119-2010

119-2010 April 19, 2010 GOVERNOR DE JONGH ISSUES PROCLAMATION TO PROVIDE ADMINISTRATIVE LEAVE FOR THE CELEBRATION OF VIRGIN ISLANDS CARNIVAL In recognition of the 58th anniversary of Virgin Islands Carnival, Governor John P. deJongh, Jr. has signed a proclamation providing administrative leave for government employees. "The Virgin Islands Carnival has become one of the region's top festivals, attracting thousands of persons to islands and during this historical and festive season, hundreds of families, friends, visitors and supporters will be visiting the territory to enjoy and partake in both our cultural activities and the sights and sounds of Carnival," deJongh said. DeJongh noted that the annual Carnival celebration provides a tremendous financial boost to our economy and helps to promote a greater understanding and appreciation of Carnival and our culture. "I have authorized commissioners and agency heads to grant administrative leave to non-essential employees in order to encourage greater participation in the food fair, and to enhance the celebration of Virgin Islands Carnival by all residents and visitors," the governor said. The leave will be granted as follows: • St. Thomas - St. John district: o Wednesday, April 28, 2010 —12 noon to 5 p.m. (Food, Arts and Crafts Fair Day) o Thursday, April 29, 2010 - 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (J'ouvert) • Territory-wide: o Friday, April 30, 2010 -8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Children's Parade Day) DeJongh acknowledged Gerard Nicholson for whom the Carnival Village will be named for his significant contributions to Carnival. In a similar fashion, the governor saluted J. Ingerborg Marrero for whom the annual food, arts and crafts fair will be named. "Mr. Nicholson and Ms. Marrero have contributed much over the years to promote and develop Carnival, we are indeed grateful for all they have done." EFTA00722291 DeJongh praised the decision made by the Carnival Committee to name Lesmore Howard and former governor Roy L. Schneider as the parade marshals for the Children's and Adult's Parade. "I look forward to greeting both Mr. Howard and Governor Schneider as they lead the two parades on April 30 and May 1 for they too have contributed much to the development of Virgin Islands Carnival, a traditional month-long celebration that we look forward to each year with great anticipation. ### 2 EFTA00722292