Government

Bryan Braces for Legal Fight Over Salary Hikes, Says USVI Governor Role Among Nation’s Toughest

In a tense 90-minute interview with the Consortium, Governor Albert Bryan Jr. defended the salary increases for himself and senior officials, calling them lawful and justified. With lawmakers voting to rescind the raises, Bryan signaled a court fight ahead. The issue became a central component of public discourse when residents became belatedly aware of recommendations from a compensation commission, months after its report was issued.  A press release from Government House at the beginning of the year alerted the public that the increases would go into effect after the window for legislative action to halt the pay boost had already passed. According to Governor Bryan, the belated notice came only after deafening silence from legislators on the issue. “When I didn't see anything was happening, nobody was making it, and we were about to put these salaries into play, I went and said ‘Hey listen, this thing passed,’” he told Consortium publisher Ernice Gilbert. Gilbert pressed Governor ...