Governor and Lt. Governor of the United States Virgin Islands

Older Americans provide us with knowledge, experience, wisdom and leadership skills needed to face the challenges of the present. This month provides us the opportunity for us to thank our older Americans for their continued involvement, commitment, understanding, shrewdness, prudence, insights and enormous contribution to our society, including the passing on of our cultural history and heritage to our younger generation.

NATIONAL TOURISM WEEK AND TOURISM MONTH PROCLAIMED IN THE UNITED STATES VIRGIN ISLANDS

Gov. John P. deJongh, Jr. proclaimed the month of May 2008 as "Tourism Month," and the week of May 10-18, 2008 as “National Tourism Week,” to raise the level of tourism awareness among residents of the community and to recognize the many economic, educational, and recreational benefits of tourism.

GOVERNOR PROCLAIMS SILVER STAR DAY IN THE UNITED STATES VIRGIN ISLANDS

4/30/08 - Gov. John P. deJongh, Jr. proclaimed Thursday, May 1, 2008 as “Silver Star Day” in the United States Virgin Islands.

The U.S. Virgin Islands have always supported and honored the sacrifices of the men and women of our Armed Forces. The Silver Star Families of America was formed to make sure we remember the blood sacrifices of our wounded by designing and manufacturing a Silver Star Banner and Flag. Their sole mission is to ensure that every time someone sees a Silver Star Banner or Silver Star Flag that people remember the blood sacrificed for our Nation and this Territory. The Silver Star Families of America has freely given thousands of Silver Star Banners to our wounded military men and women, as well as their families.

GOVERNOR CONGRATULATES WINNER OF NATIONAL POETRY COMPETITION

04/30/08 - Governor John P. deJongh, Jr. Wednesday congratulated Charlotte Amalie High School student Shawntay Henry on her first-place finish in the 2008 Poetry Out Loud: National Recitation Contest, which was held in Washington, D.C.

GOVERNOR PROCLAIMS NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER IN THE UNITED STATES VIRGIN ISLANDS

4/29/08 - Gov. deJongh proclaimed Thursday, May 1, 2008 as "National Day of Prayer" in the U.S. Virgin Islands, commemorating the 57th anniversary of this historic celebration with the theme "Prayer! America’s Strength and Shield."

In 1952, the United States Congress adopted a resolution to set aside and proclaim the first Thursday of May of each year as a "National Day of Prayer." Faith and prayer are important for the guidance they provide in our lives. We can congregate, worship and pray freely, whether in public or in private.

GOVERNOR RESCHEDULES VISIT TO DENMARK; TOURISM COMMISSIONER DOTY STILL SCHEDULED TO TRAVEL

4/27/08 - Governor John P. deJongh’s upcoming trip to Denmark, which was scheduled for May 6-10, has been postponed. At the request of the Danish government, deJongh will reschedule the planned trip to a later date this year, which will be announced in the near future.

DeJongh said Sunday that "after conferring with Danish officials it was decided that a rescheduling of the upcoming visit to a date later in the year would allow more time to address the many items that are up for discussion between both the Virgin Islands and Danish governments.”

DEJONGH: ROYAL CARIBBEAN CRUISE LINES COMMITS YEAR-ROUND SHIP CALLS TO ST. CROIX BEGINNING IN MAY 2009

4/22/08 - Governor John P. deJongh, Jr. was advised Tuesday by officials of Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines (RCCL) that it has included St. Croix on the itineraries of two of its ships beginning next year.

"We have been in discussions with Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines since early last year on the potential and attractiveness of the St. Croix market as a scheduled destination. These discussions have included the V.I. Port Authority and the West Indian Company, Limited. After a site visit by RCCL in October, I am extremely pleased with this positive step forward."

DEJONGH NOTES CELEBRATION OF PASSOVER

4/21/08 - Governor John deJongh extended warm wishes to residents of the Territory who are observing Passover. Passover, which began at sundown on Saturday, April 19, is celebrated for eight days.

"It is an opportunity for worshippers to celebrate the rich history of the Jewish faith, as it commemorates the exodus of the Israelites from Egypt during the reign of Pharaoh Ramses II. Passover also honors a vibrant cultural heritage and is recognized as a time of holiday "feast" when meals become sacred, along with relaxation, peace, and harmony shared amongst family, friends, and community." Every year, the first day of Passover begins on the 15th day of the Jewish month of Nissan.

GOVERNOR PROCLAIMS EARTH DAY IN THE U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS

4/21/08 - Gov. deJongh proclaimed Tuesday, April 22, 2008, as "Earth Day" also known as "No Plastic Bags Day" in the United States Virgin Islands.

Earth Day has been set aside to highlight Planet Earth, our mutual home, and to bring a global feeling of community through realization of our deepening desire for life, freedom and love, and our dependence on each other. It is important that the delicate balance of nature, essential for the survival of Planet Earth and for our own survival, be maintained through a global effort involving all the nations and everyone here on Planet Earth.

GOVERNOR’S 2008 CARNIVAL MESSAGE

4/21/08 - Traditionally this is the time of the year we look forward to with much anticipation: a time to re-kindle friendships, highlight our local talent, comment on our politics, purchase our local arts & crafts, and foods – just be a community of one.

DEJONGH HOLDS MEETING WITH DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND SEXUAL ASSAULT COUNCIL AT GOVERNMENT HOUSE

4/18/08 - In recognition of Domestic Violence Month, Governor John P. deJongh, Jr., along with Attorney General Vincent F. Frazer, V.I.P.D. Commissioner James H. McCall, as well as representatives from the Department of Human Services, the Department of Education, and senior members of Government House staff recently held a first-ever meeting with the Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Council, DVSAC.

FIRST LADY CONTINUES CAMPAIGNING FOR SENATOR OBAMA, TRAVELS TO PENNSYLVANIA AS A SURROGATE

4/18/08 - First Lady Cecile deJongh has spent the past week in Pennsylvania campaigning as part of an effort to help Presidential Candidate Senator Barack Obama in his quest for The White House. This is the third time this year that the First Lady has joined forces with the "Obama for America" campaign in states of contested primaries. The First Lady also campaigned on behalf of Senator Obama in the South Carolina and Massachusetts Democratic primaries and has been active in local campaign efforts.

GOVERNOR PROCLAIMS LAB WEEK IN THE U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS

4/17/08 - Gov. deJongh proclaimed the week of April 20-26, 2008, as "Lab Week" in the United States Virgin Islands.

Professionals who practice in the medical laboratory, including pathologists, medical technologists, cytotechnologists, histotechnologists, medical laboratory technicians, histologic technicians and phlebotomists are invaluable members of the patient’s healthcare team. These well-educated and highly trained health professionals who perform and evaluate medical laboratory tests to detect, diagnose, monitor treatment and help prevent diseases, save countless lives each and every day.

PROFESSIONAL SECRETARIES WEEK PROCLAIMED IN THE U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS

4/17/08 - Gov. deJongh proclaimed the week of April 20-26, 2008, as “Professional Secretaries Week” in the United States Virgin Islands.

It is fitting and appropriate that we pay special honor and recognition to our professional secretaries, whose technical and organizational skills are essential to the functioning of any office. Employers everywhere benefit from professional secretarial performance. Professional secretaries must continually strive to improve and perform at the highest level.

ST. THOMAS-WATER ISLAND ADMINISTRATOR MEETS WITH WRECKER OPERATORS TO SET RATE DURING CARNIVAL FESTIVITIES

4/16/08 - With the Carnival Season upon us, St. Thomas–Water Island Administrator, Barbara Petersen, along with Darryl Lewis of the Department of Property and Procurement, Police Chief Rodney Querrard and other members of the police force, met with local wrecker operators on Tuesday, to discuss the parking violations rate during the festivities.

DEJONGH GRANTS ADMINISTRATIVE LEAVE FOR VIRGIN ISLANDS CARNIVAL

4/14/08 - Governor John P. deJongh, Jr. has issued a proclamation granting administrative leave for the celebration of the 56th anniversary of Virgin Islands Carnival. “The granting of leave to non-essential employees of the Government is to encourage greater participation in the annual Food Fair and to enhance the celebration of Carnival by all residents,” deJongh wrote in the proclamation.

GOVERNOR ACTS ON VARIOUS BILLS PASSED BY THE SENATE IN MARCH

4/13/08 - Governor John P. deJongh, Jr. took action Saturday on sixteen bills passed by the 27th Legislature in its March session. The measures were due back to the Senate on April 12, 2008.

DeJongh signed into law Bill No. 27-0101 which increases the percentage paid to the Government Employees Retirement System for retirement contributions for government employees. The bill increases the amount to 17.5%. This measure is a positive and necessary step towards updating the V.I. Government’s employee retirement savings plan. "While this step will not resolve the unfunded liability facing the GERS, it represents a positive action towards addressing the matter," deJongh said.

Governor deJongh's Radio Talk

4/11/08 - Today, Governor John P. deJongh, Jr. delivered another in his serious of Radio Talks.

Click here to listen

LIBRARY WEEK PROCLAIMED IN THE U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS

4/10/08 - Gov. John P. deJongh, Jr. has proclaimed the week of April 13-19, 2008 as "Library Week" in the United States Virgin Islands.

Libraries and library supporters across the Nation and in the Territory are celebrating 50 years of Library Week this year with the theme, "Join the Circle of Knowledge @ Your Library."

GOVERNOR PROCLAIMS ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION WEEK IN THE U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS

4/10/08 - Gov. John P. deJongh, Jr. has proclaimed the week of April 13-19, 2008 as "Environmental Education Week" in the United States Virgin Islands.

Environmental Education Week, coordinated by the National Environmental Education Foundation, in conjunction with hundreds of environmental education organizations, has become an annually anticipated event.

GOVERNOR DEJONGH PROCLAIMS CRIME VICTIMS’ RIGHTS WEEK IN THE UNITED STATES VIRGIN ISLANDS

4/10/08 - Gov. John P. deJongh, Jr. has proclaimed the week of April 13-19, as "Crime Victims' Rights Week," in the United States Virgin Islands. Victims of crime and crisis, and their loved ones, often face serious financial, physical, emotional and psychological losses.

GOVERNOR DEJONGH PROCLAIMS WEEK OF THE YOUNG CHILD IN THE UNITED STATES VIRGIN ISLANDS

4/10/08 - Gov. John P. deJongh, Jr. has proclaimed April 13-19, as "Week of the Young Child" in the United States Virgin Islands in conjunction with the Department of Education, the Virgin Islands Early Childhood Association and the National Association for the Education of Young Children.

GOVERNOR DEJONGH PROCLAIMS PUBLIC HEALTH WEEK IN THE U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS

4/8/08 - Gov. John P. deJongh, Jr. has proclaimed the week of April 7-13, 2008, as "Public Health Week" in the United States Virgin Islands.

Public Health Week provides an opportunity to highlight and commend the efforts of public health professionals to protect, promote and enhance the health of all citizens in communities in these United States Virgin Islands. This week also seeks to educate Americans about the health risks associated with being overweight and obese, and thus provides Americans with viable recommendations on healthy eating and active living. This year’s theme, "Climate Change: Our Health in Balance," focuses on the effects of climate change on our health and lifestyles.

GOVERNMENT HOUSE RECEIVES GIFT FROM LOCAL ST. THOMAS ARTIST

4/7/08 - In a recent ceremony, local St. Thomas artist Shirley Leonard presented an original acrylic painting to Governor John P. deJongh, Jr. titled "Government House." The original painting is a rendering of present day Government House and the surrounding area of Government Hill and is a gift from Leonard to the people of the Virgin Islands in honor of her former students at Charlotte Amalie High School, where she was a former teacher of English and Civics. Leonard was known as Shirley Manning while a teacher at CAHS, and was fondly known as "Mannix" by her students.

HFA ISSUES CALL FOR PROPOSALS TO DEVELOP AFFORDABLE HOUSING UNITS ON ST. THOMAS AND ST. CROIX; DE JONGH ADMINISTRATION PROVIDES FUNDS TO "BUY-DOWN" THE UNITS’ SELLING PRICE

4/7/08 - The Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority is seeking the development of affordable housing initiatives on St. Thomas and St. Croix. It is the first such development for the deJongh / Francis Administration which will provide home ownership opportunities to Virgin Islands residents.

GOVERNOR PROCLAIMS GOVERNOR CYRIL EMMANUEL KING DAY IN THE UNITED STATES VIRGIN ISLANDS

4/3/08 - Pursuant to Act No. 5147, April 7 of each year is proclaimed “Cyril Emmanuel King Day,” to recognize the outstanding public service of this great Virgin Islander.

Cyril Emmanuel King was born on St. Croix on April 7, 1921, received his early education at St. Ann’s Catholic School at Barren Spot and graduated from St. Mary’s Catholic School in Christiansted, St. Croix. He served with the U.S. Army Pacific Theatre troops in Hawaii; attaining the rank of Sergeant. Upon his discharge from the military, Cyril King entered American University, where he obtained his Bachelor of Science degree. Upon graduation, King gained employment as an aide to Senator Hubert Humphrey of Minnesota, and became the first black man to serve on the staff of a United States Senator. He served for 12 years; attaining the position of Senior Staff Member.

SEXUAL ASSAULT AWARENESS MONTH PROCLAIMED IN THE UNITED STATES VIRGIN ISLANDS

4/3/08 - Gov. deJongh has proclaimed the month of April as “Sexual Assault Awareness Month” in the United States Virgin Islands.

Sexual violence includes rape, incest, child sexual assault, ritual abuse, acquaintance rape, statutory rape, marital or partner rape, sexual exploitation, sexual contact, sexual harassment, exposure, and voyeurism. It is one of the single largest causes of injury to women and violates a person’s trust and feeling of safety.