In the recent Senate Committee on Finance, Budget, and Appropriation hearing on July 6, concerns were raised about the Virgin Islands Department of Labor’s (VIDOL) plan to spend $12.7 million for fiscal year 2024. Specifically, there was discussion about a $1.9 million allocation from the Government Insurance Fund (GIF) for purchasing a building currently leased by the department. Lawmakers questioned the financial prudence of using funds from a heavily depleted fund.
Commissioner Gary Molloy is clarifying that the down payment for the building is $1 million, not $1.9 million, and it comes from the General Fund, not the Government Insurance Fund. The $1.9 million mentioned by Sen. Frett-Gregory pertains to personnel and fringe budgeted against the Government Insurance Fund.
For more information, contact the V.I. Department of Labor at 773-1994 on St. Croix or 776-3700 on St. Thomas.
V.I. Department of Labor Commissioner Gary Molloy
