Mapp Appoints Hugh Pemberton To Port Authority Board, Gustav James To WAPA

Governor Kenneth Mapp has appointed three new members to the Board of Governors of the Virgin Islands Port Authority (VIPA), including St. Croix businessman Hugh Pemberton, owner of the Reef Broadcasting family of radio stations. Furthermore, Commissioner-designee of the Dept. of Public Works, Gustav James, has been appointed to the board of the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority (WAPA).

Pemberton’s local radio stations include WDHP — 1620 AM, WAXJ — 103.5 FM, and St. Kitts station, 90.7 FM. He also owns other businesses.

Shirlene Taylor was also appointed to VIPA’s board for the District of St. Croix and Michael Watson was appointed to represent the District of St. John, according to information released from Government House.

Upon confirmation, Taylor will replace Manuel Gutierrez, Jr., whose term has expired; Watson will replace Robert O’Connor, Jr., whose term has also expired; and Pemberton will replace Hector Peguero, another current board member whose term has expired.

“It is my pleasure to ask the advice and consent of the Thirty-First Legislature on these nominations,” Mapp said. “Their prompt and favorable confirmation will enhance the board’s ability to meet its busy agenda and better serve the people of the U.S. Virgin Islands.”

Of Mapp’s appointment of James to the WAPA board, Government House said the appointment was made “at the pleasure of the Governor and by virtue of his position in accordance with Title 30 Section 103 (a) of the Virgin Islands Code.”

“Commissioner Designee James brings an expertise and willingness to serve on the WAPA board. This will only enhance the board’s ability to meet its goals and better serve the residents and businesses of the U. S. Virgin Islands,” the governor said.

The Mapp administration has said it would continue “to identify individuals willing to serve with the skills and background to fill the numerous vacancies on a variety of boards and commissions.”

Feature Image: Hugh Pemberton