USVI Public Records

Document text

THE UNITED STATES VIRGIN ISLANDS RCVD SEN, PRESIDENT OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR OCT 20 '25 aw i:32 GOVERNMENT HOUSE Charlotte Amalie, V.1I. 00802 340-774-0001 October 15, 2025 VIA HAND-DELIVERY Honorable Milton E. Potter Senate President Thirty-Sixth Legislature of the Virgin Islands Capito! Building St. Thomas, Virgin Islands 00802 Re: Nomination of Ms. Bernesha B. Liburd—Virgin Islands Cannabis Advisory Board Dear Mr. President: In accordance with the provisions of Title 19, Chapter 34 § 777 of the Virgin Islands Code, I hereby nominate Ms. Bernesha B. Liburd to serve on the Virgin Istands Cannabis Advisory Board as an economist or person with expertise in finance. In her capacities as Senior Project Analyst and Acting Director under the Bureau of Economic Research, Ms. Liburd has gained experience in economic development research, publishing economic reports, demographics and data analytics, and various economic industries. Accordingly, it is my pleasure to ask for the advice and consent of the Thirty-Sixth Legislature of the Virgin Islands on the nomination of Ms. Bernesha B. Liburd. Her resume and questionnaire are enclosed for your review. | respectfully urge the Legislature to take timely action to advance this nomination to prevent any delays in the official functions of the Virgin Islands Cannabis Advisory Board. Your prompt and favorable confirmation will enhance the Cannabis Advisory Board to meet its demanding operations and the continued work to serve the people of the United States Virgin Islands. Sincerely, CRE S™ Albert Bryan Jr. Governor Enclosure Cc: — Senator Carla J. Joseph Chair, Committee on Rules and Judiciary BERNESHA LIBURD DETAILS ADDRESS P.O. Box 8014 Charlotte Amalie, 00801 US. Virgin Islands PHONE 3409980130 EMAIL bbliburd@gmail.com LINKS Linkedin SKILLS Critical thinking and problem solving eoeeoee Microsoft Excel eoeeo Leadership Skills eoee0e Fast Learner eoeoeee Ability to Multitask eeeoee Adaptability eeeesd Ability to Work in a Team @eeeoe Microsoft Office eo@eees Communication Skills eoeooee Team Building e@eeeoe@ Creative Problem Solving eeoeee Customer Service eeoeee Research Skills eeoeeod Analytical Thinking Skills @eees0e Data Collection eeeeo0e Data Entry @eeee PROFILE tama highly motivated and confident team player with deep expertise in data collection, data entry, statistics, government contracting, grant writing, publications, web design, and information technology. | build strong relationships, prioritize tearnwork, and effectively communicate ideas. With 19 years of robust experience in economic statistics, data entry, research, graphic design, and website design, along with exceptional proficiency in Microsoft software and computer hardware, | am primed for success in my role.As a skilled Senior Project Analyst/Supervisor, | excel in management, project planning, and execution, utilizing advanced data output techniques to drive impactful policy decisions on a range of economic topics. 1 am proactive in my approach and a quick learner, ready to leverage my expertise to make a significant contribution. EMPLOYMENT HISTORY Acting Director, Office of the Governor, Bureau of Charlotte Amalie Economic Research May 2022 — Present While | officially hold the position of Senior Project Analyst, | am currently serving in the capacity of Acting Director. This role involves undertaking the responsibilities typically associated with the Director of the agency, including budget planning, payment approvals, and staff management, provide economic guidance to the Governor of the Virgin Islands and serve as a liason for USVI federal partners and testify at the legislature when requested. Senior Project Analyst, Office of the Governor, Charlotte Amalie Bureau of Economic Research Jun 2021 — Apr 2022 All tasks of the Research Assistant with the additional responsibilities such as: Manages all projects and databases, including detailed data analysis and research studies. Responsible for investigating various studies, securing funding, processing contractor payments, managing public outreach initiatives, and administering surveys. Key Responsibilities: Project Planning Project Management Surveys Personnel Managment Community Outreach Marketing Social Media Prepare literature reviews. Gather and analyze data. Perform data entry and coding. Share information on statistical trends. Assist in researching economic or community development grants. Handle additional related tasks as needed. The assistant interprets data, analyzes results using statistical techniques, and generates reports. This includes developing databases and collection systems, compiling data on U.S. and foreign imports to the U.S. Virgin Islands, and maintaining data quality. Research Assistant, Office of Management & Budget Sep 2014 — Jun 2021 The Research Assistant coordinates meetings with the director to discuss ongoing projects and support research activities through archives, interviews, and online resources. Economic Forecasting Key Responsibilities: Project Planning Project Management Surveys Personnel Managment Community Outreach Marketing Social Media Econamic Statistics #eee0 Economic Data Analytics eeeeso Economic Camprehensive Analysis eeeoeco Economic Forecasting eeeeoe Project Planning eeeeed Project Management e#eeee Surveys e#eeeoed Personnel Management @eeees Community Outreach #eees Marketing eeooe Social Media eoeee@ 8 Web Design & Development eeooee Grant Writing eeeoee Proficient in corporate purchasing eeeoee Contracting e#eeee Prepare literature reviews. Gather and analyze data Perform data entry and coding. Share information on statistical trends Assist in researching economic or community development grants. Handle additional related tasks as needed. The assistant interprets data, analyzes results using statistical techniques, and generates reports. This includes developing databases and collection systems, compiling data on U.S. and foreign imports to the U.S. Virgin Islands, and maintaining data quality. Additional Responsibilities: Produce the Annual Budget Book for the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). Create templates and layouts for reports. Update economic and tourism indicators. Acquire and maintain data from various sources. Analyze trends in complex data sets, including the Timeshare Report. Address data requests and clean data for accuracy. Support the U.S. Virgin Islands Visitor Exit Surveys. The Research Assistant is essential in ensuring accurate data analysis and effective presentation of research findings. Economic Program Specialist, Bureau of Economic Charlotte Amalie Research May 2006 — Sep 2014 The Economic Program Specialist is responsible for creating detailed spreadsheets for data analysis and organization. This role plays a crucial part in supporting economic studies and involves conducting extensive research to enhance understanding and insights within the field. In addition to the responsibilities of the Economic Program Specialist, | also designed and managed the agency's website to ensure it remains effective and relevant. Sales associate, Caribbean Surf Co. Charlotte Amalie Jan 2005 — Feb 2006 Key responsibilities include: Greeting customers Assisting customers in finding items in the store Providing detailed information about products Processing transactions efficiently Escalating customer complaints to management when necessary Monitoring and maintaining inventory records Cashing out the register at the end of the day EDUCATION Bachelor of Arts in Marketing & Business Charlotte Amalie Administration, University of the Virgin Islands Aug 2005 — May 2011 Real Estate Certified, UVI Cell Feb 2012 Economic Administration Certified, Economic Charlotte Amalie Development Authority Apr 2015 — Apr 2015 Six Sigma Yeltow Belt Certified Dec 2019 Office of the Governor Questionnaire for Nominees to Departments, Agencies, Boards & Commissions 2|Page BERNESHA LIBURD SECTION I: BIOGRAPHICAL DATA 1. NAME: (Last) Liburd (First) Bernesha (Middle) Bernadine ; (Other) t > ] as 4 _ 2. SOCIAL SECURITY: po vol 3 3. ADDRESS: ‘i | Residentiaks : Business: E-Mail: Bernesha.liburd@ber.vi.gov Phone Numbers | 4. Length of Residence in the Virgin Islands: 38 years Ry q _5. Date of Birth: iy _| 6. Place of Birth: St. Thomas 4 | 7. Marital Status: ___Married [ * Single I ___Widowed _ =| ___Divorced __ | 8. Full Name of Spouse: = — "Mailing & Residential Address: III ae 9. EDUCATION - = | Institution: Dates Attended | Degree Received | Date Received | Certifications | ihiversity of the Virgin 2005 Bachelor of the Arts| 2011 E Islands | | ————rs UVI Cell 2012 | 2012 Real Estate Economic Development) 2015 fo — Tia Economic | Administration | ! it ik | Development | Six Sigma 2019 2019 | Yellow Belt eee | 2 a i | -— — een — =F - — 1 — —_— — — — — | Office of the Governor Questionnalre for Nominees to Departments, Agencies, Boards & Commissions 3|Page BERNESHA LIBURD 10. EMPLOYMENT RECORD: Please list, in chronological order, your complete employment record for the past ten (10) years, beginning with the present or most recent position. [Attach additional sheet(s), if necessary, and reference this question number] Employer Dates of | Position Address/Phone # Supervisor Employment | | | | (340) 774-3583 Caribbean Surf VI 2005-2006 | Salesclerk Route 30, St Rose Thomas 00802 | | ' 340-774-0001 | | Bureau of Economic | Senior Project No. 5047 Kongens 2006- present Dr, Haldane Davies | Analyst Gade; St. Thomas | __ Vi00802-6487 Research els = os = sje 11. GOVERNMENT EXPERIENCE: A. List all federal, state, territorial, or local government services, giving dates and type of service such as employee, boards, commissions, executive, legislative, or judicial branches, consultant, voluntary service, part-time, or honorary. [Attach additional sheet(s}, if necessary, and reference this question number] B. List and attach a copy of all service contracts you have held independently or been a party to with the Government of the Virgin Islands. I do not currently hold any service contracts, nor have | engaged in any service contracts during my tenure at the Bureau of Economic Research, Office of the Governor Questionnaire for Nominees to Departments, Agencies, Boards & Commissions 4|Page BERNESHA LIBURD 12. BUSINESSES AND FINANCIAL INTEREST: List all businesses (for-profit or not-for-profit), real estate, and trusts in which you have at least a 10% interest or control of assets or serve as an officer or member of a board with voting rights. [Attach additional sheet(s), if necessary, and reference this question number] 1 do not currently own a business, nor am | a member of any board that holds voting rights. —— = 13. QUALIFICATIONS: What in your opinion qualifies you to serve the People of the Virgin Islands in the position which the Governor has nominated you? | believe my nomination for the cannabis board is based on a strong combination of experience and a modern perspective. With twenty years of diverse experience in various economic industries, extensive exposure to economic development research, and familiarity with the demographics and data analytics of the U.S. Virgin Islands, | possess a valuable skill set that is well-suited for effective cannabis regulation. This is especially important as we navigate the evolving landscape influenced by Al, technology, and global trade. The Virgin Islands has immense potential for growth in areas such as education, cultivation, tourism, manufacturing, job creation, market exclusivity, and revenue generation in relation to the new emerging cannabis industry. By approaching planning and policy with a solid foundation in research land data, | am confident that | can help develop strategies that support sustainable development and maximize benefits for our community. My commitment is to ensure we harness these opportunities to improve the lives of our residents while promoting responsible governance and innovation. SECTION Il: HONORS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS 14. MEMBERSHIPS: List all memberships and offices held in professional, fraternal, scholarly, civic, charitable, and other organizations. am a member of the International Economic Development Commission. 4 15. BOARDS, COMMISSIONS, TRUSTS, ETC.: List all government or private sector boards, trusts, or fiduciary responsible positions on which you have served or are now serving. am not currently serving on any boards; however, | have previously served on the Evaluation Committee for FP-001-2025-STX/STT/STJ. This committee focused on economic development revenue analysis and a 10- ear financial plan, which | am still leading on behalf of PFA. Office of the Governor Questionnaire for Nominees to Departments, Agencies, Boards & Commissions S[|Page BERNESHA LIBURD 16. HONORS AND AWARDS: List all scholarships, fellowships, honorary degrees, honorary memberships, honor society memberships, and any other special recognition for outstanding service or achievement | was awarded Employee of the Year by the Bureau of Economic Research in 2016. 17. PUBLISHED WRITINGS: List ail titles, publishers, and dates of books, articles, reports, or other published materials you have written. Since the year 2022, | have undertaken the compilation, analysis, and publication of all reports generated by the Bureau of Economic Research. These publications encompass the Visitor Exit Survey, the Annual Economic Review, and the Monthly Hotel Reports, which detail metrics such as Hotel Room Nights Available, Hotel Room Nights Occupied, Hotel Guest Origins, and Hotel ‘Occupancy Rates. Furthermore, | have produced the Imports and Exports Report, the Tourism Review, and the Carnival Exit Survey. Additionally, | was responsible for the design of the Bureau of ‘Economic Research website, where all these publications can be accessed. www.usviber.org SECTION II!: CHARACTER 18. Have you ever been the subject of a grand jury, police, and department of justice or any legally constituted government authority, investigation anywhere or at anytime? yes * NO if your answer is yes, please explain with details including date and location. [Attach additional sheet(s), if necessary, and reference this question number] 19. Have you ever been arrested in any geographical location for any offense, including traffic violations? _ YES * NO If yes, please explain with details including offense, date of location and disposition. {Attach additional sheet(s), if necessary, and reference this question number] Office of the Governor Questionnaire for Nominees to Departments, Agencies, Boards & Commissions 6|Page BERNESHA LIBURD 20. Have you ever been convicted of a felony or amisdemeanor? __ YES * NO If yes, please explain with details including offense, date, location, and status. [Attach additional sheet(s), if necessary, and reference this question number] 21, is there now or has there ever been a judgment entered against you? ____YES *NO if the answer is yes, please explain with details on date, location and disposition or current status. [Attach additional sheet(s), if necessary, and reference this question number] 22. Have you ever been a respondent in any labor dispute or discrimination proceeding? __ Yes * NO If the answer is yes, please explain with details on date, location and disposition or current status. [Attach additional sheet(s), if necessary, and reference this question number] jah rs ce _n_ Co Se — —4 23. Have you ever been named as a party in any hearing, administrative, civil, and criminal, including Equal Employment Opportunity or sexual harassment? _YES * NO If yes, please explain in detail, giving date, venue, agency, and the names of the other parties and the disposition. [Attach additional sheet(s), if necessary, and reference this question number] Office of the Governor Questionnaire for Nominees to Departments, Agencies, Boards & Commissions 7) Page BERNESHA LIBURD 24. Have you now or have you ever been a member of an organization or an associate of an individual advocating terrorism, overthrow of a government by force or the advocacy or subordination of any ethnic group or individuals? _ YES * NO If the answer is yes, please give details of dates, names of organizations, names of individuals and all pertinent circumstances. {Attach additional sheet(s), if necessary, and reference this question number] L ™ - -—- + —— — ee —_— —— 25. Do you know of any individual, organization or group, which can be expected to oppose your nomination? —_ YES * NO if the answer is yes, please list the individuals, organizations or groups by name and give the details of your belief for their opposition. [Attach additional sheet(s), if necessary, and reference this question number] 26. Do you have any outstanding and delinquent monetary obligations to the Government of the Virgin Islands or any other public or private entity, including but not limited to, personal income taxes, business taxes, real property taxes (commercial or residential), business license renewals, trade name renewals, annual reporting fees, professional organization dues, child support, judgments, debt Office of the Governor Questionnaire for Nominees to Departments, Agencies, Boards & Commissions 8|Page BERNESHA LIBURD Government of the Virgin Islands, includes but is not limited to the following departments, agencies and instrumentalities: the Bureau of Internal Revenue, Tax Assessor, Department of Justice Division of Paternity and Child Support, Board of Education, Economic Development Authority, U. S. Small Business Administration, Small Business Development Center, Police Department, Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs, the Water and Power Authority, the Waste Management Authority, Department of Health, Department of Human Services 7 NO YES if the answer is yes, please attach a detailed explanation of what outstanding and delinquent monetary obligations are owed, the reason for the delinquency, and the intended plan to bring the matter current. SECTION IV: CONFLICT OF INTEREST 27. Please explain your understanding of "Conflict of Interest" as it applies to the position to which you have been nominated to serve the People of the Virgin Islands. My understanding of “Conflict of Interest" in the context of the position to which | have been nominated is that it refers to situations where personal interests or relationships could potentially influence or interfere with my ability to act in the best interests of the public and the responsibilities of my role. in serving the People of the Virgin Islands, it is crucial to maintain integrity and uphold public trust. A conflict of interest can arise if | have financial interests, business relationships, or personal connections that could affect my judgment or decision-making regarding the cannabis industry regulations. To avoid conflicts, | would prioritize transparency and actively disclose any potential conflicts to the relevant authorities. This includes refraining from participating in discussions or decisions where a conflict of interest may exist, ensuring that all actions taken are in the best interest of the public and in line with established ethical guidelines and legal requirements. Ultimately, my commitment would be to promote fair practices and ensure that policies and regulations are developed with objectivity, without undue influence from personal gain or external ressures. 28. Do you own a business or real estate, or are you a partner or shareholder or affiliated in any way to sell of provide goods or services to the Virgin Islands Government? YES NO if the answer is yes, please explain and give the name and location of these interest(s) and how you promise to remove yourself from any possible conflict. [Attach additional sheet(s), if necessary, and reference this question number] Office of the Governor Questionnaire for Nominees to Departments, Agencies, Boards & Commissions 9|Parge BERNESHA LIBURD 29. Does any close relative or spouse have a business or real estate interest(s) as described in question 25? fereyY ES * NO If the answer is yes, please explain and give the name and location of these interest(s} and how you propose to remove yourself from any possible conflict. (Attach additional sheet(s), if necessary.) L = a SECTION V: JOB PERFORMANCE 30. in no more than 150 words, please outline in priority order your four (4) specific short-term and four (4) specific long-term goals and objectives you would employ to achieve the entity's purpose and improve its service delivery system if your nomination is confirmed for this position. The cannabis board should be committed to enhancing its service delivery through a set of short-term and long- term goals aimed at fostering a responsible and equitable industry. Short-term objectives include streamlining the licensing process by optimizing current procedures and potentially implementing a digital application system to improve accessibility for applicants. To educate the public on responsible cannabis use and local laws, an enhanced outreach campaign will be launched, featuring community events and informational materials. Additionally, the establishment of regular stakeholder engagement forums wil! allow industry professionals and community members to provide feedback on current practices and propose improvements, thus building trust nd collaboration. A focus on data analysis will aid in identifying trends and areas for improvement related to annabis use and public health outcomes. ong-term goals involve developing comprehensive regulations to ensure public health and safety, promoting ocial equity initiatives that support underserved communities through equitable distribution of licenses and esources, and establishing sustainability standards for environmentally responsible cultivation and distribution. inally, investing in long-term research and development will foster collaboration with universities to explore the ealth effects of cannabis and innovative agricultural techniques. Together, these initiatives hold the potential to ignificantly enhance the board's service delivery and better fulfill its purpose within the community. 31. Is there any additional information that you believe would assist the Committee on Rules and the Judiciary in processing your nomination expeditiously? Office of the Governor Questionnaire for Nominees to Departments, Agencies, Boards & Commissions 10| Page BERNESHA LIBURD CERTIFICATION: This is to certify and affirm that all the statements contained herein and in any supporting documents or schedules or other such supporting documents or schedules executed at a later date as a part or addendum to this document are true and correct to the best of my knowledge and are made in good faith. 4h Signed this | day of October 2095 Bernesha Liburd Nominee’s Name [Print Clearly] rn and,subscribed before me this | day of O Ct DRen_ - 202 Nétaty Public of the U.S. Virgin Islands [seal] My commission expires: vo ne | ( 2024 Joann F. Penn-Lynch Notary Public NP-846-25 My Commission Expires June 11.2029 St Thomos/St.John, US Virgin Islonds Office of the Governor Questionnaire for Nominees to Departments, Agencies, Boards & Commissions 11/Page BERNESH A LIBURD Please read the following very carefully before you sign this document. 1. | understand that the information given in this Questionnaire will be investigated under all applicable laws. 2. i understand that any false statement on any part of this Questionnaire can be grounds for rejecting the confirmation of my nomination. 3. i hereby consent and authorize the release of information on my character, background, ability, financial indebtedness and fitness to serve the residents of the United States Virgin islands by all government departments and agencies, especially the Bureau of Internal Revenue, Tax Assessor, Department of Justice Division of Paternity and Child Support, Board of Education, Economic Development Authority, U. S$. Small Business Administration, Small Business Development Center, Police Department, Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs, if applicable, employers, schools, all law enforcement agencies, and all other individuals and organizations, which may be deemed necessary, to authorized Committee on Rules and the Judiciary investigators, its staff and any other authorized employees of the Virgin Islands Government as may be required. 4. CERTIFICATION: This is to certify and affirm that all the statements contained herein and in any supporting document or schedules or other such supporting documents or schedules executed at a later date as a part or addendum to this document are true and correct to the best of my knowledge and are made in good faith. Signed this 7 day of DClober 20.05 Bernesha biburd Nominee’s Name [Print Clearly] Signattre of Nomine Pes rn and subscribed before me this day of Oc Ren 202 2 \% en ‘ tue Public of thelu.s. Virgin Islands {seal] My commission expir | \ 202] Joonn F. Penn-Lynch Notary Public NP.846-25 My Commission Expires: June 11, 2029 St. Thomas/St, John, US. Virgin Islands