Governor Albert Bryan Jr. has accepted the resignation of Commissioner Calvert White, who led the Department of Sports, Parks, and Recreation (DSPR) since the start of the Bryan-Roach Administration. The resignation comes amid allegations of bribery and contract manipulation involving a $1.43 million government contract for security cameras.
Governor Bryan acknowledged Mr. White’s service and contributions to the department, stating, “I appreciate Commissioner White’s service to the Department of Sports, Parks, and Recreation and his efforts to support its mission of providing opportunities for residents to engage in recreational and community activities. The Department has played an important role in delivering services and programs that benefit the Virgin Islands community, and I remain committed to ensuring the continued progress of its initiatives.”
The allegations against White stem from his tenure as DSPR Commissioner, during which prosecutors claim he demanded $16,000 in bribes from Mon Ethos founder David Whitaker in exchange for favorable consideration of the company’s bid on a department contract. White is also accused of providing insider information about competing proposals and coaching Whitaker during the bidding process.
In one instance detailed in an indictment, White allegedly met with Whitaker and Benjamin Hendricks, a government contractor, to discuss the bid. During the meeting, White reportedly assured Whitaker of his ability to manipulate the process, stating, “I’ve been doing this a while, and I know the less evidence you have, the better you’ll be.”
Assistant Commissioner Vincent Roberts will step into the role of Acting Commissioner for DSPR. Governor Bryan emphasized the department’s continued focus on delivering recreational and community programs for the Virgin Islands.
