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September 12, 2008
FIRST LADY VISITS ROTARY CLUB OF ST. THOMAS, DISCUSSES RWANDA TRIP DURING PHOTO SLIDE PRESENTATION, HUMANITARIAN EFFORTS HIGHLIGHTED First Lady Cecile deJongh visited the Rotary Club of St. Thomas Thursday to discuss her recent trip to Rwanda, "The Land of a Thousand Hills." During the presentation, the First Lady shared personal accounts of her historic journey and referred to a series of photographs of Rwandan children, including orphans with HIV/AIDS. The meeting was held at A Room with a View restaurant. "This journey provided the ‘Rwanda Project VI 2008’ delegation with the opportunity to give support to Rwandan children affected by HIV/AIDS who were also orphaned by the 1994 genocide. Our mission was to raise money towards renovating and refurbishing orphanages throughout the country and to provide hands-on assistance to those in need. As a result of our close work with the children of Rwanda, we formed life-long bonds and friendships that will continue to provide a backbone of support and sponsorship to the children of this proud nation," deJongh said. During the presentation, First Lady deJongh discussed the impact of the 1994 genocide on the Rwandan peoples, the consequent brain drain of intellectuals who were systematically killed during the war, and the rebuilding now underway. The First Lady also spoke warmly about visiting with the First Lady of Rwanda, Mrs. Jeanette Kagame, and highlighted the powerful impact that the meeting had on the V.I. students who were also present for the discussion. "The First Lady of Rwanda was very accessible to us, and the students asked her a lot of questions about life in the country, post war. It was a dialogue that we all learned from, and the students were perfect ambassadors for the Virgin Islands," deJongh said. At the luncheon meeting, the First Lady shared details and personal stories about the delegation’s experiences working at orphanages throughout the country. The First Lady also discussed the trials and tribulations of the Rwandan peoples and the efforts of the group to provide assistance. She highlighted the humanitarian efforts of "Rwanda Project VI 2008" and the group’s shared compassion for the children of Rwanda. The First Lady also spoke about the culture and lifestyle of Rwandans, including their strong sense of honor and duty. During the photo slide presentation, the First Lady often expressed pride in the students of the V.I. delegation, for their strong sense of commitment to helping the children of Rwanda and for their dedication to serving others in need. "You should be proud of them. They made a difference," deJongh said. A question and answer period followed the First Lady’s presentation, and an impromptu donation was given towards next year’s trip to Rwanda. Several Rotary members also expressed a willingness to provide additional financial contributions to the people of Rwanda and their plight. "This trip was a truly life-changing experience for all of us. The students, in particular, were able to gain world perspectives that they will always carry. One of the most grounding aspects for all of us was certainly the very strong similarities we perceived in language, culture, and tradition between the Virgin Islands and Rwandan peoples. This made our trip and our mission of humanitarianism all the more powerful and all the more successful for everyone," deJongh said. "We look forward to returning to Rwanda next year and to continuing to work together with the proud people of this beautiful country towards increasing the peace and providing support wherever possible," deJongh continued. The First Lady will be returning to Rwanda next year with a delegation of Virgin Islands youth, to be comprised of students from throughout the Territory. Updates of the First Lady’s trip to Rwanda are online at her Travel Journal, which can be found at the First Lady’s website: http://
www.governordejongh.com/firstlady. |
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January 3, 2008
Monday, January 7, 2008 is not a holiday; Government service will resume, schools to re-open after Christmas break and Crucian Christmas Festival Gov. John P. deJongh. Jr. reaffirmed today that Monday, January 7, 2008 is not a holiday in the Virgin Islands. Responding to numerous inquiries received at Government House in both districts, deJongh said the departments and agencies of government will resume work on Monday following the Christmas holidays and after the Crucian Christmas Festival on St. Croix. "The holidays are being celebrated in grand style which will culminate with the Children’s and Adult’s Parade on St. Croix Friday and Saturday and the observance of Three King’s Day on Sunday. On Monday, the government will resume its service to the people of the Virgin Islands," deJongh said. Many have inquired as to whether January 7 would be declared a holiday since Three King’s Day falls on Sunday. Relevant collective bargaining agreements for the Executive Branch all provide that holiday observances are in accordance with Title 1, Chapter 11, Section 171 of the Virgin Islands Code, which no longer requires that a Sunday holiday be necessarily observed on the following Monday. With the Crucian Christmas Festival ending on Saturday January 5, deJongh said he thought it prudent that the government should resume work on Monday. "My Administration granted 20 hours of Administrative Leave to government workers over the past week to celebrate the last remaining events of the 2007-2008 Crucian Christmas Festival; it is now time to return to work on Monday." Public schools will be re-opening on Monday following the Christmas recess and government employees will be back on Monday, January 7 at 8 a.m. to serve the needs of the public. deJongh, on behalf of his family, wished everyone a very Happy New Year. "I wish all residents a year filled with peace, happiness and prosperity." |
