The First Lady and Mrs. Cheryl Francis visited with former Senator Holland Redfield’s “Straight Talk” radio broadcast on Wednesday morning. The one-hour discussion focused on a variety of topics, including the importance of leading a positive lifestyle; incorporating family values as a key element of governance; encouraging initiatives and programs in support of Virgin Islands children and families; and their role as spouses of the Governor and Lieutenant Governor. The First Lady and Mrs. Francis also encouraged Virgin Islanders to vote in the upcoming Democratic Primary Election on Saturday, September 11, 2010. 

“It’s important to try and make a difference for this generation and to talk to business leaders and other members of the community about laying a foundation for our children’s future success and progress. As mothers and as wives, we know the hard work entailed in raising families and keeping family priorities first, and we recognize the critical need to provide outlets of support for Virgin Islands families, including avenues that provide opportunities, build self-esteem, and encourage a positive lifestyle,” the First Lady said. 

As guests of the radio broadcast on 970 AM WSTX, the First Lady and Mrs. Francis also explored topics including: literacy and raising awareness on reading for pleasure and entertainment; the success of Parent University; the spiritual side of building families and securing a foundation for success and self-fulfillment; empowering and uplifting fathers; the power and influence of role models in children’s lives; and the new, pilot program in five Virgin Islands public elementary schools to counteract peer-to-peer bullying. 

“Good things are happening in the community, and as we continue to talk about uplifting one another, building self-esteem and teaching our children about being independent and having a life of high moral value, we cultivate more and more role models for future generations and move toward securing a better place for all Virgin Islands residents,” Mrs. Francis said during the radio broadcast. 

The First Lady is Chairperson of the Governor’s Children and Families Council, an inter-agency, public-private effort that seeks to protect the welfare of all Virgin Islands children and families by empowering residents to be educated on the various programs and services available throughout the community. She also leads the Healthy VI initiative, an effort encouraging youth to live healthy lifestyles, including eating a balanced and nutritious diet and exercising regularly. She has also established two, local chapters of Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD) to help raise awareness about the disorder and other disabilities to seek support for affected families. 

Mrs. Francis leads the Stop the Bleeding Foundation, an effort that seeks to address and respond to the acute social challenges facing the young people of the Virgin Islands community in a collaborative, cohesive and results-oriented manner. 

The First Lady and Mrs. Francis are committed to improving the lives of Virgin Islands children and families in an effort to build a foundation for our collective future. 

“We hope to help improve the standard and quality of life for all Virgin Islanders, especially those in poverty, or amongst youth,” the First Lady said.