Lawmakers, Public Demand Answers After Pay Raises Take Effect Without Warning

A day after salary increases for top U.S. Virgin Islands officials were announced, lawmakers and residents are raising concerns about the move, criticizing a 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.”