Podcast from Paradise

The Governor

78  degrees in Crown Bay St. Thomas under Mostly Clear Skies

76% humidity.

30.05  Barometric Pressure – rising.

East Wind at  24 MPH.  

Point 04 inches of rain  in the last 24 hours. We have had 2.28 inches of rain this year – so far.

Doppler radar shows: Scattered showers

Satellite photo shows: band of showers passing our area

The National Weather Service says: Overcast with rain showers. High of 82°F. Winds from the NE at 15-25 mph. Chance of rain 70%.

Next FULL moon is February 7

Cruise Ship News:  Norwegian Sun, Carnival Dream, Carnival Freedom at Havensight Dock

Noordam and Oasis of the Seas at Austin Monsanto Marine Terminal:

At the top of the news on Tuesday January 31  

Governor John DeJongh delivered the annual State of the Territory address last evening. He said it is troubled: The loss of HOVENSA, the government’s fiscal problems; job terminations top the list of the territory’s woes. The Governor said HOVENSA’s closing was like a tsunami, it gives no warning and delivers immediate devastation. He is angry about the HOVENSA.  He had no warning.

Back in 2011 the Governor said that the territory had reached a tipping point. Last night he said it had tipped over.  The Governor’s demeanor was matter-of-fact. He methodically called out legislators, union leaders, environmentalists and private sector business leaders for nay saying, double crossing, magical thinking and failure to support the community.

The Governor singled out the Legislature for specific criticism, chiding them for not passing his austerity measures, giving the Government only part of the increase in Gross Receipts Tax he requested, approving borrowing without approving the means to pay back the loans.  While not naming any senators by name, he commended the few who voted with his proposals while asking those who voted against his plans to step up with their ideas and alternatives. 

Turning to the cost of energy, the governor admonished “those who think we can immediately transition from where we are to some magical new world of solar or wind or tidal-powered electrical generation on a scale that will support our economy.”  He called upon WAPA’s governing board to provide a detailed, specific and realistic action plan for infrastructure and management changes and improvements to bring down the cost of electricity.

On the positive side; the governor noted improvements in early childhood development, three new air carriers to the territory bringing 100,000 more passengers, streamlined procedures in licensing, $100 million to provide high speed Internet to everyone who wants it, new senior citizen housing on St. Thomas and a 30% drop in homicides in the last year.

Here come plans for a new Veterans park. The new park will be constructed in the grassy palm tree area near Lucinda Millin Home on the northeast side of the main road. The grass and palms are already in place. What is needed is a monument – the center piece of the park.  Here comes a contest February 1 to March 15 – ONLY young people can submit a plan, with a sketch that includes a theme or plaque or statues.  Students ONLY.  A panel of America Legion Hall members and COAST members will judge the entries and announce a winner on March 30^th.