Legislature Honors Mapp, Pumpa, Ten Sleepless Knights, Willard John and Thomas Martin

Former Governor Kenneth Ezra Mapp received the Virgin Islands Medal of Honor — the territory’s highest recognition for public service — and had a major St. Croix roadway named in his honor Tuesday as the Legislature celebrated five honorees whose contributions span government, music, culture, youth development and military service. Act 8873, sponsored by Senator Franklin Johnson, names Route 75 on St. Croix, beginning at the Bassin Triangle intersection at Route 70 in Estate Richmond and ending at Krausse’s Lagune, the Gov. Kenneth E. Mapp Highway. The measure also bestows the Virgin Islands Medal of Honor on the former governor. The legislation had been vetoed by Governor Albert Bryan Jr. before the 36th Legislature overrode the veto. Sen. Johnson said Tuesday that the territory’s highest public-service recognition “must never be reduced to politics, party affiliation, or the passion of a particular moment. It is awarded because of a grateful people recognizing a lifetime of servic...