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
Friendly Competition Sparks Unity Between Francis Lettsome and Willard Wheatley Primary Schools
As the new school year began, Francis Lettsome Primary School and Willard Wheatley Primary School were officially zoned together, marking the start of what promises to be a powerful collaboration between the two institutions. In celebration of Teacher’s Week, both schools came together for a friendly bowling match between the Wolves and the Wildcats.
The atmosphere was buzzing with excitement as students, staff, and teachers embraced their competitive spirits. Beyond the fun, the event symbolised the beginning of a new chapter, with both schools set on working together to foster academic and social improvement.
“This is just the beginning,” said one teacher. “We’re excited about the opportunities ahead as we collaborate to support the success of our pupils.”
With more joint activities planned, the newly dubbed East Coast “Wolfcats” are poised to make great strides in building a united and dynamic learning environment. Stay tuned for further developments as these schools continue to strengthen their partnership.
International
UN Resident Coordinator Simon Springette Visits Virgin Islands to Strengthen Development Efforts
Business
Flow BVI Appoints Maria De Grads as First Female General Manager
Flow British Virgin Islands has welcomed Maria De Grads as its new General Manager, the first woman to hold this position in the company’s 58-year history, effective October 1. The announcement was made by C&W Communications, the parent company of Flow, Flow Business, C&W Business, and BTC, which operates throughout the Caribbean.
Maria De Grads, a telecommunications veteran from St. Vincent and the Grenadines, brings over 21 years of experience in the industry. Her appointment has been hailed as a pivotal moment for Flow BVI. Susana O’Sullivan, Vice President for the North Caribbean at C&W Communications, expressed confidence in De Grads’ leadership: “Her extensive experience, vision, and commitment to empowering teams will be instrumental in driving Flow BVI forward as we continue to innovate and deepen our connection to the BVI community.”
De Grads has held a variety of roles within C&W Communications since joining Flow St. Vincent and the Grenadines in 2004. Her previous positions include Commercial Lead for the Southern Caribbean markets, which covered St. Lucia, Dominica, Grenada, and Barbados. She has also served as Commercial Manager and Product Executive, gaining expertise in growth strategy, customer care, and human resource management. In her most recent role as Senior Manager for Commercial Operations in the South Caribbean, she was responsible for spearheading plans that drove customer acquisition and revenue growth.
“I am deeply honored to become the General Manager of Flow BVI, and being the first woman to step into this role makes it even more meaningful,” said De Grads. “I look forward to leading our talented team as we continue to deliver innovative services, enhance customer experiences, and contribute to the development of the BVI. Together, we’ll build on Flow’s strong legacy and ensure we remain at the forefront of connectivity in the Territory.”
De Grads holds an associate degree in business management from the University of the West Indies and an MBA in Marketing and Sales Management from the University of Edinburgh.
This new leadership is expected to further strengthen Flow BVI’s position as a leading provider of telecommunication services in the British Virgin Islands, offering cutting-edge solutions to both consumers and businesses.
About C&W Communications:
C&W Communications, part of Liberty Latin America, is a comprehensive communications and entertainment provider serving over 20 markets in the Caribbean. It offers video, broadband, mobile, and telephony services, along with IT solutions for business and government clients through its business division.
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