Pedro Cruz Responds To Lt. Governor Potter’s New Role At Sports, Parks And Recreation

ST. CROIX — Following Governor Kenneth Mapp’s executive order that gave Lieutenant Governor Osbert Potter oversight over “certain areas” within the Department of Sports, Parks and Recreations, the department’s commissioner, Pedro Cruz, issued the following statement in support of the move:

“I have been a sportsman all of my life, one of the most important lessons that anyone can take away from sports is that building a solid team is the most powerful and consistent way to win. I feel, deep in my heart, that having the Lt. Governor’s talents, interest and experience added to our team and as a personal resource for me as commissioner, will only make our “TEAM” at Sports, Parks & Recreation stronger. 

“Through this new found strength we can better serve the youth of the territory. We have great plans for after school programs, fitness programs and Olympic training programs. The Lt. Governor has experience in these areas and he wants to help advance the plans that I have for this department. It is also a unique advantage and a privilege that the department of Sports Parks and Recreation would have to expedite sports development efficiently and productively.

“We are all working very hard to create a better future for our youth and as of this week, the “TEAM” of Sports Parks & Recreation just got stronger.”

The response comes as residents grew concerned over Mr. Cruz’s seemingly diminishing role at the department that he was vetted to lead. Others saw it as Mr. Potter stretching himself too thin, which would in turn obstruct his work as commissioner of Banking and Insurance.

In a release Government House issued earlier this week, Mr. Mapp stated that his action should not be construed as diminishing the authority of Commissioner 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,” said the governor.

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.

Feature Image: Pedro Cruz.

Image Credit: The Virgin Islands Legislature.