June 21, 2009 — Government House responded Sunday to allegations by Sen. Adlah "Foncie" Donastorg that Gov. John deJongh Jr. misspent public funds on renovations underway at his private residence.
"Government House will not dignify the slanderous remarks being made by this public official beyond stating that there is absolutely no truth to the allegations that public funds are being spent on work that is underway at the governor's private residence," Government House Communications Director Jean Greaux said in a statement. "If Sen. Donastorg believes that he has evidence that such funds were used then he should do what any citizen of the territory should do when he, or she, believes that the law is being broken, and that is to contact the proper legal authorities, such as the attorney general or the inspector general, and present that evidence."
The administration is exploring all legal avenues to address Donastorg's slanderous comments, Greaux said.
"If an individual is going to make such outrageous comments, then they, as well as the radio stations that allow those comments to be broadcast, are going to have to be held accountable for their action," Greaux said. "Failure to produce any proof to such ridiculous claims undermines the credibility and integrity of our news and talk-radio programs. In the case of Sen. Donastorg, knowing that such evidence does not and cannot exist, we will be examining all of our legal options."
Donastorg alleged during a senate committee hearing Wednesday, and later on a local radio show, that deJongh used more than $1 million in Public Finance Authority money to retrofit his private residence, though to date the senator has not provided evidence for the claim. Donastorg has made several allegations of public corruption since his fellow senators recently voted to replace Donastorg as Senate president. (See "Lawmakers Oust Donastorg as Senate President, Name Hill.")
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