John P. de Jongh Jr. is the Rotary II of St. Thomas Person of the Year. The 20th annual award was presented Wednesday afternoon to de Jongh after an introduction that spoke of his numerous contributions virtually from the day he left Antioch College to return home.
In less than 40 years, de Jongh has achieved much success, having served as Finance commissioner, executive assistant to the governor, executive vice president and chief executive officer of Lockhart Company Caribbean and chair of the Water And Power Authority governing board. Along with being the current president of the St. Thomas-St. John Chamber of Commerce and the Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands, he has also served on the Public Finance Authority, Industrial Development Commission and Board of Tax Review.
De Jongh was also lauded for his involvement in the negotiation of a tax-exemption extension for HOVENSA, and he presently chairs the governor's five-year economic recovery task force.
Elliot "Mac" Davis, Person of the Year Committee chair, introduced the honoree as "a solid citizen, a public servant and resourceful businessman." Davis described de Jongh as having made tireless efforts toward improving the daily lives of residents in the territory.
De Jongh's reaction: "You got me!" He related that a Rotarian had called to ask him to be the day's luncheon speaker, to address issues surrounding the economic plan. Emotionally overwhelmed, he had few words, saying, "This is the last thing I would have expected."
De Jongh attributed his willingness to serve to his love for the Virgin Islands and credited his wife, Cecile, and their three children with contributing to his success.
The award is a statuette of the enduring fictional character Don Quixote. The figure appropriately symbolizes de Jongh's "eagerness to strive against seemingly impossible obstacles with selfless dedication to the community," Davis said as he introduced the honoree.
Previous recipients of the annual award are Albert Aubain, Bill La Motta, Dr. Roy L. Schneider, Costas Coulianos, Calvin Wheatley, Dr. Alfred O. Heath, Gov. Alexander Farrelly, Irvin "Brownie" Brown, Ron de Lugo, Dilsa Capdeville, Athniel "Addie" Ottley, Edward E. Thomas, Verne A. Hodge, Leona Bryant, Juel Molloy, Lorraine Berry and Randolph Knight.
