Mrs. Bethsaida Smith-Hanley has been appointed to act as Commissioner in the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) effective December 1, 2018.

The appointment was made by His Excellency the Governor, Mr. Augustus J. U Jaspert, in accordance with section 92 of the Virgin Islands Constitution, and in accordance with the advice of the Public Service Commission.

Mrs. Smith-Hanley’s role includes ensuring the continual development of procedures and guidelines for the department, examining and licencing drivers and registering vehicles in accordance with laws, rules and regulations.  She will be responsible for attending meetings, training sessions and workshops to ensure awareness of changes to policies and procedures relevant to meet the needs of the Government of the Virgin Islands and the community.

The Acting Commissioner will also manage the department’s challenges, activities, relationships, resources, development and networks.  She will prepare and manage the department’s annual budget as the accounting officer for the department. Mrs. Smith-Hanley’s role in the department will also involve coordinating departmental activities, including clerical inspections, licencing and registration; ensuring compliance with legal, regulatory, ethical and social requirements.

Mrs. Smith-Hanley has been employed as a public officer for over eighteen (18) years.  She joined the Public Service in 2000, and has worked as a Computer Technician and Planning Officer in the Department of Information Technology.  She was the Senior Administration Officer and Assistant Secretary in the Cabinet Office (2008-2012). 

In her last role, she served as Private Secretary in the Ministry of Communications and Works for about seven (7) years.

Mrs. Smith-Hanley attained her Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Finance in 2010 from Keller Graduate School of Management.  She received a Bachelor of Science in Technical Management with a concentration in Project Management in 2008 from DeVry University, having completed her Associates degree at the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC) in 2005.

She is currently pursuing a Level 7 Executive Diploma in Strategic Management.