CHARLOTTE AMALIE — Governor Albert Bryan, Jr. announced St. Thomas native and former professional basketball player and mainstay on the Virgin Islands National Team Calvert White as Commissioner of the Department of Sports, Parks, and Recreation on Friday.
White, 43, currently serves as Acting Commissioner of DSPR and has served for more than 12 years in the department in various capacities including as Assistant Commissioner where he was instrumental in the initiation of the Annual Governor’s Youth Territorial Games.
“As long as I have known Mr. White, he has been an advocate for young people and athletic recreation in the territory,” Bryan said. “I know his commitment to the youth in our community and his understanding of the importance of athletics as both an extracurricular activity for our young people which teaches sportsmanship and leadership while also serving as an economic driver in our community.”
Bryan pledged Friday that the administration plans to make the most of the territory’s investments in sporting facilities, and that White is qualified to lead that effort as Commissioner of Sports, Parks, and Recreation.
“Our administration is pursuing every vehicle to drive economic development and improve the quality of life for Virgin Islands residents. We have invested over $100 Million in sports facilities, and we need to ensure a return on investment for the people of the Virgin Islands,” Bryan said. “As a key coordinator of the Paradise Jam Basketball Tournament for over 15 years, Mr. White understands how to maximize the potential of our sporting facilities and will lead our efforts to enhance recreation offerings and generate revenue from sports tourism.”
White holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sports Management from Southeast Missouri State University.