6/17/08 - Fulfilling a promise made in his 2008 State of the Territory Address, Governor John P. deJongh Jr. has signed an Executive Order establishing "The Governor’s Children and Families Council," as well as an advisory committee that reports to the Council on matters of early childhood education and care. The Council will convene quarterly. Governor deJongh wishes to stress the importance of this sweeping effort to improve the quality and effectiveness of the delivery of essential services.

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First Lady Cecile deJongh, serving in her role as Chairperson of the Virgin Islands Children and Families Council, departed the Territory this week to attend a policy retreat in Denver, Colorado at the National Governor’s Association (NGA). The First Lady is traveling with Eleanor Hirsh, who is a consultant, trainer, and advocate on Territorial children and family issues, and Angeli Ferdschneider, Special Assistant to the Governor, to attend the NGA Center for Best Practices. The Virgin Islands delegation will join other state and territorial teams to attend workshops and discuss early childhood education.

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