Gov. Kenneth Mapp terminated V.I. Economic Development Authority Chief Executive Officer Percival Clouden Friday, according to Government House.
Shortly after 5 p.m., Friday, Government House issued a statement saying, effective immediately, "Wayne Biggs, the current assistant chief executive officer of the Virgin Islands Economic Development Authority, will now serve as the acting chief executive officer of the Virgin Islands Economic Development Authority."
Reached for comment Friday evening, Government House spokesperson Kimberly Jones confirmed this meant Clouden was no longer the CEO. Asked what precipitated the move at this time, Jones said "All I was told is he was relieved of his duties and thanked for his service."
The EDA CEO serves at the pleasure of the governor.
Clouden had not returned calls for comment as of 9 p.m. Friday.
Asked if Mapp would have more to say on the decision to replace Clouden with Biggs, Jones said she would check but did not know.
In February, Mapp replaced then Assistant CEO Jennifer Nugent-Hill.
The change in leadership comes after Mapp’s announcement yesterday that he would go against the Economic Development Commission’s recommendation and disapprove 10-year extensions of 90 percent tax breaks for Windward Passage and Sugar Bay resorts on St. Thomas. (See Related Links below)
Mapp said going forward, businesses requesting extensions would need to be in full compliance with all legal requirements of their benefits.
As of 9 p.m. Friday, there was no confirmation of the reason for the change in EDA management.