Governor John P. deJongh Jr. departed the territory Thursday morning for Washington, D.C., where he and first lady Cecile de Jongh will attend commencement exercises for their oldest son, John P. deJongh III, who’ll graduate from American University over the weekend.

DeJongh will remain in the nation’s capital through the first part of next week to attend meetings with Obama administration officials and congressional leaders regarding V.I. issues.

The governor will return mid-week.

In his absence, Lt. Gov. Gregory R. Francis will serve as acting governor.