No Fireworks for Carnival this year!

Didn't they cancel fireworks a few years ago? I think somebody stepped in and sponsored them. But, has anybody seen the committee's books? I have heard many people say the committee doesn't always pay the prize money promised.

I just find it ironic that our government can find money to host their lavish post election celebration parties for themselves, their families and friends. They willingly have the public pay for our governor's expensive living accommodations and all the other myriad ways they find to spend/waste money yet can't find money to pay for the fireworks at the end of Carnival which attracts thousands of people to the island.

As the saying goes: "Let them eat cake!"

Agreed totally Alana. Sadly the VI does not hold exclusivity rights to this behavior. This happens all over the world because people are ok living in a plutocracy as long as the keep getting nuggets like iPhones and 55" TVs tossed like crumbs to them

I think we have a kleptocracy, not a plutocracy.

From https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plutocracy : "Plutocracy ... defines a society or a system ruled and dominated by the small minority of the wealthiest citizens."

From https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kleptocracy : "Kleptocracy ... is a form of political and government corruption where the government exists to increase the personal wealth and political power of its officials and the ruling class at the expense of the wider population, often with pretense of honest service."

(tu)(tu)(tu)

I was referring to worldwide plutocracies but yes, many plutocrats get that way via kleptocracies

smh.....can't please everyone at all, if money was found, then folks would be complaining on the other side.

My thoughts are that thousands of people aren't coming to the island just to watch fireworks, so it'll be okay.

You're right Cruz but it sure is a spectacular sight!

Everyone agreed to tighten their belts. So no complaining allowed.

That remains to be seen.
Sure, they'll cut back here but there'll be many other misguided ways they'll find to spend our money on themselves or their pet projects.

Correction...we live in an Ineptocracy; a system of government where the least capable to lead are elected by the least capable of producing, and where members of society least likely to sustain themselves or succeed, are rewarded with goods and services paid for by the confiscated wealth of a diminishing number of producers.

Maybe you prefer a system of government where only wealthy, productive, land owners should vote and hold office? Hmmm where have we seen a system like this before?

Hope there's still time to change that decision. While no one is coming to the island for fireworks, at a cost of less than $1 per STT resident it seems like a very small price to pay for something very much enjoyed by so many, I don't know if it actually is, but it felt like the "grand finale" to a great two weeks last year (which was our first one).

Fireworks back on the schedule:

http://virginislandsdailynews.com/news/thanks-to-businesses-carnival-show-back-on-1.1863343

Yawn. How many fireworks displays does one need to see in a lifetime? Spend the money on asphalt and fix a road or two.

Since it was resurrected by private business donations I am not sure fixing a road or two is an alternative option.

That's nice that private businesses have stepped up to pay the fireworks bill. I really can't support using tax dollars for such frivolities.

That's nice that private businesses have stepped up to pay the fireworks bill. I really can't support using tax dollars for such frivolities.

Depends on what you consider "frivolities" when Carnival brings in an influx of thousands of visitors. In any event, it's only in recent years that the government has supplemented any of the cost of the once a year firework display. When WICO was privately owned, Randy Knight's cable TV company footed the bill, WICO took care of the staging and VI Cement provided the sand while several other businesses also contributed in different ways.

If you see the look of awe on children's faces when they see the fireworks, you'll appreciate the event. I have fireworks glasses and usually give a pair to a child near me. They go crazy with excitement.

Many things here are done to expose the kids to different experiences and to give them something to do.

Quite frankly what needs to be done is Carnival needs to be privatized. The government will make money, businesses will make money, and the is;land will be happy. Enough of the archaic ways of doing things. It's a gold mine!!

Um, they charge for everything now. The carnival committee should provide an audited income statement every year so everybody can see where the money goes. Vendors are complaining about increased fees now. The troupes charge participants so there's a probability that they make money. It should be a gold mine for people who participate.

I like Ronnie' s idea. (tu)

Ms411. The committee is all pretty much volunteer. It has been known in the past to have sticky fingers. Audited statements? Yeah, right. Maybe they have changed, but of they want success, turn it over to someone with a business head. It can be done.

Ronaldo: I do believe you are finally seeing the RIGHT way. 😉