John de Jongh

John de Jongh is an American businessman and politician who served as the seventh governor of the United States Virgin Islands from 2007 to 2015. A member of the Democratic Party, he has been active in both the political and business sectors of the Virgin Islands since the early 1980s. His tenure as governor was marked by initiatives aimed at economic diversification, education reform, and energy sustainability.

Early life and career

John de Jongh was born on November 13, 1957, on the island of St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands. He attended Sts. Peter and Paul School during his childhood. Following his parents' divorce, he moved to Detroit, Michigan, where he lived with his mother, Dolores, who worked as a social worker for the Detroit Public Schools. De Jongh also has two brothers, Stanley and Sydney. During his summers, he returned to St. Thomas to assist in his father's law firm, which provided him with early exposure to both the legal and business landscapes of the Virgin Islands.

De Jongh graduated from Detroit Catholic Central High School in 1976 and subsequently enrolled at Antioch College in Yellow Springs, Ohio. Throughout his college years, he participated in work-study programs that took him to various cities, including Detroit, Houston, Philadelphia, and St. Thomas. His academic pursuits included an urban study program that involved international travel to the United Kingdom, Yugoslavia, and The Netherlands. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics from Antioch College in 1981.

Upon completing his education, de Jongh returned to the Virgin Islands and began his professional career. He initially worked with the Tri-Island Economic Development Council, where he played a role in securing funding for the preservation of historic buildings in the Virgin Islands. He later joined Chase Manhattan Bank, where he held various positions, including Consumer Manager of Operations for the U.S., British Virgin Islands, and Saint Maarten. Under his leadership, the bank shifted its focus toward personal banking, enhancing home mortgage lending in the Caribbean.

In 1987, de Jongh was appointed Commissioner of Finance by Governor Alexander A. Farrelly, marking his entry into government service. This role had historical significance for de Jongh, as it had previously been held by his grandfather, Percy de Jongh. In addition to overseeing financial administration, he served as Chairman of the Governing Board of the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority and was an Executive Director and board member of the Virgin Islands Public Finance Authority. His efforts during this period contributed to financial reforms and economic improvements in the territory during the early 1990s.

After leaving government in 1992, de Jongh returned to the private sector, taking on leadership roles at Lockhart Companies Incorporated, a real estate and insurance holding company, where he served as President and CEO until 2002. He also worked as a Senior Managing Consultant for Public Financial Management, Inc., where he was involved in drafting and implementing strategic financial plans for various cities. His community involvement included serving as president of the St. Thomas-St. John Chamber of Commerce and leading initiatives to improve inter-agency cooperation and economic planning.

Governorship

De Jongh's political career took a significant turn when he ran for governor in the 2002 general election as an independent candidate, finishing second. He returned to the political arena in 2006 as a Democratic candidate, winning the party primary by defeating Lieutenant Governor Vargrave Richards and Senator Adlah Donastorg. He subsequently won the governorship in a runoff election against former Lieutenant Governor Kenneth Mapp, officially taking office on January 1, 2007.

During his administration, de Jongh focused on various initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life in the Virgin Islands. His administration prioritized early childhood education and established the Children and Families Council to address related issues. He sought partnerships with cruise lines, airlines, and rum companies to stimulate economic growth and diversification. Additionally, de Jongh implemented revitalization projects across the islands, aiming to enhance infrastructure and community services.

Energy sustainability was another key focus of de Jongh's governorship. He championed programs designed to reduce the territory's reliance on fossil fuels, promoting alternative energy sources as part of a broader strategy for environmental stewardship and economic resilience.

In the 2010 election, de Jongh announced his intention to seek a second term. He and his running mate, Lt. Governor Gregory Francis, won the Democratic primary with a significant majority. In the general election, they faced Mapp again, marking a rematch of their previous contest. De Jongh and Francis were re-elected, continuing their administration's efforts to address the challenges facing the Virgin Islands.

Policy focus and legacy

Throughout his governorship, John de Jongh's policy focus encompassed several critical areas, including education, economic development, and energy sustainability. His administration's initiatives aimed to enhance early childhood education, recognizing its importance for long-term community development. The establishment of the Children and Families Council was a significant step in addressing the needs of families and children in the territory.

Economic diversification was another cornerstone of de Jongh's legacy. By fostering partnerships with various industries, including tourism and agriculture, his administration sought to create a more resilient economy. The revitalization projects initiated during his tenure aimed to improve infrastructure and public services, contributing to the overall quality of life in the Virgin Islands.

De Jongh's commitment to reducing the territory's dependence on fossil fuels reflected a growing awareness of environmental issues and the need for sustainable practices. His administration's focus on alternative energy sources positioned the Virgin Islands to better address future energy challenges.

After completing his term in January 2015, de Jongh left office due to term limits. His tenure as governor is characterized by efforts to address pressing social and economic issues, leaving a lasting impact on the Virgin Islands' political and economic landscape.