Governor de Jongh Issues Executive Order Creating V.I. Marine Economic Development Council

Council Tasked with Identifying Areas of Improvements to Marine Industry

Governor John P. de Jongh, Jr. has signed an executive order which creates the Virgin Islands Marine Economic Development Council. The council will act as a catalyst for the improvements of the marine industry and to stimulate employment and related opportunities in this part of the territory’s economy. 

The council will exist within the Office of the Governor and will consist of representatives from the V.I. Port Authority, The West Indian Company, Ltd., the Department of Tourism, Economic Development Authority, Workforce Investment Board, the University of the Virgin Islands and the Governor’s Office. Additionally, private sector representatives will include tour operators, the diving industry, the charter yacht industry; the sports and game fishing industry, marine operators, marine manufacturers and operations in which operational in area of marine employment, education, training and certifications. 

de Jongh said Tuesday that the council will be the primary authority providing advice to the governor on the issues of planning, policy development, coordination, monitoring and evaluation of all aspects of the marine industry in the Virgin Islands. “This council will advise my office in the development of an economic policy and other related programs to promote this vital part of the V.I. economy. Once a chairman is appointed and other officers are selected, the council will be charged with conducting a review and assessment of the marine industry and the economic relationship with the government,” de Jongh said. In addition, the council will be tasked with developing a comprehensive marine economic program for the government including long-range improvement programs, according to the executive order which was signed on October 30.

Other responsibilities will include consulting with individuals and organizations to gather a broad range of views to assist in the development of the economic policies and programs to improve the industry; study and report on the effect of federal and local laws on the marine industry and suggest areas of improvement. “I anticipate that the council members will also analyze all aspects of the marine industry including other Caribbean destinations which compete with the local industry and make recommendations for enhancing the local industry,” de Jongh said, adding, “The council will also be asked to investigate, study and report on any area that the it deems relevant to its responsibility of rendering advice to my office on the marine industry in the territory.”

Executive Order 448-2009

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