Department of Labor Commissioner, V.I. Lottery Director Announced

In a wide-ranging press conference held Thursday at Government House on St. Croix, Governor Kenneth Mapp announced two new members of his cabinet, including Commissioner-designee of the Department of Labor Catherine Ann Hendry and Director of the Virgin Islands Lottery, Juan Figueroa, Sr.

Hendry has been acting commissioner of the department since Albert Bryan’s resignation in January. According to biographical information made available by Government House, Hendry was born in Christiansted and attended Barnard College of Columbia University in New York City. Upon graduation, Hendry earned her Juris Doctor from St. Thomas University School of Law.

In 2007, Hendry moved back to St. Croix, where she worked as a Judicial Law Clerk for Judge Julio A. Brady at the Superior Court of the Virgin Islands. Hendry is also a member of the Virgin Islands Bar Association, and has worked as district counsel for the Virgin Islands Dept. of Licensing and Consumer Affairs, and assistant commissioner of labor affairs/legal counsel for the Dept. of Labor.

Governor Mapp warned Figueroa that the work that awaits him will be difficult. The governor also spoke of Figueroa’s background, revealing years of service to the territory.

Born in Puerto Rico, Figueroa moved to St. Croix at the age of six and graduated from Central High School in 1969. He has served in various management positions at the National Guard, and retired with the rank of Major in 1998. In 2001, he was hired  as the human resources manager for the Virgin Islands Dept. of Planning and Natural Resources. Figueroa was also nominated by former Governor Charles Turnbull to serve as a board member of the Virgin Islands Mental Health Planning/Advisory Council.

Figueroa has worked for his son, former Sen. Juan Figueroa, in the 26th and 27th Legislatures from 2005 to 2009. He has been married to Catherine Serville Figueroa for 41 years.

The two new appointees will join 14 others chosen by Mapp to go before the Senate for confirmation.

Governor Mapp did not reveal his pick for Attorney General, which remains  Terri Griffiths.