November 19, 2009

President Louis Patrick Hill and honorable members of the Twenty-eighth Legislature - Thank you for you for the opportunity to address you and the people of the United States Virgin Islands.  It is a privilege to be the first Assistant Secretary to appear before this body.  As a son of one of your sister territories, I want to personally thank you as a Chamorro for the honor you bestowed on Peter Cepeda who lost his life here in the aftermath of Hurricane Hugo.  However unfortunate, it demonstrates both the graciousness and gratitude fellow islanders have for one another.

I was raised thousands of miles away from here, on a similar sized island, on the other side of the world, in waters as blue as yours, surrounded by jungles just as lush.  So as a fellow islander and a fellow American, I share and appreciate the unique realities and special conditions of living and striving on a tropical island under the American flag.  This is my fourth trip to the Virgin Islands, and from the first time I arrived it reminded me of my home island and each time I return I have been privileged to meet and spend time with more and more wonderful Virgin Islanders.  This is my first official visit, however, in my capacity as Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Insular Areas, but it certainly will not be my last.

I take this opportunity to thank Congresswoman, Donna Christensen, for her leadership and constant support as she encouraged President Obama to reestablish the position of Assistant Secretary for Insular Areas, after more than fifteen years of absence.  She is a stalwart champion of the Virgin Islands in Washington, D.C., and as the only female physician elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, she is a highly respected Member of Congress.  Her voice, along with her colleagues Madeleine Bordallo of Guam, Kilili Sablan of the Commonwealth of the Northern Marian Islands, Pedro Pierluisi of Puerto Rico, Eni Faleomavaega of American Samoa,  and Natural Resources Chairman Nick Rahall, is a constant reminder to President Obama and Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar that Americans living in U.S. territories are just as important as those living in the fifty States.

The Obama Administration is committed to diversity and opportunity in government. Secretary Salazar, in keeping with this pledge, has gathered a great team at the Department of the Interior and his recommendations to the President for high level posts reflect all segments of our society.  In this regard, our islands have been fortunate.  The President, for the first time in our country’s history – and historians can correct me if I’m mistaken – has appointed two individuals who call a U.S. territory home.  Your daughter, Wilma Lewis, who has become a very dear friend of mine at the Department, serves as the Assistant Secretary for Land and Minerals Management.  She has an awesome responsibility to oversee all of our National public lands and the resources in the Outer Continental Shelf.  Rest assured, her plate if full, but her past experiences at the Department, her many years of Federal government service, the fact that when we first met there was an immediate affinity between us as an island brother and sister, makes for two strong voices – one Caribbean and one Pacific – to further island issues in this Administration.  And I can make this assurance to you – that as the first Pacific Islander and resident a United State territory to serve as the Assistant Secretary for Insular Areas – you will have a strong force for change, which will engage the Federal bureaucracy, the Congress, and our own island leaders as we strive to improve the quality of island life.

I can appreciate the difficult issues you are confronted with on a daily basis and the challenges they present.  My first call to public service after college was as a staffer in the Legislature of Guam.  Like the Virgin Islands, the Guam Legislature is also a fifteen-member unicameral body - elected at-large for two-year terms, but the similarities do not end there.  Lawmakers there, like you, struggle with keeping up with infrastructure demands, expanding their economies, preserving their environment and culture, providing opportunities for their youth and forging a promising future for generations yet to come.

Growing up in small island communities where you know everyone and everyone knows you is a blessing and none of us would be who we are today were it not for the love and respect of family and friends around us.  However, the easy familiarity we have with one another lends to feelings that everything should be plain and simple and that there are easy fixes for many of the problems which confront our islands – struggling education and healthcare systems, the high cost of living, bumpy roads, or safe neighborhoods.  As islanders, we often feel that, if we can point at it, then our leaders should be able to fix it right away. And, if they do not or if they cannot, then we feel that they are not performing their jobs to the best of their abilities.  This exists in other communities around the world, but my experience in Guam and my growing knowledge of the Virgin Islands has shown me that there is far more evidence that the political leadership in all of the insular areas are committed, ethical, hard-working men and women.  However, the problems we face cannot be tackled by your leaders alone.  As we have become who we are because of the influences of our friends and families around us, the collective we problems we face and their solutions will be shaped by how all of us choose to act.  Whether it be a senator in this hall, a school teacher, those who take care of our roads or someone at the front desk of any of your hotels – the solution to our problems rests with us as well as those we have chosen to be our leaders.

And our local leaders are working hard to sustain a stable and satisfying quality of life for us against many national and global events, which often they have no control.  Over the past eleven years, while working for the Congress in Washington, D.C. and now as the Assistant Secretary, I have seen the tremendous dedication island leaders have exuded despite these outside events.

I arrived in Washington DC to work for the then Guam Congressman Robert Underwood and I remained there for a decade.  I was on the professional staff of the House Committee on Natural Resources and then Staff Director of the Subcommittee on Insular Affairs.  I have worked hard on issues involving not only the Virgin Islands, but also the other U.S. territories of American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and Puerto Rico plus the freely associated states of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia and Palau.

I know and understand the complexities and the unique challenges of being unincorporated territories under the greatest nation in the world.  I have worked on many Virgin Island issues.  Some have resulted in the enactment of legislation, such as giving the government of the Virgin Islands greater control over its property taxes.  Others continue to be discussed, like finding a solution so kids no longer need to commute between St. John and St. Thomas to get an education.  Much more work, however, needs to be done.  Together, with your Governor and Congresswoman, we can tackle these issues and implement positive solutions.

I have had the privilege of working closely with Congresswoman Christensen on many of these issues over the years, and my relationship with Governor deJongh is founded on the respect I have had for his vision for your islands during his term in office.  I am looking forward to building relationships with the members of this body and other political and civic leaders in the community so that I can better understand and relate to your priorities.  I am confident that we can work collaboratively for positive solutions to the issues we face.  The great privilege I now enjoy is working at the seat of the Federal Government, so that together, with the Virgin Island and other island leaders, we may begin working to advance the well-being of the people and further promote the prosperity of our islands.

There are a number of critical issues to which we must attend. First, as we begin to exit the current recession, we must do so by expanding business opportunities.  Fortunately, Governor deJongh and the members of the Twenty-seventh and the Twenty-eight Legislatures have had the foresight and ingenuity to anchor rum production in the VI for years to come.  The agreements forged with Diageo and Fortune Spirits solidify and grow a reliable revenue stream to your government’s treasury that will prove essential in buying down the significant debt you carry.  Those agreements will also help you to make the reinvestments in your infrastructure, in your historic towns, and in your people to remain competitive in the global market place.  We must promote business in order to create new jobs and to provide the funds needed for the ambitious projects of the local government.

Additionally, with regard to economic development, the Obama Administration has, to date, awarded thus far approximately $93 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act or ARRA funds for the Virgin Islands as part of the President’s stimulus package.  More is slated to come, and I encourage everyone to get involved in making sure that the money is spent well on programs that will help to create jobs, opportunities, and hope.

I also believe that the businesses that are here in the Virgin Islands must ascribe to good corporate social responsibility, especially those that participate in your Economic Development Commission incentive program.  The objective, beyond making a profit, must also be to help improve the quality of life while proactively promoting the public interest.  We need businesses that are not only going to invest here in the VI but also to encourage community growth and development.  We need entrepreneurs who understand both the positive and adverse implications that their business operations have on our environment, consumers, employees, communities and all members of the public sphere.  At the end of the day, we know that investors expect profit but they must also consider the bigger picture: the community in which they have invested.  It has to be about social responsibility and sustainability.

I also strongly believe in being vigilant in protecting the environment.   The insular areas are home to some of the world’s unique, scenic, untapped, and historic landscapes and seascapes; the beauty of our islands is immeasurable above and below our surrounding oceans.  We are the inheritors of a deeply-rooted and rich culture, where community building, respect for Mother Earth and one another has always been at the epicenter of our concern.  Because this point is so endemic to our society and our traditional way of life, I believe strongly that our Federal policies must reflect a very similar conscience.

Here in the Virgin Islands, there is an increasing awareness and willingness on the part of residents to organize and protect your natural resources.  Through all my visits, I continue to gain a deeper appreciation for not only your people but for the enchanting beauty of your islands.  Yesterday, I visited the National Park in St. John and I look forward to visiting St. Croix this weekend.  The natural assets that are preserved within the park boundaries are a vital part of your heritage, your identity, and your economy.  I understand that relationships, between local communities and the National Park Service can sometimes seem at cross purposes.  But there is no doubt that the mission of NPS is of great benefit to the Virgin Islands.  They are an active part in making sure your history and your story is known to all who arrive on your shores.  As parents, we must take a proactive approach by encouraging our children to enjoy the outdoors so that they learn our history and the cultural significance of our islands.  I believe that more must be done to help the parks interpret the value of what is at your feet, so that it becomes an integral and important part of shaping the environmental and cultural sensitivity and sensibility of the next generation of Virgin Islanders.   

My office looks forward to working with government and civic leaders on the Centennial Anniversary of the Transfer of the Virgin Islands from Denmark to the United States.  We have been discussing internally how we may be able to work with various assets within the National Park System in the Virgin Islands to mark the celebration as one of great cultural and historic significance.  The Administration awaits the leadership of your local government and civic leadership to begin discussing how we may support your efforts to mark the historic milestone with distinction.

Whether we are working to expand business opportunities or building partnerships to bolster tourism and to spur economic development, we must do so in a way that maintains the integrity of our lands.  My vision is to see an increase in the number of business licenses and contracts issued in the insular areas. I want partnerships forged with the various chambers of commerce, non-governmental organizations and the private sector entities.  In doing so, we must remember that we are first the stewards of our homeland, and any and every action we take must be to preserve our inheritance for those who will one day follow.

This is not simply the right thing to do, it is the smart way to ensure economic viability. Related to the Virgin Islands’ economic well-being is energy.  The Virgin Island pays millions of dollars to not-so-friendly countries for fossil fuels.  Hovensa is a great corporate citizen in the Virgin Islands, and it is an essential and important component of the Virgin Islands economy which we hope to be around for many more years to come.  However, Hovensa does not control the price of oil, and this economy, like other small island nations, cannot survive severe spikes as were experienced in 2008.

We must search for viable renewable energy alternatives as advocated by President Obama and Secretary Salazar.  Today, more than ever, it is imperative that we begin directing our efforts and resources to finding and supporting initiatives that generate alternative forms of efficient and renewable energy while simultaneously reducing our consumption of fossil fuels and energy costs.  We cannot continue talking about renewable energy without providing solutions and a concrete plan of action that is accompanied by a sound pledge of shared responsibility and commitment to carry out these initiatives.  It is essential that we expand business partnerships that advance a comprehensive and balanced technology portfolio that addresses our nation’s two most important energy challenges -- significantly reducing carbon dioxide emissions and ending our dependence on imported oil.  We must act now, invest now and empower our communities to realize their stake in securing clean, dependable and affordable energy for the Virgin Islands and our insular areas.

My office, the U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. Virgin Islands are embarking on the Energy Development in Island Nations project, which also known as EDIN.  The goal is to tailor a plan for energy efficiency and alternative energy development, taking into account the Virgin Islands' individual energy capabilities and needs.  In Hawaii, a similar approach has yielded a goal of reducing that State’s dependence on fossil fuels by 70 percent by the year 2030.  All stakeholders, public and private, have endorsed the Hawaii plan.  Early next year, I anticipate that a Memorandum of Understanding among the Department of Energy, the Department of the Interior and the Virgin Islands will be signed to memorialize and to formalize the EDIN initiative in the Virgin Islands.  This action will propel the Virgin Islands towards a new and clean energy future.  EDIN is expected to yield a work product that is transferrable to other territories and island nations.  I would like to see all other U.S. territories walk down this same path.

As we look to the future on energy, we also need now, more than ever, to look to the future of our young people.  This is where investment can yield guaranteed high returns. This is very fundamental to me.  As an islander, I was fortunate enough to have incredible mentors.  There are so many to name, starting with my beloved parents and the priests and lay teachers in high school and college.

In my new position, I want to carry on this tradition.  I would like to use my influence to institute a fellowship program for college students across the insular areas.  My vision is to increase opportunities by encouraging our youth to become civically active and fully engaged at the various local and Federal decision-making levels.  We must offer our youth access to educational and leadership development programs, services, and activities that promote the growth of effective professionals and strong leaders.  Our youth deserve nothing less than the opportunity to explore new areas of leadership development, whether it is in the private or public sector.  I believe firmly that we have a responsibility to equip our future generations with the necessary tools that will allow them to excel in today’s rapidly and ever-changing government and business environments.

I have a message for the young people of the Virgin Islands, especially as they mature into adulthood and to offer them some perspective on the course your life can take if you prepare yourself and are diligent in your efforts.  As I grew up in Guam, the farthest thing from my mind was the possibility of ever serving as a Presidential appointee.   I encourage the young people of the VI to seek more knowledge and ever-broadening horizons.  Whether you are in skilled work, government, or business, your study, hard work, and accumulation of knowledge will open doors for you. But once doors are opened, seize as many opportunities as you possibly can.  Continue to strive for knowledge and excellence, making not only yourself and your family, but your community proud.

We face a world filled with many uncertainties, but we must not be daunted by the hardships and anxieties that are the result of any current crisis or those yet to be seen.  I am sure that we all see these difficulties, but I also see great opportunities for us and our communities.  If we all go forward together with unwavering faith and high courage, we shall be able to make of these precious islands, which we all love so dearly, an even better home for our children and their children.

To accomplish this goal, we must give nothing less than the whole of ourselves.  For my part, I declare before you and the people of the Virgin Islands, that my tenure in office shall be devoted to your service and the service of our great, extended American political family, to which we all belong.  But we need to join together as a community to overcome all.  Change began with President Obama.  We can continue this great work in progress if we pursue it together.  In spite of the differences that we may have as we move forward, our collective desire for change is greater than the obstacles ahead.  In the words of the great Virgin Islander, David Hamilton Jackson, whom you recently celebrated on November 1: “Do my people do!”  We can make the change, and it can be done on our watch.  God bless all of you.  God bless the people of the Virgin Islands. God bless the United States of America.