Government

USVI Governor and Lieutenant Governor Now Rank Among Top-Paid in U.S., Far Outpacing Puerto Rico as Pay Raises Spark Outcry

The Virgin Islands governor and lieutenant governor now rank among the highest-paid chief executives in the United States, following the implementation of salary increases recommended by the V.I. Public Officials Compensation Commission (VIPOCC). Governor Albert Bryan Jr.’s salary rose from $150,000 to $192,000, while Lieutenant Governor Tregenza Roach now earns $168,000—placing them 10th and 5th nationwide, respectively, among their counterparts. The raises, which took effect quietly on December 2, 2024, triggered public uproar particularly in the wake of ongoing issues with healthcare, energy costs and infrastructure among other deficiencies. Lawmakers in the 36th Legislature are now scheduled to convene a formal session on June 4 to consider legislation aimed at rescinding the salary hikes, which were implemented automatically due to the Legislature’s failure to act within a 90-day review window as outlined in VIPOCC’s enabling statute. Governor Bryan’s new annual compensation of ...