Senate

Bryan Wants $20 Million Sports Complex Funds Used for Retro Pay, Senators Say No

The government’s failure to complete retroactive payments dating back several decades remains a point of contention for Virgin Islands taxpayers. The matter of outstanding payments was addressed during Governor Albert Bryan’s seventh State of the Territory Address on Monday – but perhaps not in the manner that several hoped for.  “I understand that the retro is needed, and we want to pay it,” he began. “This is a 40-year-old debt that we still owe $100 million on.” However, Governor Bryan maintained that “we have to spread the wealth around and ensure that all our residents benefit from the tax rolls.” According to him, the pressing need of “keeping the lights on and tackling inflation” has prevented the Government of the Virgin Islands from paying out the promised $25 million in retroactive payments each year. “We simply cannot afford to pay it using the general fund,” he admitted.  Governor Bryan, however, proposed a solution – one that would require the partnership and permission ...