Podcast from Paradise

Trolling for Beauties

76  degrees in Crown Bay St. Thomas

79% humidity.

30.00  Barometric Pressure – rising.

East North East Wind at 11 MPH.  

No rain in the last 24 hours. We have had 1.6 inches of rain this year – so far.

Doppler radar shows: Mostly Clear Skies 

The Satellite: Clear skies 

The National Weather Service says: Partly cloudy with rain showers. High of 81°F. Winds from the North at 5-10 mph. Chance of rain 40%. A drier air mass will limit the chances for shower activity this weekend. Expected with only isolated shower and no significant rainfall accumulation through Sunday

Next FULL moon is February 7

Cruise Ship News: Crystal Symphony  at Havensight Dock

Emerald Princess  at Austin Monsanto Marine Terminal:

At the top of the news on Friday January 20

Governor John DeJongh has been really busy since the HOVENSA decision. The Governor and Lieutenant Governor Gregory Francis met with the leaders of the business community yesterday to assess the economic impact of HOVENSA’s decision to close its oil refinery on St. Croix.

Government officials on hand including Tourism Commissioner Beverly Nicholson Doty, Energy Office Director Karl Knight, EDA Chief Percival Clouden and EDA Assistant Chief Jennifer Nugent-Hill, to highlight their efforts in response to HOVENSA.

How big is the biggest number on the page? The Governor said the financial impact of HOVENSA’s closing is “on the order of $100 million.”

They are working on immediate responses…

WAPA is identifying alternative suppliers of oil

HOVENSA will continue to supply fuel and other petroleum products to retailers in St. Thomas-St. John district.

The Economic Development Authority will fast track applications from companies seeking benefits,

St. Thomas-St. John Chamber of Commerce President, Richard Berry, said he will submit “some 15 initiatives” from the business community and hotels that could be implemented in short order.

The business leaders asked the governor to “level the playing field for small businesses” by proposing an import users tax.

Business leaders asked local residents “to buy local” as a means of stimulating local businesses.

They also called for sustained messaging about the territory’s tourism product and public safety.

Karl Knight spoke about alternative energy projects in final stages. They will continue work toward an electrical grid interconnection and bringing Alpine Energy on-line.

Commissioner Doty briefed business leaders on efforts to grow airlift capacity to St. Croix, develop off season promotion strategies and grow the film industry. Nine film projects are in the works including s $3.5 million dollar project they just signed in late December.

Later in the day, the Governor met with members of the Legislature with Delegate Christensen attending by phone. They discussed: alternative uses of the HOVENSA facility; legal issues surrounding the closure; labor and workforce issues; the leveraging of available federal resources and economic sustainability. Senate President Ronald E. Russell said HOVENSA officials will come to the Committee of the Whole hearing on Thursday January 26 where information about the refinery’s closure can be publicly disclosed and discussed.

After the meeting the Governor said “The Legislature and I came out of today’s meeting with a shared commitment to define clear strategies as we work through the economic challenges presented by Hovensa ‘s decision to close its refinery.”

Department of Health held an open house last night. To talk about the Electronic Health Record system. On one side proponents who say they can’t manage without it. On the other side are doctors who say it is so frustrating they have considered quitting medicine. Those polar opposite were presented at the open house to start the dialogue about the territory’s impending health information exchange, an electronic program that will help doctors, hospitals, pharmacists, and others communicate about their patients quickly and securely. On one side – the ability to get to records quickly from almost anywhere with a computer – on the other side  Doctors who say it is extremely expensive and almost brought the doctors work to a halt with frozen screens, slow speeds, and the uncertain Internet connection. Health Commissioner Nominee Dr. Mercedes Dellum, urged the doctors to embrace the technology

Department of Tourism is in Columbus, OH  this weekend at the annual AAA Great Vacations EXPO in with more than 100 travel and destination experts. The EXPO will provide our Department of Tourism with the chance to meet one-on-one with consumers about the great offerings, attractions and new developments on St. Croix, St. John and St. Thomas. 

Busy weekend

Angelina Ballerina on Saturday

Mark O’Connor at Tillet Garden on Friday

The “Ultimate Flavors of the Islands” Friday at Frenchman’s Reef.

St Croix Landmarks Society  has The New York Empire Trio Friday and Saturday