Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. spoke to the community a little later than usual during his weekly briefing Monday after attending the opening day of public schools on all three islands — St. John, St. Thomas and St. Croix.
The main headline of the briefing was to nominate DLCA Acting Commissioner Harriet Nathalie Hodge for the permanent post. Just a week ago, DLCA Commissioner Richard Evangelista was named Bryan’s chief legal counsel. At that time, Hodge moved into the top position.
Hodge is a 24-year employee of the department. She said she worked in many areas, including grants oversight, policy and amendment writing, and human resources, to her position as assistant commissioner. She graduated from St. Joseph’s High School and holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
“I’m honored and humbled by Governor Bryan’s nomination and his confidence in my ability to lead the Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs,” she said. “I’m a devoted public servant and I’ve been promoted through the ranks, in various positions, during my tenure at the DLCA, beginning with the oversight of a federal grant to my present position as assistant commissioner.”
Following normal protocol, the Senate will confirm the designee at two hearings before she assumes the title.
Answering a question from the media, the governor said he has no new information on the plane that disappeared on a training flight from Puerto Rico to St. Thomas Saturday night. The Cessna Skylark, with two pilots aboard, was last seen southeast of St. Thomas.
Bryan said his day began with a boat trip to St. John. There he welcomed students on the first day of school at Julius Sprauve Elementary. Back on St. Thomas, he greeted teachers and students at Ivanna Eudora Kean High School and then flew to St. Croix. On the big island, the governor made the rounds to three elementary schools — Lew Muckle, Ricardo Richards and Pearl B. Larsen. Most students and teachers seemed to be excited about the school opening, he said.
“You are special. You are smart. You are intelligent. You are loved and cared for and you are a bright Virgin Islands student,” said Bryan, repeating one principal’s message to students. He said parents should say it to their children every day.
Bryan said he was especially happy to see the school libraries since $2 million has been invested in new books, STEM materials, and other supplies, he said.
The governor also wished Lt. Gov. Tregenza Roach “a joyous and memorable birthday.”
