Governor Albert Bryan Jr. has announced the official start of retroactive wage payments to thousands of current and former government employees and retirees, a move the administration says reaffirms its commitment to honoring long-overdue obligations.
The payments began on Friday with several hundred individuals receiving checks as part of a broader $22.5 million disbursement. The rollout is expected to continue through May 30 and will ultimately benefit more than 8,000 individuals.
The retroactive payments stem from obligations dating back over three decades. Under Act 6984, the Retroactive Wage Commission was established to determine amounts owed to approximately 11,000 active and former employees and retirees who served between 1990 and 2001. Governor Bryan said that total arrears identified by the commission amount to more than $225 million
“To date, our administration has paid more than $44 million toward that obligation—covering over 60 percent of what is owed,” Bryan stated. “One hundred forty-four individuals have already received their full payout.”
The disbursement includes:
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Full payments to those owed $2,500 or less, benefiting an estimated 2,030 individuals. This raises the total number of fully paid recipients to nearly 25 percent of all those owed.
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Partial payments representing 14 percent of the total owed to individuals whose retroactive wages exceed $2,500. These payments mark a step toward fulfilling the remainder of the government’s obligation.
Governor Bryan emphasized the broader importance of the payments amid current economic conditions.
“We know what our residents are dealing with—especially today,” he said. “In an era of persistent inflation, rising costs, and many living on fixed incomes, this payout represents a measure of relief, and also a recognition of sacrifice and service.”
The governor thanked the 36th Legislature, with specific appreciation for Senator Novelle Francis, for partnering with the administration to authorize the appropriation using a dedicated funding source.
The governor concluded by reiterating the administration’s ongoing commitment to the people of the Virgin Islands.
“As we continue this work—whether addressing overdue tax refunds, tackling longstanding infrastructure needs, or making overdue wage adjustments—we remain grounded in a simple but powerful truth: that government must not forget the people it serves. That’s the core of our commitment as an administration—and it is what will continue to guide us as we meet the next challenge, and the next opportunity, together.”
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