Mapp Signs Executive Order Giving Potter Oversight Over ‘Certain Areas’ Within Dept. Of Sports, Parks And Recreation

ST. CROIX — Governor Kenneth Mapp has signed an executive order giving Lieutenant Governor Osbert Potter oversight of “certain areas” within the Department of Sports, Parks and Recreation, a Government House press release issued this afternoon has made known.

The governor stated that his action should not be construed as diminishing the authority of Commissioner Pedro Cruz, and contented that Mr. Potter has certain unique abilities that will help advance progress within the department.

“The Lt. Governor possesses the knowledge, skills, abilities and experience in the area of sports and recreation and the assignment of responsibility and oversight of certain areas within the DSP&R would utilize the knowledge, skills abilities and experience to improve the efficiency and productivity in the executive branch of Government,” Mr. Mapp said.

The areas where Potter was given oversight include athletic training and development programs, inter-island sporting and athletic events, sports and recreation facilities, sporting activities, development of after-school athletic programs and activities, Olympic sporting activities and development of fitness program for government employees.

The order, seen here, says Mr. Cruz shall confer with Mr. Potter on the areas listed above, “in the manner in which he previously conferred” with the governor. In turn, Mr. Potter will then confer with the territory’s leader concerning the aforementioned matters. And in areas where the lieutenant governor and Mr. Cruz cannot agree, “such matters will be referred to the governor for his final decision,” according to language found in the executive order.

The order also states that the action should not be seen as Mr. Mapp relinquishing his authority over the departments of the territory’s government; nor does it prevents him from directly communicating with Mr. Cruz on matters related to the department.

There were no comments from Mr. Cruz or Mr. Potter accompanying the press release.