(a) There is established as an executive department in the Government of the Virgin Islands the Department of Agriculture (hereinafter, in this chapter, referred to as the “Department”).
(b) At the head of the Department, there shall be a Commissioner of Agriculture (hereinafter, in this chapter, referred to as the “Commissioner”). The Commissioner shall be appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Legislature, and shall hold office during the continuance in office of the Governor by whom he is appointed and until his successor is appointed and qualified, unless sooner removed by the Governor. The Department shall be administered under the supervision and direction of the Commissioner.
(c) The Governor shall appoint an Assistant Commissioner of Agriculture who shall be a resident of the island district different from that of the Commissioner. The Assistant Commissioner shall serve as Acting Commissioner during the temporary absence of the Commissioner. The Governor shall appoint such deputies and division directors as he deems necessary for the efficient and effective operation of the Department.
(d) The Governor shall organize the Department to provide effective, cost-efficient execution of its powers and duties. The Commissioner shall prescribe the duties and responsibilities of the officers and personnel of the Department consistent with the powers and duties vested in the Department.