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ANOTHER NAME ON THE TABLE FOR TOURISM

The name of Michael Bornn surfaced this week as a candidate for the post of Commissioner of Tourism.
Bornn, a financial advisor and principal of Seslia Securities, an investment firm with offices in the Virgin Islands and Philadelphia, is also the president of the V.I. America's Cup Challenge.
Sources say Bornn is being considered along with Hotel Association Executive Director Beverly Nicholson.
"I understand I am being considered," Bornn told St. Thomas Source. "However, I have not been contacted by the governor."
"I would consider serving if it is the desire of the governor, "he said.
Nicholson has remained mum on the subject of her consideration, but has been endorsed publicly by the Hotel Association.
Central Labor Council President Luis "Tito" Morales Friday endorsed Bornn saying, "I think Michael Bornn would make an excellent choice. He knows the outside investments. He knows the outside world. The job requires a marketer and that he is."
Morales added that with Bornn's experience in business and finance he could do the job well.
"I have nothing against Beverly Nicholson, but if I had to choose, I would pick Michael Bornn."
In addition to running the Tourism Department, the commissioner serves as chairman of the V.I. Port Authority Board and the Industrial Development Commission.
Eric Matthews, president of Carifest and former director of the Film Promotion Office, a division of Tourism said, "Both of those people are eminently qualified. Those are two great names to consider. I wouldn't feel badly with either one."
Two other names have been mentioned as candidates in recent weeks; businessman Mel Plaskett and more recently, James O'Bryan, assistant to the governor for public information.

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