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TESTIMONY KEY TO THE TERRITORY - MS. JANEISHA JOHN BY: JANELLA JOHN NOVEMBER 14, 2025 TESTIMONY IN SUPPORT OF BILL NO. 36-0149 A Resolution Honoring and Commending Janeisha John With your indulgence, Mr. Chair, in the essence of time, I would like media to play a short video clip of Janeisha’s humble journey throughout the years while I read my testimony. Good day, Honorable Chairman Senator Avery Lewis, Honorable Senator Angel Bolques, Jr., sponsor of Bill No. 36-0149, and all Senators of the Committee on Government Operations, Veterans Affairs, and Consumer Protection. A special good afternoon is also extended to our father, Josephat John, our mother, Elizabeth Torres, and to all our family and friends joining us in the well today. Thank you for the opportunity to testify in strong support of this resolution honoring and commending Janeisha John for her outstanding achievements and contributions to the fields of entertainment, modeling, and media. My name is Janella John, and I am here today full of pride, gratitude, and—honestly—a little emotion, as I testify in honor of my little sister, Janeisha John. I can’t even tell you how many times I rewrote this testimony—not because I didn’t know what to say, but because there’s just so much to say. There’s an entire world of stories, moments, and memories that could only begin to explain who Janeisha truly is. But I’ll start with this: A resolution is one of the highest symbolic honors that can be bestowed, reserved for individuals who uplift the Virgin Islands through exceptional achievement, cultural representation, service, mentorship, and legacy-building. Janeisha’s life and career embody each of these pillars: Cultural Representation: Janeisha has carried the Virgin Islands on her back—and in her heart—onto international stages. From Miss St. Croix to becoming the first woman to represent the Virgin Islands in both the Miss America and Miss Universe pageants, she has consistently showcased Crucian grace, poise, and pride. Whether she’s walking in Paris Fashion Week, hosting television shows, or appearing in global publications, she represents home loudly, proudly, and intentionally. Professional Excellence: Her journey through entertainment, modeling, media, and television is paved with hard- earned achievements. She helped build a billion-dollar Black-owned network and established a reputation in Hollywood as a creative force—all while maintaining the professionalism and humility that reflect the very best of Virgin Islands talent. Service and Community Investment: Beyond the lights and cameras, her heart has remained rooted in service. She has donated thousands of dollars to education and youth groups, planned relief drives, and sponsors annual giveaways, to name a few. She has quietly funded pageant gowns, supported young women who lacked resources, mentored girls struggling with confidence, and used her platform to uplift others. Her acts of service are rarely publicized—because she never did it for applause. She did it because it’s who she is. Mentorship and Empowerment: Even now, she’s pouring her time and heart into a project deeply personal to her—the J. John Foundation. This initiative is her way of giving back to the community that shaped her by creating spaces where young girls and women can grow in confidence, purpose, and professionalism. The foundation will offer scholarships to support education, host workshops in media and modeling, and provide training in communication, etiquette, public speaking, and self-presentation. It will also include mentorship programs pairing industry professionals with young talent from the Virgin Islands, helping them build the skills, discipline, and mindset needed to succeed. Her accomplishments tell one story—a story of excellence, grit, and perseverance. But the fuller story, the one that truly moves me, is found in who she is beyond the spotlight. It’s the Janeisha some people don’t see—the one whose kindness, humility, and heart for others shine just as brightly as any crown she’s ever worn. Most people know her as the model, the pageant queen, the Hollywood creative, and the fashion icon. But to me, she’s my baby sister—my ride without the die—the one who challenges me to grow through her words of wisdom and her positive outlook on life. Growing up, I was the rule-breaker, the risk-taker, the one who kept our parents on edge… and right behind me was Janeisha—the calm to my chaos. She has always been my balance, my “slow down and think” person. One look or that signature “Really, Janella?” could humble me instantly. She’s been my conscience for as long as I can remember, reminding me to lead with grace, not ego, and to put my best foot forward. Behind that sweet smile was always a fire. From the time she could walk and talk, she was leading, performing, excelling. Class president, gifted musician, performer of the arts—she graduated in the top 5% of her class before earning her Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing from the University of the Virgin Islands. She managed perfect grades and perfect hair effortlessly—a balance I never quite mastered. The entertainment world is not easy—it can swallow you whole if you aren’t grounded. But she has remained anchored in faith, steady in storms, and always true to herself no matter what. Even now, her influence is undeniable. She is seen and known internationally—her face graces billboards, digital campaigns, and magazines in airports and cities across the globe. During a recent trip to our father’s birthplace, St. Lucia, we couldn’t take two steps without hearing young girls, women, and even men shout, “Janeisha!” asking for a picture and an autograph. Those moments were a reminder of just how far her reach and influence extend. I honestly can’t get used to people screaming when they see her. Especially when the young girls come up to her and hug her and she embraces them back. It’s a beautiful sight to see! I remember the day she left home with just a few suitcases, a prayer, and a dream. She said, “I have to make this work.” And she did—through faith, humility, and a drive that would not bend. She is grounded in who she is: a daughter of the Virgin Islands, Frederiksted born and raised… on love, faith, and good ole Centerline Bakery bread. Sis, from the very first time you stepped on a stage, I’ve been there—front and center, cheering, clapping, and beaming with pride, telling anyone who would listen, “That’s my little sister.” Today is no different. You’ve made our family proud beyond words, and you’ve made the Virgin Islands proud beyond measure. You’ve earned every bit of recognition coming your way. You’ve worked hard, faced rejection, and still managed to turn your dreams into reality without ever forgetting where you came from. You are a true ambassador of the U.S. Virgin Islands—making the world your stage and carrying home with you everywhere you go, flashing your VI sign and proudly reminding the world exactly where you’re from. I know firsthand the sacrifices behind the success—how you stretched every dollar just to keep your dream alive, took odd jobs, and pushed through days when all you had was faith and determination. People see the shine now, but they didn’t see the struggle—the closed doors, the hard times, the tears that fell in silence, the crack in your voice when you questioned if it was all worth it, the long drives through L.A. traffic to low-paying jobs that had nothing to do with media or modeling—all just to stay afloat and keep building toward the vision you never gave up on. And now, sis, you can say it proudly and out loud—you did it! I see you, and I couldn’t be prouder. You’ve touched and inspired countless lives simply by being yourself. Even as your big sister, I can say you’ve inspired me—back then and even more so now. I’m grateful that you’re being celebrated while you can still smell your flowers because you truly deserve every single petal. You showed that a bright-eyed west girl can turn dreams into reality without ever forgetting where she came from. You walk into every room flashing your VI sign and letting everyone know it’s VI for life. And no matter what the end result is here today, know this: You are appreciated. You are celebrated. You are loved by many—because you have loved, supported, and uplifted many. Sincerely, A Proud Sister Before I conclude, I extend a heartfelt thank you to Senator At-Large Angel Bolques Jr. for seeing Janeisha’s contribution as one to be acknowledged. For too often, our brightest and best receive their flowers when its too late and so thank you for sponsoring this resolution, Senator. Thank you also to the members of this Committee for recognizing the power of representation, excellence, and service embodied by Ms. Janeisha John. Mr. Chair, this concludes the reading of my testimony. God Bless!