Governor-elect Stacey Plaskett and Lieutenant Governor-elect Milton Potter have organized 14 policy committees to review government operations and develop priorities for their administration's first 100 days, while inviting Virgin Islanders to apply for senior government positions and submit recommendations on improving public services.
The initiatives are outlined on the incoming administration's official transition website, which also identifies organizers for inaugural activities across St. Croix, St. Thomas and St. John ahead of the January 4, 2027, transfer of executive authority.
According to the transition team's published structure, the committees will examine major areas of government responsibility and prepare recommendations for the incoming administration.
They cover healthcare, energy, construction and infrastructure, education, finance, tourism, economic development, environment, justice and public safety, housing, agriculture, human services, labor and workforce development, and ports and transportation.
The committees' work comes as Plaskett and Potter prepare for a broader review of territorial government operations.
During her first interview with the Consortium following Tuesday's election victory, Plaskett disclosed that Potter had been tasked with assembling a team to examine government reorganization.
Potter subsequently outlined proposals involving employee upskilling, restructuring agency responsibilities, adopting artificial intelligence, introducing public performance dashboards and establishing a centralized 311 service for residents seeking government assistance.
The transition website does not specify how the 14 policy committees will coordinate with Potter's government reorganization initiative.
Committee chairs have also not yet been publicly identified on the website, and detailed schedules for submitting recommendations have not been announced.
Applications invited for government positions
The transition team is also recruiting individuals interested in serving in the incoming administration.
Through its online application portal, residents and members of the Virgin Islands diaspora are invited to submit résumés for consideration for cabinet positions, agency leadership, boards and commissions.
Applicants are instructed to select up to two areas of interest.
The website does not specify an application deadline or provide detailed information about the selection process. Submission of an application does not constitute an appointment.
The transition team is separately seeking public recommendations on government priorities, including which services are functioning effectively, which require improvements and what residents believe should be addressed first.
According to the website, submissions will be reviewed by the appropriate policy committees.
The effort provides an opportunity for residents to contribute to the incoming administration's planning before it formally assumes office.
Inauguration organizers named across three islands
The transition team has also identified individuals responsible for coordinating the January inauguration and related celebrations.
Jonathan Buckney-Small and Paulette Potter are listed as honorary inaugural chairs, while Jerry Garcia will serve as inaugural chair. Nellie Varlack is identified as inaugural director for St. Thomas, Shamari Haynes for St. Croix and Leona Smith for St. John. The roster also names Renee McAlpin Petersen as community outreach coordinator and Elizabeth Centeno as landing team coordinator.
Plaskett and Potter are scheduled to assume office on Monday, January 4, in accordance with the Revised Organic Act of the Virgin Islands, which establishes the first Monday in January following the election as the beginning of the governor's and lieutenant governor's terms.
The transition website confirms plans for celebrations involving all three islands, although specific venues, times and additional inaugural activities have not yet been announced.
The policy reviews, recruitment efforts and inauguration preparations are taking place as the incoming administration organizes its transition from the Bryan-Roach government. Permanent Government House and agency appointments remain to be announced separately.
