USVI Public Records

Document text

_^- ^3, , CITY LIBRARY fl,,,n.,«..aSSli|^ IPRINGf!ELD, IViASS. ifc-o?rs- vai ig6o Annual Report THE GOVERNOR OF THE Virmn Islands TO THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR For the Fiscal Year EndedJune jo, Jg6o \S51 ig6o Annual Report THE GOVERNOR OF THE Virmn Islands TO THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR For the Fiscal Year Ended June jo, ig6o STACK \C\rn /„n UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR FRED A SEATON, Secretary TERRITORY OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS John D. Merwin, Governor UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE, WASHINGTON, D.C. For sale by the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office Washington 25, D.C" - Price 25 cents Contents Page INTRODUCTION AND HIGHLIGHTS OF THE YEAR 1 LEGISLATION '. 2 EIGHTEENTH DECENNIAL CENSUS 3 OFFICE OF THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARY . 3 DEPARTMENT OF LAW 8 VIRGIN ISLANDS PLANNING BOARD 8 DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND LABOR 9 DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION 11 DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE 16 DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH 21 DEPARTMENT OF PROPERTY AND PROCUREMENT 33 DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY 36 DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS 41 DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL WELFARE 47 DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM AND TRADE 52 SELECTIVE SERVICE 55 VIRGIN ISLANDS EMPLOYMENT SERVICE 57 MUNICIPAL COURTS 59 CONCLUSION 61 III Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2009 with funding from Boston Library Consortium IVIember Libraries http://www.archive.org/details/annualreportofgo1960virg I960 Annual Report of the Governor of the Virgin Islands John D. Merwin, Governor ir ir ir THE OPERATIONS of the Government of the Virgin Islands con- tinued to improve during the fiscal year 1960. Government services were strengthened. Revenues were the highest in tlie history of the Territory and at the end of the year showed a continuing upward trend. The third legislature of the Virgin Islands convened, during the year, in one regular session and two special sessions. Many laws of significance to the economy, the well-being, and the physical improve- ment of the islands were adopted. The legislative and executive branches of the Government have worked in harmony and accord. As a residt of the understanding and cooperation between the two branches of the Government, and with the stimulus of a wide-awake citizenry, there has been considerable advancement in all spheres of social, political, and economic activity. Highlights of the Year The Office of the Government Secretary continued the development of a modern tax assessment program. Directed by experienced tax consultants, work is progressing on surveying and mapping of all real property and development of uniform and equitable assessment criteria and procedures. In financial activities, total local revenues collected amounted to $7,274,353.62, an increase of 38 percent. Total internal revenue matching funds made available to the Government of the Virgin Islands amounted to $4,917,952.15. The Department of Tourism and Trade estimates that over 200,000 visitors came to the Virgin Islands. The gross tourist revenue was 2 > REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS estimated at $24 million, a substantial and gratifying increase over the preceding year. The lack of a continuous supply of potable water still remains the big problem facing the Department of Public Works. Some improve- ment in the supply situation was effected Avhen a contract was entered into with a private concern for hauling water from Puerto Rico. Even thougli records show a total rainfall of 53.43 inches in St. Thomas, the island of St. Thomas suffered one of its severest droughts, which was not relieved until the flood of May 8-9, 1960. This flood, however, caused severe damage to the roads, streets, sewers, potable and salt water lines, and other public facilities. Under the Department of Education, the school system of the islands has experienced both growth and improvement. The first practical nurse training program was instituted in St. Thomas, and a similar program is scheduled for St. Croix. An enumeration of school age children was completed. Of the 9,433 children in school, 2,666 were enrolled in 11 nonpublic schools, and 6,767 were in member- ship in 23 public schools. In the Department of Health, the addition of two full-time house physicians to the staff of the hospitals in St. Thomas and St. Croix was, perhaps, one of the most dramatic improvements in the quality of care rendered. The Department of Social Welfare cooperated with the Commission on Aging in studying the needs of senior citizens in the Virgin Islands. In the emergency housing program, completed units provided quarters for 19 families totaling 97 persons. Additional units have been pur- chased and are under construction. In the field of Public Safety, highway patrol activities have been increased, a system of uniform traffic tickets has been instituted, and additional patrol staff has been employed in both islands. There has been a notable decrease in the rate of highway accidents and fatalities. Within the Department of Property and Procurement, the Property Division has been activated. Its function is to bring for the first time all government properties under orderly centralized control. The Department of Agriculture and Labor recently appointed a marketing specialist who is conducting a study to determine demand and supply schedules for farm products in an effort to promote an improved diversified agricultural program for the Territory. Legislation Three sessions of the Legislature of the Virgin Islands were held two special sessions from September 28 to 30, 1959, and January 18 to 21, 1960, and the regular session from April 11 to June 9, 1960. REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS -f September January April Total proposals Governor's proposals Adopted Approved Vetoed Pocket vetoed Resolutions 230 62 166 105 20 24 17 Eighty-two of the Governor's proposals were adopted by the legis- lature. Virgin Islands 1 8th Decennial Census The population of the Virgin Islands of the United States as of April 1, 1960, according to a preliminary count of the returns from the 18th census, was 31,904 as compared with 26,665 on April 1, 1950. The population of the three major islands as of April 1, 1960, as compared with the population as of April 1, 1950, was as follows I960 1950 St. Thomas St. Croix--. St. John—. Total. 16, 046 14, 935 923 13. 813 12, 103 749 26, 665 The urban population of the Virgin Islands, according to the pre- liminary count, w^as as follows 4 ^ REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS (vol. 3), and (f) Enactments of the Virgin Islands Legislature (in slip law form), A comprehensive study of the Compulsory Automobile Liability Act and submission of recommendations to improve the law were also carried out. These were developed through a -3-day insurance con- vention in which an insurance consultant from the mainland and local and head office representatives of insurance companies writing automobile insurance in the Virgin Islands collaborated with local citizens and officials in studying the problems and recommending solutions. Among other items were a joint meeting of the three election boards to discuss the possible use of automatic voting machines; direction and coordination of the emergency housing program, coordination of the project to improve sanitaiy facilities; activation of the retire- ment system for Government employees; a real property tax study project; collecting vital and detailed information and developing procedures for the installation and maintenance of a modern and comprehensive propei'ty tax assessment sj^stem for the islands; and administration of the Industrial Incentive Tax Exemption program to assist in the economic development of the islands. The expansion of businesses and occupations in the islands has shown the need for an intensive review of the provisions for and procedures governing the issuance of business and occupational li- censes. xA^mong other things there is need for greater flexibility in the licensing laws and some existing license specifications need clari- fication and definition. The following chart shows a comparison of licenses issued and fees collected over the past 2 years Licenses issued and fees collected District REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS ^ 6 > REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS Division of Personnel Within the Division of Personnel the most important development was the approval by the Governor on Jnne 10, 1960, of a new pay plan embodied in Act 597, The new plan was estimated to cost $600,000, or an overall payroll increase of about 12 percent. There was also during this year a resumption of within-range increments after a span of 6 years without any such increases. These increases now de- pend upon prevailing government policy with regard to availability of funds and the satisfactory or better performance of employees. They are payable upon completion of 18 months' service where the steps are more than $75. The Government-owned and operated Virgin Islands Telephone System was sold on bid to private interests resulting in the layoff of 89 employees, the major portion of whom were retained in the em- ployment of the new owners. The names of the former employees have all been placed on a reemployment list which must legally receive priority for certification for appropriate positions. By special act these employees were granted special privileges as pay for accrued sick leave at time of layoff', and priority of certihcation and appoint- ment to vacant positions for the first 6 months after layoff". The new Retirement law was established and has now been in opera- i ion for 9 months. By this law, all assets and liabilities of the two predecessor municipal systems were transferred to the newly created system. A significant feature of the plan is the new policy of pay- as-you-go employer's contribution. The following comparative statistics indicate the activities in examination and certification: Activity Personnel requisitions processed Number persons employed, permanent and temporary Number applications received Number separations, permanent positions Number examinations administered Number persons on eligible list Total persons in permanent positions Number of promotions Fiscal year REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS Districts 8 ^ REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS Department of Law On September 16, 1959, the Congress, by amendment to the Re- vised Organic Act of 1954, sanctioned by Federal enactment the du- ties and responsibilities of the Attorney General of the Virgin Is- lands. It proA'ided that in litigation where the Territorial Govern- ment is a party the Attorney General shall appear on behalf of the Government except in criminal cases in the court of general juris- diction. Prior to that time, the attorney of record as to these mat- ters was the U.S. attorney who is under the administrative control of the Department of Justice. As a result of this change, the first and largest step has been taken in placing a greater measure of autonomy in law matters at the local level where it properly belongs. The transfer of the functions ef- fected by the Organic Act amendment has been practically completed. The first step in carrying out these assigned tasks was to set up a law office for the Department of Law. It is staffed by two attor- neys, a private secretary, and a clerk. A part-time attorney retained on a contract basis is assigned to the island of St. Croix. Virgin Islands Planning Board An architect and town planner, with extensive experience in planning in tropical areas, was appointed planning adviser to the Governor of the A-^irgin Islands and assigned to the administrative office of the Virgin Islands Planning Board. The first task under- taken by the planning adviser was the preparation of a draft of a subdivision bill which was forwarded to the legislature but which has not yet been adopted. The Planning Board also assisted in the preparation of a draft of a zoning law which also has not yet been adopted. Positive results of the work of the Planning Board will not be generally evident until zoning and subdivision legislation is on the statute books of the islands. The Planning Board was able to discourage the construction of a hotel wdiich would have destroyed a large part of the fine harbor view of Charlotte Amalie. Comprehensive proposals were made for new shipping, wharfing, and warehousing facilities in Charlotte Amalie to be provided through a coordinated scheme of harbor dredging and reclamation. The Board also continued its work of securing large- scale maps by means of controlled aerial photography. It now has under consideration a variety of improvements for Christiansted and Frederiksted in St. Croix and Cruz Bay, St. John. REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS ^ y Pending the enactment of planning legislation, the Planning Board has also been able to discourage many other developments ^Yhich would have adversely affected the preservation and protection of the old-world architecture and beautiful scenery of the islands. Department of Agriculture and Labor St. Croix Agricultural Program On the island of St. Croix a demonstration farm consisting of 9 acres is in operation at Estate Anna's Hope. On this farm, studies of crops suited to the island's soil, climate, economy, nutritional needs, and tastes are in progress. A total of 18,075 pounds of fresh vege- tables were distributed to institutions such as hospitals, school lunch programs, and homes for the aged. The Department's division at Estate Anna's Hope serves as a source of vegetable seedlings, ornamental plants, seed, fertilizer, insecticides, technical information, and marketing service. Over 1,000 fruit trees of citrus and avocado were distributed at cost in St. Croix and St. Thomas. Parks and Beaches Intensive construction and renovation has been in progress at Cramer's Park on the eastern end of St. Croix. Among the improve- ments to this beach is a new building designed as a modern beach house and containing 12 lockers and the remodeling of a formerly incom- pleted stone building to house a modern restaurant and soda fountain designed to serve at least 250 persons. Two tennis courts and two volleyball courts have also been constiaicted. Several concrete walks to and from the water are near completion. The public parks in both the towns of Christiansted and Frederiksted have been rejuvenated with several hundred new decorative plants. St. Thomas Agrictdtural Program^ Most of the activities of this division were centered around the Dorothea Agricultural Station. In addition to Dorothea, activities in this division included the administration of public parks, super- vision of the Magens Bay property, and the Outlook Park at Mafolie. The Dorothea Agricultural Experiment Station is located on the northern slope of the island of St. Thomas and consists of 43 acres. Of this acreage, approximately 18 are utilized for the production of vegetables. This production is done by four farmers who rent various size plots for that purpose. The greater percentage of the vegetables produced locally is grown by this program. Over 1,200 citizens of St. Thomas and St. John benefited from this station. Other activities 10 > REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS of the station are : technical advice to the farmers and other citizens ; a source of seed, fertilizer, insecticide and ornamental plants; assist- ance in marketing of crops produced in the area ; and beautification of public parks on the island. Workmen's Compensation Adm^inistration During the year under review, the compensation officer processed a total of 396 injury reports involving medical costs, compensation for disability, death compensation installment payments and funeral expenses. These cases represented a total award of $48,616.34. A breakdown of this amount shows Temporary total disability $36. 075. 16 Permanent partial disability 3,062.47 Medical attendance and hospitalization H. .508.35 Death compensation installments 825.00 Funeral expenses 145. 36 Total 48. 616. 34 Three bills were passed by the legislature amending the "Workmen's Compensation Act. Bill 1080, approved by the Governor on April 21, 1960, amended section 276 pertaining to the filing of reports by em- ployers. Bill 1176, approved by the Governor on May 25, 1960, amended section 254(a) dealing with medical attendance. Bill 1113, approved by the Governor on June 16, 1960, further amended section 254(a) as well as subsections (b) to (e), inclusive. In effect, the rate of compensation was increased from 65 to 66% percent with a mini- mum of $20 and a maximum of $35 per week. Fair Labor Standards Act A total of $1,527.13 was collected resulting from complaints received of violations under this act. The majority of cases involved alien labor. A wage board comprising six members was appointed by the Gov- ernor for the purpose of making investigations into the various indus- tries of the Virgin Islands and subsequently recommending to the Commissioner of Agriculture and Labor minimum rates for such in- dustries. At the close of the fiscal year minimum rates had been recommended and approved by the Governor, covering hotels and restaurants, agriculture, wholesale, retail, and construction industries. These were embodied in Wage Order 1, effective March 29, 1960. On June 16, 1960, the Governor approved bill 1088, an act providing a minimum wage of 60 cents an hour, and a maximum workweek of 40 hours for workers in the Virgin Islands. It also provided that the minimum wage for agricultural workers shall be 50 cents an hour. REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS ^ 11 This bill was first vetoed by the Governor but was passed over his veto, and the Governor chose then to approve rather than to send it to the President of the United States for his decision. Labor Relations Act Under the provisions of this act, the Department held 12 elections involving labor organizations seeking representation for purposes of collective bargaining. Office of Veterans Affairs This Office made 2,346 contacts with veterans, their dependents, other beneficiaries, guardians of minors of veterans and incompetent veterans, insular and Federal Government agencies and other inter- ested persons. These covered educational benefits, GI direct and guar- anteed loans for homes and businesses, dental and medical care, com- pensation benefits, pension benefits, employment, reemployment and unemployment benefits, insurance, death benefits, and miscellaneous problems. Finances The total obligations of the Department of Agriculture and Labor amounted to $143,174.49. Department of Education Under the Department of Education the school systems of the islands have experienced both growth and improvement. Office of Administration The major progress made in this area is the implementing of im- provements in instructional materials through the National Defense Education Act, and in participation in the aid to federally affected areas under the provisions of Public Laws 874 and 815. The busi- ness and accounting office was brought up to date, so that records of fiscal transactions are readily supplied to all concerned. A study was conunenced of the internal accounting procedures of the various schools with a view to standardizing them. Division of General Services Under this Division are inchided the Bureau of Libraries and Museums and the Bureau of Recreation, and the area of auxiliary services, including transportation, maintenance and repairs, school lunch and department activities connected with new construction. Workshops for school lunch personnel were held. Not only was there emphasis on efficient preparation of lunches, but consideration 12 -f REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS was given to tlie educational aspects of lunch programs, with due regard to manners and conduct, and to good nutritional habits. Minor repairs and remodeling have been carried out by the mainte- nance staff and outside contractors. Major projects in progress include new kitchens and school lunch facilities at Dober School and Jeiferson School in St. Thomas. Regular painting and general maintenance have been proceeding. Pupil transportation on St. Thomas and St. Croix continued in the hands of private firms contracting for this service, while in St. John a jeep truck has been put into service to provide transportation for children in the Cruz Bay area. This is the second year of transporta- tion of pupils by contract busses and, on the whole, the plan has been satisfactory. Bureau of Libraries and Museums This Bureau has continued to offer bookmobile and extension service to outlying rural areas in St. Croix and St. John under the provisions of the rural library extension program. Plans were completed and equipment purchased for microfilming of old government documents. Bureau of Recreation The positions of recreation supervisor for St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix, were filled so that each major area of the Virgin Islands now has a supervisor working directly under the Chief of the Bureau. Plans have been formulated for a comi)rehensive recreational program, encompassing baseball, basketball, cricket and other vigorous outdoor sports, as Avell as checkers, chess and other games of a quiet nature. Year-round schedules are now in effect, with interisland playoffs be- tween the top teams of St. Thomas and St. Croix. Division of Educational Programs Elementary schools.—No new elementary buildings were added dur- ing the year, but there was general improvement in services and pro- grams offered, and in the amount of teaching materials provided, in- cluding textbooks. Plans are in progress for a large elementary school in St. Thomas to relieve the crowded classroom conditions by 1961. Further building improvements which were on the drawing boards by the end of the year included a new school for the Nisky area and a new kindergarten-library building for the French Village in St. Thomas. The elementary supervisors in St. Thomas and St. Croix continued to assist the teachers in improving teaching methods. The standard- REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS A- 13 ized testing program was expanded and improved. The pupil-teacher load in urban elementary schools was reduced from 42 to 36 during the year with the addition of some teachers. Since elementary teachers include the larger percentage not possess- ing academic degrees, they were the largest group taking advantage of the Hampton Institute summer school. Several teachers also enrolled in the new branches of Catholic University of Puerto Rico, offering- college level courses in the Catholic high schools of the islands. Secondary schools.—Overcrowding at Charlotte Amalie High School is the most serious problem in the secondary schools. This can be relieved only by an expanded building program. The develop- ment of a more unified curriculum for the public high schools of the islands has been a major project of the year. Meetings of the princi- pals and department heads have been held for the purpose of de- veloping curriculum materials, course outlines and study guides. Due to continued demand, the Claude O. Markoe School at Fred- eriksted was given 11th and 12th grades, though there were only two graduating seniors in 1960. Approximately 25 are expected in next year's senior class. Vocational services.—A course in practical nursing affiliated with the Knud Hansen Memorial Hospital was added in St. Thomas. The first class will complete the 1-year course on September 6, 1960. Masonry courses were added in St. Thomas and St. Croix. Voca- tional-agricultural classes cleared more land for class projects and, assisted by other trades classes, built a poultry house at Christiansted High School and completed two successful projects in poultry raising. There were 110 cases in referral status in the Virgin Islands during 1959-60 in vocational rehabilitation. Ninety-nine of these cases re- ceived some type of rehabilitation service and 42 cases were placed in employment suitable to their physical conditions. Plans are underway for a sheltered workshop in St. Croix where small manufacturing or handiwork can be carried on by the severely handicapped who cannot be readily absorbed into competitive labor market. Teachers employed in public schools, Virgin Islands {inclttding vocational and kindergarten programs ) Tear Total 1955-56 215 1956-57 207 1957-58 214 1958-59 228 1959-60 242 575792—61- 14 -f REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS Expenditures by years (1955-60, inclusive) , Virgin Islands Year Total 1955-56 $1, 180. 397. 94 195&-57 1, 107, 254. 32 1957-58 1, 286, 009. 36 1958-59 1, 540, 727. 21 1959-60 2, 049, 619. 15 Average cost per pupil (1955-60, inclusive). Virgin Islands Year Total 1955-56 $141.00 1956-57 137.30 1957-58 151.84 1958-59 216.97 1959-60 266.00 Average mmithly salaries of teachers accwding to certification, and assignments, Virffin Islands, 1959-60 Certification and assignments per month Master's degree $392. 28 College 4-year 322. 50 College 3-year 291. 67 College 2-year 243. 75 College 1-year 198. 33 Senior high school graduate 174. 79 Special service 281. 87 Special class A .342.91 Second-class teachers 175.00 Elementary and kindergarten teachers 261.52 High school teachers 333.15 Supervisors 481. 66 Average salary per teacher 287.92 Average annual salary per teacher by years. Virgin Islands Year Salary 1955-56 $2, 821. 32 1956-57 3. 075. 48 1957-58 3, 167. 76 1958-59 3, 514. 08 1959-60 3, 455. 04 REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS -^ 15 Miscellaneous data 16 > REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS Total obligations and expenditures General fund 1. 858, 806. 89 Federal funds 190, 812. 26 Total ^' 049, 619. 15 Expenditures per pupil exclusive of adult education, lunch pro- gram, and community services 226. 00 Average daily participation in school lunch program 1959-60 5, 497 Total number of meals served 974,251 Department of Finance For the fifth consecutive fiscal year, revenues and receipts collected during the fiscal year I960 continue to be the highest in the history of the territory. As of June 30, 1960, the balance of cash in the Treasury of the Virgin Islands amounted to $10,460,134.25 distributed as follows General fund $1, 827, 324. 18 Federal appropriation matching single i(i) fiuid 2,774,422.35 Federal appropriation essential public projects double i ( ii ) fund__ 2, 171, 004. 42 Special fund 1, 549, 349. 50 Enterprise and i-evolving fund 659, 879. 27 Agency fund 37, 639. 81 Trust and legacy fund 543, 819. 76 Special deposits fund 876, 130. 19 Payroll fund 20, 564. 77 Total 10, 460, 134. 25 The General Fund At the close of the fiscal year, the general fund, the principal operat- ing fund of the Government, shoAved a cash surplus of $747,007.85 over known obligations of $1,090,316.33. This is the fourth consecu- tive year that there has been sufficient money in the general fund to finance operations of the Govermnent at the beginning of the fiscal year without recourse to deficit financing. Cash balances in the Federal appropriation matching single i(i) fluid and the Federal appropriation essential public projects double i (ii) fund, as well as the various other special and nonbudgetary funds, also showed surpluses. The high level of income reached in Govern- ment during the fiscal years 1957, 1958, and 1959, was not only main- tained, but was again surpassed in fiscal year 1960. During the fiscal year, general fund revenues collected amounted to $7,251,867.94, an increase of $2,027,290.10 or 38.80 percent over similar collections in fiscal year 1959. REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS ^ 17 Principal sources of revenues and receipts were (a) taxes, (b) cus- tom duties, (c) income from govermnent operations and services, (d) miscellaneous government receipts, and (e) the Federal Government's matching fund contributions. Of the total amount of $7,251,867.94 collected as revenues and receipts, taxes accounted for $6,485,695.96 or 89 percent; miscellaneous revenues and receipts for $371,027.28, or 5 percent; and government services or operations for $395,144.70, or 6 percent. Of the total amomit of $6,485,695.96 collected for taxes, the income tax amounted to $4,329,017.86, or 66.74 percent; taxes on business, either direct or indirect, $1,273,942.10 or 19.65 percent; custom duties $487,000 or 7.51 percent; real property taxes $372,724.81 or 5.75 per- cent; and inheritance taxes $23,011.19 or 0.35 percent. Road Fund This fund was established in 1957 by legislative enactment which provided that all taxes upon the sale of gasoline and all fines imposed by the courts for violation of traffic laws should be deposited therein. During the fiscal year, revenues collected and deposited into the road fmid amounted to $222,666.18, an increase of $56,532.48 or 34.02 per- cent over that of fiscal year 1959. Of this amount, $207,151.09 repre- sented collections from taxes on the sale of gasoline, and $15,515.09 from the collection of fines imposed for violation of traffic laws. In addition to the amount of $222,666.18 collected as revenues for deposit to the road fund, the amount of $180,000 representing a contribution from the general fund was also deposited into this fund. Federal Matching Funds Contributions by the Federal Government of matching funds for the fiscal year, based on fiscal year 1959 net revenues as certified by the Government Compti'oller of the Virgin Islands, amounted to $4,917,952.15, an increase of $1,045,086.99, or 26.98 percent, over match- nig funds received during the previous fiscal year. Revenues collected during fiscal year 1960, on which the net rev- enues as certified to by the Comptroller are based, amomited to $7,080,- 946.52. Of this amount, $6,856,723.24 represented revenues applicable to the general fund, $222,666.18 represents collections of revenues applicable to the road fund, and $1,557.10 represents collections of revenues for deposit to the law library and the game and wildlife funds. Federal Contributions During the fiscal year, the Federal Government's contributions to grant-in-aid programs, and other programs amounted $839,243.29, an 18 > REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS increase of $108,733.04, or 14.88 percent, over the previous fiscal year. In addition to these regular grants, the Federal Government also con- tributed the amount of $951,298.79 towards improvement of the Alex- ander Hamilton Airport on St. Croix, V.I. Government Expenditures Of the total amount of $9,998,487.99 expended by the Government for its operations, $7,276,747.11 was expended from the general fund, and $2,721,740.88 from the Federal appropriation single i (i) matching fund. The amount of $3,341,795.37 was also expended from the Fed- eral appropriation essential public projects double i (ii) fund. Of the total amount of $13,340,283.36 expended, $9,319,874.66 or 69.86 percent was spent for operating expenses, and $4,020,408.70 or 30.14 percent for general expenses. Of the $9,319,874.66 operating expenses, $2,096,588.54 or 22.49 percent was expended for health serv- ices; $1,859,452.82 or 19.95 percent for education; $2,189,010.75 or 23.48 percent for public works; $554,265.32 or 5.94 percent for public safety; $550,434.99 or 5.90 percent for welfare services; $192,055.40 or 2.06 percent for legislature ; $227,682.37 or 2.44 percent for tourism and trade; $1,650,384.47 or 17.74 percent for other administrative and executive agencies of the Governuient. Expenditures from the special and nonbudgetary funds of the Government during the fiscal year 1960 amounted to $3,737,460.52. Disbursements from the payroll and special deposits fund during the fiscal year 1960 amounted to $7,643,894.03. On June 30, 1960, there were unliquidated obligations outstanding (obligations incurred during the fiscal year 1960 to be liquidated during fiscal year 1961) totaling $1,880,801.53 and distributed as follows General fund $847, 232. 55 Federal appropriation matching single i(i) fund 369,447.14 Federal appropriation essential public projects double i(ii) fund-- 469, 814. 72 Special fund 187, 691. 42 Enterprise and revolving fund 6,615.70 Total 1, 880, 801. 53 Department's Operations, Programs, and Policies Improvements and progress continued in the functioning of the Department, as a whole, during the fiscal year 1960, despite the draw- backs of inadequate space and high rate of personnel turnover. The electronic data processing equipment installed during the latter part of fiscal year 1959 is now in full operation, and has contributed greatly to the efficiency of the Department. Its operations now cover REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS 4- 19 the drawing of checks for all payrolls and general disbursements; maintenance of all Treasury bank accounts and disbursing records, as well as payrolls and social security records. Plans are being carried out progressively to expand its operations until all accounting and financial functions of the Department are on a mechanized basis. Due to excessive turnover in personnel and difficulty in recruitment of replacements in the internal Audit Section, the activities of this section were of necessity restricted to routine and limited audits. Special attention continues to be given to deficiencies reported in the audit reports of both the Comptroller of the Virgin Islands and the Comptroller General of the United States. Insofar as is possible they have been corrected and recommendations made therein carried out. As a result of studies made of the accounting system, it is planned during the fiscal year 1961 to mechanize and centralize as much of the accounting functions of the Government as may be possible within the Department of Finance. Expenditures for operating the Department of Finance were Office of the Gommissioner $64,544.76 Division of Accounting 71,055.58 Division of Treasury 110,554.12 Division of Tax 87,543.13 Internal Audit Section 18,240.73 Total finance 351, 938. 32 Alcohol Control Board 122. 05 Banting Board 10, 186.33 Grand total 362, 246. 70 20 REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS 'ft REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS > 21 Department of Health The organizational setup of the Department of Heahh wherein there is true integration of medical care, hospital services, and public health services, made possible because of the size of the Department, continues in force, and continues to draw favorable comments from Public Health authorities. The completion during this past year of the cost analysis studies has opened the way for many long needed improvements and changes in operation. For the first time it is now possible with a fair degree of accuracy to determine the cost of the various services within the hospitals and related fields. As an outgrowth of this cost analysis, steps must soon be taken to overhaul completely the fee schedules, in order to bring them into more realistic relationship with the actual cost of giving the services involved. Definite, even though limited, progress has been made in many areas during this year. These include the extension of the diagnostic facilities, especially in those areas where such diseases are of statistical importance, extension of followup in diabetes, evaluation and exten- sion of the heart disease program, some attack on the problem of in- testinal parasites as it affects the islands, and prophylaxis against the communicable diseases for which such prophylaxis is available. A tremendous amount of work has been devoted to the study of the problem of providing a workable form of health insurance. This is not now available in the islands. For several days a representative of the Blue Cross of Puerto Kico met with representatives of the Health Department and of the Virgin Islands Medical Society. As a result of these discussions, and a realization of the problems in- volved, the need for some kind of health insurance continues to be made clear. Additional impetus is given to this program in view of the fact that the Federal Government, beginning July 1, 1960, has made available to its employees some form of health insurance plan. It is expected that in the very near future the details of a working plan will have been preliminarily worked out. Boards and Commissions The year just ended represented the first complete year of operation of the various boards and commissions as separate entities under the office of the Commissioner of Health. For most of these boards estab- lishment of rules and regulations and methods of procedure was ac- complished. The Board of Medical Examiners examined eight candi- dates, seven of whom passed satisfactorily. The Board of Nurses Registration and Nursing Education issued 15 licenses, 13 to regis- 22 -f REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS tered professional nurses and 2 to practical nurses. The Board of Dental Examiners and the Board of Pharmacy issued no licenses. The Board of Veterinary Examiners issued one temporary license. Bureau of Vital Records and Statistical Services During the calendar year 1959, there were 1,108 live births in the Virgin Islands, second only to 1958 when 1,180 live births were recorded. The general birth rate was 34.6 per 1,000 estimated popula- tion against 36.1 in 1958. The decrease in tlie birth rate is due to the decrease in the number of live births in St. Thomas from (517 and a rate of 3T.6 in 1958 to 592 and a rate of 35.2 in 1959. In St. Croix there was slight change, from 491 live births and a rate of 35 in 1958 to 495 and a rate of 34.6 in 1959. Of 21 live births to St. John mothers, IT occurred in St. Thomas. For St. Jolm the figiires were 21 live births and a rate of 24.7 compared with 22 live births and a rate of 26.2 in 1958. A total of 95.8 percent of all live births occurred in hosi)itals. During 1959 there was a decrease in the number of deaths and death rate compared with 1958. The figures were 322 deaths and a death rat« of 10.1 per 1,000 estimated population against 342 deatlis and a rate of 10.9 in 1958. The most striking feature in (liis picture is the marked decrease in the general mortality and the infant mortality rate in St. Croix. The picture in St. Thomas was not so bright, there being an increase in both general and infant mortality figures. In St. Croix there were 143 deaths and a death rate of 10 per 1,000 estimated population, a marked decrease from 182 deaths and a death rate of 13 in 1958. In St. Thomas there was an increase to 169 deaths and a rate of 10 over 151 deaths and a rate of 9.2 in 1958. For St. John the figTires were 10 deaths and a rate of 11.8 in 1959 against 9 deaths and a rate of 10.7 in 1958. For the Virgin Islands as a whole 46.0 percent of all deaths were of persons 65 years old and over. Corresponding figures for St. Croix and St. Thomas were 61.8 and 41,4 percent, respectively. There was a marked decrease of deaths in the age group 65 to 74 years, but no appreciable change in the overall picture for the other groups except the group under 1 year in which there was a marked decrease in St. Croix and an increase in St. Thomas. The leading cause of death was the usual one—diseases of the heart. The age distribution and leading causes of deaths are as follows REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS 23 Number 24 -f REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS deaths with a rate of 4.5 per 1,000 live births. St. Croix accounted for 3 and St. Thomas for 2 of these deaths. There Avas a decrease in marriages and a slight increase in divorces during the year, marriages having decreased from 330 in 1958 to 302 in 1959, and divorces having increased from 132 in 1958 to 138 in 1959. Of marriages dissolved, 44.2 percent had been performed in the Virgin Islands. Bureau of Maternal and Child Health and Crippled Children's Services These programs cover inpatient and outpatient care and adminis- trative services to maternity patients, their infants, and children up to the age of 21, Under the maternal and child health programs es- sential health services were given to maternity patients. These serv- ices included consultation, diagnosis, treatment and followup care in clinics organized to provide antepartum and postpartum services with a physician in attendance. Infants and preschool children were given medical care in well- child conferences, general pediatrics, specialized clinics and public health district clinics. School-age children were given health exami- nations, followup care, dental treatment, fluoride applications and im- munizations against communicable diseases. Although not completed, a review of prenatal records over a 6-month period indicated that the largest number of expectant mothers in St. Croix had hemoglobins between 66 and 70 percent, while most expectant mothers in St. Thomas had hemoglobins over 75 percent. Services were increased in th& crippled children's programs. Re- ferrals and followup services were greatly improved, especially in cases recommended for medical care which was not available in the islands. Twenty-two children were sent to Puerto Rico and the United States for medical care. Many patients were sent to the cancer hospital in Puerto Rico for X-ray therapy and other treatments which could not be obtained locally. Bureau of Business Management For the first time, the Department of Health was able to submit its overall budget on a scientific basis utilizing the program method par- tially. Cost analysis, so vital in the running of any large department, was completed for the first time, making it possible to determine ac- curately the cost of the several services being rendered. A frontal attack was made on one of the conditions that has plagued the Depart- ment for many years, namely that of procuring supplies especially in regard to avoiding critical shortages and eliminating or decreasing the delay between the time the order is placed and the supplies are deliv- REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS ^ 25 ered. Central storerooms were established both in St. Croix and St. Thomas. Bids were invited for 90 percent of the needs of the Depart- ment, and 95 percent of open market purchases were covered by pur- chase orders. A brief schedule of operating costs follows Office of the Commissioner $195, 190. 00 Division of Hospitals and Medical Services 1,424,875.98 Division of Public Health Services 244, 973. 00 Insular contributions to formula grants 100,000.00 Division of Veterinary Services 40, 163. 00 Nursing scholarships 18, 900. 00 Total 2, 024, 101. 98 Division of Hospitals and Medical Services At the beginning of the year, problems which beset the Division were many and severe. From the point of view of the physical plant, conditions were bad as there had been no maintenance availa- ble during the previous life of the facilities. From the point of view of personnel there were inadequacies both in numbers and in assignments. To correct these conditions as quickly as possible, a crash program of renovation of the facilities was initiated throughout the hospitals. Repairing of walls which had been badly cracked, repairing and painting of exteriors, refurbishing of rooms, landscaping, provision for increased parking, securing of needed beds and chairs, and air- conditioning of vital centers were accomplished. Major improve- ments were undertaken including the obtaining of modern adequate X-ray facilities for the Ivnud-Hansen Memorial Hospital, addition- al morgue refrigerator capacity for this hospital, increased cold stor- age in both the hospitals in Christiansted and in St. Thomas. A contract has been awarded to build an outpatient annex to the Charles Harwood Hospital in St. Croix. This amiex, to be financed jointly by a grant of Federal Hill-Burton funds and local funds, will relieve the present hospital facilities of all of its outpatient clinic load and will provide adequate office space for each physician, more adequate examining space for all clinic patients, adequate laboratory facilities, conference rooms, and proper business facilities. Another noteworthy accomplishment was the obtaining of a 100- kilowatt electric standby generator for the Charles Harwood Hospi- tal in St, Croix. This hospital has been without electric standby power, creatuig untenable situations in cases of power failure. This standby plant is designed to carry the present and foreseeable future loads of the entire Charles Harwood Hospital, making unnecessary any restriction in the use of current in the event of power failure. 26 ^ REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS A basic decision, namely that the time had arrived for the institu- tion of a new program of resident house physicians, was made this year. The purpose is to provide jJ4-hour coverage on an outpatient basis 7 days a week and complete on-the-spot coverage for all patients in the hospital. This program began with the employment of two physicians in St. Thomas and, at a later date, two physicians for the Charles Har- wood Hospital in St. Croix. It was met with enthusiastic acce])tance. Undoubtedly it has been the most acceptable program ever under- taken by the Department of Health. At the present time, there are three house physicians on the staff of each of the main institutions. One of the top priority goals for the new year is to provide comforta- ble and adequate living facilities for these physicians. There has also been serious consideration of steps to be taken to provide relief fi'om the shortage of l)eds at the Knud-Hansen Me- morial Hospital in St. Thomtus. A redistribution of beds based on present needs and more modern and rapid means of treating patients is being undertaken. Study of a proj)()sed addition to this hospital is also in progi^ess. The Department of Health worked closely with the Department of Education in getting a practical nurses training program started. This program culminated in capping of the class of practical nurses during June, and it is hoped that by the end of this summer 11 practi- cal nurses will be available to work in tlie Department of Health in St. Thomas. In St. John the practice of examining each school child was con- tinued and each defect found was followed up at the clinic. Mass immunizations of all children with Salk vaccine was completed. Minor procedures which formerly necessitated sending patients to St. Thomas are uoav being handled adecjuately and promptly on the spot, with improvement in the morale of both patients and hospital personnel. Both the Charles Harwood Hospital and the P'rederiksted clinic in St. Croix underwent facelifting during the year. As in St. Thomas, these buildings were sadly in need of maintenance, includ- ing patching leaks, filling cracks, repairing windows, and refurbish- ing waJls. The medical staff in St. Croix has been relatively stable. The home- care program, previously begun in St. Thomas, was extended to St. Croix and promises to become a worthwhile addition to the services rendered. With the addition of the X-ray unit to the Frederiksted clinic. X-ray services rendered to the island of St. Croix should be improved considerably. REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS > 27 Hospital statistics—Vircfin Islands Charlotte Amalie Christian- sted Frederik- sted Herbert Orlgg Home Number of beds Number of bassinets Maximum occupancy Minimum occupancy Average occupancy Number of physicians Number of graduate nurses Number of practical nurses Number of nurses aides Total number of employees Births in hospital Births out of hospital Stillbirths Deaths in hospital Deaths out of hospital Admissions to hospital Sick days in hospital Clinic visits. Major surgical cases. Minor surgical cases Number of blood transfusions Number of X-ray examinations Number of laboratory examinations. 125 20 127 73 12 14 17 41 180 627 9 15 84 63 2,878 40,631 25, 654 263 279 440 3,722 41, 155 60 10 66 28 49 6 23 8 22 143 347 24 22 62 25 1,976 17, 929 14, 323 189 1,959 133 2,497 33,428 12 4 20 5 12 3 7 4 4 38 118 16 2 21 4 592 4,891 7,923 120 119 108 114 44 41, 630 27 ' Part time. Division of Public Health Services In general, health conditions in the Virgin Islands have continued to show improvement. There have been several small epidemics, in- cluding one of Asian iiiflneiiza, chiclceiipox, German measles and mumps. One case of typhoid occurred in a person who had visited a foreign island. During the year an intensive immunization program aimed at im- munizing the entire school population against poliomyelitis was under- taken. Timing of the program and pushing it through to completion were fortunate in view of the moderately serious outbreak of this disease in a neighboring island. There were no cases reported in the Virgin Islands during the year. On May 8, 1960, a torrential downpour in St. Thomas inundated large sections of the town, caused great property damage, rendered many people homeless, and laid the groundwork for an outbreak of enteric diseases. Immediately after the flood, the hospital facilities functioned as emergency stations providing hot meals to those in need. Anticipating the possibility of an outbreak of enteric diseases, clinics w'ere set up and over 2,160 injections were administered. No cases of enteric diseases were reported as a result of the flood. Immunization services for children about to enter school have been offered, but community response has not been satisfactory. A cardiac clinic for adults and a separate one for children were placed in opera- tion with a gradually increasing caseload. Many of the children in the cardiac clinic were referrals from the school health examination 28 -f REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS program. As a result of these examinations, case histories of six children were reviewed by the cardiac clinic of Johns Hopkins Hos- pital and arrangements made for the referral of two most urgent cases for further examination and surgery. Twenty-six deaths were reported due to cancer. Most of the cases reported were found to be advanced at the time of the diagnosis. Ef- forts are still being made to secure the services of a resident pathologist to expedite the diagnosis of cancer. Tuberculosis cases in residents continue to be few. Bureau of Dental Services In this Bureau a program is well underway to increase the per- centage of preventive dentistry practice, thus securing a decrease in the number of extractions. In order to achieve this goal it is necessary to perform more examinations, especially in the schools and clinics, in order to detect dental conditions before they have progressed to the point where extraction is necessary. A topical fluoride application clinic was activated. Regular clinics were initiated iii St. John which have improved vastly the dental services rendered in that island. The condition of dental health in the Virgin Islands in general, particu- larly that of school children, has been a matter of concern for a long time, and this area represents one in which continued attention needs to be directed. Bureau of Mental Health In general, the past fiscal year has been one of improvement in the services rendered by this Bureau. The special education consultant has been producing good results in handling individual children with learning problems. A new project was the introduction of a 6-week group therapy program for the patients hospitalized in the neuro- psychiatric ward of the Knud-Hansen Memorial Hospital. Plans have been made to conduct a special case finding clinic in the island of St. John. Bureau of Environmental Sanitation Sanitary facilities installed in properties in the three principal towns, Charlotte Amalie, Christiansted, and Frederiksted, are as follows REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS 29 In Charlotte Amalie only 45 percent of properties are connected to the public sewer system, in Christian steel 31.3 percent, and in Frederiksted 40.5 percent. A comparison of the three towns is as follows Sanitarv 30 ^ REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS Construction commenced during the year on an intercepter sewer and outfall to take the lees from the distillery and sewage from Chris- tiansted harbor across the reef into deep water. It is estimated that the outfall wdll be completed and put into operation in 1061. All domestic and industrial sewage will then be removed from Christian- sted harbor. Bureau of Laboratories Lack of adequate space is one of the main problems confronting the laboratories in both hospitals, but it is gradually being solved. In St. Thomas, the renovation of a building located in the area formerly occupied by the Mmiicipal Hospital commenced, and the new amiex to the Charles Harwood Memorial Hospital will provide new and adequate laboratory space. A total of 87,758 tests were performed in the three laboratories during the year. In the blood bank section several new procedures and precautionary measures were instituted. The bacteriology section reported 2,496 specimens submitted and 4,255 examinations performed. In the venereal section, 7,126 blood speci- mens and 20 spinal fluid specimens were submitted for examination. Bureau of Public Health Nursing In keeping with the principle of providing as much training as possible, several nurses attended an Institute on Principles of Epi- demiology and a Workshop on Communication Skills, both held lo- cally ; one staff nurse had a 2-weeks' course in venereal disease control at the John INIahony Training Center in New York; the consultant nurse for children's services attended an institute on the use of pros- thesis in Puerto Rico ; and the Director and one staff nurse attended a workshop on the health of school age children at Chapel Hill, N.C. With a population of preschool children estimated at 4,000, every effort is being made to render services through the well-child clinic. Here examinations are performed, immunizations are given and sick children are referred to the regular pediatric clinics. During the year typhoid vaccine was offered on a mass basis in St. Thomas and St. John. The incidence of venereal diseases in the Virgin Islands is not now considered a major problem, and it appears that the major danger in this area is in the importation of these diseases. Accord- ingly, steps have been taken to examine immigrant labor in order to preA^ent a marked upswing in the incidence of these diseases. Division of Veterinary Medicine A modified tick eradication program for St. Croix was put into effect during the preceding year. It was expected that within a year all the vats in which beef cattle were being dipped would be changed REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS ^ 31 over to toxophine. It was discovered, however, that spraying of cat- tle and other animals would have to augment the dipping program if the cattle tick is to be eradicated. The cost of such a spraying pro- gram would be beyond the extent of local funds and an application for aid for such a program was presented to the U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare. During the year 1,046 cattle were retested for brucellosis and only four reactors were found. , These were destroyed. Following the importation of cattle from the United States, an epizootic of infec- tious keratitis broke out in a herd in St. Croix but was kept under control and cleared up within 60 days. This is the fourth year a hog cholera eradication program has been in effect on St. Thomas and St. John, and no outbreak was reported. For the first time Newcastle's disease was found in a flock of 100 chickens in St. Croix, but they were all destroyed in an effort to eradi- cate the disease from the island. There is no rabies on any of the islands. In the meat inspection activity, the present physical plant and equipment in St. Thomas are obsolete and inadequate. However, a new boiler was installed to produce the necessary hot water for a clean and sanitary operation. Extensive work was done on floors, floor drains, doors and screens of the St. Thomas abattoir. A total of 1,940 animals were slaughtered at the abattoir. In St. Croix, until the pro- posed new abattoir is completed slaughtering must be carried out in pens, long out-dated and obsolete. Under these conditions it is im- possible to produce sanitary meat, and any present meat inspection program is only a stopgap measure. 32 REPORT OF THE GOVERMOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS Statement of appropriations and/or allocutions, Virgin Islands Department of Health, fiscal period July 1, 1959-June SO, 1960 Source Appro- priations and/or alloca- tions Percent- age of anpro- priations and/or alloca- tions Obligated and/or expended Balance Percent age of obliga- tions and/or expend- itures Matching re- quirements General fund Internal revenues Maternal and child health, fund A... Maternal and child health, fund B..^ Crippled Children's Service, fund A. Crippled Children's Service, fund B_-_ General health Venereal disease Tuberculosis control Mental health Heart disease control Cancer control Private contributions (T) Private contributions (C) Water pollution Venereal disease, matching Tuberculosis control, matching Mental health, matching Heart disease control, matching Cancer control, matching General health, matching Maternal and child health, matching.. Crippled Children's Service, matching Water pollution, matching Hosi)ital construction CC Service A, congenital heart disease CC Service B, congenital heart disease Home-care program, matching Medical practice fund $519, 783 1, 682, 239 61, 927 31, 807 61,040 25, 688 7,814 7,020 8,358 23, 750 4,466 850 21.081 2,271 4,918 6.930 7,823 20, 669 3,215 1,051 11,851 32, 088 3,190 2,718 199, 989 139 2,500 10,464 8,572 0. 1874 . 6064 .0223 .0115 . 0220 .0093 .0028 .0025 . 0030 .0086 .0016 . 0003 .0076 .0008 .0018 .0025 .0028 .0075 .0012 .0004 .0043 .0116 .0011 .0010 .0721 .0001 . 0009 .0038 .0031 $477, 594 1, 619, 537 61, 807 31,807 60, 994 25, 676 7,813 7,015 8,358 23, 749 4.465 847 10, 462 990 4,918 5, 252 7,381 16, 892 3, 177 1,042 11,779 31,560 3,190 $42, 189 62, 702 120 0.3151 .4683 .0009 .0003 .0001 1 1 3 10, 619 1,281 $1 State for $1 Federal. None. $1 State for $1 Federal. None. $1 State for $1 Federal. Do. Do. Do. Do. Do. .0793 .0096 1,648 542 3,777 38 9 72 528 .0123 .0040 .0282 .0003 .0001 . 0005 .0039 199, 989 139 2,500 10, 464 1,334 2,718 .0203 7,238 2, 774, 211 100 2,640,659 133, 552 SUMMARY OF OPERATIONAL COST Gross operational cost $2,640,659.00 Less a,ssets: Cash— medical care $75,942 Cash— veterinary services and services of environmental sanita- tion 1,030 $76, 972 Accounts receivable 300, 617 Less amounts charged against programs, medical indigents and bad debts 218,463 82,154 159,126.00 Net operational cost 2,481,533.00 Per capita gross.- $88.02 Per capita net 82.72 REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS 33 Virgin Islands Department of Health hospital services, July 1, 1959-June 30, 1960 Section and/or .service 34 -f REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS tions as to the allotment of land to applicants who already owned land as well as proper utilization of land allotted and interpretative poli- cies of the former Land Authority were raised. During the 1960 regular session of the legislature, sweeping amendments to the Home- stead law were reconnnended by the Governor and adopted. With the ambiguities and loopholes in the law now corrected, the Division has been able to carry on its work in a normal fashion. The operation of rent control has also been a difficult job. The con- stitutionality of the law, as well as the poAver of the Commissioner to fix maximum rent ceilings, was questioned before the courts. The District Court found in favor of the Government. However, it is the view of the Government that the Rent Control law, which was enacted in 1947 and is outmoded and outdated, is badly in need of revision. Recommendations for basic changes which would be equitable to both landlords and tenants were made to the legislature but were not adopted. In the field of Price Control, comparative lists of food items were published in the local papers to stinmlate thoughtful shopping by con- sumers. A task force on foodstuffs was in operation and created con- siderable interest in better food ])rices. Although ])rices of foodstuffs have shown no appreciable decrease, the spiraling tendency which was evident during the previous year has been noticeably checked. Property Division This Division was activated in January 19(i() and a Dii'ector aj)- pointed at that time. Since its activation, it has been concerned with the establishment of standard accounting procedures. The Division is at work on a Property Manual and on arrangements for conducting physical inventories of all departments and agencies of the Govern- ment to be commenced early in the new fiscal year as soon as new and modern procedures have been foi-malized. The Government's Printing Office has operated to capacity. A linotype machine was installed and a new automatic press has been ordered for installation. Real property in the St. Thomas business and waterfront section was purchased for $'219,500 with a view to development, when funds are available, of a government center for all government administra- tive offices to replace offices now scattered in various parts of the island of St. Thomas. Operating expenses of the Department of Property and Procure- ment were as follows REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS ^ 35 Office of the Commissioner - $44,229.40 Division of Procurement and Supply 80, 137. 87 Land Division 49, 050. 89 Property Division 50, 372. 63 Total 223, 790. 79 Virgin Islands Housing and Urban Renewal Authority The Housing Authority, was engaged in the management of five developments in the islands of St. Thomas and St. Croix. The total number of apartments in this management program was 460, until a sixth project in Frederiksted was completed and occupied in the last month of the year. The 70 units in this project increased the total management program to 530 apartments. The average contract rent was $21.40 although more than 50 per- cent of the tenants are paying less than $15 per month, particularly in St. Croix where the average rent is lower than on St. Thomas. Because of the relatively low income from tenant families, the local public housing program is dependent upon Federal contributions which amounted during the year to about $2 for each $1 derived from rentals. The Federal Government, therefore, is contributing two- thirds or more of the cost of public housing in the islands. Delin- quency in rent payments continues to be serious. Turnover in public housing is low and the waiting list of appli- cants is always increasing. Progress in the construction of a large new housing project on St. Thomas has been far from satisfactory. Steps have been taken to bring this matter to the attention of the contractor and corrective action has been promised. The long and unnecessary delay experi- enced in connection with the development of this project has been costly to the Authority and to the Government. The Authority is preparing to execute a contract for the construc- tion of a new 264-miit project at Christiansted, St. Croix, and it is expected that actual construction will begin by the latter part of August. Under Urban Renewal the Authority has obtained approval for three applications for planning assistance covering projects in all three cities of the islands. A contract has been awarded for technical assistance necessary in connection with this program. The areas to be studied to determine the feasibility of undertaking Urban Re- newal projects are the Barracks Yard in Charlotte Amalie,, the Water Gut area in Christiansted, and the Lagoon Street area in Frederiksted. 36 > REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS The financial statement of the Authority for the year shows Operating expenses of all projects $104, 424. 85 Interest and reduction of principal 213, 888. 06 Total exi>enses 318, 312. 91 Income from rent charges paid by tenants 104,424.85 Deficit 213. 888. 06 P>deral contribution 213, 888. 06 Department of Public Safety The continuing growth of the Virgin Ishmds is increasing the workload of the Department of Public Safety. To meet this demand 4 policemen and 1 ])olice sergeant for St. Croix, 2 firemen for St, Thomas, 3 firemen for St. Croix, 4 additional penitentiary guards, and 10 additional policemen for St. Thomas were authorized by the legislature. Eadio-equipped liighway patrol station wagons were re- ceived, 3 for St. Thomas and 3 for St. Croix. On October 1, the use of uniform traffic tickets was commenced. Instructors from the American Bar Association conducted classes for members of the police division in the use of the uniform traffic ticket. At the beginning of the licensing period for motor vehicles, new types of license plates were introduced distinctly designating Gov- ernment vehicles, private vehicles, and vehicles for hire. In the Fire Division, the ranks of corporal and sergeant were created and promotions were made from the ranks of firemen, which has boosted efficiency and morale. With the appointment of a new Commissioner in August 1959, the work of the Department was stepped up and, by the end of the fiscal year, improvement had been noted throughout the Department. How- ever, there is still much improvement needed before the Department can render the type of services required of it. Bureau of Criminal Investigation In addition to investigating major crimes and processing them before the courts, the Bureau continued its routine work of finger- printing and photographing criminals, investigating employees for employment in various branches of the Government, and handling alien requests for good-conduct reports. Patrol Bureau Additional policemen in St, Thomas were added to the patrol bureau and the traffic bureau. In the city of Charlotte Amalie, better REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS -f 37 coverage was possible at niglit and many crimes were prevented by the presence of the patrohiien and the discovery of business places that had negligently been left unlocked. Weekly classes were con- ducted at night during the year for all members of the Police Divi- sion. These classes were very well attended. Communications A small two-story concrete-block house was constructed near a moun- taintop overlooking Charlotte Amalie, and radio relay equipment is in the process of being installed. Upon the completion of this installa- tion, it will be possible for all police headquarters—Cruz Bay, St. John; Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas; and Christiansted and Frederiksted, St. Croix—to talk directly to each other, and for police vehicles on each island to contact any other vehicle or headquarters. Plans are underway for the installation of standby electric gen- erators at each of the four police headquarters so that in the event of any electric power outage caused by natural or manmade disaster radio equipment will continue to operate. Trajfic Bureau In St. Thomas it was possible to assign 14 men solely to highway patroling and enforcement of traffic regulations. There were 11 deaths in the islands caused by motor vehicles dur- ing the previous fiscal year. The campaign to promote safety on the highways was intensified. As a result, the number of deaths was reduced to 5. During the previous year approximately 800 traffic tickets were issued as compared with 1,775 traffic complaints brought before the court this year. Law Enforcement The following figures show the activities of the Police Division as compared with the previous fiscal year 195S-59 1959-60 Criminal cases reported—all Virgin Islands 1, 271 2, 674 (a) Handled by foot patrol bureaus: St. Thomas-St. John 349 321 St. Croix 534 177 (b) Handled by Criminal Investigation Bureau 388 406 (c) Traffic violations brought to court: St. Thomas 1, 294 St. John 15 St. Croix 461 St. Thomas ^^^^^^ Money reported stolen $24, 609. 00 Money recovered 17, 624. 40 Money not recovered 6, 984. 60 38 ^ REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS Marshal service to the municipal courts was provided on an aver- age of 4 days per week Documents served Criminal summons 6, 459 Civil summons !> 690 Writs of execution 225 Automobile liens 25 Total 8.399 Business inspection prior to issuing licenses 210 REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS ^ 39 to take corrective, action in time, and partly to a well-above average rainfall which reduced, the number of brush fires for the year in St. Croix. The fire losses in St. Croix amounted to $15,060 as against last year's loss of $55,805. In St. Thomas the fire losses amomited to $6,101 as compared to $9,925 for the previous year. Additional equipment was added to the Division during the year. Overall maintenance and efficiency are good. Richmond Penitentiary During the year a total of 140 inmates were admitted to the peni- tentiary in St. Croix. At the end of the fiscal year there were 30 imnates. During the year there were 239 reports of individuals being- sick and receiving treatment. The rehabilitation program contuuies to improve. A farm is oper- ated and surplus produce not needed by the penitentiai-y is distributed among other government institutions such as the schools and hospitals. The poultry and animals raised, along with the catches from the fishing }>rogram, all contribute to the diet of the inmates. Traffic signs are made by the inmates who also assist the Police Division in the placing and erecting of these signs. The recreation program includes football, basketball, and volleyball. Religious services are conducted by clergy of different denomina- tions. During the year a program was started to improve and modernize the kitchen, dining room, and bathroom facilities. Civil Defense A Deputy Commissioner of Public Safety was added to the staff this year, and he is devoting full time to Civil Defense and the reactiva- tion of the Home Guard on an insidar basis. A closer cooperation with the Office of Civil and Defense Mobilization and a closer working relationship with the officers and agencies of the States, Territories, and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico have been maintained. This organization is manned wholly by voluntary pei'sonnel, some of which, in staff positions, serve under appointment by the Governor. In cooperation with the Office of Civil and Defense Mobilization and the Department of Defense, the Virgin Islands participated in the 1960 Operation Alert. This exercise was designed to test the operational capability at local. State, and national levels. This exercise was also used to test the organizational readiness to cope with natural disasters. All levels of Government as well as the public participated. Major efforts have been directed to developing the agency's potential to meet emergencies resulting from natural causes such as hurricanes, floods, fire, and earthquakes. During the May 1960 torrential rainfall 40 ^ REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS which resulted in the flooding of St. Thomas, the Civil Defense Or- ganization functioned well. Home Guard There are about 60 members of the Home Guard in St. Thomas and reorganization is in progress in St. Croix. The members on several occasions through the year assisted the Police Division in directing traffic and during the May flood performed excellent service and rescue work. Wildlife Supervision of the wildlife program was taken over by tlie Depart- ment of Agriculture and Labor, as required by the Virgin Islands Code. The Department of Public Safety continued to assist in the issuing of hunting licenses and honorary game wardens carried out patrols to prevent violations of game and wildlife regulations. Police and Fire Commission During the year the Commission met several times and considered suspensions of membei-s of the Police Division. Penalties were ordered ranging from 1 week to 3 months suspension. Parole Board The Parole Board lield its regidar twice-a-year meetings. Appli- cants for pai'ole were heard and action was taken thereon. Several paroles were recommended and forwarded to the Governor for approval. The members of the Board also assisted the Commissioner of Public Safety in planning a program for improvement of the grounds and buildings at Eichmond Penitentiary. Appropriations A total of $560,972 was appropriated for the Department of Public Safety. Actual obligations were as follows Commissioner's Office $31, 017. 69 Police and Prison Division 401,381.88 Fire Division 116, 730. 64 Police and Fire Commission 109. 80 Parole Board 192. 30 Home Guard 1, 267. .54 Civil Defense 2, 618. 55 Total 553, 318. 40 REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS ^ 41 Department of Public Works General The sum of $1,543,804.82 was obligated for the routine functions of the Department of Public Works in St. Thomas, St. Croix, and St John, including maintenance of highways, streets and roads, garbage and refuse collection and removal service, operation of the sewer and salt water systems, the potable water system, the nightsoil removal service, maintenance of public buildings and structures, operation of the Harbor Division and the Alexander Hamilton Airport. The sum of $816,732.99 was obligated for the construction of essen- tial public projects under the Internal Revenue fund. Water Supply, St. Thomas The serious drought which was experienced during the preceding year continued into the present year and was broken by the torrential rains, 13.25 inches, which caused the floods of May 8 and 9, 1960. As a result, the rainfall for the month of May 1960 was 20.80 inches, constituting a record since 1877. RainfaU, St. Thomas Fiscal year ended: inches June 30, 1954 37.85 June 30, 1955 41.83 June 30, 1956 53.86 June 30, 19-57 27.76 .June 30, 1958 45.48 June 30, 1959 33.47 June 30, 1960 58.43 At the beginning of the fiscal year water in storage was at a new low of only 565,800 gallons, or 3 days' supply. By careful rationing and persistent effort, it was possible to keep the public supplied with water. The situation was not finally stabilized until it was possible to enter into a contract with a shipping firm to haul water from Roosevelt Roads, P.R., to St. Thomas. The contract went into effect on Febru- ary 12, 1960, and has proved very satisfactory. This was supple- mented by the use of the Government tug Carpeake, and the loan of a Navy water barge. By the end of the year negotiations were in process with the Department of the Navy to transfer this barge per- manently to the Government of the Virgin Islands. As of May 10, 1960, there was a maximum storage of 9,058,400 gal- lons of water, or 45 days' supply. A total of 273 trips of the Gov- ernment tug, chartered vessels, and the contract supplier of potable water were made to and from Roosevelt Roads bringing into St. Thomas 67,740,800 gallons of water, an increase of 361/2 percent over 42 -f REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS water imports during the preceding fiscal year. The total cost was $269,177, or $0.99 per ton. During the fiscal year the Public Works Department pumped a total of 72,314,820 gallons of potable water, about I21/2 percent more than in the preceding fiscal year. The potable water supply system in St. Thomas continues to be operated at a loss to the Government. The cost of potable water delivered to the consumer is still more than double the amount which the law permits the Government to charge for this water. Repeated attempts by the Administration to have the selling price increased by law have failed. At the end of the fiscal year there were a total of 322 connections to the water system of St. Thomas, with a pending list of 143 appli- cants who could not be given service due to the limited supply. 5"/. Croix Even with four wells added last year at the pumping station at Estate Concordia in St. Croix, the Department was unable to pump sufficient water to meet the increasing demand. Test wells were drilled in an eil'ort to expand the system. The total water pumped from the wells at Christiansted was 27,735,928 gallons as compared with 20,054,351 gallons in the preceding year; and in Frederiksted 15,768,000 gallons as compared with 10,056,415 gallons in the preced- ing year. There were 232 connections to the potable water system in Christiansted and 139 in Frederiksted, or a total of 371 water con- nections in St. Croix. Sanitation, St. Thomas The demand on the garbage removal service in St. Thomas, espe- cially due to the increase of industry within the town limits, and con- struction of new residences in the country district, continues to be greater than existing facilities can properly handle. The garbage dump being quite a distance from the city of Charlotte Amalie causes considerable wear and tear on vehicles. The owner of the garbage dump has given notice of discontinuance of the Government lease, and plans are being made for other means of garbage disposal in the coming fiscal year. During the year, the Department collected and dumped 41,130 cubic yards of garbage. As a result of the floods of May 8 and 9, 1960, the public drains were choked full with dirt, rocks, and rubbish, and it became necessary to employ additional labor and to contract for additional equipment to remove the debris to permit the free flow of water along the storm sewers and open gutters. Plans are now being carried out in stages to provide for the eventual elimination of the nightsoil removal service. The total elimination REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS -f 43 of this method of excreta disposal will take 5 or more years because of the complication of inadequate housing conditions for the lower- income group of the population. St. Croix Here, as in St. Thomas, there is also great need for the expansion of the garbage removal service to the enlarging suburbs of both towns. The Department collected and dumped 4,763 truckloads of garbage from the Christiansted area and 2,896 truckloads from the Fred- eriksted area. Appreciable improvement will soon be noticed in the nightsoil removal service in the town of Frederiksted, where arrangements were made during the year to provide waterborne sewer systems for many properties. There has been little reduction in the nightsoil removal service at Christiansted, although under the new law mentioned above plans are in progress also for its eventual elimination. The following table reflects a picture of the sewer systems in the towns of the Virgin Islands 44 -f REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS Frederiksted, access streets to the Housing project, Frederiksted, and many roads and streets in the town of Christiansted. St. John All roads on the island of St. John which are traversed by vehicular traffic were maintained, and the followino: roads were opened to ve- hicular traffic: the road from Maho Bay to Lenster Bay, the road from John's Folly to Lameshure, the Sessman Hill-Monte Road, the Gift Hill-Monte Road. Curbs were erected along paved streets at Cruz Bay and a sea wall 175 feet long was built. Buildings and Structures, St. Thomas In addition to routine maintenance of public buildings, major reno- vations and improvements were done to the Senate Building, the District Court Building, Quarters B, and Education Administration Building. St. Croix Routine maintenance of all public buildings was carried out, and extensive repairs were made to other buildings including the Govern- ment House, the former Grammar School and the house at Estate Whim. In St. Thomas and St. John, ,378 building permitvS were issued with an estimated construction value of $5,190,527. In St. Croix 210 building permits were issued with an estimated construction value of $2,288,719. Telephone Division The Virgin Islands Telephone System, formerly owned by the Goa'- emment of the Virgin Islands, was sold to the Virgin Islands Tele- phone Corporation, a subsidiary of International Telephone & Tele- graph Corp., in October 1959. This sale was made with the aim of improving the service to meet the growing demands of the public. By the end of the fiscal year, there was already considerable improve- ment in the telephone service under private ownership due to installa- tion of additional manual telephone switchboards. The changeover to automatic dial systems should be made within the next 2 years. Harbor Division, St. Thomas During the year 109 Govermnent ships and 438 merchant vessels, with a gross tonnage of 4,036,091:, called at the port of St. Thomas. Total pilotage charges amounted to $39,183. REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS ^ 45 St. Croix Arrangements were made to dredge a portion of Cliristiansted Har- bor adjacent to tlie docking area. Eight hmidred and eighty-seven vessels with a total gross tonnage of 61,199 entered the port of Cliris- tiansted and 208 vessels with a total gross tonnage of 315,630 entered the port of Frederiksted. Airport The reconstruction of the Alexander-Hamilton Airport, including the construction of a new and modern terminal buildmg, was nearly completed by the end of the year. Plans were made and appropria- tions approved for the extension to 5,200 feet of the Harry S. Trmnan Airport runway on St. Thomas by dredging and filling the bay to the west end of the airport. Approval of the Federal Aviation Agency was being awaited at the end of the fiscal year in order to proceed with advertisement for a contract for this project. The following tables show traffic at the two airports Harry 8. Truman Airport, St. Thomas 46 -f REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS Emergency Housing, St. Thomas In order to meet the need of low-income housing facilities, an emer- gency housing program, which was started in the latter part of the fiscal year 1959 with an appropriation of $20,000, continued during the fiscal year 1960 with an additional appropriation of $144,200. During the year six prefabricated emergency houses were completed. These included three 28- by 60-foot units, each consisting of eight rooms, four baths and four kitchens. These units oifer maximum flexibility be- cause they may be used as one, two, three or four-room units, depend- ing on the room requirements to satisfy the needs of the individual or family occupant. Also completed were two 24- by 21-foot two-bedroom units and one 24- by 30-foot three-bedroom unit. The above units were constructed with a combined water storage capacity of 48,000 gallons. These buildings are serviced by potable water, and salt water for flushing, and are made of a Durotex prefabricated material. A total of $144,604.90 was obligated as of June 30, 1960, for the homes. Essential Public Works Projects The essential public works projects in St. Thomas with the use of Federal matching funds included cleaning and repairing interior and exterior of water storage tanks, construction of a sewer lift station, extension of sewer and water lines, emergency repairs to the runway of the Harry S. Truman Airport, and the construction of a stadium. St. Croix The chief projects were the construction of the Alexander Hamilton Airport, commencement of work on a trunk and outfall sewer at Christiansted, and improvements to the Scenic Road, the North Shore Road, Morningstar Loop Road, East End Road, and the access road to the Frederiksted public housing project. Fiscal The sum of $1,956,274.49 was received for the operation of the De- partment and for special projects from general funds, and $749,400 from matching funds. Obligations were as follows: Matching funds Sanitary Division $217. 80.j. 36 Construction Division 191, 901. 66 Utilities Division 191, 879. 65 Administrative Division 117, 69.S. 41 Total 718, 780. 08 REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS >- 47 General fund: Sanitary Division 174,274. 02 Construction Division 202, 420. 25 Utilities Division 336, 186. 73 Administrative Division 53, Oil. 49 Alexander Hamilton Airport 59, 132. 29 Total 825, 024. 78 Matching fmids—special projec.ts School construction program 140,300.00 Rehabilitation and reconstruction : Improving, repairs, paving highways, roads and streets 254. 46 Waterfront facilities 7, 467. 21 Modern abattoir 10, 500. 00 Repairs to runway Alexander Hamilton Airport 30, 640. 00 Roads and streets Christiansted town 52, 862. 01 Highways- 94, 877. 36 Total 336, 901. 04 General fund: Special construction projects 600, 033. 41 Flood repairs 48, 747. 56 Total 648, 780. 97 Road fund 277, 152. 90 Emergency housing 124, 604. 90 Sanitary facilities 8, 177. 41 Essential public projects 816, 732. 99 Department of Social Welfare In this Department much progress has been recorded during the past year. A positive and progressive attitude of the staff, the mem- bers of the Youth and Aging Commissions, and the Board of Social Welfare, has made possible successful services to Virgin Islanders in need. Public Assistance Division During the year assistance grants were increased for Aid to De- pendent Children. By special appropriation of the Virgin Islands Legislature, allowances for food for children under 13 years of age were increased $2 per person or $5.35 per family. The increase was based on the Virgin Islands "Low-Cost Family Food Plan" and brought all food grants up to 50 percent of food need. The Division concentrated on analysis of the caseload in an effort to rehabilitate all possible employables and to establish eligibility on 48 REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS a sound basis. Improved standards of assistance influenced an increase in the ADC caseload by extending eligibility to borderline cases hitherto ineligible. This, and continuing improvement in economic conditions in the Islands, the gradually increasing caseload of the Old Age and Survivors Insurance Program, and the adequacy of local re- tirement systems, has resulted in a reduction of old age and general assistance cases. The following charts show the caseload distribution and expenditures by category Caseload distribution ttij districts Category REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS -f 49 The total assistance expenditures in 1959-60 were $488,328.68 or 8 percent above the figure for the year 1958-59, and I6I/2 percent more than the fiscal year 1957-58 when expenditures for assistance totaled only $371,028.30. Federal matching funds earned this year were $216,116.23, as compared with $195,248.58 last year, and all of it was received as this amount is below the Federal ceiling of $300,000. The local share of the total cost of the program was higher this year ($272,212) than last year ($256,775). Child Welfare Services Casework service was provided to 818 children as compared with 627 last year and 632 in the preceding year. Below are tables show- ing the type of services and distribution of the caseload during the year. Caseload distribution hy district offices Children receiving service July 1, 1959 Children accepted for serving during year Service discontinued during year Children receiving service June 30, 1960 Total number of different children receiving services during year St. Croix 50 REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS residence remained around l-t. Six boys attended high school in the city. The Girls' School, with a full capacity of 12, provided care for l-t girls with an averag-e of 16 years. Psycholo<>ical and psychiatric serv- ices were provided the children of these schools by the Mental Health Bureau of the Department of Health. Detention Care Detention facilities continue to be areas of great concern to the De- partment as well as to the general public. The continued slow rise in juvenile delinquency influenced administrative planning to construct a detention unit in St. Croix during the next year. Adoption Service Relatively few local children were placed for adoption, but 11 children were received from agencies in the United States and placed in Virgin Islands homes. Day Care By legislation, funds were provided to stimulate efforts by private persons or organizations to provide suitable day care facilities for children of working mothers. Tiiis program was initiated with one private center in St. Thomas, and one at Frederiksted, St. Croix. An average of 60 children per month ranging from 3 months to 41/2 years of age used this service. The expenses of the Child Welfare program are sunnnarized in the following table Cost of child welfare program, Vinjin Islands LOCAL FUNDS Child welfare services.-. Foster home payments. Insular training schools: For boys For girls Day-care centers Total. Insular $49. 17 67, 265. 29 16, 271. 45 83, 585. 91 St. Croix $6, 685. 52 15, 050. 00 St. Thomas $10, 242. 27 19, 336. 30 All Virgin Islands $16, 976. 96 34, 386. 30 67, 265. 29 16, 271. 45 3, 374. 95 FEDERAL FUNDS REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS ^ 51 At the end of the year there were 15 residents, 9 women, and 6 men. Providing more adaptable quarters and an activities program are prime needs of the home. The Corneiro Home located in St. Thomas is a shelter-care home. At the beginning of the year there were 18 residents in this home, and at the end of the year there were 21 residents, 4 single men, 15 single women, and 1 couple. Aldershville located in St. Croix is also a shelter-care home. At the beginning of the year there were 27 residents, and at year's end there were 32 residents, 13 single men, 17 single women, and 1 couple. The Herbert H. Grigg Home located in St. Croix, administered by the Department of Health, has a capacity of 140 residents. During the year the division certified 35 persons for placement in this home. The division has also conducted a social and medical history survey of each resident in preparation for a broader survey to be conducted by a team from the National Institute of Mental Health. The legislature has authorized the transfer of this home from the Department of Health to the Department of Social Welfare, but administrative action to eifect the transfer has been withheld pending recommenda- tion of the survey team. Cancer Care It w^as necessary to send Virgin Islands patients to the Puerto Rico Cancer League for care. During the year one new case in St. Croix was referred, and seven repeaters, five from St. Croix and two from St. Thomas, were returned for periodic followup treatment. Services to the Blind During the year the American Foundation for tlie Blind, a national research and consultative organization, extended its regional field service to include Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The Founda- tion donated five table-model radios for free distribution to blind per- sons in the islands. Services to the Mentally III The Division provides a limited amount of casework service for mental patients hospitalized in the Virgin Islands, while they are in institutional care and when they are discharged, as well as for after care upon discharge. During the year 17 studies on mental patients were completed. Fifteen of these were residents of St. Elizabeths Hospital in Washington and two were residents of New York State Hospital. Two patients were returned from St. Elizabeths and were provided after-care casework services. The Commissioner visited St. Elizabeths and interviewed 21 patients recommended for release. 52 REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS Plans were being developed for return to the Virgin Islands or place- ment elsewhere of 14 of this group. The Community Chest of St. Thomas The Community Chest campaign was an outstanding event. With a goal of $15,000 the sum of $17,420.55 was raised, a new record in the 22 years history of the Chest. The following is a summary of the Chest services during the year. Program Cost Services rendered Housekeeping and laundry Home nursing Cancer care Emergency aid $3, 766. 81 3,110.31 3, 718. 00 963. 73 2,710 cleaning, etc., 1,116 pieces. Increased caseload. Hospital bills and travel cost. Cash grants, furniture, etc. Em^ergency Housing As a result of a housing survey conducted by the Department, funds were appropriated to erect emergency housing to assist with the prob- lem of inadequate housing for hundreds of low-income families. Dur- ing the year, three 8-room dwelling units, one 3-bedroom and two 2-bedroom houses were constructed. In addition, another Govern- ment-owned house was remodeled to accommodate four families. The Department received 186 applications totaling 894 persons for hous- ing. The completed units provided liousing for 19 families totaling 97 persons. One hundred sixty-one families totaling 759 persons were in need of housing at year's end. General Total expenditures of the Department of Social Welfare amounted to $791,960.'34 of which $187,672.32 were for insular programs, $264,- 004.37 were expenditures allocated to the islands of St. Thomas and St. John, and $340,283.65 were expenditures allocated to the island of St. Croix. The total cost is distributed as follows : Central administrative cost $72, 522. 47 Public assistance funds 463, 126. 58 Institutional fluids .54, 640. 90 Child welfare services 187, 717. 54 Community chest 13,952.85 Total 791, 960. 34 Department of Tourism and Trade The Department of Tourism and Trade operated four offices : the headquarters office in Charlotte Amalie ; a Division of Trade office also in Charlotte Amalie ; a branch office in Christiansted, St. Croix ; and REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS ^ 53 a San Juan, P.R., branch office. In addition, there was maintained during the year an information office located at 750 Third Avenue, in New York City, as well as an information booth at the Alexander Hamilton Airport in St. Croix. Promotional Program The overall promotional program was designed to provide a reason- able balance of advertising, literature, solicitation and publicity, to produce the largest possible tourist traffic and revenue. There was inauguarated a Virgin Islands promotion page in the largest Puerto Rican newspaper. This full-page advertisement ap- peared weekly for 8 consecutive weeks and represented the first joint promotion venture by the tourist interests of the island and the De- partment of Tourism and Trade. The success of this program was exceptional. In setting up a policy for the type of literature to be printed and distributed, the Department has made a very careful evaluation of relative effectiveness. Among those published during the year were a three-island brochure designed to give the maximmii information possible on St. Croix, St. Jolm, and St. Thomas to the prospective tourist in the most attractive form. "Welcome to St. Thomas and St. Croix" leaflets, a separate one for each island, were designed primarily for use at airports and at cruise ship information booths. Also pub- lished was a 16-page pertinent facts booklet containing general in- formation on the islands, a comparison of Virgin Islands and New York prices, and U.S. Customs information for returning United States and Puerto Rican residents. Hotel and guest-house rate sheets were issued twice during the year and included rates for sununer and winter seasons, respectively. The Department, in its efforts to produce business for the islands participated in the annual convention of the American Society of Travel Agents held in Havana in October 1959, the amiual meeting of the Ninth Caribbean Tourist Association held in St. Thomas in June 1960, and the Southeast American Society of Travel Agents Chapter meeting in Barbados. Over 25 groups, numbering from 10 to 300 persons, visited the islands during the year and included the Governors of the various States and Territories of the United States, following the annual Governors Conference in San Juan, P.R., a visit of National Republi- can Committeemen, a special group from Denmark, and an Eastern Airlines educational tour. Forty-one general news releases and feature stories were mailed to approximately 600 different publications, and more than 100 special 54 -f REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS news stories were prepared and sent to trade publications requesting specific information. Tourist Visitors A total of 203,400 visitors came to the Virgin Islands during the year as compared with 164,000 in the previous year. Of these it is estimated that 164,700 visited St. Thomas and St. Jolm, and 38,700 visited St. Croix. Visitors REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS ^ 55 conduct a survey of all businesses established in the islands with a view to compiling a business directory. One of the most important tasks assigned to the Division is to col- lect, tabulate, interpret, and disseminate statistical data considered important to government, business, and industry. The survey of busi- ness establishments disclosed a total of 1,086 firms doing business in the islands. Of this number, 597 are located in St. Thomas and St. John, and 489 in St. Croix. The bulk of the externaV trade of the islands is with continental United States and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. In 1959, 75.8 percent of the islands imports were shipped from the mainland and Puerto Rico, compared to 76 percent during 1958. Likewise, 83 per- cent of Virgin Islands exports were shipped to the mainland and Puerto Rico during the year. The value of merchandise shipped to the islands during the period 1954 to 1959 has shown a steady increase from $14,900,000 in 1954 to $33,600,000 in 1959. During 1959, the value of merchandise shipped from the Virgin Islands reached a peak of $6,273,623 compared with $3,500,000 in 1954. It is to be noted that imports are approximately five times greater than exports. The islands are almost entirely dependent upon imports for their existence, due primarily to lack of basic natural resources. The following table is a comparison of imports and exports from 1954 to 1959. Year 56 > REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS Virgin Islands between tlie ages of 18 and 39 years 10 months. Dur- ing the period beginning September 1950, when the first registrant to be inducted into the Armed Forces since World War II was forwarded to the Army Induction Station then in Fort Buchanan, P.R., 2,529 registrants have been examined to determine their acceptability for military service, with 1,301 of these registrants having been inducted into the service through the local boards in the Virgin Islands. Indirectly the Selective Service organization has contributed much more to the maintenance of the Nation's armed strength, as reflected in the initial enlistments of over 650 Virgin Islanders into various branches of the service. In addition, 6B9 Standby Reservists have been screened and categorized as to their availability to the Armed Forces for recall to active duty in time of national emergency. Registration As of June 30, 1960, a total of 4,504 men were registered in the Virgin Islands, reflecting an increase of 376. The following tabula- tion separates these registrants by local board and liability age Registration summary REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS ^ 57 deceased and 279 canceled, leaving 388 active files of whom 336 are Army, 4 are Navy, 42 are Air Force, and 6 are Marine Corps Keserve. Virgin Islands Employment Service The Virgin Islands Employment Service experienced an increase in virtually all phases of its program. The continuing growth of the economy of the Islands was largely responsible for the decline in unemployment compensation workloads, coupled with termination, in January 1960, of the Unemployment Compensation for Veterans program. Placements increased by approximately 5 percent over last year's total. Of the total of 3,244 placements, only 41 represented placement of agricultural workers. A total of 2,222 agricultural openings were cleared for the importation of foreign workers. Professional and clerical placements were up 56.7 percent over last fiscal year. A total of 5,154 openings were certified for the importation of foreign non- agricultural workers, principally for unskilled construction workers and domestics. The present local labor force remains totally inadequate to meet the demand for workers. Projects now in the planning stage, including two large hotels in St. Thomas, a large public housing project in Christiansted, St. Croix, and Government construction projects, will further tax the ability of the Virgin Islands Employment Service to supply the workers needed. Other phases of the work of the Virgin Islands Employment Service included employment counseling to assist all segments of the labor force in securing employment in those fields in which their services may be best utilized, a high school program to give effective help to those high school students who plan to join the labor force immediately after graduation, service to dropouts, that is, young people who drop out of school and who present a serious problem because of immaturity, inexperience and a minimum in educational advantages. In addition, there are programs covering service to older workers whose skills are often valuable in meeting the needs of the expanding economy, services to the physically disabled, special serv- ices to veterans returning to civilian life from military service and research and analysis for the collection and dissemination of industrial statistics. A field study of employment trends was made in the manufacturing industries on St. Thomas. Of the firms included in the study, approxi- mately 48 percent indicated they had no plans for increase in total employment over the next 12-month period ; approximately 24 percent 58 > REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS indicated the possibility of some employment expansion, f'or the purposes of this study, it has been concluded that approximately 72 percent of all firnis covered will continue for the next 12-montli period at their present employment level. Approximately 28 percent of the industrial establishments included in the survey indicated definite plans for additional personnel. A study of St. Croix agricultural manpower requirements was conducted. Amon<2; the findings was an indication that in general there is a growing tendency on the part of farmers and farm operatoi'S to eliminate or substantially reduce the amount of acreage now allotted to the production of sugarcane. Among the factors contributing to this new alinement are reduction in financial returns to the growers, problem of getting cane transported to the sugar mill, hardship of obtaining tractor services when needed for plowing and cultivation, and severe droughts. This study also indicates that a significant number of farmers and farm operators are becoming increasingly interested in the develop- ment of truck farming. During the year a study of the feasibility of a program of unem- ployment insurance for the Virgin Islands was initiated and com- pleted. The study was financed by local government funds and was accomplished with the advice and assistance of specialists and tech- nicians from the U.S. Bureau of P]mployment Security. A draft of proposed legislation for the establishment of a system of unemploy- ment insurance in the Virgin Islands was completed, but it has not yet been presented to the legislature. Summary of Employment Service activities is contained in the fol- lowing table Suiiimanj of Employment Scrvirr (irtiritim New applications 3, 289 Counseling interviews 679 Employer visits .507 Promotional telephone contacts 380 G.A.T.B.'s administered 217 Specific aptitude tests administered 375 Proficiency tests administered 84 Placements (nonagricultural) 3, 203 Professional and clerical 373 Skilled and semiskilled 911 Unskilled 949 Service 941 Day work and casual 29 Placements (agricultural) 41 REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS > 59 The Virgin Islands Employment Service operating budget amounted to $57,952. Municipal Courts St. Croix A total of 1,873 cases were disposed of in the Municipal Court of St. Croix as follows Preliminary hearings 39 Criminal cases 360 Civil cases 196 Small claims cases 303 Traffic cases 626 Juvenile and domestic relations cases 166 Conciliation cases 183 Total 1, 873 The overall increase of cases terminated during the year just ended as compared with those terminated in the previous fiscal year is 436 cases, or approximately 30 percent. There were 126 marriage licenses issued. A total of 126 marriages were reported as follows Municipal Court 38 Roman Catholic Church 28 Lutheran Church 17 Anglican Church 12 Moravian Church 12 Spanish Methodist Church 6 Pilgrim Holiness Church 5 A.M.E. Church 3 Altona Baptist Church 2 Seventh Day Adventist 1 Pentecostal Chiirch 1 United Brother in Christ 1 Total 126 There w^ere eight coroner's inquests, one more than in the last fis- cal year. The Municipal Court collected revenues in the amount of $8,746.37 from notary fees, miscellaneous police and court fees, court fines, forfeitures, court costs, and other charges. The total cost of operating the Municipal Court of St. Croix was $28,523.91. 60 ^ REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS St. Thomas and St. John During the year, 3,399 cases were disposed of. Divisionally, they are as follows, including preliminary hearings: Criminal division 2, 104 Conciliation division 407 Civil and small claims division 663 Juvenile and domestic relations division 225 Total 3, 399 Two hundred and twenty-one applications were made for mar- riage licenses. Of these, 199 marriages were reported as follows Anglican Church 28 Apostolic Faith 3 Church of God 5 District Coui't 2 Dutch Reformed Church 1 Jewish Synagogue 2 Lutheran Church 12 Methodist Church 63 Moravian Church 20 Municipal Coiirt 32 Roman Catholic Church 30 Seventh Day Adventist Church 1 Total 199 There were four coroner's inquests conducted during the year. During the year, some repairs were made to the courtroom and of- fices, but there is still insufficient space for personnel and equipment of the court. The conciliation division continued to ])e an important part of the court's activity, with a large number of citizens looking to this divi- sion for guidance and help witli their many and varied problems. The probation officer rendered valuable service to the court by pro- viding it witli presentence reports, by supervising probationers and by assisting other juveniles in need of help. The uniform traffic tickets, prescribed by the Virgin Islands Code, went into effect during the month of October, and proved to be very worthwhile. The total cost of operating the Municipal Court was $30,720.63. A total of $16,515.40 was collected from court fuies, notary fees, court costs and fees, and other miscellaneous charges. REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS -f 61 Conclusion This report indicates substantial progress in many areas of public and private endeavor in the Virgin Islands during the fiscal year ended June 30, 1960. Indeed, it may be that in this year the islands were at or close to the peak of an era of unprecedented prosperity. The benefits which the islands have derived from the enactment by Congress of the Revised Organic Act of 1954 have not only bolstered the economy of the islands, but have enabled the provision of nearly adequate operating funds for essential services as well as a program of long needed vital capital improvements. Much remains to be done, however, in the way of public and private programs of a permanent nature. There is an acute need for ad- ditional housing for the middle- and low-income groups, particularly in St. Thomas. As the islands move into the second year of the new decade, encouragement must be given to private capital to invest in apartment or other type housing for the middle income group' which would make additional housing available for the low-income group. There will be further stiniidation of business and tourism by the long awaited construction of improved airport facilities on St. Thomas and a new dock at Frederiksted, St. Croix, as well as harbor dredging and other improvements both in St. Thomas and St. Croix, The people of the islands may take pride in the improved quality of their health and many other essential services. There must be, however, a reevaluation of educational goals and this will be under- taken in the very near future by a commission assisted by specialists. The people of the islands should not expect that local revenues will continue to increase in the same proportion as they did during fiscal year 1960. A period of leveling-off must inevitably follow in the new or succeeding year. Efforts should be directed toward maintaining govermnental opera- tions at or close to their present levels, improving the quality of public services rendered, and the achievement of the goals of intelligent lead- ership and fiscal responsibility which must eventually result in more autonomy for the Territory. U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE: 1961