Governor and Lt. Governor of the United States Virgin Islands

10/31/07 - Gov. John deJongh, Jr. has proclaimed Thursday, November 1, as "D. Hamilton Jackson Day" in the Virgin Islands. Jackson is remembered as a labor leader, politician, educator, lawyer, newspaper editor, judge, banker, statesman and community activist.

Governor acknowledges death of businessman Hans Stern

10/31/07 - Gov. John deJongh, Jr. has conveyed his condolences to the family of Hans Stern, founder of the H. Stern stores in the Virgin Islands. Stern died last Friday in Brazil. Stern developed the first of three fine jewelry stores in the Virgin Islands in 1964. Presently, there are two H. Stern stores in downtown Charlotte Amalie and one in Havensight.

October 30, 2007

deJongh offers condolences to family and friends of Rupert Ross, Sr.

10/30/07 - Upon learning of the passing of Rupert Ross, Sr., Gov. John P. deJongh Jr. Tuesday expressed his deep sympathies to the family and friends of native son Rupert Ross, Sr.

"I extend my personal condolences, along with those of my wife, Cecile, and our family, to the entire Ross family. Rupert was an honorable and accomplished man who contributed greatly to our Virgin Islands community. We are forever grateful for his energy, his commitment, and his passion in advancing this community," deJongh said.

Governor authorizes OMB to release monies to Virgin Islands hospital facilities

10/26/07 - In an effort to increase the quality and availability of medical care to residents in the Territory, Governor John P. deJongh, Jr. Friday authorized the release of $3 million toward providing upgrades and other construction to hospital facilities, including $2.5 million towards enhancements at the Governor Juan F. Louis Hospital Cardiac Center and $500,000 to the Roy Lester Schneider Hospital for the Charlotte Kimelman Cancer Institute.

deJongh signs on to joint governor’s letter in support of critical food stamp legislation

10/24/07 - Gov. John P. deJongh, Jr., Tuesday expressed his appreciation to Senator Harkin and Senator Chambliss of the United States Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, & Forestry, joining thirteen governors in signing on to a letter of support for critical food stamp legislation as contained in the 2007 Farm Bill. The proposed legislation was passed by the U.S. House of Representatives and is currently up for vote in the U.S. Senate. The Committee is currently finalizing language for the bill’s reintroduction, which provides for a renewal of food stamp benefits to families nationwide.

Beltjen Road undergoing emergency repairs

10/23/07 - Virgin Islands Department of Public Works Commissioner, Darryl Smalls, advises the motoring public, that Beltjen Road is currently undergoing repairs to mitigate the uneven shift of the road in the vicinity of the Rehanio Hatchette Electrical Sub-station.

Long Bay Road groundbreaking ceremony to air on Government Access Channel

10/23/07 - The groundbreaking ceremony, which took place Monday, Oct. 22 signaling the start of a four-year, multi-phase road project in Long Bay, will be televised on the St. Thomas Government Access Channel on Wednesday, October 24 at 7 p.m. The Government Access Channel can be viewed on St. Thomas – St. John Innovative Cable TV Channel 10.

Monies released by deJongh Administration to pay government retirees

10/23/07 - Gov. John P. deJongh, Jr said Tuesday the Office of Management and Budget has authorized the release of $4.5 million to fund a one-time lump sum cost of living bonus and for union retirees who retired in or after 1990.

St. John Clean-up Day

10/22/07 - The St. John Beautification Team invites the public to join them in a day of cleaning and sprucing of Cruz Bay on Saturday, October 27, 2007 at 8:00 a.m. The initiative will involve picking up trash, painting curbs, trimming and installing new plants, in addition to sweeping the streets.

Government Access Channels to air local programs this week

10/22/07 - The Government Access Channels will air the Welcome Home Ceremonies for the 786th Quartermaster Battalion of the Virgin Islands National Guard on Tuesday, October 23, 2007 at 7 pm. The ceremonies were held Sunday, October 21 on St. Thomas and St. Croix respectively, as the community turned out to welcome the troops back to the Virgin Islands following their deployment in Iraq.

Office of the Governor announces beautification campaign; Frederiksted areas cleaned-up

10/22/07 - As part of an on-going initiative linking the community to clean-up efforts territory-wide, the Office of the Governor St. Croix staff launched an initiative to clean up and beautify the island. "St. Croix Be Clean," began on October 13 with a clean-up of Marley Beach and continued this weekend with a clean-up of three sites in Frederiksted. The clean-up campaign was launched in an effort to raise awareness on the importance of clean recreational areas, community stewardship, and neighborhood pride.

Governor: Senate vote stalls effort to reform V.I. Department of Education

10/18/07 - Gov. John deJongh, Jr. said today he was tremendously disappointed with the outcome of today’s vote. The Senate chose to vote not only against change and reform, but against the best interest of the children in our public schools.

deJongh said he understands that Dr. Lynn Spaminato was not the only person who could be the Commissioner of Education, however, "She was my first choice from among those people who I had identified and who were willing to accept the challenges of the post given the limitations we impose on those who work in our government."

Governor urges Yes vote on Acting Commissioner; Education reform in the balance

10/17/07 - On the eve of the Senate vote on the nomination of Lynn Spampinato to the position of Education Commissioner, Gov. John P. deJongh, Jr. Wednesday urged members of the 27th Legislature to embrace Education Reform and confirm his choice for the top spot at the Department of Education.

Government Hill Temporary Road Closure

10/17/07 - Water Island Administrator Barbara Petersen informs the general public of the upcoming/ temporary road closure of Government Hill.

Government Hill road will be temporarily closed from 5:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on Friday, October 19, 2007 due to the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority performing routine maintenance in cutting branches and pruning trees near the power lines.

V.I Department of Agriculture's Urban and Community Forestry Assistance Program offers grants

10/11/07 - The Virgin Islands Department of Agriculture, Urban & Community Forestry (U&CF) Assistance Program announces the availability of grants for the 2007 Challenge Cost-Share program. Non-profit organizations, neighborhood associations, territorial government agencies and educational institutions operating within the U.S. Virgin Islands may apply for a grant. Grants require a 50-50 match to the amount requested from applicants. Awards will be allocated on a competitive basis until all funds are exhausted. Deadline for proposal submissions is November 2, 2007.

EDA Officials report on Interior Conference in Guam

10/10/07 - The U.S. Department of the Interior Secretary’s Conference on Business Opportunities in the Islands was in full swing this week at the Hyatt Regency in Tumon Bay, Guam.

The annual conference is sponsored by the U.S. Department of the Interior, and is focused on showcasing the advantages of doing business in the U.S. Territories. This year’s conference was attended by just under 1,000 registrants from the U.S. as well as Asian and other Pacific countries.

Governor signs a bill into law reinstituting Taxicab Commission; Takes action on rezonings

10/10/07 - On Wednesday, Gov. John P. deJongh Jr. not only took action on the FY 2008 budget bills but on other recently passed legislation. He signed into law Bill 27-0018 which reinstitutes the V.I. Taxicab Commission.

deJongh takes action on FY 2008 Budget bills

10/10/07 - Gov. John P. deJongh Jr. Wednesday evening took action on more than 30 bills passed by the Senate including the Fiscal Year 2008 budget for the V.I. Government. The majority of the budget bills were signed into law as approved by the 27th Legislature but on six measures, deJongh exercised the line-item veto power of his office.

V.I. and U.S. Justice Departments sign memorandum of Agreement to address gun violence

10/10/07 - Along with top territorial and federal law enforcement officials, Gov. John deJongh, Jr. held a broadcast news conference Wednesday to announce a joint initiative between the United States Attorney’s Office and the Attorney General’s Office to help end gun violence in the territory. The initiative focuses on maximizing the resources of both agencies and soliciting the public’s support.

deJongh lauds House passage of statute of limitations bill

10/10/07 - The U.S. House of Representatives voted Wednesday afternoon to restore full statute of limitations protections for all residents of the Virgin Islands who file their tax returns exclusively with the Virgin Islands Bureau of Internal Revenue. The Ways and Means Committee Chairman, Charles Rangel, was the chief sponsor of this bill.

The House vote on H.R. 3056 was 232-173. The bill also includes a provision to ban the use of private debt collectors to collect delinquent taxes owed to the I.R.S.

Educational leaders travel to Virgin Islands in support of Spampinato

10/9/07 - In response to the nomination of Dr. Lynn Spampinato, several stateside educational leaders, who had previously worked with the nominee, volunteered to travel to the Virgin Islands and testify in support of her nomination.

Government House Communications Director, Jean P. Greaux, Jr. said Tuesday night that after the nomination of Dr. Spampinato, various educational leaders inquired as to whether there was anything they could do in support of the nomination.

deJongh: Meetings with cruise lines an important first step in building territory's cruise industry

10/9/07 - Gov. John P. deJongh, Jr. returned to the territory Friday night having completed two days of meetings with officials of Royal Caribbean International and Carnival Corporation in Miami, Florida. The parent companies represent the majority of brands of cruise lines that call in the Virgin Islands.

Department of Agriculture announces St. Thomas-St. John Agriculture and Food Fair

10/9/07 - The St. Thomas-St. John Agriculture and Food Fair announces that this year’s activity will be held on Saturday and Sunday, November 17-18, 2007 at the grounds of the Reichhold Center for the Arts. The theme for this year’s fair is ‘Make Agriculture Your Haven in 2007’. Applications for participation can be collected at the following locations:

Construction of Long Bay Road project to begin

10/9/07 - Public Works Commissioner Darryl Smalls said Monday that Island Roads will begin work on the construction of the Long Bay Road Project this month. Under the first phase of the contract, Island Roads will spend between six and eight months relocating the Veteran’s Drive intersection at Lover’s Lane. "Since this work will involve new road construction, there will be minimal disruption to the traffic flow during this period," Smalls said.

Department of Health commemorates National Primary Care Week

10/9/07 - In recognition of National Primary Care Week, from October 8th through the 12th, the Virgin Islands Primary Health Care Office (VI PCO) is highlighting the importance of the role primary health care plays in the community’s collective well-being. This national initiative is observed annually and led by the American Medical Student Association (AMSA); since there are no medical schools in the territory, VI PCO has taken the charge to promote the effort locally.

Governor deJongh proclaims Fire Prevention Week in the United States Virgin Islands

10/5/07 - Governor John P. deJongh, Jr. has proclaimed the week of October 7-13, as "Fire Prevention Week," in the United States Virgin Islands to highlight the importance of making fire safety a part of our daily life. The theme for this year is "Practice Your Escape Plan!"

Governor deJongh proclaims Disability Employment Awareness Month in the United States Virgin Islands

10/5/07 - Governor John P. deJongh, Jr. has proclaimed the month of October as "Disability Employment Awareness Month," in the United States Virgin Islands in conjunction with states and territories across the nation. This year the nation celebrates its Sixty-Second anniversary of, "Disability Employment Awareness Month," observance.

Governor deJongh proclaims Taxi Week in the United States Virgin Islands

10/5/07 - Governor John P. deJongh, Jr. has proclaimed October 21-27 as "Taxi Week," in the United States Virgin Islands. The taxi industry is the Virgin Islands’ largest small business industry.

Governor deJongh proclaims Arts and Humanities Month in the United States Virgin Islands

10/5/07 - Governor John P. deJongh, Jr. has proclaimed the month of October 2007 as "Arts and Humanities Month," in the United States Virgin Islands. The arts and humanities enhance the lives of all, and affect every aspect of life in America and in the territory.

Citigroup Global Markets, Inc. Claim Settlement

10/5/07 - Commissioner of Labor, Albert Bryan, Jr. has received information from Citigroup Global Markets, Inc. (CGMI) pursuant to the Class Action Fairness Act of 2005 and he in turn disseminates the following information to the public.

Department of Housing, Parks and Recreation's Cycling Team

10/5/07 - The Department of Housing, Parks and Recreation will host a meeting for individuals interested in starting a cycling team on St. Thomas on Wednesday, October 10, 2007, at the Winston Raymo Recreation Center at 7:00 p.m.

Department of Housing, Parks and Recreation hosts Basketball Clinics

10/5/07 - The Department of Housing, Parks and Recreation will conduct open basketball clinics for boys and girls, as part of its after school programs at the Winston Raymo Recreation Center starting Wednesday, October 10, 2007, from 4:30-6:00 p.m. Monday through Fridays.

World Heritage Foundation on St. Croix this week to explore development of cultural heritage center

10/5/07 - Five representatives of the World Heritage Foundation who are visiting St. Croix this week, met Wednesday morning with Gov. John P. deJongh, Jr., Tourism Commissioner Beverly Nicholson-Doty and representatives of the Departments of Agriculture and Property and Procurement. St. Croix is one of three destinations being considered for the development of a cultural heritage center.

Economic Development Authority officials to represent territory at annual Interior Department Conference

10/4/07 - The top two officers of the Virgin Islands Economic Development Authority (EDA) will represent the V.I. Government at the fourth Department of the Interior Business Opportunities in the Islands conference being held this year in Guam.

Governor travels to Miami for meetings with cruise line officials

10/3/07 - Gov. John deJongh Jr. departed the territory Wednesday afternoon to participate in two days of meetings with representatives of various cruise lines whose ships presently make port calls in the Virgin Islands. The meetings are scheduled for Thursday and Friday in Miami, Florida.

deJongh offers condolences to family and friends of Officer Davidson James

10/2/07 - Gov. John P. deJongh Jr. today expressed his deepest sympathies to the family, friends and colleagues of Bureau of Corrections Officer Davidson James.

"My thoughts and prayers and those of my family and our Virgin Islands community are extended to those who have suffered this tragic loss," deJongh said Tuesday. The 12-year-veteran of the Corrections Bureau was a native of St. Croix and served the bureau with honor and dignity. Officer James was a public servant who was held in high regard by his fellow officers and superiors in the law enforcement community.

"May they find solace and strength in knowing that our entire community shares their loss," deJongh said.

deJongh makes three appointments in leadership of Department of Health

10/2/07 - Gov. John deJongh, Jr. Tuesday announced the appointments of Fern Clarke and Julia Sheen-Aaron as Territorial Assistant Health commissioners in the St. Thomas-St. John and St. Croix district, respectively. Dr. Audria Thomas, the department's St. Thomas District Health Officer for 15 years, was also appointed to serve as Director of Office of Medical Affairs, which was recently created by Health Commissioner Vivian I. Ebbesen-Fludd.