Gov. John deJongh Jr. and Senate President Louis Patrick Hill expressed deep appreciation this week for the community support that made Sunday’s V.I. Haiti Relief Telethon not just possible but also a huge success.
“I cannot thank my fellow Virgin Islanders enough for their outpouring of love and support for the people of Haiti," deJongh said.
"I was pleased to see that the telethon raised close to $200,000 as we continue our efforts to assist Haiti. I was gratified by the community acclamation and genuine grassroots energy that brought so many volunteers together, on both St. Thomas and St. Croix, to make the telethon successful.”
Hill said, “We Virgin Islanders know what it is to be devastated by natural disasters, know how important assistance is at such times, and are demonstrating a willingness to go all-out to help Haiti. I am very proud of what we are doing as a community and join Gov. deJongh in saying a heartfelt thank you to everyone."
A grand total of $163,348 was raised by the telethon. The Islamic Community presented a check for $36,000; the India Association, $23,000; The Water Island Community, $2,000 (donated specifically for the American Red Cross); The Montserrat Association $1,000; and People for Progress $500. The V.I. government made a check presentation of $55,000, which represented donations collected throughout the various departments and agencies of the government.
For the past two weeks, members of the community have donated directly to the V.I. Haiti Relief Fund, set up at Banco Popular and administered by the St. Croix Foundation.
The telethon was a joint effort between WTJX-TV Channel 12, the Office of the Governor and the Office of the Senate President. It featured persons who survived the earthquake, went to Haiti to help save lives, and who lost family, friends and loved ones in the disaster.
A host of local artists performed throughout the six-hour broadcast. Hosts for the night included: Addie Ottley, Marilu Burnett and George Silcott on St. Thomas. Radio-TV personality Rasheedi Clenance hosted the telethon from the studios of Channel 12 on St. Croix, along with LaVaughn Belle, Natalie Nelson Tang How, Janeisha John, Cletus Emmanuel, Dodson James, Jerry Vialet, and Wendy Wynter.
