March 24, 2009 — Gov. John deJongh, Jr. and some of his cabinet met with residents of three St. Croix communities in neighborhood meetings recently and plan to hold more throughout the territory.
"Given all that is happening in our country and within our territory, I wanted to provide the people of our communities and opportunity to share their thoughts directly with me and those who help run their government,” said deJongh in a Government House statement. "These meetings will allow us to focus on neighborhood issues that are of importance to the residents of each neighborhood, whether they be concerns about public safety, education, sports and recreation programs, or any other local matter,” deJongh said.
The press was not invited to the neighborhood meetings because the governor felt people would be more candid without media present, said Government House spokesman Jean Greaux.
The governor and staff met first met residents of Estates Glynn, Mon Bijou and Frangipani. Joining the governor were Police Commissioner James McCall; Assistant Commissioner Novelle Francis, Jr.; St. Croix Police Chief Oakland Benta; Housing, Parks and Recreation Commissioner St. Claire Williams; Assistant Public Works Commissioner Roberto Cintron; and Steve Aubin, chief operating officer of the Waste Management Authority.
Benta briefed residents about public safety steps being taken in their area. Cintron discussed several road projects and residents’ road repair concerns and work on the Mon Bijou Flood Control Project. Williams provided an overview of some of the rehabilitation projects that have been completed at various recreational sites and discussed a timeline for additional recreational centers to be upgraded.
The town meetings are expected to continue, with the next one to be held in St. Thomas-St. John district.
