Janeisha John, “cultural ambassador, trailblazer, and inspirational leader of the Virgin Islands,” is set to receive the key to the territory. 

Bill 36-0149, sponsored by Senator Angel Bolques Jr., is a resolution honoring Ms. John for her “outstanding achievements, pioneering spirit, and significant contributions to the fields of entertainment, modeling, and television production.” 

Addressing the Committee on Government Operations, Veterans Affairs, and Consumer Protection on Friday, Sen. Bolques commented that Ms. John’s “talent, courage and relentless drive have placed our territory on some of the biggest and largest stages in the world.” Ms. John, he said, has “proven that our people are capable of standing among the biggest and best global media, fashion and culture scenes.” She is “living proof that our people are world class,” Sen. Bolques said. 

A throng of supporters filed into the Legislative Conference Room on St. Croix to provide testimony on Ms. John’s journey and contributions to the territory. That diverse journey includes dance, pageantry, customer service, television hosting, modeling, production, and entertainment. 

Her sister, Janella John, provided an emotional tribute, stating that Janeisha has “carried the Virgin Islands on her back, in her heart, onto international stages.” She lauded her sister’s entrepreneurial prowess, reminding listeners that she “helped build a billion dollar black owned network and established a reputation in Hollywood as a creative force.” By her sister’s account, Janeisha is a philanthropist, having “quietly funded pageant gowns, supported young women who lack resources, [and] mentored girls struggling with confidence.”

“Her accomplishments tell one story: of excellence, grit and perseverance,” said Janella. Younger sister Jo’Liza John also sang her praises. She spoke in glowing terms of Janeisha’s humility. “She does not do things to be seen. She does things because she truly serves with purpose,” said Jo’Liza. Despite her sister’s global success, Jo’Liza stated that Ms. John “has never lost her sense of home.”

“What I admire most is how she continues to use her success as a bridge back home,” said Shamari Haynes, Ms. John’s friend and deputy commissioner within the Department of Tourism. 

Close friend, Trinity Austrie highlighted Ms. John’s tenacity despite the setbacks in the journey. “Janeisha is resilient because she knows that no matter what happens, she always has the Virgin Islands,” Ms. Austrie said. 

Dr. Elle Neilsen, another lifelong friend, agreed. “She gracefully excludes this fierce resilience that inspires others to want to step into their alignment of purpose,” she testified. 

There was no shortage of commendations for Ms. John’s successes and contributions. Other testifiers shared similar praises, and lawmakers – at times starstruck – commended her. 

Janeisha John was visibly emotional. “This moment means everything to me,” she said. She told the committee that she has not consciously worked toward accolades like this. You just do it because you love what you do, and you do it because you love where you're from. I'm very proud to be a Virgin Islander,” she declared. 

Already giving back to the territory through her J. John Foundation, Ms. John assured lawmakers that she plans to do even more. 

Among her goals is a plan to expose young Virgin Islanders to the possibility of working in media and entertainment, much like herself. Ms. John envisions hosting “workshops that allow people from away to bring that knowledge here, and also bring a spotlight here.” She told Senator Alma Francis Heyliger that she remains open to collaborations that would help propel the local media and entertainment industry to “make it even bigger.”

Ms. John has issued a clarion call to the Virgin Islands to leverage her influence. “I want to help the youth and the people here more. Use me,” she said. “Bring me down. Let me talk to them. Let's organize.”

Senate President Milton Potter has promised to take her up on that offer. 

“I want the community to get that you didn't achieve this because it just happened, or you lucked out. You achieved this by never giving up,” said a beaming Senator Kurt Vialet. Like invited testifiers, he touted her perseverance.

The committee unanimously voted in favor of the legislation that will honor Ms. John. For Senator Carla Joseph, she is set to become “part of our history of the Virgin Islands.”