Governor de Jongh Announces Dedication Ceremony for
New VITEMA Headquarters on St. Thomas

Thursday’s ceremonies signal completion of state of the art headquarters
and reorganization of territory’s emergency management system

Governor John P. de Jongh, Jr. said Monday that dedication ceremonies will be held on Thursday, June 24 for the new headquarters of the Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency, VITEMA. The ceremonies cap more than a year of construction to both customize and equip the $7 million facility. With Thursday’s dedication, VITEMA can ensure emergency management operations continue seamlessly before, during and after either a natural or manmade disaster. 

“With the construction of the new headquarters and reorganization of VITEMA now complete, we have made giant strides in developing a robust emergency management agency which mirrors national standards and which can better manage disasters of any scale and complexity,” de Jongh said, adding, “This is a proud moment for the Virgin Islands, not only because the people of this territory can rest assured that we have made every effort to ensure they are prepared for and can recover from any disaster, but also because we are poised to become a model for emergency management in the Caribbean and to lend a hand in times of need in the region.” 

Formerly the E.D. Plumbing building, VITEMA’s new headquarters was retrofitted to house the modernized 911 Emergency Communications Center, a Fusion Center, and an enhanced Emergency Operations Center as well as dedicated work space for VITEMA staff and a dormitory to accommodate federal emergency management employees in the event of a major disaster. 

During Thursday’s ceremony, de Jongh and VITEMA Director Mark A. Walters will also announce new advancements in the Virgin Islands Alert System and in the 911 Emergency Communications System. 

“I thank Director Walters for leading the reorganization of VITEMA and for overseeing the construction of the new headquarters on St. Thomas,” de Jongh said. 

Walters is a seasoned FEMA manager who returned home to the Virgin Islands at the invitation of the governor to lead the overhaul effort of the territory’s emergency management system. 

Director Walters said Monday that FEMA Administrator Lynn Canton and Caribbean Area Division Director Alejandro de La Campa will be in attendance at Thursday’s dedication. Also expected to be in attendance will be Premier Ralph T. O’Neal of the British Virgin Islands and Governor General of St. Lucia Len Ishmael.

Walters said the public is invited to attend the ceremony which will be held on the grounds of the VITEMA facility and will be followed by a tour of the new headquarters. 

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