Pay raises that were recommended by the Virgin Islands Public Officials Compensation Commission (VIPOCC) for top government officials and Senators created a quiet storm of controversy in recent days.
The VIPOCC report, which was submitted to Governor Albert Bryan Jr., the Senate President Novelle Francis, and the VI Supreme Court Chief Justice Rhys Hodge, in August 2024, was not made public. It stated that the salaries of certain public officials had not been adjusted since 2006. The Commission went on to explain that such a neglect in keeping up with other U.S. jurisdictions and private sector corporations had caused significant disparities in the pay scales and might very well lead to a continuation of the current problems in attracting skilled professionals to work in the Territory.
Governor Albert Bryan Jr. appointed nine people to serve as members of the VIPOCC in accordance with Title 3, Chapter 25, section 542 of the Virgin Islands Code. Act No. 7878 amended in Act No. 8384 stipulates that the Governor shall convene a commission to conduct a review of the salaries, expenses, allowances, and other emoluments of the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, members of the Governor’s Cabinet, including the Attorney General and all Commissioners and Directors of Government agencies, Judicial Officers, Senators of the Legislature; and the Inspector General of the Virgin islands to determine and provide pay levels appropriate for the duties and responsibilities of the respective offices and positions.
“In a globally competitive economy, it is imperative that we regularly assess our compensation offerings to keep our best and brightest here in public service,” Governor Bryan stated at the time of the appointments. “The formation of this commission is a meaningful step in the right direction toward bringing some resolve to this long standing issue.”
The report went on to state the singular purpose of the Commission was to conduct a compensation review and study for the specified positions, engage in research relevant to the exercise, conduct interviews with position holders, and convene public hearings. A final report with recommended pay levels was to be presented to the Governor, Chief-Justice, and Senate President.
In October 2020, under the 33rd Legislature of the Virgin Islands, lawmakers passed a controversial veto-proof bill untying a VI Senators’ pay from that of the lowest Virgin Islands’ Commissioner’s pay. At the time, the Commissioner of Sports, Parks, and Recreation was being paid $100,000. Without the enactment of such legislation, the Senators pay, which was $85,000 annually, would have been automatically raised to the same level.
The current pay raise controversy has caused something of a split among a few Senators.
Senator Donna Frett-Gregory, Chair of the Committee on Budget, Appropriations and Finance, criticized the lack of transparency and accountability in the VIPOCC process.
“The legislative intent of the Public Official Compensation Commission was to provide transparency to the people of the Virgin Islands while contemplating salary adjustments for public officials,” stated Senator Frett-Gregory. The popular Senator went on to criticize the report’s transmission via email, believing that such actions typically require hard copy submission to the Legislature for review.
Nevertheless, Senator Frett-Gregory, although in disagreement with the measures taken to bring the pay increases to the attention of all involved, did not appear to be in disfavor of the actual amount of the pay increases.
“There is no debate that the amounts in the Public Officials Compensation Study Report are small in the grand scheme of a billion-dollar budget,” the Senator stated. “However it is important to bring light and discussion to this matter, particularly due to its lateness.”
Influential Senator Alma Francis Heyliger condemned the salary increases.
“Our community continues to grapple with widespread economic hardships, including limited job opportunities, under resourced healthcare systems, and deteriorating infrastructure,” stated Senator Francis Heyliger. “Yet those in power have turned their focus inward, awarding themselves higher pay without public consultation or valid justification.”
The Senator argued for exceptional performance before seeking pay raises.
“When elected officials campaign for office, they do so knowing the salary that accompanies the job,” Senator Francis Heyliger stated. “If they feel entitled to a pay increase, they should first demonstrate superior above-and-beyond performance.”
Governor Bryan defended the decision to accept the VIPOCC recommendations. “Our public officials serve critical roles in governing a Territory with unique challenges and responsibilities,” the Governor stated. “The adjustments outlined in this report aim to ensure that public service remains a viable option for attracting and retaining skilled professionals while maintaining fairness and fiscal responsibility.”
The VIPOCC also recommended a series of policies aimed at ensuring fair pay, consistent evaluations, and market competitiveness. Among those recommendations were: Cost-of-Living Adjustments; New Hire Pay Progression; Governor and Lt. Governor pay increases every 8 years; Senator Longevity Bonus; Judicial Salary Pay Adjustments; Performance Accountability: and Regular Pay Reviews.
The total pay increases amounted to approximately $349,000 in a $1 billion plus budget.
The Governor’s salary increased from $150,000 to $192, 088. The Lieutenant Governor went from $125,000 to $168,231. The Senators annual salary will increase from its present $85,000 to $95,000 annually.
Read the report here.
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