Top V.I. officials mourn Carter, flags to fly at half-staff for 30 days

Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. on Monday announced that all U.S. and Virgin Islands flags will be flown at half-staff for the next 30 days in honor of former President Jimmy Carter, noting “may his legacy live on in the hearts of all who strive to improve the world.”

Bryan, in a released statement, said that with profound sadness he joined the nation and world in mourning Carter, “a leader whose extraordinary legacy extended far beyond his presidency.” Carter died on Sunday at age 100. “As the 39th President of the United States, Jimmy Carter led with humility and courage, tirelessly promoting peace and justice. Yet, his post-presidency work solidified his place as one of the greatest humanitarians of our time,” Bryan said, adding that through his leadership at the Carter Center, “he championed human rights, eradicated diseases, brought hope to countless communities worldwide.”

“His unwavering commitment to improving the lives of others is a legacy that will continue to inspire generations,” the governor said. He added that Carter’s visit to St. Croix with his family during the 2009 Christmas holidays is a cherished memory for many in our community. Lt. Gov. Tregenza Roach in his statement recalled that Carter, who served in the U.S. Navy and was a state senator as well as governor in Georgia , was “a political activist within the Democratic Party, opposing racism and supporting the Civil Rights Movement. The 39th U.S. president, served from 1977 to 1981 “with integrity and diplomacy.”