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Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and former Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao, his wife, visited with Gov. Kenneth Mapp and senior staff Sunday, according to Government House.
Discussions focused on topics of V.I. interest like Customs and Border Patrol operations and its effects on V.I. business affairs, the delayed issuance of Army Corps of Engineer permits, the level of infrastructure and transportation funding for our schools and roads, and the resolution of ongoing treasury issues affecting V.I. Economic Development Commission tax break beneficiaries.
According to Government House, McConnell "stated his inclination to continue to be an advocate for USVI issues."
“We want the U.S. Virgin Islands to build on our relationship with the United States government. We want to contribute to a greater partnership, not just ask for assistance," Mapp said in a statement.
According to Government House, McConnell said, “My wife and I chose the Virgin Islands for our honeymoon 22 years ago. We continue to return to St. John and the territory on a regular basis. I see the values here.”
McConnell offered his help securing funding for the territory’s centennial in 2017, saying, "Show us your game plan and we will help."
"This is a tremendous opportunity to showcase the Virgin Islands to the rest of the world. It is your unique time to bring a lot of attention home," McConnell reportedly said.
The meeting culminated with an invitation for Mapp to meet with McConnell in his office next week when Mapp is in Washington, D.C.
