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FY 2027 BUDGET TESTIMONY | DIVISION OF PERSONNEL | 1 FY 2027 BUDGET TESTIMONY | DIVISION OF PERSONNEL | 2 36th LEGISLATURE OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS COMMITTEE ON BUDGET, APPROPRIATIONS AND FINANCE FY 2027 BUDGET HEARING TESTIMONY PRESENTED BY CINDY L. RICHARDSON, DIRECTOR DIVISION OF PERSONNEL EARL B. OTTLEY LEGISLATIVE CHAMBERS JUNE 24, 2026 FY 2027 BUDGET TESTIMONY | DIVISION OF PERSONNEL | 3 Table of Contents Introduction ................................................................................................................................................. 4 Fiscal Year 2027 Operating Budget Overview ........................................................................................... 5 Human Resources Information Technology ............................................................................................... 9 Group Health Insurance and Wellness ...................................................................................................... 14 Recruitment and Classification ................................................................................................................. 15 Strategy and Organizational Development ............................................................................................... 18 Conclusion ................................................................................................................................................ 20 Appendix ................................................................................................................................................... 22 FY 2027 BUDGET TESTIMONY | DIVISION OF PERSONNEL | 4 Introduction Good afternoon Honorable Novelle Francis, Jr., Chairman of the 36th Legislature’s Committee on Budget, Appropriations, and Finance other honorable committee members; non-committee Senators present, as well as the listening and viewing audience. I am Cindy L. Richardson, Director of the Division of Personnel. Here with me today are members of my executive team Florine Audain-Hassell, Assistant Director; Valcina Quashie, Deputy Director; Cordell Rhymer Jr., Chief Technology Officer; Valerie Daley, Chief Group Health Insurance and Wellness; Gabriel Knight, Chief Strategy and Organizational Development Officer; Millicent Aubain, Territorial Administrator Recruitment and Classification; Aliya Felix-Blyden, Legal Counsel. Sitting in the well are Jo Ann Carr, Public Information Officer, Janice Dennis-Freeman, Executive Assistant, Nyola Christopher, Coordinator Financial Services, and Kima-I Martin, Human Resource Specialist; Nakisha Young, Associate Chief of Group Health Insurance and Wellness; and Shukoi Pinney, HR IT Network Systems and Operations Manager At the Division of Personnel, we recognize that succession planning is critical to maintaining organizational effectiveness and ensuring long-term success. The last three individuals recognized are being developed to assume future leadership responsibilities within their respective units, helping to preserve institutional knowledge and ensure continuity of operations. This investment in leadership development is particularly important as we prepare for the future, with approximately 50 percent of the executive team currently eligible for retirement in the coming years. We are committed to building a modern workforce for the Government of the Virgin Islands, mandated in the Virgin Islands Code, Title 3, Chapter 25, Sections 451 through 667, and the Personnel Rules and Regulations. We support each central government department by focusing on improving organizational performance, professional development, and retaining a diverse workforce equipped to meet the territory’s evolving needs. Our division is comprised of the following units: 1) Human Resources Information Technology, 2) Recruitment and Classification, 3) Strategy and Organizational Development, 4) Fiscal and Administrative Services, and 5) Group Health Insurance and Wellness. Thank you for the opportunity to present and provide testimony in support of our proposed Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 budget. We appreciate the continued partnership and consideration of our funding priorities as we work to strengthen operations, enhance services, and support the Government of the Virgin Islands workforce. FY 2027 BUDGET TESTIMONY | DIVISION OF PERSONNEL | 5 Fiscal Year 2027 Operating Budget Overview The following budget overview and funding breakdown shows how we leverage our funding to meet its statutory responsibilities, implement projects, and support sustainable workforce development within the government. This financial snapshot not only reflects our core operational needs but also highlights measurable outcomes in recruitment, wellness, training and professional development. Budget Summary Our recommended FY 2027 budget from the Office of Management and Budget totals $66,853,857.00. The budget recommendation includes allocations of $66,263,857.00 from the General Fund and $590,000.00 from the Indirect Cost Fund. Additionally, we project revenues of approximately $45,000.00 for the Training Revolving Fund. To provide a comprehensive and accurate overview of our budget, the summary below highlights the key components of our overall budget, including the Miscellaneous Budget Summary, which provides a detailed breakdown of the following expenditures $38,210,672.00 for Health Insurance for Retirees, $19,935,999.00 for the Insurance Employer/Employee share, $90,000.00 for the V.I. Certified Public Manager Program, $101,253.00 for GVI Employees Recognition, $275,000.00 for the Contribution to the Health Insurance Board, $315,000.00 for Health Insurance Consultants, and $959,879.00 for the GVI Fellows Program. FY 2027 | TOTAL BUDGET SUMMARY ALLOTMENT General Fund (*includes Miscellaneous Budget Summary) • Health Insurance for Retirees* • Insurance Employer/Employee Share** • Health Insurance Consultants* • Contribution Health Insurance Board* • GVI Fellows Program* • GVI Employee Recognition Activities* • VI Certified Public Manager Program* $ 66,263,857.00 $ 38,210,672.00 $ 19,935,999.00 $ 315,000.00 $ 275,000.00 $ 959,879.00 $ 101,253.00 $ 90,000.00 Indirect Cost Fund $ 590,000.00 Non-Appropriated Funds $ 45,000.00 TOTAL $ 66,853,857.00 FY 2027 BUDGET TESTIMONY | DIVISION OF PERSONNEL | 6 Operating Budget Summary Our Operating Budget Summary includes the following funding allocations: $3,635,884.00 for Personnel Services, $1,785,758.00 for Fringe Benefits, $106,471.00 for Supplies, $797,941.00 for Other Services and $50,000.00 for Capital Projects, with a total operating budget of 6,376,054.00. GVI Fellows Program Included in our Operation Budget Summary is an allocation of $959,879.00 for the GVI Fellows Program. These funds are comprised of $660,000.00 for Personnel Services, $262,879.00 for Fringe Benefits, $30,000.00 for Supplies, and $7,000.00 for Other Services. Other Services and Charges Summary Our Other Services and Charges Summary include the following recommended allocations $50,000.00 for Repair/Maintenance, $627.00 for Auto Repair/Maintenance, $2,500.00 for Rental of Machines/Equipment, $24,800.00 for Training, $52,800.00 for Communication, $30,600.00 for Advertising/Promotion, $8,123.00 for Transportation-non-Travel, $10,000.00 for Travel, $35,000.00 for Purchase of Bulk Airline Tickets, $2,531.00 for Other Services NOC, and $580,960.00 for Professional Services with total of $797,941.00. GENERAL FUND OPERATING BUDGET | OTHER SERVICES AND CHARGES RECOMMENDED Repair/Maintenance $50,000.00 6.27% Auto Repair/Maintenance $627.00 0.08% Rental of Machines/Equipment $2,500.00 0.31% Professional Services $580,960.00 72.81% Training $24,800.00 3.11% Communication $52,800.00 6.62% Advertising & Promotion $30,600.00 3.83% Transportation-Not-Travel $8,123.00 1.02% Travel $10,000.00 1.25% Purchase Bulk Airline Ticket $35,000.00 4.39% Other Services NOC $2,531.00 0.32% TOTAL $797,941.00 Other Services and Charges including Miscellaneous Funds Other Services and Charges including Miscellaneous Funds include the following recommended allocations: $50,000.00 for Repair/Maintenance, $627.00 for Auto Repair/Maintenance, $10,988.00 for Rental of Land/Buildings, $12,500.00 for Rental of Machines/Equipment, $987,225.00 for Professional Services, $27,300.00 for Training, $52,800.00 for Communication, $40,600.00 for Advertising and FY 2027 BUDGET TESTIMONY | DIVISION OF PERSONNEL | 7 Promotion, $10,000.00 for Printing and Binding, $14,623.00 for Transportation-Not-Travel, $11,000.00 for Travel, $51,000.00 for Purchase Bulk Airline Ticket, $58,421,671.00 for Insurance, $2,531.00 for Other Services NOC with a total of $59,692,865.00. GENERAL FUND | OTHER SERVICES AND CHARGES INCLUDING MISCELLANEOUS FUNDS Repair/Maintenance $50,000.00 0.08% Auto Repair/Maintenance $627.00 0.00% Rental of Land/Buildings $10,988.00 0.02% Rental of Machines/Equipment $12,500.00 0.02% Professional Services $987,225.00 1.65% Training $27,300.00 0.05% Communication $52,800.00 0.09% Advertising & Promotion $40,600.00 0.07% Printing & Binding $10,000.00 0.02% Transportation-Not-Travel $14,623.00 0.02% Travel $11,000.00 0.02% Purchase Bulk Airline Ticket $51,000.00 0.09% Insurance $58,421,671.00 97.87% Other Services NOC $2,531.00 0.00% TOTAL $59,692,865.00 Indirect Cost Summary The Indirect Cost Fund includes $48,000.00 for Supplies, $354,500.00 for Other Services and Charges, and $187,500.00 for Utilities with a total amount of $590,000. FY 2027 | RECOMMENDED INDIRECT COST SUMMARY SUPPLIES Office Supplies $10,000.00 Operating Supplies $10,000.00 Small Tools and Minor Equipment $28,000.00 $48,000.00 OTHER SERVICES Rental of Land/Building $316,388.00 Advertising & Promotion $20,000.00 Transportation-Not Travel $2,112.00 Travel $10,000.00 Purchase Bulk Airline $6,000.00 $354,500.00 UTILITIES Electricity $186,000.00 Water $1,500.00 $187,500.00 TOTAL $590,000.00 FY 2027 BUDGET TESTIMONY | DIVISION OF PERSONNEL | 8 Personnel Services The recommended Personnel Services positions total 67. This includes 57 filled positions and 10 vacant positions. Of the 67 recommended positions, 44 are in the St. Thomas/St. John District, and 23 are in the St. Croix District. Among these positions, 9 are union-represented, 33 are classified as non-union, and 25 are exempt. Twelve of the 25 exempt positions are allocated to the GVI Fellows Program. FY 2027 | OMB RECOMMENDED BUDGET GENERAL FUND FY'27 RECOMM % GVI FELLOWS PROGRAM FY'27 RECOMM INDIRECT COST FUND FY'27 RECOMM TRAINING REVOLVING FY'27 RECOM M COMBINE RECOMM. BUDGET FY'27 TOTAL Personne l Services $3,635,884 5.57% Personnel Services $660,000 Personnel Services $-0- Personnel Services Personnel Services $ 4,295,884 Fringe Benefits $1,785,758 2.73% Fringe Benefits $262,879 Fringe Benefits $-0- Fringe Benefits Fringe Benefits $ 2,048,637 Supplies $106,471 0.16% Supplies $30,000 Supplies $48,000 Supplies Supplies $ 184,471 Other Services & Charges $797,941 1.22% Other Services & Charges $7,000 Other Services & Charges $354,500 Other Services & Charges $45,000 Other Services & Charges $ 1,204,441 Public Utilities $-0- 0.00% Public Utilities $-0- Public Utilities $187,500 Public Utilities Utilities $ 187,500 Capital Outlay/ Equip. $50,000 0.08% Capital Outlay/ Equip. $-0- Capital Outlay/ Equip. $-0- Capital Outlay/ Equip. Capital Outlay/ Equip. $ 50,000 Miscell. $58,927,924 90.24% Miscell. $-0- Miscell. $-0- Miscell. Miscell. $ 58,927,924 TOTAL GEN. FUND $65,303,978 TOTAL INDIR. FUND $959,879 TOTAL INDIR. FUND $590,000 TOTAL INDIR. FUND $45,000 GRAND TOTAL $ 66,898,857 FY 2027 BUDGET TESTIMONY | DIVISION OF PERSONNEL | 9 Human Resources Information Technology The Human Resources Information Technology (HRIT) Unit provides both technical and administrative assistance, including specialized training on the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system to strengthen the efficiency and effectiveness of HR professionals. In addition, the HRIT Unit is responsible for managing Notices of Personnel Action (NOPA), ensuring personnel transactions are processed accurately and in a timely manner. To support the Division of Personnel’s key performance indicators (KPIs), HRIT aims to process NOPAs within an average of 5 business days or less and is currently exceeding that goal by processing NOPAs within an average of 2 business days. Employee Statistical Data The following tables and charts offer a comprehensive overview of the workforce composition, supporting informed decision-making and strategic planning of the Government of the Virgin Islands. Disclaimer: The figures and data presented are based on records as of May 31, 2026, and may differ from current totals due to ongoing personnel and operational changes. FY 2027 BUDGET TESTIMONY | DIVISION OF PERSONNEL | 10 EMPLOYEE COUNT - CENTRAL GOVERNMENT COMPARISON BY YEAR GVI STATS by year 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 YTD Classified 4833 4675 4485 4654 4798 4600 4407 4099 Unclassified 1071 1100 1199 1332 1416 1383 1351 1350 Temporary 15 8 0 1 0 19 6 4 Part Time 52 58 70 82 44 40 Per Diem 14 20 245 175 3 57 TOTAL 5919 5783 5750 6065 6529 6259 5811 5550 EMPLOYEE COUNT - SEMI/AUTONOMOUS/JUDICIAL/LEGISTATURE COMPARISON BY YEAR Government by year 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 YTD Central Gov’t 5570 6065 6529 6259 5811 5550 Semi-Autonomous 3415 3313 3453 3322 3601 3750 Judicial Branch 300 309 304 313 312 312 Legislature 213 236 332 220 217 213 TOTAL 9928 9923 10618 10114 9941 9825 FY 2027 BUDGET TESTIMONY | DIVISION OF PERSONNEL | 11 Disclaimer: Average salary figures do not include fringe benefits and should not be interpreted as total employee compensation. FY 2027 BUDGET TESTIMONY | DIVISION OF PERSONNEL | 12 FY 2027 BUDGET TESTIMONY | DIVISION OF PERSONNEL | 13 FY 2027 BUDGET TESTIMONY | DIVISION OF PERSONNEL | 14 Group Health Insurance and Wellness Our Group Health Insurance and Wellness (GHIW) Unit administers the medical, dental, vision and life insurance plans for active employees, retirees and their dependents as negotiated by the Government Employees Service Commission (GESC) Health Insurance Board. The GHIW team also provides health insurance outreach and administers the GVI Wellness Program. Enrollment As of May 2026, we have provided health insurance coverage to approximately 14,080 members of that number 6,957 are active employees, 1,113 are Cigna retirees (under the age of 65); and 6505 are retirees covered by UnitedHealthcare. We currently have over 19,370 members (including dependents) covered under the GVI health insurance program this include spouses and dependents. Insurance Costs Currently, we have paid $132,732,592.58 in health insurance premiums. The Government of the Virgin Islands pays 73% of this amount, which is $80,106,417.96, and employees pay 27% of this share which is $29,628,401.17. GROUP HEALTH INSURANCE CARRIER PAYMENTS Carrier Total Paid Employer Share Employee Share Cigna $109,734,819.13 $80,106,417.96 $29,628,401.17 United Healthcare $15,053,316.65 $10,988,921.15 $4,064,395.50 Standard Life $ 7,312,341.70 Standard Vision $ 439,859.88 Cigna Supplements $192,255.27 Government Employees Service Commission Election Summary In accordance with Title 3, Chapter 1, Section 6(b) of the Virgin Islands Code this election, held every two years was administered by the Division of Personnel, last November. To encourage full participation and prevent disenfranchisement, the Division of Personnel provided employees and retirees with multiple voting options over a three-day period, including in-person, online, and absentee ballots. The cost totaled $6,836.00 and should be taken into consideration when developing DOP’s FY 2028 budget request. GVI Wellness Program The GVI Wellness Program continues to advance its mission of promoting a healthier and more resilient workforce through comprehensive, evidence-based wellness initiatives. To enhance employee participation and engagement, we restructured the program's events and activities by introducing a blend of new and established wellness offerings. These efforts resulted in increased employee engagement, expanded access to wellness resources, and strengthened collaboration among agencies and districts. Program participants continue to report positive outcomes in key health indicators, including improved FY 2027 BUDGET TESTIMONY | DIVISION OF PERSONNEL | 15 sleep quality, reduced stress levels, increased physical activity, greater self-awareness, and enhanced overall vitality. In addition, the Division of Personnel administers several employee wellness initiatives, including the MotivateMe® Wellness Incentive Program, the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and the Omada® Program. GVI WELLNESS PROGRAMMING DISTRICT DISTRICT PARTICIPANTS Health and Wellness Events and Activities FitForce Free Gym Membership partner w/ LEGVI St. Croix St. Thomas & St. John 8949* (waitlist 529) GVI Wellness Fitness Program: Fit 4 Life Program St. Croix 2385 GVI Wellness Fitness Program: Fusion Fitness Program St. Thomas & St. John 1585 GVI Wellness Bowling League St. Croix 160 My Biofix Behavioral Change Program St. Thomas & St. John 221 Battle of the Agencies – Beach Edition St. Croix St. Thomas & St. John 890 Healthy Cooking Class St. Croix St. Thomas & St. John 40 Heart-to-Heart Silent Headphone Walk partner w/ VIDOH St. Thomas & St. John 224 TEAM (Tennis Enrichment and Academic Mentoring) St. Thomas & St. John 349 Wellness Fete partner w/LEGVI St. Thomas & St. John 116 2026 Annual Health and Wellness Expo and Produce Distribution St. Croix (July 24, 2026) St. Thomas & St. John (July 30, 2026) TBD Health and Lifestyle Workshops Cigna Webinar: Healthy Life Tips for Women Virtual 331 Omada Webinar: Pressing Pause (Improving Sleep) Virtual 247 Cigna Webinar: Wellness for Women: Midlife and Beyond Virtual 309 Cigna Webinar: Healthy Tips for Men’s Virtual 239 Omada Webinar: Move for Your Health Virtual 275 *As of June 19, 2026. Recruitment and Classification The Recruitment and Classification (R&C) unit of the Division of Personnel plays a crucial role in supporting the central government’s efforts to recruit and retain top talent. By standardizing and streamlining the classification and recruitment processes, enhancing talent acquisition efforts, and providing guidance and technical support to human resources professionals across government agencies. FY 2027 BUDGET TESTIMONY | DIVISION OF PERSONNEL | 16 Hiring Trends – Referred Candidates The highest number of candidate referrals to GVI agencies occurred in May 2026, reflecting peak recruitment activity during those periods. The table below provides a detailed overview of current trends across our central government agencies. NEOGOV Referred Candidates FY24 NEOGOV Referred Candidates FY 25 NEOGOV Referred Candidates FY 26 Month/Year # of Candidates Month/Year # of Candidates Month/Year # of Candidates October/23 255 October/24 425 October/25 552 November/23 216 November/24 379 November/25 168 December/23 291 December/24 330 December/25 294 January/24 499 January/25 261 January/26 316 February/24 259 February/25 492 February/26 488 March/24 183 March/25 209 March/26 515 April/24 196 April/25 659 April/26 466 May/24 125 May/25 190 May/26 757* June/24 446 June/25 639 July/24 407 July/25 310 August/24 341 August/25 657 September/24 453 September/25 326 TOTAL 3671 TOTAL 4,877 *TOTAL YTD 3556 Recruitment Outreach Activities At outreach events, our Recruitment team actively promotes the Government of the Virgin Islands as an employer of choice. Team members engage directly with job seekers to discuss career pathways, highlight high-demand employment opportunities, and provide personalized guidance throughout the application process. To date, our recruitment specialists have participated in 12 recruitment initiatives, including the Department of Labor’s Rapid Response event at the Carambola Resort. In partnership with the Department of Labor, our annual joint Career Fair will be held this September, connecting job seekers with employment opportunities across the Government of the Virgin Islands and the private sector. Career Examinations Summary Career examinations remain a critical component of the GVI’s merit-based recruitment and promotional process. During Fiscal Year 2026, the Recruitment and Classification Division administered examinations in support of workforce needs for the Virgin Islands Fire and Emergency Medical Services, the Virgin Islands Bureau of Corrections, the Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency, and the Virgin Islands Police Department. R&C OUTREACH ACTIVITIES FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025 FY 2026 St. Croix 10 14 10 8 St. Thomas/St. John 7 7 8 4 TOTAL 17 21 18 12 FY 2027 BUDGET TESTIMONY | DIVISION OF PERSONNEL | 17 These examinations supported both entry-level recruitment and promotional opportunities, contributing to the development of a skilled and capable workforce dedicated to serving the residents of the Virgin Islands. The table below provides a breakdown of FY 2026 examinations and the number of candidates referred for consideration by the respective agencies. PROMOTIONAL EXAMS DEPARTMENT AND AGENCY TYPE OF EXAMS FREQUENCY OF EXAMS INDIVIUALS SIGNED UP PASSED ON RANKING LIST VI Fire and Emergency Medical Services Fire Captain In accordance with CBA 4 3 VI Fire and Emergency Medical Services Fire Lieutenant In accordance with CBA 8 8 VI Police Department Police Captain In accordance with CBA 17 6 VI Police Department Police Lieutenant In accordance with CBA 25 2 ENTRANCE EXAMS DEPARTMENT AND AGENCY TYPE OF EXAMS FREQUENCY OF EXAMS INDIVIUALS SIGNED UP ELIGIBLE WAIVED TOTAL TESTED TOTAL PASSED TOTAL REFERRED Bureau of Corrections Correction Officer Quarterly 85 54 12 16 7 19 VI Territorial Emergency Management Agency Emergency Call Center Operator As needed 129 73 0 48 19 19 Upcoming examinations for the remainder of Fiscal Year 2026 include the Bureau of Corrections' entry- level Correction Officer Quarterly Exam, with registration scheduled to begin in July. Job Descriptions The Division remains committed to enhancing the accuracy, consistency, and transparency of job descriptions across the Government of the Virgin Islands. In FY 2025, the Division finalized 142 job descriptions. As of FY 2026, 102 job descriptions have been completed to date. Retirees Return to Work Program The Retirees’ Reentering Program (RRP) was developed to address the workforce shortfalls in the Government of the Virgin Islands as well as bring back into service the professional skills needed of retired employees. This program is governed by ACT No. 8560, as amended by ACT No. 8690; which establishes guidelines for retirees seeking to reenter government service while maintaining their annuity. The RRP remains an important workforce strategy for the Government of the Virgin Islands, enabling agencies to address critical staffing shortages while preserving institutional knowledge and operational continuity. Currently, there are 12 members participating in the program. FY 2027 BUDGET TESTIMONY | DIVISION OF PERSONNEL | 18 The Legislature originally authorized retirees to reenter government service for a period of up to 3 years while continuing to receive their retirement annuity. Subsequent amendments expanded the allowable participation period for most retirees from 3 years to 6 years. However, the statutory provisions governing nurses, teachers, and police officers were not similarly amended and continue to limit participation to 2 years. As a result, occupational groups that were initially afforded special consideration due to persistent workforce shortages are now subject to shorter participation periods than the general retiree population. New GS-Pay plan effective October 1, 2026 Effective October 1, 2026, the Government of the U.S. Virgin Islands through Executive Order No. 545- 2026 implemented a new General Schedule (GS) pay plan for non-union classified Executive Branch employees. This update places eligible employees into an updated pay structure ensuring a minimum salary of $35,000 and grants a one-step increase within their assigned grade. Fiscal analysis estimates this will cost $1.8 million to implement. Strategy and Organizational Development The Strategy and Organizational Development (SOD) Unit fosters organizational change through virtual and in-person training offerings that enhance the knowledge and skills of the GVI workforce, while also delivering innovative leadership, professional development, compliance, and project management support. Training and Workforce Development During FY 2026, the DOP continued our commitment to workforce development through the delivery of training and professional development opportunities across the GVI. A total of 1,832 individuals participated in our professional development workshops. These initiatives support employee development, enhanced operational effectiveness, and strengthened human resource management practices throughout government agencies. Building on these efforts and our ongoing investment in employee development, the Division has taken a significant step toward modernizing and expanding access to training resources through the implementation of a new Learning Management System (LMS). We are happy to announce the launch of our new Learning Management System (LMS). This ARPA- funded project, with a cost of $478,254.00, is scheduled to launch on August 1, 2026. This system will serve as the government’s centralized platform for administering, delivering, and tracking employee training across agencies. The LMS enables the assignment of required training, real-time tracking of completion, centralized recordkeeping, certification management, and data-driven reporting to support compliance, workforce planning, and performance oversight. Central government employees will have access to a catalog of over 30,000 free courses. FY 2027 BUDGET TESTIMONY | DIVISION OF PERSONNEL | 19 The system also supports a blended learning model by integrating instructor-led training with online and self-paced learning. Employees will be able to participate in in-person classes, virtual sessions, and structured eLearning programs, while maintaining continuous access to training materials through a single, online system. This approach expands access to training, standardizes delivery, and ensures consistent tracking of learning outcomes across the workforce. Donated Leave Program This fiscal year we received a total of 345 donated leave requests. Of these requests, 274 were approved, while seventy-one were denied. The amount of donated leave awarded to date is $1,695,026.15. The table below provides a cost summary of approved donated leave and a breakdown of donation requests over the past years, offering insight into trends in employee support and program utilization. Career Incentive Program The Career Incentive Pay (CIP) Program incentives serve as both a recognition of individual initiative and a strategic investment in workforce capability. The approved applicants received incentive payments totaling $15,350.58. GVI Fellows Program Cohort 4 (August 2024-August 2026) Cohort 4 consists of 6 Fellows, who rotated through multiple GVI agencies. Five of the fellows found permanent employment. They are currently employed at the following agencies Department of Property and Procurement, Office of Management and Budget, Department of Planning and Natural Resources. The last Fellow in Cohort 4 is finishing their last rotation at the V.I. Territorial Management Agency. Cohort 5 (October 2025-October 2027) Cohort 5 consists of 11 Fellows, 6 in St. Thomas and 5 in St. Croix. They are currently in rotation at the Department of Property and Procurement, Department of Public Works, Department of Planning and Natural Resources, Office of Management and Budget, Bureau of Economic Research, Bureau of Information Technology, the V.I. Economic Development Authority, Office of Disaster Recovery, and the Division of Personnel. Virgin Islands Certified Public Manager® Program The VI-CPM® Program is a 14-month, nationally accredited management development and certification program. VI-CPM® is co-sponsored by the Division of Personnel and the University of the Virgin Islands and is accredited by the National Certified Public Manager® Consortium. The program’s primary goal is FY 2027 BUDGET TESTIMONY | DIVISION OF PERSONNEL | 20 to improve the performance of public sector managers and supervisors and the organizational performance of state, local, and federal governments. In 2013, this program was launched in the territory. To date a total of 253 individuals have successfully completed the VI-CPM® Program. Cohort seven will conclude in October, it currently has 44 participants, (40 GVI employees and 4 non-GVI. 21 in St. Croix and 22 St. Thomas and St. John) who will earn their Certified Public Manager® designation, The VI-CPM® program is open to employees within local and federal government agencies, non-profit organizations, and private sector businesses within the U.S. Virgin Islands. Conclusion Thank you for the opportunity to present our Fiscal Year 2027 budget proposal. This platform has allowed me to comprehensively outline our commitment to strengthening the government’s capability to attract, develop, and retain a well-qualified workforce. Our budget proposal is not just a financial document; it represents our continued commitment to enhancing recruitment efforts, integrating advanced automation to streamline our processes, and fostering inter- agency collaboration. These initiatives are fundamental to preparing a skilled and capable workforce that will drive the Government of the Virgin Islands forward. Over the past several years, the Division of Personnel has made significant strides in modernizing operations and delivering impactful results. We facilitated the distribution of over $41.9 million to retirees as part of the 8% reimbursement initiative, paid out over $111M in retroactive wages, redeveloped and revised the GS Pay Plan twice to ensure equitable compensation, and streamlined the NOPA process to improve efficiency across government. We advanced workforce development through the acquisition of a Learning Management System that will provide access to more than 30,000 courses, while also implementing an automated employee performance evaluation system to strengthen accountability and performance management. Additionally, we expanded innovative workforce programs such as the GVI Fellows Program, established a formal Telework Policy to support flexible work environments, and fully automated entry and promotional examinations to enhance transparency and accessibility. Our efforts also include strengthening internal controls through payroll audit enhancements within the Group Health Insurance and Wellness unit, as well as promoting ethical governance through the introduction of ethics training and the implementation of a new code of conduct. At the Division of Personnel, we have a saying, “We Are Small, But Mighty.” And that is because our success is a direct result of the professionalism, expertise, and dedication of our employees. I would also like to take a moment to recognize the hard work and dedication of our Personnel team. Special recognition goes to our 2026 Employees of the Year, Ms. Anita Brooks (St. Thomas/St. John) and Ms. Kristal Francis FY 2027 BUDGET TESTIMONY | DIVISION OF PERSONNEL | 21 (St. Croix), both Insurance Officers in the Group Health Insurance and Wellness Unit. These remarkable women work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure our government employees receive the guidance, support, and care they deserve. I also extend my sincere gratitude to the staff of the Division of Personnel for their continued commitment to public service and their efforts to enhance services, implement innovative programs, and support government employees and retirees throughout the Territory. My staff and I are available to answer any questions you may have regarding our Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Testimony. FY 2027 BUDGET TESTIMONY | DIVISION OF PERSONNEL | 22 Appendix RENTAL FACILITIES LESSOR ADDRESS SQ. FT. ANNUAL RENT FUNDING SOURCE TERMS/COMMENTS GERS 3438 Kronprindsens Gade GERS Complex St. Thomas 00802 10,870 $ 249,326.00 General Term 10/01/2022- 9/30/2027 (Renewal Option to 9/30/2042) Golden Orange Center, Inc. 3009 Orange Grove Shopping Center Christiansted St. Croix 00820 5,600 $ 67,062.00 General Term 10/01/2025- 9/30/2027 VEHICLE SUMMARY ACTIVITY CENTER MAKE MODEL YEAR LICENSE PLATE NO. FUNDING LEASE / OWN CONDITIONS/ COMMENTS MAINTENANCE COST AMOUNT FY 2025 GAS AMOUNT DIR. OFFICE STT CHEVROLET TRAVERSE 2019 DP-1 GENERAL OWN GOOD $1,225.15 $2,640.00 DIR. OFFICE STT FORD ESCAPE 2019 DP-6 GENERAL OWN GOOD $361.78 $840.00 ADMIN. STX CHEVROLET EQUINOX 2020 DP-3 GENERAL OWN GOOD $2,344.51 $2,340.00 ADMIN. STX FORD ESCAPE 2019 DP-7 GENERAL OWN GOOD $1,990.55 $1,100.00 ALL POSITION TITLES FTE* Accounting Officer GHI 1 Administrative Client Service Assistant 1 Administrative Support Officer 3 Assistant Director Personnel 1 Associate Chief Group Health Insurance and Wellness 1 Associate Territorial Administrator Recruitment and Classification 1 Benefits Analyst Group Health Insurance 2 Chief Group Health Insurance 1 Chief of Strategy and Organizational Development 1 Chief Technology Officer 1 Contract and Procurement Coordinator 1 Coordinator Financial Services 1 Deputy Director 1 Director 1 DOP Legal Counsel 1 Employee Relations Specialist 3 Executive Assistant 1 GVI Fellow 12 FY 2027 BUDGET TESTIMONY | DIVISION OF PERSONNEL | 23 Help Desk Specialist 1 Human Resources Administrative Assistant 1 Human Resources Coordinator 1 H.R.I.T Systems and Operations Manager 1 H.R.I.T Technician 2 H.R.I.T. Technician Manager 1 Human Resources Specialist CPO 2 Insurance Officer 6 Jr. Network Administrator 2 Lead H.R.I.T. Technician 1 Office Support Worker 2 Personnel Records Clerk CPO 1 Public Information Officer 1 Receptionist/Collector 2 Recruitment and Classification Specialist CPO 2 Recruitment and Classification Technician 2 Senior Benefits Analyst Group Health Insurance 1 Senior Recruitment and Classification Specialist CPO 1 Territorial Administrator Recruitment and Classification 1 Training Coordinator 2 TOTAL 67 VACANT POSITIONS Administrative Client Service Assistant 1 Associate Territorial Administrator Recruitment and Classification 1 Benefits Analyst Group Health Insurance 1 Benefits Analyst Group Health Insurance 1 Contract and Procurement Coordinator 1 Employee Relations Specialist 1 Insurance Officer 1 Office Support Worker 1 Receptionist/Collector 1 Training Coordinator 1 TOTAL 10 FY 2027 BUDGET TESTIMONY | DIVISION OF PERSONNEL | 24