U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS — Governor Albert Bryan Jr. released the following statement in recognition of the passing of 4-star Gen. Colin Powell, the first African American secretary of state:
“It is with sadness that Yolanda and I note the passing of a great man who embodied on many levels what it means to be a leader. As the first black secretary of state, Colin Powell helped pave the way for African Americans to attain the highest levels of government. As the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, he led the country safely through numerous perilous times, including the invasion of Panama and Operation Desert Storm. And as a politician and public servant, he led the call for diplomacy that set very high standards for the country to follow before resorting to warfare.
Colin Powell also led the way and showed countless men and women across the Caribbean that greatness is within their grasp if they reached high enough. Our country – and the world – has lost a great leader, statesman and soldier, but as all great men and women do, Colin Powell has left a monumental legacy.
We can all look to General Powell as a beacon for achieving the highest levels of public service and leadership.”