Governor and Lt. Governor of the United States Virgin Islands

11/30/07 - Gov. John P. deJongh, Jr. has designated Saturday, December 1 as World Aids Day in the Virgin Islands and has urged all citizens to take part in activities and observances designed to increase awareness and understanding of HIV/AIDS in our community.

deJongh said Friday, "World Aids Day provides an opportunity to focus local, national and international attention on HIV/AIDS and to disseminate information on how to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS."

St. John Administrator meets with local small businesses

11/30/07 - In a recent meeting, St. John Administrator Leona Smith sat down with Mr. Ira Wade, Deputy Commissioner of Public Works, and twelve businesses from the Cruz Bay area. The meeting was scheduled in an effort to provide leadership to those merchants holding leases with the V.I. Government and to those businesses that are located in close proximity to government-held lands.

deJongh holds news conference Friday to discuss a variety of issues confronting the territory

11/30/07 - Governor John P. deJongh, Jr., today, held a news conference at Government House on St. Thomas to discuss a variety of issues confronting the U.S. Virgin islands.

Below is the Governor's opening statement:

I want to thank you all for coming. I am going to read a prepared statement on a wide range of topics that has a central theme. Then I will take some questions.

When I spoke to the Senate, and to all Virgin Islanders, last January at the State of the Territory, I raised the issue of how our agencies work together––or to be more precise, how they fail to work together––and the consequences of many years passing during which time it has become acceptable for agencies and authorities to go their own way, without regard to the overall welfare of the territory, our economy, and pocketbooks of our people.

deJongh names nominations to the Waste Management Authority Board of Directors

11/28/07 - Gov. John P. deJongh, Jr. this week made two nominations to the board of directors of the Waste Management Authority. deJongh this week re-nominated Llewellyn G. Reed, Jr and nominated Steve Simon to fill a vacancy on the WMA board. Once confirmed by the 27th Legislature, both nominees will serve three-year terms.

Governor nominates three to hospital boards in both districts

11/27/07 - Prior to departing for Washington Monday afternoon, Gov. John P. deJongh, Jr. made two nominations to the Government Hospital and Health Facilities Corporation board of directors in the district of St. Croix and one to the St. Thomas-St. John Government Hospital and Health Facilities Corporation board of directors.

The nominees include: Pastor Dexter Skepple to replace Pastor Lester White; Imelda Dizon to replace Godfrey G. Fredericks and Aldria Harley-Wade to replace Ray Joseph. White and Joseph terms on the board have expired while Fredericks resigned his position. Each nominee, once confirmed by the 27th Legislature, will also serve on the respective corporation’s Board of Directors.

deJongh in Washington, D.C. for meetings with U.S. Treasury officials and congressional leaders

11/27/07 - Gov. John P. deJongh Jr. departed the territory late Monday afternoon for three days of scheduled meetings in Washington, D.C.

deJongh will lead discussions with senior officials in the U.S. Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service on various tax administration issues, including the current status of rules and regulations impacting the Virgin Islands Economic Development Program.

deJongh urges Interior to support bill for new St. John school

11/26/07 - Gov. John P. deJongh, Jr. has asked the Secretary of the Interior to support Federal legislation which would authorize the National Park Service to enter into a long-term lease with the V.I. Government to construct a school facility on St. John. In a letter to Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne, deJongh expressed strong support for the bill which passed the House earlier this year and is now under consideration in the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. deJongh has been actively lobbying key U.S. Senators for support of the legislation which was introduced by V.I. Congressional Delegate Donna Christensen.

deJongh urges U.S. Senate Finance Committee to restore "fairness and equity" for Virgin Islanders

11/25/07 - Government House on Sunday released letters from Gov. John P. deJongh, Jr. to the U.S. Senate Finance Committee calling for the restoration of fair and equal statute of limitations protections for Virgin Islanders. A provision to restore Virgin Islands statute of limitations protections was introduced by Representative Charles Rangel, and is one of the issues being considered in H.R. 3996, a bill that includes fixes to the onerous Alternative Minimum Tax.

Departments of Health and Planning and Natural Resources announce Fish Market temporary closure

11/23/07 - The Department of Planning and Natural Resources and the Department Health Friday announced the temporary shutdown of the Villa La Reine Fish Market. The closure of the fish market is due to continuing drainage, plumbing, sanitary and other general maintenance problems at the site which raised the issues of health and public safety.

Governor's 2007 Thanksgiving Day Message

11/21/07 - On behalf of the people and Government of the United States Virgin Islands, I am pleased to share in this Thanksgiving Day holiday with all residents of the Territory. Each year, on this day, Virgin Islanders unite to give thanks and praise for the many blessings that we proudly enjoy.

As a community, today we pause in reflection of the bonds of family and friendship, and offer our deepest gratitude to the service men and women who are engaged in the theater of war, and who are away from their homes and loved ones. We also acknowledge our proud Veterans who have served this Territory, and this Nation, with the highest Dignity and Grace in service to protecting our freedoms.

National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration donates emergency radios to V.I. Department of Education

11/20/07 - Governor John deJongh was joined by VITEMA and Homeland Security officials Tuesday in accepting the first of some 50 emergency weather radios that will be donated to each public school in the territory. The presentation of the radio was made to the Governor by National Weather Service official Rafael Mojica during brief ceremonies on the campus of Leonard Dober Elementary School.

deJongh/Francis host cabinet meeting on St. Thomas Monday

11/19/07 - Gov. John P. deJongh, Jr. and Lt. Gov. Gregory R. Francis Monday convened a meeting of the Cabinet at Government House on St. Thomas.

deJongh opened the third Cabinet meeting of the year with a focus on issues including: the status of revamping the hiring process, the current level of service being provided by the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) financial management system, enforcement of the vehicle policy enacted in July and the Budget Office’s effort towards performance-based budgeting.

deJongh visits with residents and staff at St. Croix's Youth Rehabilitation Center

11/18/07 - Gov. John P. deJongh, Jr. joined the leadership of the Department of Human Services at the Youth Rehabilitation Center in Annas Hope, St. Croix Sunday for the annual pre- Thanksgiving Day luncheon.

"I wanted the opportunity to not only tour the facility on St. Croix but to sit and have dialogue with the residents who are detained at the center. Sunday’s luncheon provided me with a first-hand look at the center’s operation," deJongh said from St. Croix today.

Governor met with Water Island residents on Saturday

11/18/07 - Gov. John P. deJongh, Jr. met with about 40 members of the Water Island Civic Association Saturday to discuss concerns of residents about the need to further improve the infrastructure of the island.

The meeting followed a tour of the island where the Governor and representatives of various Executive Branch agencies saw some of the challenges residents face from deteriorating roads to the need for regular roadside maintenance and improvements to the garbage transfer station.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to donate emergency radios to V.I. Department of Education

11/17/07 - On Tuesday, November 20, 2007 at 1:00 p.m., the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) will be donating emergency radios to the V.I. Department of Education. Gov. John P. deJongh Jr., the V.I. Office of Homeland Security, along with V.I. Territorial Emergency Management Agency (VITEMA) will facilitate the donation from NOAA to VI Department of Education at Leonard Dober Elementary School on St. Thomas. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will also be on hand as a steadfast partner in handling natural and emergency disaster responses in the territory.

deJongh participates in V.I. Olympic Committee Sports Summit

11/18/07- Gov. John P. deJongh, Jr. and Lt. Gov. Gregory R. Francis recently joined the presidents of twenty-two sports federations comprising the Virgin Islands Olympic Committee at Government House, St. Croix. Serving as Master of Ceremonies, V.I.O.C. President Hans Lawaetz introduced each sports federation and spoke to the wonders of sports, discussing the importance of athletics in our daily lives.

Governor travels to Florida for meetings

11/13/07 - Gov. John deJongh departed the territory Tuesday morning for three days of meetings in the state of Florida. The governor returns to the territory at the end of the week.

On Veterans Day, Governor signs bill to rename and rededicate Roosevelt Park on St. Thomas

11/12/07 - Among the bills Gov. John deJongh, Jr. took favorable action on Monday was legislation which renames and rededicates Franklin D. Roosevelt Park on St. Thomas.

Bill 27-0072 renames the park in downtown Charlotte Amalie the "Franklin Delano Roosevelt Virgin Islands Veterans’ Memorial Park." The governor signed the bill on Monday morning about an hour before the official ceremonies which marked the rededication of the park. Over the past year, the park, which sits just off the intersection of Hospital Line and Norre Gade, has undergone a complete rehabilitation and renovation.

Governor deJongh acts on recently passed legislation; Vetoes four bills

11/12/07 - Gov. John P. deJongh, Jr. Monday took action on eight bills passed recently by the 27th Legislature. The bills, which arrived at Government House on October 31, were due back to the Senate today.

deJongh approved Bill 27-0015 which puts in place mechanisms that begin to address the problem of gambling in the Virgin Islands. "The concern addressed by this legislation is both timely and appropriate," deJongh wrote in correspondence to Senate President Usie R. Richards. The governor, however, expressed concern that the scope of the legislation is confined to problem gambling in the arena of casinos but does not address the same issue for the users of video lottery terminals. deJongh suggested that his Administration and the V.I. Legislature explore methods to also address problem gambling in this field.

Governor submits legislation to take back control of real property taxes

11/10/07 - Gov. John deJongh Jr. submitted legislation to the Senate Friday which represents a significant step by the Government to again manage its real property tax regime.

In submitting his Administration’s tax proposal deJongh said, "By taking back local control of real property taxes and modernizing the system, we will be able to raise the funds necessary to run our government more fairly, evenly and predictably. All who have worked to craft this proposal seek a day when we can better manage and mitigate the current tumultuous nature of property tax assessment."

deJongh congratulates Indian community

11/9/07 - Gov. John P. deJongh, Jr. Friday congratulated the Indian community in the Virgin Islands on the celebration of Divali, a major Indian festival. Known around the world as the "Festival of Light," on this day, families celebrate by lighting lamps in the home and exchanging sweets and gifts.

Governor deJongh proclaims YMCA/YWCA Week in the Virgin Islands

11/9/07 - Gov. John P. deJongh, Jr. has proclaimed November 11- 21, as “YMCA and YWCA week in the Virgin Islands. The mission of the YMCA and YWCA, at the territorial, national and international levels, is to build strong children, families and communities through programs that focus on developing healthy minds and bodies.

Governor proclaims Hunger and Homeless Awareness Week in the Virgin Islands

11/9/07 - Gov. John P. deJongh, Jr. has proclaimed November 11-17 as "Hunger and Homeless Awareness Week." The theme for this week is "Commit to end Homelessness," in the Virgin Islands.

Governor deJongh proclaims Veterans Day to salute our Virgin Islands veterans

11/9/07 - Gov. John P. deJongh, Jr. has proclaimed November 11, as "Veterans Day," in the Virgin Islands. Each year on this date, we pause to express our respect and gratitude for the millions of men and women who have served our nation as members of the United States Armed Services.

Department of Public Works provides update on V.I. ferry boat service

11/9/07 - Commissioner of Public Works, Darryl Smalls advises the general community of the continued support of the deJongh/Francis Administration in its commitment to securing and protecting inter-island marine transportation in the territory.

Governor to participate in V.I Olympic Committee Summit

11/9/07 - Gov. John P. deJongh, Jr. will be participating in a Virgin Islands Sports Summit, organized by the Virgin Islands Olympic Committee on Saturday, November 10, 2007 at Government House, St. Croix.

Governor deJongh proclaims American Education Week in the Virgin Islands

11/9/07 - Gov. John P. deJongh, Jr. has proclaimed the week of November 11-17 as "American Education Week," in the Virgin Islands. This year the 86th annual observance of American Education Week, spotlights the importance of providing every child with a quality education. The need for everyone to do their share to ensure our schools continue to provide a quality education is vital.

Temporary Tax Relief Act of 2007 passes U.S. House of Representatives

11/9/07 - The U.S. House of Representatives Friday passed H.R. 3996, the Temporary Tax Relief Act of 2007, a bill that includes two key deJongh Administration priorities, namely restoring full statute of limitations protections for all Virgin Islands taxpayers, and extending the rum tax cover over for another year. The vote was 216-193.

Congress votes to override veto of Water Bill; $25 million authorization for territorial wastewater improvement now law

11/8/07 - The U.S. Senate today voted to override President Bush’s veto of a $23 billion landmark water development bill which includes a $25 million authorization for infrastructure improvements to the territory’s wastewater system. The Senate override vote Thursday afternoon follows Tuesday’s successful House vote to override. The bill now automatically becomes law.

Rededication of the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Virgin Islands Veterans Memorial Park set for Monday

11/8/07 - The Government of the United States Virgin Islands, along with the Virgin Islands Office of Veterans Affairs, the Trust for Public Land and We From Upstreet, Inc. will host rededication ceremonies for the newly renovated and rehabilitated Franklin Delano Roosevelt Virgin Islands Veterans Memorial Park on Monday, Nov. 12, 2007 at 10:00 a.m. In addition to the rededication, the unveiling of the Veterans Memorial, will also take place. The events at the park will follow the traditional Veterans Day Parade scheduled to begin at 9:30 a.m.

PWD contractor begins work in Estate Mariendahl Thursday

11/7/07 - Residents of Estate Mariendahl on St. Thomas’ East end are advised that the Public Works Department will begin work in the Lantern Hill area on Thursday, November 8. PWD will engage a road stabilization retaining wall project which will offer motorists an improved road with proper drainage and railing protection.

Governor welcomes home Richard Baker; Applauds clemency granted by BVI Government for USVI fisherman

11/6/07 - Gov. John P. deJongh Jr. Tuesday expressed gratitude and appreciation to Premier Ralph O’Neal and the BVI Government on the granting of clemency for USVI fisherman, Richard Baker, upon his release from prison and return home to the territory.

"I am heartened by Premier O’Neal’s leadership in extending diplomatic talks with my Administration and other entities in resolving this important matter. On behalf of the people of the U.S. Virgin Islands, I would like to express my sincere gratitude on this granting of clemency for one of our residents," deJongh said. "I am pleased that the warm relations we share as island neighbors have so deeply contributed to the release of Mr. Richard Baker, so that he may comfortably return home. His release is symbolic of the cooperative dialogue between our two communities and our shared commitment to working together towards improving the standard and quality of life for all Virgin Islanders," deJongh continued.

Governor welcomes home Richard Baker; Applauds clemency granted by BVI Government for USVI fisherman

Governor meets with EPA Regional Administrator

11/6/07 - Gov. John deJongh Jr. met with EPA Region II Regional Administrator Alan J. Steinberg Monday afternoon at the Battery on St. John.

"St. John Pretty" beautification launch a success

11/6/07 - The "St. John Pretty" Beautification Group completed a successful launch of its island-wide clean-up campaign on Saturday, November, 3, 2007. Following the success of the "St. Croix Be Clean" campaign launch on St. Croix, and in an effort to engage the community in clean-up efforts territory-wide, Office of the Governor Staff on St. John, led by Administrator Leona Smith, launched an initiative comprised of public and private entities to clean up and beautify the island. "St. John Pretty" began with a clean-up of Cruz Bay and will target different areas for clean-up, year-round.

Governor, First Lady welcome Sen. Barak Obama to the USVI

11/5/07 - Governor John P. deJongh, Jr. and First Lady Cecile deJongh welcomed presidential candidate Barak Obama to the USVI on November 5, 2007.

While in the VI, Obama attended an event at The Ritz-Carlton Resort and visited with students and teachers at V.I. Montessori School.

He also met with Lt. Gov. Gregory Francis, and V.I. Democratic Party leaders.

Public Finance Authority Board of Directors meets Thursday, Nov. 8th

11/5/07 - The Board of Directors of the Virgin Islands Public Finance Authority will meet on Thursday, November 8, 2007 at the PFA offices. The PFA offices are located at No. 24 Estate Honduras, adjacent to the Joseph Aubain Ball Park.

Cabinet swearing-in ceremonies set for this week

11/5/07 - Gov. John P. de Jongh, Jr. will host swearing-in ceremonies for members of his cabinet on Wednesday and Friday of this week on St. Thomas and St. Croix, respectively.

Ceremonies will be held on St. Thomas at 10 a.m. Wednesday, November 7, at Government House for Office of Management and Budget Director Debra E. Gottlieb and Public Works Commissioner Darryl A. Smalls, PE.