Above: Charlotte Amalie

By the Caribbean Journal staff

United States Virgin Islands Governor John De Jongh signed an executive order last week laying the groundwork for new economic and cosmetic renewal projects in historic towns on St Croix and St Thomas.

“The United States Virgin Islands recognizes the importance of revitalizing these once-vibrant towns with an infusion of new business and economic opportunities, to renew their physical appearance, and to rejuvenate and diversify the local economy by providing incentives for business relocation and job creation,” de Jongh said in the order.

Accordingly, Government House will establish Enterprise Zones within those towns “in order to attract new businesses and provide incentives for investment in order to sustain the future preservation of these towns for the People of the Virgin Islands.”

Last week, de Jongh left a meeting with US Department of the Interior officials in Washington having secured two capital improvement grants.

The grants included $1.02 million for the Main Street Enhancement Project in Charlotte Amalie and $1 million for the restoration of the boardwalk in Christiansted.