Gittens, Rivera-O’Reilly Impressed By JFL’s Summer Employment Participants

St. Croix — Senators Kenneth Gittens and Nereida Rivera-O’Reilly on Tuesday attended the closing ceremony for the “Investing In Our Future” Summer Employment Program at Governor Juan F. Luis Hospital and Medical Center, a program sponsored in part by the Legislature’s Summer Youth Employment Program.

According to a press release issued by Gittens’ office, both senators said they were encouraged by the high level of confidence the participants displayed as they made presentations about the things they have learned and experienced over the course of the six-week program.

“Looking at these young people and hearing them express the things they’ve learned and their passion for the medical field and helping people, I felt my heart pounding in my chest. I felt proud of them and felt encouraged for the possibilities of a brighter future for St. Croix and the Virgin Islands as a whole,” Senator Gittens said.

The senators said the summer employment opportunities are golden for our young people as they work alongside seasoned professionals. The legislators said they are hopeful that the experience these youths gleaned as a result of the program will take them far and help focus their careers and goals, and help them get a better understanding of what it takes to succeed.

Senator O’Reilly commended the students, but also applauded the hospital staff for their willingness to share their skills and knowledge.

“If they are any indication of our future, we are in great shape here. I can see that they were passionate about what they were doing and devoured the wealth of information being shared with them. Most of these are focused and driven. They have their plans already in motion for their future and I am really moved by the desire of most of them to come back home,” Senator O’Reilly said.

Senator Gittens made brief remarks on behalf of the 31st Legislature and said he was driven to remind the students about the importance of staying true to their commitments and developing their character. The senators commended the sole male participant for standing out and making notable contributions to the institution’s Strategic Plan and they wished all the students well.

“Besides our health, the foundation of every community is the education of its youth and we see a great combination here,” Senator Gittens concluded.