On Tuesday, the Senate approved the governor’s nominees to lead the departments of Finance, Agriculture and Licensing and Consumer Affairs.
With the approvals, Nathalie Hodge will become commissioner of Licensing and Consumer Affairs; Louis E. Petersen Jr. commissioner of Agriculture; and Kevin McCurdy commissioner of Finance, pending their official swearing-in ceremonies.
The nominations received unanimous approval from the 15 senators present. Most of the comments were positive, such as Sen. Marvin Blyden’s, who said, “All the candidates are highly qualified and have a wealth of experiences and knowledge.”
Sen. Marise James was one of several senators who picked out Hodge for special praise. She noted the 25 years Hodge worked in Consumer Affairs and said, “I am definitely pleased Nathalie Hodge has been selected. Expectations are high for her.”
The senators also had advice for the new commissioners. Sen. Franklin Johnson told Petersen that a watchful eye was needed on the expenditures at Agriculture and that the farmers raising livestock needed abattoirs functioning in each district.
Sen. Novelle Francis also gave Petersen advice. Francis said this appointment would allow Petersen to finish all the projects he didn’t finish in his first tenure at Agriculture. Petersen previously served in the same position under former Gov. John deJongh Jr. From 1995 to 1999 he served as assistant commissioner.
Francis also advised all the approved nominees and said, “Don’t stop answering your phone.”
The full Senate also approved Bryan’s two nominations to the University of the Virgin Islands Board of Trustees, Dr. Donna M. Christensen and Dr. Bert Petersen Jr.
Sen. Milton Potter said about Christensen, the former delegate to Congress, “She is a legendary leader in the Virgin Islands.”