>>> FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE 2015 THE VIRGIN ISLANDS NATIONAL PARK IS LOOKING TO RAISE ITS AMENITY FEES.

THE INCREASE IS MEANT TO ADDRESS ONGOING ISSUES.

SOME RESIDENTS HAVE RAISED CONCERNS ABOUT THE PROPOSAL.

HERE IS MORE.

>> THE AGE REQUIREMENTS FOR PASSES WOULD INCLUDE INDIVIDUALS 10 YEARS AND OLDER.

SOME LOCAL RESIDENTS BELIEVE IT´S ILL-TIMED.

>> RIGHT NOW IS NOT THE RIGHT TIME TO RAISE THE FEES.

IS IS A NATIONAL PARK.

THEY SHOULD KEEP IT ON A LOWER LEVEL.

>> UNDER THE PROPOSED CHANGES LARGER VESSELS WOULD SEE THE JOHN.

>> IN MY OPINION I FEEL IT MIGHT BE A LITTLE EXCESSIVE, BUT I WOULD NOT SEE ANY PROBLEM FOR THEM CHARGING A FEE WITH THE CONDITION IT IS IN.

>> THEY ANNOUNCED THE CHANGES AND HELD A PUBLIC MEETING TWO DAYS LATER WHERE MANY RESIDENTS VOICED CONCERN.

ESPECIALLY THOSE IN THE BOATING THEY ARGUE IT COULD SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASE THEIR COST, BUT AREAS ARE COSTLY TO MAINTAIN.

THEY SAID THE FEE INCREASES WERE BASED ON STUDIES CONDUCTED BY THE NATIONAL PARK EXAMINING PRICES OF SIMILAR SERVICES WITHIN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS IN NEARBY AREAS.

JOINING THE SHOW TO TALK ABOUT HOW THESE FEES WILL IMPACT THE LOCAL COMMUNITY IS THE FOUNDER OF OVER THE LINE CHARTER.

WELCOME TO THE SHOW.

>> PLEASURE TO BE HERE.

>> WE ALSO REACHED OUT TO THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO JOIN US.

THEY SPOKE EARLIER ABOUT WHY THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE IS PROPOSING THESE CHANGES AND HOW THEY WILL BENEFIT THE PARK.

RESIDENTS AND VISITORS.

LET´S HEAR WHAT SHE HAS TO SAY.

>> THE PROPOSED AMENITY FEES WILL HELP THEM MAINTAIN A STANDARD OF QUALITY WHILE VISITING THE PARK AND TO PROVIDE ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES THEY WILL GO TOWARDS ENHANCING OUR EXISTING STRUCTURES SUCH AS BATHROOM AND SHOWER RENOVATIONS.

HISTORIC STRUCTURES STABILIZATION AND CORAL RESTORATION.

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM THE PUBLIC.

ABOUT THE PROPOSED FEES.

WE INVITE THEM TO MAKE THEIR COMMENTS.

THEY HAVE UNTIL OCTOBER 9 TO SHARE THEIR VIEWS AND CONCERNS AND QUESTIONS WITH US.

>> PUBLIC COMMENTS ARE BEING ACCEPTED ON THE WEBSITE FOR A COMPLETE LIST OF THE PROPOSED CHANGES AVAILABLE COMMENTS CAN BE SUBMITTED VIA EMAIL.

NOW YOU RECENTLY ATTENDED A PARK SERVICE PUBLIC MEETING WHERE THESE WERE DISCUSSED IN SEVERAL CONCERNS WERE RAISED.

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR THOUGHTS ABOUT WHAT THEY HAD TO SAY ABOUT THE BENEFITS OF BUSINESSES?

>> THE FEE STRUCTURE THAT AFFECTS THE COMMUNITY IS TWOFOLD.

THEY WANT TO CHARGE TO USE IT AND THEY WANT TO CHARGE TO PICK UP A BALL ANYWHERE IN THE PARK TO USE.

I JUST FEEL THAT WITHOUT KNOWING ALL OF THEIR YEARLY MAINTENANCE EXPENSES THIS IS A REALLY HEFTY PROPOSAL.

I ALSO NOTICED THAT THEY HAVE ANNUAL OPTIONS FOR FEES THEY WANT TO INCREASE.

AN ANNUAL OPTION FOR THE DOCK.

AN ANNUAL OPTION FOR THE BOAT RAMP THEY WANT TO START CHARGING FOR.

THEY WANT TO COLLECT EVERY TIME SOMEBODY TOUCHES IT >> WOULD YOU SAY THAT IS HER BIGGEST ISSUE WITH THE PROPOSED CHANGES?

>> YES.

IT IS THE AMOUNT, I DID SOME ROUGH MOUTH FROM THE CHARTER SITE.

SECTOR.

AT 100 PICKUPS A DAY OR 100 TOUCHES OF THE DOCK FROM VARIOUS BOATS ON THE CONSERVATIVE SIDE I JUST DID THAT ON AVERAGE AND THEY WOULD BE PULLING IN ONE PLACE TO $7 MILLION A YEAR.

EVERY YEAR.

>> WHAT YOU ARE SAYING IS THAT IS THE AMOUNT THAT WOULD COME AS A RESULT OF THE FEE?

>> CORRECT.

FOR THAT I DID A LITTLE STUDY.

AND IF WE AVERAGE ON THE LOW END 200 PICKUPS IN A BOOK THAT TOUCHES AND PICKS IT UP EVEN FOR 20 MINUTES YOU ARE GOING TO GET CHARGED $40.

FOR THE MORNINGS THERE PRETTY PACKED.

IN THE OFF-SEASON LESS.

THAT AVERAGES OUT.

>> I WANT TO TAKE YOU BACK BECAUSE BASED ON WHAT YOU ARE SAYING YOU DISAGREE WITH THE MODEL THEY HAVE?

>> I WOULD RATHER IT BE SOME SORT OF ANNUAL FEE THAT REFLECTS THEIR EXPENSES BUT THEY HAVE NOT SHOWN US ANY EXPENSES.

WE MAY KNOW WHAT IT COSTS.

I THINK I JUST HEARD IT WAS 500 PLUS THOUSAND DOLLARS FOR THE NEW DOCK.

>> YOU WOULD FEEL A LITTLE MORE COMFORTABLE WITH THE INCREASE TO KNOW EXACTLY WHERE YOUR MONEY IS GOING?

>> I AGREE THAT THERE MAY NEED TO BE AN INCREASE.

I AGREE THAT MAINTENANCE NEEDS TO HAPPEN ON THE DOCK.

THEY JUST PUT IN A NEW DOCK.

I AGREE THERE NEEDS TO BE MAINTENANCE, HOWEVER, THE NUMBERS THEY ARE PROPOSING ARE STAGGERING.

THEY ARE NOT SHARING WITH US WHAT THESE COSTS ARE.

SO IT FEELS LIKE THE BOATING COMMUNITY WOULD BE FUNDING HAVE OF THE NATIONAL PARK AT THIS POINT.

>> RV UNDERSTANDING THAT LACK OF COMMUNICATION HAS BEEN AN ISSUE?

NOT ENOUGH MEETINGS OR ENOUGH INFORMATION SHARED WITH YOU DURING THOSE MEETINGS?

>> NOT ENOUGH INFORMATION.

WE SIMPLY DO NOT KNOW HOW MUCH IT COSTS TO MAINTAIN THE DOCK.

IT WAS BRAND-NEW.

NONE OF THOSE 25 OR 30 YEAR THAT IT WILL LAST OR WHAT THE DEPRECIATION SCHEDULE IS AND WHAT THE OTHER COSTS ARE TO MAINTAIN IT.

>> SO WHAT DO YOU WISH INFORMATION THAT YOU BELIEVE IS ACTUALLY MISSING?

I KNOW YOU SAY YOU LIKE TO HAVE THEM SHOW YOU COST VERSUS WHAT IS BEING IMPLEMENTED, BUT WHAT EXACTLY DO THEY NEED?

>> WE PAY FROM THE CHARTER INDUSTRY SIDE WHAT IS CALLED COMMERCIAL USE AUTHORIZATION FEE YEARLY PER BOAT.

EVERY CHARTER BOAT THAT WANTS TO DO BUSINESS IN THE PARK.

IT RANGES FROM $300 PER BOAT TO I BELIEVE 500 OR MORE DEPENDING ON THE SIZE.

I WOULD LIKE, SO THEY KNOW THE NUMBER OF BOATS THAT HAVE THAT PERMIT WE WOULD LIKE TO SEE WHAT THAT GENERATES FOR REVENUE AND WHERE THAT IS USED.

KNOWING THAT WOULD GIVE US MORE INFORMATION ALONG WITH THEIR EXPENSES.

WE ARE WILLING TO HELP FILL IN THE GAPS, BUT I CAN ASSURE YOU IT DOES NOT COST MORE THAN $1 MILLION PER YEAR TO MAINTAIN >> WHAT IS THE TRAFFIC LIKE THERE?

BECAUSE LET´S TALK ABOUT VOLUME.

THEY FEEL THEY HAVE TO LAY THE AMOUNT BASED ON HOW MANY VOTERS THERE ARE.

MAYBE THAT MAKES SENSE.

YOU THINK THERE IS ENOUGH TRAFFIC MAYBE THEY WILL NEED TO RAISE IT AT THE AMOUNT >> IT IS EXTREMELY CONGESTED WHEN YOU ARE PICKING UP GUESTS OR DROPPING THEM FOR LUNCH OR AT THE END OF THE DAY AND USING THAT TO BRING ANOTHER POINT THEY TRY TO CHARGE A DAILY FEE.

THAT IS GOING TO ADD TO THE CONGESTION WITH THEM HAVING TO COME OUT AND COLLECT MONEY FROM EACH BOAT AND WRITE A RECEIPT AND WHATNOT.

IT WILL BE EVEN MORE CONGESTED IN THEIR, SO I JUST DO NOT FEEL THEY HAVE GONE FROM 0 TO 100.

>> SO WHAT WOULD HAVE BEEN HELPFUL?

YOU DO NOT SEE IT COMING.

WHAT WOULD HAVE BEEN HELPFUL BEFORE THEY CAME UP WITH THEIR RATES?

>> SORRY.

WHAT?

>> YOU DID NOT HAVE ADVANCE NOTICE.

IT WOULD HAVE BEEN HELPFUL IF YOU KNEW A MONTH OR TWO AHEAD OF TIME.

>> WE GOT TWO DAYS NOTICE.

SEPTEMBER 9 THE PUBLIC WAS NOTIFIED THAT THERE WAS A PUBLIC MEETING IN ST. JOHN, AND I WAS ON THE 11th.

IT WAS A PACKED HOUSE REGARDLESS, BUT I KNOW A LOT OF PEOPLE THAT ALREADY HAD PLANS AND DIDN´T HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO GO THERE.

NOW WE HAVE 30 DAYS WITH NO PRIOR NOTICE TO TRY TO LET OUR CLIENTS KNOW AND TOURISTS IN THE STATE AND PUT OUT EMAIL BLASTS.

>> YOU HAD TO CHANGE HER FEES?

>> I WOULD HAVE TO CHANGE MY FEES IF THIS GOES THROUGH.

WE WILL HAVE TO LOOK AT IT >> WHEN YOU SEE IF IT GOES >> NO.

IT IS PROPOSED ACCORDING TO THE PARK.

THIS IS THE COMMENT PERIOD FOR US TO WEIGH IN.

>> OKAY.

AS THE COMMUNITY COME TOGETHER TO DISCUSS THIS AND HOW YOU ARE GOING TO SHOW A UNITED FRONT?

>> WE ARE WORKING ON THAT RIGHT NOW BUT WE DO NOT HAVE A LOT OF NOTICE.

THE PROFESSIONAL CHARTER ASSOCIATION ARE GOING TO BE WEIGHING IN HEAVILY, AND WE ARE TRYING TO LET EVERYONE KNOW, AND THE PRIVATE SECTOR TOO.

I´M WEARING THE HAT AS A BOAT OWNER APPEARED THESE ARE THE PRIVATE THOSE THAT ARE OUT THERE TOO.

IF YOU DO NOT OWN A BOAT AND WANT TO GO TO LUNCH ON ST. JOHN AND DROP SOMEBODY OFF AT THE DOCK OR A SWIM AND PICK UP A MORNING BALL YOU ARE GOING TO PAY $40.

20 OR 30 TWO DROP OFF AT THE DOCK.

THAT WILL ADD OF VERY QUICK.

>> EVEN IF THEY DO NOT STAY THEY HAVE TO PAY THAT?

>> EVEN IF YOU WANT TO GO FOR A SWIM FOR 20 MINUTES HE WILL HAVE TO PAY.

WORK TOGETHER TO FIND A BALANCE FOR SUPPORT FOR DOCK MAINTENANCE AND LOCAL BUSINESSES?

>> THEY JUST NEED TO BE TRANSPARENT.

THIS IS A FEDERALLY FUNDED OPERATION.

NOT A FOR-PROFIT COMPANY.

THEY NEED TO BE TRANSPARENT ON WHAT THEY NEED.

WE NEED TO SEE WHAT THEIR EXPENSES ARE.

WITH THE PROJECTED REVENUE IS.

THE BOATING COMMUNITY SHOULDN´T BE THE LOW HANGING FRUIT TO FUND THEIR ROAD REPAIRS OR OTHER PROJECTS THAT THEY WANT TO DO IN THE PARK.

CANNOT JUST DIVE INTO OUR SMALL BUSINESSES.

WE ARE LACED WITH FEES AS IT IS, AND WE WOULD PROBABLY HAVE TO PACK THESE ONTO THE CONSUMER.

BOATING ISN´T CHEAP.

THIS IS GOING TO BE A TOUGH ONE TO SWALLOW.

>> WHAT ARE SOME OF THE MAJOR COSTS YOU HAVE ASSOCIATED?

BECAUSE THE GENERAL PUBLIC.

>> VOTING FROM THE CHARTER INDUSTRY STANDPOINT.

INSURANCE AND LIABILITY IS HUGE.

I HAVE A FOR BOTH BUSINESS.

MY ENTRANCE THIS YEAR ALONE WENT FROM 36,000 $80,000.

IT MAKES YOU HAVE TO THINK TWICE ABOUT DO I CARRY THE LEVEL OF LIABILITY THAT I CARRIED?

DO I CARRY AS MUCH ON THE WHOLE VALUE AS I DID OR WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS?

THE COST OF FUEL.

IT DOES NOT SEEM TO COME DOWN MUCH AROUND HERE.

PARTS AND LABOR.

MY MECHANIC IS $150 PER HOUR.

THESE ARE ALL FOR-PROFIT COMPANIES.

THEIR FEES GO UP EVERY YEAR.

INFLATION HURTS.

WE ARE SMALL BUSINESSES.

IF WE THOUGHT WE COULD ADD ANOTHER 70 OR 80 PER DAY THEY WANT TO IMPOSE NOW.

IF WE THOUGHT WE COULD ADD THAT ON TO OUR FEES FOR THE SMALL BUSINESS WE WOULD, BUT WE THAT WE ARE PRICED WHERE WE NEED TO BE.

>> SOME OF WHAT YOU ARE SHARING RIGHT NOW IS A PART OF YOUR COMMENT.

SO WHEN YOU ALL COME TOGETHER AND PUT IT TOGETHER.

>> I WILL BE AS THOROUGH AS I CAN.

>> AT THIS CURRENT TIME IS IT SLOW OR BUSY RIGHT NOW?

HOW IS IT AFFECTING YOU AT THIS PARTICULAR MOMENT?

>> CURRENTLY WE ARE IN THE SLOW SEASON.

USUALLY AFTER THE FIRST 10 DAYS OF AUGUST THESE LEVELS REALLY DROP.

SEPTEMBER IS REALLY SLOW.

WE HAVE THE RITZ CARLTON CLUB CLOSED TO NOVEMBER 8.

ENTIRELY SHUT DOWN.

STUFF LIKE THAT AFFECTS US.

THIS IS OUR SLOW SEASON.

WE ARE FEELING IT.

>> HOPEFULLY THIS WILL GIVE YOU THE IMPETUS TO COME TOGETHER AND MAKE SURE THE COMMUNITY WITH THE NATIONAL PARK WILL BE ABLE TO LISTEN TO YOUR CONCERNS.

>> I THINK WE DID A PRETTY GOOD JOB.

>> WE THANK YOU FOR TAKING THE TIME TO EXPLAIN ALL OF THESE ISSUES FOR US.

HOPE TO SEE YOU SOON AGAIN.

>> THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

>> A $137 MILLION CONTRACT GLOBAL CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT FIRM IS SUING THE GOVERNMENT CLAIMING THEY IMPROPERLY AWARDED THE THREE-YEAR CONTRACT FOR PROJECT AND CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT SERVICES.

IN A LAWSUIT FILED SEPTEMBER 7 THEY ARE ASKING FOR A TEMPORARY RESTRAINING ORDER TO PREVENT THEM FROM EXECUTING THE CONTRACT THAT THE COMPANY ARGUES THE BID IN PROCESS WAS UNFAIR AND VIOLATED FOR FEDERAL AND VIRGIN ISLANDS LAWS.

THEY SUBMITTED A 398 PAGE PROPOSAL TOTALING APPROXIMATELY $30.2 MILLION.

NEARLY 107 MILLION LESS THAN THE WINNING BID.

THE COMPLETE FAILED TO COMPLY WITH ETHICAL PROCUREMENT ROLES WHEN IT AWARDED THE CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT PROJECT MANAGEMENT CONTRACT TO BID NEARLY $107 MILLION HIGHER THAN ALL OF THE OTHER BIDDERS.

INCLUDING PLAINTIFFS.

ALLEGING THE CONTRACT AWARD WAS MARKED BY AN APPEARANCE OF IMPROPRIETY AND CONFLICT OF INTEREST AND WAYS A PUBLIC FUND.

ALSO CLAIMS THE AGENCY FAILED TO FOLLOW THE EXPRESSED TERM BY AWARDING A SINGLE CONTRACT FOR BOTH PROJECT AND CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT.

WE ARE SEEKING EITHER A REBID OF THE CONTRACT OR TO HAVE THE AWARD GIVEN TO THEM IN A PRESS STATEMENT RESPONDING TO THE LAWSUIT THEY SAY THEY COMPLY WITH ALL APPLICABLE RULES IN THE EVALUATION OF THE PROPOSALS SUBMITTED.

ACCORDING TO THE PRESS RELEASE THE THREE-YEAR CONTRACT TALK IS AMONG 5% OF THE OVERALL $8 BILLION WORTH OF PROJECTS TO BE MANAGED, WHICH IS THE INDUSTRY STANDARD.

>> RECENTLY ANNOUNCING A TRANSFER OF APPROXIMATELY $181 MILLION TO THE TERRITORY AND ADVANCE ONLY ESTIMATED TAXES FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025.

THIS AMOUNT IS SIGNIFICANTLY LESS THAN THE 212 MILLION DOLLAR PAYMENTS TO THE VIRGIN ISLANDS FOR 2024.

IT RAISES CONCERNS ABOUT THE FINANCIAL STABILITY OF THE GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES.

UNDER THE REVISED ORGANIC ACTIVE PORTION OF THE EXCISE TAXES COLLECTED ON PRODUCED IN IMPORTED INTO THE MAIN NEI STATE IS TRANSFERRED BACK OR COVERED OVER TO THE TERRITORY.

THESE HAVE HISTORICALLY PROVIDED CRITICAL REVENUE FOR IN 1999 CONGRESS TEMPORARILY INCREASED THE RATE FROM THE ORIGINAL $10.50 TO $13.25 ALTHOUGH THIS EXPIRED SEVERAL TIMES OVER THE YEAR IT WAS OFTEN REINSTATED TO RETROACTIVE TAX LEGISLATION.

THE GOVERNMENT CREATED A SPECIAL VEHICLE USING A PORTION OF THE FUNDS TO STABILIZE THE PLAN WAS BASED ON THE ASSUMPTION OF A $13.25 SEND APPROVED GALAN GREAT.

IN THE HIGHER RATE EXPIRED IN 2021 AND REMAINED AT $10.50 IT CREATED A SIGNIFICANT SHORTFALL.

COVERS FAILED TO ACT ON THE ISSUE AND EXTEND THE HIGHER RATE OR MAKE IT PERMANENT LEAVING THE RETIREMENT SYSTEM IN A PRECARIOUS POSITION.

>> HERE WE GO AGAIN IS BASICALLY WHAT I WOULD SAY.

THREATENED WITH NOT RECEIVING THAT WAS A PART OF THE VEHICLE IN 2022.

THE FIRST YEAR THE GOVERNMENT WAS ABLE TO MAKE UP A SHORTFALL WITH LOCAL FUNDS IN THE SECOND YEAR WHICH WOULD HAVE BEEN 2023.

WE WERE ACTUALLY SHORTED A FULL $34 MILLION, WHICH WAS STILL AWAITING.

HEARING BASED UPON THE REDUCTION OVER REVENUE THAT WE WOULD LIKELY EXPERIENCE A SHORTFALL AGAIN.

WE HAVE NOT BEEN INFORMED AS TO EXACTLY HOW MUCH PLEDGED THAT WE WILL BE RECEIVING THIS YEAR.

I GUESS WE WILL BE FINDING OUT SHORTLY AROUND OCTOBER 1.

>> WE WERE THERE THIS MORNING AT THEIR REQUEST THE DIRECTOR OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET.

TO TAKE A LOOK AT HER INFORMATION OR TECHNOLOGY SYSTEMS FOR WHAT SHE BELIEVED IS A DIGITAL BREACH.

THE REASON THAT THIS WAS THAT BECAUSE SIMPLY BACK IN MAY OF THIS YEAR THEY UNCOVERED A NUMBER OF COVERT MONITORING DEVICES IN SEVERAL GOVERNMENT AGENCIES.

>> FAST-FORWARD TWO YEARS FROM THAT PRESS CONFERENCE.

THEY HAVE BOTH RESIGNED FROM THEIR POSITIONS IN THE MAN HIRED BY THE VIRGIN ISLANDS POLICE DEPARTMENT TO COVER THOSE DEVICES HAS ADMITTED TO PLANTING THEM HIMSELF.

ACCORDING TO A RECENTLY UNSEALED AGREEMENT TO THE FRONT OF THE CYBER SECURITY FIRM CONTRACTED BY THE VIP.

FEDERAL COURT DOCUMENTS REVEAL THEY ORCHESTRATED THE ENTIRE THING BY PLANTING THE DEVICES TO FABRICATE WORK FOR HIS COMPANY.

WHITAKER PLEADED GUILTY TO TWO COUNTS OF WIRE FRAUD AND ONE COUNT OF BRIBERY.

THE BURGLARY CHARGE INVOLVES PAYMENTS TO AGENTS TOTALING AT LEAST $66,000 IN CASH.

ALONG WITH RESTAURANT SUPPLIES AND LUXURY TRIPS.

IN JUNE THE GOVERNOR ANNOUNCED AT A PRESS CONFERENCE THAT HE QUESTIONED THE RESIGNATION OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET DIRECTOR.

AMID A FEDERAL INVESTIGATION THAT PROVIDED LIMITED DETAIL.

>> I WANT TO STRESS THAT THIS IS AN ACTIVE INVESTIGATION BEING RUN BY OUR FEDERAL PARTNERS.

THEREFORE THERE IS AN ABSOLUTE LIMIT OF WHAT WE CAN SHARE OR WHAT WE CAN DISCUSS WITH YOU THIS TIME.

I KNOW A LOT HAS BEEN IN THE PRESS ABOUT MARTINEZ AND JENNIFER O´NEAL.

THEY HAVE NOT BEEN CHARGED WITH ANYTHING.

THEY HAVE NOT BEEN INDICTED.

WITH A HAVE BEEN ASKED TO DO IS PROVIDE INFORMATION AND DOCUMENTS, CELL PHONES.

THAT SORT OF THING.

THIS IS COMMON IN ANY INVESTIGATION.

WITH RESPECT TO THEM I SAY LET´S SEE WHERE THINGS GO.

>> THE GOVERNOR CONFIRMED THAT FOR SPORT AND RECREATION COMMISSIONER HAD BEEN PROVIDING INFORMATION AS A PART OF THE FEDERAL INVESTIGATION.

>> THERE HAS BEEN A REQUEST FOR INFORMATION FROM THE COMMISSIONER.

>> HAS HE RESIGNED?

>> NO HE HASN´T.

>> ARE YOU ASKING FOR HIS RESIGNATION?

>> NOT AT THIS TIME.

>> THE GOVERNMENT HAS SINCE CANCELED ALL CONTRACTS WITH THEM.

>> CAN THEY CANCEL A CONTRACT WITH SOMEONE WHO HAS PLED GUILTY TO DEFRAUDING THE GOVERNMENT OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS?

I THINK IT WOULD HAVE BEEN IN PRUDENCE FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO CONTINUE TO PROCEED DOING BUSINESS WITH THAT ENTITY GIVING WHAT HAS COME TO LIGHTS.

>> JOINING ME TO ANALYZE THESE HOST OF THE POLITICAL RADIO SHOW.

WELCOME TO THE SHOW.

BEFORE WE DIVE INTO THE TOPICS I WOULD LIKE TO QUICKLY GET YOUR THOUGHTS LET´S START WITH YOU.

WHAT IS YOUR TAKE ON HOW THESE CHANGES MIGHT IMPACT THE COMMUNITY?

>> I THINK ONCE AGAIN THIS IS THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT EXERCISING THEIR POLITICAL POWER OVER THE UNITED STATES VIRGIN ISLANDS AND THE SMALL BUSINESS COMMUNITY THAT EXISTS HERE.

THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE PAID NO PROPERTY TAXES FOR THE VAST AMOUNT OF LAND IT OCCUPIES.

DOESN´T EQUATE TO THE AMOUNT OF PROPERTY TAXES THAT THEY WOULD PAY IF THEY WERE PAYING TAXES ON THE ACREAGE THAT THE PARK SERVICE OCCUPIES AND TO GIVE PEOPLE TWO DAYS NOTICE I THINK IS UNCONSCIONABLE.

ONCE AGAIN THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT EXERCISING THEIR POLITICAL POWER OVER THE RESIDENCE OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS.

>> THANK YOU FOR THAT.

WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON THESE CHANGES?

>> OR PROPOSED CHANGES.

>> I UNDERSTAND WHAT SHE IS SAYING AND THINGS HE HAS A GOOD POINT.

HOWEVER, AND NATIONAL PARK IS AN ATTRACTION NOT JUST FOR THE RESIDENCE AND PEOPLE FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD WHO COME TO VISIT.

IT IS APPROPRIATE TO MAINTAIN THE PARK AND ITS AMENITIES IN AN APPROPRIATE WAY.

I THINK IT MAKES SENSE TO RAISE THE FEES AFTER 10 YEARS.

HOWEVER, I THINK THE LACK OF NOTICE AND THE FACT THEY WERE RAISED EXPONENTIALLY INSTEAD OF GRADUALLY OVER A REASONABLE INTERVAL OF TIME IS UNFAIR TO LOCAL BUSINESSES.

WHO HAVE TO PASS THIS COST ON TO CONSUMERS.

IT IS REALLY EXPENSIVE.

SOMETHING THAT IS RESERVED NOT FOR THE MIDDLE CLASS, BUT FOR PEOPLE WHO HAVE A LOT OF MONEY.

AND THEN YOU HAVE TO SEND A LOT OF MONEY IN JUST TO BE THERE.

I THINK THAT HAS TO BE TAKEN INTO CONSIDERATION.

I THINK PREVIOUSLY THEY MADE A VERY GOOD POINT ABOUT THE FACT THAT WE DO NOT KNOW WHAT THE COSTS ARE.

SEEING AS THIS IS FEDERALLY FUNDED.

IT MAKES SENSE TO CHARGE FEES BUT ALSO TO HAVE THOSE WHO PAY THE FEES BE KNOWLEDGEABLE ABOUT EXACTLY WHAT GOES INTO THOSE CHARGES.

>> GOOD POINT.

>> BEFORE YOU GO THERE CAN I SAY SOMETHING?

WHILE I AGREE WITH THE ATTORNEY RESEARCH HAS SHOWN THAT THE PARK SERVICE AS AN ATTRACTION NATIONALLY WHEN COMPARED TO ALL OF THE OTHERS DOESN´T DRAW THE NUMBER OF TOURISTS THAT THE PARK SERVICE WOULD NEED, SO IF THEY COULD PRESENT DATA AND HOW MANY PEOPLE ACTUALLY GO VISIT THE PARK SERVICE BECAUSE ON THEIR OWN WEBSITE THEY RANK ON THE LOWER END IN TERMS OF VISITOR PER CAPITA.

I DO NOT THINK THAT WHILE IT IS AN ATTRACTION PEOPLE DO THAT.

>> YOUR THOUGHTS?

>> I THINK HE MADE SOME GREAT POINTS TALKING ABOUT THE PRESSURES OF THE VOTING COMMUNITY.

HE ACTUALLY SEEMED TO SAY THEY´RE WILLING TO PAY THEIR FAIR SHARE, WHICH I WAS PLEASED TO HEAR.

I HEARD HIM SAY IF IT COSTS X NUMBER OF DOLLARS TO MAINTAIN THIS YEAR IT IS FAIR TO BE CHARGED FOR THAT, SO I THINK IT´S GREAT.

WHAT I WOULD LIKE TO SAY ABOUT THIS IS WE OFTEN OVERLOOK WHEN WE TALK ABOUT FEES WE OFTEN OVERLOOK HOW THE FEES ARE COLLECTED AND WHAT THE CONVENIENCE OR INCONVENIENCE MAY BE.

I EQUATE THIS TO WHAT WE DO WITH PARKING METER IS.

SOMETHING THAT ALL OF US ARE FAMILIAR WITH WHEN WE GO AROUND THE WORLD.

SOMETIMES WILL PAY A DOLLAR TO GO INTO A SHOP FOR 30 MINUTES BUT IT WOULD TAKE YOU 20 MINUTES TO LOG INTO AN APP AND FIGURE IT ALL OUT.

WHEN WE ARE TALKING ABOUT HOW THESE ARE COLLECTED I THINK THAT IS EQUALLY IF NOT MORE IMPORTANT.

PARK SERVICE AS WE WANT TO MAINTAIN OUR FACILITIES AND DUCKS AND HAVE THIS AVAILABLE FOR RESIDENTS AND VISITORS ALIKE.

THAT IS GOOD.

THE QUESTION IN MY MIND IS HOW DO WE COME UP WITH THAT EFFICIENT AND EQUITABLE USE OF COST-SHARING TO MAKE THAT HAPPEN.

I THINK WE CAN COME UP WITH A PROGRAM THAT WOULD BRIDGE ALL OF THAT AND I THINK THAT IS WHAT THEY ARE REACHING OUT TO DO.

>> WOULD YOU LIKE TO ROUND OUT THIS DISCUSSION?

>> I THINK EVERYONE HAS MADE REALLY GOOD POINTS.

I THINK THE PARK IS GOING TO CONSIDER THEM.

THE COMMENT PERIOD OF 30 DAYS GIVEN THE FACT THE COMMUNITY IS NOT UNREASONABLE IT COULD BE LONGER.

HOWEVER, IT´S IMPORTANT TO BE OVER A REASONABLE INTERVAL OF TIME.

>> LET´S MOVE ON TO THE LAWSUIT INVOLVING THE PUBLIC FINANCE AUTHORITY IN THE OFFICE OF DISASTER RECOVERY OVER A $137 MILLION CONTRACT.

>> WE ARE TALKING ABOUT MANAGING ALL OF THE PUBLIC WORKS.

ALL OF THE INPUT STRUCTURE INCLUDING OUR ENTIRE WATER SYSTEM.

KNOWING AS MUCH AS I KNOW ABOUT THESE PROJECTS THE COST OF 30 MILLION IS VERY LOW TO ME.

AND IT DOES NOT ACCOMMODATE THE KIND OF RESPONSIBILITIES THAT THE PROJECT MANAGER >> SO IN YOUR OPINION IT IS THEY UNDERBID IT?

>> YES.

I THINK IT´S DIFFICULT TO TELL.

NOT KNOWING WHAT IS IN THE BID.

AND NOT KNOWING WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE TO TELL.

I EXPECT BECAUSE I HAVE EXPERIENCED THAT VERY OFTEN THERE IS AN UNDERBID AND THEN COST INCREASES THAT GO OVER TIME, WHICH MAKES IT ULTIMATELY WHAT THE ORIGINAL BID BY THE COMPETING BIDDER WHO WAS MUCH LARGER WOULD HAVE BEEN.

IT JUST SEEMS UNREASONABLE.

BECAUSE IT IS SUCH A VAST DIFFERENCE IT SEEMS THEY WERE ENTITLED TO AN IMMEDIATE EXPLANATION.

WAS NOT GETTING ANY ATTENTION.

>> AS A BUSINESSMAN AND FOLLOWING THIS STORY WOULD YOU THINK THAT IT WAS SOMEWHAT OF AN UNFAIR BID AND PROCESS?

>> I CANNOT SPEAK TO WHETHER OR NOT IT WAS FAIR OR NOT IN TERMS OF THE REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS, BUT WHEN YOU HAVE ONE BID FOR 30 SOME ODD NIGHT AND ANOTHER FOR 100 SOME AND YOU CHOOSE THE ONE FOR 137 THAT HURTS ME AS A RESIDENT OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS HAVING ALL OF US WHO ARE WORRIED ABOUT WHY THIS MONEY IS BEING SPENT NOT JUST ON THE ISSUE OF THIS CONTACT BUT ALL OVER THE ISLAND.

WHY ARE THE POTHOLES NOT FILLED?

WHY IS THE ELECTRICAL SERVICE NOT WORKING?

WE SEE EACH AND EVERY BIT THAT SEEMS TO BE HAPPENING SOMEHOW THERE IS MORE GOING OUT AND NOT ENOUGH COMING IN TO GET IT DONE.

NOT ENOUGH EFFORT OR WORK.

WHEN YOU SEE AN EXAMPLE OF THEY CAN SAVE THIS ON PAPER ACKNOWLEDGE THE POINT OF SAYING MAY BE THAT REALLY IS AND 30 SOME ODD MILLION.

NOT ABOUT PRICING.

IT IS STILL PAINFUL FOR EVERY RESIDENT OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS TO SEE THAT KIND OF WEIGHT AND DISMISSAL OF AN OPPORTUNITY TO SAVE MONEY.

>> THEY SAY THAT PROCUREMENT RULES WERE FOLLOWED ALL THE WAY.

YOUR THOUGHTS ON THAT?

>> I WILL LET THE FACTS PLAY OUT IN COURT.

HOWEVER, I SHARE CONCERNS AND THAT WE HAVE A CRISIS IN THE TERRITORY.

WHEN HERE THERE IS THIS HUGE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN WHO WAS AWARDED THE BID VERSUS SOMEBODY COMPETING IT RAISES QUESTIONS AND ALSO WHAT IS RAISING QUESTIONS AS WHETHER OR NOT WE ARE DOING THE APPROPRIATE BACKGROUND CHECKS ON BUSINESSES WHO WANT TO COME TO A TERRITORY TO DO BUSINESS.

SOME PEOPLE UNDERBID AND THEN THEY DO CONTRACT CHANGES THAT RAISES THE CONTRACT PRICE UP.

HOWEVER, SOMETIMES WE HAVE HAVE GOTTEN INTO BED AS A COMMUNITY WITH BUSINESSES WHO AREN´T GOOD OR WELL-MEANING TO THE VIRGIN ISLANDS COMMUNITY.

IT BEGS THE QUESTION WHO IS DOING THE RESEARCH TO MAKE SURE THAT THE VIRGIN ISLANDS DOESN´T FIND ITSELF IN ANOTHER SITUATION WANTING AND FIGURING OUT WITH INCOMPLETE PROJECTS.

I THINK THAT WE NEED TO TAKE OUR TIME AND DO THE RESEARCH AND FIGURE OUT WHO IS COMING HERE TO DO BUSINESS AND REALIZED THAT NOT EVERYBODY IS COMING HERE TO THE TERRITORY HAS GOOD INTENTIONS AND SOME OF THEM ARE DISASTERS AND THEY SEE AN OPPORTUNITY.

>> THANK YOU.

LET´S MOVE ON TO OUR SECOND TOPIC.

THAT IS THE DECLINE IN RUM TAX PAYMENTS AND HOW THEY ARE AFFECTING THE EMPLOYEES.

LET´S HEAR FROM THE ADMINISTRATOR AND HOW THE SHORTFALL IMPACTS THE SYSTEM.

>> WE DO DEPEND ON THIS.

WE COULD HAVE GROWN THE PORTFOLIO BY EVEN MORE.

THEREFORE THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN ANOTHER 20% ON TOP OF THE ADDITIONAL 31 MILLION.

WE HAD TO SOUND THE ALARM IN THE VERY AGGRESSIVELY TO ENSURE THERE IS NO TEMPORARY AND SOLVENTS BECAUSE THAT IS UNTENABLE FOR THEM WHO HAVE WORKED MANY YEARS TO BE ABLE TO RETIRE RESPECTFULLY.

SO THAT IS WHY WE ARE HERE WORKING VERY HARD TO ENSURE WE CAN CONTINUE TO RECEIVE THOSE PAYMENTS.

WE PROPOSE TO SOME ALTERNATIVES THAT HELPED US.

SUCH AS THE GOVERNMENT FUNDING OUR ANNUAL ADMINISTRATIVE COST IS.

WE ALSO INDICATED THAT PER THE LIE WE WILL BE INCREASING THE EMPLOYER CONTRIBUTIONS BY THREE PERCENTAGE POINTS THAT WOULD BE ABOUT ANOTHER 13 MILLION ANNUALLY.

ON TOP OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES.

THAT ADDRESS NOT ONLY THE LOOMING INSOLVENCY BUT ALSO PLACES IT ON A MORE SOLID FOUNDATION WHERE WE CAN LOOK TO BE A FULLY FUNDED BY THE YEAR 2046.

>> WE HEAR THE GRAVE CONCERN EXPRESSED.

CONFUSION OUT THERE SOMEWHAT REGARDING WHETHER THEY HAVE FAILED TO ACT OR HAVE THE VIRGIN ISLANDS INTRODUCED THE LEGISLATION TO CHANGE THEIR RATES?

>> AS I UNDERSTAND IT THE RATE WAS SET AT $13 AND CHANGE.

IT WAS EXTENDED OVER TIME.

THERE NEEDED TO BE A REQUEST TO CONTINUE THE EXTENSION, AND THERE WAS NO REQUEST.

NO ONE FIGURED THAT OUT UNTIL WELL AFTER THE FACT WHEN THE COMMITMENT OF FUNDS HAD BEEN MADE.

THAT IS VERY DISTRESSING.

THE OTHER THING THAT IS DISTRESSING IS THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT CLAIMS IT´S GOING TO BE ABLE TO FUND THE ADMINISTRATIVE COST THIS MEANS THAT REVENUES FROM THE GENERAL FUND ARE GOING TO BE RESPONSIBLE FOR SUBSIDIZING THEM, WE SHOULD BE OPERATING ON ITS OWN FUNDS FOR RETIREES.

THIS ADDS UP TO A CRISIS.

UNLESS CONGRESS AGREES WITH A REQUEST TO EXTEND THE AMOUNT WE ARE IN BIG TROUBLE.

AND THE FACT WE ARE RUNNING SHORTFALLS IN MANY AREAS.

NOT MEETING OUR OBLIGATIONS IN A TIMELY FASHION BECAUSE WE HAVE A PAYROLL WE HAVE TO COVER.

IT IS WORRISOME THAT ACTION HAS NOT BEEN TAKEN WITH RESPECT TO THIS AND IF IT PLAN.

IT IS ONE OF THE FEW REMAINING DEFINED-BENEFIT PLANS IN THE COUNTRY.

UNIONS HAVE THESE PLANS FOR EXAMPLE BECAUSE THEY ARE SO EXPENSIVE TO OPERATE.

WE ARE VERY FORTUNATE TO HAVE THIS.

SOMETHING HAS TO BE DONE IF THIS IS THE ONLY SOURCE.

THE GOVERNMENT HAS COMMITTED TO UNDERWRITING THE ADMINISTRATIVE COST OF THE AGENCY.

THAT I THINK IS VERY TROUBLING BECAUSE WE DO NOT HAVE THAT MONEY.

>> I WANTED TO MOVE ON TO THIS.

BASED ON BELIEVING THE VIRGIN ISLANDS WOULD GET ITS RATE WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON THAT?

>> I THINK THERE WAS AN OPPORTUNITY THAT WAS MISSED AND LOST.

WE HAD A DEMOCRAT IN THE WHITE HOUSE.

THE DEMOCRATIC CONGRESS.

A CONGRESSWOMAN AT THE TIME THOUGHT IT WAS MORE PRUDENT TO BE ENGAGED IN OTHER MATTERS.

THE NATIONAL PARTY DID NOT SEE IT FIT.

CONGRESS DID NOT WANT TO INTRODUCE IT, BUT IT WAS A LOST OPPORTUNITY.

AN OPPORTUNITY THAT WE HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO GET BACK.

WHEN THE LEGISLATURE ENACTED THIS IT WAS A LETTER AND AGREEMENT INDICATING THAT THEY WERE IN AGREEMENT.

YOU HAVE TO GET PERMISSION TO MOVE FORWARD WITH THE SPECIAL PURPOSE VEHICLE.

MY HOPE THAT THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT BECAUSE WE ARE A COLONY.

THAT THEY UNDERSTAND THEY HAVE A RESPONSIBILITY TO CONTINUE TO HAVE OUR RETIREMENT SYSTEM REMAIN SOLVENT AND STAY TRUE TO THEIR COMMITMENT THAT WAS MADE.

I NEED TO CORRECT ATTORNEY DUDLEY.

I DO NOT THINK THE GOVERNMENT OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS AGREED TO UNDERWRITING THE ADMINISTRATIVE COST.

I THINK THEY WOULD LIKE AND HAVE SAID THEY PREVIOUSLY DID THAT, BUT THEY ARE NOT CURRENTLY UNDERWRITING THE ADMINISTRATIVE COST.

>> IT IS NOT A DONE DEAL?

>> UNDER THE STATUTE THEY HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY BY LAW TO INCREASE THE EMPLOYER CONTRIBUTIONS.

UP TO 3%.

THEY INDICATED THAT THEY ARE GOING TO INCREASE THE EMPLOYER CONTRIBUTION.

WITH SEVERAL LEGISLATURE´S.

ENACTED LEGISLATION THAT GAVE THEM THE AUTHORITY TO INCREASE THE EMPLOYER CONTRIBUTION TO REMAIN SOLVENT, AND THEY WILL EXERCISE THAT OPTION THEY HAVE INDICATED.

>> IT´S IMPORTANT TO NOTE THAT AS I UNDERSTAND CORRECTLY WHAT THE EXECUTOR DIRECTOR HAS OFTEN SAID IS THAT WAS GOING TO KEEP THE SYSTEM SOLVENT.

THAT IN FACT THE GOVERNMENT HAD TO ANDRE BECAUSE THEY DID SO BEFORE.

THAT MEANS ONCE AGAIN THEY WILL HAVE TO PICK UP THE TAG FOR THE ADMINISTRATIVE COST.

RIGHT NOW THEY ARE GREATLY OVERBURDENED WITH ALL KINDS OF REVENUE SHORTFALL.

THAT COMES AS A RESULT OF BUSINESSES LEAVING AND NOT BEING WILLING TO STEP UP AND MAKE THE KIND OF CONTRIBUTIONS.

EVERYONE IS TRYING TO SAVE MONEY ON TAXES.

THE GOVERNMENT NEEDS THE MONEY.

WE WILL HAVE TO COME TO JESUS FOR THESE THINGS.

>> I MAY HAVE HEARD IN CORRECTLY.

I DO NOT THINK THAT IS WHAT HE SAID.

I THINK HE SAID HE WOULD LIKE FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO COMMIT TO UNDERWRITING.

WHICH IS SOMETHING THEY HAD PREVIOUSLY DONE.

I DO NOT THINK UNDERWRITE THE FUNDING.

THE ADMINISTRATIVE COST.

THAT WOULD HAVE TO BE A BUDGET BILL.

I HAVE HEARD THE ENTIRE BUDGET PROGRESS AND HAVE NOT SEEN OR HEARD OR A BILL REQUEST ASKING FOR THE LEGISLATURE TO FUND THE DRS.

>> SO WE WILL MOVE ON TO THE NEXT TOPIC.

I THANK YOU FOR WHAT YOU HAVE WEIGHED IN ON SO FAR.

DAVID WHITAKER PLEADED GUILTY TO GOVERNMENT CONTRACTS CANCELED.

CABINET MEMBERS RESIGNED.

THERE HAS BEEN A LOT TO FOLLOW.

SHOULD THE GOVERNMENT HAVE KNOWN ABOUT DAVID WHITAKER?

>> ABSOLUTELY.

IT IS PUBLIC KNOWLEDGE.

HE PLED GUILTY IN 2011.

NATIONAL NEWS STORIES ABOUT THIS.

WE HAVE A GOVERNMENT SPOKESPERSON SAYING EVEN IF THERE IS SOMEBODY WITH A CRIMINAL BACKGROUND THAT DOES NOT NECESSARILY MEAN THAT WE EXCLUDE THEM FROM GOVERNMENT CONTRACTS.

I AM NOT BUYING IT.

IF YOU HAVE SOMEBODY WHO SAID I AM A BANK ROBBERY AND APPLYING TO BE THE MANAGER OF THE BANK YOU CANNOT HIRE THAT PERSON.

WHEN WE ARE DEALING WITH SOMEBODY WHO HAS BEEN ENGAGED TO THAT COME UP AND SAY I´M GOING TO RENAME MY COMPANY AND COME TO BEAVERTON ISLANDS AND PLEASE GIVE ME THIS CONTRACT AND THE GOVERNMENT RUNS WITH IT OF COURSE THIS GUY IS AT FAULT.

PLED GUILTY TO SOMETHING THAT IS TRULY HORRIBLE.

OUR GOVERNMENT BEARS RESPONSIBILITY FOR BEING ABLE TO SNIFF THIS OUT AND PROTECT THE PEOPLE FROM THIS FRAUD OCCURRING ON OUR DIME.

>> GENERALLY SPEAKING THE BUTTING OF CONTRACTS IS EXTREMELY THOROUGH.

IN THIS CASE I DO NOT UNDERSTAND WHY A PERSON WITH A PUBLIC CRIMINAL RECORD COULD HAVE EASILY BEEN ASCERTAINED BUT STILL ENGAGED TO DO SOMETHING AS SENSITIVE AS SECURITY UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES WITH THE IDEA THAT THIS PERSON WOULD HAVE PLANTED THESE LISTENING DEVICES HOW ON EARTH THAT COULD HAVE HAPPENED.

AND WHAT THEY DID WITH THAT INFORMATION AND WHY THEY WERE PUT THERE IN THE FIRST PLACE IS A MYSTERY THAT I HOPE WILL BE SOLVED IN THE CRIMINAL CASE.

>> IT IS COMING RIGHT UP.

WHAT ABOUT THE FOLLOW BUT THE GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS ON THIS?

>> I AM AS CURIOUS AS ANYBODY ELSE TO FIND OUT WHO PUBLIC OFFICIALS OR POLICE OFFICIALS NUMBER ONE IS AND I´M THINKING IF YOU GIVE SOMEBODY A NUMBER ONE THAT MUST BE A NUMBER TWO OR THREE OR FOUR OR POSSIBLY FIVE.

I JUST HOPE WE ARE ABLE TO WEED OUT THE BAD ACTORS AND THIS IS SOMETHING THAT WE HAVE TO HOPE FULLY LEARN FROM AND EXERCISE A LEVEL OF DETERMINATION TO NOT HAVE BAD ACTORS AMONGST US.

WE HAVE TO PUT PARAMETERS IN PLACE TO PROTECT THE PUBLIC FROM THESE CHARLATANS DOES SOMETIMES COME.

YOU BET THIS BE A REMINDER NOT EVERYTHING THAT IS GLITTER IS GOLD.

TOO OFTEN SOMEBODY COMING THAT WE THINK HAS MONEY OR IS DOING WELL.

WE FLOCKED TO THEM AND PUT THEM ON A PEDESTAL.

WE NEED TO STOP IDOLIZING FALSE PROPHETS.

>> YOU DID MENTION EARLIER ABOUT THE STADIUMS.

YOU JUST MENTIONED IT IS THESE TYPES OF SITUATIONS HAPPENING TOO OFTEN.

HOW OFTEN DO YOU THINK IS TOO OFTEN?

>> WANTS IS TOO OFTEN.

IT CONTINUES TO HAPPEN.

I THINK THAT SOME PEOPLE WANT TO SEE PROJECTS COMPLETED.

SOME PEOPLE WANT TO SEE IT IN A TIMELY AND EFFICIENT MANNER WHERE THEY ARE NOT GETTING CHANGE, WHERE COST IS INCREASED IN THE BOTTOM LINE KEEPS RISING IN THESE BUSINESS CONTINUE TO MAKE HUGE PROFITS AND WE CANNOT USE THE SPACES AND FACILITIES THAT WE ARE PAYING THEM TO PROVIDE FOR US.

RESULTS.

>> SHE JUST SPOKE ABOUT THE CHANGE ORDER.

THIS IS SOMETHING THAT IS ALL THE TIME.

IS IT OVERUSED IN THE TERRITORY?

>> THAT DEPENDS ON THE CONTRACT.

I DO NOT THINK YOU CAN MAKE A BLANKET STATEMENT BECAUSE EACH IS USED FOR CIRCUMSTANCES UNDER NEGOTIATED.

>> IT HAPPENS VERY OFTEN.

EVERYTHING IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS HAS TO BE MADE TO ORDER BECAUSE WE ARE AN ISLAND AND HAVE TO DEPEND SO HEAVILY ON CONTRACTORS AND OTHERS TO BRING IN THE RIGHT MATERIAL AND SO FORTH.

I THINK WE SHOULD NOT ASSUME THAT A BLANKET ASSUMPTION THAT ALL CONTRACTORS ARE OUT TO GET YOU.

THAT THERE ARE HUGE PROFITS.

THERE ARE NOT.

THERE ARE REASONABLE PROFITS, WHICH ARE SATISFACTORY TO PAY ITS EMPLOYEES.

WE CAN ALWAYS ASSUME BUSINESSES ARE TO GET US.

I WOULD LIKE TO DISPEL THAT NOTION.

I AGREE WITH YOUR OTHER GUESTS THAT SOMETIMES WE RUN INTO PROBLEMS, LIKE YOU DID HERE.

I FIND THIS INCREDIBLE.

I THINK WE HAVE TO GIVE OUR PUBLIC OFFICIALS A SALUTE BECAUSE THEY DO A HARD JOB AND DO IT ALL THE TIME.

MOST OFTEN THEY COME TO FOR WISHING EVEN THOUGH THE POTHOLES MAKE THE THING THEY DON´T.

>> LET´S ROUND OUT THIS DISCUSSION WITH YOU.

HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT WHAT IS GOING ON?

>> I THINK THE PROBLEM IS PERVASIVE.

THAT ANYBODY IS A BAD ACTOR.

EVERYBODY IS INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY AND DESERVE THE BENEFIT OF THE DOUBT.

THE PROBLEM IS ABOUT OUR GOVERNMENT AND SYSTEM THAT ALLOWS THIS TO OCCUR OVER AND OVER AGAIN IN A WAY THAT HURTS THE PEOPLE OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS.

WHEN I FIRST CAME HERE I HEARD A LOT OF PEOPLE DESCRIBE THE GOVERNMENT AS A LITTLE PAYOUT HERE OR MONEY THERE.

CORRUPTION.

IT SOUNDED TO ME LIKE UNFOUNDED RUMORS.

NO WE ARE SEEING PEOPLE PLEADING GUILTY.

SEEING FBI INVESTIGATIONS.

I AM WONDERING HOW FAR THIS GOES BECAUSE WHEN YOU SEE SOMEBODY WHO IS CAUGHT DOING SOMETHING NOT JUST WRONG, BUT ABSOLUTELY YOU HAVE TO SAY NOT WHAT IS THE PROBLEM WITH THEM BUT THE PEOPLE WHO ALLOWED THAT TO HAPPEN.

MORE AND MORE PEOPLE ALLOWING THAT TO HAPPEN.

THAT NEEDS TO BE WEEDED OUT.

WE HAVE TO HAVE A FRESH START.

>> UNFORTUNATELY THAT IS ALL THE SHOW WE HAVE FOR YOU TODAY.

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