A big day in St. Thomas Monday with day long festivities celebrating the new Governor and Lt. Governor of the Virgin Islands. USVI Correspondent Kellie Meyer has your recap.
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The morning started with a mass at Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral. It is a place Governor Albert Bryan knows well, as he grew up spending Sundays, here. He was even baptized here. Now he returns, receiving the blessing to lead the territory.
“We have to be asking God to lead them, to inspire them, to guide them, to give them the tools that they need, you know, to govern Gods people,” Rev. Msgr. Jerome Feudijo said Monday.
The procession moved down the road to Emancipation Garden, where the inaugural ceremony kicked off. Bryan spent some time speaking with former Governor Kenneth Mapp privately before entering the grandstand. The grandstand has historical significance for the new Governor his grandfather built it over 50 years ago.
Inside, performers, supporters, family and friends took time to honor the new administration. Then they took their oath of office. Followed by inaugural addresses by both leaders.
“I offer to you today my commitment that the years will be used well in benefit to you and in benefit to the people of these Virgin Islands,” Bryan said in his inaugural address.
The address was something many in attendance were looking forward to.
“To hear the Governors address is quite inspiring I make it a personal effort to come to the inaugurations and be inspired by their vision for the community,” Dr. Mavis Matthew, a supporter from St. Croix said.
Events moved day into night, with the inaugural ball and the new First Couple moving to the dance floor for their first dance and Governor and First Lady.
Food, drinks, and music filled the impromptu ballroom at Antilles School while countless people in the community came to share in the celebration.
Former Senate President Myron D. Jackson reflected on his role in the inaugural events.
“To see two young, dynamic Virgin Islanders take the helm of the Virgin Islands government is rewarding and inspiring and should be an inspiration to our young people,” Jackson said.
Also reflecting on the day was the new Governor himself, who could barely contain his excitement when he caught up with us. As he shared his eagerness to take the wheel.
“Was just phenomenal. All my team really got together and did a fantastic job. The people of the Virgin Islands are excited. They’re only half as excited as I am. We are starting to really do things to change the course to make the Virgin Islands a place for all of us,” Bryan said.
Something, the people here could get on their feet to.
Similar celebrations continued in St. Croix Tuesday and St. John Wednesday.
