Official Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Official Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Ryan Nugent & Masikia Lewis Ryan Nugent & Masikia Lewis Master/Mistress of Ceremonies Invocation National Anthem Virgin Islands March Remarks Benediction Commissioner Derek Gabriel, Department of Public Works James Benton, President, J. Benton Construction LLC Director Adrienne L. Williams-Octalien, Office of Disaster Recovery , The Honorable Stacey E. Plaskett, Delegate to Congress, Esq. The Honorable Novelle E. Francis Jr., Senate President, 35th Legislataure The Honorable Lieutenant Governor Tregenza A. Roach, Esq. The Honorable Governor Albert Bryan Jr. Commissioner Derek Gabriel, Department of Public Works James Benton, President, J. Benton Construction LLC Director Adrienne L. Williams-Octalien, Office of Disaster Recovery , The Honorable Stacey E. Plaskett, Delegate to Congress, Esq. The Honorable Novelle E. Francis Jr., Senate President, 35th Legislataure The Honorable Lieutenant Governor Tregenza A. Roach, Esq. The Honorable Governor Albert Bryan Jr. Rev. Charles Brown Jr. Rev. Charles Brown Jr. Shikima Jones-Sprauve Shikima Jones-Sprauve Semone Rey -George Semone Rey -George Rev. Charles Brown Jr. Rev. Charles Brown Jr. RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY Shikima Jones-Sprauve Shikima Jones-Sprauve Special Selection Welcome Commissioner Averil George Commissioner Averil George VIRGIN ISLANDS OFFICE OF DISASTER RECOVERY Virgin Islands Public Finance Authority 14A & 14C Strand Street Frederiksted, VI 00840 Phone (340)202-1221 Virgin Islands Public Finance Authority 8000 Nisky Center Suite 1 St. Thomas, VI 00802 Phone (340)202-1221 The Virgin Islands Office of Disaster Recovery extends its heartfelt congratulations to the Virgin Islands Department of Human Services on this momentous occasion of constructing a new Head Start facility dedicated to fostering the early educational journey of St. John’s children. The Office of Disaster Recovery’s mission is to create a safe and resilient community by strengthening the Territory’s infrastructure through strategic planning, collaboration, and dedicated project execution is embodied in this endeavor. This educational facility stands as a symbol of our commitment to transform and reinforce the Territory’s capacity to serve its communities effectively. Such construction projects, especially on St. John, require not only technical expertise but also robust partnerships, precision, and determination. This Head Start facility, designed to support the education and growth of St. John’s youngest learners, was made possible by the generous support and recognition of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Head Start. A total of $42 million in federal funds was received by the Territory to restore Head Start facilities post-Hurricanes Irma and Maria. Of this amount, $5.1 million has been utilized on this project to enhance educational opportunities and positively shape the future for the residents of St. John. This collaborative effort showcases the very essence of recovery work. It is the collective determination of “building a resilient Virgin Islands” that empowers our communities and will do so for generations to come. Congratulations once again to the Department of Human Services and thank you to everyone involved for your tireless dedication and commitment to building a brighter future for our children and our Territory. Sincerely, Adrienne L. Williams-Octalien Director A Message from the V.I. Office of Disaster Recovery “Building a Legacy of Resilience” Knud Hansen Complex STE 1 • 1303 Hospital Ground • St. Thomas, Virgin Islands 00802-6722 • (340) 774-1166 3012 Golden Rock • Christiansted, St. Croix, Virgin Islands 00820 • (340) 718-2980 Carla E. Benjamin, MA. Ed, MSW, CSW, CPM Assistant Commissioner November 6, 2024 From the Office of the Assistant Commissioner Carla Benjamin and on behalf of a thankful community, I extend heartfelt gratitude to each of you whose unwavering support and dedication has brought this new Cruz Bay Head Start Center to fruition. The site before you demonstrates the power of collaboration, resilience, and a shared commitment to serving our community's youngest members. After seven long years without these essential services, the opening of this new facility marks a profound moment for us all. The return of the Head Start Center will not only restore early learning and developmental opportunities for our children but will also provide a foundation of support for families who depend on these vital resources. We recognize the immense work that went into every step of this journey—from planning and design to construction and completion. We now have a beautiful, state-of-the-art center that will serve as a safe and nurturing environment for children and families, as well as a much-needed hardened space in times of disaster. We are excited to see the positive impact this center will have for years to come, creating lasting benefits for our community. We extend our deepest appreciation to the Administration for Children and Families, Office of Head Start, the Bryan-Roach Administration, our local government and nongovernmental stakeholders and Team DHS for your partnership and for believing in the importance of this project. We look forward to continuing our work together to support and uplift the families and children who will benefit from this facility. Sincerely, INVESTMENT AND IMPACT The Cruz Bay facility is one of six new Head Start centers under construction across the territory, representing a $42 million investment from the federal Office of Head Start Disaster Recovery Funds. This investment is part of a broader vision to strengthen our community by prioritizing the education and well-being of our youngest residents, building resilience and opportunity from the ground up Early childhood education is the foundation of a successful society. By providing modern, safe, and supportive learning environments, we are ensuring that every child, regardless of their background, has access to the tools they need to excel academically and socially. This facility in Cruz Bay will stand as a beacon of hope and opportunity, serving generations of Virgin Islanders.” MAJOR CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS 6 42M $ DISASTER RECOVERY FUNDING The Virgin Islands Department of Human Services is the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Children and Families Office of Head Start grantee for the Head Start Program in the geographic area of the U.S. Virgin Islands. Head Start serves children who are three years old by December 31st and up to five (5) years old at enrollment. The program promotes the school readiness of young children from low-income families and supports the mental, social, and emotional development of preschoolers. In addition to education services, children and their families receive health, nutrition and when needed disabilities services. Head Start services are responsive to each child and family’s ethnic, cultural, and linguistic heritage. BUILDING FOUNDATIONS FOR A STRONGER FUTURE Head Start is recognized nationwide as a primary empowerment program for low-income families, involving them in all aspects of service delivery and decision-making for the program. Head Start encourages the role of parents as their child’s first and most important teachers and facilitate building relationships with families that support positive parent-child relationships, family well-being, and connections to peers and the community. Head Start and Early Head Start programs have a profound impact on over 100,000 children from diverse communities, offering vital early childhood education that prepares them for academic success. These programs are essential to breaking down educational barriers and creating equitable opportunities for every child to thrive. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed to making this event a success. Special thanks to the Department of Public Works, the Department of Property and Procurement, J. Benton Construction LLC, the Office of the Governor, the Office of Disaster Recovery, the Bryan-Roach Administration, Head Start Region II, the Administration for Children and Families, Former Commissioner Kimberley Causey-Gomez, our Head Start Administrators, Teachers, and Staff, and the Department of Human Services. Your dedication, support, and partnership have been invaluable. Together, we continue to build a brighter future for our community. Thank you! THANK YOU ! Official Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Official Ribbon Cutting Ceremony