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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Entertainment
Local Farmers to Launch Educational Children’s Books Celebrating Agriculture and Culture in the Virgin Islands

The Virgin Islands’ cultural and literary community is poised to welcome the launch of two new educational publications authored by local farmers next week, marking a unique blend of agriculture, culture, and youth education.
The books — Johnny the Great Rooster and Arona’s First Garden Colouring Book — are the work of Jeffrey and Arona Forbes, a husband-and-wife team deeply rooted in the territory’s farming community. The publications aim to instill an appreciation for sustainable farming and traditional knowledge in younger generations.
Johnny the Great Rooster is a narrative children’s book that explores the often-overlooked role of chickens and roosters in sustainable agriculture. Through storytelling, the book underscores their importance in soil health, natural food production, and the preservation of cultural practices tied to rural life.
Meanwhile, Arona’s First Garden Colouring Book takes a more hands-on approach, introducing children to the basics of planting, nurturing, and harvesting. Its interactive format is designed to encourage early interest in gardening and the environment.
“The primary purpose of Johnny is to portray for all readers the important role that the rooster and chickens play in soil preservation, the provision of meat and eggs naturally, and the sustenance of our cultural heritage,” said the authors in a joint statement.
Anne Lennard, Deputy Director of Culture, praised the couple’s contribution, noting their longstanding influence in the agricultural sector. “The Forbeses are planting more than crops,” she said. “They are also planting seeds of knowledge, pride, and sustainability. Their work reflects the heart of our heritage, and these books will be valuable educational tools for generations to come.”
A public launch event is scheduled for Wednesday, May 8 at 5:00 p.m. at Transformation Church International in Road Town. The program will include readings, book signings, and an opportunity to meet the authors.
The event is hosted by the Department of Culture, whose mandate includes preserving and promoting the Virgin Islands’ cultural identity. The department continues to support local artists, educators, and tradition-bearers through initiatives that bridge the past and future.
Crime/Police
Three Years After Fatal Shooting, Suspect Reportedly Apprehended in USVI

Erick Rabsatt, the 24-year-old man wanted in connection with the December 2021 fatal shooting of Jaimez A. Stoutt in the British Virgin Islands, is reportedly in custody in the United States Virgin Islands.
A source close to the matter has confirmed that Rabsatt is currently being held in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, and is awaiting processing to be extradited to the British Virgin Islands to face charges in the case. No official statements have yet been released by authorities in either jurisdiction regarding the detention.
Stoutt, 31, was shot and killed inside Crystal’s Nightclub in Free Bottom, Tortola, on December 11, 2021. He was transported to Dr. D. Orlando Smith Hospital, where he later died. The incident occurred in the early morning hours and was followed by a police investigation that identified Rabsatt as the primary suspect. An arrest warrant was issued, and authorities launched a manhunt that extended across both the British and United States Virgin Islands.
Stoutt was a former U.S. Army soldier who served in Afghanistan in 2011. After returning to the British Virgin Islands, he worked at CCT Global Communications before founding his own landscaping business, Military Cutz. He was also known for his involvement in local basketball leagues.
Following the incident, the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force issued appeals to the public for assistance in locating Rabsatt and circulated his photo throughout the region.
Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
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