Jenifer O'Neal Photo Credit: V.I. LEGISLATURE
ST. THOMAS — Jenifer O'Neal, the director of the V.I. Office of Management and Budget, officially resigned from her position this morning, citing the need to minimize disruptions caused by ongoing federal investigations. Her resignation was announced in an email sent to her team early this morning.
In her farewell message, O'Neal expressed her regret over leaving the position she has held for nearly six years. "It is with a heavy heart that I inform you that due to the ongoing investigations, and the need to minimize any further disruptions to anyone while I work to clear my name, I have tendered my resignation to Governor Bryan this morning," she wrote, according to a copy of the email seen by the Consortium.
O'Neal highlighted the numerous achievements and improvements made under her leadership, emphasizing what she said were positive changes in office environment and policy. "The accomplishments as a group have been many, and a whole lot of improvements has occurred as well...from the office surroundings to new policies/units, and procedures," O'Neal stated, encouraging her team to continue being changemakers.
Her resignation comes at a time when the federal government has increased its scrutiny over several high-ranking officials in the U.S. Virgin Islands. This includes the recent federal actions against Davidson Charlemagne, the Director of Maintenance for the Department of Education, and his wife Sasha Charlemagne; Darin Richardson, former Chief Operating Officer of the Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority; Police Commissioner Ray Martinez, and Calvert White, Commissioner of Sports, Parks, and Recreation.
O'Neal assured her colleagues of the continued support from Governor Albert Bryan and his administration, confirming that a replacement for her position would be appointed soon. "I know this is a stressful time for many of you but please keep the faith and be assured that Governor Bryan and his team will appoint someone to lead OMB in short order," she reassured.
Governor Albert Bryan is expected to address these changes and the ongoing federal scrutiny today at 10:00 a.m. during a Government House press conference.
