2019 US Virgin Islands Code
Title 3 - Executive
Chapter 17 - Department of Agriculture
§ 292. Investigatory powers of Commissioner and representatives; subpoenas; compelling obedience; contempt

(a) For the purposes of the exercise of the powers vested in him and the performance of the duties and functions imposed on him by law, the Commissioner, or his duly authorized representative, may conduct investigations and hold hearings upon due notice, and in connection with the foregoing shall have the power to administer oaths and affirmations, receive evidence, and at all reasonable times have access to, and for the purpose of examination, the right to copy evidence of any person that relates to any matter under investigation or in questions before him. The Commissioner may issue subpoenas requiring the attendance and testimony of witnesses and the production of any evidence that relates to the matter under investigation or in question before him.

(b) In case of contumacy or refusal to obey a subpoena issued to any person, the Superior Court of the Virgin Islands, upon application of the Commissioner, through the Attorney General, shall have jurisdiction to issue to such person an order requiring such person to appear before the Commissioner or his duly authorized representative, to produce evidence as so ordered, or there to give testimony concerning the matter under investigation or in question. Any failure to obey such order of the court may be punished by the court as a contempt thereof.