Commission Will Conduct Reviews of Salaries, Emoluments for Public Officials
U. S. VIRGIN ISLANDS – Governor Albert Bryan Jr. has appointed nine people to serve as members of the Virgin Islands Public Officials Compensation Commission (VIPOCC) in accordance with Title 3, Chapter 25, Section 542 of the Virgin Islands Code.
Act. No. 7878 amended in Act. No. 8384 stipulates that the Governor shall convene a Commission to conduct a review of the salaries, expenses, allowances, and other emoluments of the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, members of the Governor’s Cabinet, including the Attorney General and all Commissioners and Directors of Government agencies; Judicial Officers; Senators of the Legislature; and the Inspector General of the Virgin Islands to determine and provide pay levels appropriate for the duties and responsibilities of the respective offices and positions.
“In a globally competitive economy, it is imperative that we regularly assess our compensation offerings to keep our best and brightest here in public service,” Governor Bryan said. “The formation of this commission is a meaningful step in the right direction toward bringing some resolve to this longstanding issue.”
Three people were nominated by the President of the Legislature; three were nominated by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the Virgin Islands, and three were nominated by the Governor for a term of four years each.
Commission Members are:
- Dr. Haldane Davies, Chairman
- Ms. Melonie Gomez, Vice Chairwoman
- Ms. Asiah Clendenin-Gumbs, Secretary
- Attorney Joel Holt
- Attorney Henry Smock
- Kenneth Hermon
- Dr. Valdemar Hill Jr.
- Edward Thomas
- Frank Abednego
The Commission will conduct a compensation review and study for the specified positions, engage in research relevant to the exercise, conduct interviews with position holders, and convene public hearings. A final report with recommended pay levels will be due to the Governor, Chief Justice, Senate President, and the public on or before May 31, 2022.
The Bryan-Roach Administration is investing in the Territory’s people, infrastructure and future through transparency, stabilizing the economy, restoring trust in the government and ensuring that recovery projects are completed as quickly as possible. Visit transparency.vi.gov