Last week Tuesday, acting Governor Tregenza Roach joined Director of Personnel Cindy Richardson to recognize members of the third cohort of the Government of the Virgin Islands Financial Fellows Program during a ceremony at Government House on St. Thomas.
The event marked the culmination of a year of training, mentorship, and hands-on public service experience for the Financial Fellows, a group of emerging Virgin Islands professionals chosen to strengthen government operations in finance and administration.
The GVI Financial Fellows Program, launched by Governor Albert Bryan Jr. in 2021, forms a key part of the Bryan Administration’s workforce development strategy. It aims to attract, train, and retain high-achieving young Virgin Islanders for leadership roles in the public sector. Through a mix of academic training, professional mentorship, and practical work placements, the initiative seeks to build a stronger financial management system across government and foster a sustainable economic future for the Virgin Islands.
Addressing the Fellows and their mentors, Roach praised the participants for their dedication to improving the efficiency and accountability of government operations.
“Programs like the GVI Financial Fellows are essential to the continued growth and modernization of our government,” he said. “These young professionals represent the future of the Virgin Islands public sector, bringing fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and a dedication to excellence that will move our Territory forward.”
Roach noted that the Fellows’ contributions align with the administration’s broader goal of creating a more responsive and financially sustainable government.
During the ceremony, each member of the third cohort delivered a Capstone presentation, summarizing their experiences within their assigned agencies and offering recommendations for improving efficiency, employee engagement, and service delivery.
The presentations reflected the diverse range of issues addressed by the Fellows:
- Caleisha Simon – “How Can We Grow, if We Don’t Know?”
- Chanester Crawford – “The More You Know, The Confident We’ll Grow”
- Najae Harris – “The ‘Cost’ of Occupational Burnout”
- Faith Prosper – “Harmony in a Multigenerational GVI: For Now and the Future”
Richardson applauded the Fellows for their commitment, creativity, and willingness to challenge conventional approaches to governance. She said their projects reflect a deep understanding of government operations and a strong commitment to public service. Richardson added that programs like the Financial Fellows initiative are central to ensuring that talented Virgin Islanders see the public sector as a meaningful career path.
Members of Cohort 4 of the Financial Fellows Program were also in attendance to support the graduating Fellows. The Division of Personnel is preparing to introduce a fifth cohort later this month, continuing the effort to expand the territory’s pool of skilled financial professionals.
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