Education

After Being Held In Committee, Racquel Berry-Benjamin’s Nomination Passes Rules Committee Favorably

After her nomination for commissioner of the Dept. of Education was held in the Committee on Rules and Judiciary during a first visit to the Senate after being nominated by Governor Albert Bryan, Racquel Berry-Benjamin did enough on Friday to convince lawmakers this time that she's ready to lead the Department of Education -- the government's most sprawling arm with a budget of nearly $200 million, including federal funds. The candidate came better prepared to answer questions, although she was unable to give all the answers, an impossible expectation for such a large department. She was able to do enough to compel senators to give her a chance at running D.O.E. just as Mr. Bryan, she said, took a chance on her. "I respectfully thank you for the second opportunity, I think it was needed and well deserved -- the people of the Virgin Islands needed to see more of me and what I bring to the table," the nominee said. She later added, "Do know that Governor Bryan in selecting me w...