The Virgin Islands Department of Health acknowledges the release of the Office of the Virgin Islands Inspector General’s final report regarding its review of resident fund management at the Eldra Schulterbrandt Residential Facility on St. Thomas.

From the outset, the Department cooperated fully with the Office of the Inspector General throughout this review by providing records, staff access, and detailed responses to the findings and recommendations. We appreciate the Inspector General’s thorough review and share its commitment to ensuring the highest standards of accountability, transparency, and stewardship for the residents entrusted to our care.

Protecting the health, dignity, and financial well-being of the residents we serve is, and will always remain, one of our highest responsibilities.

The findings identified in the report relate to the period reviewed by the audit. Immediately following the Inspector General’s review, the Department implemented significant corrective actions to strengthen internal controls, improve financial oversight, establish comprehensive policies governing resident fund management, enhance reconciliation and reporting procedures, and reinforce safeguards designed to protect resident funds. While the findings are concerning, they also served as the catalyst for meaningful improvements that are already strengthening the Department’s financial controls and oversight.

Importantly, the Inspector General’s final report recognizes those efforts. Of the eight recommendations made, six have already been resolved and implemented, with the remaining two recommendations well underway and nearing completion.

Since the period covered by the audit, the Department has also undergone significant organizational changes. There have been changes in leadership within the Administration and Finance Division, operational procedures, departmental policies, and staffing.

In addition, the individuals who held primary financial oversight responsibilities during the audit period are no longer with the Department. To further strengthen accountability and ensure continued fiscal integrity, the Office of Management and Budget is currently providing financial oversight as we continue implementing additional improvements.

The Department remains committed to completing the remaining recommendations in collaboration with the Office of Management and Budget, the Department of Finance, legal counsel, and other appropriate government partners to ensure full compliance with applicable laws, policies, and government accounting standards.

As with any matter that may involve additional review by the appropriate authorities, the Department will continue to cooperate fully while respecting the integrity of those processes. Because those matters remain outside the Department’s administrative review, it would be inappropriate to comment further on specific transactions or individuals.

The Virgin Islands Department of Health remains steadfast in its commitment to transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement. We will continue strengthening our systems and safeguards while ensuring that every resident of the Eldra Schulterbrandt Residential Facility receives the quality care, dignity, and protection they deserve.

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