Gov. John deJongh Jr. will deliver the annual State of the Territory address Monday, and the stage dressing will emphasize his message of tough economic challenges for the the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Friday evening, Government House announced the cancellation of a traditional post-speech reception previously scheduled to be held at Estate Catharineberg. Given the hard fiscal realities the territory is facing as it continues to recover from the recession, the government decided to cancel the event that traditionally follows the annual speech, Government House Director of Communications Jean P. Greaux, Jr. said.
DeJongh will deliver the speech at 7 p.m. Monday before a formal session of the 29th Legislature at the Earle B. Ottley Legislative Chambers on St. Thomas. He will use his fifth State of the Territory Address to reiterate and highlight "the stark financial realities facing the Virgin Islands," and outline steps the territory must take in the months and years ahead.
The governor will also update the public on his administration’s plans in the areas of education, law enforcement, public safety as well as economic development and health care reform.
The address will be televised on local and cable television channels and will be broadcast live on several Virgin Islands radio stations.
