Public Officials Compensation Commission clarifies no raises recommended for senators

ST. CROIX — The Virgin Islands Public Officials Compensation Commission issued a statement today clarifying it only recommended pay raises for 12 executive branch officials, not any senators.

The law that created the nine-member Commission, Act No. 7878, indicates the role of the Commission was to review the salaries, expense allowances, and other emoluments of senators of the VI Legislature, the governor, lieutenant governor, members of the governor’s Cabinet including the attorney general, all commissioners and directors of government agencies, judicial officers, and the inspector general.

The Commission recommended salary increases for the governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, inspector general, supervisor of elections, four commissioners, and three executive directors of boards and/or commissions, according to the Public Officials Compensation Study. It recommended a salary of $95,000 for “senator.” The Commission clarified the reference to “senator” earning $95,000 was specific to the Senate president, who serves as the head of the Legislature. “The report specifically recommends no adjustment for this position or any other legislative roles,” according to the Commission’s statement.