Economy

Senator Hubert Frederick Warns Minimum Wage Increase Could Drive Up Cost of Living

“If you think the cost of living in the Virgin Islands is high today, wait until we implement the increase in minimum wage.” That was a warning from Senator Hubert Frederick as the Committee on Rules and Judiciary considered legislation to increase the minimum wage in the private sector.  According to Senator Frederick, “that’s just business.” A business owner himself, Mr. Frederick did not seem too keen on implementing the bill as written. However, as a non-committee member, he could comment during Thursday’s meeting but held no voting power. Senator Frederick suggested that Bill 36-0030 be amended to make special provisions for “mom and pop businesses” who will “not be able to afford paying higher wages for their small businesses at this time.” Mr. Frederick suggested that implementation of a minimum wage increase in the private sector take a “graduated form.” The proposal calls for a phased increase in the minimum hourly wage to $16.00 over three years. Under the plan, the wage w...