Senator Kurt Vialet is calling on V.I. Department of Human Services Commissioner Averil George to take immediate action to resolve outstanding vendor obligations, warning that further delays could strain service providers and undermine public trust.
In a statement issued Monday, Vialet pressed DHS to ensure all payments to local vendors are made within the next two weeks. He said the demand comes as new federal directives impose stricter oversight on how agencies manage funds. These directives include tighter controls on indirect costs, closer reviews of disbursements, and cancellation clauses that allow awards to be terminated “for convenience.” According to Vialet, the measures will heighten scrutiny and could lead to funding delays if existing obligations are not addressed quickly.
“Vendors are the backbone of delivering vital services to our community,” Vialet said. “They should not be left waiting months on end to be compensated for work already performed. With new federal requirements emphasizing tighter cash management and stricter documentation, DHS must prioritize clearing its obligations now before the process becomes even more burdensome and uncertain.”
The senator noted that each day of delay places added stress on small businesses, nonprofits, and service providers that rely on steady payments to keep their operations running. “Two weeks is more than enough time to reconcile accounts and ensure vendors are paid,” he said. “Failure to do so not only undermine[s] public trust but also jeopardizes the Territory’s ability to effectively manage federal resources under the coming wave of increased oversight.”
Vialet reiterated his commitment to holding government agencies accountable, stressing the importance of fiscal responsibility and the efficient, timely use of taxpayer dollars.
British Caribbean News
