About John Canegata
John Michael Canegata was born on November 29, 1970 to David and Carmen Canegata the youngest of five children. Before his announcement to run for a seat in the Virgin Islands Legislature, John worked in the now closed Hovensa refinery serving in many roles over a twenty year period: Energy Specialist III, Hazardous Materials Team Captain, Energy Team Leader and Community Ambassador just to name a few.
In the early years, John enjoyed his adolescence in Christiansted town in an area known to its original residents as “Hungry Hill”, where his parents still reside today. John enjoyed a modest, well rounded upbringing, filled with “good old fashioned West Indian values”. Those values naturally aligned with his ethos and shape his now conservative political views along with his strong Christian world views. John has held God front and center throughout his life. While he considers his relationship with God to be “up close and personal” he attends church weekly receiving spiritual food for thought, and constant reminders of God’s grace and mercy.
Education
John is a product of both the public and private school systems of the VI. He attended the Pearl B. Larsen elementary school and considers that the foundation of his academic fiber which he was allowed to build upon. John fondly recalls every teacher that touched his life during that time, and looks back on his public education as a good one. On this experience John has built his education agenda and hopes to help restore the education system to what it once was just a few short years ago. John continued his formative years attending St. Dunstan’s Episcopal School and graduated in 1988.
Military
Upon graduation at St. Dunstan’s Episcopal school, John entered in United States Army and served his country from September 1988 – September 1991. He was stationed in Ft. Sill, Oklahoma and Camp Stanley, South Korea. John served proudly as a 2nd Infantry Division Field Artillery Radar Operator and Combat lifesaver. While serving in the Army John developed a love for his country a passion to “fight the good fight” and embraced words like Honor, Integrity and sacrifice. John loved to service to his country, however longed to return to his island home where he knew he ultimately belonged.
Career
Upon his return to St. Croix John began his employment with the Hess Oil Refinery where he remained employed until the end of refinery operations occurred earlier this year. While in the refinery John was assigned to the Energy Conservation Group in various capacities throughout his career acquiring an intimate knowledge in the dynamic and ever changing field of energy. John was best known for his troubleshooting expertise, and no-nonsense ability to get things done safely and efficiently. John hopes to apply this expertise and oversight skills as the Virgin Islands begin to examine energy alternatives. Additionally, during this time John co-hosted the morning talk show “The Week in Review” on WSTX 970 from 1999 -2005. John became closely acquainted with the people, the economic issues and the politics of the Virgin Islands, which former President Clinton described as “Rough and Tumble”. In this time, John’s passion to help and make things better for the people of St. Croix grew exponentially as he listened week after week to guests and the communities raise issues regarding island life. John is no stranger to the small business community and their struggle to remain afloat in these trying times. His family has owned small businesses in the VI for over 100 years and he co-owns and operates D & J Shooting Gallery LLC located in Estate Cottage on St. Croix.
John’s decision to run for public office was not a light hearted one nor did it come as the result of the Hovensa closure. It came as a result of his love and passion for his home and his people in addition to the impending energy crisis the island was about to face, and is now facing. His desire to make things better for the community and future generations immensely outweighed his need to continue along his current and clear career path in energy. John stepped on to the political scene announcing his candidacy for senate this summer. In September of this year, John was elected State Chair of the Republican Party by an overwhelming 2 to 1 vote ratio over his opponent with a promise to renew and revitalize the party in the VI. John is a father, husband, son, brother, veteran, businessman and friend to many and hopes to be your choice on November 6th. With your support John will be a third generation VI Legislator.
