Pedro Cruz, Delroy Richards Take Oath Of Office At Government House

ST. CROIX — Two of Governor Kenneth Mapp’s nominees, namely Virgin Islands Police Commissioner Delroy Richards and Pedro Cruz, commissioner of Sports, Parks and Recreation, took the oath of office at Government House this morning in the building’s second floor ballroom, where family and friends gathered in support of the men.

The Mapp administration’s Communications Director, Kimberly Jones, officiated the event beginning with the posting of colors by the Central High School’s JROTC Color Guard, followed by a rendition of the U.S. national anthem and the Virgin Islands march, performed by Kendra Young.

After a short prayer by Reverend Dr. Reuben A. Vessup, Lieutenant Governor Osbert Potter made a few remarks, congratulating the nominees who became official commissioners today, while reassuring others in attendance, whose nominations failed a critical Senate vote last Thursday, that they too would be taking the oath of office in the near future.

“Trust me, we’re going to have more cabinet members,” Potter said to the applause of the packed ballroom.

Cruz took the oath first, thanked his family, beginning with his wife, and promised to work tirelessly in lifting Sports, Parks and Recreation to new levels of success. He mentioned projects that were already underway as well as future works.

“I feel good, it’s a blessing,” Cruz told The Consortium. “We started to carry out a mandate and we will continue with the same faith and strength, and we’re looking forward to accomplish that mandate.”

Richards, who’s held the VIPD’s commissioner position in the past, said he was humbled to be chosen yet again to lead the territory’s law enforcement arm.

“I am fully committed to all the residents in the territory, and I will work tirelessly to accomplish the mission of the police department as well as the mandate given to me.”

Richards, reminding those in attendance that he’s no stranger to policing, said “business as usual at the police department is no longer an option.” The commissioner said his immediate staff knows and understands the vision, and will aid in carrying it through.

“The men and women of the VIPD are, for the most part, truly committed to responding to the many calls for service despite the perception of a few,” he said.

Mapp spoke briefly about the nominees, thanking them for accepting the call to serve. The governor also promised to provide the resources needed to make their tenures successful.

Both Richards and Cruz were sworn into office by Judge Maria M. Cabret, associate justice of the Supreme Court of the Virgin Islands. According to Government House, the ceremony will be repeated in St. Thomas on Wednesday for cabinet members who live there.