Governor Bryan Confirms Raises for Central Government Officials Amid Ongoing Scrutiny
As public outrage continues over recent executive salary increases in the U.S. Virgin Islands, Governor Albert Bryan Jr. has confirmed that the raises extended beyond his own office and the lieutenant governor’s. According to the governor, central government cabinet officials also received substantial pay hikes—an announcement that has intensified concerns about transparency, equity, and governance in the territory.
Acknowledgment of Raises and a Defensive Posture
In a video statement released on Sunday, May 26, Governor Bryan defended the increases as long-overdue adjustments that bring salaries in line with both federal comparables and the demands of modern governance. The governor criticized detractors for what he labeled as “selective outrage,” urging the public to view the raises in the context of broader government performance and recruitment challenges.
“We cannot continue to act like we live in a vacuum,” Bryan said. “We need to pay people what they are worth if we want talent to remain in government.”
He also took the opportunity to highlight a list of accomplishments under his administration, ranging from fiscal stability to infrastructure improvements, in what appeared to be an effort to reframe the narrative from one of controversy to one of progress.
Raises Confirmed Across Cabinet
Although the exact number of officials affected and their new salaries have not been formally released, Governor Bryan made it clear that senior officials across his administration have seen upward adjustments. This revelation follows days of political backlash triggered by reports that both the governor and lieutenant governor received raises without legislative approval—raises tied to recommendations from the Virgin Islands Public Officials Compensation Commission (VIPOCC).
Lieutenant Governor Tregenza Roach has publicly distanced himself from the process, requesting that the raises be rescinded due to perceived conflicts of interest—particularly the appointment of VIPOCC chair Dr. Haldane Davies to a high-level cabinet post shortly after the recommendations were issued.
Legal Gray Area and Legislative Inaction
The legality of the raises hinges on ambiguous statutory language. VIPOCC is tasked with reviewing and recommending salaries for elected officials, but it lacks binding authority. According to Governor Bryan, the legislature’s failure to act within the allotted 30-day review period effectively allowed the raises to stand.
“When the Legislature takes no action, the recommendations become law,” Bryan stated. “We followed the process outlined in the statute.”
However, legal analysts and multiple senators have questioned whether the VIPOCC process has been appropriately implemented. Senator Kenneth Gittens, among others, has called for legal review and even suggested potential litigation, citing what he believes are procedural breaches and a lack of transparency.
Public Trust and Fallout
The timing of the raises, paired with the appointment of Davies, has prompted concerns from watchdog groups and constituents alike. Critics argue that the administration’s actions undermine public confidence and reflect a pattern of executive overreach. Some have drawn parallels to past controversies surrounding the allocation of public funds without adequate oversight.
In response, Governor Bryan pointed to numerous achievements under his tenure, including:
- Reduced outstanding debts and improved bond ratings
- Enhanced healthcare and educational infrastructure
- Federal grants secured for clean energy and public safety
Yet these accomplishments have done little to quell the calls for accountability, particularly as many residents continue to face high utility costs, limited access to basic services, and slow-moving recovery efforts post-hurricanes.
The Road Ahead
While Governor Bryan has stood firm, the controversy appears far from resolved. Legislative leaders may pursue legal or legislative remedies, and watchdog organizations are calling for detailed public disclosure of all raises, including the names and titles of officials affected. Meanwhile, pressure is mounting for VIPOCC reform to ensure future salary adjustments occur with clearer checks and balances.
Sources
Where We Started: Governor Bryan Confirms Central Government Officials Also Received Raises
test comment