A day after salary increases for top U.S. Virgin Islands officials were announced, lawmakers and residents are raising concerns about the move, criticizing its lack of transparency and timing.
The raises, which took effect on Jan. 1, 2025, were disclosed to the public days later through a Sunday evening press release from Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. The announcement, which included the release of the Virgin Islands Public Officials Compensation Commission (VIPOCC) report at 8:49 p.m., has drawn backlash, with senators stating they were left in the dark about the increases and questioning the process behind the decision.
Sen. Donna Frett-Gregory, Chair of the Senate Finance, Appropriations, and Budget Committee, expressed frustration over the lack of communication in a statement Monday. "The governor's statement that the salary adjustments became effective due to the Legislature's inaction is disingenuous," Frett-Gregory said. "How can action be taken on a measure not received? The Public Officials Compensation Commission failed in advising the public of the completion of their work, and this situation exacerbates the community's distrust in our government."
Frett-Gregory also pointed to missed opportunities during summer budget hearings to discuss the compensation study. She criticized the timing of the raises, highlighting ongoing financial obligations, including retroactive payments for retirees and delayed financial reporting. "We cannot selectively decide which legislation to enact. Transparency and accountability are crucial in managing the government's finances and restoring public trust. We must do better," she added.
Sen. Alma Francis Heyliger echoed Frett-Gregory's concerns, emphasizing her shock at learning about the raises through media reports. "As a sitting senator, discovering such significant action from a news article, rather than through official channels, is deeply troubling," Francis Heyliger said. She called for the immediate release of all relevant documents and urged a reversal of the raises. "Our community continues to grapple with widespread economic hardships, limited job opportunities, and underfunded services, yet those in power have turned their focus inward."
The raises stem from the VIPOCC report, submitted in August 2024 to the governor and Senate president, which recommended salary adjustments for the governor, lieutenant governor, senators, and other officials. The report outlined the need for adjustments to reflect responsibilities, attract skilled professionals, and align compensation with market standards. Under Act No. 8384, if the Legislature does not act on the recommendations within 90 days, the raises take effect automatically, though the initial report was due in 2022.
However, several lawmakers said they never received the report in August and questioned whether it is still applicable after being turned in late and without review by the full Senate body. Outgoing Senate President Novelle Francis could not be reached for comment, though the Source has submitted additional budget questions to the Office of Management and Budget regarding the implementation of the raises.
Government House Communications Director Richard Motta responded to concerns about the funding for the raises in a text exchange with the Source Monday, saying that while the Legislature approves the budget, adjustments could be addressed through supplemental budgets. "The Legislature approves the budget, and it is not uncommon to pass a supplemental budget after the initial passage of the budget in any fiscal year to meet the obligations of the government, especially those prescribed by law," Motta said. "This will need to be addressed by the 36th Legislature."
However, in previous years and in other administrations, raises have also been absorbed through cost savings within an existing budget without a supplemental, whether from increases in personnel services or savings from vacant positions, among other areas.
Bryan defended the raises Sunday night, citing nearly two decades without adjustments. "Our public officials serve critical roles in governing a territory with unique challenges and responsibilities," Bryan said. "These adjustments aim to ensure that public service remains a viable option for attracting and retaining skilled professionals while maintaining fairness and fiscal responsibility."
The raises, collectively totaling approximately $349,000, include increasing the governor's salary from $150,000 to $192,088 and senators' salaries from $85,000 to $95,000 annually. The compensation study, conducted by consulting firm Gallagher, benchmarked Virgin Islands salaries against 35 peer jurisdictions and emphasized the need for competitive pay to address recruitment and retention challenges.
What happens in the meantime, before the 36th Legislature is sworn in next week, remains unclear, though some senators have called for a closer examination of the VIPOCC report and the legal framework that allowed the raises to take effect without legislative approval.
"All questions best posed to the Legislature," Motta said Monday. "That body passed the bill. The executive branch is simply complying with the legislative mandate per the aforementioned acts."
The Source will be updating with additional details as they become available.