USVI Festival Village 2023-2024 Photo Credit: SHOT BY SIN, V.I. CONSORTIUM, DIVISION OF FESTIVALS
Governor Albert Bryan Jr. has unveiled a series of initiatives to mark December as a month of progress, awareness, and celebration across the U.S. Virgin Islands. These efforts highlight key areas including education, public safety, health awareness, and human rights.
One of the cornerstone initiatives is Computer Science Education Week, scheduled from December 9 to 15. The event is designed to inspire K-12 students to explore computer science, address equity gaps in the field, and celebrate the achievements of students, teachers, and community partners, according to Government House.
The administration is also prioritizing public safety with the observance of Impaired Driving Prevention Month, taking place from December 11, 2024, to January 6, 2025. As part of the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign, residents and visitors are being reminded to make safe and responsible choices, especially during the holiday season when impaired driving incidents tend to increase.
Health awareness takes center stage with World AIDS Day, observed on December 1. Under the 2024 theme, “Take the Rights Path: My Health, My Right,” the day underscores the need for health equity and highlights the advancements in HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention.
In addition, Human Rights Day on December 10 aligns with the annual observance of Human Relations Week, which runs from December 8 to 14. The theme calls attention to the dignity and rights of all individuals, as outlined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Governor Bryan has also outlined the schedule for Administrative Leave during the holiday season, providing non-essential government employees time to participate in festivities and cultural events. The schedule is as follows:
- Tuesday, December 24, 2024: Christmas Eve – Administrative leave from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Wednesday, December 25, 2024: Christmas Day – Government offices closed.
- Thursday, December 26, 2024: Boxing Day – Government offices closed.
- Wednesday, January 1, 2025: New Year’s Day Holiday | St. Croix Festival J’ouvert – Government offices closed.
- Thursday, January 2, 2025: Crucian Christmas Festival Food, Arts, and Crafts Fair – Administrative leave from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. (St. Croix Only).
- Friday, January 3, 2025: Crucian Christmas Festival Children’s Parade – Administrative leave territory-wide from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Monday, January 6, 2025: Three Kings Day – Government offices closed.
- Monday, January 20, 2025: Martin Luther King Jr. Day – Government offices closed.
Residents are encouraged to participate in the events and activities.
