To: Jeevacationfieevacation©gmaitcom] From: Lesley Groff Sent Fri 6/12/2009 1:29:13 PM Subject: FW: A Special Message from Governor John P. deJongh, Jr.

Title: Take the Challenge! Read 5!, the Governor's Reading Challenge

From: Governor John P. deJongh, Jr. [ On Behalf Of Governor John P. deJongh, Jr. Sent: Friday, June 12, 2009 2:52 AM To: Lesley Groff Subject: A Special Message from Governor John P. deJongh, Jr.

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- Context: appears as a graphic element in the June 11, 2009 message header from Governor John P. deJongh, Jr.

June 11, 2009

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Governor JohnP. deJongh, Jr. answers a reporter's question during a press conference regarding the Proposed Constitution. Lt. Governor Gregory R. Francis and Attorney General Vincent F. Fraser also attended the event heldat Government House on St. Thomas.

Dear Fellow Virgin Islander:

Earlier today, I announced the decision I have taken with respect to the Proposed Constitution recently forwarded to me by the Fifth Constitutional Convention. Since receiving the draft, I have been reviewing its provisions. I also requested a legal opinion from the Attorney General. Based upon the Opinion of the Attorney General, and my own reading of the plain language of the laws and documents before me, I have determined that the Proposed Constitution does not comply with the requirements of federal and local law. Because it fails to do so in fundamental and essential ways, I accept the Opinion of the Attorney General that my duty as Governor here is clear and that I am not in a position to legally forward the document that was sent to me to the President of the United States.

- Listen to the Press Conference
- Read the Governor's Statement
- Read the Attorney General's Opinion
- Read the Proposed Constitution

I have far too much pride in, and on behalf, of the people of the Virgin Islands of all ancestry and color to support any law which does not protect and defend the Constitution of the United States and the principles of equality and justice that make us proud to be Americans and Virgin Islanders. For me, this is not just a legal argument; it is a civil rights issue. And I know on which side I stand: I stand with the vast majority of Virgin Islanders, both native and those who have chosen to become Virgin Islanders. I stand on the side of equality and equal opportunity.

Now it is up to all of us as a community to determine how we wish to move ahead. We must collectively decide how best to get to the goal of a VI Constitution worthy of our past, but also designed for our future. The next chapter in our history must be written with all people of goodwill in the Territory taking part. Surely we can do that together.

God bless you and God Bless the Virgin Islands.

John P. delongh, Jr.
Governor

The image is from the Office of the Governor, located at Government House, 21-22 Kongens Gade, Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, VI 00802.

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Governor of the United States Virgin Islands I Government House I 21-22 Kongens Gade I Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, I 00802 I Virgin Islands, U.S.