On Wednesday evening, Governor de Jongh and members of his Cabinet met with the civic organization Our Town Frederiksted (OTF) to discuss topics of shared concern, including economic development projects and revitalization initiatives for the historic St. Croix town.

Governor John P. de Jongh, Jr. listens as Our Town Frederiksted President Hugh Payne makes a point during a meeting on St. Croix, January 11, 2012

The follow-up meeting with OTF’s members and board of directors was held at the Arthur Able Complex and focused on resolving several issues of concern that had been raised at the first such meeting in November 2011. Topics included: economic development; expanding an enterprise zone in the town district; street and beach cleaning; garbage removal; public safety and fire protection; the status of the Paul E. Joseph stadium; the William and Punch hotel development project; repaving and resurfacing of roads in the town district and the overall development and implementation of a Frederiksted town plan.

“Revitalizing and redeveloping our Territory's historic towns has long been a priority of my Administration. Frederiksted's unique attractions and charm are intricately linked with the history of St. Croix and the Virgin Islands, and preserving its beauty is key to our economic and social progress. I am pleased at the cordial and harmonious relationship with Our Town Frederiksted, a greatly respected organization that continues working with the government on a plan of action for Frederiksted in both the short and long terms,” the governor said.

Governor John P. de Jongh, Jr. is joined by officials from various government departments and agencies for a meeting with Our Town Frederiksted at the Arthur Able Complex on St. Croix, Jnaury 11, 2012.

He told the group assembled on Wednesday that in order to succeed in this goal, “we must make sure to maintain a collective approach, with non-profit and government agencies effectively coordinating on public safety, economic development, revenue generation, health, as well as historic, cultural and educational projects. ”

The governor was joined by officials from the Virgin Islands Police Department, the Economic Development Authority, Waste Management Authority, VI Fire Service and the Department of Housing, Parks and Recreation. Government officials met with OTF members Hugh Payne, George Flores, Al Franklin, George Suarez, Pacquito Melendez, Roy Rogers, Leana Schulterbrandt, Anesta Doward and Terry Vanterpool.

During the meeting, Governor de Jongh complimented Our Town Frederiksted members on the group’s efforts in working with the government and the greater community to work towards bettering the town district of Frederiksted. Despite the economic challenges, the governor said he believes the organization's work, along with the support and cooperation of the government, will stimulate tremendous progress and usher in a new era for Frederiksted.

The governor closed by telling the group that its efforts, throughout the group's history, have been immensely beneficial in improving Frederiksted. He said he wishes all Virgin Islands towns had a similar organization.

Our Town Frederiksted President Hugh Payne ended Wednesday's meeting by thanking the governor for his support, and all the representatives of various agencies for their attendance and contributions. Payne said if they all continued to communicate effectively and work together, Frederiksted would once again thrive.