2011 Annual Report - Supreme Court of the Virgin Islands

PRETRIAL INTERVENTION ACTIVITIESRISING STARS YOUTH STEEL ORCHESTRAIn addition to its core diversion case processing functions,the Superior Court continues to administer its primaryjuvenile delinquency prevention program -- the Rising StarsYouth Steel Orchestra, now in its 30th year of operation inthe St. Thomas-St. John District. By its very nature, theCourt traditionally responds to social ills at the back end -after a problem or delinquency issue has already surfaced.However, through the Rising Stars Program, the Court hasadopted an innovative approach that permits it the rareopportunity to address social issues at the front end - beforeour youth become a statistic of the judicial system. Throughthis prevention program, the Court has served more than300 students – Territory wide - and continues to provideyear-round initiatives that engage students in positive andeducational activities in a supervised setting. Initiallycreated in the St. Thomas-St. John District, the Courtestablished the same program on St. Croix five years ago andcontinues to expand in that District.This program continues to be unique in that it is the onlyprogram of its kind that is found in any judicial branch ofgovernment – nationally or internationally. This one-ofa-kindprogram provides members between the ages often (10) and eighteen (18) with a variety of educational,social and cultural activities in addition to a “home awayfrom home”. In addition to learning the art of playing thesteelpan, members are introduced to academic and personalgrowth and development activities through the Program’safter school Tutorial and Enrichment Program and theyparticipate in various life skills and career preparationworkshops; rap sessions; educational trips; and, the followingcollege matriculation workshops: Planning for College,Financial Aid Workshops, Career Planning Seminars,Resume Writing and Interviewing Techniques.After thirty years of operation, the Program’s thrust continuesto focus on improving member’s academic skills, preparingthem for post-secondary education or employment - whilesimultaneously building future leaders. During this fiscalyear, fourteen tutors were retained – between both districts- and rendered academic assistance to the members in theareas of English, History, Math, Science and ComputerApplications/Office Technology.At the beginning of this fiscal year, the Rising Stars Programin the St. Thomas-St. John District maintained a membershipof 160 students. This fiscal year, approximately 140 membersperformed at Reichhold in their presentation of “TheEssence of Classics on Steel.” During this presentation, theOrchestra showcased the talent and skills of its members –not only playing the steelpan, but also in dancing and playinga variety of wind instruments along with the Orchestra. Atechnological first was achieved as the Orchestra, under theleadership of Instructor James Gittens, Jr. and the studentsin his videography class, streamed the concert live via theinternet. It was seen by many alumni and other supporters– locally, nationally and internationally.Following their Annual Christmas Concert, which receivedoverwhelming accolades from community members, theOrchestra continued its tradition of serenading at variouslocations throughout the island, including: Seaview NursingHome, Yellow Cedar Group Home, the Superior Court, thePost Office Square, and both cruise ship docks – Crown Bayand West Indian Company Ltd. (WICO).The Orchestra in the St. Croix District maintained a total ofninety-three members, eighty of those members participatedin the 2010-11 Festival parades. The staff was pleased tonote, for the first time in the Orchestra’s existence, thatthere were enough instruments to allow all the members toperform at the same time during the parades. The Orchestrawas awarded 1st prize for their presentations in both theChildren’s and Adult’s Festival Parade. During this season,the Orchestra also participated in a variety of activities,including: hosting a mini concert in the Sunny Isle ShoppingCenter; participation in Pan Fest, World Food Day, and theopening of Home Depot; and, they also performed duringthe St. Croix Educational Complex 1st Annual Evening ofPan concert.52