On Wednesday, the territory’s first lady addressed Rotary Club of St. Thomas East to discuss efforts supporting health and wellness. Cecile de Jongh spoke on mental health, care for the homeless, education and training for the disabilities community, and children’s and family healthcare, among other initiatives.
Rotary members believe in “Service Above Self,” volunteering to support education and job training, provide clean water, combat hunger, improve health and sanitation, and eradicate polio, and deJongh praised the local organization for its scholarship support and education assistance.
She praised the governor’s appointment of the territory’s first American Disabilities Act coordinator to ensure compliance in government agencies and provide trainings and other critical learning opportunities for the disabled.
DeJongh discussed the Camp Shriver and Special Olympics initiatives, reminding members that the Special Olympics will be held March 10 on St. Croix in Renaissance Park and March 24 on St. Thomas at Charlotte Amalie High School.
The first lady shared personal reflections on mental health awareness, describing the “Be a Friend” campaign to in helping others cope with mental illness, which was developed with 10,000 Helpers in tribute to her sister who passed away last year.
“Approximately one in five Americans have a mental illness, a statistic which calls on all of us to be aware and to help wherever possible,” deJongh said.
She also discussed her Healthcare for Homeless project, in cooperation with Bethlehem House and Catholic Charities on St. Thomas, to provide medical care to the homeless. “We want to try and bring dignity to our homeless population by providing this important support.”
DeJongh addressed the problem of bullying in the territory’s schools, and called for an anti-bullying law in the Virgin Islands.
She said these initiatives come under the scope of administration efforts to build a foundation for the younger generation and to engage families in leading balanced, healthy lives. “We hope to make a difference.”
The meeting was held at the Bolongo Bay Beach Resort.
