Jan. 17, 2009 — Commemorating the inauguration of the nation’s first African-American president, Gov. John deJongh Jr. has proclaimed Tuesday "President Barack Obama Day" in the Virgin Islands and has given government employees the day off to watch the historic swearing-in ceremonies in Washington, D.C.
"It is my hope that the citizens of our territory will take this opportunity to watch and share this historic moment with their families, especially with our children, to ensure that they understand what it means for them and the opportunities that this signifies for the next generation," the governor said in a recent statement. "We made the proclamation and gave our government employees the day off because a truly historic event will take place on Tuesday, Jan. 20, and I believe it will undoubtedly be the type event that people years from now will ask the question: where were you when Barack Obama was sworn in as our 44th president? And each of us will remember where we were at that exact moment."
The swearing-in of the nation’s new president comes on the heels of another significant holiday: the national observance of Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday, deJongh noted.
"Like Dr. King, President-elect Obama is asking us to recognize the power of service, to look beyond ourselves, to work for the betterment of the community, because in the end, both our nation and our community will be a stronger and better place for all of us to live," deJongh said. "It is fitting and proper that we also participate in a special day of service on Dr. Martin Luther King Day, and it is also proper that we honor and celebrate the special occasion of the inauguration of the president."
Tuesday’s administrative leave does not apply to essential workers, employees on a regular or rotating shift, or employees on annual or sick leave, according to a press release.
Because of the holiday, several places across the territory will be closed, including:
— the V.I. Water and Power Authority’s customer service offices, which will also be closed on Monday (in the meantime, residents can pay their bills online at www.viwapa.vi or at local banks; offices on St. Thomas and St. Croix will reopen at 7:30 a.m. Wednesday, while the customer service office on St. John will reopen Wednesday at 8 a.m.); and
— V.I. Waste Management Authority offices throughout the territory (WMA also be closed Monday, but will reopen for business Wednesday at its regular hours; in the meantime, residents can call 690-4218 on St. Croix and 774-4139 on St. Thomas and St. John with emergencies).
All V.I. Superior Court employees have also been granted administrative leave, according to a release from V.I. Superior Court Presiding Judge Darryl Donohue. But all matters already on the calendar for the day, along with advice of rights hearings, will be heard as scheduled, except for those assigned to Superior Court Judge Michael Dunston. Residents can still file items in secured lock boxes on the first floor of the R.H. Amphlett Leader Leader Justice Complex on St. Croix and the entrance of the Alexander A. Farrelly Justice Complex on St. Thomas. Requests for restraining orders can also still be filed at Family Court offices in both districts.
All V.I. Supreme Court employees have also been granted administrative leave, but residents can still file items in secured lock boxes at the court’s offices in Frederiksted on St. Croix, along with the offices at Blackbeard’s Hill on St. Thomas. Both the Supreme and Superior courts will also be closed on Monday.
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