June 29, 2007 — After acting as the head of the Department of Housing, Parks and Recreation for the past six months, St. Claire N. Williams has been officially tapped by Gov. John deJongh Jr. to serve as the agency's commissioner.
Before taking over for former commissioner Ira Hobson in early January, Williams served as the department's assistant commissioner on St. Croix for the past seven years, according to a Government House news release. Additionally, Williams worked within the ranks of the V.I. Housing Authority.
Williams also served two terms in the Legislature, chairing — among other things — the Senate's Housing Committee. Before getting elected, Williams held positions in the V.I. Port Authority, Hess Oil V.I. Corporation, Amerada Hess and St. Croix Realty.
“I am confident of St. Claire Williams’ abilities to lead the department, and his keen awareness of the many programs that are priorities in housing, parks and recreation,” deJongh said in the release.
Williams' nomination was formerly submitted to the Legislature Thursday evening and will have to make its way through the Rules and Judiciary Committee, along with the full Senate body, before receiving final approval.
While legislation included in the fiscal year 2008 budget seeks to reorganize the structure of Housing, Parks and Recreation, Government House spokesman Jean P. Greaux Jr. said Friday that Williams will serve in his new position until the Senate takes action on the bill.
During a recent Committee of the Whole hearing, senators said the bill would most likely have to go through the standard committee process, since similar legislation — which transfers the department's housing programs to the V.I. Housing Finance Authority — has already been sponsored by Sen. Louis P. Hill.
DeJongh's bill also creates a new department of Sports, Parks and Recreation, however. If approved by the Senate, it will require the nomination of a new commissioner, Greaux said.
"But that bill has not moved forward as yet, and rather than just continuing to have an acting commissioner, the governor decided to put forth his nomination for the head of Housing, Parks and Recreation," he added.
Williams, a graduate of the former Christiansted High School, holds a bachelor of arts degree in business administration and an associate of arts degree in business management from UVI.
He has also held several positions in the V.I. Democratic Party, including state chairman and vice-state chairman. Additionally, Williams has served as president of the Frederiksted Lions Club and is an active member of St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Estate Barren Spot, where he serves as a music minister.
Williams and his wife, Carmen, have three children and four grandchildren.
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