With intense attention to financial accountability and efficient resource use, lawmakers scrutinized the spending strategies of the Agriculture Department and the Local Food and Farm Council, raising pointed questions over unspent funds and staffing inefficiencies at the Committee on Budget Appropriations and Finance hearing Thursday.

Louis E. Petersen Jr., commissioner of the Department of Agriculture, presented a proposed budget in the amount of $6,327,890 for fiscal year 2025. He pointed out that this represented a marked decrease of 24.42 percent below the previous fiscal year’s budget.

Some key elements of the budget included $4,334,669 for personnel and fringe benefits, $262,260 for supplies, $160,000 for utilities, and $570,930 for other services. It also included projected revenue of $1,000,000 from Tourism Funds, $270,805 from Agriculture Revolving Fund, and various Federal grants in the sum of $2,054,777.

These allocations, however, were made despite concerns about the effect of the reduced budget on the department’s ability to sustain and advance its initiatives. Sen. Dwayne M. DeGraff commented, “Our agriculture sector is key to our food security and economic sustainability; at a time when we’re looking for growth and improvement, reducing the budget is, quite literally, counterproductive. What we need to do is have our department equipped financially to meet its goals.”

Petersen informed the Committee about the challenges of working within the agreed-upon budget cuts but assured them that they would make the most of the available resources.

“We are indeed facing a significant budget cut, but we are determined to optimize our operations and prioritize critical areas to ensure that our agricultural sector continues to grow and thrive,” he said

Another major concern was the lack of adequate staffing. Maintaining full operational efficiency with six vacancies is difficult. Sen. Frett-Gregory pointed out, ” We have to fill those positions as quickly as possible to ensure that we have the expertise that will help our farmers and move our agricultural initiatives forward.”

Petersen outlined plans for improving the department’s recruitment efforts, including a collaboration with the University of the Virgin Islands to establish training programs in agricultural sciences for local students. “We are working closely with the University of the Virgin Islands and other educational institutions to develop training programs that will equip local students with the requisite skills and knowledge for these critical work roles. Our goal is to create a sustainable pipeline of talent to support our agricultural sector,” said Petersen.

David Hall, co-chair of the Local Food and Farm Council, put forward a proposed budget of $4,157,500 for fiscal year 2025. Among the things the budget addressed were ways to continue implementing objectives outlined in the Virgin Islands Agriculture Plan, which will help provide greater food security and sustainability.

In the proposed budget, there were allocations made for critical roles such as the Local Food and Farm coordinator, civil engineers and soil scientists, as well as initiatives like the Public Private Partnership Investment Fund. He said what was important was adding more money to most of the allocations, especially increasing the investment fund’s budget from $500,000 to $3,000,000.

However, there was criticism about the financial management and expenditure strategies. Frett-Gregory questioned the large amount of money remaining from last year while requesting new monies. Hall explained that some of the unused money had been set aside to pay for long-term projects, like setting up an agriculture business center and introducing new agricultural technologies. These things take several years to fund and plan.

Frett-Gregory concluded, “We want to ensure that every dollar is working efficiently toward improving the outcomes of our community. We must be transparent and have accountability for those dollars moving forward so we understand exactly the path we need to take to achieve our goals and meet the needs of our residents.”

Senators present at Thursday’s committee hearing included Frett-Gregory, Novelle E. Francis, Jr., Samuel Carriόn, Diane T. Capehart, DeGraff, Marise C. James, and Javan E. James, Sr.

Sharlene Belton-Gonzalez has been appointed as the new insular superintendent for the St. Croix district, the Virgin Islands Education Department announced.

Commissioner of Education Dionne Wells-Hedrington expressed her enthusiasm for Belton-Gonzalez’s arrival, stating, “We are pleased to welcome Dr. Belton-Gonzalez to the St. Croix District. Her passion for education and her eagerness to be of service to the people of St. Croix is truly inspiring.”

Belton-Gonzalez brings a wealth of experience and a strong academic background to her new role. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Spanish, a master’s degree in adult education and training, and a doctoral degree in higher education from Texas A&M University, Commerce, according to the press release.

Belton-Gonzalez began her career in education as a high school Spanish teacher. Over her 12 years in the classroom, she also taught English as a Second Language, bilingual classes at the elementary level, AVID, and English as a Foreign Language in the Dominican Republic. Her teaching experience spans every grade level, from PreK to post-secondary, the press release stated.

She then transitioned to school administration, serving in various roles, including high school principal. She is now entering her 12th year in school administration and her 24th year in the field of education, the release stated.

Belton-Gonzalez is dedicated to providing each student with a well-rounded education and the necessary resources for success. As a servant leader, she is eager to serve the students, families, teachers, and staff of St. Croix, it said.

“I am honored and excited to join the St. Croix District and to work alongside such dedicated educators and staff,” said Belton-Gonzalez. “Together, we will continue to strive for excellence and ensure that every student has the opportunity to succeed.”

The Virgin Islands Education Department looks forward to the positive impact Belton-Gonzalez will undoubtedly have on the St. Croix district and its community, the release stated.

In recognition of National Eye Exam Month, Teri Helenese, Virgin Islands director, State-Federal Relations and Washington representative, has partnered with eye care specialists in the Territory to offer discounted eye exams throughout August, according to a press release.

This initiative aims to raise awareness about the importance of regular eye check-ups and ensure that residents have access to essential eye care services.

Beginning Thursday, Plessen Ophthalmology and Sterling Optical will provide eye exams at reduced costs to help incentivize Virgin Islanders to address their eye care needs without delay, stated the release.

“We are thrilled to unveil this collaboration, which makes vital eye care more accessible to our community,” said Helenese. “Regular eye exams are crucial for detecting vision problems early and maintaining overall eye health. By offering these discounts, we hope to encourage more people to prioritize their eye health.”

Helenese explained that many residents of the Virgin Islands often forgo essential eye examinations due to budgetary restraints. The discounted price of eye exams throughout August can help to alleviate this financial burden and encourage more individuals to seek eye care before problems arise, according to the release.

Ophthalmologists recommend periodic eye exams every two-four years from the ages of 40 to 65, and every one-two years after the age of 65, the release stated.

At Plessen Ophthalmology, which serves patients in both the St. Croix and St. Thomas-St. John districts, patients without insurance can get a basic eye exam for $50. Every Virgin Islander, including patients with diabetes, a family history of glaucoma, or unexplained vision loss, is encouraged to come in for an examination that will cost very little if insurance coverage is applied. Undocumented patients are also welcome at the practice. Sterling Optical, with locations in St. Croix and St. Thomas, has agreed to offer comprehensive eye exams at a discounted rate of $50, a 20 percent discount off the regular cost of $65, stated the release.

According to Helenese, the goal is not only to help improve vision but also to reduce health care costs in the long run as undiagnosed and untreated eye conditions can lead to more severe health problems, resulting in higher medical expenses in the future. Early detection through regular eye exams can prevent such complications, ultimately saving costs for both individuals and the healthcare system.

Moreover, eye exams can also reveal underlying health issues such as diabetes and hypertension, and high cholesterol. These conditions often go unnoticed until they manifest through eye symptoms, the release stated.

According to the release, committed to supporting the local community beyond eye care, Sterling Optical also offers the Adams-Mahepath Scholarships to college-bound graduating high school seniors from the Territory. Established in 2002, the scholarship fund has awarded more than half a million dollars in financial support to more than 200 students, allowing them to pursue their higher education dreams.

“Improving the health and wellbeing of our community in multiple areas of their lives is one of my highest priorities,” added Helenese. “I am deeply grateful to our local partners who are making it easier for residents to take proactive steps in managing their eye health. We hope to see many community members take advantage of this opportunity during National Eye Exam Month.”

National Eye Exam Month runs from August 1-31. Residents are encouraged to contact Plessen Ophthalmology and Sterling Optical directly to schedule their eye exams. Appointments are required, and availability may vary.