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ST. THOMAS — Five million dollars has been officially pledged for U.S. Virgin Islands hurricane relief efforts by the Stephenson family, which operates International Capital & Management Company (ICMC) and other businesses in the territory.

The announcement came during a press event held at WICO on Tuesday morning, and saw Richard Stephenson, an international banker with companies spread across the world, and who has invested heavily in the USVI through ICMC and other ventures, vowing to be a continuous positive presence in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Governor Kenneth Mapp thanked the family on behalf of the people of the Virgin Islands and said their incredible generosity demonstrates a deep commitment to the territory. He said the Stephenson family was not only to be commended for the significant donation to hurricane recovery efforts, but also for their ongoing endeavors to train and employ their fellow residents.

‘You are fully a part of the Virgin Islands,” the governor said. “I thank you, I commend you, I appreciate you.”

For the Stephenson family, whose ties in the territory dates back over 30 years when they first move to St. Croix, seeing the devastation wrought by Hurricanes Irma and Maria, and the resolve of U.S. Virgin Islanders, the decision to aid not only with dollars, but twice with loaded 747 aircraft with needed items, was swift. They also helped with the evacuation of residents.

“When we saw the islands it was a real heartbreaker for us,” Mr. Stephenson said.

The Stephensons thanked Mr. Mapp for his “visionary leadership” during this time of crisis. “Although you didn’t sign on for this task, it is a task that is uniquely yours,” Mr. Stephenson said, as he continued to praise the governor for his response to the storms.

The Stephenson family chose to make the news of their donation public in order to encourage others to contribute. They are partnering with the Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands in launching HelpUSVINow! Tax deductible donations can be made at www.EDCReliefandRecovery.org.

Annie Stephenson Hostetler said the entire family was honored to be part of rebuilding the Virgin Islands.

“I feel so incredibly blessed to be here, to share in this journey with you,” she said. She praised Virgin Islanders as a people with a “powerful and beautiful spirit,” and vowed to continue supporting the territory rebuild.

Mr. Mapp said the recovery remained a day-by-day process and that many people in the territory were still suffering.

“We must continue to look at the silver lining,” he said. “These donations will help us to rebuild a better, stronger and more resilient Virgin Islands.”

Feature Image: From left: Governor Kenneth Mapp; Richard Stephenson and Annie Stephenson Hostetler of the International Capital & Management Company; and president of the Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands Dee Baecher-Brown at Tuesday morning’s press conference announcing the Stephenson family’s donation to relief efforts. (Credit: Government House)