The University of the Virgin Islands – Community Engagement and Lifelong Learning (UVICELL) Center in collaboration with the V.I. Department of Labor’s Division of Occupational Safety and Health (VI-DOSH) and the V.I. Office of Homeland Security will be hosting the 4th Annual Governor’s Safety and Health Conference in February.  The conference will be held February 18-20, 2009 at the Carambola Beach Resort on St. Croix and February 23-25, 2009 at the Marriott Frenchman’s Reef on St. Thomas. 

This year’s theme, “Keeping Paradise Safe and Secure: Together we can…Together we will,” represents the combined efforts and dedication of the entities involved to keep worksites safe and ensure that the territory remains secure.  The Governor’s Safety and Health Conference provides an opportunity for the private and public sectors to come together and learn about developing effective programs to prevent workplace injury and illness, as well as keeping our borders secure.  

“I am pleased to congratulate UVICELL and the Department of Labor’s Division of Occupational Safety and Health on hosting this important conference -- a unique opportunity to hear from leaders in the field, especially regarding steps being taken to engage and protect young workers, as well as managers, on safety and health in the workplace. I expect the panel discussions to be candid, insightful, and informative,” Governor John P. de Jongh, Jr. said.

The conference will include a number of sessions designed to assist organizations in developing safety and health programs to protect the workforce.  This year’s program line-up will include interactive sessions conducted by the University of California at Berkeley whose focus will be on organizations that employ youth in the workforce and how to engage workers of all ages in safety programs.  Certification programs in safety and health as well as homeland security programs will also be offered.  The key note address will be presented by Mr. David Silverberg, Editor of Homeland Security Today.  Mr. Silverberg is a respected Washington writer and editor with experience in defense, technology, congressional affairs and publication management. 

Space is limited and registration is required. For more information, call the UVICELL Center at (340) 693-1100.