U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS — Governor Albert Bryan Jr. on Thursday expressed profound disappointment in the 36th Legislature’s decision to override his veto of Bill No. 36-0053. He described the move as a dangerous step backward that threatens to undo years of financial recovery and responsible governance.
“This is a troubling moment for our territory,” Governor Bryan said. “In overriding this veto, the Legislature has abandoned fiscal responsibility in favor of short-term political convenience. This decision was made without analysis, without stakeholder consultation, and with no regard for the long-term financial consequences they impose on our government and the people of the Virgin Islands.”
Bill No. 36-0053 mandates an increase in the minimum salary for government employees and those at semi-autonomous agencies from $27,000 to $35,000 annually. Governor Bryan said the measure was enacted without essential data about the number of affected employees, the total cost, or a plan for how it would be paid for.
“There is no financial analysis, no implementation plan, and no consultation with the agencies expected to comply with this law,” Bryan said. “The Legislature imposed this mandate on entities outside its budgetary control, including the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority and the two public hospitals.”
Governor Bryan warned that this kind of policymaking may require the executive branch to make difficult decisions that threaten essential public services such as healthcare, utilities, and public safety.
At the same time, Governor Bryan reaffirmed his full support for fair and meaningful compensation reform across government. “I am wholly committed to comprehensive and responsible compensation reform,” he said. “Every worker deserves fair pay, and those efforts must be undertaken with careful planning, clear data, and a sustainable funding strategy. That is the only way to ensure these reforms strengthen our government and do not jeopardize its ability to serve the people.”
Governor Bryan warned that the territory is slipping back into a period where financial decisions were made without proper consideration. He cited the consequences of that era, which included hundreds of millions in retroactive wage obligations, discussions of mass layoffs, and widespread payroll reductions.
“For six and a half years, my administration has worked tirelessly to reverse those mistakes,” Bryan said. “We collaborated with the Legislature to stabilize government finances, address outstanding debts, and restore public trust. This override represents a return to short-sighted and reckless decision-making. It is official the inmates are running the asylum.”
The Governor acknowledged that his veto of Bill 36-0053 may not be politically popular, but said it was guided by a commitment to responsible leadership.
“This decision may not appeal to public sentiment, but it was made with the long-term welfare of this territory in mind,” Bryan said. “Governance is not about following opinion polls. It is about doing what is right, even when it is difficult. Once again, political expediency and grandstanding will lead us down a path of financial instability. What sweeten’ goat mouth will sour they bam bam.”
Governor Bryan urged members of the Legislature to recommit to making informed, transparent, and responsible decisions on behalf of the people they serve.
“The people of the Virgin Islands deserve a government that acts with integrity and foresight,” he said. “They deserve more than reactive legislation and fiscal recklessness. The consequences of these laws now rest with all of us, and unfortunately not just with those who enacted them. I hope we are prepared to confront the results.”