(L-R) Gov. Charles Turnbull, Cecile deJongh,
Gov.-elect John deJongh

Governor-elect John deJongh and his wife, Cecile
deJongh, extend congratulations to Lt Governor
Gregory Francis following his speech

Outgoing Senate President Lorraine Berry presents
former Governor Charles Turnbull with the Symbol
of the Office of Governor in honour of his service
to the people of the US Virgin Islands

John deJongh makes his first speech as governor
of the USVI

The USVI military parade gets underway.
Photos: Susan Mann

ST THOMAS, USVI: The election mandate of the residents of the US Virgin Islands was fulfilled on Monday, on the first day of the New Year, when John deJongh and Gregory Francis took the oath of office for VI Governor and Lieutenant Governor respectively.
 
The rains, which had been falling in the territory for the last week, ceased for the day, but many in the crowd still used umbrellas to shield themselves from the hot sun.
 
While dignitaries and political officials on the covered inaugural bandstand wore business attire, most were dressed in "island fancy", or casual clothing. The mood of the assembled spectators was a combination of anticipation and excitement.
 
Lt Governor-elect Francis was introduced by his daughter, 27-year-old Genelle Francis, who beamed with pride as she spoke about her father, the person, rather than the politician.
 
Ms Francis said, in spite of all his accomplishments, "...he still remains himself... feet firmly planted on the ground", and, "I couldn't ask for a better dad and a better role model." 
 
Maria Cabret, Associate Justice, Supreme Court of the US Virgin Islands administered the oath of office to Francis, who then addressed the audience.
 
Francis said he will, "remain a plain-spoken man of the people." He said that, even though he did grow up in a housing project, he never knew he was poor, due to his upbringing.
 
Most of his comments concerned the need to improve services to the people of the Virgin Islands, as he gave examples of the community changes voters can expect.  "Communities that will not allow us to simply walk past a homeless person, but work to find each one shelter and treatment."
 
Lt Governor Francis, who hails from the island of St Croix, also had the following message for his fellow Crucians, "You must understand that I will be your direct connection to government and all of its services."
 
Governor-elect deJongh was introduced by Alda Schulterbrandt Monsanto, the best friend of his late mother. Monsanto told a few humorous tales about events in deJongh's childhood.
 
Basically, he was not a quitter, even when he had to come up with a new way to get a task accomplished. The Governor-elect struggled to remain composed when Monsanto said, "John, your mother's spirit has never left your side, and she is here with you today." DeJongh's mother was a school social worker.
 
Rhys Hodge, Chief Justice, Supreme Court of the US Virgin Islands, administered the oath of office to deJongh. The crowd cheered wildly at the conclusion of the oath.
 
DeJongh clearly relished the opportunity to take the podium and give his first speech in his new capacity. He spoke about his responsibilities to the four US Virgin Islands, including recently fully-acquired Water Island.
 
Among the concerns deJongh expressed was the need to stop accepting the status quo. "We can no longer accept that a third of our children live in poverty", and, "we can no longer ignore that there are senior citizens siting in darkened rooms unable to pay their power bills." 
 
About mid-way through his speech, Governor deJongh asked the question, "Development -- development for whom?" He then went on to clarify the strong need for 'development'  to address the needs of VI residents.
 
Both deJongh and Francis focused on the common theme of childhood, family and home, and how that experience deeply influenced the course of their lives.
 
DeJongh said government employees need to be held accountable for their treatment toward the public they serve.  DeJongh made it clear that he expects '911' services to not only be made available to the public, but to be functional.
 
Prior to taking office, deJongh has been a highly successful business person, who has remained involved with the non-profit service community. He received a degree in economics from Antioch College in 1981, and completed an urban study program in the United Kingdom, the former Yugoslavia and Holland.
 
Lt Governor Francis completed a certificate program at the University of the Virgin Islands, and then began a 27 year military career, during which he received numerous awards and decorations. He facilitated a significant number of improvements in his capacity as Director of  the Office of Veteran's Affairs in the Virgin Islands. He has previously represented the Virgin Islands at the National Democratic Convention.
 
Prior to the Inauguration, deJongh's media head, Jean Greauz, Jr, told Caribbean Net News, the Governor-Elect's first priority will be "Education and crime, and inclusiveness for the Virgin islands people."
 
The Inauguration Ceremony was followed by a military parade, luncheon for dignitaries, a reception at Government House, and two Inaugural Balls on St Thomas. The day began with an Ecumenical Service at the Reichhold Center for the Arts. On Tuesday, Post-Inaugural Events will be held on St Croix, and will include three Inaugural Balls. The final day of inaugural events will take place on St John, and will include one Inaugural Ball.