Jasen Penn, according to a Government press release on January 7, 2021, was appointed to act in the post, effective January 1, 2021.

He has been with the DDM for the past 22 years.

“It is gratifying to see one of our own, who has been acknowledged as a disaster risk management leader in the region, put that expertise to use for the good of the Territory,” Acting Governor, Mr David D. Archer said.

He further noted Penn’s appointment is another example of the development of Virgin Islands' talent within the Public Service.

Meanwhile, Penn’s sibling, Opposition Leader Honourable Marlon A. Penn (R8) congratulated his kin on social media yesterday, January 7, 2021.

He said: “This has always been your passion, and I know you will serve the DDM and our territory with honour and integrity.”

The appointment of Mr Jasen Penn as Acting Director of Department of Disaster Management (DDM) comes as local legislators are seeking to take the responsibility of disaster management from the Office of the Governor.

More about Penn

The release stated that Mr Penn first joined the Department of Disaster Management in 1999, and has served in various roles in the Department, including as Emergency Communications Manager since 2017.

It informed that he holds a Masters Certificate in Development and Public Investment Project Management from the University of Laval, Canada; an Executive Diploma in Management from the Chartered Managers Institute in the United Kingdom; and a Bachelor of Science in Network and Communications Management from DeVry University, where he graduated with honours. Mr Penn was recognised as an Associate Emergency Manager by the International Association of Emergency Managers and was also the recipient of a Long Service Award from the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency.

Mr Penn is the Vice Chairman of the Intergovernmental Coordination Group for the Tsunami and other Coastal Hazards Warning System for the Caribbean and Adjacent Regions (ICG/CARIBE EWS). He also serves as Vice Chairman for the group’s Tsunami Ready Task Team and is a licenced amateur radio operator holding a general class licence, the release added.

The appointment of Mr Penn comes as local legislators are seeking to take the responsibility of disaster management from the Office of the Governor.

New Deputy Director of DDM

In the meantime, a new deputy Director was also appointed in the same department.

The release said Ms Sheniah Armstrong had been chosen to hold that post.

Commenting on the appointments, Permanent Secretary for the Office of the Deputy Governor, and former Director of the DDM, Mrs Sharleen S. DaBreo-Lettsome, MBE, said: “These are two officers have demonstrated their commitment to the territory and to the work that they do, and Government has in turn supported them by investing in their professional development.”

She continued: “They have been a very effective team guiding the Virgin Islands’ Disaster Management Programme for some time now, and I trust they will continue this going forward.”