July 17, 2001 — For the second time in the last year and a half, Gov. Charles W. Turnbull has sent the names of five nominees for the Public Services Commission to the Legislature – three from St. Thomas and two from St. Croix.
In February 2000, Turnbull also sent five names to the Senate for approval. Eventually, and for different reasons, all five withdrew their names from nomination.
Turnbull on Tuesday nominated Alric Simmonds, his deputy chief of staff, to replace the current commission chairman, Walter Challenger. Challenger's term expired June 2, 1999.
According to a release from Government House, Simmonds, a St. Thomas nominee, has a background in business and economics and a Master's Degree in public administration from George Washington University.
Business owner and management consultant Verne David, also of St. Thomas, has been nominated to succeed Dora Hill, whose term also expired June 2, 1999.
From St. Croix, the governor nominated Jerris Browne, a deputy commissioner with the V.I. Police Department. He replaces Patrick Williams, whose term expired in March 2000.
Valencio Jackson, assistant commissioner of Finance with a bachelor's degree in accounting and financial marketing from the University of the Virgin Islands, was tapped to fill the vacant St. Croix position on the board.
St. Thomas attorney Desmond Maynard was reappointed to serve another two-year term. Maynard has served since his term expired July 23, 1998.
Luther Felix Renee's term expires July 23.
The seven commissioners serve for three years or until the appointment and qualification of a successor. In addition, two members of the Legislature serve in an ex-officio capacity, one from the St. Thomas-St. John district and one from St. Croix. They are appointed by the Senate president and don't require confirmation.
Meanwhile, Turnbull appointed Malcolm Plaskett and Randolph Allen to the board of the Economic Development Authority, formerly the Industrial Development Commission. The move reverses Turnbull’s decision to nominate Craig Barshinger and Ronald Belfon for the EDA slots.
Turnbull said the V.I. attorney general advised him that the V.I. Code allows him to legally appoint the members previously appointed to a predecessor board without additional Senate approval. Turnbull said Barshinger and Belfon accepted his decision and he will consider them for other board assignments.
