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Senate confirms four gubernatorial nominees, including hospital board pick and UVI trustee
Summary
The 36th Legislature confirmed four nominees — including Dr. Safia (Sophia) George to the VI Government Hospital board and Trinity Granger Austri to the University of the Virgin Islands Board of Trustees — after committee vetting and floor debate. Each nominee was approved by roll-call votes and the governor will be notified for final action.
The 36th Legislature on April 14 confirmed four gubernatorial nominees to territorial boards, approving each by roll call after committee vetting and floor debate.
Dr. Safia (Sophia) George was approved to the Virgin Islands Government Hospital and Health Facilities Corporation District Governing Board for St. Thomas–St. John. The body also confirmed Anthony Martin Jr. to the Board of Career and Technical Education (St. Croix), Elizabeth Guadalupe Perez to the Virgin Islands Real Estate Appraisers Board and Trinity Granger Austri to the University of the Virgin Islands Board of Trustees. Each nomination was advanced from committee with a favorable recommendation and then approved by the full Senate; the Clerk recorded the votes and the Governor will be notified for final action.
The floor discussion highlighted committee vetting and the value of local and younger perspectives on boards. Supporters described Dr. George’s medical and leadership background and said Martin Jr., a local educator, brings youth engagement to career and technical education. After his confirmation, Anthony Martin Jr. told the chamber, “I want to just first thank God… I want to thank Governor Albert Bryan Jr. for nominating me,” and expressed gratitude to the Legislature for the opportunity to serve.
Senators who spoke in favor noted that the nominees bring professional experience and local ties — points committee members said were emphasized in prior hearings. Several senators urged ongoing oversight of boards, noting that appointments create responsibility for long-term accountability and local impact.
The nominations were considered as block one of the day’s agenda; roll-call results and the Clerk’s entries show each nominee received the necessary affirmative votes. The confirmations conclude the Senate’s constitutional role of advice and consent; the Governor will receive formal notice of the approvals.
