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February 12, 2007
Governor names Finch and Peguero VIPA board Gov. John deJongh has nominated two members to the V.I. Port Authority Governing Board. The governor has re-nominated St. Croix businessman Hector Peguero and has selected a former executive director of the VIPA to serve on its board in the person of Gordon Finch. When confirmed by the 27th Legislature Finch and Peguero will serve three-year terms. A St. Croix resident, Peguero has served as President of Suntech Group since 1989. Suntech is the parent company of St. Thomas Gas and St. Croix Gas companies. In his position since 1989, Peguero has managed the two island operations of the company which develops and sells propane gas to both a domestic and commercial markets. Gordon Finch, also a St. Croix resident, brings significant experience to the VIPA board having served as the agency’s Executive Director for eleven years from September 1991-December 2002. Finch would replace James Rodgers whose term on the board has expired. Finch said today he was “willing to serve and believes that based on his experience he has alot to contribute to the policies of the V.I. Port Authority.” Finch is also a former Public Works Commissioner and a mechanical engineer by occupation. DeJongh promised in his State of the Territory address three weeks ago that he “would be naming new members to the VIPA board all of whom would understand their broad obligations and will be prepared to make tough decisions.” The Port Authority has some tremendous challenges over the next several years in terms of personnel but also in the competitive positioning of the U.S. Virgin Islnads, de Jongh said, adding, “We must re-build cruise traffic to St. Croix, improve the utilization of the Henry E. Rohlsen Airport, improve the efficiencies in marine activity to St. John and rationalize the cruise activity in the Charlotte Amalie harbor.” DeJongh said this will require that the board establish policies which recognize the uniqueness of each market but the shared objectives of moving the territory forward. “Mr. Peguero, as an active member of the board over the years, understands what needs to be done and brings the experience. Mr. Finch has the unique perspective of having been part of the Port Authority’s Executive Staff and understands the relationship between policy and management implementation.” The Finch and Peguero nominations, which are subject to the advice and consent process of the 27th Legislature, were formally forwarded to Senate President Usie Richards at week’s end. |
