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THE UNITED STATES VIRGIN ISLANDS RCVD SEN. PRESIDENT OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR OCT 20 '25 9M11:32 GOVERNMENT HOUSE Charlotte Amalie, V.I. 00802 340-774-0001 October 15, 2025 VIA HAND-DELIVERY Honorable Milton E. Potter Senate President Thirty-Sixth Legislature of the Virgin Islands Capitol 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, | 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. I 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, CREE Albert Bryan Jr. Govemor Enclosure Cc: Senator Carla J. Joseph Chair, Committee on Rules and Judiciary BERNESHA LIBURD DETAILS ADORESS P.O. Box 8014 Charlotte Ama'se, 00801 US. Virgin Islands PHONE EMAIL pbiiburd@gmail.com LINKS Linkedin SKILLS Critical thinking and problem solving eoeeoes Microsoft Excel eeeee Leadership Skills @eeeee Fast Learner eoeee Ability to Multitask eeeseae Adaptability @eeesd Ability to Work in a Team @eeesd Microsoft Office @eee0oee Communication Skills #eoe0e8 Team Building @ees8@ Creative Problem Solving eoeee Customer Service eeaeaee Research Skills eeeoend Analytical Thinking Skills @eeeeed Data Collection eeoese Data Entry e@eece 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 rale.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. | am proactive in my approach and a quick learnes, ready to leverage my expertise to make a significant contribution. EMPLOYMENT HISTORY Acting Director, Office of the Governor, Bureau of Charlotte Amalie Ecanomic Research May 2022 — Present while | officially hold the posit’ on of Senior Project Analyst, | arm 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 liasan for USVI federal partners and testify at the legistature when requested Senior Project Analyst, Office of the Governor, Charlotte Amalie Bureau of Economic Research Jun 2021 — Apr 2022 Ail 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 of 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 2071 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 Economic Statistics eeeee Economic Data Analytics eveeo Economic Comprehensive Analysis @eeee0es Economic Forecasting @eeee0 Project Planning eeeee Project Management eeeee Surveys @e2e2oe Personnel Management e@e608 Community Outreach #eee08 Marketing eeoee Social Media eeeee Web Design & Development eoeeo Grant Writing eeecde Proficient in corporate purchasing eoeece Contracting *#eee0 - Prepare titerature reviews. - Gather and analyze data Perform data entry and coding. » Share information on statistical trends - Assist in researching economic or cornmunity 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 Responsibihties: - Produce the Annual Budget Book for the Office of Management and Budget (OM8). » 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 US. 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 efficient y 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 Celt Feb 2012 Economic Administration Certified, Economic Charlotte Amalie Development Authority Apr 2015 — Apr 2018 Six Sigma Yellow 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) (Other) 2. SOCIAL SECURITY: nal 3. ADORESS: Mailing: P.O. Box 8014; St. Thomas, VI; 00801 Residential: | St. Thomas, VI, 00801 Business: Government House|5047 (21-22) Kongens Gade | St. Thomas, USVI 00802-6487 E-Mail: Bernesha.liburd@ber.vi.gov |___ Phone Number(s) oo ees 4. Length of Residence in the Virgin Islands: 38 years 5. Date of Birth: 6. Place of Birth: St. Thomas — | 7. Marital Status: ___Married | 2® Single | _ Widowed | ____ Divorced 8. Full Name of Spouse: Mailing & Residential Address: P.O. Box 8014; St. Thomas; VI; 00801 Business, Name & Address: Bureau of Economic Research, Office of the Governor, 5047 (21-22) Kongens Gade | St. Thomas, USVI 00802-6487 ia |. 9. EDUCATION ; institution Dates Attended | Degree Received | Date Received Certifications riveraity,21tne ron 2005 _ Bachelor of the Arts 2011 islands UVI Cell 2012 2012 Reai Estate Economic Development /y Economic Administration le ae Development Six Sigma 2019 2019 Yetlow Belt Office of the Governor Questionnaire for Nominees to Departments, Agencies, Boards & Commissions 3|/Page RERNESHA LIHURD 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 Senior Project No. 5047 Kongens Anatyst Gade; St. Thomas Vi 00802-6487 Bureau of Economic Research Or. Haldane Davies 2006- present 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 ali service contracts you have held independently or been a party to with the Government of the Virgin Islands. } 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 feast 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] 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? modern perspective. With twenty years of diverse experience in various economic industries, xtensive exposure to economic development research, and familiarity with the demographics and ata analytics of the U.S. Virgin Islands, | possess a valuable skill set that is well-suited for effective annabis regulation. This is especially important as we navigate the evolving landscape influenced y Al, technology, and global trade. prose my nomination for the cannabis board is based on a strong combination of experience and he Virgin Islands has immense potential for growth in areas such as education, cultivation, tourism, anufacturing, job creation, market exclusivity, and revenue generation in relation to the new merging cannabis industry. By approaching planning and policy with a solid foundation in research nd data, | am confident that | can help develop strategies that support sustainabie development nd maximize benefits for our community. My commitment is to ensure we harness these pportunities to improve the lives of our residents while promoting responsible governance and nnovation. 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. 15. BOARDS, COMMISSIONS, TRUSTS, ETC.: List ali 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 stilt leading on behalf of PFA. Office of the Governor Questionnaire for Nominees to Departments, Agencies, Boards & Commissions 5|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, 4 was awarded Employee of the Year by the Bureau of Economic Research in 2016. | Pte = — es 17. PUBLISHED WRITINGS: List ail titles, publishers, and dates of books, articles, reports, or other published materials you have written. ed 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 ‘Hote! Room Nights Available, Hote! 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 ce Research website, where all these publications can be accessed. www.usviber.org | a — | SECTION Ill; 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 \f 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 Questlonnalre for Nominees to Departments, Agencies, Boards & Commissions G[ Page BERNESHUA LIBURD 20.‘ Have you ever been convicted of a felony or a misdemeanor? = ___YES * NO If yes, please exptain 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} ‘ome Thy Td $ ' 1 t 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} 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(Paae BERNESE 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 ts yes, please give details of dates, names of organizations, names of individuals and ail pertinent circumstances. [Attach additional sheet(s), if necessary, and reference this question number] 25. Do you know of any individual, organization or group, which can be expected to oppose your nomination? _ YES *_NO tf 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 * 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. y understanding of "Conflict of Interest" in the context of the position to which | have been ominated is that it refers to situations where personal interests or relationships could potentially nfluence or interfere with my ability to act in the best interests of the public and the responsibilities of y role. n serving the People of the Virgin Islands, it is crucial to maintain integrity and uphold public trust. A onftict of interest can arise if | have financial interests, business relationships, or personal onnections that could affect my judgment or decision-making regarding the cannabis industry egulations. 0 avoid conflicts, | would prioritize transparency and actively disclose any potential conflicts to the elevant authorities. This includes refraining from participating in discussions or decisions where a ‘onflict of interest may exist, ensuring that all actions taken are in the best interest of the public and n line with established ethical guidelines and legal requirements. itimately, my commitment would be to promote fair practices and ensure that policies and egulations 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 or provide goods or services to the Virgin Islands Government? szaeVES tae 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|Page BERNESHA LIBURD 29. Does any close relative or spouse have a business or real estate interest(s) as described in question 25? __ YES *_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.) 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. he cannabis board should be committed to enhancing its service delivery through a set of short-term and long- erm goals aimed at fostering a responsible and equitable industry. Short-term objectives include streamlining he licensing process by optimizing current procedures and potentially implementing a digital application system © improve accessibility for applicants. To educate the public on responsible cannabis use and focal laws, an nhanced outreach campaign will be launched, featuring community events and informational materials. dditionally, the establishment of regular stakeholder engagement forums will allow industry professionals and ommunity 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 nnabis 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 BERNESH A 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 knowledga and are made in good faith. ih Signed this 1 day of October 2045 Bernesha Liburd Nominee’s Name [Print Clearly] Se before me this _ | day of oO - her , 202 Signature of\Nomin tary Public of the U.S. Virgin Islands [seal] My commission expires: rh { 2029 Joann F. Penn-Lynch Notary Public NP-846-25 My Commission Expires June It 2029 St Thomos/St Joha. US Virgin Islands