Is Janice Brathwaite-Edwards the new City Manager?
Now word has come that the officer might be either changing jobs or holding two positions. According to Virgin Islands News Online well placed sources and team of reporters the officer may be assigned to the Ministry of Communications and Works and may become the City Manager reporting to the district 4th, representative whose constituencies include parts of Road Town.
Mr. Vanterpool is also the Minister for Communications and Works.
This news site was told that Mrs. Brathwaite-Edwards was introduced late last week to Ministry of Communications’ staff as the City Manager and has an office at the Ministry.
History of City Manager’s Post
The last time the National Democratic Party (NDP) was in power (2003-2007) the post of City Manager was created which incorporated the Wickhams Cay Development Authority. The first City Manager was Ms. Eugenia O’Neal.
However, following the 2007 elections in which the Virgin Islands Party (VIP) crushed the NDP 11 to 2 the post was not funded, and removed from the Budget. With the return of the NDP to power in 2011, the 4th, district representative who was the brain behind the post has lobbied for its return.
In July of 2011 then Opposition Leader, Dr. the Honourable D. Orlando Smith told the House of Assembly that the NDP saw an important role for the position of City Manager, who was tasked with the responsibility of overlooking aspects of the capital city Road Town.
Dr. Smith explained that when the NDP was in office [2003-2007], they took the job of making Road Town a place where all enjoyed and residents could feel proud of.
It remains unclear whether Mrs. Brathwaite-Edwards will be giving up her other assignment as Tourism Liaison Officer to take on this new post, or doing both jobs.
Both Minister Vanterpool and Brathwaite-Edwards could not be reached for clarification as of press time. The City Manager’s post is a government job, non-elected and is appointed with direct input from the 4th, district representative.
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