On October 6, 2009, in a televised address to the people of the Virgin Islands, Governor John deJongh announced an agreement with Fortune Brands that will keep Cruzan Rum on St. Croix and expand the brand and its importance in the portfolio of Fortune Brands, the largest U.S. spirits company and the fourth largest premium spirits company in the world. The 28th Legislature voted 13-2 to approve the agreement during a special session on October 27, 2009. Governor deJongh signed the agreement into law on November 5, 2009.

On June 23, 2008, in a televised address this evening, Governor John P. deJongh, Jr. announced a landmark 30-year public-private initiative with Diageo, the world’s leading spirits, wine and beer company for the construction and operation of a high capacity distillery on the island of St. Croix. The 27th Legislature approved the agreement on July 9, 2008 and Governor deJongh signed it into law on July 24, 2008. On May 6, 2009, Governor deJongh, Lt. Governor Francis and members of the Legislature joined officials from Diageo to officially break ground on the project.