Government Announces Successful Transition to New Public Service Salary Structure

The Department of Human Resources in the Virgin Islands has successfully transitioned all 2499 public officers to a new salary structure, meeting the 31st of March deadline set forth by the government.

This marks a step forward in the ongoing efforts to modernise and align the compensation system with industry and international standards.

The journey towards this achievement began with the completion of the Compensation Review and Job Classification report by renowned consultants, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), in October 2023. This comprehensive report, submitted to Cabinet on the 8th of November, 2023, served as the blueprint for the overhaul of the public service salary framework.

Deputy Governor Mr. David D. Archer Jr. expressed his gratitude towards the dedicated public officers and consultants involved in the process. “Public Officers are the backbone of our Territory,” he stated, emphasising the government’s commitment to ensuring equitable compensation for their invaluable contributions.

He further highlighted that no public officer now earns below the living wage, a testament to the government’s dedication to fair remuneration.

During the 2024 Budget Address, Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley, announced the allocation of nearly $10 Million in the budget to facilitate the implementation of the new salary structure. This financial commitment underscores the government’s resolve to prioritise the welfare of its public servants.

The transition to the new salary structure was not without its challenges, but the Office of the Deputy Governor, led by Permanent Secretary Mrs. Sharleen DaBreo-Lettsome, ensured a smooth and timely conversion process. Mrs. DaBreo-Lettsome praised the collaborative efforts of the Department of Human Resources and Public Service associations in achieving this milestone.

Looking ahead, the government plans to introduce a revamped allowances and benefits schedule for public officers starting the 15th of April. This initiative aims to streamline compensation distribution and further enhance the working conditions for public servants.