Nov. 9, 2007 — Gov. John deJongh Jr.'s cabinet was officially increased by three commissioners and a director Friday at Government House.
Before more than 150 people, Daryl Donohue, presiding judge of the V.I. Superior Court, administered the oath of office to the new officials. Each chose a special person in their life to hold the Bible on which they placed their hands.
Holding the Bible for Claudette Watson-Anderson, new commissioner of finance, was her mother, Eren Edwards.
"We made sacrifices, and those sacrifices have really paid off," Edwards said. "I'm so proud of her."
The commissioners were introduced and each gave brief statements about their plans, commitments and how they will serve the public.
"The decision was not taken lightly in choosing these four cabinet members," deJongh said.
In addition to Watson-Anderson, the new commissioners are Vivian Ilma Ebbesen-Fludd, Gizette Canegata-Thomas and St. Claire Williams.
Watson-Anderson is a 40-year resident of St. Croix who graduating from St. Croix Central High School in 1975. She received her bachelor of science degree from the Herbert H. Lehman College at the City University of New York. She is a certified public accountant. Watson-Anderson has held various accounting positions in the public and private sectors. She began her government career in the 25th Legislature as the post auditor.
Commissioner of Health Vivian Ebbesen-Fludd was born in Christiansted. She attended St. Mary's and graduated from St. Joseph's High School in 1984. She obtained a bachelor of science in nursing in 1988 from Creighton University in Omaha, Neb. She then obtained a master of science from the University of Maryland. Ebbesen-Fludd has worked in labor and delivery at Georgetown University, Johns Hopkins and Juan F. Luis Hospital. She has been a nursing instructor at universities, hospitals and vocational schools.
Through the years, Ebbesen-Fludd has been actively involved in a variety of service and medical organizations. She served as the executive director of Frederiksted Health Care, a private, not-for-profit corporation. She has served on numerous local health-related boards. She is the first registered nurse to serve as a commissioner in the territory.
Gizette Canegata-Thomas was tapped by deJongh to serve as director of the Internal Revenue Bureau. After graduating with a bachelor of science degree from Hampton University in Hampton, Va., she earned a law degree from Georgetown University. She is licensed to practice law in Pennsylvania and the Virgin Islands. She is currently a member of the board of governors for the V.I. Bar Association and a member of the Federal Bar Association. Canegata-Thomas is charged with the responsibility of recommending financial policies to the governor. Canegata-Thomas also has the responsibility of collecting the majority of revenues that sustain the budget for the government. She administers the income-tax laws.
St. Claire Williams, commissioner of Housing, Parks and Recreation, was born on Antigua and moved to St. Croix when he was nine months old. He graduated from Christiansted High School in 1967. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in business administration from the College of the Virgin Islands. Williams served as a senator in the 18th and 19th Legislatures. Prior to his election to the legislature, Williams held positions in the government and private sectors, including personnel supervisor at Hovensa. Williams was the deputy executive director for St. Croix with the V.I. Housing Authority. For more than 12 years Williams has served as chairman of the V.I. Caribbean Friendship Committee.
"These newest members of the cabinet are to serve as stewards of confidence and trust," said Lt. Gov. Gregory Francis. "They share a vision of government that is transparent."
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