Bryan Calls for Minimum Wage Increase as Inflation Squeezes Virgin Islanders

Governor Bryan is calling on the 35th Legislature to consider new legislation that would raise the minimum wage in the Virgin Islands, stating that with inflation steadily rising, the current rate of $10.50 per hour is insufficient to meet the growing financial demands faced by residents. Mr. Bryan's appeal for legislative action follows an interview on Wednesday with V.I. Consortium founder and publisher Ernice Gilbert, during which he faced questions about the high cost of living that has driven many Virgin Islanders to relocate to the mainland United States. In response, the governor said the economic reality was also difficult in the states, a response that elicited disapproving comments from community members, and a sentiment that Mr. Bryan had failed to relate to the plight of the people he leads. "I don’t think that sentiment is any different on mainland USA," Governor Bryan remarked, referencing a news report where two white, college-educated individuals described the financi...