(a) In addition to any other training provided for under this subchapter, the Governor, upon recommendations of executive department heads, shall grant study leave each year to one employee of each agency, except the Department of Health and the Department of Education, for the purpose of pursuing advanced training courses and programs within or outside the Virgin Islands.
(b) The Commissioners of the Departments of Health and of Education may recommend to the Governor two employees from St. Thomas, and two employees from St. Croix, and one employee from St. John annually for the study leave authorized in subsection (a) of this section.
(c) Any employee granted study leave under this section shall receive his salary subject to the necessary and required payroll deductions; and such leaves with pay may not exceed one year in duration. Any such employee shall execute a contract to return to government service as provided by law.
(d) The provisions of this section will not affect the authority of any agency to provide study leave to employees beyond the limitations of subsections (a) and (b) of this section, in cases where appropriations for such excess study leave are made by specific legislation.
(e) An agency may use savings accrued in its annual operating budgets for the purposes of financing the study leave program authorized in this section, but subject to the approval of the Governor and of the Finance Committee of the Legislature.
(f) When the quota for study leave has been filled in any agency pursuant to this section, the Governor, upon recommendation of the executive department head of such agency may grant study leave to one additional employee of such agency. Provided, that any employee granted a study leave pursuant to this subsection shall receive not more than one-half of his salary subject to the necessary and required payroll deductions. Such leaves with half pay shall not exceed one year in duration and such employee shall execute a contract to return to government service as provided by law.