Governor and Lt. Governor of the United States Virgin Islands

5/30/07 - Governor John P. deJongh, Jr. Wednesday joined federal and territorial government officials in breaking ground for the much talked about and long awaited Christiansted By-Pass Project on St. Croix.

The project which has been in the planning stages since the mid 1970's is aimed at relieving traffic congestion, improving safety and restricting large vehicles currently through the downtown Christiansted area.

deJongh submits Administration's first Fiscal Year Budget totaling $799.2 million

5/30/07 - Gov. John deJongh today submitted the Fiscal Year 2008 budget for the Executive Branch in accordance with provisions of the Revised Organic Act of 1954. The balanced spending plan totaling $799.2 million dollars was presented to the 27th Legislature during a meeting between deJongh and senators on Wednesday morning. DeJongh outlined the provisions of the proposed budget in a Government House news conference.

Government House comments on override of SirenUSA development zoning variance veto

5/29/07 - Government House expressed no surprise Tuesday at the 27th Legislature’s override of a gubernatorial veto which now facilitates a zoning variance being granted to Cruz Bay Condo Project known commonly as SirenUSA development in Estate Enighed on St. John.

St. Thomas abbattoir to close for repair work

5/29/07 - Due to ongoing repair work at the abattoir on St. Thomas, the facility will close for one week from Wednesday May 30 to Wednesday June 6, 2007. Services to the public will resume on June 6, according to Agriculture Commissioner Louis “Akil” Petersen Jr.

Governor intervenes in outstanding potable water bills between WAPA and V.I. Housing Authority; Settlement reached

5/28/07 - The Virgin Islands Housing Authority (VIHA) and the Water and Power Authority (WAPA) have settled outstanding water invoices at five public housing communities on St. Croix. The agreement was reached at a recent meeting at Government House convened by Gov. John P. deJongh, Jr. Under terms of the agreement, the VIHA, under HUD receivership, will pay WAPA 70 percent of the outstanding accounts payable as of May 7, 2007. That figure is pegged at $2,457,448.55. Additionally, the VIHA will hold in escrow the remaining 30 percent or $1,053,192.24.

Virgin Islands Flags to fly at half-staff from sunrise to midday on Memorial Day

5/25/07 - Consistent with a Presidential Proclamation, Gov. John P. deJongh, Jr. has directed that all flags be flown at half-staff on Monday, May 28, 2007 from sunrise to 12 noon.

The proclamation by President George W. Bush, “Prayer for Peace, Memorial Day, 2007” calls on residents across the United States, its territories and possessions to join in honoring the memory of the lives that have been lost in defense of our freedom.

The President directed that the U.S. Flag be flown at half- staff until noon on Memorial Day, deJongh has so ordered the Virgin Islands flag be also flown at half-staff during the first half of the day on Monday.

Governor submits legislation to reorganize Housing, Parks and Recreation Department

5/25/07 - Gov. John P. deJongh, Jr. this week forwarded to the 27th Legislature the drafts of two bills that would allow for adequate attention to be placed on certain aspects of public housing and on sports recreation.

As promised in his State of the Territory address on January 21st, deJongh has proposed legislation that would place the housing responsibilities of the current Department of Housing, Parks and Recreation within the Housing Finance Authority (VIHFA) and devote a government agency to developing sports and recreational programs and ensure that our leisure activities are conducted in safe and attractive facilities. In addition, under the Government House proposal, the Sports, Parks and Recreation Department would work to augment current efforts of the Tourism Department in the arena of sports tourism and the Department of Planning and Natural Resources in the areas of parks and beaches.

Ceremonies to mark Memorial Day 2007 in the U.S. Virgin Islands

5/23/07 - Ceremonies will be held in both districts on Monday, May 28, 2007 as the territory joins the rest of the nation in the observance of Memorial Day, a day set aside in remembrance of the sacrifice of those who died in all our country’s wars.

Gov. John deJongh, Jr. called on all Virgin Islanders to join in the observance of Memorial Day by attending one or all of the events in their respective districts. "We owe a debt of gratitude to those who have died in service to our nation’s Armed Forces. Let’s take time on this Memorial Day to honor those who gave their lives and those who continue to risk their lives for the ideals we cherish."

Attorney General updates incidents at Golden Grove Correctional Facility

5/23/07 - Attorney General Vincent Frazer Wednesday identified an apparent suicide victim at the Golden Grove Correctional Facility as 30-year-old Bryan Felix, a native of St. Croix. Felix was found dead in his prison cell about 7:30 p.m. Tuesday and appeared to have taken his own life by hanging. Felix was serving a life imprisonment sentence on a 2001 conviction of first-degree murder, attempted murder and illegal weapons possession.

Governor mourns the death of Alfonso E. Nibbs

5/23/07 - Gov. John P. deJongh, Jr. said Wednesday he was saddened to learn of the death Alfonso E. Nibbs. Nibbs, 59, served as a government attorney in a career that spanned over 30 years.

"Alfonso will be remembered for his many years of dedicated service as Staff Attorney and General Counsel to the Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs and its predecessor agency, Consumer Services Administration," deJongh said, noting, that Nibbs provided sound advice to Commissioners and Directors on legislation that would protect consumers in the Virgin Islands as well as on issues that directly impacted residents of the islands. In fact, deJongh said he had the opportunity to work with Alfonso Nibbs and to have the benefit of his counsel when he served as Commissioner of Finance, Executive Assistant to Governor Farrelly and while he served on the GERS Board of Trustees.

Governor tours the campus of ACJHS with PTA Officials

5/23/07 - At the invitation of the Parent Teacher Association, Gov. John deJongh Tuesday toured the campus of the Addelita Cancryn Junior High School to see some of the problems areas that have plagued the school for years.

DeJongh first met with PTA President Roy Benjamin, Vice-President Rochelle Todman, Treasurer Barbara Issac, Public Relations Officer Christina Jackson and ACJHS Principal Yvonne Pilgrim before touring the campus to get a first-hand look at the problems which range from crowded classrooms to a lack of adequate lighting to the need for equipment and supplies.

deJongh joins fellow Governors in seeking Congressional inquiry into sky-rocketing gas prices

5/21/07 - Gov. John deJongh, Jr. is among 22 of the nation’s governors who have called on the leaders of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives to launch an inquiry into the escalating price of gas in the United States and its offshore territories. A letter was sent on Monday to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, House Minority Leader John Boehner, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and House Minority Leader Mitch McConnell.

“The reasons for the massive increases do not appear to be tied to any recent changes in geo-political events or a weather crisis. While there have been reports regarding problems with refinery capability, even this explanation raises more questions than answers. Reliability, capacity and supply issues have been at the forefront of federal energy policy for years. It is difficult to understand how oil companies can be making record profits each quarter without making capital investments in refineries that would address reliability issues,” the letter stated.

Governor deJongh proclaims "Memorial Day" in the United States Virgin Islands

5/21/07 - Governor John P. deJongh, Jr. has proclaimed May 28, as “Memorial Day,” in the United States Virgin Islands. Citizens of the U.S. Virgin Islands are forever grateful, reverently remembering the courageous patriots who fought in defense of our liberty and the myriad blessings we enjoy in our turquoise waters, sunny skies, and quality of life as citizens of America.

18th Annual Public Service Recognition Week Ceremonies

5/21/07 - Kenneth L. Hermon, Jr. PHR, Director, Division of Personnel, in observance of the 18th Annual Public Service Recognition Week in both districts, advises the general public of limited service and office closures.

On Thursday, May 24, the Division of Personnel St. Thomas location will be offering limited service from 12:00 noon to 5:00 p.m. the office will resume normal business hours on Friday, May 25, at 8:00 a.m.

Governor deJongh proclaims “Jason Carroll Memorial Day" a day of healing and prayer

5/21/07 - Governor John P. deJongh, Jr. has proclaimed May 23, as “Jason Carroll Memorial Day,” A Day of Healing and Prayer, in the United States Virgin Islands. It is to be recognized that safety in our homes, in our schools, and in our streets, and freedom from the fear of violence is important to our residents and visitors to the Virgin Islands.

Governor deJongh proclaims "Small Business Week” in the United States Virgin Islands

5/21/07 - Governor John P. deJongh, Jr. has proclaimed May 21-27, as “Small Business Week,” in the United States Virgin Islands. Small businesses reflect the qualities that make the Virgin Islands and Nation great, including vision, responsibility, innovation, dedication and hard work.

Governor deJongh proclaims "National Emergency Medical Services for Children Day" in the Territory

5/18/07 - Governor John P. deJongh, Jr. has proclaimed “Emergency Medical Services for Children Day,” in the United States Virgin Islands. Emergency Medical Services for children supports community-based public service, whose presence is vital to children in need.

Governor deJongh proclaims "Medical Services Week" in the United States Virgin Islands

5/18/07 - Governor John P. deJongh, Jr. has proclaimed “Medical Services Week,” in the United States Virgin Islands. Emergency Medical Services technicians and team members provide a vital public service by providing life saving care 24 hours a day, every day of the week throughout the U.S. Virgin Islands and Nation. Prompt access to quality emergency care dramatically increases the survival and recovery rates of those who suffer sudden illnesses or injuries.

Governor deJongh proclaims "Public Service Recognition Week" in the United States Virgin Islands

5/18/07 - Governor John P. deJongh, Jr. has proclaimed May 21-25, as Public Service Recognition Week in the United States Virgin Islands. The Virgin Islands will be celebrating its 18th annual observation of this event, joining the fifty states and the insular areas of the United States in recognizing outstanding public employees for their performance and efforts to improve public service.

Governor deJongh proclaims "National Safe Boating Week" in the United States Virgin islands

5/18/07 - Governor John P. deJongh, Jr. has proclaimed May 19-25, as “National Safe Boating Week”, in the United States Virgin Islands. The Virgin Islands is blessed with some of the most beautiful and accessible coastal waters in the world. It is a privilege to have the freedom and ability to use these areas for our personal recreation and enjoyment.

Gov. deJongh, Lt. Gov. Francis meet with Our Town Frederiksted; Tour Strand Street

5/16/07 - In a meeting held Tuesday in Frederiksted, St. Croix, Governor John P. deJongh, Jr., Lieutenant Governor Gregory R. Francis, St. Croix Administrator, Pedro "Pete" Encarnacion, Chief of Police, Winsbut McFarlande, and members of the Governor’s staff, convened with the leadership of Our Town Frederiksted, Inc. to discuss an action plan designed to address priority issues and concerns in Frederiksted town. The discussion was a follow-up to a previous meeting held some weeks ago at the Rotary Club West facility and was chaired by Our Town Frederiksted, Inc. President, Al Franklin.

Department of Health Issues Sahara dust alert

5/16/07 - Acting Health Commissioner Phyllis L. Wallace said today that an increase in Sahara dust in the Virgin Islands can pose a health risk to persons with allergy and respiratory problems and is urging residents to seek medical care if necessary.

Residents should stay indoors and keep windows closed as much as possible, she said.

Police Officer Examination announcement - St. Croix District

5/15/07 - The Division of Personnel will host the St. Croix Police Officer Exam on June 22, 2007. The deadline to sign-up is Wednesday, May 30, 2007. All interested candidates must sign-up at the division’s Orange Grove location by the established deadline.

To qualify, candidates must be high school graduates or possess an equivalency certificate, must be at least 20 years of age with no criminal record and must hold or be able to qualify for a motor vehicle operator’s license.

deJongh proclaims National Women's Health Week in the U.S. Virgin Islands

5/15/07 - Governor John P. deJongh, Jr. has proclaimed May 14-May 20, "National Women’s Week," and May 17, "Women’s & Girls Health Mentorship Day," in the United States Virgin Islands. National Women’s Health Week has been initiated in the dawn of the new Millennium by a coalition of public and private organizations dedicated to raising awareness of women’s health issues.

Road repairs in Gamle Gade Wednesday

5/15/07 - Public Works Acting Commissioner Darryl Smalls advises the public that a portion of Gamle Gade, from the Savan Gut to the front of Weekes & Weekes Bakery, will be closed to vehicular traffic on Wednesday May 16 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. to allow for road repairs.

Smalls asked for the cooperation of the motoring public and apologized for the inconvenience.

Governor names former Senate Post Auditor, Claudette J. Watson-Anderson, as Finance Commissioner; Debra Gottlieb as Budget Director

5/14/07 - Governor John P. deJongh, Jr. announced Monday the selection of Claudette J. Watson-Anderson, CPA as Commissioner of Finance, Debra Gottlieb as Budget Director and Austin Nibbs as Executive Assistant Finance Commissioner.

Governor selects John Lewis and Commissioner Lynn A. Millin, Esq. for EDA Board

5/14/07 - Gov. John P. deJongh, Jr. Monday nominated John Lewis and named Property and Procurement Commissioner Lynn A. Millin to serve on the Economic Development Authority (EDA) board of directors.

Lewis is internationally educated, with achievements and proven expertise in varied financial, regulatory, managerial and infrastructural areas of the health care industry. He also has Certified Compliance accreditations from two renowned national healthcare entities. “Lewis’ business acumen as a small business owner and his knowledge of St. Croix in particular are benefits for the work of the EDA board,” deJongh said.

deJongh proclaims National Tourism Week in the Virgin Islands

5/14/07 - Governor John P. deJongh, Jr. has proclaimed May 12-20, 2007, as “National Tourism Week in the United States Virgin Islands.” The travel tourism industry in the Virgin Islands is vital to our economic stability and growth and contributes substantially to the cultural and social well-being of our people.

Governor takes action on bills passed by the 27th Legislature

5/11/07 - Governor John P. deJongh, Jr. on Friday evening took action on legislation passed by the Senate during a two-day session in April. The bills arrived at Government House on April 30th and were acted on today.

Governor approves exclusive franchise for ferry service between St. Thomas and St. Croix

5/10/07 - Gov. John P. deJongh, Jr. signed legislation into law on Thursday which grants an exclusive franchise to Aquatic Management, LLC d/b/a V.I. Sea Trans to provide public passenger marine ferry service between St. Thomas and St. Croix.

deJongh vetoes St. John Zoning Variance

5/10/07 - Gov. John P. deJongh, Jr. Thursday vetoed legislation that would have granted a zoning variance to Parcel #11 at Estate Enighed, St. John known commonly as the SirenUSA development. DeJongh wrote in a transmittal letter to Senate President Usie R. Richards that "adherence to planning principles is necessary to successfully achieve our goal of maintaining balance between development and other interests in the community. This concern is heightened on St. John where the majority of the land has been dedicated to the National Park Service."

Governor holds Wednesday Cabinet meeting on St. Croix

5/9/07 - Gov. John P. deJongh, Jr. Wednesday convened his administration’s second cabinet meeting at Government House in Christiansted, St. Croix. Flanked by Lt. Gov. Gregory R. Francis and Chief of Staff Louis Penn, Sr., the Chief Executive restated his administration’s position that the Fiscal Year 2008 budget will be submitted by the established May 30th deadline. Both the Acting Budget Director Debra Gottlieb and Acting Finance Commissioner Austin Nibbs provided an overview of government’s financial picture and plans for a rolling out of the proposed spending plan.

deJongh meets with heads of the semi-autonomous agencies and instrumentalities of government

5/9/07 - Gov. John P. deJongh, Jr. convened a meeting this week with the leaders and board chairpersons of the semi-autonomous agencies of the government in a move to allow the administration to hear first-hand of their priority areas over the next twelve months. Agencies represented included: Territorial Hospitals; Port Authority; Housing Finance Authority; University of the Virgin Islands; The West Indian Company, Ltd.; Waste Management Authority; Government Employees Retirement System; Water and Power Authority; and Economic Development Authority.

deJongh receives update on Christiansted Bypass construction contracts

5/9/07 - In a meeting with Gov. John P. deJongh, Jr. and Lt. Governor Gregory R. Francis, officials from the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration, along with Department of Public Works Commissioner Darryl Smalls, Deputy Commissioner, Aloy Nielsen, and members of the Eastern Federal Lands Highway Division updated the Administration on current contracts in place for the Christiansted Bypass as part of a Territorial Strategic Plan for a long-term vision on transportation initiatives in the Virgin Islands.

Plans to develop Motor Pool on St. Croix are tabled

5/2/07 - The Department of Property and Procurement has scrapped plans to develop Motor Pool and Motor Vehicle Bureau facilities on property in Estate Bethlehem, St. Croix, real estate that is perceived to be prime agricultural lands. The joint decision was made at a meeting convened by Governor John P. deJongh, Jr. between Commissioner of Agriculture Dr. Louis “Akil” Petersen and Property and Procurement Commissioner Lynn A. Millin.

Acting Health Commissioner issues Dengue Prevention Alert

5/2/07 - Recent and heavy downpours across the territory have made certain areas a haven for mosquito breeding. With the increased rains during the hurricane season, which officially starts June 1, 2007, residents should take steps to reduce their risk from Dengue Fever, Acting Health Commissioner Dr. Phyllis L. Wallace said Tuesday.

Parking prohibited at Cruz Bay Dock

5/2/07 - Effective Monday, May 7, parking or waiting in front of the Cruz Bay Taxi Stand will be prohibited from the telephone bank to the 30 minute parking area.

Motorists found in violation will be ticketed by the Police and may be towed. For more information, contact the St. John Administrator’s office at 776-6484.

Fire Department lifts ban on burning

5/1/07 - Due to the recent rain showers on St. Thomas, the Virgin Islands Fire Service is lifting the ban on burning that went into effect on February 14, 2007. Effective Wednesday, May 2nd, burning permits will be issued and burning will be allowed on the island of St. Thomas.

deJongh proclaims "National Day of Prayer"

5/1/07 - Gov. John P. de Jongh joins states and territories across the nation proclaiming May 3, as a "National Day of Prayer," in the Virgin Islands. This year commemorates the 56th anniversary of this historic celebration with the theme "America, Unite in Prayer."

deJongh proclaims "Mental Health Month"

5/1/07 - Governor John P. de Jongh has proclaimed the month of May, as "Mental Health Month," in the United States Virgin Islands. Mental health is essential to everyone’s overall health and well-being. Mental health problems do not discriminate based on race, creed, age limit or economic status.