St. Croix Avis and Virgin Islands Source Newspapers Endorse Re-Election Bid of Governor John P. de Jongh, Jr. and Lt. Governor Gregory R. Francis

“We are thrilled and excited,” said Robert O’Connor, the territorial chairman of deJongh-Francis 2010, upon learning of the strong endorsements of two of the territory’s newspapers of record, the St. Croix AVIS and Virgin Islands SOURCE. “These powerfully worded endorsements of Governor de Jongh and Lt. Governor Francis by objective and professional publications is a most satisfying confirmation of the accomplishments of the de Jongh-Francis Administration,” O’Connor said. 

Last week, V.I. Source publisher Shaun A. Pennington called for the re-election of the incumbent governor and the AVIS in its Sunday-Monday edition this weekend ran a front page headline, “AVIS ENDORSES DE JONGH.”

The AVIS endorsement, a five column editorial from the newspaper’s management, said that the paper “firmly believes that de Jongh-Francis have done well by us.” The endorsement editorial speaks highly of the DIAGEO partnership for the production of Captain Morgan rum on St. Croix and the hundreds of millions of new revenue that it represents for the territory; the work that has been done to secure accreditation for all public high schools; the fact that government workers were not laid off and government services not reduced during the economic recession; that all St. Croix development projects have been permitted; that an Air National Guard and a VING regional training facility will be developed on St. Croix and the work that has been done to advance and further develop the Early Childhood Education program.

“After much consideration, the St. Croix Avis endorses Governor John de Jongh, Jr. and Lt. Governor Gregory Francis. In our opinion, things are looking much better,” the endorsement said.

The V.I. Source endorsement, “Gov. De Jongh Deserves Second Term”, also highlights the numerous successes of the administration during its first term in office. “As you prepare to cast your vote in November, please keep in mind that deJongh is the first governor to have actively and effectively addressed our unfunded retirement liabilities and retroactive pay. And he did all of this unflinchingly, while under the duress of unprecedented and relentless attacks on his character and his family. As we have noted in past endorsements: deJongh didn’t need the job. He wanted it. He believed, and one hopes still does, that he could fix this place in a way that no one before him had been able to. The proof of his honesty and trustworthiness lies in his dogged pursuit to end the culture of corruption in the territory. His administration’s efforts have resulted in numerous convictions and a whole lot of discomfort in the ranks of the crooked among us. 

“John de Jongh has proven himself in the last four years in numerous and measurable ways. We believe he has well earned the right to finish the job he started.”

O’Connor encouraged all registered Virgin Islands voters to come out on Election Day and cast their vote for team number one, Governor John P. de Jongh, Jr. and Lt. Governor Gregory R. Francis. “A vote for team number one is a vote for continued progress in our territory. Join us as we continue to build our future, together…Together for Tomorrow!

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