In a recent government meeting, Chief of Staff Carl Knight presented the proposed Fiscal Year 2025 budget for the Office of the Governor of the Virgin Islands, totaling $14,015,824. This budget includes allocations for various departments and initiatives aimed at enhancing public safety, economic development, and healthcare across the territory.

Knight outlined the budget's breakdown, highlighting that $11,130,962 is earmarked for the Office of the Governor, with additional funds allocated to the Bureau of Economic Research and the Office of Gun Violence Prevention. The budget reflects a commitment to maintaining operational efficiency, with personnel costs accounting for approximately 51.2% of the total budget, which supports 86 filled positions and 10 vacancies.

Key components of the budget include $386,400 for office supplies and $2,186,220 for other services and charges, which cover essential operational expenses such as equipment maintenance, professional service contracts, and communication costs. Additionally, the budget requests $384,328 for capital outlay, aimed at replacing major office equipment and improving facilities.

The Bureau of Economic Research is set to receive $993,381, which will support its role in economic planning and development, including the production of critical economic statistics and forecasts. Meanwhile, the Office of Gun Violence Prevention has a proposed budget of $891,465, focusing on strategies to reduce gun violence through community engagement and collaboration with various stakeholders.

Overall, the proposed budget reflects the administration's strategic priorities for the upcoming fiscal year, emphasizing transparency, accountability, and the enhancement of quality of life for Virgin Islands residents. The meeting underscored the importance of securing necessary funding and resources to implement these initiatives effectively.