Family members, colleagues, supporters, and friends gathered Thursday on St. Thomas for the swearing-in ceremony of Julio A. Rhymer Sr. as director of the Office of Management and Budget and Mario M. Brooks as police commissioner.
The ceremony, hosted in the Columban Hall of Holy Family Church, was attended by Gov. Albert Bryan Jr., Lt. Gov. Tregenza A. Roach, and other members of the Bryan-Roach administration. The event was streamed live on Facebook and the VI Government Access Network. Superior Court Presiding Judge Debra S. Watlington administered the oaths of office, according to the Government House press release.
Bryan welcomed the new commissioners into the administration, emphasizing the collective responsibility they share while affixing cabinet pins onto their lapels. “What happens to one of us happens to all of us,” Bryan said. “When you take up this mantle of responsibility, 100,000 souls count on us to do our best. When we let down the Virgin Islands in any way, 100,000 people feel the impact.”
Roach commended Rhymer and Brooks for stepping into leadership roles during challenging times. “I am grateful to Julio Rhymer and Mario Brooks that they have decided that they will take the challenge no matter what,” Roach said.
Rhymer, a seasoned finance executive with more than 30 years of experience, has previously served as the director of the Office of Management and Budget, executive director and chief financial officer of the V.I. Water and Power Authority, and chief financial officer at the V.I. Housing Finance Authority. During his remarks, Rhymer reflected on his upbringing and paid tribute to his father, who was present for the occasion, the press release stated.
Brooks, a veteran law enforcement professional and military officer, brings over 30 years of experience to the role. He has risen through the ranks of the V.I. Police Department, serving in key positions, including commander of the Criminal Intelligence Unit, Marine Unit, and Special Response Team. Most recently, he served as assistant police commissioner and holds the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the V.I. National Guard, the release stated.
Acknowledging the responsibility of his new position, Brooks pledged to uphold integrity, transparency, and accountability, knowing that he carries the weight of the Virgin Islands community’s safety on his shoulders, it said.
