On Monday, August 16, 2021, Governor Albert Bryan Jr. signed into law the measure passed by the 34th Legislature that allows the repayment of the 8 percent wages that were withheld from Government of the Virgin Islands employees in 2011.
“As a result of our administration’s efforts, the Government of the Virgin Islands can make good on this and other long-standing obligations and realize additional revenue without having to add fees or raise taxes,” Governor Bryan said. “For nine years of all kinds of different schemes to pay back the 8 percent owed to government employees, I am proud today to say that the Bryan-Roach Administration, because our management, our stewardship, our hard work and our taking care of your public dollars has set the Government of the Virgin Islands in a financial position to make those employees whole.”
The Governor said that once the administration closes out Fiscal Year 2021 at the end of September, the government will use about $45 million to $50 million to begin sending checks repaying those employees who are eligible by November.
Governor Bryan also said thanked his Democratic colleagues in the 34th Legislature for making the repayment of the 8 percent wages possible.
The Governor was joined on St. Thomas for the signing by Senate President Donna Frett-Gregory and Senate Vice President Novelle Francis Jr. as he signed the legislation restoring the 8 percent reduction in salaries effected by the Virgin Islands Economic Stability Act of 2011 (VIESA), Act No. 7621, during the former Governor John P. de Jongh administration.