US Virgin Islands governor endorses Obama
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| Published on Thursday, January 3, 2008 |
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By Susan Mann
Caribbean Net News St Thomas-St John Correspondent
Email: susan@caribbeannetnews.com
ST THOMAS, USVI: On the day before the nation’s first caucus in Iowa, governor of the US Virgin Islands John deJongh Jr. has announced his endorsement of the candidacy of Senator Barack Obama for president of the United States.
DeJongh stated, “Each of the leading Democratic candidates have the skills and experience to lead the country, but Barack Obama is the best candidate for change when change is most needed in this world.”
"Senator Obama’s entire political career has been focused building bridges between people. I have been impressed with his consistent focus on healing class and racial divides, and restoring America’s prestige in the world," deJongh added.
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| Governor John P. de Jongh,Jr., First Lady Cecile deJongh, presidential candidate Barak Obama at fundraising breakfast previously at Ritz Carlton resort |
The Chief Executive met with Obama during a campaign stop on St Thomas this fall. The governor said they discussed a range of key issues facing the territory, including SCHIP and other Federal programs affecting families and children, Medicaid, drug interdiction, regional security, and the challenges of economic development.
Following a fundraising event, Obama joined the Governor for an inspiring meeting with young USVI students.
“Senator Obama and I share a strong commitment to reforming education so that our children can meet the various difficult challenges of this century,” deJongh said.
"Virgin Islanders were honored that he (Obama) brought his message directly to the Territory. Senator Obama’s impressive intellect, his knowledge of our problems, his commitment to change, openness to new ideas, and his commitment to supporting our economic development agenda, makes him the ideal choice to be the next President of the United States. I am confident that the Virgin Islands will have a stronger voice in an Obama White House. And I plan to work as hard as I can to support his candidacy and a Democratic victory next November,” deJongh said, while conducting the Territory’s business on the island of St Croix.
US citizens residing in the US Virgin Islands are not permitted to vote for president of the United States. | | | | Reads : 336 | | | |
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