(a) There is created a board to be known as the “Public Defender Administration Board” consisting of five persons, one of whom shall be the president of the Virgin Islands Bar Association or his designee, two of whom shall be appointed by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, provided, however, that of the two members appointed by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, one shall be a resident of the St. Thomas/St. John District and one shall be a resident of the St. Croix district; one of whom shall be appointed by the Governor and one of whom shall be appointed by the President of the Legislature. The term of the members appointed by the Governor and the President of the Legislature shall be coterminous with those of the persons by whom they are appointed. Of the two members appointed by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, one shall serve for three years and one shall serve for two years. Vacancies on the Board shall be filled for the unexpired term of the vacant member. The Board shall elect from among their number a Chairperson and such other officers as they may determine. Members of the Board shall receive a per diem of $75 for each day or part thereof spent in the performance of their official duties, plus any actual and necessary travel expenses.
(b) The Public Defender Administration Board shall hire and be authorized to terminate all personnel and staff for the Office of Public Defender upon the recommendation of the Chief Public Defender. The Board shall hear and decide on all complaints and grievances of employees. The Board shall promulgate rules and regulations governing employees rights and relations with the right of appeal as to any adverse decision of the Board available to any aggrieved employee, pursuant to Title 5, Section 1421 et seq., Virgin Islands Code. The Board shall approve the annual budget for the office.
(c) The members of the Public Defender Administration Board, while acting within the scope of their duties as members of such Board, shall not be subject to any personal or civil liability as a result of any of the Board's actions taken pursuant to its duties and responsibilities, unless the conduct of the member or members is determined by a court of competent jurisdiction to constitute willful wrongdoing or gross negligence.