U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS — Governor Albert Bryan Jr. announced today that the administration
has officially begun distributing retroactive wage checks to thousands of current and former
government employees, reaffirming his administration’s longstanding commitment to honoring
past wage obligations that date back more than three decades.
Retroactive wage payments were issued this Friday to several hundred individuals, marking the
start of the distribution of a new $22.5 million disbursement that will benefit more than 8,000
employees and retirees. The payments will continue to be issued through May 30.
“As many of you know, Act 6984 established the Retroactive Wage Commission to determine
what was owed to nearly 11,000 active and former government employees and retirees who
served between 1990 and 2001. That amount totaled more than $225 million,” Governor Bryan
said. “To date, our administration has paid more than $44 million toward that obligation—
covering over sixty percent of what is owed. One hundred forty-four individuals have already
received their full payout.”
This latest disbursement will deliver:
- Full payments to individuals owed $2,500 or less—benefiting an estimated 2,030
individuals, bringing the total number of fully paid recipients to nearly 25 percent of all
those owed. - Partial payments (14%) to those owed more than $2,500, allowing thousands of others
to receive meaningful progress toward what they are owed.
The Governor emphasized that these payments reflect more than financial restitution—they
represent a promise kept.
“We know what our residents are dealing with—especially today,” Governor Bryan said.
“In an era of persistent inflation, rising costs, and many living on fixed incomes, this
payout represents a measure of relief, and also a recognition of sacrifice and service.”
He extended gratitude to the members of the 36th Legislature, especially to Senator
Novelle Francis for partnering with the administration to approve this latest appropriation
from a dedicated funding source, enabling the government to meet this important
obligation.
“As we continue this work—whether addressing overdue tax refunds, tackling longstanding
infrastructure needs, or making overdue wage adjustments—we remain grounded in a
simple but powerful truth: that government must not forget the people it serves,” Governor
Bryan added. “That’s the core of our commitment as an administration—and it is what will
continue to guide us as we meet the next challenge, and the next opportunity, together.”
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