Gittens’ Rules And Judiciary Committee Ready To Begin Confirmation Of Mapp Nominees

Sen. Kenneth Gittens, chairman of the Committee on Rules and Judiciary, said he and his staff are prepared to receive nominations and begin the confirmation process of persons sent to Senate President Neville James last week by Governor Kenneth Mapp.

The first round of confirmation hearings is expected to take place within the next two weeks, Gittens said.

The senator pointed out that the Committee on Rules and Judiciary plays a significant role in the confirmation process by conducting investigations and holding hearings.

“Though the task may be comprehensive, the people of the Virgin Islands are depending on us as a legislative body to complete a proper and thorough vetting process of the nominees,” Sen. Gittens said. “When Governor Mapp made his announcements of nominees, my staff and I began preparing ourselves for the task of gathering the necessary information to, at least, begin the biographical information-gathering process and to set up tentative dates for the confirmation hearings.”

Gittens said as he receives documentation from James’ office, he will meet with his other committee members to finalize preparations for the hearings. In addition, he expressed confidence in the abilities of many of those nominated to the various government agencies and departments.

Twelve nominees have been sent to the Senate president for confirmation. They are:

1. Pedro Cruz-Commissioner Designee for Sports, Parks and Recreation
2. Vivian Ebbesen-Fludd – Commissioner Designee for Human Services
3. Milton E. Potter – Director Designee for Personnel
4. Eugene Farrell – Director Designee for Fire Services
5. Gustav James – Commissioner Designee for Public Works
6. Beverly Nicholson-Doty – Commissioner Designee for Tourism
7. Carlos Robles – Commissioner Designee for Agriculture
8. Devin Carrington – Commissioner Designee for Licensing and Consumer Affairs
9. Marvin Pickering – Director Designee for the Bureau Internal Revenue
10. Sharon McCollum – Commissioner Designee for Education
11. Valdamier Collens – Commissioner Designee for Finance
12. Lawrence Olive – Director Designee for the Bureau of Motor Vehicles

Besides Gittens, Rules and Judiciary Committee members include Sens. Janette Millin- Young, vice-chair; Neville James; Novelle E. Francis, Jr.; Justin Harrigan, Sr. and Nereida Rivera-O’Reilly.