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UMASS/AMHERST luiiii mil ||ii| |in> >!!!! |<r<n !l)l! !!!» !!!!! ill" Hill Hill 312066 0344 2026 Jl STACK ^ VS/ /9C9 1969 Annual Report Virgin Islands to the Secretary of the Interior J^^- -J^Jj: f ^ 1969 Annual Report Virgin Islands to the Secretary of the Interior For the Fiscal Year EndedJune 30 For sale by the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office Washington, D.C. 20402 - Price 55 cents STACK Digitized by tine Internet Archive in 2009 with funding from Boston Library Consortium IVIember Libraries http://www.archive.org/details/annualreportofgo1969virg CONTENTS Page General Information 1 Highlights " 7 Legislation 9 Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority 13 Virgin Islands Port Authority 17 Public Utilities Commission 20 Bond Issue and Interim Financing 22 Control of Manufacture of Watches 27 Control of Processing of Woolen Yard Goods 28 Office of Public Relations and Information 29 Office of Government Secretary 31 Department of Education 33 College of the Virgin Islands 41 Department of Health 45 Department of Social Welfare 53 Department of Commerce 56 Department of Agriculture 61 Department of Labor 64 Department of Conservation and Cultural Affairs 67 Virgin Islands Employment Security Agency 71 Department of Public Works 73 Department of Finance 75 Office of the Director of the Budget 78 Department of Housing and Community Renewal 81 Department of Property and Procurement 87 Department of Law 89 Department of Public Safety 91 The Municipal Court of the Virgin Islands 95 Office of Probation and Parole 96 Office of Civil Defense 97 Virgin Islands Planning Board 98 Bureau of Statistics and Economic Studies 102 Office of Economic Opportunity 104 Virgin Islands Commission on Youth 106 Division of Personnel 108 Selective Service HO Office of the Supervisor of Elections 112 Conclusion 113 iii 3 J= 3n c S^:.-c^ •5^ oS !« 4J g S « 6 § g g •56 S,| «! O « ~ *" .t; ^ t- «' J: 2 bo O •5 S vw O o c .5 c O CS a > o o 'SCO IJ 5 f*^ •-> .3 ., 4J O O 3 J5 < « S ^ c ^ iS Q o u T3 O ti "'c 3 4) > (U J? e f^ -5 ^ 3 0) V > -w 4-» S r* V, O o o ^ Q U O O^ = o IV GENERAL INFORMATION History Christopher Columbus, sailing to the New World on his second voyage in 1493, dropped anchor on the north side of St. Croix and the island's first "visi- tor" took in the unspoiled tropical beauty and rolling hills of a Caribbean paradise. The spot is known today as Salt River Bay, one of the many pic- turesque inlets in the U.S. Virgin Islands. The Great Navigator named his "discovery" Santa Cruz, meaning "Is- land of the Holy Cross" and sent a landing party ashore to replenish the ship's dwindling water supply. Instead of the warm welcome visitors receive today, Columbus' men were repulsed by the fierce Carib Indians. No further attempts were made to land and colo- nize until 1555 when the hostile Caribs were driven from St. Croix by the sol- diers of King Charles V of Spain. Columbus was so impressed with the beauty of the island chain, he christ- ened them "Las Virgenes" in honor of St. Ursula and her 11,000 martyred virgins. The value of these and the other islands of the West Indies soon became apparent to the crowned heads of Eurof>e and colonization was encour- aged. England, France, Holland, and Spain vied for control during the 17th century with sugar as the principal at- traction. So important was trade with the West Indies that Great Britain, negotiating with France to end the Seven Years' War in 1763, seriously considered keeping the Island of Guadeloupe instead of Canada. Denmark played the most important role in the development of the U.S. Virgin Islands. Entering the picture in 1671, she chartered the West India Co. and began serious colonization of St. Thomas and St. John. St. Croix was purchased from France in 1733. Except for a brief period of British occupation during the Napoleonic Wars, the Danes ruled these islands until 1917. Thus began a golden age of com- merce and peaceful development for the Virgin Islands, blessed by the Danish policy of neutrality and liberal trading laws. Ships of all the nations of Europe, carried to the fine harbor of Charlotte Amalie on St. Thomas by the constant easterly trade winds, gathered there and a booming trade with the New England States of the new American nation supported the burgeoning island economy. Sugar was king and its influence was felt everywhere. Throughout the Is- lands of St. Thomas, St. Croix, and St. John, massive stone windmills were erected for grinding cane. Many of these towers remain reminders of a by- gone era and evidence of a once flour- ishing plantation life. With wealth came the unfortunate byproducts, greed and avarice. The Caribbean became the hunting ground of such notorious pirates as Captain Kidd and Edward Teach, the notorious Blackbeard. It is said the Virgin Is- lands were spared the depredations of these buccaneers by paying "protec- tion" in the form of sanctuary and commercial privileges. 1 Sugar brought great prosperity to the islands and the plantation owners. It also brought misery and privation to the thousands of slaves who were introduced from Africa in the 1680's to work the canefields. Their suffering finally erupted into revolt. On St. John, after a bloody mutiny, the slaves held the islands for 6 months until the French forces arrived from Martinique 1o help the Danish masters regain their land. Legend has it that the last sur- \'ivors of the ill-fated uprising com- mitted mass suicide by plunging over a cliff or shooting themselves rather than face a return to servitude. Slavery was finally abolished by an enlightened Denmark in 1848, 15 years jirior to the publication of the U.S. Emancipation Proclamation. From then on, sugar decreased in commer- cial importance in the Virgin Islands, outdone by the more favorable condi- tions for cane operations in Cuba and elsewhere. The United States took its first in- terested look at the islands during the American Civil War. However, a pur- chase agreement fell through when the Senate refused to ratify the negotia- tions in 1870. Bargaining continued throughout the century but it wasn't until World War I that the United States moved decisively. Fearing a German seizure that would give U-boats a base in the Caribbean, the United States bought the Danish Vir- gins in 1917 for $25 million. The U.S. Navy was delegated to administer the islands and assumed responsibility on March 31 of that year. Geography The U.S. Virgin Islands lie some 1,434 nautical miles southeast of New York City, 991 miles from Miami, Fla. ; and 40 miles east of Puerto Rico, 75 air-miles from San Juan. The islands are a part of the Antilles which form the dividing line between the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. They are located directly in the path of the trade winds, so commer- cially important in the days of sail, at the eastern end of the Greater Antilles and the northern end of the Lesser Antilles. The U.S. Virgins consist of some 50 islands and cays of volcanic origin. Their neighbors, the British Virgins, are made up of another 30 similar islands and cays. Only three islands in the U.S. group are of any population or commercial significance. The largest of these, St. Croix, with 84 square miles is, for the most part, flat, and suited for agricul- tural use. Forty miles due north, St. Thomas wiht 28 square miles, offers dramatic rugged mountains that rise sharply from the sea to heights of up to 1,500 feet. A few miles east of St. Thomas, the Island of St. John with 20 square miles, offers similar land and sea scapes. Both islands rise from the same submarine plateau. Between these two islands and St. Croix, the Carib- bean Sea deepens to a 15,000-foot trench. Because of the steep sloping moun- tainsides, very little land on St. John or St. Thomas is tillable. St. Croix, however, is well suited to agriculture, and priority is being given to the ad- vancement and diversification of this industry. Until recently, sugar cane was the only important crop. However, it had been a marginal one and had cost the local government large sums of money to cover milling losses. Conse- quently, sugar has been phased out and terminated as a commercial crop. In- stead, industry has been encouraged to develop and over 4,000 acres of prime land is being utilized under a compre- hensive agricultural plan now being developed. This includes broad re- search into feasible food crops, mid- dle-range programs for agricultural development and a long-range plan to preserve the agricultural character and natural beauty of the island. St. Croix has two improved harbors. The one at Christiansted, considered to be one of the most picturesque under the U.S. flag, attracts pleasure yachts and medium-sized commercial craft from other West Indian islands. A deep water harbor at Frederiksted on the east end of St. Croix accommo- dates ocean liners and is responsible for increased cruise ship traffic to the island. In addition, a full-size airport with direct jet flights to the mainland has further enhanced the growing tourist trade. St. Thomas, whose agricultural re- sources are limited by its rugged land- scape, more than makes up for this deficiency with its excellent natural harbor. It is one of the ranking ports of call for cruise ships, and the ex- pansion of its airport facilities has now allowed for jet travel from the main- land to the island. St. John's main attraction is its un- spoiled beauty, guaranteed to remain so since much of the island is taken up by the Virgin Islands National Park. The incomparable beaches, breathtak- ing mountain views, and lush vegeta- tion bring an increasing number of visitors each year, who explore the is- land's charm by jeep or boat. The U.S. Virgins enjoy a near per- fect climate. Temperatures stay within the 70° to 90° range with an average 78°. The balmy trade winds provide natural air conditioning. Humidity is comfortably low with rain-fall averag- ing about 45 inches a year. There is an abundant variety of tropical flora ranging from the well- known hibiscus, bougainvillea, ole- ander, poinsettia, and wild orchid, to the less common African tulip, frangi- pani, and lignum vitae. Many other flowering trees and shrubs add to the island's color and fragrance. Coconut and royal palms are everywhere while the quieter beachers are lined with mangrove, mahoe, and seagrape trees. Exotic fruits from native trees grace the tables of Virgin Islanders, the more popular being mango, soursop, lime, guava, sugar apple, avocado, papaya, genep, and mammee apple. Though there is no large commercial fishing industry, the natives, through their individual efforts, make fish an important part of their daily diet. The Virgin Island waters, particularly in the game fishing sense, are rapidly be- coming recognized as a prime fishing area. Blue marlin, wahoo, tuna, tarpon, kingfish, and bonefish are taken the year round while white marlin and sail- fish are caught during most months. The Virgin Islands now holds the world record for the largest blue mar- lin. Smaller fish also abound. They in- clude grouper, "old wife," yellow tail, and angelfish. The islands provide stone, sand, and gravel as building materials but there are no minerals of commercial signifi- cance. Government The Virgin Islands have been gov- erned by many nations. The flags of Spain, France, Holland, England, Denmark, and the United States have flown over all three islands and St. Croix, for a brief time, was adminis- tered by the Knights of Malta. When the United States purchased the Virgin Islands in 1917, the transi- tion was accomplished smoothly by re- taining the Danish legal code as the basic law. The Navy was given respon- sibility for administering the islands until 1931. Military, civil, and judicial power were vested in the Naval Gov- ernor, who was appointed by the Presi- dent of the United States. On February 27, 1931, an Executive order from the White House trans- ferred jurisdiction from the Navy to the Department of the Interior, and the first civihan Governor was appointed by the President. A major change in the method of governing the islands occurred with the passage of the Revised Organic Act of 1954 by which the Congress author- ized distinct executive, legislative, and judicial branches and provided for a substantial degree of self-government. Recent changes in the act provide for an even greater degree of home rule. Presently, the Gk)vernor is appointed by the President, subject to Senate con- firmation and exercises the executive power under the supervision of the Secretary of the Interior. In 1970, by recent congressional act, he will be elected by the people of the Virgin Is- lands for the first time in Virgin Islands history. The Governor is responsible for execution of local laws, administration of all activities of the executive branch, and the appointment of department heads and other employees. He reports annually to the legislature on the state of the territory and recommends new- legislation to carry out the various pro- grams of local government. The government secretary also is ap- pointed by the President. In the absence of the Governor, the govern- ment secretary serves as acting Gover- nor. He also has administrative respon- sibility for banking and insurance laws and the licensing and assessment of real property. The unicameral legislature is elected for 2-year terms. There are 15 senators, five from St. Croix, five from St. Thomas, one from St. John, and four elected at large by Virgin Islands vot- ers of all the islands. Each bill passed must be signed by the Governor before it becomes law. A two-thirds \'Ote of the legislature is necessary to override the Governor's veto. In this event, the Governor must approve it or submit it to the President for final action. The judge of the district court of the Virgin Islands and the U.S. district attorney are appointed by the President of the United States. The district court exercises jurisdiction over felony viola- tions of the local criminal code as well as jurisdiction over crime arising under Federal law. The municipal court judges are appointed by the Governor, and confirmed by the legislature. The muncipal court exercises jurisdiction over misdemeanor violations and traffic offenses under the local law. Civil cases involving less than $500 are handled by the municipal court; cases involving from $501 to $10,000 are handled by either the municipal court or the Federal court; all cases over $10,000 are in the exclusive juris- diction of the Federal court. The district court of the Virgin Is- lands exercises appellate jurisdiction over the muncipal court in civil and criminal cases. The U.S. Court of Ap- peals for the Third Circuit, Philadel- phia, and the U.S. Supreme Court exercise appellate jurisdiction over the district court of the Virgin Islands. Finances and Taxes There are three principal sources of revenue for the government of the Virgin Islands from which funds are derived for capital and operating disbursement. The largest source and one that is growing every year, is from local in- come taxes. An act of the Congress of the United States provides that Federal income tax schedules be applied as a local tax in the Virgin Islands. Another major contributor to the treasury con- sists of Federal excise taxes collected in the United States on imports of Virgin Islands products and returned to the local government as matching funds. In order to receive funds, the islands must raise through local taxes, funds which match in size the excises to be rebated. In addition, the Federal Government assists the islands by appropriations and grant-in-aid allotments for many activities in employment services, public assistance, health and diseases services, wildlife, and libraries. There are over 60 such aid programs and appropriations. Economic Development Tourism continues to be the most important industry in the Virgin Island. Income from visitors' expendi- tures during fiscal year 1969 reached a new record high of over $112,268,245 as compared with more than $100 mil- lion in fiscal year 1968. Efforts continue toward the creation of a broader industrial and agricultural base within the islands' economy. To establish and maintain this economic stability, small manufacturing firms are continually being encouraged to establish operations in the islands. On St. Croix, two large industrial concerns are in production, providing employ- ment opportunities for a large num- ber of citizens. Such diversification provides year- round employment at good wages for many islanders, and has helped bring about a higher standard of living than ever existed under the one-crop, one- industry, sugar economy of old. Virgin Islanders' per capita income is in excess of $2,700 and is by far the highest in the entire Caribbean. The sale of riun, the distilling of which is a major industry of the islands, is promoted through the Virgin Islands Rum Council, supported jointly by the rum distillers and the local government. Tax exemptions and subsidy benefits long have been used by the local gov- ernment to encourage industrial devel- opment. Incentives for private invest- ment in hotels, guesthouses, industrial concerns, and housing projects include tax exemptions of up to 16 years and the return of 75 percent of income taxes in the form of subsidy. Virgin Islands manufacturers of goods that contain not more than 50 percent of foreign raw materials are allowed duty-free entry into the United States of their products under section 301 of the U.S. Tariff Act. To guard against abuses of section 301, the local government sets up production quotas for certain classifications of textiles, and on the manufacture of watches, with higher taxes provided for produc- tion in excess of the quotas. The watch production legislation was supplanted in January 1968 by a congressional act designed for the same purpose but ap- licable as well to other territorial areas subject to the same section 301 treatment. Population The Virgin Islands are in the midst of a population explosion. Currently, the resident population is estimated at 62,802, including alien workers and part-time residents, and it is expected this will jump to 71,000 by 1970. The total labor force is in excess of 32,000. In 1 960 the census recorded the resi- dent population at 32,099. A break- down of the 1960 population figures records 15,930 males and 16,169 fe- males. Residents of urban communi- ties numbered 18,017; 14,082 lived in rural areas, while 8,892 were enrolled in schools. The total labor force was 11,336, of which 7,363 were male and 3.971 female. Unemployment was listed at 3.4 percent. English is the traditional language of the Virgin Islands. Some French is spoken by citizens of French descent on St. Thomas, and many Spanish- speaking families have come from Puerto Rico, chiefly settling in St. Croix. The people are devout and worship in many churches including Roman Catholic, Angelican, Lutheran, Meth- odist, Jewish, Moravian, Seventh-Day Adventist, Pilgrim Holiness, Christian Mission, Dutch Reformed, and Bap- tist. Health and Education The Virgin Islands have set an ex- ample for the entire Caribbean in the preservation of health, the develop- ment of education, and the replace- ment of slums with modern housing. Each year sees further advances in hospital and public health services, and construction of two multimillion-dollar health centers designed to provide ade- quate facilities for the long-range needs of the community is contemplated. Diseases once associated with tropical climates have long since been eradi- cated, and the climate eliminates the need for home heating or heavy cloth- ing, further contributing to the good health of the Virgin Islands. Educational standards continue to be upgraded. Public schools cover kindergarten through high school, and the islands' two major high schools have full accreditation. The College of the Virgin Islands, established in 1963, has reached an enrollment of 332 full- time students and nearly 1,000 part- time students and in fiscal 1969 became a 4-year institution offering programs in liberal arts and teacher education. In addition, the college will continue to offer seven 2-year programs. Communication and Transportation All three Virgin Islands enjoy the facilities of a dial telephone system that is being constantly expanded to meet the growing needs of the community. Marine cables have been installed that have made possible direct dialing to Puerto Rico and to the mainland. Worldwide radio telegraph service is also available. The islands are served by three radio stations, two television stations, and five newspapers, three of them dailies. While most visitors come by air, fly- ing in jet planes to Puerto Rico and then by smaller planes to the islands, aircraft design of recent years has af- fected this travel pattern. With the in- troduction of medium-range jet air- craft, capable of takeofTs and landings from short runways, the islands are now serviced by daily direct jet service from New York City and Miami. A growing regular seaplane service oper- ates between the principal islands. Aside from short-stay cruise ship pas- sengers, there are very few people who arrive by boat. Small native sloo|>s and charter boats carry travelers between islands and to the nearby British Virgin Islands. Local transportation is provided by bus, taxis, and rented vehicles. Most roads are paved, with continued im- provement each year, and driving is on the left side of the road. HIGHLIGHTS OF THE YEAR Housing and Community Renewal Very significant advances were made in the areas of housing and community renewal. Money from the moderate income housing revolving fund was used to complete or help finance 495 homes in three developments. Eight housing projects, using Federal funds and including 1,503 units, were either under construction or planned at the end of the year. Urban renewal pro- grams showed excellent progress, with four projects underway, one in the planning stage and several others pro- posed and under study. Departmenp of Conservation Impetus for the programs of the newly created Department of Conser- vation and Cultural Affairs was pro- vided by receipt of the first installment of a $2.7 million a year royalty, to be used exclusively for conservation and cultural projects, on the Hess Oil im- port quota granted by the Department of the Interior. Pollution Control One of the first projects undertaken by the new Department of Conserva- tion is the updating and expansion of the Islands' sewage and waste disposal systems. A master plan is being imple- mented that will provide sewer sys- tems and waste disposal facilities well within today's more stringent standards of air and water p>ollution control. Tektite I Undersea Study Greater Lameshur Bay, ofT the coast of St. John, was the stage for the dra- matic Tektite I man-in-the-sea project in February. Four aquanaut-scientists, living in a habitat 50 feet under the sea, conducted the longest continuous undersea study yet attempted by a div- ing team. Purpose of the project was to gamer data necessary for the in- creasingly complex undersea and space missions of the 1970's. Public Education Great strides were made in public education as public school enrollment increased at an unprecedented rate of 9.5 percent. It was determined that alien children would for the first time be enrolled in the school system, and it is expected that by next year all chil- dren of school age in the Virgin Islands will be enrolled. A 4-Year College Program The College of the Virgin Islands began its expansion to a 4-year bac- calaureate program, offering majors in seven subjects and enrolling the first 19 juniors in September. The first bach- elor of arts degrees will be awarded in June, 1970. Conference on Caribbean Development Coinciding with the opening of the world's largest combination desalting and power plant on St. Thomas, the first Annual Virgin Islands Confer- ence on Caribbean Development was held in November. The conference was sponsored by the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority, the College of Virgin Islands, and the Government. Opened by Secretary of the Interior Stewart L. Udall, the conference was devoted to study of water desalting as the key to future tourist, commercial and agricultural development of the Virgin Islands and the entire Carib- bean area. Representatives from 15 Caribbean governments attended the conference. A New Governor Dr. Melvin H. Evans was nominated by President Richard M. Nixon to be- come Governor of the Virgin Islands. He took the oath of office on July 1, 1969, succeeding Acting Governor Cyril E. King v^ho had held the post since the resignation of Governor Paiewonsky in February. Electric Power Production Total power production on St. Croix rose to a new high of 84 million kilo- watt hours or 19 million kilowatt hours higher than the previous year. On St. Thomas, production rose 26.5 million kilowatt hours to 124 million hours total. Higher Salaries for Government Employees The new personnel program for gov- ernment employees, designed to elevate standards of government service and improve employee performance, added, in 1969, approximately $5,200,000 in new salaries for regular budgeted posi- tions. Increased security for employees was provided with the classification as to tenure of a number of previously unclassified positions. Aquanauts of Tektite I team join in ceremonies with symbolic key to their underwater habitat before spending a month 50 feet under the water off the island of St. John. SELECTED LEGISLATION APPROVED BY THE SEVENTH LEGISLATURE OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS, JULY 1968- JUNE 1969 Act No. 2317—To amend Chapter 5 of Title 33, Virgin Islands Code, Re- lating to Gasoline Taxes. Act No. 2318—To amend the Provi- sions of Chapter 8 of Title 3 of the Virgin Islands Code Relating to the Establishment of the Positions of Medi- cal Examiner, the Issuance of Sub- poenas by the Attorney General and for Other Purposes. Act No. 2319—To Provide for the Contracting for Publication of Official Notices. Act No. 428—To Express Congratu- lations on the 100th Anniversary of Hampton Institute, Hampton, Va. Act No. 2320—To Provide for the Financing of New Health Centers in the Virgin Islands. Act No. 2327—To Provide Appro- priations From Available Balances in the Internal Revenue Matching Fund for Essential Public Projects for the Fiscal Year July 1, 1968, to June 30, 1969, and for Other Purposes. Act No. 2328—To amend Act No. 2268 (Bill No. 3647) "An Act To Pro- vide Appropriations for Salaries and Expenses for the Operation of the Government of the Virgin Islands During the Fiscal Year July 1, 1968, to June 30, 1969." Act No. 2329—To Provide for the Continuity of the Aedes Aegypti Mos- quito Control Program and for Other Purposes. Act No. 2333—To Extend the Term of the Educational Program for Men- tally Retarded Children Established by Act No. 1575, Approved February 17, 1966. Act No. 2334—To Amend Act No. 2034 (Bill No. 3399), as Amended by Act No. 2075 (Bill No. 3453) "To Au- thorize the Commissioner of Labor To Erect a Memorial to Virgin Islands War Veterans." Act No. 2335—To Authorize the Continuation of the State Technical Services Program in the Fiscal Year July 1, 1968 to June 30, 1969 and To Provide an Appropriation Therefor. Act No. 2336—To Amend Act No. 1911, Approved April 17, 1967, Relat- ing to the Rum-Producing Industry in the Virgin Islands, and for Other Purposes. Act No. 2338—To Authorize the Issuance of Revenue Bonds for the Completion of Certain Bulkhead Improvements at Crown Bay, St. Thomas. Act No. 2339—To Amend Section 17 of Act No. 2238, Relating to the Report of the Select Commission on the Reorganization of the Government of the Virgin Islands. Act No. 2340—To Further Amend Act No. 1259, Approved October 30, 1964, as Amended, Relating to Issu- ance of General Obligation Bonds for Certain Purposes. Act No. 2342—To Amend Certain Provisions of Title 18 of the Virgin Islands Code, Relating to Elections. Act No. 2343—To Amend Act No. 2036, Approved August 7, 1967, Re- lating to the Agreement With Hess Oil Virgin Islands Corp. Act No. 2344—To Establish the State Planning Agency for the Virgin Islands for the Purposes of the Omni- bus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968. Act No. 2345—To Modify the Pro- visions of Act No. 1419 Authorizing the Commissioner of Education To Enter Into Contracts for the Trans- portation of School Children in the Virgin Islands. Act No. 2347—To Authorize the Borrowing of Funds From the Govern- ment Insurance Fund for Land Ac- quisition Purposes, and for Other Pur- poses. Act No. 2348—To Amend Act. No. 2134 (Bill No. 3570), Seventh Legis- lature, Regular Session 1968, Relating to the Assessment of Administrative Penalties for Filing of Application for License After Statutory Deadline. Act No. 2352—To Amend Section 406 of Title 14 of the Virgin Islands Code Relating to Bribing Certain Pub- lic Officers. Act No. 2360—To Authorize the Governor to Execute a clarifying Amendment to the Agreement of Sep- tember 1, 1965, Between the Govern- ment of the Virgin Islands and Hess Oil Virgin Islands Corp. Act No. 2361—To Amend Portions of Title 3, Chapter 22, and Section 96 of the Virgin Islands Code to Trans- fer the Administration and Operation of Publicly Supported Libraries From the Department of Education to the Department of Conservation and Cul- tural Affairs. Act No. 2362—To Provide Appro- priations from the Virgin Islands Con- servation Fund for the Fiscal Year July 1, 1968 to June 30, 1969. Act No. 2363—To Provide for the Construction, Including the Financing, of Certain Low-Cost Housing Units in the Bourne Field Area, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands. Act No. 2364—To Establish a Virgin Islands Public Television System. Act No. 2365—To Authorize the Acquisition of Certain Rights-of-Way Needed for Road Purposes in St. Croix, Virgin Islands. Act No. 2366—To Amend Chapter 5, Title 30 of the Virgin Islands Code, Relating to the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority. Act No. 2369—To Provide for Im- provements to Water Systems in St. Croix and To Repeal Act No. 2104. Act No. 2375—To Create the Vir- gin Islands Port Authority; To Author- ize the Issuance of Bonds for the Port Authority, and for Other Purposes. Act No. 2379—To Provide for Ne- gotiation for the Construction of Hos- pital Complexes in St. Croix and St. Thomas. Act No. 2383—To Amend Subchap- ter VIII, Chapter 25, Title 3, Virgin Islands Code, Relating to Health and Life Insurance for Certain Employees of the Government of the Virgin Islands, and for Other Purposes. Act No. 2385—To Amend Chapter 1, Title 1 of the Virgin Islands Code, Pertaining to the Correction of Errors and Classification of Acts Prior to Pub- lication. Act No. 2386—To Amend the Pro- visions of Section 407 of Title 13 of the Virgin Islands Code Relating to the Withdrawal of Foreign Corpora- lions. Act No. 2387—To Provide an Ap- propriation for the Payment of a Judg- ment Entered Against the Government of the Virgin Islands in the Amount of $250.00 in the Case of Daniels v. 10 The Government of the Virgin Islands (Municipal Court Civil No. 355- 1966). Act No. 2388—To Regulate the Practice of Physical Therapy in the Virgin Islands and for Other Purposes. Act No. 2389—To Extend the Ex- emption From Taxes to the Virgin Is- lands Telephone Corporation for an Additional Period of 6 Years. Act No. 2392—To Approve the Ex- tension of Certain Tax Exemption Benefits to Laga Industries Limited. Act No. 2397—To Petition the Gov- ernor to Take Immediate Action to Implement the Provisions of Law Per- taining to the Investigation of Food Prices for the Protection of Consumers. Act No. 2398—To Provide for a Comprehensive Program of Recrea- tion Development in Frederiksted, St. Croix, and for Other Purposes. Act No. 2400—To Amend the Fol- lowing Titles of the Virgin Islands Code: Title 27 to Provide for Profes- sional Immunity to Registered Nurses in Emergency Cases; Title 19 to Pro- vide for Mandatory Reporting of Cer- tain Physical Abuses of Children by Registered Nurses; Title 27 Relating to the Requirements for Licensing Reg- istered Nurses and Nurse-Midwives, and for Other Purposes. Act No. 2401—To Establish a Spe- cial Commissioin to Study and Make Recommendations on the Status and Problems of Noncitizens in the Virgin Islands. Act No. 2403—To Add New Sec- tions to Chapter 23 of Title 3, Virgin Islands Code, Pertaining to the Estab- lishment of the Virgin Islands Com- mission for Human Resources and for Other Purposes. Act No. 2409—To Add a New Chapter 3 to Title 8, Virgin Islands Code, Pertainnig to Alcoholic Bever- ages, Fair Trade Contracts, Price Schedules and for Other Purposes. Act No. 2411—To Amend Act No. 2253 (Bill No. 3714), "An Act to Pro- vide for the Reapportionment of the Legislature of the Virgin Islands, To Amend Certain Provisions of Title 18, Virgin Islands Code, and for Other Purposes." Act No. 2414—To Provide for the Licensing of Practical Enginee's and for Other Purposes. Act No. 2416—To Amend Subsec- tion (b) of Section 64, Title 24, Virgin Islands Code, Relating to the Rights of Employees to Self-Organization. Act No. 2419—To Amend Certain Provisions of Title 18, Virgin Islands Code, Relating to Elections. Act No. 2426—To Renumber and Amend Section 3027, Title 33 of the Virgin Islands, Relating to the Nontax Revenue Fund. Act No. 2431—To Prescribe the Duties of the Lieutenant Governor of the Virgin Islands in Accordance With the Provisions of the Revised Organic Act of the Virgin Islands as Amended. Act No. 2436—To Establish An Ad- visory Committee to the Virgin Islands Housing Authority and for Other Purposes. Act No. 2443—To Provide Certain Positions Exempted From the Career Service and for Other Purposes. Act No. 2453—To Make an Appro- priation for the 1969 St. Thomas Car- nival and for Other Purposes. Act No. 2457—To Amend the Offi- cial Zoning Maps for St. Thomas, and for Other Purposes. Act No. 2458—To Provide an Ap- propriation for the Purchase of Re- print Pamphlets of the Virgin Islands Code, and Binders for the Virgin Islands Slip Laws and Virgin Islands Register as Authorized by Act No. 922 (Bill No. 1728), and for Replacement Volumes of the Virgin Islands Code. Act No. 2461—To Make an Appro- priation to the Department of Public 11 Safety for Improvement of Recrea- tional Facilities at Richmond Peni- tentiary and the Restoration and Improvement of King's Hill Police Station, St. Croix, and for Other Purposes. Act No. 2462—To Provide an Ap- propriation to Assist the Members of the Senior Class of St. Joseph's High School, Frederiksted, St. Croix, In Making an Educational and Cultural Student Trip in the Caribbean Area in May, 1969, and for Other Purposes. Act No. 2466—To Amend Chapter 27 of Title 4, Virgin Islands Code, To Authorize the Appointment of Li- brarians for the Law Libraries of the District Court in St. Thomas and St. Croix. Act No. 2470—To Authorize a Study Leave for a Translator for In- struction in the Translation of Danish Gothic Script and for Other Purposes. Act No. 2480—To Amend Act No. 2315, Relating to the Legal Rate of Interest. Act No. 2485—To Provide Appro- priations for Salaries and Expenses for the Operation of the Government of the Virgin Islands During the Fiscal Year July 1, 1969, to June 30, 1970. Act No. 2486—To Fix the Regular Expenses of the College of the Virgin Islands for the Fiscal Year July 1, 1969, to June 30, 1970, and for Other Purposes. Act No. 2487—To Provide an Ap- propriation for the Government Insur- ance Fund and Operating Expenses of the Department of Labor for the Fiscal Year July 1, 1969, to June 30, 1970. Act No. 2489—To Appropriate Funds From the Operating Fund of the Virgin Islands Lottery for Foster Care and Day Care for the Fiscal Year July 1, 1969, to June 30, 1970. 12 VIRGIN ISLANDS WATER AND POWER AUTHORITY Personnel: 282 The Authority took over the ojjera- tion of the electric power and water distillation facilities for the Islands on June 1, 1965. In the 4 years since the government acquired the facilities from the former Virgin Islands Corp., owned by the Federal Government, demands for electric power and water have almost tripled. The Authority generates and dis- tributes electricity on St. Thomas and St. Croix and, via submarine cables, serves St. John, Water Island, and Hassel Island. There are now three sea water dis- tillation plants on St. Thomas with a capacity of 3,750,000 gallons per day and one plant on St. Croix with a capacity of 1 million gallons per day. All water distilled by Authority plants is pumped into the facilities of the Public Works Department and this department distributes it to the consumers. During fiscal 1969, the St. Thomas distillation plants produced a total of 397.8 million gallons of distilled water and sold 367.4 million gallons. The St. Croix plant produced a total of 71.6 Multistage flash evaporator sea water desalting plant at Krum Bay, St. Thomas, is designed to manufacture 2/2 million gallons of distilled water daily. 373-289 O—70- 13 million gallons in its first year of opera- tion and sold 69.9 million gallons. Demand for electric power reached an all-time high during the year, with the demand on St. Croix increasing 29 percent over the previous year and that on St. Thomas climbing 27 percent above the demand during fiscal 1968. At the close of the fiscal period, a total of 20,244 customers were served by the Authority's electric distribution system. There were 1 1 ,046 customers in the St. Thomas-St. John service area. The total reflected an increase of 1,944 customers over the last fiscal year. Following is a tabulation of electric bills issued during fiscal years 1966, 1967, 1968, and 1969: 1966 New plant to desalt sea water on St. Croix is designed to manufacture 1 million gal- lons of distilled water daily. On St. Croix, the Authority has a mutual aid contract with Harvey Alumina which can provide up to 4,500 kilowatts in emergencies and when available. To provide more back-up power on the Island of St. Thomas, the Govern- ing Board authorized purchase of a 15-MW gas turbine generating plant. This unit is expected to arrive on the Island in September 1969, and to be placed in commercial operation in October 1969. For back-up power for the Island of St. Croix, the Governing Board au- thorized purchase of a 4,500-kilowatt diesel generator. This unit was sched- uled to start operation in July 1969 but was damaged in shipment and is now expected to be in commercial operation by November 1969. The 750 kilowatt diesel engine (unit No. 6) which needed major mainte- nance was removed from the power plant to accommodate the new unit. On February 19, 1968, by Resolu- tion No. 47, the Governing Board ratified and approved the purchase of a 15,000-kilowatt net steam electric powerplant from IGE Export Division of the General Electric Co. for St. Croix Island. This plant will have provisions for future addition of a 2 Yi -million-gallons-per-day distillation plant. Construction of this plant is progressing and 55 percent of the work was completed at the end of the fiscal year. It is anticipated that this unit will be in commercial operation by Janu- ary 1, 1970. On St. Thomas the 15,000-kilowatt International General Electric steam generating plant, under construction since last year, was placed into com- mercial operation on August 27, 1968, but has not had "final acceptance." By Resolution No. 70, the Govern- ing Board authorized the public sale of electric system bond anticipation notes—1969 in the amount of $1 1,200,- 000. The notes were sold to The Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A., at an annual interest rate of 4.74 percent per annum on April 15, 1969, maturing April 15, 1970. In fiscal 1969, a total of 2,795 appli- cations and contracts for electric serv- ices were executed in St. Croix and 2,767 in St. Thomas. For water, the island of St. Thomas depends on rainfall, private cisterns, hillside catchment areas, barging water from Puerto Rico, and desalination of sea water. The island of St. John de- pends on rainfall, catchment areas, and water barged from St. Thomas. Pres- ently, there are no water production facilities under the jurisdiction of the Authority on St. John. The island of St. Croix depends on catchment areas, well water, and desalination of sea water. Existing water distillation facilities on St. Thomas and St. Croix are as follows: 15 Manufacturer Capacity (g.p.d.) Year installed St. Thomas: Aqua Chem 275, 000 1962 Westinghouse 1, 000, 000 1967 Baldwin-Lima-Hamilton 2, 500, 000 1968 ^*' ^sTearns-Roger 1, 000, 000 1968 With the addition of the Baldwin- Lima-Hamilton plant and the Steams- Roger plant in 1968, the Virgin Islands have plants constructed by the four largest manufacturers of distillation plants in commercial operation in the United States. Presently, the Baldwin-Lima-Hamil- ton plant is the world's largest single steam combined water and power- plant. The Steams-Roger plant is the first commercial multiple eflfect desali- nation plant in the world. This plant is also the largest long-tube vertical de- salination plant in the world. The Authority's desalting plants all produce water of 10 p.p.m. total dis- solved solids which is much better than the 250 p.p.m. limitations generally re- quired by the U.S. Government for public consumption, and all plants are dual purpose, extracting steam after it has spent some energy in a turbine which provides power for electric generation. The Authority has a contract with the Office of Saline Water for provid- ing operating and maintenance data on its desalination plants. In November 1968, the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority served as host for representatives from 15 Caribbean countries for the First Annual Virgin Islands Conference on Caribbean Development. The theme of this first conference was "New Water Key to the Future of the Caribbean." The 2/2-million-gallons-per-day Baldwin-Lima-Hamilton desalting plant on St. Thomas, and the 1- million-gallons-per-day Steams-Roger desalting plant on St. Croix were dedi- cated during the conference. The Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority Governing Board has nine members. The Governor of the Virgin Islands is chairman, the Com- missioner of Public Works is vice- chairman, the Commissioner of Com- merce, and the Director of the Budget are members by position. There are also two local businessmen from St. Thomas, two from St. Croix, and one from St. John who are appointed to the Board. 16 VIRGIN ISLANDS PORT AUTHORITY Personnel: 236 Prior to February 12, 1969, the re- sponsibility for the seaports and marine terminals of the Virgin Islands was under the Marine Division of the De- partment of Commerce. Also, prior to that date, air terminals and various industrial, commercial, residential, and recreational developments were the responsibility of the Virgin Islands Air- port and Industrial Resources Agency, a temporary agency within the office of the Governor. On February 12, 1969, the Virgin Islands Port Author- ity was activated under authority of act No. 2375 of the Virgin Islands Legislature. This act combined the functions of the former Marine Divi- sion and the Virgin Islands Airport and Industrial Resources Agency into a new instrumentality, the Virgin Is- lands Port Authority, with a new form or organization. In accordance with the legislative enactment the purpose "of the Au- thority shall be to establish, acquire, construct, develop and improve, own, operate and manage any and all types of air teiTninals, marine terminals and industrial, commercial, residential and recreational developments, and to make available the benefits thereof in the widest economic manner, thereby promoting the general welfare and in- creasing commerce and prosperity." The Virgin Islands Port Authority was established as an autonomous in- strumentality of the Government of Operating Appropriation $2,042,293 the Virgin Islands with authority to contract and to hold title to property in its own name separate from the Government of the Virgin Islands. The Authority is governed by a nine-mem- ber Board of Directors, on which the Governor of the Virgin Islands is a statutory member with one vote. The first meeting of the board of directors was held on February 12, 1969, and meetings have been held at regular intervals since then to direct the affairs of the Authority. Specifi- cally, the Authority has responsibility for the management, operation, main- tenance, and development of the fol- lowing areas: Harry S. Truman Air- port, Sub Base, Veterans Drive bulk- head and apron, St. Thomas harbors, Red Hook dock, Cruz Bay dock, Coral Bay pier. Gallows Bay Marine Termi- nal, Christiansted harbor. Port Harvey (public area) , Frederiksted pier, Fred- eriksted harbor, Lindbergh beach, and Alexander Hamilton Airport. The report of the Authority for fiscal 1969 covers the activities of the Virgin Islands Airport and Industrial Resources Agency through February 12, 1969, when this agency was in- corporated into the newly-created Port Authority. During the fiscal year, five scheduled airlines, four scheduled air taxis, nine nonscheduled air taxis and charters, and three cargo airlines operated in the Virgin Islands. 17 Major capital improvement projects continued or planned during the year were as follows: 1. Preparation of a master plan for a new jetport in St. Thomas. 2. Construction of a new Interna- tional Arrivals Building at the Alexander Hamilton Airport. 3. Improvements to Terminal Building, Alexander Hamilton Airport. A special feature this year was the conduct of an air show in St. Croix in January, 1969. Other Highlights of the Year During the year continued efforts were made toward development of the plans for a new airport in St. Thomas. Contracts were executed for prepara- tion of preliminary airport lay-out plans, construction plans, specifica- tions, and a revenue feasibility study. It is expected that when this phase of planning is completed, the construc- tion of a new and safe airport capable of meeting the future needs of the is- lands will have advanced one more step toward becoming a reality. A new customs preclearance facility was constructed at the Harry S. Tru- man Airport in St. Thomas and weis put into operation during the fiscal year. St. Thomas Airport and Industrial Operations Revenues realized from the opera- tions of Port Authority facilities in St. Thomas amounted to $905,395. These receipts were supplemented by contributions from the Government to Recently enlarged to take direct jet flights from the mainland, Harry S. Truman Airport stretched behind Lindberg Bay on St. Thomas. In background is the campus of the College of the Virgin Islands. 18 meet the total operating budget of $1,066,701. Once again the number of passen- gers, aircraft landings, and cargo movements through the Harry S. Tru- man Airport reached record heights in the fiscal year 1969. There were 566,- 586 in-bound passengers, an increase of 59,141 passengers over the previous year. New activity at the Harry S. Truman airport included the inauguration of direct air service from New York to St. Thomas by Trans Caribbean Air- lines, and Eastern Airlines service be- tween St. Thomas and Miami. 5"/. Croix Airport Operations The cost of operation for the Alex- ander Hamilton Airport amounted to $390,050. These costs were funded by revenues and supplemental allotments provided by the Government. At this airport, in-bound passengers numbered 228,417, an increase of 55,- 090 over the previous year. Marine Operations Revenues generated from harbor op- erations in the Virgin Islands amounted to $453,077, in the fiscal year 1969 with operating cost of $459,582. A total of 491 cruise ships visited the Virgin Islands during the year, an in- crease of 149 over fiscal year 1968. Of these visits, 424 were made to St. Thomas and 67 to St. Croix ports. The ship visits brought a total of 213,- 541 passengers to the islands, an in- crease of 47,424 over the previous year. Tourism remains the Islands' biggest industry. Last year, 67 cruise ships docked at St. Croix; 491 at St. Thomas, bringing hundreds of thousands of visitors to the Islands. 19 PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION Personnel: 3 Fiscal 1969 was a year of vigorous action by the commission in its efforts to conduct thorough examinations of all utilities subject to its regulation. Of particular importance were the im- provements in telephone service result- ing from the commission's efforts in this area. Telephone Service The commission continued its in- vestigation into the quality of service provided by the Virgin Islands Tele- phone Corp. (Vitelco) and recently initiated another phase of the investi- gation to consider rate structures. In the interests of achieving better quality service and an assurance of adequate telephone plant from Vitelco, the commission's consultants made several investigative field trips, issued two re- ports, recommended corrective meas- ures to be taken by Vitelco, assisted in the implementation of commission or- ders requiring corrective action by Vi- telco, and participated in formal hear- ings before the commission. Earlier, in December 1967, the com- mission's consultants had compiled a report on telephone service with rec- ommended corrective measures. A commission order of remedy (No. 3- 68), issued in January 1967, directed Vitelco to adopt certain minimum serv- ice standards for dial tone delay and operator speed of answer; to make changes in certain central office equip- ment; to adopt an intelligible system Operating Appropriation: $50,000 of tones and announcements which would inform subscribers why a call could not be completed; to conduct traffic engineering studies; to improve transmission qualities; to correct mi- crowave cutoffs and to implement a program to increase and retain com- petent plant personnel so that less work by outside contractors would be re- quired. In fiscal 1969, the consultants con- ducted additional investigations which resulted in two reports. The first, issued in August 1968, resulted in remedial commission order No. 9-68, requiring Vitelco to establish a perma- nent register of subscriber requests for service, which is now in service. The first report further evaluated the need for Vitelco to expedite installation of additional central office equipment. In October 1968, a further report was prepared by the consultants in- forming the commission that Vitelco had failed to comply with the commis- sion's order No. 3-68; that substand- ard service had not improved except in regard to microwave cutoffs and carrier toll trunks in St. Croix, and that Vitelco's activities to improve existing dial service were relatively minor. A week-long hearing, held in De- cember 1968, was extremely useful in eliciting vital information; in securing firm commitments from the company to undertake various remedial actions at specified dates; and in bringing the 20 situation to the attention of ITT-New York. This has resulted in a loosening of restrictions on budgetary commitments and greater efforts to improve service. A short formal hearing was also held under the direction of commission order No. 10-68 to determine the ap- propriate accounting treatment in re- gard to Vitelco's premature retirement of certain rural distribution wire. Substantial service improvements in many areas have been made. Micro- wave cutoffs between the islands have become negligible due to the complete refurbishing of equipment. Vitelco has inaugurated a system of recorded an- nouncements which will inform a sub- scriber as to why a call cannot be completed. The 1969 budget indicates that Vitelco will hire and train an in- creased number of plant personnel with a corresponding cutback in out- side contractor work. An additional 16 toll position board was installed in Charlotte Amalie central office and ad- ditional operators have been hired and trained, which will improve opera- tor speed of answer and toll conditions. Much progress has been made in Vitelco's capital expenditure commit- ments for expansion of telephone plant to relieve present deferred service ap- plications and to meet future demands. A community dial (central) office in the Tutu area is now under construc- tion and will be in service by March 1970. The proposed new central office on St. Croix in the Kings Hill area is scheduled for completion by June 1970. Other expansion programs in- clude installations, in the spring of 1970, of a new community dial (cen- tral) office on St. John to relieve de- ferred service applications there and the addition of a second floor to the present Charlotte Amalie central office in 1970 to permit future equipment additions. Throughout the year, the commis- sion and its consultants have been studying problems relating to the in- ward and outward long-distance toll circuitry, including changes in operat- ing procedures of various companies, transfer of ownerships and realloca- tion of voice grade circuits. The result was a substantial reduction in long dis- tance rates in August of 1968. The commission is continuously en- gaged in surveillance of Vitelco's ac- tivities through analysis of the monthly and special reports which Vitelco is required to file. A new series of hearings is scheduled for late 1969. Data compiled during these hearings will enable the commis- sion to propose additional remedial action. Vicom Having expanded its service. Virgin Isle Communications, which provides marine radio-telephone communica- tions, answering services to subscribers and VHF radio-telephone service to land and mobile stations, has reorga- nized its operations. During the coming year, the commission plans to conduct a study of this reorganization and subsequently report its findings. Passenger Bus Service General service, both on St. Thomas and St. Croix, continues to expand. On St. Croix several new units have been added, and approval of additional routes is being sought to expand the transportation network. Additions were also made to the fleet in St. Thomas, as a result of demands by rural developments and those throughout the expanding industrial park at the sub base area. It is expected that the new rules governing passenger bus service now being prepared will be a major contri- bution to operating efficiency. 21 BOND ISSUE AND INTERIM FINANCING At the beginning of fiscal year 1969, the general government had $11,750,000 outstanding in general obligation bonds, and $6,853,000 in bond anticipation notes for various public improvements and the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority, a governmental instrumentality, had outstanding $8.8 million in electric revenue bond anticipation notes. Public financing activity during the year included the issuance of $7,930,000 in general obligation bonds ; $1,661,000 in revenue bonds for housing and service facilities of the College of the Virgin Islands, and the renewal of the $8.8 million electric revenue bond anticipation notes. The general obligation issue of $7,930,000 retired the $6,853,000 bond anticipation notes outstanding at the beginning of the year and incorporated $1,077,000 in additional financing for schools, water, and sewer projects. Four very competitive bids were re- ceived on November 18, 1968, for this general obligation issue, indicating the continued favorable reception of Vir- gin Islands issues in the national mar- ket. The award was made to First National City Bank & Associates at a net interest cost of 4.91 percent. Detail of the bids received follows: Name of bidder Price Net interest cost Percent of net interest cost First National City Bank & Associates $7,930,380.64 $6,029,184.36 4.9133 Kidder, Peabody & Co. Inc.; Banco Credito; Goodbody & Co.; Dean Witter & Co. & Associates 7, 930, 026. 00 6, 070, 944. 00 4. 9473 The Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A.; Bankers Trust Co. & Associates 7, 932, 380. 00 6, 080, 660. 00 4. 9553 Halsey, Stuart & Co., Inc.; John Nuveen & Co. (Inc.); Bear Stearns & Co. & Associates 7, 931, 586. 00 6, 1 13, 269. 00 4. 98188 The government during the past year completed all general obligation financing authorized by the Legislature. Revenue Bond Debt Authorization The authority for the issuance of revenue bonds by the Government of the Virgin Islands is embodied in the Organic Act of 1954 as amended. Ini- tially, a debt ceiling of $10 million had been fixed by the law; this was later increased to $30 million, and finally by the most recent amendment eflFected by Public Law 90-496 approved August 23, 1968, the debt ceiling for this type of debt was completely removed. 22 By their nature, revenue bonds may be issued only to finance revenue- producing projects which can support the debt on their own. The government has not utilized this means of financing as yet for any wholly governmental capital improve- ments. However, revenue bond financ- ing has been authorized for such government affiliated bodies as the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority and the College of the Vir- gin Islands. The authority under which these instrumentalities may in- cur bonded debt is included in the basic legislation by which they were established. However, as long as the revenue debt ceiling was in effect all issues of these instrumentalities had to be contained within the limits of that maximum. By statute the issuance of bonds up to a maximum dollar amount of $25 million has been approved for the Water and Power Authority; no specific dollar maximum has been de- fined for the college. Issues Outstanding There is presently outstanding an amount of $12,811,000 in revenue bonds and notes. This amount in- cludes a college bond issue of $1,- 661,000 sold in August 1968 to finance housing and service facilities, and a 1-year issue of revenue bond anticipa- tion notes to provide short-term in- terim financing for electrical power producing facilities of the Water and Power Authority. A. College of the Virgin Islands The college issue was purchased by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development under terms of a loan agreement executed on Octo- ber 27, 1966. These 30-year bonds bear interest at Sj/a percent per annum, and are secured by a first lien on the revenues of the facilities in addition to a first mortgage on the project. B. Virgin Island Water and Power Authority The notes of the authority were is- sued on April 15, 1969, for the purpose of retiring an outstanding issue of interim notes in the amount of $8,- 800,000, and obtaining $2,400,000 in new capital. Originally, on May 15, 1967, the authority sold $4 million in 1-year revenue bond anticipation notes to ob- tain interim financing. These notes were renewed on April 15, 1968, and consolidated into a new issue includ- ing $4,800,000 in new capital. The most recent note sale on April 15, 1969, therefore, represented the third re- newal of prior notes in the aggregate amount of $8,800,000, plus the new capital for current projects. All notes of the authority were pur- chased by the Chase Manhattan Bank and are held in the bank's portfolio. However, although these notes, issued on April 15, 1969, become due on April 15, 1970, the understanding among all parties including bond coun- sel and financial advisors is that every attempt will be made to retire these notes during the present calendar year by the completion of a bond sale. A deterring factor to the authority's ability to issue revenue bonds prior to this time has been the existence of a mortgage in the amount of $9 million held by the Federal Goverrunent since June 30, 1965, when the old plant facilities were purchased from the former Virgin Islands Corp. The pres- ent balance on this mortgage is $7,- 200,000. The mortgage of the Federal Government cannot be subordinated, nor can the authority sell bonds which carry a second lien. In order to remove this obstacle the incorporation of the amount owed to the Federal Govern- ment on this mortgage into the first bond sale of the authority has been recommended. 23 Issues Contemplated The government has been contem- plating the possible use of this source of financing for part of the cost of the installation of completely new sewerage systems in the Virgin Islands. This major project is now pending a com- pletion of financial plans. Prior to pro- ceeding with plans for revenue financ- ing, however, it will be necessary first to secure legislative approval of a usage assessment for the service to users of the system. The College of the Virgin Islands expects to complete the sale of $401,- 000 of revenue bonds in October of this year toward the financing of the library building. It is expected that these bonds will also be sold to the Federal Government on a loan agree- ment secured by a mortgage. While a firm program of revenue fi- nancing has not been available as yet from the newly established Virgin Is- lands Port Authority, it is anticipated that the authority will use this means to finance all of its major projects since it has legal authority to do so. By the provisions of act No. 2375 a maximum of $65 million has been set for the authority. Pending projects include the proposed new airport at an estimated cost of $28,359,309, including acquisi- tion of land, improvements to harbors and dock facilities, and development of industrial parks. GOVERNMENT OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS Summary Statement of Revenue Bond Issues and Issues of Revenue Bond Anticipation Notes Outstanding Purpose Amount Term Rate (years) (percent) Housing and service facilities—College of the Virgin Islands (bonds) $1, 661, 000 Electric power producing facilities—^Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority (notes) 11, 200, 000 Total 12, 861, 000 30 1 3. 50 4. 74 General Obligation Debt The general obligation debt incur- ring authority of the Government of the Virgin Islands is defined in the 1954 Organic Act of the Virgin Is- lands, as amended by Public Law 88— 180 and Public Law 90-496 approved August 23, 1968. The act restricts the general obligation debt to an amount equal to 10 percent of the total assessed valuation of real property in the Virgin Islands. In addition, the law specifies that general obligation debt may be incurred only for the purposes of pro- viding or improving school, library, health, water, and sewerage facilities. Within this statutory definition the government between November 1965 and December 1968 authorized and issued general obligation bonds in three series, totaling $20,045,000. As of the jjresent date, principal payments total- ing $715,000 have been made against these issues, and an amount of $19,- 330,000 remains outstanding. By the end of calendar year 1969 an addi- tional $525,000 of principal will have been paid, further reducing the out- standing balance and increasing the level of the remaining debt margin against which new issues may be au- thorized for the funding of capital im- 24 provements within the limits set forth valuation of real property in the Virgin in the Organic Act. Islands is $247,914,452. By applying The debt ceiling changes from time the 10 percent formula, the present to time, reflecting the periodic changes debt ceiling is computed to be $24,- in assessed valuation of taxable real 791,445. property, as well as the changes in the Further, by applying the amount of amount of the outstanding debt at a $19,330,000 now in outstanding issues given time. Generally, any significant against the total debt ceiling of $24,- change in assessed valuation of real 914,452 the government is left with a prop>erty is known by April of each cal- margin of $5,461,445 which may be endar year, after the tax assessor has available for new authorizations, completed the assessments for the Attached are summarizations in applicable tax year. statement form on the computation of Based upon the most recent advice the debt ceiling and the outstanding of the tax assessor, the present assessed issues. GOVERNMENT OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS Computation oj General Obligation Debt Incurring Power Total assessed valuation of taxable real property as of July 16, 1969 $247, 914, 452 Total debt incurring authority per Public Law 88-180, 10 percent of assessed valuation 24, 791, 445 Less total outstanding bond issues 19, 330, 000 General obligation debt margin as of August 15, 1969 5, 461, 445 Note: By December 31, 1969 the debt margin will be increased by an addi- tional $525,000 following the retirement of the following issues: 1965 series to be retired—November 1, 1969 200, 000 1967 series to be retired—December 1, 1969 160, 000 1968 series to be retired—December 1, 1969 165, 000 Total principal payments fiscal year 1970 525, 000 GOVERNMENT OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS Summary Statement of General Obligation Bond Issues Puri)oses 1965 series 1967 series 1968 series Total Hospital facilities: Preliminary planning and acquisition of land -... $1,000,000 $1,000,000 $2,000,000 School purposes: New schools and improvements to existing schools; part of "crash" school construction program au- thorized by Act No. 1255 ---- 4,200,000 500,000 $3,150,000 7,850,000 College of the Virgin Islands for nurse training facilities - -- 102,000 102,000 Water distribution and storage systems 2,815,000 1,308,000 4,123,000 Water production systems (V.I. Water and Power Authority) 2,600,000 2,900,000 5,500,000 Sewers and sewerage disposal facilities 470, 000 470, 000 Total issues- ---. 5,200,000 6,915,000 7,930,000 20,045,000 Payments against principal to date for retirement of bonds 560,000 155,000 -. 715,000 Amount outstanding... 4,640,000 6,760,000 7,930,000 19,330,000 Payments to be made against principal during fiscal year 1970... 200,000 160,000 165,000 525,000 Projected outstanding balance end of fiscal year 1970. 4, 440, 000 6, 600, 000 7, 765, 000 18, 805, 000 25 CONTROL OE MANUFACTURE OF WATCHES IN VIRGIN ISLANDS The period July 1, 1968, to June 30, 1969, saw no significant changes in the administration of the watch production quota. After a year in which several watch companies challenged the valid- ity of the Federal Government to regu- late the production of watches, the companies involved settled down to the task of operating within the stated quota. The local Commerce Department continues to play an administrative role with respect to the watch industry, for it controls the issuance of shipping per- mits to manufacturers licensed under the terms of the Federal law. Under existing procedures the initial alloca- tion was based upon 50 percent of watch movements and parts assembled and shipped during the first 10 months of 1968. At the same time, any firm assembling fewer than 15,000 units for the calendar year would be ineligible for a quota in 1969. During the calendar year 1968, watch movements and parts were im- ported as follows: Japan, $5,032,237; West Germany, $2,226,822; Soviet Union, $833,198; Hong Kong, $517,- 454; France, $853,088; Switzerland, $166,384; Italy, $5,004; England, $5,639; Spain, $332. There are still 15 watch companies operating in the Virgin Islands. With the move of Sussex Watch Corp. from the island of St. Croix to the island of St. Thomas, we now have 1 1 companies on St. Croix and four companies on St. Thomas. Four of these companies now enjoy the privileges of tax exemp- tion. The 15 companies employ 987 persons and have a combined annual payroll of $3,526,530. The quota for 1969 is 3,875,580 watch movements and parts. In fiscal 1969, 3,445,610 movements and parts were exported to the United States for an approximate value of $23,128,053. All quotas granted are subject to possible reduc- tion or revocation. A regulation permits the sale or transfer of the quota provided prior approval of the secretary of their dele- gate is secured and provided the firm sold or transferred remains in the business as a separate or distinct entity. The watch industry of the islands pro- vides year round employment for a majority of natives. A training program where employees are sent abroad is also in effect. 27 CONTROL OF PROCESSING OF WOOLEN YARD GOODS Pursuant to the provisions of chap- ter 9 of title 33, Virgin Islands Code, control over the processing of woolen yard goods is implemented by imposi- tion of quotas to limit the flow of such foreign material into the customs area of the United States. The ad hoc hearing board appointed by the Governor convened during fiscal 1969 for the purpose of hearing testimony and recommending to the Governor quotas to be established for woolen yard goods in the various categories. Controls are maintained by the im- position of a 1-cent-per-yard tax within established quotas and a 65- cent-per-yard tax on excess over the quotas. For the calendar year 1969 quotas in the following categories were established : Linear yards Showerproof woolen cloth 2, 400, 000 Thermal laminated and ad- hesive bonded cloth 100, 000 Total 2,500,000 Unused portions of quotas allotted for calendar years 1967 and 1968 were carried over into 1969. Total yardage each company received by category is as follows: Showerproof woolen cloth : Liruar yards Total quota allowed this year 2,400,000 1968 carryover 1, 174, 406 1967 carryover 1, 225, 594 Total 4, 800, 000 Company appjortionment: Vitex Manufacturing Co., Ltd 1,656, 138 1968 carryover 224, 406 1967 carryover 619, 456 Net this year 2, 500, 000 Kent Company, Inc 493, 862 1968 carryover 500, 000 1967 carryover 606, 138 Net this year 1, 600, 000 Amity International Corp. . . . 250, 000 1968 carryover 450, 000 Net this year 700, 000 Totals including carry- over 4,800,000 Thermal laminated and ad- hesive bonded cloth: TOTAL quota allowed this year 100,000 1968 carryover 400, 000 Total 500,000 Company apportionment: Island Manufacturing Co. 1968 carryover 400, 000 Unassigned 100, 000 Totals including carry- over 500, 000 28 OFFICE OF PUBLIC RELATIONS AND INFORMATION Personnel: 13 The principal instrument of com- munications of the Government of the Virgin Islands is the Office of Public Relations and Information. Located next to Government House in St. Thomas, the office also has a branch in St. Croix and has retained the services of a mainland public rela- tions firm to facilitate and expedite dealings with the news media in the United States and other countries. Efforts of the office are devoted to two main purposes. First is the cultiva- tion of tourism, which is the basis of the islands' economy. Second is the preservation and development of the democratic processes in the islands through a systematic flow of informa- tion to the people on the activities of their government. The office operates through all media of communications: print, radio, and television. Its staff includes writers and photog- raphers. In addition to providing ar- ticles and pictures for the various media, they frequently assist visiting editors, reporters, motion picture and television crews on location in the islands. The staff also assists in publicizing the programs of organizations conven- ing in the islands. Such a group during the past year was the Attorneys General Association with representatives from the Attorney General's office in 50 States. Operating Appropriation: $225,540 Another such group \vas a gathering of U.S. State Department officials from posts all over the world who met in St. Thomas. Other such events included the Fifth Caribbean Geological Confer- ence, the American Public Power Association meeting and the Caribbean Conference on Water Desalinization. Sixty-five members of the National Press Club were entertained in the islands as were representatives to the World Congress of the American Soci- ety of Travel Agents. A frequent responsibility in connec- tion with such programs is the prepara- tion of press kits tailored to the interests of the visiting groups. The staff" "covers" events of local or general interest in much the same way that a newspaper does and files the re- sults with appropriate media. Other duties include writing speeches, reports and letters for gov- ernment officials, arranging interviews for visiting newsmen, recording speeches and statements on tape for later broadcast, consulting with various agencies on matters of policy involving public relations, and setting up press conferences. Although productivity in the field of public relations is not so simple to measure as the score in a baseball game, there are some gages which may be ap- plied to appraise effectiveness. 373-289 O—70- 29 For instance, the record for the year shows that the office produced and dis- tributed 434 news releases, and 388 pictures with captions. There also was some motion picture production for showing on television. Magazine placements were arranged in a wide variety of publications, in- cluding Time, Life, Look, Cosmopoli- tan, Harper's Bazaar, Holiday, Modern Bride, Town & Country, Reader's Digest, and such specialized periodicals as The American Banker, Methodist Magazine, and the Official Steamship Guide. "Tektite I," the underwater experi- ment off St. John received major cov- erage by NBC-TV and CBS-TV. Reporters from the New York Times and New York Daily News were as- sisted in their assignments in the islands as well as journalists from other news- papers in other parts of the States and from Europe. The office provided cooperation in the filming of a 15-minute color movie by a crew assigned to St. Thomas by the Campbell Soup Co. featuring carnival scenes and reporting on island cuisine. The company anticipates a total audience of 25 million over a period of 2 years. The photo editor of the Associated Press was guided about the islands by an office staff man on a camera tour which resulted in a full-page picture feature in newspapers across the States. A similar layout was distributed by King Features to millions of readers. A supplementary service of the office offers hospitality, when requested by Government House, to visiting VIP's, such as Congressmen or Senators or foreign dignitaries. This usually con- sists of providing a car and a driver and a staff representative to accom- pany the visitors on a tour of St. Thomas. The Office of Public Relations serves as the eyes and ears of the Virgin Islands Government, as well as its voice. 30 OFFICE OF THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARY Personnel: 45 Implementation of act No. 2126, which increased the tax on gross pre- miums written by insurance companies in the Virgin Islands from 1 to 2 per- cent, resulted in a dramatic increase in premium taxes collected during fis- cal year 1969. The new law, which became eflFec- tive July 1, 1968, also includes provi- sions for licensing nonresident insur- ance agents, nonresident brokers, independent adjusters and surplus line brokers, as well as for written exami- nations for those wishing to qualify as insurance agents, solicitors, and brokers. Substantial increases in the number of real properties listed on the tax rolls, as well as increases in assessments and taxes, were the result of a continuing effort to locate and assess all real prop- erty in the Virgin Islands and of the second, 3-year reappraisal cycle of real property. Installation of an IBM 029 key- punch machine has greatly simplified operations in this area. All prelimi- nary work prior to the actual running of the annual real property tax rolls and bills is now done in the office of the tax assessor rather than at the De- partment of Finance. The Real Property Manual was re- vised during the fiscal year to include a system of appraising condominiums, Operating Appropriation: $508,594.70 docks, and property used for light industry. New corporations continued to be registered during the fiscal year. At the same time, the enforcement of strict compliance with corporate laws has resulted in the dissolution of some corporations that failed to meet the re- quirements of the law. Although one application for author- ity to conduct a banking business in the Virgin Islands was withdrawn, two remain pending: one for a branch of a foreign bank, and another from a group of local businessmen. There is also pending an application for authority to conduct a small loan business, and several other inquiries have been received. At the close of the fiscal year, there were slightly less than 2,000 corpora- tions registered and authorized to do business in the Virgin Islands. Activities in other areas under the jurisdiction of the office of the govern- ment secretary continued to reflect the upward economic trend in the Virgin Islands. During the fiscal year, volume in documents recorded and fees col- lected both showed an increase, due partly to the increase in the number of condominiums, a new concept in the Virgin Islands. More original passports for travel to foreign countries were issued this year than in any other fiscal year. The 31 period of validity for passports was ex- inauguration of the new Governor on tended from 3 to 5 years. July 1, 1969. Under the provisions of the Organic See appendix A for tables on : as- Act, the government secretary served sessments and taxes ; insurance fees col- as Acting Governor from early Febru- lected ; rum produced ; alcoholic bev- ary, when the resignation of the for- erages exported and denatured alcohol mer Governor was accepted, until the produced. 32 DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION Personnel: 1625 The year ended June 30, 1969, saw public school enrollment advance at an unprecedented rate of 9.5 percent. Operating budget for the department also increased 9 percent. Recruitment of teachers and other professional per- sonnel continued, in great measure, from off-island sources. Secondary schools were adequately staffed except in some areas of vocational-technical education, but in elementary schools, it was still necessary to employ non- degree teachers to fill many vacancies. The Government of the Virgin Is- lands, through the Department of Education, signed an agreement with the St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix Federation of Teachers on working conditions and fringe benefits. Construction of classrooms contin- ued at an impressive rate. These class- rooms consisted of permanent as well as relocatable rooms. School enrollment in the Virgin Is- lands public schools was approximately 14,000, and in the nonpublic schools, 6,000. An enrollment increase of 10 percent is anticipated for the coming school year. Curriculum, and Instruction Curriculum review and revision is a continuing process. New courses have been added and old courses modified. In the last school year, English, as a second language, was offered in Chris- tiansted Junior High School and St. Croix Central High School to Spanish- speaking students who were not ready Operating Appropriations: $9,748,665 to participate in the regular English program. Adult basic education, a federally supported program, enrolled U.S. citi- zens and resident-aliens, 18 years of age or over. Designed to further the educa- tion of adults who have not completed the eighth grade, the program provided two weekly 2-hour sessions in reading, language arts, arithmetic, and English. The adult education program pro- vides training for adults from ninth through 12th grade. A high school equivalency diploma is awarded those who pass the equivalency test and 79 certificates were earned last school year. The teacher-training program, a joint project between New York Uni- versity and the College of the Virgin Islands, was concluded this year. De- signed to recruit and develop teachers who are residents of the Virgin Islands, the program has been replaced by an on-island teacher-training program. In addition to the on-island program, sev- eral workshops were conducted during the summer of 1969. They included a summer traineeship program in speech and hearing deficiencies directed by the University of Kansas; family life and sex education conducted by the Uni- versity of Connecticut and funded by ESEA Title III, and a 6-week work- shop for teacher aides. A study to determine whether or not to continue the general course at Charlotte Amalie High School in St. Thomas was initiated last year by the Commissioner of Education. Results of 33 this study will determine if this pro- gram will be abolished in St. Thomas or extended to St. Croix. Pupil Personnel Services Pupil services were provided by a director, guidance coordinator, testing coordinator, five attendance counsel- ors, two social workers, 21 guidance counselors, and eight registered nurses. School health services are vital and, during fiscal 1969, 9,792 pupils were seen by school nurses. A total of 565 were referred to emergency hospital centers and clinic appointments were made for 3,742. There are currently eight full-time nurses on the staflF. Nurses worked with members of the Insular School Health Committee to provide a comprehensive school health program and with members of the local school health committees in making the school system and the community aware of the needs of pupils. To obtain a more complete assess- ment of the health status of all pupils, a new health record was used and in- cluded as part of the cumulative rec- ord folder. A new health history form, developed by the Insular Health Com- mittee, was completed for each pupil during preregistration and registration periods. In keeping with the plan for health appraisal, dental examination, physi- cal examination, and immunization were done for kindergarten, first, sixth, ninth and 12th graders and for mem- bers of athletic teams. Social Work Services During fiscal 1969, 240 referrals were investigated by the two social workers. Between April 1 and May 15, approxi- mately 280 children were referred for special education programs. A new social history form was devised for referring students for psychological evaluation. The school year 1968-69 was the second year in which guidance services were provided in elementary schools. Four new counselors were employed bringing the total of elementary school guidance counselors to seven. A brochure on "The Role of the Ele- mentary School Counselor" was pre- pared and will be distributed to teachers in the fall. The acquisition of a vocational guidance counselor at Charlotte Amalie High School facili- tated communication between the vocational department and other seg- ments of the community. Funds for the employee were made available through the vocational and technical education program. For the first time, achievement tests were administered at the beginning and end of the school year. The Kuhl- mann-Anderson measure of academic potential replaced the Lorge-Thorn- dike intelligence test and was adminis- tered to grades two, five, and seven. Approximately 280 children from the Barrenspot school were tested and placed in the public schools of St. Croix. In addition, a total of 37 non- citizen children were tested for place- ment in schools on St. Thomas. A statistical report on the "Differential Aptitude Test" was completed and will be distributed by the end of the year. A testing committee comprised of guidance counselors and supervisors was organized to make an in-depth study of the testing program. During the year, there was a marked increase in the number of persons who applied for the high school equivalency tests. A total of 367 individuals took the tests during the period July 1968 to February 1969. Seventy-nine certifi- cates were awarded to examinees who attained passing scores and 17 high school equivalent certificates were awarded to veterans based on tests of general educational development, high 34 school level, administered by the United States Aimed Forces Institute. Territorial Scholarship Program The Board of Education approved territorial scholarships and 20 special legislative grants were approved for medicine, law, engineering, police science, and economics. Vocational and Technical Education The Virgin Islands Board for Voca- tional Education, in cooperation with the administrative and supei'visory staff of the Department of Education, worked to improve and expand pro- grams and services during the past year. The staff was expanded to include the following: state supervisor, trade and industrial education; state supervisor, office occupations; and state super- visor, home economics. These key positions were needed to provide services and expertise to the various programs being implemented. Under the leadership of the State Di- rector and his supervisory personnel, programs of vocational and technical education were administered in the following schools during the 1968-69 school year: St. Thomas/St. John Charlotte Amalie High Wayne Aspinall Junior High Julius Sprauve School St. Croix St. Croix Central High Christiansted Junior High Claude O. Markoe School Programs of vocational-technical edu- cation included agriculture, electronics, automotive mechanics, building con- struction carpentry, business and office education, cosmetology, electricity, homemaking, hotel and restaurant op- erations, masonry, plumbing, and practical nursing. According to the Division of Voca- tional and Technical Education, 1,726 students were enrolled in these programs. The Division of Vocational and Technical Education also has the re- sponsibility for all programs of indus- trial arts education. During the past school year, the industrial arts educa- tion program included the following: architectural drafting, metals, elec- tricity, woodworking, mechanical .drawing, needlecraft, and arts and crafts. The Division of Vocational and Technical Education has been engaged in operating manpower programs under the Manpower Development and Training Act. During the 1968- 69 fiscal year, the administrative staflf initiated several manpower programs in cooperation with the Virgin Islands Employment Security Agency. Train- ing programs in general office clerk, cosmetology, food and restaurant training, and salesperson parts were provided for approximately 50 trainees. Upon completion of the train- ing programs, the trainees will be released from the Department of Edu- cation to the Virgin Islands Em- ployment Security Agency for job placement. In an attempt to meet the health needs of the Virgin Islands, the Divi- sion of Vocational and Technical Edu- cation, in cooperation with the Depart- ment of Health, embarked upon an adult practical nursing program in St. Croix. In September of 1968, 17 adults started their training. The program will be completed about September 3, 1969. After receiving their diplomas from the Department of Education, the candidates will be eligible to take the National State Board Examination for Nurses in November before they can become qualified licensed practical nurses authorized to practice in the Virgin Islands. 35 Division of Business Fiscal year 1969 was a year of further transition for the business division. Adding to the traditional task of listing all financial transactions of education, the business office for the first time established control proce- dures in all areas pertaining to ex- penditures, insuring maximum utiliza- tion of the taxpayer's dollar. The following tables reflect appro- priations and expenditures for fiscal year 1969: A. Virgin Islands appropriation—fiscal year 1969: Appropria- Division tion Office of the Commissioner $246, 966 Curriciilum and instruction 6, 035, 934 Business 128,092 Property, procurement and auxiliary services 972, 296 School lunch 1, 033, 860 Grants and contributions and other 1,331,539 Total 9,748,665 B. Federal Aids Funds and Grants—fiscal year 1969: Activity Amount ESEA Title I $393, 317 ESEA Tide II 30, 000 ESEA Title III 158, 738 ESEA Tide V 73, 426 ESEA Tide VI-A 35, 000 NDEATideV 20,000 NDEA Tide III 54, 000 Adult basic education 28, 000 Vocadonal education 124, 686 Manpower development and training 35, 750 Vocational education 85, 500 School lunch 165, 314 Project Head Start 410, 103 Neighborhood Youth Corps .... 44, 078 Total 1,657,912 Pupil Transportation Cost of pupil transportation in- creased substantially during the year, approximately 29 percent over the amount expended during the preced- ing year. This was due, in part, to the 36 increase in the number of pupils trans- ported, and, in part, to an upward re- vision of the mileage rates charged for school bus operations in St. Thomas and St. Croix based on increased oper- ating costs for labor and materials. The average number of children transported daily increased by approx- imately 33 percent over fiscal 1968. To some extent, this increase resulted from an increase in enrollment in schools being served, but it also re- flects the public transportation require- ments of certain schools not formerly included in the program. In St. Croix, the St. Croix Country Day School was added to the pro- gram, and in St. Thomas, the Antilles School, and the Apostolic School at Smith Bay. In addition to transportation of pupils to and from schools in regular daily sessions, a fairly extensive pro- gram of free transportation of pupils for fiield trips and for special events, including athletic meets, concerts, and other cutural activities was in op>era- tion during the year. School Lunch Program During 1968-69 school year, the School Lunch Program operated with a budget of $1,155,574. A total of 2,235,668 type 'A' lunches were served to the students with a daily average participation of 12,759. This was a student participation of 93 per- cent, an increase of 8 percent over fiscal 1969. In addition to normal purchases of food, 56,311 pounds of federally donated cut-up chicken, frozen tur- key, and ground beef were received. The food service program operation involves 199 workers, including kitchen managers, cooks and food service workers with an administrative Jtaff of nine workers. A total of 45 full admin- istrative reviews and 1 1 partial reviews were made this school year of all lunch- rooms in St. Thomas, St. Croix, and St. John. Under the program, schools must serve lunches that meet at least one- third of a student's dietary needs as prescribed by the United States De- partment of Agriculture. All school lunches are served free in the Virgin Islands. Vocational Rehabilitation An expanded educational program for the handicapped was also devel- oped. A survey was instituted on all Islands to determine the extent of the handicapped problem, the existence of architectural barriers and the kind of services needed. The following activi- ties were performed by this division: a statewide study for Vocational Reha- bilitation, completion of research and demonstration grant for the Sheltered Workshop, St. Thomas; training for St. Thomas at Woodrow Wilson Reha- bilitation Center; plans initiated for integrated action plan with Depart- ment of Social Welfare; vocational rehabilitation counselor stationed with Physical Medicine Clinic at Knud Hansen Memorial Hospital and co- operative agreement between Voca- tional Rehabilitation and Employment Service to provide minor medical care to MDTA trainee. Public Information Services The educational enterprise has be- come one of the most extensive and complex of all Government activities. Because of this growth and complexity, it is no longer easy for pupils, parents, and the general public to keep in- formed on the purposes, changing methodology, and cost of the school system. At the same time, it is most important that they be informed. To accomplish this end, the Department of Education has established a Bureau of Public Information Services. Fi- As part of a joint program by the Departments of Education and Health, children with learning disabilities are trained in special classes by teachers specially trained by the Learn- ing Disabilities Foundation. 37 nanced under title V of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, the program brings to the attention of the public day-to-day happenings in the school system, its programs, and its projections. During fiscal 1969, 384 releases were issued to the communication media and 99 percent were published. Articles dealing with unique aspects of educa- tion in the Virgin Islands appeared in leading newspapers and magazines on the mainland. A monthly internal newsletter, "Virgin Islands Schools", has been created and is distributed to school personnel and other inter- ested persons and agencies. Drafts of speeches and preparation of radio and TV scripts were also functions of this Bureau during fiscal year 1968-69. Compilation of the school directory, annual report, and a brochure detailing the goals and accomplishments of title I ESEA were prepared. In the negotiations with the St. Thomas and St. John Federation of Teachers and the St. Croix Teachers Federation, the Director of Public In- formation was named as a member of education's team and was responsible for publicity. School Plant and Facilites In order to keep abreast of the almost 9 percent growth pattern of our student population, 41 permanent classrooms and 30 relocatable class- rooms have been built or are under construction. The distribution of these new classrooms follows: In St. Thomas—permanent classrooms: Tutu Elementary 19 Dober Elementary 5 Charlotte Amalie High 5 Wayne Aspinall 6 Vocational Shop Building: Shops 2 Classrooms 2 In St. Thomas and St. John—relo- catable classrooms: Thomas Jefferson Elementary 1 Washington Elementary 2 Lockhart Elementary 4 Julius E. Sprauve 3 Wayne Aspinall (Recreation) 2 Charlotte Amalie High 4 In St. Croix—permanent classrooms: St. Croix Central High 6 Vocational Shop Building: Shops 3 Classrooms 3 In St. Croix—relocatable classrooms: Christiansted Elementary: Classrooms 4 Dining rooms 2 La Grande Princess Elementary. . . 2 Claude O. Markoe 4 Grove Place 2 Estimates for capital expenditures, fiscal 1970, amounting to $6,060,000 follow : St. Thomas Amount Elementary School, Burne Field or V. I. College $850, 000 Addition to Dober Elementary. . 150, 000 Junior High, eastern St. Thomas 1, 075, 000 Hotel training building 75, 000 Gymnasium, WASP 225, 000 Maintenance workshop 75, 000 Teacher housing 225, 000 Roof, WASP 125, 000 Fencing 25,000 Completion of warehouse 60, 000 St. Croix Elementary School, eastern St. Croix 850,000 Junior High 1, 050, 000 Hotel training building 75, 000 Gymnasium, Central High 225, 000 Maintenance workshop 75, 000 Teacher housing 225, 000 Roof, Central High 125, 000 St. John All purpose room, Cruz Bay .... 1 50, 000 Insular Land acquisition 300, 000 Repair of buildings and grounds 100,000 38 Federal Aid Programs Many Federal programs were con- tinued or initiated and the department received a total of $1,657,912 of grants in aid Federal funds. Title I, Elementary and Secondary Education Act, was responsible for the second phase of the Audio-Lingual project. Reading specialists were employed to work with nine first grade teachers in St. Croix and nine in St. Thomas. Special materials were developed and utilized. Teachers, supervisors and principals indicate this project is a successful innovation that should be extended to all first grade classes. Funds allotted for Title II, Elemen- tary and Secondary Education Act, were used to obtain library books and materials. Books and library equipment were poured into the system at a rate that exceeded the national average. This effort was augmented by $25,000 from NDEA Title III. Project Introspection, Title III, Elementary and Secondary Education Act, became operative. Established in separate but adequate facilities, this project is designed to develop mate- rials, textbooks, and pamphlets that deal specifically with matters indi- genous to the Virgin Islands and to project as p e c t s of Virgin Islands culture. After several months of planning, an Educational and Cultural Center was established in the facilities of the Old Nisky School located in the submarine base on St. Thomas. "Project Intro- sp>ection" is basically a curriculum ef- fort designed to stimulate the Virgin Islands' child to achieve self- actualization. Project activities are characterized by consolidating the rich cultural heritage of the people of the islands, greater emphasis on the study of Virgin Islands and Caribbean life, in- service training of instructional per- sonnel and local production of instruc- tional materials relevant to Virgin Islands and Caribbean life. The services of this center are avail- able to the instructional personnel of all Virgin Islands schools—public and nonpublic. All activities conducted, and services rendered, are extended to the teachers and pupils of the three islands; St. Croix, St. John and St. Thomas. A major accomplishment during this fiscal year was the production of ref- erence works for teachers from kinder- garten through grade 12. Many teachers do not have access to Virgin Islands books and other pertinent references. Therefore, research is done by the ESEA Title III staff and mate- rial is prepared in booklet form for classroom use. For the handicapped, ESEA Title V-A and Public Law 85-926 funds were obligated for teacher-training institutes in special education and for the employment of consultants to in- ventory the handicapped and submit recommendation for appropriate pro- grams which could be implemented in the Virgin Islands. Title V ESEA provided funds for the Office of Pub- lic Information Services and the Office of School Plant Facilities. Project Head Start, sponsored by the Office of Equal Opportunity, served 500 children. Between 125 and 150 youths were enrolled in the in- school Neighborhood Youth Corps program. Both summer and regular school projects were developed. Emphasis in the elementary schools continued to be in the area of com- munication skills. A language arts guide, completed last year, was dis- tributed to administrative and super- visory personnel for in-service work with teachers. A pilot project in bilingual educa- 39 tion for pupils of the kindergarten and grades this September and, subse- first grades was initiated and imple- quently, to other grades and other mented at Charles H. Emanuel School elementary schools, in St. Croix. Subjects are presented in See appendix B for tables on school Spanish for half of the school day and enrollment; comparison of high school in English during the other half. This graduates and comparison of operating program will be extended to second budget. 40 COLLEGE OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS Personnel: Teaching faculty: 37 Administrative faculty: 32 Other sta£F: 60 The College of the Virgin Islands this year began its expansion to a 4- year baccalaureate program offering majors in biology, chemistry, English, mathematics, Spanish, and the social sciences plus preparation for elemen- tary and secondary teaching. The first 19 juniors were enrolled in September 1 968 ; the first bachelor of arts degrees will be awarded in June 1970. An undergraduate program of specializa- tion in the marine sciences was ap- proved to begin in the fall of 1969. operating Appropriation: $1,500,000 The college now offers seven 2-year programs leading to an associate in arts degree: accounting, business ad- ministration, construction technology, executive secretarial studies, hotel and restaurant management, nursing, and police science and administration. In addition, a 2-year transfer program in business administration, prepharmacy and preengineering is offered. Author- ized during the year for the 1969-70 academic program was a premedical technology curriculum of three years' '^^M'^l i:Mt Candidates for the associate in arts degree at the College of the Virgin Islands march in procession to commencement exercises. The college this year expanded to a 4-year program, will award its first bachelor of arts degrees in 1970. 41 study at the college and a fourth year of hospital laboratory training at an approved hospital training school. During the year, the National League for Nursing accredited the associate in arts degree program. In the 1968 fall semester the college enrolled 332 full-time students, an in- crease of nearly 20 percent over the 276 full-time students enrolled in 1967. Nearly 1,000 additional part-time stu- dents were enrolled through the divi- sion of continuing education, with evening classes conducted in St. Thomas, St. Croix, and St. John, bringing the full-time equivalency to a record high of 643. Of the full-time students, nearly 80 percent are residents of the U.S. Virgin Islands. About 10 percent come from other Caribbean islands and 10 per- cent from the U.S. mainland, Africa, and Europe. In the fall of 1969, new residence halls, housing 140 students, and nine faculty housing units will be completed and occupied. With other housing, the residence halls will enable the college to accommodate approximately 275 students on campus. The Ralph M. Paiewonsky Library opened in January 1969, the first aca- demic building to be completed under a master plan for the 1 75 acre campus in St. Thomas. The eventual capacity of the library is 100,000 volumes. Pres- ently there are more than 22,000 volumes and 800 microfilm units. Construction began this year on a nursing education building housing classrooms, a nursing laboratory, con- ference rooms and faculty offices, and scheduled for occupancy in the fall of 1969. In February the college acquired title to 127 acres in Golden Grove, St. Croix, valued at $980,000 and deeded to the college at no cost by the U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare. Development of the St. Croix Cen- ter to meet the higher education needs of residents of the islands is being studied under a Federal grant to the Virgin Islands Commission on Aca- demic Facilities. The study team will make its report to the St. Croix ad- visory council in the fall of 1969. Major projects of the college's Carib- bean Research Institute this year con- cerned Caribbean conservation, marine archaeology, insular ecology, fisheries potential, space science, and interrela- tionships between the American and British Virgin Islands. The institute includes the Virgin Islands Ecological Research Station at Lameshur Bay, St. John, the site selected as headquarters for the Tek- tite, "Man in the Sea" project. Insti- tute and Ecological Research Station personnel assisted the operation in areas of site survey and evaluation, communications and general logistic support, and use of station facilities and equipment. The base camp supporting the Tektite program, consisting of 13 buildings constructed by the Navy Sea- bees, has become a permanent part of the station. In St. Croix, the institute has estab- lished an environmental laboratory where work in remote sensing tech- nology is being carried on under auspices of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. A project director has been selected as one of the scientists who will analyze the first physical samples of the moon's surface material brought back by the U.S. astronauts. The college continues to administer a number of Federal programs related to higher education. The State Tech- nical Services Agency projects designed to serve local business and industry in- cluded a safety survey of air trans- 42 portation operations on the three islands ; donation to the college library of an extensive reference library on police science, civil engineering, land- scape architecture and printing tech- nology; on-the-job surveys by a motor vehicle maintenance expert who visited operators of large fleets; sponsorship of a special course in computer concepts; seminars for builders, and issuance of a quarterly newsletter. Community service projects in- cluded a forum on Virgin Islands women and a nutrition education pro- gram. Training courses for government employees in housing, relocation, zon- ing administration, and land use planning, as well as technical assistance and establishment of a reference li- brary, were carried out. The Virgin Islands extension serv- ice, headquartered at the St. Croix center, intensified 4-H Club activity with training of leaders and prepara- tion of manuals to make youth par- ticipation in community programs available on all three islands. Other projects included a program of nutri- tion aid for lower income families, and efforts to increase the quantity and effi- ciency of food production. On March 16, the college marked the first annual observance of Charter Day, commemorating the date in 1962 on which Governor Ralph M. Paie- wonsky signed into law the act of the Virgin Islands legislature creating the college. Thurgood Marshall, Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court, delivered the keynote address. Twenty outstanding library scholars from the Caribbean, Denmark, Eng- Students at the College of the Virgin Islands school of hotel management prepare a gourmet buffet of decorated turkeys and ham. 43 land, and the United States mainland met at the college April 17-19 in a conference on "Sharing Caribbean Re- sources for Instruction and Research." As part of a long range plan for intercollegiate athletic competition, the college team played basketball games with four mainland colleges. The college has also applied for mem- bership in the Intercollegiate Athletic League of Puerto Rico. On June 8, 1969, the college granted associate in arts degrees to 41 students. Eleven students received bachelor of science degrees in education from New York University. Bayard Rustin, ex- ecutive director of the A. Philip Randolph Institute and a leader in civil rights, gave the principal address. Since it opened the college has granted associate in arts degrees to 166 students, most of whom continued their education at institutions on the mainland and in Canada. Others are now working in the islands in govern- ment and in private industry. In addi- tion, 23 students who have received bachelor of science degrees from New York University through the coopera- tive program are serving the public schools. 44 DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH Personnel: 1,216 An important overall advance dur- ing fiscal 1969 was the accreditation of the islands' hospitals, full accredi- tation for the Charles Harwood Me- morial Hospital on St. Croix and conditional accreditation of the Knud- Hansen Memorial Hospital on St. Thomas. Additional beds, clinic, and office space were also added but it is evident that inadequacies persist in these areas. Continued renovation and expansion is imperative if the islands are to cope with the population explo- sion being experienced in the Virgin Islands community. Two major planned medical centers, because of their cost, must await provisions for funding before any completion date can be determined. The general health of the people of the Virgin Islands continues to com- pare favorably with that of the Nation as a whole. The Health Department realizes its responsibility for continued improvement in the preventive and care aispects of community health and our comprehensive health planning as presently projected will result in a still better health picture than presently exists. Office of Comprehensive Health Planning Six new consumer members were appointed by the Governor to the Comprehensive Health Planning Council during the year to give broader cultural and ethnic repre- sentation. There are 22 council mem- Operating Appropriations: $11,485,601 bers, 15 of whom are consumer repre- sentatives. Four council meetings were held during the year. The council initiated task forces to study the Islands' health services using "A Self Study Guide for Community Health-Action Planning" volumes I and II as a tool. Seven task forces were organized to study health services. Members of the council were ap- pointed on task force chairmen and a meeting was held with this group for orientation. The council voted for sup- port of the 314(e) project relating to a comprehensive program for immuniza- tion services, venereal disease, and tuberculosis. Data and reports have been collected from the various governmental agen- cies to initiate a health information system. Profiles of 28 agencies with health-related activities have been compiled. Staff members have made presen- tations relating to the agency's work at the Virgin Islands Public Health Association's annual meeting, the Pub- lic Health Division's staff conference, the Commission on the Status of Wom- en, and conferences on nutrition, han- dicapping conditions of childhood, and alcoholism. They have served on the task forces of the Vocational Rehabili- tation Planning Project. The office has had membership on the Human Re- sources Commission, the Insular School Health Committee, and Immunization Committee, the Citizen Non-Citizen organization, committees concerned 373-289 O—70- 45 with narcotics and alcoholism, civil de- fense and disaster planning, and par- ticipated with a committee studying relationships between maternal and child health and crippled children, Medicaid, and the children and youth project. They have cooperated with special studies sponsored by the Gov- ernor's office and participated in planning activities with the School of Nursing of the College of the Virgin Islands. Four issues of the 4-page newsletter, "Health Highlights," have been pub- lished which has a circulation of 1,000. Ten news releases relating to compre- hensive health planning activities have been released through the Governor's office. A brochure explaining compre- hensive health planning for the public is in production. Division of General Administration Section 10(c) of Executive Order No. 9 established, among other divi- sions, the Division of General Admin- istration. This division consists of the Bureau of Business Management; the Bureau of Health Education; the Bureau of Vital Records and Statistical Services; the Bureau of Plant Opera- tion and Motor Pool; and the Bureau of Social Services. In practice, however, the bureaus of health, education, and social services do not function under the jurisdiction of the Division of Gen- eral Administration. Further, this section provides that "there shall be at the head of each division a chief officer, who shall be des- ignated as the Division Head, who shall perform such functions as the com- missioner may prescribe." The title of "Division Head" was changed to "Di- rector" in the interest of uniformity throughout the departments of the ex- ecutive branch of the Government of the Virgin Islands. The Bureau of Business Manage- ment, headed by a departmental busi- ness manager, conducted business activ- ities of the department in addition to supervision of the Bureau of Plant Operation and Motor Pool; the Bu- reau of Vital Records and Statistical Services reporting directly to the commissioner. Bureau of Vital Records and Statistical Services A new live birth record was again established. During the calendar year 1968, there were 2,350 live births recorded in the Virgin Islands, an increase of 78 over 1967, the previous record year. The birth rate was 37.4 per 1,000 population, as compared to 40.1 for 1967. There were 471 deaths in 1968, an increase of 98 deaths over 1967. The death rate was 7.5 per 1,000 popula- tion in 1968, as compared to 6.6 in 1967. Diseases of the circulatory sys- tem accounted for 36.3 percent of all deaths with a rate of 272.3 per 100,000 population. There was a greater rate of infant mortality in 1968 than in 1967. Dur- ing 1968, there were 78 infant deaths with a rate of 33.2 per 1,000 live births while during 1967 there were 65 with a rate of 28.6 per 1,000 live births. There was also an increase in maj;- riages and divorces in the Virgin Islands. In 1968, there were 894 marriages and 321 divorces while in 1967 there were 700 and 280, respectively. (See Appendix C for table on vital statistics, age distribution of deaths, leading causes of deaths, and leading causes of infant deaths.) Division of Hospitals and Medical Services Since November 1968, Charles Har- wood Memorial Hospital has had a 46 regular full-time psychiatrist to look after the needs of mentally and emotionally disturbed individuals. Al- though the hospital does not have a separate psychiatric unit, provisions are made to treat patients on a "crisis center basis." Psychiatric patients are admitted any time of the day, appropri- ate treatment is rendered, and these patients are then transferred to the Knud Hansen Memorial Hospital in St. Thomas for further care. Also, an after-care clinic has been established to provide a follow-up on these patients when they have been discharged from the hospital. To provide greater medical support to the community of St. Croix in times of disaster, a prepositioned 200-bed packaged disaster hosiptal has been acquired through the Federal Govern- ment and is in "ready storage" at Charles Harwood Memorial Hospital. An operating staff has been assigned through the cooperation of all elements of the Department of Health, St. Croix, and volunteers are expected to partici- pate. Further, the hospital disaster plan has been updated, and the emer- gency utilization plan incorporating the packaged disaster hospital has been published. During the fiscal year, numerous power outages occurred because the 100-kilowatt standby generator could not carry electric current load for the Charles Harwood Memorial Hospital and the new wing. Recurring incon- veniences throughout the hospital, ranging from dim-outs to actual mal- functions of essential equipment, neces- sitated the purchase and installation of a 200-kilowatt generator which is now a standby. The 100-kilowatt generator is still on hand, and may be over- hauled to serve the general needs of the 200-bed civil defense packaged disaster hospital. Greatest emphasis in the operation of St. Croix hospitals, Charles Har- wood Memorial Hospital and the Ingeborg Nesbitt Clinic, during the fiscal year has been on better direction, and continued improvements in activi- ties and services within the hospital. The hospital construction started in the previous fiscal year has now been completed, and concentration of efforts in fiscal year 1969 has been in the best use of these new facilities. Occupancy rate at Charles Harwood Memorial Hospital of 90 percent shov/s a great need for further expansion. The Knud-Hansen Memorial Hos- pital in St. Thomas was engaged in a program of renovation, modernization, and accreditation activities throughout the fiscal year and was accredited for 1 year by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Hospitals. Deficiencies of space and building layout focused work on renovating areas which could be expanded, rearranged or improved by the addition of new equipment for several departments, and by reorgani- zation of medical staff and revision of all operating policies and procedures. This work was accomplished even as hospital services continued the same growth rate and health department officials prepared for second inspection and full year-end approval for 3 years in June 1969. Highlights of the year included com- pletion and activation of the outpatient and pediatrics annex begun the pre- vious fiscal year; renovation and ex- pansion of the hospital nursery; construction of a new pharmacy and waiting room for clinics; enlargement of the emergency room and treatment area; addition of one operating room and operating room office; and addi- tion of an X-ray diagnostic room and office. Nine beds were added to the surgical ward and two beds to the obstetrics service. Work was completed 47 on conversion of one ward to a central sterile supply ; conversion of the former pharmacy into a new recovery room; conversion for hemodialysis facilities within the surgical ward; conversion of the formula room into a salad and nourishment room ; conversion of lobby spaces to offices for admitting and per- sonnel; conversion of former clinics into offices for nursing administration and social service; renovation of old psychiatric rooms into an occupational therapy workshop and offices for the psychiatrist and staff. All areas required planning of new equipment and mate- rials; adjustment in hospital routines and coordination with other sections in the department. The changes and im- provements have had a remairkable effect on the morale and working con- ditions in all the areas of the hospital. Plans on the drawing board include those for additional medical ward beds on the top floor and cafeteria seating on the ground floor. Plans which were developed but were not implemented during the year were those of increased work space for the administrative serv- ices and for maintenance, housekeep- ing, and laundry on the ground floor. New equipment and several changes in routines are in the working stages but need better facilities to produce the results anticipated. Bureau of Health Insurance and Medical Assistance The Bureau of Health Insurance and Medical Assistance, organized within the office of the Commissioner of Health, administers and implements the provisions of two Federal programs, title XVHI (Medicare) and title XIX (Medicaid) . The highlights of activities under Medicare involved the recertification of four approved facilities based on continued compliance with conditions of participation under the Federal health insurance program; providing consultation to potential applicants of independent laboratories; preparation of basic statement of policy and proce- dures regarding status of Medicare patients served by physicians employed by the Department of Health; and the implementation of the "Buy-In" agree- ment. At the end of the fiscal year, the bureau was paying premiums for 1,111 individuals over 65 years of age who meet requirement of eligibility under title XVIII and tide XIX. A total of 1,474 Medicare claims under hospital insurance were proc- essed for payments totaling $373,103. A total of 1,311 claims under medical insurance were processed for payments totaling $102,005. A total of 5,569 families (19,116 individuals) were accepted and re- certified eligible under all medical assistance categories. Approximately 32 percent of the Virgin Islands' pop- ulation was eligible under the program. An estimated total of 55,940 medi- cal assistance recipients (duplicated count) from all categories received medical services during the year. In view of the growth and com- plexity in the medical assistance pro- gram and future trends envisioned by the new Federal administration, appro- priate administrative adjustments must be made early next fiscal year. The recruitment of the professional staff must be completed and the full coop- eration of the administration is needed to achieve the program's goals. Division of Public Health Services Significant advances were made by the Public Health Services Division of the Virgin Islands Department of Health, in the continuous fight to conquer communicable diseases, to im- prove the health and well-being of the community, and to make the Virgin Islands a healthy place in which to live. 48 There were no major epidemics of any communicable diseases, and such major disorders as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes showed a marked downward trend in mortality rates. Two immunization teams working in St. Croix and St. Thomas, maintained adequate immunization of 98 percent of the schoolchildren against diptheria, tetanus, pertussis, poliomyelitis, and smallpox. Special campaigns were con- ducted against tetanus in St. Croix and St. Thomas. A project grant was re- ceived from the U.S. Public Health Service for the mumps vaccination pro- gram and the ruebella vaccination program project request has been sub- mitted and approved to be effective in the next fiscal year. The morbidity rates of tuberculosis remain low. The emphasis continues on eradication of this disease which thus far has also maintained a very low mortality rate. For the past 5 years, the number of deaths range from to 1 . A public health physician and nurse successfully completed the course in the control and management of tuber- culosis offered by the National Com- municable Disease Center, Atlanta, Ga. The most significant development in the delivery of health services was made by the initiation of the health outreach program which secured medical mobile units for St. Thomas and St. Croix. A team of public health physicians and nurses, along with communicable disease investigators, has been conduct- ing an extensive immunization pro- gram in the outlying districts, where there are low social economic groups and where there are no facilities for clinics or medical services. This pro- gram has been coordinated with the community action group of the anti- poverty program. Once more, the home care program was certified by the Bureau of Health mmiim Blood samples are tested in the Islands' up-to-date hospital laboratory facilities. 49 Insurance and Medical Assistance as the Home Care Agency for the Depart- ment of Health of the Virgin Islands. Services have been expanded, particu- larly in the area of dental care, to the clients of the home care program. As a result of the increased load for laboratory services, a new laboratory has been planned in Frederiksted which will provide for serology, water and milk testing, and parasitolog)'. Construction was completed on the new Public Health Clinic, which will be utilized for the dental and public health clinics. The dental section has been placed under operation, and the public health clinics will be initiated in July 1969. The bureau of nutrition services concentrated on a community education program through seminars to assist field workers in the use of surplus food products. Several demon- strations were conducted for public health staff physicians and nurses in food preparation utilizing low-cost products. As part of the accident prevention program, demonstrations on highway safety were conducted in St. Thomas and St. Croix. Consultants from the U.S. Public Health Service partici- pated in these demonstrations. Division of Maternal Child Health and Crippled Children Although the family planning pro- gram is effective, and the birth rate in the Virgin Islands has decreased slightly, a record number of babies were born in the Virgin Islands, probably due to migration to these areas of younger families. There has been a dramatic increase in attendance at well-child clinics and maternity clinics, despite addition of four monthly well- child clinics and four monthly family planning clinics where postpartum patients are also seen. The services are inadequate to meet the demands and needs, but no expansion can be con- templated until additional physicians can be recruited. A large portion of the budget is still being spent for off-island care not available locally. Several consultants have been brought in to enhance the quality of medical and nursing care re- ceived. Sixth graders were added to tar- get groups for screening in an effort to head off the high rate of dropouts by the end of elementary studies. Children and Youth Project No. 629, awarded to the Virgin Islands Depart- ment of Health, is one of almost 60 others scattered throughout the Nation. Following initial funding on March 1, 1967, the work started on recruiting staff, ordering equipment, and renovat- ing office and clinic space; the latter activity costing $110,000 in St. Thomas, and $295,000 in St. Croix. Except for the initial budget which covered 16 months and was somewhat higher, the annual budget approxi- mates $1,050,000, of which 75 percent comes from Federal grants and the remainder from local funds. Authorized under title V of the So- Nurses of the Maternal, Child Health and Crippled Children Division of the De- partment of Health give immunization shots as part of a continuing health pro- gram for school-children. 50 cial Security Act amendments for an initial 5-year period, this project is re- sponsible for establishing and imple- menting the concept of "comprehensive and continuous," as opposed to "epi- sodic," health care to children of low- income families. Accordingly, the staff includes pediatricians, nurses, dentists, dental hygienists, medical social work- ers, nutritionists, physical and occupa- tional therapists, speech therapists, clinical psychologists, laboratory tech- nicians, statistician, and health edu- cator. Statistically speaking, 2,503 children have thus far been registered for care under the project. Of these, almost 600 have completed initial medical and/or dental evaluations and are thought of as being under health supervision. The remainder are in various stages of care and treatment and will reach the stage of supervision as soon as possible. The number of patient visits by each area during the past year was : medical 1,440; dental, 1,310; nursing, 1,370; nutrition, 366; social service, 1,296; psychological, 178; speech and hear- ing, 2,029; physical therapy, 953. Division of Environmental Health Reflecting its widened scope of activ- ity and the increasing importance of its field of work, the former bureau of environmental sanitation was elevated to divisional level within the Depart- ment of Health and redesignated the Division of Environmental Health. The division continued its program in water pollution control by establish- ing a permit system for the discharge of wastewater to the coastal waters of the Virgin Islands. This includes plan review, permit issuance, construction, operation and maintenance inspec- tions, and effluent monitoring. An ap- plication was filed and a grant offer made and accepted for the construc- tion of the Bethlehem Gut Interceptor; Krause Lagoon Sewage Treatment Plant and Outfall. The project will cost $3,275,000, of which $1,775,950 will be contributed by the Federal Govern- ment. The division established an air pol- lution control program with the help of a 3-year establishment grant from the National Air Pollution Control Administration. The Aedes Aegypti eradication pro- gram terminated by the U.S. Public Health Service in November 1968 was reactivated by the division, and incor- porated in its vector-control program. Routine inspection programs in water supply, milk and food processing and handling, eating and drinking estab- lishments, and radiological health were carried out. The division succeeded in eliminat- ing nightsoil cans in Frederiksted dur- ing the year. A substantial reduction was made in Christiansted, and elimi- nation of this form of sewage disposal from the town is expected in fiscal year 1970. Division of Mental Health During the fiscal year, the division of mental health continued to expand its services to meet more completely the requirements of the community mental health concept with inpatient and hos- pitalization services provided by the psychiatric unit of Knud-Hansen Memorial Hospital, and by the general hospitals. Basic to the Virgin Islands mental health program was the operation of outpatient clinics in St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix. Through these, the division offered diagnostic and treatment services, rehabilitation and after-care and training, and also pro- vided for research and evaluation and for consultative and educational serv- ices to the community. The training of staff members in the diagnosis and handling of children suf- 51 fering for dyslexia was begun. Consul- tative services of the staff were made available to various government agen- cies and community groups which requested them, including Youth Care Center, the Courts of the Virgin Islands, Insular Training School, Head Start, various public schools, and VISTA volunteers. The Day Care program for dis- charged patients from the neuropsychi- atric ward and for patients returned from St. Elizabeth's Hospital continued with an average enrollment of from seven to nine patients. Seven mentally retarded children between the ages of six and 10 attended a morning group 5 days a week, and 10 children, ages eight to 13, attended three afternoon sessions weekly. In February of 1969, the electro- encephalography laboratory began to function with a full-time technician and a consultant electroencephalo- grapher making weekly visits to super- vise the operation and interpret results of tests. The first Virgin Islands mental health educational film, "The Follow- ing Sea," was produced. Publications included "A Time to Learn," "Educa- tion and the Social Climate," and "Childhood Behavior Problems in Social Focus." 52 DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL WELFARE Personnel: 426 In fiscal year 1969 the department of social welfare continued to provide a broad range of social services and financial assistance to individuals throughout the Virgin Islands. Three new day-care centers were opened, a home-delivered meals program for the elderly was established, and the "decla- ration method" was instituted in ac- cepting applications for financial assistance. Financial assistance in all Federal categories, in addition to local emer- gency and general assistance grants, was administered through the division of family services, which also adminis- ters the Medicaid program. The overall reorganization of the de- partment was a major project during the 1969 fiscal year. Significant changes included the merging of the divisions of family services and aging, and special programs into the division of assistance payments and adult services. The child welfare division has now become the division of child and fam- ily services. The division of vocation rehabilitation, which up to now has been part of the department of educa- tion, will shortly be transferred to the department of social welfare and will be the third major division. Division of Family Services The division of family services pro- vided basic services of certifying indi- viduals and families for financial as- Operating Appropriation: $2,358,741 sistance, protecting children, the aged and disabled, and rendering social services in an effort to prevent de- pendency. Under the title V program, opportunities were provided for train- ing and self-employment of low- income individuals. This program at year's end was replaced by the WIN (work incentive) program. During the fiscal year, total number of persons aided increased by 74, to 2,903. Exjjenditures increased by $8,345, to $852,852. Of this amount, $549,730 was used for aid to families with dependent children; $180,500 for old-age assistance. For the year, the average payment for persons being helped was $31.60 per month. The division was able to close 250 cases during the year, and 285 were opened. A new approach to determining the eligibility for financial assistance was initiated with the adoption of the "declaration method." This enables the department to accept statements of the applicant or recipient as a basis for decisions regarding his eligibility for assistance and the extent of assist- ance he is entitled to. During the last 2 months of the year, the department was reorganized by merging three divisions and pro- grams into two divisions. All aid to families with dependent children and the developing WIN program became part of the new division of child and family services. The remaining pro- grams of the division of family services 53 and the division of aging and special programs were merged into a division of assistance payments and adult services. Included in the category of assist- ance payments are certification and re- certification for money payment in the assistance programs for Medicaid, food surplus, burial, and quality control. In- cluded in the adult services category are cancer care, housekeeping, home- delivered meals, aging institutions, St. John sewing project, and the St. Eliza- beth's Hospital program. Division of Child Welfare During the year the division's case- load increased more than 100 percent due to the transfer of all AFDC cases to the division of child and family serv- ices. The number of families trans- ferred were 450 and included 1,547 children. Both children and their parents must be contacted and services given as needed. In addition, every AFDC household, in which there is a recipi- ent of 16 years or over, must be evalu- ated for referral to the work incentive program, the purpose of which is make permanent, decently paid jobs avail- able to people on welfare rolls. The day-care program has again been expanded by the establishment of three new centers located in Estate Tutu, St. Thomas; Christiansted, St. Croix; and Frederiksted, St. Croix. Each new center accommodates 35 children. At the Insular Training School for Girls, workshops, group sessions and courses were conducted in family life, drug abuse, sex education, and danc- ing. A beauty parlor facility, to give beauty culture training courses, was completed in March. Division of Aging and Special Programs A home-delivered meals program was begun in September 1968, to pro- vide daily balanced meals to 30 aged persons who are unable to prepare their own food. Purpose of the pro- gram is to avoid institutional place- ment and to provide dietary modifica- tions necessary to improve general health. A total of 167 men and women were cared for in two residential and nurs- ing facilities, Queen Louise Home on St. Thomas and the Herbert Grigg Home on St. Croix. Shelter care was provided for 56 citizens in the Comeiro Home on St. Thomas and the Alders- ville Home on St. Croix. Homemakers service, with a staff of two housekeepers, assisted six elderly persons to continue to live independ- ently in their own homes by providing daily housekeeping and personal care services. Other special programs operated by the division included the sewing proj- ect on St. John, which provides clothes and school uniforms for needy families ; follow-up casework and after-care serv- ices for patients returned from St. Elizabeths Hospital in Washington, D.C.; burial of indigents; and referral of Virgin Island patients to the Dr. I. Gonzalez Martinez Hospital in Puerto Rico for treatment of cancer. During the fiscal year, the division distributed more than 1 million pounds of food through the surplus commodi- ties distribution program of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. 54 Day care centers are popular in the islands. Mothers who work leave preschool children with trained supervisors under a government social welfare program. 55 DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE Personnel: 85 The department of commerce con- tinued in fiscal 1969 to contribute to the vigorous growth of the economy of the Virgin Islands through the work of its principal divisions—the visitors bureau, trade and industry, and infor- mation centers in New York, Washing- ton, D.C., and San Juan. During the fiscal year, it was recommended that a fourth information center be estab- lished in Miami. Tourism continued to be the islands' top industry and, in a period of intense Operating Appropriations: $1,755,824 competition for the tourist dollar, the Virgin Islands again set new records. A total of 1,122,311 tourists visited the islands, a 27 percent increase over the last fiscal year. Airline and cruise ship traffic in all three major islands made significant gains. The department is also responsible for a number of important activities that do not have division status. These are : on-island public relations, the Vir- gin Islands Rum Council, control of the Virgin Islands advertising pro- gram, fishing and water sports develop- ment, and the industrial incentive board. The Commissioner of Commerce serves on the following Governor- appointed committees: watch quota, woolen yard goods, water and power authority, and acts as chairman of the Virgin Islands industrial incentive board. He is a member of the executive committee of the Puerto Rico Conven- tion Bureau, the Regional Export Ex- pansion Council of Puerto Rico in the Virgin Islands, and heads the commit- tee on tourism for that group. Late in the fiscal year, the depart- ment organized an ad hoc committee on Virgin Islands advertising and arranged for presentations to the committee by off- and on-island adver- tising agencies. The committee was made up of officials of the insular government concerned with island ad- vertising and promotion and of rep- resentatives of the tourist-oriented businesses of the three islands. Presen- tations were made to the committee in St. Croix as well as in St. Thomas. Following the presentations, members of the committee made individual rec- ommendations in writing. These were transmitted to the office of the Gov- ernor for final selection of a new advertising agency to handle the Virgin Islands account. Visitors Bureau The Visitors Bureau had an active and productive year. The number of cruise ships visiting the Virgin Islands reached a new high during ficsal year 1968-69. Among them were a num- ber of maiden voyages to both St. Croix and St. Thomas, and, for these, suitable ceremonies including presen- tation of plaques were supervised by the Visitors Bureau and presided over by the Governor. Cruise ship calls at St. Croix jumped from 40 last year to 67 during fiscal 1969, and the number of passen- gers visiting St. Croix increased from 15,782 to 18,388 during the same 12- month period, a 14 percent increase in the number of passengers. There were substantial increases for both calls and passengers in St. Thomas for the year ended June 30, 1969, with 491 ships bringing 213,541 passengers as against 342 vessels and 166,177 pas- sengers for the previous year, a 22 percent increase in passengers. The total number of visitors arriv- ing by plane also gained over any pre- vious year in Virgin Islands history with a total of 908,776 arrivals during fiscal 1969. Air tourism to St. Thomas and St. John jumped from 481,437 for fiscal 1967-68, to 542,709 for the year just ended and St. Croix air tourist arrivals were up from 166,700 to 209,092. Antilles air boats further increased traffic between St. Thomas and St. Croix. (The convenience of Antilles air boats arrivals and departures in the center of the main cities of both islands has been a material contributor in increasing visitors to both islands who would not otherwise make the trip). The Visitors Bureau hosted many government officials and prominent citizens during the year and handled visits by travel agents, newspaper and magazine writers, and radio and tele- vision personnel, resulting in impor- tant publicity and promotion for the islands. Working with the Commissioner of U.S. Customs, the Department of In- terior and other Federal agencies in Washington, the bureau was able to clarify certain rulings regarding the stays of foreign-flag ships in the islands and certain State laws on importa- tion of liquor, especially Maryland and California statutes. 57 Virgin Islands Information Center, New York This center, located in Rockefeller Center, serves the metropolitan New York area and, in fiscal 1969, had a record year. It served more than 12,938 prospective visitors who made in- quiries either in person, by phone, or by mail and distributed more than 230,865 pieces of literature, fewer than the preceding year when the Gover- nor's Conference created unusual demands. Personnel of the center also worked closely with every segment of the travel industry with emphasis on booking group and convention business. Virgin Islands Information Center, Washington This office serves the Nation's Capi- tal and recorded high levels of activity during the past fiscal year. The stafT particularly emphasized attraction of group business to the islands and was instrumental in arranging many such visits. In addition, calls were made on travel agents; 612 requests for in- formation answered and 29,021 pieces of literature were distributed. Trade and Industry The Virgin Islands economy con- tinued to reflect considerable expan- sion—the eighth year in a row, begin- ning in 1961. All economic indicators showed substantial gains, with tourism overshadowing all other sectors. New records were again attained in external trade bank debits, employment, per- sonal income, manufacturing, electri- cal energy generation and construc- tion. Economic progress, however, was somewhat tempered by a few difficult problems, including inflation. High in- terest rates and the 60-day national stevedore strike both had adverse effects. New records were again attained in Virgin Islands trade, reflecting sub- stantial increases in the value of im- ports and exports. Total imports were valued at $260,160,366, an increase of 50.2 percent over the previous year. Of this total, approximately $152,393,269 represents imports from the United States, while $107,777,097 were from foreign countries. Exports also jumped from $74.5 million in 1967 to $123.4 million in 1968. The trade and industry division participated in the submission of two protests to the Federal Maritime Com- mission concerning increases in freight rates and in conferences with other Federal agencies including the Eco- nomic Development Administration, the Small Business Administration, and the U.S. Department of Commerce. During the fiscal year just ended, the 15 Virgin Islands watch com- panies— 11 on St. Croix and four on St. Thomas—exported approximately 3,808,528 watch movements and parts to the United States. During the period just ended. Ad- miral Time Corp. was purchased by Sheffield Corp., and the operations of Sussex and Virgiline were transferred to St. Thomas. The payrolls of these companies amount to a little over $3 million per annum and employ approximately 1 ,000 persons. Industrial Incentive Board In fiscal 1969, the industrial incen- tive board recommended to the Gov- ernor that 13 certificates of tax exemption be granted. Only four recommendations of denials were made. Three conditional documents and two extensions of conditional documents were granted. Operating experience indicates that the increase in grants and reduction in denials have not been at the expense 58 of the standard established by the act. Total annual payrolls of tax exempt firms increased by 24 percent over fiscal 1968. Total average payrolls per firm increased over 1 1 percent in the same period, while average annual pay p)er employee increased over 12 percent. The industrial inventive program was specifically instrumental in induc- ing a large textile firm to invest more than $2.5 million fixed capital. This firm w'ill employ more than 225 trained people. This is considered a big step forward in providing the islands with a sound, diversified economic base from which balanced economic growth may proceed. The board has continued the policy of forestering tourism by granting tax exemption to a $10 mil- lion luxury hotel resort complex. Recent provisions of the industrial incentive act have included condo- miniums in the tax exempt activity. This new provision has been very at- tractive, as shown by the large number of applications filed. Unfortunately, legal complications have held up dis- position of these applications, but two grants were recommended to condo- miniums. This included a $1,500,000 project providing 42 luxury suites for individual ownership and tourist facilities. In addition to a successful and busy year, the board has undertaken an ambitious program to codify and streamline its administrative proce- dures. A committee has been formed to prepare rules and regulations govern- ing the board. Virgin Islands Rum Council Rum sales continue to grow at a fast- er rate than sales of any other type of liquor—up 22 percent in 1969, or four times faster than the liquor indus- try as a whole. However, the Virgin Islands has not shown a comparable growth in this expanding market. In 1964, Puerto Rico controlled 65 percent of the total rum market. The Virgin Islands at the same time control- led 25 percent. In 1969,Puerto Rico had increased its share of the rum mar- ket to 75 percent, while the Virgin Is- lands had slipped to 18 percent. In fiscal 1969, the Virgin Islands shipped 1,651,847 proof gallons of rum to the United States, approximately 20 percent more than in the previous year. During the same period, how- ever, the excise tax returns fell from $12,998,365 in 1968, to $11,633,873 in 1969—a loss of $1,364,492. In the past 10 years this unusual sit- uation of rum shipments being up while excise tax returns were down, occurred only once before, 1963. The situation then was explained by the liquor hand- book of 1964 as an "inventory situa- tion in the trade." As they stated "It would seem that some wholesalers in large urban areas went into January 1963 with a rum supply in excess of retail and consumer demand and that they 'marked off' this stock while plac- ing only token orders." A similar situation could have oc- curred last year as indicated by the erratic record of monthly shipments of rum for fiscal 1969. This was the result of over-ordering last year by distribu- tors in the United States to offset the then pending shipping strike. July and August showed unusually large ship- ments in anticipation of the strike that came in September. November orders were extra large, when the Taft Hartley Act was in- voked, and March and May were up following the strike settlement in late February. However, this does not fully explain the $1,364,492 loss in excise tax re- turns during fiscal 1969. Nor can such a sudden drop in income be explained 59 by a lack of sufficient or effective rum promotion. It is, however, a matter of record that the original rum pro- motional budget has been continuously reduced from $250,000 to as low as $130,000 at one time. It was slowly increased later to $240,000, its present level. This budget is in contrast to an expected $3 million advertising budget for Puerto Rico's counterpart of the rum council. The advertising budget of the Puerto Rican rum industry itself in- cludes Bacardi, Schenley, Heublein, and other national brands, adds an- other $3.5 million to Puerto Rico's rum promotion or a total advertising budget of $6.5 million. Public Relations Current public relations activity in the Department of Commerce centers on hosting for the Governor's office. The hosted people are mainly Asians and Africans in the Virgin Islands as part of America's image program for the emergent nations, conducted by the U.S. Department of State. Periodic familiarization and update travel includes trips to the Washing- ton, D.C., New York City, Puerto Rico, and St. Croix offices. Other mainland cities and Caribbean islands are visited for seminars, conventions, and conferences. Fishing and Water Sports Value to the islands of the water sports "industry" reached a new high in 1968-69, and facilities in being are more numerous than ever before. Water sports now account for ap- proximately 15 percent of Virgin Islands tourism income. Thus, water sports have become "big business" for the islands. The 15 percent figure which is conservative was arrived at through more than 80 personal inter- views with members of the industry made by the director and the assistant director during July and August of 1968. The largest charter sailing fleet in the Caribbean now "home ports" in the three Virgin Islands. Actual count, at the height of the season, was 201 "bare" and "crewed" sailing yachts available for charter—up from ap- proximately 125 the previous season. Regular telephone contact was main- tained with water sports people on St. Croix and St. John as well as St. Thomas. Office "information sheets" covering all facilities on all three islands are up-dated quarterly. See appendix D for tables on : Amount of tourist expenditures $112,268,245. Comparison of air traffic passen- gers—968,776. Comparison of cruise ship passen- gers—491 ships; 213,541 pas- sengers. Distribution of wages and employ- ment. Tax exempt business subsidy payments. Watch movements and parts shipments. 60 DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Personnel: 147 Full-Time 3 Part-Time The 1969 fiscal year was marked by excellent progress in implementing existing programs and by the initiation of significant new programs aimed at furthering up-to-date practices in farming, soil and water conservation, and the breeding and raising of livestock. This year, most of the resources of the Department of Agriculture were directed to the continuation of the grain sorghum program, initiated last year as part of a search for a practical Operating Appropriation: $1,991,766 crop for St. Croix, and as a means of reducing the cost of producing beef and milk on the island. The tick program, undertaken last year after the bont tick was discovered in a small area around Frederiksted, has been highly successful, and no bont ticks were reported during the 1969 fiscal year. By the end of the fiscal 1969, approximately $373,000 in local funds had been spent on the tick eradication program. A fruit tree propagation program Under a continuing program of agricultural research and development, new crops are being grown to replace the phase-out sugarcane industry. 373-289 O—70 5 61 initiated in 1968 to replace destroyed trees and to increase the number and quality of fruit trees in the Virgin Islands continued to show excellent re- sults this year. New programs initiated during the year included importing of goats and pigs, intended to rejuvenate the bloodlines of local animals. Many of the steel buildings pur- chased from a firm in Puerto Rico were erected this year: a building 320' x 80', used as an equipment shelter and garage; another building, which will be used as a marketing center; and a third building, to be used as a forestry and horticultural center. The farmland exemption bill was approved by the legislature of the Virgin Islands on March 29, 1968. The bill provides a tax exemption of 75 percent on farmland, including struc- tures and improvements thereon, used actively and solely for agricultural and horticultural purposes. For the tax year 1968, 79 individuals, firms, and corporations filed 141 ap- plications, which were certified by the commissioner of agriculture in accord- ance with the farmland exemption refund rules and regulations. Applica- tions for exemption were requested on 14,899.88 acres, and a total of 14,022.10 acres was granted a 75 per- cent reduction in real property taxes. Grain Sorghum Program It has been proved by the planting of more than 15 varieties that grain sorghum can be grown and harvested economically in the Virgin Islands. The current program may have dra- matic effects on the future of agricul- ture for the Virgin Islands. Sorghum can be adapted to the feeding of different species of livestock, and be- cause it is adaptable to many soil and water conditions, there is an excellent chance that hundreds of idle acres in the Virgin Islands could become productive. This year, about 140 acres of gov- ernment-owned land was planted in sorghum. In addition to this govern- ment acreage, another 300 acres were planted on five privately owned farms on St. Croix. In conjunction with the growing of sorghum, a silo was erected in Estate Lower Love to store grain during the dry season, when grain is difficult to obtain and farmers lose large numbers of livestock. Soil and WaPer Conservation Program This program is administered by the board of supervisors, the Virgin Islands soil and water conservation division, and the U.S. Soil and Water Conser- vation District. Dams are now being built at the rate of one per month under the Vir- gin Islands dam building program, administered by the Department of Agriculture. On the Island of St. Croix, there are now approximately 200 earth dams, with a total capacity of 359 million gallons. On St. Thomas, there are approximately 42 dams with a capacity of 43 million gallons. St. John has nine dams with a capacity of 24 million gallons. This program is impor- tant as a source of water stored during dry weather and to raise the water table in the islands. Under the unified agricultural con- servation program for the Virgin Islands, the following activities were carried out: brush control, 2,879 acres; farm pond construction, 10; irrigation pipelines, 8,909 feet; pasture planting, 37 acres; troughs or tanks, 5 tanks; farm pond renovating, 15 ponds; and wells, 19. Marketing The department's marketing service continued its distribution of both crops and livestock during fiscal 1969. Crops distributed included mangos, papayas, 62 soursops, tomatoes, peppers, cucum- bers, and yams. Livestock distributed included, cattle for beef, sheep, goats, and pigs. Abattoirs During the year ending in June 1969, almost 5,915 head of livestock were slaughtered in the St. Croix and St. Thomas abattoirs. Land Preparation Service The department's heavy equipment served most of the farmers requesting land clearing, plowing, or seed bed preparation. Approximately 3,500 hours of plowing, harrowing, banking, and bulldozing were provided by this service during fiscal 1969. Other Services The department furnished citizens other important services during the fiscal year. Forage choppers served livestock farmers with 4,500 tons of green chopped feed; 18,700 gallons of molasses were procured for livestock farmers, and both products were made available at 50 percent of the market price. Emergency livestock grains amounting to 450.55 tons were distrib- uted during the year on the subsidy program. A major fruit tree propagation pro- gram, initiated in 1968, was continued. Because of drought, destruction of trees, and other causes, there has been a serious deficiency in the number and quality of fruit trees in the islands. During fiscal 1968, the Department of Agriculture initiated a massive pro- gram to combat this situation. During fiscal 1969, 39,672 trees, secured from local sources, the British West Indies, and Puerto Rico, were distributed. A herd of about 30 milking goats was purchased in Waco, Tex., to re- juvenate the bloodlines of local herds. Many ewes from local herds have re- ceived service from rams in the depart- ment's flock which, since its arrival, has increased in size due to new births. During this p>eriod, a shipment of purebred pigs from Puerto Rico was also received. Most of the sows have given birth to a litter, and the baby pigs will be sold to farmers for the strengthening of their herds. Division of Veterinary Service The division continued to serve farmers of St. Croix, experiencing a relatively disease-free period. Hog cholera cases have reached a new low since the Virgin Islands have complied with recommendations by eliminating use of vaccine. The tick eradication program con- tinued with success. No bont ticks were found between July 1, 1968, and June 30, 1969. During the fiscal year, more than 46,000 animals were dipped, including 33,586 cattle, 7,268 sheep, 3,885 goats, and 1,692 horses, mules and donkeys. 63 DEPARTMENT OF LABOR Personnel: 72 Operating Appropriation: $553,342 Fiscal 1969 saw the start of work on the rehabilitation of the Department of Labor building in Christiansted, which will result in better coordination within the department, in that the of- fice of the commissioner and those of his staff, formerly located in separate buildings, will be in the same building. Also of major importance was the preparation of rules and regulations governing the conduct of hearings and other proceedings before the Depart- ment of Labor. In order to develop the most comprehensive rules possible, a committee of seven, representing a cross section of the community, was formed. Rules were then drafted and submitted to members of the Virgin Islands bar, management, labor, and others for review and comment. When the rules are published, they will become part of the Government's rules and regulations, pursuant to title 3, chapter 20, section 358 of laws of the Virgin Islands. Training of the staff has continued as one of the department's top priority efforts. During the fiscal year, efforts were made to develop a training pro- gram in cooperation with the Institute of Labor Relations of the University of Puerto Rico, the College of the Vir- gin Islands, and the division of personnel. The overall training program also in- cluded seminars, conferences, and training sessions covering such topics as collective bargaining and investigation of unfair labor practice cases. The classifications of payroll in- spector and enforcement officer were reclassified as labor officers by the divi- sion of personnel, with increases in salaries and the new qualification that both these positions require an associ- ate in arts degree. In August 1968, the Virgin Islands were joint hosts with Puerto Rico to the joint conference of the Association of Labor Mediation Agencies. This year, the Governor appointed the Commissioner of Labor to the chairmanship of CAMPS (cooperative area manpower planning system), a group responsible for the development and coordination of central planning for all agencies and programs con- cerned with manpower development and utilization. Present plans call for setting up the CAMPS secretariat as an independent group, funded feder- ally, and operating under the super- vision of the State chairman. Division of Labor During the year, payroll inspections increased, both because of the increase in the number of businesses and the employment of additional labor offi- cers. Payroll inspections totaled 1,046, a decrease of 1,055 over the preceding period. Back pay due employees as the result of facts disclosed by these investi- gations amounted to $34,509, up $20,432 from last year's figure. There was continuing activity in the area of union representation and cer- tification by the department. Certifica- 64 tions issued to labor organizations totaled 17 for the year. This year, the Government Em- ployees Association, a local of the Virgin Islands SIU, AFL-CIO, was active in organizing government em- ployees. As set forth in Executive Order No. 68-1964, the department's responsibility in this area is limited to a determination of ( 1 ) the showing of interest by the petitioning union, and ( 2 ) the appropriateness of the unit. Alien Labor While no precise facts and figures are available, the number of nonciti- zens is estimated at between 15,000 and 20,000, which would be about 20-28 percent of the total population. It is also estimated that they constitute about 49 percent of the total labor force. This influx poses difficult prob- lems in all areas of community con- cern, including housing, welfare, public safety, economics, and education. During the year the senate of the Virgin Islands established the Commis- sion on the Status of the Noncitizen. The commission is comprised of 17 members, including six senators, repre- sentatives of the clergy, management, labor, the public, and government officials. A report of the commission is due in September or October 1969. Unfair Labor PracHce Cases Continuing improvement in labor- management relations is reflected in the fact that filing of unfair labor prac- tice charges continued to decline this year. A significant change, too, has been the trend to the resolution of dis- putes through settlement agreements. This year, only 311 charges were filed. Of these, all were settled informally. It is noteworthy that work stoppages have been few, infrequent, and of short duration. Under its statutory authority, the department moved promptly to re- solve these problems at the earliest possible stage. Application for Employment As in the past 3 fiscal years, the de- partment continued to place residents in practically all job classifications in private industry. This action was due to a combination of factors including administration of the resident prefer- ence statutes and the recruitment program. Division of Apprenticeship and Training This year, nine certificates, giving them journeyman status, were awarded to apprenticeship trainees, a decrease of five over last year. At the close of fiscal 1969, the number of ap- prentices registered were 66, 10 of which are new. Giving impetus to this program has been the increased demand for more trained workers in the skilled trades. Efforts continue to enlarge programs, explore new possibilities, promote wider participation in Federal and local programs, and increase employer support. Division of Veterans Affairs Preparations were made for the 23d annual convention of the State Direc- tors of Veterans Affairs, which is to be held in St. Croix the week of Sep- tember 19. The legislature showed its full support by appropriating $13,000 for the convention. The division was officially recog- nized and accredited by the Veterans' Administration, Washington, D.C., this year, which permits it to prepare, present, and execute claims arising under statutes administered by the Veterans' Administration. Efforts oontirmed toward the de- velopment of an eff"ective guaranteed 65 loan program for veterans. This year, 20 VA loans were extended to veterans in the Virgin Islands, totaling $46,700. Workmen's Compensation Cost of workmen's compensation this year was $393,301, an increase of $59,451 over last year. This includes disability, temporary and permanent total disability, temporary and perma- nent partial disability, death compen- sation, medical costs, including trans- portation, and medical fees. Operating budget for the division was $160,465. The method of financ- ing the cost of administration, as well as the payment of claims, is from the revenues by the Government insurance fund in premiums and interest from investments. The number of fatal accidents was 1,525 this year, at a cost of $393,301.98. Installment benefits in these cases ex- tend for 40 months. An increased number of safety in- spections were made, bringing the total from 1,560 for fiscal year 1968, to 3,340 for fiscal year 1969. Two amendments to the chapter on workmen's compensation were made. The first would provide for a more flexible procedure for filing claims and the payment of premiums. The second would permit Government employees injured on the job to receive full pay to the extent of accrued leave up to 90 days and to have the used leave restored by workmen's compensation paying the award to the employing unit for the lost time due the employee. Virgin Islands Wage Board The wage board issued its Mini- mum Wage Order No. 8 and Mini- mum Recruitment Wage Order No. 2, effective May 7, 1969. This order was published in the Virgin Islands Regis- ter, whereupon it became official and applicable to each industry and classi- fication listed. 66 DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND CULTURAL AFFAIRS Personnel: 185 The Department of Conservation and Cultural Affairs is the newest of the executive departments of the Gov- ernment of the Virgin Islands. It was established by act No. 2238, approved July 1, 1968 and organized as an oper- ating department on October 20, 1968, pursuant to Executive Order No. 119- 69. The major on-going activities which were transferred from other depart- ments of the government, are parks and beaches, recreation and sports promo- tion, libraries and museums, beautifica- tion, and the Council on the Arts. Other areas of responsibility include fish and wildlife, trees and vegetation, and water resources; air pollution and water pollution ; flood control ; mineral and other natural resources and preser- vation of historical and architectural heritages of the Virgin Islands. Another area of activity includes the establishment of close liaison with Lawrence Halprin and Associates who have been engaged by the Government of the Virgin Islands to prepare a com- prehensive design plan for the Virgin Islands. The department is administering the Virgin Islands conservation fund into which oil royalties amounting to $2.7 million annually are deposited pursu- ant to an agreement between the Gov- ernment of the Virgin Islands and Hess Oil Corp. Appropriations were re- leased for outdoor recreation; parks and beaches, including acquisition of Operating Appropriations: $1,401,100 land and beaches ; development of his- torical sites; beautification including programs and projects for the restora- tion and enhancement of the scenic beauty of the Virgin Islands; projects of the arts council, including the Vir- gin Islands Institute of the Arts; com- prehensive design and planning of environmental resources preservation; and development of public television in the Virgin Islands. Land and Water Conservation Fund Act Program The department serves as the state liaison agency for the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act program ad- ministered by the Bureau of Outdoor Recreation, U.S. Department of the Interior. This program provides funds for and authorizes Federal assistance to the States for planning, acquisition, and development of outdoor recrea- tional facilities. Planning grants were received and phase I of the Compre- hensive Islandwide Outdoor Recrea- tion Plan for the Virgin Islands was completed. Bureau of Recreation and Sports Promotion Activities—Summer Program. Baseball : A total participation of 22 baseball teams comprised of 350 boys between the ages of 9 to 17. The teams are broken down into two categories Little League and Pony League. 67 As part of the stepped-up activities of the new Department of Conservation and Cultural Affairs, schoolchildren join in an island-wide clean-up and beautification program. Basketball : Participation of 330 boys in 30 teams divided into biddy, inter- mediate, junior, and open. Recreation centers: The center in St. Thomas provided a summer day camp for children between the ages of 7 to 14 besides its regular activities. St. Croix center provided the regular activities. These included arts and crafts, sewing, table tennis, etc. The Bureau, together with the vari- ous federations of the Virgin Islands, sponsored women's softball, biddy bas- ketball, junior basketball, baseball games involving the total community were assisted by the bureau. These included triple "A," class "A," and superior league. The bureau sponsored several track and field meets and as- sisted in the cross-country runs spon- sored by the sportsminded merchants and businesses. The program for the aged has been well established and doing fine in St. Thomas; the program is still in the formative stage in St. Croix. Stage shows, talent shows, professional box- ing, religious rallies, etc., have used the facilities of the bureau. Facilities—St. Thomas Emile Griffith Park is one of the better kept areas. Its primary use is for Softball. Lighting facilities have been improved. Restrooms have been provided and general maintenance good. The bleacher situation fluctuates with activities in other areas. Needed is the installation of permanent seating facilities. The French Town ballpark is used primarily for softball. Needed are dug- outs, toilet facilities, and seating facilities. 68 Lionel Roberts Park is the most used and abused recreational area. Baseball is what it was constructed for, but talent shows, stage shows, boxing (pro- fessional) , are also conducted there. Smith Bay and Nadir are areas that require complete development. There are other areas within St. Thomas that can be developed, but acquisition is first priority. The recreation center is the focal point of most of the activities con- ducted. The total area is rather small for planned programs ; activities are all geared toward the general community use. St. Croix D. C. Canegata Park is used as a general sports area. There are base- ball fields, Softball fields, soccer and cricket fields, tennis courts and basket- ball courts. The Paul E. Joseph Stadium is used for Softball and baseball. The total area could be or should be improved to bring the area up to standard. Virgin Islands Libraries Public libraries circulation increased by 5,221, totaling 85,270 volumes loaned for home use, or a per capita of 2/2 books. New readers, 975; showing a total registered borrowers of 5,108 in three islands. Volumes New volumes added 10, 207 Replacements 2, 391 Discards & withdrawals 867 Reference queries answered from the Von Scholten collection: In person, including students . . 784 By letter and telephone 110 Talking books for the blind bor- rowed 241 Special Caribbean books borrowed . 420 Publications: Catalog of Microfilms 1969 (March) ; Theses on Caribbean Topics 1969 (June) ; Biographical Listing of Governors 1665-1917 (in press) ; Periodical accessions listing. Conference participation: The fol- lowing conferences were held towards greater participation in Caribbean library development: 1 . Association of Caribbean Univer- sities and Research Institutes and Libraries (ACURIL). Initial conference at Heads of Carib- bean Universities Conference in Puerto Rico. Library section (Nov. 1968). 2. Inauguration of the College of the Virgin Islands Library, St. Thomas (March 1969). 3. Co-Sponsor with Corporation for Economic Development of the Caribbean (CODECA) of Puerto Rico-Virgin Islands Library Conference, in Puerto Rico (June 1969). 4. Association of Caribbean Uni- versities and Research Institutes and Libraries, Puerto Rico (June 1969) . 5. Seminars on the Acquisition of Latin American Library Mate- rials, conference (June 1969). Virgin Islands Library assist- ants trained in Puerto Rico at the Caribbean Regional Library for computerized bibliographical compilations and collaboration with Caribbean Regional Library for the "Current Caribbean Bibliography." Photoduplication laboratory was improved by the addition of Diazo jackets equipment, and other small pieces of equipment for total service. Microfilm holdings were increased from 970 to 1,624 items. The filming of all the inactive files of the Division of Personnel were reduced to 30,000 feet, totaling 9,000 jackets completed; of these, 4,500 Diazo duplicates were sent to the Division of Personnel, with security negatives (4,500 mylar 69 jackets') stored at the libran'. The De- partment of Health's reports of vital statistics for 1967 and 1968 were filmed on 16 rolls, or 1,600 feet of 16mm. film in a 2-week period. Rob- ertson vertical copy camera and vacuum frame for platemaking were purchased, and a 1250W model Multi- lith press was also acquired by the libran-. Interlibrary cooperation : Joint spon- soring of librar)' conference for the Caribbean between Corporation for the Economic Development of the Caribbean (CODECA), Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands libraries, to the amount of $2,000 from title III of Library Services and Construction Act. The directors of libraries and mu- seums also participated in the inaugu- ration of the Ralph M. Paiewonsky Librar)' of the College of the Virgin Islands, and served as resource persons for the 3-day conference entitled "Sharing Caribbean Resources." All four nationalities of the Caribbean in England, Denmark, and the United States. It was a unique conference in the Virgin Islands. Exchange program distributed 49 Virgin Islands publications during the year to over 211 libraries and indi- viduals in the United States, Europe, and the Caribbean. Beautification Dividon—St. Thomas, St. John, St. Croix The Beautification Division's pro- gram is divided into two major areas: (1) Nursery and landscaping of pub- lic areas, (2) beautification and en- vironmental education. Planted Areas and Nursery We maintain 19 separate areas in St. Thomas, four in St. Croix, and two in St. John. Extensive plant- ings completed this year have been: (1) The Roosevelt Park, (2) Legisla- ture Garden, (3) Government House, (4) immigration offices, (5) Hibiscus bed at Fort Christian, (6) the tri- angle at Wayne Aspinal School, (7) A Hibiscus hedge from Subbase to Chinaman Hill, (8) garden at the rear of the conservation office. St. John : ( 1 ) Rock garden in front of Julius Sprauve School, (2) exten- sive refurbishing of the administra- tor's garden. St. Croix: (1) Christiansted Fort area, (2) mahogany trees on Island Center road, (3) triangle at Peter's Rest planted twice, (4) assisted in maintenance of the St. Croix High School. A misting system has been extended at the plant nursery. Thirty concrete bins approximately 4 to 6 feet wide and 12 to 15 feet long, with a 2-inch wall around them to contain water, have been built at the nursery. A beautification officer has been placed in direct charge of the day-to- day operation of the nursery. The divi- sion also organizes garden clubs, the conservation film program in the schools, and has distributed approxi- mately 3,000 trees. Many special projects were carried out by volunteers. The following spe- cial projects were implemented in the three islands: 1. Plants for Mothers Day. 2. Beautification litter bags. 3. Special book covers for all Virgin Island schoolchildren. 4. Mystery tune contest. 5. Poster contest. 6. Assisted Wayne Aspinal Garden Club and St. Croix High School. Ours is an exciting and growing pro- gram. All of the staff are proud to be a part of the beautification division of the Department of Conservation. 70 VIRGIN ISLANDS EMPLOYMENT SECURITY AGENCY Personnel: 64 The Virgin Islands employment service concluded fiscal 1969 with an increase in most activities over fiscal 1968. Among the several special pro- grams with which the agency was con- cerned were : Manpower Development and Training, Job Corps, Neighbor- hood Youth Corps (out-of-school), and the new Work Incentive program. Also of interest was the relocation of the Christiansted local office to a more central location. During the year, total employ-ment on the three islands rose to 32,720, an increase of 1,549 jobs in the local economy. Unemployment Insurance Activities January 1, 1969, the midpoint of the fiscal year, was also the fifth anni- versary of benefit payments under the Virgin Islands unemployment in- surance law. During that period, 4,792 claimants filed and collected $606,315 under the local program. Through the local un- employment insurance offices, $68,270 was paid under Federal programs to veterans and Federal employees. A cumulative total of 4,035 employers was registered or found subject to Vir- gin Islands unemployment insurance law. During fiscal 1969, employers on file increased from 1,767 to 2,035, of which 345 are new employers. Both of these figures are indicative of accelerated Operating Appropriation: $639,481 growth in the Virgin Islands economy. Employer collections for the year were $1,002,696, a figure that reflects the impact of last year's six-tenths of 1 percent reduction in employer taxes. Fiscal 1969 saw a decrease of 24 per- cent in the total number of claimants, though there was an increase of 151 percent in the number of veterans fil- ing, and an increase of 300 percent in the benefits they received. Total bene- fits paid to veterans amounted to $27,548, as opposed to $6,895 last year. Federal employees trebled and pay- ments to them increased to $2,359, as opjxjsed to $1,562 paid during fiscal 1968. Total payments under all unemploy- ment insurance programs totaled $156,456, a decrease of $45,438 from fiscal 1968. Toward the end of the fiscal year, the work of the unemployment in- surance service was expanding. The 7-day period in which claimants under the local program are being paid is to be extended to claimants under Fed- eral programs, MDTA, UCFE-UCX and WIN. When arrangements are completed, 7 days will be the estab- lished period for all claimants, trainees, and enrollees. Employment Service The Virgin Islands employment service budget for fiscal 1969 totaled $397,130, including Manpower Devel- 71 opment and Training Act program, Job Corps program, CAMPS program and the Work Incentive program. Total funds for training were in- creased from $63,000 to $100,000 a year. The employment service con- tinued work on the development of a grant from the Economic Develop- ment Administration of approximately $76,000 which, with an equal amount expected from Virgin Islands funds, would be used to establish two skill training centers, which would remove the major obstacle to full-time training. Late starting of projects reduced slightly, from 85 to 77, the number of persons receiving training under the Manpower Development Training Act, though there was an increase of $10,000 in training and subsistence allowance payments made to MDTA trainees. The employment service was able to refer 258 youths, against a quota of 296, for the Job Corps program. Re- cruitment for job training in Job Corps centers was curtailed toward the end of fiscal 1968 as a result of the closing of several training centers. The service's cooperative arrange- ment with the Neighborhood Youth Corps resulted in the placements of a number of youths from the program. The service was utilized throughout the year as a training station for enrollees. Staff recruitment for the Work In- centive program, the newest addition to employment service programs, was completed in March 1969. By the end of the fiscal year in June, 26 transferees from the work experience program had been enrolled in the new program. Placements of Virgin Islands citi- zens totaled 2,384, including 673 in construction, 283 in manufacturing, 82 in public utilities, 388 in wholesale and retail businesses, 61 in finance, 366 in private households, 27 in the Fed- eral Government, 136 in State govern- ment, 349 in service (except private household), and 19 in industries not elsewhere classified. Certification of foreign national to supplement the local labor force was continued, with major emphasis placed on the processing of permanent certifications for workers. New per- manent certifications for foreign na- tionals totaled 1,849. Recertifications issued numbered 8,387 and schedule A cases numbered 144, for a total certi- fied alien work force of 10,380. New certifications included 701 in construction, 134 in manufacturing, 65 in public utilities, 238 in wholesale and retail businesses, 42 in finance, 291 in private households, 1 in the Federal Government, 17 in State government, 345 in service (except private house- hold), and 15 in industries not else- where classified. 72 DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS Personnel: Permanent 801 Temporary 828 Throughout the fiscal year, the De- partment of Public Works continued to provide the basic services of road construction and maintenance, provi- sion of fresh water, construction and maintenance of water distribution and sewage systems, collection and disposal of garbage, operation and maintenance of public cemeteries, and repair and maintenance of government buildings. A total of $9,090,704 was obligated during fiscal 1969 for basic services, compared to $7,072,145 for fiscal 1968. A total of $3,196,808 was expended by the department on capital improve- ment projects under the matching funds program. Road and Street Improvement A total of 5.5 miles of roads and streets was reconstructed and paved on St. Thomas, and 7.4 miles on St. Croix. The largest single project on St. John was reconstruction and pav- ing of the Johns Folly Road which parallels the eastern shore of the island. Other roads in Cruz Bay areas were also improved. Substantial re- construction and improvements were made to the roads on St. Croix, in- cluding reconstruction of portions of the Centerline Road. The department cooperated with the Federal Bureau of Public Roads in con- ducting a study and reporting on the highway needs of the Virgin Islands. The report consists of an inventory of the present highway systems, with Operating Appropriations: $9,090,704 Matching Funds: 3,196,808 forecasts and cost estimates of future needs to justify inclusion of the Virgin Islands in the Federal Aid Highway Program. Unusually heavy rains in February and May of 1969 caused extensive damage to roads on the three islands. Restoration of the damaged roads re- quired an estimated additional ex- penditure of $300,000. Street Cleaning and Garbage Removal Service The volume of garbage and trash collected and disposed of was more than double that handled during fiscal 1968. Service was extended to all pop- ulated areas of the islands, including new subdivisions and hotels. Public cooperation in the use of collection points improved during the year and littering along public roads and streets showed a marked decrease. The garbage dump in Cruz Bay, St. John, was abandoned and removed to a remote location on the eastern end of the island. Construction of a new incinerator, one and a half miles east of Cruz Bay, was started and will be completed in September 1969. Because down-wind areas are becoming more populated, open burning of garbage and trash at central locations on St. Thomas and St. Croix is becoming in- creasingly objectionable. Plans have been made for replacing the open dumps with incinerators which will eliminate smoke and odor nuisances. 73 Water Supply On St. Thomas, the demand for fresh water averaged 1,444,000 gallons per day. The combined production of the three desalination plants totaled 68 percent of this amount; the re- mainder was barged from the Roose- velt Roads Naval Station on Puerto Rico. The rated 1 -million-gallon-per-day desalination plant on St. Croix began production in October 1968. The plant output during fiscal 1969 was 60,302,- 000 gallons. A total of 22,351,000 gal- lons was barged to Christiansted from Puerto Rico. The second 10 /a -million-gallon water storage tank was erected at Kings Hill, 5 miles west of Christian- sted and will be in service by Septem- ber 1969. A 1 -million-gallon storage tank was completed near Frederick- sted, and a similar one erected on Recovery Hill near Christiansted. This second tank will be connected to the distribution system by October 1969. As on St. Thomas, the water distri- bution systems on St. Croix are con- stantly being extended for service to existing housing and newly developed areas. Renewal of the Fredericksted water distribution system under a Federal grant project has been delayed due to complications of contractor bonding, but the notice to proceed on the construction will be issued by August 1969. A total of 17,673,000 gallons of water was barged from St. Thomas to St. John, of which 14,717,200 gallons were delivered to Cancel Bay, 2,628,- 400 gallons to Cruz Bay, and 328,100 gallons to the Tektite project on Lameshur Bay. Sewage Disposal Sewage systems on St. Thomas and St. Croix were maintained and ex- tended to new areas. New sewage out- falls were constructed at Betty's Hope, Fredericksted, and La Grand Princess on St. Croix, and the main outfall line on St. Thomas was renewed from the pumping station to Crown Bay. De- tailed surveys are now under way to provide sewage treatment plants that will eliminate pollution of harbors and shore areas on St. Thomas and St. Croix. Engineering, Design and Construction A total of 1,992 building permits representing $65,091,755 value of construction was issued during the year, compared to 1,501 permits, rep- resenting $48,068,900 value during fiscal 1968. Building by public works forces in- cluded a new post office at Cruz Bay, St. John. On St. Croix, the depart- ment constructed sewer and water pumping stations, one sewage treat- ment plant, and foundations and utili- ties for prefabricated schoolrooms. In- spection services were performed for all public and private construction. 74 DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE Personnel: 2S)0 As the major fiscal agency of the Virgin Islands, the Department of Finance is affected by every increase in social and economic activity in the islands. The year ended June 30, 1969, was another period of growth in both revenues and expenditures which re- quired an increase in governmental services. The Department also was given responsibility for the Alcohol Control Board as an entirely new function. To handle the increased volume, the Department added new, more sophis- ticated computers and undertook in- tensive on-the-job training programs to enable staff members to adapt to the new equipment. New accounting procedures were also developed to speed up payment of bills. Another major achievement was application of Operating Appropriations: $2,294,757 new management techniques to gov- ernment deposits which will substan- tially increase interest revenues. The government insurance fund continued to report a steady rate of growth, and the fund remains solvent. A total of approximately $1 million in premiums was collected during the fiscal year, and merit rating reductions in premiums, in a total amount of $117,218.83, were approved for 130 employers during the same period. These amounts represent significant increases. Fiscal 1969 was marked by an all- time high in revenues collected in all funds invoved in the operations of the government with a total of $96,511,- 513. This total was divided into three major groupings: Amount Percent General fund Matching fund and essential projects fund . Special and other funds $56, 117,511 12, 756, 771 27,637,231 58. 14 13.22 28.64 Total 96, 51 1, 513 100.00 Collections into the general fund, principal operating fund of the govern- ment, were as follows : Taxes $60, 501, 583 Government operating revenue 2,031,771 Other revenues 33, 978, 159 Internal revenue returns $12, 627, 871 Interest on bank balances .... Refunds 128,900 Total 96,511,513 Collections into the matching fund and essential projects fund, the recipi- ent funds for Federal internal revenue taxes collected in the United States on imports from the Virgin Islands were divided into three categories: Total 12,756,771 The third major collections category includes special and other funds. Most of the trust and deposit funds, and enterprise and revolving funds, such as the Virgin Islands lottery fund, and the government insurance fund, are excluded since they do not relate di- rectly to general governmental opera- tions. The special and other funds did provide the following : 75 Taxes $9,531,972 Government operating Income 979, 672 Federal grants-in-aid 6, 107, 086 Other revenues 11,018, 601 Total 27,637,231 During fiscal 1969, the Government of the Virgin Islands sold bond antici- pation notes in the amount of $352,000 and, at the close of the year, the amount borrowed through bond sales for the past 5 years was $20,045,000. Bond financing had been used for the fol- lowing purposes: Schools $7, 850, 000 Hospitals 2, 000, 000 Water systems expansion 3, 063, 000 Power and water desaliniza- tion facilities* 6, 560, 000 Sewage facilities and treatment 470, 000 College of the Virgin Islands 102,000 Total 20,045,000 *Funds were paid over to and expended by the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority. Public Law 88-180 passed by the Congress of the United States limits such borrowings to 10 percent of the aggregate assessed valuation of taxable real property in the Virgin Islands. As of December 31, 1968, this valuation amounted to $247,914,452. Following is a comparison of the ceiling with local authorizations and actual borrowings: Ceiling (10 percent of $247,914,452) $24, 791, 445 Authorizations (local statutes) 19, 540, 000 Actual borrowings 20, 045, 000 Less bonds redeemed 715, 000 Balance 19,330,000 Total expenditures, excluding inter- and intra-fund transfers, for all funds connected with the operations of the government, amount to $96,331,560, as follows: Amount Percent General fund $53, 41 1, 264 55. 45 Matching fund 6, 097, 445 6. 33 Essential projects fund 165, 436 . 1 7 Special and other funds 36, 657, 415 38. 05 Total 96, 331, 560 100. 00 76 Total expenditures detailed by vari- government during fiscal year 1968, ous departments and agencies of the are as follows: Amount Percent Legislature, electoral boards, and municipal courts of the Virgin Islands $1, 351, 996 1. 40 Health 13, 526, 604 14. 04 Education 12, 718, 085 13. 20 Social welfare 3, 837, 402 3. 98 Public safety 3, 770, 906 3. 91 Public works 13, 912, 853 14. 44 Agriculture 1, 690, 622 1. 76 Labor 422, 060 . 44 Housing and community renewal 2, 378, 482 2. 47 Commerce 2, 81 1, 858 2. 92 Conservation and cultural affairs 1, 671, 662 1. 74 Executive and administrative Departments and agencies 38, 239, 030 39. 70 Total 96, 331, 560 100. 00 Note: See appendix F for tables on: Government operating revenues. Government operating expenditures. Comparative statement of revenues and receipts. Comparative statement of expenses. Comparative statement of operating revenues and loans. Comparative statement of net expenditures. 373-289 O—70- 77 OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR OF THE BUDGET Personnel: 17 Expanding population and rapid economic development during the year ended June 30, 1969, created in- creased demands for public services. As a result, both revenues and govern- ment expenditures reached all-time highs in the Virgin Islands. Budgets of approximately $73.5 million were proj- ected for the year for general govern- mental operations and necessary capital improvements. Other vital capital proj- ects were financed through interim bond anticipation notes. For fiscal 1969, total revenues col- lected from taxes and other local sources amounted to $56,117,511 an increase of slightly more than 20 per- cent over the previous fiscal year. But the cost of government matched the ris- ing income. In addition, the Virgin Islands Government was forced to operate without the contribution from the Internal Revenue matching fund which had been approved for certain operational uses in previous budgets. A policy directive from the Department of Interior eliminated this income and the government absorbed $4,900,000 in costs previously funded from this source. In addition to the loss of matching funds for operational purposes, the government's new pay plan imple- mented in fiscal year 1969 added ap- Operating Appropriations: $171,246 proximately $5,200,000 in new salaries for regular budgeted positions. These factors, combined with the in- creased cost of operations did not al- low for the realization of any meaning- ful surplus at the end of the fiscal year. Furthermore, the combined effect of these factors made it mandatory that more rigid control be exercised over the release of appropriated funds. Appropriations made from the gen- eral fund for fiscal 1969, including con- tinuing or no-year appropriations amounted to $60,617,329. These funds were for general governmental opera- tions, operations of the College of the Virgin Islands, contributions to the retirement and pension funds, contri- butions to Federal aid programs, grants for educational purposes, research and other special projects, expenses of the legislature and the new pay plan for government employees. Direct appropriations of $12,627,870 were made from the Internal Revenue matching fund for capital improve- ments. Total general fund allotments made to June 30, 1969, for operating ex- penses, special programs, and other purposes were $56,965,326. Following is a summary of estimated revenues, appropriations, and allot- ments for the fiscal year just ended : 78 Revenues and carried-over surplus : Surplus cash balance Jvdy 1 , 1968 $2,538,796 Revenues collected 56, 1 17, 51 1 Total 58,656,307 Appropriations : Operating and special appropriations 54, 400, 131 Appropriations available until expended (including prior year's appropria- tion) 6, 119, 995 R eappropriation of certain projects 97,203 Total appropriations 60,617,329 Allotments : Allotments made to June 30, 1969 56,965,326 Unallotted appropriations ... 3, 652, 003 Total 60,617,329 For fiscal 1970, the Governor's budget proposal called for $56,634,563 for operations and special purposes, and $13,500,000 for capital improve- ments. Again, these proposals were based on estimates of government re- ceipts and Internal Revenue matching fund receipts but excluding contribu- tions from matching funds for opera- tional costs. All estimated matching fund receipts w^ere allocated for capital improvements. The budget passed by the legislature amounted to $58,345,664. Largest share of the total, about 20.6 percent was budgeted for the Department of Education. Ranking second in share of the budget was the Department of Health scheduled to receive 19.7 per- cent, and third was Public Works with 16.8 percent. Appropriations from the matching fund budget of $12,734,895 included: Payment of long-term and short-term debt $1, 412, 095 Housing I, 000, 000 Roads 2,873,000 Urban renewal 100, 000 Construction of health centers. . 5, 000, 000 Road and construction equipment 430, 000 Salt water and sewage systems . 225, 000 Potable water systems 362, 000 Acquisition and repairs: Government buildings and structures 286, 400 Cons true tion of classrooms . 50, 000 Sewage improvements 340, 000 Erection of agricultural buildings 100, 000 Miscellaneous 556, 400 Total 12,734,895 Conservation Fund A new source of funding for con- servation, recreation, and culturally oriented projects became available in fiscal year 1969 as the result of statu- tory authorizations for the utilization of oil royalties paid into the local treas- ury under existing quota allocations. Receipts from this source are expected to amount to $2.7 million annually, and are deposited into a special con- servation fund. It is expected that the larger portion of this fund will be used to finance the acquisition of parklands and beachfronts; cultural and recrea- tional programs; antipolution proj- ects, and environmental planning and control. As of June 30, 1969, a total of $2,745,000 had been deposited into the conservation fund and appropriations totaling $2,700,000 had been approved by the Legislature from this fund for the following purposes : 79 Outdoor recreation, including acquisition of land and beaches $1,250,000 Development of historical sites . 100, 000 Beautification projects Culturally oriented programs . . Comprehensive design and planning of environmental resources and development. . Miscellaneous projects con- sistent with statutory pro- visions for use of the fund . . . 150,000 496, 810 550, 000 Like the Internal Revenue matching fund, expenditures from the conserva- tion fund require the approval of the Secretary of the Interior. Secretarial approval was given for the expenditure of $2,265,000 of the total $2.7 million appropriations made by the legislature in the first operative year of this fund. 153, 190 Total $2,700,000 80 DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND COMMUNITY RENEWAL Personnel: 56 On June 30, 1969, the department reported more than 947 units of low- rent housing planned or under con- struction in the Virgin Islands. Despite significant advances since the depart- ment was created on June 18, 1962, housing is still a top-priority problem in the islands with many residents liv- ing in substandard dwellings because of the lack of new housing at reasonable rents or sales prices. Emergency Housing Program Under this program, 87 families were housed during fiscal 1969. Of this total, 49 families including 201 indi- viduals were housed in St. Thomas, and 38 families with 131 family mem- bers were housed in St. Croix. At the end of the year, a cumulative total of 507 families were housed—249 in St. Thomas, and 258 in St. Croix. During the 12-month period covered by this report, 1,225 applications for emergency housing were filed with 682 applications in St. Thomas and 543 in St. Croix. At year's end, 3,447 active applications were on file representing requests from families including more than 19,000 individuals. In St. Thomas, 1,910 applications were on file, and in St. Croix, 1,537. Homestead and Home Loan Program Seven important subprograms are included in this effort—homestead, home loan, Altona community develop- Operating Appropriations: $445,079 ment, veteran loan and land, cistern loan, moderate income housing, and Altona and emergency housing. Under the homestead program, a total of 18 parcels were allocated throughout the Virgin Islands during the fiscal year. The selling price of these parcels amounted to $8,446. A total of 47 deeds were issued through- out the various homestead areas. The sales value of the land amounted to $28,108.40. During the period, 12 waivers were approved, granting the owners of homestead land permission to offer their properties as security for loans in order to construct homes on their properties. At the close of the fiscal year, there were 921 applications on file for homestead land distributed as follows: St. Thomas, 530; St. Croix, 338; St. John, 53. During fiscal 1969 the home loan fund was increased by an appropriation of $50,000. With this amount and other funds received from the repay- ment of loans, interest income, and the sale of homestead land, 21 loans were granted totaling $207,000. There are now 17 applications on file for home construction and improvement loans totaling $145,750. One loan was granted for the con- struction of cisterns under this pro- gram, for the maximum $1,000 per- missible by law. Three loans were repaid in full and the mortgages can- celed during the year. There were six loans granted from the veteran hous- 81 ing fund during this reporting period, each for the maximum of $5,000 per- missible, and 12 applications are pend- ing for a total of $60,000. All of the houses in the Altona com- munity development except one were allocated prior to the beginning of this reporting period and purchasers are making payments towards the purchase price. They have 20 years from the date of the purchase contract in which to complete payment of the purchase price and to receive title to the property. Sale of Emergency Housing—Single Family Units Act No. 986 provides for the sale of single family emergency housing units to tenants who occupied a par- ticular unit for a period of 1 year or more. A total of 35 deeds were issued and secured by mortgages on these properties. Community Development Programs During the fiscal year, great progress was made in community development programs. On August 8, 1968, the Government of the Virgin Islands bor- rowed $2 million from the reserves of the Government Employees' Retire- ment System pursuant to act No. 1927. This money was deposited into the moderate income housing revolving fund and was used to complete or to help finance 495 homes in three developments. At Estate Nadir, St. Thomas, 79 in- dividual three-bedroom units were completed in March 1969, and were occupied during the month of April. Estate Bordeaux, St. Thomas, will con- sist of 100 individual three-bedroom units. Ground was broken in October 1968, and the units are scheduled for completion by March 1970. The third is Estate Sion Farm, St. Croix, and consists of 316 individual three-bedroom units upon land which is being purchased from the U.S. Gov- ernment. Eighty-six of these units were completed and 46 were occupied by the end of the fiscal year. The sched- uled completion date of this project is October 4, 1969. Thirty-one units were completed. Estate Contant, St. Thomas, by June 30 and the Department of Public Works is presently installing sewer mains and making house connections so these units may be occupied within the very near future. There are 62 units comprising this development, 3 1 of which are now occupied. Pursuant to the provisions of the rent control law, formal inspections were made of the properties involved in the 112 petitions. Below is a table showing by comparison the work of the rent control agency during fiscal years 1965 through 1969. An overall plan for the Demara- Honduras area in St. Thomas was pre- pared by the firm of McClintock and Thun in which specific recommenda- tions were made for the area. These will be discussed with the administration. For the developments at Estates Nadir, Bordeaux and Sion Farm, the Govern- ment has arranged for the mortgages to be taken over by the First National City Bank which will provide addition- al funds to finance other developments under construction and planning. This department, recognizing that it will be necessary to acquire land in order to continue its housing develop- ment programs, recommended the pas- sage of act No. 2347. Several parcels of land are being purchased on the islands of St. Thomas and St. Croix. A total of 167 acres at Estate Benders Bay and an additional 47 acres at Es- tate Dorothea are being purchased by the Government in St. Thomas. Nego- tiation was begun for the purchase of 1 50 acres of land at Estates Plessen and Mount Pleasant in St. Croix, and the 82 development of 1,700 additional hous- ing units on these tracts of land is contemplated. Rent Control Agency During the fiscal year ending June 30, 1969, a total of 112 petitions were filed with the rent control agency. Fourteen of that number were filed in St. Croix while 98 were filed in St. Thomas. Of the 112 petitions, only four were filed by landlords who asked that maximum monthly rent ceilings be established for their properties. Two of the four petitions were filed by land- lords in St. Croix, while the other two petitions were filed by landlords in St. Thomas. Fiscal occupancy by the end of the fiscal period. A second block of 25 units was to be available by the end of July, and 25 additional homes were expected to be completed each 6 weeks thereafter. Two projects in Estate Tutu, St. Thomas, progressed. One is a turnkey project of 300 individual houses, and contracts for sale of all units have been signed. Construction is underway and the first 25 units will be ready for occu- pancy in August 1969. The second Estate Tutu project is a 400-apartment project for which preliminary drawings are now being made. Estate Williams Delight will be the site of a turnkey project of 300 individ- ual homes and final drawings will be submitted early in fiscal 1970 with con- struction to start soon after this. The authority currently manages 12 projects, five in St. Thomas, four in Christiansted and three in Frederick- sted containing a total of 1,516 units. During the fiscal year, 622 applications for low-rent public housing were re- ceived in St. Thomas, and 640 in St. Croix, bringing the file of active ap- plications to a total of 2,151. The fiscal year saw 202 families admitted to au- thority projects, 68 in St. Thomas and 134 in St. Croix. Program reservations for 600 units in St. Croix and 600 units in St. Thomas were approved by the Housing Assistance Administration. Invitations for proposals for the construction of these units were sent out during the month of May and received in June from 13 developers in the Virgin Is- lands and continental United States. The board of commissioners will make awards in July. The modernization of Paul M. Pear- son Gardens, Ludvig E. Harrigan Court, and D. Hamilton Jackson Ter- race has started. The prime purpose of the modernization program is to make the projects more pleasant places in which to live. In February of 1969, the board of Commissioners of the Authority amended the agency's occupancy pol- icy to permit alien residents in the Virgin Islands to apply for accom- modations in public housing projects. As of June 30 there were approxi- mately 750 such applications on file with the housing authority for both islands. Virgin Islands Urban Renewal Board For the fiscal year ended June 30, 1969, the board continued to adminis- ter four projects in the execution stage. Barracks Yard, Water Gut, Lagoon Street and Taarneberg-Ross, and one in the survey and planning stage. Hill Street. Barracks Yard is a combined reha- bilitation and clearance project. All land was cleared, the rehabilitation of all of the substantial structures was completed, and the required re- location of all families, individuals and businesses was accomplished by the end of the fiscal period. Total value of rehabilitation work completed was $333,000, the value of reconstruction accomplished was $240,000, and there remained only one substandard struc- ture to be reconstructed at an esti- mated cost of $65,000. The sale of one of the parcels of land designated for "public use" was completed to the United States of America for use as a Federal office building. The other parcel so desig- nated is to be acquired by the local government for the construction of the local government center, and a letter of commitment for such purpose has been received by the board. The determination of the final awards for the acquisition of the prop- erties has been delayed since the third circuit court of appeals reversed the original awards of the district court of 84 the Virgin Islands. At a pretrial con- ference in May of 1969, a new trial before new commissioners was ordered. An amendatory loan and grant con- tract was prepared and approved for the project, to adjust the financing plan and to move the date of closing up to December 1970. Water Gut is also a combined re- habilitation and clearance project with about 25 percent of the total land area scheduled to be cleared for redevelop- ment, and the remaining 75 percent with some 57 substandard structures to be rehabilitated. At the close of fis- cal 1969, the Water Gut project was still in operation under the revised plan approved in 1964. However, a new revised plan has been prepared by the firm of McClintock and Thun, readjusting the land uses, eliminating the waterfront highway and changing some of the street patterns. The origi- nal proposal for a 114-unit middle-in- come housing development remains in the plan. To finance the construction of this proposed middle-income hous- ing, the board has been successful in obtaining a conditional commitment from FHAin the amount of $2,693,500. The plans for it are in final prepara- tion, also by the firm of McClintock and Thun, and at the close of the pe- riod, the board and its agents were ne- gotiating to secure a building contrac- tor for construction to begin before the end of this calendar year. Special emphasis has been given to the rehabilitation program, in an ef- fort to reduce the workload as quickly as possible and to determine the dis- position of those properties which have remained substandard because owners are unwilling or unable to comply with the rehabilitation requirements of the plan. A revised plan for the Lagoon Street project, eliminating Custom House Street and the existing plot subdivision, and providing for the construction of a 60 unit middle income program of FHA and a private supplementary shopping and office center, was pre- pared by McClintock and Thun and approved by the legislature in March 1969. Kramer and Kramer, architects of St. Thomas, designed this housing development. The board has secured a conditional commitment of $1,600,- 000 from FHA and requests for pro- p)osals have been sent out to prospective bidders. Taarneberg-Ross is mainly a clear- ance project with a small percentage of existing structures recommended for rehabilitation. The emphasis is to be on the development of small homes to be privately owned. The application for a loan and grant was signed in Feb- ruary 1969 with a capital grant reser- vation of $1,658,200. Early in March 1969, a project office was established in the heart of the project area to promote communica- tion between the urban renewal board and the site occupants. The records show that 55 percent of these occupants have already visited the office seeking information relative to the develop- ment of the project. The task of relo- cating families and individuals began early in the period. As of this report, 19 families and two individuals have already been relocated to standard housing. One hundred and three fami- lies, 12 individuals, and six businesses remain to be moved. Project area com- mittee meetings have been held regu- larly each month for the past year and have been valuable in promoting an exchange of opinion on the project. The Hill Street project in Frederik- sted, St. Croix, consists of 5.66 acres of land. This is a new project and is pres- ently in the survey and planning stage. The firm of Vilican-Leman is prepar- ing Part I, Application for Loan and Grant, which will be filed with the Fed- eral Government no later than Septem- ber 1969. 85 In addition to the project activities and Marvel of Puert Rico are pre- outlined above, there were three new paring the survey and planning ap- areas considered for urban renewal plication for the Ross Yard and treatment during the past fiscal year. Altona-Demerara areas in St. Thomas The firm of Reed, Torres, Beauchamp and Gallows Bay area in St. Croix. 86 DEPARTMENT OF PROPERTY AND PROCUREMENT Personnel: 115 The administration and general su- pervision of the department's activities are handled through the office of the commissioner, which is also responsible for the central direction of personnel, budget, finance, and tax appeals. The Virgin Islands board of tax review handled 920 appeals, only 50 p>ercent of the number reviewed in fis- cal 1968. There were 546 from St. Thomas, 307 from St. Croix, and 67 from St. John. Total allotments for all activities of the department amounted to $921,490. Operating expenses were $867,168. These figures do not include amounts entrusted to the department for other departments and agencies. The amounts allotted to the equip- ment accounts for the various depart- ments and agencies totaled $1,037,565. There were approximately 1,277 requi- sitions issued during the fiscal year against these accounts, totaling $785,644. Totaling expenditures from the ac- counts for outside departments and agencies of the government for adver- tising and promotion were almost $188,000, an increase of approximately $23,000 over fiscal year 1968. Payments made for rented office space for the various departments amounted to $407,648. This amount represents only the portion of rentals paid from territorial funds. It does not include rentals paid from Federal grants. Operating Appropriation: $956,782 Division of Accounting A division of accounting was created at the beginning of the fiscal year to handle accounting for the Department of Property and Procurement as well as for the other departments whose ac- counting was previously handled by the office of the commissioner. The division of accounting is also responsible for payments for office space, equipment, and advertising and promotion for the various departments and agencies of the Government of the Virgin Islands. Division of Procurement and Supply During fiscal year 1968-69, 13,597 purchase orders were issued with a dol- lar value of $8,665,262. Of these, sup- ply contracts amounted to $3,129,743. Construction contracts amounted to $1,895,1 13, professional contracts amounted to $33,702, and miscellane- ous contracts totaled $617,931. Purchases made under existing con- tracts of the general services adminis- tration totaled $778,853. Direct open market purchases amount to $2,209,- 917. The number of purchase orders is- sued does not cover requisitions for the over-the-counter purchases under $100, nor do they include requisitions issued against term contracts starting July 1, 1968. The largest contract awarded during the fiscal year was to Burnup and Sims, Inc., in the amount of $430,999, for an 87 addition to the Tutu School in St. Thomas. Bids were invited for the construc- tion of health centers on the Islands of St. Thomas and St. Croix. One re- sponsive bid was received and later rejected. As of June 30, 1969, there was no final determination as to a future course of action on this project. Division of Property, Weights and Measures During the fiscal year, several par- cels of land were acquired, including 50 acres at Estate Concordia, at a cost of $375,000; the remainder of Sion Farm, from the General Services Ad- ministration, for $380,000; parcel No. 20, Estate Dorothea, for $423,487; and 165.9 acres at Estate Nazareth for $1,083,000. Property inventories conducted throughout the departments show that the dollar value of government per- sonal property as of June 30, 1969, totaled $8,071,795. The value of real property was $46,350,790. In periodic inspections of weighing and measuring devices conducted by the weights and measures section, sev- eral violations were detected and orders issued to correct them. Division of Transportation One hundred twenty-four vehicles were assigned to the division of trans- portation during fiscal year 1969. In addition, 32 vehicles of GSA, U.S. Comptroller's office, and U.S. Immi- gration and Naturalization Service are serviced and repaired by the division. In addition to responsibility for fur- nishing the departments and agencies with regular daily transportation, the division provided transportation for large numbers of dignitaries during such events as the National Association of Attorneys' general conference. Pan American and Eastern Airlines inaugu- ral flights, a Caribbean training mis- sion for NATO forces, and the Senior Seminar on Foreign Policy. Surplus Property The value of surplus property re- ceived during fiscal 1969 was $129,074. Of this amount, $67,538 covered ve- hicles received from the General Serv- ices Administration for the Department of Health, Aedes Aegypti program. The amount of property received as a result of the division's Puerto Rico operations totaled only $61,536, while operating expenses exceeded $33,000. Due to the sharp decline in the amounts of property received from military in- stallations in Puerto Rico during the last 2 years mainly as a result of the closing down of one of the largest bases, the department recommended to the Governor that no funds be requested for its operation after the 1969 fiscal year. The office was closed on June 30, 1969. The Puerto Rico State Agency for Surplus Property has verbally offered their assistance in obtaining surplus property, and the division intends to take advantage of this offer. 88 DEPARTMENT OF LAW Personnel: 35 The Department of Law represented the government in a number of cases involving significant issues including the extent of legislative powers, admin- istration of the industrial incentive pro- gram, and the interpretation of tax laws. One of the more important mat- ters was a petition for redetermination of an income tax deficiency filed by the Chicago Bridge and Iron Co. This re- lated to the application of the Western Hemisphere Trading Corp. subsidy provisions of the Internal Revenue Code to Chicago Bridge and Iron's in- come tax liability to the Virgin Islands Government. The case placed in sharp focus the "mirror theory," which was applied when the United States Congress cre- ated the Virgin Islands as a separate and distinct taxing jurisdiction, even though the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code are applicable to the Virgin Islands. Since the decision in Virgo v. Paie- wonsky et al., the government has at- tempted to implement the "need" test. This requires that applicants for tax exemption must justify tax benefits not solely in terms of additional profits but also in terms of reduced prices, in- creased wages, financing and develop- ment of similar undertakings in other areas, or other benefits to the economy of the Virgin Islands. To this end, comprehensive rules and regulations are, for the first time, being drafted by the industrial incentive board to set the standards necessary to Operating Appropriation: $500,399 grant partial benefits as provided in 33 V.I.C, sees. 4061,4071. In its efforts to collect a judgment of more than $1 million against the estate of Van B. Hooper, the office of the attorney general is prosecuting an ap- peal in the United States Court of Ap- peals for the Third Circuit. Previously, the District Court denied the applica- tion of the government for permission to institute a lawsuit against the Ideals Publishing Co. of Milwaukee, Wis., for the purpose of setting aside the issuance of preferred stock in a man- ner so as to dilute the value of the common stock, 5,600 shares of which constitute the sole asset of the estate of Van B. Hooper. The State of New York is now the prime holdout in reciprocal cases in- volving arrearages (i.e.. Virgin Islands courts award arrearages for petitioners in New York but not so in reverse) . However, the Attorney General of New York has assured the department that an investigation of this situation will be initiated. As chief law enforcement officer of the territory, the attorney general par- ticipated in various commissions on the problems of law enforcement and the growth of crime. As chairman of the Governor's special commission on law enforcement, advisor to the legislature's crime committee, and a member of the task force of the commission on human resources, the attorney general helped coordinate the efforts of these groups in investigating the causes and extent 89 of crime in the Virgin Islands, and in setting up recommendations for pre- ventive and correctional measures. The continuing increase in govern- mental activities was reflected in the number of items such as contracts, leases, deeds, requests for opinions, and regulations prepared by the department. Over 500 legislative items were pre- pared or reviewed and close to 10,000 matters handled in the municipal courts. Twenty cases were prepared for trial in the district court, divisions of St. Thomas and St. John, and five in the St. Croix division. Claims for tort damages of not more than $1,000 each against the government were ad- ministratively processed, as were more than 1,000 delinquent workmen's com- pensation insurance payment accounts, unemployment insurance premium ac- counts, hospital bills, and rent and eviction cases. Members of the staff participated in the conference of the Association of Labor Mediation Agencies, handled negotiations with the Federation of Teachers on behalf of the Department of Education, acted as coordinators in expediting the completion of work on the Wayne Aspinall School in St. Thomas and the Central High School in St. Croix. 90 DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY Personnel: 537 Operating Appropriation: $3,674,585 The Department of Public Safety continued to emphasize recruit and in- service training programs, increasing both the number and scope. Experi- enced men were added to the staff to assist in providing knowledge and sound practices for improved law en- forcement and security of life and property in the Virgin Islands. The number of personnel authorized for this department was increased from 420 to 537, and the operating budget was increased from $2,544,073 to $3,674,585. The report from the International Association of Chiefs of Police was re- ceived in December 1968. This report made a critical evaluation of the de- partment and made recommendations for better administration and opera- tions. The Department of Public Safety and other agencies of the Virgin Islands Government are now studying this re- port and will implement as many of the recommendations as are feasible and possible. The division of community relations celebrated its first anniversary with a Police-Community Relations Week during March 16-22, 1969. The event was successful and there will be ex- tensive preparation and production for Police-Community Relations Week in 1970. During the year, this division also conducted several programs to foster a favorable relationship between the police and the public. In addition, this division attempted to bring to the at- tention of the public the work being done by the fire and marshal divisions of the department. The program of the Police Athletic League has been expanded to include creative as well as recreational activi- ties. In addition to softball, the girls are learning to sew and cook. A suitable site is now being sought for a PAL center on St. Thomas. The two ministerial associations in the Virgin Islands—at the request of the Commissioner of Public Safety designated two clergymen to serve as chaplains for the personnel of the de- partment on St. Thomas and St. Croix. In addition, the chaplains serve as co- ordinators of the religious activities at the prisons. A rescue squad was created and equipped and now provides such serv- ices as recovery of cars from the sea, rescuing of persons from wrecked cars, artificial respiration, mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, etc. The Police Cadet Corps was inau- gurated in July 1968. Its program calls for 3 years of cadet training leading to members becoming a part of the regu- lar police force. Two patrolwomen were classified as juvenile officers and assigned to the newly established Juvenile Bureau. The need for such a bureau was under- lined by the sharp increase in cases involving juveniles. A field operations unit was created within the uniformed division of the police force. This unit will study the modus operandi of criminal actions and 91 deploy personnel to detect the per- petrators of said crimes. This unit also assigns the personnel to make the police visible, serving as a deterrent to crim- inal activity. An identification unit was estab- lished on St. Croix, within the Bureau of Investigation. The sharp increase in the number of persons requiring con- crete proof of their identity and the re- quests from other sources for informa- tion relative to the identity of certain individuals led to establishment of this unit. A detective patrol was also set up within the Bureau of Investigation. This patrol goes into high crime areas and works to decrease the crime rate there. The proven effectiveness of this calls for an increase in its size in the coming fiscal year. An intelligence unit was established and is functioning very efficiently. This unit was necessitated by the advent of organized crime into the Virgin Is- lands. Narcotics squads were established on the islands of St. Croix and St. Thomas since the use of narcotics and other dangerous drugs throughout the Na- tion is more acute today. However, the squads are working long hours to fight this problem, and over 30 arrests were made during the second half of the fis- cal year, as compared with five arrests made during the previous fiscal year. The large number of highway fatali- ties which marred the last fiscal year was reduced by 75 percent during fiscal year 1968-69. This dramatic decrease resulted from the expanded patroling of the roads and highways by highway safety patrol units established on both St. Thomas and St. Croix. Driver licenses are now in eflFect for 3 years and are renewable on the birth- date of the licensee. This law will help eliminate the problems encountered each year at inspection and registra- tion period. Programs aimed at crime and fire prevention were presented over local television stations, and this activity will be given increased emphasis this fiscal year. Several members of the department received further education in various areas of law enforcement and four training sessions conducted by the FBI were held on St. Croix and St. Thomas. Business Inspection Office This office was transferred from the Department of Public Safety to the Department of Finance efTective July 1, 1968. Patrol A total of 9,303 cases was reported to the police headquarters. As a result of preliminary investigations con- ducted by this division, 1,178 persons were arrested and 1,596 complaints were filed in the court. Juvenile delin- quency continues to be a problem for the department. There appears to be some difficulty in the interpretation of the curfew law as it is written in our code. On St. Croix alone, there were 135 juvenile cases. Highway Safety A total of 515 vehicles were reported stolen and about 240 of these vehicles were recovered. A special squad utiliz- ing unmarked cars has been organized in an attempt to cope with this situa- tion. A total of 10,586 traffic summonses were issued, and 414 driver licenses were suspended by the court. There was a total of 3,728 automobile acci- dents during the year. Motorcycles are being assigned to accident-prone areas. See appendix H for table on number and type of criminal cases handled. 92 Bureau of Criminal Investigation A total of 2,616 cases was handled by the bureau. A total of $331,396.93 in stolen property was reported, of this amount $67,268.09 was recovered. Home Guards The Home Guard was reorganized and personnel were screened to obtain men of the highest quality. Increasing demands for police services make the Home Guard a vital force for the Department of Public Safety. Several governmental agencies are requesting services which can best be provided by this organization. School Guards The school guards continue to pro- tect schoolchildren. It has been recom- mended that the bus guards be placed under the jurisdiction of the Depart- ment of Education in order to effect closer supervision of their activities. Fire Division This division responded to a total of 298 fires during the fiscal year and property damage from fire amounted to $521,707. There were a total of 31 false alarms. Expanded facilities for this division are on the drawing board fire stations have been designated for the Tutu area in St. Thomas, and the Cotton Valley area in St. Croix. Addi- tionally, the Christiansted fire station was moved to larger quarters, and, in the near future, Fredericksted will have a new fire station. Richmond Penitentiary Land has been designated for the construction of a new penitentiary, and it is hoped that ground-breaking cere- monies can be held in the very near future. There are several programs which are being conducted at the peniten- tiary. Among them are programs in fishing, blockmaking, carpentry, auto mechanics, ceramics, wood-carving, pottery, and landscaping. An educa- tional program continues in which the inmates learn English, Spanish, French, and typing. In the recreational pro- gram, the inmates play music, basket- ball, baseball, and volleyball. Movies are shown twice a week. Religious services are held each Sunday and sometimes on other days during the week. Parole Board During fiscal year 1968-69 the parole board met twice. In the June 1969 meeting, 11 applications were considered and seven granted. In the December 1968 meeting, five applica- tions were considered and four granted. Office of the Marshal The workload of this office has in- creased sharply, and more manpower is needed on both islands. During the fiscal period, more than 30,000 docu- ments were handled. It has been recommended that this office be trans- ferred to the Municipal Court. Communications There are a total of nine base sta- tions and 62 mobile units for com- munication between headquarters and the motor vehicles on the streets. In addition, there are 14 call boxes located on St. Thomas. A recent survey conducted by the lACP found our equipment to be in- adequate and made several recommen- dations for improvements. Training The training division worked closely with the College of the Virgin Islands for the improvement of our police offi- cers through the police science and administration program. Recruit and in-service training were expanded and outside sources were employed to complement and supple- 373-289 O—70- 93 ment the training provided by the per- Police and Fire Commission sonnel employed in this division. c- u • a * a u 4.u ^. . ... .' . . ^ ^. . 1, Six hearmsrs were conducted by the This division gives instruction to all , , r ^ personnel of the department including commission dunng the fiscal year. policemen, prison guards, and the Note: See appendix H for report marshals. of criminal cases handled. 94 MUNICIPAL COURT OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS Personnel: 43 The two divisions of the municipal court—the division of St. Thomas and St. John and the division of St. Croix operated with a total expenditure of $341,773 for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1969. Number of cases han- dled by the court increased substan- tially, rising from 16,241 in fiscal 1968 to 19,378 for fiscal 1969. Division of St. Thomas and St. John This division disposed of 10,239 cases during the year ended June 30, 1969, as compared with a total of 8,473 for the previous period. During the year, the division received 490 appli- cations for marriage licenses and 464 marriages reported. The St. Thomas and St. John divi- sion collected a total of $74,805.50 from court fines, notary fees, court costs and fees and other charges, an increase of more than 39 percent over the previ- ous year. In addition, a total of $130, 851.59 was deposited with the court for disbursement in reciprocal and domes- tic support cases, representing an in- crease of more than 15 percent over Operating Appropriations: $358,640 fiscal 1968. Cash bonds, executions and judgments deposited with the court decreased almost 19 percent from a total of $166,856 in fiscal 1968, to $135,624.03 for the year ended June 30, 1969. Division of St. Croix This division handled a total of 9,139 cases during fiscal 1968—an increase of 1,371 over the load for the previous fiscal year. The division processed 578 applications for marriage licenses and 545 marriages were reported. Collections for the division increased approximately 25 percent, amounting to $77,076 collected from court fines, notary fees, court costs and fees and other charges compared to $61,409.50 for the previous fiscal year. In addition, the division collected a total of $171, 635.15 for disbursements in reciprocal and domestic support cases, approxi- mately 17 percent above the total col- lected in the previous year. Cash bonds, executions, and judgments handled by the division amounted to $248,876.69 compared to $219,220 for the previous fiscal year. 95 OFFICE OF PROBATION AND PAROLE Personnel: 8 Since its establishment in 1958, the courts have relied increasingly upon assistance from the office of probation and parole. The office submits pre- sentence reports on individuals await- ing sentence, prepares reports on contempt matters pertaining to child support, supervises persons placed on probation and parole and, in general, assists the courts in whatever manner the judges deem necessary. The office of probation and parole handled a total of 390 cases during the year ended June 30, 1969. Of this load, 295 were for the municipal court, 95 for the district court, 14 reports for other States, and 38 preparole applications. At the beginning of fiscal 1969, a total of 278 persons were under super- vision. During the year, 242 cases were referred to the office for supervision and at the end of the year, the number was 419. Along with increasing prosperity and population there has been an increase in the crime rate, and the office of Operating Appropriations: $85,654.00 probation and parole is presently heav- ily burdened with requests from the five judges for information on individuals who appear before them. Also contributing to this increased work load is the fact that the office of probation and parole is becoming better known to mainland agencies through its affiliation with the Inter- state Compact Administration. It is handling increased requests for infor- mation on persons who, once having lived in the Virgin Islands, are now involved with the courts on the main- land or who, for rehabilitation pur- poses, are requesting permission to re- locate in the Islands. To alleviate the problem of heavier workload, the office expects during fis- cal year 1969-70, to complete its re- cruitment program by hiring three more probation officers. Funds have already been requested and approved for this purpose. During April and May 1969, the office secured and moved into new, larger quarters. 96 OFFICE OF CIVIL DEFENSE Personnel: 5 The prime responsibility of this office is the survival of the population in the face of disaster—either natural or nu- clear. During fiscal 1969, work was completed on storing a supply of multi- purpose food sufficient to keep the population alive and healthy for a basic 3-month period. This food sup- ply has a storage life of 5 to 10 years. The office also supervised purchase and storage of seeds and fishing gear. The office also continued efforts to improve the islands' disaster warning system. The population explosion has brought movement of people to areas beyond the reach of the present siren system. Therefore, a survey was made of the warning capabilities by the Fed- eral Sign and Signal Corp. of Blue Island, 111. Survey recommendations called for a modern system based on radio con- trol. Cost of this system for all islands would be approximately $75,000 and this office has asked the legislature to provide funds. Also during the year, the office com- pleted updating the territory's basic emergency operations plan, and the Area Public Works Office, Bureau of Operating Appropriations: $83,754 Yards and Docks, U.S.N., Shelter Fa- cilities Services completed an on-site inspection and remarking of licensed shelter facilities in St. Thomas. The months of February, March, and May 1969, were marked by torren- tial rains and major flooding in popu- lation centers of St. Thomas and parts of St. Croix. These disasters caused severe hardships to our noncitizen work force. In St. Thomas, public schools were opened and families were fed. The Civil Defense organization and volunteers worked to house 2 1 1 per- sons and to serve 1,093 meals during the floods. During the year, the office developed and published the "Survival Hand- book," a 100 page document contain- ing operations pertinent to survival in the event of emergencies. Plans for modification of an Emer- gency Operations Center at Fort Chris- tian, St. Thomas, were changed to an- swer objections raised by the National Park Service. These objections were based on preservation of the fort as a national historic site. The office expects the new plans to be adopted and work completed on this facility in fiscal 1970. 97 VIRGIN ISLANDS PLANNING BOARD Personnel: 15 The Virgin Islands Planning Board began the fiscal year with 20 employees of an authorized 23 and an operating appropriation of $231,393. Six em- ployees resigned during the fiscal year and two vacant positions were filled. At the end of the fiscal year, the staff of the planning board comprised 15 em- ployees. Of this number, nine were cler- ical, drafting, or custodial personnel. The Virgin Islands Planning Board, in the office of the Governor, is charged with the preparation of general plans for adoption, after public hearing, by the legislature as the basis for the devel- opment of the Virgin Islands. The planning board is also responsible for the adoption and the administration of approved zoning regulations and is au- thorized to provide planning assistance to any public agency or body of the Virgin Islands. The board functions as an advisory body to the Crovernor, and is composed of 13 territorial citizens appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the legislature for staggered terms of office. No significant changes occurred in the pattern of public hearings held during the fiscal year. At the 26 public hearings held during the year, a total of 262 items were handled. This rep- resents an increase of 60 items, or 34 percent over the previous year. From four to 14 items were heard at each of the monthly public hearings held at Government House, Christian- sted, St. Croix. On St. Thomas, from three to 17 items were heard at each of the Operating Appropriations: $231,393 monthly public hearings held in the planning board office at the submarine base. At each public hearing, a wide variety of special exceptions was discussed. At the two public hearings held at the Julius Sprauve School, Cruz Bay, St. John, six requests for special ex- ception were heard. Zoning Administration During the fiscal year, a total of 278 applications for special exceptions or variances were received; 239 were processed by the staff of which 210 won board approval and 29 were rejected. Most of the significant approvals in- cluded apartments and condominium apartment units or hotel units. Among the special exceptions ap- proved in St. Thomas were 344 con- dominium apartments at Estate Anna's Retreat, 236 condominium hotel units at Estate Nazareth, 200 hotel rooms each at Estates Contant and Haven- sight, and 170 hotel rooms at Cowpet Bay. In St. Croix, 300 hotel rooms with an additional 150 hotel rooms in the future were approved for Estate Envy, and 200 hotel rooms for Estate Montpelier. A significant approval to community facilities was that for the French Town Community Center in St. Thomas. Subdivisions Fiscal 1969 saw preliminary ap- proval of 12 proposed subdivisions in- corporating 365 lots or 240.5 acres and final approval of six subdivisions total- 98 ing 166 lots or 146.85 acres in St. Thomas. Major approvals on St. Croix included 74 proposed subdivisions of 1,505 lots or 697.2 acres. Final subdivi- sions 47; 875 lots or 425.23 acres. St. John subdivisions included, six prelim- inary, 170 lots or 136.95 acres. Major approvals included three subdivisions, 100 lots or 62.7 acres. Action by the legislature in passage of bill 3970 paved the way for a major change in processing of subdivision plans. After February 11, 1969, de- velopers were not required to get plan- ning board approval of subdivision plans. Applications for preliminary plans or general subdivisions plans could be submitted directly to the planning director. The planning di- rector was also empowered to act on final plans. Should he disapprove plans, the developer could, within 10 days, apply for a planning board hearing. Zoning Existing zoning is governed by an ordinance which is vague, loosely drawn, and which leads to indefensible decisions. To help create a workable zoning law, the planning board was awarded a grant by the Department of Housing and Urban Development. The project is exf)ected to be completed by December 1969, and will consist of an analysis and evaluation of the existing ordinance. Zoning Maps A series of base maps has been com- pleted based on maps received from the tax assessor's office and from the developers of final approved subdivi- sions, and the staff is currently engaged in the first detailed territory-wide land use survey to be undertaken in the Virgin Islands. In addition, the staflF has worked closely with the consultant, Walter H. Blucher, of Arlington, Vt., who has produced four preliminary dis- cussion papers. A proposal for a new zoning ordinance and a series of pro- posed zoning maps will be the major product to come from this work. Historic Zone Legislation Since the passage of act No. 2258, to provide for the conservation and preservation of historic and cultural assets of the Virgin Islands, by the local legislature, the planning board has been concerned with its implemen- tation and enforcement. Under provisions of this act. Gov- ernment House and the wharf area of Christiansted, administered since 1952 as a national historic site, was desig- nated and accepted as the "Christian- sted Historic and Architectural Con- trol District." The first control district actually created under the act is the "Charlotte Amalie Historic and Architectural Control District." Within this area is reflected a certain character, as an environment, which constitutes a re- markable, vivid monument to the greatness of Charlotte Amalie as a trad- ing port. Over 300 violations have been iden- tified within this area. A series of specifications which will faciltate the processing of applications is currently being prepared by the planning board staff. The owners of the properties in- volved will be notified when these specifications have been adopted as policy by the planning board. By law, any person formally notified of a viola- tion shall be allowed a period of 30 days within which to comply with the order of the Commissioner of Public Works or the planning board. Study of Urbanizing Area of Central St. Croix The planning board, under a grant from the Federal Department of Hous- 99 ing and Urban Development, has com- pleted a feasibility study on a planned urbanization of the central area of St. Croix. Three work elements were com- pleted by the staff. First, a land-use and valuation study; second, a general physiographic study; and third, a quality resource study, dealing with those natural and man-made features which add significantly to a particular area, such as historic remains, plant or wildlife preserves, and scenic views or spaces. Drawings and sketches accom- panied each of these studies. The planning board staff gathered much of the statistical and other material input which permitted the consultants, Nash-Vigier, Inc., of Cam- bridge, Mass., to complete its report, "Feasibility of a Central Urban Area on the Island of St. Croix, United States Virgin Islands," and technical supplement. Crown Bay Fill Area Development At its own initiative, the Virgin Islands Planning Board staff sought guidelines for the design of the road system in the Crown Bay Fill Indus- trial area, St. Thomas. Special atten- tion was paid to the circulation within each parcel and to the relationships of the new highway to existing roads and area-wide traffic patterns. The staff has recommended a limited-access divided four-lane high- way. Access to the properties to the north of the new highway would be only from the existing Harwood High- way. Access to the properties to the south would be from a system of sec- ondary roads meeting the primary road at only three points. Parking would be shielded from the highway by either buildings or plant screens. Beautificaiion of the Grounds of the Legislature Building At the request of the Virgin Islands Legislature, the planning board staff prepared plans and specifications for improvement of the existing area of the legislature building to conform with the beautification program. In stage I, the staff recommended paving and curbing a parking lot for 17 cars, widening the walkway to the north of the small office building lead- ing to the rear entrance of the legisla- ture building, improving steps, and landscaping. In stage II, it recommended rework- ing the internal vehicular circulation, limiting parking in front to seven cars through the use of curbing and plant- ing, removing the cistern to permit two new parking spaces in the rear, remov- ing existing storage house to permit a new seven-car parking lot close to Veteran's Drive. In stage III, 15 new parking spaces would be created by removing the existing boat house and filling to the existing dock. The existing pump house along Veteran's Drive would also be removed and a pedestrian walkway added. School Site Plans At the request of the Governor, the planning board reviewed plans for the expansion of the Nisky Elementary School, St. Thomas. The planning board, however, recommended incor- poration of a 0.4-acre piece of land into the school property to provide more adequate recreation space and safer pedestrian circulation. At the request of the Department of Education, the planning board staff conducted a site study for location of an elementary school at Altona-Wel- gunst, St. Thomas. The topography of the site is suita- ble for the construction of a school. 100 The surrounding residential neighbor- hood would be compatible. In addi- tion, after hours use of the recreational facilities included would help to fill a need for such facilities in the area. It is expected that many of the students could easily walk to this site from their homes. At the request of the Department of Education, the planning board staff conducted a preliminary site study for the expansion of the Julius Sprauve Elementary School, in Cruz Bay, St. John. The staff" recommended a two- story structure with shaded balcony areas and sunscreen plantings. Recreation Areas At the request of the Office of the Governor, plans were prepared for a recreational field and a community center at Estate Nadir, St. Thomas. The recreation field would include a Softball diamond, pedestrian areas with tot lots, passive sitting areas, planned walkways, toilet, and parking. The community center would in- clude a combined basketball and volleyball court, common room, games room (ping-pong, cards, etc.), open park and garden, tot lot, general play area, passive sitting area, parking and bus shelter. USO Building Expansion At the request of the Office of the Governor, the planning board staff de- signed an expansion to the USO fa- cility on the St. Thomas waterfront. Conferences and Testimony Meetings have taken place between the planning director and Lawrence Halprin Associates, consultants, re- garding the master plan being under- taken by that firm. These meetings have taken place in the San Francisco area, at the home office of this firm, in San Juan, P.R., and Washington, D.C., in the offices of some Federal agencies. The director has also met with re- gional officers of both the Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Department of Transportation in San Juan to discuss planning board participation in federally funded proj- ects, respectively the 701 program and the Highway Transportation Act. The planning director met with en- gineers of the Federal Aviation Author- ity and members of the Virgin Islands Airport and Industrial Resources Agency, in Miami, to discuss matters pertaining to the construction of new airport facilities in St. Thomas. The director met with the Depart- ment of the Interior and the Bureau of Outdoor Recreation in Washington. In addition, the planning director attended the annual conferences of the American Institute of Planners and of the National Planning Association. The associate director and the senior planner attended the second annual meeting of the Caribbean Conservation Association in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad. 101 BUREAU OF STATISTICS AND ECONOMIC STUDIES Personnel: 9 The Bureau of Statistics and Eco- nomic Studies was established in 1967 and charged with three major respon- sibilities : 1. Make available data, statistics and analyses as requested by the Governor. 2. Recommend improvements in collecting, processing, and dis- seminating statistical information on Government departments and agencies. 3. Take surveys and census of labor force, housing, income, food prices, consumer (cost-of-living) prices, etc., and conduct studies necessary for an understanding of economic and social conditions in the Virgin Islands. The three major, continuing statis- tical projects of the bureau are to de- velop information on food prices, labor force, employment, and domestic net income and gross product accounts. Food Prices A survey of food prices is taken quarterly. First quarter, 1968, findings have been reported, collection of data has been continued quarterly, and though tabulations and analysis have been delayed, it is expected that a quarterly series of food price data will soon be available. The procedure used is the same as that used by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics as part of its consumer price Operating Appropriations: $71,482 index program on the mainland. In the Virgin Islands, 79 food items in five supermarkets, three in St. Thomas and two in St. Croix, are priced: The 79 items priced are identical with those priced on the mainland, thus permit- ting comparison of food prices in the Virgin Islands with those on the mainland. Because various food items have a different importance in the consump- tion pattern of one community com- pared with another, differences in prices are more meaningfully revealed when the comparison is of a "food basket" consisting of items that typi- cally meet consumption needs everywhere. For the first quarter, comparison of mainland and Virgin Islands food costs shows the following: mation as age, sex, citizen status, hourly wage rate, and number of hours worked per week. However, recent efforts promise more success. The first attempt to obtain this in- formation was a questionnaire mailed with the regular quarterly employer report form on employment and wages used by the employment security agency for the first quarter of 1968. However, only 50 percent of all known employers returned the form, and the information received does not con- stitute a useful sample for making estimates. Another attempt to obtain the infor- mation will be made in the third quarter of 1969, under auspices of the Virgin Islands Department of Labor, which has the mandatory authority to request the needed information. A new license application form for businesses has also been developed and is now being used that will supply addi- tional needed information, and it is expected that this information will be available in usable form by the third quarter of 1969. It has further been suggested that the Employment Security Agency and the Department of Labor contact by personal visit all employers who fail to return the questionnaire. National Accounts Estimates This project, initiated 2 years ago, is being pursued under the guidance of an outside consultant whose fee is included in the bureau's appropriations by the islands legislature. The preparation of a system of national accounts for the Virgin Islands first resulted in an estimate of net and gross domestic income for 1964. A similar estimate for 1965 has virtually been completed. Estimates of the national accounts will be extended to 1966 and 1967 by a shortcut method. These estimates must be considered tentative. A start has been made in developing a product estimate for 1964 and 1965 to match the income estimates for those years. That is, the estimating procedure has been outlined, and the information required from the income tax returns has been transcribed along with the in- come data. This additional work is to go forward in fiscal 1970. It is antici- pated that tabulations of gross national product will be forthcoming by Decem- ber 1969. 103 OFFICE OF ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY Personnel: 2 Total budget for the Virgin Islands Office of Economic Opportunity for fiscal 1969 was $1,171,304 with $931,- 930 of this amount coming from Federal funds and the balance, $239,- 374, from local matching funds ap- Operating Appropriations: $38,738 propriated by the Virgin Islands Legislature. Major projects, amounts budgeted, and the name of the local administering agency are shown in the following table: Program Funding level Local administering agency Summer Head Start $60, 849 Full Year Head Start 483, 774 Family Education 334, 378 VISTA 123,784 Administration 54, 871 Health Outreach 62, 000 Legal Services 51, 648 Total 1, 171,304 Federal share 931, 930 Local share 239, 374 Department of Education. Department of Education. Catholic Social Center. Office of the Governor. Office of the Governor. Department of Health. V.I. Community Legal Services. (Federal legislation requires a minimum 20 percent local share). The coordinator of the Economic Opportunity Program was also respon- sible for projects funded by the Eco- nomic Opportunity Act but not funded through the local OEO office. These included the Upward Bound project administered by the College of the Vir- gin Islands, the Out-of-School Neigh- borhood Youth Corps administered by the Virgin Islands Department of Health, the In-School Neighborhood Youth Corps administered by the Vir- gin Islands Department of Education, and the Title V (Work Incentive) pro- gram administered by the Virgin Islands Department of Social Welfare. During fiscal 1970, it is expected that the OEO office will become responsible for administering both the In- and Out- of-School Neighborhood Youth Corps projects. There are six major functions of each part of the community action pro- grams. They are: (1) Administration which includes coordinating all of the CAP projects with one another and the services of other agencies and provid- ing planning, technical assistance, fis- cal services, and evaluation to each project. (2) Family education which provides classes in family budgeting, cooking, sewing, carpentry, etc., to ap- proximately 3,500 people. (3) Legal services, which deals with the civil legal problems of the poor and which will be in full operation in fiscal 1970. (4) 104 The VISTA program, carrying out regular CAP projects, plus a child-care program serving 260 youngsters. (5) Health Outreach, which is designed to improve health care through use of mobile health units and through mass parasite screening and immunization campaigns. (6) Head Start which helps with educational, social and medical problems for children of preschool age. Periodic health screening ot children in the Head Start program is done by nurses from the Virgin Islands Department of Health. 105 VIRGIN ISLANDS COMMISSION ON YOUTH Personnel: 3 Fiscal 1969 was a year of continuing growth and progress for the Virgin Islands Commission on Youth, whose core memberships were comprised of the youth delegates of the Virgin Islands 1970 White House Conference Planning Committee. A series of panels and discussions on lowering the voting age to 18 years, begun in 1968, was continued this year. As a result, the Virgin Islands Legis- lature petitioned Congress for the right to hold a referendum on this matter, and a bill to accomplish this was intro- duced in Congress. Early in the year, members of the youth councils and other teenagers appeared before the legislature com- mittee on crime and delinquency, pro- viding them with first hand informa- tion on the needs and problems of youth and the reasons young people get into trouble. Late in the year, after discussions with government officials, youth mem- bers of the White House Conference Planning Committee were assigned to various government and private com- missions, committees, and associations. They served either as members or as youth consultants so that youth could have a knowledge of what is happening and a voice in these happenings. Several new government programs were inaugurated this year for the youth of the Virgin Islands. As a direct result of action by the commission, the Operating Appropriation: $30,863 public school system held sunmier schools, beginning in 1968, that will be continuing annually. The sessions en- abled students to make up failed sub- jects without spending an additional year in school and to finish high school on an accelerated program if they wish. Family life education in school, a program long recommended by the commission, will be inaugurated in 1970. Family planning clinics, another program recommended by the council, were initiated by the Department of Health during fiscal year 1969. The problem of educating the chil- dren of alien parents was studied in depth by the commission. Following the commission's recommendation that the Virgin Islands should pro- vide free compulsory education for all children residing in the islands, regard- less of their citizenship status, a limited number of alien children were regis- tered in January 1969. One of the most serious problems facing the commission in recent years has been the problem of drug abuse by youth. To combat this, the commission and its committees organized and in- corporated two citizens' action groups concerned with drug education. Both groups, the St. Croix Drug As- sociation and the St. Thomas Citizens for Drug Education, have provided many educational programs in schools, over radio and TV, and through news- paper articles, and are now in the 106 process of planning rehabilitation serv- Savan and Frederiksted, St. Croix, ices for youths who use drugs. this year. The commission has been in- At the end of the 1969 fiscal year, strumental in inaugurating several the commission received approval and summer recreational and educational funds for its youth community con- programs. In the summer of 1968, the scious project, which will present a commission cooperated with church recreational-educational program on groups to present a program for chil- St. Thomas and St. Croix for youths dren 5- to 13-years-old in Savan, and between the ages of 14 and 17 who similar programs are planned for cannot find summer jobs. 107 DIVISION OF PERSONNEL Personnel: 35 As part of a long-range moderniza- tion of personnel management in the government, both legislative and ad- ministrative improvements were made during fiscal 1969. The merit system was extended to cover positions which had been exempt and, for the first time, criteria were established by law as a basis for placing positions in the "career service" or in the "exempt service." This significant law was recommended by the Division of Personnel after an in-depth study of personnel management by a team of specialists and was approved on July 18, 1968. On February 12, 1969, this act was further strengthened by the establish- ment of an exempt list. The basic law also provides for an escalating earning rate of annual leave to encourge em- ployees to remain in service, an un- limited ceiling on accumulated sick leave which will reduce use of such leave at the end of each year and pro- tect employees who do need extensive sick leave; extension of sick leave to certain temporary employees, leave for jury service and certain changes in vet- erans' preference. Another major piece of legislation enacted this year provides for a mod- em position classification system which also sets up machinery for review, upon request of an affected employee, of the allocation of his position. In addition, the legislature approved an act establishing the policy of equal pay for equal work and providing step Operating Appropriation: $280,376 increases based on work performance and length of service. This same bill also covered pay differentials for night work and other special conditions; new appointment pay matters; overtime and holiday pay; compensatory time; pay periods; and allowances for uniforms. A comprehensive employee training law approved during fiscal 1969 pro- vides for training in the professional, supervisory and managerial levels and is now being implemented. In addition, the division conducted intensive in-service trainng for its staff on employment, postion classification, disciplinary action and other elements of personnel management. The 1 2-month period was marked by revision of 12 examination series, the addition of 333 new position classes re- sulting from transfer of people to "ca- reer service," plus review of 320 class specifications which were more than 5 years old, and microfilming of all per- sonnel files. The legislature also approved act 2416 giving government employees the right of self-organization to form, join, participate in, or refrain from, any employee organization of their own choosing. Retirement Administration At the close of the fiscal year, ap- proximately 6,300 active employees of the regular departments of government were members of the retirement system, plus an additional 1,150 who have been 108 separated from the service but have not withdrawn their contributions. In addition, there are 438 active member employees of independent agencies including the College of the Virgin Islands, the Water & Power Authority, the Virgin Islands Housing Authority and the Virgin Islands Re- newal Board. This means the system had approximately 7,900 membership accounts as of June 30, 1969. During the year, 841 personal loans were processed to members amounting to $298,650, and 20 mortgage loans were processed totaling $177,500. In fiscal 1969, 34 persons retired on serv- ice retirement annuities, and two non- duty disability annuities and one duty- connected death annuity were proc- essed. At the end of the year, 232 per- sons were receiving semimonthly annu- ities with a total annual value of $351,- 648.24. The system also processed pay- ments authorized by special pension acts of the legislature and, at year's end, 161 persons were receiving such pensions with a total annual value of $208,884. Twenty-five lump-sum death benefit payments amounting to $61,632.36 were made to beneficiaries of members who died while in service, and refunds of contributions were made to 388 separated employees amounting to $133,374.79. On August 8, 1968, the system made a loan of $2 million to the Department of Housing to finance middle-income housing. This 10-year loan carries an interest rate of 5 percent. At the close of the fiscal year, investments exclusive of loans to members and other govern- ment agencies were: U.S. Government bonds $4, 085, 000 Corporate bonds 965, 000 Time certificates of deposit, V.I. National Bank 3,000,000 Total 8,050,000 373-280 O—70- 109 SELECTIVE SERVICE Personnel: 6 Compensated 31 Uncompensated In fiscal 1969, the Selective Service System began its second year's opera- tion under provisions of the Military Selective Service Act of 1967. During the year, a public information program in the form of regular question-and- answer type press releases, advising the public of the up-to-date provisions of the law, was well received by both news media and the public. For the first half year, the quota never exceeded 10 for any one month. For the second half year, the quota was double that of the first. During the spring, there were, for the first time, verbal outbursts and public rallies critical of Selective Serv- ice. There was also some criticism of the military involvement of the United States in the Vietnam conflict. The number of registrants challenging the validity of classifications awarded by local boards, however, decreased slightly. The basic responsibilities of the sys- tem are to register young men as they attain age 18, maintain current infor- mation and classification on all regis- trants within the age of liability, defer for education, essential employment, hardship or other reasons those found eligible, and select men for physical examination and induction to meet Virgin Islands quotas. The total registration in the two local boards reached 10,481, covering registrations from 1948, an annual in- crease of 1,172 over the 9,309 re- corded at the close of fiscal 1968. Over the last 5 years an increase has been the trend: 515 in 1965, 629 in 1966, 771 in 1967, and 1,094 in 1968. Operating Appropriation: $48,782 The heavy registration of the last 2 years reflects the unusually large num- ber of aliens admitted for permanent residence falling within the required registration ages. Classification actions are made by two local boards composed of five un- compensated members each. Over 2,800 classifications or reclassifications were made based on current informa- tion. Class 1-A, available for military service, was the most active class as most men are initially placed in this class and subsequently removed and reclassified as they are physically examined, their employment or family status changed, or their educational programs altered. Other classifications were notable as follows : I-C Inducted decreased while I-C Enlisted increased, representing a lower rate of induction, while enlist- ments increased as a result of active re- cruiting by the Army. I-S High School increased from 167 to 252, reflecting higher enrollments. College deferments maintain their high level. II-A, essential employment, in- creased from 22 to 32, representing additional teachers' extended deferments. III-A, hardship and dependency, increased from 545 to 611. Classes IV-A, IV-F, and V-A saw substantial increases as more regis- trants completed active service, were found unacceptable or reached over- age for current liability. The Appeal Board for the Virgin Islands met four times during the year 110 to consider 10 appeals made by four Virgin Islands registrants, and six regis- trants registered outside the Virgin Islands but requesting local consider- ation of their current employment within the islands. Decisions in all cases were unanimous, precluding further Presidential appeal by any of the registrants. Based on estimated quota and calls, registrants holding Class 1-A are se- lected, transportation furnished, and examinations made to build the neces- sary acceptable pool from which in- ductees may be called. Over the past 5 years, the acceptability rate has ranged between 27 percent and 59 per- cent. Despite reductions in mental standards implemented in fiscal year 1967, and further reduced in fiscal 1968, a barely satisfactory rate of ac- ceptability was maintained. Of 465 reg- istrants examined, 194 (or 42 percent) were found acceptable. The large num- ber of resident aliens of low educa- tional levels who were examined and found not qualified reduced the rate from the 47 percent found acceptable the previous year. A comparative table follows : OFFICE OF THE SUPERVISIOR OF ELECTIONS Personnel: 14 During fiscal 1969, the Office of Supervisor of Elections conducted a primary election on September 10, 1968, and a general election on No- vember 5, 1968. For the first time, the boards of edu- cation and election were elected by the electors of the Virgin Islands. Pre- viously, the members of these boards have been appointed by the Governor of the Virgin Islands and/or the legislature. There were 16,840 voters eligible to vote at the general election of Novem- ber 5, of which 12,622, or 75 percent Operating Appropriation: $140,875 voted. The results of the election showed that the political body, "The Independent Citizens Movement," had become a recognized political party in the Virgin Islands, based on the fact that at least one of its at-large candi- dates had polled more than 5 percent of the total number of votes cast in the territory. This means that there are now three recognized political parties in the Vir- gin Islands: the Democratic Party of the Virgin Islands, the Republican Party of the Virgin Islands, and the Independent Citizens Movement. 112 CONCLUSION As the Government of the Virgin Islands moved ahead, into fiscal 1970, it also began its last full fiscal year under an appointed Governor—and into an era of greater autonomy. In the closing months of fiscal 1968, the United States Congress approved the elective governor bill and made signifi- cant changes in the Virgin Islands Organic Act, paving the way for true self-government. In its 51 years as a territory, the citizens of the Virgin Islands have created a land of economic prosperity, progressive educational, health, hous- ing, and social service traditions and a society dedicated to equal opportuni- ties for all. The people have wisely promoted their number one industry tourism—and have successfully com- peted with all the world's resorts which are now within easy reach of jet-pro- pelled travelers. But business and in- dustry have also been emphasized to give diversification to the island's economy. Today, the Government of the Vir- gin Islands serves an economically sound community and looks forward to even greater advances in these major areas—social and cultural advance- ment for everyone, increasing prosper- ity for its citizens, and conservation of its great natural resources. Dedication to these goals and suc- cessful experience in enlightened gov- ernment make the new era of genuine self-government a bright prospect. 113 APPENDIX A TOTAL ASSESSMENT AND TAXES, ST. THOMAS, ST. CROIX, ST. JOHN, 1964-68 Year BUls issued Assessments Taxes Number of Amount of exemptions exemptions Farmland exemption Taxes 1964.... 13,722 83,394,239 $1,042,427.99 2,687 1966 15,120 158,880,727 1,986,009.00 3,062 1966 16,783 192,820,503 2,410,256.29 4,719 1967 18,060 197,520,965 2,469,012.06 5,000 1968 19,824 247,914,452 3,098,930.65 5,340 $79,430.39 $962,997.60 155,590.57 _._ 1,830,418.52 200,000.00 2,210,266.29 220,199.35 2,252,403.80 241,661.34 79,097.37 » 2, 778, 171. 92 ' Night soil charges not included. DETAILED CHART OF ASSESSMENTS AND TAXES INCLUDING HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION Island Number of bills issued Assessments Taxes St. Thomas 1964... 1966.... 1966 1967 1968 St. Croix 1964.-.. 1966.... 1966 1967 1968 St. John 1964.... 1966.... 1966 1967 1968 6,760 7,157 8,140 8,694 9,363 1965 1966 1%7 1968 1969 Rum produced in the Virgin Islands: Brugal & Company _ West Indies Distillers, Ltd Virgin Islands Rum Industries, Ltd. 327, 072 878, 917 39,600 54,054 37,611 180,102 416,361 333,525 493,995 980,065 1,155,637 1,151,346 1,483,967 Total proof gallons ' _ 1,205,989 1,160,167 1,611,598 1,538,925 2,015,573 AlcohoUc beverages exported to the United States: Rum.. 1,230,257 1,099,928 1,359,817 1,367,856 1,539,018 Whiskey 2,160 Cordials, Liquors, Etc 17,796 3,204 500 2,046 6,222 Total proof gallons 1,250,213 1,103,132 1,364,817 1,369,902 1,545,240 Denatured alcohol produced (wine gallons) : ' Virgin Islands Rum Industries, Ltd.. 3,018 5,895 4,900 3,622 632 Denatured alcohol used in the manufacture of per- fume, bay rum, and toilet water, etc.: West Indies Bay Co Virgin Islands Bay Rum Manufacturing Co Virgin Islands Perfume Corp Huntley, Ltd 13,894 u Q 12;m b CO DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE Total tourist expenditures «112, 268. 245 Cruise ship traffic—1968-69 Number of sWps 491 Passengers 213,641 Air traffic passengers—1968-69 908, 776 DISTRIBUTION OF WAGES AND EMPLOYMENT Comparison of subsidy payments received by tax exempt business during fiscal years 1968-69, etc. Customs duties #6, 127. 812. 66 Dividend claims. 152. 172. 85 Income tax $3,486,848.88 Excise tax 342.088.78 TABLE I AVERAGE WAGE AND EMPLOYMENT DISTRIBUTION FOR DIFFERENT TYPES OF TAX EXEMPT INDUSTRIES FISCAL YEAR 1969 Industry Average Average Average number of number of annual employees bonded payroll employees Hotels, guest houses and motels Watches and related products Costume jewelry and related products Showerproofing woolens ' Knitting, spinning and weaving of woolens C hemical and related products All others ' Total 1,915 •J o Qi Q 175Q < 1/2 O P I H Oh Q H PiO PhX 1/3h < Oh Q < h "% >O :s uH wf" S5 3;<5< >CDi-Ht^OiQ0*-<^ ) CO l^ t~- ^ CO cc ^ CO •^»<C0i-HCC00t^OI»O< • GO-^ 00 OiCD • ) O CO <*' r-t ^H 5 eo'"!" 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Stamp taxes 615,794 615,794 Corporation franchise taxes 79,816 79,816 Production taxes 24,556 24,556 Gasoline taxes. 742,587 $742,587 Gross receipts taxes 6,127,549 6,127,549 Trade and excise taxes 3,587,488 3,587,488 Taxes held in escrow 8,789,385 8,789,386 Totaltaxes 60,501,583 50,969,611 9,531,972 Government operating income: Sewerage service charges 35,814 31,475 4,339 Water supply charges 802,411 779,994 22,417 Hospital service charges 775.661 775,661 Miscellaneous service charges 221,287 221,287 Sale of property and equipment including home- steadland... _ 13,920 2,257 11,663 Court costs fees and charges 17,186 17,186 Harbor dues and services. 165,492 165,492 Total government operating income... 2,031,771 1,052,199 979,572 Other revenues: Licenses, fees, and permits 1,815,122 1,367,934.. 447,188 Fines, forfeits, and penalties 154,750 37,311. 117,439 Collections from United States customs 6,762,343 2,560,871 4,201,472 Rents and concessions 944,126 34,153 909,973 Federal contributions including internal reve- nue returns 18,734,957 12,627,871 6,107,086 Private contributions 23,186 23,186 Refunds and over deposits 611,751 125,900 485,851 Department services 442,754 7,395 435,359 Proceeds from royalties 1,380,000 1,380,000 Miscellaneous receipts... 2,032,170 88,037 3,000 1,941,133 Total other revenues 32,901,159 4,095,701 12,756,771 16,048,687 Total operating revenue.. 95,434,513 56,117,511 12,756,771 26,560,231 Loans: Bond anticipation notes 352,000 352,000 Proceeds from bonds 725,000 725,000 Total loans 1,077,000 1,077,000 Orandtotals 96,511,513 56,117,511 12,756,771 27,637,231 129 1/3 OPERATING AND SPECIAL APPROPRIATIONS Act No. Departments or agencies Appropriated Allotted Unallotted 2241/2328/2391/T The Legislature $748,000.00 $748,000.00 2241 Office of Washington representative . 100,000.00 100,000.00 2316yT Uniform reciprocal committee for 2,000.00 2,000.00 enforcement of support act. 2262 Resettlement of former residents of 15,000.00 15,000.00... the Virgin Islands. 2376 Virgin Islands participation in in- 17,000.00 17,000.00 auguration of Richard M. Nixon. 2378 Designation and redesignation of 500.00 500.00 public facilities. 2268/P Officeof the Governor... 310,394.00 310,394.00 2316 - All expenses for housing consultants. 25,000.00 25,000.00 2233 Compensation to Magdalene Lynch. 2,500.00 2,500.00. 2248 Virgin Islands Public Television 111,639.00 111,639.00 Commission. 2268/2441 Teacher's development and training 340,970.00 340,970.00 program. 2383 Group insurance plan 2,000.00 $2,000 2452 Inauguration of Governor 20,000.00 20,000.00 2268/2477/T Governor's contingent fund 100,860.00 95,860.00 5,000 2268 Office of public relations and informa- 231,040.00 228,790.00 2,250 tion. 2268/2282 Office of economic opportunity 38,738.00 38,270.00 468 2268 Office of civil defense 55,516.00 54,582.00 934 2268 Office ofstatistics and economic studies.. 67,695.00 67,172.00 523 2268 Matchable contribution for statis- 9,295.00 9,295 tical and survey projects. 2268/P VISTA program 106,791.00 102,370.00 4,421 2268/2282/T Division of special projects 71,370.00 69,560.00 1,810 2268/2316 Office of the director of the budget 164,265.00 145,405.00 18,860 2268/2316/T/P Division of personnel. 221,686.00 219,010.00 2,676 2268 Retirement administration.. 37,631.00 37,118.00 513 2137/2175/2180/2187/2190 Grants and contributions: Actuarial 10,000.00 9,000.00 1,000 2235/2256/2288/2271/2290 survey of the government retirement 2291/2292/22*0/2399/2390 system. 24 17/24 18/2421 /2424/2425 2430/2433/2434/2444/2446 2316/2450/2451/T. 2268/T .. Office of the probation officer 77,154.00 76,864.00 290 2268. . Virgin Islands planning board... 190,048.00 187,578.00 2,470 2268/2282/2316/T Office of the administrative assistant for 151,659.00 102,750.00 48,909 St. Croix. 2268/2282/P Office of the administrative assistant for 85,020.00 83,532.00 1,488 St. John. 2268/2409/2477/P Office of the government secretary 443,872.70 443,457.70 415 2268/2316/2452/P Department of Education 8,813,878.00 8,771,996.00 41,882 2268/2328 Boy Scouts 25,000.00 25,000.00 2268 SeaScouts.. 800.00 800.00 2268 GirlScouts 15,000.00 15,000.00 2268 Compact for education. 7.500.00 7,500.00 2268/2252 ... Board of education (all expenses).... 35,000.00 32,000.00 .3,000 2282/2420 Territorial .scholarship fund 195,000.00 155,000.00 40,000 2462 Trip to New York by CAHS band.. 5,000.00 5,000.00 2268 Wilmot Blyden scholarship fund 4,000.00 4,000.00 2268 St. John scholarships.- 12,000.00 12,000.00 - 2268. . . . Training programs (department) 5,000.00 5,000,00. 2268 Teacher's training. Virgin Islands 6,000.00 6,000.00 College. 2268 ... Teacher's award fund 1,000.00 1,000.00 2268 Scholarships for medicine, law eco- 78,000.00 78,000.00 nomics and accountancy, engineer- ing and police training (26 at $3,000 each.) 2268.. Sheltered workshop, St. Croix 22.000.00 22,000.00 .-- 2268 Vocational education program (in- 199,047.00 199,047.00 dustrial arts) . 2268- Manpower Development and Train- 25,000.00 25,000.00 -- ing Act. 2268 . .. Vocational rehabihtation program... 60,000.00 60,000.00 2268 National Defense Education Act 70,000.00 70,000.00 programs. 2268 Adult basic education programs 6,500.00 6,500.00 2268 In-school neighborhood youth train- 12,500.00 12,500.00 ing programs. 2268... Vocational education program (occu- 597,190.00 597,190.00 -. pationally oriented). „„ ,„„ 2268/2282/2316/2441/2452/ Department of Public Works, St. 4,835,543.00 4,802,405.00 33,138 T/P. Thomas and St. John. 2328 Construction of incinerator, Susan- 31,000.00 31,000 naberg, St. John. ,^. „_ 2268/2282/2316/2328/2441/ Department of Public Works, St. Croix . 2, 939, 428. 00 2, 783, 962. 00 155, 466 2452/P. 2328 Girl Scouts center at Estate St. 20,000.00 20,000.00 G60r£6S 2328 Constructionrestrooms, St. Croix... 10,000.00 10,000 131 Act No. Departments or agencies Appropriated Allotted Unallotted 2268/2316/2328/2441/S/T/ Department of Finance $2,310,145.30 $2,279,203.30 $30,942 2452/2409/P. 2268 --. Income tax, other tax and license 75,000.00 75,000.00 refunds. 2268 Internal Revenue stamp tax. 450.00 450.00 2268 Bonding of government officials and 8,000.00 8,00.00... employees. 2268/2328 Claim fund contributions. 15,000.00 15,000.00 2268 Contribution to Unemployment 65,000.00 65,000.00 Compensation Administration. 2268--. Contribution to workmen's com- 184,458.00 184,458.00 pensation fund. 2268/T Contribution to utilities fund 872,818.00 872,818.00 2223 College of the Virgin Islands. 1,500.000.00 1,500.000.00 2268 Virgin Islands Ecological Research- 51,950.00 51,950.00 Institute. 2268 Morris F.deCastro chair 25.000.00 25,000.00 2268 Fisheries study 6,834.00 6,834.00 2263 Repayment of loans from Virgin 24,014.00 24,014.00 Islands lottery and goverrunent insurance fund. 2335 State technical services program 29,880.00 29,880.00 2316 Matchable contribution for training 29,000.00 29,000.00 program (titles VIII and IX). 2453 St. Thomas carnival committee 10.000.00 10.000.00 2268/2328/P.- Depart nent of and Property Procurement. 896.867.00 871,102.00 25.765 2268/2316/T Promotion and advertising 216. 666. 00 195. 974. 00 20, 692 2268/2316/2328/T Equipment... _ 999,759.00 873,987.00 125,772 2268/2452 _ Contribution to transportation re- 50,795.00 50,795.00 volving fund. 2268/2282/2316/2408/2452/ Rental of office space 371,035.00 371,035.00 2477/T. 2248.. Virgin Islands Public Television 107.837.00 97.053.00 10,784 Commission (equipment). 2268/2282/2328/T/P Department of Public Safety... 3,614.534.00 3.590.385.00 24.149 2282.- School crossing guards 10.940.00 10.940.00... 2274. Claim of Harvey B. Collins. 70.000.00 70.000.00 _ 2268/2282/2328/2393/P/S Department of Agriculture __ 1,202.768.00 1,200,268.00 2,500 2268 Board of supervisors, soil conserva- 4,500.00 4,500.00 tion program. 2282/T Tick eradication in the Virgin Is- 134,823.00 134,823.00 lands, including African Bont 2316/T Forestry program. 23.677.00 23.677.00 2131 - Claim of Juan Belardo 10,000.00 10,000.00 2268/2282/2316/T/P Department of Labor. 425.213.00 422,233.00 2.980 2268/2316/S/T Department of Commerce...- 1.683.824.00 1,683.824.00 2268 Caribbean tourist association 15,000.00 15,000.00. 2282.. Virgin Islands-Vieques-Friendship 3,500.00 3,500.00 Committee. 2282.. Caribbean Travel Association. 1.500.00 1.500.00 2282 _ St. Croix festival com ittee... 15,000.00 15,000.00 2316/T Fishing and water sports 37.000.00 37.000.00 2268/2316/2328/2441/S/T/P-. Department of Social Welfare 3.094.418.00 3.062,778.00 31,640 2268/P Aging Commission.- 30.863.00 30.863.00 2268/P Youth Commission..- 28.435.00 28.435.00 2268/2286 Criminal Victims Compensation 69,000.00 59.000.00 Commission. 2191 Sewing project—St. John 15.000.00 15,000.00..- 2268/2316/2328/T/P Department of Health... 8.168.493.00 8.034,203.00 134,290 2268 Insular contribution to formula 2,017.324.00 2.017.324.00 grants. 2268/2452 Determination of eligibility under 55,000.00 55,000.00 the provisions of title XIX (medi- 2268 Contribution of health scholarship 50,000.00 50,000.00 fund including local shcolarships. 2329/2452 Aedes Aegypti mosquito control 187,328.00 186,128.00 1,200 program. 2452 - Improvement and modernization of 45,000.00 45,000.00 health buildings and grounds. 2268/2316/T/P--. Department of Law. - 491.380.00 466.988.00 24,392 2268/T/P Department of Housing and Community 505,079.00 504,239.00 750 Renewal. 2268-- Grant to Virgin Islands housing 24,300.00 24.300.00 authority. 2328 Contribution to homestead and 50,000.00 50,000.00 home loan fund. 2328 Purchase of Land—Stony Ground- 45,000.00 46,000 St. Croix. 2328 .-.. AcquisitionofLand—St. Thomas... 47,600.00 47,600.00 2268/2282/2328/2394/2408.... Department of Conservation and Cul- 1,292,934.00 1.246,935.00 45,999 tural affairs. 2316 Library Services Act of 1964- 50,870.00 50,870.00 2268 St. Thomas golf association 6,000.00 6,000.00 132 Act No. Departments or agencies Appropriated Allotted Unallotted 2268 2268 2268 2268 2268 2463 2268/2282/2406/T 2268/T 2268/T 2268/T 2268 2268/2313/2452.. 2268 2236 2328 - 2312 St. Croix museums -.. St. Croix Landmarks, Inc Virgin Islands museums Council on arts Community bands Repairs to race track Municipal Court of the Virgin Islands... Office of the Supervisor of Elections Board of Elections, St. Thomas Toard of Elections, St. Croix Board of Elections, St. John Miscellaneous Salary increases and pay plan Summer employment Virgin Islands airport and industrial resources agency. Construction of building for the di- vision of personnel, St. Thomas. Air show—St. Croix Totals. $3,200.00 $3,200.00 10,000.00 10,000.00 2,400.00 2,400.00 50,000.00 50,000.00 12,000.00 12,000.00 4,000.00 $4,000 349,203.50 347,293.50 1,910 50,200.00 49,340.00 860 34,326.00 33,806.00 520 35, 068. 00 34, 598. 00 470 14, 240. 00 14, 065. 00 175 •100,108 100,108 (**) 56,681.00 56,681.00 35,000.00 35,000 15,000.00 15,000.00 64,400,131.50 53,311,825.50 1,088,306 P_Pay plan, $2,500,000; S—Summer employment; T—Transfer of funds. • $2,750,000 appropriated; $2,649,892 allotted. •• $100,000 appropriated and allotted. APPROPIATIONS AVAILABLE UNTIL EXPENDED Act No. Departments or agencies Appropriated Allotted Unallotted The legislature: 1698 Special committee to study pay plan 1938 Virgin Islands Day in Continental United States. 2026 Virgin Islands Citizenship Day committee. 2246 Committee on feasibility of right hand driving. Office of the Governor: 1503 Fiftieth anniversary of the transfer of the Virgin Islands. 1733 Caribbean Economic Development Corp.. 1587 Flood and soil erosion control study 1910 Virgin Islands planning board study of Christiansted entrance. 1920 Development of Coral Bay harbor... 1996/T In deptn study of personnel management. . 2238/2429 Reorganization of the Govenmient of the Virgin Islands. 2281 Purchase of land at Lindberg Bay 2478 Deficiency appropriation Office of civil defense: 2267 Purchase and installation of sirens Division of personnel: 2463/2476 Summer employment Office of the government secretary: 2468 Purchase of reprint pamphlets of the Virgin Islands Code and binders for the Virgin Islands slip laws and Virgin Islands Register. 2458 Replacement volumes of Virgin Islands Code. Department of Education: 2381 Leave of absence for Edith M. Leerdam. .. 2461 Repair Diamond Scout Center. Department of Public Works: 977 Potable water at Grove Place 1172 Construction of wing at Carenage Clinic. . 1257 New airport study and acquisition of land. 1375 Hardsurfacing of St. Peter Mt. Road to Hull. 1727/2239 Construction of bus shelters 1377 Public improvement, St. John.. 1379 Purchase of land for Public Works De- partment, St. John Post Office. 1382 Concrete paving at Altona Well alley 1718 Naming of all unnamed streets 1722.. Extension of street lights and power lines.. 1914 Study of modern lighting for the Virgin Islands. 2369 Improvements to water systems in St. Croix. 1926 Construction of sewage treatment unit $5, 000. 00 5,000.00 5,000.00 600.00 3,000.00 2,000.00 5,000.00 1,000.00 10, 000. 00 2, 939. 59 100, 000. 00 35, 000. 00 2, 500, 000. 00 14, 000. 00 550, 000. 00 5,000.00 22, 000. 00 600.00 5,000.00 30,000.00 25, 000. 00 40, 000. 00 10,000.00 1,000.00 15, 000. 00 5,000.00 10, 000. 00 40,000.00 $600.00 2, 939. 59 60,000.00 35, 000. 00 2, 048, 012. 00 35, 000. 00 5,000.00 22, 000. 00 600.00 5,000.00 50,000.00 15,000.00 -- 300, 000. 00 300, 000. 00 21,000.00 21,000.00 15,000.00 10,000.00 $5,000 5,000 5,000 3,000 2,000 5,000 1,000 10,000 "46,666 451, 988 14,000 515,000 50,000 15,000 15,000 25,000 40,000 1,000 15,000 5,000 10,000 40,000 133 Act No. Departments or agencies Appropriated Allotted Unallotted 2162 Construction of public comfort stations 2204 Extension of potable water system to Golden Rock area. 2476— -- All expenses—road repairs, St. Thomas and St. Croix. Department of Property and Procurement: 858 - Acquisition of land for public scenic high- way. 912/1170/2326 Funds for property acquisition (Ross Estate $5,000, Estate Nazareth $300,000). 2017 Purchase of land at Estate LaGrange 1924 15 percent differential in purchases or con- tracts. 2267 Head Start program—St. Croix Department of Health: 1073— Te nporary health insurance 1576/1953/2333 Educational program for mentally re- tarded children. 2267 Insular contribution to formula grants 2269 Practical nursing training program 2370 Study leave for LillianMatthews.. 2401 Special Commission on the Status and Problems of Non-Citizens in the Virgin Islands. 2403 Virgin Islands commission for human re- sources. Department of Finance: 1467 Unliquidated encumbrances 2186 C ontribution to Virgin Islands urban re- newal board. 2186 Taarneberg— Ross urban renewal projects . 2336/2459 Emergency molasses fund 2367 Virgin Islands board for licensing of barbers, beauticians and manicurists. Department of Housing and Community Renewal: 955 - Transfer of land at Estate Profit 2065 Construction of demonstration houses 2227 Disposal of land at Estate Contant 2491 - - Construction of housing projects Department of Agriculture: 2122 Cost study for development of the spring and water hole at Banana Gut, St. John. 2275 Grant to match Federal contribution to outdoor recreation. 2276 Improvement to beach area, Frederiksted. 2239 Construction of tables for market vendors. 2066 - Renovation of fish houses, Christiansted and Frederiksted. Department of Labor: 2075/2334 Erection of Virgin Islands war veterans monument. Department of Public Safety: 1733 - Protective clothing and equipment 2461 -- -- Improvement of recreational facilities including paving of basketball court at Richmond Penitentiary, St. Croix. 2461 Restoration and improvement of King's Hill police station, St. Croix. 2461 Narcotics laboratory Department of Law: 2306 Annual conference of the National Asso- ciation of Attorneys General. Department of Conservation and Cultural Affairs: 2149/2395 Construction of race track and acquisition of related equipment and for the pur- chase of all necessary and adjoining land. 2470.. Study leave for translator $21,000.00 $21,000 10,000.00 10,000 200,000.00 200,000 100,000.00 100,000 305,000.00 $300,000.00 5,000 34,000.00 25,000.00 9,000 15,000.00 15,000 15,000.00 15,000.00 1,000.00 1,000 3,667.00 3,667 143,000.00 143,000 46, 388. 00 41, 749. 00 4, 639 2,500.00 2,500.00 20,000.00 20,000.00 15,000.00 15,000.00 6,000.00 5,000 35,000.00 35,000.00 297,600.00 297,600.00 70, 700. 00 56, 700. 00 14, 000 1,000.00 1,000.00 15,000.00 15,000 22,000.00 22,000.00 60,000.00 60,000.00 540,000.00 640,000 500.00 600 80,000.00 80,000.00 50,000.00 50,000 3,000.00 3,000 20,000.00 20,000 10,500.00 10,500.00 2,000.00 2,000.00 5,000.00 6,000 35,000.00 35,000 20,000.00 20,000 25,000.00 25,000.00 53,000.00 5,000.00 19, 300. 00 33, 700 5,000.00 Total 6,119,994.59 3,593,500.59 2,526,494 134 REAPPROPRIATION OF CERTAIN PROJECTS Act No. Departments or agencies Appropriated Allotted Unallotted Virgin Islands airport and industrial resources agency: 2237 Preparation of master plan for the new air- $57,000.00 $57,000.00 port at lagoon area, St. Thomas. Department of Public Works: 2322 Paving of U.S. O. yard—Frederiksted 3,000.00 3,000.00 Department of Agriculture: 2350- --- Improvements at Flamboyant Park includ- 37,202.60 $37,202.60 ing sanitary facilities and rental 'of para- mutual machines, radio advertisements, and purchase of construction materials. Totals 97,202.60 60,000.00 37,202.60 Grand totals 60,975,895.69 56,965,326.09 3,652,002.60 135 APPENDIX H REPORT OF CASES HANDLED BY THE BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION FOR THE YEAR BEGINNING JULY 1, 1968, AND ENDING JUNE 30, 1969 Type of offenses Number of oflenses handled Criminal Homicide: Murder Manslaughter — Manslaughter by negligence . Rape - — Robbery Aggravated assault Assault first Burglary.. Petit larceny Grand larceny Extortion. Other assaults Mayhem 5 4 24 29 6 17 245 91 279 3 Type of offenses Number of offenses handled Forgery 39 Embezzlement. 5 Weapon possession 2 Prostitution and commercialized vice 5 Sex offenses (sodomy) __ Offenses against family and children Narcotic drug laws 20 GambUng and vagrancy Stolen property.. All other offenses Auto theft 6 Total amount of cases handled 803 136 U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE; 1970 O—273-289