Former Acting Director of Public Works Department, Mr G. Navarro Donovan has now been reassigned to the City Manager and Wickham’s Cay Development Authority. Photo: Facebook

Acting Director of PWD, Mr Jeremy W. Hodge has confirmed that Mr G. Navarro Donovan has been reassigned from Public Works Department. Photo: GIS/File

The current City Manager is Ms Janice I. Brathwaite-Edwards, a former Director of the BVI Tourist Board, who was appointed in August 2012 under the National Democratic Party (NDP) Government. Photo: VINO/File

Mr Donovan had served as Acting Director of Public Works under the ousted National Democratic Party (NDP) Government but was replaced in October 2019 by Mr Jeremy W. Hodge.

Mr Donovan had reverted to his position as a Deputy Director of PWD. It was believed at the time that there are issues with the performance of the PWD and other questions about Government process.

Role

It is unclear what will be Mr Donovan’s role at the City Manager and Wickham’s Cay Development Authority.

Mr Donovan’s reassignment was confirmed by Acting Director of PWD, Mr Jeremy W. Hodge.

There were reports that Mr Donovan was to be named City Manager; however, Mr Hodge was unable to confirm this, adding that Mr Donovan’s expertise was seen needed at the Authority, but that he doubted it had anything to do with the City Manager’s position.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Transportation, Works and Utilities Ronald F. Smith-Berkeley had promised a response to our queries but had not up to time of publication.

The Wickham’s Cay Development Authority, established in 1974, is a statutory body of the Government of the Virgin Islands.

The Authority is solely responsible for: acquiring take on lease, purchase, hold, manage and enjoy any property and sell, let or otherwise dispose of the same; borrow money for the operation of any authority; enter into any contracts and make, draw, accept or endorse negotiable instruments.

City Manager

Mr Donovan, when contacted, did not offer any details of his reassignment but suggested he was not the City Manager.

The current City Manager is Ms Janice I. Brathwaite-Edwards, a former Director of the BVI Tourist Board, who was appointed in August 2012 under the National Democratic Party (NDP) Government.

The City Manager is tasked with the responsibility of overlooking aspects of the capital city Road Town and also receives input from the Fourth District Representative.