Commissioner Berry-Benjamin Tests Positive for COVID-19 

An Aug. 4 file photo shows Education Commissioner Racquel Berry-Benjamin. (File screenshot)

V.I. Department of Education Commissioner Racquel Berry-Benjamin has tested positive for COVID-19, the Department of Education announced Friday evening.

Berry-Benjamin has been fully vaccinated since February, the announcement said.

In the news release, the department said Berry-Benjamin underwent COVID-19 testing Friday after experiencing symptoms overnight Thursday. She did not perform any official duties following an emergency press conference she hosted Thursday.

Assistant Education Commissioner Victor Somme III will serve as acting commissioner while Berry-Benjamin recuperates.

During a telephone call to staff on Friday evening, Berry-Benjamin said employees and the community should continue to follow all COVID-19 safety protocols, as the coronavirus remains prevalent, and all are susceptible to it.