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Senate committee advances Vincent Roberts to full legislature as nominee for Sports, Parks and Recreation commissioner
Summary
Acting Commissioner Vincent Roberts was favorably recommended by the Rules and Judiciary Committee for consideration by the full 36th Legislature after a daylong confirmation hearing that covered his management plans, staffing priorities, lifeguard recruitment and capital improvement goals.
Acting Commissioner Vincent Lubin Roberts, the governor's nominee to lead the Department of Sports, Parks and Recreation (DSPR), won a favorable recommendation from the Committee on Rules and Judiciary on Tuesday and will go to the full 36th Legislature for final consideration.
Roberts outlined a multi-year capital improvement and facility enhancement plan and emphasized priorities including revenue diversification, workforce training, internal efficiency reforms and improved public safety at parks and beaches. The committee's questioning focused on implementation details, lifeguard shortages, vendor enforcement and how the department would support sports tourism and year-round youth programming.
Roberts told senators he plans to launch an “aggressive marketing campaign” that includes a redesigned, user-friendly website to publish facility availability, program registration and permit status in real time. He also said DSPR currently employs about 113 staff and that employee morale and communication would be a focus if he is confirmed.
On lifeguards, Roberts said recruiting and retention have been a persistent problem because some applicants do not meet existing physical swimming standards; the department plans to expand access to training so more local candidates can qualify. He said recruitment is under way and interviews for several candidates were imminent.
On enforcement at beaches and parks, Roberts described ongoing coordination with the Virgin Islands Police Department, Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs, Department of Planning and Natural Resources and the Administrator's Office. He said his long‑term goal is a DSPR enforcement arm but that short‑term fixes rely on interagency collaboration and contract/permit language that supports enforcement by VIPD and other agencies.
Senators pressed Roberts about specific projects and equity between islands. Roberts confirmed the St. Thomas Cricket Association had drawn $500,000 of a $1.5 million appropriation and said long‑term leases and design funding were being pursued. He committed to a territory‑wide approach, including more frequent visits to St. Croix and St. John, and said he would work to station staff at new or expanded facilities such as Polly Joseph Stadium if it transfers to DSPR control.
Committee members praised Roberts' long tenure in DSPR — he has worked with the department since 2007 and has been acting commissioner — and noted his experience in capital and disaster recovery projects. After questioning, the committee voted to forward his nomination to the full Legislature with a favorable recommendation: 6 yeas, 0 nays, 1 absent.
The nomination will be considered by the full Legislature next; the committee record shows Senators Avery L. Lewis moved the favorable recommendation and it was seconded by other committee members.
