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FY 2026 DIRECTOR WYNNIE TESTAMARK WWW.BOC.VI.GOV BUDGET TESTIMONY FY 2026 Budget Testimony of Wynnie Testamark, Director Virgin Islands Bureau of Corrections Committee on Budget, Appropriations, and Finance 36th Legislature of the Virgin Islands June 18, 2025 _______________________________________________________________ Good morning, Chairman Novelle E. Francis, Jr., Vice-Chairman Marvin A. Blyden, esteemed Members of the Committee on Budget, Appropriations, and Finance, Senator Vialet, Senator DeGraff, Senator Fonseca, Senator Frederick, and Senator James, distinguished Members of the 36th Legislature of the Virgin Islands, legislative staff, and all those joining us in person and virtually via YouTube and Facebook. My name is Wynnie Testamark, and I have the honor and privilege of serving as the Director of the Virgin Islands Bureau of Corrections. Today, I appear before you with deep respect and a renewed sense of purpose to present Governor Albert Bryan Jr.'s Fiscal Year 2026 Proposed Executive Budget for the Bureau of Corrections. Before we delve into the details of our testimony, allow me to introduce the committed leadership team that stands beside me—each a pillar in our daily operations and strategic vision: 1 • Peter Abrahams, Assistant Director of Support Services • Dr. Linda Callwood, Medical Director • Dr. Kyza A. Callwood, Chief Strategy Officer, and Acting Public Information Officer • Mrs. Phillis Hodge-Gumbs, Human Resources Manager • Ms. Sandra Nesbitt, Financial Specialist Several other key members of our management team are also present in the chambers, ready to provide insight and clarity where needed. At the heart of our work is a mission grounded in public service: to ensure the supervision of those in our care, to support their path toward reintegration, to protect our community, and to safeguard the dedicated men and women who serve within our agency. We envision becoming an accredited, model correctional agency respected not just locally, but globally for innovation, stability, and effectiveness. The FY 2026 budget is more than numbers on a page, it is a strategic investment in safety, rehabilitation, and human dignity. Governor Bryan’s proposal reinforces the belief that strong correctional management is not an afterthought but a cornerstone of public safety. This budget fuels the programs 2 and systems that help reduce recidivism, promote second chances, and protect our Virgin Islands. As I reflect on this journey, I am filled with gratitude and pride. The Bureau of Corrections has weathered storms both literal and figurative and through it all, our staff have stood strong, resolute, and committed. Their perseverance is more than commendable, it is inspirational. I offer my deepest thanks to each and every team member who has continued to serve with honor, integrity, and heart, even when the road has been difficult. I also want to take a moment to spotlight two shining examples of that commitment: Correction Officer Sherry Ann Gilbert (St. Croix District) and Chief Correction Officer Jelani Charleswell (St. Thomas District), our 2025 Employees of the Year. These two professionals have demonstrated exceptional leadership, dedication, and excellence, setting a powerful standard for all of us. Their work uplifts not just our operations but the spirit of service that drives this Bureau forward. Senators, this is not just a budget presentation, it is the continuation of a journey: one of transformation, resilience, and progress. We are rewriting what it means to be a correctional institution in the 21st century, and with 3 your support, we will continue to build a Bureau that is safe, just, and forward-thinking for all. We are well on our way! The Bureau’s Fiscal Year 2026 budget is more than a series of line items and percentages, it's a journey of strategy, unwavering commitment, and a clear vision for a safer, more rehabilitative correctional system. With a proposed budget of $37,702,232, the Bureau marks a 4.08% increase from the current year’s $36,224,549.00, a reflection not just of rising costs, but of rising standards. Behind every dollar is a mission. This budget underscores a deliberate investment in strengthening prison security, expanding re-entry and rehabilitation programs, and enhancing the quality of comprehensive inmate care. Every initiative, every program funded, is a step toward creating safer communities and reducing long-term costs through smarter corrections. At the heart of our operations are sworn staff, and support staff inclusive of clinicians, counselors, human resources, information technology, and maintenance work tirelessly around the clock. Personnel costs are the cornerstone of our expenditures, with 222 positions budgeted for FY26. Of 4 these, 158 are currently filled, 61 remain vacant, and 3 are newly created to address emerging needs. Some positions are funded at 50% (18) and 75% (2), allowing us flexibility while remaining fiscally responsible. Among these positions, 163 are classified, while 59 are unclassified, each essential to the functioning of a system that never sleeps. Our projected payroll for FY26 is $15.5 million, representing 41.34% of the overall budget. An additional $6.5 million, or 17.41%, is allocated for fringe benefits. Combined, payroll and benefits account for 58.75% of the total budget underscoring our continued investment in the dedicated personnel who maintain 24/7 emergency readiness, manage medical and mental health needs, and safeguard the well-being of both inmates and staff. The remaining 41.25% of the budget is reserved for operational needs. As of June 16, 2025, the Bureau has expended $12,184,810.30, representing 51.42% of the FY25 budget. This level of performance speaks to our disciplined approach to spending, focused, intentional, and transparent. Overtime costs for FY24 was $ 4,939,207.45 and FY25 as of June 16, 2025, is $2,984,481.50. 5 Our journey through the numbers is, at its core, a journey toward impact. By balancing personnel investments with program sustainability, we reinforce a system built on care, accountability, and hope. The numbers tell a narrative of allocation, but the outcome is transformation. CATEGORY FY 2024 EXPENDITURES ACTUAL (AS OF 09/30/24) FY 2025 EXPENDITURES BUDGET FY 2025 EXPENDITURES ACTUAL (AS OF 06/16/25) FY 2026 PROPOSED EXPENDITURES BUDGET Personnel Services $15,052,314.17 $13,764,273.00 $9,096,819.35 $15,585,346.00 Fringe Benefits $5,101,168.66 $6,042,503.00 $3,087,990.95 $6,562,484.00 Supplies $2,597,841.22 $1,582,201.00 $1,307,385.08 $1,885,999.00 Other Services $11,803,432.57 $14,235,572 $9,795,293.49 $13,018,403.00 Capital Projects $258,076.29 $0.00 0.00 $50,000.00 Utility Services $63,217.46 $600,000.00 $407,768.06 $600,000.00 Total Funds Appropriated $34,876,050.37 $36,224,549.00 $23,695,256.93 $37,702,232.00 Supporting Our Correctional Professionals Behind every secure facility and successful rehabilitation story stands a correctional professional. Comprising 43% of the Bureau’s workforce, these individuals are the steadfast backbone of our agency. Their service has not gone unnoticed, and they are continually recognized. On average, correctional officers saw a 45.4% pay increase, with some receiving as much as 72%. 6 These are more than numbers; they are investments in the stability and morale of our frontline workers. By addressing long-overdue compensation, we are promoting retention, professionalism, and long-term institutional success. Here are some of the things that the Bureau is doing to support its correctional professionals: • LESU Raises Fully Implemented - The Law Enforcement Supervisors’ Union (“LESU”) salary changes that became effective in October 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023 have been fully implemented and are now reflected on correctional supervisor paychecks including retroactive payments. • SIU – The Seafarers International Union (SIU) last salary changes that became effective October 2024 have been fully implemented and are now reflected on correctional officers’ paychecks including retroactive payments. • Negotiation of Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs - Our current focus is on renegotiating several critical collective bargaining agreements to maintain momentum, including those with the Law Enforcement Security Union (LESU), United Steelworkers 7 (USW) supervisors, and the Seafarers International Union (SIU) Masters. BOC UNION CONTRACT INFO Effective Expire Governor Signed SIU CO 10/1/2020 9/30/2025 9/29/2022 SIU Masters 9/1/2018 9/30/2023 12/27/2018 LESU 10/1/2018 9/30/2022 12/27/2018 USW SUPERVISORS 10/1/2018 9/30/2022 1/3/2019 • Increased Emphasis on Recruiting – The Bureau is equally focused on attracting the next generation of correctional professionals. Through expanded recruitment efforts—including radio campaigns and career fairs, we are reaching more potential candidates across both districts. Since 2019, 26 recruits have joined the Bureau, with 14 becoming full- time correctional officers. 8 Year Number of Recruits 2019 1 2020 3 2021 9 2022 4 2023 7 2024 2 • As of February 2025, we received 20 correctional officer applications (11 STX, 9 STT), and 14 applicants were eligible to test. Among these, 3 passed or were waived, while 6 did not show, and 3 did not pass. Our correctional professionals is our most valuable asset, and providing them with the tools, training, and compensation to succeed is not just a goal—it is a responsibility we take seriously. Operational Costs Following personnel and fringe benefits, operational costs represent the third-largest expenditure, totaling $15.5 million or 41.25% of the Bureau’s 9 proposed FY 2026 budget. These costs include critical services necessary to operate our facilities and meet federal consent decree requirements. The largest share $7.9 million is allocated for housing and feeding inmates held off-island, not including separate healthcare expenses for those same inmates. We continue to prioritize transparent operations and timely payments while meeting our compliance obligations under the Consent Decrees. As of June 16, 2025, the Bureau has 67 outstanding vendor payments totaling $2,516,912.50, all in various stages of the ERP payment process. Our procurement team remains in constant communication with vendors to address delays and ensure essential services are never disrupted. To date, all submitted invoices have been entered into the system and are actively being processed. Inmates/Detainees As of June 16, 2025, the Bureau of Corrections houses a total of 351 inmates. Of those, 191 are held locally—111 at the John A. Bell Adult Correctional Facility (69 detainees, 42 inmates) and 80 at the Alexander A. Farrelly Criminal Justice Complex (63 detainees, 17 inmates). The local population consists of 179 males and 12 females. An additional 160 inmates are housed in mainland facilities: 21 in Florida, 32 in Virginia, and 107 in Mississippi. 10 The Virgin Islands Bureau of Corrections is responsible for the care and custody of diverse inmate populations, including individuals with mental illness, and the geriatric. Regardless of where they are housed on-island or off-island, the Bureau bears the full cost of housing, food, transportation, and healthcare for all inmates under its jurisdiction. Notably, the cost of housing inmates locally is more than twice that of housing them at mainland facilities. The current estimated cost to house an inmate within the territory is approximately $320 per day, compared to $103 per day at off-island locations. In Fiscal Year 2024, the Bureau expended $823,876.66 on inmate medical care, comprising $602,725.63 for local healthcare services and $221,151.03 for off-island treatment. In Fiscal Year 2025 to date, total medical care costs have reached $1,138,548.41, including $836,599.41 for local services and $301,949.00 for off-island medical care. Of the local medical care costs, $32,188.11 represents payments made to the Juan F. Luis Hospital for current invoices in FY25, for which no settlement has yet been reached for possible outstanding bills and FY 24 $163,200.59. Additionally, $576,226.93 11 (01/01/2019 – 06/30/2024) reflects a finalized settlement related to past-due balances with Schneider Regional Medical Center (SRMC). These funds are critical in addressing the complex healthcare needs of our inmate population, particularly among those with chronic conditions, mental health challenges, and age-related illnesses. Medical Care Category FY 2024 FY 2025 (to date) Local Medical Services $602,725.63 $836,599.41 (– Payment to JFL) $163,200.59 $32,188.11 (– Payment for SRMC Settlement) – $576,226.93 Off-Island Medical Services $221,151.03 $301,949.00 Total Medical Expenditures $823,876.66 $1,138,548.41 Mental health care remains a critical component of correctional healthcare. Consequently, the Bureau of Corrections has become one of the primary providers of mental health services in the Territory. Presently, approximately 40% of inmates within Bureau facilities receive some form of mental health treatment. In FY 2024, the Bureau spent $469,641.00 to provide psychological and psychiatric support services. In FY 2025 to date, expenditures total $349,839.32. Mental Health Care FY 2024 FY 2025 (to date) Mental Health Services Total $469,641.00 $349,839.32 12 These investments are essential to meeting the behavioral health needs of the incarcerated population, including those facing serious mental illness, substance use disorders, and trauma-related conditions. Each year, in partnership with the USVI Department of Justice and Inspire VI, we proudly host a Family Fun Day—an event that strengthens family bonds and supports the emotional well-being of those in our care. This year, we welcomed 71 adults and 47 children on Saturday, June 14, 2025, on St. Croix, with the St. Thomas event scheduled for Saturday, June 21, 2025. These gatherings are a meaningful part of our commitment to holistic rehabilitation and community connection. To ensure the continued welfare and humane treatment of off-island inmates, a Bureau delegation visited contracted correctional facilities in Florida and Mississippi from February 2–8, 2025. The visit included meetings with prison officials, one-on-one discussions with inmates, and a thorough review of inmate files. A similar oversight visit to facilities in Virginia is scheduled for later this year. US Marshal Service - The Bureau has continued the strategic partnership with the U.S. Marshals Service to provide housing and essential services for federal 13 detainees. This collaboration not only generates valuable revenue but also strengthens the Bureau’s long-term operational sustainability. The Bureau receives $100 per day for each detainee housed under this agreement. In Fiscal Year 2024, this partnership generated $398,400 in revenue. In Fiscal Year 2025, we received $333,300 thus far, which is deposited into the general fund. Consent Decree Matters - The Bureau remains under two active consent decrees—one for each facility (John A. Bell on St. Croix and the Criminal Justice Complex on St. Thomas). In FY 2026, $2.1 million is allocated to pay court-appointed monitors and subject-matter experts as legally mandated under the consent decree frameworks. To move toward resolution, DOJ and the Bureau jointly retained Butler Snow, LLC, a law firm with extensive experience in resolving complex correctional litigation and terminating consent decrees. The firm operates under the direct supervision of DOJ. Progress at the John A. Bell Adult Correctional Facility (STX) The 30th Independent Monitor’s Report (April 2025) highlights significant progress, particularly in the areas of medical and mental health services. In April 2025, the territory, Government of the Virgin Islands (BOC), in 14 collaboration with the U.S. Department of Justice, filed a joint motion requesting the removal of the medical care provisions from the longstanding consent decree of over 36 years. The motion seeks to terminate court-ordered monitoring of medical services at the John A. Bell Adult Correctional Facility on St. Croix. This milestone reflects a significant step forward in the Bureau’s ongoing efforts to demonstrate sustained compliance and self-sufficiency. For the first time in over 36 years, the BOC and the Justice Department are moving to reduce federal oversight, signaling that the facility now meets the standards necessary to provide adequate and consistent medical care without continued court intervention. St. Thomas Consent Decree (CJC) In the St. Thomas case, the Bureau continues to ensure monthly status reports are submitted consistently to document progress and demonstrate commitment to compliance. The FY 2026 Budget underscores the Territory’s intent to exit these costly federal consent decrees. The Bureau’s funding priorities demonstrate a strong and deliberate commitment to enhancing public safety and institutional effectiveness. Key areas of focus include: 15 • Addressing correctional officer vacancies to ensure adequate staffing and improve facility security; • Expanding and sustaining comprehensive medical and mental health services to meet the diverse needs of the inmate population; and • Recruiting essential civilian personnel to support the Bureau’s strategic initiatives and operational goals. Greater Reliance on Grants and Alternative Funding Sources - The Virgin Islands Bureau of Corrections (BOC) continues to successfully leverage grants and alternative funding streams to reduce the financial burden on the General Fund. By securing external funds for offender programming, medical services, and infrastructure improvements, the Bureau maximizes its resources while enhancing operational capacity. Every dollar obtained through grants represents a direct offset to locally funded expenditures. As of FY 2025, the Bureau has no expiring grants and maintains a portfolio of twelve open State Criminal Alien Assistance Program (SCAAP) grants totaling $1,654,375. Additionally, BOC has submitted applications for Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program grants through 16 the Office of Management and Budget, totaling $499,998 and $499,857, respectively. These grant resources will significantly expand offender rehabilitation efforts, and support re-entry preparation thereby enhancing public safety. The overarching goal is to promote responsible citizenship among returning citizens and contribute to a stronger, safer, and more economically stable Virgin Islands. Accomplishments and Initiatives During Last Fiscal Year Under the leadership of the Bryan/Roach Administration, the Bureau has achieved measurable progress aligned with its long-term mission. BOC remains committed to professional excellence, institutional reform, and public safety through the following accomplishments: Multiple Training Initiatives As part of its continued upward trajectory, the Bureau has prioritized staff development through comprehensive training initiatives. BOC currently holds a 93.1% Key Performance Indicator (KPI) rating in training, an exceptional national benchmark in corrections workforce development. This high-performance metric reflects the dedication of BOC personnel to professional growth, innovation, and excellence in correctional services. In 17 FY 2025 to date, the Bureau has spent $31,467.00 (Grant - $3,875.00/ Local - $27,592.00) on training, and in FY 2024 $71,545.50 (Grant - $19,300/ Local - $52,245.50). This investment supports a capable, motivated workforce committed to achieving the Bureau’s strategic goals. Fiscal Year Total Training Expenditure Grant Funding Local Funding FY 2024 $71,545.50 $19,300.00 $52,245.50 FY 2025 (to date) $31,467.00 $3,875.00 $27,592.00 Designing and Implementing an Effective Reentry Program The Bureau has also made significant strides in the design and execution of a comprehensive re-entry program to reduce recidivism and promote successful reintegration. This initiative emphasizes education, vocational training, substance abuse treatment, and mental health support to prepare individuals for productive lives post-release. By equipping returning citizens with critical life and employability skills, the program enhances public safety, reduces reliance on social support systems, and fosters personal accountability. Re-entry initiatives also strengthen family connections and community integration, supporting long-term economic stability and lower crime rates. These efforts reflect the Bureau’s core values of dignity, justice, and 18 rehabilitation, and its commitment to humane, transformative correctional practices. In 2024, the Virgin Islands Bureau of Corrections reached a transformative milestone in its ongoing mission to foster rehabilitation and empower successful reintegration. Across the St. Croix and St. Thomas/St. John districts, 575 individuals were released from custody, each one representing a life with renewed potential. A closer look at the 2022 cohort, tracked over a three-year period, revealed that only 65 individuals just 11 percent were rearrested. This impressive outcome stands in stark contrast to the national recidivism rate of 68 percent and is a powerful testament to the effectiveness of the Bureau’s targeted initiatives. By delivering robust rehabilitation programs, expanding access to educational and vocational training, providing consistent counselling, and re- entry support, and forging strong partnerships with community organizations, the Bureau has built a model of correctional excellence—one rooted in restoration and opportunity. 19 This progress is more than statistical success. The data is proof of a system functioning with integrity, compassion, and vision. It shows that with the right resources, unwavering support, and a firm belief in second chances, transformation is not just a possibility it is a reality, unfolding every day in the Virgin Islands. Vocational Education and Skill Development BOC remains at the forefront of educational innovation through strong partnerships and pioneering program implementation: • Transforming Lives Academy In partnership with the University of the Virgin Islands Center for Excellence in Leadership and Learning (UVI CELL), the Bureau proudly hosts the Transforming Lives Academy—the first-of-its-kind initiative within the territory’s correctional system. This program allows incarcerated individuals to complete high school coursework and earn a Penn Foster High School Diploma. Graduations are held in a live-format ceremony, with the next scheduled for St. Thomas on June 20, 2025 (32), and the most recent held on St. Croix on June 13, 2025 (32). 20 • Promising People VR Training Partnership Through collaboration with Promising People, BOC has introduced groundbreaking virtual reality (VR) training to its education portfolio. Participants have lauded the immersive, hands-on learning approach as more engaging and effective than traditional methods. As the first correctional agencies to deploy this technology, The Bureau of Corrections is setting a new standard for modernized learning that promotes rehabilitation and enhances future employability. This type of training is particularly relevant and relatable to our population, which has an average age of 24. Current Educational Enrollment As of June 16, 2025, a total of 42 inmates are enrolled in a range of educational and therapeutic programs: o John A. Bell Adult Correctional Facility (28 students) o Criminal Justice Complex (14 students) Programs include Thinking for a Change, Re-entry Pilot Program, Penn Foster High School, Pre-GED, UVI coursework, Rehabilitation and Prevention Group, Parenting Inside and Outside, Know Your Rights Seminar, Credit 21 Recovery, Equus Workforce Solutions, Nucleos, and Introduction to Computers. Inmate Work Programs In steadfast alignment with the Bureau of Corrections’ rehabilitative mission, the inmate work program is designed to ensure that every able-bodied individual is meaningfully engaged in work that not only supports daily institutional operations but also adds value to the broader Virgin Islands community. Work assignments encompass a wide range of disciplines, including: • Facilities Maintenance • Culinary Arts • Agriculture and Horticulture • Public Works These assignments serve as more than just daily tasks, they are pathways to skill development, personal accountability, and the cultivation of a strong work ethic. By actively participating, inmates gain hands-on experience that prepares them for reintegration, while simultaneously generating substantial cost savings for the Government of the Virgin Islands. Inmates proudly contribute to high- 22 impact projects in collaboration with agencies such as Government House, Lt. Governor’s Office, the Virgin Islands Department of Education, the Department of Agriculture, Virgin Islands Department of Labor, and the Department of Public Works demonstrating both capability and a commitment to giving back. As of June 16, 2025, 68 inmates are actively engaged in work programs: • John A. Bell Adult Correctional Facility: 52 inmates • Alexander A. Farrelly Criminal Justice Complex (CJC): 16 inmates From a fiscal standpoint, the approval of 20 inmates to participate in external work programs has generated meaningful returns, with cost savings of $63,840 in FY 2024 (304 hours) and $21,892.50 in FY 2025 (139 hours). These savings are largely attributed to inmate labor, which helps reduce government operational costs while advancing rehabilitation goals and promoting overall government efficiency. Equine Program - In collaboration with the Virgin Islands Equestrian Equine Therapy Project, Inc. (VIEETP), the Bureau launched The Elite Program, offering qualifying inmates’ therapeutic engagement through horse care and 23 training. Spearheaded by equine program supervisor Ms. Chantal Corminboeuf, the program provides: • Mental health support • Employment skill development • Equine-assisted therapy for emotional regulation, confidence, and mindfulness As of June 16, 2025, four inmates are actively enrolled and six have successfully completed the program. Participation ranges from six months to several years, depending on sentence duration and available slots. Program Graduates Overview Program 2024 Graduates 2025 Graduates High School 3 2 Vocational 5 11 Parenting In and Out 10 14 Thinking for a Change 14 17 Promising People 0 30 Groom Elite 6 9 Over the years, our commitment to rehabilitation and reintegration has produced tangible results. In 2024, our programs empowered a total of 38 graduates, and in 2025, 83 graduates on their journeys of personal and professional growth. From high school diplomas to vocational certifications, 24 parenting support, college degrees, and mindset transformation these programs are changing lives. While each number represents a milestone, it also represents a person choosing change, choosing progress, and choosing hope. The excitement continues to grow as we witness the powerful outcomes of sustained investment in education and re-entry preparation. We are not just tracking numbers; we are transforming futures. Other Notable Accomplishments & Strategic Initiatives Over the past year, the Virgin Islands Bureau of Corrections (BOC) has implemented a series of impactful initiatives and achieved several noteworthy milestones, each contributing to our mission of transforming corrections through innovation, rehabilitation, and accountability. Highlights include: Canine Unit - The Bureau continues to enhance institutional safety through its specialized canine program. The unit features two highly trained canines with distinct operational focuses: • Officer Speedy (Narcotics Detection) – Aids in the detection of narcotics, supporting a drug-free environment which enhances inmate health and rehabilitation. 25 • Officer Blondie (Electronics Detection) – Aids in the detection of unauthorized devices, improving institutional security. In FY 25 to date, the Bureau has invested approximately $4,481.00 in our canine unit to support this vital security initiative. National Correctional Officers and Employees Week – From May 4-10, 2025, BOC celebrated the dedication and service of its workforce with a week- long series of events, including an employee luncheon and formal recognition ceremony. This observance underscores the Bureau’s appreciation for the staff who serve with distinction and professionalism. Swan Annex – In coordination with the Office of Disaster Recovery (ODR), BOC finalized architectural designs for a new 207-bed facility at the Swan Annex site. The Bureau is now developing the Request for Proposal (RFP) to launch a public-private partnership for construction. This marks a critical step forward in expanding institutional capacity and modernizing correctional infrastructure. Upgrades at John Bell & CJC - The Bureau continues to make targeted capital improvements across both facilities to ensure uninterrupted operations, enhance security, and improve inmate care: 26 • Power Resiliency: o 900-kilowatt backup generator at John Bell o 500-kilowatt generator at CJC • Security Systems: o 85% completion of energy-efficient perimeter lighting at John Bell • Ongoing Projects: o Scope of work development for a new fire alarm and suppression system at John Bell. o Expanded mental and medical health units to provide comprehensive inmate care. Conclusion Mr. Chairman, under the visionary leadership of the Bryan/Roach Administration, the Virgin Islands Bureau of Corrections remains steadfast in its commitment to advancing correctional best practices and fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and accountability. Our efforts reflect a strategic vision focused on: • Empowering staff 27 • Improving rehabilitation outcomes • Enhancing facility operations • Strengthening public safety We recognize that enduring progress requires shared effort. We welcome input from our community partners, stakeholders, and the wider Virgin Islands public as we continue to build a stronger and more effective correctional system together. The Governor’s Fiscal Year 2026 Proposed Budget is a critical investment in our collective future. It funds essential personnel, programmatic services, and infrastructure enhancements that support humane, secure, and efficient correctional operations. Every dollar committed to this system yields long-term dividends in safety, community restoration, and reintegration success. As we chart the course ahead, I respectfully request your full support and favorable consideration of the Bureau’s FY 2026 budget request. Thank you for the opportunity to share this progress update. My team and I are available for any questions or further information. 28 Summary of FY26 Proposed Budget and Operational Highlights Proposed Budget Overview For Fiscal Year 2026, the Virgin Islands Bureau of Corrections has proposed a budget of $37,702,232, reflecting a 4.08% increase compared to the FY25 budget of $36,224,549. Personnel Summary • Total Budgeted Positions (FY26): 221 o Filled Positions: 159 o Vacant Positions: 59 o New Positions: 3 • Position Classification: o Classified Positions: 162 o Unclassified Positions: 59 Personnel and Fringe Benefits • FY26: o Personnel: $15.5 million o Fringe Benefits: $6.5 million • FY25: o Total Personnel/Fringe: $12.1 million ▪ Personnel: $9,096,819.35 ▪ Fringe: $3,087,990.95 • FY24: o Personnel: $15,052,314.17 o Fringe: $5,101,168.66 Overtime Costs 29 • FY24: $4,939,207.45 • FY25: $2,984,481.50 Inmate Population Breakdown (Total: 351) • Virgin Islands: 191 • Stateside Facilities: 160 o Locations: 21 (FL), 32 (VA), 107 (MS) • On-Island Housing: o John Bell Facility: 111 Total ▪ 69 Detainees ▪ 42 Inmates o Alexander Farrelly Facility: 80 Total ▪ 63 Detainees ▪ 17 Inmates • Daily Housing Cost: o On-Island (VI): $320 per day o Stateside: $103 per day Medical Care Expenditures • FY24 Total: $823,876.66 o Local Services: $602,725.63 (includes $163,200.59 to JFL) o Off-Island Treatment: $221,151.03 • FY25 To Date: $1,138,548.41 o Local Services: $836,599.41 (includes $32,188.11 at JFL $576,226.93 at Schneider Regional Medical Center) o Off-Island Medical Care: $301,949.00 U.S. Marshal Service Housing Reimbursements • Daily Rate: $100 per inmate • FY24 Revenue: $398,400 • FY25 Revenue: $333,300 Training Expenditures • FY24: $71,545.50 (Grant- $19,300/Local-$52,245.50) • FY25 To Date: $31,467 (Grant-$3,875/Local-$27,592) 30 Inmate Labor Program From a fiscal standpoint, the inmate labor program of 20 individuals has demonstrated notable cost efficiencies: • FY24 Savings: $63,840.00 • FY25 Savings: $21,892.50 These outcomes highlight the program’s dual value supporting inmate rehabilitation while enhancing government cost-efficiency. Canine Unit To bolster facility security and support contraband detection initiatives, the Bureau has invested: • FY25 To Date: $4,481.00 Program Graduates Overview Program 2024 Graduates 2025 Graduates High School 3 2 Vocational 5 11 Parenting In and Out 10 14 Thinking for a Change 14 17 Promising People 0 30 Groom Elite 6 9 Over the past two years, our commitment to rehabilitation and reintegration has produced tangible results. In 2024, our programs empowered a total of 38 graduates, and in 2025, 83 graduates on their journeys of personal and professional growth.