Governor and Lt. Governor of the United States Virgin Islands

2/29/08 - St. Croix Administrator Pedro "Pete" Encarnacion has called a town hall meeting for 10:00 A.M. on Saturday, March 1, 2008 to be held at the Florence Williams Library Conference Room in Christiansted, St. Croix. Administrator Encarnacion, along with Department of Public Works Commissioner Smalls and Assistant Commissioner Cintron, will jointly address the concerns of homeowners and residents regarding the ongoing construction efforts associated with the Christiansted Bypass Project. The Eastern Federal Lands Highway Division will also be in attendance.

V.I. Government and AFT resume negotiations on March 26; Governor and union leaders optimistic after today's meeting

2/29/08 - Governor John deJongh Jr. met Friday with the leadership of the Federation of Teachers union and an agreement was reached by both sides to resume negotiations with a focus on wage discussions.

"I was pleased at the opportunity to meet with both Mr. Tyrone Molyneaux and Mrs. Vernelle de Lagarde to discuss not only the differences that have caused the apparent breakdown in negotiations but to see how we can resume discussions towards a new contract for the teachers, support staff and paraprofessionals," deJongh said at the conclusion of the three-hour meeting.

Governor deJongh proclaims Virgin Islands history month in the Territory

2/28/08 - Gov. John P. deJongh, Jr. has proclaimed March as Virgin Islands History Month in the territory. The people of the United States Virgin Islands of various origins, backgrounds, races, ethnicities, colors, beliefs and religions throughout history, as individuals and groups, have and continue to contribute nationally, internationally and globally, in a degree out of proportion to the population and geographic size of the Virgin Islands, to the progress and enrichment of humanity.

Governor meets with key Congressional supporters

2/28/08 - Governor John P. deJongh Jr. returns to the territory Thursday having completed a two-day visit in Washington, D.C., which was headlined by meetings with key Senate and House supporters of the Virgin Islands. DeJongh was joined by Delegate Donna Christensen, and senior Government House officials. The deJongh-led delegation met with U.S. Senators Sam Brownback (R-KS), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Evan Bayh (R-IND), Jim DeMint (R-SC), Bill Nelson (D-FL), and the House Ways and Means Committee Chairman, Representative Charles Rangel (D-NY). On Tuesday evening, deJongh met with Senators Jay Rockefeller and Orrin Hatch during the 2008 Alexander Hamilton Awards program.

Governor deJongh presents 2008 Alexander Hamilton Awards for Public Service

2/27/08 - Before a crowd of approximately 150 attendees, Governor John P. deJongh Jr. Tuesday night presented the 2008 Alexander Hamilton Award for Public Service to two U.S. Senators who have demonstrated leadership on key issues for the U.S. Virgin Islands. The recipients are U.S. Senators, Orrin G. Hatch and John D. Rockefeller, IV. This award is presented to national leaders whose outstanding public service careers can be characterized by a dedication to freedom, democracy, and a concern for the under-represented.

deJongh offers written testimony to IGIA meetings in Washington, D.C.

2/26/08 - Governor John P. deJongh, Jr., Tuesday, offered submitted testimony to the meeting of the Interagency Group on Insular Affairs which took place in the nation’s capitol. In his testimony, deJongh revisited issues that had been previously discussed with federal officials. The issues included: removal of the cap on run excise taxes returned to the Virgin Islands, equal treatment of territory in individual benefit programs; elimination of discriminatory caps on Medicaid funding; S-CHIP funding and the low income home energy assistance program. DeJongh also urged the Inter-agency Group on Insular Affairs to consider the establishment of a fully-staffed and equipped border patrol unit in the Virgin Islands.

Governor extends condolences to family and friends of former Police Commissioner Otis L. Felix and Colville "Bapo Lewis

2/26/08 - Before departing the territory for Washington, D.C. on Monday afternoon, Governor John P. deJongh, Jr. extended condolences to the family of former Police Commissioner and Senator Otis L. Felix who died on February 22, 2008.

Governor travels to Washington, D.C. for meetings with Congressional leaders and to confer Alexander Hamilton Public Service Awards

2/25/08 - Governor John P. deJongh Jr. departed the territory Monday afternoon for Washington, D.C. where he will participate in two days of meetings with Congressional leaders in both the U.S. Senate and the House and Representatives. Also on Tuesday, deJongh will present the 2008 Alexander Hamilton Public Service Award to U.S. Senators John D. Rockefeller IV (D-WV) and Orrin Hatch (R-Utah). Tuesday, February 26 has been proclaimed as “Virgin Islands Day” in the nation’s capitol.

Governor commends Schooner Roseway on partnership agreement with VIDE; Applauds St. Croix home-porting

2/23/08 - Governor John P. deJongh, Jr. has commended the staff of the Schooner Roseway and the World Ocean School on the partnership agreement with the Virgin Islands Department of Education. Speaking at an Agreement Signing Ceremony, the Governor joined Abby Kidder of the World Ocean School; Deputy Superintendent Maria A. Encarnacion, who represented Superintendent Gary Molloy; and Commissioner Designee Dr. LaVerne Terry of the Department of Education. A few students from Arthur A. Richards Junior High School who have participated in the school-at-sea program were also in attendance.

deJongh welcomes Stanford Financial Group to St. Croix; Attends global management headquarters groundbreaking

2/22/08 - Gov. John P. deJongh, Jr. Thursday commended Sir Allen Stanford and the Stanford Financial Group on the groundbreaking ceremony of the global management headquarters offices at Estate Betty’s Hope, adjacent to the Henry E. Rohlson airport, on St. Croix. The ceremony took place inside an air-conditioned tent and following the ceremony and reception, dignitaries participated in a traditional turning of the soil at the construction site.

Governor assesses fire damage at St. Croix Educational Complex; Implores community to step forward with information

2/22/08 - In the wake of the recent school vandalism at St. Croix Educational Complex, Gov. John P. deJongh Jr. Thursday visited the high school to assess the fire damage to the administrative offices and to meet with school administrators.

deJongh and union leaders to meet

2/22/08 - Gov. John P. deJongh, Jr. has invited the leadership of the American Federation of Teachers Union Locals 1825 and 1826 to meet with him to discuss the status of negotiations on the new contract for teachers, school nurses, school psychologists and other professionals.

February 26th proclaimed as "Virgin Islands Day" in Washington, D.C.; Governor to present Hamilton Awards to two U.S. Senators

2/20/08 - The Council of Washington D.C. has proclaimed Tuesday, February 26 as "Virgin Islands Day" in the nation’s capital and on that day, Gov. John P. deJongh Jr. will present the Alexander Hamilton Award for Distinguished Public Service U.S. Senators John D. Rockefeller, IV and Orrin G. Hatch. The awards will be presented during a ceremony in Washington, D.C.

deJongh denounces vandalism and apparent arson on campus of Educational Complex

2/19/08 - Gov. John P. deJongh, Jr. on Tuesday condemned the actions of vandals who struck the campus at the St. Croix Education Complex and by an act of apparent arson, destroyed the school’s administrative office area.

"This is yet another attempt, by those with no regard for the value of education, to disrupt the learning of hundreds of Virgin Islands school children," deJongh said.

National Engineers Week proclaimed in the U.S. Virgin Islands

2/13/08 - Gov. John P. deJongh, Jr. has proclaimed the week of February 17-23, 2008, as “National Engineers Week” in the United States Virgin Islands. National Engineers Week is always celebrated during the week of our first president, George Washington’s, birthday because he was a prominent engineer, specializing in military and agricultural engineering.

St. Thomas Administrator announces Redhook clean-up to be held Feb. 16th; No parking zone reminder issued

2/13/08 - On Saturday, February 16th, the St. Thomas-Water Island Administrator’s task force, along with the Redhook Alliance, will engage in a clean-up of the Red Hook area. The parking spaces currently indicating “no parking” will be needed to facilitate parking for clean-up participants. While there are signs already posted in the area informing the general public of the no parking zone, Administrator Barbara Petersen wishes to remind residents that cars parked in this no parking zone will be promptly ticketed and towed.

President signs Economic Stimulus Bill; Territory could see infusion of $30 million

2/13/08 - President George Bush signed into law this afternoon a $168 billion stimulus bill which guarantees that Virgin Islanders will receive the same stimulus rebates as their mainland counterparts with the Federal Government picking up the full cost. Just back from a round of meetings in New York, Gov. John P. deJongh Jr. thanked the President for his decisive action in proposing a national economic recovery program, stating that the law passed by the Congress will provide significant cash assistance to individual Virgin Islands taxpayers totaling over $30 million, while helping to pump up the local economy at a time of national economic slowdown.

Governor meets with New York Mayor on education reform

2/13/08 - While in New York this week, Gov. John P. deJongh Jr. met with New York City Michael Bloomberg to discuss education reform as envisioned for the public education system in the Virgin Islands. DeJongh expressed his support for Mayor Bloomberg’s successful education programs that have been implemented throughout the New York City schools system and sought advice on his own planned initiatives for the Territory. In addition, DeJongh announced the establishment of an education award program for New York City teachers, which would recognize a dozen outstanding New York City Social Studies and History teachers with an educational excursion to the U.S. Virgin Islands.

37th Annual Agricultural and Food Fair scheduled this weekend; AGRIFEST 2008 Poster Unveiled

2/13/08 - The Department of Agriculture, in conjunction with the Agriculture and Food Fair Board, will host the 37th Annual Agriculture and Food Fair this weekend, February 16- 18, 2008, at the Rudolph Schulterbrandt Agriculture Complex on St. Croix.

“This weekend has been set aside to increase consumer education and awareness of the importance of agriculture in the territory,” Gov. John P. deJongh Jr. said. “The economic impact of the territory’s agricultural industry is both substantial and critical. I join with all Virgin Islanders in paying special tribute to our farmers, agriculturalists, as well as to the entrepreneurs and other businesses showcasing their produce, arts and crafts, and other goods and services at this year’s fair,” deJongh continued.

deJongh finds support at the EPA for proposed restructuring of the V.I Waste Management Authority

2/12/08 - A meeting in New York Tuesday between Gov. John deJongh, Jr. and officials of the Environmental Protection Agency on plans by the Administration to restructure the V.I. Waste Management Authority “went well”, according to Government House Communications Director Jean P. Greaux Jr.

Governor commends V.I. Delegates on vote of confidence for Senator Obama; Applauds Obama Campaign success to date

2/12/08 - From New York Monday night and just hours ahead of crucial party primaries in several states, Gov. John P. deJongh Jr. said he is very pleased with the overwhelming support Virgin Islands Democrats displayed this weekend when they elected Illinois Senator Barack Obama as their choice for the Democratic nomination for President of the United States.

Governor proclaims FBLA-PBL Week in the U.S. Virgin Islands

2/12/08 - Gov. deJongh has proclaimed the week of February 10–16, 2008 as “Future Business Leaders of America-Phi Beta Lambda Week” in the United States Virgin Islands.

deJongh makes appointments to the Government Employees Service Commission and Board of Nurse Licensure

2/11/08 - Governor John P. deJongh, Jr. has nominated Yolander Samuel-Deterville to the Government Employees Service Commission to fill an open vacancy on the board. Samuel -Deterville, a certified public accountant, is Comptroller for Sunny Isle Developers, LLC of St. Croix. She has also served as a member of the Water and Power Authority governing board. The term of appointment to the GESC is for two years.

Governor makes appointment to the WAPA Goverring Board

2/11/08 - Attorney Gerald T. Groner was appointed to the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority Governing Board.

Groner, who replaces Alphonso Franklin, will serve a term of three years. Attorney Groner has worked in private practice for the past 26 years, focusing on transactional, business formation, contract negotiation, commercial and residential real estate and estate planning law with diminishing civil litigation activity. He was previously a member of the Board of Governors of the Virgin Islands Bar Association, the chairman of the Bar Association Ad Hoc Insurance Committee, and received the 2006 and 2007 Bar Association Winston Hodge Award for Public Service.

Governor meets with EPA in New York

2/11/08 - Governor John P. deJongh, Jr. departed the territory Monday afternoon for New York to attend meetings with officials of the Environmental Protection Agency. The meetings on Tuesday will focus on the Administration’s plan to address the structure of the Waste Management Authority as detailed in the 2008 State of the Territory Address.

Governor appoints four to serve on the Virgin Islands Real Estate Appraisers Board

2/11/08 - Four individuals have been nominated by Gov. John P. deJongh, Jr. to serve on the Virgin Islands Real Estate Appraisers Board. Delrease P. Roberts, Elissa R. Runyon, Noreen Dunn and Terryl Diggs de Jongh will all serve a term of three years.

Governor offers condolences to Jenkins Family

2/10/08 - Gov. John P. deJongh, Jr. Sunday extended condolences to the family of U.S. Attorney for the Virgin Islands Anthony Jenkins upon learning of the death of Jenkins’ daughter, Toni Delores Jenkins-Flavien.

Governor signs bill to protect Witness Protection Board information from public disclosure

2/8/08 - Gov. John P. deJongh Jr. Friday approved three bills passed by the 27th Legislature in its January session. The bills, which arrived at Government House on January 29, were due back to the Senate on Saturday.

Governor deJongh commends Senators for voting for Real Property Tax Reform

2/7/08 - Governor John P. deJongh, Jr. wishes to commend the ten Senators of the 27th Legislature who voted to pass legislation reforming the Virgin Islands real property tax system. "I think the vote of the ten members who voted for the proposal before the Legislature in the Special Session on Thursday shows that they understood the need to move forward on real property tax reform without delay. I commend them for their action. After the many months that we in the Administration have grappled with this matter, I am well aware of the difficulties it presents, the many conflicting interests, and the general unpopularity of tax questions in general. This was a difficult decision that the Legislature faced and acted upon. I am gratified by the votes of Senators Davis, Dowe, Jn Baptiste, Malone, Ottley, Richards, Weber, White, Williams and Hill. Clearly these Senators understood the importance of bringing both fairness and relief to Virgin Islands property owners while funding the government's budget."

Governor responds to Super Tuesday election victory for Senator Obama

2/6/08 - The Governor and the First Lady are both very pleased and excited about yesterday’s Super Tuesday results for Senator Barack Obama. It was an historic day and the closest thing to a national primary we’ve ever seen with Senator Obama winning thirteen (13) states and very possibly taking the lead in the overall Delegate count.

Government House welcomes Moravian student as "Chief of Staff for the Day"

2/6/08 - Government House was pleased to welcome Moravian School eighth grader, Koi Rivera, as its Chief of Staff for the day. Rivera was one of twenty-four students selected and placed throughout various departments and agencies of the V.I. Government as part of a new program with the school’s new Future Business Leaders of America chapter. FBLA program participants were asked to share career goals and were then placed in acting capacities for the day based on responses given to the Moravian School FBLA advisors and a selections process.

Governor calls Special Session for Thursday for Senate to consider Real Property Tax Legislation

2/5/08 - Gov. John P. deJongh, Jr. has called the 27th Legislature into special session on Thursday, February 7th; to consider legislation which addresses real property taxes and brings much needed property tax relief for Virgin Islanders. In the first session call of his Administration, deJongh, at a news conference today, explained that “the present situation with regard to the real property tax system of the Virgin Islands remains unsettled and does not provide our constituents with the sense of security which they rightfully expect from their elected leaders.” Read more

Bureau of Internal Revenue reminds U.S. Virgin Islands residents to file income tax returns in the U.S. Virgin Islands

2/5/08 - Gizette L. Thomas, Esq., Director of the Virgin Islands Bureau of Internal Revenue, reminds all Virgin Islands residents that they are required to file their individual income tax returns with the Virgin Islands Bureau of Internal Revenue (VIBIR). Taxpayers are also reminded that they cannot file their tax returns electronically.

First Lady continues to campaign for Senator Obama

2/4/08 - Just ahead of Super Tuesday where more than twenty (20) states will hold Democratic Primaries and Caucuses, First Lady Cecile deJongh, continued her efforts to help campaign on behalf of Senator Barack Obama for President this time in Massachusetts.

Governor proclaims Black History Month in the United States Virgin Islands

2/1/08 - Gov. deJongh has proclaimed the month of February 2008, as “Black History Month” in the United States Virgin Islands, in conjunction with the national celebration taking place across the U.S. mainland and abroad.

This year honors the 43rd anniversary of the founding of the observance of Black History Month in 1965. This observance celebrates Black Americans being endowed with the proper foresight, tools and skills to plan, manage, and to act independently in charting their future, thus enabling their empowerment to become a reality. This observance also allows for people around the world to discover, understand, and appreciate the contributions Black Americans have made to the development of the United States of America.

Governor proclaims Dental Health Month is the United States Virgin Islands

2/1/08 - Gov. deJongh has proclaimed the month of February 2008, as “Dental Health Month” in the United States Virgin Islands.

The month of February is nationally designated as “Dental Health Month” in cooperation with the American Dental Health Association, with concentration on efforts to promote dental health education. The Virgin Islands Department of Health, through its Division of Dental Health Services, annually marks this observance by conducting dental health screenings, examinations, public education and related activities in our schools.