Sun and clouds mixed. High 88F. Winds ESE at 10 to 20 mph..
A few clouds. Low 79F. Winds E at 10 to 15 mph.
Updated: June 2, 2025 @ 3:25 am
Dwight Mike Cartier
Dwight Mike Cartier
Dear Editor,
As a resident of St. Croix, I was deeply troubled to read recent reports about the unresolved funding for scholarships administered by the Virgin Islands Board of Career and Technical Education (CTE). With application deadlines approaching and students waiting anxiously, this kind of uncertainty is not just disappointing — it’s inexcusable.
How is it that in 2025, our government still struggles to provide clear, timely funding for the very programs that are supposed to equip our young people with the tools they need to succeed? Why do issues like this even arise?
These are problems that should never come up. Those in leadership — whether in finance, education, or the Legislature — should already know how critical this funding is. They should be working proactively to prevent these breakdowns, not reacting after students and board members are forced to raise alarm. The question that now must be asked is: Who is actually leading? And what kind of leadership lacks the initiative to ensure that young Virgin Islanders aren’t left in limbo about their futures?
According to the CTE Board, what was once a dedicated scholarship fund has been absorbed into their general budget — without any increase to cover those additional costs. Worse, there has been no clear communication from the Department of Finance, leaving the CTE Board unable to confirm whether any scholarship funds will be released this year at all. This silence is not just unprofessional — it’s harmful.
But the greater failure lies with the legislative branch, which has the power and obligation to ensure this doesn’t happen. Under the Revised Organic Act of the Virgin Islands — 48 U.S. Code § 1574(a) — the Legislature has full authority over public appropriations and education funding. In short, the Senate has the constitutional power to legislate clear protections and oversight for these funds, yet they have not acted with the urgency or accountability the situation demands.
Here is what must be done:
• Immediate oversight hearing
The Legislature must convene a public hearing and require testimony from the Department of Finance to explain the decision-making process behind the reallocation — and apparent disappearance — of scholarship funds.
• Restore and protect dedicated scholarship funding
Legislative safeguards must be put in place to ensure that scholarship funds are never merged with general agency funding without due process and approval.
• Implement predictable, quarterly disbursements
As recommended by the CTE Board, quarterly funding — with proper year-end audits — would enable the agency to plan and serve students effectively without waiting on unpredictable monthly checks.
• Strategic Agency Collaboration
The departments of Labor, Human Services, Education, and Housing must work together to build a skilled workforce and align funding with in-demand local career paths.
Beyond the technical fixes, however, lies a deeper issue: a culture of reactive governance. If those in charge were truly focused on the well-being of our young people, the preservation of educational opportunity, and the long-term development of our workforce, this situation would have never reached this point.
We need forward-thinking, accountable leadership — now more than ever. Students deserve clarity, commitment, and follow-through. They shouldn’t be held hostage by budget games or administrative neglect.
Let this moment be a wake-up call: our students are watching, and so are the rest of us.
— Dwight Mike Cartier, St. Croix, a strategic planning consultant, is a former executive assistant with the V.I. Legislature.
Dwight Mike Cartier
Your browser is out of date and potentially vulnerable to security risks.
We recommend switching to one of the following browsers:
Sorry, an error occurred.
Already Subscribed!
Cancel anytime
Account processing issue – the email address may already exist
Would you like to receive our daily news? Signup today!
Thank you .
Your account has been registered, and you are now logged in.
Check your email for details.
Invalid password or account does not exist
Submitting this form below will send a message to your email with a link to change your password.
An email message containing instructions on how to reset your password has been sent to the email address listed on your account.
No promotional rates found.
Secure & Encrypted
Secure transaction. Secure transaction. Cancel anytime.
Thank you.
Your gift purchase was successful! Your purchase was successful, and you are now logged in.
A receipt was sent to your email.
