U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS – Family members, colleagues, supporters and friends attended the swearing in ceremony on St. Thomas Thursday of Director of the Office of Management and Budget Julio A. Rhymer, Sr. and Police Commissioner Mario M. Brooks.
Governor Albert Bryan Jr. and Lieutenant Governor Tregenza A. Roach, Esq. joined Bryan-Roach Administration Cabinet members for the ceremony, held in the Columban Hall of Holy Family Church and streamed live via Facebook and the VI Government Access Network. The oath of office was administered by Superior Court Presiding Judge Debra S. Watlington.
As Governor Bryan affixed Cabinet pins onto the lapels of each of the newly sworn commissioners, he welcomed them to a newfound family.
“What happens to one of us happens to all of us,” Governor Bryan said. “When you take up this mantle of responsibility, 100,000 souls count on us to do our best. When we let down the Virgin Islands in any way, 100,000 people feel the impact.”
Lieutenant Governor Roach lauded Commissioners Rhymer and Brooks for answering the call for leadership in difficult times. “I am grateful to Julio Rhymer and Mario Brooks that they have decided that they will take the challenge no matter what,” Roach said.
Rhymer, a distinguished finance executive with more than 30 years of experience, previously served as the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, Executive Director and Chief Financial Officer at the VI Water and Power Authority, and as Chief Financial Officer at the VI Housing Finance Authority.
In his remarks, Rhymer reflected on his upbringing and said this day was one of celebration in homage to his father, who stood with him as he was sworn in.
Brooks is an accomplished law enforcement professional and military officer with a distinguished career spanning more than 30 years. He rose through the ranks of the VI Police Department in the Special Operations Bureau, and was Commander of the Criminal Intelligence Unit, Marine Unit and Special Response Team. In 2020 Brooks was appointed Assistant Commissioner of Police. He holds the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the VI National Guard.
Brooks reflected on the duty of his position, which he said he will face with “integrity, transparency and accountability” knowing that he carries the weight of the Virgin Islands community’s safety on his shoulders.
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