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Rules committee forwards Pedro K. Williams to full Senate for Superior Court nomination
Summary
The Senate Committee on Rules and Judiciary voted to favorably forward attorney Pedro K. Williams to the full Senate for confirmation as a judge in the Superior Court’s St. Thomas–St. John division after a multi‑senator question-and-answer session about docket management, recusals and impartiality. The committee vote was 6 yays, 1 absent.
Carla J. Joseph, chairwoman of the Senate Committee on Rules and Judiciary, opened Thursday’s hearing and introduced Pedro K. Williams as the governor’s nominee for judge of the Virgin Islands Superior Court’s St. Thomas–St. John division. After delivering a prepared statement on his nearly 40 years of legal practice and public‑service roles, Williams answered successive four‑minute rounds of questions from senators about impartiality, recusals and ways to reduce the court’s backlog.
Williams described his career in private practice, administrative work and as chair of the Public Services Commission and pledged to be “fair, unbiased, respectful, and empathetic.” He told the committee he would use case‑management tools, timely written opinions and, where appropriate, rulings from the bench to move dockets and reduce delays. “I humbly ask for your support and trust in my ability and commitment to work on behalf of the people of The Virgin Islands,” Williams said in closing.
Senators pressed Williams on concrete steps to shorten delays, how he would handle conflicts from prior representation, and how his faith and community ties would affect judicial decision‑making. Williams said he would recuse when required, seek waivers where ethically appropriate, and rely on judicial conduct rules to manage conflicts.
Sen. Avery L. Lewis moved to favorably report the nomination and Sen. Milton E. Potter seconded. A roll call recorded Angel L. Bocas Jr. — Yay; Kenneth L. Gittens — Absent; Alma Francis Heiliger — Yes; Carla J. Joseph — Yes; Clifford A. Joseph Sr. — Yes; Avery L. Lewis — Yes; Milton E. Potter — Yes. The committee recorded six yes votes, one absent, and will forward Williams’s nomination to the full Senate for further consideration.
The committee allowed Williams 60 seconds for closing remarks; he thanked the senators and said he looked forward to serving if confirmed. The committee then recessed before continuing with the remainder of its agenda.
Next steps: the nomination will appear on the full Senate calendar for a confirmation vote and any additional vetting.
