Local News
Government Concludes Compensation Review and Job Classification
After a six-phase process initiated in November 2022, the Compensation Review and Job Classification exercise has reached its completion, culminating in its presentation to the Cabinet on Wednesday, November 8.
Led by PricewaterhouseCoopers Trinidad and Tobago (PwC), the comprehensive review navigated through Project Planning, a Current State Assessment, Compensation Philosophy, Revised Class System, Compensation Review, Job Evaluation Methodology, and Project Close Out.
Deputy Governor, Mr. David D. Archer Jr. expressed appreciation for the work that has gone into the review, and his hopefulness for the results it may bear.
Mr. Archer said, “I am beyond pleased to know that we have now completed this portion of our long-overdue compensation review. We are committed to ensuring public officers are compensated equitably, and this is a key step in ensuring competitive salaries for the Public Service.”
In July, PwC consultants Mr. Shermarke Howard and Mr. Khari Murray visited the Virgin Islands, engaging stakeholders and conducting discussions with senior managers across ministries. An open invitation was extended to all public officers to participate directly in the process.
Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley played an instrumental role throughout the Compensation Philosophy phase, offering continuous support and feedback on key outputs. Cabinet members and public officers actively participated in consultations, underlining the collaborative approach to the project.
Financial Secretary Mr. Jeremiah Frett underscored the government’s dedication to aligning public officer compensation with industry and international standards, highlighting the importance of the completed Compensation Review and Job Classification Project.
Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Sharleen DaBreo-Lettsome, MBE said, “This is a valuable step as we take a comprehensive look at the way we compensate public officers. The review was conducted efficiently, and allowed us to examine how we approach compensation now, and chart a clearly defined possible way forward.”
The consultants conducted various exercises to gain insight into the current compensation model’s effectiveness amid the evolving economic climate, including a comprehensive survey with 585 responses. The Final Compensation Report, after careful consideration by the Office of the Deputy Governor and the project management team, was presented to the Cabinet by His Excellency the Governor John Rankin.
A presentation on the final report was delivered to the Cabinet by Deputy Governor Mr. David D. Archer Jr., Financial Secretary Mr. Jeremiah Frett, Permanent Secretary Mrs. Sharleen DaBreo-Lettsome, MBE, and PwC consultants. Cabinet will now deliberate on the report and make a decision.
In October 2022, the Government of the Virgin Islands awarded PwC a contract valued at Three Hundred and Two Thousand, One Hundred and Three Dollars ($302,103.00) to conduct the Compensation Review and Job Classification.
Following Cabinet’s decision, stakeholders, various associations, Heads of Departments, and public officers will be promptly informed of the outcome. The commitment of the Government of the Virgin Islands to ensuring adequate and equitable compensation for all public officers remains unwavering.
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Seven young boys from the British Virgin Islands are set to experience basketball at its finest as they head to Orlando, Florida From November 23 to 28. The ballerswill participate in the Jr. Orlando Magic Youth Basketball Camp, an opportunity that combines skill development, fun, and a front-row seat to the NBA world.
The trip is organised through Sports Vision Academy, led by Mr. Eustace “Boss” Freeman. The young athletes—Niquan Freeman, Kyle Gumbs Jr., Jahy Smith, Ke’mori Daway, Tiondre Martin, Jaiden Cameron, and Jadey Glasgow—will be accompanied by Freeman himself, alongside Jovaughn Cameron and Roy Garraway.
“It’s the first time attending this camp, and the boys will also get the opportunity to attend an NBA game as well,” Freeman shared enthusiastically. “They will witness the Bulls take on the Magic, which is bound to be an unforgettable experience.”
The camp promises not only to refine their basketball skills but also to expose them to professional-level gameplay and sportsmanship.
Freeman expressed deep gratitude to the sponsors who made the trip possible, including the BVI Olympic Committee, Travel Wize LTD, and HNF. “Today’s youth are tomorrow’s stars,” Freeman said, reflecting on the impact this trip could have on the boys’ futures.
For these young ballers, this is more than a camp—it’s a chance to dream big and see where their talent can take them.
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) has made a major breakthrough in addressing a string of burglaries that had left communities across the Territory on edge. A 17-year-old male from Jost Van Dyke has been arrested and charged in connection with multiple burglaries in Butu Mountain, East End, Great Mountain, and Mount Healthy.
The young suspect faces four counts of burglary and one charge of criminal damage, marking a significant development in the RVIPF’s efforts to combat crime in the region.
“This arrest demonstrates our commitment to addressing the concerns of our residents and ensuring that offenders are held accountable,” said Acting Commissioner of Police Jacqueline Vanterpool. She also called attention to the broader issue of youth involvement in criminal activities, emphasizing the need for community collaboration to tackle the problem. “It will take an all-hands-on-deck approach to solve this serious problem,” Vanterpool added.
While the arrest represents progress, police officials urge residents to remain vigilant. The RVIPF continues to seek information related to these burglaries and encourages the public to come forward with tips.
Anyone with relevant details can contact the RVIPF Intelligence Unit at 368-9339 or submit tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 800-8477 (TIPS) or 1-284-800-8477.
In an inspiring act of generosity, Russ Roschman, an avid animal lover, marked his birthday in an extraordinary way—by dedicating it to the furry residents of the BVI Humane Society. Instead of accepting gifts, Roschman launched a GoFundMe campaign that raised an impressive $2,500 for the shelter.
Roschman spent the day with the shelter’s animals, earning the gratitude of staff and the community alike. The funds raised will be directed toward the running costs of the current shelter, providing vital resources to care for the animals.
The BVI Humane Society, in a heartfelt post, expressed their appreciation, calling Roschman an “amazing animal lover” and extending a “big furball thanks” for his kindness.
This act of selflessness shines a light on the ongoing needs of shelters like the BVI Humane Society, which rely on donations and community support to provide essential care for animals in need. Roschman’s gesture is a reminder of the impact individuals can make, one paw at a time.
Seven Young Ballers Embark on an Eight-Day Basketball Adventure in Orlando
Teen Arrested in Connection With Series of Burglaries Across Virgin Islands
Animal Lover Celebrates Birthday by Raising $2,500 for BVI Humane Society
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