THE VIRGIN ISLANDS DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND THE VIRGIN ISLANDS PORT AUTHORITY SHARES UPDATE

Members of the Committee on Economic Development and Agriculture chaired by Senator Kenneth L. Gittens convened in a meeting at the Frits E. Lawaetz Legislative Conference Room. Lawmakers received testimony from the Virgin Islands Department of Agriculture (VIDA) and the Virgin Islands Port Authority (VIPA) on the status of the operations, capital projects, and initiatives.

The Department of Agriculture Commissioner Positive Nelson mentioned that overall, the status of operations has improved. VIDA filled vacancies by hiring additional personnel, raising the salaries of employees, purchasing new equipment, and strengthening relationships with Federal and local stakeholders. Senator Milton Potter inquired about the greatest accomplishment and disappointment of VIDA. In response, Nelson indicated that boosting employee morale is one of his greatest achievements. However, one of the challenges is addressing disgruntled employees who have outstanding issues with management. In response to a line of questioning from Senator Gittens as it pertains to the safety of the facilities, Nelson noted that cameras were installed, locks were changed, and security personnel was hired to no avail. The goat wire fence around the land is often breached when trespassers cut, bend, and walk over the fence to enter the property. Senator Gittens expressed concern with the two break-ins that resulted in the theft of a safe and a stolen golf cart on the property and advised VIDA to increase security measures.

Regarding capital projects, Nelson stated that although most of the projects are finalized there are three that are still pending completion. The remaining projects consist of the Quarantine Pig Pens and Chicken Coops totaling $430,934.13, the Impound Pen, Peacock Pen, Goat, and Sheep Pen totaling $280,792, and the Administration Building with a cost of $2,582,062.86. Moreover, some of the initiatives are inclusive of VIDA hosting a Livestock and Crop Farmer Compliance meeting to share rules, regulations, and additional updates with farmers; USDA/VIDA Bon tick and African Swine Flu surveillance, and to secure federal grant awards for agricultural programs up to 2024; according to Nelson. To date, the status of the Abattoir is steadily progressing. Nelson noted that two holding pens for slaughter were added, the skylights on the roof were repaired as well as the dehairing station, gut station, and scalding tank.