|
|
|
September 29, 2007
deJongh convenes meeting with public and private sector leaders to discuss Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy Gov. John P. deJongh, Jr. convened the first Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) committee meeting of his administration during the past week during which he briefly outlined plans to use a collaborative and participatory approach to formulate an action plan to guide the economic growth of the territory. "The purpose of CEDS is to establish a process that will help create jobs, foster more stable and diversified economies, and improve living conditions. It provides a mechanism for coordinating the efforts of individuals, organizations, government, and private industry concerned with economic development. It is a process to enable the territory to formulate an action plan through consensus and management of our resources," deJongh said. The five-year strategic plan expired in 2006 and deJongh said, this committee will commence work on developing an update immediately. The CEDS Committee is a think-tank of both public and private sector individuals who represent all major interests of the community, including representatives of local government, business, industry, finance, organized labor, utilities, education, and community organizations. It is designed to bring together the public and private sectors in the creation of an economic roadmap to diversify and strengthen the economy. Members are appointed by the Governor and provide advice on appropriate policies or actions to be taken within the public or private sectors regarding the planning for and implementation of economic development in the territory. "One of my objectives is to also utilize the talents and expertise of the members to address some of the broader economic and social issues confronting our communities," deJongh said. In attendance were Acting Commissioner of Education Lynn Spampinato; Commissioner of Tourism Beverly-Nicholson-Doty; Commissioner of Public Works Daryl Smalls; Director of IRB Gizette Canegata-Thomas; Director of OMB Debra Gottlieb; President of St. Croix Chamber of Commerce Omer ErSelcuk; President of St. Thomas/St. John Chamber of Commerce Tom Brunt; the President and CEO of WICO Edward Thomas; President of the University of the Virgin Islands Dr. Laverne Ragster; Chief Executive Officer of WAPA Nellon Bowry; Chief Operations Officer of the St. Croix Community Foundation Deanna James; President of the Central Labor Council Luis "Tito" Morales; Chairperson of Workforce Investment Board Richard Difede; and President of the Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands Dee Baecher-Brown. Other members include the CEO of the Economic Development Authority, Commissioners of DPNR and Labor, President of the St. Thomas/St. John Hotel Association, and the President of the St. Croix Hotel & Tourism Association. A CEDS is required to qualify for the US Economic Development Administration (USEDA) financial and technical assistance under its public works, economic adjustment program. Since CEDS emphasizes and supports the development of projects which help to diversify the economy and create jobs, the Committee entertained a presentation by Cynthia Jerry on a proposed commercial development, The Country Centre. |
