The Cabinet of the Virgin Islands has appointed six representatives from civil society, a legal practitioner and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports to the Higher Education Licensing Board for three-year terms beginning December 1st, 2023.
The named appointees are Dr. Arlene Smith-Thompson, Mr. Glen Harrigan, Mr. Ian Smith, Ms. Surbhi Williams, Ms. Jamealya Fahie, and Dr. Derry Hodge.
The appointees possess expertise in higher education, finance, accounting, business, commerce and law. Dr. Smith-Thompson and Ms. Williams specifically represent higher education interests.
Dr. Smith-Thompson will serve as Chairman and Mr. Harrigan as Deputy Chairman. The Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports will hold an ex-officio position.
Non-public service members will receive a $700 monthly stipend for the Chairman and $500 for regular members.
The Attorney General’s Chambers has been instructed to prepare a resolution for submission to the House of Assembly to formalize the appointments.
The Licensing Board is responsible for reviewing applications and issuing licenses for higher education institutions operating in the Virgin Islands.