Bryan appoints OMB Director without notifying public
ST. THOMAS, USVI - Governor Albert Bryan Jr has appointed a Virgin Islander from Virgin Gorda, Ms Jenifer C. O’Neal as Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director, an important position in government because of the calamitous state of the territory’s finances.
But the administration—just as it did when it failed to inform the public that Mr Bryan had appointed Carol Thomas-Jacobs as acting Attorney General of the USVI—failed to notify the media or the public of Ms O’Neal’s appointment.
Ms O’Neal was on the job introducing herself to OMB employees on Wednesday, according to a person with knowledge of the matter.
O’Neal silently started the job
She was also present at Mr Bryan’s State of the Territory Address, where the governor spelt out the dire condition of the USVI government, describing it as an operation “distressed,” and one with only a small window of opportunity to get it right.
Yet with such a gloomy outlook, the Governor failed to advise the public that he had chosen someone who will play a great role in his administration’s efforts to stabilize and, hopefully, build on territory’s economy.
The Office of Management and Budget serves the Bryan administration in overseeing the governor’s strategy and vision across the executive branch of government. The office plays an integral role in the administration’s policy, budget and management objectives.
Second blunder
Be it carelessness or an oversight—the failure, which has occurred more than once—places a dent in Mr Bryan’s stated intent to run a government that is transparent.
Part of transparency is informing the public of pertinent decisions made by the administration, including the appointment of individuals to key roles.
According to her LinkedIn profile, Ms O’Neal appears to be an experienced individual well suited for the job. Further, Ms O’Neal has also worked for the Government of the Virgin Islands in the past.
8 Responses to “Bryan appoints OMB Director without notifying public”