DPW Commissioner
Derek Gabriel
On February 8, 2021, Derek Auguste Gabriel was nominated by Governor Albert Bryan Jr. to serve as the eighteenth (18th) Commissioner of the Department of Public Works. On June 3, 2021, he was officially sworn-in, becoming the youngest person in the Department’s history to serve in that position. Prior to starting his tenure at the Department of Public Works, Derek held different positions in both the private and public sectors specializing in project management, procurement, business development, property management, retail development and government relations.
After graduating from the University of Delaware, Derek returned to St. Thomas to spend time with his family and to make a positive difference in the community. He began working for Senator Shawn-Michael Malone as a Legislative Aide and Public Relations Officer. In March 2009, he was offered the opportunity to work as a Special Assistant to the Governor assigned to the St. Thomas/Water Island Administrator, working on community initiatives and youth activities. In 2011, he completed the Henry Toll Fellowship, a prestigious program instituted by the Council on State Governments aimed at developing future state leaders. Derek continued his career in public service, serving as the Deputy Commissioner of Property & Printing at the Department of Property & Procurement until May 2015.
Derek has been married to Keli Gabriel since October 2011. Together, they have two children, Savanah, 9, and Lukas, 5. He served three terms as a Trustee of All Saints Cathedral School Board, including two terms as the board’s chairman. He currently serves as the President of the Cathedral Church of All Saints Men’s Fellowship and Vice-Chairman of the Board of Governors for the Virgin Islands Port Authority. He is a proud graduate of the All Saints Cathedral School.
Executive Team
Rueben Jennings
Assistant Commissioner St. Thomas/St. John
Kinila Callendar
Tawana Nicholas
Jomo McClean
Karole Ovesen-McGregor
Deputy Commissioner Transportation
Orville Isaac
Deputy Commissioner Operations St. Thomas/St. John
Dodson James
Deputy Commissioner Operations St. Croix
Sherrylyn Stapleton
Ashli Iles
Western Cemetery Enhancement Project
This project includes the installation of a masonry wall surrounding Western Cemetery #3 and will also address repairs to concrete pavements and vaults, as well as the removal of tree stumps throughout the entire Western Cemetery. An ADA-compliant ramp and aluminum gates at Western Cemetery #1 and #3 will also be added.
VITRAN
Marketing Program
The department is extending its advertising program. Businesses will soon be able to place advertisements inside and outside VITRAN buses, as well as on bus shelters. We anticipate this program will be operational by the end of 2022.
Landscaping
Pilot Project
The landscaping pilot program aims to beautify major highways throughout the territory. The department has identified two areas to kickoff this project – the intersection of East Airport Road and Melvin Evans Highway (Route 66), on St. Croix, as well as Route 30 on St. Thomas, from the Airport entrance to the Nisky Center stoplight.
Special Projects
Albert Bryan Jr.
Tregenza A. Roach, ESQ
