Potter Leaves Territory On Wednesday For Pan American Games In Toronto

ST. THOMAS — Lieutenant Governor Osbert Potter, who left the territory on July 6 to attend insurance meetings in Montana, returned on July 15. But Potter will leave the islands again on Wednesday — this time to attend the Pan American Games in Toronto, Canada — and won’t be back until July 27, one day after Governor Kenneth Mapp’s return.

The territory’s leaders have spent a lot of time out, but Mapp argued at a press conference following his trips to Guam and Florida, that in his attempts to rebuild the islands, forging relationships with persons and companies with the wherewithal to spur growth in various sectors through new development, is an enduring part of governing.

At yesterday’s press conference, Potter said he will act as head of delegation with Virgin Islands athletes participating in the Pan American Games in Toronto, and wanted to highlight the trip because, in his absence, and while Governor Mapp is still out of the territory, Acting Finance Commissioner Valdamier Collens will serve as governor of the territory. Potter said the administration sought advice from the Department of Justice and from its own counsel, Attorney Emile A. Henderson III in regards to a succession plan while they are away.

Asked why wasn’t someone else given the role of delegation head so the lieutenant governor could remain in the territory while the governor travels, Potter said the decision was made “way in advance” of the games.

“Certain things a set way in advance and other things come at the spur of the moment that cannot be changed that are equally as important,” Potter said. “We did not come together and say, ‘hey, let’s be out of the territory together for four days and see what happens.’ It’s not a game; we do what we know we must do, and we do what we think are important to do. That’s why there is a succession plan.”