Monday’s inaugural ceremonies were not just about the politics – it was, according to the newly sworn-in Gov. John deJongh Jr. and Lt. Gov. Gregory R. Francis, about the people banding together to work with them to keep building a safer community, a more efficient government and hope for a better tomorrow. (See link at story’s end for video of Moday’s inauguration ceremony).
People from all parts of the community gathered Monday in Emancipation Garden to watch deJongh and Francis take their second and final oath of office, and to hear their officials say they won’t be resting on the work they’ve done in the first term, but instead expanding on their plans and making the hard decisions necessary for improvement.
“I am concerned not just with what tomorrow brings, or what next year’s new challenges will be, but with also what I will hand-off to the next man, or woman, who stands in this place in January of 2015,” deJongh said in his inaugural address.
“I want that to be a Virgin Islands that is the envy of others everywhere, a Virgin Islands that embraces all regardless of race, religion, place of birth or economic status, a Virgin Islands that is safe, a Virgin Islands that takes better care of its elders, that reaches out to those most in need, and that provides real opportunities to its young and to all those who work hard.”
The governor talked about making changes quickly, including replacing those leaders in government who are not doing their jobs. He said raising the bar must be the first priority, along with setting higher performance levels so that employees are doing their jobs with greater skill, efficiency and commitment.
Being creative and innovative with limited resources and creating a new mindset, or “new normal,” was another theme in his speech. DeJongh spoke about empowering youngsters by teaching them to accept risks and also about creating new cutting-edge industries that can attract the private sector, instead putting the burden solely on the government.
“In the coming days, we will be making changes to help make this so,” he said. “Our financial plan will address our economic reality and will ensure that our schools stay open, that we meet the challenges of healthcare reform, that we protect our community and that we provide the services critical to our community. The choices are not just difficult they are necessary.”
He reminded the audience that in a time of global economic upheaval, the territory has still been “blessed,” with citizens being able to count among their advantages having access to free education, quality health care, being rewarded for their hard work and being able to raise their families in “peace and freedom.”
For Francis, improving the quality of life for residents was mission number one. Along with stressing continued improvement in customer service within the Lieutenant Governor’s Office, he spoke about strides his staff has made in the areas of banking and insurance, passport regulations and the ever-controversial issue of property taxes.
“With revaluation and tax credits, property taxes have decreased for the majority of home and landowners,” Francis said. “For those who continue to be concerned about higher taxes, we assure you that the deJongh-Francis administration is committed to a fair and equitable resolution while implementing a new tax assessment system that benefits all property owners.”
Francis said from where he’s standing, the territory’s future looks brighter.
“As we embark on our second term, we cannot and we will not rest. In 2015, we will be able to look back with pride on the imprint of our accomplishments,” he said. “My fellow Virgin Islanders, be assured–we are still listening. You can count on us and we know that we can count on you.”
