Government

Full Text Of Gov. Kenneth Mapp's Inaugural Address

At his inauguration ceremony Monday at Emancipation Garden in St. Thomas, Governor Kenneth Mapp gave a speech that sought to undergird residents of the U.S. Virgin Islands with hope for the next four years of his administration. His four-page address highlighted aspects of a leadership style that Mapp said will be "marked by excellence, not perfection." In addition, the Governor touted responsibility, honesty and transparency as virtues that will guide his administration. In quoting New Testament scripture found in the Gospel according to John, Chapter 16, Verse 33, Mapp pointed to Jesus' teachings on facing tribulation with "good cheer." He said, "As Virgin Islanders at this new beginning, we must do just that, be of good cheer. With our faith, our hope, our determination to strive for excellence and our commitment to work hard, we will overcome our tribulations. We will build on the good choices and actions we have taken. We must look towards the future and only learn from the p...