LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR VARGRAVE RICHARDS URGES FAST FORWARD OF SETTLEMENT
PAYMENT TO MON BIJOU FAMILIES ADVERSELY AFFECTED BY SEVERE FLOODS
Upon the recommendation of Lieutenant Governor Vargrave Richards, Governor
Charles W. Turnbull has ordered the advancement of outstanding payments
to Mon Bijou residents who are experiencing difficulties and challenges
caused by the heavy reains and flooding yesterday and continuing today.
In his inspection around the island of St. Croix yesterday, Lieutenant
Governor Richards addressed concerns voiced by Mon Bijou homeowners.
Approximately 15 Mon Bijou families discussed their concerns with Lieutenant
Governor Richards regarding the long-awaited financial settlements due
to them as a result of prior flooding problems since the 1970s.
Richards stated that according to his discussion with Attorney General
Iver Stridiron, the Turnbull Administration became aware of the situation
in 2002, when it was brought to the Attorney General's attention by
Mon Bijou Homeowners Association's attorney in 2002. The Turnbull Administration
immediately began preparation to meet payments issued in the 1986 and
1998 judgments. Due to inadequate funding, however, Mon Bijou homeowners
were put on hold pending the identification of funds and subsequently
placed on the priority list of outstanding payment obligations from
the 2004 Budget still awaiting approval by the 25th Legislature.
Lieutenant Governor Richards stated, however, that in his inspection
of the Mon Bijou area: "It is obvious that the present flooding
has compounded the situation and that payment must be made available
immediately to families to end the unnecessary suffering."
Governor Turnbull, in response to Lieutenant Governor Richards' request,
has directed the Department of Justice, Office of Management and Budget,
and the Department of Finance to release settlement checks as early
as next week.
The Governor commended the Lieutenant Governor for his response to
the needs of the residents of Mon Bijou as well as his inspections of
conditions on St. Croix brought on by the inclement weather.
