At Employee Recognition Event, Mapp Expresses Gratitude To Government Workers For Efforts Following 2017 Storms

Governor Kenneth Mapp expressed his deep gratitude to nearly 80 government employees at the Division of Personnel’s 29th Annual Employee Recognition Week ceremonies at Government House on St. Thomas and St. Croix, Government House announced this week.

He asserted that the accomplishments were even more impressive given the challenges faced by public employees in the aftermath of Hurricanes Irma and Maria.

“This year’s event is particularly important because the public sector employees who worked under tremendous conditions had to also serve the public after two major hurricanes,” Mr.  Mapp said. “Your work across this entire government is appreciated. We wish to share our sincere gratitude and say thanks to you for the work you continue to do.”

Personnel Director Milton E. Potter also acknowledged the hard work of Virgin Islands government employees.

“The Virgin Islands Government has literally thousands of great employees who do their jobs well, with a sense of pride, purpose and professionalism,” Mr. Potter said.

According to Government House, the governor recognized Office of the Governor’s Employees of the Year Darren Smith, facility engineer in the St. Thomas/St. John District, and Lamarr Jacobs, uniformed security supervisor in the St. Croix District, for their commitment to public service and their invaluable contributions to the people of the Virgin Islands.

“I appreciate tremendously the work you do at the Office of the Governor. I appreciate your loyalty, your devotion and your attention to your work. I congratulate you on the example that you set for everyone working in the public sector,” he said.

The territory’s leader commended all public sector employees for their efforts to serve their community. According to Government House, with the resources being provided by the federal government to the territory, Mr. Mapp indicated that there were possibilities to increase salaries and compensation for government staff. He added that the government is also recruiting new workers.

But the local government hit a snag recently; it has been unable to receive federal funding the Emergency Home Repairs VI Project, because the federal government requires that the local government meet all the upfront cost and receive reimbursement. The local government, however, is cash-strapped.

Feature Image: Lamar Jacobs, part of Governor Kenneth Mapp’s security detail, receives honor at the employee recognition event. (Credit: Government House)