Above: Vieques (CJ Photo)

By the Caribbean Journal staff

Puerto Rico has named Professor Carlos Severino a special commissioner for the sustainable development of the islands of Vieques and Culebra.

The move was announced by Acting Governor David Bernier on Thursday.

“Professor Severino has the academic and professional qualities necessary to address the issues of the island municipalities, but even more so with the necessary sensitivity to allow the government to adequately address the particular needs that have, for years, affected the residents of Vieques and Culebra,” he said.

The post was created by an executive order of Governor Alejandro Garcia Padilla in April.

Severino’s primary responsibilities will include advising Padilla about public policy in the two islands, based on the Master Plan for Sustainable Development of Vieques and Culebra, which was put forth in 2004.

Severino has a background in urban and regional geography and ecologically-oriented tourism development.