July 21, 2008 – Our Town Frederiksted will host Governor John P. de Jongh Jr. as guest speaker at a luncheon at noon, on Thursday, July 24, at Fort Frederik Museum. Tickets are on sale at OTF's office. The governor will speak on his plans for the further economic and social development of Frederiksted and the surrounding area. Main topics of discussion will be the Diageo deal and its economic potential for Frederiksted, the return of cruise ships to the Frederiksted port in 2009, and utilization of the Enterprise Zone for infrastructure improvements for the Frederiksted historic district.
OTF applauds the governor for his proven interest in the area. "He's coming to Frederiksted to share his vision and to collaborate with us to reap positive, fruitful and productive lines of communication," said Chris Swainson, executive director. "By inviting the governor to speak at the historic Fort Frederik during this luncheon, Our Town Frederiksted seeks to give west-enders better access to the governor and first-hand insight into his accomplishments and plans for our future."
During this luncheon, the non-profit organization will also introduce its newly elected board members. In celebrating its 20th anniversary, President Al Franklin challenged new board members to become active in the plans and projects proposed for the coming year, namely, the acquisition of the boyhood home of former governor Alexander Farrelly to be restored as a V.I. Governor's Hall and interactive Science and History Center. OTF will join with the Department of Agriculture for the renovation of the Anna Heyliger Market and the upgrade of the Frederiksted Cemetery.
"Working with the Housing Finance Authority and the V.I. government, the organization is hopeful of acquiring the Farrelly building to be restored as they did the Joseph Simpson Building, a two story edifice, which is the home of Our Town Frederiksted and is shared with the University of the Virgin Islands for adult classes," said Franklin.