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FYI: Governor Wishes All a Good Labor Day

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Sept. 3, 2007 – Gov. John P. deJongh Jr. Sunday extended warm greetings to all working men and women in the Virgin Islands as the territory joins the rest of the nation in observing Labor Day on Monday.
"As we enjoy the holiday together with family and friends, we should not lose sight that this annual Labor Day observance marks the past struggles and ongoing efforts of many brave people who fought long and hard to assure dignity of treatment, safety and fairness in the workplace, and just compensation for all who go to work each day," deJongh said Sunday.
DeJongh noted that in the Virgin Islands we have had our own labor heroes and their efforts should be honored on this holiday. "Everyone should be reminded that the deJongh-Francis Administration remains committed to the ideals of those who have made history in these islands, including: David Hamilton Jackson, Rothschild Francis and Earle B. Ottley, among others. They began the effort towards improving the quality of life for all workers whether in the public or private sector and we are called on each day to continue their work and to preserve their dreams and ideals. It remains the duty of leadership and the powerful to always be mindful of the challenges that face the least among us," deJongh said.
The governor said he recognizes the challenges that present themselves each day as we do battle to ensure that we reduce, if not altogether eliminate, the obstacles to continued economic opportunity, jobs, adequate healthcare, affordable housing, and the providing of a superior education system from which the vestiges of poverty and crime can be thrown off. "This will lend credence to the principle that if you adhere to the rules and commit to hard work, movement of the ladder is guaranteed for you and your family," deJongh said, as he recalled the many contributions that have been made to ensure a vibrant middle class in our society.
DeJongh went on to note that the Virgin Islands Government has a significant role to play in preparing V.I. workers for careers of success. "The primary challenge that faces our workers of the future is the challenge of education, not just initial schooling, be it academic or career and technical training, but life-long education and learning. Here we look not just to our Department of Education and its teachers and principals, but also to our Labor Department as the bridge between the private and public sectors." Labor Commissioner Albert Bryan Jr. and Education Commissioner designee Lynn Spampinato are fully engaged in meeting the challenges which face them and all who work with them to meet the lofty goals we have set together, deJongh added. "We must all join them and work together to make success our shared achievement.
"Lt. Gov. Francis and I offer our administration's total commitment to improving the delivery of those services we provide as a government, especially those services that prepare our workers for success. We renew our commitment to all employers to work with them to help them recruit locally the best prospective employees to fill their vacancies." And as we work towards this goal, deJongh added, the government will continue to be firm in enforcing those fundamental principles of human rights, fairness, justice and equality for all that mark the basis for the celebration of Labor Day.
"I wish one and all a happy and safe Labor Day holiday on Monday. May we return to our labors refreshed and recommitted to the goal of doing our personal best each and every day," deJongh concluded.

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