Hubert Moscoso Brings Experience, Local Knowledge to Island HPR Post

Hubert Moscoso

 

Love City residents will be happy to know that Hubert Moscoso, the new smiling face at the St. John Department of Housing, Parks and Recreation, not only lives on St. John — he brings plenty of sporting and recreation experience.

Moscoso, who took his post as Administrator of HPR for St. John on December 3, is a V.I. native with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. He was involved in sports on St. Thomas as a young boy, and continued his involvement by umpiring and coaching little league baseball in the states.

Moscoso’s interest in sports and recreation stems from his time growing up in the V.I., he explained.

“I have a passion for sports and children, and I want to give back to the islands that always gave to me,” said Moscoso. “I remember being young and playing little league, not realizing the time and effort spent by Housing, Parks and Recreation umping the games and the time they took to teach me. That experience shaped me into who I am today; it did me great justice.”

Upon returning to the V.I. after earning his degree three years ago, Moscoso worked as the assistant director of housekeeping at the Westin. While his new job is not in the hospitality field, the two positions are related, the local HPR administrator explained.

“The kids are our guests now instead of the adults,” said Moscoso. “My focus is making their childhood memorable.”

Revamping recreation activities on St. John and bringing back basic sports such as basketball, baseball and softball are at the top of Moscoso’s to-do list.

Moscoso welcomes clubs or organizations wishing to start their own sport in conjunction with HPR, he added.

“If you want to start something like a majorette club in conjunction with HPR, I’m open to that,” said Moscoso.

“Anyone interested in starting a youth activity should come and talk to me. It all points back to the youth, and that’s our number one priority.”

In addition to establishing a successful St. John sports program, it’s also important to Moscoso that kids have a safe place to go after school while their parents are still at work.

“One of the main goals of the recreation center, which is open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., is to provide a safe haven after school,” said Moscoso. “We have pool tables and we just got a ping pong table. We’re trying to get things in here to pique the kids’ interest.”

Sports and recreation activities are more than just a safe haven for kids, Moscoso added.

“It’s a great way to meet new friends, and in a place as diverse as St. John, it’s a good way to learn about new cultures,” he said.

Moscoso was the ideal candidate for the job of HPR St. John administrator, according to HPR Commissioner St. Claire Williams. It was important the candidate both live on St. John and possess a background in sports and recreation, the commissioner explained.

“He comes with a desire to work with young people,” said Williams.

HPR is working on developing programs to address the V.I.’s obesity problems in conjunction with the V.I. Department of Health, explained Williams, who did not elaborate on the programs.

On St. John, HPR plans to upgrade the facility at Oppenheimer Beach for residents and tourists alike to use for parties and weddings. The department is currently installing playground equipment at the Pine Peace basketball court, and there are plans to install a drain around the courts to address flooding issues.

Moscoso, a father himself, is excited to begin making a difference for the youth of St. John.

“I’ve been wanting to get involved,” he said. “Youth sports and recreation have always been a passion of mine.”

For more information on youth programs, stop by the HPR building in Cruz Bay or call 776-6531.