Senators Approve Nominations and Harbor Dredging

Tuesday, in a legislative session that was not on the calendar at the beginning of the week, senators approved four appointments and passed three measures honoring residents.

The nominations by Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. and approved by the Senate included Sandra L. Setorie as executive director of the Public Services Commission and Clement “Cain” Magras and Laura Nichols-Samms to the Public Services Commission. Nichols-Samms was approved despite an unfavorable recommendation from the Rules and Judiciary Committee. Senators have expressed concern that some appointees don’t have specific expertise in the areas they oversee. Sen. Angel Bolques Jr. said Nichol-Samms was “a very dedicated individual” who could make “balanced decisions.”

Sen. Kenneth Gittens said he appreciated Nichol-Samm’s willingness to serve but could not support her because of a lack of technical expertise. He was one of the four senators voting against her appointment.

Kasima I. Knight-Hodge was also approved as a member of the V.I. Real Estate Commission, District of St. Thomas.