped from the sea to tanks at high elevations from which it is supplied by gravity. Sanitation St. Thomas.—The demand on the garbage removal service is greater than our facilities can efficiently handle, despite the addition of three new trucks during the year. During the year, 30,534 cubic yards of garbage were removed, this total being less than last year only because for a while the Department was forced to discontinue rural removal service due to lack of funds to keep the full force running. REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS -f 43 Gradually the town of Charlotte Amalie is reducing the night-soil removal service and connecting instead to the sewer system. During the fiscal year there were 73 new sewer connections, bringing the total by June 1958 to 785 properties connected, of which 306 were connected to the salt-water supply system. Also, in June 1958, 49 properties were using septic tanks, 850 were using night-soil cans, and 223 were using pit privies. During the year, 2 night-soil trucks made 939 trips, dumping 468,192 gallons of excreta. It is the aim, gradually, to eliminate both the pit privies and the night-soil system, as sewer connections make this possible. St. Croix.—Garbage removal service in St. Croix was much im- proved through the addition of five new garbage trucks. During the fiscal year, there were 49 new sewer connections, bringing the total by June 1958 to 307 properties connected. Also, in June 1958, 76 properties were using septic tanks, 406 were using night-soil cans, and 245 were using pit privies. The operation of the night-soil service was carried on as usual during the year. The dumps were removed and relocated at Cooper's, about 9 miles from Christiansted and 6 miles from Frederiksted. Roads and Highways The work done on the St. Thomas roads and highways during the fiscal year just ended was chiefly of a maintenance nature. With the expansion and construction of new homes in districts where there are very poor road conditions, requests are being received every day for improved roads. As in St. Thomas, funds allocated for the highways and streets in St. Croix were barely enough to do a maintenance job. Also, the lack of proper road machinery is a great handicap. Public Buildings Most of the work done ruring the fiscal year on public buildings was of a maintenance nature. The renovation of the Frederiksted customhouse and the improvement to the central office at the Public Works yard were the major items of repair to public buildings in St. Croix. Utilities and inspections 44 -f REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS In St. Thomas, revenues received from the following were : Build- ing permits, $7,382.50; electrical permits, $467.00; salt-water service to 233 subscribers, $20,416.00; surveys (including extracts from the records and furnishing of prints), $1,227.64. Routine maintenance of the land records was kept in both St. Thomas and St. Croix. The filled-in areas on our waterfront area were also surveyed and boundaries of the adjoining properties identified. Telephone Division A new manager was appointed in October and made a thorough survey of the system to determine the possibility of furnishing service to persons who had previously applied for telephones. The present switchboard and cable were loaded to capacity at the end of the year, and changing private lines to party lines was the only way left to serve more subscribers. Legislation was passed author- izing the sale of the system and there have been quite a number of prospective bidders. At the end of the fiscal year there were installed the following: Telephones in St. Croix 914 Telephones in St. Thomas 1, 461 (and 6 P.B.X.'s with 444 lines) Telephones in St. John 4 Total number of subscribers : St. Thomas 1,-420 St. Croix - 768 Total subscribers 2,188 Total collections : St. Thomas $208, 006. 40 St. Croix 80, 563. 92 Total revenues 288, 570. 32 Harbor Division St. Thomas.—The signal station on Hassel Island, which was closed on August 15, 1957, because of lack of funds, was reopened on Janu- ary 15, 1958, when funds were made available. Total ships over 100 tons entering port of St. Thomas : Government ships 114 of 434, 187 gross tons Merchant ships 327 of 2, 599, 618 gross tons Total ships 441 of 3, 033, 805 gross tons 336 ships paid pilotage of $31, 808. 75 REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS > 45 St. Proix.—There is need for harbor improvements and docking fa- cilities in St. Croix in order to facilitate and encourage ships calling at the ports. During the year the following were the activities of this Division : 46 ^ REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS Work on our Centerline Eoad and Scenic Koad and other roads and streets were continued. Extensive repairs were made to several of the old buildings such as the Old Marine Barracks and the Old Dutch Church. The sewer system was improved and extended to serve several districts. Several new wells were drilled in LaVallee and Comporico, and other improvements made to facilitate small growers. Much work was also done to improve recreational areas at Cramer's Park, Parade Ground, and the basketball courts at Christiansted and Frederiksted. Several pieces of construction equipment which were sorely needed by the Department for its roadwork were secured. The two new schools, Elementary and Junior High School, Frederiksted, and King's Hill Elementary were more or less completed at the end of the fiscal year. A contract was awarded to furnish design and specifications for the new termi- nal and facilities at Alexander Hamilton Airport. DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL WELFARE The Social Welfare Act of 1943 passed by the Virgin Islands Legislative Assembly in 1943, and approved by the Governor on January 3, 1944, established for the first time a sound legal frame- work for social services in the islands, and provided for the develop- ment and direction of the program on an insularwide basis. Among other benefits, this enabled the Federal social security pro- gram to extend its titles to the, islands—in 1947, child welfare; in 1950, public assistance ; and in 1951, old-age and survivors insur- ance. It also made possible the development of uniform islandswide standards of assistance and services, and centralized supervision and policy development necessary for Federal participation in the pro- gram. The powers and responsibilities of the Department, as estab- lished by the Social Welfare Act of 1943, were incorporated with very little change, in the Virgin Islands Code, which became effec- tive September 1, 1957. Headed by the Commissioner, the Department serves through its three divisions (Public Assistance, Child Welfare, and Institutions and Special Programs), operating out of the St. Thomas head- quarters, the district offices at Charlotte Amalie, Christiansted, Frederiksted, and Coral Bay, and at five institutions (two for aged, St. Thomas; one for boys; one for girls; and one for aged, St. Croix). The Virgin Islands Board of Social Welfare is presently charged with advising the Commissioner in matters pertaining to the develop- ment and operation of the program of the Department, empowered REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS -f 47 to approve or disapprove all rules and regulations promulgated by the Commissioner, and responsible for interpreting the objectives of the program to the public. The Citizens Advisory Commission on Youth was reestablished by Executive Order No. 9-1955 within the Department of Social Welfare to function in accordance with the 1949 Youth Service Act. The Virgin Islands Code charges the Commission with coordinating activities of public and private groups throughout the Virgin Islands concerned with the problems of children and youth, to in- terpret and sponsor legislation, and, among other functions, to serve as an official advisory committee to the Departments of Health, Education, and Social Welfare. Community Chest Since its organization in August, 1938, the St. Thomas Community Chest has operated as an effective arm of the Department, providing help in those areas of need where federal and local government programs cannot effectively operate due to lack of funds and/or the restrictions that accompany government operations. In turn, al^ though the Chest is an entirely independent and voluntaiy public charity, this Department lends a great deal of time and effort to its management and promotion. For example, its Commissioner has served as the Executive Director and Treasurer of the organization since its inception, 20 years ago. The Community Chest of St. Thomas is managed by its 15-member Board of Directors empowered to act in the best interests of needy persons in the Islands and in strengthening the organization and its charitable enterprises. Congressional Legislation Since 1950 the Virgin Islands Government, through this Depart- ment, has operated active programs in all the Federal public assist- ance titles, appropriating ever-increasing sums to improve the inadequate assistance so far available. The local effort has been hampered, however, by unfavorable provisions imposed in the Social Security Act, chiefly those lowering the matching funds for the Virgin Islands to one Federal to one local dollar (instead of the much more favorable formula available on the Continent of four Federal dollars to one local dollar) and limiting the total annual Federal participation first to $160,000 and later to $200,000. To secure urgent relief, the Commissioner has made several ap- pearances over the years before Congressional committees—^his latest 48 -f REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS on June 19, 1958, before the House Ways and Means Committee to testify in support of the amendment to the Social Security Act (bill H.K. 6656) to increase the annual limitation from $200,000 to $300,- 000. At year's end, the Department received official advice that Congress was expected to increase the ceiling to $300,000, as well as to provide funds for other pending public assistance and child welfare programs, before adjourning the current session. Public Assistance The Public Assistance Division concentrated on analyses of the caseload during the year in an effort to rehabilitate all possible employables and with ever-increasing emphasis on the establishment of eligibility on a sound basis. These, plus continuing improve- ment in economic conditions in the islands, and the gradually devel- oping benefits of the old age and survivors insurance program, have resulted in a reduction of 278 persons (101 cases) in the monthly caseload, and a decrease of $3,083.59 in the monthly expenditures. The following chart shows the monthly caseload and expenditures by category at the beginning and close of the report year: Comparison of caseloads and expenditures, 1957 and 1958 REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS ^ 49 Comparison of caseloads, 1963 to 1968 Number of persons in- 50 > REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS The following chart treats the caseload in all the Virgin Islands and in each island as a percentage of the 1950 population census in the corresponding areas : Relationship of total caseload to population, June 1958 AH Virgin Islands St. Thomas St. Jolin St. Croix Total population, 1950 census Total persons aided Percentage of caseload to population 26, 665 1,657 6.2 13, 813 485 3.5 749 43 5.7 12, 103 1,129 9.3 It is significant that the overall Virgin Islands percentage of case- load to population this year, 6.2 percent is less than last year's figure of 7.3 percent and the previous year's figure of 6.5 percent. The ratio of caseload to population similarly reduced in St. Thomas (from 4.4 percent to 3.5 percent) and in St. Croix (from 10.6 percent to 9.3 percent). The proportion in St. Croix remains, as last year, more than twice as high as in St. Thomas, for the same reasons—greater economic distress with lower earnings and greater incidence of inabil- ity on the part of wage earners to support aged or incapacitated rela- tives. Standards of eligibility are uniform for all islands, and close supervision is afforded all programs by the Insular Department to insure uniform application of all policies. When it is remembered that the percentages above are based on the 1950 census, and that the total population now is higher than in 1950, it will be realized that the ratio of caseload to population is actually lower than the figures shown. Medical Care The public assistance program continued during the year grants to assistance clients who are not hospitalized, to cover medicines and medical appliances prescribed by physicians. Clients receive free hospitalization and medicines while they are inpatients of the public hospitals of the islands. This limited medical care program for assistance clients has been handled advantageously through a prepayment plan operated through the Department's pooled medi- cal fund. Total Cost Total public assistance expenditures in the Virgin Islands in 1957-58 ($419,063.57) is $6,083.95 (1.4 percent) below last year's figure, and is $13,811.73, or 3 percent more than the fiscal year 1955-56. Federal matching earned this year was $182,108.91 (com- REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS > 51 pared with $185,106 last year) and all of it was received as this amount is below the Federal ceiling of $200,000. The amount re- ceived this year is about 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 slightly lower this year ($236,954) than last year ($240,042). The following chart shows the costs which comprise the figures above mentioned for the fiscal year 1957-58 : Total cost of assistance program, Virgin Islands {combined assistance and adminis- trative costs) , fiscal year 1957-58 Category 52 ^ REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS foster family care, and institutional care are provided for homeless, neglected, or delinquent children. Casework service was provided to 632 children (St. Thomas, 336; St. Croix, 296) , as compared with 592 last year and 376 the previous year. Below are tables showing the type of services and distribu- tion of the caseload during the report year: Caseload distribution by district offices Children receiving service July 1, 1957.., Children accepted for seivice during year Service discontinued during year Children receiving service June 30, 1968 Total number of different children receiving services during year St. Croix REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS -f 53 Insular Training Schools.—The Boys School continued to achieve a heartening improvement in boy and staff morale. The staff and boys together contributed much in planning and work in the remod- eling of a building for the establishment of the Girls School. The school provided care for a total of 53 boys (St. Thomas, 27; St. Croix, 26) during the year, with enrollment averaging around 45 boys. The average age of the boys in residence remained around 14 years. The Department of Education continued to provide the academic services of the school. Under the direction of the farmer- counselor, poultry, gardening, and animal husbandry projects con- tinued in operation. The long-needed institution-facility for girls was established on March 5, 1958, in a former family residence located on the western boundary of Estate Anna's Hope on which the Boys School is also located. This was made possible through effective cooperation be- tween voluntary charity agencies and the Government. Spearheaded by the Women's League of St. Thomas, a very active campaign for citizen contributions, to which the Community Chest also contrib- uted, provided funds for purchase of most of the equipment, while the Government provided materials for the repair and remodeling of the building, and the staff and boys of the Christiansted High School vocational class (as well as those of the Insular Boys Train- ing School) furnished most of the labor. The Superintendent of the Boys School was assigned the additional responsibility of super- vising operations at this Girls School. There is a small staff of three houseparents thereat, including the supervising houseparent. This small facility, with a total capacity of 10 girls, has already cared for 6 girls (St. Croix, 4; St. Thomas, 2), and there were 5 in residence at the close of the year. Their average age was 13.8 years. During the year, the Child Welfare Division began casework services for the Lutheran Queen Louise Home in Frederiksted, St. Croix, under a policy agreement reached with the Board of Ameri- can Missions of the Lutheran Church. Detention care was furnished 35 children (St. Croix, 10; St. Thomas, 25) for a total of 413 days. Establishment of adequate detention facilities in St. Thomas and St. Croix continues to be an urgent need. The Citizens Advisory Commission on Youth sponsored the estab- lishment of District Citizens Committees on Youth. These local committees organized and financed (through voluntary contribu- tions) the establishment of Youth Centers in each of the three islands. 54 -f REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS Total cost of operation of the Child Welfare Division during the report year was $146,785.46, as compared with $130,451.81 last year. The expenses are summarized below: Cost of child welfare program, Virgin Islands, fiscal year 1958 REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS -f 55 need therefor was accentuated by the fact that, though deep X-ray equipment is available at the Knud Hansen Memorial Hospital, the position of radiologist remains unfilled to date. During the year 15 new cases (10 from St. Thomas and 5 from St. Croix) were referred to the Puerto Eico Cancer League. In addition, there were several repeaters returning for continued treatment and followup. This year's expenditures amounted to $1,306.08 from the Govern- ment's Cancer Fund and $2,714.05 from the Community Chest of St. Thomas, a total of $1,020.13. Loan repayments to the Com- munity Chest totaled $477.05. No repayments were received on loans made through the Government Cancer Fund. Emergency Shelter This Division furnished emergency shelter at the two shelter homes and at the so-called Red Cross Home in Charlotte Amalie to four persons during the year, including stranded transients, evicted ten- ants, and penniless discharged Hospital patients. The accelerated building and remodeling boom, particularly in Charlotte Amalie, is transforming many slum areas into high- rental residential or industrial developments. At the same time the program is depriving hundreds of low-income tenants of quar- ters within their capacity to pay. Aided Self-Care Housing for Aged Persons The Department continued efforts to meet the housing needs of feeble and/or aged clients who need some help, but not total cus- todial care, in their living arrangements. Serving as adviser to the Legislature's Special Committee on Self-Care Housing, the Com- missioner drafted preliminary plans on types, sizes, and sites for projects and their financing under FHA loans, Hill-Burton grants, the Virgin Islands Government double "i" funds, or through the Public Housing Administration as a specialized project. Transfer of Christiansted Offices The repairs and remodeling of the second story of the former grammar school building at Christiansted, for use as headquarters office for St. Croix, were contracted for with the Department of Public Works in April 1958, and the work was about completed at the close of the fiscal year. 56 ^ REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM AND TRADE During the past year the Department of Tourism and Trade operated three offices: headquarters in St. Thomas, a branch office in Christiansted, St. Croix, and a New York information office in that city. The activities of the St. Croix office were greatly in- creased through the appointment of a manager, which position had been vacant for 4 years. Also added to the St. Croix staff was the position of airport clerk for the purpose of disseminating informa- tion at the Alexander Hamilton Airport. A short solicitation trip in the fall of 1957 was made by the Acting Commissioner, visiting New York, Montreal, Washington, and Boston. In May 1958, trips were made to Havana, Cuba, and Ciudad Trujillo. In June 1958, a trip was also made covering the following cities: Miami, Atlanta, Cincinnati, Rochester, Buffalo, Toronto, Montreal, Washington, and New York. These trips are designed primarily to develop summer and fall business and to meet with steamship officials for the planning of winter cruise ship itiner- aries. The importance of keeping up personal contact with these groups cannot be overemphasized. With a relatively small budget to work with, this is one of the most effective ways to insure our continued growth as a tourist area. During the past year a com- plete photographic file was compiled covering scenic views, historic sites, tourist activities, and of all hotels and guesthouses on all three islands. At the end of this year, there were 850 negatives in our files. Visitors to the islands and groups were photographed, and these forwarded for stateside publication in hometown papers, trade journals, and magazines. The two main local events in which this Department participates annually are the Virgin Islands Carnival and the St. Croix Christ- mas Festival. Our endeavors in connection with these consist of providing trophies and assistance in local and stateside promotion and publicity, both in advance of, during, and after they take place. Transportation Services The Virgin Islands continued to be served by Caribbean Atlantic Airlines, Pan American World Airways, and British West Indian Airways. Caribair carried by far the largest number of passengers. Pan American confines its entire Virgin Islands operation to St. Croix. British West Indian Airways continued its triweekly flights to St. Thomas. Bimonthly service was maintained by the steamship Evangeline between Miami and St. Thomas for 8 months of the year. This service continues to be of great value since it is our REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS 4- 57 only real surface passenger link to the continental United States and also brings business to the islands during the off-season months of the year. Year 58 > REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS St. Thomas and St. John St. Croix Hotels and guesthouses.. Retail tourist establishments Bars, restaurants, and nightclubs, not including hotels Other tourist interests. Total Grand total $5, 700, 000 6, 125, 000 584, 000 1, 130, 000 $902, 000 1, 200, 000 250, 000 179, 000 13, 539, 000 2, 531, 000 16, 070, 000 Comparative Data Reviewing activities in the area of tourism in the two past fiscal years, we find that the estimated total tourist visitors in 1957-58 shown above, 132,000, compares with 120,235 the previous year, and the estimated gross tourist expenditures in 1957-58, $16,070,000, compares with $13,170,000 in the previous year. SELECTIVE SERVICE OPERATIONS The primary activities of the State headquarters and the two local boards, which comprise the Virgin Islands selective service organization, are set forth in the paragraphs that follow. Registration Registration is accomplished at the local board offices in Charlotte Amalie, Christiansted, and Frederiksted when the registrant pre- sents himself according to law within 5 days after he has reached the age of 18, or if an alien entering from outside the country, within 6 months of his entry generally. The public is frequently made aware of this requirements in the display of posters in the post office buildings and through occasional news releases. As of June 30, 1958, a total of 3,821 men were registered in the Virgin Islands, reflecting an increase of 274 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 : Local board No. 54-1 Local board No. 54-2 Total 17 to 18 years of ase 18 to 18^^ years of age 18}-^ years and above liable for service' (a) Classified available under 26 years lb) Classified not available or in service (c) Over 26 years, liability extended 26 years and above—over age of liability for service Total 1 49 1,374 (331) (1, 038) (5) 657 2,081 43 1,366 (314) (1, 049) (3) 331 1,740 1 92 2,740 3,821 1 The law provides that certain registrants deferred after June 19, 1951, may have their liability extended until age 35. REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS -f 59 Included in the tabulation above is one registrant not yet 18 years of age. Provision is also made that a person may register with parents' consent if he is a volunteer for immediate induction, which applies here. Classification A total of 770 separate classification actions were completed by the two local boards. Each local board met at least once per month to consider new classifications, as well as reclassification actions. Volunteers continued to be the prime source of manpower for induction. All inductees for the year were from the volunteer pool, which accordingly decreased in number by 39, leaving a balance of only 15 volunteers available as of June 30, 1958. The rapid decrease in the volunteer pool will again necessitate the induction of nonvolunteers for the first time in over 3 years. This is evidenced by the fact that in the latter months of the year under review preinduction physical examinations involved a sizable number of nonvolunteers. The quota for the Virgin Islands was 55, compared with 53 for the previous year. Sixty-six men were actually inducted, all going to the Army. Enlistments showed a marked increase over 1957, increasing from 52 to 109, with greatest activity involving Army enlistments, which showed an increase from 11 to 76. Separations, however, were par- ticularly marked armywise with an increase of from 113 in 1957 to 225 this year, and reflects the armed services program of sepa- rating those persons who do not show adequate job potential through their testing programs. No unusual trend was noted in other than Army gains and losses. Branch of service 60 -f REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS availability for call to active duty in time of emergency declared by the President or established by the Congress. This program involves separate file systems, the gathering of information on each reservist by use of a questionnaire and other means, and considera- tion by the local boards of each reservist's status in relation to the estimated civilian and military needs. During the year, a net increase of 124 standby reservists was realized for the Virgin Islands. ST. CROIX Roads At the close of this period, a total of 5l^ miles of the Centerline Koad had been widened and resurfaced at the cost of $202,775. Other roadwork within this district included 11.1 miles of a scenic road, extending from Estate Concordia near Salt Kiver to Ham's Bay, in the northwestern section of the islands. This involved an expenditure of $68,585 to the end of the period under review. The latter expense included the cost of the survey, blazing of the trail and subsequent widening of the road. Public Buildings For a number of years, several buildings owned by the Govern- ment of the Virgin Islands within this district have been neglected, due, primarily, to the lack of sufficient funds for adequate mainte- nance. These have now been rehabilitated and are presently used as office space for the various departments and agencies of our Insular Government. By a cooperative effort between the St. Croix division of the Department of Public Works and the agencies and departments concerned, the old grammar school and the old high school in Christiansted, as well as the building used by the U.S. customs in Frederiksted, were repaired and painted. Agricultural Program During the period under review, the Department of Agriculture and Labor was authorized to proceed with the implementation of an agricultural program for the district of St. Croix. Detailed plans of the program were approved by the Governor and the Government Secretary for the Virgin Islands. Several pieces of equipment have been received, and a building has been constructed on a portion of land earmarked for agricultural purposes at Estate Anna's Hope. Within a few months, definite assistance to local farmers will have been provided by this Department of the Insular Government. REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS ^ 61 Rum Production A total of 362,933 wine gallons of rum was manufactured within the district of St. Croix during the fiscal period under review. Wine gallons St. Croix Sugar Cane Industries, Inc 134, 702 A. H. Riise Distillers Corp 228, 231 Total 362, 933 This total shows 41,026 wine gallons more than the previous fiscal period, and would represent a substantial increase in Federal internal revenues, available to the Treasury of the Virgin Islands. Brugal & Co., Inc., located at Estate La Grange in Frederiksted, has not been distilling. It was engaged in the blending and bottling of liquors only. ST. JOHN There has been no change in administrative policy during the year. An extensive road improvement and building program was begun, embracing the Cruz Bay, Center Line, North Side, and South Side roads. The road from Coral Bay to East End, which was virtually impassable, has been opened to accommodate vehicular traffic. New roadways were also opened on homestead lands at Estate Enighed. Except for the paving of the streets in the town of Cruz Bay, the other improvements consist mainly of widening by bulldozing as a primary step towards future improvements. Because of the drought experienced during the earlier part of the year, water had to be brought in via barge from St. Thomas. How- ever, due to the unusually heavy rains during the latter part of the year, the water situation has improved. The tremendous loss of water occasioned by the overflowing of the present storage tank emphasizes strongly the need for more storage facilities, which, if built, would solve our water problem for years ahead. A station wagon was purchased for overland transportation of the Administrative Assistant. The Virgin Islands Corporation has almost completed another phase of its power distribution expansion program to include the northern section of the island, as well as certain areas along the Center Line. This program is expected to extend electric power to the Coral Bay District. An addition of 60 feet to the dock at Cruz Bay was begun under contract during the latter part of the year. This addition will help greatly in relieving the congestion caused frequently on the landing area, due to the increased daily passenger and cargo traffic. 62 -f REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS MUNICIPAL COURTS St. Croix During fiscal year 1958, there were 1,177 docketed cases in the Municipal Court including felonies, misdemeanors, and civil mat- ters. Of these cases 1,057 were terminated during the year and 76 were pending at the end of the year. In the past 15 years the caseload of the Police Court-Municipal Court has more than doubled. Moreover, the volume of arraign- ments is still increasing. Fiscal year 1958 shows an increase of 68 percent over fiscal year 1957. Provisions were made in the budget for the fiscal year 1958-59 for the appointment of a probation and parole officer. The services of this officer will be availal^le to the Municipal Court of St. Croix. At the request of the representative of the National Park Service the court has, with the approval of the Judicial Council, agreed to move from its present quarters in the "Old Fort" in Christiansted to Government House, Christiansted. Arrangements are being made to use the District Court room and the office of the District Court Judge when that Court is not in session. Additional space is being provided as an office for the Clerk of the Municipal Court. No conflict is anticipated in the joint use of these facilities as no regu- lar session of the Municipal Court is scheduled during the sessions of the District Court. Plans have been made to take care of any emergency that may require both courts to be in session at the same time. During this fiscal year 96 mandage licenses were issued. Of these, 92 marriages were reported, as follows : Municipal Court 31 Roman Catholic Church 24 Lutheran Church 12 Moravian Church 9 Anglican Church 7 A.M.E. .Church 6 Seventh Day Adventist Church 2 Spanish Methodist Church 1 Total 92 There were seven coroner's inquests during this period. One death was by suicide, two were murders, and tlie other four were accidental or from natural causes. All of the forms used by the office of the Clerk of this court were revised to conform to the provisions of the 1954 Organic Act and the Virgin Islands Code. REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS -f 63 St. Thomas and St. John During the fiscal year 2,318 cases were disposed of by the Municipal Court. This was an increase of 33 percent over the fiscal year 1957. Divisionally, they are as follows, including preliminary hearings : Criminal cases 561 Traffic cases 687 Conciliation cases 309 Civil cases 619 Juvenile and domestic cases 90 Preliminary hearings 52 During the fiscal year 1958, 204 marriage licenses were issued. Of these, 198 marriages were reported, as follows : Anglican Church 26 Calvary Baptist Church 1 Church of God of Prophecy 4 Lutheran Church 22 Methodist Church 44 Moravian Church 26 Municipal Court 42 Roman Catholic Church 29 Seventh Day Adventist Church 4 Total 198 There was one coroner's inquest, which revealed that the deceased met his death by accidental drowning. Notarial services rendered by the court were as follows : Oaths of office and other nonpaying documents 37 Complaints and miscellaneous documents 538 Total 575 There was no activity by the Electoral Boards of St. Thomas and St. John during the time the Judge of the Municipal Court was ex officio Chairman. The Virgin Islands Code provides that each board shall elect its own chairman, which was accomplished on Feb- ruray 5, 1958. Among the many improvements which the Virgin Islands Code brought to the Municipal Court is the establishment of a Conciliation Division, thereby giving legal sanction to the time-honored procedure of the former Police Court of conducting informal hearings. There was an increase in the number of traffic cases which came before the court during the fiscal year. During fiscal year 1956 there were 891 traffic cases filed ; during fiscal year 1957 there were 490 ; during fiscal year 1958 there were 687—an increase of 40 percent over last yeai'.