The Committee on Rules and Judiciary heard from V.I. Banking Board nominee Laurel Hewitt-Sewer on Wednesday and voted without opposition to send her on for a final up or down vote.
Born and raised on St. Croix and a 37-year resident of St. John, Hewitt-Sewer is a part-time professor of inclusive early childhood education in the School of Education at the University of the Virgin Islands and a retired family and consumer sciences teacher. She has a master’s degree in child and youth care administration from Nova South Eastern University and a bachelor’s degree in home economics, child development from Georgia Southern University. She is also a member of the V.I. Port Authority governing board.
"As an educator my focus on the Banking Board, if confirmed, will be to help educate the public on banking matters such as the importance of estate planning, investments, information on banking products, the advantages of direct deposit, and more. I would also help educate our young people on the importance of money management and maintaining good credit," Hewitt-Sewer said.
Sen. Neville James asked about the lack of availability of loans to small businesses. In response, Hewett-Sewer said, “I will serve as a consumer advocate encouraging banks to make loans available to local small businesses and offer mortgage loans and small loans to all segments of the community by complying with the Community Reinvestment Act,” she said.
Hewett-Sewer also shared some of her goals.
“I will educate the public on banking matters, such as the importance of estate planning, investments, information on banking products, the advantages of direct deposit and more.” She continued, “I would also help educate our young people on the importance of money management and maintaining good credit.”
Voting to send Hewitt-Sewer’s nomination on with a favorable recommendation were: James, Sens. Nereida "Nellie" Rivera-O’Reilly, Jean Forde, Novelle Francis Jr., Justin Harrigan and Kenneth Gittens. Sen. Janette Millin Young was absent.
