Statement by Governor John P. de Jongh, Jr. on the Passage of Bill 28-0227

I wish to publicly commend the eight members of the 28th Legislature who, by their vote last night, showed clearly and courageously that they put the well-being of the people of the Virgin Islands ahead of petty and personal politics. Their vote will permit us to continue to keep your government working. They know, as I do, that this is not simply a matter of avoiding laying off government workers. It is about maintaining the vital services of government and avoiding an economic catastrophe that would engulf us all, small businesses, large businesses, retirees, school children, all of us. 

I am grateful, and the people of the territory should also be grateful to: Senate President Louis Patrick Hill and Senators Carlton Dowe, Wayne James, Sammuel Sanes, Patrick Simeon Sprauve, Michael Thurland, Celestino White and Alvin Williams. I thank these men for their vote, and I hope that you will also thank them.

By their affirmative vote, they showed that they saw beyond the campaign of misinformation that had been spread about the intent of the legislation and the open and transparent strategy my Administration has employed to sustain, without disruption, or dismissal the employment of our government workers and the services that we provide to our community. 

They chose the path of investment in our people and in our territory and they chose to work together to build a better tomorrow for all of us.

The names of those who cast no votes should also be remembered. Senators Craig Barshinger, Adlah Donastorg, Neville James, Neireda O’Reilly, Shawn Michael Malone, Terence Nelson and Usie Richards should be called upon to say what they would vote for, because from them we received no proposals, no suggestions and no offered amendments.

Last night’s vote is just the next step in our long and difficult path to recovery. What we must do --- and do together -- will be what I speak about at a news conference that is scheduled for Monday, May 10, 2010. The news conference will be held at 11 a.m. at Government House, St. Thomas. 

Before then, however, I would also like to publicly thank the members of my financial team who testified thoroughly, openly, and for many hours before the legislature on yesterday and last night. These men and women are true public servants and I thank them as I again thank the Senators who voted to continue to work together with and for us all as we work for our future recovery.

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