roberto cintron of st. croix confirmed to vipa board · jefferies, llc was selected as the...
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Airline Incentive Targets STX
A PUBLICATION OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS PORT AUTHORITY Volume 10 Issue 2 www.viport.com 2014 Spring/Summer Edition
Roberto Cintron of St. Croix Confirmed to VIPA Board
In This IssueIn This IssueIn This Issue
From the Board Room……………………….2
Employee of the Year 2014....………………3
CEKA Renovations………………….…….....4
Dredging Projects ………………….....….....5
Personnel News & Updates ..…….. .……...6
Seatrade Cruise Convention 2014 …...…...7
Enighed Pond Ops Plan Amended…….....8
Roberto C. Cintron was confirmed by the
Virgin Islands Legislature to the Virgin
Islands Port Authority Governing Board of
Directors on April 28. He fills a vacancy left
by Gordon Finch who retired from the VIPA
Board in February.
Cintron, a native of St. Croix, is the
president of his family’s land development
business, Jay-Ro-Mar Inc. and a co-owner of
New Wave Development. He has performed
private engineering consulting, land
development and surveying while also serving on the Board of Land
Use Appeals. He worked in Orlando for five years as an engineering
consultant. Upon receiving his engineering license in 2005 he
returned to St. Croix and began working at the VI Department of
Public Works, becoming assistant commissioner in 2006. Cintron
graduated from the University of Florida with a bachelor's degree in
civil engineering in 2000.
Roberto C. Cintron
VIPA Board Member
Benedict Field was the name of the
first airport on St. Croix. Learn more
about this historic military base as we
continue the celebration of the Virgin
Islands Port Authority’s 45th Anniversary
by documenting the fascinating history of
the ports of the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Benedict Field (Back Page)
The Virgin Islands Port Authority has implemented a new
incentive to attract new air service to St. Croix. Airlines that offer
new service or existing airlines that increase service to St. Croix will
receive a waiver of landing fees and a 50 percent reduction in
passenger fees for one year. Airlines that increase or add service
from Nov. 2014 through Nov. 2016 are eligible for the one-year
waiver. VIPA is working with the VI Department of Tourism to
market this incentive to prospective airlines with an interest in adding
St. Croix to their routes. The incentive also applies to airlines that
offer non-peak-hour-service to the Cyril E. King Airport on
St. Thomas. VIPA hopes to attract air service to St. Thomas before
noon and after 5 pm.
Page 2 VIPA Portfolio—Spring/Summer 2014
VIPA Transfers Land in Cruz Bay to DPNR
The Virgin Islands Port Authority’s Governing Board approved the
transfer of Parcel 302 Cruz Bay to the Department of Planning and
Natural Resources for the construction of a fish market. The parcel of
land is located along the channel that leads to the Theovald Moorehead
Dock and Marine Terminal at Enighed Pond, St. John. The Board
directed VIPA’s engineering staff to be involved in the construction of the
new fisherman’s market to ensure that any docks built in that area do not
obstruct the entrance and exit out of the channel.
The VIPA Portfolio is published by: The Virgin Islands Port Authority P.O. Box 301707 St. Thomas, VI 00803-1707 Tel: (340) 774-1629 Fax: (340) 774-0025 Web site: www.viport.com E-mail: [email protected] Honorable John P. de Jongh Jr. Governor of the U.S. Virgin Islands Honorable Gregory L. Francis Lt. Governor of the U.S. Virgin Islands Mr. Robert O’Connor Jr. Chairperson of the Board Private Sector Member, St. John The Honorable Darryl Smalls, P.E. Vice Chairperson of the Board Commissioner of Public Works The Honorable Albert Bryan Jr. Secretary of the Board Chairman, Economic Development Authority Board and Commissioner of Labor Mr. Allison Petrus Private Sector Member, St. Thomas The Honorable Beverly Nicholson-Doty Commissioner of Tourism The Honorable Vincent Frazer, Esq. Attorney General Dr. Yvonne E. L. Thraen Private Sector Member, St. Thomas Mr. Roberto C. Cintron Private Sector Member, St. Croix Mr. Manuel Gutierrez Private Sector Member, St. Croix Mr. Carlton Dowe Executive Director Mr. David W. Mapp Assistant Executive Director Monifa A. Marrero Editor & Layout Assistant Editors Damali Rogers; Julice Harley and Gail L. Chinnery Photography Don Hebert, Jose Nazario, Melville Holder, and Monifa Marrero
Established on Feb. 11, 1969, the Virgin Islands Port Authority (VIPA) is a semi-autonomous agency that owns and manages the two airports and the majority of the public seaports in the United States Virgin Islands. We are also charged with controlling the harbors in the territory. VIPA is a critical arm of the USVI economy, and is committed to maintaining and developing the airports and seaports of the territory to accommodate the current and future demands of its users. The Port Authority is self-supporting and receives no tax revenues from the U.S. Virgin Islands government.
1969—2014
From the Board RoomFrom the Board RoomFrom the Board Room
The Virgin Islands Port Authority’s Governing Board held a special
meeting on May 9 to select an insurance broker and an investment banker
and underwriter for the Authority. AON Risk Solutions of Puerto Rico,
Inc. was selected as the insurance broker for the Port Authority for a fee
of $250,000 for one year. The company has two one-year options to
renew the contract. AON Risk will provide both liability and property
insurance coverage. VIPA previously held two separate insurance
coverage contracts with two different companies. Combining coverage
under one company will save the Authority about $500,000 in brokerage
fees, said VIPA Executive Director Carlton Dowe.
Jefferies, LLC was selected as the Authority’s investment banker/
underwriter to assist with the upcoming marine bond transaction. VIPA
plans to finance several of its major marine capital projects using bonds.
Jefferies will be paid a fee of $5.50 per $1,000 bond. Dowe said that
there are not many federal grants available for marine projects, so VIPA
is seeking alternative methods to fund critically needed repairs and
developments to its seaports in the territory.
VIPA Selects New Insurance Broker and Investment Banker
AMENDED VIPA MARINE TARIFF EFFECTIVE APRIL 23 Ship Dues $2 per passenger
Inbound Wharfage $3 per passenger
Outbound Wharfage $3 per passenger
Cruise ships and all vessels
traveling between the USVI are
exempt from the increase.
VIPA Portfolio—Spring/Summer 2014 Page 3
FRANCISCO PARRILLA Maintenance Supervisor
St. Croix
We congratulate the Virgin Islands Port Authority’s 2014 Employees of the Year: Francisco Parrilla, a
maintenance supervisor on St. Croix, and Vincent Arthurton, a custodian at the Cyril E. King Airport on
St. Thomas. Parrilla will be honored at the VI Government’s Annual Employee of the Year Ceremony
hosted by the VI Division of Personnel on St. Croix on June 5. Arthurton will be honored at the ceremony
held on St. Thomas on June 6.
VINCENT ARTHURTON CEKA Custodian
St. Thomas
The Virgin Islands Port Authority has leased land to the
Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority to facilitate the
construction of the VIWAPA's VITOL Liquefied Petroleum
Gas Conversion Project. VIWAPA will lease a 42,000
square-foot area at Parcel No. 4 Lindbergh Bay at the foot
of Sarah Hill, adjacent to the Cyril E. King Airport on St.
Thomas. The land will be used as a temporary off-site
storage area for rock spoil for six weeks. After the stone is removed, VIWAPA will use the area for another
six to eight months to store civil, structural, piping, mechanical and electrical equipment for the VIWAPA
VITOL LPG Project. The rock storage area will be set back far enough from the main road to allow the
community to continue to park in that area while they use the airport road to exercise.
Earlier this year, VIPA also leased two Port Authority plots in Subbase to VIWAPA. Parcels 161-E and
16-A were leased to assist VIWAPA with the relocation of its Line Department to prepare for the
construction of the propane power generation plant. "This project is vital to the entire territory as it will help
reduce the utility costs that affect businesses and residents. The Port Authority is willing to assist VIWAPA
in any way possible – including allowing the use of our available resources - to bring this project to fruition,"
VIPA Executive Director Carlton Dowe said.
VIPA Leases Land to Assist VIWAPA With Construction of
Petroleum Storage Plant
Page 4 VIPA Portfolio—Spring/Summer 2014
Cyril E. King Airport Undergoing Major Renovations
The 25-year-old Cyril E. King Airport Terminal on
St. Thomas is receiving some much needed renovations
and enhancements.
Baggage Claim Upgrade: Renovations to the
baggage claim area began in Dec. 2013. Improvements
include new restrooms, a new restaurant area and
terrazzo tile flooring. A new baggage belt is being
installed and the existing belt is being split into two to
provide three belts to serve arriving passengers. VIPA
is also adding automated signage, new concessions
spaces and a new tourism welcome booth. The $4
million project, being performed by Custom Builders, is
funded via Passenger Facility Charges. Renovations
should be completed by the fall of 2014.
Security Fencing: The entire perimeter security
fencing is being replaced for the first time since the
Cyril E. King Airport was constructed. The existing six-
foot security fence that surrounds the airport will be
removed and replaced with a new eight-foot, black vinyl
-coated chain link fence that will extend around the
entire secured operations area of the King Airport.
Project contractor Island Roads Corporation began the
work on April 21 and should be completed by August.
The taller fence was requested by the Transportation
Security Administration (TSA) to enhance security. The
new fencing will also improve the aesthetics of the
airport and the new vinyl-type material is expected to
last longer and resist rusting. The $1 million fencing
project is funded via an entitlement grant from the
Federal Aviation Administration. The FAA will pay 90
percent of the total cost and VIPA will pay the
remaining 10 percent.
General Aviation Ramp Rehabilitation: VIPA
was issued an Airport Improvement Program Grant in
Sept. 2013 to rehabilitate the deteriorating eastern
general aviation ramp at the King Airport. The apron is
used for private jet parking and was constructed in 1986.
The thickness of the entire ramp is being upgraded from
six to eight inches of plain cement concrete. VIPA hired
Island Roads Corporation to perform the work which
should be completed by October. The FAA awarded
VIPA the multi-year AIP grant to fund the repairs with
$2.5 million issued in fiscal year 2013 and the
remaining $3.3 million appropriated in 2014.
CEKA General Aviation Ramp
CEKA Perimeter Fencing Project
CEKA Baggage Claim Area Renovations
VIPA Portfolio—Spring/Summer 2014 Page 5
Crown Bay Pier Expansion
Dredging Projects Pending US Army Corps Approval
VIPA will dredge the Schooner Bay Channel
to allow smaller cruise ships to berth in
Christiansted on St. Croix.
The Virgin Islands Port Authority has three major dredging projects
before the US Army Corps of Engineers for approval:
Gallows Bay Schooner Channel Dredging — VIPA has applied for
a permit to dredge the Schooner Channel to allow small cruise ships
and luxury vessels to berth in Christiansted, St. Croix.
Crown Bay Gregorie East Dredging — A permit has been
submitted to allow VIPA to dredge the Gregorie East Channel at the
cruise ship pier in Crown Bay. The channel will be dredged to safely
accommodate the oasis-class vessels that berth in Crown Bay,
St. Thomas.
Crown Bay Marina Dredging — VIPA also applied for a permit to
perform maintenance dredging at Crown Bay Marina, St. Thomas.
The cruise ship dock at the Austin “Babe”
Monsanto Marine Terminal on St. Thomas will be
extended in the near future. The VI Port Authority
hired CDR Maguire to provide support services with
the construction project to fill in the notch at the end of
the pier. VIPA plans to used dredged spoils from
pending Gregory East Channel Dredging Project to fill
the space. Filling in the notch will add additional
usable pier space which is needed to accommodate the
larger ships that berth in Crown Bay.
CEKA’s Concessions International Baggage Claim Restaurant
Temporary Closure The Concessions International Baggage Claim Snack Bar
in the Cyril E. King Airport will be temporarily closed for
renovations. The baggage claim location will be closed from
June 8 throughout the duration of the baggage claim renovations,
which is expected to be completed by November. During its
closure, the restaurant will operate a mobile drink stand in the
Baggage Claim area and the Papaya Cove Snack Bar located in
Gate 10 of the terminal. The Hibiscus Restaurant in the
domestic waiting area of the terminal will also remain open.
Page 6 VIPA Portfolio—Spring/Summer 2014
Employee Health Risk Assessment Deadline
Employees of the Virgin Islands Port
Authority are reminded to complete their annual
Health Risk Assessment (HRA) on CIGNA’s
website at www.mycigna.com. Employees who
do not complete the HRA by Sept. 14, 2014
will be subjected to additional biweekly
insurance charges of $20.83 for one year. The
test takes about 30 minutes to complete. Please
contact Human Resources at (340) 714-6676 to
set an appointment time if you need assistance
completing the health assessment test.
All female employees of the Virgin Islands Port Authority were treated to a special Mother’s Day
Luncheon on May 9. VIPA Executive Director Carlton Dowe along with several other male employees
took a pause from running the busy agency to serve the ladies a delicious home-cooked meal, desserts and
libations. In addition to lunch, all the females received a customized Mother’s Day tea cup and a packet of
hot cocoa. The luncheon on St. Thomas was held at The Mill in the Crown Bay Center mall. On St. Croix,
the luncheon was held in the VIPA Conference Room of the Henry E. Rohlsen Airport Terminal.
Congratulations to Dale Gregory, VIPA’s Director of
Engineering, who received an award from the Virgin Islands
National Guard for his continued support of employees who
are members of the VI National Guard and Reserve.
VIPA Portfolio—Spring/Summer 2014 Page 7
SEATRADE 2014
The Virgin Islands Port Authority partnered with the VI Department of Tourism and the West Indian Company, Ltd. to sell the territory as a premier destination to cruise industry leaders and travel agents from across the world. The convention was held at the Miami Beach Convention Center in Miami, Florida from March 16-19.
VIPA’s Senior Engineer Jeff Lawlor Retires
Jeff Lawlor has decided to begin his well-deserved retirement after 26 dedicated years of service to
the Virgin Islands Port Authority as its senior engineer on St. Croix. VIPA Executive Director Carlton
Dowe, former VIPA Board Member Gordon Finch and VIPA employees gathered at the Henry E.
Rohlsen Airport’s Cruise Lounge on April 25 to celebrate this milestone with Jeff. In addition to his
wealth of knowledge as an experienced engineer, Jeff also served as a jack-of-all-trades by assisting the
VIPA IT staff with computer and networking repairs. He will definitely be missed on the job but will
always remain a member of the VIPA family.
Jeff Lawlor with the VIPA Engineering Staff
Jeff Lawlor and VIPA
Executive Director
Carlton Dowe
Jeff Lawlor and former VIPA Executive
Director & Board Member Gordon Finch
BENEDICT FIELD The History of the Henry E. Rohlsen Airport
Benedict Field was a World War II United States Army Air Corps field and the first official airfield
established by the US on the island of St. Croix. It was opened in 1941 and used by the military until 1947.
The airfield was located along the southern coast of the island, east of Frederiksted and served as an auxiliary
field for the US Navy base in Puerto Rico. The airport consisted of a landing field, two runways, roads,
storage facilities and a warning station. The US Air Corps also established an area for test bombings. It was
named in honor of a young fighter pilot by the name of Benedict who died in a crash landing on the airstrip.
The airfield was transferred to the US Navy after the war and renamed the Alexander Hamilton Airport in
honor of Hamilton, a founding father of the United States of America who had resided on
St. Croix. An airport terminal was built in the late 1940’s. Part of the former military base became the
University of the Virgin Islands on St. Croix in 1964. The Virgin Islands Port Authority became the owners
of the airport on St. Croix upon the creation of the agency by the VI Legislature in February 1969. The
airport was named in honor of Henry E. Rohlsen in 1996. Rohlsen was born on St. John but resided on
St. Croix and graduated from Christiansted High School. Rohlsen enlisted in 1943 and served as the first
black fighter pilot in the 99th Squadron of the US Air Corps as part of the Tuskegee Airmen. Rohlsen also
served two terms as a senator in the VI Legislature from 1951 to 1954 and as an Administrator for the island
of St. Croix from 1969 to 1973.
VIPA completed the $40 million expansion and renovation of the Henry E. Rohlsen Airport Terminal in
2002. The two-story terminal is 181,000 square feet and has 10 gates. The airport runway measures 10,004
feet, which allows the Rohlsen Airport to receive the largest jets and cargo planes, as well as direct flights
from international airports.
Enighed Pond Operation Plan Amended
The operating plan that regulates activity at the Theovald
Eric Moorehead Dock and Terminal at Enighed Pond,
St. John was amended to limit repair activity at the facility.
Effective May 1, vessel owners can perform minor repairs
to their boats at the dock and these repairs must be
completed within 14 days. Work may only be performed
between the hours of 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Vessel operators may
contact the marine manager’s office for more information at
[email protected] or (340) 774-2250.
Platinum Associate Member
Advisory Council Conference The Buccaneer Hotel
St. Croix, US Virgin Islands June 18 - 21, 2014