From left, acting commissioner of DPNR Jean-Pierre Oriol & Ernesto L. Diaz, CZM Director of Puerto Rico.
Jean-Pierre Oriol was named acting commissioner of the Department of Planning and Natural Resources on Friday by Governor John deJongh Jr.
Replacing former commissioner Alicia Barnes, who resigned her post and ran for the Virgin Islands Territorial Committee At Large and won (all Saturday's results here), JP Oriol has been active in the community, serving in various capacities at several branches of government.
Prior to his appointment, Oriol served as the director of the Division of Coastal Zone Management at DPNR since 2011. He is a graduate of the All Saints Cathedral School and Brandeis University, graduating the latter with a bachelor's degree in Biology. Oriol is now pursuing a master's degree in marine and environmental science from UVI, according to information made available by Government House.
"I have asked JP Oriol to serve in the capacity following the resignation of Alicia Barnes, which took effect at the end of the day Friday, deJongh said in a prepared statement. "I have full confidence in Mr. Oriol's abilities to lead the department at a time when it faces many complex and challenging issues. At this time, I consider him the best suited for the position and he has my full support."
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