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August 7, 2007
deJongh sings bill 27-0047 into law; Acknowledges resolution to honor the late Edith deJongh Woods Gov. John P. deJongh, Jr. took action Tuesday on bills recently passed by the Legislature and forwarded to Government House on July 26. deJongh signed into law Bill 27-0047 which he says represents a positive step towards his administration’s goal of encouraging better health practices among our youth. "The reports regarding the increase in obesity in our children, which detail the adverse effects of obesity, further affirm that poor eating habits are among the various causes of this condition. Decreasing the availability of high-sugar snacks and beverages to our school-age children while they are in school is one method of improving their eating habits while they are in the care of the government." deJongh did point out one concern which he urged legislators to address in a prompt manner. "Title 17, Chapter 13, Virgin Islands Code currently places the mandate of addressing nutrition in schools on the Commissioner of Education. Further, Section 140(b) names the Department of Education as the state agency for the administration of the special nutrition programs established under federal law. Therefore, it is inconsistent to place the regulation of vending machines in our schools under the Board of Education." The governor suggested an amendment which would make the new section consistent with the remainder of Title 17, Chapter 13 of the V.I. Code. deJongh acknowledged receipt of Bill 27-0050, Resolution Number 1713 which honors the late Edith L. deJongh Woods for her numerous contributions to the Virgin Islands Community. "Her well-established focus on recognizing and embracing the importance of our history to the development of our community, and the need for preservation of our historic sites and artifacts are well-known, and serve as an impetus for the re-energizing of our Virgin Islands town districts on all of the Virgin Islands." deJongh thanked the 27th Legislature for approving this measure. |
