Melvin Herbert Evans was the first elected Governor of the United States Virgin Islands.

Early life and education

Melvin Herbert Evanswas born in Christiansted in Saint Croix, and attended Howard University, Washington, D.C. and the University of California, Berkeley. 

Career

He was the Virgin Islands Health Commissioner, and appointed Governor of the United States Virgin Islands, serving from 1969 until 1971. He was the first elected Governor in 1970 and served from 1971 until 1975. Evans was a Republican National Committeeman and served as a delegate to the 1972 Republican National Convention and 1976 Republican National Convention.

On 7 November 1978, Evans was elected Delegate to the United States House of Representatives from U.S. Virgin Islands as a Republican. He defeated Democrat Janet Watlington, an aide to outgoing Del. Ron de Lugo, with 10,458 votes, or 52% of the vote. Watlington placed second 9,588 votes, equaling 48% of the total votes cast. Evans served as Delegate in the House from 3 January 1979 to 3 January 1981. He was an unsuccessful candidate for reelection in 1980, losing to former Delegate Ron de Lugo.

Evans was appointed United States Ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago, and served until his death. He is interred in Christiansted Cemetery in Saint Croix.

Personal life

Evans was married to wife Mary Phyllis Evans and the father of four children.

Death

Evans died on 27 November 1984, aged 67.