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.
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.
The Immigration and Passport (Amendment) Act, 2024, signed into law by Governor Daniel Pruce on November 1, introduces significant changes to the Territory’s immigration policies. Among the most notable amendments is the doubling of the residency requirement for individuals seeking Belonger status, extending the period from ten to twenty years.
The legislation also establishes an Immigration Appeals Board to handle challenges and disputes, reflecting the government’s commitment to enhancing the transparency and accountability of the immigration process. Premier Natalio Wheatley described the amendments as a step forward in refining the system. “We are committed to ensuring that the process is transparent and equitab
Governor Daniel Pruce
le,” the Premier said in a statement.
While the new law introduces robust measures to regulate and manage immigration, it has drawn mixed reactions. One key point of contention is the lack of new pathways for children born in the Virgin Islands to non-Belonger parents. Critics argue that this omission leaves a gap in addressing a demographic often caught in legal limbo.
The amended law also tasks a newly created Quota Setting Committee with advising the Board of Immigration on annual quotas for residence and Belonger certificates. This ensures that quotas align with the Territory’s capacity and strategic objectives.
However, the law is not yet in effect. It will commence on a date to be announced by the Premier in the official Gazette. Applications submitted before this date will be processed under the previous legal framework, providing clarity for those already in the system.
The government has framed these changes as part of its broader strategy to ensure sustainable growth and prosperity for the Virgin Islands. “These amendments are designed to support the Territory’s long-term goals while maintaining fairness for all residents,” a government statement emphasised.
Tola Radio VI 100.5 FM, known as “the people’s radio,” has been off the air for 14 days amidst a legal standoff with Caribbean Cellular Telephone Limited (CCT). Managing Director Floyd P. Burnett, also known as “Heritage,” is urging public support as the station navigates what he describes as a targeted attack on freedom of speech and locally-owned businesses.
Mr. Burnett alleges that despite meeting all payment requirements and deadlines, CCT refused to accept Tola Radio’s payment and later disabled the station’s broadcasting equipment. “They physically touched our equipment and locked them off, despite written legal letters asking and instructing it not to be done,” he stated.
The dispute follows CCT’s October announcement terminating its service agreement with the radio station. CCT clarified that Tola Radio could retain its services if it became a paying customer, but according to Burnett, his payment was rejected without justification.
The controversy escalated when Burnett claimed an attempt was made to have him arrested and charged with attempted murder. “The public was to wake up and hear the radio off along with hearing I was arrested and charged, but God is greater than man!” he said.
Efforts to secure an extension for relocating Tola Radio’s equipment were also denied, Burnett said. Additionally, an urgent injunction filed in the High Court was postponed by a visiting judge until November 22 without hearing any arguments.
The ongoing shutdown has left eight employees without income, caused significant financial losses, and breached client agreements. Burnett criticized government officials for their lack of action, accusing them of failing to address the issue despite the government being a major client of CCT.
“Like most problems facing the BVI, they can’t [find] no way to help us! Even though the government is the tower people’s biggest client,” Burnett remarked.
Burnett is calling on the public to boycott CCT in protest. “Plug out the phone, plug out the chip, don’t pay your bill! We need to make a statement to corporate BVI today!” he urged.
He framed the situation as a broader fight for “freedom of speech, freedom of the press, and freedom of information,” asserting that the attack on Tola Radio sets a dangerous precedent for other local businesses.
Despite the challenges, Burnett assured Tola Radio’s listeners and partners that the station will resume broadcasting soon. “We will be back on air shortly, hopefully before the day is out,” he promised.
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