US Virgin Islands’ Nigel Fields heading to work for the EPA

After nearly five years on the job, the superintendent of the US Virgin Islands National Parks Service is leaving his position. Nigel Fields, who first came to the islands in December 2018, was initially only serving in a temporary capacity. In March 2020, however, he was nominated to serve as superintendent on a full-time basis.Fields was critical in managing the hurricane recovery efforts on the islands following hurricanes Irma and Maria, twin Category 5 storms that destroyed much of the territory in 2017. It was Fields who was credited with largely leading the $50 million recovery effort through the Parks Service.Fields also oversaw coral reef recovery efforts and the redevelopment of public areas such as the Cinnamon Bay Campground and the Cruz Bay Playground in the US Virgin Islands. Under his leadership, the Parks Service worked to arrange public land development throughout the territory. By expanding redevelopment efforts through private partnerships and community engagement, Fields was able to provide funding for construction in the Caneel Bay area and push a land-exchange request to create the first public high school in St. John.In a statement following his announcement of resignation, Fields stated, “It’s been an honor and career highlight to work with such talented, passionate professionals.” As he added, “I look forward to seeing the continued recovery and progress the park and community will make together.”The organization Friends of Virgin Islands National Parks praised Fields in a statement by the organization’s Executive Director Tonia Lovejoy, citing his “genuine care and concern for the community and the mission of the National Park Service.” She went on to say, “We thank him wholeheartedly for his service and collaboration and wish him well.”