Melvin H. Evans facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Melvin H. Evans
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| United States Ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago | |
| In office January 1, 1982 – November 21, 1984 |
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| President | Ronald Reagan |
| Preceded by | Irving Cheslaw |
| Succeeded by | Sheldon J. Krys |
| Delegate to the U.S. House of Representatives from the U.S. Virgin Islands' at-large district |
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| In office January 3, 1979 – January 3, 1981 |
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| Preceded by | Ron de Lugo |
| Succeeded by | Ron de Lugo |
| Governor of the United States Virgin Islands | |
| In office July 1, 1969 – January 6, 1975 |
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| Lieutenant | David Maas Athniel Ottley |
| Preceded by | Ralph Moses Paiewonsky |
| Succeeded by | Cyril King |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Melvin Herbert Evans
August 7, 1917 Christiansted, Virgin Islands, U.S. |
| Died | November 27, 1984 (aged 67) Christiansted, Virgin Islands, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse | Mary Evans |
| Children | 4 |
| Education | Howard University (BS, MD) University of California, Berkeley (MPH) |
Melvin Herbert Evans (August 7, 1917 – November 27, 1984) was an important politician from the United States Virgin Islands. He made history as the first elected Governor of the U.S. Virgin Islands, serving from 1969 to 1975.
After his time as governor, he also served as a delegate for the U.S. Virgin Islands in the United States House of Representatives. This role allowed him to represent the islands in the U.S. Congress from 1979 to 1981.
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Early Life and Education
Melvin Evans was born in Christiansted, which is located on the island of Saint Croix. He was born on August 7, 1917.
He went to college at Howard University in Washington, D.C., where he earned degrees. He also studied at the University of California, Berkeley. His education helped prepare him for a career in public service.
Governor of the Virgin Islands
Before becoming governor, Melvin Evans worked as the Health Commissioner for the Virgin Islands. This role focused on public health and well-being.
He was first appointed as Governor of the U.S. Virgin Islands in 1969. Then, in 1970, he became the first person to be elected to this position by the people of the islands. He served as governor until 1975.
Political Involvement
Melvin Evans was a member of the Republican Party. He was active in national politics, serving as a Republican National Committeeman.
He also attended the 1972 Republican National Convention and the 1976 Republican National Convention. These conventions are where the Republican Party chooses its presidential candidate.
Serving in Congress
On November 7, 1978, Melvin Evans was elected as the Delegate for the U.S. Virgin Islands. He ran as a Republican.
He won the election with 10,458 votes, which was 52% of all votes. He served in the U.S. House of Representatives from January 3, 1979, to January 3, 1981. He tried to get re-elected in 1980 but lost to Ron de Lugo.
Ambassador and Later Life
After his time in Congress, Melvin Evans was appointed as the United States Ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago. This meant he represented the United States in the country of Trinidad and Tobago.
He served as ambassador until his death on November 27, 1984. He is buried in the Christiansted Cemetery on Saint Croix.
