DLCA Commissioner Wayne Biggs Prepares to
Present Department's Budget; Discuss Agency Accomplishments

Licensing and Consumer Affairs Commissioner Wayne Biggs, Jr. will appear before the Virgin Islands Legislature Wednesday to talk about DLCA's recent accomplishments and future priorities, and present the department's fiscal year 2011 budget.

DLCA is the agency responsible for issuing all business and professional licenses in the Virgin Islands; assisting, educating and protecting consumers; and ensuring all businesses operating in the territory comply with licensing and consumer protection laws.

Biggs will update the legislature on the de Jongh administration's vision to make DLCA more efficient by integrating new technologies, including on-line license applications; and increasing consumer awareness and consumer advocacy through the media and public events. Those steps will help fulfill the department's mandate to provide the public with quality service while demonstrating courtesy, efficiency, integrity and professionalism. 

The department is comprised of seven specialized divisions, including a recently established enforcement division. Currently, there are 60 staff positions on the books, 48 of which are filled. Staffing for 2011 has been reduced to 51 positions. While that number of employees is below the optimal level, Biggs will assure legislators that DLCA will continue to adequately serve the public. To augment staff shortfalls, the department uses senior volunteers and student interns.

Biggs will also recognize his staff members, who have worked exceedingly hard to improve the department's efficiency and effectively serve the public through an office renovation in St. Thomas, air conditioning problems on St. Croix, and a crashed online licensing system. 

DLCA's customers are businesses and consumers. Since at some point, everyone on island is a customer, the department represents all Virgin Islanders and visitors alike. 

DLCA's goals include streamlining the licensing process. Biggs will tell lawmakers that by the end of July, the online licensing process will be working, which will also expedite approvals from most other government agencies. That means fewer people will need to come to DLCA's offices and fill out forms.

Other DLCA goals include:

The Office of Boards and Commissions, which ensures the U.S.V.I. is up to date with industry standards and requirements, is in the process of updating all professional tests to the most current standards. A cursory review showed some professional license tests were not based on the most current codes. 

DLCA is developing special Consumer Advocacy Groups that will gather and compile information from stores and markets on prices, freshness and quality of service.

The department's public communications protocols are being improved so DLCA can share information better with businesses and consumers. More information will be provided to the community on various topics, including the use of coupons, avoiding scams, and purchasing cars. This will be accomplished through media appearances, press releases, open houses, and partnerships with civic organizations.

DLCA is simplifying licensing and registration requirements for commercial boats, especially fishing and charter vessels.

Consumer Affairs officials are working on implementing a Prescription Drug Price monitoring initiative, and have been conducting and publishing a monthly prescription drug survey. They have also launched initiatives to ensure retailers comply with alcohol and tobacco laws, especially as they relate to sale to minors. 

The department is reestablishing its metrology lab to bring itself into compliance with national standards. 

To maintain all DLCA operations, while advancing and streamlining functions and services, Biggs is requesting a 2011 budget of $3,799,632. That amount represents a 4.66 percent decrease from 2010's operating budget.

With that lean budget, Biggs will assure the Legislature that DLCA can and will continue to satisfy its motto: “Serving Business & Assisting, Educating and Protecting Consumers.”

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