Today marks what would have been the 94th birthday of Ronald de Lugo, a pioneering figure in the history of the United States Virgin Islands whose contributions and lasting legacy are remembered fondly by many.
Born on August 2, 1930, in Englewood, New Jersey, de Lugo became the first Delegate from the U.S. Virgin Islands to the U.S. House of Representatives, a position he held for a remarkable 23 years.
De Lugo passed away peacefully in his sleep on July 14, 2020, at the age of 89, following a lengthy illness.
His passing was mourned by a diverse array of people, from political leaders and radio fans to Carnival enthusiasts and everyday citizens. Admirers remember him as an outgoing and cheerful man who deeply loved the Virgin Islands and worked tirelessly to promote its best interests on Capitol Hill.
Governor Albert Bryan Jr. described de Lugo as “a pragmatic statesman who carried the torch of political progress for the Virgin Islands and the other insular territories in the U.S. Congress for more than two decades.” De Lugo’s approach to politics was characterized by a commitment to bipartisanship and a refusal to tolerate any disparagement of the Virgin Islands or its people.
Before his political career, de Lugo was a well-known radio personality. In the 1950s, he entertained listeners with his alter ego, Mango Jones, a character he played on air using an altered voice. His role in promoting the return of Carnival in 1952 significantly boosted his popularity and laid the groundwork for his future in politics. Fellow broadcaster and politician Holland Redfield praised him as an exemplary leader who worked across party lines for the good of the territory.
De Lugo’s tenure in Congress, from 1973 to 1979 and from 1981 to 1995, was marked by significant achievements, including securing federal funds for critical infrastructure projects in the Virgin Islands and promoting tourism and economic growth.
His dedication earned him the respect and admiration of his successors, such as Dr. Donna Christensen and current Delegate Stacey Plaskett, both of whom have spoken about his wise counsel and ability to foster bipartisan cooperation.
Beyond his legislative accomplishments, de Lugo’s personal style and warm personality left a lasting impression on those who knew him. Angeline Muckle-Jabbar, Plaskett’s chief of staff, recalled de Lugo’s booming voice and friendly demeanor, which made everyone feel like they had known him forever. His daughter, Gigi de Lugo, shared memories of accompanying her father to Capitol Hill and meeting prominent lawmakers, including Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm, the first Black woman to run for President.
De Lugo’s influence extended beyond politics. He played a pivotal role in revitalizing the Virgin Islands Carnival, starting with small parades outside the studios of WSTA-AM in Frenchtown. His efforts culminated in the vibrant celebrations that continue to this day.
In recognition of his contributions, the U.S. District Court building in Charlotte Amalie was renamed the Ron de Lugo Federal Building in 2003, thanks to legislation introduced by Christensen.
Ronald de Lugo is survived by his wife, Sheila, his daughter Angela, also known as Gigi, and two stepchildren, Alex and Becky Chamorro. He is also survived by five grandchildren, Carl, Chris, Jeremy, Victoria, and Abigail, and two great-grandchildren, Gabriel and Lily.
His legacy is remembered by all who knew him, with many sharing touching personal stories and tributes on social media.
De Lugo’s early life began in New Jersey, but his impact was most profoundly felt in the Virgin Islands, where he moved with his family at a young age. After attending high school in Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, he pursued further education and began a career in broadcasting, which would eventually lead him into public service.
His entry into politics was marked by his election to the Virgin Islands Legislature, where he served from 1956 to 1958 and again from 1962 to 1966. De Lugo’s dedication to public service and his ability to connect with the people of the Virgin Islands propelled him to greater responsibilities.
In 1972, Ronald de Lugo made history by becoming the first Delegate from the Virgin Islands to the U.S. House of Representatives, a position created to provide the territory with a voice in Congress, albeit a non-voting one. He served two separate terms, from 1973 to 1979 and from 1981 to 1995. During his tenure, de Lugo was known for advocating for the interests of the Virgin Islands, working on issues related to economic development, infrastructure, and healthcare.
One of his significant legislative achievements was his work on securing federal funds for the construction of critical infrastructure projects in the Virgin Islands, which played a vital role in the territory’s development. His efforts to promote tourism and economic growth were also noteworthy, helping to elevate the Virgin Islands as a key destination in the Caribbean.
De Lugo’s legacy extends beyond his legislative accomplishments. He is remembered as a trailblazer who paved the way for future representatives of the Virgin Islands and other U.S. territories. His commitment to public service and his dedication to his constituents left an indelible mark on the political landscape of the Virgin Islands.
As the Virgin Islands and the broader community reflect on de Lugo’s contributions on this anniversary of his birth, his pioneering spirit and dedication to public service continue to serve as an inspiration. Ronald de Lugo’s life and career are a testament to the significant impact that dedicated public servants can have on their communities and the nation as a whole.
Discover more from NJTODAY.NET
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.