The Legislature of the Virgin Islands demonstrated the true strength of our democratic system by exercising its authority as a co-equal branch of government, Senate Vice President Kenneth L. Gittens said Wednesday.
He commended his colleagues for standing united across political lines in a decisive and unanimous vote on Bill No. 36-0085, which rescinds executive pay increases proposed by the Virgin Islands Public Officials Compensation Commission (VIPOCC).
“Our three-branch system of government was designed to provide checks and balances,” Senator Gittens said. “We are witnessing the national consequences of a Congress that refuses to hold the Executive Branch accountable. But today, here in the U.S. Virgin Islands, our Legislature did what was right, regardless of party affiliation.”
Senator Gittens explained that the Compensation Report from the VIPOCC was mandated by law to be submitted in May 2022, but was only allegedly delivered in August 2024, well outside of the legal timeframe. The Legislature formally notified the Governor in a letter dated February 3, 2025, that the report was noncompliant and warned that judicial intervention would be pursued should the raises be enacted.
“While the Governor is seeking a $42,000 raise, many of our government workers are still earning less than $42,000 annually,” Senator Gittens said. “The people of the U.S. Virgin Islands deserve better.”
In addition to rescinding the raises, the Legislature approved Bill No. 36-0053, raising the minimum salary for government workers from $27,000 to $35,000 – a critical step toward wage equity and economic stability for working families.
Senate Vice President Kenneth Gittens also celebrated the passage of Bill No. 36-0036, a measure he introduced to modernize the Virgin Islands traffic code. The legislation updates penalties for traffic violations, establishes police impound lots in both districts, and allocates funding for youth programs including the Police Athletic League and the Rising Stars Steel Orchestra.
“This was a productive legislative session. I want to thank my colleagues, my dedicated staff, the Legislature’s team, and most importantly, the people of the Virgin Islands,” Senator Gittens said. “Today, we stood for transparency, fairness, and the future of our community.”
St. Croix Source
Legislature Corner
