Former Senator Clifford Graham Is New CEO/President Of WICO

ST. THOMAS — The West Indian Company (W.I.C.O.) on Wednesday — ahead of a Government House press conference to be held at 1:30 p.m. today, where Governor Kenneth Mapp is expected to introduce the Ports of Charlotte Amalie Task Force — announced former senator Clifford Graham, above, as its new president and CEO, confirming a rumor long circulated among the political class.

Mr. Graham’s term length was not revealed, but it will commence on Monday, May 1, according to W.I.C.O.

The announcement comes less than a month following the formal announcement of the W.I.C.O. Board of Directors’ decision not to renew current CEO Joseph Boschulte’s five-year contract when it expires on April 30. The current CEO, however, will stay with W.I.C.O. three months following the expiration of his contract as a consultant, to help facilitate a smooth transition from one leader to the next.

For Mr. Graham, the new position is an opportunity to continue to build on the successes of his predecessors. “I am honored and humbled to be selected as the president and chief executive director of The West lndian Company, Limited and I pledge to build on the successes of the company as we seek to maintain Charlotte Amalie as a premier destination in the Caribbean,” Mr. Graham said.

The W.I.C.O. port facilities and the G.E.R.S. [Government Employees’ Retiremen System] Havensight Mall have been a destination for both locals and visitors. W.I.C.O. says Mr. Graham will continue to explore ways to improve the properties and incorporate new amenities to foster new business and greater economic activity.

W.I.C.O.’s Acting Board Chair, Joyce Griffin, said while Mr. Graham’s new position will see him maintaining longstanding relationships with cruise lines, the new CEO will also be tasked with improving the overall tourism product in the territory.

“A major goal for the new CEO will be to maintain the longstanding relationship with the cruise lines as we explore ways to grow the market share of this destination. Graham’s focus will not end at the boundaries of the WICO and GERS properties; his focus will also be on improving the overall tourism product in the U.S. Virgin lslands as the territory seeks ways to continuously refresh and enrich our destination.”