Above: USVI Governor John de Jongh (Photo: OG)

By the Caribbean Journal staff

United States Virgin Islands Governor John de Jongh left for Denmark Saturday for a week-long trip that will include economic development and research meetings.

It is the first official visit by de Jongh to the country; the Governor will meet with the Danish Wind Energy Association, the Danish Ministry of Climate and Energy and other green energy companies, along with the principals of charter air carrier Bravo.

“Denmark is noted for its significant progress in renewable and alternative energy development and I look forward to the opportunity to see many of these advancements as we continue in our efforts to address our own energy costs back at home,” he said in a statement.

It is the first time in more than 13 years that a sitting USVI governor has visited Denmark, which sold the USVI to the United States in 1916. At the time, they were known as the Danish West Indies.

De Jongh will also meet with the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and discuss the sharing of official Danish records ahead of the USVI’s 100th anniversary as a US territory, which will occur in 2017.

“The historical significance of our upcoming centennial celebration in the territory will be further advanced by the sharing of the official Danish government documents that are also a part of our rich history,” he said. “I have already had some discussions with our senators on the Centennial Commission here at home and I look forward to our working together to celebrate in the year 2017.”