Calling the funding of sports opportunities for young V.I. athletes a "priority," Gov. John deJongh Jr. announced Thursday that he had signed into law a bill appropriating money for equipment and student travel to off-island tournaments.
The appropriations, brought to the floor during last month’s full session by Sen. Wayne James, gives: $15,000 from the General Fund to the Ronald Charles Basketball League on St. Croix for uniforms and referee pay; $25,000 to the Elrod Hendricks Little League West 9-10 division champions for expenses and travel to the Regional Little League Tournament; and $70,000 for the junior and senior league teams for off-island travel during 2010.
“It is my firm belief that providing our youth these opportunities … prepares them for being productive members of society and strong leaders for tomorrow,” deJongh said in a letter sent Thursday to Senate President Louis P. Hill along with the signed bill.