Government

V.I. Dept. of Tourism Receives Partial Budget Release, Averting Operational Crisis

The V.I. Dept. of Tourism's budget finally came online Tuesday, though partially, giving the department access to funding for at least three months. This development allows for the continuation of critical operations, including meeting some vendor obligations. That's according to Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Jenifer O'Neal, speaking to WTJX Radio news on Tuesday. "As of right now the department is in receipt of their fiscal year 2024 budget," said Ms. O'Neal. "They have three months of the budget that is now available to them online in the ERP (a payment and invoicing system), so they are able to proceed with spending, and three months — which would be October, November and December — have been made available to the department." The release of funds to D.O.T. follows Consortium reporting on the matter Tuesday, bringing to light the protracted delay of the department's budget which led to layoffs and other operational issues. There has also been pressure from Senator...