Gubernatorial Proclamation - Correctional Officers' Week

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UNITED STATES VIRGIN ISLANDS OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE	May 4, 2010

Gubernatorial Proclamation - Correctional Officers' Week

Gov. John P. de Jongh, Jr. has proclaimed the week of May 2-9, 2010 as “Correctional Officers’ Week” in the Territory in recognition of the dedicated efforts of the Bureau in improving the care and control of Virgin Islands prison inmates.

On a daily basis, the men and women of the Bureau carry a tremendous responsibility in maintaining public safety while helping inmates develop the skills necessary to become productive members of society. They supply the inmates' basic needs and implement a variety of rehabilitation programs. For providing these many critical services, they deserve our community’s show of support and increased public awareness about their role in maintaining peace and order in our society.

Additionally, Correctional Officers Week promotes camaraderie among fellow Bureau of Corrections Employees and other law enforcement agencies, including the Youth Rehabilitation Center and the Virgin Islands Police Department.

During this designated week, we recognize the professionalism, hard work and dedication of those who protect inmates in their custody and the public at large. The Governor calls on all Virgin Islanders to join him in acknowledging the important work of the Territory’s correctional officers and to show them sincere thanks and appreciation for their service.

This year’s celebration is marked this week with events throughout the community in recognition of the fine men and women who proudly serve the Territory.

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A PROCLAMATION

CORRECTIONAL OFFICERS WEEK IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS

WHEREAS, May 2-9, 2010 has been declared as "CORRECTIONAL OFFICERS' WEEK" in the United States Virgin Islands; and WHEREAS , in our Bureau of Corrections, there exists full time dedicated correctional officers, as well as support staff; and

WHEREAS, our correctional. officers serve in an ever- changing profession and work in a correctional environment as an officer first, and second, a nurse , superintendant, case manager, food service worker , etc . and third, are responsible for the care, custody and welfare of inmates within the Territory of the Virgin Islands; and

WHEREAS, in today' s profession, correctional. officers are often college educated, wall- trained and have had extensive background investigations to ensure that they are of sound moral character ; and

WHEREAS, a correctional officer' s work is an untiring job , one with a huge responsibility to maintain public safety, as well as , to help inmates develop the skills necessary to became productive members of society; and

WHEREAS, these dedicated men and woman daily put their lives on the line and perform very difficult tasks - tasks that can be dangerous as well as frustrating; and

WHEREAS, correctional officers deserve our show of support and an increase in public awareness about their important role in our communities ; and

WHEREAS, this week has been set aside to recognize our correctional officers for their professionalism, hard work, dedication and efforts to protect those in their custody and the public's safety;

NOW, THEREFORE , I, John P. de Jongh, Jr., Governor of the United States Virgin Islands, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Revised Organic Act of 1954, as amended, do hereby proclaim May 2-9, 2010, as "CORRECTIONAL OFFICERS' WEEK" . I call upon the people of the Virgin Islands to join with me in acknowledging our correctional officers, and to show our sincere thanks and appreciation for their service and dedication.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the Government of the United States Virgin Islands to be affixed at Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, this 28th day of April, A.D., 2010.

JOHN P. de Jongh, JR.