April 4, 2007 — Two-dozen people attended a ceremony March 17 that honored a St. Thomas family for its future contribution to energy efficiency, and a St. Croix family for its past contributions.
In the Department of Natural Resources conference room on St. Thomas, the Elskoe family was presented the Vincent D. George Light the Way award. The award has been presented annually since 2001 to an individual, business or organization that shows innovative achievement in energy efficiency or the use of alternative energy.
According to Laurie Thomas-Jacobs, administrative assistant at the Energy Office, George worked at the Energy Office as the Energy Education Program Coordinator from 1987 until his death in 2000. He was instrumental in developing the program and was also responsible for expanding Energy Education Day to the present Virgin Island Energy Education Week.
Thomas-Jacobs said, "Vincent loved his job. He enjoyed being with what he considered his main audience — the children."
Vincent's parents, Reginald and Virginia George, were present at the event and received praise and a gift fruit basket for their support of the Energy Office.
During the presentation, Energy Office Director Bevan R. Smith Jr. said, "We regard the Georges as the first family of energy. They have been with us through all our trials and tribulations while Vince was with us, and after he was gone."
The Elskoe family, doing business as Wintdots Development, is building the Flagberry Hill development, which includes six villas and 60 condominiums. The development is using an energy-efficient design, solar power and wind, when possible. The plan for the development was announced last year.
Aaron Martin, construction manager of Turner International, talked about how the construction company would use sustainable development techniques. Turner was recognized by U.S. President Bill Clinton for its commitment to "green" buildings.
Smith spoke highly of the planned development. He pointed out that developers who include energy efficiency and alternative energy in their original designs not only benefit the environment, but also save a lot of money.
Members of the George family attending the event included Glenn, president of Wintdots; Dorothy, vice president of Wintdots; and Sandyl Elskoe. Former Sen. Almando "Rocky" Liburd, part of the extended family, spoke for the family. He said "times have changed," and he sees solar energy projects playing a bigger part in the V.I. energy mix.
Smith also noted that this was the last function Thomas-Jacobs would be performing as an employee of the Energy Office. She had taken a new position as executive administrative officer in the office of the DPNR Commissioner-designee Robert Mathes.
UVI student Julio Petersen III sang the National Anthem and the "Virgin Islands March." A film of the event can be seen at vienergy.org.
The award, started in 2001 by former Energy Office Director Victor Somme III, was presented in conjunction with this year's Energy Education Week. Other events during the week were public screenings of Al Gore's Oscar-winning film, "An Inconvenient Truth," and school presentations. The film screenings drew over 300 people.
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