Former U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) Governor Kenneth Ezra Mapp has received the Virgin Islands Medal of Honor, the territory’s highest public service distinction, recognizing his decades of service to the people of the Virgin Islands.
Mapp, the USVI’s eighth elected governor, was honored during a ceremony hosted by the 36th Legislature on St. Croix last week.
Route 75, from the Bassin Triangle intersection at Route 70 in Estate Richmond to Krause Lagoon, has been designated the “Gov. Kenneth E. Mapp Highway.”
Mapp began his public service career in law enforcement and later served in the Legislature, as lieutenant governor and as governor from 2015 to 2019. His tenure included leading the territory through the devastation and recovery following Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017 and securing billions of dollars in federal recovery assistance.
In emotional remarks, Mapp urged current and aspiring public officials to act decisively in the interests of the people. “Act, make decisions. Do not allow fear of criticism, political consequences or failure to become an excuse for inaction,” he said, adding that leadership should be measured by whether those in office “improve the lives of our people and strengthen their future.”
Reflecting on his own service, Mapp said he looked back, not with regret, but gratitude. “I accept this Medal of Honor with humility, gratitude and profound appreciation,” he said.
Also honored during the ceremony were soca artist Dennis “Pumpa” Liburd Jr., quelbe band the Ten Sleepless Knights, culture bearer Willard John, and former Warden and Montford Point Marine Thomas Martin who was recognized posthumously.
