Kenneth Mapp facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Kenneth Mapp
8th Governor of the United States Virgin Islands
In office January 5, 2015 – January 7, 2019
Lieutenant	Osbert Potter
Preceded by	John DeJongh
Succeeded by	Albert Bryan
7th Lieutenant Governor of the United States Virgin Islands
In office January 2, 1995 – January 4, 1999
Governor	Roy Schneider
Preceded by	Derek Hodge
Succeeded by	Gerard Luz James
Member of the Virgin Islands Legislature from St. Croix District
In office 20th Legislature: January 11, 1993 – January 9, 1995
In office 18th Legislature: January 1989 – May 1989
In office 15th Legislature: January 1983 – January 1985
Personal details
Born	Kenneth Ezra Mapp (1955-11-02) November 2, 1955 (age 69) New York City, New York, U.S.
Political party	Independent (2000–present)
Other political affiliations	Republican (before 2000)
Residence	Orlando, Florida
Education	New York City College of Technology University of the Virgin Islands Harvard University (MPA)

Kenneth Ezra Mapp (born November 2, 1955) is an American politician. He served as the eighth elected Governor of the United States Virgin Islands from 2015 to 2019.

Before becoming governor, Mapp was a Senator in the Virgin Islands for three terms. He also served as the Lieutenant Governor of the United States Virgin Islands from 1995 to 1999. Mapp ran for governor as an independent candidate in 2006 and 2010 but was not elected. In 2014, he won the gubernatorial election. He ran for a second term in 2018 but was defeated.

Early Life and Education

Kenneth Ezra Mapp was born on November 2, 1955, in Brooklyn, New York. His parents were Al Mapp and Vashti Hewitt Mapp, who were from St. Croix. He was one of four children.

In 1961, Mapp moved to Saint Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands. He was raised there by his grandmother, Almina N. Hewitt. He finished high school at St. Croix Central High School in 1973.

Mapp attended New York City Community College and the University of the Virgin Islands. He later earned a master's degree in public administration from Harvard University. He also completed programs at Harvard Business School and Carnegie Mellon University.

Career in Public Service

Mapp started his career as a police trainee in New York City. He joined the New York City Police Department in 1973. Later, he became a police officer in the U.S. Virgin Islands. He was also elected president of the Virgin Islands Police Benevolent Association.

Mapp was elected as a senator in the Virgin Islands Legislature three times. He served in the 15th, 18th, and 20th Legislatures. As a senator, he led the Committee on Public Safety and Judicial Affairs. He was also a member of the Committee on Finance.

Mapp held other important roles in the Virgin Islands government. He was the assistant director of the Industrial Development Commission. This group later became the Economic Development Authority. He also directed the Consumer Services Administration, now called the Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs.

Becoming Lieutenant Governor

In 1994, Roy L. Schneider chose Mapp as his running mate for lieutenant governor. They ran as independent candidates. Schneider and Mapp won the election in a special runoff vote on November 22, 1994. They defeated the Democratic candidates.

Governor Roy Schneider and Lt. Governor Kenneth Mapp started their four-year term on January 2, 1995. They did not seek re-election in 1999.

After his term as lieutenant governor, Mapp continued his education at Harvard University. By 2001, he changed his political party from Republican to Independent.

In 2002, Governor Charles Turnbull appointed Mapp as the Director of finance and administration for the Public Finance Authority. Mapp helped raise a lot of money for the government. He also helped the territory's largest private employer, Hovensa. During his time, the Public Finance Authority received high ratings for government-backed investments. Mapp also managed big construction projects. He was part of the Governor's team that worked on the budget.

Gubernatorial Elections

2006 Gubernatorial Election

In 2006, Mapp ran for governor as an independent candidate. His running mate was former Senator Almando Liburd. In the first election, no candidate received more than 50% of the votes. This meant a second election, called a runoff, was needed.

The runoff election was held on November 21, 2006. Mapp came in second place. John De Jongh was elected Governor.

2010 Gubernatorial Election

Mapp announced his candidacy for Governor again in 2010. He ran as an Independent. His running mate was Malik Sekou, a professor from the University of the Virgin Islands.

Mapp's campaign focused on reducing crime and improving education. He promised to build a technical school and promote economic growth. He also wanted to use cleaner energy. The election took place on November 2, 2010. Incumbent Governor John de Jongh won a second term.

2014 Gubernatorial Election

• Campaign slogan: It’s Time To Build

Mapp ran for Governor again in 2014. He chose Osbert Potter, a former Virgin Islands senator, as his running mate. The general election was on November 4, 2014. Mapp received 47.47% of the vote. Since no candidate got over 50%, a runoff election was held.

The runoff was held on November 18, 2014. Mapp won the runoff election with almost 64% of the votes. He defeated Donna Christian-Christensen.

2018 Gubernatorial Election

• Campaign slogan: Building Stronger and Smarter

Mapp ran for re-election in 2018. However, he lost to Albert Bryan in a runoff election.

As Governor of the U.S. Virgin Islands

Mapp became the 8th elected Governor of the U.S. Virgin Islands on January 5, 2015.

As governor, Mapp took several important actions:

• He requested money to take legal action against Hovensa, an oil company.
• He worked with the New York City Police Department to combat crime. Officers from the Virgin Islands Police Department went to New York for training.
• He signed an executive order allowing same-sex marriage in the U.S. Virgin Islands. This followed a decision by the U.S. Supreme Court.
• In July 2015, Mapp joined the NGA's Committee on Economic Development.
• He created the Virgin Islands Climate Change Council to address climate issues.
• In December 2015, he made an agreement with ArcLight Partners, LLC, to operate the oil storage terminal of the Hovensa refinery.

Mapp also worked on improving the economy and public services:

• His administration increased salaries for government employees. They also focused on raising the minimum wage.
• He worked with Sinopec on the St. Croix oil refinery. He also met with Air China officials to attract Chinese tourists.
• In February 2017, Mapp faced a financial crisis with a large government debt.
• Mapp expanded the federal Medicaid program to all eligible Virgin Islands residents. This gave many families access to health care.

Responding to Hurricanes

On September 5, 2017, Mapp declared a state of emergency for Hurricane Irma. Thirteen days later, Hurricane Maria followed. He met President Donald Trump to discuss the damage. Within ten months, over 130 members of Congress visited the USVI to see the devastation.

Mapp successfully convinced the Congress to provide about $9 billion in federal funds. This money was for the recovery and rebuilding of the territory. He also asked for help from non-profit organizations like the American Red Cross and Bloomberg Philanthropies. Governors Andrew Cuomo, Chris Christie, and Larry Hogan also sent personnel and resources.

Major construction projects funded by the federal government began during Mapp's time as governor. These included the Veterans Drive Improvement Project. Mapp also offered free tuition for all local high school graduates attending the University of the Virgin Islands.

See also

In Spanish: Kenneth Mapp para niños