Matarangas King Nominated to Head Tourism; Union Leaders Called to Testify

M.A. Dworkin

St. Thomas  - Governor Albert Bryan Jr. took the opportunity at the Monday Press Briefing at Government House on St. Thomas to nominate longtime Communications Executive Jennifer Matarangas King to be the next Commissioner of the Virgin Islands Department of Tourism. A native of St. Croix, with over 28 years of public and private sector experience, Ms. Matarangas King had come to be synonymous with the leadership of the Viya brand. 

She is praised, far and wide, for her strategic thinking and deep commitment to the Territory. Her outstanding experience in public relations and governmental affairs, marks her as an excellent choice to elevate the tourism sector and succeed Commissioner Joseph Boschulte who is credited with a number of historic achievements that elevated the name and reputation of the Virgin Islands throughout the U.S. and Worldwide tourism markets.

“Tourism is more than our economy, it is how we tell our story to the world and create opportunity for the people of the Virgin Islands,” said Governor Bryan. “Jennifer understands that. She is a strategic thinker, a skilled communicator, and a proud Virgin Islander with a deep commitment to service. I am confident that she will lead the Department of Tourism with vision and distinction.”

“I am honored and humbled by this opportunity to serve,” Ms Matarangas King said. “Tourism is one of the most powerful tools we have for shaping the future of these Virgin Islands. It helps attract investment, create jobs, and celebrate who we are. I look forward to building on the strong foundation that has already been laid and helping to take our product, our people, and our potential to the next level.”

Governor Bryan thanked outgoing Commissioner Joseph Boschulte for his years of dedicated service and steady leadership during one of the most transformative periods in the Territory’s tourism industry.

“Commissioner Boschulte has been a driving force behind the growth and success of our tourism sector,” The Governor stated. “Under his leadership, the Virgin Islands achieved historic visitor numbers, strengthened partnerships with major airlines and cruise lines, and elevated our global brand. While he will be stepping aside from his role as Commissioner, he will remain with the Department for a brief period to support a smooth and seamless transition.”

Governor Bryan will submit Ms. Matarangas King’s nomination to the 36th Legislature for confirmation in the coming days. 

Bryan Calls for Union Leaders to Testify on “Double-Dipping”

Governor Bryan has formally requested that Senate President Milton Potter call upon the Territory’s major union leaders to testify before the 36th Legislature regarding the controversial practice of “double-dipping” by sitting Senators - which amounts to  receiving both a government pension and a full legislative salary while also accruing a second pension. 

In a letter delivered to the Senate President on Monday, July 28, 2025, Governor Bryan urged that the Presidents of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), United Steelworkers, Seafarers International Union (SIU), and the Virgin Islands Central Labor Council, among others, be invited to present testimony on behalf of their union members. The Governor emphasized the importance of hearing directly from labor leaders about how this practice affects working class public employees’ trust in the government and retirement system. 

“This is about fairness and equity,” said Governor Bryan. “The hard-working men and women of this Territory - teachers, police officers, nurses, maintenance staff - are being asked to contribute more, retire later, and accept fewer benefits. Meanwhile, lawmakers are collecting two forms of compensation and building a second pension on top of their first. That’s a conversation we must have out in the open.” 

The Governor noted that many government employees are required to make significant financial sacrifices under the GERS system, which has faced long-standing solvency issues. He stated that while the practice may be legally permitted, it demands scrutiny from the public and those who represent the workforce.

“I believe union leaders, as the voice of our working families, should weigh in on whether this system reflects the principles of fairness they advocate for every day,” the Governor added. 

Governor Bryan said he is committed to working with the Legislature and labor community to protect and sustain GERS, but that transparency and accountability must come first.

Calvert White’s Fall from Grace

“Friday was not a good day for the Virgin Islands by any stretch of the imagination,” Governor Bryan spoke about the 2-count federal charges conviction of Calvert White, former Commissioner of Sports, Parks and Recreation. “The conviction of someone who once held a position of public trust is a painful reminder that public services are a sacred responsibility…It is difficult to watch a young Virgin Islander, one I considered a friend and almost family, one full of promise and potential, fall from grace. But justice has been served.” 

The Governor warned that violations of public trust come with dire consequences. “That damage is irreparable, but this moment should serve as a clear and fair warning to anyone entrusted with the public’s confidence that you are expected to act with honor and accountability. If that trust is betrayed, there is a price to pay, and you will be held accountable...Let it reaffirm for all of us our commitments to transparency, to integrity and to the standards the people of this Territory expect and deserve from the government.”