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Governor John P. de Jongh, Jr. said Friday that Julito A. Francis, President of Virgin Islands Next Generation Network (viNGN) has been named to the Southern Technology Council, a group of professionals that advises the Southern Governors Association on fostering technological innovations that drive economic growth.
“As a member of the council, Francis will voice the territory’s objectives and strategy in implementing new technologies that affect the business environment. The council’s mission is to strengthen the economies of its member states, which includes the Virgin Islands, by supporting an environment that favors innovation,” de Jongh said.
“I look forward to speaking on behalf of the Virgin Islands, making sure our territory provides input when regional initiatives are being developed that can benefit our economy and advance our business capabilities,” Francis said.
The Southern Technology Council has been tasked with developing strategies to increase the region’s capacity for innovation and, in so doing, spur job growth. Its objectives include promoting foreign awareness of the region’s economic opportunities, facilitating relationships with the federal government that encourage regional development, and exploring ways to improve access to capital for technological ventures.
“Julito Francis understands how new technologies will best create jobs and increase economic activity in the territory. I wanted to make sure the Virgin Islands was represented in this advisory group by someone who has the knowledge necessary to forward the interests of the Virgin Islands government and best serve the interests of our territory’s private sector,” de Jongh added.
De Jongh is a member of the Southern Governors Association, SGA.
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