Earlier today, First Lady Cecile de Jongh addressed the spouses of the nation’s governors at the National Governor’s Association Winter Meeting at the U.S. Department of State in Washington, DC. As a member of the Spouses’ Leadership Committee (SLC), the first lady was invited to share her perspective on matters of protocol and diplomacy in the U.S. Virgin Islands. 

First lady Cecile de Jongh addresses spouses of the nation's governors during a session at the U.S. Department of State on protocol and diplomacy at the National Governor's Association conference in Washington, DC on February 28, 2011.

The special session included a discussion with Ambassador Capricia Penavic Marshall, Chief of Protocol of the U.S. Department of State. The mission of the Chief of Protocol is to advance the foreign policy of the President by creating an environment for successful diplomacy.

“I am delighted at the opportunity to lead this important session, alongside Ambassador Marshall, an individual whose wisdom comes from distinguished experience at the highest levels,” the First Lady said. 

In her leadership role on the SLC, the First Lady provides a guiding voice in determining initiatives and advocacy programs to be addressed at the organization’s two annual conferences. Her input also guides future public education and community mobilization efforts undertaken by the Spouses’ Program in its efforts to raise awareness about critical social and public health concerns, including children and families issues locally and nationwide.

First lady Cecile de Jongh poses with Ambassador Capricia Penavic Marshall, U.S. Chief of Protocol, and various spouses of the nation's governors at the U.S. Department of State on February 28, 2011.

During her remarks on Monday, the First Lady detailed various local, regional, and international partnership efforts undertaken by the de Jongh/Francis Administration to advance its strategic initiatives. 

She highlighted the Governor’s 2010 signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Director General of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), a key alliance, to establish deep social and cultural ties, as well as educational opportunities to help boost the economies of other islands. 

“This interdependence enables us to work collaboratively for the common good of the region, toward developing shared solutions to the challenges we face. After all, we share one Caribbean sea, a common set of challenges, as well as a shared responsibility for various issues, including law enforcement concerns, tourism, and emergency management, such as hurricane and disaster relief.”

Mrs. de Jongh also discussed the importance of cultural exchanges, including the annual Puerto Rico/Virgin Islands Friendship Days and British Virgin Islands Friendship Day. She highlighted the collaboration with the Danish government to develop historic archives in Denmark and the architectural apprenticeship programs for Danish masons in the Territory, as well as the partnership with the Danish pharmaceutical company, Novo Nordisk, which pledged $300,000 over a three-year period for projects aimed at reducing diabetes in the Territory. In addition, de Jongh discussed the Rwanda Project USVI cultural exchange program, focusing on early childhood education and care; HIV/AIDS; genocide; and peace initiatives, as well as the crucial response to last year’s devastating earthquake in Haiti. 

“Our goal is to put our best foot forward through initiatives that present a good image of the U.S. Virgin Islands and the United States to the rest of the world. That is, in part, the focus of our diplomatic efforts,” the First Lady said.

The NGA Spouses’ Program was formally established in 1985 in recognition of governors' spouses' evolving role and responsibilities, and the critical contributions they make to state government. Serving with Mrs. de Jongh on the SLC are Chairman, Mike Gregoire, first gentleman of Washington; Vice Chair, Sally Ganem, First Lady of Nebraska; Sandy Parnell, First Lady of Alaska; Lori Otter, First Lady of Idaho; and Susan Lynch, First Lady of New Hampshire.

Founded in 1908, the National Governors Association (NGA) is the collective voice of the nation's governors and one of Washington, D.C.'s most respected public policy organizations. Its members are the governors of the 50 states, three territories and two commonwealths. For more information, go to www.nga.org.