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January 30, 2008
dejongh hosts second Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy meeting; V.I. Public and private sector leaders discuss next steps Gov. John P. deJongh, Jr. convened the second Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) meeting of his Administration Monday. Comprised of public, non-profit, and private sector leaders from throughout the Virgin Islands, committee members were appointed by Governor deJongh to address the creation of an action plan to facilitate economic growth in the territory. "Monday’s meeting was an important next step in furthering my Administration’s vision for increased and sustained economic growth in the territory. I am proud of this committee’s diligence in working together to highlight the territory’s own unique capabilities toward further and future economic growth," deJongh continued. Leading the discussion was Calvin Edghill, Senior Community Planner at the U.S. Department of Commerce, Economic Development Administration, who provided federal guidelines on the role of the U.S. Department of Commerce toward local economic development efforts. Millions of dollars are currently available on a competitive basis to the Virgin Islands for research, public works, planning and capital investment projects, along with technical assistance, for local economic development efforts. A CEDS Plan of Action is designed to create a roadmap to diversify and strengthen an economy. The public/private planning process promotes economic development and opportunity while fostering the effective use of the workforce, promoting the use of technology, including access to high-speed telecommunication systems, as well as utilizing funding sources and a comprehensive investment strategy towards sustained revitalization of the economy. "This planning process lays the groundwork for important and critical projects moving forward and allows for us to develop the policies, attract the investments, and diversify the economy towards a sustained economic development strategy overall," deJongh said. "In utilizing the territory’s unique advantages, we are able to maximize economic opportunities for residents. This means creating more jobs; improving living conditions and quality of life issues; and guiding the further development of a stable and diversified local economy," deJongh continued. In attendance at the meeting were Director of the Office of Management and Budget Debra Gottlieb; CEO for the Economic Development Authority Percival Clouden; Commissioner of the Department of Planning and Natural Resources Robert Mathes; Acting Commissioner of Education Dr. LaVerne Terry; Commissioner of Labor Albert Bryan, Jr.; Director of IRB Gizette Canegata-Thomas; representing the Department of Tourism Allegra Kean-Moorhead; President of St. Croix Chamber of Commerce Omer ErSelcuk; Executive Director of the St. Thomas/St. John Chamber of Commerce Joe Aubain; President of the St. Croix Hotel & Tourism Association Patrick Henry; President and Chief Executive Officer of WICO Edward Thomas; Chief Executive Officer of WAPA Hugo Hodge; Chairperson of the Workforce Investment Board Richard Difede; and President of the Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands Dee Baecher-Brown. Other members of the committee include Commissioner of Public Works Darryl Smalls; Chairman of the St. Thomas/St. John Hotel and Tourism Association Richard Doumeng; President of the Central Labor Council Luis A. “Tito” Morales; Chief Operations Officer for the St. Croix Community Foundation Deanna James; and President of the University of the Virgin Islands Dr. Laverne E. Ragster. The Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965, as amended, requires a CEDS for investment assistance under the U.S. Economic Development Administration’s Economic Adjustment Assistance Program. The next CEDS meeting is scheduled for April 7, 2008. |
