Local News
Public Servants Face Extended Wait for Increment Arrears Until 2027
Public servants eagerly anticipating their overdue increment arrears by the new year 2024 have been met with disappointing news. Deputy Governor David D. Archer Jr. has revealed that the much-anticipated payments may now be deferred until 2027, as outlined in a circular disseminated to key government officials, including the Attorney General, Financial Secretary, Permanent Secretaries, Heads of Constitutionally Established Offices, Heads of Departments, and all Public Officers.
Archer conveyed, “As we close 2023, I am sharing an update on the status of payments of outstanding increments to public officers and salary progressions based on the new salary structure. On Wednesday, 1st December, Cabinet decided that all outstanding increment arrears for the Public Service are to be paid by 2027, subject to the availability of funding and barring any unforeseen circumstances.”
The Cabinet’s decision also encompasses the arrears for 2023 increments, which are slated to be paid by 2027, contingent upon funding availability and unforeseen circumstances.
Archer Jr. attributed this delay to the completion of the Compensation Review and Job Classification Project by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PWC) and the allocation of nearly £10 million in funding for the new salary scale, as announced in the 2024 Budget by Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley.
The protracted issue of increment delays has persistently plagued the VI public sector, with officers expressing discontent over deferred payments spanning various administrations.
In an official statement, Deputy Governor David Archer Jr. elaborated on the Cabinet’s decision, emphasising the need for funding availability and unforeseen circumstances considerations.
The completion of the Compensation Review and Job Classification Project prompted a swift response from the Office of the Deputy Governor, which engaged in a comprehensive consultation process with all public officers. The consultation sought to ensure that every public officer across ministries and groups had the opportunity to provide feedback on the proposed new salary structure.
His Excellency the Governor, John J Rankin CMG, acknowledged the challenging times faced by the Public Service, citing hurricanes and the impact of COVID-19. He underscored the importance of compensating public officers and endorsed recent decisions aimed at improving compensation. The commitment by the Premier to fund these initiatives was welcomed, with confidence expressed in the efficiency and excellence of the Public Service in implementing the decisions.
The circular detailed the consultation process on the new salary structure, including recommendations to Cabinet for an additional increment based on years of service. Despite not accepting this recommendation at present, Cabinet suggested alternative ways to reward long-serving public officers for exceptional performance, academic achievement, or promotion.
Premier and Minister of Finance Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley reiterated the government’s unwavering commitment to public officers and the public service. To ensure sustainable compensation, the government will implement a pay-for-performance scheme starting 1st January 2024, replacing the current incremental system.
The Cabinet also decided to review compensation for the Public Service every two or three years, executing salary increases based on affordability. Despite the cost to the government, this commitment underscores the determination to properly compensate public officers.
Recognising the need for transformation, plans are underway to move from a non-contributory to a contributory pension scheme, ensuring that public officers can access benefits regardless of retirement timing. Further engagement with public officers is promised to gather opinions and ideas on the evolving changes.
Public officers were encouraged to contact the Office of the Deputy Governor for any questions or concerns. Deputy Governor David Archer Jr. expressed sincere gratitude for the dedicated service and sacrifices of public officers, underscoring their vital role in building the future of the Virgin Islands.
Education
Former Legislator Dr Kedrick Pickering Becomes International Best-Selling Author with New Book
Dr Kedrick Pickering, former legislator and renowned obstetrician, has achieved international recognition with the release of his book, Walk in Faith & Medicine: Daily Lessons & Insights from a Doctor’s Handwritten Journal. Published on December 12, the 139-page Kindle edition has swiftly become the number one New Release in Obstetrics & Gynaecology on Amazon, earning Dr Pickering a place among Amazon’s International Best Sellers.
Walk in Faith & Medicine provides readers with a deeply personal account of Dr Pickering’s tenure as the only Obstetrician and Gynaecologist in the British Virgin Islands for nearly three decades. The book intricately weaves his medical experiences with his spiritual reflections, offering profound insights into the challenges of practising medicine in a setting where resources were often limited, but faith and resilience were abundant.
Through heartfelt anecdotes, Dr Pickering recounts the joys and struggles of his career, from the miracle of delivering life under difficult circumstances to the strength he found in spirituality when faced with adversity. Each chapter sheds light on the delicate balance between clinical expertise and moral contemplation.
The book’s release has received widespread acclaim, resonating with audiences in both medical and spiritual communities. Its success highlights Dr Pickering’s unique ability to capture the human side of healthcare while addressing universal themes of faith and hope.
Walk in Faith & Medicine is available exclusively as a Kindle edition and is already being hailed as an inspirational must-read.
The Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) brought smiles to the faces of over 100 children in the British Virgin Islands with a generous donation of Christmas gifts. The initiative, held on December 16, was a collaborative effort between the FCCA, the Government of the Virgin Islands, and the Youth Empowerment Project (YEP).
The festivities took place at YEP Headquarters in East End, where children were treated to a festive celebration. Staff from the MSC Virtuosa Cruise Ship donned Santa Claus and other character costumes, adding to the magic of the occasion. The event also received sponsorship from Diamond International.
Premier and Minister of Finance Hon. Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley expressed his gratitude for the FCCA’s ongoing commitment to the Virgin Islands community. “The leadership of the FCCA is a thoughtful group of individuals. For more than two decades, their gift-giving has brought smiles and filled hearts with joy and hope during this special time of year,” said Premier Wheatley. “On behalf of the Government of the Virgin Islands, I extend our sincere thanks to the FCCA and their co-sponsors for their generosity.”
Minister for Ports Hon. Kye M. Rymer highlighted the FCCA’s enduring partnership with the territory. “Their commitment to gift-giving for over 20 years deserves our acknowledgment,” said Rymer. He also commended the BVI Ports Authority for its collaboration with the FCCA in supporting such initiatives.
Director of YEP Hon. Stacy Mather shared his appreciation for the FCCA’s efforts. “This marks our second time receiving gifts from this initiative. We are incredibly fortunate and grateful for this generosity,” he said. “Thanks to the kindness of FCCA, Diamond International, and others, our Christmas celebrations begin a little earlier.”
The event was moderated by Deputy Secretary in the Ministry of Communications and Works, Ms. Haley Trott, and attended by Junior Minister for Tourism Hon. Luce Hodge-Smith, Deputy Director of YEP Ms. Bianca Dougan, and other community leaders.
As the festive season brings increased consumer activity, the British Virgin Islands Bank Association (BVIBA) has issued a stern reminder to merchants across the territory regarding compliance with card transaction policies.
The association warns that imposing minimum spending requirements or charging additional fees for card payments is not only against their merchant agreements but also violates regulations established by major payment networks, VISA and Mastercard.
The advisory, issued on Wednesday, December 18, warns that merchants engaging in these practices are in breach of their contractual obligations with their respective financial institutions. “We request that all merchants immediately cease these practices to ensure compliance,” the statement read.
The BVIBA comprises several prominent financial institutions, including Bank of Asia (BVI) Limited, CIBC Caribbean, FirstBank PR, National Bank of the Virgin Islands, Popular, Republic Bank (BVI) Limited, and VP Bank (BVI) Limited.
For inquiries or guidance on compliance, the BVIBA advises merchants to contact their respective banks promptly.
Former Legislator Dr Kedrick Pickering Becomes International Best-Selling Author with New Book
FCCA Spreads Holiday Cheer in the British Virgin Islands with Christmas Gift Donation
BVI Bank Association Warns Merchants Against Card Transaction Violations
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