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Two new ferries for Christmas

The Commissioner of Public Works said he's in the market for $5 million dollars worth of new ferries for the Red Hook-Cruz Bay run.

In an appearance before a Virgin islands Senate committee, Darryl Smalls said the government raised the money "from various federal sources," the Virgin Islands Daily News reported.   Smalls said he is now soliciting bids for the purchases and hopes the ferries will arrive before New Year's.

Smalls also said $23 million worth of Public Works projects are underway on the island, such as repairs and improvements to Gifft Hill.

Read moreTwo new ferries for Christmas

There’s a small hotel …

While resort developments and McMansion construction have changed St. John  in the past 15 years, visitors can still find small pockets of Caribbean island charm for a relaxing vacation.

Besides renting one of the hundreds of beautioful two- and three-bedroom homes on the island (like those of our advertisers on the right and left sides of the page), there are also inns and guest houses. A Department of Tourism winter promotional publication highlights some of these places.

Read moreThere’s a small hotel …

Surly Cantina closed, controversy breaks out

Surly Craig and Suzanne's inventive and fun (and did we say cheap) adventure in Mexican food at Wharfside Village is over, for now. It lasted about a year.

(The Inquiring Iguana wrote about the Cantina months ago. Read it here.)

Forums at Trip Advisor and Virgin-Islands-On-Line tell the story that the landlord raised the rent. That was the final straw in the enchilada.

But just as they say on TV, "Don't be fooled by substitutes."

Read moreSurly Cantina closed, controversy breaks out

Flying? Why it’s still smart to use carry ons

Aiport Anyone who's passed through the Cyril E. King airport knows the baggage handling system is awful.  That includes even the V.I. Port Authority which oversees the airport. 

At a recent meeting of the Authority, plans to redo the baggage system, replace the air conditioning system, improve the runways and alter the layout of the building were discussed. The cost estimate was about $20 million, according to a report of the meeting by the St. John Source.

Read moreFlying? Why it’s still smart to use carry ons

283 days until tastes of St. John

Flavors With a melange of Caribbean flavors still a memory in the mouth, St. John Rotary is already planning for this year's Flavors of St. John.  It'll be bigger and better, according to a club newsletter reporting on the group's weekly meeting.

The 2009 event raised $17,000 for Rotary's community efforts and scholarships.  The tentative date for the 2010 event is Thursday, Nov. 11. Still to be determined is whether the Westin Resort will have the necessary ballrooms to handle the party which, last November, drew about 250 people.

Read more283 days until tastes of St. John

Love letter to Blue Tang villa

Hmpg_297x218_night_pool Mrs. and Mr. Inquiring Iguana have owned Blue Tang for a couple of years.  Whenever they visit, Mr. I reads the Guest Book's comments left by guests.  And, invariably, his eyes get teary as people say what a good time they had with their spouses, their lovers, their children, and even their grandkids.  That a time at Blue Tang , with assistance from Catered To, the house's management company, could be so relaxing and re-energizing for so many warms the  Iguana's cockles.

Read moreLove letter to Blue Tang villa

More parking in Cruz Bay soon

The Achilles Heel of the Cruz Bay restaurant business is parking. For years, there have been complaints. And ill-planned and badly implemented efforts by the government have failed to solve the problem. The Governor's announcement this week that a Planner finally has been hired is a step in the right direction.

Meanwhile, the Port Authority is moving ahead with its plan to use the aprons of the Enighed Pond commercial port for parking.  As many as 150 spaces, according to Islandia Real Estate's blog (http://www.stjohnvirealestateblog.com/?p=1502).  The Port Authority's executive director, Ken Hobson, told a St. John Chamber of Commerce meeting the parking could be operational by May 1st.

He also said that the PA initially wanted to charge for parking.  However, Gov. John deJongh intervened and, at least at the start, parking will be free.

Governor: Multiple tax bills coming

State-of-the-Territory-2010 The VI government is losing $25 million a month and long-delayed property tax revenues can't come soon enough.

So said Gov. John deJongh in his State of the (bankrupt?) Territory last night.  he said the $800,000 a day operating deficit is due to the "global economic crisis" and that "our tax revenues fell by 30%."

Read moreGovernor: Multiple tax bills coming

BULLETIN: St. John planner starts next month

Not much good news for the island in Gov. John deJongh's State of the Territory speech tonight but he did say help is on the way so far as parking problems, transportation lapses, and land use regulation.

In his speech, the Governor told the Senate, "I am pleased to announce that after several false starts, we have hired a principal planner for St. John, who will be starting work next month."

More from the Governor's speech coming up.

Gov. could talk about property taxes tonight

Dejongh The annual State of the Territory address is schedule for Monday night at 7 p.m.  You can listen to it on the Governor's Web site, http://www.governordejongh.com/. 

A statement from the Governor's office said, "(John) deJongh will highlight the work of his administration over the past three years and express his confidence and conviction that the territory is on the right path to overcome our current challenges and move toward a brighter future for all Virgin Islanders."

Of great interest to St. John business, villa, condo, and land owners will be any comment about the impasse between the federal government and the territory which has blocked property tax collections for at least three years. 

How you can run a government, or even a household, without a main source of revenue, is beyond most people. Unless, of course, you're piling up debt – which means interest payments … which means more debt.