CHARLOTTE AMALIE — Gov. Kenneth Mapp wished Virgin Islanders and all those in the territory assisting with the recovery efforts a Happy Thanksgiving.
Mapp said that he was “enormously thankful for the many blessings received during one of the territory’s most difficult and challenging years.”
“I will remain eternally grateful that there were relatively few major injuries and fatalities despite the severity of Hurricanes Irma and Maria,” Mapp said. “Preparation and our quick thinking and caring population saved lives in the midst of massive destruction.”
The chief executive said he also remains thankful for the resilience and strength of Virgin Islanders.
“We are moving forward and building a better and stronger community,” he said. “And I know the people of the Virgin Islands will join me in being thankful for the assistance of the federal government, charitable organizations, caring individuals and all those hardworking people here from around the country assisting us in our recovery efforts. Many of these good folks will not be with their families and loved ones this Thanksgiving in order to continue helping us.”
The governor said that the people of the Virgin Islands remain resilient, despite that damage caused by two Category 5 storms.
“Most of all, I will always be thankful to those in the community who, despite the damage inflicted on them by the hurricanes, came to the aid of their neighbors in need,” Mapp said. “May God continue to bless the United States of America and these Virgin Islands.”