Two local elected officials recently attended the inauguration of the governor of the United States Virgin Islands on Jan. 7.
Bronx Councilman, Andy King (D–Baychester) and Mount Vernon City Council President, Andre Wallace, were present for the swearing-in ceremony of Albert Bryan Jr., and Lieutenant Governor, Tregenza A. Roach, on the multi-island territory’s capital city of Charlotte Amalie on St. Thomas
“It was a grand moment, witnessing Albert Bryan Jr. and Tregenza A. Roach, take the oath of office and all the festivities that followed,” said King.
Albert Bryan Jr. is the ninth governor of the U.S. Virgin Islands. The democratic official succeeds Kenneth Mapp, who held the post for four years.
The inaugural events began with a mass at Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral, continued by a lively parade featuring music and a performance by military members. The day concluded with a ball, and was followed by additional festivities on other islands.
King added that he is hopeful the new governance of the Virgin Islands will have a positive outcome for the future of the territory’s economy and social services.
“The Bryan and Roach win signals a bright, new day for the people of the USVI,” he said. “The new Democratic leadership will be strong and proactive in attracting new revenue and economic resources, reinvest in the island, implement a unified health and hospital system for Virgin Islanders and so much more.”